Fallen Land

"Get up now Ambrosia!"

Someling was yelling in my ear.

"What the bug do you want Aliss?"

"The hive is under attack! Move your fat carapace, get your stuff, and let's go!"

My turquoise eyes widened in alarm and I grabbed my saddlebags, tightening the strap with my teeth as we ran outside of our apartment.

My sister Aliss slammed and locked the door behind us, and. I could see other 'lings rushing outside.

I saw many determined ones launch into the air, buzzing their wings as they joined the defensive forces.

My head whipped around just in time to see my sister gallop around a corner.

I shook my head with a huff and followed her.

I saw Aliss screech to a halt in front of a nervous-looking Changeling guard.

"Do you know the current situation?" she asked, worry tingling her violet eyes.

His eyes glazed over as he listened to the Hive Mind.

Whatever had been spoken to him was too quiet for me to pick up on.

"We are under siege by the Gryphons and Metamorpha Hive, and casualties are piling up. Queen Abelia suggests you and your sister to evacuate to the enter of the Hive." He replied solemnly.

My sister gave him a nod and grabbed my wing with her magical grip.

I winced in pain, but quietly followed her. My mind was buzzing with questions I wanted to ask Aliss, but I knew she was too busy right now.

As we ran to the center of the Hive, something plummeted from the sky and dropped before us.

A horrible black monstrosity hissed and tried to lunge for me.

Before I could react, my sister put up a shield before it could attack.

"Go!" she screamed, struggling to hold it up.

"No! I can't leave you!" I shouted back.

"For Goddess' sakes JUST GO!"

My eyes filled with tears, but I forced myself to turn around and run towards a secret back entrance.

When I got there, I lashed out my rear hooves in a firm buck and shattered the solidified Changeling goo.

Getting down on my black underbelly, I crawled through the tiny space and kept on going towards a speck of light.

I heard something try to get in after me, but I shuddered and only crawled faster, praying to the Maker that whatever it was, it was too big to fit through the hole.

I broke free onto the barren ground and lay in the feeble sun, savoring it's dim warmth.

A screech came from overhead and I opened my eyes.

The sky was black with Changelings.

It was a terrible sight, and I filled with panic. Negative emotions filled me like an ocean.

I remembered that our Hive was situated near a mountain range, and that there were plenty of places to hide and survive.

I looked all around to make sure no eyes were watching and gathered all my strength, resolve, and courage.

All of a sudden I bolted towards a hill, where I had played many moons before. I kept myself low to the ground, primal instincts kicking in.

I felt a sharp pain in my flank. I skidded to a halt, my carapace screeching along the ground.

"So do we kill every changeling sir?" a smug male voice inquired.

The world was slowly being muted and blackened.

I turned my head in slow motion to the left, seeing two elegantly dressed griffons staring at me.

"Yes, now pluck the arrow out and put the dagger in. I've heard killing them twice in their heart is more effective than just once." The one on the left replied.

As my vision faded, my thoughts were confused.

Didn't they know we had two hearts?