Corruption is Magic

Walking into the main hall of the castle I am greeted to the sight of over two dozen different people varying from human-esk like Alexander all the way to towering Minatours, there are many beings that I have no clue what they are in said mix. Feeling intimidated I feel Alexander’s had gently grip mine. I guess I was showing my worry… okay Twilight… focus. I mentally pep myself up getting my confident act back up. Just in time for the sound of a screeching banshee to rip through the music in the main hall. “Who let her in!”

I look at the noise like many others at the party and am quickly met with the glare of Pevla. “You aren’t supposed to be here!” Pevla screeches as she storms over to us followed by a well armored guardsman holding a book much like the gate guard.

“Scuse me, you're not allowed to be here.” The Guard says, getting to us before Pevla.

“Oh? I thought this party was for all those in the Hierarchy.” I say loud and clear enough to have my voice carry through the hall. If I understand this game right, players like pawns. So if they find out a certain Bee tried to keep me out of here and in her pocket… there might be some hostility towards her and give me an in.

“This party is for the Hierarchy at play. However you aren't-”

“Don’t give me any of that. I’m the Lady of Primal Glow and the student of Alexander, Prime Evil Tyrant. I feel I am adequately entitled to join this party.” I say as Pevla gets to us but stops dead when she hears Alexander and his title. “Something wrong dear?” I confidently look at the startled but still fuming Viscountess, a smug grin on my lips.

“I… You weren’t told about this party for a reason, you pest.” She hisses in a quiet voice.

“Oh, so you knew I wasn’t supposed to show up?” I say getting some veiled anger shot at the bee who bristles at me doing so.

“You stupid bitch, you have no idea who you are messing with. I’ll deal with you later.” Pevla growls through her clenched teeth. Turning on her heels she storms off leaving the Guard confused as he stands before us.

“Ah, you also must be the Captain of the guard.” I say looking at him.

“Yes, I am.”

“Good, since you inconvenienced me and were quite rude trying to obstruct us from entering due to Lady Jespin bribing you, I feel I am owed a small favor.” I say seductively as I lean into the guard who gulps.

“I… I don't know what you mean by bribe. Though I am here to help.” The Captain says and I internally chuckle.

“Who here are the most… talkative ones here?” I ask, if they talk then they probably are players. Making moves and all that… though it isn’t airtight it’s a jumping off point.

“Well, there is Lord Indil, he is the Viscount north of the Capital and he oversees many smaller regions and he seems to stay at the side of his superior Lady Fena who is a Countess. Lady Fena is a Faun, it's easy to remember her name due to that, Lord Indil is a Slimeoid, or more commonly called Slime person. He is orange.” The guard says as he points to the table with many people around it drinking what looks to be alcohol that is set out on said table. Standing there I see the two people the Guard mentioned chatting up a storm with others but periodically they would glance over at me. “Then there is Lady Jespin and her group.” The Guard says jestering over to them, there are around seven people who are all talking among themselves.

“What are they like?”

“Do you like drugs, weapons, slaves, and anything else like those that this world runs on?”

“Not overly.” I say restraining my disgust. So that’s who they are.

“Sorry to say this but… the power vacuum you caused has put those people at odds with you.” the Guard says and I mentally note that the group will be an issue.

“You know what that means.” Alexander whispers into my ear and I hum in question to him. “You are creating an impression even before getting here.”

“It seems so. Thank you Captain, you are dismissed.” I say and without missing a beat he walks off taking a moment to look at his book but shakes his head as he closes it. Alexander chuckles and lets my hand go.

“Well my Dear, It seems you should test out those wings of yours a bit more without me by your side. If you need me at any point I’ll be around.” He says as he taps the side of his head beside his eyes. Giving him a nod I smile at him.

“You just want to get the Alcohol.” With a gasp he places the hand he had at his head on his chest.

“Am I truly that easy to read? Woe is me, my addiction has been found out.” Alexander exaggeratedly acts to faint but chuckles as he drops the act. “Don’t get too comfortable my Dear.” He says as he waves and walks off to the table with snack food on it. Rolling my eyes I bring my confident Facade back up and walk through the hall peering at the guests out of the corner of my eye and keeping my ears open to listen in on conversations as I explore. This exploration however is quickly interrupted by a strange person standing in front of me, his gaze falling on me as if he were appraising me. This man is in less than regal clothing consisting of brown robes tied off by simple rope. The person themself is light purple and their face looks like an octopus with tentacles being where a mouth should be. They just watch me and I open my mouth to ask them if I can help them but they speak up before I can even articulate anything.

“Why is this one’s horn broken?”

“Wait what?” I ask as my hand shoots up to my horn feeling it has returned to its broken state. “Wait, I fixed that!” I yell in anger.

“Ah, this one used Transformation magic. Temporary change of Prime Evils and the scholarly.” The man says in his wispy voice.

“I… Sorry.” I say getting my emotions back in line and putting up my Facade again. “My name is-”

“This one is Twilight. Wexion wishes to know more of this pony, however Wexion might know too much already.” Uh… is… this person okay?

“Who is Wexion?” I ask, deciding I might as well start with this person if they want to get to know me.

“This one is Wexion.” The man says as he points to himself. Oh dear Celestia… They are a person that talks in third person… It has happened twice now.

“Alright, Wexion… What do you want to know.” I say mentally groaning and feeling my act fall as I dread what is coming.

“What this pony seeks is to reform. A noble cause indeed but what length is this one's will?”

“Are… you asking to what lengths I’d be willing to go?”

“More or less.”

“I tend to be able to achieve anything I set my mind to. So… very.”

“Interesting, very very interesting.”

“Do you want to assist in my goals?” I ask, thinking about how this person could be useful but I hear a small laugh come from him.

“Wexion is neither hand nor piece. This one would do well to not assume they can use Wexion. That being said, we can help a friend.” Wait… so Wexion isn’t a player or a pawn? So what? Is he just not part of the game at all?

“Uh… okay well… do you like the idea of changing the status quo?”

“We do not care for either way. The only thing Wexion cares for is Exotic goods. He hears rumor that your world has magnificent cakes for sale. Wexion wishes to be an importer.”

“Where did you hear that from?” I ask not knowing who could have told him that as I had never mentioned that kind of thing even to Gomra.

“A small Greeble. They are invisible mischievous creatures that only Wexion can see… or maybe it was the Moonlight Butterflies… Wexion is not sure anymore.” I… think I found a Pinky.