"BROTHERS! We stand here united as the last force to stop this evil! We stand as the last force that can face these monsters! The vile Eye watches us this very moment! It yearns for the moment when our hearts fail! It yearns for the moment when we turn our blades against our comrades, against our nations, against our families! It seeks to destroy all that we hold dear!"
"I will not lie. There will be a day when our hearts fail. But that day is not today! There will be a day when brothers will turn against each other. But that day is not today! A day when our hopes are nothing but ashes carried by the wind. BUT THAT DAY IS NOT TODAY!"
"I fought by your side! I will die by your side! I don't stand here today as a king! But as a soldier! Stand tall! Let us steal Tenebris gaze until Phan can reach the summit! Brace your hearts! Do not let despair steal your heart! Know that the one standing next to you will have your back just as you have theirs! I am proud of the life I lived. Let us show that today, the free beings of Equos STAND! TOGETHER!"
THAT is an inspirational speech! To think this guy didn't want to be king, what a waste it would have been.
Sythorn turned away from the little company of five hundred beings. Dragons, ponies, changelings, yaks, griffons, hippogriffs, zebras, diamond dogs. That had to be the largest number of species to ever gather with the same purpose. A single ray of hope that shone through the dark skies of the kingdom hidden behind the dark walls of Umbratio.
The rightful ruler of the Griffons stood tall with his blade in hand. The same blade used in the legend to defeat the dark lord Tenebris. Reforged by the ponies. Blessed by the deceased, traitorous army that he freed. Bathed in the blood of the damned who threw their minds to the dark tyrant.
Sythorn looked at his weapon, remembering the small changelings. The little creatures that bravely volunteered to fulfill that suicidal quest. It wasn't for the hope of all creatures that he stood with his brothers. It was for them. For those little creatures that made all of that possible.
The weakest creatures that brought hope for so many. Changing the fate of their world.
They would not stand there if it weren't for those four. Two of them stood behind him weapons in hand. The other two faced the dark, poisonous air of Caedes. They stood there in hope that they could buy them time.
That little circle of soldiers, surrounded by an army of undead, Windigoes, husks, revenants, wraiths, and other atrocities, hopped to pull the deadly eye's gaze from the mountain.
From within the circle, Gurdin spoke to True Shot.
"Never thought that a dragon would die fighting alongside a pony."
The mare looked down at the short-tempered dragon with a kind smile before replying.
"What about dying alongside a friend?"
The Purple creature chuckled at the remark before turning to the army of monsters. His battle-ax ready and aching for their game to start.
"Ah. That I can do."
YES! GO YOU, TWO DORKS! Smash those monsters and play the counting game! You two better be alive by the end of this. Do you hear me?!
The monsters around them howled and roared. Drooling and gritting their teeth they pretended to move forward.
Sythorn looked at his troops. All of them were volunteers, some had seen enough battles. Others not nearly enough. But all of them stared at him. The king that led the charge, even the kings of the ponies stood there in wait for his command.
Sythorn averted his gaze to the darkness beyond the gate. There was no chance of victory. That was the end of all things. That was their end. The tip of his weapon touched the ground beneath him. His breathing slowed down. He looked over his shoulder and said to those willing to hear.
"For Phan and Meri."
Then, without a battle-cry or any sort of fear, he leaped towards the enemy army. His troops stood in shock while the one who had rallied them made an insane dash at his certain demise.
"FOR THE HIVEE!/FOR THE QUEEN!" Two voices cried out as they followed the Griffon King. The weakest charging at the strongest enemy to ever threaten the freedom of the creatures of Equos.
The cries of two changelings made the troops shake their fear. The little ones had done it again. With their doubts erased, the soldiers followed the charge. Full throttle, roaring for their freedom. Roaring at the certain death that waited for them.
Th-?!
The incredible scene that was unfolding before his very eyes came to a sudden stop. A pair of ponies busted into the barracks. Groaning and panting issued. Caeru Feather rolled his eyes and then got up from his bed. That wasn't the first time another member of the guard had brought a mate to the barracks.
Which was against regulations.
With the corner of his eyes, Caeru caught the sight of a fiery mane waving in the non-existent wind. And the color pattern of the Captain's mane. Caeru looked at the couple.
Based on the mark, that had to be Princess Celestia. Caeru coughed a bit, still recuperating from the cold he had caught a few weeks prior, which led to the Princess looking over her shoulder. Her sclera had changed color as well as her irises. Caeru shrugged at the sight.
As far as he was concerned, the Princess could do whatever the heck she wanted.
He saw the princess' eyes slowly return to normal along with her mane. Her cheeks flushed while the captain let out a loud sigh of relief.
"I'll just go find another place to finish my book," Caeru replied while heading to the door.
I let her out again.
Celestia tried her best to regain her composure. The soldier that snapped her out her trance was gone. Her nephew's husband was breathing heavily. His face was red as an apple.
"I apologize, captain. I was not myself. I will find a way to compensate for it," Celestia replied with her politician tone.
"P-Please tell me that Cadance doesn't have a side like that," Shining Armor asked as he tried to regain his breath.
"That I cannot say. Mine has been there for some time. But I have to ask that you keep this a secret. Even from Cadance."
"You want me to lie to my bride to be," Shining said with a dark tone.
"I am aware that this is a selfish request. But I cannot have her worry about me as well. It is bad enough that she had to endure an attempt to kidnap her a few days before her wedding," Celestia replied while readjusting her dress.
"Do you also want me to tell that soldier to keep his mouth shut?"
"No. I'll handle him myself. What was his name?"
"That was a private first class, Caeru Feather. If I'm not mistaken, he has recently returned to his duties after getting severe flu."
"I see. And that empty book in his hands?"
"I saw two pages in it, Princess. But I have never seen that book before."
"Very well, I shall seek him out now. You should recompose yourself," Celestia replied while heading to the door. She stopped at the door, looking over her shoulder she said once more. "I am sorry about this, captain. I truly am."
"Just try to keep her locked away."
Celestia nodded positively before heading out the door.
The army of monsters was blinded by the radiant light coming from above. The fearless warriors rushed the monster's front line as if they didn't exist. Blades clashed as the monsters began to have their first casualties. Without hesitation, without concern.
Their clash was brutal. Bodies, blood, magic flew through the battlefield as the glistening blades danced amongst the legion. All that for two little changelings. All that for the hope of buying time for their friends.
And they were giving it their all.
Meanwhile, in at the entrance of the Damnatio. The very forge where the damned ring. Meri carried her friend on her back, the little changeling's eyes were dull. The companion with whom she had traveled so far was only a husk of his former self. The beautiful hive had disappeared from his thoughts. All that was left was a firey pit of Tartarus that plagued every waking moment of Phan's existence.
"Come on! Don't you see Phan? It's right there! I-it's there..."
Exhaustion took over. After carrying her friend a considerable distance, she gave in. Meri dropped to the floor while dropping her friend in the process. Her eyes were struggling to stay open, because of both her physical exhaustion and the ash saturated air. Her eyes were almost shut when she caught sight of her friend.
FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA! SAVE THEM, PLEASE!!!!! GET UP PHAN! Meri, you're much stronger than this. Get up just once more!
Phan's eyes were clouded. All Phan could see were the distorted shadows of the mountain. He knew he was close to the mountain, to the fiery pit from where his cargo had come. Yet, the world felt cold. Lifeless, it was as if he was at the point where all things ended. An orangish color guided his steps. The whispering, the thought of the damned eye, the pain, the heartache, the fear begged him to run away. To wear the ring and then escape that suffering.
But something deep down screamed. A muffled cry begged for him to endure it just a little while longer. The faint sound of water flowing, the blurred image of great fields covered in green. The sight of something he couldn't remember. A sight that brought him comfort.
"Smarts changelings. Clever changelings. CLIMBING UP SO FAR!!!"
OH, FUCK NO! No! Get back to the pit you were tossed into! We do not need you right now!
That voice made Phan look to the side. He didn't have time to escape. Click lunged at him toppling Phan, who hit his head against the rocks. Click then tried to break the chitin around Phan's neck to strangle him. The twisted form of what once was a changeling managed to create some cracks around Phan's neck.
"DIE YOU MONSTER!" Meri screamed as she hammered a stone against click's head.
SMASH HIS FREAKING SKULL!
Click fell to the side, staggered by the blow he tried to get up on his hooves. Only for Meri to suplex it in an attempt to throw him down the mountainside. However, the creature wriggled its body so that it could take a bite at Meri's shoulder, causing her to drop Click.
Seeing her friend scuffle with the creature, Phan scrambled towards the entrance to the forge. That's when he felt it, warmth. The cold air surrounding him finally had heat, his chitin was no longer freezing. Phan continued to tumble towards the center of the orange circle. The ring around his neck weighted like a fully grown, award-winning pig.
Phan reached for the ring and held it above the orange pit below him. He stared the tiny object, the shiny little thing that caused him so much harm. The tiny little thing that called out his name in such an alluring way. The soothing appearance of the smooth surface of the ring. The beautiful glim that came from the golden object.
No.
He couldn't do it. The ring was his. HIS. It was his precious possession. The wondrous gift passed down to him by his uncle. The precious object that he went above and beyond to protect. The ring was his and his alone! It was calling to him. Praising him for his feats. It recognized his worth.
It beckoned him to call out its power. It offered him the world. All he had to do was put it on.
"PHAN!" Another voice called out to him.
Phan looked over his shoulder and then saw his friend.
"Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!" She begged while struggling to keep on her hooves against the scorching gusts of wind that rose from the pit below them.
Phan broke the necklace that held the ring. He took the gold accessory to his ring finger. Then while staring at his best friend eyes' he said:
"No."
And then he vanished.
FUUUUUUUUCK! Right at the end?! Just like the first bearer?! No-no-no! Don't switch characters don't-
Outside, the king found himself pinned against the ground as a troll raised its foot to crush him. Sythorn raised both his arms to defend against the creature's attack. However, the monster's attack was halted by a volley of arrows that pierced the creature's eyes, causing it to tumble and then fall over its comrades.
FUCK YOU! ALSO, THANK YOU FOR SAVING SYTHORN!
The battle was beginning to wear them down. The king felt his fatigue as his hands trembled to keep the sword steady. But then, amidst the confusion of screams and roars, the sound of a storm began to echo across the land. Sythorn turned his gaze towards the thunderstorm.
What he saw made him feel his strength return.
"THE ELDER DRAGONS ARE COMMING!"
Yes! Waste those monsters! Elder dragons for the win!
Terrifying and majestic, the dragons flew over their small company. Spitting firebolts as well as other elements at the army. Their claws locking with the claws of the sirens' and their black riders. The staggering screech of the monsters muffled by the dragon's earth-shattering roar.
They might be able to do it. The situation had turned. Now it was only a matter of-?!
Another ear-shattering sound stormed the battle. Sythorn looked back at the tower that held the eye. The fire orb had turned around, it was facing the destination of his little friends.
"No."
NOPE. Nope. Nope. You do not get your ring back! Go to Tartarus and then the frozen prison of Helheim you stupid orb.
Back in the mountain, Phan struggled to keep Click out of his back. The creature had followed Phan's hoof marks and was now riding on his back. The creature grabbed Phan's hand and then tore off his finger using its mouth. Phan reappeared while falling to his knees.
Behind him, the twisted creature held the ring up in the sky. Its eyes shining with a horrific glow as it finally reclaimed his most prized possession.
"It's MINE! The precious is MINE! IT'S-?!"
"PHAN!!! NOOOOO!"
Meri watched as her friend lunged against Click. Both of them then disappeared as they fell towards the pit of lava. The changeling got up on her hooves and then dashed to the edge. Looking down at the edge, she saw the creature falling into the fiery pit.
Please be alive. Please be alive. Please be alive!!
But that did not matter.
WHY?!
"PHAN!" She cried as she caught sight of her friend barely hanging on to the side of the platform.
YES!
Her friend's eyes were lit up again. The dreaded darkness that seeped into them during their travel dissipated as the creature Click disappeared into the molten rock. Meri reached out for her friend, who, with a lot of struggle, managed to take her hand.
YES!
After pulling him up, Meri offered her shoulder. Phan accepted the aid wholeheartedly as they fled the collapsing forge. The molten rocks that had swallowed Click were rising quickly in an attempt to devour them as well. The changelings barely escaped the scorching pit. They sought refuge on top of a large boulder.
NO!
The mountain behind them blew into a hellish storm of stone and fire. As they laid on top of the boulder, surrounded by a lake of lava, Phan looked at the gray sky with a sad smile.
NO!
"I can see it, Meri. I can see the hive! The rivers, the plants, the animals. I can feel the scent of the flowers. I can hear our queen singing from her tower."
I know what you are doing, so stop, right now!
"And now they are all safe Phan. You did it Phan Hivend. You saved the Hive."
Phan gave out a tired chuckle before coughing due to the volcano's fumes. "No, Meri Wisemind. We did it. I couldn't have done this without you. I bet Lux will be impressed."
STOP! Who gives a fuck about Lux! You two need to kiss! Right now! DO IT!
"Yes. I believe he will," Meri replied with a soothing tone. "Although, I don't think I'll be sad if he found another drone while we were out here. How many of us can say they saved the entire world?" The changeling said pulling her friend close.
They wouldn't escape that place. Their mission was over. And that was enough for them. Their home was safe and their friends would be able to enjoy the bliss of the land being freed from that darkness. And deep in Meri's heart, she was happy that her last moments were spent with her friend.
"Phan. How about we go home?"
Her friend let out a small sigh as he closed his eyes. "Yes. That would be nice."
"Excuse me," another voice interrupted Caeru's reading. This time, however, it was a voice accompanied by the sound of chains rattling against the floor.
Caeru lifted his crystal lantern and then pointed it at the voice. The holding cells were the last place he expected to see another pony, let alone a changeling. Yet, there she was, or at least he thought it was a she. Black chitin with emerald green mane, her body was well built as the book described. A beautiful silhouette accompanied by tauntingly hypnotizing eyes. Surely something worthy of the lady of the forest from the story he was reading.
But, again, she was interrupting his reading.
"It is rude to stare," The Changeling said in a sultry tone. "If you like what you see, why not come closer?"
Squinting his eyes, Caeru saw the vestments the changeling wore. Her dress had several holes, many of them seemed to be caused by weapons. However, her chitin was intact. Just like the book described it, the chitin functioned as an armor against the attacks from ranged weapons and spells.
Caeru let out a sigh before returning his gaze to the yellow pages. "Changeling charms won't work on a pony that is aware of your presence. I merely wanted a place to finish my reading. If you would be so kind, leave me to it."
"What's this? I thought you liked mares. Maybe you like stallions? I can be that if you want," The Changeling said while her voice shifted to something akin to Caeru's commander, Captain Shining Armor.
Caeru sighed in annoyance as he marked the page once more. "I don't seem to find any ponies attractive so far. At least not any real ones."
"Oh, you poor thing. Did the mares give you a hard time? Why don't you give ME a try?" The changeling said while getting closer to the bars as she reached out to Caeru. "I can be whoever you want. But you can't lie to me. I know you find some mares attractive. I can see the glint in your eyes. So, do tell me: who strikes your fancy?"
Caeru stared attentively at the creature. The book mentioned that changelings could shapeshift. However, in the story, they didn't seem very fond of it. Something about it influencing their thought process. But this changeling seemed quite eager to shapeshift. And that had him quite curious.
"I do have some mares I fancy. I guess it is pretty obvious that Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance are the ones that caught my eye," Caeru commented, which earned him rolling eyes from the changeling. "Pretty obvious, huh?"
"I don't think so, my dear," The chained creature replied as her entire body was engulfed in flames. In the blink of an eye, she had turned into Celestia. "Won't my valiant knight rescue his poor ruler from this unjust prison?"
Caeru just stood there, mesmerized by the show he had just seen. They really could shapeshift! And with an amazing amount of details too! Even Celestia's ethereal mane was on point! Now, that was an ability to be proud of. Mimicry that could fool any creature? Where would he need to sign up to gain it? Nowhere was the answer. It was a species trait after all.
"What is it, my dear?" The fake princess asked with her voice cracking. "Am I too old? Do you perhaps..." Another flash of green, and then Cadance was standing before Caeru. "...prefer a younger mare? I may not have the same built or size as the sun. But I guarantee my 'heart' can make you ever so pleased. Would you like to give it a try? We can do it with the chains on if it excites you."
Caeru was completely baffled at the sight. The way she could seamlessly change between personas was amazing. She could live a good life as an actor. Wait, what if she played the role of the characters in the book? What if all changelings did that?! It would be THE play of the century. Caeru would pay as much as they wanted to see actors like them bring his book to life.
"Your kind is really something else. The imitation is on point. But I can't do anything to you, regardless of the form you take. Celestia and Cadance are beautiful. But they are deities. I'm a private first class. And you? You probably walk on the same plane as them. Thank you, for showing me your shapeshifting. Now, I'll return to my book."
The fake alicorn of love shifted back into the form of a changeling. She hissed and scowled at Caeru for several seconds while he readied himself to read the final bits of the story.
"Huh, another pony reading another boring tale where ponies are the heroes. Typical writing, let me guess: the main character is rescuing the princess from a horrifying monster. Probably a dragon or a griffon. Maybe even a changeling."
This time Caeru took her words personally. He had discovered that book recently. Right before he got sick, but what a tale it was. The plot of the rising king, the struggle to keep the ring's influence at bay, the attempt of bringing back the one corrupted by the ring in an attempt to save himself. The relationship that the trio composed by a dragon, a pony and a griffon developed during their adventures. The satisfaction of seeing the armies of the dark lord fall time and time again by the hands of those he thought weaker than him.
But what he liked the most was the thought that even the smallest of things could change the fate of the world. That even the weakest of creatures could become a force so grand that an entire continent would unite to face the darkness. Despite the differences in shape and culture, despite the wrongs that happened in the past. A single act of bravery from something so small caused a small disturbance that evolved into a tsunami.
"You better keep your mouth shut before criticizing this book. The protagonists are your kin. Their bravery in this story was the changing force that led to the salvation of the entire continent," Caeru replied while holding the book towards the changeling.
"A book where foreigners are the heroes? How much time has passed since your princess threw me in this cell?" The Changeling said rolling her eyes.
"You don't believe me? Then listen to this!"
Caeru opened the book again at the marked page. Clearing up his throat he found the sentence where he had stopped. Then he took a deep breath and began to read it out loud.
The elder dragons soared over the lake of lava. Alba, the hippogriff, rode on the back of a fire dragon, hoping to find his friends somewhere amongst the streams of molten rock. He had been searching for several minutes, seeing only burnt up corpses along with the remains of creatures that died after climbing up on top of giant boulders.
Then he saw it. Two little changelings, one resting in the arms of the other as they slowly drifted into sleep. Alba Spoke to the dragon, orienting it about the changeling's whereabouts. The elder dragon grabbed the small creatures with its powerful claws and then took off. His destination, the city of Spero.
After a long sleep, Phan Hivend heard the singing of birds. The sound of a stream passing by while a gentle wind made the leaves dance to create a shower of sunlight. He opened his eyes, at the foot of his bed, Alba sat down with his staff. Phan smiled at the sight of his old friend.
"PHAN!" Another voice called out. Phan looked towards the room's door and then he saw Meri.
The changeling rushed to his side to give Phan a hug followed by a kiss on his cheek.
"We made it!"
"Not without scaring us first."
That was Sythorn's voice. Phan saw the one that let him pursue his quest appear at the door with his companions. Ignis entered the room, loud as usual for the small drake. Lucem followed the small drake, her usual silent was accompanied by a warm welcoming smile. And then, there were Phalanx and Tarsus, the two misfit scouts that helped Phan escape the riders. Their joy was something the hive would be something worthy of the grand hive festivals.
Phan was back at the town where the Fellowship was formed. His vision was clear and his memories of the Hive had returned. Phan celebrated with his friends until Sythorn Told them to get ready. Apparently, there was one thing that still needed to be done.
Phan only came to learn the meaning of his friend's words when they reached the Griffon city, Caelum.
The great city welcomed their return with the ringing of silver trumpets. A shower of flowers fell over the group as they slowly made their way towards the grand castle. The citizens screamed 'Long live the King!' as their company moved up the mountain. Phan watched with joy as dragons, zebras, hippogriffs, ponies, griffons, diamond dogs, and other races cheered their march.
As they reached the city's summit. Phan caught sight of the most beautiful tree he had ever seen. A huge red-barked tree blooming with thousands of golden and silver flowers. Their petals reflecting the light from the sun as they passed through the courtyard. That was a sight to behold.
Then the march stopped as Alba walked by Sythorn's side, leading him towards the castle's entrance. All the different species that Phan had seen during his climb gathered around them. That was when the white hippogriff picked up some petals that had fallen from the tree. With a bit of magic, a wondrous crown made out of silver and gold formed in his hands.
The crowd cheered as Sythorn kneeled down in front of Alba.
"We bear witness to the rise of the new king! May his line never fail! And let the fire of freedom shine upon the land of Thesauri shine ever so bright as it does this day!"
The mob roared in joy as unicorns fired up their magic into the skies creating beautiful bursts of colors. But then, there was silence. The entire crowd stopped their cheers as a group of ponies branding the banner of the house of Spero. And the one bearing the banner, Smaragdi. Daughter of the lord Cerasus, head of the house of Speros. A beautiful young pegasus emerald coat fading to mint as it reached the end of her limbs and nostrils. Her mane was white as snow.
Sythorn walked up to her. And then Phan saw the two exchange a loving kiss. The crowd once again cheered at the sight. Then the king turned to them. The four little changelings who had made all of that possible. The group bowed in respect to their companion's new status. Only to receive a reprimand.
"Do not lower your heads, my friends. For none of us is more deserving of the respect and the praise from this ceremony, than the four of you. Please, today, the ones who should bow, are us."
As the king said those words, he got down on his knee and lowered his head. All the species surrounding them did the same leaving only the four heroes standing tall.
"What do you think of that?" Caeru said while marking the page once more.
"That was unexpected, to say the least," The Changeling replied with an annoyed tone.
"I told you the book painted your kind as the heroes!"
"I will admit that is the best light we have ever been presented in. However, that is only a rare exception. One book cannot hope to change the way changelings are viewed."
"This tome is a compilation of three books. The fellowship of the ring, The two towers, and The return of the king. There are over a thousand pages of your kind being depicted as valiant, noble heroes," Caeru shot back while pointing at the tome.
"Three books?"
"Yes!"
"What is happening here?" A third voice called out from behind Caeru.
Lifting his lantern, Caeru saw yet another noble. Princess Cadance, alicorn of love was staring at them from the top of the stairs.
"Soldier, what are you doing here?" She inquired with a serious tone.
"Your Highness, I was merely seeking a quiet place to read this book. I did not know that there were prisoners within the castle dungeons as of late," Caeru replied while using his professional tone.
"Well, they are being used to house the one who tried to kidnap and impersonate me," The Royal replied as she descended the stairs.
"Please, I would make a better Princess of Love than you," The Changeling replied while using the same voice as Cadance.
"Quiet, monster!" Cadance shot back with poison. "Soldier! Stand still and then let go of the book."
"As you wish," Caeru replied as he let the book go.
The tome floated towards the princess. She made the book open in front of her face. Then she began to read it out loud.
And at the shores of the city of Spero. The gray boats waited for the changeling Phan board it. He had done his part, but his exposure to the malevolent ring had left its mark on him. The heartache and the wounds he suffered during his journey would never disappear. And thus, the ponies granted him the greatest gift they could afford, passage into the west.
At the white shores that waited for them at world's end, he would know peace. The pain and sorrow he was remembered ever so often by the wound he received from the wraiths would disappear. However, the sadness of leaving his companions behind would remain. But even that would be accompanied by the comfort of knowing they would live in peace, in a land united by the power of the bonds he had helped create.
As he said his goodbyes, Phan handed the book he had received from his uncle. Meri received the tome with tears in her eyes. Only to burst in tears as her friend disappeared in the horizon. After several minutes of crying, the changeling opened the book and read the title of it for her friends who were still trying to pretend they weren't crying.
"There and Back Again, and The Lord of the Rings. The tales of the Changelings."
An envelope fell from the pages. Meri picked up the letter and as she read it, her tears began to form again.
'Dear Meri,
I'm sorry I had to leave. But I cannot remain within this realm. My body was tainted by the power of the ring. I would only suffer from its lingering will for as long as lived if I were to remain at your side. This is the part of my journey in which you cannot take part. But I leave you this book so that you can remember the time we spent together.
I filled a lot of pages. But there is plenty left to fill. Those are the pages of your story. Write them down with pride. For you are the bravest and kindest creature I ever knew.
And know that it pains me to leave you behind.
Because I love you.
I leave Nest End to you. May your family know only days of peace and joy.
Always yours,
Phan Hivend.'
"A book with changelings as the protagonists? Changelings displaying love? Has the queen already brainwashed you, soldier?" Princess Cadance said igniting the book.
Caeru's eyes widened. He could not believe Cadance had just done that. Caeru ran towards the burning book. However, as soon as he managed to reach it, there was a bright flash. The entire room around him began to melt as the color drained from it. The two mares he had seen had become completely still. Caeru couldn't move either.
The grotesque sight of the princess of love slowly melting into a grey blot as each of her tissues slid down the statue revealing her muscles, her bones, her organs, and even her soul, was burned to the back of his skull. Caeru tried to move, but all he could do was watch as he suffered the same fate as the alicorn.
His mind got lost in a haze of ramblings about how precious it was. The thoughts about an unstoppable power. The lust for everything that could be achieved by just wearing it. Like serpents, those thoughts slithered into his mind, muffling any attempt to make a logical remark. And then a big eye made purely of flames flying at him again and again and again as if time had stopped working and was now stuck in a loop.
StU-ck in 8980*a loop.
Stuck in8772 a :opo.
Stuck n(K a l00p.
StU&8k in a p)97l.
SctRgu in loop a.
Ktucs an i pool.
STUCK IN A LOOP.
Eventually, all he could see around him was an endless white void. There were no sounds, the scent of iron from the holding cells had disappeared. Caeru had no weight, his body seemed to float in the middle of the white sea. Suddenly he began to feel a weight. He could feel his body touching a cold surface.
Caeru blinked once and an image appeared before his eyes. A changeling wearing comfortable-looking clothes. A green vest over a plain white shirt with a dark green scarf. He also had a pair of brownish-red pants on with suspenders. He also had a coat of the same color. His eyes were pale green, while his mane was light brown and unruly.
It fit perfectly with the description of Phan Hivend. The main character of the story Caeru had been reading. Subconsciously, Caeru reached out for the image, and then he came in contact with what felt like a wall. But as soon as his hands made contact with the wall, the image before him disappeared. Then he could see his arms and hands again, however, they were covered by what looked like chitin. Just like the changeling prisoner.
And thus he fainted.
Chapter 1: Concerning Changelings
The Badlands is an empty wasteland filled with nothing but sand. Or at least that's what its surface looks like, changelings are extremely skilled builders. The soil underneath the surface is an extremely fertile ground, using illusions to mask crystals they placed over the surface, the changelings created an underground biome that brims with life.
The crystals on the surface absorbed the sunlight. Then their counterparts would refract the light throughout the tunnels. There are plenty of underground lakes across the Badlands, and they supply the plants, crops, and the underground streams that run across the great city: Hive.
Changelings may be shapeshifters who feed off the emotions of others. But there is much more to them then meets the eye. Most believe that they live in dark tunnels filled with nothing but waste. However, they couldn't be more wrong. Lively forests, plentiful fields, healthy animals, and sights that you would see in your dreams.
Changelings are peaceful creatures. Some believe they were the first creatures to ever exist in the world of Equos. They theorize that changelings evolved into the different species that inhabit this world. Changing, developing different traits, and losing their original forms. They are shapeshifters after all, who is to deny that theory?
The ones that remain in their original shapes are the ones inhabiting the Badlands. They either lived in the small settlements or the Hive. If someone were to describe their way of life, the word they would use would most certainly be repetition. You can spend an entire day following a changeling, and you would know everything there is to know about them.
Smoking pipe, eating delicious food, drinking a good beer, fishing, and enjoying a good talk. That's the routine you can expect from a changeling. Right. If you ever mention that to a changeling, they will laugh at your face and then show their gardens, their flower fields, and their crops with products that can put earth ponies to shame. Make fun of that, and you're in for a fight. Hurt an animal or kill a plant needlessly, that will be the nail on your coffin.
Changelings have an undying love for things that grow. And that has to be their most defining trait. Tending to animals, caring for their sick, and even receiving wounded that appear at their borders. Changelings have to be the species that have the purest love for living things. Their families grow and disperse, that way filling up the entirety of its territory.
New settlements pop up eventually. The Hive expands accordingly. That way, their kind thrives in the territory every other race believes to be dead. As much as their territory changes, one thing always remains the same; there will always be a Hivend in the Nest End.
Nest End is the largest house ever built in the Hive. The best furniture, the largest storage room, the comfiest beds, and, according to some, filled with enough gold to rival some lords from the dragon kingdom. That last part is an absurd rumor.
All his uncle ever got from his adventure was a small chest. One that still smells like a troll. Or so he was told time and time again. Who is he?
His name is Phan, Phan Hivend. If there is someone who loves the Hive, that someone is him. Do not let the books about the outside world deceive you. No other changeling knows the layout of the tunnels like him. Now, if you're wondering about his uncle, his name is Claden.
Claden Hivend. Also known as the lunatic who went off to face a cursed Hydra that had taken over an ancient dragon city. Hired as a burglar by a party of eleven dragons and a hippogriff. The thing was, Claden wasn't a burglar. According to him, the hippogriff, who was a wizard, convinced the entire party about his skills as a burglar. And that was what got him involved in a war with a cursed creature.
That little adventure earned him the alias Peace Breaker. Thus, wrecking the image of the Hivend to a certain extent. Believe it or not, but changelings take pride in their peaceful lifestyle. Things that run out of the ordinary tend to receive the stink eye. But that adventure did make for some decent entertainment in the LINK.
LINK is the name given to the cornerstone for all the knowledge the changelings amassed throughout the years. It is the equivalent to a library, the main difference being that instead of books, it contains memories. Experiences changelings have, and that is worthy of remembering since it added useful information to others, are stored in LINK.
If the LINK is severed, the changeling that has been cut off will lose all knowledge that is not his own. Meaning he would be unable to perform a task he was previously capable of doing. That is the fate of those banished from the Badlands. It is the equivalent to a death sentence.
But enough about that. Such grim tidings do match the comfort of the Hive. However, knowledge about their culture is required so that you can understand where they stand in the world of Equos. They do not seek war. And now, you know that when a changeling calls their home 'a hole on the ground'; that 'hole' means comfort.
"The world is changing. The streams whisper of a vile wind coming from the north. The earth writes of foul souls singing with delight. The stench of sickness contaminates the forests. The knowledge of an ancient evil is all but lost, for none who live now remember it.
It all began with a ring, to be more precise: fourteen rings. Three given to the alicorn Princesses the fairest and wisest of all races in Equos. One given to the Dragon Lord. The great artisan of the land of fire. Two given to Diamond Dogs, warriors of the underground. Four given to the Zebras. Hunters of the pride lands. And thirteen, thirteen rings were given to the race of Griffons. Who above all others, desired power."
"And within those rings, it was stored the power and the will to rule all races. But we were all deceived. The dark Lord Tenebris forged a master ring in secret.
One Ring to Rule Them All."
Those ominous words played like a broken record in his mind. During the last twenty years or so, Phan had been able to silence those memories using his books. However, as soon as that year began, Phan had a harder time keeping those memories at bay. He went time and time again to check if his connection to LINK had been damaged or something of the sort, but the response was always the same.
"Your connection is perfectly healthy."
When he went to check with a doctor to see if he was losing his mind, the same words followed.
"Your mind is perfectly healthy. I would be more concerned with your uncle's head if I were you."
He was Phan Hivend. There was no doubt in his mind about that fact. Or so he thought. The truth is, Phan Hivend had a second set of memories that kept plaguing his everyday life. Memories about a pegasus soldier called Caeru. But that couldn't possibly be right. Phan, like many other changelings, hated to shapeshift. And there is a good reason for that. When shapeshifting, the changeling would be influenced by the species' mindset. And that was dangerous. For example, shapeshifting into a dragon could lead to blind greed.
The main issue with shapeshifting is the risk of identity loss. Spend too much time transformed, and the changeling might forget their species. That thought terrified Phan Hivend. The worst part of it is that, even though he remembers all the training and the guard's story, no other changeling in the hive has seen that memory set. That should not be possible. Its data was valuable. It had several years of training on how to be a proper soldier. That data could help the hive in case of an attack.
What am I thinking?! Who would attack the hive?!
Phan Hivend was the only changeling that had worries about an attack from outside. The only one to consider the possibility of an invasion. His thoughts were personal, so he could keep up a facade easily enough. But he couldn't deny his fear of something slithering into the hive.
He was certain that, someday, somehow, something would make its way to the Hive. And he was certain that on that day, he would have to leave and he would not be able to return.
Why? Why does that-!?
The sound of a cart coming by made Phan open his eyes. That sound could only be from her. No changeling could ever own a cart that noisy. Phan got up on his hooves as fast as he could and then ran towards the nearest road. A cart moving on its own appeared in between the tree trunks. Phan made it to the edge of the road, right by the cart's side.
"You're late!" The changeling scolded as he crossed his arms.
Before him, a figure wearing a pointy gray hat and gray robes kept its head low. It had a lot of fireworks on the back of the cart. By its side, the figure had a wooden staff and a two-handed sword. Phan could see the end of a cyan beak peeking out from underneath the hat. A cyan and white mane fell down the figure's shoulders.
"A great and powerful wizard is never late, Phan Hivend," The figure replied with a stern voice. "Nor are they ahead of time a great and powerful wizard arrives precisely at the time they wish to arrive!" It continued as it lifted her head to look at Phan.
Phan and the figure stared at each other in silence after that. The hippogriff picked up a pipe and then placed it on her mouth. After a few seconds of a stare-off, the hippogriff began to cough as the smoke left her mouth. The silence was broken by their laughter as Phan jumped onto the cart to hug the hippogriff.
She was an old friend after all. Alba the Gray, the same wizard that dragged his uncle to the fight with the hydra. Though her coat and mane were mainly cyan, her title came from the color of her robes. And according to her, Alba's name had come from the color of her mane at birth. 'The purest white ever to be seen', is how she described it.
"It's so good to see you again!" Phan exclaimed as he clung to Alba.
"Likewise, my friend. Likewise," Alba replied making a gesture that led to the carriage moving forward.
As they traveled through the tunnels leading to the Hive, Phan leaned on his friend. Her coat and feathers were softer than any pillow in the entirety of the Hive. So, he made a habit of using her as one whenever she came around, which was a rare occasion in itself. Plus, she didn't seem to mind his habit.
As they entered the Hive, the sound of the flying drones buzzing around muffled the noisy cart's creaking. Every changeling was lending a hand to put up banners, tents, food stalls, and so forth. If Phan didn't know any better, he would say that the entire thing was meant for the queen.
On the largest banner, it could be read 'Happy 108th birthday, Claden Hivend!'
"So, is the great party finally going to happen? How is he handling all of this?" Alba asked as they waved at the workers who replied with big smiles.
"You know Claden. He's got the entire place on fire. Half of the Hive has been invited," Phan replied earning an 'oh, really?' look from the wizard. "And the other half is going to attend anyway. The Queen is going to choose her partner tonight as well. That brought even more guests to the place. He wrapped everyone around his finger. I bet he is up to something."
"Is that so?" Alba replied placing her wing around Phan.
Phan knew exactly what that meant. Whenever Alba tried to make Phan comfortable, she was hiding something. Like when she hid fireworks near his house and then set them all off on his birthday. Phan nearly had a heart attack that day. But he wasn't about to let his giant pillow go.
"Fine. You can keep your secrets," Phan mumbled as he made himself more comfortable. "But I'll have you know that before YOU came along, we, the Hivend, were held in high regard. We had never had any adventures or done anything unexpected."
"If you're referring to the incident with the Hydra, I'll have you know that my involvement was close to none," Alba replied as she pets Phan's head. "I only gave your uncle a little push."
Phan chuckled at the response. "Well, you better tell that to the drones calling you two the 'Peace Breaker Duo'."
"I'll keep that in mind," Alba replied as they approached Nest End.
Phan reluctantly got up from his pillow, who had shown a bit of resistance to him leaving and then jumped off the cart.
"I'll see you at the celebration tonight! It's good to have you back Alba!" Phan said as he waved at the wizard, who replied with a meek wave as she made her hat cover her face.
"I'm glad to be back," Alba whispered as she headed to Claden's home.
Walking downhill, Phan caught sight of an old friend as she tended to the plants. Meri Wisemind, a longtime friend and his uncle's gardener. However, there was something different about her. The last time he met her, she was ok. Now, however, she had a few bandages wrapped around her forearms.
She did get attacked. I thought the LINK berserker cases happened only outside the Hive.
There was something else about Meri. Ever since Phan met her after his uncle took him in, Phan hadn't been able to push away the necessity he felt to be by her side. That made him feel as if there was something wrong. As if he had been deviating from a path set for him long before he had been born. The feeling was unbearable, a painful and horrific sensation that crushed his chest.
That feeling made Phan decide he would not approach Meri in that light. However, there was something that kept getting in the way of his efforts. A single event that happened two years ago. Phan had returned from his job at the Hive's tavern, The Golden Hydra, and he ended up running into Meri on his way back.
Up until that date, Phan was aware that Meri had feelings towards one of his co-workers, Lux. That changeling was pretty much the dream for every female in the Hive. Meri had confessed her feelings towards Lux during one of Phan's shifts. The entire conversation surrounding that topic was a fiasco.
Meri had complained about the tavern's drinks. Something about the drinks dropping its quality. Phan then asked her why she came every Friday to drink if that was the case. That was when things got weird, Meri began to blush. And given the number of drinks she had had up until that point, it wasn't enough for that kind of blush. Coincidentally, Lux had walked up to Phan and then asked for four mugs of beer, Meri was completely frozen in place during the time Lux spent there.
After Lux had left, Phan asked if Meri came there just to see Lux working. Meri had begun to act skittish, and it took a few attempts on Phan's part to make her say something. And by 'something', it was a positive nod from Meri, who refused to look at Phan's eyes. He would be lying to himself if he said the answer didn't sting. But there was something else, something that bothered Phan. Something he couldn't quite explain.
Back to the date that changed everything.
After running into her, Phan walked her to her home. As they walked through the Hive, Phan came to realize a pattern. Whenever they passed by a patch of flowers, Meri would pick one flower from it. By the time they reached her home, Meri had a wonderful bouquet in her hands. And that's when it happened.
Meri turned around with the flowers covering her face. She then offered them to Phan, who took them while tilting his head in confusion. After he had them on his hands, Meri grabbed Phan's hands and then forced him to lower them. Her head hovered over the bouquet as her lips touched Phan's. After that, Meri backed away and whispered something before darting into her home. After that day, she would oscillate between a shy/meek nature and a sarcastic/teasing nature.
Back to the present time, Phan had picked up a daisy before approaching Meri.
"Hey. How is the arm?" Phan asked while keeping the flower behind his back.
Meri jumped a little at his approach. "It would be better if I hadn't been attacked!"
It's the sarcastic Meri. I better be careful.
"Sorry. I thought the LINK berserker case was limited to the nests," Phan replied with an apologetic tone. "I, I think you might. I thought you might like this," Phan said as he offered the daisy.
Meri looked at the flower, then at Phan, and then back at the flower. She then opened her mouth, causing her tongue to roll out. The muscle then wrapped itself around the flower and then she slowly ate it. That was teasing Meri for sure, she could have just taken the flower in her hands and then eaten it like a normal changeling, but no. She had to stick her tongue out before doing so. She had to make it look as weird as possible.
I don't think I'll ever understand what the hay is going on in her head.
"Thank you, for the meal," Meri said with a mischievous tone. "How are the preparations for the party?"
"Everyone seems to be ahead of schedule. Though there are way more changelings than we invited," Hive commented while taking a seat by the garden's edge. "Even some Hiveholes."
"Aren't they the ones cursing your uncle for being alive for so long?" Meri inquired while wiping off the sweat off her mane.
"Those guys. Correct," Phan replied while bobbing his head as if he was listening to a tune. "I heard some rumors about the Queen's mate. It would seem she is already settled on one. Or that's what the drunkards by the Emerald Tree Inn say," Phan continued while watching the water wheel by the river spin.
"Any thoughts on who it might be?" Meri asked in an uninterested tone, whenever the Queen was brought to light Meri would start to act dismissive towards the conversation, as if to end the topic.
"If we are talking about the locals, Lux has to be the most likely candidate," Phan replied as his body began to follow the bobbing of his head. "But to Tartarus with that. Whoever she chooses doesn't affect us in the slightest. All we have to do is keep on keeping on."
"Truer words were never spoken," Meri replied with a more upbeat tone.
(Nest End)
Now, how should I end it? There and back again, a tale of the Changelings. It has a nice ring to it. Changelings don't live forever, maybe, ah, if I go back to Spero, I might find the inspiration for my ending. So, for now, I should-
*Knock, Knock*
Closing the book in a rush, Claden Hivend hopped off his chair with unusual speed, considering his age that is. Using the sneakiness he acquired during his first travel, Claden peeked out the window. He did not want to hear about another Hivehole complaining about the lack of an invitation. There is no annoyance bigger than a family that isn't welcomed in your home. The lack of view from his hiding spot forced Claden to take action.
"GO AWAY! We don't want any more distant relatives or anything of the sort!" Claden screamed while quietly approaching the door.
"What about old friends?" A familiar voice called out from behind the door. Feeling an old warmth form in his chest, Claden rushed to open the door.
"ALBA!" Claden exclaimed while tackling the wizard with a hug. Taking her hat and the staff, Claden walked back into the Nest End. "Come in! Come in! Close the door! There is plenty for us to talk about."
"Indeed we have," He heard her mutter while placing the staff and hat by the coat-hanger. "So, how are your preparations?"
"They are almost done. All that is left to do is seal the letter," Claden replied as his hand did the habit of fiddling on the trinket in his pocket. "Tonight, I pass the Nest End to Phan. And thus, the tradition of having a Hivend at the Nest End continues."
"You know he is planning something, don't you?" Alba asked with a sad tone while taking a seat at the largest chair available. "He likes you a lot."
"As much as he is fond of you," Claden replied with a caring tone as he sat behind the desk facing the wizard. "And about him knowing about us planning something, he isn't a Booglechin, you know that, right?"
"Regardless, don't you think you should invite him? I'm sure he would come with you if you asked," Alba asked while looking away with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Never swayed by anything. A little changeling steals a great and powerful heart. Claden mused as he chuckled at the Hypogriff's response.
"I know he would. However, I can't do that to him," Claden replied while looking at the dead fireplace. "Phan is still in love with the Hive. I can't take this away from him."
"I see, well," Alba replied with a hint of disappointment. "I guess I'll just need to keep an eye on him whenever I can. That little one might get into some trouble one day."
"That he might. But enough about that!" Claden replied getting off his chair before heading to a box he kept on top of the fireplace. "Let's smoke for a bit shall we?"
Sitting on a hill, Phan watched the crowd work on the preparations for the party. There was no such thing as a bad party. Meri sat by his side with a carefree smirk on her face.
"Do you think there is something worth searching for out there?" Meri asked while turning her gaze to the sky.
"Not really. We have all we need here," Phan answered the rehearsed phrase with ease.
"Says the changeling that reads about the outside world," Meri said before showing her tongue like a child. "You know you want to see what is out there."
"Yes, that I know," Phan replied with a sad smile. "But as far as changelings are concerned, the outside world can't do anything to us. Don't seek trouble."
"And trouble won't seek you out," Meri finished with a disinterested tone. "You know that the Hivend bit of you ought to seek trouble one day, right? Just as your uncle did."
"Concerning changelings, we can both agree we are oddities in here," Phan commented after letting out a chuckle.
"That we are," Meri said as the sound of music began to play in the distance. "I guess it's time."
"So it seems. This will be a night to remember," Phan muttered under his breath as he got up on his hooves.
Author's Note
GOOD LORD.
I'm sorry for taking so long to update.
