Author's Note
So, yeah. Sorry, know its got alot of fluff in the beginning, but I couldn't help myself! It just seemed so cute.
Anyway yeah, sorry this took so long. I know I haven't been writing in a while. Let me know in the comments what you think. I'm not good at grammar, never have been, and probably never will. So, if you see any errors let me know, please don't be rude about it, though. I'm not sure when I'll update but I'll keep you posted. 
P.S. Know I plan on giving some background info. on Rainbow Dash and her past. Her mom, hive, ect. (Also note that that may change but as of now, that's what I'm planning.)
Whelp, I hope you all enjoy! Have a nice day and please give me a thumbs up! If you don't, once again, I simply ask for you to tell me why. Thanks for reading!
P.P.S. The next chapters will most likely be much better than this one. So, hang on, please.
Sincerely,
~Orangeblossom1212
Please?
Rainbow Dash was dozing off into the realm of sleep, her face snuggled up into her colt friend's chest. Soarin' rocked her back and forth while stroking her mane. He smiled when her breathing changed into a slow, steady rhythm, indicating that she was in fact, asleep. Soarin' then very tenderly planted a soft, gentle kiss on Rainbow's forhead. Rainbow Dash stirred slightly in her sleep but now wore a small smile as she shifted and nuzzled closer into Soarin' to get comfortable. Soarin' smirked. Yes, tomorrow would be fun in deed. With that in mind it wasn't long before Soarin' himself began to doze off, too. Soon finding himself frolicking in a meadow with Rainbow Dash flowers, and pie raining from the sky.
"Wakey, wakey," Soarin' sang gleefully.
"Ugh!" Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance, burying herself deeper under the covers.
"Oh, come on Dashie! Besides I have a surprise for you," Soarin' sang out cheerfully while smirking.
This time Rainbow Dash popped her head out from the top of the covers. Rainbow Dash opened her eyes to see a giant, ugly oozing thing! Rainbow Dash had no idea what it was.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH," Rainbow Dash screamed at the top of her lungs, flailing backward and toppling off the bed.
Laughter echoed through the room.
"SOARIN'!"
"Yes?" Soarin' asked innocently, but his smile and struggle to contain his laughter gave him away.
"What was that for?!?! Why in the name of Equestria would you do that to me?"
"Oh, I don't know, maybe I did it as a little payback for that little 'prank' you pulled on me yesterday."
"Yeah, well, my prank wasn't that bad." Rainbow Dash muttered under her breath.
"Not that bad? NOT THAT BAD!?!? After my flight show the other day, during the autograph signing, you punched me in the stomach! And when I cringed and grabbed my stomach you poured water on the floor and started yelling for metics, saying I was going into labor! LABOR!!!! Do you have any idea how many news reporters have come up to me wanting to know if I'm actually a mare in desguise? Those pesky reporters are comming up with all kinds of crazy ideas! Like me being a spy for princess Celesta or Princess Luna, being one example. Not to mention all the ponies there that were laughing at me!"
Rainbow Dash was rolling around on the floor laughing so hard she was crying!
"Yeah, well, there's nothing wrong with being a mare Soarin'," Rainbow Dash said now finally recovering from her laughter. "I mean, you’d never be able to pull off being as awesome a mare as me, but, you know, you can try, I guess.” Rainbow Dash said seriously before smirking.
"I know! I don't have anything against it. I'm really good friends with some ponies that are mares. But that prank you pulled is spreading a lie! I'm not a mare!"
"Well if it's a lie just say so to the reporters and-"
"You don't understand. Dashie, it's not that simple. When reporters get an idea, they just run with it. It doesn't matter what I say to them or try to do to get them to stop."
"Okay, but this is just another rumor. It'll blow over eventually. And, come on, no-pony is seriously so gullible as to actually believe that! I means seriously!"
"Yes, but what if some-pony actually does believe that? It may hurt their feelings."
"How?"
"Dashie you just don't get it, do you?" Soarin' groaned in annoyance, shaking his head with a sigh.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up! What am I not understanding here?"
"Dashie, this rumor might hurt some ponies feelings."
"How?" Rainbow Dash challenged, now getting beyond annoyed at how Soarin was acting over this stupid situation.
"Oh, I don't know! But every action has a consequence! I know what it's like to have rumors spread around and to hurt somepony you love, even if it wasn't on purpose. I just don't like spreading a lie, alright?"
"Whoa! Sorry Soarin', I had no idea. Well, from this moment forward, I promise not to let the press spread any rumors that may or may not have come from me," Rainbow lied sarcastcly, discreetly folding her wing and crossing two of her primary feathers.
"Well good! If you do that then I'll make sure not to spread anymore about you."
"Wait! What!? Any more? What did you do? What did you tell them?"
"Oh, nothing. It's probably fine, just a little slip up. I'm sure it'll 'blow over eventually.'" Soarin' smirked smugly.
Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed, "Soarin'! I'm going to kill you."
"Oh, shoot,” Soarin' gasped under his breath as he turned tail and darted over to the stairs.
“Oh no you don't!” Rainbow Dash yelled, grabbing his tail in her teeth and yanking him back.
“Ah!” Soarin' yelled out in suprize at the sudden pain pulling at his rear end.
“You’ll never take me alive,” Soarin' shouted, dropping his disguise.
Leaving the tail Rainbow had clenched in her teeth to disappear in a burst of flames, causing Rainbow Dash to, once again, be thrown back by the sudden release of pressure and to topple over onto the other side of the bed.
“Cheater!” Rainbow Dash yelled, quickly jumping back up on to her hooves and pushing off the bed in one swift motion, like a cat chasing after their prey. Rainbow Dash grabbed the side of the door frame and swung around towards the stairs. Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash however, she triped over her own hooves on the second step and came tumbling down. Landing hooves over head at the bottom of the stair case. When Rainbow finally came to a stop, she pouted in annoyance.
“Ppppfffffhahahahhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!” Soarin' burst out laughing, holding his sides and leaning against the wall for support, failing miserably to keep himself from falling over and maintaining balance.
Rainbow Dash glared at him and gritted her teeth angrily. Luckily for Soarin' he had managed to contain his laughter long enough to trot over and carefully lifted Rainbow Dash back up to her hooves.
Rainbow Dash huffed in annoyance before sighing and casting her gaze at the floor. Soarin’s smile faded. “Rainbow are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” Soarin' asked worriedly. Rainbow smirked and looked up at him and playfully punched him in the shoulder. “Of course not! It’d take more than a mere tumble to keep the great, awesome, Rainbow Dash down!”
“Alright then, but I'm not so sure that Rainbow Dash is as awesome as she makes herself out to be. After all, what about the fantastic, sturdy flier Soarin'?”
“Really? You really even want to try and go there?” Rainbow Dash stated more than asked.
“Oh, I'm sorry, if you really truly feel threatened by me...”
“W-w-”
“- No, trust me Dashie, it’s okay! If you truly know I'm a better flier and you just don't want to admit it, I understand.” Soarin' smirked.
“Why you little-!” Rainbow Dash shouted, now chasing after him.
“Catch me if you can, Dashie!” Soarin' called teasingly over his shoulder. Darting past her he flew out the front door. Rainbow Dash eyes’ widened in panic.
“No, Soarin'!” Rainbow Dash yelled, speeding out after him. Rainbow Dash looked around franticly but Soarin' was nowhere in sight.
“Oh, NONONONO!” Rainbow Dash said, her breath picking up as she began to zip around looking for Soarin'.
Soarin's’ head then came from up above her, seemingly from nowhere. Swinging down and locking his black, chitian lips with hers. Now upside down, he pulled back and grinned at her.
Rainbow Dash proceeded in darted her head around franticly and latching onto his holed covered hoof and dragging him inside the house as quickly as possible. Slamming the front door shut and locking it tight, Rainbow Dash then turned to Soarin angrily.
“What is wrong with you?!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
“What? Oh, c’mon. We were just having fun.”
“No, Soarin'. NOT FUN! This is not fun at all! What if somepony saw you?! Do you have any idea what Celestia could do to you?”
“Rainbow, relax.”
“Relax?! How am I supposed to relax? You could be sentenced to death because of what Chrysalis did-.” Rainbow Dash was cut off when Soarin' gently placed his holed hoof over her mouth and smiled at her tenderly- silencing her.
“Trust me and relax. First of all, it’s still way too early for most ponies to be up, it’s barely daylight outside. Plus, even if some-pony did see me, you are a more credible source. If you said there was no changeling, it would simply be dismissed as paranoia from the wedding. Don't forget that I'm for the most part, pitch black. It’d be kinda hard to see me in the dim light, at least for a normal pony anyway. Don't worry.”
“Fine! If you're wrong though, that could ruin our chances of...” Rainbow’s voice trailed off, as she suddenly felt nervous.
“Chances of what?" Soarin' asked curiously. "And if you're so worried about being found out, why did you pull that ''prank?" it certainly didn't do us any favors."
Rainbow Dash growled at the last part but quickly dismissed it.
“N-nothing. Don't worry about it.” Rainbow Dash said biting her lip nerviously.
“Hey, what's wrong?” Soarin' asked, noticing her uneased expression.
“Nothing. Don't worry about it," Rainbow Dash replied again.
“Rainbow,” Soarin' stated bluntly. “You know I know you better than that. Trust me, I’ve seen your sweet ‘mushy’ and ‘sappy’ side as well as your tough one. I know when somethings bothering you. Tell me. What’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything.”
“I just..I've been thinking...” Rainbow mumbled, her head down.
“Yeah? I'm listening,” Soarin' encouraged.
“Have you ever thought about actually s-starting a family? You know... a h-hive?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously.
Soarin' blinked, taking a moment to process what Rainbow Dash had just said.
“Actually, yeah. I kind of have been thinking about that myself.” Soarin' admitted. Probably not for the reasons you're hoping though, Soarin' thought with a hint of unease. "If you want to start a family, I can go ask for an adoption audience with Queen Athnaties. The nursery is jammed packed as of late. I'm sure they could use the help. Plus, the nymph would get more... ‘one on one time’ I suppose you could say”.... " Soarin' said, thinking out loud.
“No, Soarin'..... What I mean is, you know, a hive of our own? You already know I'm a virgin queen.” Rainbow Dash said. “So why can't we? I mean, nothing’s stopping us.”
Soarin' simply stood there in silence, contemplating the idea.
“D-dash”...Soarin began. "I understsnd what your saying but... my queen....she may see it as a betrayal, or another hive to have to compete with. Plus it takes a LOT of love to start, let alone support a whole, entire hive. Where would we get enough love for that? Its’ not fair to bring a bunch of new changeings into the world only for them to starve. We will need to have a large, stable, consistent, and STRONG food source.”
“I know. I’ve already found a solution, though. Trust me I've thought a lot about this! I promise it’ll work! I really want to do this, Soarin'!”
“Are you sure you won’t settle for just adopting one?” Soarin' asked hopefully, practically begging .
“No. I. Will. not!" Rainbow Dash said, glaring in frustration.
“Ugh,” Soarin' groaned in defeat. “How do you even plan on getting enough love to support a small hive? Sending out more changelings to gather it won't exactly make things easy, or keep ponies at ease. The wedding is still fresh in their minds, you know. It's only been eight months.“
“I've already got it all figured out! The answer is simple: livestock, rabbits to be precise. They are easy to breed, and do so in small amounts of time. They’re easy to care for. We can grow they’re food easily. Plus, they are a good source of protein if some ling is too sick or weak for just love to heal them. We do still need to eat meat from time to time anyway. You already know that, though. Plus, I found the perfect spot to build our hive!” Rainbow Dash said. Not being able to stop the now growing grin on her face.
“Look, Dash. I can tell you really want this, but I don't think it’s a good idea. I mean your an element of harmony; Loyalty to be exact. You need to be here for Equestria! A hive is a full time job! Plus princess Celestia doesn’t even know we’re changelings! If she finds out, I'm pretty confident that it won’t end well. Especially since it’ll look like you were using your relationship with them and the rest of equestria to take it over or gain something, thanks to a certain Queen we currently know as the ‘Canterlot Terror.”
“That's why were going to ask permission. Or at least make it look like it, anyway. I’m not exactly going to take no for at answer.” Rainbow Dash explained rather bluntly for Soarin’s taste.
“You seriously think that Princess Celestia will listen to us after all that’s happened? Seriously! Are you forgetting that Princess Cadence is her niece?! Do you even remember what Chrysalis did to her and Shining Armor? There’s no way she’ll side with us!“ Soarin' shouted.
“Calm down!” Rainbow Dash shouted, glaring daggers at Soarin'.
“Yeah, I get what your saying, really I do! However, what about all the things I did to help save Equestria? Do you really think they’d go so low as to throw me out after everything my friends an I have been though? Besides, my Element Of Harmony will recognize me. So I’ll be able to prove to them who I am and gain their support. After all, they can’t get rid of me or Equestria will be without its greatest means of defense."
"But a hive will need you too! I can't do it all by myself! There's just NO way! Plus, you know how demanding the Bolts are! I love my job, I don't want to quit!" Soarin' countered.
"You don't have to, I swear!"
"Then who's going to manage the hive when we’re not there?"
"Our alpha males." Rainbow replied simply.
"..... Alpha males are used for certain departments part time. They're not ment for long term controle over multiple large, demanding jobs."
"Which is why I plan on having several."
"What? You can't have more than one! Well, I guess you can, if your okay with them killing each other!" Soarin' yelled.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "I've helped a lot of ponies with friendship problems. I'm pretty sure I can make this work. Plus, I found a really good place for the hive!"
"Dash, I just don't think this is a good idea," Soarin' insisted.
"Will you at least come see the place I picked out? After all, us starting a hive very well have some benefits to your queen."
"Oh, yeah? How's that?" Soarin' asked curiously.
"Well, for starters there's food, space, and safety. We'll have support from Princess Celestia so ponies won't or at least will be much less likey to attack. And we could take in some of thos 'over crouded nymphs'. Until they're older at least."
"That's....true." Soarin' admitted." " Fine. We'll go look at this 'place' you found but I make NO promises."
"Yes!" Rainbow Dash cheered in excitement.
"I repeat I am making NO promises! We are merely going to LOOK at this area you found." Soarin' reminded sternly, but that did nothing to get rid of the grin on Rainbow's face.
"Where is it anyway?" Soarin' asked.
"Not far. It's in the Everfree Forest."
"Wonderful," Soarin' said with a sigh and yawned.
Opening his eyes again, Soarin' found Rainbow Dash simply grinning at him.
"You want to go now, don't you?" Soarin' asked, knowing full well the answer.
"YUP! Very much!"
"Any chance I can get another nap first?"
"NOOOOPPPE! Come on, lets go," Rainbow Dash cheered.
"Fine," Soarin' sighed in defeat.
Soarin' followed Rainbow to the door, but before he stepped out, she stopped him.
"Um, Soarin'? Don't you think you're forgetting something?" Rainbow asked.
"Huh? No. What would I be forgetting?"
There was along pause before it finally hit him.
"....Oh! Right! My disguise!" In a quick flash of green light, Soarin' was Soarin' once again, only this time a pink blush was easily seen through his coat as Soarin' nervously rubbed the back of his head, smiling sheepishly.
"You goof," Rainbow Dash teased. "Now, come on! Let's go!"
[hr.]
"You're going to love it here Soarin'! just you wait and see!" Rinbow gushed smushing her cheeks together.
Gosh, if I didn't know better I'd say Rainbow was kidnapped and replaced by a changeling. This SO isn't like her.
"What made you set your heart on this in the first place," Soarin' asked.
Rainbow Dash suddenly slowed down drastically in response. Surprised, Soarin' turned around and flew back to where Rainbow Dash was now hovering.
"You okay?" Soarin' asked worriedly. "This isn't like you."
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking.... I guess I've always kinda wanted to have a kid... at that time though I didn't even know I was a changeling. So, when I found out, I guess it was kinda a bummer. It made since though, with me being adopted and all... I guess I just never thought I'd get the chance. I wanted to give my foal the life I never had. My dad was great, don't get me wrong. I love and miss him with all my heart.... but, I kind of want to know where I came from... It's just... why would my mother leave me, her next heir, all alone and abandoned? ...It just doesn't make since..."
Rainbow Dah began to slowly speed back up in pursuit of her future hive, brimming with determination.
Soarin' gradually sped up until he now kept an even pace with her, before giving her his answer.
"I don't know. It really doesn't seem likely that a queen would do that unless they felt threatened. That being Chrysalis's perspective by the way. A normal queen, or mother of just about ANY species, wouldn't do that. Their offspring is their legacy. The future of their hive and, perhaps, another new hive all together. I... know you probably don't want to hear this but; I think something happened and your hive died out. Or that your mother did at least, and a hive won't last long without one... It really is amazing how many characteristics we share with bees. Too bad we can't build backup queen cells like they can. That seems like the most likely scenario, though..... You know, we could just adopt. It would give you more time to figure all this out," Soarin' offered again.
"QUIT STALLING!" Rainbow Dash demanded. "I'm not against adoption, I guess, it's just not the same."
"I guess youre right..." Soarin' trailed off...
Soarin' was ripped from his thoughts when he heard Rainbow shout excitedly.
"We're here!" Soarin' looked down.
"I certainly don't see anywhere worth starting a hive, all I see are tree tops! What are we supposed to do? Make a hive in a tree!? I know I said we were a lot like bees in a lot of ways but this ISN'T one of them!" Soarin' frowned deeply and looked at Rainbow Dash if he'd just been insulted.
Rainbow rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"Follow me," Rainbow Dash said simply, sending a small, playful glare Soarin's way. Rainbow then dropped her disguise and went into a dive, weaving her way past large tree limbs after piercing her way through the canopy of trees, with Soarin' following suit. Finally the pair broke past the trees and what Soarin' saw shocked him. Rainbow Dash had to shut his mouth with a hoof as they landed. While taking in the sight, it was all Soarin could do but simply stand there and stare.
The area was HUGE! With trees around the perimeter, which had to be miles long at least, were all warped to get there fair share of sunlight, caving the whole area like a living dome. The vines within the tree tops were thick. So thick in fact that the top from aboved looked like a low part of the forest, just like the rest, but that was not the case at all!
The vines let light in but nothing could be seen from above. How they did this did nothing short of confused Soarin' to no end. Another thing Soarin' had not expected was that is all seemed to cover the side of a cliff. Had the whole forest really grown that much? Soarin' saw it from above: nothing but even terrain for miles, but apparently the trees grew to all be even?
Coming down the cliffside was a beautiful crystal clear, blue stream with flowers and other exotic plants surrounding it.
"Wow...." was all Soarin' could say as he finally came back to reality.
Soarin' hovered down to the ground but did not take his eyes off the beautiful waterfall. Finally touching down Soarin' felt something tickle the bottom of his hooves. Looking down he saw the brightest, healthiest green grass he'd ever seen.
Rainbow Dash still hovered a few feet away watching his reaction closely, a smug grin plastered on her face.
"Are you ready to see the inside?" Rainbow asked Soarin' innocently.
Soarin' simply turned to look at her, his jaw dropping again.
"There's an inside?!" Was all he could mutter.
"Yup! Follow me!" Rainbow Dash said, landing and leading him closer to the waterfall.
"It's behind the water fall!" Rainbow explained.
Soarin' followed as she walked over to the side of the water fall only to discover a large ledge that extended out about twenty feet, and was a good four meters away from the waters spray, keeping it completely dry and safe to walk on without fear of slipping. Looking onward, Soarin' saw that it basically was the entrance of a large cave. Advancing from the ledge to the entrance he could see that it was about 200 meters high easily, most likely more, and about 150 matters long. upon coming inside, Soarin' was shocked once again to find that it had its own stream. Despite its long width it appeared to be rather slow and calm, much like a lazy river. Rainbow Dash led him forward until they reached a cliff. It was a straight drop. Morphing below from the likely millions of years of wear and tear, was a large, egg like shaped room. There was also a ledge about twenty feet above them that turned out to be a huge ledge that opened into another section in the cave. This one was about about the size of the tree dome itself.
"You have no idea how big this cave really is." Rainbow Dash commented. ''There are hundreds of spaces like this, and many others coming in many other sizes. This size and larger. There might be a few more smaller ones but I haven't found many of then yet."
"Plenty of room to expand a hive and raise rabbits. Ive...already chose a place for a hatchery... and started to set it up..." Rainbow Dash added hesitantly.
"Did you now?... Well, are you going to show me or are we just going to stand here?" Soarin' asked with an unreadable expression.
Rainbow nodded. "It's a far ways back still.... I also started making a food storage chamber directly behing it. There are multiple tunnels that lead to it, so I figured its got easy access and is deep in the hive, so hopefully it'll stay hidden and in the safest part of the hive."
Soarin nodded. "Makes sense. I'm guessing it'd be quicker to fly then?" Soarin' suggested.
Rainbow nodded once, pushed of the ground her wings, and took flight. Her wings humming as they supported her weight in the air. Together, Rainbow dash and Soarin' took off to the the hatchery at breaknecking speeds. Luckily, Rainbow knew where she was going, so Soarin' only had to focus on her movements from behind and mimic them, which was good because Soarin' really couldn't see anything they passed due to them only being a blur anyway. After about fifteen minutes of this speed Rainbow began to slow down.
"This place really is huge. How much farther back does this thing go?"
"Miles at least," Rainbow responded casually." Anyway here we are!" Rainbow shouted triumphantly.
She stopped so suddenly that Soarin' bumped into her and about knocked her over, not that Rainbow Dash minded. She was too excited to show Soarin' how much work she put into the hatchery and food chambers.
Upon entering the hatchery Soarin' quickly took notice that Rainbow Dash had put up several transparent walls made with her signature cyan blue gel, a color Soarin' secretly envied. Soarin', however would never admit it. The last thing Rainbow Dash needed was another ego booster. The wall separated off into several rooms. The doorways he noticed, all went up about two and a half to three feet, with a small staircase on the outside of about two to four steps, depending on how level the cave floor was.
"Dash," Soarin' asked.
"Yeah?" Rainbow Dash responded. Her eyes have yet to leave his as she watched him intently, awaiting his reaction.
"What's with the steps?"
"Oh, those! Those are to keep the nymphs from coming out. The inside drop is cover in a thin layer of hardened royal jelly. So, its really slippery. It'll keep all the cute and mischievous nymphs from getting out unsupervised, at least until their wings come in, anyway."
Soarin' nodded.
"Okay. So all the other rooms are for storing food then," Soarin' noted out loud.
"Huh? No! Everything here is the nursery!"
Soarin's eyes widened so much they appeared they were about to pop out of his head!
"This is a pretty big nursery, don't you think? In my hive, nymphs of all ages were just put together in one large room with rotating staff, and we did just fine. I think you're overdoing it a little."
"Yeah, well, that's not how its going to be here! I want my nymphs to have the best and only the best!" Rainbow Dash declared.
Soarin' considered disagreeing but decided against it. Based on the stern look Rainbow was giving, it was clear there was no changing her mind.
"This room here, as well as the other one over there, will be used for the newly hatched nymphs."
"Two?"
"Oh, there's way more, trust me." Rainbow Dash insured.
Why so many? Dash this really is a lot. I think we're getting in over our head," Soarin' tried. Sadly for him though, it was futile.
"Oh my gosh! Quite! Questions from now in will be answered after the tour!"
"Fine," Soarin' sighed.
"As I was saying, yes, I have several of each room. In case you haven't noticed we have plenty of room to fill, and yes we will start off small but I want to be prepared. Most, as of now, are being used for storage, which by the way I already have planned. Okay, so these three small rooms over here," Rainbow Dash said, turning and pointing to the walls surrounding the entrance. " The ones next to each other, will house the eggs. Then a few days before the hatch, they will be moved to those cubby like structures on the wall. In those the humidity will be greatly increased and controlled. That way, their egg membrane will be really soft and the nymph will have an easier time coming out. The nymphs will remain in these cubby like cells for three days after hatching to be supervised, and to, you know, make sure nothing's wrong with them, and what have you. Then back over there-," Rainbow Dash said pointing to a very large set of doors.
"Wow, those doors are big enough for Princess Celestia to walk through with Princess Luna sitting on her shoulders," Soarin' muttered quietly to himself.
"In there," Rainbow Dash continued, "we will keep track of all the nymphs. In there I will store all their eggshells and birth information until they start working in the hive and move into their apartments."
"Apartment?" Soarin' asked surprised.
Rainbow lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, apartments. What's wrong with that? I thought you'd like that.
"I do, its a very good idea Rainbow," Soarin' praised. "However don't you think were starting this kind of early? I mean, okay, how should I word this...." Soarin' trailed off as Rainbow Dash waited impatiently.
"Okay, number one, our hive is just starting out. As far as I'm aware, my hive is the only one that does that. This was generations after the hive was started mind you, we were going strong by then. Plus we had several worker changelings doing the building. I highly doubt we can build all those apartments and stuff ourselves before starting this."
"That's not true!" Rainbow yelled in Soarin's face angrily! Look at all the things I did here! I've only been working a week! And already I've grown the protective dome outside, learned my way around, created this HUGE hatchery and storage rooms, AND finish the food storage chamber as well as start the livestock area! ALL BYMYSELF!!! Rainbow Dash fumed.
Soarin's eyes about popped out of his head," Y-you built that huge dome and...., "Soarin's words died in his throat as he processed these words.
"Ugh Soarin'! What is the matter with you! It's like you've lost all your faith in me when it comes to what I'm capable of! In all honesty, it seems to me like your scared! Every time I say anything you try to belittle it! You-"
"You're right...," Soarin' interrupted.
"-Wait, What?" Rainbow Dash froze and looked Soarin' in the eye.
"You're right. I am afraid. I'm afraid that I won't be able to provide for you all and that maybe I'm not capable to be the partner or father you need. So, yes I am afraid, I'll admit it. I don't want to EVER have to feel like I need to pick between you and my queen, or anything else. So yes, I'll admit it. I. Am. afraid!" Soarin' had tears in his eyes. "....but I love you. No matter what, I promise you that I will always love you. If this truly is what you want.... I'll talk to Queen Athnaties, but only if you're absolutely, without a doubt, one-hundred percent sure that we can handle this. I know I wont be perfect, but I'm willing to try. I promise you that much."
"I-I... I am one-hundred percent without a doubt completely sure. I promise....," Rainbow Dash said confidently.
"Heh, it was "absolutely without a doubt.""
"Shut up, Pie Boy!" Rainbow Dash said laughing, choking back happy tears before she reached out and hugged Soarin' as tightly as she could. Soarin' simply hugged her back.
"If we're going to do this though, we'll need to talk to princess Celestia first. I don't want to risk getting my queen excited about a benefit or whatever only to pull the mat out from underneath her hooves. That WILL NOT make her happy, nor me especially. trust me, as laid back as she is, when Queen Nthnaties isn't happy, no-ling is."
"O-okay. I'll ask Twilight to set me up a private meeting with Princess Celestia. I just won't tell her why."
"You mean your friends don't know you're a changeling," Soarin' asked surprised. "How come I've never heard abut this? You're the Element of Loyalty. I'd think you guys were so close that they'd already know something like that."
Rolling her eyes Rainbow replied. "No. That's why I'm going straight to Princess Celestia. Twilight, no offence to her, is well, an egghead. When that nerdy mare gets an idea in her head, there's no changing it."
"Heh, sounds like this certain 'ling I know," Soarin' joked.
"Really who? Is he go to your hive?" Rainbow Dash asked obliviously.
Chuckling Soarin' replied, "Never mind."
Looking confused Rainbow continued,"Anyway, yeah, I'm going straight to Celestia. Twilight trusts her, so it'll help make sure things go more smoothly. I hope."
"Yeah, we kind of got a bad reputation to sake off," Soarin' pointed out.
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash quietly agreed.
"Oh shoot!" Soarin' panicked.
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot! I was supposed to stop by the Spitfire's office and finish that paperwork! Spitfire will KILL me if she gets there and its not done! Come on, we got to go! Spitfire wants you to go over the drills again too."
Author's Note
Alright every-pony, here's the next chapter. Please leave a review and any comments you may have. If you see any grammar errors, please let me know. Enjoy! 
A friend Indeed
Soarin' speed walked around the corner towards Spitfire's office, too focused to think of anything else. Images of what Spitfire would do to him if she found out he'd forgoten to finish the promised paperwork frightened him. Soarin' shook his head. Shooing the thought away he upgrade his pace even faster still, now just shy of a gallop.
"Whoa!" Wave Chill shouted as Soarin' ran into him. Crashing, the two fell to the ground with a loud thud that echoed repeatedly off the Wonder-Bolt HQ's walls.
"Gah!" Soarin' yelped, jumping up. "Sorry, Wave Chill!"
Before Soarin' could resume his quest of beating Spitfire to her office, Wave Chill grabbed Soarin' by the back of his neck and yanked him back!
"Whoa! No! Wave Chill, I don't have time for this! I need to get the paperwork done or Spitfire is going to KILL me! I-I'm too young to die!" Soarin' pleaded like a foal begging for an extra sweet with dessert, or for a brand new toy he'd happened to come across at the market.
"Soarin'!" Wave Chill shouted before Soarin' could continue his rant.
"NO! I NEED to leave! Please, Wave!" Soarin' begged. "You have to let me go!"
"First off, I don't have to do anything. Secondly, oh, you mean this paperwork?" Wave Chill asked while guesturing to a folder tucked up under his wing as if it were obvious.
"Huh?" Soarin' asked dumbly, going limp in Wave's grasp and finally stopping his endless rant. "The paperwork!?"
"You worry WAY too much! By the way, I may have over heard your conversation with the Captain, and I may have noticed that you weren't here on time. So, I took the liberty upon myself to help a stressed bug out and do the paperwork for him before he really did bug out." Wave Chill said, chuckling a little at his pun that Soarin' seemingly didn't catch.
"Thank you so much!" Soarin' sighed in relief and leaned against the wall.
"Yeah. Spitfire has been really stressed out lately. In all honesty, I was afraid of what she'd do to you otherwise. I mean, she isn't that bad, but when the Captain is stressed she's off the chain."
"Agreed." Soarin' sighed, "and I already have a lot on my plate to deal with right now, anway. One I REALLY do need to be alive for."
Wave Chill raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Soooo.....what's wrong then?"
"It's not necessarily- there isn't really anything wrong per say...."
Wave Chill groaned, "really? You're seriously going to give me the 'speech' again? You literally do this every time something is bothering you and you don't want to tell me. I'm sick of beating it out of you. You know I will. You might as well just tell me."
"Wait, what? I don't give speeches, I don't like public speaking." Soarin' said obliviously.
Wave Chill face hoofed and shook his head. "Alright love bug, I'll bite. Tell big brother Wave what's bugging you."
Soarin' got silent... "I'm scared."
"Huh? Wait, what? Soarin'....Why do you have any reason to be scared? I did the paper work, Spitfire doesn't have to know."
Rainbow Dash wants to start a hive!
Wave Chill's eyes about popped out of their sockets. "A-are you sure that that's a good idea? I mean... the wedding........"
"I know." Soarin' leaned back on the wall and slumped to the floor. "That's what I told Dashie but she just..." Soarin' trailed off as he got lost in his thoughts.
"That's going to be A LOT of changelings...," Wave commented.
What's the point in standing when it's just Wave? I can relax and be myself around him, he won't judge me. I need to take a minute and chill out... Ugh! I shouldn't have told Dashie that! Me a father? There's no WAY I can do this! This is all going to end in a disaster. This is too much. All of this is going to come back to bite me, I just know it.
"Where is she?" Wave asked after a short-lived moment of silence.
"Dash?" Soarin' clarified.
Wave rolled his eyes. "Yes."
"Well, she was supposed to come here with me but she decided she didn't want to be around me once she realized I forgot the paperwork at about halfway here. So, she went back to her hive site. Said she'd changed her mind and that she wanted to get as much work done on her hive as she could."
"Her hive? I'm no expert on changling bio and culture or anything, but isn't this a hive a team effort?"
"Not really," Soarin' admitted. "Queens rule. What they say goes. Even if I did get some power or a say, I don't think its a hidden fact that Rainbow will be dominate in all of this."
"If queens are always dominate, how would you get a say anyway?"
"Rainbow knows nothing about how hives really work, therefore she will greatly be relying on me. In all honesty, she doesn't know much more that what the ponies know. Er, no offense."
"Non taken. Some of the things ponies are publish as fact though, my gosh. Then again, I know a lot more about you then most, so a little bit of slack there I guess. But still... How do changeling queens have so many children anyway?"
"Yeah, um, we really do have a lot of siblings when you think about it." Soarin' nodded in agreement. "Now to answer your question; normally, there are some males specificly selected for their genetics. This selected group of changelings are considered breeders to the queen. If they aren't selected for the Queen, they are most often paired with another changeling of the opposite gender. Although breeders aren't limited to just males. There are some females that reproduce too. Although for them, more often than not, it becomes a career for them in the hive. Whatever's better for the hive as a whole is whats goes. If we need bigger, stronger changelings on our defence, our Queen will make it happen, no matter the cost. Even if that's all they end up doing until they're too old to do otherwise, which is like, fortyish years in case you were wondering. If conditioned correctly, females can lay thousands of eggs at a time. Really though only laying six or so at a time is what's natural."
"....That... that's messed up..."
"You think that's messed up? Some Queens don't reproduce at all, they leave that to their subjects."
"Huh? Then how did she get changelings in the first place?" Wave asked in befuddlement.
"Often she gets a group of changeling from her mother's hive before they split to start another hive.
"Oh... Wait. If that's true, than after a while won't they become inbred?"
"Not quite. We've adapted. Our biology stores extra genes that weren't used when our egg was fertilized. That way, before it's laid, if the current genetics from the parents are too similar, it'll make a new combination for itself. We do though, limit any possible inbreeding as much as possible though. Some hives, like mine, are allies with other hives so that we can get some new blood into our brood if needed. So, no inbreeding here. Although this isn't as common, queens can produce asexually. Both using their own DNA or making a whole new combination, although that had proven to be much more difficulty when it is done alone."
"Okay. Like I said before, though "That's just messed up."" Wave commented, his brow furrowed down into a thinking expression as he tried to understand all that Soarin' had just said.
Soarin' rolled his eyes. "That most likely won't be the case here. Rainbow Dash was raised by ponies. All she really knows is what her instincts tell her and based on what she told me she knows on the way here, I don't think her hive mind link was developed enough into her mind for her to have the full, proper knowledge or instincts for this, which is very worrisome all on its own. It probably explains how she was able to survive. what'll be even worse is that we don't know who her parents are. Weather I like it or not, my queen will at the very least want a background check. Her, like most queens, Rainbow Dash included, obviously, have egos and a pride bigger than a whale. My queen will not willingly release me over to a weaker hive, if she will atall. That would tarnish her name and her legacy. Sadly, she simply will not have it."
"Does she even know about you and Rainbow being a thing? I mean, you know." Wave Chill said gesturing his hooves together.
There was a short pause before Soarin' finally spoke. "You know I think there were some complications in communication when it comes to this topic."
"You didn't tell her, did you." Wave said more than asked.
"No."
"Oooohhhhhhh, yikes! That's gonna' sting."
"I know. My queen is going to KILL ME! I don't know what to do. I mean, come one! Who am I kidding? Me? A father? All I'd do is screw up! Plus, once my queen finds out, I wont exactly be on her good side either."
"You don't know that."
"Sure I don't." Soarin responded curtly, a bitter sarcasm making itself well known.
"Hey!" Soarin' shouted as Wave smacked him upside the head.
"Ouch! Hey!"
"First of all, you've got hard chitian, so don't complain you wimp. Secondly, don't you even DARE cop that attitude with me! Lastly, the fact that you care already proves you're better than your father was. Listen, I know he hurt you Soarin'. I know you don't have the experience you wish you did or that you need, and I'm sorry for that. However, you're making this worse for yourself by not accepting the facts. Yes, you will make mistakes. Yes is will be difficult. Yes Rainbow Dash probably doesn't know what she's getting into either, BUT, you know what? She cares. It sounds like she'd go to the end of the Earth to accomplish this. Every pony who knows her knows it. My point is Soarin', dispite all this, you are not alone. There may be a lot of unknowns, but you have Rainbow Dash's support. You know you've definitely got mine. I'm sure Tarnix would do the same. Have you talked to him yet?"
"No."
"Talk to him. You're focusing on all the bad things Soarin'. I think it's about time you took a break and looked at the good things in life. Relax. You won't get anywhere wollowing in PITY like a fly stuck in water."
"Okay! Enough with the bug jokes! They aren't even that good!"
"Heh, really? I think they're great!" Wave smirked. Soarin's irritated expression only added to his amusement.
"Ugh!" Soarin' groaned, shaking his head.
Wave Chill snickered.
Soarin' sighed. "Well, guess I better get going. I might as well get this over with before I Chicken out."
Wave nodded in approval. "That-a-colt! Keep me posted though, I'm here for you."
"Really?" Soarin' asked sarcastically. "I couldn't tell by the crazy motivational speech."
"Get out of here!" Wave smirked as he pushed Soarin' back in the direction of the exit while laughing to himself.
Soarin' flew in the general direction of his hive. Upon getting halfway there, he slowed down as wheels in his head began to turn as he began to think.
What is she gonna' say? I shouldn't do this! This is stupid!... What if I get banished from the hive?!
"Soarin'!" A familiar voice shouted, snapping Soarin' out of his thoughts.
"Hey Tarnix. How's it going?" Soarin' asked, trying to take a break a break form his thoughts, even if only briefly.
"You know. Normal patrol, work around the hive, the usual. Although there has been a lot more work to do since this last batch of eggs arrived. Queen Athnaties has made plans to expand the hive though. A lot has changed since you've last been here. You haven't been by to collect your rations though. Too busy with the Bolts to visit me? Tarnix said with a sarcastic, sad tone."
"What? No! Well, yes, I've been busy but- are there any other patrols out here?" Soarin' asked urgently.
"Well, the whole back half of the hive is gone for construction, so yeah. We've been and will be on high alert for any threats or predators until that's finished. What's going on, though? You aren't acting like yourself." Tarnix commented. Concern evident in his voice.
"Well, uh... You see... Can we please go somewhere private to discuss this?" Soarin' pleaded urgently.
"Okay, um, sure. I was just finishing up here anyway."
"Oh, good." Soarin' sighed in relief.
"So, you got that message I sent you about the nursery, right?" Tarnix asked
"Yeah, I did. Thanks. That's a pretty cool mailing system you made, though."
"Thank you!" Tarnix said, brimming with pride. "It's a self charging teleportation messenger! Or S.C.T.M. for short."
"Rrriiiight. Anyway, it is pretty cool. I have no idea how you made it so convenient. It's about the size of a water bottle and fits perfectly in my saddle bags. Although, I'll admit it startled me a bit when it started vibrating.
"Sorry. I didn't think to warn you about that. It does that to alert you of a message. All you have to do is pop open the end and pull the message out-"
"Not to sound rude, Tarnix... but I already figured it out. That's how I got your message about the hatchery in the first place."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry. Anyway lets got back to my place. I believe you had something you wanted to tell me?" Tarnix asked, changing the subject.
"Please. I'm really having a hard time and I'm not completely sure on what I should do."
"Alright then. Lets go."
Tarnix and Soarin both began making their way back to the hive. Soarin' lagging slightly behind, still hesitant to face their queen, and their home.
"C'mon Soarin, hurry up!" Tarnix called over his should to Soarin who was about sixteen feet away.
Seeing no way out of it, Soarin' picked up his pace. Tarnix waited for Soarin to catch up before speeding off for the hive once again, this time Soarin' following suit. They passed a few other changelings on their way back but otherwise flew there undisturbed. It felt like no time had passed when they reached the hive, though. Causing Soarin' to breakout in a sweat.
"Alright. Who's place do you want to go to? "Tarnix asked. "Your place or mine?"
"Uh... How about yours, if that's okay. Yours is closer."
"Sure! Of course it's okay. I'm the one that asked you after all," Tarnix pointed out.
"Alright then. Lets go."
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"So...what's this about, Soarin?" Tarnix asked, his voice serious and dripping with concern. You aren't acting like yourself..."
"Um, well... I'm kind of in a not-so-good situation at the moment."
"Okay. I'm sorry but you're gonna' have to be bit more specific."
Soarin' bit his lip.
"Rainbow Dash wants to start a hive and Queen Athnaties doesn't know about me being with Rainbow Dash at all! Let alone the fact that Rainbow Dash is a virgin queen! I don't know what to do! I mean come on! Me a father?! I shouldn't have even told Rainbow yes. In all honesty I don't even expect Queen Athnaties to say yes. Especially since both Rainbow Dash and I know absolutely nothing about her heritage! I just don't know what to do! I don't want to disappoint either of them or seem like I'm abandoning my hive!"
"Soarin'. First of all, calm yourself. Secondly, listen to me! I understand your anxiety, but all this worrying about what could go wrong isn't going to help. You need to focus on one obstacle at a time. A hot head isn't going to do you any favors."
"Ugh! Now you sound just like Wave Chill."
"Good. It means we actually have a brain, therefore we can help."
"Hey!" Soarin' jabbed, looking insulted. Tarnix however, simply ignored him and continoued.
"So let me get all this straight. The queen has no idea of you being with one of the elements of harmony-let alone that she's a changeling capable of starting a hive."
"Yes, but-"
"No buts! let me finish! And you're worried about how you'll be able to handle it, correct."
"Yes."
"Why do you even doubt yourself?"
"What if I can't do it? What if I turn into me father? I-I just don't know if ill be able to handle it all."
"Trust me, Soarin', you will never be anything like your father."
"How do you know?"
"I know because I'm your friend and will do anything I can to help you. Plus, you know, if you do I'll kick your flank back into line." Tarnix finished smirking
Soarin' couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Thanks Tarnix. I really appreciate that."
"Ah, well, just another act of my tender generosity." Tarnix commented, striking a pose. Soarin' shook his head trying to suppress his laughter.
"Okay now back to the topic at hoof. Rainbow Dash. What does she know?"
"About what, exactly?"
"Everything. Heritage, building hive, how far progressed have her instincts gotten, etcetera, etcetera."
"From before her life with her adopted pony parents- nothing. However, she has made quite a bit of progress on the hive, so her instinct are doing well there. On other things though... I'm starting to get worried. It seems she has no knowledge of storing love long term or the development of the nymphs in general. I mean, its practically impossible to get away from the place. Rainbow Dash and I got half way to the Wonderbolt HQ and turned back. Although she didn't say this, I suspect it also had something to do with Spitfire as well. I'm not talking about the typical stressed captain either it seems they've bee avoiding each other and I'm not sure why. but she cant stay away either. Rainbow Dash latterly dragged me to her new 'hive site'"
"So she's determined. Not much of a surprise there, though. All queens want to start a hive of their own at some point. Instinct wise, I think the stuff about the nymphs will come with time. I'm not to sure why your worried about love storage, though. You can teach her that. This is going to be a learning curve for you both. Nothing ever goes according to plan one-hundred percent. You two are going to have your ups and your downs, just like with anything you do. Queen Athnaties is pretty laid back. The only thing I'm concerned about if the lack of heritage. That's something she'll defiantly want to know."
"I know! I don't know what to do!" Soarin' groaned.
"I think deep down you do." Tarnix said placing a hoof on Soarin's shoulder. "Do you want me to go to the audience with you?"
Soarin' bit his lip and nodded hesitantly.
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