> Kirin And Changeling
>  by dudenotactive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Fire And Deception
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lone kirin stood on the edge of a cliff beneath the night sky. He felt the cool air rushed him, his mane fluttered with the wind. The kirin shivered slightly, feeling the cold as he stood on the cliff. He glanced back towards a little town behind him in the middle of the valley through the thick jungle, the lights glimmered and sparkled in the distance. He sighed dejectedly for it could be the last time he would ever see his home. 

But he steeled his heart and smiled proudly as he looked upon the vast world before him, for he has a dream to fulfill. With a regretful farewell to his village, he descends from the cliff, sliding against the stone cold surface. 

Dust kicks up as his hooves grinds against the cliff side. The kirin whooped with laughter as he went straight down. And once he was close enough, he pushed the mountain away and dived towards the ground. After impressively making a single roll in the air he landed perfectly on the ground, striking a dramatic pose for no one to see. The kirin metaphorically patted himself on the back for striking an amazing landing. With that out of the way, he prepared himself for the first step out of his home. 

"WELCOME!!!"

The kirin stumbled back startled by the sudden booming voice that came out of nowhere. He straightened himself quick enough to assess the situation befallen to him. Before him in this very jungle just at the base of the mountain was an old pony in some kind of uniform. His fur was blue and his mane was blonde, he would look like a simple old stallion if it weren't for the deranged look in his eyes. And that creepy smile he wore, it just sent a shiver down the kirin's spine. 

"Oh, woops, I'm really sorry about that." The old stallion apologized. He took out a lantern from nowhere and lit it up, banishing any shadows that were in the lantern's sight. "It's just that I never expected to see anyone out here so close to the Peaks of Peril. Especially an odd looking pony such as you."

The kirin stood there silently, he eyed the old pony up and down trying to get a read on him. Then he flinched as the old coot brought the lantern too close to his face and he hid away his crimson red eyes from the offending light. The light shined on his creamy white coat and lime green mane. And the thing that really surprised the pony were the chestnut brown scales on the kirin's back, the ox like tail, and the twisted looking horn on his head. 

"My, never seen anything like you!" The old pony chortled. Then he poked the turf of hair on the kirin's chest. "Though I don't like to judge, but a young mare like you should really shave."

"Mare!?" For the first time since this story started, the kirin spoke. Which shocked the old coot so much more than the kirin ever was. "I am a stallion, dude. Honestly, I don't even look like a kirin mare in any way at all!"

"My apologies, but to be fair, you look like a pony mare. So you're kind are called kirins? Never thought someone would even live here to be honest. Here in the end of the line, the final destination, the last STOP!" He cleared his throat for a second. "Sorry, I have been wanting to say that for awhile now."

"You called this place the Peaks of Peril right?" The kirin asked. "What's so perilous about it?"

The old pony smiled oddly. "That's because there's nothing but uncharted jungles all around here, and nasty beasts that would certainly turn you into a snack!"

"Then why are you here?"

"I got lost trying to find the outhouse. Like I said, uncharted. Even after all my years of living here, I have a job here also."

"What exactly do you do?"

This seemed to make the old coot smile more honestly. "Oh, I sell tickets! See?" He raised a ticket dispenser in the air. "Speaking of which, would you like to buy one boyo? I heard the town Appleloosa is nice this time of year!"

"But wait a second, how do you even make any profits here in the middle of... nowhere?"

"Easy! Pony misses their stop, ends up here, then they have to pay for the train back!" The old coot guffawed very loudly. 

The kirin recoiled a little but he started to worry less about the old pony. He seems alright... Though I'm not sure why someone would even want to be all alone in a place like this. He thought to himself. 

"What's a train?"

The pony cleared his throat again. "A train is the magnificence of pony engineering! It is a form of transportation that carries passengers and other items such as lumber and minerals to every town or city it is connected to!"

"Woah, really?" The pony nodded to the kirin. "That's amazing!"

"So what would it be then boyo?" The ticket seller took out a number of tickets with names and time slots of when the train arrives. Which were all the same and we're about to come in an hour. 

The kirin pondered it for a second, the idea was great, but he knows nothing about the world around him. Deciding right now would be an important and domino toppling move. Whatever he chooses would be the first step for his mysterious adventure in this world. He needed to think about what he was about to do, this was what he had set out for, an adventure beyond his home. 

And now the gods have given him his first challenge, the dice of fate will roll once he makes a decision right here, right now. Don't really have many bits on me but I'm sure it's enough to get me a ticket... but where do I go? It should be a place where danger and adventure is always knocking. Or a hub of information to help me learn about this world I stand on. Who knows, maybe I would meet a pretty mare and just live with her... or something

"I have decided!"




"Welcome to Mud!" A pony carrying a large bag on his back greeted the kirin with an honest smile. "Would you like a complimentary mud on a stick?"

"No thank you." The kirin simply brushed the salespony off and wandered off the train station. 

The kirin took in the fresh air in this town called Mud. He gazed upon the beauty that this place had. Buildings made of mud, stone, and wood. All were shaped like squares and were solid enough to stand. Ponies are a bit bland by looks but the kirin could tell that they had some kind of charm in them along with the town. And he knew that they were all interesting ponies in some way, even if they were all earth ponies. Of course there were some pegasi out and about, but this town was mostly inhabited by earth ponies and there was no sign of any unicorn at all. 

Truly this place is where it will begin, his adventure into this mysterious world. The first step that changed his life for the better. And he could tell that he was destined to be here. But first on the agenda is getting some information, he would rather not jump into the face of danger blind. No, he will face his future trials with knowledge as his weapon. And then he can finally make his dream come true. 

So without any more distractions, the kirin went straight over to the building with a sign that had a book on it. Figures that it was a bookstore of sorts and was the best place to start. After passing by a few interesting buildings and catching a few odd stares from the townsponies, he entered the store and discovered hundreds of books inside. He gazed upon the collection slack jawed, he had not seen a place such as this with so much reading material.

After scanning over the room, his eyes landed on a normal looking mare sitting behind the counter. She was giving him the same stare as the others did. She eyed him carefully as he approached. "Guten tag and bonjour!" The kirin cheerfully greeted the obvious shopkeeper. 

"Uh... gesundheit?"

"Thank you." He smiled. "May I inquire of where the history books are located ma'am?"

She raised a hoof pointed towards one of the shelves. "J-just straight over there..."

"Thanks!" With that, he went over to the books that were displayed. He entered the aisle and browsed over the book covers on the shelves. 

There were hundreds of books that dated back to a thousand years ago. The kirin couldn't believe that this much history was made while he was busy doing what he felt like back in his village. Back home he lived a simple life, but now he could see countless opportunities that were just calling for his name. He picked up a single book that was promising, but just as he was about to move on he noticed something else. His eyes landed on a book that had a picture of an oddly dressed pony, the title was "How To Be Like Shake Spear". Curiosity brought him to hold the book in his hoof and read the summary. 

"Regarded as the greatest play writer in all of pony history..." He read out loud. Then his eyes widened as a smile crept on his face. "The art of theatre stage play!? Amazing!"

Quickly, he rushed back to the shopkeeper and dropped the two books on the counter.

"How much for these?"

"Sixty bits... ma'am?"

The kirin frowned. "Was the masculine voice not obvious?"

"Sorry, I didn't want to assume."

"Well, I don't really take any offense. And to be honest, some of you pony mares look like kirin stallions." He jokingly said as he paid for the books and placed them on his back. 

Walking out of the store he was once again met by the cautious gaze of the townsponies. They all stood eerily like a statue and stared at the kirin. Awkwardly, he started to inch away from their gazes and towards the neighboring building. Silently and trying not to be disturbed by the odd stares, he entered the building and found himself in what looks to be a cafe. The delicious scent of coffee and tea filled the air. Classy music played in the room by a dusty old vinyl player.

There were other ponies in the cafe of course, they too were staring at the kirin like everybody else. But after a few seconds they returned to minding their own businesses. Which made the kirin feel a little glad for choosing this place out of all the buildings he could've chosen from. 

Making his way to a vacant table and taking a seat far from anyone, he placed both books on the table and waved over a waitress. She was reluctant, that much was clear, but she had a job to do. After giving off his order and surprising yet another pony of his true... identity, the kirin opened the history book he had just recently purchased. 

He began reading the contents with a look of enthusiasm in his eyes. But before he could even finish the first page, a random stallion had just sat down on the seat across him.

"Hey, what's a pretty mare like you sitting all alone?"

The kirin could only sigh as he closed his book. He looked up to see a stallion that many would call handsome, chiseled jaw, perfect build, blond mane and a clean white coat, his eyes were deep ocean blue that sparkled under the light. The oddest thing was that this pony was a unicorn, which surprises the kirin since he had not seen one. 

"So, what's your name doll?"

The kirin frowned deeply and glared at the unicorn. "I'm a dude."

The unicorn staggered back into his seat. Eyes wide and pupils shrunk into practically dots in a sea of white. "Oh..." He said before clearing his throat. Then he excused himself and walked away. 

The kirin would've been peeved off about being confused as a mare again, but the waitress had returned with his order. A tasty hazelnut white coffee that had an amazing aroma that sweeps away his worries. With the coffee in hoof, he would finally indulge himself into this world's past and current events. Once the waitress was no longer staring at him, he flipped open the book once more and went back to reading. 

Only to be interrupted once more by a unicorn mare taking the empty seat in front of him. The kirin sighed and looked up uninterested for what's to come. But as his eyes set on the unicorn, he couldn't help but notice some features. Such as that she was blond, her coat was white, and the eyes were just like that stallion from before. She looked identical as the unicorn that sat there a minute ago.

"Hey, cutie," She purred. "what'cha reading?"

"It's a history book." He raised it up for her to see that it was indeed a history book. 

"Oh, a bookworm are you?"

"Nah, just trying to learn more about pony society. It's my first time being outside of the village. Decided that Mud would be the perfect place to start my adventure."

The mare smiled. "My name is Golden Star. What's yours, cutie?"

The kirin smirked. "Me? Heh, my name doesn't matter out here. Back in my village, they knew me as a fellow kirin living their life. But here? I'm nobody..." He straightened himself and placed a hoof on his chest, his smirk turned into a prideful smile. "Out here, I am just a lone kirin that has nothing in his name. I walk through the lonely road we call... life. You see, my name doesn't matter outside my village, it only matters to my kin and brethren. 

You can call me anything you like, but I assure you that I still hold my name close to my heart. It was the name given to me by my parents who loved me dearly. A name my friends and family calls out to when I am needed. But right here, right now, you shall learn of my name. For the first time since I left my lovely village, I shall tell another soul of what my name is. Listen well you beautiful pony, for I am-"

"I'll just call you Kirin. Seems cuter that way."

"Kirin" frowned. He tried to correct her but she simply raised a hoof to silence him. 

"Anyways, you seem like a drifter. How about I take you back to my place for a well deserved rest?" Star offered. 

Kirin paused for a second to ponder about it. But then decided against it. "Sorry, but I can't let myself be a burden to such a lovely mare such as you." He said before going back to his book. 

He was so busy reading, that he didn't notice Star rolling her eyes at him in a rude manner. She cleared her throat and straightened herself. "I must insist, especially when you're alone in this town. And the townsponies are a bit tense ever since you came around."

Kirin looked up from his book with a look of concern. "They are?"

Star nodded with a smirk. "Of course, didn't you notice all those staring? They probably think you're a demon from your appearance."

"They do?" His face saddened a bit. 

"Oh they definitely do, I think it would be best if you stayed with me at my place. And maybe you and I could catch up even."

He looked off towards the empty space to his right, thinking about what he had just heard. Of course he knew he looked a bit intimidating after his short experience on the train earlier, but he never thought that they would be so worried about him. Honestly, he couldn't blame any of them. 

"You know what? Sure, I would love to accept your offer." He finally made a decision.

Star grinned devilishly as she stood up. "Then follow me."




Hours had passed since they had left the cafe back in the town called Mud and now he and this unicorn traveled through the nearby forest. The pony and the kirin were trekking along a path that led deeper into the forest, and deeper into the darkness. The sun was already dipping down and the sky turned red. 

During their travel, the two had not spoken a single word. Gone was the smiling mare, replaced by a glowering unicorn that would constantly glance over her shoulder and eye Kirin in a way that unnerved him. He tried not to think about it, but she kept doing it again and again after every minute. As if once her eyes lost him he would disappear like a ghost. 

"So, you live really far from town?" Kirin made an attempt to start a conversation.

"Yes, now shut up..."

Kirin was taken aback by her response. He narrowed his eyes and glared at the back of her head. "So, do you like reading books?"

"Yes." She answered. 

"The book I was reading was interesting, ja?"

"Mhmm." She nodded her head. 

"You got any favorites?"

"I like... to hell with this." She snapped around on her heel and pounced on Kirin before he could even blink. She snarled as she cradled on top of him and bared her mouth full of sharp teeth that could tear anyone to shreds. "You're getting on my nerves."

"Woah, hold on now! Let's not get any hasty here, no need to uh... hurt me. Please don't."

She growled deeply as she raised her hoof in the air. 

"Wait, no!"

"Your adventure starts now, Kirin..." She muttered before everything went black.
> The First Step?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was warm, and very comfy. Kirin felt like he was in a very nice bed and the blanket is just covering him just right. Though there was that strange smell that was not what he had expected to wake up to. Then he remembered, he was far from home. 

Kirin's eyes snapped open and there he discovered that he was in a dry cave. Though he had no way to tell time, he could tell that it was high noon all thanks to the large opening in the middle of the cave. It acted as a source of light and brought in fresh air. Kirin could hear the birds outside twitter and flutter outside. The cave itself was fairly large, much larger than the hole in the ceiling.

Now that he thinks about his current location, he realized and remembered what had transpired yesterday. Or maybe it was a few days ago? Kirin couldn't really tell how long he was out. 

Speaking of which, he looked down to inspect his state only to find himself trapped in some kid of green slime that held him comfortably against the wall. He made an attempt to move but noticed that it had a firm hold of him. And there was also the fact that his horn was covered in the same goop, limiting his chances of any kinds of escape. Seeing that his options were small, he decided it was best to have a good look at his surroundings. He scanned around the cave for anything interesting, but all he could find was that the cave had stalagmites and rocks, six tunnels. Nothing really important that could help him with his current dilemma. 

There was also a chicken in the same situation as him, fused to the wall just to his right. "Hello..." He greeted the chicken and was respectfully greeted back. 

"I see you're awake!" 

Kirin snapped his eyes towards Golden Star who now stood a few feet away from him just under the sun. Her beautiful blond mane shimmered and had a stunning smile that made Kirin's heart pound loudly. 

"Oh, you like what you see don't you?"

"Well to be honest, a mare like you is... extraordinary. I mean, I can't really say otherwise, you're just so amazing and why am I complimenting you!? Why am I complimenting the mare who kidnapped me!?"

"There are better things to be concerned about, Kirin." She purred. "Such as..."

Star took a step towards him and away from the sunlight, a green blaze enveloped her for a second before revealing an entirely different creature that stood in front of Kirin. Gone was the beautiful mare, replaced by a strange black insect-like equine that grinned devilishly at her prey, which was Kirin. 

"Surprised?" She asked the slack jawed kirin as she approached him.

He had no words, he was indeed surprised to see her transform. The way her persona melted away with the hellish green flames. Kirin was stunned once more by the mare or whatever she was. She paced back and forth in front of him, just a hoof away. She no longer had that sparkle in her eyes, something sinister was shown instead. Unlike before, those eyes were not ones you should trust, unlike the eyes of the mare she had used as a disguise for her evil plan. A plan that Kirin does not know of. 

"You are..." Kirin muttered. 

The bug like creature stopped in her tracks and smirked proudly. "Am I what? Deceitful? Evil? Cruel? Out with it, Kirin. I want to hear it loud and clear."

"AMAZING!"

Star staggered back a little as Kirin's voice echoed through the cave. Her eyes widened, unsure what to do in this situation. She had not expected him to react this way, she thought it would be different. "W-what?" She stammered. 

"Amazing! How could I not have seen it earlier!?" He smiled and nearly popped off the wall right then and there. "You were the stallion from before as well, weren't you!?"

"I uh..."

"You were!" He gasped. "Incroyable... Really, you can take any face you want and become a different pony entirely! You are perfect!"

"Okay, now you're starting to freak me out a bit..." She said as she took a few steps back. 

"Please! Join me on my adventure, together we can do so many things!"

Star scoffed and backed away even further. "As if I'd go anywhere with you of all creatures! You are here to serve one purpose only, and that's to be my food source to keep me going for at least a week."

"You're going to eat me?" He said with no trace of concern at all, only curiosity.

"Of course not, my kind doesn't feed on flesh. No, we changelings feed on the magic within all creatures! The one emotion that many cherished the most and yearned for in their lives. You see my literal meal ticket, we feed on the strongest energy within us all, we feed on love."

Kirin stared at her, soaking up the new information he just received from the so-called "changeling". 

"I'm sorry, but I am not that kind of kirin."

She smirked. "As if you had any other choice, Kirin, you are nothing more than a food source to me now. And there's nothing you can do to change it."

"Or!" He cuts right in. "Or we can decide on a symbiotic relationship and hit the road! Just imagine it, you on a bright stage, performing under the moonlight not as a... bug, but a beautiful mare that will dazzle the audience!"

"Pfft! As if! I have bigger plans than some monkey show." She turned to walk away but paused for a second. "You should start making new dreams while you're still alive and not an empty husk. Maybe you can be a chicken whisperer." She grinned before leaving. 

"Wait!" Kirin called for her but she was already gone, going through one of the many tunnels that leads to who knows where. "I didn't even get her name..."

The chicken clucked. 

"What? Golden Star is obviously not her name, she just doesn't look like someone with a name like that."




Star groaned loudly as she returned from her trip to the outside. On her back was a lively rabbit that was trapped in a slime which was made from the same material she used to imprison Kirin and that random chicken. Her hooves echoed against the surface of the cave as she neared to where she kept Kirin. It was the place she would come to call the Main Feeding Room where she would drain all her victims of their love.

It was an important part of her plan. But first she must stick with what she has, such as Kirin and that chicken she stole from town. What? She was desperate and someone was being careless with their animals that she managed to sneak one away.

Speaking of chicken, as Star entered the room her eyes fell upon the oddest thing she would see today, the chicken was walking around free from its prison. She eyed the feathered creature as it pecked and scratched the ground searching for a meal. Then she glared at the only creature that could ever do something such as this, Kirin. He was still where Star had left him, on the wall with the toughest goop a changeling could ever make. 

"Hey, you're back!" Kirin smiled as she approached him cautiously. "So, did you think about my offer?"

She scoffed. "As if... Why is the chicken free?"

"Oh, well she didn't seem to like being glued to the wall, so I decided to free her and let her stretch her legs. Ain't that right Helen?" The chicken clucked in response. "See?"

Star eyed him carefully, then focused on his horn which had no slime to prevent him from properly using his magic. It was as if it wasn't there to begin with. 

"How did you get the slime off your horn?"

"Oh that? Well, miss...?"

"You may call me Minion, food..."

"Minion? Your parents are not that good with names, are they?"

Star who will now be known as Minion growled deeply and slammed her hoof against the wall next to him, just an inch away from his head. "My parents are dead to me."

"Woah, got some issues I see." Kirin said smugly. 

"Back to the real issue!" She scowled and backed away. "Now how did your horn get free!?"

"Well... You see, we kirins have neat tricks like you changelings. We can set ourselves on fire."

Minion stared at him blankly, quiet, allowing the wind to be the only sound in the room along with the clucking chicken. The rabbit she had also squeaked as it struggled. Then she clicked her tongue and scoffed. "Really? Like a dragon?"

"Wait, dragons exist!?"

Minion hoofed her own face with disbelief. "Can you just show me and tell me how to prevent you from setting yourself on fire?"

"Nope!" He answered. 

Minion tried not to harm him, though it was a losing battle with herself, she knew nothing good would come from attacking a possibly defenseless creature. "Then why didn't you just escape!?"

"Because, I want you!" He reasoned. "You are the perfect actor to ever grace my presence! You see, like I mentioned before, I want to make you into a star on a stage!"

"For the last time, I'm not going to be the clown for your stupid circus!"

"Minion listen to me! You can be whoever you want to be in a blink of an eye, allowing you to be flexible for any role, even as the lead!" He closed his eyes and smiled warmly, then he locked them with hers and they both stared deeply into each other's eyes. "I, Kirin, have a dream! To be the greatest theater director of all time!"

She was once again silent, but not because of some absurd fact about someone's race, no, she was stunned to hear such an ambitious dream coming from a kirin such as he. He could leave any time he wanted yet he stayed just so his dream would have a chance of fruition, and she was that chance. 

"I..." She had no words. But then she held a darkened expression and only scowled before removing the rabbit off her back. "Shut up."

"Hey, let's not get any ideas now..." Kirin whimpered as he noticed her slow advance, step by step she drew closer with that scowl plastered on her face. 

His eyes widened when she burst into flames for a second and was replaced by a kirin. Her mane was golden blonde and her coat was creamy white, lastly her scales were charcoal black. She grinned seductively and sauntered over to Kirin until she was just close enough for her to rest a gentle hoof on his cheek.  

"Shh..." She hushed him. "All this talking is making me peckish. So how about I take a bite out of you and see how you taste?"

"T-that... That would be a great idea if you weren't a stallion with a mare's voice."

"WHAT!?" She recoiled away with the same scowl before but it was now accompanied by a burning glare that pierced Kirin's soul. "How am I a stallion!?"

"Your features are too masculine, the chin looks exactly like mine, and the build of your body as well." Kirin pointed out her flaws nonchalantly. "I'm guessing you changelings make your personas from scratch. In this case, you used me as reference for your kirin form. Really prachtig, Minion." He offered her his best smile.

"You know what!? Forget this! I'm going to work on my plan!" She huffed, transforming back to her changeling form before storming off to who knows where leaving Kirin by himself again along with the rabbit and the chicken. 

"Hey wait! We can work on your kirin form if we just communicate with each other!" Once again, he was unheard as Minion had already left. "Great... all alone with no one to talk to but a chicken..."

The rabbit squeaked.

"And you... sigh, when I left my village this isn't exactly what I expected..." Then something else came to his mind. "Wait, why did I say 'Kirin' instead of my real name?"
> A Bit Of Progress
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is hopeless!" Minion's voice echoed through the tunnel. 

She glared upon the wall that was covered in green goop that was crawling off the wall with every second that passed. Minion was too hungry to work and it had been a day since she had fed on love, and what's worse was that Kirin, her new food source, was not what she wanted. Of all the creatures she had managed to get, it had to be some weirdo from nowhere. 

He was completely unfazed by her advance and attempted to feed on his love. If she had done it her way then that stupid kirin would be too tired to run his mouth. Sadly she needed him to last long enough for her plan, it was important and it begins with Kirin. She had previously fed on smaller and easier creatures such as rabbits and fowls. Anything to keep herself going. Then she aimed even bigger, such as the ponies of the town called Mud. Too bad the community is quite close to each other. She had a hard time trying to lure one away without being questioned by some nosey ponies. 

Happened a bunch of times really, opportunities out of her reach, forcing her to feed on smaller creatures. That is until she heard about a particular anomaly, an odd looking unicorn had entered town and stirred the townsponies for the worse. They were wary about Kirin and Minion knew that it was her chance. Yet the results were not what she thought it would be. 

She sighed as she continued working on the wall. It was needed as well for her plan. Minion scooped up some of the goop from and tried to apply it back onto the wall but her efforts were in vain.

"So what's hopeless!?" 

Minion cringed upon hearing Kirin's voice echoing through the tunnels. The goop on her hooves fell flat on the ground and the rest on the wall soon followed. She narrowed her eyes towards the direction where she kept her prisoners. With her work not even progressing for the better, she decided to stomp through the tunnels and into the Main Feeding Room to tell Kirin to keep quiet. Her hooves echoed in the tunnel, she chose to be as loud as possible so Kirin would know when she was about to enter.

There was no light at the end since the moon had just replaced the sun in the sky. But due to the position it brought no light into her hideout unless the moon itself was on top of the opening in the Main Feeding Room. But her stomping came to a halt once she entered the room only to find Kirin's head pointing down with his prison slowly descending on the wall. 

"Are you trying to escape!?"

"No..." He answered. "I was trying to warm myself up since it got a little cold, but I accidently made the slime stuff a bit too... gooey..."

After showing that she was displeased by his actions with a hoof to her own face, she walked straight over to him and used her magic to fix him right up. Seeing that she was done, she opted to get back to her work. 

"Hey..." She moaned with anguish and glared back at her prisoner.

"What?" Minion hissed. 

"Can you... start a fire near me?"

"Can't you?"

"Unless you want me walking around, then no."

Minion eyed him confusedly, unsure what was even running inside Kirin's head. "You know what? Fine, I'll start a fire, but don't complain to me if it burns out."

And after minutes of scavenging, and wrestling the dried shrubs from the annoying chicken named Helen, Minion had finally completed this short task to appease her prisoner. And during her search, Kirin had reached the floor after warming himself up and the goop was unstable. Allowing him to move his right foreleg much to Minion's displeasure. 

And for the first time since she kidnapped him, he waved his hoof at her in such a friendly manner that made Minion frown. She just couldn't understand him, and this just shows that he could leave anytime he wants yet he opted to stay as her prisoner. The worst part is that she doesn't know how to drain him. Not that she was inexperienced, but he was too... weird. Though she wouldn't just give up so easily, she'll crack him like an egg and drain him of his love until he's just a husk of his former self. 

But that'll have to wait, she had plans to complete, and he plays an important role. Speaking of which, she needed to feed and her stomach was already complaining. She had snacked on the rabbit earlier but it wasn't even enough to get her running. Speaking of which, the rabbit was also free... "Of course..." Minion cursed the gods above for weaving the web of fate and making her meet Kirin of all the suckers she could get her hooves on. 

Once the fire was lit and Kirin was as warm as possible, Minion sat down right in front of him. "So..." In a flash of green light, Minion donned her kirin disguise. "What's the problem?"

Kirin eyed her carefully, his right hoof was tapping on his chin as he scanned over her checking for faults. Then he sighed dejectedly. "So much work to be done..."

"What does that supposed to mean!?"

"It means that you just look like a kirin stallion no matter the perspective... Unless a non-kirin sees you, so you got that going. Honestly, how did evolution bring us to this problem?"

Minion took a second to absorb his opinion, she thought about it long and hard. Then an idea popped into mind, one that didn't need her disguise. So she transformed back and grinned devilishly. "Tell me Kirin, what do you like to do?"

"Oh, I like to act!" He smiled warmly. "Oh, speaking of which! Can I have my books? I really need to finish them."

"Sure. But tell me, why do you like acting?"

He sighed. "It's just that I love being on stage, not as me, but as a whole new kirin. Imagine, me entering the scene dressed as the villain that stood in the way of the heroes. And I would bring my character to life! Not only that, but the story as well!" Suddenly he yawned and felt his eyes were getting heavier by the second. "Oh, it must be late isn't it? I should... I should continue this story tomorrow..." He suggested before closing his eyes. 

"Sure." Minion grinned, she watched him slowly fall asleep. He looked a bit pale, just what she needed to see. Finally she found an opening and now she can start the next step of her plan. 

"Minion..." She frowned when she heard her name being called. She did not answer in hopes that Kirin would just fall asleep. "Could you... bring me my books tomorrow?" She said nothing and waited for a second. 

Minion leaned a little closer and checked if he was still awake. Luckily he wasn't.

She sighed, satisfied after feeding even though she had to siphon the love that wasn't meant for her. But it was enough, and she would need more in order for her plan to come to fruition. For now she will allow Kirin to rest, he will need it.




"Hey, you ever wondered what happened to that weird unicorn?" A carrot salespony asked a mare who was selling oranges next to him.

"Which one?"

"The odd looking one, the one that got a beard on their chest." He shuddered. "That mare should really shave."

"Oh you mean that unicorn? Well I heard from Page Turner that she was actually a he!"

"What!? No way!"

"Yes way, and check this, from what she also said is that he is called a kirin and apparently all kirin stallions look like mares!"

The pony behind the carrot stand recoiled. "I would rather not think what a kirin mare looks like, here's hoping that they don't look like stallions. So where is he anyways?"

"Last I heard he was talking to one of the unicorn twins, then he went back to her place."

"Really? But where exactly do those twins live? Kinda odd that the only unicorns in town live in the forest..."

The mare paused for a second. "Have you ever seen their home?"

"Huh...?" Was his only answer as the day went on as normal for the ponies of this little town called Mud.
> Carrots And Oranges
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kirin was awake, the only issue about that was the fact that he was hungry. Not having dinner played a role with that, he had nothing to eat and plus he was currently trapped in some solid material. He could only hope that it was some sort of cement like substance, and not some kind of gross nature feature that Minion has. 

Speaking of the changeling, just recently Kirin had managed to learn her true name, Minion. It was odd, he would never have thought that a parent would give their offspring such a name. Kirin could only wonder what they would be like, perhaps they paid Minion no attention, or perhaps they simply saw her as a "minion".

"My parents are dead to me." Minion's words echoed in his mind, how she sneered as she spoke that day. 

There was definitely something in Minion's past that Kirin has no knowledge of. He did just meet her a day ago, so there's a large gap between him and Minion. A lot of negativity and bottled up emotions, Kirin was sure of it. 

Sadly, his hunger was starting to annoy him, Kirin's stomach was growling like a dog whose bone was about to be taken away. "Minion?" He called out to his captor. 

The changeling poked her head through the hole above and groaned deeply. "What!?"

"I'm hungry!"

"So? I'm not your mom!"

"You can't just let your prisoner starve, that is frowned upon by society." He huffed. 

"Fine!" Minion buzzed down from the hole and snatched the rabbit, who was minding its own business, and brought it over to Kirin. "Eat." She ordered him. 

Kirin quickly recoiled away in disgust. "Ew! Why would you want me to eat a rabbit!?"

Minion tilted her head to the side, confused by his reaction. "But you have teeth of a carnivore... Why wouldn't you?"

As if he didn't know, Kirin poked one of his canines with his tongue and got a bit too familiar with the sharp and pointy tooth that could be used as a weapon. Something that would never cross his mind at all. "Well to tell you the truth, we can, but we chose not to!"

"Why's that?" For once, Minion was honestly curious about his people. 

"Religion, or a law... I can't remember. Anyways, every kirin in my village sees the importance of life, it is a rule that we follow and should never be broken. We respect all forms of life from the smallest mice to the biggest elephant, even the grass below our hooves. My kind have always used our magic to help nature grow, and would be awarded for our work."

"So you're just another pony, but you can eat meat if you feel like it... A glorified unicorn if you ask me." Minion sighed. "Listen, I need you to be as healthy as possible so I'm gonna go back to town and buy you something to eat."

"Aw, I knew you were nice!"

"Shut up, I'm just making sure my prisoner is taken care of. Nothing more, nothing less." She scowled at him before leaving the Kirin to himself. 

"Wait, I got some requests!"




Minion entered the village in her unicorn disguise, Golden Star. A beautiful mare with golden locks of hair and a clean white coat that was clear of any speck of dirt. On her back were Kirin's sale bags containing most of his stuff, books and his bits, which would be put to use today. 

She strolled through town earning a few curious gazes from the townsfolk of Mud, they were wary of Star and her "brother". Which was understandable, she just popped out of nowhere just like Kirin and tried to integrate herself into the community. But they were just too distant towards her, friendly like any other ponies, but still distant. 

It was wise of them to be so, but it was hard for Minion to even get a source of love that she needed, she was lucky to even meet Kirin. A friendly face far friendlier than the town itself, and the best part, he was gullible. Minion was able to feed yesterday thanks to him, but it wasn't enough, the love he produced wasn't aimed towards her but was the love for theater stage play. Maybe she could ease her way to his heart and slowly break him. 

"Yeah, that's a great idea." She muttered to herself. 

Step one would be to give him a good meal, like her teacher always said "The best way to a stallion's heart is through his stomach."

Speaking of which, she had just entered the market area where farmers would sell their produce. Naturally grown and healthy to eat, no bugs or worms and clear of any pesticide. Her first destination was at a tomato stall selling not only tomatoes, but a can of tomato sauce as well. After that she would need to visit the potato farmer, next get a head of lettuce, preferably a small one if she could find it. There were a few more things on the list, all of it were requested by Kirin and hopefully it would shut him up. 

As Minion was speaking with the tomato vendor, a carrot farmer was carefully watching her from the safety of his stall. "Hey," He spoke to the mare in the neighboring stall that sells oranges. "it's one of the unicorn twins, she's buying tomatoes."

"So?" The orange vendor asked. 

"How long has it been since those twins moved in?" He inquired. "Four days? Five?"

"Where is this going?"

"When was the last time have you ever seen them shop in the market? Never, that's what."

"You're right." She gasped. "Then why is she here now?"

"No idea, probably that kirin gal- I mean guy. Anyways, I think the guy is hungry, that's all."

"You know what I think?" The mare asked a rhetorical question. "I think those unicorns are gonna eat that kirin."

"Now why would they do that?" The carrot salespony questioned not just her theory, but her sanity as well. 

"Listen, how long has it been since he showed up? No signs after he had followed that unicorn back to her home and now here she is, buying ingredients for kirin soup."

"You have such a wild imagination." The stallion scoffed. 

"Look, I'm not crazy or something, but that's what I suspect! See that? She is buying garlic!" The orange pony pointed out. Minion was indeed buying garlic. "That doesn't look suspicious to you?"

"Of course not you idiot," The carrot pony sighed. "I'm worried about those unicorns as much as the next guy but I'm sure they don't eat meat."

"Well don't come crying to me when she and her brother puts you inside a large cauldron and starts boiling you alive."

"You just don't understand unicorns, do you?"

"Do you?" She shot back. 

"I don't, but- hold on, she's coming over, let's talk after she's gone." Both farmer's were quick to become silent as Minion approached the carrot farmer.

"Good morning!" Star greeted them gleefully and with the brightest smile the two vendors had ever seen. "May I have some of your produce, sir?"

Both farmers were taken aback, this was the first time they had ever spoken with or heard from the unicorn directly. The stallion was the one who was affected the most, his heart just started racing as he was captivated by her beauty.

"Of c-course!" He stuttered out. "The finest carrots you will ever see in Mud! Just take your pick!"

"Gosh," Star sighed meekly. "they all look so fresh and nice, but I don't know what to choose."

"That's easy, hold on!" The stallion ducked down under his stall for a second then came back with a box of nicely grown carrots. "These are my best! And let me tell you, you would really enjoy these in any way you want it!"

"Those are perfect!" She smiled warmly. "I'll have four please!"

"That'll be 20 bits!"

The orange farmer, who shall now be known as Orange, couldn't believe what she was seeing. Some may not have known the carrot farmer like she does, but she knew that this isn't how he usually acted. She waited until the unicorn had paid for the vegetables and left to who knows where. 

"Carrot," Of course that was his name. "what in Equestria was that!?"

The stallion was unsure of whatever she meant. He gave her a look of confusion, not knowing what caused Orange to ask such a question. 

"You sold some of your personal carrots, the one you grew for yourself! With so much love and care! Why!?"

Then that was when it hit Carrot, he had just indeed sold the carrots he was keeping for himself to snack on throughout the day. The carrots that he had given care and love, so much that they were the tastiest of all carrots that existed, which he was sure of it. 

"What have I done?" He spoke deeply as he collapsed on the stool he sat on, unable to keep himself upright with the weight of regret upon his shoulders. The world itself felt like it was crumbling around him, no matter how many times he denied it, he had already sold those carrots away. Those scrumptious carrots... How he would never be able to sink his teeth on them... 

"Now I'm starting to believe that unicorn is some kind of enchantress." Orange said with her eyes narrowed towards the unicorn that was shopping. 

"And I feel like I'm starting to believe you..." Carrot weakly said. 




Minion hauled all these vegetables she had just bought from the market, all inside a giant paper bag since it was too much for the sale bags she wore. It floated just to her right and she tried not to spill some as she made her way back to her home. Her disguise was off, she wasn't worried of being seen right now since she was already far from town. None of the ponies from Mud would ever venture this far deep into the forest, there were monsters and predators, nothing a changeling can't handle though. 

She entered the cave that leads to her home and made herself known, she called out to Kirin and informed him of her success with her task of buying food for the prisoner. But something was wrong, there was no answer, a sudden dread filled her chest and the bag was released to the solid ground as she started running, leaving everything she had just bought. 

She ran as quickly as she could, her insect-like hooves tapped the stone surface of the cave in such a hurry that her saddle bags fell off during her run. And just as she entered the area where she kept Kirin, the changeling became absolutely stunned. Kirin was still there, but the oddest thing was that he was currently building a bed. That's right, a fricken bed. He was free from his cocoon prison and was literally making a bed. 

She snaked back to the tunnel and made sure that she was well hidden. Minion stared at him as he worked, trying to understand him as he built the bed. The bed itself was made of sticks and leaves which were obviously from the forest, held together with roots coming out of the stone floor. Minion had to take a second look at it, it was indeed roots, but it grew out of the stone somehow and created a few cracks as it formed the frame of the bed. 

She was absolutely confused, the bed wasn't the only thing around as well, there was a table just to his right made of the same materials. The table had a cooking pot on top of it and some buckets of water. There were also a few bowls and knives as well as a shiny ladle; Minion had no idea where those came from. 

But the thing is, why didn't he just run?




"Where did all this come from?"

Kirin turned away from his work to find Minion coming back from shopping, she carried with her the ingredients he had requested. He stared at her before glancing over to the table he built, then back to her.

"Well, I was getting cramps inside that slime thing so I decided to just go on for a walk. As I was just leisurely strolling through the forest, I realized how we don't have a pot to cook with. But then I found a house, so I just went in and asked for one!" Kirin explained. "Strange thing is though, the house was empty and dusty, like it was abandoned for a while now. There was even a big hole on the wall. So basically no one lived there for so long, I decided to erm... borrow it."

"Wait, is it the house north from here?" Kirin answered her with a nod. "Weird, I thought that place had someone in it..."

"Never mind that, I see you got what I asked for! Just leave those on the table and I'll start cooking soon." He said as he returned to the bed he was making. 

Seeing that there was nothing else to do, Minion decided to just go on with her own business right after she placed the paper bag on the table as well as the saddle. She glanced at Kirin one last time before leaving. Unsure if she should allow him to roam freely, she couldn't trust him, yet she was thinking twice about if she should cocoon him again. Truly the oddest creature she had ever met.
> New Opportunities
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been at least half an hour since Minion had come back. The sun was setting after a whole day of working and Kirin was busy chopping the vegetables sans the lettuce into small cubes on a cutting board for the recipe he had in mind. Minion had been watching Kirin closely, sitting next to him as he chopped away with the knife. Kirin was so focused that he had a steady rhythm as he sliced the vegetables. Tap, tap. That's how it goes, a peeled carrot that used to be whole now separated and transformed into cubes. Tap, tap. A single potato now multiplied yet it shrunk. 

But suddenly, he stopped. 

Minion looked away from the knife that floated just above the cutting board and locked her eyes with Kirin's. "What?" She asked. 

"Wanna try?"

"What?" She repeated. 

"You wanna try cutting vegetables? It's easy with magic, and you got a horn on you!" Kirin happily offered.

"Why would I even do that? What would be the point?" 

"Well, I was gonna make it a surprise, but I'm cooking for two!" He answered gleefully. 

"I don't eat pony food."

"Don't say 'no' until you try it! Come on, just take the knife and start chopping!"

"How about I chop off your limbs?"

"Always the comedian," He chuckled before giving her the knife. "now go on."

With a defeated sigh, she accepted the kitchen tool and simply slammed it down on the table, splitting a peeled potato in half. "There."

"Now chop it into tiny cubes." Kirin told her. 

She groaned tiredly, Minion was honestly done with this, and it was barely a few days. She was willing to let him roam around as long as he doesn't stand in the way of her plan, but chopping some pony food like a... a stupid worker is not what she had wanted.

But she still did as she was told even if she disliked it. Chopping away at one of halves she could help but listen to her so-called prisoner. He was humming a strange tune as he was working with the campfire she previously built. It was still burning since last night, and Kirin had lit the fire again. Speaking of the odd looking unicorn, he was simply busy peeling a single clove of garlic next to the fire which had a cooking pot propped over it. 

Minion became curious with his humming, the tune was so soothing and catchy. And before she even knew it, she too was humming as well. Minion stopped herself before Kirin would even notice, she gave a burning glare at the supposed fire starter. She had honestly not seen him once prove his claim of being able to burn himself with no repercussions.

But she still believed it since he was out of the cocoon prison, what was worse was that he didn't even complain about being imprisoned. If anything, he had apologized to her about breaking out. And that irked her very much. 

"So you done?"

She nearly jumped out of her shell. "Y-yeah..." She stuttered out as she showed him her work, potatoes now chopped into bite sized cubes. 

After a small congratulations came from Kirin, he took all of the cubed vegetables and brought them over to the pot. And unconsciously, Minion had followed Kirin over to the fire. It was there she watched him begin his work. First, he poured a small amount of cooking oil, which she bought, and then they waited for a minute or so. Soon, Kirin threw in the garlic cloves he had peeled right into the pot and caused Minion to recoil. 

It hissed and sizzled, so much that boiling hot oil started flying out of the pot. She wasn't close enough to feel the wrath of this fiend, but Kirin was, and that stallion was leisurely moving the garlic around in the pot causing it to sizzle even louder. He didn't mind the oils, Minion could tell that the heat didn't even affect him in any way. It seems that Kirin was immune to it, which was what she would expect from someone who claims that they could set their body ablaze. 

He then threw in some hay to saute, Minion couldn't help but take in a whiff of Kirin's cooking. And before she even knew, she was standing by his side, powering into the pot as Kirin stirred the hay around. She wanted to ask something, but she couldn't do so as Kirin filled the pot with half a glass of water. 

"Smells great, doesn't it?" Minion flinched after Kirin had spoken. 

"Y-yeah, it does." She replied. "What exactly are you making?"

"Honestly, I don't know the name, I had just been cooking this for so long that I never actually bothered."

She became silent for a moment as Kirin tossed in the vegetables into the boiling water along with the hay. "What are you doing now?"

"Curious, are you? Well, I'm boiling these potatoes and carrots to soften them up, that way they would be easier to chew. And once they are good enough, then I fill the pot with the can of tomato sauce! It will be so great!"

"What's so great about it?"

Kirin cocked a brow. "Don't your kind ever eat normal food?"

"We eat bugs for their nutrients as well as some small critters such as rats, squirrels, and birds. But we mainly feed on love, just like I told you."

"Well, I hope you were satisfied last night."

It was then that Minion froze on the spot, her eyes glued on the pot that's boiling. She honestly for once was afraid to turn her head, but she knew that he was staring right at her. 

"So, I was always curious about what it tastes like, love I mean. Is it sweet as a lollipop?"

Minion quickly looked away in an attempt to not meet his eyes. "Actually, every love we consume has different flavors for each victim."

"Oh, what does mine taste like?" He was not bothered by being called a 'victim'.

Minion was surprised to see him so eager to find out, she had half expected him to be mad about it like a real victim would. But here he was, smiling and cooking, like he was content with his life. "Kinda sweet, b-but really spicy."

"Wow, this just makes me curious about  what yours would taste like."

"Shut up and focus on cooking."

"Eager to taste some real food?" He smirked. 

"I'm not interested in that weird slop you got." She argued. 

"Don't say you don't like it unless you tried it." He playfully sang as he emptied the can of tomato sauce into the pot. Then with a few seconds of stirring, he used the ladle he had brought from the abandoned farmhouse and filled a bowl with the soup. "Now give it a try, and I'm sure you'll give out a gleeful sigh!"

"No, I'm not interested."

"Oh why not? Is it because it would be too hot?"

"Stop rhyming, and my answer is final." She said with bitterness in her voice. 

"Well if you don't want my cooking, then maybe Helen would like some! Surely she would definitely start pecking." He then leaned closer to her ear and whispered. "And from now on I shall rhyme, all the time. Unless you accept this bowl, and feed your soul."

"Alright fine!" She snapped at him, clearly she did not like the idea of having a Dr. Suess for a prisoner. "I'll drink the slop."

"Only the slop? Why must you stop? When there are goodies in the bowl, you know? Certainly would help you grow."

"Are you calling me short!?"

Kirin chuckled. "Sorry, you actually are pretty short. Don't let me get in the way, go on and make your day!"

"I'm gonna eat your soup, alright!? So stop fricken rhyming!" With that said, she swiped the bowl out of his magic using her own and brought it closer to her lips. "If I do this, you won't bother me again with your slop?"

"My friend, you insult me! My soup is the best in the cave!"

"First of all, this is my cave, so shut up so I can eat this soup. Second, we aren't friends." Once she was done, she stared into the bowl. 

She watched it closely, gathering her courage to give this soup a try. Minion caught Kirin in the corner of her eye, he just stood there with his own share, sipping from it as he spectated her. She could tell that it was still hot on the account of that steam rising from the bowl. But Kirin paid it no mind as if even his insides are also immune to heat.

Swallowing down her pride, she inched towards the bowl and prepared herself for what is to come. And once her lips connected with the edge, she took a single sip. She recoiled away not due to disgust, but shock. Minion never would expect such flavors from a simple red soup. It was certainly far better than bugs that's for sure, and in all her life she believed that pony food was gross. How wrong she was. 

Before she even knew it, she had started eating a piece of lettuce, it was crunchy due to its short time in the pot. But all in all, it was better than bugs that's for sure. Minion would then notice the big smile plastered on Kirin's face, he knew how she felt about the soup. Minion wanted to spit it out and at him, but it was just too good to waste. Soon, she finished it all. The potatoes were great, the carrots were sweet. The soup itself was fantastic. 

She was frozen still, there was no movement coming from the changeling. This allowed Kirin to get close to her face. The big smile is still present on him. "So?" He asked. 

Minion's head swiveled towards him, the tip of her nose now touches his, and her eyes stared deeply into Kirin's red ones. They locked together in silence, the scaled pony awaited for the insectoid's opinion. They stayed like this for two whole minutes. Then the unexpected happened, Kirin wrapped his fore legs around Minion and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her eyes widened as they broke away from Kirin's. 

"What are you doing?" She croaked. 

"Giving you a proper meal and some dessert." He answered. 

And he was right, the hug she was receiving was giving off an energy that she is familiar with. She could taste it on her tongue. It was love, she was consuming it even though it is just merely a simple hug. The sweet yet spicy taste, just like she had claimed, but there was something else. Something new. Her body twitched, then her fore hooves started moving upwards. Soon enough they found themselves around Kirin as Minion returned the embrace. She squeezed him tightly, earning her a gasp and a cough from Kirin. And he had to give her some points, for someone as small as her she was sure strong. 

"M-Minion..." Kirin gasped as her hold became tighter. His eyes felt heavy, his heart began beating slower. A feeling of drowsiness was consuming him. And with whatever strength he had left, he pushed the changeling away. Then his energy returned, not all of it, but it was good enough for him to stand. 

Yet she persisted, Minion tried to pull him back, but Kirin avoided her. 

"Minion!" He tried to call out to her, but it was like she was in a trance. She snapped towards him, her eyes filled with a hungry look. 

"Feed me..." She muttered as she shambled her way over to him, Kirin chuckled softly, the fear was apparent in his voice.

There were some risks of giving a changeling what they wanted. Kirin figured it out that being fed on causes the victim to lose energy, becoming drowsy. So it was a bit of a risk to give Minion some of his love. But then an idea came to mind. He raised his fore legs apart and welcomed the approaching changeling with open arms. Before he could even invite her to his embrace, she tackled him with full force, her own wrapped around him. As expected, she wasn't just trying to hug him, she was also trying to crush his rib cage.

His plan was simple, he won't give her any love. That was all. He never thought she'd react this way honestly, he thought he'd only get tired and that was all. But for some reason, she got hungrier. Luckily, he had some tricks up his metaphorical sleeves. His horn lit up with a reddish hue, then the mane on his neck started to rustle. And much to Minion's zombie-like shock, roots started growing out of Kirin's glorious lime colored floof and snaked around her body. Before she could even protest, she was separated from the kirin and was thrown onto the solid ground where the roots started digging into the stone. 

And just like that, Minion became even more aggressive. "By Chrysalis' fangs, release me!" She demanded, her struggles were met by the roots tightening around her. 

"Not until you calm down," He spoke as he got back onto his hooves. "You are acting a bit weird."

"Hungry! I am hungry!"

"Must be really bad if that is how you reacted." He hummed. "On a brighter side, hugs are a good way for you to feed." He smiled for his achievement and discovery. 

"Feed me!"

"No can do, I need some sleep." He yawned to emphasize. He turned to make his way towards his bed. 

"Feed me, I'll do anything!"

"Anything?" He inquired, his attention returned to her, a smile crept into the picture. 

"Yes!" Minion hissed. "Anything!"

Kirin paused for a second to ponder, he stared at her curiously, trying to understand why she was acting that way. And to be honest, Kirin wanted to take advantage of it. He could convince her to be part of something great. But that was against everything he stands for. So he decided to ignore her instead, and plus, he needed to clean up first before he hit the hay. There was still more soup, and he guessed that it would become his breakfast for tomorrow. 

"You can't do this to me! I need it!" He heard Minion cry out, he sighed tiredly as he removed the pot from the fire and placed it on top of the table. 

"Tell you what, if you stay quiet and rest until tomorrow, then I'll feed you with all the love you can get!"

"R-really?" Kirin went to give her a gentle pat on the head, but quickly retracted his hoof away once he felt his love being drained away.

"Yes." He smiled tiredly. 

"Okay," She nodded. Then her face darkened a bit, her eyes showed no emotion as they stared into his soul. "But if you do not fulfill your end of the deal, then I will force the love out of you." It was clear that she was not in the right mind, and hopefully a good night's sleep would cure whatever is ailing her right now. 

He sighed once more and approached his bed. Minion's eyes did not break away from him as he climbed into his bed made of sticks and leaves. He glanced over to Minion one last time, but regretted it completely when those insect eyes of hers were trained onto him like a hungry predator. And as he laid his head down, he truly hoped that she would return to normal by sunrise. He would rather not wake up to her staring at him the whole night. 




The engines on the train roared through the tunnel, a lone unicorn stallion sat patiently waiting for his destination. He was alone, there was no natural light to banish the shadows, only the lamps that were provided for the passengers so they wouldn't be lost in the darkness. If there were any, it was just him and whoever was working tonight. Most ponies don't actually have any business for the town he has in mind, usually only earth ponies or pegasi are the ones who take a train ride to Mud. But for him, he was just visiting.
> Smoke And Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The train came to a stop, a stallion carrying a large bag on his back waited patiently for the passengers of this locomotive to exit. It was very early in the morning, but he had a business to keep. Sadly only a single pony had stepped out of the train. And certainly, it was an odd one. A grey unicorn in a brown coat, his legs were wrapped in bandages. A flat-top hat with a wide brim matching the color of his coat sat neatly on the unicorn's golden mane. A leather bag floated by his side surrounded by a blue aura. When his emerald eyes landed on the salespony, he froze. 

He couldn't move, as if the unicorn had him entrapped with a spell. The salespony started screaming in his mind when this mysterious pony walked over to him, his mind raced for a way to escape, but he was still as a statue. When the unicorn was just a foot away, his heart stopped. 

"Greetings, my name is Stoic, and I require your help," Stoic stated his purpose for approaching the salespony. "Do you know where I can lay my head to rest? I did not get a wink of sleep on the train."

The stallion unconsciously raised a hoof towards a direction, seemingly pointing at a building made of mud nearby. It was box-like, the same as the others. But it was larger than the rest and there was a sign, which was too far for Stoic to read. He simply guessed that it was some sort of inn, hopefully. 

"Thank you." Stoic bowed his head, he appreciated the help. But just as he was about to leave, his eyes glared at the earth pony, a new aura radiated from the unicorn. It was suffocating, the pony felt something heavy on him, and it wasn't the bag he carried around. Then the unicorn spoke, his voice deeper than before, and it lacks any emotion. "I have been informed of a creature among you, a kirin as a few had claimed."


"Where is he?"






Minion awoke to find herself on top of something soft. She shot up and sat on top of what looked to be Kirin's bed, she stared at the pile of leaves she had slept on. It was certainly comfortable, but for some reason, she couldn't remember why she was on the bed. Her thoughts ran for a second until her eyes landed on Kirin who was at the table eating the soup from last night. With him were the animals she brought in, and they had their own bowls as well, and it seems that they also liked Kirin's cooking. 

Kirin noticed that she was awake, but instead of saying hello, he fished out some walnuts out of his mane, which was painted purple for some reason. He then tossed it towards her, Minion could only stare in confusion as Kirin approached. But once he was comfortably close enough, he would stop just in front of the nuts. "Good morning!" He finally said it. "You alright?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" She asked. 

Kirin rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Don't you remember?"

"Remember what?" She stared at him. Then her eyes landed on the bed itself. That's when her imagination began to run wild. "Did we..."

"What, heavens no!" Kirin recoiled. "I mean, I have no issue with you or anything, but you aren't my type. And before you try and rip off my head, let me explain. Last night, I hugged you."

"You hugged me?" She arched a brow. It didn't sound as bad as it did. But it would be best to hear the rest of his story. 

"Yeah, and you kinda just hugged me back."

"I don't recall this." She admitted.

"Really? Not even the part where you tried to break my ribs?" Kirin smirked. "You were honestly strong for your size. I thought I was going to die! The best part is, we discovered that a simple hug and some appreciation is enough for you to feed on me!"

"Alright, must've been drunk on love. But I won't apologize, it was you who hugged me first." Minion pointed out. 

"And you made me use my trump card just to stay alive."

"Trump card?" She repeated, then her eyes landed on the seedlings on the ground. "You mean these walnuts?" They did in fact look like walnuts. 

Kirin smirked as he gathered the seeds. "Oh, these aren't walnuts. They might look like it, but these are dead roots seeds. You can tell because it's purple. See, these seedlings are found around the northern side of my village. Dead roots are trap based plants, when disturbed, they spring out of the seed and wrap around the victim."

"Wait," Kirin paused for Minion to speak her mind. "why in Chrysalis' twisted horn would you carry those around? Won't they just trap you or something?"

"Nope and the reason for that is because dead roots seedlings don't like heat! And my mane is warm enough to keep them from growing. It is also noted that dead roots are very dangerous around winter or cold areas. What is fascinating about them the most is that these dead roots prefer to grow on corpses. First, they trap, then they wait until the victim dies of starvation or other causes, and next is the beautiful part. All around the roots, flowers would grow on them using the nutrients they get from their victims."

"And you keep them in your mane. You sure you aren't some kind of evil mastermind in hiding? Because no sane creature would carry those around." Minion said as she left the bed.

"I'm sure that I'm not," Kirin claimed with a smile. "Hey, can you clean up? I gotta go to town and see if I can land a job somewhere."

"Hey, you can't just leave!" Minion lit up her horn, the idea of him wandering out of her home was a terrible one. She didn't want to risk being discovered if Kirin started telling everyone about her true identity. But before she could even cast a spell, Kirin was quicker. With a flash of his horn, roots once again shot out of his mane. "Gah!" Minion exclaimed as the dead roots wrapped themselves around her. 

"Listen, you spent most of my bits on the ingredients for the soup. I never had much, to begin with. And if I have to stay here with you, I'll need a job." He paused for a second to see if she was listening. "Plus, unlike you, I eat normal food. And I don't go around hunting bugs for nutrients. So, I hope you can forgive me and see you later."

Instead of walking off, Kirin knew that it was better to run. He could see that Minion did not want him to go. "Hey, don't you dare!" She struggled in her binds. "I will tie you up on a chair and drink you dry of your love!"

"Oh before I go," Kirin came to a halt just as he reached the tunnel that led to the entrance. "Dead roots shrivel up in heat, so crawl closer to the fire and wait till it's dry and stuff, then you can easily break free. See ya!" With that, he left the changeling to her own, Minion's remaining companies were the bunny and the hen. 

"Kirin, I will get you for this!" Minion promised, her voice echoed through the cave. She was sure that he had heard her, and may he stay strong for what punishment that would come to him. 





Stoic stared blankly at his room, the innkeeper shifted uncomfortably beside him. His eyes slowly moved from one side then to the other. It wasn't bad, neither was it great. The bed was thankfully made of wood, as well as some furniture. A small desk sat just in front of the only window in the room, a simple lamp shaped like a pony was on a bedside table. The floor is wooden, but the walls are just solid mud. The decorations were sub-par, but they were still a helpful ice breaker. Though the clown picture was disturbing, especially when it was right on top of the bed. 

All in all, this room was adequate for his needs. He sets down his bag just next to the door and shrugs off his long coat. He revealed that he wore a white shirt and a red vest that went perfectly with his blue tie. The sleeves of his shirt were folded up to his elbows, which revealed that his forelegs were wrapped in bandages, not just his hooves. After tossing the coat onto a coat rack, he faced the innkeeper with a passive face. The innkeeper, a young mare who looked too young to be in charge, froze stiffly once his eyes landed on her. 

"This will be enough, I do hope the meals are as fantastic as you claimed." His stare alone was enough to crush the mare by an invisible force. 

"Y-yes." She stammered. "We hope that you will enjoy your stay." She spoke like a machine, fear overwhelmed every crevice of her mind.

"Hopefully I will. That would be all, have a lovely day." With that, he closed the door. Stoic could hear the mare's hooves rapidly tapping on the floor and away from his room. He noticed that the ponies of Mud were acting odd. But he paid it no mind, he had a bigger target to deal with. 

Stoic took off his hat and placed it on top of his coat on the rack, his short platinum blonde mane now free from the hat. Then he went towards his leather bag and started fishing around his belongings. A journal with a leather cover and a simple blue pencil that glowed for a second. Stoic was about to head over to the desk, but he returned to his bag once he remembered his most important item. After another second of searching, he produced a simple smoking pipe and a small pouch of tobacco. The pipe itself was made of cherry wood, there was an engraving on the pipe which depicted a small picture of a mare holding a sword in her hooves. It was small so it would be harder to see from afar. 

With everything ready, he had finally sat down on the seat and laid his journal on the desk. First, he took a pinch of tobacco and inserted it into the pipe. With a small spell, smoke started rising out of the pipe. Once he was done, Stoic opened the journal and started to write on it. His pencil glided on the page, the blue aura around it glowed brightly. He said nothing since there was nothing to say, the words only formed in his mind and the journal. But then he stopped, he looked out of the window and stared at the populace, Mud was certainly odd. Ever since he had entered the town, the ponies did nothing but stare. 

Of course, he noticed that there were zero unicorns in town, only pegasi, and earth ponies. But he did not let that bother him. 

His eyes widened. The pencil dropped out of his magic and Stoic rose out of his seat. There just outside a cafe was his objective. He wasted no time and set his mission in motion, with his journal and pencil floating beside him, and his hat back on his head. Stoic ran out of his room and towards the entrance of the inn.




"And that's what I think about coffee!" 

Kirin gasped after giving his thoughts about the subject. The cafe owner, an old blue stallion, was staring at him. He had said nothing ever since Kirin had entered the cafe and casually strode over to him after serving coffee to another customer. Now the old pony is being spoken to be the talk of the town, the kirin who supposedly went missing after going with one of the unicorn twins. 

"No." That was all he said before returning to his work. 

Kirin sighed. "Oh, well... might as well order something while I'm here then."

The door struck the bell as Kirin exited the cafe. His drink floated next to him, a soothing caramel latte to help ease his worries away and grant the energy he needed to continue his day. One of the few things he needed to get once he had a job was a kettle and some coffee. But before he could list off things that he needed, Kirin noticed a strange unicorn standing next to him. He was grey, and his mane under the hat was white. He wore a white shirt and a red vest which goes well with the blue tie. The oddest part of this unicorn was the bandages around his forelegs. 

Right now, the unicorn is writing something onto his journal, he would glance over to Kirin a few times between pauses. Honestly, this stallion was the strangest pony Kirin had ever met in his life. Kirin took a few steps away, but the unicorn followed. Kirin tried again when he wasn't looking, but as if they were linked together the unicorn still followed. 

"Hey." Kirin finally said. 

"Greetings." The unicorn greeted back. 

"You uh, mind?"

"Not at all."

"..."

"..." The pencil that scribbled against the journal was very loud. Ear piercing as the silence continued for another minute. 

"You're not a monster in disguise right?" Kirin questioned. 

"Not at all." The unicorn answered. 

Kirin paused. "My name is..." He took a moment. Two names battled within his mind. But it was one-sided. Try as he might, he was unable to utter his birth name. "Kirin." He finally introduced himself, though it was strange that he couldn't say his name out loud. 

"Stoic." The unicorn finally had a name. 

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Stoic. But I better go."

Stoic stopped, his pencil was pulled away from the journal. "Oh, where to?"

"Nowhere in mind, just looking for a job." Kirin explained. 

"I see," Stoic hummed as he thought about Kirin's words. Then an idea came to his mind. "If it's bits you wish to earn, then perhaps we can make a deal."

"What do you mean?" Kirin asked, his attention now focused on Stoic.

"Well, I am from the Institute Of Peace, a federal institution that promotes peace among the races of our beautiful planet. We learn different cultures from others to help the institute understand, and our purpose is to also settle any conflict between ponies and our enemies by using diplomacy." Stoic paused so he could take a drag from his pipe. "Sorry, I smoke to help myself relax, so I must apologize for my first impression. Anyways, the institute was alerted by a sighting of a kirin, which is you, and they had sent me to... research your kind."

"Oh, well I'm not sure about that, I kinda got this thing-"

"Two thousand bits to help my research," Stoic quickly offered to Kirin. "that is if you accept. But you will first receive half, then when my research is over, I will give you the rest."

Kirin narrowed his eyes. "How can I trust you?"

"You are right to be skeptical, I mean, seeing that there are no unicorns in this town I'm sure you are very suspicious of me. But allow me to show you that I mean you no harm of any sorts. All I need is your cooperation, and you will be properly paid."

Kirin pondered for a minute. He weighed in the scales, there were certainly pros with his offer. But he just couldn't trust the unicorn right off the bat. The first one he met turned out to be a bug who tried to consume his life energy. He had just met this stallion, so there's no telling what would happen in the near future. Then there was the fact that he needed money, and just like his grandma used to say, "If you ain't got bits for dinner, might as well fight a giant bird".

"I'll do it! Only because I don't want to fight a giant bird." Stoic stated at Kirin, confused about the latter. Kirin cleared his throat after a second of awkwardness. "But first, I gotta get myself a job!"

"But I am paying you, so why do you require a job?"

"Well I have no idea how long I'll be in town, and as I said, I'm short on bits. So getting a job would be best for me."

Stoic hummed, his pipe glowed as he took a drag. He was deep in his thoughts. Before Kirin could even speak a word, Stoic lifted him in a blue aura and started walking towards a large building. Kirin tried to voice his complaints, but he was silenced by the unicorn. It was bad enough that ponies were already staring, now they are watching Kirin getting unicorn handled. He could do nothing but drink from his coffee. 

After a short humiliating trip, they both entered what seems to be a restaurant. Every pony in the building turned to gawk at the two. Every conversation went quiet once they entered the room. The style was simple, wooden tables and chairs, some ceiling fans with lights on them to illuminate the room. Unlike the walls, the floor was tiled with a black and white pattern. There was also a bar on the right side of the room with a young mare behind it. On the opposite side were stairs that led to the second floor where several doors were. 

"This is the inn I am currently living at," Stoic explained as he dropped the kirin down. "Don't mind the ponies, they have been acting so oddly ever since I arrived in this town."

Kirin shrugged his shoulders casually. "Eh, they were like that when I came to town. But I think it's just because there are no unicorns around."

"I noticed that." He motioned for Kirin to follow, both stallions walked over to the bar where the mare was. 

Kirin noticed that she was brightly pink, her short mane was also hazel brown. She wore an adorable blue apron that complimented her sapphire eyes. The most notable thing was that the young mare was shaking in her place as they both approached her. Her eyes darted between the two, her eyes would occasionally wander to the floating cup of coffee also. 

"Greetings, it's me again. I hope I'm not bothering you." Stoic said casually. He waited for her to speak, but no words were formed from her, so Stoic continued. "My friend here is looking for work, and I noticed the sign at the front. Would you kindly hire him? He needs work."

Kirin looked over his shoulder and towards the window where a sign was placed, he couldn't read it since it faced the other way, Kirin could only guess that it was a simple "Help Wanted" sign. 

"Miss?" Stoic leaned closer.

"Y-yes." She finally spoke. "He can work, I-I guess. But I need to know h-his skills and experience."

"Oh!" Kirin walked up. "Well, I'm pretty light on my hooves and well balanced! If you need help gathering some plates from tables, I can do it! Also, I can cook some basic meals. Anything you need, I might be able to provide."

"Well, a buscolt would help me out a lot." Somehow, when the mare spoke to Kirin, she was far more relaxed than she was with Stoic. "You can start now, we can decide your pay later after I show you around."

"Really? Alright! I won't let you down." Kirin promised. 

Stoic nodded towards Kirin. "Well, we can continue our own business after your shift. I do not wish to obstruct you Kirin, so good luck."

"Oh, sure, see ya later!" He waved a hoof goodbye.

With everything said and done, both stallions parted ways. Kirin towards the kitchen while being led by the owner of the inn, and Stoic towards his room on the second floor. He didn't want to distract Kirin and hoped that he'd get his research done as soon as possible. After climbing the stairs, he stood just in front of his room. Stoic glanced over towards the kitchen, he could no longer see Kirin. He then entered the room, making sure that no one was around. 

A soft caw caught his attention. Just at the windowsill sat a crow. It stared at Stoic motionlessly, like it was a statue. He sighed deeply and brought out his journal which he then tore a small piece from a blank page. With his pencil, he scribbled something onto the piece of paper and folded it after. Once he was done, he walked over to the crow and handed the piece to the bird. 

"Inform the master that I have made contact with the kirin. But I have not yet discovered the whereabouts of the other creatures. I will need time. May the stars watch over you, Bertrand, and make haste."

With that, the crow flew. Its wings fluttered as it went north. Soon it reached the clouds and just over the horizon was a mountain that stood tall. And one could see that on the face of this mountain was a castle, one that housed an immortal mare that lived a thousand years. This was Canterlot, the capital of Equestria.
> Tend To The Flame
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let us begin."

Stoic sat comfortably in one of the vacant tables of the inn. Kirin was seated just across who had been generously given a short break by his new boss. Right after Stoic requested of course. The unicorn had previously said that he would wait after Kirin's shift, but he became impatient. So here they both were two odd ponies in the corner of the inn attracting some attention from the townsfolk.

"Name: Kirin. Current Occupation: Buscolt." Stoic listed off what was obvious. "Entry #1. The introduction will begin as soon as you are ready, Mr. Kirin."

"You can just call me Kirin, you don't need to be so formal." Kirin chuckled. "Alright, ask away."

Stoic dipped his head down. "Very well. As the institute knows, kirins are an ancient race that was said to have left the continent of Equestria years ago, for what reason, we do not know. When your species departed, they had forgotten to bring numerous artifacts. Which comes to my first question... how come you have a single horn instead of antlers? Though we have only discovered a few remnants of the past, most of it depicted kirins with antlers."

Kirin soaked in the information he had just learned. And honestly, he had no idea how to answer. He pondered for a bit before he could say a word. "I have no idea." He shrugged his shoulders. "The history of my village goes far as five or more hundred years. As for the horn, as much as I know, we had never heard of a kirin with antlers, to begin with."

Stoic cocked a brow. "I see." He muttered as he wrote in his journal. "Next question, what is your opinion on other races?"

"Well I have only met ponies, and they are all so friendly. Well, most of the time. So I can't really answer that."

"What are other kirins like?"

"Oh, they are just the best!" Kirin beamed with joy. "You just have to meet some of them! My buddy, Whisper Wood, is a killer at stand-up comedy! He just tells the best jokes in the entire village! Though I'm just being biased since he's my buddy. Then there's Wild Fire, she is such a wild card! No pun intended. She would always challenge the animals in the jungle, like a manticore just for fun! Though she got some scars from her stunts, don't let that fool you, Wild Fire is as sweet as honey and almost as kind as Rain Shine."

"And Rain Shine is?"

"Rain Shine is my village chief! She is just the best! Kind, caring, and with no competition, the best darn singer in the whole village!" He sighed. "The tallest one too."

Stoic paused, eyes glued at his journal. "How tall?" 

"Like... two ponies high."

That was the answer that Stoic had expected. "Seems like there is something our kind have in common then, our ruler princess Celestia is also quite tall."

"Really? Wait, what is she then? Earth, unicorn, or a pegasus?"

"She was gifted to have both wings and a horn. Her race is called Alicorns, and they contain an immense amount of magic, so much that princess Celestia claims the title Deity Of The Sun."

"Woah, that sounds awesome," Kirin said, completely mind blown by the fact of the day. "How strong is she?"

Nonchalantly, Stoic answered. "Her highness can move the sun and the moon with her mind. Feel free to guess."

Kirin's jaw dropped, he said no word and allowed Stoic to write something into his journal. 

"Can we move on?"

"Wait." Kirin pressed his jaw back in place. "I got a question of my own."

Stoic arched his brow. "Very well. Proceed."

Kirin rubbed the back of his neck as he chuckled awkwardly. "Don't want to sound rude or anything, but why do you and other ponies have pictures on your butts?"

"Right..." Stoic hummed. "I had just realized that not all creatures on Equestria have cutie marks. Allow me to illuminate my good sir."

Stoic moved a bit to the side so his mark could be seen by Kirin, he hovered his hoof over it.

"A cutie mark is a special talent a pony would gain throughout their lifespan, and we are not born with it. Each of them has its own meaning in some way, also acquired differently in some cases. It serves many meanings, and it is not always literal. For instance," Stoic raised a hoof and pointed it at a lime green stallion with a short red mane. "That pony has a three-leaf clover as his mark. This could mean many things, one would need to ask the pony to truly understand the story. The only thing you can guess alone is his name. I believe it is Clover, or perhaps Shamrock."

Kirin nodded his head. "Alright, so what does yours mean?"

Stoic glanced over to his symbol. Silver chains intertwined around a rusty sword, and above it was a golden halo that sparkled brightly. The unicorn took a whole minute before facing Kirin with his usual expression. "Would you like to guess?"

Kirin pressed a hoof against his chin. His eyes shut, using everything he had to think of an answer that would be close enough. "Right," He began speaking in his mind. "Probably name related... But how do chains fit with 'Stoic'? Maybe the rusty sword? That's sure to make someone very stoic. Or maybe not, I'm not sure where I'm going with this."

Kirin thought hard on the subject. His mind worked harder than usual just to make a guess. 

"Is it... because you work better with chains and swords?" That was Kirin's guess. 

Sadly it was wrong. "If it was the right answer, then I'd move on. But sadly it is not." Stoic cleared his throat. "I'll tell you if you give up."

Stoic paused for a second or two just so Kirin could give another guess. 

"No, I can answer it... It's because you like to keep rusty swords at home?"

Stoic chuckled softly. "I am impressed by that answer, but no. Though,  this does give me an idea for a little game. For now, try and think of an answer. Until then, let us move on."

"Aw, what? At least give me a hint." Kirin pleaded. 

"Very well. The hint is that this symbol of mine is related to my line of work. Now, unless you have more questions, let us proceed."

"Oh wait!" Kirin exclaimed. "I do actually. Ahem, are there any creatures that could shape-shift?"

Stoic eyed him carefully. "Any reason to be asking about such a subject?" His tone changed from his casual to a much deeper one. His brows furrowed and his eyes stared at Kirin accusingly. The aura just around them both soured.

Kirin recoiled back a little, surprised by the sudden shift. "W-well..." He stammered. "You see..." Kirin started sweating bullets. The way Stoic glared at him was just too imposing. "I... I am an aspiring theatre director! Also an amateur writer! I remembered that you and the Institute Of Peace are in charge of connecting cultures among the creatures of Equestria, so I thought that you'd know a few that could shape-shift!"

"What for?" Stoic arched a single brow. 

"Well, as I said, I want to make theatre plays. So I figured that finding a shape-shifting creature would be a great idea and I could recruit them for my dream. You get me?"

Stoic stated at him blankly before nodding his head. "I see. Your reasoning is acceptable." A blue aura enveloped his horn. Then out of nowhere, both stallions were surrounded by a blue dome. Kirin attempted to push his hoof through the dome, only to discover that it was solid. "This information might not be good for the common folk of Mud, this town is a bit... sheltered, by the looks of it. But numerous creatures can shape-shift. Such as the lycans of the west. Wonderful bunch, though their powers are only limited to transforming into weretimberwolves. They are an interesting subject in my opinion."

He flipped through his journal before presenting a sketch to Kirin. A pony with the features of a timberwolf was sketched onto the page. And Kirin was quite impressed with Stoic's skill with the pencil. It looked so life-like. 

"Then there are the zygons, strange creatures that can copy the appearance of other ponies. They are considered as the enemy of the country after the countless attempts of stealing the throne from princess Celestia. They had more abilities than just shape-shifting, they have stingers that can stun and or maim. Thankfully none are around anymore to be a threat."

"Oh, anymore?"

Stoic took a second just to skim through his journal. He presented another sketch to Kirin, but this time, Kirin knew what exactly this sketch was about. 

"Changelings, insect-like ponies. They are skilled in the magic of shape-shifting and are very similar to zygons. The changelings are just as dangerous, and I would not recommend ever going near one. They primarily feed on love, an energy within us all. But they can't get it from other changelings, they need other living beings to feed. So they would kidnap and imprison any creature they could get their hooves on."

Stoic's expression hardened, his teeth bared and a deadly intent flashed in his eyes. 

"These changelings are a menace to Equestria, I must warn you Kirin, that these insects will stop at nothing just so that they can feed. But do not blame them, it is only nature that compels them to commit these crimes. And we must answer in kind-" Stoic stopped himself, he looked away shyly. "Forgive me, I sometimes lose myself in my own rants. Do not be afraid, many of my useless rants are quite positive. I only speak... ill of other creatures if they are not aligned to our country."

"You uh, don't say." To be truthful, Kirin was taken aback by Stoic's sudden shift. He started out as some simple unicorn, and Kirin thought nothing about it. But now that he had a peak of something more, he was feeling a tad bit fearful.

Stoic relaxed in his seat, he let out a sigh. Before he could even continue the interview, a sudden thud resounded in the dome. Both stallions looked towards the source, it was a strange discovery for sure, one that they would have expected. An odd mare was pressed against the dome, eyes wide as dinner plates. She was shouting something, as evident to the fact that Kirin and Stoic were hearing muffled noises coming from the mare. 

As the orange mare goes on, Kirin couldn't help but scan over the mare and notice her features. Not in a perverted way, mind you. She had a curly green mane, freckles complemented her cheeks. Her eyes were like amethysts, her scarf was nearly the same shade of purple, only a bit off. Perhaps due to the color of the dome.

Before he could inspect any further, another pony slammed into the dome to join the mare. A stallion with a green coat, His hair was orange like the mare next to him. Eyes were blue as the sky on a cloudless day. This pony had a straw hat on his head that fit him very nicely. 

"Friends of your?" Stoic asked. 

"I have never met those two before," Kirin answered. 

The two watched the ponies banging against the dome. They were very aggressive at that. Stoic pondered if he should let down the dome, but deep down he felt like it would be a mistake. And against his judgment, the dome vanished with a single thought. 

The two citizens of Mud quickly rushed over to Kirin and hounded him with a thousand questions, such as... 

"How are you alive!?"

"I thought she ate you!?"

"Did the enchantress erase your memories!?"

"Why is our town made of mud!?"

"What happened!?" And so on. 

"Uh... And you two are?" Kirin managed to squeeze in a question of his own. 

"That's beside the point!" The stallion argued. "What happened when you and that uni-" His shut tight once his eyes landed on a unicorn that sat across the table. "Unicorn!" He exclaimed as he cowered behind Kirin. The mare followed soon after she noticed as well. 

"Oh god, I knew it!" The mare cried out. "The unicorns are taking over!"

"Pardon?" Stoic was confused. 

"Have mercy! Please don't turn us into a potted plant!"

They were making a scene, every pony in the room was watching, and Kirin could only give them an awkward grin. 

"I will do no such thing," Stoic answered. "There is no reason for me to even take over a small town such as yours, so relax, your cowering annoys me. Take a seat, I insist." He then shot them a single glare, and the two ponies quickly straightened themselves before doing as they were requested. 

Now sitting at the same table as the odd ones, the rest of the ponies in the room returned to their own devices. Right after receiving a simple glance from the unicorn himself.

Stoic flipped through his journal and landed on a blank page, resting the tip of his pencil against the soft paper. "You two, what are your names?"

The two had their mouths shut, none of them dared to speak, especially when they were under Stoic's gaze. 

"I asked you both a question." To him, it was indeed just a simple question. But to them, they felt that it was more of a demand. "Do I have to repeat myself?"

"Carrot!" The stallion blurted out. "Er... My name is Carrot, sir."

"O-Orange..." The mare answered. 

Stoic wrote down their names in his journal, Kirin was curious about whatever reason Stoic had to do so. "I see... Now please, explain what you meant by enchantress, and do not waste anymore of my time."

"There's a unicorn in town!" Carrot answered as quickly as possible. 

"I thought she kidnapped the weird unicorn to eat!" Orange followed after. 

Stoic arched a brow. "Unicorn? A mare I presume, but what made you believe that she would eat Kirin? Our species are opportunists, but we do not just eat meat. By the end of the day, we are still herbivores." His eyes moved towards Kirin. "You didn't mention a unicorn." His voice laced with suspicion. 

"Well, it didn't seem to be important at a time." Kirin chuckled awkwardly. "Golden Star is a great host! She offered me a place to stay while I'm in town!"

"I see." Stoic hummed. 

There was a pause between the ponies and the kirin. A silence that was much louder than the voices that resounded through the inn. 

"You must introduce me Kirin," Stoic cracked a smile. "Meeting a fellow unicorn would be great, especially when there are practically none in this town."

"Oh yeah, I'll definitely introduce you. Just need to ask her first, anyway I gotta go to the johns. Nature and all that." Kirin excused himself and stood up. 

Stoic stated at Kirin as he went towards the nearest comfort room. Once Kirin was out of sight, Stoic turned towards the two ponies. "Would you mind if I interview the both of you?"

As this happens, Kirin didn't exactly need to go, he just needed an excuse to get away from Stoic. The way he looked at him with those eyes. Something about that cold glare suffocated Kirin, it felt as if he was being crushed by an invisible force. And what's worse, is that changelings. It would certainly be bad if Minion and Stoic ever cross paths with each other. And the fact Stoic wanted to meet Minion's disguise is bad already. Kirin needed to talk to Minion as soon as gets home.
> Sandwiches And Bunnies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kirin's hooves echoed against the stone surface of the cave, the faint whisper of the wind flowed past him. He felt a cold chill run down his spine knowing what lies ahead. Kirin had just got off work and now he was returning to Minion with some sandwiches he had made for dinner. 

It was grilled cheese, two slices of sourdough bread with three kinds of cheese between, then buttered on the outside with bits of garlic to add some flavor to the mix. After grilling it on his back, he topped some more cheese on one side and steamed it to give the sandwich a cheesy coat. Kirin was looking forward to eating it, and the best part was that he made six so he can share with Minion. 

With the sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil to prevent it from getting any dirt on them, Kirin made his way back to his temporary home. He just hoped that Minion wasn't too mad about him leaving, it seemed like she was serious about drinking him dry of his life energy. And he needed to inform her about the only unicorn in town. Maybe that'll help their friendship problem. 

As Kirin entered the main room, he discovered a terrible sight. Minion sat in the middle right next to the campfire, a pot on top of the burning flame, and in it was Barry the rabbit soaking in the water. He was still alive thankfully, but the fact that there were also leaves and herbs in the pot painted a bad picture. Barry was fine, he didn't struggle or anything, he was just relaxing in the water like it was a warm bath. 

"Minion!?" Kirin exclaimed. 

"Oh, you're back." Minion said blankly. "I decided to make us both dinner, one last meal before I drain you of every ounce of love."

Kirin rushed in and pulled Barry out of the pot. "Don't even joke about harming Barry! He did nothing wrong to you!"

"But you did." She said with a scowl. "And now it'll be the final wrong you'll ever do to me."

Kirin stared down at the shorter changeling. His brows furrowed, and his lips formed a frown. "I made sandwiches."

"What?" The scowl fell apart, confusion took its place. 

"Grilled cheese topped with more cheese, made with a lot of love," Kirin said as he presented the sandwiches to Minion. "I couldn't get anything for dinner so we'll have to settle with these. I hope you don't mind."

She stared at the sandwiches, her nose caught the scent of cheese. She unconsciously licked her lips in anticipation. It was the first time Minion had heard of these so-called grilled cheeses, and after the last time, she ate normal pony food she ended up enjoying it. And the best part was that Kirin made it with "love". So there's something she was looking forward to. 

Without hesitation she swiped her share of the sandwiches and quickly bit into it, only to recoil back to spit out the tin foil. "Bleh!" She cried out as some bits of the foil got stuck on her fangs. 

"You gotta unwrap it first," Kirin said.

Minion glared at him for a second before doing as she was told. She ripped the foil off the sandwich and quickly took a bite out of the grilled cheese. She was once again overwhelmed by the taste, her body shivered with delight as she introduced the flavors to her tongue. And just as he claimed, the sandwich was indeed made with love. She tasted the spiciness of Kirin's energy, it complimented the grilled cheese very nicely and satisfied her hunger. She couldn't stop herself from eating the sandwich in seconds and before she knew it, she was already unwrapping her second grilled cheese. 

As Minion enjoyed her food, Kirin was by the campfire sharing one of his sandwiches with Helen the chicken and Barry the rabbit. The two little animals enjoyed the grilled cheese as much as Minion did. Kirin smiled brightly before taking a bite for himself. 

"Hey," Kirin called out to Minion. "We have a problem."

Minion paused, she looked over to Kirin with an arched brow and waited for him to explain. 

"There's a unicorn in town and he wants to meet you." He was straight to the point.

"Wait, did you tell people what I am?"

"No, he wants to meet Golden Star because there aren't any other unicorns around."

"I see," Minion hummed. "sure, why not? I could use another food source."

"I don't think you should mess with this guy though. From what I've seen, he hates changelings really badly."

"Wait, there's a pony who knows what I am?" Minion asked with disbelief. "Here in the middle of nowhere? I would expect to find ponies that know of changelings only in major cities and not in some small town... Who is this guy?"

"He said he's from the Institute of Peace, located in Canterlot, he came to Mud because of me," Kirin explained further. "He came to town to interview with me so they can learn more about the kirins. And there is a possible chance that my village will become part of Equestria officially."

"That's great..." Minion said. "What happens if I imprison him?"

"Minion, don't," Kirin warned her. 

"Or what? You can't do anything, and he can't either."

Kirin shrugged his shoulders. "Alright then." He returned to his sandwich and took another bite. The whole room became silent, no words were spoken for the moment. 

But then... 

"I watched him take on a monster today."

Minion spat out her food, shocked to hear such a claim. And yet, it sounded so honest that her body reacted alone. "You're lying." She was doubtful, she wouldn't believe anything that sounded absurd. 

Kirin only smirked, he was about to tell one heck of a story. 




"And that concludes today's interview. Thank you for your time, and I hope we can continue tomorrow." Stoic said as he and Kirin exited the inn. 

"Wait, don't you sleep here?" Kirin asked. 

"Yes, but I need to buy some books from the library. I'm a late sleeper, so I need something to pass the time before I can rest."

"How many hours do you usually sleep?"

Stoic paused for a second. "Three hours if I have important plans, four if I do not."

"Dude, that's not healthy. People need eight hours of sleep, you know?"

"Yes, but I wish to be efficient. Sleeping in would be the opposite, and I would rather have fewer sleep hours than miss any important work that requires my immediate attention."

"You sir, are a workaholic." Kirin chuckled. "Well, I can't argue with you I guess. So follow me, I know where the bookstore is."

"Ah, excellent. Lead the way, my good friend." 

The two odd ponies made their way through town and towards the library. None said a word, keeping a bubble of silence around them. Kirin would sometimes greet random ponies who he had never met before and continued forward after. A few ponies stared at them with strange looks, but the two were used to it, it was no longer new to them. And Kirin found it a tad bit funny that they reacted in such a way. 

But as the duo crossed the street, an ear-piercing scream filled the air before a cry of help was heard. Stoic bolted into action and followed the noise to the source, Kirin followed after the unicorn confused and unsure of what exactly he needed to do. 

The whole town was shaken to their core, a few ponies who were brave enough followed Stoic's lead and joined him with his investigation. Now accompanied by a handful of ponies, the group finally discovered the source of the horrid scream. There, the ponies blanched as their eyes witnessed a terrifying scene. A manticore bigger than anyone had seen, it had a small and scrawny mare under its claws. 

It snarled at them, and the mare below it could only whimper and hope that someone would rescue her. Before Kirin could even take a step, Stoic had already dashed towards the beast at full speed. His horn lit up and an orb of light blinded everyone, even the manticore. During its moment of weakness, Stoic's hind hoof struck the manticore's elbow, loosening the weight on the mare. Enough for Stoic to use his telekinesis and pull the mare out of trouble. 

Then he carelessly tossed the mare towards the ponies behind him. Now he had to deal with the manticore who had finally recovered from being blinded. The beast roared and swiped at Stoic with its claws only for the unicorn to duck under the massive paw. Then a flurry of swipes was made, but Stoic was quicker, so he danced and dodged around any attacks that went his way. 

After its foolish attempts, the manticore lunged forward with its maw open for a devastating bite that could tear a pony in two. The ponies looked away, many screamed as loud as a banshee. As for Kirin, he couldn't just stand there, he had to make a choice. Kirin watched for too long it was time for him to act. 

"Stoic!" He cried out as he ran, but Kirin was too far to do anything. He felt his body burn, the stench of ash filled the air and the ground beneath his hooves started to smoke with every step. But before he could even lift a hoof, the beast bit into Stoic's leg.

Everyone screamed, and Kirin froze. Not in fear, but awe. Afar, one could only see a beast about to kill its prey. But when you are where Kirin stood, you'd notice the fact that Stoic held his ground. Stoic stood on his hind hooves with his left foreleg in front of him, teeth wrapped around said leg. Yet no blood was spilled, it was like the manticore bit into a chunk of stone and not flesh. 

Though there was no sign of blood, Stoic still grunted in pain, his teeth bared at the manticore. "I need rope!" Stoic requested.

Before any could respond, Kirin had already tossed his dead root seeds right under the manticore. It cracked and grew rapidly, the roots wrapped around the manticore and constricted it. Before anyone even knew, the beast was brought down to its knees. Even the manticore was surprised by the turn of events, so much that it stared at Stoic with eyes wide open. Even its tail was caught, disabling its ability to sting anyone. 

Victorious, Stoic pulled his leg out the beast's jaws with no scratches or injuries. He sighed tiredly, and the pain in his leg started to subside. "Dead roots, useful." He commented. 

"Thanks, I keep them in my mane." Said Kirin. 

"Hmm, and yet it doesn't grow? Dead roots are mostly found in the north, in an area with lots of snow to be accurate. It prefers the cold, so that would mean your body heat is enough to keep the seed in a passive state. Clever." 

Kirin chuckled. "Thanks."

"Ahem," Both stallions turned towards the crowd, the mare from before stood at the front. She looked away shyly. "thanks, you saved me from that manticore."

"It's no problem, I did what I had to do." Stoic bowed respectfully. "If you have been stung, I advise that you seek medical care quickly," Stoic said. 

"I will." She nodded. 

With that, the crowd cheered for their heroic act, Kirin stood proudly to accept their praise. But Stoic chose to leave instead, not without Kirin of course. 

"Alright, back to business. Where did you say that library is?" Stoic asked as he held Kirin in a bubble of magic.

"Could you not pick me up like that? That kinda hurts my pride." Kirin jokes. 

As the two stallions moved on, the crowd they left behind waved at them goodbye. Their opinions about the two started to change. Stoic especially, he had jumped into action so selflessly, especially for someone he had never met before.

But once the two were completely gone, the crowd realized something. The manticore was still there, trapped in a prison of roots. The question was: what do they do with it?




"And he didn't tell me how he survived that bite." Kirin ended the story, he recalled it so clearly since it happened just recently in his life. 

"No way, I don't believe you!" Minion had a good reason. No pony could just run at a manticore and survive. 

"Just ask around town, they will tell you what you already know." Kirin had a smug look as if he wasn't lying to Minion. "And if you aren't careful, he might just take you on in a fight."

"Damn it." She cursed. 

"For your sake Minion, I think you should lay low. Be Golden Star until he leaves town." Kirin advised her. 

Minion pondered about the unicorn. If the story was true, then he was a fearless soldier, no ordinary pony would ever cross a manticore. Unlike changelings, they are weak and squishy. The advantage ponies have is their wings and or horns. Of course, a unicorn would simply use spells, but from the story, Stoic had used only one.

"This is bad..." Minion muttered. "If he sticks around too long then my plan is in danger."

"What exactly is your plan?" Kirin questioned.

"Sorry, I don't share private information with just anyone."

"Not even to a friend?"

"We aren't friends," She shot back. 

"But I made you those sandwiches because I'm your friend. That's a fact." Kirin smiled warmly. "I would ask you to hug me to show you that we are friends, but the last experience has traumatized me and now I fear the embrace of another flesh."

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Minion said ominously. "Besides, I'm still mad."

"You don't look mad." Kirin pointed out.

Minion only grunted in response and continued eating her sandwich. She pondered about the unicorn, wondering about how she should deal with him. Though something was bugging her, the thought of Kirin's presence reaching Canterlot so quickly was odd. Only a day or two had passed and yet a unicorn was already in town looking for Kirin. To Minion, it painted a picture with empty spaces all around the scene. 

Gossip or small talks don't just spread like a light in a dark room, Minion should know, she's a changeling. One of their skills was to expertly eavesdrop with anyone, they have a keen sense and could easily pick up valuable information from two whispering ponies. 

"Doesn't make sense..." She muttered aloud. Kirin looked at her but said nothing. 

Her chewing slowed and her mind raced for an answer. She's a smart girl, she knows that she'll understand why soon enough. 

"Someone talks about a kirin and describes them accurately," Minion hummed. "one would think it was just an odd-looking unicorn and go about their day."

After a few seconds of silence, she growled in frustration. 

"Grr! I need more clues!"

"You can always just go find clues," Kirin said nonchalantly. "Also, I will be in town for the whole day tomorrow."

"Why?" She asked as she glared at Kirin. 

"I need food, food needs to be bought with bits. Bits need to be earned by working. Plus, we need to save up for when we leave town."

Minion scoffed. "Why would I ever leave? This place is like a gold mine to me, several ponies just waiting to be drained of their life energy. And the cave?" Minion sighed happily. "This place is perfect for a hive. Plenty of space, good ventilation, and most important of all, it's far from major cities."

"So you're serious about staying here... We can make it into a theatre!"

Minion snarled. "We are not doing anything! This is my cave and you will not have any part of it other than being its prisoner!"

"Oh come on, think about it. There's this room that could fit a whole town in. With a bit of lighting, some dusting, several comfortable chairs, and a stage, we would totally blow their minds away! Listen, I didn't exactly write this but my friend would definitely be happy if I use one of his stories for a play."

Kirin fished through his mane for a second and pulled out a notebook.

"Dude is a decent writer, and I always wanted to see one of his stories on stage. This one in particular," Kirin opened the notebook and pointed a hoof at the page on display. "It's about a thief and a magician working together for a heist. I'll give you a copy but please don't show it around. Don't want to spoil anything, right?"

"I'm not interested!" She snapped at him. "Why can't you just be a good prisoner and shut it!?"

Kirin frowned. "Because like it or not, you and I are stuck together now. There's nothing you can do about it."

"I can simply throw you in a pit and just leave you to rot."

"And what? From what I've learned, you were doomed from the moment we met." Kirin said and Minion recoiled. He rose to his hooves and towered over Minion, he was certainly taller than her. "Stoic is determined, if I had stayed in this cave then he would have surely flipped the whole forest over just to find me. If you keep me here against my will, then he will suspect something now."

"W-what are you say-"

Kirin took a step forward, Minion flinched as she shrunk in her place. "The odds are stacked against you Minion, someone who knows more about you is here, and you run the risk of getting hunted down by said someone."

"He doesn't scare me!" She stuttered back. 

Kirin smiled warmly. "As I said, Minion, we're stuck together now, so it would be great if you accept my friendship." He raised his arms open for a hug, he gave Minion a small nod. 

But Minion was reluctant, she would've jumped at the chance to feed. But something felt off, so she decided to keep her distance and hissed at Kirin. Before he could even say a word, Minion buzzed away, she left through the hole above leaving Kirin alone with Barry and Helen. 

He sighed weakly, Kirin sat back down and returned to his sandwiches. And it would seem Minion was not done with hers, so he decided to finish them himself. He needed a new approach to befriend Minion, but he just doesn't know-how. Then an idea came, who knows more about peace than a unicorn from some institute. 

With that, Kirin scheduled his day for tomorrow and he would Stoic for some diplomacy lessons. And hopefully, Kirin would get through Minion's cold exterior and be best of friends.
> Books Are Flammable
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a fine morning, an excellent time to have some breakfast at the Fancy Frog inn. The only inn in town, to be honest, there was nowhere else for a traveler to rest their tired selves since there were barely any. It was a small town, there isn't anything noteworthy about Mud. So it would make sense that there aren't any ponies that would visit this place. It honestly made Minion wonder why an inn was even built. 

She sat in one of the many vacant tables of the Inn, and she had just finished a strange pony food called a salad. Her eyes were glued on Kirin who was currently working, he would hop around and gather empty plates so he could bring them back to the kitchen. And honestly, he seemed to enjoy it. 

But that wasn't what she was there for, it was about the only unicorn in town. Stoic. The member of the Institute of Peace was having some coffee at the other end of the room. Kirin would sometimes chat with Stoic for a few seconds before going back to work. Stoic hadn't noticed her yet, because she was currently in a disguise. She didn't want to attract attention, so she decided to take on the form of the owner of the local bookstore. A mare named Page Turner. Minion had to make sure the original wouldn't show up in town, so Minion gave Page a visit. 

The mare is sleeping soundly in her bed, and Minion predicts that Page would wake up tomorrow morning. 

"Oh, hello again." Minion flinched, she turned to find Kirin standing behind her. "Are you done with that Miss Page?" He asked a hoof pointed at the empty plate on the table. She nodded her head and Kirin cheerfully grabbed the plate with his magic. "Stoic wanted to talk to you, Miss Page."

"He did?" Minion was surprised to hear so. 

"Yeah, I don't know what it is about but I'm sure it is nothing." With that, Kirin left for the kitchen, Minion was alone once more. 

She turned around to look back at Stoic and felt her heart skip a beat. The unicorn was staring right at her with that unreadable look. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and prepared herself for the interaction. After a short walk over to the table, she greeted Stoic with a smile. 

"Greetings," He said. "it is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Page."

"Yes, it is." She replied. "Your friend said you needed something."

Stoic took a second to fish through his vest, and a moment after, he produced a book. "Yes, I had recently finished this book I bought and I was wondering if I could bother you for a minute to buy another book."

"You just bought that?" She said with disbelief. 

"Um, yes, I bought it from you."

Minion shook her head. "Right, I was just surprised that you finished the book so quickly."

"I couldn't sleep, and I ended up staying up all night reading the book." He sighed. "I'll be honest, I am exhausted right now, but I have important business later. Anyway, could you spare some time to allow me to browse your shop?"

She was hesitant, but Minion realized that this could play in her favor. So without wasting time, she led Stoic out of the Fancy Frog inn and towards the bookstore. 




Minion was happy that she brought Page's keys, without it, she would've walked back to the mare's house just to retrieve said keys. But that doesn't matter now, she had a plan in mind that would surely help deal with Stoic. It was simple, she led him to a secluded area far from any possible witness. And bam, she imprisons Stoic and gets rid of him before any damage could be done.

Stoic was browsing through the shelves, he was too busy to even notice her approaching him. Minion removed her disguise so she could focus her magic on a spell. Her horn lit up as she powered it. A grin formed on her face, it was the moment of truth, a window of opportunity opened itself to her. 

Just as she was about to cast a spell, Stoic tensed up with his horn glowing brighter than usual, which in turn, caused Minion to panic and donned her disguise. Her heart stopped, she started to sweat more than usual. Slowly, he turned to face her. 

But much to her own surprise, Stoic did not attack her. Instead, a book from above was lowered down with his telekinesis. "You should be careful," He warned. "a book as big as this could give you a severe injury."

The book in question is indeed a large book, it was bigger than his head. But that wasn't all Stoic sensed the book just as it was about to hit Minion on the head. He had saved her life, even if she had a tough exterior. Still, she was actually in disbelief. Stoic had managed to detect the book that threatened her life, but not the changeling that was about to take his.

He glanced over the title of the book in his magic and hummed a curious tune. "Well, this is actually what I'm looking for. How much for it?"

"Well considering you are a hero, and you technically saved my life. You can have it for free." She answered. 

He smiled. "Just helping out if I could, thanks, Miss Page."

"Would you like to browse some more? Perhaps that book alone won't help you waste time."

"This book is all I need, thank you for the offer." Before Minion could say another word, Stoic had already left. 

She frowned deeply, her chance was gone before she even knew. Now alone and feeling like a failure, Minion removed her disguise. She kicked a shelf in frustration, she had a chance she missed it. Minion just needs to find another opening and hopefully, she'll get rid of him. Before she could even devise another plan to dispose of Stoic, something else caught her eye. 

Minion was curious about a book on the shelf, she removed it from the rest and examined it closer. It was a cookbook. Recently, after being introduced to pony food by Kirin, Minion couldn't stop trying all kinds of meals. It first started with boiling a random carrot she found in the forest. Then she copied Kirin and made the soup from last time. It ended badly since she couldn't find the right ingredients, but she enjoyed the soup. 

The book called out to her, it was as if it is her destiny to find this book here. And the best part was, she was free to steal it and no one would ever know. Now in her hooves, Minion began reading the over the content page. Countless recipes intrigued her. Pasta, cakes, soup, and more. Because of Kirin, she grew a fascination for pony food. And this book gave her inspiration.

Though she needed to deal with Stoic, there was no issue about learning new stuff. Minion picked a book about exercising from another row, she knows that too much food makes you weak and fat. She had to watch her diet, she's a soldier, not some slacker.

Just as she was about to leave, the bell rang and a pony entered. "Oh," A mare said as she noticed the other creature in the room. "hello there! You must be Golden Star."

It was at that moment Minion realized that she had used the wrong disguise. Instead of Page Turner, Golden Star was the one who stood where Minion is. 

The mare, a blond with a tawny brown coat, and eyes that are almost as blue as Star's. Though they are more of a teal blue to be precise. "Hello?"

Minion was snapped out of her thoughts and was brought back to reality. She had been staring at the mare for far too long. 

Minion cleared her throat. "Right, yes. I'm Golden Star, a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Quick Fuse," She introduced herself. "Wow, you sure are pretty. No wonder the stallions in town couldn't resist staring at you."

Minion smiled. "Thank you, I do my best to look the best." She said proudly. 

"Man, you sure are far more approachable than that Stoic guy." Fuse said. "Dude gives me the creeps. Though I heard he saved Potato from a manticore, so I guess he's a nice guy."

"Yes, I heard of it. Though Kirin was the one who trapped the manticore, I believe he deserves some praises as well."

"Kirin? Oh, is that the name of the weird unicorn?" Fuse asked. 

"No, it's a nickname that I decided to use, and it stuck to him. I have no clue what his real name is since he couldn't say it, or so Kirin claims."

"I see... What about your brother, where is he?"

Minion paused for a second. "My brother is away, he left to find adventure on his own. I wanted to go with him, but sadly I am too busy with my studies to join."

"Darn, must've been tough on your brother." Fuse commented. 

"He's a tough kind of guy, my brother wouldn't be bothered by something like that."

"Oh!" Fuse suddenly cried. "Where's Page anyway? I'm waiting for a book, and I was hoping to hear some news about it."

"The store owner? She left just earlier and said she was feeling a bit ill. She had also asked me to close the store when I leave."

"I should go see if she's alright." Fuse suggested. 

"I'm sure she just needs some rest, she seems tired and in need of sleep."

"Oh that Page Turner," Fuse chuckled. "always up late at night reading her romance novels."

"Yes, she seems very fond of them," Minion said, a smile crept upon her face.

"Well, we better close up the shop then," Fuse said as she stepped aside. "After you?"

"Thank you," Minion said as she walked past the mare. 




"So, what's up with you and that Kirin guy?" Fuse asked as she followed Golden Star around town. 

Minion wanted to go with their separate ways, but Fuse started following her everywhere asking several questions. She wouldn't leave Minion alone and being a nuisance. There were times Minion wanted to just snap at Fuse and bite her face off, but there were too many eyes watching, and that would be trouble to Minion.

"We're friends, that's all." She answered. 

"You sure? I mean, a guy and a girl can live in the same house even if they aren't related, but nobody is actually sure what happens."

"I assure you, Kirin is far too busy with his dream to even notice a mare. Besides, he even said that I'm not his type."

Fuse cringed. "Oh, that's just harsh." She replied. "I don't want to imagine if a guy said that to me."

"Yes, it would be tragic."

"So, a cookbook, huh?"

Minion stuttered in her steps. "Oh, yeah. I was curious, that's all."

"Cooking is great, it's lots of fun and very rewarding. By that, I mean the delicious recipes we make!" She said gleefully. 

This was a subject Minion was interested in. Minion wanted to experience the heat of the stove, smell the spices, and taste the results. She was honestly excited to try her hoof in cooking. And do it properly this time. The conversation ended up being about food, Minion asked Fuse for some tips and tricks. Quick Fuse was happy to share some information, she was fine with it. At first, it was Fuse who asked the questions, now it was Minion the one who asked the questions. 

This went on for a while until Minion bumped into someone and the books she carried fell onto the ground. She stared at her belongings that now decorated the dirt road for a whole minute. Then she bared her rows of sharp teeth, her head turned to glare at the creature she had bumped into. But she calmed a little when she noticed that it was Kirin, who looked as surprised as Minion. 

"Kirin?" She asked.

"M- I mean... Star?" He managed to stop himself before he could say her real name.

"Hi!" Fuse stood between the two and shook Kirin's hoof vigorously. "I'm Quick Fuse, it is very nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too," Kirin pulled his hoof away. "I'm Kirin,"

"I know, though I'm curious what your real name is."

"My name?" He smirked. "Well ma'am, it's a name that only my friends and family know of. They are the ones who remembered who I was, a kirin before I came to this small town. Though I am quite fond of my new name, I still keep my first one close to my heart. Today ma'am, you will learn that my name is-"

A book slammed against his face and Kirin was sent towards the ground. He bounced once before he crashed headfirst into the dirt. Minion, the one who struck Kirin, huffed proudly. 

"You made me drop my books." She said plainly. 

"You do realize that violence is not the right answer." Someone told her. 

"Well, whatever answer you have, just shove it up your-" Minion froze once her eyes landed on Stoic. He stood just next to Fuse who had also become frozen like a statue. 

There he stood, doing nothing. But Minion noticed something different about Stoic. There was an aura that sent a chill through her. So this is how they see him. Minion thought to herself. 

"My what?" He asked as he stepped closer to Minion. 

"Y-your... Uh, I didn't mean it."

"So, you're Golden Star." He cleared his throat. "It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Stoic. It is nice to find another unicorn in this town." The aura around him dimmed, yet it still had a presence. It was enough for Minion to be fearful. 

"Yes..."

"You seem tense, is there a problem?" He asked, but then something clicked in his mind. Then he chuckled softly, his horn flashed for a second. "Oh sorry, it must be my fear aura."

"Your what?"

"My fear aura, it is a spell that covers the user in an aura that radiates a presence that resembles a greater predator." He explained. "It was a spell made to protect ponies from monsters and other carnivores. I must've left it on when I left the inn."

"I see," Minion hummed. "Well, whatever. I'm gonna go back to my cave."

"Leaving already? Kirin and I were heading over to a restaurant called the Hungry Moth for some fondue. Miss Page told me that it has the best cheese in town." He said.

"Fondue?" Curiosity glimmered in Minion's eyes.

"Yeah, fondue!" Fuse said with glee. "It's a big pot of cheese and you dip stuff into it! You should totally try it!"

"I wanna try the fondue." Minion said. 

"Well, you both are welcome to join Kirin and me. And could you please grab Kirin? You are the one who knocked him out." Stoic said as he walked past her.

"Ugh, fine." She scoffed bitterly. 

Using her magic, Minion picked up Kirin off the ground. He was out cold thanks to the cookbook. And with Kirin, Minion went after Stoic, Quick Fuse followed her as well. The two ponies and the changeling in disguise were headed for the Hungry Moth. Minion would've declined if she wasn't so curious about fondue. Her curious self might be the death of her, and there's only one person to blame for this small change in her character. And that is Kirin.
> Fire, Smoke, & Destruction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minion was honestly curious, the group had arrived at the Hungry Moth where they were escorted to a table for four. It certainly was an interesting place, even if the building is made of mud just like the rest of the town. The whole restaurant had many patrons, and as expected, a few had glanced their way. They too were curious, it's not exactly every day they would see three strange ponies gathering in one place. Though Kirin isn't exactly a pony.

Stoic was currently speaking with Quick Fuse who had taken the seat next to him. She was the mare that had decided to befriend Golden Star, but her efforts only made Minion see Fuse as a bother. But Fuse and Stoic seem to have some things in common. Such as the fact that both are dangerously interested in explosives. Didn't surprise Minion that Fuse liked the subject so much, Fuse's cutie mark is two sticks of dynamite with lit fuses. Minion will need to be careful around the mare. 

Kirin was busy reading the menu, even though the group had already decided to have a pot of fondue. As for Minion, she used her time to read her cookbook just to avoid any interaction with Stoic and Fuse. She didn't care if it was kinda awkward, she just didn't want to talk with the two ponies. 

But much to her dismay, Kirin was the one who was trying to initiate a conversation with her. 

"These are all mouth-watering, right Star?" He said. 

"Reading right now, don't disturb me."

"Now don't be rude," Stoic said. "we should all get to know each other. As a member of the Institute of Peace, I am an expert in creating a connection among other creatures. I shall start with a question." He cleared his throat, his eyes snapped towards Minion and caused her to flinch. "Star, what is your favorite food?"

Minion stiffened, though it was just a simple question, she couldn't help but feel uneasy from the way he looked at her. "Lasagna." She said the first thing that came to mind. Lasagna, a pasta dish that she was actually hungry for. When she gets home it will be the first thing she makes. 

"Oh, I like hayburgers!" Fuse answered before Stoic could ask her. "Best style of a sandwich if you ask me."

"Interesting," Stoic hummed. "I am fond of potatoes. Any recipe is fine, hash browns, prench fries, anything. What about you Kirin?"

"Fried rice, I like to add a fried egg and a lot of garlic." He answered with a smile. 

Stoic mimicked Kirin's smile. "See? It's like we are the best of friends. Would you all like to answer another question?"

Minion shrugged her shoulders. "I guess,"

"Alright," Stoic nodded. 

Before he could ask a question, a pony had come by with a trolley. On it was a large pot, a plate with bread sliced up into cubes, and four forks to be used. Some crackers and chips, perfect for the occasion. But something else also came with their order, it was a bucket of ice and a bottle of white wine. 

"Hey, Shamrock!" Fuse greeted the waiter. 

"Hey, Fuse, a pleasant day for some fondue." Shamrock greeted her back as he set up the fondue stand along with a burner. 

"Sure is!" She said, "Oh, we didn't order wine." Fuse told Shamrock as he placed the bottle on the table. 

"I ordered it," Stoic informed them. "Wine goes great with fondue. It just goes well with cheese perfectly and we would be a fool to forget it."

"That's true!" Shamrock supported Stoic's claim. "Anyways, I hope you enjoy it!"

With that, the waiter left to retreat into the kitchen. 

With the fondue pot set up, Stoic wasted no time and lit up the burner. The melted cheese started to heat and bubbles rose from the bottom of the pot. Stoic had also poured everyone a glass of wine, to which Minion quickly accepted. She took a sip and was greeted by a whole new experience. This was the first time she had tasted wine, and it honestly wasn't bad. 

"Now don't go drinking it in one go, we still have some cheese to try!" Fuse said gleefully. 

Right, the cheese. Fondue was a concept Minion had just recently discovered, at first, she didn't think much about it, it's just a pot of cheese and you dip stuff in it. Then her curiosity got the better of her. Back then the idea of putting a flower between two slices of bread was strange, but then she tried one. And it is safe to say that she would try another when she feels like it.

She paused as a hiccup was heard, surprised, Minion turned towards her "friend" only to be met by a goofy-looking smile from Kirin. His cheeks were slightly pink, and the wine glass in his hoof was empty. "Did I ever tell you that you're pretty...?" He said out of nowhere. 

"Uh, you did..." Minion looked over to Stoic with a look of suspicion. "Alright, what was in the bottle!?"

Stoic arched a brow. "Is this the first time you've seen someone drunk on wine? It would seem that our friend, Kirin, is a lightweight. It means that he cannot handle his alcohol, I'm surprised, I would have thought he could handle it. Is this the first time you had wine, Kirin, Star?" 

"Yes, I had never tried wine before." Minion admitted. But unlike Kirin, she took her alcohol very well. Even if it is her first time. 

"Me...? Nah... Nah..." Kirin chuckled. "My first time... I uh... had rice wine before. Drank like... a dozen bottles... was awesome man..."

"Rice wine? Interesting." Stoic was quick to write Kirin's words down. 

"The cheese is ready!" Fuse announced excitedly. 

"Ah, it is." Using his magic, Stoic lifted his fork with a piece of bread on the end and dipped it into the pot. He was the first to taste the delicious sweet cheese, and it surprised everyone that his expression changed. From a passive look to one of satisfaction. "Excellent." He muttered.

"I can't get it right..." Kirin complained.

Minion glanced over to him and was honestly disappointed. Kirin was trying to dip his piece of bread, but for some odd reason that Minion has yet to understand, he kept missing the pot. Perhaps this was because he had a bit of wine in his system. But what does Minion know? This was the first time she ever drank alcohol. 

Not wanting to waste any more time, Minion pierced a piece of bread and brought it to the pot. One dip coated the bread with a layer of cheese, it was thick and it held onto the crusty surface. Minion then tossed it into her mouth where she was greeted by a new world of flavor. The cheese was sweet and mild, the toasted bread boosted the flavors nicely. The flavor just danced on her tongue as the music started to play in her mind, it was soothing, she could just sit there and just savor the moment. 

But alas, her moment would come to an end as she swallowed down her food. Though it isn't the end just yet, there was a whole plate of other snacks to enjoy. Chips, crackers, she was free to try everything. And it would seem the others were enjoying the fondue as well, except for Kirin who kept missing the pot. 

Fuse, the only earth pony in the group, held a chip in her teeth and would dip her face down on the pot just to get some cheese. Minion was glad to choose a unicorn for her disguise, it would've been weird if she copied Fuse with her method. 

Minion then glanced over to the actual unicorn, Stoic. As she expected, he was well mannered. He would allow others to go before him, he makes zero noises when he eats. And he always took his time to enjoy the cheese, Minion couldn't help but notice how defenseless he was. His head was tilted up, his neck exposed. Instincts tempted Minion to just pounce and sink her teeth in and be done with it. But no, she knew the risk. Though it would look like he was open to attacks, Minion knew better than to just underestimate a unicorn. 

Unicorns are the most powerful race among the ponies just because they can use magic. Sure they don't have the speed of a pegasus or the strength of an earth pony, but magic is still a deciding factor. If Minion remembered correctly, a changeling would need to break a unicorn's focus before they can cast a spell. That means hit them on their melons and bite their throats.

"So Star," Minion was pulled away from the darkness of her thoughts by Stoic. He eyed her carefully as he held his hooves together. "Where are you from? Canterlot, Manehattan, or...?"

"A small town named Silent Falls, ever been there?" Minion answered as honestly as she could. Of course, it was a lie, but her species was the definition of deceit. 

"No I have not, it must be quite a small town if I have not heard of it before. Perhaps you can't point it out on the map later so I can request it to be added, any settlement in Equestria is useful for wayfarers or merchants." Then his eyes narrowed. A sense of dread crawled on Minion's back as Stoic glared at her. "You can do that, right?"

"Um..."

With no hesitation, Stoic flipped the table into the air. Shocked and confused, Fuse and Kirin could only watch as their food was littered around them. Minion stared with disbelief, the whole thing turned to chaos. But that was not the end of it, her eyes widened as Stoic emerged from below the table's edge, fork poised to strike. 

Pure instincts flooded her head, and her body worked all on its own just for self-preservation. Right then and there, Minion was engulfed by hellish flames that painted the whole room green. Stoic's face turned into a scowl as his fork landed on something tough.

Right where Golden Star was supposed to be, sat a kirin with her back facing towards Stoic. Her black dragon-like scales acted as a shield that absorbed Stoic's attack. Minion glanced back, a wrathful fire burned in her eyes. 
 
Everyone was already staring at the group the moment the table was in the air, but now they were speechless as the unicorn before them just transformed into a kirin. It was nothing anyone in town had ever seen before, there were legends of unicorns having power beyond mortal comprehension, perhaps this is it. But that was what they perceived, being sheltered from the outside world does that to you and you'd believe anything you hear these days. 

We know the truth, of course, Minion was a changeling, and Stoic had no doubt of that. 

"Changeling," Stoic muttered with distaste, the name was like poison on his tongue. 

Fuse cowered in her seat, unsure of what to do in this situation that has not happened before. The chefs came out of the kitchen to see what the ruckus was about, and much to their surprise, a unicorn assaulted a kirin. But the fact that there were two was what confused them the most. One tried to defuse the situation but a dome was formed around Stoic and his party. 

"Evacuate the building, I will deal with this insect," Stoic ordered them.

Not questioning him any further, the chefs and other employees proceeded to do as they were told. The patrons of the restaurant were ushered out, all equally confused and unsure of what exactly was happening. Soon enough the whole place was empty of any ponies, only the four creatures in the dome. 

Stoic and Minion stared down at each other, waiting for anyone to make a move. Stoic had removed the dome once everyone was out of the building, and Minion felt insulted by it. The way she sees it, Stoic was confident in his skills so much that he didn't need to entrap Minion in a small space where he could easily wipe the floor with her. It was obvious that he was skillful compared to her, and any mistake Minion makes could be fatal. So it was best to play it safe until an opportunity arises. 

"Heh," Minion laughed. "Guess there's no point in hiding it anymore, huh?"

In a flash of green, Minion revealed her true form for all to see.

Fuse screamed in terror as the unicorn mare turned kirin was replaced by an unholy creature from the depths of tartarus. Black chitin with razor-sharp fangs and eyes like the stars which stared back at her. Fear overwhelmed Fuse in every part of her bone, it was something different, never before had felt such raw emotion in her life. Kirin on the other hand attempted to prevent a fight from breaking out, but he could not, he was having trouble with his seat due to a lack of focus. His hooves would slip off the seat whenever he tried to push himself off, Kirin wished he had not taken a single sip of wine today. 

"So?" Minion smirked. "You got me, I am impressed with-"

The changeling ducked in time as Stoic's hoof sailed over her head. 

"Hey, I was talking!"

"My hooves don't have ears." He replied. 

"Guys, stop...! I need help off my seat..." Kirin attempted.

Though he was a unicorn, Stoic had resorted to his hooves. Minion tried to throw him aside with magic, but she couldn't get a hold of him at all. It was as if her telekinesis just slipped off the surface of Stoic's skin. She had hoped that magic would be enough to fight a unicorn back but here she was in a battle of fisticuffs. 

Left, right, right, left. 

Minion ducked and dodged every attack, there were perks of being a small changeling, it allowed her to be nimble. This was one of the few moments she thanked God for making her so short. The fighting style was certainly new to Minion, it was more fitting for a biped creature than a pony but somehow Stoic made it work. 

She waited for an opening, just a small one, then she could perform a fatal strike. Then there it was, Stoic leaned too far forward with his left hoof extended out, Minion quickly wrapped her hooves around Stoic's and pulled to the floor. Where she then bucked her hind legs at his exposed stomach. 

"Terminate." Stoic muttered. 

Quickly, Minion pushed herself away, just in time as well. Electricity coursed through Stoic and lit him up like a Christmas tree, but the unicorn was unfazed. Instead, he glared at Minion more intently. He just shrugged it off like it was nothing, and it baffled their spectators. 

Stoic continued to push back Minion, her attempts at a counter were met with failure and disappointment. She had to improvise, and it better be a good move. Minion reached over to a nearby table and threw a plate at Stoic. As he dodged the changeling used this moment to transform into a large eel before attacking. She coiled around the pony and constricted him, he attempted to electrocute once more but it turns out that Minion was no ordinary eel. 

Outsmarted and trapped, Stoic gritted his teeth as Minion tightened around his chest. His forelimbs were locked in place and it proved impossible for him to break out with sheer strength alone. 

"Oh, how the tables have turned." Minion chuckled. "Though I am feeling merciful today if you beg then perhaps I can let you live... to be my slave that is."

"Burn." He spat out. 

Minion sighed. "Shame, I would've loved a fighter like you. Your style is something I have not seen before." 

Her eel form smiled proudly, Minion wanted to relish the moment. It wasn't rare for her to succeed like this, no. She just love these moments. A rush of superiority fills her head just as she prepares for a killing blow. Stoic grunted uncomfortably as the eel tightened. And yet he kept his scowl, no amount of pain falters him, he stood his ground even in the face of death. 

"Honestly, if you keep quiet like that, I won't enjoy this." Minion frowned. She moved closer to look him in the eyes so she could see the life drain from them.

But that proved to be a big mistake. 

His jaw snapped open and Minion's face was assaulted by a thick black cloud that blinded the changeling. She staggered for a short moment giving Stoic a window of opportunity to escape. The grip around him loosened enough for him to break free.

Minion gasped, she tried to get the upper hand but Stoic bit down on the end of her tail and whipped her eel form around. In turn, Stoic broke a table in two with a single swing. This continued for a short while, countless plates and other breakable objects were destroyed in the process. 

"Guys!" Kirin called out to them, he had just gotten off his seat and was rushing over to them. He was still under the table thanks to the white wine, so much that he could barely run in a straight line. "Stop fighting- urp... Dang it, why did I drink so much...?"

He ran as quick as he could, Kirin needed to stop his friends from fighting one another, or else this would end horribly. Though he was still plastered, he bet all his marbles on his trump card, but just as he dug his hoof into his floofy mane, Minion's head slammed across his with a loud smack. 

Seeing this, Stoic halted and gave Kirin a worried glance. Minion was far too dazed to even notice what had just happened. 

"Kirin!" Fuse cried out for her new friend. 

No words were said, Kirin only stood there on the spot with his eyes wide open. It was as if his drunken self was slapped right out of him with the way he moved. His head slowly turned towards the two combatants, an empty expression written on his face. 

Minion transformed into her true form unknowingly and approached the stunned creature. "Kirin?"

Suddenly a burst of fire erupted around Kirin and the whole place exploded. The destruction was massive, everything within the restaurant was incinerated beyond repair. Ponies outside screamed as hell's fire burst out the windows. The owners and employees could only watch in despair as their livelihood burned down. Questions were asked as the fire consumed the whole building.  

And the one thing that truly sent fear through their bodies was the terrifying roar of a beast within the flames.
> Blazing Hatred
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The town called Mud was in a panic, a fire had just erupted from the Hungry Moth restaurant, the firefighters were called in to contain the flames. Thankfully their buildings were made of mud and only used a few wooden materials, but the fire was like a dragon's breath. If it keeps on going then destruction will surely follow. Everyone was doing their part just to contain the fire and the officials were trying to think up a solution to extinguish the flames. It was far too hot for anyone to get near, no pony could ever survive it. 

Unless you're an extraordinary unicorn. 

Deep within the hellish fire, a unicorn stood. Surrounded by a protective dome of magic, he and two more have been protected from certain death. And Minion just couldn't believe it, she was just face to face with Kirin when it happened. But here she was. It happened so fast that she was still registering her current situation. Even Quick Fuse was next to her, the mare who was seated on the other side of the room. 

This just shows how far superior Stoic is compared to Minion when it comes to magic. To explain things real quick, an explosion of fire consumed the whole restaurant. Stoic who had seen the danger beforehand acted, from where he stood he focused his magic into telekinesis, and pulled Quick Fuse along with Minion towards him where he summoned the dome and saved everyone from a painful death. 

But that's what Minion was wondering about, she's inside the safest place in the restaurant, and not outside where she would have been burned to a crisp. So there she was, standing right next to the pony that tried to beat her to a pulp. Now stuck together in a small area surrounded by fire.

"If this keeps up then this whole place will collapse in any second!" Stoic informed the others. 

"What happened to Kirin, where did this fire even come from!?" Fuse asked fearing for her life.

"A nirik," Stoic answered. 

"A what now?" Minion was even more confused. 

"Where the creatures called the kirins are said to be kind and honest, the niriks are their frightening opposite. Fire and vengeance are the only things these niriks crave, and now I know their true origins." He explained. 

"We need to stop him!"

"How!?" Fuse snapped at Minion. "The two of you are responsible for this!"

"I was just doing my job," Stoic said nonchalantly. 

"Hey, it was self-defense!" Minion was on the right, it was not her who struck first. 

"Whatever," The unicorn sighed. "We still have a living fireball to deal with."

A thud was heard and all eyes turned towards it. There they came face to face with the walking inferno.

"What is that!?" Minion recoiled back as the nirik roared. 

"That's Kirin," Stoic said, his eyes sparkled upon seeing Kirin in his fiery form. 

Though Minion looked like someone's nightmare, she couldn't be compared to Kirin. His fur turned from creamy white to charcoal black. Gone was his bright-colored mane replaced by hell's fire that was too hot to touch. Even his face changed, the friendly smile that he would always flash was no longer there. Flesh ripping teeth was in its place accompanied by two long fangs. Minion shuddered at the thought of it piercing through her chitin.

"So, this is what a nirik looks like up close." Stoic hummed as he examined Kirin. "Fascinating."

"No time for your research! We need to get out of here!" Fuse said as she cowered behind the other two. 

Kirin continued to slam his head against the dome, enraged, he acted like an unhinged beast. As if he was mindless, nothing more than a monster whose only purpose is to wreak havoc and bring destruction to all.

"Kirin, it's me! Stoic!" He tried to call out to his friend but was only answered with an ear-piercing roar. "I see, so it would seem that he is blinded by his own rage, so much so that he cannot control himself. I am open to any suggestions."

Minion took a step closer to Kirin and received another beastly roar. "You got any spells to shield us from the fire?"

"Celestia's Cape, a spell that creates a protective layer that repels both heat and cold. It will only last five minutes, unlike this dome. Even then, with the nirik nearby I don't think all of us can escape." Stoic said. 

"I'll distract him, just use that spell and get ready to run." Minion transformed into a dragon for the increased resistance to fire. Now a tall black dragon stood amongst the ponies, ready to take on the hell beast before them. 

She cracked her knuckles, eager to take on the nirik. 

"Kirin, if you're in there, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do." She apologized in advance. 

Stoic stared at Minion for a short second before focusing on the task at hand. His horn glowed bright, and both girls received the protection to fire. Now the real challenge was the nirik. Without a word, the dome shattered, and Minion jumped into action as the other two bolted for the exit. 

The nirik pounced on Minion bringing down his fangs against her tough scales. But she caught his maw around her arm, wincing, Minion pushed the nirik against the floor with everything she had. He was certainly much stronger than he looked, but that's why Minion was a dragon that's larger than a pony. Size and strength were an advantage, one she hoped would be enough. 

But to her shock, the nirik started to slowly push her back. Soon she found herself off the ground as she flew straight into the kitchen or what was still considered of it. Everything was still on fire, what was even worse was the walls that began to dry out. The cracks soon formed on the mud walls, and it was far too late to save the building.

She was snapped out of the trance as a roar cut through the air. The nirik showed no signs of slowing down. 




"What did you do!?" A well-dressed mare approached Stoic and Fuse. 

Stoic was far too busy inspecting his clothes to even notice the mare, he sighed as his eyes scanned over a few spots that were singed by the fire. 

"I am speaking here!"

Finally, he acknowledged her presence. "Oh, Mayor Bronze, how are you on this eventful day?"

The mayor of mud, an earth pony named Bronze Shovel. A mare not to be trifled with. She stood out the most thanks to the way she dressed so sharply. Her image demanded respect and from what Stoic heard, she earned it. 

"You better explain everything, unicorn, or else I will hold you accountable for this."

Stoic hummed softly. "A fire spirit awakened beneath the restaurant, but do not fret, my colleagues are already dealing with the spirit."

Bronze scoffed. "Do you not know how important the Hungry Moth is to the town? It is the only place with a freezer room large enough to hold all the ice cream!"

"Ice cream?" Stoic twitched for a second. Fuse could only shrug her shoulders at him since she had no opinion on the subject. 

"Yes, the ice cream!" Bronze said aloud. "In two weeks the town will celebrate the founding of Mud, and we have been feasting on ice cream every year. The town does not consume ice cream on any other day, it is the law!"

"Mayor, ice cream is nothing special, you and the others can eat them any other day."

"Of course you wouldn't understand, you're not just a city colt, but a unicorn as well." Bronze was glaring at him. "Ever since you unicorns walked into town you all were nothing but trouble. If I had it my way-"

Her sentence was derailed as Stoic pulled her by the collar of her jacket. Now just an inch away, Bronze stared deeply into Stoic's emerald eyes, she felt her soul weaken beneath his gaze. It was hollow, like an empty shell of a puppet was in front of her lacking any emotion. 

"You do not promote peace among ponies with those words," He whispered. "I will pay for the damages and order some if not hundreds of your ice cream. I wish nothing but peace among our kind, so choose your words carefully."

With that he released her. 

"A-alright," Bronze took a minute just to recover. Her knees buckled as she attempted to keep her posture. "Very well, if you take responsibility then I will not complain. This problem better be gone before the sun is down. Now, where are those pegasi!? I needed some clouds yesterday!"

He waited until the mayor was out of earshot before he faced Fuse. "Resting is done, there is work we must finish."

"I guess... but I don't wanna be roped into this mess anymore..." Fuse showed reluctance, she was hesitant to even take a step closer to the blazing fire. 

"Understandable, but I have no offensive spells, so I will need you to help me with something you are talented in."

Fuse raised a brow at Stoic, but soon enough she caught what he meant, and a smile formed on her face thanks to the implications. She was won over in just seconds. And now the two are off to who knows what. Hopefully, it is something safe, that's what the town needs more now than ever. 




The fire raged on, two beasts fought in hell for power over the other. And yet none showed signs of weakness. The nirik was unrelenting, he moved like a savage animal cornered by a larger predator. Viciously, he attacks. But it was matched by Minion's determined will and clear mind. He was predictable, his attacks were easily parried. 

"Damn it Kirin, snap out of it!" She tried, but only received a deep growl from the nirik. 

They continued to fight, if there were any tables left standing then they would be destroyed completely by accident. Charred and burnt shards of wood were thrown around amidst the struggle. Embers and ashes filled the air, the smoke started to get thicker. It was suffocating to be in the room. 

With every second spent in the fire, the weaker Minion became. Unlike the nirik, her dragon form was held by her will. Something changelings would train rigorously. It was part of who they are, not just creatures of deception. Like how pegasi could create storm clouds, or how the earth ponies can grow plants with no problem. Changelings are monsters of undecided shape. They can be any race they wish to be. 

Kirins on the other hand, from what she could tell, their nirik form is fueled by rage. And as much as she enjoyed some fisticuffs, this was doing the opposite of what she wanted. There was no way to pin down an animal like Kirin, he was far too wild to be detained. At this rate, he'll be on the loose, and the town will suffer.

The situation was getting worse, no matter how much she fought hard the nirik returned it with vicious attacks. His strikes connected to her chest, and with the final swing, her body shattered. The magic that kept her dragon form together broke after the hit. Sprawled out on the ground, she looked up at the nirik. Minion returned to her true form, back to her smaller size. It was the first time she noticed that Kirin was taller than her, especially from her current point of view. 

A deep guttural growl escaped his throat. He had her at a disadvantage, Minion would need to make the right move if she wishes to come out of this unscathed. That would be hard to achieve seeing her situation.

The nirik pounced with fangs ready to pierce her skin. She rolled to the left right into the fire. The nirik gave chase and vaulted over the wall of flames, but found himself bewildered as he saw no other creature behind it. But his confusion grew when something sticky covered his eyes. Blinded by this mysterious substance the nirik became frenzied. He breathed fire at his surroundings in hopes of catching Minion. 

Meanwhile, Minion was slowly inching away trying her best not to make any noise. She failed in capturing Kirin for a second time now, so she opted that it would be best to just run while she can. That gak will not hold for long, especially in this heat. And the fact that she lost her dragon form meant that she won't be able to handle the smoke in the air. She would suffocate if she lingered for too long. 

Crack. 

Minion paled upon realizing that her hoof had just crushed a charred piece of wood. She snapped towards the nirik, her heart pounded like a thunderous storm. And just as she feared, the nirik was already on top of her. She reacted too late as the nirik clamped down on her leg, his fangs hooked through the holes locking Minion in his teeth. 

"Oh bug!" She managed to cry out in time before she was dragged further into the building. 

Minion was tossed aside right into a corner. She watched as the heat melted the slime off the nirik's face. The fire around them became much more intense than before, Minion started to feel it even with the spell cast on her. Or perhaps her protection started to wear off which would make matters worse. 

"Well, go ahead! Come get me!" She taunted. It wasn't a good idea, being backed into a corner. If she wishes to see the next sunrise then she requires an outstanding plan. "What are you waiting for!?"

The nirik didn't hesitate and leaped forward. His fangs aimed right on Minion's neck. Taking action, Minion quickly rolled to the side, but not without any cost. 

Minion gasped and clutched a hoof on the right side of her face. She glared back with one eye, her teeth clenched tightly as she bared the pain. Now blinded on one side, she was given no choice but to retreat. Minion does not have the advantage to begin with, she was in a territory which no changeling could survive in for too long. Her opponent is a living fire who she admittedly calls a friend. Though she wouldn't say that out loud. But then this "friend" had just tried to kill her, and  almost bit out an eye. 

No, she shouldn't think of it like that. From the times she was with Kirin, he was always the kind and positive creature he is. Persistent, but kind. Most creatures would either be too scared of her or despise her so much that they'll just chase her out of town with pitchforks and torches. Kirin saw past her appearance, he saw someone he could be friends with. And now that Minion stood there, she noticed that she and Kirin are more alike than she would have believed.

Minion finally saw the other side of him, and she felt an odd sense of satisfaction. As if some weight on her shoulders was lifted. That's why she needed to stay. 

Running away now would bring that weight back, and Minion was not one to back down so easily. Though her eye was useless along with her right hoof, Minion stood her ground. 

The nirik charged at her leaving a trail of blueish fire. Minion dashed to the right just so she could keep him on her left side. With the injury she will not be able to transform, so she resorted to her offensive spells. The nirik was zapped repeatedly by green rays. He was stunned long enough for Minion to apply some slime under his hooves. And for a minute, he was locked in place. Just enough for Minion to charge up a spell. 

The nirik did not like being snared, but unlike his kirin side, the nirik did not limit his strength. He ripped his hooves off the adhesive with ease, shocking Minion as he did so. She didn't even have a chance to throw her magic at him, he wasted no time and bucked the changeling into the wall. 

Minion crawled against her just to get back to her hooves, but the nirik didn't give her any chance at all. His head slammed against her side, nearly landing his twisted horn on her. Minion quickly kicked him off her, only to feel a sharp sting after. Her eye widened, a pink spot on her black exterior. The spell Stoic had cast on her is gone and now she is exposed to the elements around her. Minion's head started to go light, she glanced fearfully towards the entity of fire.

She was slowly losing consciousness as the smoke started to fill her lungs, she spent too long in the fire. Her breathing became heavy. Step by step, Minion could only watch as the nirik approached her weakened form. Minion looked up from the ground, a soft gasp escaped her when her eye landed on the nirik. For a second, she saw Kirin smiling at her warmly, but that image vanished quickly and the nirik returned. A small grin formed on Minion's face, she silently laughed in front of the nirik. She cared little for what happens next. Minion knew that there was no room to beg, it was useless with the beast. 

But what she does know is that she just doesn't quit. 

Minion screamed as she wrapped her forelegs around the nirik's neck before tossing him against the wall. She stuck her hoof into his fiery mane feeling and enduring the flames. She smiled widely as she pulled out a dead root seed. It was untouched by the flames thanks to its protective layer. 

The nirik roared, only to be silenced with a walnut-like seed shoved into his mouth. 

Minion laughed as the nirik struggled to get the dead root seed out of his maw, but found that it stuck between his molars. 

"Out of the way!"

Minion didn't question it and pushed Kirin away. He was far too busy with the dead root seed to even see what was coming. A torrent of water slammed the nirik, sending him towards the wall. 

A group of firefighters had finally entered the building led by Stoic. Most of the fire had already been extinguished, now they have to deal with the source. And thanks to Minion, this would be easier to finish. 

"What is that!?" The fire chief exclaimed. 

"The fire spirit possessed my friend Kirin and is using his powers to wreak havoc." Stoic lied. "Just keep pushing him towards the south side of this building."

"Affirmative! Sorry Kirin, I heard you were a nice fellow!" The chief and his crew immediately blasted the nirik with a stream of water. 

Minion watched in awe as the nirik was pushed back. 

As the firefighters walked after the nirik, a group of pegasi entered with rain clouds to help extinguish whatever fire was left. Stoic watched carefully just in case for a clever trick the nirik would make. He waited until they had him against the wall.

"Now!" Stoic signaled to the pegasi, to which they relayed to another who hovered near the exit. 

 A second later an explosion erupted from the wall and buried the nirik in debris. Trapped and unable to fight any longer, the nirik could only roar. 

Stoic approached without caution. He knew that it was over, though a portion of the building is now a gaping hole, it did the job and contained the nirik. Thanks to the rain clouds, Kirin's emotions and body cooled down. Slowly but surely, he transformed back into his usual self. The nirik roared with whatever energy he had left before losing any consciousness. 

"Did I get him?" Fuse popped out from the edge of the opening. 

"The explosives worked out better than expected. The whole place is quite resilient even though it suffered." Stoic said. "I am honestly impressed with the structure."

"That's Mud for you, our buildings can take on earthquakes and storms! Heck, not even fire demons could burn down the town!" Fuse gasped. "Where's Star!?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Stoic, you don't have to do this." She said.

Stoic waved her off and went over to Minion's side. She turned to glare at him with teeth bared. 

"You here to finish the job?" She sneered. "Go ahead, I ain't scared." If she wasn't weak, then Minion would've fought back. 

He said no word, the last thing Minion saw was the killing intent in his eyes. Then everything went black.
> Rekindled Light
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slowly, Minion awoke. Her body ached as she gained consciousness. Her heart beats calmly, it was just as loud as the noises around her. Her eyes opened, and the darkness was replaced by a bright light that nearly blinded Minion. The changeling felt confused, everything was white. The walls, the floor, and the bed she was in. 

But that was not something to be concerned about. Her hoof reached over to her right eye and felt a patch over it. She was unsure if she could still see through it or not, and Minion would've tried to peel off the patch, but she was too scared of the answer. She looked over to the left and noticed an open door. In the hallway, there were several ponies in uniform walking around, all busy with whatever work they had. 

Then it hit her, the last memory she had before everything went black. Stoic's glare. The way his eyes showed no emotion, only the intent to kill. It was obvious that he despised her whole being. A changeling. And yet, she woke up. Though covered in bandages and burns, she was still intact, well mostly.

"We need to talk."

Minion screamed her lungs out, her eye widened upon realizing that Stoic was actually sitting on the right side of the room. Her blind spot, she would have never thought he was even there to begin with. He just sat there, all silent and unloving. Like a damn haunted puppet.

"I'm not gonna hurt you." He promised. 

"That's something, I was definitely sure you'd end me."

"Yes, that was the plan." He admitted. "But... Let's just say that I had a change of heart." 

"How so?"

He rose to his hooves and walked towards the window where he looked out, his back facing her and he was vulnerable to any attacks. But she easily read the message he was sending, it was a sign that he wished not to fight, but just talk. "As you know, I am part of the Institute of Peace, and we have been doing our best to keep all races from starting a war among each other. And changelings are ones that we cannot negotiate with, as has been told in history many times before."

He glanced back at her with his piercing gaze.

"Your kind only brings war, you are a parasite in this world and would feast upon every creature you meet." These words were true, but these changelings are just part of the circle of life. Their only source of food is love, and they cannot give each other love, they must take from others. It was just nature. "The Institute does not see any redeeming qualities on changelings, they are one of the many species listed as nonnegotiable creatures, along with many of course."

"What are you getting at?" Minion scowled. 

Stoic sighed, he walked over to the bedside table that was next to Minion. There he picked up a mirror and pointed the face at Minion, showing her the patch on her face along with other bandages that covered parts of her body. "Your eye is functional, the wound was not deep enough to take your vision away, but a scar will be there to forever remind you."

Minion didn't say a word, her hoof only caressed the patch as his words echoed in her head. She only snapped out of it when Stoic began talking once more. 

"You showed concern for Kirin back there,"

"Yeah, what of it!?"

Stoic raised his hooves to show that he was no threat. "I mean no ill will, all I'm saying is that you were worried for Kirin. And I must commend you, you had dozens of chances to escape, and yet you stayed."

"I couldn't just leave him there, I needed to do something." It was honest, and that was something Stoic could tell. 

"That is why I am giving you a chance," This piqued Minion's curiosity. She looked him straight in the eyes and waited for him to continue. "I have decided to request that the Institution would allow me to interview you, Minion."

"For what?"

"It's an evaluation to see if your race can become a member of our society, and I am happy to say the Institute approved my request."

Minion was shocked to hear that, it was a strange idea, and yet she felt a little invested in it. "But what about the things you said, aren't we changelings just parasites?"

"That's what they said about the griffons, and yet, we looked past their greedy bit pinching ways and allowed them into our borders." He said blankly, but Minion could tell that he was not fond of griffons thanks to her abilities. That was something she did not expect from someone who promotes peace. "So, will you help bridge our species together and create a new world?"

There was a moment of silence, Minion sighed. A smirk grew on her lips as she looked at him. "You do realize that is impossible right? You're right about us changelings, all we do is take just so we can feed."

"I know," He said nonchalantly. "Your species cannot be redeemed, but this was the only way I can keep the Institute from taking you in. There are things we do just to keep the peace, no matter what."

"So this is just you protecting me?"

"Yes, but I still want to interview you. To be completely honest Minion, this is the first time I have seen a changeling alive."

"Wait, you know my name?" She asked. 

"Why wouldn't I? Kirin won't stop worrying about you ever since the fire."

A small smile appeared on Minion, her heart felt lighter when she learned about what Kirin was doing in her sleep. But then again... "Where is Kirin?"

His expression darkened more than usual. He glared off to the side with regret. "No matter what I do, he just wouldn't think twice about it."

"What do you mean?"

"He's leaving, Minion..." 

"What!?" She exclaimed. Quickly, she tossed the sheets of her bed aside but was prevented from leaving by Stoic. "Let me go!"

Stoic only smiled, this was the first time he showed emotion. "This is why I want to keep you safe Minion, you care for Kirin, and by the looks of it you won't stop until you see him."

"You're darn right I won't."

With that said, Stoic allowed her to go despite her current state. Minion bolted out the door, nearly crashing into a hospital staff, but all she received was a curious look from the pony. Others had stopped to stare but returned to their business soon after. 

Stoic would've followed, but a series of taps attracted his attention. He looked over to the window and saw Bertrand perched outside. A letter was attached to his leg. Stoic sighed, there were so many things to do. 




Kirin sighed, he sat waiting on a bench for the train to arrive. There were only a few other ponies in the station, as well as the mud vendor. He's just happy that his new friend Quick Fuse was there to see him off. Though none of them have spoken a word to each other leaving an awkward silence around them. 

"Mud on a stick?" The vendor offered out of nowhere. 

"N-" He paused, Kirin quickly changed his mind. "You know what? Sure, I'll have one."

The exchange was quick, the sales pony was out of his hair the moment he paid for the mud on the stick. Kirin stared at it for a second before turning to Fuse just so he could ask a question. 

"So, what do I do with this?" He questioned the local of the town. 

"You eat it," She answered. "but don't worry, it isn't actually made of mud. That's just what Sweet Hooves calls it. Those are chocolate muffin balls made to look like mud, he baked them himself to be in fact."

"Wait really?" Kirin immediately took a bite and was surprised to say that he was blown away. They were indeed a muffin ball on a stick. It was an amazing experience, so much that it saddened Kirin that he had to leave.

"How is it?" Fuse asked. 

"It's the best muffin I have ever tasted," Kirin answered truthfully. 

Fuse smirked proudly. "Heh, that's Sweet Hooves for you. He won't rest until he bakes the best pastry in town."

"Guess I'll have to miss out then since I'm leaving..."

"Yeah..."

They returned to their usual silence. Another moment to just enjoy what little time they have left with each other. Kirin checked the clock on the wall, only a few minutes before the train arrives. So he waited patiently, though he wished Stoic would be there to say goodbye. Out of all the ponies he met, it was Stoic who he liked the most. The unicorn was just an interesting character to Kirin, with that professional style Stoic had, and his skill in combat was impressive. 

And Quick Fuse, they had a short time with each other, and she did bury him in rubble, but he deserved it for what he did. Still, he enjoyed her presence. And it was nice enough that she was there for him. Though Carrot and Orange dropped by just to say farewell, which was deeply appreciated. Even his boss was feeling blue about him leaving, she even gave him his weekly pay early just to show that she appreciated the work he did. 

"You gonna finish that?" A voice spoke from over his shoulder. 

Kirin snapped towards the left and came face to face with Minion. He gasped in surprise, but then he looked away and said nothing. Regret flashed in his eyes as he did so. 

Fuse excused herself, she knew that it would be best to leave the two alone. 

"No hello?" Minion said with a hint of disappointment. "Guess you're bummed out by what happened yesterday."

"How can you say that?" Kirin still hid his face. "For what I did, I don't think I should stick around anymore."

"So you remembered what happened back there?" Minion leaned towards him to look Kirin in the eyes, but he only moved away. It was clear that he was too scared to face her. "Then you remembered that I stayed."

"You should've ran, you had the chance..." He muttered. 

"Yeah, I should've... but aren't we friends?"

Kirin flinched upon hearing the word, his body tensed up. Yet he still looked away from Minion. 

"We can't be friends, you don't want to be anyway." He sighed. "It's for the best, we aren't exactly on the same frequency..."

"Does it matter?" Minion asked. "It doesn't, that's what. You didn't hurt me Kirin, it was the nirik in you. And thanks to the wine we had yesterday you weren't exactly in good condition. None of it was your fault, and you need to understand that."

"It is my fault!" He snapped at her. "I knew I couldn't handle wine like you and Stoic, I knew that I would turn into a nirik if I got too emotional! Anger is just a part of me, and I don't want this to happen again!"

"You can control your anger!" She shot back. "Emotions are part of every creature on the planet. We feel hate and joy for many things, you can't go and bottle up one and just forget it exists."

"You don't understand! Once I turn, I can't control myself!" He reasoned. "I can't even bear with what could have happened to you!"

Minion was taken aback, her heart skipped a beat from his words. And now she understands, he remembered it all, perhaps as clear as day. It was like a nightmare to Kirin, being helpless and unable to decide on his own. Kirin watched himself doing things he would never do. If it were not for Minion's determination and the help from others, then he would've done something that will forever haunt him. 

Minion sat down on the vacant spot next to him, Kirin still kept his eyes away from her. But she did notice a few spectators nearby. She glanced at them with an arched brow wondering who some of them were, Quick Fuse and Stoic were there but she couldn't name the rest. Ignoring the strange group and the two ponies she knew, Minion turned to face Kirin with a woeful face. 

"Where will you go?" She asked. 

"Home," Minion felt a sharp pain in her chest. "I just think it would be best to just give up while I'm ahead. The outside world isn't a place for a destructive creature such as me."

"Don't beat yourself up like that," Minion said calmly as possible. She tried her best not to do anything that would cost her a chance. "You can still live here, you know, with me. No one seems to look at us weirdly anymore."

"Because Stoic lied to them." He whispered as to not cause suspicions on themselves. If word of the truth gets out, then he would be in quite the trouble. "Minion... I can't just go back, it's not safe anymore, I see that. It would be better if I am around my own kind, that way they can help whenever I become a nirik."

"You're a monster," She said out loud. 

"I am..." He agreed without hesitation. 

"Kirin, look at me."

He was reluctant, Kirin was too scared to see Minion in her current state. He saw the burns she suffered before she was taken to the hospital and the wound on her face. Kirin could still taste it, how disgusted he was with himself. 

"It's okay, you can look at me." She reassured him. 

Finally, he caved in and faced Minion. And as he expected, he felt regret upon seeing her. The patch on her face was the one thing that hurt him the most. But then a realization came, he wasn't staring at Golden Star, it was Minion who was seated with him on the bench. Not a beautiful blonde unicorn, but a pony-like insect called a changeling. 

Somehow just from Minion's real self had calmed him. Unconsciously, his hoof caressed her left cheek. Tears started to gather in the corner of his eyes as he trembled. 

"I'm sorry," He apologized, he repeated these words over and over. Until he felt Minion's embrace. She held Kirin tightly, not daring to let him go so easily. 

"We're both monsters, you and I." She said to him. "There are many things that make us different, but you and I are alike in one thing, we aren't ponies."

She paused for a second soak in her own words.

"There's nothing wrong with that, we are who we are because that is how fate made us. But thanks to fate, our paths crossed leading me to something I have never wanted before. What I wanted and needed the most... was a friend."

"Minion..."

"Kirin, I-" Kirin stopped her finishing as he gently pushed her away, breaking their embrace. A kind, calming smile greeted Minion as he did so. 

"Limelight, that's my name..."

"Limelight?" A soft smile appeared on Minion. "Should've seen that coming."

"Yeah, with the green mane and my love for the theater stage play, you would've guessed my name."

"Limelight..." Minion sighed. "Are you still up for that symbiotic relationship?"

"Will it hurt when you feed on me?"

"We've already done it once, so you should know what it feels like now." Minion chuckled. "So will you stay with me, and be friends?"

"As long as you take up my other offer."

She rolled her eye at him but then smiled. "You know what? Being a monkey for some circus doesn't sound all that bad when I'm with you."

Limelight smiled back. "Then we have a deal, you and I will be the best on the stage! My first idea is that we do a musical. I have been reading about the history of Equestria and they have a lot of potentials."

A frown was all that Limelight received from Minion. She huffed and turned away. "I am already regretting this."

"So, I decided to stay... Should we tell the others?" He did his best not to look towards their spectators as he spoke. 

"Nah," Minion smirked. "Let's wait until the train comes and you pretend to take it. That'll be hilarious."

"Deception will always be part of you," He chuckled softly. 

"Fire and deception, the strangest combo I ever heard." Minion commented. "Limelight?"

The kirin looked away from his mud on a stick. 

"Thanks for being a nuisance."

With that, the two continued to talk as they waited for their little prank to begin. While the others watched, Limelight and Minion enjoyed each other's company. What was once locked behind a sealed door came flooding out for Minion. She opened up to her friend and told her story to him. 

Though the train had arrived minutes ago, the two did nothing but talk. They learned more from each other than ever before. 

Two creatures of different origins found comfort with each other. One was kind and honest, and the other was deceptive and dangerous. And yet, the two were more compatible than most. Though there were a few arguments, the two continued with their conversation. It wasn't long before the sun went down and both had to go home. And the two cherished their moments together, hoping that whatever obstacle comes their way, they would face it together.


FIN

> Bonus Chapter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, you've shown yourself." A green pony with scarlet red moppy mane spoke. He stood just under the spotlight that illuminated the empty streets. A thick fog gathered just below his hooves. 

He stood there waiting, his eyes focused solely on a nearby alley shrouded in shadows. His face hardened as he scoffed at the darkness. A set of hooves echoed back to him revealing the presence of something sinister. 

A deep laugh erupted from the alley, then two crimson red orbs came into existence which glared at the pony with disgust. 

"You are a fool to come here." Another voice spoke. "Foolish indeed John Pierce."

John Pierce the pony took a stance, his mind, and body were both prepared to take on whatever surprise comes his way. 

The creature then stepped into the light and revealed a kirin who wore a purple jacket that covered his brown scales. His creamy white coat sparkled under the light, and his silky lime green mane fluttered with the wind. He grinned showing off his rows of sharp teeth which could injure a pony quite badly. 

John Pierce scowled. "For what you have done Mercury Kirin, I shall make you pay with the help of my power! Iron Buckboard!"

"Fool!" Mercury laughed. "You are no match to my... Qilin Queen!"

Out of nowhere, a nirik with pink flames appeared behind Mercury and posed intimidatingly. John Pierce tensed up after Mercury's summon was revealed. 

"You are a foolish fool who foolishly believes that they can foolhardy defeat me, what a fool." Mercury grinned. "Such foolishness."

"What's going on here?"

Both John and Mercury froze. They turned towards the new arrival, a grey unicorn with a blonde mane and emerald eyes. He wore a red vest over a clean white shirt with his sleeves folded up to his elbows. His forelegs were covered in a wrap of bandages. He gave both John and Mercury a cold stare as he examined them both. 

It was at that moment the world shattered revealing that they were not in an empty street, but in a cavern with several props around. Cardboard cutouts of buildings and a tower of paper towel tubes to act as a street lamp. Turns out that Mercury Kirin was just Limelight, while John Pierce was actually an earth pony named Shamrock Clover who is a resident of the town called Mud. And he was a close friend of Quick Fuse. 

"We're doing rehearsals for the play!" Limelight said as his friend Minion removed her disguise.

"Right, how is your career going?" Stoic wished to know. 

Limelight smiled. "Oh it's great, they loved our debut! Kira And Clair was the talk of the town for weeks!"

"I'm happy to hear that," Stoic didn't exactly show it, but he was. "Forgive me for missing it, I wanted to see who played me and evaluate their accuracy."

"Oh, I played Swain!" Clover informed Stoic. "You can ask everyone, I was like a robot!"

"That is impressive if so," Stoic chuckled. "I'm sure you did great. How are you, Minion?"

Minion shrugged her shoulders. Stoic couldn't help but notice the scar that started on her right brow and ended on her right cheek. It was a reminder of what happened that day in the Hungry Moth restaurant. Something everyone regretted. 

"I'm alright," Minion said with disinterest. "Got to feed on the whole town, only bits of their love so don't go attacking just yet."

Stoic hummed in approval. "I'm glad you did not go against your word, I commend you, Minion."

"Yeah, whatever."

"Am I boring you, Minion?" Stoic arched a brow. But then a chuckle escaped his lips. "Then maybe some gift from Canterlot will please you."

"Gift!?" Limelight exclaimed. "That is awesome!"

"Yes, sorry if I haven't gotten you anything Shamrock, I did not expect anyone else to be here." 

"No problem mister Stoic! I didn't even expect to get gifts, so it's all good!" Clover was very cheerful and friendly. 

"Alright," Stoic's horn glowed, from a flash of light a large plastic box appeared. 

It was almost as big as Limelight's head and had a crank on the right side. It was also notable that there was a large camera lens on the front. 

"For you Limelight, I bought the latest Sky-pliance hoof cranked box camera. With this, you can create moving pictures. I will bring you some more tools to help you create movies, like a microphone."

"That... is amazing!" Limelight thanked Stoic for the gift. It was deeply appreciated and he promised that he would cherish the camera. "So you're telling me that this doohickey will help me with my dream? This is the best!"

"I am happy you think so my friend." Stoic then turned towards Minion. "As for you, I bought something that isn't as grand as a camera."

Minion watched carefully as Stoic produced a purple scarf and round shades with similar colored tints. Though the pair of shades were a bit too small, it could barely hide her eyes. 

"Yes, it is small, but I assure you that this is merely cosmetic. They are not meant to be used as actual shades, simply just for fashion. Though the lenses do work normally." Stoic handed the two pieces of accessories to Minion. 

"Uh, thanks..." Minion wanted to just put it away and forget that it exists. But she was trying to be friendly, so it was better to just accept and use the gifts. 

She wrapped her neck with the scarf and placed the shades on her snout. As she expected, which didn't surprise anyone, the circular shades were just cosmetic. As Stoic said. 

"I'm actually fine if you don't bring me gifts, don't really care about those kinds of things." Minion said. 

"Really?" Limelight asked with disbelief. "But you looked so happy when I gave you that rock yesterday!"

"I like rocks," She admitted. 

"No, I think you just like Limelight's gifts, even if they are plain rocks." Stoic reasoned. 

"Oh shut up, it isn't that!" She snapped at him. 

"Aw," Limelight wrapped his hooves around Minion and pulled her into a hug. "love you too!"

"Gah!" Minion yelped. 

The two ponies watched as Minion struggled to escape Limelight's embrace. Stoic found her failure amusing in some way.

New opportunities were just on the horizon, and who knows, perhaps Limelight could achieve his dream one day. And with friends like these, nothing is impossible.