Pipp leaped out of bed, and grabbed her phone. "Good morning Pippsqueaks! Hope you're having an awesome morning! I'm pretty pumped, and with the grand concert coming up, not to mention better weather, we all have reasons to be outdoors and looking fabulous! And I'm proud to debut something I've been working on!"

She popped into her closet, and emerged a few minutes later, wearing a pink ballgown with a puffy skirt, an elaborate pattern of embroidery running across the dome of the skirt, flower patterns locking the fabric together, a low cut bodice, and pink evening gloves.

"And this is the new look I'll be debuting at the banquet later this week!" she smiled. "Got it commissioned from my favourite dressmaker, Rarity! Now, I know it looks heavy, but the crinoline is pretty light on the hips!" She shifted from side to side to demonstrate. "Makes singing easy too!"

To demonstrate, she grabbed her microphone and set a backing track going. "This is my newest song, from me to you!"

Everybody needs a good friend/
Every now and then, yeah!
Somebody you can turn to/
For a little magic, for a little strength!
When we are together, everything is great, yeah!

"Bright sky, fly-high!
This life's gettin' better every day, whoa!
Day and night, you and I, side-by-side/
Wouldn't have it any other way?

"I'm livin' my bestie life/
When I got you by my side!
Nothin' that we cannot do/
All I really need is you!
The bestie life, the bestie lifе!
Oh-oh, oh, oh-oh!
Ha, ha!"

Pipp's singing was suddenly interrupted by the door. Zipp had opened it. "Pipp, could you keep it down? I'm trying to focus on mom's notes and..." She trailed off as she looked. "Erm, Pipp, what are you wearing?"

Pipp looked over. "It's the new dress I'll be debuting at the Banquet!"

Zipp frowned. "You look like an iced cake."

Pipp frowned in return. "Nothing nice to say to your little sis?"

"I'm only older than you by a few minutes," Zipp replied. "And suit yourself, princess."

"You look cute in a crinoline!" Pipp answered.

"Your opinion, not mine. Why anybody would willingly wear those things is beyond me." Zipp paused. "Hang on, I hear mom calling."

Zipp stumbled down the corridor, following Lady Haven. The latter was busy giving instructions down a phone.

"And I'm certain if we move these elements around it would improve the overall look of the Great Hall..."

Zipp leaned over. "Coffee, Wadsworth. Black. With plenty of caffeine."

"Understood, your ladyship."

"Zipp. Call me Zipp."

Up ahead, Lady Haven finished her phone call. "I'd forgotten how serious this business is to be honest. After all, dinners don't plan themselves."

She then spotted Zipp drinking coffee. "That's rather strong. I can smell it from here!"

"I am seriously sleep deprived," Zipp groaned. "I didn't sleep very well last night and then Pipp started playing loud music."

"Make sure to get an early night tonight," Lady Haven said, as they descended the Grand Staircase and entered into the Great Hall. The room was stuffed to the brim with tables. Seats galore stretched as far as the eye could see, and tables covered in all sorts of objects sat nearby. Strange domed things sat in place, ready to be loaded with food. "Of course, the last time we hosted this you two hadn't even been born! I had to be excused from most of it, leaving Robert to handle most of proceedings- as it turns out, formal dinners and being heavily pregnant don't really mix."

"What is all this stuff?" Zipp asked. "And remind me what we're doing here again?"

Lady Haven stopped, as she'd been speaking to nobody in particular. "There is a tradition," she said, "of the different Dukedoms hosting a Charity Dinner in aid of wounded servicemen. This was started after World War One, as we felt that those who had served our country now needed our help in return. After all, had they not been there we'd probably be having this conversation in German. But anyway, given the sheer number of guests this is a logistics nightmare, which is why I wanted you to observe proceedings. There will come a day when you are the one running this, so it is important you understand precisely how these things are run and managed." She paused. "Part of that is engaging in small talk with guests, so I was thinking it would be a good idea to have a practice."

Zipp looked over as several members of household staff approached.

"Pretend that they are guests." Lady Haven looked over. "Maestro, some music please!"

Zipp took a seat as some nondescript classical music echoed from a piano.

Meanwhile, Pipp was now at a theatre, setting up a show. As part of their residence in Falmouth, the Havens had funded the construction of a new, elaborate theatre to replace the old one (which Sprout had pulled down during his time in power). Inside the vast, cavernous building, people were running about.

"Microphone, check!" shouted a voice.

"Sound test for guitar!" shouted another, which was promptly followed by power chords.

Pipp sat at the side of the stage and looked down. "I wish you were here, Zipp."

"What's wrong?" Izzy asked.

"Zipp said she'd be here for the rehearsal, but I can't see her anywhere!" Pipp said.

"Maybe she's running late," Sunny said, trying to reassure her friend. "After all we've been through it's be weird for her to leave us in the lurch. Besides, the concert tomorrow isn't about Zipp. It's to support the charity fundraising. And performing live for all those people- icing on the cake!"

Pipp nodded. "Hey, thanks Sunny. Let's get this show on the road!" She strode forward to the microphone and moved it down slightly. "Whoever was last using it was clearly taller than me." She raised a hand. "We good to go?"

"Sure thing!" shouted a backup musician.

"We'll open the set with an old classic," Pipp said.

"Just got here!" Hitch called. "I've got backing vocals on this one, from memory!"

The music began to flow into the room, and sure enough Pipp led off.

"The colours of these plants clash horribly," Zipp said. "That's our table, right?"

"Yes," Lady Haven said. "What's the issue?"

"For formal events you usually wear red. Pipp's planning on wearing pink, and I'm normally in blue. We'll need colours that complement our clothing, not clash with them."

"Clearly talking to Mr Starshine is rubbing off on you," Lady Haven smiled.

"Open my eyes, the sun is smiling down on me/
Beautiful shine and everything is sparkling/
Feeling powerful, filled with bravery!"

Izzy then joined in.

"Ready for anything, yeah!"

Pipp sang on her own. "Let's go!"

Hitch then joined in.

"With all the friends that we lo-ove!"

Pipp resumed lead vocals duty as Izzy and Hitch sang backing vocals.

"It's a new day, a magical morning!
Never boring, there's wonder everywhere!
It's a new day, flying and soaring/
We're exploring, we're gonna make our way!

"Calling everybody, you know who you are!
Beautiful and strong, you're like a shining star!
Ready to play!
It's a new day!"

Pipp resumed lead vocals as the backing dropped away.

"I didn't know the Duke of Norfolk was coming," Zipp said.

"All the non-Royal Dukes are attending," Lady Haven said. "As many of them are former soldiers or Honorary Colonels it only makes sense for them to attend such a fundraiser. Now then, shall we take it from the top?" She pointed to a herald.

"Duke of Richmond and Lennox."

"Very good!"

"It's a delight, this bestie life is all we need!
We can create this life, we're makin' history!
Feeling wonderful, now we're shimmering!"

Pipp and Izzy then sang together.

"Ready for anything, yeah!"

Hitch then switched out for Izzy on the backing vocals.

"Let's go!
With all the friends that we lo-ove!"

Before the prior arrangement resumed, with Pipp on lead and everybody else on backing vocals.

"It's a new day, a magical morning!
Never boring, there's wonder everywhere!
It's a new day, flying and soaring/
We're exploring, we're gonna make our way!

"Calling everybody, you know who you are!
Beautiful and strong, you're like a shining star!
Ready to pla-a-ay!
It's a new day! (It's a new day)

"It's a magical life!
Scream and shout, scream and shout, let it out!
Let it out!
It's a new day!
Scream and shout, scream and shout, let it out!
Let it out!

"It's a new day!" Pipp finished on her own, as the notes faded out.

The test crowd cheered and clapped as Pipp stepped back from the mic. "So, how did that sound guys?"

Suddenly, an enormous banner fell from the ceiling, narrowly avoiding hitting her.

"I will never understand why you use that synth garbage."

Pipp looked over as a man walked onto the stage. He had greyish skin, blue short hair, and purplish eyes, with a pair of red glasses sitting on top of his head. He wore a pair of jeans and a dark blue hoodie.

"Oh, hello Carotang!" she said, trying to force a smile.

"Who's this guy?" Izzy asked.

"I invited him to perform at the Charity Dinner," Pipp explained. "He often makes big entrances."

"You bet I do," Carotang said, a strong hint of a Mancunian accent.

Pipp sighed. "I know I said I'd help you advertise your new album, but I don't think a Charity Concert is really the right place. You know, one designed to help people less fortunate than ourselves."

"You don't have to advertise yourself," Carotang said, dismissively. "The event is being held in your house, after all. And what would you know about the struggles of those lower down the food chain?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pipp asked.

"Your mam is one of the wealthiest people in the country. You were born in the lap of luxury, and have access to social links most of us can only dream of. You were born in the spotlight. Your foot was already wedged in the door. I had to get my foot in the door then prove I belonged there."

"You're a millionaire," Pipp pointed out.

"But I earned every single one of those millions working," Carotang replied. "I didn't inherit it through accident of birth. Anyway, I need to practice my set. See you. Oh, and by the way, don't wear that dress tomorrow. It makes you look fat."

Pipp walked away, hoping to get away from his voice- only to discover he had filled every conceivable space in the lobby with posters for his show. "He is utterly full of himself," she sighed, suddenly noticing that even the plaque that thanked the Havens for their donation for the building's construction was covered in them. She pulled them off and dumped them in the bin. "Consider the deal off, Caroting. You've lost yourself a very influential follower."

"Today is gonna be the day/
that they're gonna throw it back to you!
By now, you should've somehow/
realised what you gotta do!
I don't believe that anybody/
feels the way I do about you now!"

Pipp walked into the room and sighed. "Really, Zipp?" she asked. "Must you listen to Oasis now of all times?"

"The remaster's really good!" Zipp protested.

"Given Carotang's insisting on performing that Britpop crap I really don't need to hear it now. Seriously, even Misty was listening to one of his covers!"

Zipp looked over. "He's here?"

"Yeah. He was at the rehearsal." Pipp flopped in the chair. "Stole the show. Made jokes about my weight- again. I don't need constant reminders I used to be overweight."

Zipp's face fell. "The rehearsal? Pipp, I'm so sorry, I forgot. Got lost in all the paperwork."

Pipp sighed. "No big deal. It's not as if supporting your little sister is a big deal or anything."

"I've had a lot to do here!" Zipp protested. "I lost track of time, and-"

"You don't need to tell me ad nauseam how stressed you are."

"I'm not!"

Pipp moved the chair forward. "All you do is put some flowers around and see hello to fellow nobility whilst counting down the hours till you can take a frock off. Easy for me- except for the whole taking the frock off bit."

"I thought you loved these events!" Zipp said. "You get to wear a puffy dress without it looking odd!"

"Luckily for you, I'm going to ignore that," Pipp replied. "Maybe put a bit more work into this stuff?"

"I don't enjoy doing it," Zipp answered. "I don't like the thought that one day mom won't be here. Besides, I've heard your songs loads of times."

"I'm entirely performing new material tomorrow." Pipp got up. "Performing is way harder than it looks. Only when you've done it outside of the songs that seem to come from nowhere will you really understand. Good day." With that, Pipp stormed off.

Zipp sighed. "Best I just leave her to vent."

Pipp was doing her best impression of a lobster, as her face had gone red. "Oh, no doubt her curtsies will be perfect. The flowers will be lovely. And no doubt Carotang will spend the whole evening pretending he's Liam Gallagher. Those sunglasses look stupid on his face."

Pipp wasn't watching where she was going, but she was too angry to care. As a result, she tripped on a rock and hit the floor. "Ow! Who left that there?!"

"I did," said a voice. Pipp suddenly saw a small nymph floating on front of her. "My name is Milky Way, and I am here to help you."

"So, you're kinda like a Fairy Godmother?" Pipp asked.

"Not really. You're not exactly in Cinderella's situation." The spirit stopped. "But enough about me. I only appear to those in need. And I can tell you're hurting."

Pipp sighed. "Yeah. I guess I am. I had a practice for a concert today, and my sister didn't show up. She then dismissed what I do as easy. I know I make it look easy, but it's actually really stressful trying to fit everything in." She looked out to sea as she saw the sun set into the ocean. "Sometimes... I just want Zipp to respect what I do as a performer."

Milky Way nodded. "I know the feeling. I'm something of an outcast amongst my own people."

"Pipp! Dinner!"

"Coming!" Pipp called. "Hopefully chat with you later!"

Milky Way laughed as she looked up at the sky. "Oh, you'll be seeing plenty of me, Pipp Petals."

The next morning dawned, and Pipp groaned as she sat up. "I must've slept awkwardly last ni..."

She trailed off. Was she coming down with something? Her voice wasn't usually this deep.

Come to think of it, why was she in Zipp's bedroom?

She got out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom, her balance feeling all wrong. She could not afford to be ill, not now!

She found a mirror and switched the light on. Pipp's eyes widened in shock.

Zipp's face stared back.

Pipp screamed.

Author's Note

This chapter is an adaptation of the sixteenth G5 Comic, which is the first part of a narrative miniseries focusing on Pipp and Zipp's relationship. As I personally find them fun to write, a story focusing on them was a no-brainer (not to mention the comic's very inventive premise).

Pipp's dress is based on this piece of fanart:

Given how Pipp often acts like a stereotypical princess, the fan-artists have quite a bit of fun sticking her EqG counterpart into puffy gowns. Pipp performing in such a dress is actually not too far removed from popstar reality, if some of the outfits worn by Taylor Swift or Kelly Clarkson are anything to go by.

The song Pipp performs in the concert scene is New Day. This song was released on the fifth volume of songs from Tell your Tale, but the context in which it was originally going to appear is unknown as the episode it would have appeared in was scrapped.

Carotang (the pony on the left) is a new character created specially for the comics. His design appears to be loosely inspired by Liam Gallagher, the frontman of Oasis from 1991 to 2009. As a result, I have decided to give him a Mancunian accent (hence the use of the word 'mam'), as this is where Oasis are from.

And finally... Pipp seems to found herself in a strange predicament. Whilst the original comic has them switching jobs, I chose to go for a bodyswap a la Freaky Friday based on a comment Thomlight Sparkle 1 left on my adaption of A Little Horse:

Voice swapping? Man, imagine if they switched bodies.

Over the next four days or so, we shall be exploring this exact premise.