The Young Warrior: Apex's Choice

Chapters

Unfamiliar Feelings
A Confusing Crush
Hurting Sorrows
Ancestors and Answers
When At First You Don't Succeed
Just Try Again
Epilogue: Rocs and Relationships

Unfamiliar Feelings

Apex didn’t even realize what it was at first. He and Zenith were just friends… best friends. As close as they could get.

“Heheh, come and ge’ me ‘Nithy!”

“Oh you’re on, ‘Pex!” Zenith giggled

The two were chasing each other through the Hive, not even concerned about keeping up appearances. They had no reason to anymore. The Hive was reformed, and with the reformation had come an onslaught of changelings expressing themselves, relaxing, and being far more energetic than they had been during the ex-Queen’s reign.

Apex giggled and sped up, outrunning his friend. They sped through the Hive, and Apex decided to try a little trick. He dodged left, then ran right, causing Zenith to stumble and nearly run into a light blue changeling nymph.

“S-Sorry Ocellus-consiliaria!” Zenith called, and she shrugged it off as he ran after Apex.

Apex giggled and burst out into the open, rushing out of the Hive. He ran through the newly forming meadows surrounding the Hive, giggling as the fresh grass tickled his belly. He then ran out towards the training field, where Pharynx was drilling a couple soldiers.

Apex smirked and sped up, glancing back. Zenith was catching up, fast behind the green and red nymph. Apex grinned, then unfurled his wings and sprung. He allowed his wings to catch him, slowing his descent just enough so he didn’t stumble…

As he landed with a thump on Pharynx’s back. The general let out a sharp exclamation of surprise and turned his head to glare at him. But Apex had already leapt back off his carapace, hitting the ground at a run.

“Sorry Pharynx-dominus!” he shouted, hoping using his uncle-figure’s title instead of nickname would make him less mad.

“Grub! You get back he-” Pharynx cut himself off with another cry of alarm. Zenith had dodged underneath his hooves as he tried to take a step towards Apex, and he nearly fell over. “Zenith-eques!”

“Sorry Pharynx-dominus!” Zenith called, continuing to chase his fellow nymph.

“Kids.” Pharynx grumbled, turning back to his soldiers with a stern glare.

Apex laughed and ran faster, doing his best to outpace Zenith.

“Oh no you don’t!” Zenith lunged and tackled him, and the two nymphs fell, tumbling over each other as they rolled down a slight hill.

Apex squealed with laughter as they landed in a flurry of flowers. Zenith lay on top of him, giggling and grinning. He batted Apex’s chest, booping his nose.

“Winner! I have bested Apex-legatus at last!”

“No’ ye’!” Apex cried, tackling Zenith from below. The nymphs tumbled again, rolling over. Finally, they came to a halt, with Apex laying on Zenith’s back, one foreleg on his head. “Ha! I win!”

“I gave you that one!” Zenith protested.

“Oh yeah righ’ – woah…” Apex trailed off, looking up at the scene before them.

“H-Has this always been here?” Zenith asked as he stood up, Apex sliding off his back and landing on his flank.

It was a beautiful shady glen. Large willow trees blossomed out of the earth, a single weeping willow at the far back, it’s sprawling branches overlooking a winding stream. Apex stood and stepped forward, looking around in awe.

“Wha’ is this place?” Apex asked, as Zenith raced over and scrambled up onto the weeping willow tree. He perched on one of the larger branches.

“I know what it is.” Zenith batted at one of the flowers on the tree. “It’s a paradise.”

“Heheh… this shoul’ be a secre’. Our secre’.” Apex said, climbing up the tree to join his friend. “No one else knows ‘bout i’.”

“Agreed.” Zenith smiled at Apex, who smiled back. “Our secret place.”

Apex stared into his eyes, one yellow and one purple. They looked like a sharp contrast but blended together perfectly. He looked deeply into them, seeing Zenith’s smiling face for what felt like the first time. His cheeks burned slightly and he shook himself.

“Y-Yeah… our place…” Apex watched Zenith, who smiled happily.

“Yep! So, you wanna play in the stream?”

“O-Okay!” Apex agreed, and Zenith took his hoof. “Wha’ ‘re you…?”

“Come on!” Zenith then jumped off the branch, into the water.

Apex laughed and jumped in after him, and the two nymphs hit the water with a splash. It was deep enough they wouldn’t hit the bottom, but just shallow enough so they wouldn’t drown. The water was also surprisingly cool. Apex giggled and splashed some at Zenith, who paddled away, laughing.

The two nymphs played for hours in their new secret place. Eventually, they wound up lying together in the clearing, watching the sun set. Zenith rested his head on Apex’s shoulder, yawning. Apex put a hoof around him and grinned at him in a teasing way.

“Does the tired prince ‘Nithy need the bra’e strong gen’ral to carry him back t’ the Hive?” Apex asked, stifling a yawn of his own.

“Heheh, no way! The brave warrior Zenith will carry the sleepy general ‘Pex back to the Hive!” Zenith retorted.

“Heheh… we pro’bly should go back…” Apex sighed.

“Yeah, come on.” Zenith stood up, and Apex felt a cold breeze as the warmth of his friend disappeared. “You remember the way?”

“Mhm! An’ we can jus’ track our ol’ scents.” Apex stood up, doing his best to ignore the heat he felt burning on his face.

“Alright then!” Zenith smiled and they headed off.

Soon, they reached the Hive, trotting through the halls leisurely, only stopping briefly to grab something to eat in the dining hall. The nymphs didn’t worry about anyone wondering where they were, they usually came back late after playing. They then stopped outside the hall that led to Zenith’s room to say goodnight. Zenith hugged Apex, who turned red.

“Heheh, today was really fun… see you tomorrow?” Zenith asked

“Yeah! Maybe we can go with Uncle Pharynx an’ spar?”

“Heh, I’ll beat you!” Zenith promised, and Apex grinned.

“Ne’er!” Apex giggled.

“Oh, we’ll see.” Zenith winked at him, then left.

That was when Apex tasted it. A rush of sweet strawberries bathed in deep rich chocolate. Love. Apex’s eyes went wide, and he stared at Zenith as he left. Apex then turned and ran back to the room he shared with his papa and uncle.

A Confusing Crush

“Apex? Sweetie?” Thorax nudged gently at the lump curled between his forelegs. “It’s morning.”

“I know.”

Thorax chuckled. “It’s time to get up, silly.”

“...Don’ wanna.”

“You sick or something, grub?” Pharynx spoke up, walking over to the bed as he entered the room.

“No…”

“Then what’s the problem? We don’t have all day, you know.”

Thorax gave him a look. Pharynx just snorted and grinned at him.

"I'm not wrong. And don't give me that face, Thorax. We both know you could never actually-"

“...Uncle Pharynx, wha’ was i’ like when you firs’ s’ar’ed liking Tempes’?” Apex suddenly asked. He didn't move from underneath the blankets, but he was pretty sure Pharynx had turned bright red.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about, grub.” Pharynx said, and one of Apex’s red eyes peeked out from under the blanket.

“Uncle Pharynx, you don’ haf’a hide i’. You know we can tell an’way. Jus’ tell me wha’ i’ fel’ like…”

Pharynx sighed, but climbed onto the bed to settle beside Thorax. “I… well… I just felt really happy around her. I knew that I could come to her with anything that was bothering me and she’d take it seriously. We understand each other, enjoyed spending time with each other.”

“Oh… okay.”

“Why do you want to know, sweetie?” Thorax asked, and Apex sighed, wiggling out from under the blankets and biting his bottom lip, staring at the mattress.

“... I… I think Zenith likes me…” Apex admitted.

“He what?!”

“Calm down Pharynx.” Thorax told his brother, then turned to Apex. “Sweetie, are you sure?”

“I-I tas’ed chocola’e s’rawberries Papa Thorax…” Apex said.

“Okay, I’m going to go talk to that-” Pharynx began, but Apex shot up.

“No!” Apex jumped over and grabbed him by the shoulders. “Uncle Pharynx, please don’...”

“Why not sweetie?” Thorax asked, and Apex looked away, blushing.

“I… I jus’... I think I like him too…” Apex admitted, and Thorax squealed, scooping him up. “Eek! P-Papa Thorax?”

“My baby boy’s in love!” Thorax exclaimed, hugging him. Pharynx facehoofed and muttered something to himself.

Apex blushed and squirmed. “P-Papa Thorax! I-I d-don’ e’en know if h-he does for sure-!”

“Well, you have to tell him how you feel for that to happen!” Thorax nuzzled Apex, smiling. “I’m sure Zenith loves you, my little warrior. You just need to be brave and tell him the truth.”

“T-Thanks Papa Thorax… b-bu’ I don’ know how to…”

“Hm… fair point…” Thorax set Apex down, and he sighed.

“For the love of-look, grub, technically, I’m the only one here with romantic experience, since Thorax won’t tell Ember how he feels, so-” Pharynx began

“W-What are you talking about? Ember? I-I don’t like Ember!” Thorax protested with a nervous giggle, despite both his brother and adoptive son giving him deadpan looks.

“Anyway…” Pharynx turned back to Apex. “If you want my advice, just be yourself. If Zenith-eques really likes you, it won’t matter to him how you tell him you like him. What will matter is that you did tell him.”

Apex smiled softly. “R-Really?”

“Yes really. It can be as fancy or as simple as you like, in the end all that’s going to matter is that you mean what you say.” Pharynx replied.

Apex smiled and hugged him. “Thanks Uncle Pharynx. Can we go spar now?”

“About time you asked.” Pharynx picked him up, grabbing both their crossbows and heading for the door. “See you later baby bro!”

“Bye you two! Have fun!” Thorax called, getting up to head to the throne room.

When they’d gotten outside they’d found out Hunter-eques had taken Zenith on patrol with him. Knowing the two wouldn't be gone for more than an hour or two at most, they decided to practice until Hunter and Zenith arrived for their own training session. But eventually, three hours had passed, and the two were still waiting.

“They’ve been gone for a while Uncle Pharynx… w-wha’ if somethin’ happened?” Apex asked as they took a break, the nymph currently sprawled on his uncle’s back.

“Hunter and Zenith are capable warriors, if there’s a problem, they can handle it.”

“I hope so…” Apex sighed, and Pharynx rolled his eyes slightly.

“I think Thorax is rubbing off on you, grub.” he muttered, as Apex rested against him.

“Uncle Pharynx?”

“Yes?”

“Wha’ you sai’ earlier… is tha’ how you tol’ Tempes’ you liked her?”

Pharynx blushed, then nodded. “Well… I mean, it didn’t exactly work out the way I originally planned…”

“I be’ she loved i’!”

“Heh… she was certainly surprised.” Pharynx chuckled.

“Bu’ she sai’ tha' she liked you too.”

“Yeah... that’s what matters. I already knew she loved me, changeling emotion receptors don’t lie. I just had to give her a chance to tell me.”

Apex smiled and nuzzled him. “So you think I should get ‘Nithy a gif'?”

“Sure, if you want.” Pharynx shrugged.

“Okay… I can ge’ him choc'late! He likes tha’!”

“Heh, you both do.” Pharynx teased with a poke to Apex’s stomach, making the nymph giggle. Pharynx chuckled, then paused, blinking. “Wait, how did I of all changelings end up being the one giving you relationship advice?”

“‘Cause Papa Thorax is too shy to tell Ember he’s go’ a crush on her.” Apex stated matter-of-factly, and Pharynx chuckled.

“Touché, Apex.”

Apex giggled, smiling at him. Pharynx stood up, signaling they were going to start training again. Apex jumped off his back, trotting over to face him.

“Now, I was thinking we try to work on your sweep the leg move-” Pharynx began, but was cut off by a sudden shout.

“Pharynx-dominus! Apex-legatus!” Ocellus rushed up to them, panting for breath.

“Ocellus-consiliaria? What’s the problem?” Pharynx asked

“Does Papa Thorax need us?” Apex asked

“K-Kind of…”

“Why’re you ou’ of breath?”

“I… ran here… from… Hive… Thorax sent me…” Ocellus forced out. “We… big problem…”

“Whas’ goin’ on?” Apex pressed, as Pharynx walked over and thumped Ocellus on the back, helping her get a full breath as she gasped.

“Now, what’s the matter?” Pharynx asked.

“H-Hunter and Zenith r-ran into a R-Roc while they were patrolling, Z-Zenith is hurt!”

Hurting Sorrows

No sooner had Ocellus gasped this out than Apex ran for it. He tore through the field, heading for the Hive. Apex raced past other changelings, rushing straight to the room Zenith shared with Hunter. The second he burst in, the first thing he saw was Cilia-medica standing by Hunter. Thorax was sitting by one of the beds in the room, where a golden lump was lying, unmoving.

“Papa Thorax!” Apex raced over, and Thorax held out a hoof for him. He scrambled into the bigger changeling’s hooves before looking down at Zenith nervously.

Pharynx and Ocellus entered the room at a run a few moments later. Pharynx immediately trotted towards Cilia and Hunter, catching their attention.

“Hunter-eques, full report.”

“Zenith and I were patrolling on the outskirts of the territory when we heard noises. We looked around for the source, but the Roc was stealthy, we didn’t see it until it was too late. The Roc went for Zenith first, since he's smaller, but we managed to drive it off. Got a pretty nasty cut on my shoulder from the overgrown bird’s talon.” Hunter showed him the bandages on his shoulder. “I thought it was gone, but before I even realized, it had snatched up Zen. I managed to fire a bolt from the crossbow and hit the thing in the wing. The Roc dropped Zen and ran, but I couldn't catch him in time. His head hit a rock and he passed out, brought him back here as fast as I could.”

Pharynx nodded, turning away from the red changeling to face Cilia, who rubbed her foreleg nervously.

“Well?”

“He’s likely to remain unconscious for the next few days, there’s no telling exactly how long. When he does wake up he’ll likely be in considerable pain, the talons of the Roc made deep lacerations on his carapace. He’ll heal, but have some scars until his next molt.”

“He’ll live. That's what's important.” Pharynx agreed with a stone-faced nod.

Apex stared at Zenith’s limp form in shock. The nymph was barely moving, the only sign he was alive being his soft breathing. He looked so fragile, as if a simple movement would stop him from drawing his next breath. Ocellus approached Thorax to join them in staring down at the nymph.

“May our ancestors guide him to recovery.” She murmured. Apex nodded in agreement.

Over the next couple days, Apex refused to leave Zenith. Thorax would often have to pull him away - though he still left reluctantly – to sleep and get something to eat. Apex stayed right at Zenith’s bedside, sometimes even lying beside him, watching him sleep as he shared as much love as possible with the healing nymph.

“Grub, come on, it’s been three days.” Pharynx spoke as he entered the room. “You’ve got to go get some proper rest at some point, and I need my deputy.”

“Where’s Hun’er-eques then?” Apex asked, wrapping a hoof around Zenith’s unmoving body. “I don’ see him s’ayin here with ‘Nithy.”

“I know.” Pharynx sat beside the bed as Thorax poked his head into the room. “He’s been assigning himself to patrols, mostly solo ones. It’s probably his way of coping, especially since he’s bound to feel like this is his fault.”

Apex sighed and nosed Zenith gently. “C-Can’ you do somethin’ Uncle Pharynx?”

“Grub, I only know a little first aid, you know that, I taught it to you. Cilia-medica has much more experience than me, you need to trust her abilities.”

“Bu’-”

“No buts.” Thorax walked over, leaning down and picking up Apex in his mouth by the back of his neck, muffling himself. “If’s abou’ time you had a ba’f anyway. C’mon.”

“B-Bu’ ‘Nithy needs me!”

“You can come back after you have a wash and a proper meal.” Pharynx told him. “Hunter’s almost done with his latest patrol, I’ll have him come in here and watch Zenith.”

“I’s no’ the same… I wanna be the one to wa’ch him…” Apex protested.

Despite his attempts to sway them, Thorax still carried him out of Zenith’s room without further comment. He carried the young nymph all the way to the bathroom connected to their own bedroom. Apex squealed as Thorax placed him in the shallow washing pool, already full of water, and continued pouting as Thorax helped him clean up.

“Come on Apex, it’s okay…” Thorax nuzzled the nymph. “Zenith will wake up soon, and I promise you can be there when he does.”

“O-Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed, though he still moped, poking the water with a hoof.

Thorax sighed and went to grab him a towel, seeing there wasn't much he could do to convince the nymph. As Thorax left, his tail brushed against the edge of the pool, knocking a bottle of soap in. Apex moved to pick it up, and blinked in surprise as the substance created bubbles in the water when he squeezed the bottle. Apex stared at one of the bubbles, then reached out and poked it. He giggled as it popped, but quickly went back to frowning, determined not to enjoy himself. Thorax had just returned with a towel, and chuckled slightly, taking the bottle of soap in his magic, promptly squirting some into the bath.

“Papa Thorax, wha're you doin'?”

“Watch this.” Thorax replied, smiling as he turned on the water again. Apex gasped as the soap in began to create a flurry of bubbles.

“Cool!” Apex began giggling despite himself. Thorax smiled and stepped back as Apex began playing, letting him have his fun.

Apex smiled and batted at the bubbles, scooping them up eagerly. They were light and fluffy, like the snow had been back in the Crystal Empire. Thorax laughed as Apex began making the bubbles into shapes, gentle encouraging him with playful nudges and nuzzles. Eventually, when the bubbles were gone, Thorax wrapped Apex in the towel, lifting him out of the pool.

“Heheh, did you have fun, my little warrior?”

“Mhm! Wai’... you did tha’ on purpose!” Apex accused, eyes narrowed in a playful glare. Thorax blushed sheepishly as he nodded, but Apex just smiled and hugged him. “Thank you…”

Thorax smiled and cradled him in one hoof as he left the bathroom. “You're welcome, Apex. Now, let’s get you something to eat.”

“No’ hungry.”

“Nonsense, you’re a growing nymph. You need food.” With that, Thorax carried him to the cafeteria.

After Apex had quickly eaten some food Thorax got for him, he rushed back to Hunter and Zenith’s room. He fluttered his wings and glided over to the bed, settling down beside Zenith. Hunter was there already, leaning against the wall, having fallen asleep standing guard over his brother. Judging by the lines under his eyes, this was probably one of the first times he’d had a chance to sleep properly.

“‘Nithy?” Apex whispered quietly, but no response came. “I… I miss you, ‘Nithy… please wake up soon… i’s all my faul’ isn’ i’? If I hadn’ taken so long to come ge’ you then you wouldn’ve gone on tha’ pa’rol wi’ Hun’er a-an’ you’d be safe…”

Apex whimpered and pressed his head into Zenith’s shoulder. “Please ‘Nithy, please come back…”

Apex sniffled, beginning to cry into Zenith’s shoulder. He didn’t know how long he laid there, crying into his best friend’s limp body. Not just his friend, his crush.

After a long while, he felt something wrap around him. Expecting it to be Thorax or Pharynx come to get him, Apex looked up, wiping his eyes. The room was still empty, save for a snoring Hunter. Apex then looked down at Zenith, hope beginning to rise in his chest.

His eyes were open.

“N-‘Nithy!”

Ancestors and Answers

Upon hearing his name, Zenith looked up at Apex in confusion.

“Pex? W-Why are you crying?”

Apex didn’t respond, merely gripping onto him tightly. “‘Nithy!”

Zenith hugged back, giggling softly. “I’m happy to see you too...”

“What? What’s going– Zenith!” Hunter had woken up from all the noise.

“H-Hun’er, go ge’ Cilia!” Apex commanded, and Hunter raced off, just as frantic to get his brother medical attention.

“Wait, what? What happened?” Zenith looked at Apex, who blushed as he stared at him. “‘Pex?”

“You… the Roc… i’ a’tacked you… you go’ knocked ou’.” Apex told him. “Don’ you ‘member?”

“Now I do…” Zenith winced in pain, looking at his back with a frown.

Hunter rushed back in, Cilia at his side. Apex sat up, watching as Cilia moved to examine Zenith.

“How do you feel?” Cilia asked

“I feel pain…” Zenith groaned.

“Yes, I expected as much. Here, take these.” Cilia gave him some poppy seeds, then waited until he ate them to begin examining his injuries. “They’re still very raw, but they don’t look infected. What do you remember?”

“Being attacked by a Roc… it scooped me up and I heard Hunty shouting for me… then something happened and suddenly I was falling… I hit something hard and… the next memory I have is feeling Apex hugging me just now…”

“Well, you’ve been asleep for about three days.” Cilia told him. “Your wounds will still need time to heal, however, so I’m afraid you must stay in bed and rest for the time being.”

“Great…” Zenith muttered. Cilia nodded, then turned to Hunter.

“I’ll stop by daily to give him herbs to prevent infection, and reapply the poultice on his wounds. You'll probably need to check in on him every so often through the day–”

“I can do tha’ so Hun’er can pa’rol.” Apex offered up, and Hunter smiled at him gratefully.

“That's settled then. All in all... well, we should thank the ancestors Zenith wasn’t hurt any more badly than this or he might be far worse off.” Cilia said, and Zenith grunted, rolling over to face away from them. “I’ll be back tomorrow, Zenith, make sure to get some rest.”

“Fine.” Zenith grunted.

“I’ll go update Pharynx and Thorax.” Hunter said, reaching to rub Zenith's head gently before leaving with Cilia. Zenith just sighed softly. Apex looked over at him.

“‘Nithy? Whas’ wrong?”

Zenith sighed again and buried his face in his pillow. “I just… ‘Pex, do you really think the ancestors... you know, guide us?”

“Well, I guess so. Why?”

“I mean… I don’t.”

“Wha’? Bu’ ‘Nithy, they do guide us! Withou’ them you could’a been hur’ way worse!”

“If they really guided us then why did they let me get hurt in the first place?” Zenith asked.

“U-Uh, well… I mean, Uncle Pharynx says tha’ if no one e’er go’ hur’ no one would learn an’thing.”

“And what exactly was I supposed to be learning when the ancestors let me get attacked by a Roc?”

“Um… I… uh…”

“That’s right. Nothing.” Zenith mashed his face into the pillow. “The ancestors aren’t real, they don’t guide us!”

“‘Nithy, don’ say tha’!”

“But it’s true! If they were guiding us they wouldn’t let me get hurt! They wouldn’t have made Chrysalis our Queen! They wouldn’t have sent us into war with the ponies!”

“N-‘Nithy, things jus’ happen some’imes tha’ hafta happen, e’en if we don’ un’ers’and the reason.”

“Oh yeah, I’m sure.” Zenith scoffed.

Apex looked at him, then leaned down to nuzzle him. Zenith nuzzled back, though more hesitantly.

“We’re s’ill frien’s, righ’?”

“Of course.” Zenith nuzzled him gently. “Just because the ancestors have turned their backs on me doesn’t mean I have to turn my back on you.”

Apex gave him a small smile, knowing he probably wasn't going to be able to convince him. Instead of trying to argue further, he just hugged his friend before jumping down onto the ground.

“‘M gonna go, Pharynx-dominus pro’ably has some pa’rols for me t’do.” Apex told him.

“Okay, have fun.” Zenith sighed.

Apex waved before leaving the room, then galloping down the hall. He found the changeling he was looking for leaving the Hive. Not Pharynx, but Hunter. Apex ran over to his fellow warrior.

“Hun’er!” He called before he could leave, and the older changeling turned.

“Oh, hey Apex-legatus. Don’t worry, I already told Thorax and Pharynx–”

“No, ‘m no’ here for tha’.” Apex said, stopping. “I was wonderin’... when the Roc a’acked…”

“Yes…?”

“Did Zenith figh’ back?”

“Of course, he was struggling, but he dropped his crossbow when it grabbed him. That’s why I was the only one who could fire at it.”

“Oh…”

“Why do you ask?”

“N-No reason.” Apex looked around. “Where ‘re you goin’ an’way?”

“Solo patrol.” Hunter replied, adjusting his crossbow.

“You’e taken a lo’ of those since ‘Nithy go’ hur’.”

“Yeah, well…” Hunter sighed and leaned down to him. “That’s because I’m looking for the Roc.”

“By you’self? Tha’ doesn’ sound like a good idea.” Apex gave him a concerned look, doing his best to mimic his father. Hunter sighed.

“I know, I know. But look what it did to Zenith. I’m not going to sit back and let it attack more innocent creatures.” Hunter said, turning away. “I’ve got to go, I’m heading back to the spot it attacked to track it.”

“Okay… good luck.”

“Thanks, I’ll need it.” Hunter said, walking off.

Apex sighed, then walked slowly back inside the Hive, heading for the throne room. He trotted into the open area, padding over to Thorax’s throne and hopping up beside his father figure, nestling in against the alpha changeling’s side. He curled up and closed his eyes, feeling Thorax rub his head gently.

“Hi sweetie. Everything okay? I heard Zenith was awake.”

“Yeah…”

“Is something wrong?”

Apex sighed and rolled onto his back, stretching out and yawning. “Zenith, he… he thinks tha’ ‘cause the ances’ors didn’ p‘tect him from the Roc tha’ they don’ exis’ an’more.”

“He does?”

“Mhm… I wanna help him bu’ I don’ know how.” Apex said. Thorax gave his belly a gentle rub, making him giggle.

“Well, I know you want to help, Apex, but remember, it’s okay if Zenith doesn’t believe in the ancestors.”

“I’ is?” Apex asked, opening his eyes.

“Of course! Not everyone believes in the same things, and that’s okay.” Thorax nuzzled him. “What is important is that you support them in whatever decision they make.”

“But ‘Nithy on’y thinks like that ‘cause of the Roc a’ack.”

“Well, maybe he did have doubts about the ancestors all along, and it just took him getting proof, which for him was the attack, to say it out loud.” Thorax suggested.

“He jus’ seemed so unhappy… I don’ wan’ him to be unhappy.”

“I know sweetie. But you have to respect his opinion. Even though he seems unhappy, that might just be because he’s hurt.”

“I guess so… thanks Papa Thorax…” Apex yawned, and felt Thorax lifting him up as his eyes closed.

“It’s no problem, my little warrior.” Thorax smiled and laid Apex down between his forelegs, holding him close. “How about you take a nap? You seem tired.”

“O-Okay…” Apex yawned and rested his head on Thorax’s chest. “Papa Thorax? Do you think ‘Nithy will cheer up if I brough’ him some flowers?”

“Heh, I’m sure he’d love that sweetie.” Thorax giggled, kissing his forehead. “You can pick some from the fields and bring them to him tomorrow.”

Apex smiled softly and snuggled close, yawning. “Okay Papa Thorax.”

“Rest well sweetie, don’t worry, I’ll wake you for dinner.”

“Thanks Papa Thorax.” Apex rubbed his eyes, yawning. He cuddled against Thorax, resting his head on his chest. “Flowers for ‘Nithy…”

Thorax chuckled and stroked the nymph’s muzzle gently with a hoof, soothing him as he fell asleep. Apex smiled in his sleep, dreaming of playing with Zenith, knowing that he had an idea to tell Zenith how he felt. There was no way this wouldn’t work.

When At First You Don't Succeed

Apex giggled happily as he wandered through the fields outside the Hive. He was carefully picking a bouquet of flowers. Thorax lay in the grass nearby, watching him and enjoying the sun. A shadow suddenly fell over Thorax, in a familiar, almost stag-like shape.

“There you two are. Thorax, you’re supposed to be in the throne room.” Pharynx said as he looked down at his brother.

“Phar, you’re blocking the sunnnn…” Thorax moaned, stretching out and yawning. “It’s fine, besides, I like it out here.”

“Fine.” Pharynx huffed, sitting down beside him stoically. “What are you up to grub?”

“Flower hun’ing!” Apex held up the bouquet in his magic. “For ‘Nithy!”

“Very nice sweetie.” Thorax said as Apex trotted over, nuzzling him. “I’m sure Zenith will love them.”

“‘M gonna go bring them t’him.” Apex said, and Thorax kissed his forehead.

“Good luck sweetie.”

“Thanks Papa Thorax!” Apex smiled at him, then rushed off, back towards the Hive. “Be’ you can’ ge’ Uncle Pharynx to snuggle wi’ you by the time I come back!”

Thorax chuckled, then turned to Pharynx hopefully. He gave him a deadpan look and turned away from him. Thorax pouted slightly, and Pharynx gritted his teeth, ears folding back slightly as he tried avoiding guilt by not looking.

Apex, meanwhile, trotted through the Hive. He stopped outside Zenith’s room and took a steadying breath, then trotted in. He smiled softly as he saw Zenith sitting up in bed, reading a book.

“Hey ‘Nithy.” Apex said, and he looked up.

“Hey ‘Pex.” he sighed softly as he put down the book. “How’s the outside world?”

“The same as a’ways.” Apex shrugged, blushing as he held up the flowers. “I go’ you these…”

“Heh, thanks ‘Pex, they’re really pretty…” Zenith said, taking them. He pulled a petal off one and nibbled on it, making Apex blink in confusion. “They taste good too.”

“Heheh, ‘Nithy, don’ ea’ flowers!”

“Why not? I’m hungry!” Zenith giggled as Apex jumped onto the bed.

“I guess you can ea’ them then…” Apex laid down beside Zenith, who smiled and continued nibbling on one of the flowers. “So, uh, how ‘re you?”

“I’m fine. Bored…” Zenith sighed and picked at a flower. “It’s dark and cold in here, and I’m alone…”

Apex leaned close and nuzzled his cheek. Zenith giggled softly, cheeks turning pink as he looked at his friend.

“I wish I could be out sparring with you ‘Pex.”

“I know…” Apex hugged him gently. “You’ll ge’ be’er soon though!”

“I hope so.” Zenith bit into another flower. “Stupid Roc… stupid ancestors…”

Apex sighed inaudibly, resting his head on Zenith’s shoulder. Zenith turned pink and leaned back against the wall. Apex closed his eyes, taking in the love being shared between them. He tried to tell him, and it didn’t work, he didn't understand the flower-gift. Now wasn’t a good time to talk about it, it seemed.

“So you want these chocolates, why?” Pharynx asked as he gave Apex the red box from the cafeteria.

“The flowers didn’ work so I go’a try ano’er way!” Apex insisted, peeking into the box and smiling at them. “They’re all milk, righ’?”

“Yes.” Pharynx sighed in exasperation. “I just don’t see why you made me go get them.”

“‘Cause e’eryone alrea’y knows ‘bout you an’ Tempes’ so i’ makes sense you’d ge’ chocola’e for her!”

“Whateve-wait, everyone?!”

“Uh, an’way, thanks Uncle Pharynx, I go’a go, bye!” Apex shouted, rushing off with the chocolates.

“Grub, get back here! How does everyone know?!” Pharynx shouted after him.

Apex giggled mischievously about what he knew that Pharynx didn’t – that Thorax had told everyone but sworn them all to secrecy. Apex smiled softly as he headed to Zenith’s room. He smiled and walked in, confident that this time it would work. It had to, it was his last idea.

“‘Nithy~! Look wha’ I go’!” Apex said, holding up the red box.

“Chocolates?” Zenith asked, smelling them, and Apex smiled, nodding.

“An’ they’e all milk, like you like!” Apex said, setting them down on the bed.

“Yum! Thanks ‘Pex!” Zenith opened the box and picked up a chocolate, biting into it.

“How ‘re you doin’?” Apex asked, settling down in the bed.

“Good, I guess… I was able to get up and walk around a bit today. Cilia says I should be back up and running in a few days.”

“Tha’s good.”

“Mhm.”

“...‘Nithy?”

“Yeah ‘Pexy?” Zenith asked, then blushed. “I mean, ‘Pex?”

“I’s okay, I-I like ‘Pexy…” Apex said, blushing. Zenith also blushed.

“A-Anyway… what were you going to say?”

“U-Uh, well… ‘Nithy, do you really think the ances’ers don’ exis’ up there?”

“I… It’s complicated ‘Pex…” Zenith sighed, eating another one of the chocolates. “I just… it’s not that I don’t think that they exist, they definitely did. But… this injury…”

Zenith glared at his wounds, still wrapped in bandages and poultice. Apex leaned down and nosed it gently, shyly kissing at the bandages like Thorax did when the nymph scraped himself. Zenith blushed, then lifted Apex’s chin so he’d look back to him.

“It’s just… I feel like I should deny that they’re up there watching us, because they wouldn’t have let me get hurt if they had been. But… But I really want them to be up there. To watch out for us. Not that it matters, there’s no way to prove it…” Zenith sighed.

“Wha’ if there was?” Apex asked, laying a hoof on Zenith’s.

“‘Pex, there is no way, unless you die. But then you can’t come back and tell everyling what you found.” Zenith brushed the suggestion off.

Apex fell silent, thinking. There had to be a way to prove to Zenith the ancestors were up there, guiding him. But how could he prove it? Besides, he was supposed to be confessing how he felt to Zenith. Though it really didn’t seem like the right time. Again. And this had been his last idea.

“‘Pex? You okay?” Zenith asked.

“Yeah, fine… I-I haf’a go ‘Nithy, see you later.” Apex said, getting up and flying to the door. “Enjoy the chocola’e!”

He then left the room, breaking into a run. He ran all the way out to the training hollow, stopping and flopping over in the dirt with a sigh. He didn’t know what to do now. At all.

Just Try Again

Apex had been avoiding Zenith for a couple days now. He was currently training on his own in the training hollow, when a familiar antlered shadow fell over him and the scent of lemons reached his mouth.

“Did you wan’ me for somethin’ Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, turning to look at him.

“Why are you avoiding Zenith?”

Apex’s eyes widened. “How d’you-”

“Hunter told me Zenith has been asking for you.” Pharynx sat down in front of Apex, gesturing for him to sit as well. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

Apex sighed and looked down at the ground. “I tried to tell ‘Nithy twice,bu’ i’ didn’ work… I can’ be ‘round him righ’ now…”

“Okay, you didn’t get to confess, so what?” Pharynx asked

“So now Zenith won’ e’er know I like him.”

“...Grub, do you know how I originally planned to confess to Tempest?”

“No… how?” Apex asked, and Pharynx pulled him close.

“I originally arranged a lunch for us to go to after our sparring match, but it started to rain, so we had to go back to the Hive. I ran out into the rain to get the food back, but when I got there I found wild animals had eaten it, and the wind had blown away most of the other stuff. All that I managed to save was a bouquet of flowers I’d stashed under a bush. I took them back to the Hive, but the rain ruined them.”

“So you didn’ ge’ to tell Tempes’ tha’ day.” Apex concluded.

“You didn’t let me finish, grub.” Pharynx said, and Apex blinked in confusion. “I had one left, a blue flower I’d scooped up by accident when I grabbed the flowers out of the bush. I made it back to the Hive and found Tempest waiting for me. She asked me what I ran out there for and I decided, well, might as well try.”

“Bu’ e’erything go’ ruined.” Apex objected

“I still had the blue flower.” Pharynx shrugged. “It wasn’t in the best shape, but it was there, and it may not have been fancy, but I knew I couldn’t let what might be my only chance slip by. So I gave her the flower and told her I loved her.”

“Wha’ did she do then?”

“Laughed.” Pharynx chuckled, smiling slightly. “Looking back, can’t blame her, I was soaking wet and all I had to show for it was a blue flower with a broken stem. But once she was done laughing at me, she stepped forwards and kissed me. Once she pulled away, she said ‘as if I need a flower to prove you love me, silly bug’.”

Apex giggled and Pharynx cuffed him over the ears.

“Yeah yeah, I get it. Point is, it wasn’t fancy, and it certainly wasn’t anything like I imagined it. But it worked, and that was all that mattered.”

Apex giggled, then fell silent. “So… i’ doesn’ hafta be fancy… ‘s long as ‘Nithy knows I love him.”

“Exactly.”

“Thanks Uncle Pharynx! I know wha’ t’do now!” Apex hugged him tightly, then rushed off. Pharynx chuckled, standing up.

“Glad I could help, grub.”

“Zenith?” Apex asked, entering the room, and his eyes widened. “‘Nithy!”

“‘Pex!” Zenith trotted up to him, beaming. “I can walk again!”

“Tha’s grea’!” Apex said, hugging him.

“Remember Zenith, Cilia said not to jar the wounds too much, so no running around and training just yet.” Hunter said, walking over to them, and Zenith groaned.

“I know Hunty.”

“A-Ac’ually, I came ‘cause I wan’ed to take ‘Nithy somewhere…” Apex said, and Zenith looked up at Hunter pleadingly.

“Please can I go with ‘Pex, Hunty? Please?” Zenith asked, and Apex added his own pleading stare.

“I… um… oh fine.” Hunter sighed, rubbing Zenith’s head, and the golden colored nymph giggled. “I’m sure Apex-legatus will look out for you.”

“I will! Promise!” Apex said, and with that the two nymphs trotted off.

“So where are we going?” Zenith asked

“I’s kinda a long walk so I though’... maybe so Hun’er doesn’t get upse’... I can carry you?” Apex suggested, blushing. Zenith also blushed, but nodded.

“Okay… Hunty would probably feel better about me not walking too much…”

Apex blushed and crouched down, letting Zenith carefully climb onto his back. He giggled and stood up, carrying his fellow nymph off. Zenith giggled as well, settling on his back.

Apex carried Zenith out of the Hive, and off towards the trees near the edge of the territory. Zenith gave a soft gasp as he recognized where Apex was taking him, and Apex smiled. He carefully opened his wings and flew them down the slight hill, alighting on the ground and trotting towards the circle of willows. They were back in the glen, their secret place.

“N-‘Nithy, do you know why this spo’ is so special?” Apex asked, letting Zenith get off him.

“Because it’s beautiful?” Zenith asked, and Apex shook his head, leading Zenith to the center of the clearing. “‘Pex…?”

Apex sat down and took Zenith’s hooves in his. “‘Cause i’s where I firs’ figured ou’ ‘m in love with you.”

Zenith gasped and he blushed furiously, and Apex blushed as well, staring straight into his eyes, ruby red meeting purple and yellow.

“I fel’ somethin’ tha’ day.” Apex held Zenith’s hooves tightly. “Fel’ like somethin’ was guidin’ me… tellin’ me tha’ you were the one… I think i’ was our ances’ors.”

Zenith’s eyes widened, but he stayed silent, letting Apex continue.

“I’ doesn’ ma’er to me if you ‘lieve in them or no’ as long as you’re happy. Bu’ know tha’ while no one may know for sure if they’re e’en up there… I think tha’ some’imes they do look af’er us, guide us. But they can’ tell us what t’do all the time, or pa'e the way for our paths. If they did, they pro’ably wouldn’ be letting us really live, would they?”

Zenith watched him, eyes watering, then hugged him tightly. Apex hugged back just as tight, smiling softly, eyes watering.

“I like you ‘Nithy... really like you...”

“I-I like you too, ‘Pexy... a lot.” Zenith leaned in, nuzzling him affectionately. Apex nuzzled back, smiling widely.

Epilogue: Rocs and Relationships

Apex was smiling, snuggling up against Zenith happily as they sat on Thorax’s throne, which was empty of the alpha changeling. Pharynx was sitting nearby, chuckling to himself.

“Leave it to Thorax to have to see his son get a love life before deciding to pursue his own.” he muttered, smirking in the two nymphs' direction.

Apex blushed at his uncle’s words, but just giggled and kissed Zenith’s cheek lovingly. Zenith smiled back as he returned the affection with a fond nuzzle. It had been long enough that his wounds had healed, now only scars remaining on his chitin as marks of what had happened. Apex traced one on his side with a gentle hoof, and Zenith caught his eye to offer a faint smile.

"I'm okay, Pexy." He whispered, and Apex smiled at him.

"I know. 'M glad."

The two cuddled against each other, looking out at the throne room. It was peaceful, and Pharynx was there with them. There was no reason to get up.

That is, until a beam of red magic shot up in the distance, visible for miles. A Warrior's distress signal, warning of immediate danger. Pharynx’s eyes widened and Zenith leapt up as Apex rose to his hooves.

“Pexy, that’s Hunty’s distress signal!”

“He must be in trouble, you two, come on, with me!” Pharynx ordered.

The general grabbed his crossbow from where it lay beside him, then spread his wings and took off. Apex and Zenith grabbed their crossbows from beside the throne, spread their own fragile wings, and followed him.

They flew as fast as they could, heading for the distress signal. Pharynx led them a little bit away from the distress signal, so they wouldn't immediately drop into an unknown situation. From where they landed, the General led them in a run to Hunter's location, in a large expanse of land on the far side of the territory.

“Hunty!” Zenith shouted, only for them all to skid to a halt as they saw the situation Hunter was in.

In the plains that the signal had come from, the red reformed changeling was slowly backing away from a giant Roc. Zenith gasped and grabbed Apex. He could feel the nymph trembling as he was hugged tightly.

“P-‘Pexy, t-that’s th-the…”

Apex knew what it was without Zenith even needing to finish. He also vividly recalled what Hunter had told him. He had been looking for the Roc that attacked Zenith ever since his brother was hurt. And now apparently, he’d found it. Apex growled and sunk into a battle stance.

“We can take i’ on, we jus’ haf’a work toge’er!”

“Apex, take Zenith and attack from behind, I’ll help Hunter distract it.” Pharynx told him, then raced towards Hunter to relay the plan.

“‘Nithy? You ready?” Apex asked, turning to see the nymph trembling at his side. “Hey, ‘Nithy, shh, it’s okay.”

“B-But w-what if-”

Apex pulled Zenith close and pressed a kiss to his forehead, clutching him tightly. He then pulled away to stand before Zenith protectively, before he raised his crossbow, aiming at the Roc.

“I promise ‘Nithy, I won’ let it hur’ you ‘gain.” Apex told him. Zenith took a breath, then nodded, readying his own crossbow.

“O-Okay. Let’s go save Hunter.” Zenith said, smiling at him softly.

Apex smiled back and took his hoof, leading him up into the air. Together, they flew around behind the Roc, which was thankfully being distracted by Pharynx and Hunter's attacks. Pharynx saw them approaching from behind and transformed into his monster form, roaring at the Roc loudly. The Roc screeched and flapped its wings, lowering its head to snatch Pharynx in its beak.

“S’ay ‘way from my uncle!” Apex shouted out loudly from above the Roc’s head, aiming his crossbow and firing.

His arrow hit the Roc square in the back, causing it to roar loudly. Apex transformed, becoming a formidably sized dragon that shot out a stream of fire at the Roc as it turned towards them. The Roc’s face became badly burnt as Apex dropped the disguise, and it squawked angrily.

“Tha’s for tryin’ to kill my boyfrien’!” Apex yelled, as Zenith fired an arrow at the Roc’s chest.

One arrow alone wasn't strong enough to take down a Roc, of course, but the changelings had put up enough of a fight that it apparently decided a meal wasn't worth this effort. With one final annoyed screech, the monstrous bird took flight, fleeing into the distance. Apex and Zenith landed once the Roc had disappeared from view, hoof-bumping at their accomplishment. Hunter and Pharynx quickly ran over to join them, Hunter grabbing Zenith in a hug. Pharynx rubbed Apex’s head, a proud smile on his face.

“Now that is how you shapeshift. Nice job grub.” he said, and Apex smiled.

“You okay ‘Nith?” Hunter asked the golden nymph, who nodded.

“I’m fine, Hunty.” Zenith then turned to Apex, who looked over. “Y-You…”

“Y-Yes…?” Apex asked hesitantly.

“Y-You called me your… b-boyfriend…”

“W-Well, y-yeah… you ‘re… i-if you wan’ to be…” Apex said, and Zenith squealed, hugging him tightly.

“Yes! Of course I want to be your boyfriend ‘Pexy!”

Apex blushed and pulled him close, falling onto his haunches and holding Zenith close. The golden colored nymph leaned in and slowly pressed his lips to Apex’s. Apex wrapped his hooves around Zenith’s back, holding him securely as he kissed back passionately.

He was glad he hadn’t missed his chance.

The End

Author's Note

And here we are, at the end of Apex's Choice. Stay tuned for the next installment, Thorax's Hope!

~Melody Song