Arabian Swindler

Two weeks since then. Two whole weeks since the Colony moved into Ramada, as while they were settled in, the Scars had to work overtime to make sure that the populous didn’t take, ‘extreme measures’. As well as keep an ear out for any Hunters that could possible come in a distance to the city, as with careful handwork and a few Changelings secretly keeping the peace with Harsho guards, the paranoia and fear died down.

Resulting in a slow acceptance as well as a few bits of curiosity, although despite the somewhat quietness and slightly stable peace that was slowly coming in, even more it gave time for those in Scars to work on their own thing, especially with Herbal gathering what he could by talking to some of the ‘older’ Shiftlings to the best of his ability, or even Dejen working more on his project...or the same with Mercy in both assisting Harsho with his requests...and a surprise to Herbal.

As Herbal himself began stomping his way to Mercy with a rather frustrated look on his face, which surprised a few changelings as they backed off, since this was the first time they ever saw him angry. Mercy glance, she merely smile, as if knowing that this might happen as Herbal stood before her, giving her a stink eye as he asked. “There better be a good explanation for this.”

Mercy merely smile as she asked in an innocent tone. “Oh, and whatever do you mean, Herbal?” giving a harsh snort, he grab something from under his wing with ‘property papers’ as he thrust them before her.

“This! This right here! What in Luna name were you thinking to just impersonate me and just, just,” feeling indignation of the fact that she had gotten him a slave, and in hisname! She giggled as she told simply.

“I had to Herbal, otherwise how else are you going to have a family here?” Talking deep and calming breaths, withholding his anger as he glared at her with his wings flared out, as a few changelings wings buzz from how hard he tried to hold that look of tranquility and from how much loathing he had to Mercy right now as he said a forceful calm tone.

“You should be glad that I took the Hippocratic Oath, Mercy. Because if I didn’t swore as a doctor to do no harm to any patients or potential patients...I would of slam my hoof right into your face!” turning as he fumed off, needing to leave and relief his anger elsewhere as a drone asked in a hesitating voice.

“My Queen...was that really...wise?” seeing Mercy signing out as she relaxes, forcing herself to stop shaking as she forgot how emotional the thestral was at times as his...loathing and anger felt strong when it focuses at her as Mercy admit.

“Perhaps not wise, but it had to be done, my children. It is the only way to start to help him move on from that mare, and to do that, he needs to do something besides work.” giving a low smile. “I can tell he won’t speak to me, or will give glares for some time, and I know despite how he detests this situation, he will care for her, begrudgingly at first, but in due time...that anger of his will lessen as the stepping stone of him overcoming his fear of that mare and of finding love-- will work out in the long run.”

But yet she knew that for now? It was best to stay out of the doctor way, as his emotions were hot and burning, and he needed time to calm himself. She just hope that this won’t backfire, for the thestral sake than anything else.

Herbal gave low rumbling sounds, flying in the air of Ramada as he came down on a rooftop. Taking deep breaths of breathing in and out, calming himself as he reminded. Keep calm, no need to let your anger dictate your actions. closing his eyes some to keep breathing in, counting up to ten and in reverse as to cool his temper. Remember Herbal, you’re in a city of emotionvores, having too much anger might upset their stomach. although it didn’t help that he was reminded that Mercy in a sense back-stabbed him.

Did she forgot that he lived in Equestria? Or did she wanted him to embrace the culture of Arabia? In either case seeing that pegasus mare, being reminded that he wasn’t home-- and being utterly reminded of why he can’t go home as he let out a angered sound, slamming his forehooves on the ground, as he was, was so livid! He just wanted to let go of his Oath to just punch that Queen in the face!

You’re a doctor. You never hurt, but only heal. Herbal forcefully reminded himself, as he took long and deep breaths as to try to get himself settle. To try to remind himself that he can handle this, he was mature enough to control his own emotions-- even though part of him wanted to be immature and let his emotions out, he knew better.

Strangely enough, slight chittering noise caught his ears and with a fast glance, Herbal found himself slowly calming down. Apparently his little fit had caught the attention of one of the few Shiftlings that had began to scour the city in a near methodical fashion for… well, things to do. She looked like a normal drone, and from her peeking over the edge, his little moment of anger apparently caught her attention, and no doubt was passively gathering amounts of his little fit of anger.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit amused and exasperated at the same time. Here he forgot that there were other emotionvores beside the changelings, and the shiftlings didn’t mind all sorts of emotions. He felt a bit glad that the shiftling help take away his little bits of anger, even if it was leaking out parts as he took another calming breath. After a minute, he contemplates on letting himself get angry, as in a sense he was helping the Shiftling, plus it might help him...vent some.

It might actually be therapeutic. consider Herbal as for once, he allowed himself to be immature a bit, as he let himself recalled what Mercy did, why she did, and most importantly reminded himself of the one pony he could actually get himself angry at. Novelty Lace. thought Herbal as for once he could get as angry as he liked without accidentally hurting anyone, or rather any changeling getting so close to him as he ranted in his mind. You stupid, ignorant, self-centered, love-sick, small minded, starting to pace back and forth, unleashing his ranting in his mind as slowly but surely, Shiftlings were coming in one by one, going to the edge of the building and sitting down as they watch him pace.

moronic, childish, fool-hearted, selfish, cold-hearted, evil, sadsitci whorse, going off every single name in the dictionary to describe the unicorn that forced him out of Equestria and in a sense into hiding for nearly 3 whole years.

Rather unaware, a fairly sizable group of seven shiftlings had gathered, all of them sitting in place, constantly watching. One, the first one having gotten there, soon stood up and began to walk away, crawling her way down the side of the building-- while not a few moments later, one of her sisters took her place and sat down. A few nearby citizens actually had to pause whenever the got a good look at the sight, wondering why the shiftlings were gathered and sitting around so patently.

The seven girls blinked, watching as Herbal make an angered grunt, and for them, feeling what could be defined as a sudden wave or burst of pure frustration. All they did in turn soak up this fairly raw mix of anger, and for any nearby changelings, they were fairly unaware of the fluxing area of anger that the shiftlings were basking in. New sisters coming to replace those that had gathered a fair amount to bring home. It was slow, but a defined shiftling trail and path began to form with the drones taking the same path over and over.

Even more as Herbal kept in his rant to the one major pain in most of his life as a teenager. I mean for Luna's sake, mare! I never loved you! I never cared for you more than an acquaintance! I was focused on my studies as a doctor! Even more as an alchemist when I went to college! I never felt anything for you! None. What. So. Ever! unable to stop himself from muttering some of those words out.

“I mean really, did I have to get a bloody sign saying, ‘I’m not interested?!’ or maybe those warrants I had to make to keep you away from me didn’t give any hints? Or even the part where I had to move away 5 times, 5. Bucking. Times! Just to get some peace of mind before you came over and screwed over my life again and again!”

This time with verbal input, all the girls tilted their heads to one side in unison in complete curiosity.

Giving a low snarl as his ears pin against his head of the anger he held as he continued on. “You just had to keep following me! You just had to keep trying to appease me-- when I never wanted your sick twisted thoughts of love! All I wanted was to be a doctor, a healer, a stallion who tend to the ill as part of my Hippocratic Oath!” then steam came out of his snout as he told in slight exaggeration.

“But nooooo! You just had to try! Even when I told you that I never care anything for you, and your response!?” giving an agitated growl as he nearly shouted. “You had to threaten me with a knife and nearly force me into a relationship I never wanted!” stomping a bit harder as he kept pacing as he was ignorant of his surroundings in his very heated rant.

While all the girls tilted their heads the other way, and one had to leave with her amount gained, another soon came to take her place. Though this last one paused and flicked her ears at what was said. Turning her head and antenna flicking about, curiosity got the better of her.

The shiftling moved forwards, a touch of concern in place while she approached. For a moment she looked the stallion up and down, then with a moment of recognition, she was able to place a name to his face. “Herbal?” Her similar, if not concerned voice, had him slightly pause in his rant and look to the shiftling. Granted, looking at her didn’t help identify her much, as she looked the same as the rest of her sisters.

He squinted his eyes, looking her over as he tried to recall her name, as there was something familiar of her...before he asked in slight hesitation. “Is that...you, Katty?” then noticed the other Shiftling drones around the building, as he felt rather embarrassed that he didn't actually noticed in his entire rant as he cleared his throat. “Apologize, it seems I let myself indulge in my anger, among...other things.”

Moving up, almost hesitantly, the shiftling nodded and said, “It’s me, Katty.” Then hesitated as some feet were between them. Though, eventually she asked, “You’re… not well?” Not sure if that was the right term, but his agitation, and anger, while good for food were also concerning. “You’re agitated. Why?” Her antenna flicking a bit in a near shared agitation.

Taking a deep and calming breath, Herbal spoke as he let a breath out. “I’m agitated, because of many things. One of them is Mercy doing something unnecessary, and when I notice one of your sisters absorbing some of my anger. I decided to vent a bit, I hadn’t really been able to let my anger out due to being around changelings.” sighing some as he sat on his haunches as he went on.

“Most of my agitation and ranting...was, to somepony back home who caused me a great deal of grief and never ending agitation to her and her...antics one would say.”

Frowning her face up some, Katty repeated, “Antics?” Not sure about the term that much.

Taking another breath, he looked to the side as he explains in a much calmer tone. “Well, antics is a much more polite word. As really they were near invasive, law-breaking, and a love-sick obsession to me. Wanting to love me with all of her heart...but I could never really give back such feelings as I have never seen her in that regard since I was a teenager.” frowning a bit as he look back as he kept a hold on his loathing of Novelty.

“She was, for a lack of words-- a problem and somepony that I rather stay as far as I can from for the rest of my life.”

Slightly making a near pacing motion of where she was standing, Katty tried to process that, and figure out what she should be doing at the same time. First thing she tackled was that he said. ‘Novelty’, the name, the mare… was a problem to Herbal. That thought she placed as simple. Watch out for Novelty.

Smiling, Katty said, “Then we scare Novelty away and she won’t be a problem. Fixed, right?” Seeming pretty happy with her conclusion. Though, she might have to talk to her sisters about it at length a bit later on.

He frowned as he said. “Katty, Novelty can’t be ‘scared’ away. She’s…” thinking of how to explain this to her, as he doubt the Shiftlings know what Novelty was. He rubbed his chin for a bit, he looked to her as he started. “Novelty is a mare that has a sickness of sorts. A sickness I can’t heal or remedy, as this sickness is a love-sickness. She is, extreme. That she’s willing to do anything to get her hooves on me, even forced me to marrying her against my will. To the point, she’s willing to kill anything in her way.”

The pricking of both antenna and ears and the full focus of Katty’s eyes was almost unsettling. It was as if something was clicked into place and Katty said, “Then we remove threat when it comes?” Seeming highly attentive to whatever response he gave-- but it was obvious what she thought might have to be done.

He frowned as he started weakly. “Katty… trying to remove Novelty, is like...trying to remove somepony who is fueled by utter determination and with a will to never back down. Even more that she is...quite strong in the use of magic and with a blade.”

“Didn’t stop the Colony form repelling first attack on our home before we left.” Said Katty in a simple nod, her sisters also giving their own firm nods. “If she kills what is in her way, and Colony is in her way, then she has to face the Colony.” She then gave a smile, an almost beaming one, “You live near Colony. You’re part of our home. She can’t just take from our home, we’ll hold and keep and defend it.”

He couldn’t help but let out an exhausted sigh, rubbing his forehead as if that was the most insane thing he ever heard! But yet...it was also reassuring in a sense. As he had to run for nearly all of his life...it was, was good that he didn’t need to worry about running anymore. He gave a small smile and weakly nod as he said. “Alright, I’ll let you all handle it, just...just please be careful with her. Novelty Lace is a unicorn who won’t hold anything back to get to me one way or another…” then sighed out some in bits of exhaustion.

He couldn’t help but chuckle a bit as he smiles to Katty. “It was admittedly, therapeutic for me to rant some, I always had to hold my frustration and anger since I’ve been around changelings. They can’t handle me when I’m angry,” giving a another chuckle as he added. “I tend to be rather, passionate in my emotions now and then when I can’t hold them back.”

Almost preening in place, Katty said, “Passionate is good. Feeds Colony more.” Flicking an ear before glancing to see her sisters were leaving, the large waves being gone and nothing more to gain. She thought about leaving too, but glanced back and give a look at Herbal. She shifted a bit in place, trying to figure something out… but said, “You’re still agitated.” It was nowhere near as strong, but she could tell he was still bothered.

Unable to hold back a chuckle, he admitted. “Yes, whenever Novelty comes to mind, I tend to be more agitated. She really...messed up my life, she will always bothered me whenever her name comes up.”

Frowning and shifting in place again, the lone drone tried to think of how to respond to him, to how he felt. She knew one thing, one thing that helped her sisters not be so agitated. Smiling at the line of thought, Katty cantered right up, something that made the stallion wonder what she was doing.

She only smiled up before moving and nuzzling next to him, the action completely catching him off guard and… even confusing him as he felt the tips of those athenai gently tap at his back, chest, side or near his head. All the while she seemed to rub and gently make chattering sounds, seeming to oddly mime a cat for some odd moment.

He couldn’t help but stiff some, not expecting this as he asked slowly with a stutter. “K-Katty, what ...what are you trying to do?” trying to recall anything from what Shima mention of shiftlings, but so far gather nothing as the best thing he had was this was some sort of culture thing...It also feel awkward for him as he felt very aware of her feminine body shape that keep touching his and moving around close to him.

A mixture of embarrassment, confusion, and tings of shyness filled him as he was completely lost in this scenario.

The feelings were unexpected, and Katty frown for just a moment before stopping by leaning on one of his sides, giving a small chittering chirp before stopping and telling him with another slight nuzzle, “Trying to make you feel better. Whenever a sister is agitated like you, we let them know we’re there.” Once more making a few light chirping sounds while leaning on his side and to his slow realization, ‘assuring’ him.

Oh...I’m a fool… thought Herbal as he should really consider that scenario, really it was his fault for making assumptions in his head of her actions. As he relaxed some, stating. “I never really had anyone assuring me much beside my parents. And even then I had to stay far from them for their sake…” slowly coming down on his belly to try to relax as he let his chin rest on his forelegs.

Feeling her giving more nuzzles, slight taps of his body with more attenai as he felt her rubbing some. Even occasional grooming to his mane as he couldn’t help but sigh in content. I am so glad no one is seeing this right now, oh the embarrassment I might suffer… still he had to admit...it was...nice to be assured, granted the grooming part made him debate a bit as grooming was left for family or...couples.

As he began to realize that Katty was being extremely physical in both touch and action as she was rubbing against him with her shell. does she have affection--, slightly forcing that thought down as he told himself. No, no, she said that she did this for her sisters. And that technically I’m part of the colony. Meaning this is more...family base. but another part of him reminded he wasn’t really part of the colony, just it’s surroundings as he felt himself flushing of the miscommunication as he cleared his throat as he said.

“Katty, I...don’t know if you knew, but when, when ponies are this...physical. It's usually between family or...or,” clearing his throat more and trying to both reasons himself and calm himself down. “Or with couples…”

Pausing for a moment in her grooming, seeming to lift a hand to slightly work a knot out, Katty responded with possibly the most innocent of tones, “Couples?” Not seeming to even comprehend what he said, much less know it’s meaning.

Thinking the best way he could explain this, he started. “Couples are, well two beings, let say ponies for example, who are interested in the other. Both loving each other, and are together as…” thinking of a term, as he recalled a bit of his ‘thestral heritage’. “As mates of sorts,” then taking a breath. “I’m sorry I’m not explaining this well, I’m a doctor of medicine, not...relationships, Katty.”

Turning to look at her, all he got was a slow blink and eyes so full of innocents, it made him wonder if she even understood a thing he said. They laid there for a moment before Katy asked in confusion, “So...we’re couple?” The paused, “Or not couple?” Scrunching up her face in deep contemplation before adding, “But what is mate? I’m not mate.” Trying to workout this new information in her mind.

“We’re…” started Herbal as he internally groan, trying his hardest to think as he tried to simplify a rather complex and complicated thing of ‘relationships’. “A couple is more than just a stallion and a mare being physically close. Its…” tapping his forehead to think as he glance to her and admitted. “I’m trying to figure out how to make things simple for you Katty, but...relationships tend to be very complicated at times.”

With a spark in her eyes, Katty smiled, “Then we go to Scion for answers!”

He nearly paused as he said. “Wait ...what?” almost registering that as one part of him probably had no idea if Shima knew...on the other hand, maybe...just maybe...she could explain it far better than he can. As he slowly raise up on his hooves as he asked with concern. “Are you sure? I mean, granted I’ve been in the Colony mound...but never close to where Shima is at.”

Nodding, Katty said, “Will be fine. You don’t harm, you’re like the Winged.” Sounding very self assured. And in a sense, Herbal could see why. He almost couldn’t help but think back to the word, Winged… basically their equivalent to medical doctors with fairly clear, bright and patent minds and always so nice, if not compassionate.

Herbal slowly nod as he said. “Alright..maybe, maybe Shima can explain it a lot better than I can, for your sake than anything Katty.” taking a low breath as he asked with a smile. “Shall we leave?” already unfurling his wings to take flight.

Less answering with her words, and more with actions, Katty was in a near burst of action as she next to skittered along and followed some unseen path, next to running back towards the colony in her excitement.

He sighed, shaking his head with a rueful smile as he took flight. Already knowing where the Colony entrance was as he caught up to the quick moving Shiftling that ran toward the mound. He admittedly was surprised that he could catch up to her, as while he was a decent flyer-- he almost swore that she was going faster than he was on the ground. As he almost had to catch up now and then due to him almost losing track of Katty among her sisters.

Still he was thankful he manage to catch sight of her as he landed near the entryway she was waiting for him with a wave. Once he landed down by her and folded his wings, did he try to catch up by hoof.

She waited rather patiently for him, sitting in place and her attenna just as active as always. Tapping or, smelling or even touching any nearby sister's passing her up. They particularly reached up to tap a set of slightly longer ones just around the edge of the entry ways insides, the slight sight of it’s guard, an Aggressor Shiftling, keeping a very close watch.

Katty next to beamed to him once he got close enough, and like when he first was allowed in, Katty got close to his side and gently guided him from there-- acting as a sort of ‘pass’ and allow him to go in, and not get attacked by the constantly eyeing Aggressor that watched him almost like an overprotective hawk of it’s nest. The constant glaring was almost unnerving-- or right up until they got into deeper parts of the dark tunnels leading down into the nest. A place where he could hear and even slightly see, the constant activity going on around him in the tunnels.

Looking around the multiple and moving Shiftlings going around the two of them as he was given a reminder of the difference between Hive and Colony, as the colony was more...alive in its constant state of bustling colony member. Like it never rests…

Reminds me of Manehattan or even other bustling cities back home. thought Herbal, glancing to see Katty taking a left, as he followed her down a particularly steep tunnel. Which was more easily accessed by the thestral as he began to slightly fly down slowly as to not trip with his hooves.

Possibly the only real irritating part of this, or at least for him, was the lack of light. While a few chambers in the colony had light-- it’s tunnels were more than not pitch-black or extremely dark, even for his eyesight. The constant sounds were Luna-send, letting him have a near constant sonar-sight of his surroundings, granted it was noisy. Scraping, crickling, shifting, chirps, clicks, chittering, voices-- it was a wonder how no one above the Colony could hear all the noise.

After some twisting, turning, and plenty of confusing left’s, rights, backtracks or what he could only assume to be twisting halls, did they finally reach some light. It wasn't much, as it was a soft and low glow. A glow given off by a few gems that were firmly fixed in place by a resin.

The room was also new to him, it wasn’t like a few he visited, as it was much more fuller of silk, and lots of it. It covered the walls, made hammock or sack like shapes to hang about. He would of kept observing, if not for the low chirping sounds. Turning his attention to more vaster parts of the room, he realized exactly where he was, in a sense.

It was the Brood Chamber, and before him was a very large group of said brood, being all nymphs, mostly being just under their 3 foot height, to the more smaller, tinny and even pail-white shelled little ones hardly reaching a foot in height and so small. Among the swarm of them was the two Weavers, making sure the younger, but older, shiftlings tended to the young, and a few pregnant looking shiftlings keeping about and watching the brood as well.

There was also a winged, apparently calming a few of the brood that looked almost newly born with another shifting nearby, a bit tired. But what really held his attention was where the mass of nymphs were and climbing all over Shima, the scion looking almost the part of a mother with one-too many active children climbing all over her as she somewhat tended to them each, next to multitasking and juggling the 15 or so young daughters clambering on or around her body.

Oh my… thought Herbal in slight surprise as this would...explains a lot on why no one saw Shima for a while. Especially more with some of the pregnant looking Shiftlings, as he carefully look around the nymphs as he made sure to watch where he stepped. If this is where Shima been at, watching all over the young nymphs-- it would explain a great deal… although he tried not to frown as part of him felt...intruding some, as if this wasn’t the best time to ask Shima, as she looked rather busy keeping an eye on her nymphs.

“Maybe we should come back another time, Katty.” started Herbal, and soon noticed she was already rushing ahead and happily chatting along towards Shima, who looked slightly amused and is looking to Herbal with a raised brow, and still having an amused smile in place as Herbal could only shrug helplessly to the Scion. As really...what could he have done to explain to Katty about relationships? He hadn’t the best of knowledge or experiences to teach to someone else. Maybe the basics with his folks...but that’s it.

Shima motioned with a far-from-free hand for him to come closer, and all the while listening to her daughter. “--but then I was confused. Couples, mates, how does that work? Why were we not a couple, since we were close and there were two of us. But not, because one has to be a mate… or both as mate?” Pondering that as her sisters seemed to listen along as they performed their own tasks or duties.

Giving an amused glance, Shima told in a near teasing tone, “For shame, you’ve corrupted my daughter in asking about ‘couples’ and maybe ‘dates’ later on.”

“Dates?” Asked the nearby winged that was gently holding three of her baby-sisters in arms, though the question made Shima giggle to herself.

He took a control breath, doing his best to hold down his embarrassment as he said to Shima with a low flush and a hoof to his forehead. “To be fair Shima, technically Katty sent mixed messages by being innocent.” sighing as he rubbed his forehead. “I knew I should plan on giving you the talks of how a pony works mentally with others.”

Shaking her head, Shima said, “It’s not your fault, this was bound to happen sooner or later.” Then glanced at Katty, seeming to say something unspoken to get her to sit and later lay down. Turning back to look at them all, Shima sighed out and told firstly towards the stallion, “You have to understand, Katty was just acting out of instinct. She knew you weren't happy, but at first wasn’t sure what to do. So, she tried comforting you the shiftling way.” Then rolled her eyes, adding, “But unlike you, or most anyone? Shiftlings are… very physical in comforting each other. Touch is very important to us.”

Sighing some as he glanced around, making sure he wasn’t anywhere important as he carefully sat on his haunches. Looking back to Shima as he spoke. “Well, that sort of explain a bit when she first nuzzle me. I guess to the Shiftlings, touch is something done on a daily basis,” rolling a hoof in thought as he continues on. “But as for other species, touch is usually meant for specific reasons depending on how much is given, but for the amount of physical Katty made...admittedly sent mixed signals to me.”

Nodding, Shima said, “Then maybe before we get to the messy part of couples.” Giving a glance to Katty as if to say for her to wait, “Maybe I can actually tell you a bit about why touch is important.” Turning back to Herbal to say, “So you can spread the news. Once this brood is old enough to leave the nest? There are going to be nearly triple the shiftlings moving around the city.”

Letting that rest in place, the Scion glanced down and spoke, “First, this is how we greet one another.” watching one of her daughters crawl by, but reaching one of her attani out to tap the small, and almost tiny shiftling. Like a dime, the young one turned and raised her own little antenna, waving them about before meeting the Scion’s own larger ones.

Shima smiled some, being gentle in tapping and touching both head and antennae, and explained, “Smell is just as important. It tells us who it is, what they were doing, how old they are, what news they have. Our eyes are alright, but nothing impressive. Each tap also says something…. Like a word, a phrase, maybe an idea or even need.”

Herbal was thankful for a change of subject and of explaining, as he could see this as a sort of lesson to take in and write it over some, as he spoke in a thoughtful tone. “Meaning that the antenna sort of help ‘smell’ the other, with each tap depending on how fast, short, hard or soft-- could mean a Shiftling in a short span with their antennas?”

Almost guiding the small nymph along with her larger antennas to be lead right to her awaiting limbs, Shima nodded. “Exactly. It’s how we just communicate on a basic level. Anyone else would think we’re getting in their personal space-- shiftlings don’t really have a ‘personal space’ to even talk about.”

Looking up, the Scion then told, “Smell is also what helps us tell us who’s a sister and who isn’t. Why do you think the Aggressors or shiftlings in general always greet with attenna first? If there was some other shifting from another colony, they would tell, then turn away and leave the other alone for the slight mistake.” Then smiled, “Not even a changeling can just disguise and sneak in, we’d immediately know they don’t smell like us on the spot. And with nearly twenty waiting at any given entrance at varying spots? Someone is bound to notice.”

Humming a bit, he said in a thoughtful tone. “It would explain a bit on the Aggressors always tapping antenna to coming in Shiftlings.” Rubbing under his chin as he frown. Considering how much a mess things will be as he started. “Shima, you mention that touch is important and there’s going to be more shiftlings around,” looking up at her as he asked. “How are we going to make sure that the populous aren’t going to get mixed messages if the Shiftlings are,” clearing his throat some as try not to recall the slight embarrassing moment of what happened earlier with him and Katty. “Physical in touch and in ‘personal space’ with non shiftlings?”

Shaking her head, Shima said, “I’m hoping you and the others will inform Harsho and the people about it.” Then went on with a slight scrunching of her face, “It’s mostly for those that get close to my Daughters. Katty is a bit fond of you because she got to spend time with someone that isn’t part of the Colony. So she recognizes you as a…. Well, I guess a loose term of ‘friend’ comes up.” Then went on, “I’m sure there’s others that are ‘friends’ with my other daughters acting as scouts right now. And I know that if they feel any hints of distress from them? My daughters will try and make them feel better in some way-- and the first thing they might try is to comfort them. Like Katty did for you.”

Doing his best to not recall that, he gave a brief nod, as he admits. “I can try to write up something, maybe Dejen can make, brochures to inform people-- or by the changelings sending the message along.” thinking some as he went on. “While I foresee things being, pleasant when news spread, I’ll admit that ponies sometimes tend to develop relationship faster than most species. And while there are not that many ponies around here...sooner or later ponies will encounter Shiftlings and I dare say there will be many mixed messages from the comfort touch alone, Shima.”

“Just make sure to add in to not shove any of my daughters.” Shima told with a firmness while also taking a moment to reach up and pluck one of her baby girls away from climbing on her head. “They’ll be very confused, and continuous shoves might give them the wrong idea they are trying to hurt them.”

Placing the small girl down on her back, Shima then said, “But that brings us back to couples.” Making the thestral want to cringe that they came full-circle. “Girls.” She began, gaining those around her to perk up. “Do you recall what a Breeder is?” And while Herbal was bemused, and a little curious, he heard the Winged respond first and swiftly.

“Yes mother.” Then seemed to recite from memory, “A Breeder is a shiftling that works with other Breeders on the chance a Colony loses a Scion or the Scion can not do her task due to injury or sickness. The Breeders then help rebuild the numbers of the Colony with one few male drones and a number of fertile female drones.”

Smiling and nodding, Shima then told, “For Herbal, a couple are two Breeders, one male and one female, that make a little, teeny, mini colony of their own.” A number of ‘oh’, ‘ah’, ‘ok’ and more sounded in the chamber, in apparent understanding.

He paused as he did recall some bits of ‘male’ shiftlings as he raised a hoof and asked. “Shima...do you mean to tell me that these Breeders are, basically help contribute on building the Colony numbers?” thinking a bit as the more he thought about it, the more he started to consider that was probably why he had trouble explaining to Katty-- as there weren’t any ‘guys’ within the colony, only females.

Turning and nodding, Shima said, “Yes. Males are far and few inbetween with Breeders, since only one is really needed. The rest are normally fertile females that he would breed.” Then sighed and said, “I don’t really support the idea, and the Colony understands that really, we don’t need Breeders.” Then rolled her eyes. “Since they are only meant to breed? They only do that exclusively. They can’t really do too much outside of that, and while it bolsters numbers quickly? They don’t have much else to strive for but to breed.”

She then smiled and told, “And really, while it’s effective? A Scion works much faster. A Breeder, mostly female, can only have about four to five nymphs at a time. And they take a bit longer to birth. So you can see why the Colony doesn't feel the need for any Breeders. I’m not hurt, sick or injured. So there's no need for any Breeders.”

Humming some, he slowly nodded...but a thought came to mind as he frowned a bit. but wait...if other species find the Shiftlings attractive, try to ‘breed’...is it possible then? as the medical doctor consider it fully, and realize...he had no idea, as he then look to Shima and if she notice it-- he had that gleam in his eyes of a doctor who was going to ask some rather awkward questions.

As he stood more straighter and having a professional tone in his voice as he asked that simple, yet awkward question. “Shima, is it possible that Shiftling can breed with other species beside with the Scion or Breeders?”

Blinking a bit at the question, Shima took a moment to think it over… then said, “Well, there’s a limit of what a Scion can… technically breed with.” A slight flick of her ears of slight embarrassment, something that puzzled her daughters a bit. “But really, the only Shiftling that can possibly breed, are Breeders. I could even technically become one, but I don’t.” Then went on, “But to answer, yes. I think it’s very likely for a Breeder to breed with other species.”

“What about Aggressors? Or Winged? Or Drones? Or Majors?” firing off the casts of Shiftlings as to figure out the possibilities and chances.

Shaking her head, Shima told, “Besides Scions? The only fertile shiftlings are breeders. All the rest of my daughters are not fertile. They might have the privates to be… well, used and a womb to hold young-- but there’s no ovaries or seeds to make fertile inside of them.”

He became thoughtful, rubbing his chin some as he said. “So in a sense, there’s one similarity between Shiftlings and Changelings, as Changelings are all sterile with the exception of the Queens or unique Breeder males…” humming a bit to that as that was one thing he might have to add in his documents of Shiftlings.

“So changeling's have specific males that can only breed?” Asked Shima in some surprise, though she paused and said, “Actually that shouldn't be surprising. Actually that’s… fairly normal.” Letting that soak in before shaking her head, “But yes. Breeders are the only ones to breed.” Then thought about it and asked, “Why did you want to ask? I thought you knew that, besides me, my daughters can’t really have babies.”

“Medical reasons, for one.” started off the thestral as he continues on. “While I did knew from what you mention on that walk-- I had to be extra sure, as I know that some other species, like ponies for example, may want to form relationships and wish to ‘breed’. I also thought over on making sure of adding that for when Celestia and Luna arrive, so I can have a written medical report ready, in the case that you’re unable to tell them everything you can about Shiftlings.” rubbing his chin some more as he went into thought, apparently thinking of talking to other medical center and clinics of passing the word along as precaution or some other thing.

Nodding to that, Shima glanced around and said, “Well, besides my lovely young drone daughters, the rest of my Colony won’t have the option of breeding if it does come up.” Which was something that piqued the thestrals interest.

“But wait, you said earlier that none of the other shiftlings, beside Breeders or fertile female drones are able to help breed…” then asked with a curiosity in his tone. “Unless drones are naturally fertile to begin with?”

Chuckling a bit, Shima let Katty say, “No, we’re not fertile.” Leaving the thestral in confusion. “We need to be Breeders for that.” Leaving him looking in confusion.

Thankfully, Shima explained, “All shiftlings start as Drones.” CAtching his attention. “But when the Colony needs something more? Mostly with help with the Scion giving advice to the collective, then we start gathering a specific form of emotions and give the concentrated form of it to that one drone, who later will change and grow into the new cast for the rest of their lives.”

“Oh, you mean like with my anger and frustration given to a drone to be an Aggressor.” said Herbal in a realizing tone, as he recalled her mentioning that specific emotions given to Shifting resulted them in different casts for needed groups to help support the Colony. “Hmm, yes I can see that fully now…” hummed out the stallion.

Giving a firm nod, Shia said, “If anyone became interested in my daughters, then the Drones are the only ones that will have even the most remote chance of getting a shot at their own family. Their own ‘mini-colony’.” Mostly saying it for her girls to understand. “All the rest will forever be what they were made to. Winged, Aggressor, Major…. They can’t leave it or change.”

Giving a more understanding nod, he file that away to add in his medical report as he admitted. “That sound...something even the changelings might envy, Shima.” thinking more as he went on. “Since despite them having the parts and functions like other species-- the only thing that they can’t do...is actually reproduce to make their own ‘mini-colony’ either. Or mini-hive in a sense. As that part is really the Queen job in a sense.”

Shaking her head with a rueful smile, Shima said, “In the same sense, shiftlings wouldn’t have as much interest in making a mini-colony.” Watching as he bemusedly blink while she told, “A Colony is self supporting on itself. It’s made on the bodies of hundreds and more sisters all working together all with the same mother there to love them. Why would they want to leave?”

She soon sobered up and told, “But I’m not expecting all my daughters to be the same, I’m sure a few will want to find real love. But, the idea of leaving is… alien to them. I think they may want to stay with their love in the swarm if anything, maybe there’s a rare chance they would leave… but I’m not counting on it happening.”

Shima thought more on it, and went on to say, “I think they would prefer a second, and maybe a third Scion later down the line to add to the Colony, rather than a Breeder and their lover.”

In some humor, Herbal joke with a small smile. “To help expand the Colony even more with more Shiftlings?”

“Precisely.” Spoke one of the pregnant daughters, sounding completely serious and non-joking. “A second scion means more sisters to help the colony.”

Rolling her eyes, Shima admitted, “I can only make so many eggs at a time. Sometimes I need a day or two before I can get back to giving more. Having a second Scion would mean she can take my place when I can’t give more brood, and when she can’t, I take over. Making a more effective never-ending cycle for more Shiftlings.”

The thestral blink some as he admitted to Shima with slight concern. “While I can certainly understand this all being part of Shiftling behavior...I can’t help but feel concern that the colony might be taking a bite out more than they can chew-- especially more since they are within a city in the first place.”

Sighing, Shima told to Herbal simply, “Herbal, you’re looking at a species that thrives off the thousands of shiftlings working all together like a single body. A hundred doesn't sate our needs, we literally have an urge to have at least a thousand in our… Herbal?” Pausing in her talks as she noticed the thestral seemed to blank out for a moment. Was it something I said? Shima asked herself, not sure why he was just.. Staring with a sense of shock.

“a ...A thousand?” said the doctor.

Nodding a bit slowly at first, Shima told “Yeah… give it another year or two and expect us to reach those numbers more easily.”

“...Shima...did...did you mention this tidbit to Harsho? That you all have an urge to make a thousand Shiftlings so fast?” as he went on talking. “Because, I don’t know if you fail to recall or remember ...but this city has nearly a thousand and 40 civilians, plus the nearly 700 of the guards, with the added number of 150 of the Hive…” and while he was talking he was running the numbers off his head as he soon asked to Shima.

“What do you think will happen when the people noticed that there’s a thousand Shiftling in a year or two-- or better yet, what the rest of Arabia will react?”

Frowning, Shima told, “Not good, obviously.” Apparently a lot more aware of this than Herbal thought. “If it wasn’t for my suggestion, I think there would of been a surge of almost 200 more shiftling’s within a couple of weeks.” Making the thestral bleach for a moment. “If I really went full out? Reaching a thousand would be done within a year pretty fast. We’re going about it slowly, Herbal.” Then, watched with the others as the stallion’s eyes rolled back, and fainted.

Luckily, none of the brood was around him, but they all were a little surprised that he fainted as he did. With some concern, the winged placed her little sisters down to move up and check o the doctor-- though Shima told, “He’s fine, I think he… just fainted.” A little surprised herself that he did. Was it that much of a shock for him?

For once, Dejen made a spit take. Spitting out water as he hack and cough, Windy did her best to pat his back, but looking shock herself. As Gem mouth dropped, with Debt being disturbingly silent...and Mercy just stare with a gaping mouth, as she was certain her Hive all heard what came out of Herbal mouth. As the thestral came back from being catered and cared for by the Shiftlings until he walked back to the den.

As Dejen managed to say in shock. “A thousand!? In a year!?” Herbal gave a nod as he corrected.

“Bare minimum for them is a thousand, and I told her when I regain conscious that not even changelings can get that high of a number so fast.” to which Mercy gave a slow nod as she told.

“He’s...right, the best we could do is nearly 50 at a time-- maybe more depending how much love and seed we gain from the Breeder or another male…” Giving a slight glance to Dejen at the last part, but continue on to tell. “But I believe the major reasons that they are able to gain so much is due to Shiftling having any emotions, while changelings are limited to positive. The Scion herself can get up to 10 eggs to one shiftling to hold a brood-- and the last is Shifting growing faster to adulthood within a month."

“Meaning that for ten eggs with ten shifltings or more? Can possibly reach those numbers a lot sooner.” Dejen gave a groan as he facepalm and breath out.

“Great, how am I supposed to explain this to Harsho!?” Although Gem though and facepalm as she said.

“So that's why she was so concern! Of making a colony here, cuz they aren’t hard to remove-- but they want to breed till they reach a bloody thousands!” to which Herbal corrected.

“No, it would be due to hundreds to thousands of shiftlings that will make the people panic and fearful and will want them to leave-- and there will be a bloody fight.” then sighed. “I dare say Scars will have their work cut out to keep the peace and information.” Dejen grumble as he told.

“Including any Hunters that may show up.” Gem glance as she asked.

“I thought they were sticking away from this city from the Sultan?” to which Dejen snort harshly.

“As if! I already got some info that they’re started sniffing around, hearing the rumors of the Shiftlings, meaning we’ll have a problem on our hands soon.” doing his best to drink what water he had left as Mercy sighed as she add in.

“I honestly hope that we'll handle things when the Hunters come, although I doubt the guards will be able to grab them murderers before the Shiftlings do.”

“Admittedly I don’t know who to pity more, the guards or the Hunters.” snorted out Dejen with a grin as Herbal sigh and said.

“If you pardon me, I have things to do,” giving an annoyed glare to Mercy as he added. “And a new ‘roommate’ to take care of.” trotting out as Dejen shook his head as he let Windy lay on his lap as he petted her some.

“Honestly Mercy, what were you thinking?” to which she stuck her nose up and look the other way as she told simply.

“I was thinking for Herbal sake,” then added with a tongue sticking out. “He’ll come around eventually.” Dejen shake his head as he leaned back, as he scratched Windy mane as she gave a coo as Dejen motioned everyone to leave, well except for the mare on his lap. As when he was alone with her, he gave a low sigh. Motioning her to get off as to follow him, as once she got onto her hooves and followed the Striped, did Dejen mind process over what he learned.

A growing Colony of a thousand-- that’s a town, maybe a small city at best. It's mind boggling to be honest, that they can just...populate that fast, hell not even the changelings can do that in their eggs! rubbing a hand to his face as he gave a low groan. And to think, it was a good idea to suggest Harsho about this. Oh that stallion is going to pin my ass on a wall at the end of the day when he hears about this!

Walking up the steps as he continues on with his thoughts, mindless hearing the pegasus following him with the clopping of her hooves. What am I supposed to say, ‘oh hey Harsho, so it turns out that letting the Colony here was a bad idea because they can grow a freaking big population a lot more than we thought! Guess we learn the hard way, eh?’. and scowl as he could already imagine the shock on Harsho face, as well the need to drink-- and to kick the Striped ass out from the palace.

And with the Hunters-- oh is that going to be a headache, I doubt Harsho could cover Shima back with them and their more extremists when they hear. Or even the Equestrians rulers! How the hell am I supposed to cover that with Harsho?! opening the door to his room, he moved to his workshop, feeling the need to work on various weapons and armor to get his mind thinking. As he was working on the weapons he could slightly produce, grumbling to himself in thought.

This is beyond what not only I can handle-- but the other's. Hell, I doubt even Mercy can handle this! And she’s a Queen of changelings for Christ sakes! although a part of him cursed as he was reminded that the Shiftlings were compared to ants as he slammed his tools down and gave a frustrated sound as he forced himself away from his project, as Windy stood by the side, knowing that her Master was agitated as he shouted.

“Damn it! We’re on a fucking anthill!” grabbing his head with his large hands as he said. “You stupid, stupid, sentimental idiot! You had to realize that this would happen! You just had to! You just had to be the guy who just a bit kind to something related to changelings! You should of been harsh and cutthroat from the start! AT least that way things might be simple, but no! You just HAD to lower that self because it wasn’t ‘business’.” slapping his head as Windy wanted to comfort him, but knew that he gets rather emotional when he was ranting as she had to wait.

“You just had to give a shit because they were being hunted by the damned Hunters! You had to play the game wrong and you just essentially fucked us up, great job Dejen! Great. Fucking. Job! You had one job! And that was to be a cutthroat and you failed at that!”

And now, here they were, sitting on what could only virtually be an ant colony's hill and directly inside their nest’s stomping grounds. Possibly to be filled with thousands if they were allowed to, and so many swarming around the surface and under it. How was he supposed to deal with that? And he certainly couldn’t just make them move now-- they would fight tooth and nail and near extinction to stay where they were-- and even if they sent people down to make them move, going inside an anthill was the worst move anything could make-- even animals hundreds of times an ant’s size could be brought down by a colony--

“Wait...a colony…” stopped Dejen as he thought on it...and laughed. “Yes that's it! We don’t have to try anything! I just need to convince Harsho, who can convince the people-- that the Colony is the best way-- because they’re essentially soldiers! Oh brilliant Dejen! Fucking brilliant!” laughing as he grins wider. “A giant, natural occurring and unpaid defense force, of the near thousand, even more if well kept fighters! With emotions to supply them a feast to get the right Shiftlings! And all I need to do is simply let them do what they gotta do to defend the city with the people!”

Windy made her way to her Master, noticing the rather sudden change in his demeanor as she nuzzle his side, looking up as she asked with a concerned look. “Are you alright Master?” seeing his wide grin as he picked her up by her sides, looking directly at her...then squeeze and hug her as he said as he swing around.

“Oh yes Windy, I am beyond alright-- I just had a realization my little pegasus pet!” then nuzzle her as his mind move the want to make or continue his work on the side. “Infact, I dare say if we play our cards right and work things out-- we’ll get through this with as little casualties as possible, Windy.” As he looked at her some, as when he lessen his hug on her, she wondered what he was thinking...as he told as he began walking to the bed pillow.

“I’m in a good mood, and I just realize it’s been awhile since I last preen you.” Getting her to be wide eyed, before giggling with a blush on her face as she knew that whenever he preen her-- it means that she and her Master were going to be, ‘busy’ for a few hours at least.

Harsho just look at Dejen as he was silent, as the next day came as Dejen stood by his friend/boss as they were in the gardens. As Harsho took a deep breath and said. “A...thousand you say?” as Dejen nodded as the Striped added in assurance.

“Herbal added that Shima is holding them back and letting the colony ‘takes their time’ as while there will be a thousand in a year, they’re going ‘slow’ mostly because she does have some say due to her reproducing them all.” Harsho took a deep breath as he asked with an exhausted breath.

“And this ‘bright side’ you mention?” to which Dejen grinned wide as he told.

“Unpaid working, defensive and labor force.” Harsho held a doubtful look as he said.

“But Dejen, I’m not their leader, do you think that is the ‘bright side’?” to which Dejen reminded with a raised finger.

“Shima did mention that if you needed something, there's a chance the colony will respond, if anything to have work to do. So in a way, you could ask them to help build, help construct-- and help defend against invaders and capture people who the guards can’t get there in time.” Harsho thought over and asked.

“But will they be willing to do all of that? Granted we are letting them live here, and letting them passively feed on the populous, but…” Dejen assured the stallion with a pat on the shoulder.

“My dear, dear friend,” giving a wide grin. “When have I ever lead you astray before?” to which Harsho scowl and told flatly.

“When you said that Gem wouldn’t experiment in the palace-- and did as part of the west wing blew up?” Dejen gave a sheepish look.

“Well...that was one time, Harsho.” to which the stallion added.

“Or the time you said not to worry about the whole issue with Debt-- but it turned out the gnoll was employed to kill you before you took his contract from that bastard of my brother.”

“It turned out alright in the end!” proclaim Dejen as Harsho added with a glare.

“Or the time that when you said you accept any gifts, and I gave you that slave-- you nearly threaten me with a blade to my balls!?”

“Cultural shock, I wasn’t expecting it.” defended Dejen as Harsho told with a pointed hoof.

“OR, the time when you insisted on having Mercy with her hive here-- and her seducing everyone before somehow she manage to try to seduce you!” To which Dejen thought of a good comeback….

Only to pause as he asked. “She tried to seduce me?”

“Are you serious!? She was literally presenting herself to you in front of everybody in the courtroom!” told Harsho to the Striped as Dejen shrug and told.

“I had a lot on my mind with the Hunters!” Harsho took a breath and told.

“The point is Dejen, whenever I am lead into something you plan or do-- there is always something that backfires. Like what I mentioned of all those things.”

“Buuut they work out in the end, riiiiiight?” asked Dejen with a wide grin as Harsho snorted and told.

“Only because of that wit and perception of yours-- maybe luck too.” glancing to his friend as he said. “But the point is, whenever you drag me along with your plans that contains one thing or with my city-- I get a little paranoid of whatever may happen.” scowling some as he added. “Like that time with the whole Debt thing-- you threw a cake at another Sultan during a negotiation.”

“Well...no one was going to eat it so why not use it for a good distraction?” said Dejen as Harsho huffed and said.

“Just...promise me that the city won’t be at risk, I stick my neck out for you ever since you saved my life-- I think my life saving debt of me helping you is drying up, Dejen.” The Striped pat the horse back and assured.

“I promise Harsho, I won’t overdo stuff like before.” seeing the horse sigh and nod as Dejen went on. “Now, we have a lot to do, and things to work on.” then grin as he tease to the horse. “Like you getting those concubines all pump up for heirs.” moving away from the horse as Harsho snorts as Dejen waved. “Later!” Harsho sighed as he took a sip of his tea, wondering if his friend became insane-- or was already insane to begin with being Striped of all things? I wonder if Striped are naturally born insane? Would explain a lot.