The Young Warrior: Thorax's Hopeby Melody SongChaptersFirst FrostA BlanketWhat to Do?A Fiery SolutionAmor, Amore, Ardenti ClaraEpilogue: The Firelight Shines Bright TonightFirst FrostThorax smiled to himself as he trotted through the Hive. Even though it was getting colder now as winter loomed on the horizon, everyone seemed upbeat and eager. “Thorax!” Pharynx’s voice called out to him, and he turned to face his brother. “Yes Pharynx?” He asked, having a feeling he knew what the beta changeling would say next. “For the hundredth time Thorax, and I’m not going to ask again. Why. Are. We. Not. Sending. Out. Gathering. Patrols?!” “Because we don’t feed off ponies anymore.” Thorax insisted. “Thorax, without that excess love we’ll go into hibernation!” “No we won’t!” Thorax objected, looking at his big brother. “Thorax, changelings have to hibernate when they don’t get enough food, it’s in our biology!” “That’s why Chrysalis used to send us into hibernation, I know that Phar.” “It wasn’t all her. If we can’t get enough love our bodies naturally shut down into a sleep stasis. Temperature also affects it, and love is the only thing that can keep us awake after the extreme cold sets in.” “We have enough love stored already, Pharynx.” “Not enough to last the winter.” Pharynx stomped a hoof on the ground. “I understand sharing love now will give us an advantage. But it doesn’t matter because if the love is mutual, that means it’s passing like a current between everyone. Each of us only gets a little before it moves on.” “We can make enough love.” “I don’t think many of us will be feeling very loving with the cold.” Pharynx scoffed, walking past Thorax. “Come with me, I want to show you something.” Thorax blinked, but followed him. The two brothers trotted outside, seeing Apex playing with Zenith. The two nymphs were tussling in the dry grass outside the Hive. The field was usually lush and green with flowers, having recovered from being drained of love by the unreformed Hive. However, it now crunched underneath the brother’s hooves as they walked, wilting in the changing temperature. Pharynx led Thorax just outside the Hive and glanced up at the sky, Thorax following his gaze. “There’s a chill on the breeze.” “I know.” Thorax said, honestly. He, too, could taste it in the air. Unlike Pegasi, changelings could not shape the weather, nor could they effortlessly connect with it to tell where the wind was blowing a storm or if a tornado was imminent. But they could scent emotions, allowing them to read the emotions of the earth and sky itself, similarly to earth ponies and pegasi, respectively. Right now, both brothers could sense that the gentle wind around them blew with the frigid stoicity of ice. “The cold will make us all more and more tired.” “But we won’t hibernate.” “Yes we will Thorax.” Pharynx said firmly. “We only will if it ends up freezing.” “Yes, and because there’s no Pegasi out here to control the weather, we’re at the mercy of whatever fate decides the weather will be.” Pharynx said sharply, getting the nymphs’ attention. “It won’t freeze deep enough to cause hibernation Pharynx, please, trust me on this.” Thorax said, and Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Why should I?” Thorax hesitated, then sighed, looking up into the sky. “Because there can’t be. We need to keep our subjects reassured and safe. There will be no freeze, there can’t be.” Pharynx was silent for a moment, then turned and headed back into the Hive. “Unfortunately for you, the weather doesn’t listen to hope.” He told his brother grimly, before disappearing into the Hive. Apex trotted past with Zenith, following his uncle. Thorax was left alone, standing just outside the Hive, gazing up at the sky. The horizon was a bitter, slate gray color, the wind barely moving the clouds hovering ominously above their kingdom. Thorax gave a small, worried sigh, before he headed inside the Hive, hoofsteps seeming to echo in the barren plains. A few days later, Thorax was roused from his sleep by a small hoof poking his side. “Apex, sweetie, it’s too early…” Thorax murmured, and the hoof stopped, only for the small muzzle of the nymph to press against his cheek. “Bu’ Papa Thorax, you go’a see, you go’a!” he cried Thorax sighed softly and opened his eyes, yawning. “Okay, I’m up, I’m up…” Apex smiled and nudged him over. “Look ou’ the win’ow!” Thorax rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking out of the window of their room. He gasped softly as Apex clambered over and reared up on his hind legs to get a good look out the window. He was staring in awe. Snowflakes were falling outside. Apex pressed a hoof to the glass in the window, giggling. Pharynx had thought to have several warrior drones place glass on the permanent windows, in order to help insulate the Hive better. Thorax was grateful for that, at least. “I’s e’en pre’ier than the snow in the Crys’al Empire!” Apex exclaimed, not noticing Thorax’s expression, which displayed shock and horror instead of admiration. “Uncle Pharynx!” Apex scrambled off Thorax’s bed and flew over to the bed adjacent to Thorax’s. He leapt onto the lump in the blue blankets and began bouncing. “Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharrrynnnnnnx!” Pharynx groaned and shifted slightly under the blankets. “Grub, ge’off…” “Uncle Pharynx, wake up wake up wake up!” “Why should I?” “You go’a see this!” “...Are you or Thorax in imminent danger?” “No?” “Is the Hive in danger?” “No.” “Is the Hive on fire?” “No.” “Is Thorax on fire?” “No!” “Then I don’t have to get up. Go away.” “Uncle Pharynx, come onnnn!” Apex begged, and Pharynx’s head poked out of the blankets. “What?!” “I’s snowing!” Apex said, smiling at him. Pharynx sighed and sat up, rolling out of bed and letting Apex clamber onto his back. He trotted over, rearing up and placing his front hooves on Thorax’s bed. Thorax shifted slightly to let him see the window. He stared at it for a moment, watching the white flakes swirl around outside. Apex scrambled up Pharynx’s head, rearing up to tug on Thorax’s antler gently. “Can we go play in i’? Can we?” “S-Sure Apex, but you better get your scarf first, Ocellus can probably help you find it.” Thorax told him, and Apex nodded, trotting off. Thorax then looked to his brother. Pharynx was still staring at the window, unblinkingly. Thorax nudged him gently, and he turned, locking eyes with the alpha changeling. A sense of dread filled Thorax’s chest. Pharynx opened his mouth after a long moment, and only four words emerged. “Well, that’s that then.” Author's Note Welcome to the next edition to the Young Warrior series! Updates will probably slow down, as I have begun the time of life known as college and it's kicking my butt- but I'll try to get chapters out weekly like usual! ~ Melody Song A BlanketThorax chuckled as he watched Apex flounder through the snow drifts. The youngling had found Zenith and Ocellus and dragged them outside along with Pharynx and Thorax. The three nymphs were bundled up in scarves and Ocellus had some earmuffs she received as a gift from a friend at Twilight Sparkle’s school. The group of nymphs weren’t the only ones marvling at the snow. Most of the Hive were also outside, laughing and talking as they walked around in the white blanket. This was the first time many of the changelings had ever seen snow, apart from the occasional early snowfall. They were usually deep in their nests by the time it appeared, sleeping through the cold of the winter. “It’s only going to get deeper.” Pharynx commented, looking around. Thorax nodded solemnly. Even now snow was still falling, and while the younger nymphs – including the apprentices and some even younger than five years – seemed to enjoy it, Thorax saw some worried faces on the adults. “And when it does…” Pharynx continued his train of thought “Pharynx, no.” “Thorax, it’s either we find more love somehow or we go into a hibernation.” “No…” “Seriously Thorax, why is it such a big deal to you? If we hibernate we’ll at least be able to conserve some warmth, and if we start gathering from the storerooms now and the neighboring towns we should be able to get enough food to sustain us for the winter. More than enough if hunting patrols manage to bring back some prey before it’s all tucked up in burrows for the winter.” “I just… don’t want everyone to miss out on a fun winter.” “Thorax, drop the lies.” “I’m no-” “Thorax. I’m your brother. Don’t bother lying to me. What’s the real reason?” Pharynx asked, and Thorax sighed. “I just think… if we hibernate, it would be showing that nothing’s really changed since Chrysalis’ rule. And I was looking forward to celebrating this winter with the traditions the ponies showed us, so we could prove we’ve all moved on from her ways.” Pharynx sighed and placed a hoof on Thorax’s back. “I know it’s hard to think about, Thorax, but some things she did were probably for our own good. I mean, look at Apex and the others.” Thorax glanced over, and his eyes widened in worry. Apex was looking tired, and Zenith had already laid down in the snow, while Ocellus played with her little siblings, the older nymph fighting back a yawn. “See? The younger nymphs won’t be able to take this for long without proper warmth and filled love reserves. I’m sure some of the other adults are also feeling it.” “I… I just…” Thorax shook his head. “We can’t.” “Thorax, you can’t stop it, their bodies are going to naturally go into hibernation, especially if the snow keeps falling like this.” Pharynx said “Then we try harder! M-Maybe we can transform into Pegasi and try to move the clouds, or–” “Thorax, that won’t work and you know it. It’s been tried. We can stand on clouds but can’t manipulate them, only Pegasi – real Pegasi – can.” Pharynx objected “But… no… there has to be some way…” Thorax insisted. “Thorax.” Pharynx said sharply, and Thorax looked over at him. “Give it up. We’re all going to end up hibernating.” Thorax bit the inside of his cheek nervously, watching the changelings and pacing around. He didn’t even notice how hard he was biting until he tasted the metal tang of blood in his mouth. He immediately dashed around to the other side of the outer Hive walls before spitting out the blood, not wanting to alarm anyone. Pharynx, who had evidently followed him, rubbed his back gently. “You really don’t want this to happen, do you?” Pharynx asked “I can’t…” Thorax’s eyes watered. “I can’t, I-I had plans for the winter… things for us to do…” “Like what?” “Playing in the snow, having a big feast, cuddling around fireplaces… and that ice skating thing Spike told us about while we were in the Empire, remember?” “Thorax, I know you wanted to do that stuff but this really can’t be helped.” Pharynx said. Neither he nor Thorax noticed a certain lime green nymph poke his head around the wall of the Hive, watching them. “I-I just… I wanted this winter to be perfect…” “I know you did, brother.” Pharynx hugged him gently, and Thorax hugged back, beginning to cry. “Hey, come on, don’t cry, it’s okay.” “B-But… P-Pharynx, if we go into hibernation, w-we’ll be asleep the whole winter… we won’t get to do the fun things I planned – oh… Phar… Ember and Tempest…” “...Shi–” “Pharynx!” “Sorry, forgot.” Pharynx said, rolling his eyes slightly. “But you’re right… we’ll have to tell them we can’t spend the winter together.” “And every winter after that.” Thorax sighed. The two brothers hugged each other tightly, contemplating what they would have to tell their lovers when the time came to hibernate. As they did, Apex ducked back out of sight, a thoughtful expression on his face as he returned to his friends. “Apex? Where’d you run off to?” Ocellus asked from where she was curled up in the snow beside Zenith. “I think this snow’s gonna be bad for us…” Apex replied, leaning against Zenith and nuzzling him. “Tha’s wha’ i’ sounded like when I heard Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx talking.” Ocellus and Zenith looked at him in concern, and he glanced back at the Hive, knowing his father and uncle were around the corner. The two followed his gaze solemnly. All three knew about hibernation, of course, they were all old enough to remember being put to sleep for the winter by the Queen at least once. But until now, they had scarcely noticed the fatigue in their chests just from being in the cold, and the gentle pull in the back of their minds, telling them this was not what they were meant to be doing. They'd assumed, like Thorax, that the reformation would have put an end to this... but it seemed that wasn't meant to be. The brothers, meanwhile, were still holding each other tight, sitting amidst the snow. They made no move to leave, simply holding each other close. As the two clutched each other, one seeking comfort and the other providing it, the snow continued to fall. It covered the stain where Thorax had spat his blood, wiping the white ground anew even as the freezing wind whipped it around them. No one else knew that they were there, sharing deep fear and concern. They were all too wrapped up in the awe of the thick snow, a blanket over the frozen soil, which now seemed to be threatening to cover the entire Hive itself. What to Do?“Thorax.” Pharynx strode up to his brother, who was in the throne room, watching Apex build a snow fort. Since there was no roof there anymore, snow had settled into the open area. “Pharynx? Is something wrong?” “Yes. Hibernation.” Pharynx said, making Apex look up. Thorax flinched. “W-What about it?” “Thorax, I know you’re not blind. The nymphs are getting tired more easily and some adult drones have been sleeping in much later. There’s no getting around it.” “I… I need to take a walk.” Thorax said in response, getting up and striding out of the throne room. Pharynx followed him, clearly not backing down. “Phar, not now.” “Yes now.” Pharynx retorted, sticking close by his brother’s side. “Avoiding the inevitable won’t make it go away, you know.” “I’m not trying to avoid it, I just… I don’t know what to do.” Thorax said, wings twitching nervously, threatening to unfold from his carapace. “I can’t just give up on this winter, if I do then I’ll be telling the changelings that we still haven’t moved past hibernating through the season…” “I know you want everyone to experience winter, Thorax, but I just don’t see how it’s possible. It’s not just a part of our past, it’s part of our biology.” Pharynx told him solemnly. “Without love-” “I know, Pharynx, you’ve been saying it for days now!” Thorax snapped at his brother, eyes going wide as he realized what he did, covering his mouth with a hoof. “I-I didn’t-” “Don’t try to tell me you didn’t mean it, we both know that’s not true.” Pharynx told him stoically, his gaze softening to sympathy. “I know I’ve been bugging you about it, but I just don’t see another way out of it unless you want another winter where…” he trailed off. “What? Another winter where what?” Pharynx took a breath and closed his eyes. “Fortuna told me a story about our hibernation – to explain why we do it. Before you ask, she probably didn’t tell you because she figured you wouldn’t enjoy it.” Thorax allowed Pharynx to lead him to a small alcove to sit in before continuing his thought. “There was a winter when the changelings thought there were enough love reserves that Chrysalis wouldn’t need to send them into hibernation, so she didn’t, and they managed to stay awake for about half of the winter.” “I-It sounds like there’s a ‘but’ coming…” Pharynx sighed. “...Over half of the changelings didn’t make it. They froze to death, and it was only Chrysalis putting the remaining changelings into a forced hibernation that saved them. That’s why hibernation is so vital to us. Without it, half of the population died.” Thorax stared at him in silence for a moment, then sighed. “I understand what you’re saying, Pharynx, but there has to be another way…” “I think this time, there really isn’t.” Thorax opened his mouth to object again, when a sudden shriek caught their attention. Eyes widening in alarm, the brothers bolted off in the source of the noise. They found Zenith in a nearby hall, standing over something on the ground, looking terrified. “Hunty!” “Oh no, Hunter!” Thorax raced over and knelt down by the red colored reformed changeling. “T-Thorax, he just fell over!” Zenith whimpered, tugging on the alpha’s hoof desperately. Pharynx joined the two and pressed a hoof to Hunter’s neck, feeling his pulse. After a moment, he stepped back, giving a heavy sigh before looking over at Zenith. “He’s still alive.” Pharynx said in a neutral tone. “It seems like he entered a sleep stasis.” “Hunty…” Zenith moved forwards to hug Hunter tightly, burying his head in his motionless brother’s shoulder. Thorax looked at Pharynx, who glanced back up at him. “Don’t even say it…” Thorax sighed. Pharynx glanced at Hunter and Zenith, then back at him. “What did I tell you?” He mouthed. Thorax didn’t have the mental strength to argue. “‘M worried ‘bout Papa Thorax.” Apex said The deputy nymph was sitting with Ocellus and Zenith in the library, one of the warmest places in the Hive now that the cold had set in. Apex had a hoof wrapped around Zenith, who cuddled into his side, sniffling and wiping at the tears streaming down his face. “I-I’m worried about Hunty…” Zenith whimpered, and Apex kissed his forehead gently. “He’ll be okay ‘Nithy.” Apex assured him, glancing at Ocellus. “Papa Thorax is really upse’. He wan’s us to be able to s’ay up the whole win’er. Bu’ now tha’ the cold’s coming…” “I know. Hunter’s not the only one that was affected, many other lings were too.” Ocellus told them, sighing. “We’re probably going to have to hibernate, even if Thorax doesn’t like it… it is too bad though, I really wanted to go visit Smolder…” “There’s go’a be a way to keep us ‘wake.” Apex said. “If there is, I don’t know of one.” Ocellus sighed, resting her head on the table they sat at. “The only information I was able to dig up on the hibernation was that we’ve always done it and the one year we didn’t there was a big drop in population.” “S’ill, wha’ books did you find? Maybe you missed somethin’.” Apex insisted. Ocellus sighed and pulled a thick book out of her bags, setting it on the table. The cover read Winter Traditions. Ocellus made sure they could all get a good view, before opening it to around the middle of the book. “Right here. I went straight to this chapter since it was the only one marked ‘hibernation’.” Apex pulled the book closer and immediately used his magic to flip back to the table of contents. He trailed his hoof down the page, reading the chapter titles slowly. He then stopped and looked up at Ocellus. “Jus’ here. The’es a chap’er called Sur’i’al.” “Survival? But– wait…” Ocellus took the book back and flipped through it, finding the named chapter. “What the – how did I not see this?” “Let me see!” Zenith zipped over and gently nudged Ocellus out of the way, reading aloud from the book. “Long ago, the changelings did not hibernate through the winters, as the spell for hibernation had not yet been discovered. While this caused a great deal of loss, some changelings were able to create… Love Fires?” Apex’s eyes widened and he raced over, squeezing between Zenith and Ocellus. “Wha’ ‘re Love Fi’es?” “Love Fires… here!” Ocellus said, pointing to a footnote at the bottom of the page. “Love Fires: small fires of love produced by a changeling concentrating their magic on the love and drawing it out of themselves. Created by ancestor Ignus-equea, a great warrior known for her cunning and ingenuity in battle.” With the new information, Zenith continued reading from the paragraph. “-Some changelings were able to create Love Fires to carry with them in jars. The Love Fires were able to keep the changeling warm, so long as their love reserves did not run out. It would only warm a single changeling, but for every single changeling that lived, the Hive would survive another day.” “Tha’s i’!” Apex pointed at the book. “Tha’s how we sa’e e’eryone an’ s’op the hiberna’ion!” “What?” the other two asked in confusion. “The Love Fi’es only kep’ one changelin’ warm, ‘cause they were unrefo’med. Their love reser’es were a’ways near’y emp’y! Bu’ if a refo’med changeling tried to make a Love Fi’e…” “Apex, you’re a genius!” Ocellus exclaimed, standing up. “Our love reserves are full all the time now! I bet if we all worked together, we could make a giant Love Fire that will be able to keep everyone warm!” “A-And maybe then Hunty and the others will wake up!” Zenith added. “Yeah!” Apex agreed. Zenith pulled him close and kissed him on the cheek. “Ocellus was right, you are a genius, ‘Pexy.” The nymph whispered, and Apex blushed hard. “C-Come on, le’s go show Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said quickly, and the other two nodded. Ocellus grabbed the book and they rushed out of the room, heading for wherever the Prince-General may be. A Fiery Solution“Papa Thorax!” “Thorax!” The shouts from his son and brother made Thorax jump up from his throne in alarm, worried something else had gone wrong. Ocellus, Apex, Zenith, and Pharynx ran in, Apex in the lead. “W-What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Thorax asked them nervously. “A good thing happened!” Ocellus exclaimed, bringing a heavy looking book out of her bag. “A book?” “We found a way to keep everyone awake!” Ocellus explained, and Thorax’s eyes went wide. “And the answer’s in here!” “R-Really? T-There’s a way to warm everyone up?” “Mhm! An’ i’ migh’ wake up the hiberna’ing ones too!” Apex added, as Ocellus opened the book. “That’s great! So what is it?” Thorax asked “It’s called a Love Fire, or Amoris Igne.” Ocellus explained, turning the book to face Thorax. “According to the book, an unreformed changeling can create a small 'love fire' that will keep them warm. However, we’re reformed now, so we have a bigger love reserve than they did, meaning that if there’s enough of us, we might be able to create one big enough to warm the whole Hive!” “Really?! How do we do it?” Thorax asked eagerly. “We just need to concentrate all our love reserves on a single ‘focus point’. The book says the ancient changelings’ focus points were usually thinking ‘warm myself’ or thinking of the jar they kept the fire in. But we’re trying to warm the whole Hive, so we should make it a fireplace or something.” Ocellus replied Thorax glanced at Pharynx, who gave him a steady look. “Well?” “I’ve seen the book for myself.” Pharynx said, expression impassive as he nodded. “It seems like it could work.” “Then let’s do it.” “Okay. Let’s build up the makings of a fireplace, and go from there.” Ocellus said, levitating the book over and setting it at the base of Thorax’s throne. “First let’s clear out some of this snow.” Pharynx suggested, using his magic to shove some aside as he spoke. Thorax nodded in agreement, and together the group began making space for a fire. “Alright, I think that’s everything we need.” Ocellus said, as Pharynx set rocks around the fireplace circle they’d made. Once he was finished, Apex and Zenith stacked some wood they’d gathered in the middle of the stones. “Good, because I’m getting–” Zenith broke off, yawning. “Sleepy…” “I’ will be okay ‘Nithy, jus’ don’ go to sleep.” Apex said, wrapping his hooves around the golden nymph. “We should probably bring the hibernating changelings over to try and see if the fire will wake them up when we get it started.” Thorax said. “Alright, let’s go.” Pharynx instantly began leading the way, before pausing as he noticed only Thorax was following. “You three coming?” “I-I think I’ll stay here and watch the fireplace in case it starts to snow again.” Zenith told them through a yawn as Ocellus and Apex joined the brothers. “Okay ‘Nithy, if you’re sure…” Apex trotted back to kiss Zenith on the cheek before catching back up with his father and uncle. Thorax couldn’t help smiling as they made their way to the nests where they’d put all the sleeping changelings. He was confident this would work, it had to. Besides, if Pharynx was certain this would be their best option, it was worth trying. “Alright, this is everyling that’s hibernating.” Thorax said as they reached the nests, doing a quick head count. “Grab as many as you can carry.” Pharynx ordered, using his magic to lift three changelings and lay them across his back. Thorax was able to carry five of the sleeping changelings as he was bigger, and together Ocellus and Apex could carry one each, a third one levitating behind them in their combined magic. With the three that could Pharynx hold, it only took a couple trips to move all of the sleeping lings. Luckily not many had succumbed to hibernation yet, and they entered the throne room with the last of them not long after. “Alright, now let’s lay them around the fireplace and–” “‘Nithy!” Apex screeched, and Ocellus yelped as he dropped his end of the changelings they were carrying, her magic struggling to hold up the sleeping changelings by herself. Pharynx quickly took his place with a flare of magic, though his eyes were on his apprentice. Thorax scrambled to follow behind as well. Apex ran over to the stone circle, seeing Zenith curled up on the ground beside it, asleep. The nymph whimpered as he pulled Zenith into his hooves. Thorax, Pharynx, and Ocellus reached them, set the changelings they carried gently down on the ground, and moved to check on Apex. “‘Nithy, wake up, wake up…” Apex whimpered, shaking him. “Wake up…” “He will once we start the Love Fire, Apex.” Ocellus assured him softly. “Though we might not have enough love to do it without Zenith.” Pharynx murmured, just loud enough for Thorax to hear, and promptly bite his lip nervously. He took a breath to steady himself, then spoke. “We have to try, for Apex.” He said, looking down at his distressed son. “For Zenith, for Hunter, for everyone who’s asleep or whose loved ones are asleep. They deserve to spend the winter together, so we have to be willing to try… even if it means this winter, it won’t work.” “Alright, alright, spare me the friendship speech, Thorax.” Pharynx said, rolling his eyes. “You guys lived among ponies for months, I figured you’d be used to this by now, Pharynx.” Ocellus remarked, and he shot her a glare. “Point is, let’s do it.” Pharynx said, then looked at Thorax. “You sure you’ll be okay if it doesn’t work?” Thorax took a breath, then let it out with a sigh. “Not really. I don’t want to give up on what could have been a perfect winter, and a new start for our kind. But if this doesn’t work… I’m willing to sacrifice our plans, a-and…” “And what?” Pharynx prompted. “...Ocellus?” “The hibernation spell is in the book.” Ocellus told him, and he closed his eyes. “If it doesn’t work… I’ll cast the spell… as the alpha, it’ll work best if I do it…” Thorax said, and Pharynx nodded. “I’m… proud of you, Thorax.” Pharynx admitted, and Thorax could taste his sincerity. “I know this can’t be easy.” “It’s not…” Thorax sighed, looking away from his family. “But I’m willing to do it… for the good of the Hive. We just won’t have Hearth’s Warming this year.” Pharynx nodded solemnly, and Ocellus stepped closer in comfort. Apex laid Zenith by the fireplace and joined them, hugging his father tightly. Thorax lifted him up, kissing his forehead. “It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make, but we’ll never know if I have to or not if we don’t try.” Thorax reminded them. “Right.” Ocellus levitated the book over, reading the page with the instructions. “Let’s begin.” Amor, Amore, Ardenti Clara“Okay, so the instructions are written for if it’s one changeling trying to make the fire in a jar. But I’ve been looking it over and I think we can alter it.” Ocellus said “So what do we need to do?” Pharynx asked “First, let’s put the hibernating changelings closer to the fireplace.” Ocellus said, and they nodded. The group of four carefully laid each of the sleeping changelings in a small huddle before the fireplace. Thorax, Pharynx, and Apex then turned to Ocellus, who grabbed the book again. “Um… alright, Apex, stand on that side of the fireplace.” Ocellus instructed, and he did as she asked. “Good, now, Pharynx, stand diagonally from him… Thorax, opposite from Apex, and I’ll stand opposite Pharynx.” The four changelings moved into place around the fireplace, and Ocellus read from the book again. “The fireplace is going to act as our ‘Focus Point’ where we’ll concentrate our love reserves. But we’ll also need to concentrate hard on what we’re trying to do, which for us is heating the Hive. The good thing about Love Fires is they’re not like normal fires, so wind or rain won’t make them go out.” “Good to know.” Pharynx muttered, glancing up at the open ceiling of the throne room. “Alright, what now?” “Everyone light up your horns and I’ll tell you what to do next.” Ocellus directed. Ocellus and Apex’s horns lit up with their magical auras, while the royal brothers ignited their antlers along with their own horns. Ocellus scanned over the rest of the page, committing it to memory before she bookmarked it and closed the book, setting it aside. The blue nymph put a hoof to her chest, then closed her eyes. The others silently followed her lead without need for instruction. “Once you close your eyes, you will only see darkness. But imagine there is a small spark of light in the dark – where it is specifically doesn’t matter, just find it.” The three nodded, though knowing she couldn’t see them, and did as she instructed. Ocellus continued, speaking slowly and softly so as not to break anyone’s concentration. “Now… imagine your magic is a long rope of light. Using your mind, guide your magic to the light. The light is your love reserves. Will your magic to bond with the love and draw it closer to you. If it’s working, you should feel a sudden warmth in your chest.” “I feel i’!” Apex breathed out in excitement, but Ocellus shushed him quickly. “No distractions or you’ll lose your control. Now, once the light has reached you, imagine that you are reaching out a hoof to touch it – but don’t actually move.” After another moment or two of silence, Ocellus continued on. “The warmth in your chest should be burning now, if it’s not, wait until it is. Then open your eyes.” They each opened their eyes, one by one. Once they were all looking at each other, Ocellus gestured for them to watch her. She charged up her horn even more, until her clear white aura began to turn pink. “Celly, wha’re you doin’?” Apex whispered “I-I’m tapping into my love reserves with the magic.” Ocellus said. “You need to do it too.” Apex’s horn grew aflame with his ruby red aura, and it soon began to flicker pink. Thorax and Pharynx’s antlers lit with their respective blue and red auras, which turned pink as well as they managed to tap into their love reserves. “A-Alright, a-all at once, concentrate on what we want to do and blast the fireplace!” Ocellus shouted. The four changelings planted their hooves on the ground firmly, then lowered their heads and blasted their magic at the fireplace. Thorax screwed his eyes shut, concentrating hard, knowing from the straining noises the others were making that they were doing the same. “Warm the Hive. Warm the Hive. Warm the Hive.” Thorax repeated in his head, feeling his wings open up on instinct as he strained to keep the beam of love-fueled magic going. It felt like it was draining his very essence from him. “Warm the Hive… warm the Hive… warm my Hive…” Finally, he felt the last of his magic slipping out of his horn, and collapsed onto his stomach, panting with effort. The others, he could see, hadn’t fared much better. Pharynx was sitting on his haunches, chest heaving as he caught his breath. Apex was lying on his side, breathing heavily. Ocellus lay nearby, head lowered to the ground, but her eyes flicked upward. “I-It worked!” The nymph shrieked suddenly, and they all looked up. A giant, roaring fire now lay in the fireplace, warming them with its presence. The fire itself was not a normal one, or at least from what Thorax could see. The flames were bright pink, and the smoke it released formed silhouettes of hearts in all shapes and sizes. Thorax panted, smiling happily as he lay on the cold ground, his chest alight with the joy of their success. It had worked. “It worked! It worked, it worked, it worked!” Ocellus cried, leaping over and hugging Pharynx tightly. “Ack! Okay, okay, I get it, it worked, you’re happy, now get off!” Pharynx grunted, shoving her and getting up onto his hooves again. Thorax heaved himself up as well, then moved over and helped Apex up. The little nymph immediately rushed over to Zenith, pulling him closer to the fire. The golden nymph began moving after a moment of soaking in the warmth of the flames, and Apex gasped happily. “‘Nithy!” Zenith opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he rose to his hooves at last. The nymph yawned, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “‘Pexy? What happe– mmph!” Zenith was pulled into a kiss by the lime green nymph. Of course, he kissed Apex back, and the two nymphs fell over into the snow. “Pharynx? What’s going on?” Hunter asked as he stood as well, yawning widely. “Long story.” Pharynx said simply. The other changelings slowly began to wake once the warmth of the fire reached them, all yawning and stretching. Of course, they spotted the fire almost immediately, turning to gaze at it in awe. Thorax smiled widely as he saw other changelings entering the throne room, drawn by the light, then instantly rushing to the source of the warmth when they realized what it was. “The whole Hive’s warm now.” Ocellus said, walking over. “I peeked into the hallway. With the window panes Pharynx had installed to insulate things, the fire’s helping to keep everything heated.” “It really worked.” Thorax breathed, watching the other changelings admire the fire. “And this fire looks big enough to last the entire winter!” Ocellus added chipperly. “Which means we get to do Thorax’s fun traditions. Yay.” Pharynx said with a roll of his eyes. Thorax nudged him gently. “What? I never said I was excited for the traditions you wanted us to try… I just knew doing them meant a lot to you.” “Aww, Phar!” “T-Thorax, don’t–” Thorax scooped his brother into a hug, which Ocellus joined, giggling as she grinned up at the irritated beta changeling. “If it helps, the love we’re sharing will help us refill our love reserves after draining them to make the fire.” Ocellus offered to him. “It doesn’t.” Pharynx said flatly. But neither the young nymph nor Thorax let him go. Eventually, he sighed and leaned into the hug, though reluctantly. Thorax smiled, looking up at the changelings surrounding them, talking and laughing, some of them even feeling warm enough to play in the snow still piled in the throne room. He smiled widely. They had done it. Author's Note Epilogue will be posted just in time for the Holidays! Sorry it's been a while, I've been busy with school. ~Melody Song Epilogue: The Firelight Shines Bright Tonight“I can’t believe we sat around the fire and sang for a good hour and a half.” Pharynx grumbled, walking down the hall with his brother. “Oh come on Phary, it was fun!” Thorax objected, and Pharynx glowered at him. “Don’t call me that.” “You liked it when we were nymphs.” Thorax murmured, but dropped it. “Anyway, I do want to thank you, Thorax.” “Thank me?” Thorax blinked in confusion. “Why?” “You could have listened to me and sent the changelings into hibernation at the first sign of a snowflake. But you were stubborn and didn’t give up trying to find another way. Without that, we probably never would have discovered the Love Fire, and we wouldn’t be awake now.” Pharynx said “So what you’re saying is…” Thorax watched him intently. “Your hopeful nature kept us all awake, which honestly, yes, is better than sleeping through the winter. You truly are the heart of the changelings, Thor. You keep us all going and without your optimism you probably wouldn’t be able to do half of the things you have done.” Thorax still stared at him unrelentingly. Pharynx heaved a great sigh and looked at his brother. “You really want me to say it, don’t you?” “Please?” “Fine…” Pharynx sighed. “You were right.” “Yes!” Thorax exclaimed, hugging his brother. “Yeah yeah, I get it, you were right, I was wrong, get off.” Pharynx said, and Thorax released him. “But you admitted it!” “Yeah yeah.” Thorax giggled and nuzzled his brother. “I have to thank you too. For staying by my side, always. I love you brother.” “I love you too, brother.” Pharynx smiled at him softly. “Besides, what kind of protector would let their leader go through something alone?” Thorax chuckled and hugged him briefly. “You know you’re just a big softie.” “I-I am not!” Pharynx objected, blushing. Before Thorax could respond and continue to tease his brother, hoofsteps and the scent of a warm summer day hit his mouth. “Papa Thorax!” “Hi Apex!” Thorax scooped up the nymph, who shrieked, giggling. Ocellus and Zenith ran up behind him, carrying flattened cardboard boxes. “What are you three up to?” “Ocellus is gonna show me an’ ‘Nithy how to sled! She sai’ Sandbar tol’ her how to an’ i’ seemed really fun!” Apex said, smiling. “You two want to join us?” Ocellus asked, smiling at the two leaders. “Sure, it sounds exciting!” Thorax said, while Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Come on Phar!” “Fine.” Pharynx sighed, standing up. “What are you supposed to do?” “You sit on the cardboard or sled on the top of a hill and ride down on it. Sandbar said it feels like riding a rollercoaster!” Ocellus said as they headed out of the Hive. “And I’m out.” Pharynx replied, turning away from them. “Aw, why? Is the big brave General scared?” Ocellus asked “W-What? No!” “Then why won’t you come sledding with us?” Ocellus asked him “I-I don’t want to.” “Sounds like you’re scared.” “Alright, fine, I’ll do it! I’m not afraid of a stupid piece of cardboard!” Pharynx snarled, and Ocellus giggled, leading them out of the Hive. Apex was giggling loudly as Thorax carried him into the brother’s bedroom, wrapped in a fluffy towel after being bathed. Pharynx was already there, burrowed under the blankets and grumbling to himself. “He yelled so loud when we wen’ down! ‘Member Papa Thorax? He was huggin’ you an’ screamin’!” Thorax chuckled and set Apex down on the alpha’s bed, nuzzling him. “Alright Apex, I think that’s enough with teasing Uncle Pharynx.” “You are not allowed to call me that.” Pharynx huffed from under his blankets. “Bu’ Papa Thorax, i’ was so funny!” Apex protested, and Thorax chuckled, kissing his forehead. “I know sweetie, but Pharynx doesn’t like it so we have to be nice.” Pharynx grunted and rolled over in bed to face away from the nymph. Apex wiggled out of the towel and opened his wings, flying over to him. He crawled over Pharynx and flopped down in the bed beside him. “‘M sorry Uncle Pharynx, we jus’ though’ i’ was funny.” Pharynx sighed and rolled onto his back, letting Apex climb over to sit on his chest. “It’s fine grub, I guess it was kind of funny.” “Mhm! You wen’ like this!” Apex sat upright and then began crying out. “Ahhh! Thorax, help! I’s gonna crash!” “Alright, alright, that’s enough.” Pharynx said, covering Apex’s mouth and blushing. “Isn’t it your bedtime?” “Yes…” Apex sighed, as Thorax walked over, chuckling. He lifted Apex up and carried him back to his bed. “I know today was exciting Apex, but it is bedtime.” Thorax said, smiling as he wrapped the blankets around them both as he laid down, warming them even more. The Love Fire was still going, and continued to bathe the entire Hive in comfortable warmth. It seemed Ocellus was correct that it would continue burning for the rest of the winter season. Which was good, because Thorax had plans for what he wanted them to do. They’d discussed it earlier, and both Ocellus and Pharynx seemed sure it was because of Thorax’s desperation that caused the fire to grow so large, fueling itself mostly off his love for the Hive that he’d given to it. “Can we open the presen’s t’morrow Papa Thorax?” Apex asked through a yawn, snapping Thorax out of his thoughts. He chuckled and nuzzled Apex sweetly. “We can’t until Hearth’s Warming Day, Apex. That’s in a few more days.” “Aw…” Apex sighed and cuddled close against Thorax. “Okay Papa Thorax, I can wait, I think.” Thorax chuckled and began humming softly, lulling the little nymph to sleep. He could see his brother drifting off as well, his soft breaths causing the blanket to rise and fall as he slept. Thorax smiled as he watched his brother and son fall asleep, knowing that, as he settled down to join the two, he didn’t have to worry about them falling into a hibernation. The Love Fire was burning still, a beacon in the cold winter night. It was thanks to Thorax’s hope, his brother’s loyalty, his son’s encouragement, and his sister’s guidance that it was there at all. The End Author's Note I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Stay tuned for the next story, A Stroke Of Luck! ~Melody Song
First FrostThorax smiled to himself as he trotted through the Hive. Even though it was getting colder now as winter loomed on the horizon, everyone seemed upbeat and eager. “Thorax!” Pharynx’s voice called out to him, and he turned to face his brother. “Yes Pharynx?” He asked, having a feeling he knew what the beta changeling would say next. “For the hundredth time Thorax, and I’m not going to ask again. Why. Are. We. Not. Sending. Out. Gathering. Patrols?!” “Because we don’t feed off ponies anymore.” Thorax insisted. “Thorax, without that excess love we’ll go into hibernation!” “No we won’t!” Thorax objected, looking at his big brother. “Thorax, changelings have to hibernate when they don’t get enough food, it’s in our biology!” “That’s why Chrysalis used to send us into hibernation, I know that Phar.” “It wasn’t all her. If we can’t get enough love our bodies naturally shut down into a sleep stasis. Temperature also affects it, and love is the only thing that can keep us awake after the extreme cold sets in.” “We have enough love stored already, Pharynx.” “Not enough to last the winter.” Pharynx stomped a hoof on the ground. “I understand sharing love now will give us an advantage. But it doesn’t matter because if the love is mutual, that means it’s passing like a current between everyone. Each of us only gets a little before it moves on.” “We can make enough love.” “I don’t think many of us will be feeling very loving with the cold.” Pharynx scoffed, walking past Thorax. “Come with me, I want to show you something.” Thorax blinked, but followed him. The two brothers trotted outside, seeing Apex playing with Zenith. The two nymphs were tussling in the dry grass outside the Hive. The field was usually lush and green with flowers, having recovered from being drained of love by the unreformed Hive. However, it now crunched underneath the brother’s hooves as they walked, wilting in the changing temperature. Pharynx led Thorax just outside the Hive and glanced up at the sky, Thorax following his gaze. “There’s a chill on the breeze.” “I know.” Thorax said, honestly. He, too, could taste it in the air. Unlike Pegasi, changelings could not shape the weather, nor could they effortlessly connect with it to tell where the wind was blowing a storm or if a tornado was imminent. But they could scent emotions, allowing them to read the emotions of the earth and sky itself, similarly to earth ponies and pegasi, respectively. Right now, both brothers could sense that the gentle wind around them blew with the frigid stoicity of ice. “The cold will make us all more and more tired.” “But we won’t hibernate.” “Yes we will Thorax.” Pharynx said firmly. “We only will if it ends up freezing.” “Yes, and because there’s no Pegasi out here to control the weather, we’re at the mercy of whatever fate decides the weather will be.” Pharynx said sharply, getting the nymphs’ attention. “It won’t freeze deep enough to cause hibernation Pharynx, please, trust me on this.” Thorax said, and Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Why should I?” Thorax hesitated, then sighed, looking up into the sky. “Because there can’t be. We need to keep our subjects reassured and safe. There will be no freeze, there can’t be.” Pharynx was silent for a moment, then turned and headed back into the Hive. “Unfortunately for you, the weather doesn’t listen to hope.” He told his brother grimly, before disappearing into the Hive. Apex trotted past with Zenith, following his uncle. Thorax was left alone, standing just outside the Hive, gazing up at the sky. The horizon was a bitter, slate gray color, the wind barely moving the clouds hovering ominously above their kingdom. Thorax gave a small, worried sigh, before he headed inside the Hive, hoofsteps seeming to echo in the barren plains. A few days later, Thorax was roused from his sleep by a small hoof poking his side. “Apex, sweetie, it’s too early…” Thorax murmured, and the hoof stopped, only for the small muzzle of the nymph to press against his cheek. “Bu’ Papa Thorax, you go’a see, you go’a!” he cried Thorax sighed softly and opened his eyes, yawning. “Okay, I’m up, I’m up…” Apex smiled and nudged him over. “Look ou’ the win’ow!” Thorax rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking out of the window of their room. He gasped softly as Apex clambered over and reared up on his hind legs to get a good look out the window. He was staring in awe. Snowflakes were falling outside. Apex pressed a hoof to the glass in the window, giggling. Pharynx had thought to have several warrior drones place glass on the permanent windows, in order to help insulate the Hive better. Thorax was grateful for that, at least. “I’s e’en pre’ier than the snow in the Crys’al Empire!” Apex exclaimed, not noticing Thorax’s expression, which displayed shock and horror instead of admiration. “Uncle Pharynx!” Apex scrambled off Thorax’s bed and flew over to the bed adjacent to Thorax’s. He leapt onto the lump in the blue blankets and began bouncing. “Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharrrynnnnnnx!” Pharynx groaned and shifted slightly under the blankets. “Grub, ge’off…” “Uncle Pharynx, wake up wake up wake up!” “Why should I?” “You go’a see this!” “...Are you or Thorax in imminent danger?” “No?” “Is the Hive in danger?” “No.” “Is the Hive on fire?” “No.” “Is Thorax on fire?” “No!” “Then I don’t have to get up. Go away.” “Uncle Pharynx, come onnnn!” Apex begged, and Pharynx’s head poked out of the blankets. “What?!” “I’s snowing!” Apex said, smiling at him. Pharynx sighed and sat up, rolling out of bed and letting Apex clamber onto his back. He trotted over, rearing up and placing his front hooves on Thorax’s bed. Thorax shifted slightly to let him see the window. He stared at it for a moment, watching the white flakes swirl around outside. Apex scrambled up Pharynx’s head, rearing up to tug on Thorax’s antler gently. “Can we go play in i’? Can we?” “S-Sure Apex, but you better get your scarf first, Ocellus can probably help you find it.” Thorax told him, and Apex nodded, trotting off. Thorax then looked to his brother. Pharynx was still staring at the window, unblinkingly. Thorax nudged him gently, and he turned, locking eyes with the alpha changeling. A sense of dread filled Thorax’s chest. Pharynx opened his mouth after a long moment, and only four words emerged. “Well, that’s that then.” Author's Note Welcome to the next edition to the Young Warrior series! Updates will probably slow down, as I have begun the time of life known as college and it's kicking my butt- but I'll try to get chapters out weekly like usual! ~ Melody Song
A BlanketThorax chuckled as he watched Apex flounder through the snow drifts. The youngling had found Zenith and Ocellus and dragged them outside along with Pharynx and Thorax. The three nymphs were bundled up in scarves and Ocellus had some earmuffs she received as a gift from a friend at Twilight Sparkle’s school. The group of nymphs weren’t the only ones marvling at the snow. Most of the Hive were also outside, laughing and talking as they walked around in the white blanket. This was the first time many of the changelings had ever seen snow, apart from the occasional early snowfall. They were usually deep in their nests by the time it appeared, sleeping through the cold of the winter. “It’s only going to get deeper.” Pharynx commented, looking around. Thorax nodded solemnly. Even now snow was still falling, and while the younger nymphs – including the apprentices and some even younger than five years – seemed to enjoy it, Thorax saw some worried faces on the adults. “And when it does…” Pharynx continued his train of thought “Pharynx, no.” “Thorax, it’s either we find more love somehow or we go into a hibernation.” “No…” “Seriously Thorax, why is it such a big deal to you? If we hibernate we’ll at least be able to conserve some warmth, and if we start gathering from the storerooms now and the neighboring towns we should be able to get enough food to sustain us for the winter. More than enough if hunting patrols manage to bring back some prey before it’s all tucked up in burrows for the winter.” “I just… don’t want everyone to miss out on a fun winter.” “Thorax, drop the lies.” “I’m no-” “Thorax. I’m your brother. Don’t bother lying to me. What’s the real reason?” Pharynx asked, and Thorax sighed. “I just think… if we hibernate, it would be showing that nothing’s really changed since Chrysalis’ rule. And I was looking forward to celebrating this winter with the traditions the ponies showed us, so we could prove we’ve all moved on from her ways.” Pharynx sighed and placed a hoof on Thorax’s back. “I know it’s hard to think about, Thorax, but some things she did were probably for our own good. I mean, look at Apex and the others.” Thorax glanced over, and his eyes widened in worry. Apex was looking tired, and Zenith had already laid down in the snow, while Ocellus played with her little siblings, the older nymph fighting back a yawn. “See? The younger nymphs won’t be able to take this for long without proper warmth and filled love reserves. I’m sure some of the other adults are also feeling it.” “I… I just…” Thorax shook his head. “We can’t.” “Thorax, you can’t stop it, their bodies are going to naturally go into hibernation, especially if the snow keeps falling like this.” Pharynx said “Then we try harder! M-Maybe we can transform into Pegasi and try to move the clouds, or–” “Thorax, that won’t work and you know it. It’s been tried. We can stand on clouds but can’t manipulate them, only Pegasi – real Pegasi – can.” Pharynx objected “But… no… there has to be some way…” Thorax insisted. “Thorax.” Pharynx said sharply, and Thorax looked over at him. “Give it up. We’re all going to end up hibernating.” Thorax bit the inside of his cheek nervously, watching the changelings and pacing around. He didn’t even notice how hard he was biting until he tasted the metal tang of blood in his mouth. He immediately dashed around to the other side of the outer Hive walls before spitting out the blood, not wanting to alarm anyone. Pharynx, who had evidently followed him, rubbed his back gently. “You really don’t want this to happen, do you?” Pharynx asked “I can’t…” Thorax’s eyes watered. “I can’t, I-I had plans for the winter… things for us to do…” “Like what?” “Playing in the snow, having a big feast, cuddling around fireplaces… and that ice skating thing Spike told us about while we were in the Empire, remember?” “Thorax, I know you wanted to do that stuff but this really can’t be helped.” Pharynx said. Neither he nor Thorax noticed a certain lime green nymph poke his head around the wall of the Hive, watching them. “I-I just… I wanted this winter to be perfect…” “I know you did, brother.” Pharynx hugged him gently, and Thorax hugged back, beginning to cry. “Hey, come on, don’t cry, it’s okay.” “B-But… P-Pharynx, if we go into hibernation, w-we’ll be asleep the whole winter… we won’t get to do the fun things I planned – oh… Phar… Ember and Tempest…” “...Shi–” “Pharynx!” “Sorry, forgot.” Pharynx said, rolling his eyes slightly. “But you’re right… we’ll have to tell them we can’t spend the winter together.” “And every winter after that.” Thorax sighed. The two brothers hugged each other tightly, contemplating what they would have to tell their lovers when the time came to hibernate. As they did, Apex ducked back out of sight, a thoughtful expression on his face as he returned to his friends. “Apex? Where’d you run off to?” Ocellus asked from where she was curled up in the snow beside Zenith. “I think this snow’s gonna be bad for us…” Apex replied, leaning against Zenith and nuzzling him. “Tha’s wha’ i’ sounded like when I heard Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx talking.” Ocellus and Zenith looked at him in concern, and he glanced back at the Hive, knowing his father and uncle were around the corner. The two followed his gaze solemnly. All three knew about hibernation, of course, they were all old enough to remember being put to sleep for the winter by the Queen at least once. But until now, they had scarcely noticed the fatigue in their chests just from being in the cold, and the gentle pull in the back of their minds, telling them this was not what they were meant to be doing. They'd assumed, like Thorax, that the reformation would have put an end to this... but it seemed that wasn't meant to be. The brothers, meanwhile, were still holding each other tight, sitting amidst the snow. They made no move to leave, simply holding each other close. As the two clutched each other, one seeking comfort and the other providing it, the snow continued to fall. It covered the stain where Thorax had spat his blood, wiping the white ground anew even as the freezing wind whipped it around them. No one else knew that they were there, sharing deep fear and concern. They were all too wrapped up in the awe of the thick snow, a blanket over the frozen soil, which now seemed to be threatening to cover the entire Hive itself.
What to Do?“Thorax.” Pharynx strode up to his brother, who was in the throne room, watching Apex build a snow fort. Since there was no roof there anymore, snow had settled into the open area. “Pharynx? Is something wrong?” “Yes. Hibernation.” Pharynx said, making Apex look up. Thorax flinched. “W-What about it?” “Thorax, I know you’re not blind. The nymphs are getting tired more easily and some adult drones have been sleeping in much later. There’s no getting around it.” “I… I need to take a walk.” Thorax said in response, getting up and striding out of the throne room. Pharynx followed him, clearly not backing down. “Phar, not now.” “Yes now.” Pharynx retorted, sticking close by his brother’s side. “Avoiding the inevitable won’t make it go away, you know.” “I’m not trying to avoid it, I just… I don’t know what to do.” Thorax said, wings twitching nervously, threatening to unfold from his carapace. “I can’t just give up on this winter, if I do then I’ll be telling the changelings that we still haven’t moved past hibernating through the season…” “I know you want everyone to experience winter, Thorax, but I just don’t see how it’s possible. It’s not just a part of our past, it’s part of our biology.” Pharynx told him solemnly. “Without love-” “I know, Pharynx, you’ve been saying it for days now!” Thorax snapped at his brother, eyes going wide as he realized what he did, covering his mouth with a hoof. “I-I didn’t-” “Don’t try to tell me you didn’t mean it, we both know that’s not true.” Pharynx told him stoically, his gaze softening to sympathy. “I know I’ve been bugging you about it, but I just don’t see another way out of it unless you want another winter where…” he trailed off. “What? Another winter where what?” Pharynx took a breath and closed his eyes. “Fortuna told me a story about our hibernation – to explain why we do it. Before you ask, she probably didn’t tell you because she figured you wouldn’t enjoy it.” Thorax allowed Pharynx to lead him to a small alcove to sit in before continuing his thought. “There was a winter when the changelings thought there were enough love reserves that Chrysalis wouldn’t need to send them into hibernation, so she didn’t, and they managed to stay awake for about half of the winter.” “I-It sounds like there’s a ‘but’ coming…” Pharynx sighed. “...Over half of the changelings didn’t make it. They froze to death, and it was only Chrysalis putting the remaining changelings into a forced hibernation that saved them. That’s why hibernation is so vital to us. Without it, half of the population died.” Thorax stared at him in silence for a moment, then sighed. “I understand what you’re saying, Pharynx, but there has to be another way…” “I think this time, there really isn’t.” Thorax opened his mouth to object again, when a sudden shriek caught their attention. Eyes widening in alarm, the brothers bolted off in the source of the noise. They found Zenith in a nearby hall, standing over something on the ground, looking terrified. “Hunty!” “Oh no, Hunter!” Thorax raced over and knelt down by the red colored reformed changeling. “T-Thorax, he just fell over!” Zenith whimpered, tugging on the alpha’s hoof desperately. Pharynx joined the two and pressed a hoof to Hunter’s neck, feeling his pulse. After a moment, he stepped back, giving a heavy sigh before looking over at Zenith. “He’s still alive.” Pharynx said in a neutral tone. “It seems like he entered a sleep stasis.” “Hunty…” Zenith moved forwards to hug Hunter tightly, burying his head in his motionless brother’s shoulder. Thorax looked at Pharynx, who glanced back up at him. “Don’t even say it…” Thorax sighed. Pharynx glanced at Hunter and Zenith, then back at him. “What did I tell you?” He mouthed. Thorax didn’t have the mental strength to argue. “‘M worried ‘bout Papa Thorax.” Apex said The deputy nymph was sitting with Ocellus and Zenith in the library, one of the warmest places in the Hive now that the cold had set in. Apex had a hoof wrapped around Zenith, who cuddled into his side, sniffling and wiping at the tears streaming down his face. “I-I’m worried about Hunty…” Zenith whimpered, and Apex kissed his forehead gently. “He’ll be okay ‘Nithy.” Apex assured him, glancing at Ocellus. “Papa Thorax is really upse’. He wan’s us to be able to s’ay up the whole win’er. Bu’ now tha’ the cold’s coming…” “I know. Hunter’s not the only one that was affected, many other lings were too.” Ocellus told them, sighing. “We’re probably going to have to hibernate, even if Thorax doesn’t like it… it is too bad though, I really wanted to go visit Smolder…” “There’s go’a be a way to keep us ‘wake.” Apex said. “If there is, I don’t know of one.” Ocellus sighed, resting her head on the table they sat at. “The only information I was able to dig up on the hibernation was that we’ve always done it and the one year we didn’t there was a big drop in population.” “S’ill, wha’ books did you find? Maybe you missed somethin’.” Apex insisted. Ocellus sighed and pulled a thick book out of her bags, setting it on the table. The cover read Winter Traditions. Ocellus made sure they could all get a good view, before opening it to around the middle of the book. “Right here. I went straight to this chapter since it was the only one marked ‘hibernation’.” Apex pulled the book closer and immediately used his magic to flip back to the table of contents. He trailed his hoof down the page, reading the chapter titles slowly. He then stopped and looked up at Ocellus. “Jus’ here. The’es a chap’er called Sur’i’al.” “Survival? But– wait…” Ocellus took the book back and flipped through it, finding the named chapter. “What the – how did I not see this?” “Let me see!” Zenith zipped over and gently nudged Ocellus out of the way, reading aloud from the book. “Long ago, the changelings did not hibernate through the winters, as the spell for hibernation had not yet been discovered. While this caused a great deal of loss, some changelings were able to create… Love Fires?” Apex’s eyes widened and he raced over, squeezing between Zenith and Ocellus. “Wha’ ‘re Love Fi’es?” “Love Fires… here!” Ocellus said, pointing to a footnote at the bottom of the page. “Love Fires: small fires of love produced by a changeling concentrating their magic on the love and drawing it out of themselves. Created by ancestor Ignus-equea, a great warrior known for her cunning and ingenuity in battle.” With the new information, Zenith continued reading from the paragraph. “-Some changelings were able to create Love Fires to carry with them in jars. The Love Fires were able to keep the changeling warm, so long as their love reserves did not run out. It would only warm a single changeling, but for every single changeling that lived, the Hive would survive another day.” “Tha’s i’!” Apex pointed at the book. “Tha’s how we sa’e e’eryone an’ s’op the hiberna’ion!” “What?” the other two asked in confusion. “The Love Fi’es only kep’ one changelin’ warm, ‘cause they were unrefo’med. Their love reser’es were a’ways near’y emp’y! Bu’ if a refo’med changeling tried to make a Love Fi’e…” “Apex, you’re a genius!” Ocellus exclaimed, standing up. “Our love reserves are full all the time now! I bet if we all worked together, we could make a giant Love Fire that will be able to keep everyone warm!” “A-And maybe then Hunty and the others will wake up!” Zenith added. “Yeah!” Apex agreed. Zenith pulled him close and kissed him on the cheek. “Ocellus was right, you are a genius, ‘Pexy.” The nymph whispered, and Apex blushed hard. “C-Come on, le’s go show Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said quickly, and the other two nodded. Ocellus grabbed the book and they rushed out of the room, heading for wherever the Prince-General may be.
A Fiery Solution“Papa Thorax!” “Thorax!” The shouts from his son and brother made Thorax jump up from his throne in alarm, worried something else had gone wrong. Ocellus, Apex, Zenith, and Pharynx ran in, Apex in the lead. “W-What’s wrong? Did something happen?” Thorax asked them nervously. “A good thing happened!” Ocellus exclaimed, bringing a heavy looking book out of her bag. “A book?” “We found a way to keep everyone awake!” Ocellus explained, and Thorax’s eyes went wide. “And the answer’s in here!” “R-Really? T-There’s a way to warm everyone up?” “Mhm! An’ i’ migh’ wake up the hiberna’ing ones too!” Apex added, as Ocellus opened the book. “That’s great! So what is it?” Thorax asked “It’s called a Love Fire, or Amoris Igne.” Ocellus explained, turning the book to face Thorax. “According to the book, an unreformed changeling can create a small 'love fire' that will keep them warm. However, we’re reformed now, so we have a bigger love reserve than they did, meaning that if there’s enough of us, we might be able to create one big enough to warm the whole Hive!” “Really?! How do we do it?” Thorax asked eagerly. “We just need to concentrate all our love reserves on a single ‘focus point’. The book says the ancient changelings’ focus points were usually thinking ‘warm myself’ or thinking of the jar they kept the fire in. But we’re trying to warm the whole Hive, so we should make it a fireplace or something.” Ocellus replied Thorax glanced at Pharynx, who gave him a steady look. “Well?” “I’ve seen the book for myself.” Pharynx said, expression impassive as he nodded. “It seems like it could work.” “Then let’s do it.” “Okay. Let’s build up the makings of a fireplace, and go from there.” Ocellus said, levitating the book over and setting it at the base of Thorax’s throne. “First let’s clear out some of this snow.” Pharynx suggested, using his magic to shove some aside as he spoke. Thorax nodded in agreement, and together the group began making space for a fire. “Alright, I think that’s everything we need.” Ocellus said, as Pharynx set rocks around the fireplace circle they’d made. Once he was finished, Apex and Zenith stacked some wood they’d gathered in the middle of the stones. “Good, because I’m getting–” Zenith broke off, yawning. “Sleepy…” “I’ will be okay ‘Nithy, jus’ don’ go to sleep.” Apex said, wrapping his hooves around the golden nymph. “We should probably bring the hibernating changelings over to try and see if the fire will wake them up when we get it started.” Thorax said. “Alright, let’s go.” Pharynx instantly began leading the way, before pausing as he noticed only Thorax was following. “You three coming?” “I-I think I’ll stay here and watch the fireplace in case it starts to snow again.” Zenith told them through a yawn as Ocellus and Apex joined the brothers. “Okay ‘Nithy, if you’re sure…” Apex trotted back to kiss Zenith on the cheek before catching back up with his father and uncle. Thorax couldn’t help smiling as they made their way to the nests where they’d put all the sleeping changelings. He was confident this would work, it had to. Besides, if Pharynx was certain this would be their best option, it was worth trying. “Alright, this is everyling that’s hibernating.” Thorax said as they reached the nests, doing a quick head count. “Grab as many as you can carry.” Pharynx ordered, using his magic to lift three changelings and lay them across his back. Thorax was able to carry five of the sleeping changelings as he was bigger, and together Ocellus and Apex could carry one each, a third one levitating behind them in their combined magic. With the three that could Pharynx hold, it only took a couple trips to move all of the sleeping lings. Luckily not many had succumbed to hibernation yet, and they entered the throne room with the last of them not long after. “Alright, now let’s lay them around the fireplace and–” “‘Nithy!” Apex screeched, and Ocellus yelped as he dropped his end of the changelings they were carrying, her magic struggling to hold up the sleeping changelings by herself. Pharynx quickly took his place with a flare of magic, though his eyes were on his apprentice. Thorax scrambled to follow behind as well. Apex ran over to the stone circle, seeing Zenith curled up on the ground beside it, asleep. The nymph whimpered as he pulled Zenith into his hooves. Thorax, Pharynx, and Ocellus reached them, set the changelings they carried gently down on the ground, and moved to check on Apex. “‘Nithy, wake up, wake up…” Apex whimpered, shaking him. “Wake up…” “He will once we start the Love Fire, Apex.” Ocellus assured him softly. “Though we might not have enough love to do it without Zenith.” Pharynx murmured, just loud enough for Thorax to hear, and promptly bite his lip nervously. He took a breath to steady himself, then spoke. “We have to try, for Apex.” He said, looking down at his distressed son. “For Zenith, for Hunter, for everyone who’s asleep or whose loved ones are asleep. They deserve to spend the winter together, so we have to be willing to try… even if it means this winter, it won’t work.” “Alright, alright, spare me the friendship speech, Thorax.” Pharynx said, rolling his eyes. “You guys lived among ponies for months, I figured you’d be used to this by now, Pharynx.” Ocellus remarked, and he shot her a glare. “Point is, let’s do it.” Pharynx said, then looked at Thorax. “You sure you’ll be okay if it doesn’t work?” Thorax took a breath, then let it out with a sigh. “Not really. I don’t want to give up on what could have been a perfect winter, and a new start for our kind. But if this doesn’t work… I’m willing to sacrifice our plans, a-and…” “And what?” Pharynx prompted. “...Ocellus?” “The hibernation spell is in the book.” Ocellus told him, and he closed his eyes. “If it doesn’t work… I’ll cast the spell… as the alpha, it’ll work best if I do it…” Thorax said, and Pharynx nodded. “I’m… proud of you, Thorax.” Pharynx admitted, and Thorax could taste his sincerity. “I know this can’t be easy.” “It’s not…” Thorax sighed, looking away from his family. “But I’m willing to do it… for the good of the Hive. We just won’t have Hearth’s Warming this year.” Pharynx nodded solemnly, and Ocellus stepped closer in comfort. Apex laid Zenith by the fireplace and joined them, hugging his father tightly. Thorax lifted him up, kissing his forehead. “It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make, but we’ll never know if I have to or not if we don’t try.” Thorax reminded them. “Right.” Ocellus levitated the book over, reading the page with the instructions. “Let’s begin.”
Amor, Amore, Ardenti Clara“Okay, so the instructions are written for if it’s one changeling trying to make the fire in a jar. But I’ve been looking it over and I think we can alter it.” Ocellus said “So what do we need to do?” Pharynx asked “First, let’s put the hibernating changelings closer to the fireplace.” Ocellus said, and they nodded. The group of four carefully laid each of the sleeping changelings in a small huddle before the fireplace. Thorax, Pharynx, and Apex then turned to Ocellus, who grabbed the book again. “Um… alright, Apex, stand on that side of the fireplace.” Ocellus instructed, and he did as she asked. “Good, now, Pharynx, stand diagonally from him… Thorax, opposite from Apex, and I’ll stand opposite Pharynx.” The four changelings moved into place around the fireplace, and Ocellus read from the book again. “The fireplace is going to act as our ‘Focus Point’ where we’ll concentrate our love reserves. But we’ll also need to concentrate hard on what we’re trying to do, which for us is heating the Hive. The good thing about Love Fires is they’re not like normal fires, so wind or rain won’t make them go out.” “Good to know.” Pharynx muttered, glancing up at the open ceiling of the throne room. “Alright, what now?” “Everyone light up your horns and I’ll tell you what to do next.” Ocellus directed. Ocellus and Apex’s horns lit up with their magical auras, while the royal brothers ignited their antlers along with their own horns. Ocellus scanned over the rest of the page, committing it to memory before she bookmarked it and closed the book, setting it aside. The blue nymph put a hoof to her chest, then closed her eyes. The others silently followed her lead without need for instruction. “Once you close your eyes, you will only see darkness. But imagine there is a small spark of light in the dark – where it is specifically doesn’t matter, just find it.” The three nodded, though knowing she couldn’t see them, and did as she instructed. Ocellus continued, speaking slowly and softly so as not to break anyone’s concentration. “Now… imagine your magic is a long rope of light. Using your mind, guide your magic to the light. The light is your love reserves. Will your magic to bond with the love and draw it closer to you. If it’s working, you should feel a sudden warmth in your chest.” “I feel i’!” Apex breathed out in excitement, but Ocellus shushed him quickly. “No distractions or you’ll lose your control. Now, once the light has reached you, imagine that you are reaching out a hoof to touch it – but don’t actually move.” After another moment or two of silence, Ocellus continued on. “The warmth in your chest should be burning now, if it’s not, wait until it is. Then open your eyes.” They each opened their eyes, one by one. Once they were all looking at each other, Ocellus gestured for them to watch her. She charged up her horn even more, until her clear white aura began to turn pink. “Celly, wha’re you doin’?” Apex whispered “I-I’m tapping into my love reserves with the magic.” Ocellus said. “You need to do it too.” Apex’s horn grew aflame with his ruby red aura, and it soon began to flicker pink. Thorax and Pharynx’s antlers lit with their respective blue and red auras, which turned pink as well as they managed to tap into their love reserves. “A-Alright, a-all at once, concentrate on what we want to do and blast the fireplace!” Ocellus shouted. The four changelings planted their hooves on the ground firmly, then lowered their heads and blasted their magic at the fireplace. Thorax screwed his eyes shut, concentrating hard, knowing from the straining noises the others were making that they were doing the same. “Warm the Hive. Warm the Hive. Warm the Hive.” Thorax repeated in his head, feeling his wings open up on instinct as he strained to keep the beam of love-fueled magic going. It felt like it was draining his very essence from him. “Warm the Hive… warm the Hive… warm my Hive…” Finally, he felt the last of his magic slipping out of his horn, and collapsed onto his stomach, panting with effort. The others, he could see, hadn’t fared much better. Pharynx was sitting on his haunches, chest heaving as he caught his breath. Apex was lying on his side, breathing heavily. Ocellus lay nearby, head lowered to the ground, but her eyes flicked upward. “I-It worked!” The nymph shrieked suddenly, and they all looked up. A giant, roaring fire now lay in the fireplace, warming them with its presence. The fire itself was not a normal one, or at least from what Thorax could see. The flames were bright pink, and the smoke it released formed silhouettes of hearts in all shapes and sizes. Thorax panted, smiling happily as he lay on the cold ground, his chest alight with the joy of their success. It had worked. “It worked! It worked, it worked, it worked!” Ocellus cried, leaping over and hugging Pharynx tightly. “Ack! Okay, okay, I get it, it worked, you’re happy, now get off!” Pharynx grunted, shoving her and getting up onto his hooves again. Thorax heaved himself up as well, then moved over and helped Apex up. The little nymph immediately rushed over to Zenith, pulling him closer to the fire. The golden nymph began moving after a moment of soaking in the warmth of the flames, and Apex gasped happily. “‘Nithy!” Zenith opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he rose to his hooves at last. The nymph yawned, rubbing his eyes tiredly. “‘Pexy? What happe– mmph!” Zenith was pulled into a kiss by the lime green nymph. Of course, he kissed Apex back, and the two nymphs fell over into the snow. “Pharynx? What’s going on?” Hunter asked as he stood as well, yawning widely. “Long story.” Pharynx said simply. The other changelings slowly began to wake once the warmth of the fire reached them, all yawning and stretching. Of course, they spotted the fire almost immediately, turning to gaze at it in awe. Thorax smiled widely as he saw other changelings entering the throne room, drawn by the light, then instantly rushing to the source of the warmth when they realized what it was. “The whole Hive’s warm now.” Ocellus said, walking over. “I peeked into the hallway. With the window panes Pharynx had installed to insulate things, the fire’s helping to keep everything heated.” “It really worked.” Thorax breathed, watching the other changelings admire the fire. “And this fire looks big enough to last the entire winter!” Ocellus added chipperly. “Which means we get to do Thorax’s fun traditions. Yay.” Pharynx said with a roll of his eyes. Thorax nudged him gently. “What? I never said I was excited for the traditions you wanted us to try… I just knew doing them meant a lot to you.” “Aww, Phar!” “T-Thorax, don’t–” Thorax scooped his brother into a hug, which Ocellus joined, giggling as she grinned up at the irritated beta changeling. “If it helps, the love we’re sharing will help us refill our love reserves after draining them to make the fire.” Ocellus offered to him. “It doesn’t.” Pharynx said flatly. But neither the young nymph nor Thorax let him go. Eventually, he sighed and leaned into the hug, though reluctantly. Thorax smiled, looking up at the changelings surrounding them, talking and laughing, some of them even feeling warm enough to play in the snow still piled in the throne room. He smiled widely. They had done it. Author's Note Epilogue will be posted just in time for the Holidays! Sorry it's been a while, I've been busy with school. ~Melody Song
Epilogue: The Firelight Shines Bright Tonight“I can’t believe we sat around the fire and sang for a good hour and a half.” Pharynx grumbled, walking down the hall with his brother. “Oh come on Phary, it was fun!” Thorax objected, and Pharynx glowered at him. “Don’t call me that.” “You liked it when we were nymphs.” Thorax murmured, but dropped it. “Anyway, I do want to thank you, Thorax.” “Thank me?” Thorax blinked in confusion. “Why?” “You could have listened to me and sent the changelings into hibernation at the first sign of a snowflake. But you were stubborn and didn’t give up trying to find another way. Without that, we probably never would have discovered the Love Fire, and we wouldn’t be awake now.” Pharynx said “So what you’re saying is…” Thorax watched him intently. “Your hopeful nature kept us all awake, which honestly, yes, is better than sleeping through the winter. You truly are the heart of the changelings, Thor. You keep us all going and without your optimism you probably wouldn’t be able to do half of the things you have done.” Thorax still stared at him unrelentingly. Pharynx heaved a great sigh and looked at his brother. “You really want me to say it, don’t you?” “Please?” “Fine…” Pharynx sighed. “You were right.” “Yes!” Thorax exclaimed, hugging his brother. “Yeah yeah, I get it, you were right, I was wrong, get off.” Pharynx said, and Thorax released him. “But you admitted it!” “Yeah yeah.” Thorax giggled and nuzzled his brother. “I have to thank you too. For staying by my side, always. I love you brother.” “I love you too, brother.” Pharynx smiled at him softly. “Besides, what kind of protector would let their leader go through something alone?” Thorax chuckled and hugged him briefly. “You know you’re just a big softie.” “I-I am not!” Pharynx objected, blushing. Before Thorax could respond and continue to tease his brother, hoofsteps and the scent of a warm summer day hit his mouth. “Papa Thorax!” “Hi Apex!” Thorax scooped up the nymph, who shrieked, giggling. Ocellus and Zenith ran up behind him, carrying flattened cardboard boxes. “What are you three up to?” “Ocellus is gonna show me an’ ‘Nithy how to sled! She sai’ Sandbar tol’ her how to an’ i’ seemed really fun!” Apex said, smiling. “You two want to join us?” Ocellus asked, smiling at the two leaders. “Sure, it sounds exciting!” Thorax said, while Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Come on Phar!” “Fine.” Pharynx sighed, standing up. “What are you supposed to do?” “You sit on the cardboard or sled on the top of a hill and ride down on it. Sandbar said it feels like riding a rollercoaster!” Ocellus said as they headed out of the Hive. “And I’m out.” Pharynx replied, turning away from them. “Aw, why? Is the big brave General scared?” Ocellus asked “W-What? No!” “Then why won’t you come sledding with us?” Ocellus asked him “I-I don’t want to.” “Sounds like you’re scared.” “Alright, fine, I’ll do it! I’m not afraid of a stupid piece of cardboard!” Pharynx snarled, and Ocellus giggled, leading them out of the Hive. Apex was giggling loudly as Thorax carried him into the brother’s bedroom, wrapped in a fluffy towel after being bathed. Pharynx was already there, burrowed under the blankets and grumbling to himself. “He yelled so loud when we wen’ down! ‘Member Papa Thorax? He was huggin’ you an’ screamin’!” Thorax chuckled and set Apex down on the alpha’s bed, nuzzling him. “Alright Apex, I think that’s enough with teasing Uncle Pharynx.” “You are not allowed to call me that.” Pharynx huffed from under his blankets. “Bu’ Papa Thorax, i’ was so funny!” Apex protested, and Thorax chuckled, kissing his forehead. “I know sweetie, but Pharynx doesn’t like it so we have to be nice.” Pharynx grunted and rolled over in bed to face away from the nymph. Apex wiggled out of the towel and opened his wings, flying over to him. He crawled over Pharynx and flopped down in the bed beside him. “‘M sorry Uncle Pharynx, we jus’ though’ i’ was funny.” Pharynx sighed and rolled onto his back, letting Apex climb over to sit on his chest. “It’s fine grub, I guess it was kind of funny.” “Mhm! You wen’ like this!” Apex sat upright and then began crying out. “Ahhh! Thorax, help! I’s gonna crash!” “Alright, alright, that’s enough.” Pharynx said, covering Apex’s mouth and blushing. “Isn’t it your bedtime?” “Yes…” Apex sighed, as Thorax walked over, chuckling. He lifted Apex up and carried him back to his bed. “I know today was exciting Apex, but it is bedtime.” Thorax said, smiling as he wrapped the blankets around them both as he laid down, warming them even more. The Love Fire was still going, and continued to bathe the entire Hive in comfortable warmth. It seemed Ocellus was correct that it would continue burning for the rest of the winter season. Which was good, because Thorax had plans for what he wanted them to do. They’d discussed it earlier, and both Ocellus and Pharynx seemed sure it was because of Thorax’s desperation that caused the fire to grow so large, fueling itself mostly off his love for the Hive that he’d given to it. “Can we open the presen’s t’morrow Papa Thorax?” Apex asked through a yawn, snapping Thorax out of his thoughts. He chuckled and nuzzled Apex sweetly. “We can’t until Hearth’s Warming Day, Apex. That’s in a few more days.” “Aw…” Apex sighed and cuddled close against Thorax. “Okay Papa Thorax, I can wait, I think.” Thorax chuckled and began humming softly, lulling the little nymph to sleep. He could see his brother drifting off as well, his soft breaths causing the blanket to rise and fall as he slept. Thorax smiled as he watched his brother and son fall asleep, knowing that, as he settled down to join the two, he didn’t have to worry about them falling into a hibernation. The Love Fire was burning still, a beacon in the cold winter night. It was thanks to Thorax’s hope, his brother’s loyalty, his son’s encouragement, and his sister’s guidance that it was there at all. The End Author's Note I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Stay tuned for the next story, A Stroke Of Luck! ~Melody Song
