The Young Warrior: A Stroke Of Luck

by Melody Song

Rating: teen
Tags: Drama, Original Character, Mystery, Ocellus, Adventure, Thorax, Pharynx, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 12858

The new Hive has been prospering, well and truly, for a while now. But sometimes all it takes is one wrong step to disrupt the peace, and that comes with the arrival of familiar enemies. To get out of this, they'll need a little pinch of luck.

After a long and trying journey to reformation, and then the trials that came with forming a kingdom from the ground up, a peace has fallen amidst the Hive. The changelings are finally living in harmony with most of the world, and they're content knowing their Royal family is watching over them. But when a forgotten enemy begins to rise to the forefront, fear follows in their wake. With their protectors in disarray, the changelings are afraid. And for once, Thorax, Apex, and the rest of their family don't know how to help. To find their way out of this, it looks as though they'll need a true miracle.

Or perhaps, just a bit of luck.

Published 2024-05-08 01:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-07-09 19:04:19 UTC

A Tune Shines True

As Thorax sobbed into his hooves, something moved through the trees nearby. He didn’t notice, there wasn’t a single sound to warn him of an approach. Not that he would have been able to hear it over his own despairing wails in any case.

Finally, the movement in the woods behind the alpha stopped. Yet still, all was silent save for Thorax’s sobs. After a long moment, somecreature began to sing softly.

“Look to the stars, my darling baby boys~”

Thorax’s ears perked, but he didn’t look up, keeping his head firmly buried into his forelegs. He refused to believe what he was hearing was true. Soft hoofsteps at last marked an approach, and the gentle singing continued, closer to him this time.

“Life is strange and vast, filled with wonders and joys. Face each new sun, with eyes clear and true, unafraid of the unknown,”

Somecreature began stroking Thorax’s antler soothingly with a hoof. He stilled, struggling not to cry harder at what he was sure was a sick joke of some kind.

“...Because I’ll face it all with you~”

But at that line, Thorax hesitated to snap at whoever it was. The notes were sung in the perfect tone, voice calm and smooth in a way not even the best shapeshifter would have been able to mimic. Thorax finally acknowledged the voice, his head lifting up as he dared to see if it was true. The cloaked figure from before sat beside him, body completely covered, the mask still on their face. A hole-covered hoof reached up, past a familiar necklace clasping their cloak in place, and slid the paint-streaked mask down. Familiar golden eyes stared at him, flooded with tears.

“Look to the stars, and gaze up at the moon,” Fortuna sang softly, as Thorax lifted his head to press against her. “Even as these days pass, I’m always thinking of you.”

Thorax let out a happy sob, wrapping his hooves around the golden changeling and clinging to her tightly. Fortuna hugged back, singing the final lines with a shaky voice.

“Face each new day, and keep your hopes alive, I promise, I will be there soon. It won’t be long ‘til I’m with you~”

“M-Mom…” Thorax pressed his head against hers as her hood fell off her head. The cloak’s hood fell away to reveal her golden mane, now longer than it used to be as it trailed down over her neckfin and around her face.

“My son,” Fortuna pressed a kiss to the alpha’s forehead, stroking the back of his neck as she beamed sadly. “You’ve gotten so big.”

Thorax wiped his eyes, staring at her. “F-Forty, w-we thought that you didn’t care anymore.”

“Oh Thory, of course I cared.” Fortuna lifted his chin. “I cared more than you knew. That’s why I couldn’t come back, Chrysalis would have killed me if I had. She wanted me to die so you would be unprotected. I knew your brother would look after you when I couldn’t, I just had to make sure you were both safe.”

“W-We didn’t think of that.”

“I know, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. But when Midlight–”

“Midlight? Didn’t she die years before– before you did?”

Fortuna chuckled softly and stroked his head. “Not everything is as it seems, Thory.”

“I-Is she here too?” Thorax looked around for the pink changeling. He had known of her before her supposed death, though they weren’t close enough in age to be more than just a recognizable face, Thorax’s lack of rank aside.

“No, Middy’s dealing with a mob boss in Manehattan.” Fortuna blushed slightly, smiling. “But I couldn’t pass up the chance to see my sons again. Of course, I was trying to avoid anyone seeing me, since I knew I was supposed to be dead, but when Phary got hurt, well...”

Thorax turned to glance back at her as she trailed off, and she sighed, stroking his head.

“I couldn’t help it. I had to protect my boys, I just wish I could’ve looked after him longer. But I heard you searching and I knew I wouldn’t be needed. Is he doing alright? I saw you lot walking in the woods earlier.”

“You saw us? B-But then why didn't you say anything? We were trying to get you to come out.”

“I know,” Fortuna kissed his forehead. “But it didn’t take long for me to see you two needed to get some things off your chests, and that comment about Phary being sliced by an Ursa caught me off guard.”

“...W-We had left the Hive about a year ago.” Thorax told her softly, opening his wings and buzzing them. “It’s what led to the Great Reformation. We found a new life, i-in the Crystal Empire, me and Pharynx and his apprentice, my adoptive son.”

Fortuna smiled and nuzzled him. “Adoption, hm? Runs in the family, I suppose. So he was attacked?”

“He fought off an Ursa Minor to protect us, then lied about being hurt.”

“Typical Phary. I’d hoped he’d grown out of that habit.” Fortuna sighed. “Well, at least he’s seemed to have learned his lesson, based on your argument.”

“H-He’s the best big brother I could ask for, mom, he always has been. Thanks to you.” Thorax nuzzled him.

“And I’m certain you’re the best little brother he could ask for.” Fortuna smiled softly. “So, is he back at the Hive?”

“W-Well, yes, but he…” Thorax whimpered nervously. “F-Forty, he’s given up on the idea that you were going to come back. He thinks you don’t love us anymore, I-I thought he had a point.”

“Then let’s set him straight, shall we?” Fortuna smiled at Thorax, and he smiled back softly.

Back at the Hive, Hunter and Apex had found and woken Pharynx, taking him back to his room. Hunter had to return to handling the General’s duties, but Apex had remained behind with the beta changeling. Pharynx was lying in his bed, with the youngling curled up in his hooves, watching him carefully. The Prince stared blankly at the wall, his eyes boring into the stone.

“Uncle Pharynx,” Apex nuzzled him. “‘Re you gonna be sad fore’er?”

Pharynx just sighed and rested his chin on the pillow as he turned to meet his eyes. “I’ll get over it, grub. I did last time, after all.”

“How did you get o'er it then?”

“By focusing on other stuff, like protecting my baby brother.” Pharynx closed his eyes. “It was more important than my own grief.”

“Nothin’s more ‘portant than feelings.” Apex chirped, nuzzling his uncle. “You ge’ to feel sad.”

Pharynx sighed but smiled softly, tugging him over and nosing him. “Yeah, well, last time, it was a weakness.”

“Not an’more.” Apex snuggled up under his chin. “I’ll make you feel be’ter Uncle Pharynx!”

Pharynx chuckled dryly, nuzzling him. “Sure grub, if you want.”

Apex smiled proudly, snuggling up to him. “What can I do?”

“Just keep making me proud, kid,” Pharynx nuzzled him, sighing once more. “At least someone cares.”

“He’s not the only one.” Thorax smiled at his brother gently as he walked in, coming closer to nuzzle them both.

“Hey Thor.”

“Apex cheering you up?”

“Somewhat.” he admitted, and Apex puffed his chest out proudly. Thorax giggled softly, booping his son on the nose.

“That’s my good little warrior.” Thorax glanced up at Pharynx. “You doing okay?”

“How many times do I need to reassure you before you stop fussing?” Pharynx joked, chuckling.

Thorax smiled softly. “I’m not asking for me this time.”

“Who then? Cilia and Needle? They were just in here after Hunt and the grub brought me back, what do they want now?”

“Not them.” Thorax smiled and gently picked Apex up from Pharynx’s grasp, cradling him.

“What’s with the suspense? Just tell me who.”

“Mom.”

Pharynx gaped at him, but the alpha just smiled softly in response, glancing at the doorway. Pharynx followed his gaze as a familiar cloaked figure entered the room. The hood fell away from their head first, revealing a long golden mane and neckfin of the same vibrant color. The mask was slowly levitated away by a sparkling aura, then strong gold eyes were staring at Pharynx, tears trickling down their face.

“Hello Phary.” Fortuna spoke softly, and Pharynx stared at her for what felt like years, before he opened his mouth. He could have said any number of things, yelled at her, cried, screamed, told her how much he missed her. But in that moment, there was just one thing he could say.

“...Momma!”

Pharynx shot out of bed, causing Thorax to yelp in alarm and Fortuna to laugh as she was all but tackled by the betaling. He clung to her tightly, openly sobbing, the tears falling down his face.

“Oh Phary, I’m here, my angel.” Fortuna hugged him gently, then pulled back, beginning to nose at her son’s injuries. “Let me see you, how dare those changelings hurt my son–”

Pharynx didn’t allow her to look at his injuries for much longer, pulling himself into her again for another hug. Thorax beamed as he moved closer, sitting beside the two and setting Apex down at his hooves. Apex stared at Fortuna in complete awe until she noticed him, smiling down at him kindly.

“So, you must be Thory’s little one.” She smiled and took him in a hoof, lifting him up and setting him between herself and Pharynx, effectively adding him into the embrace. “I hear my angel from Elysium’s been training you.”

Apex nodded, and she smiled, nuzzling him as Thorax joined in the hug. He looked down at his son proudly. “Our young warrior, mama.”

Fortuna smiled, kissing her sons on the forehead, before smiling at Apex. “One I can’t wait to get to know.”

“Y-You’re staying?” Pharynx whispered hoarsely.

“I’m not leaving my boys again.” Fortuna held them both closer to her, giving him a comforting kiss on the forehead. "You'll never have to be without me."

The family held each other tightly, love wafting off the group, clouding up the air in the room. They were whole once again.

Author's Note

And this story is reaching its end, this is the penultimate chapter, everyone! The epilogue will be up next week as usual, stay tuned!

~Melody

Missing You

Author's Note

So... it's been a while. Sorry. I kinda switched to a series of different fandoms and I'm still mostly gearing towards other fandoms at the moment. But I always felt guilty about wrapping up the fifth one and then leaving before I could show you the rest of the Young Warrior Verse. I have it completed, actually, have had for a while now. And I felt it was time I put them out here. I might disappear again afterwards, maybe I won't, I'm not sure. But I hope you enjoy this story, and the one after it.

~Melody Song

Missing You

Apex and Zenith were chasing each other around in the fields outside the Hive. Pharynx sighed as he watched the nymphs, laying down in the grass.

“Nice weather, isn’t it?” Thorax asked his brother as he laid beside him.

“If you say so.”

“Clear skies for miles.”

“Yep.”

“I bet if we flew high enough we could see all the way to the Crystal Empire.”

“Sure we could.”

“Okay, what is up with you?” Thorax asked, poking his brother in the side. “Usually when I say something like that you do some kind of quip.”

Pharynx sighed and sat up. “I’m sorry. I’m just not thinking right today.”

“Or maybe you’re thinking too much.” Ocellus suggested as she trotted over. Pharynx stared at her blankly.

“Where did you come from?”

“I mean,” Ocellus continued without answering, “Today is, you know, the anniversary of the Canterlot Invasion and– ow!”

Zenith had dashed over and jabbed her in the side, making a shushing motion. Ocellus looked at him in confusion.

“What?”

Pharynx grunted and stood up, trotting off. Zenith gave Ocellus a glare.

“Come on Ocellus, even I know that the Canterlot Invasion was when Fortuna died!” Zenith hissed.

“Oh, um, oops.” Ocellus chuckled nervously. “Sorry.”

“Papa Thorax, how come Uncle Pharynx always gets upse’ about For’una?” Apex asked. Thorax picked him up, sighing sadly.

“Fortuna was very close with both of us, she raised us as though we were her own children, and we looked up to her. She was our mom.”

“I didn’t know Pharynx was so close with her.” Ocellus said softly.

Thorax chuckled softly. “They were inseparable. When she died, she even left him her name.”

“Huh?” Apex asked, blinking in confusion.

“Leaving someone your name is a right reserved for only the highest ranking changelings, Pexy.” Zenith responded. “Hunty told me about it. If Fortuna left Pharynx her name, then it means he can do whatever he wants with it.”

“Most ‘lings change their own name or give the name to their kids.” Ocellus added.

“More than that, warriors usually give their names to others in their family.” Thorax emphasized, nuzzling Apex. “Fortuna left Pharynx her name because she loved him like her own son.”

“Wha’ ‘bout you Papa Thorax?” Apex asked

“Well, when she died I was still an outcast, remember? I’m sure she intended some things to be given to me, but because I was rankless I never got them. Other than that, most of her old things that didn’t go to Pharynx were left as memorials in the Veterans Hall. But that’s where they belong.” Thorax kissed Apex on the forehead.

“I guess that’s why Pharynx visits the Veteran’s Hall for so long,” Ocellus hummed, trailing off in thought.

“Maybe we should do something to cheer him up.” Zenith suggested

“A par’y for Uncle Pharynx!” Apex cheered.

“I don’t think he’d like a party, but maybe a gift.” Thorax said slowly, hesitant to agree to something he figured Pharynx might not be comfortable with.

“Can it be a joke gift?” Ocellus asked.

“No!”

“Fine.”

“Come on, let’s go inside.” Thorax sighed in exasperation, and the four headed back into the Hive. Thorax, Apex, and Ocellus went in search of Pharynx, while Zenith went off to find Hunter.

Unbeknownst to his family, Pharynx was currently sitting in the memorial room of the Veteran’s Hall. He sat before a grave marker that consisted of a simple stone slab, with the image of a golden necklace engraved on it.

“Hey mom.” Pharynx whispered, touching the memorial. “I know it’s today, I hope you know too.”

Pharynx ducked his head, scuffing his hoof on the ground silently. He finally sighed and smiled sadly at the stone marking where her grave would have been, had her body been found.

“I miss you mom.” Pharynx laid down on his stomach, pressing his muzzle against the memorial. “I wish I could see you again.”

“Uncle Pharynx?” Apex trotted over, and he raised his head, letting the nymph curl up in his hooves. “Papa Thorax said you we’e sad.”

“Well, he’s an idiot.” Pharynx replied.

“Then how come you’e crying?” Apex asked.

“I-I am not!” Pharynx stammered, as Thorax came up behind him, chuckling. Ocellus was close by, though she stayed further back out of respect.

“Sure you aren’t.” Thorax laid down beside his brother, reaching to press his head against the memorial. “Hey mom. I don’t think we’ve introduced you to Apex yet, officially.”

Apex stopped and stared at the memorial, touching it with his tiny nose. “Tha’s me! ‘M Apex and I’m a wa’ior like you!”

Thorax chuckled and kissed Apex on the forehead. “He’s my baby boy. And Pharynx’s deputy.”

Apex nodded proudly. “And I got a boyf’iend!”

Thorax laughed softly and hugged him. Pharynx chuckled dryly, staring at the memorial.

“Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, and he glanced over. “D-Do you wish she was he’e?”

“Of course I do. Every day.” Pharynx responded, eyes watering. “Sometimes I think about what I’d do if she was still here.”

“She’d like you, Apex.” Thorax said, nuzzling the nymph.

“I wish I could mee’ her.” Apex said, squirming in his father’s hold.

“Me too grub.” Pharynx sighed, standing up and trotting away.

“Phar?”

“She’s not coming back though, like you said Thorax. She never will.” Pharynx said dully, walking away.

“When did you say that?” Ocellus asked Thorax, who sighed.

“Back when it first happened, Pharynx was… I’d never seen him like that before. He was frantic, rushing around and screaming for Fortuna, almost begging her to come back. I was trying to calm him down, but I made it worse. He searched through the forest for hours before he passed out from exhaustion.”

“Then wha’ happened?” Apex asked, and Thorax looked away.

“I didn’t have enough strength to carry him back to the Hive by myself, so I curled up beside him and went to sleep. He seemed back to normal the next day, so we went back to the Hive. I didn’t realize until we got back that he hadn’t actually gone back to normal. He’d just accepted she had really died and was grieving.” Thorax sniffled quietly, and the two nymphs hugged him.

“It’s okay Papa Thorax, it’s no’ your fault.” Apex said.

“It’s Chrysalis’ fault.” Ocellus murmured, and Apex shuddered. Thorax nodded with a small sigh, putting his hooves around them both.

“Come on, you two, let’s go find Pharynx.”

“Can we s’ill cheer him up?” Apex asked

“Of course we can, my little warrior.” Thorax said, booping his son on the nose. Apex giggled and smiled.

“Le’s go fin’ him!”

Thorax smiled, placing Apex on his back and leading Ocellus out, feeling much happier now. They would find Pharynx, and cheer him up again.

Attack

“Idiots.” Pharynx grumbled to himself as he left the Hive, storming out into the open fields. He had just spotted some of his recruits goofing off when they were supposed to be training.

“Please go on patrols with at least one other soldier, Pharynx, you know we’ve been hearing about some strange activity at the border.”

Thorax’s words echoed in Pharynx’s mind as he headed to the forest at the edge of their territory. He just scoffed, stomping into the woods.

“I’m the General, I should be able to decide if I feel like taking backup. It’s not like those idiots would be useful anyway, they’d just end up shooting their own hooves if they ran into trouble.” he grumbled, not noticing the sudden rustling of the vegetation behind him. “Then again, I suppose bait would be useful.”

As Pharynx contemplated the pros and cons of going back to get a soldier to join him, a shadow-cloaked figure watched him from afar. Finally, Pharynx paused, realizing the forest had gone quiet. The only sound in the green was his own hoofsteps, as even the wildlife had gone still. Something wasn’t right. He pricked his ears and looked around cautiously, baring his teeth.

“Whoever’s out there, show yourself.” Pharynx hissed, but nothing moved. He glared around, releasing a threatening snarl.

A rustling caught his attention at last. He growled and lunged at the movement, only to fall straight through a bush and land hard on his stomach. Pharynx groaned, standing up again, then looked down to see what had made the noise. It was a chipmunk.

Pharynx facehoofed, mentally scolding himself for not thinking. “Who am I, Thorax? Since when am I this paranoid?”

Pharynx sighed and turned away from the chipmunk to continue on his walk. But right as he was about to take a step forward, something sliced through the trees and cut into his shoulder. He let out a hiss of pain and surprise, stepping backwards and staring in the direction the object had gone. An arrow had become stuck in the tree behind him.

Pharynx’s ears pinned to his head as hissing suddenly erupted from all around him.

The forest was no longer silent.

Unreformed changelings, rogues, crept out of the undergrowth from all around him. Some flew down from trees while others shifted back from disguises of rocks and bushes. Normally, Pharynx would not have backed away from them and just charged straight on. But this time – and he hated to admit it – there were too many. He’d never be able to fight them all, especially if they charged as one like swarms were supposed to. Pharynx still stood his ground after allowing himself a step backwards from surprise.

“Stay back.” Pharynx warned, his antlers igniting. “I will not run.”

The rogue changelings gave no response, other than more hissing. Pharynx glared, putting on a snarling expression to rival Chrysalis in her prime. His eyes went wide and threatening, focusing on them in an unbending, fixated stare. His mouth opened to show his teeth, still somewhat sharp fangs glistening. Pharynx’s stance mimicked his expression, straight and tall with one hoof raised, his back legs tense in preparation to spring at a moment’s notice.

The rogue changelings, to their credit, didn’t show any fear. But oh, could Pharynx taste it. The bitter wash of almost suffocating fright covered the swarm like a blanket. And he drank it all.

Fueled by the utter terror he himself had caused in their numbers, Pharyrnx lunged. The rogues barely had time to react, only managing threatening hisses before Pharynx knocked into the ones directly in front of him.

The fight began, and Pharynx felt the world slow down. He reacted faster than he usually could, his eyes scanning over the battlefield. Somehow, he could see everything. Every possibility.

If he hit that group, the others would rush to take over, allowing him to skid around and come at them from behind.

If that other group charged in one direction, he could swerve and hit them from the side, knocking them into the stragglers.

Those two changelings seemed to be the leaders, if he took them out he could easily assert dominance and scare the rest away.

So he did.

He went for the first two groups he saw plausible wins from, and then headed for the ringleaders. But before he could get there, he paused, struck with a sudden thought.

He seemed to be moving faster than logically possible, but was somehow maintaining his focus and gaining the ability to see every action before it happened. Only one creature he knew could do that, last he checked.

Unfortunately, the moment Pharynx paused to consider this, time resumed its normal flow. He fell to the ground mid-leap, misjudging the landing and crashing into the earth. One of the leading changelings seized the opportunity provided, and quickly sunk their fangs into his shoulder blade.

Pharynx gasped out a hiss of pain as he felt the venom coursing through his veins. He staggered as he tried to stand, forelegs buckling under his weight. Pharynx scrambled up and snarled, blasting the changeling backwards with his magic. They let out a cry as they were launched into the trees, but noling else looked threatened. Pharynx panted, struggling to focus as the venom took effect.

Something stabbed into his hind leg and he cried out, stumbling again. A changeling jumped onto him from behind, and Pharynx felt them bite down on the back of his neck. He collapsed to the ground, strength already dwindling due to the first venom-filled bite, antlers sparking weakly as he struggled to get up. The rogue changelings converged on him, but Pharynx managed to force himself to his hooves, and with an almighty roar, he tossed most of them off.

Pharynx stood on trembling legs, panting, surrounded by rogue changelings. The unreformed lings struggled to get up from where Pharynx had tossed them, too dazed to move. The beta changeling managed a slight grin.

“Rogues zero, Pharynx… more than zero.” He slurred, the venom numbing his body from antler to tail. Despite the numbness closing in, Pharynx still attempted to charge his magic enough to fire a shot.

Suddenly, a dagger that glistened with some kind of black fluid came flying out of the trees, so fast that Pharynx didn’t even have time to react. The blade stabbed directly into Pharynx’s side, just under his carapace. The beta changeling staggered and collapsed to the ground at last, the magic gathered at his antlers releasing, firing off into the air before fizzling out uselessly.

Pharynx lay on the ground, head falling as he finally accepted defeat. As the rogue changelings began to converge on him, he managed to open his eyes just briefly, to get a good look at his attackers. Unable to hold his eyes open, Pharynx allowed himself to fall unconscious, hoping his death would at least be quick.

Strangely, Pharynx thought he saw a flash of gold just before his eyes could close completely, triggering a jolt of energy inside his mind. But before he could raise his head to try and get a closer look – and he couldn’t lift it if he tried – he passed out.

A Sign?

“Whe’e’s Uncle Pharynx?!”

“He has to be around here somewhere, keep looking!”

“The signal was from over here, right?”

“Papa Thorax, look! Blood!”

“Pharynx!”

Pharynx gave no response from where he lay on the ground, completely unconscious and unaware of anything going on around him.

Though there were signs of the brutal fight due to the destruction of some of the surrounding foliage, none of the unreformed changelings remained. They had disappeared without a trace, even having abandoned their prey. The only sounds in the woods now came from Thorax, Ocellus, and Apex as they called for Pharynx.

Unbeknownst to the three changelings looking for Pharynx, a single cloaked figure stood over the wounded beta ling, examining the dagger embedded in his side. The figure tilted its head slightly, judging whether it would be better to leave the blade in or remove it. They came to a decision as the sound of hoofsteps grew closer.

Grasping the dagger in a black, hole-riddled hoof, they yanked it swiftly but firmly out from Pharynx’s carapace, setting it beside him as red blood seeped out from the wound. They then reached their hoof out and lifted Pharynx’s head, pulling a folded up blanket from under their cloak and placing it under his head like a pillow. Finally, they gently stroked the beta changeling’s antlers, before leaving with a whirl of their cloak.

Just as the figure faded into the woods, Thorax, Ocellus, and Apex found their lost family member.

“P-Pharynx?” Ocellus’ tail went between her legs like a sad puppy, while Apex let out a soft, dismayed cry. Thorax rushed forwards and carefully inspected his brother.

“Ocellus, come help me, Apex, run and get Cilia or Needle, hurry!” Thorax instructed, and the two did as they were told.

Ocellus ran to Pharynx and began examining him, her past training as a medic apprentice kicking in.

“He has a scratch on his shoulder here, and a crossbow arrow stabbed into his leg, but it looks like it was knocked out. A dagger, obviously, but he must have pulled it out. Bite marks on the back of the neck and shoulder blade.” Ocellus noted, poking Pharynx’s snout. “Unresponsive.”

“Something’s on this dagger, it’s got an unusual gleam on it.” Thorax nudged at the handle of the dagger as Ocellus tugged the blanket out from under Pharynx’s head.

“Where did this come from?” Ocellus asked. Thorax shrugged, lifting the dagger in his magic. Ocellus left the blanket and walked over to him, watching the alpha changeling examine the blade.

“We should take this to the Alchemy lings.” Thorax murmured, turning the dagger over in his magic, noting the faintest traces of a black substance on the metal. “There’s something on the blade that definitely isn’t blood.”

Apex then emerged from the trees, Needle fast behind him. The medic carried his bags in his mouth, gaze set in firm focus. The two skidded to a halt beside Thorax, and Needle immediately turned to Ocellus.

“Dagger wound under the carapace, scratch on the shoulder, stab in the leg from an arrow, bite marks on shoulderblade and neck.” Ocellus relayed what she had found.

“Sounds like the work of unreformed changelings.” Needle said as he bent to examine the Pharynx. “These are definitely changeling bites, and crossbow arrows and daggers were our main arsenal.”

“Needle, there’s something on this dagger, I-I think some kind of poison. Will he be alright?”

“He should be fine, Thorax, the venom will wear off in a couple hours, though he was bitten twice so recovery might take a bit longer. The wounds we can just bandage. As for whatever is on that dagger, we’ll ask Almexa to confirm, but it’s probably not serious enough to be a threat.” Needle assured him, taking the dagger from the King and placing it in a sealed bag he pulled from his supplies.

“O-Okay.” Thorax took a steadying breath, looking at the others. “We need to move him out of the woods, take him to his room.”

“Let’s hurry. I don’t like being out here unprotected if somecreature was able to bring down Pharynx.” Ocellus shuddered.

Thorax nodded in agreement, looking around nervously. Needle quickly bandaged Pharynx’s wounds, then Thorax lifted him in his magic, laying his injured brother on his back.

“Let’s go, he’s heavier than he looks.” Thorax said with a soft grunt of exertion, as Apex flew over to nuzzle his uncle’s cheek.

The group made it back to the Hive without any incident, though word of the Prince’s injuries spread fast from onlookers. Soon, panic began to sink in as they realized what this meant. The Hive’s most formidable warrior had been beaten by rogue changelings.

Both the fact that it was their own kind who managed to defeat the Prince and the fact that it was Pharynx who'd been beaten rattled the Hive to the core. The changelings were terrified, despite the royal family’s best efforts to comfort them.

This was partly due to the fact that while the Hive was swept with panic, Thorax was admittedly ignoring his job. He had taken to pacing around in Pharynx’s room, watching his brother’s fitful sleep. The beta changeling had woken up once, briefly, but before Needle or Cilia could be summoned, he had passed out again. So Thorax stayed with him, refusing to leave his brother’s side.

“I’m sure it’s just his body having trouble reacting to being bitten twice, Thorax.” Ocellus tried to comfort him. “I-I mean, changeling venom is really powerful, and they got him twice in different places.”

“He still should’ve slept it off by now.” Thorax resumed his pacing. “I-I’m sure it was whatever was on the dagger, what is taking Almexa so long to test it?!”

Ocellus sighed and sat down in a corner, realizing the King was too upset to listen to her reasoning. Apex was in a similar state, curled up beside Pharynx and cuddled into his chitin.

“Papa Thorax?” Apex asked softly, and he glanced over. “W-What if he doesn’ wake up?”

“H-He will.” Thorax stammered. “He has to.”

Apex stared up at Thorax’s teary eyes, then looked at Pharynx. He got up and moved closer to his head, nosing him. “Uncle Pharynx? Please wake up, you’e making me an’ Papa Thorax sad.”

Pharynx groaned softly in his sleep, but didn’t wake. Apex whimpered softly, resting beside the larger changeling’s head, gently nosing his uncle.

“He won’t be up for a while, I’m afraid.” Cilia spoke quietly, entering the room with a grave expression on her face.

“W-What? Why?” Thorax’s voice was shaking.

“We heard back from Almexa.” Cilia hesitated, sighing. “The dagger was coated with the juice of Bacas Somni Aterni.”

“W-What?! But they’re called Berries of Eternal Sleep for a reason!” Ocellus jumped up, looking alarmed. “You told me that they cause-”

“I know, Ocellus.” Cilia trotted over to the bed to check on Pharynx, pressing a hoof to his forehead to monitor his temperature. “But he got lucky. The dagger went under his carapace and did end up embedded in his side, yes. However the juices didn’t get a chance to fully sink into his bloodstream before we found him. If it hadn’t been removed when it was, well, it would be a different story.”

The medic's voice trailed off, letting the terrifying possibility hang in the air.

“S-So he’ll survive?” Thorax asked at last.

“He’s not out of the woods yet. But the fact that he’s alive now means that yes, he will.” Cilia confirmed, and they all breathed a synchronous sigh of relief.

“Hang in there, brother.” Thorax moved closer to the bed to rub his cheek against Pharynx’s, feeling his brother subconsciously shift his head into the touch. “You’re gonna be okay.”

Who Done It?

“Now that we know Pharynx is going to be okay, I-I think we should try to find out where these rogue unreformed changelings came from.” Ocellus suggested as she, Apex, and Thorax left Pharynx’s room.

“I know, but we don’t have any leads anyway. Most of the guards are too scared to go out and search.” Thorax replied.

“Reasonable. Following the logic that if these unreforms were able to injure Pharynx that badly, they wouldn’t stand a chance.” Hunter spoke up, trotting up to join the three. “Sorry about the interruption, Thorax, but I actually just came back from scouting where Pharynx fought those changelings.”

“You did?” Thorax blinked, and Hunter nodded, pulling his crossbow off his back and holding it in one hoof – the appropriate stance for speaking to royalty.

“As you know, I’m one of the only competent soldiers left now, and I figured since Pharynx was out of commission I should do what he would want done and survey the area where the fight took place.”

“Full repor’ Hun’er.” Apex ordered, and Hunter nodded at the little nymph respectfully. Hunter was a more experienced warrior, and Pharynx would often defer leadership to him when needed, but Apex was the deputy, so his word was still law.

“I scouted the area for any suspicious activity, but found nothing. It seems the attack was a hit and run. They waited for one of the royal family to arrive, then struck. I found an arrow in a tree, probably misfired, and a broken arrow on the ground, likely the one that actually struck its mark.” Hunter produced the two arrows from under his carapace, laying them out on the ground.

“An’thing else?” Apex asked

“Aside from dried blood and dents in the trees from where they either put Pharynx or he put them, no. Although… I did find this.” Hunter held up the folded blanket Ocellus had left after pulling it from under Pharynx.

“That’s the thing that Pharynx’s head was propped up on.” Ocellus noted.

“Which is weird. Attackers wouldn’t have done that.” Hunter pointed out, unfolding the blanket. As he did, a golden flash caught Thorax’s attention. He lifted the blanket up in his magic, examining it.

It was only a golden swirl of fabric in one corner of the brown blanket. He blinked in confusion and put it down, sighing. “There was no clue where this came from at all?”

“I could only tell it’s been unfolded and folded in this same style multiple times, as if it was being used regularly. Probably being slept on by someone.” Hunter replied.

“And the changelings couldn’a d’opped i’ in the fight. They wouldn’ve brought an’thing unnec’sary.” Apex added.

“I agree. So either this is some form of freaky magic… or someone else was there with Pharynx between the attack and when you three showed up.” Hunter concluded.

“But if they were friendly enough to give Pharynx this blanket then why didn’t they show themselves when we arrived?” Ocellus asked.

“Maybe they just didn’t want to be found.” Hunter shrugged. “Who knows, they could be like Thorax, Pharynx, and Apex were. Rogues who weren’t sure if they would be welcomed anywhere.”

As Apex slung the blanket over his back, Ocellus hummed thoughtfully. “Do you think they’re worth looking into…?”

“Not at the moment. Whoever it was didn’t seem to harm Pharynx in any way, so they likely don’t pose a threat.” Hunter told her, looking back at Apex and Thorax. “In the meantime, what should we do about investigating the unreforms?”

“Ge’ some of the o’er good soldiers to help you search around the border. Repor’ the second you find an’thing that looks suspicious. Also put some scoutlings ‘round the Hive so they can warn us.” Apex instructed, and Hunter nodded, saluting him.

“Right away, Apex-legatus.” Hunter bowed to his King before trotting off. Thorax paid him no mind, though, instead smiling softly at his nymph.

“Good job Apex.”

“I'm just doin’ what Uncle Pharynx would wan’.” Apex objected, but Ocellus hugged him.

“Yes, but it’s your command! Good job!”

Apex giggled and squirmed in protest as Ocellus began to nuzzle him. Thorax smiled sadly as he watched his son, a melancholic thought drifting into his mind long enough to halt the momentary happiness.

“Apex is a wonderful deputy, and he’ll make a great general one day… I just wish he were leading now under different circumstances.”

Thorax sighed sadly, but managed a proud smile as Apex looked up at him. He picked the nymph up, nuzzling him.

“Come on my little warrior, let’s go get a snack, then we’ll see about investigating those rogues.”

“Okay!”

Thorax smiled softly and carried the youngling off, Ocellus following behind. Soon after, they were seated in the throne room, going over all the records of the reformed changelings and comparing them to old records from when the Hive was unreformed.

“Not a single changeling is missing from the roster. We actually added some since new nymphs have been born.” Ocellus said, scanning through the records.

“Then where did these changelings come from?” Thorax murmured.

“Wai’ a minute.” Apex dragged over a file labeled Fatalities and opened it. “...Papa Thorax, Celly, how many of these ‘re confirm’ed?”

Ocellus reached over and took the file, opening it and scanning the contents. “Wait… I think you’re onto something Apex. Some of these deaths are unconfirmed because they happened during battles and no bodies were ever recovered… what if…”

“They were just hiding out until someone found them, and they were found!” Thorax finished the thought.

“By Chrysalis herself or a high ranking general, no doubt.” Ocellus added, shutting the file with a soft hiss. “That’s why they suddenly attacked– they had a leader.”

“Ocellus, cross-reference the unconfirmed deaths with what we know now. That should give us an estimate of how many could be out there.” Thorax instructed, and Ocellus nodded. “Apex, could you help Hunter with organizing the more capable guards into regular patrols?”

“Yes Papa Thorax!”

“Thank you sweetie.”

“What will you be doing then, Thorax?” Ocellus asked, and Thorax sighed.

“The only things I can do. Keep everyone’s hopes up, and pray Pharynx wakes up soon.” He trailed off, mumbling to himself as he looked away from the nymphs. “He’s the only one who knows the full story of what happened…”

Ocellus looked at Apex, and the pair shared looks of concern. They could see the lines under Thorax’s eyes, sure signs of fatigue and stress.

“Papa Thorax?” Apex asked hesitantly.

“Yes Apex?”

“Maybe you shoul’ go sleep?” Apex asked, trotting over and nuzzling his father’s hoof. “Y-You haven’ slept a lot.”

Thorax sighed and nodded. “You’re right, I should get some rest, I just… I really want to be alert in case something happens.”

“We could come get you if anything drastic occurs.” Ocellus suggested.

However, something happened at that moment which rendered her offer quite pointless. Cilia and Needle came running into the throne room, catching their attention. The two medics skidded to a halt in the doorway, Cilia panting for breath.

“C-Cilia? Needle? What’s–?”

“It’s Pharynx!” Cilia gasped out, cutting off Thorax in her hurry to tell them.

“W-What about him? Is he alright?!” Thorax asked immediately.

“He’s fine, your highness.” Needle said, instinctually calling Thorax by his royal title, too frantic to make the correction. “He’s waking up!”

Awaken

Thorax, Apex, and Ocellus wasted no time in rushing to Pharynx’s room, Cilia and Needle fast behind. They burst in, heading for the beta changeling’s bed, frantic to see him.

Sure enough, he was stirring from his position under the covers, groaning softly. Thorax reached out and gently rubbed his hoof along the back of Pharynx’s neck to help rouse him.

“Pharynx?” Thorax asked softly.

The Prince’s eyes opened slowly, and his soft lavender gaze turned to the changelings above, stare unfocused and dull. Then, as Pharynx slowly regained his senses, his eyes fixed themselves on the three. He groaned again, head mashing down into the pillow in place of being unable to lift his hoof to rub it.

“T-Tuney?” Pharynx whispered softly, and Thorax frowned.

“N-No Pharynx, it’s me,” He said, nosing his brother so he would look up at them. “Thorax.”

“I know that, dimwit.” Pharynx closed his eyes again. “She was here, the gold…”

“Phar,” Thorax nuzzled him. “Come on, stay awake.”

Pharynx jolted slightly, then sat up abruptly, looking panicked. His brain finally seemed to catch up with him as he recalled what had happened to him. “Rogue changelings! Thorax, we–!”

“Pharynx, it’s okay!” Thorax used his magic to lay his brother back down. “We know. Don’t worry, they’re not here, you’re safe.”

“But they…” Pharynx blinked, before taking a closer look at his surroundings. “Where am I?”

“Your room.” Ocellus piped up, gently nudging him. “Stay still, you’re not going to help your injuries by thrashing like that.”

“How bad is it?” Pharynx asked softly, as Apex jumped onto the bed and curled up between his forelegs, staring at him.

“I, well, they– oh Pharynx!” Thorax just hugged him tightly, tears beginning to fall. “Y-You could’ve–”

Pharynx sighed and rested his head on Thorax’s shoulder, closing his eyes as he understood the unspoken word. “But I didn’t.”

“Just barely.” Cilia spoke from where she and Needle had been standing at the door. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“It’s fine. As long as you’re here, why don’t you tell me how bad it is? Someone has to since these three won’t do it.” Pharynx responded, not moving from his current position, though his voice was dripping with authority.

“Glad to see you’ve got your attitude back.” Needle remarked dryly, smirking. “As for your injuries, tell us what you remember first, then we can talk.”

Thorax pulled back slightly and Pharynx sighed, resting his head on the pillow. “I was walking through the forest, doing a solo patrol, then suddenly became aware everything was silent. The unreforms showed themselves, attacked me without warning, and I fought back… then nothing.”

“Y-You can’t remember anything about the fight?” Thorax asked nervously.

“Bits and pieces.” Pharynx closed his eyes but continued talking. “They fired three arrows and missed twice, I think the third one got lodged in my leg. They bit me a couple times too. I did hold them off for a bit, but then they tossed the dagger at me and that’s all I can remember.”

“Unfortunately, that’s what we expected.” Cilia sighed. “You’re very lucky Pharynx, that dagger was coated with Berries of Eternal Sleep. If it had remained stuck in your side any longer, then it would have… well, you wouldn’t be here now.”

“Yeah, well, thanks for getting it out of me.”

“We didn’ do that.” Apex said, poking Pharynx’s cheek gently. “You did.”

“I think I would’ve remembered that, Apex.”

“Then who did?” Ocellus murmured, but her question went unheard as Needle spoke.

“Is there anything else at all you can tell us about what happened?”

“...Right before I blacked out, I thought I saw something charging at the unreforms.” Pharynx admitted. “It was covered by a dark cloak or something, so I didn’t get a good look, but I did see a flash of gold. I’m sure of it.”

“Alright, thank you Pharynx.” Cilia said, nodding to him. “Try to rest for now, if you need anything, I’m sure Thorax and the others will be here when you wake up.”

Pharynx nodded, and the two medics left. He sighed and closed his eyes. “You know what I was talking about, don’t you Thor?”

“Of course I do, but it’s impossible.”

“Maybe not, her body was never found.”

“I suppose Chrysalis didn’t exactly look too hard to find it…”

“You and I both know we’ve only seen gold like that in two places.” Pharynx finished, eyes opening to peer out at his brother. “Royal regalia, and…”

“Fortuna.” Thorax breathed softly, shaking his head.

“But that’s impossible, she died, like you said.” Ocellus objected.

“I know, but I'm sure I saw her.” Pharynx told Ocellus, closing his eyes once more. “Either her or Felix Monilia.”

“Who?” Ocellus asked, but Pharynx had fallen asleep again with a sigh. “Thorax, what did he mean?”

“Felix Monilia is the Old Tongue, Ocellus.” Thorax said, sitting down on the floor and gesturing for her to sit with him while Apex nuzzled against Pharynx. “Translated, it means–”

“Lucky Necklace.” Ocellus looked up at him. “Does it have something to do with her?”

“As far as we knew, it was some kind of family heirloom, Fortuna was the first to use it.” Thorax said, making gestures with his hooves. “It had a way of letting her move faster when she activated its magic. Time seemed to slow enough that she could dodge something moving towards her in a split-second. It also heightened her already sharp ability to see cause and effect, she could take down any enemy without them even knowing what happened.”

“So that’s why she was Aureum In Generali.” Ocellus murmured, and Thorax nodded.

“Partly. I think what Pharynx means is that it’s possible someone found Felix Monilia, and has been using it. Though why they’d show up near the Hive is the part that doesn’t make sense.”

“Maybe it really is For’una.” Apex said, and Thorax sighed.

“I don’t know Apex, I’m not sure what to think anymore.”

“You should probably get some sleep, Thorax.” Ocellus suggested. “Maybe you’ll think better once you’ve rested.”

Thorax nodded, opening his wings and fluttering over to land behind Pharynx, curling up and laying a hoof over his back. The beta changeling grunted in his sleep, but didn’t struggle as Thorax gently tugged him closer. Apex snuggled up under Pharynx’s chin, falling asleep as well. Ocellus cautiously climbed into the bed as well, looking at Thorax for permission. He nodded to her with a gentle smile, and she smiled back, moving closer before curling up in the space between the brother’s heads.

Together, the four changelings went to sleep, huddling close and instinctively sharing love. They slept peacefully, undisturbed for the time being.

Fate Strikes

Pharynx spent most of the next few days asleep, his body attempting to recover from the fight and the poison both medics had unfortunately concluded were still in his body. Meanwhile, the others were busy.

“Okay, we’ve narrowed it down to a total of twenty five or so rogue changelings who have unconfirmed deaths, but also thirteen Hive-defectors that were logged as currently living here by mistake, they defected before they ever reformed.” Ocellus summarized.

She was standing in front of Thorax, Hunter and Apex, who had taken over Pharynx’s duties as a team. Hunter provided the wisdom of an experienced soldier while Apex provided the insight and authority Pharynx would normally have.

“Alright, so we deploy the competent guards to track them down, should be easy enough.” Hunter said.

“That’s not all though. There's one name in the unconfirmed deaths that stuck out to me.” Ocellus slid the paper over to them.

Fortuna Arya Larynx was written there, along with what was known about the changeling’s family and military history.

“The Golden General? What about her?” Hunter asked.

“Pharynx claims that before he blacked out, he saw something identical to her golden coloration.” Ocellus said, tapping a hoof on the paper. “And as unorthodox as it sounds, given the fact her body was never found, it wouldn’t be impossible that, well...”

“Are you suggesting she actually survived the fall?” Thorax asked.

“It wouldn’t be unorthodox to at least consider. As you said, she is an unordinary case, with her own means of protecting herself.” Ocellus reminded him.

“Yes, but what if it was just Pharynx’s imagination?”

“Then explain how we found him out there alone.” Ocellus argued. “If he blacked out before the unreformed changelings were gone, then where did they go? And where did the blanket come from? Someone was there besides Pharynx, someone chased them off who knows Pharynx well enough to try and help him.”

“An’ who else bu’ us knows Uncle Pharynx?” Apex added.

“Fortuna.” Thorax admitted, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the ground, tears welling up. “We were like her sons, she loved us, and she said herself she would die to protect us.”

“What’s more is that I found old records of Pharynx’s first few months as Head General.” Ocellus laid a file down before them, opening it. “He sent numerous scouting patrols on missions he claimed were to find the missing changelings after the Invasion. But he sent the majority of the patrols in the direction Fortuna was said to fall towards.”

“And?”

“Not even a piece of her mane. Nothing was ever found.”

“What if i’ is For’una?” Apex asked

“Forty…” Thorax whispered, shaking his head. “I can’t believe it, I mean, I want to, but...”

“For now, we might want to focus on the unreforms.” Hunter suggested as the King trailed off, taking the list of changelings they believed to be the ones who attacked.

“How?”

“Triangulating scout reports and the direction we believe they fled in, I’d say they’re taking refuge in one of the caves near our territory.” Hunter said, tucking the list under his carapace as he headed for the doorway. “I’ll take some soldiers, we'll start with a gentle scouting approach. We can find out if it really is Chrysalis leading them or just a bunch of rogues with someone smart enough to strategize.”

“Be ca’eful Hunter, an’ take a runner in case they a‘tack you.” Apex told him, and he nodded, trotting out.

“I guess now all we have to do is wait.” Ocellus said softly. “I hope everything goes okay.”

“Hopefully they’re reasonable.” Thorax agreed.

“They hur’ Uncle Pharynx.” Apex sat by Thorax’s throne, his chest puffed out as he stared at Ocellus sternly as possible. “They can’ be tha’ eager to compromise.”

~~~

Sure enough, Zenith, evidently the runner changeling that Hunter had taken with his soldiers, came rushing in about an hour later. He had a bruise forming on his side, and Apex immediately rushed over and pulled him into a hug.

“Nithy, wha’ happened?!”

“We approached the caves and they must’ve been staying there because they attacked us on sight!” Zenith hid his face in Apex’s chest, shivering. “I-I left Hunter behind.”

“We’ll make sure they’re safe Nithy, I p’omise!” Apex nuzzled his boyfriend soothingly, then left him in Ocellus’ care, turning to his father. “Papa Thorax, we gotta go help!”

“I’m right behind you, Apex.” Thorax said, glancing at Ocellus nervously. “But what about Pharynx?”

“Zenith and I will look after him, Thorax. He’s in no condition to fight, just go!” Ocellus urged. Thorax nodded, rushing after the nymph as they raced to help their fellow changelings.

When they arrived, it was reforms against unreforms. Hunter’s soldiers were putting up a commendable effort to fight back the rogues, but they had been a small patrol compared to the unreformed clan, and a few were already unconscious. Apex charged in, swiftly putting his skills to use as he began dodging through the bigger changelings. Pharynx had taught him well, Apex drawing on his guidance to use his size to his advantage, launching surprise attacks by biting their legs and tripping them up.

Thorax skirted the battle, knowing well that he was not a fighter, not well enough to hold his own against so many opponents, anyway. Instead, he used where his own talents lay, gathering the injured reforms to his side to lead them away from the fight. But then, as he fought, Apex was knocked to the ground by a larger rogue changeling, whose hooves kicked at him menacingly. He let out a startled shriek of pain as he landed in the dust a few feet away from the rogue. Thorax gasped, his paternal instincts flaring up as his son was tossed aside.

“Apex!” The alpha changeling lowered his head and charged into the fray at last, knocking an oncoming rogue away from the nymph before scooping him up in his hooves. “Stay away from my son!”

Apex blushed in embarrassment but sunk into Thorax’s hold, grinning. “Get ‘em Papa Thorax!”

The rogue changelings promptly surrounded the alpha, who gulped nervously. His temporary ferocity was fading as he saw the crowd of still-standing unreformed changelings compared to the ones who still remained on his side.

“U-Um i-is there any way we can talk this out?”

They hissed menacingly, clearly about to lunge at the two. Thorax backed up, putting Apex down onto the ground to let him find his hooves.

“Apex, run.”

“Huh?”

“R-Run back to the others and stay with them.”

“‘M no’ leaving you alone Papa Thorax.” Apex said, sinking into a battle stance. “I can help!”

Thorax’s ears flattened in dismay, biting onto his lip nervously. The King didn’t see how they would be able to fight them all off. Even as Hunter staggered over, a bite mark on his leg and bearing many other wounds, Thorax knew they were still outnumbered. Apex stood firm at his side all the same, and Hunter merely shook himself to clear his head, prepared to fight.

The rogue changelings snarled, converging on the three remaining reformed changelings before they even had time to react. But just as the rogues lunged, a blur of black fabric shot forwards, tackling the attackers closest to the reformed changelings, knocking them to the ground. Thorax, Apex, and Hunter stared in shock at the being that had rushed in from out of nowhere to defend them.

The creature had a hooded cloak on and a mask was covering their face, their identity completely disguised. They kept their back to the reformed changelings even as they took out all the attacking rogues. Some of the unreformed changelings ran at the mere sight of the masked creature, as though they’d seen them before and were scared of being targeted.

Many of the rogues collapsed from what were likely venomous bites or else were knocked out from blows, while others retreated out of fear. Finally, the rogues were either gone or lying unconscious on the ground. The figure turned to the King and two soldiers with a nod. Their hood tilted back slightly, showing their disguise in full. The mask framed by the hood of their cloak was black with gray and gold streaks of paint splashed across the material, gleaming in the sun. The three couldn’t even see the creature’s eyes, as the mask didn’t have holes. Before any of them could speak to try and get the creature to talk, they vanished without a word.

“Who was that?” Hunter finally asked after a long moment of silence.

“Whoe’er it was, I bet they helped Uncle Pharynx befo’e.” Apex piped up, looking up at his father with wide eyes.

“Does that mean what I think it means?” Hunter looked around the scene before them in shock.

“...Forty?” Thorax whispered softly. But it wasn’t the King’s voice anymore. It was the voice of a young, trembling nymph, looking for the safety he’d always known in only one creature.

“So it is true.” Hunter murmured. “Aureum In Generali lives.”

Burdened

“I told you so!”

“Yes, we’ve been over this before, you were right–”

“I told you what I saw, but no, you didn’t believe me!”

“Are you going to gloat any longer–”

“Well, guess what?! I was right!”

“Pharynx, we get it!”

“Oh, I know. I was just trying to get a reaction. I relish the sight of that expression on your face, brother.” Pharynx told him with a cheeky smirk.

Pharynx grinned at his frustrated brother from his upright position in bed. Ocellus, Apex, Hunter, and Zenith were standing behind Thorax, waiting for the two to refocus on the task at hoof. All four were clearly holding back laughter as they watched the brothers interact, though the alpha didn’t seem to notice.

Thorax merely groaned and facehoofed. “All these years later and you still act like a nymph.”

Pharynx chuckled, then winced in pain, touching a hoof to the bandages his midsection was wrapped in. As he laid back down to relieve some of the pressure on his side, Thorax nuzzled him in concern.

“Get off Thorax. Anyway, if it is Tuney, how are we supposed to find her?”

“Get in trouble again?” Ocellus suggested, only to shrink back at the looks sent her way. “I was joking.”

“Even if you weren’t, I-I’d rather no one else got hurt. All the soldiers from the last attack are still recovering in the infirmary and most of the rest of them are watching the rogues we managed to bring into custody.” Thorax pointed out.

“She only showed up when we were in trouble though.” Ocellus replied.

“Correction, she only showed up when Pharynx and Thorax were in trouble. There was no sign of her until Thorax arrived in the battle and got overwhelmed.” Hunter objected, the other three onlookers giving murmurs and nods of agreement.

“Yeah, that’s true.” Thorax put a hoof to his chin. “She must have been watching your soldiers before we arrived if she jumped in to help that quickly. But when I was taking charge of the situation, she didn’t do anything.”

“And she only jumped in when I passed out.” Pharynx muttered. “I held out for a while though, so she didn’t need to step in right away.”

“Pharynx, this isn’t a competition.”

“Says who?”

“So if she reacts to seeing you two hurt or about to get hurt, maybe what will work is to see that you need her.” Ocellus suggested, clearly trying to steer the conversation back to the matter at hoof before an argument was started.

“And just how are we going to do that?” Pharynx asked.

“Pharynx, you and I can show her ourselves.” Thorax smiled and reached a hoof out to his brother. “Come on Phar, you should be okay to walk now, right?”

“Yes, why?” Pharynx asked with a raised brow.

“Let’s go for a walk. You and me, I’ll help you.”

“Sure, but I don’t see how walking is going to get her attention.” Pharynx said, taking his brother’s offered hoof. Thorax just smiled softly, helping Pharynx out of the bed.

“Let’s just go.”

They made their way outside slowly and carefully, Thorax supporting Pharynx the whole way. Passing changelings stopped to watch as their King helped his older brother limp along down the hallway.

“Other than publicly embarrassing me, what exactly is your plan here?” Pharynx asked, as Thorax helped him walk outside.

“I just want to test something. Besides, is it a crime for me to want to spend time with my brother after he nearly…” Thorax trailed off, still unable to say it. Pharynx sighed and brushed his muzzle along the side of Thorax’s face in comfort.

“But I didn’t.” he reminded him, and Thorax smiled softly.

“Yeah. Come on, let’s go towards the forest.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Not completely, but it might work for what I’m trying to do. If you can’t walk that far, it’s okay, we can turn back.”

“I’ll manage.” Pharynx said, and Thorax nodded, trusting his judgment as they made their way to the treeline in the distance. “So what are you trying to do?”

“W-Well, if it really is Fortuna, she has to be staying close by the Hive, right? So if we show her how injured you are, then maybe...”

“She’ll notice and show herself to check on me.” Pharynx chuckled. “Surprisingly sound logic coming from you, brother.”

“Hey!” Thorax exclaimed, but Pharynx just smirked at him.

They made it to the edge of the forest after a while, Pharynx limping along after his brother. His injuries made it painful for him to move quickly, so Thorax slowed his gait to help him. Pharynx growled as he struggled to stay upright.

“Tartarus, I’m weak now.”

“Just because you’re injured doesn’t make you weak, Phar. You’ll recover fully with time, you know that.” Thorax reassured him.

“Yeah, yeah, I know– argh!” Pharynx sank down onto his haunches, flinching as he instinctively moved a hoof to his side.

“What’s wrong?!”

“N-Nothing, nothing.” The beta changeling took a deep breath before standing, though his legs shook under his weight. “Just a bit of phantom pain.”

“...Maybe we should go back–”

“Thorax, will you quit worrying?!”

“Well I’m sorry I care about you!”

“How many times do I have to tell you I’m fine?!”

“Until I know it’s true!”

“Why?! Why don’t you believe that I am?!”

“Because the last time you said that I found out you were nearly sliced in half by an Ursa!”

The woods were silent as Thorax’s words echoed through them. Pharynx froze, then looked away. “I didn’t think you still felt that strongly about it, it was so long ago.”

“Of course I still think about it! My only brother was on the verge of dying right before my eyes because he refused to tell me right away that something was wrong.”

Pharynx sighed and lifted Thorax’s chin with his muzzle. “I promise, Thorax, I won’t do that again. Not if it makes you this upset.”

“So…?”

Pharynx sighed again, taking a step forward and flinching. “It’s just the wound at this point, I think if there was still poison I would be weaker.”

“Okay. We should head back though, should I carry you–?”

“Think about it and I’ll find the strength to sit on you.” Pharynx chuckled dryly, and Thorax smiled softly. “There’s the dorky smile I know. Come on Thorax, let’s go back home.”

The two brothers smiled at each other, both of them clearly much calmer now that they had spoken their pieces. Thorax gently embraced his big brother, wary of his injuries, and the elder chuckled, carefully lifting his injured foreleg to hug him back.

The two then headed back out of the trees, returning to their home, together.

Resigned

“Well, aside from giving us a chance to talk through some things, that was about as useless as I am right now.” Pharynx sighed as Thorax helped him back into bed.

“You’re not useless Phar, we’ve been over this. Now, there’s got to be another way to get Forty to show up again.”

“Forty? Really Thorax?”

“Well, you said Tuney back when you first woke up.”

“I was delirious, not being a child.”

“...So you wouldn’t call her mom if she showed up?”

Pharynx fell silent, and Thorax nuzzled him with a knowing look. He sighed and rested his muzzle against his brother’s.

“Moving on. There’s got to be some other way that doesn’t involve one of us going up against those rogues again.” Thorax said, and Pharynx nodded.

“Speaking of which.” Ocellus spoke as she walked in with Hunter and Apex. “All the scouting patrols have reported that the unreformed changelings who escaped the most recent battle are gone.”

“Gone?” Pharynx echoed, raising a brow.

“Well, as far as we can tell. The woods and the cave where we found them are empty. Any other potential hiding spots have been thoroughly searched. It’s possible they’re somewhere just outside our territory, but no scouts have reported anything suspicious nearby.” Hunter elaborated.

“So I guess the only thing we need to think about now is getting Tun– Fortuna back.” Pharynx said, ignoring Thorax’s grin of satisfaction at his near slip-up.

“Assuming she even wants to be found. Everything we’ve seen points to her not wanting us to know she’s here.” Hunter objected.

“He has a point.” Ocellus admitted. “She could have revealed herself long ago, and yet she didn’t. She’s operating from the shadows.”

“Yeah, if she’s trying to ‘tect us then if there's no reason to do that, maybe she followed the rogues when they ran?” Apex suggested.

Thorax sighed, his ears wilting. “Y-Yeah, she might have.”

Pharynx grunted and sat up slightly. “Thorax, help me up again.”

“But you just laid down?”

“I’m going to her marker.”

“But Pharynx–”

“It’s a sign, Thor. No more rogues, no more sightings of mysterious figures? She's telling us to give up, Thorax.” Pharynx sighed, as Hunter obliged his request and helped him down from the bed. “I know what I said, but if she’s clearly trying not to be recognized, we might as well honor her request. Just pretend like she’s dead.”

“Pharynx, you don’t know that.”

“Yes I do. Forget it Thor. She obviously doesn’t care about us anymore, or she would’ve found us a long time ago.” Pharynx told him bitterly, limping out of the room.

Thorax sighed and turned away, also leaving the room. “...Yeah. Maybe you’re right, Phar.”

The three remaining changelings stood in silence, unsure just how to react or even process what had just happened.

Pharynx, in the meantime, made his way to the Veterans Hall, stone faced and silent. To anyone passing by, it would have looked like he was merely brooding. He walked through the dimly lit hall that led to the center chamber of the final resting places of hundreds of ancestors and still stayed stoic. But as he stood before the familiar marker that bore her name, the name she had left for him, he let it all crumble.

Collapsing before the marker, Pharynx pressed his head against it and sobbed quietly.

“Why put me through all this if you were just going to live anyway?” The beta whispered hoarsely. “I talked to you for years, I confided in you. I-I thought that you were here with me. I was going to give your name to my firstborn child, but you just turned around a-and you–!”

Pharynx broke off, too distraught to say any more. He merely cried for a long time, until he ran out of tears.

“You didn’t even try to find us again, you didn’t even say goodbye. I guess that means you never cared, just like everyone else. Just like mother. But you know what? I don't even want to know if you were pretending the whole time, or if maybe you did care and you just– stopped. I'm done.”

With his final words to what he had once believed was the late Fortuna-domina, Pharynx pressed his head further into the grave marker. The exhaustion and stress finally caught up with him, mixing with the pain of his injuries, sending him back to sleep.

Meanwhile, Thorax had wandered outside the Hive, walking out into the grassy fields.

It was night now, Luna having raised the moon long before. Thorax stared up into the sky, his eyes watering.

“I look up to the sky, and I still hear your voice,” he whispered softly. “I can see your eyes in the starlight, your loving hold in the dark, but– but you're still not here.”

He sank down and hunched over in the grass, his body shuddering as he began to cry, tears pooling beneath him.

“What did we do wrong mom? Why did you abandon us?” Thorax sobbed, lifting his head up to the stars. “What did we have to do to keep you with us?!”

The only sound that greeted his cries was the chirping of crickets in the grass. Thorax let out a pitiful whimper.

“Why didn’t you come back to us? We could’ve left the Hive together, f-found a new way together! We loved you so much, Forty, but you just broke our hearts, twice.”

Thorax continued to cry, his voice cracking as he lowered his voice to a whisper, singing quietly into the darkness.

“It’s been so long since we saw you, just to find out you left us alone when you could've been here. You never knew how much we missed you, or maybe if you did you didn't care. But Pharynx is– he's right, I guess. It’s time we accepted you’re not going to show.”

Thorax stood up and strode towards the forest, closing his eyes as he started to sing softly.

“He used to believe you were always in our hearts, but now confusion clouds our minds. You couldn’t see that we still loved you, we wanted our mother but she just left us behind.”

Thorax stared up at the trees, the wind blowing through them. He raised his voice once more to yell into the woods, no longer singing a new version of their mother’s lullaby. This time, his voice was powerful, strong, full of frustration at the changeling he and his brother had loved for so long.

“Don’t you remember what you said?! You were always going to be here, you promised! Don’t you remember how many times you told us not to give up?! That you were here for us, that you loved us?! Was it all a lie?!”

Thorax let out a frustrated scream, collapsing onto his stomach as he burst into tears. He covered his head with his hooves, sobbing. He couldn’t take it any more, he couldn’t pretend to be optimistic any longer.

Unknown to the crying alpha changeling, a shadowy figure watched from afar. A tear dripped down their face and splashed to the ground, at their hole covered hooves. They watched silently, staring as the King cried, all alone.

The most optimistic of the changelings had given up at last.

Epilogue: Wait, Who?

“So you’re the reason I reacted so quickly during that attack?”

“Did you think I’d leave you without any help at all, Phary? I may not have been able to put Felix Monilia around your neck, but I was able to share some abilities with you. For a moment, at least, you seemed to lose control of it after a bit.”

“I started thinking about what was going on and I lost my focus.”

“That would do it, yes.”

“Wait, wait, so Midlight – who’s apparently also alive – found you?” Ocellus interjected.

She, Fortuna, Thorax, Pharynx, and Apex were having lunch in Pharynx’s room, so the beta changeling could rest. Fortuna was sitting beside her older son, occasionally pausing in keeping up her end of the conversation so she could fuss over him.

“Yes, she found me – Phary, don’t sit like that, you’re going to aggravate the wound.”

“Nightburn is going to flip.” Ocellus muttered, taking a sip of her drink as Pharynx glared good-naturedly at his mother and promptly adjusted his position. “So then where is she?”

“Busy finishing a job I asked her to take care of.” Fortuna replied, biting into her steak. “We’ve become an invisible good force of sorts, between right and wrong. Obviously, we’ll protect more than our own kind, not that any creature has any idea we exist.”

“So wha’ is she doin’?” Apex asked, sitting up and wagging his tail.

“Oh, she’s dealing with mob bosses attempting a takeover of the Manehatten economy.” Fortuna rubbed his head gently. “I could tell you some stories of our adventures later, if you like.”

Apex nodded eagerly, clearly anticipating knowing more about the unreformed changeling’s mysterious actions as a secret warrior. Fortuna smiled, looking up at Thorax, who smiled at her shyly.

“I can’t believe Chrysalis never found either of you.” Thorax finally spoke, and Fortuna chuckled softly.

“Two reasons why, Thory. One, on top of using disguises, we went by aliases no changeling would ever connect with us.”

“Wha’ was yours?” Apex asked interestedly.

“My code name is Gilded Saber, Midlight’s is Songwing.” Fortuna explained, smiling. “Pretty clever code names, if I say so myself.”

“So what was the other reason?” Ocellus asked, clearly interested.

“Well, we’ve never had to deal with changelings themselves until now. We know their tricks, of course, but having been essentially stripped of our ranks and ready information supply, we couldn’t pinpoint the forces. We thought it was best to just leave them be, as Chrysalis clearly wasn’t plotting another big takeover.”

“But then what about the second invasion? When Chrysalis had all the royals replaced?”

“We’d heard of the attacks, but we weren’t near any of the targeted cities, we couldn’t get there in time. By the time we made it to Canterlot to attempt to subtly reveal the imposters, Chrysalis had been defeated. Imagine our surprise when we discovered just who defeated her.”

Thorax blushed sheepishly, while Apex beamed, puffing his chest up, and Pharynx chuckled softly.

“You made me proud, you two.” Fortuna smiled softly as she ate her meal.

“It was mostly Thorax.” Pharynx objected, but she merely smiled at him and reached to rub his head.

“Don’t sell yourself short Phary, you were right by his side the whole time, protecting him.” Fortuna smiled at her son, before turning to Apex. “So, you’ve got yourself a boyfriend, have you?”

Apex blushed and nodded shyly. “H-His name is Zenith.”

“How cute!” Fortuna smiled, then grinned. “I remember when Phary and Thory confessed to me about their first crushes.”

Pharynx and Thorax both turned bright red, swiftly looking away. Ocellus, on the other hoof, leaned closer with a wide, interested grin. “Who?!”

Fortuna chuckled. “Well, Thorax used to have a crush on Tibius, though he grew out of that. Phary used to have a huge crush on Hunter, I don’t know if he’s grown out of that one…”

“Hunter?!” Ocellus and Apex stared at Pharynx in shock, which he decidedly ignored, though he was still blushing hard.

“M-Mom, I have a girlfriend.”

“You do?!” Fortuna grinned wickedly. “Who?”

“Her name is Tempest Shadow. She’s a unicorn, Princess Twilight Sparkle’s personal guard.” Thorax informed Fortuna, who snickered.

“Can’t keep away from those strong warrior types, can you, Phary?”

“Thorax has a girlfriend too! A dragon named Ember!” Pharynx quickly announced loudly. Ocellus rolled over laughing at their attempts to throw the other under Fortuna's attention instead.

“Oh does he now?” Fortuna smirked at Thorax as he hid his face. “Ember? I seem to remember hearing something about a new Dragon Lord named Ember.”

“W-We’re… close.” Thorax admitted, blushing all while glaring playfully at Pharynx.

“Well, I’m very proud of you both.” Fortuna then turned to Ocellus with a shy smile. “I’m lesbian, you know.”

“So am I!” Ocellus replied eagerly, and the golden changeling/s smile widened, ruffling Ocellus’ head frill.

“Well then, I can’t wait to trade gossip with you about romantic endeavors.” Ocellus beamed as Apex clambered over to sit on Fortuna’s lap. She chuckled and put a hoof around him, holding him in place.

“For’una, is Midligh’ gonna come back too?”

“Oh, of course she is, little one. You know, you can call me Tuney like Phary does, if you like. Or Forty, anything you want to really.” Fortuna booped Apex's muzzle gently, and he giggled. “As I was saying, Middy and I’ve been sending messages to each other since I arrived. We like to keep in touch when we have different missions, make sure the other is safe.”

“Sounds like you might just love her.” Pharynx teased playfully, causing Fortuna to swat at him gently.

“Oh hush Phary, eat your food.” Fortuna said, blushing as she nudged his plate closer to him. The beta just smirked at her knowingly. “Anyway, she knows I decided to reveal myself, so no doubt she’ll be making her appearance as soon as she can grab our associate.”

“Associate? I thought you said she was alone in Manehattan.” Thorax questioned. Next to him, Pharynx had finished his food and was taking a drink of water.

“Oh, she is.” Fortuna ate calmly, pausing before continuing. “But we had another mission in play that our fellow decided he could tackle alone.”

“There’s three of you?” Ocellus asked.

“Well, yes, every good team has three or more creatures, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Who’s the third?” Apex piped up curiously. “Wha’s his code name?”

“Transmorpho.” Fortuna chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. “Pretty close to his actual name though, so I’m surprised noling ever caught onto him, he’s also pretty hard to miss.”

“So what’s his real name?” Thorax asked.

“Oh, his real name is Metamorphosis Brook.” Fortuna replied, finishing up her food. “Otherwise known as my cousin, and you and Phary’s biological father.”

Pharynx spat out the water onto Thorax, who was too stunned to react.

“Our what?!”

Author's Note

And on that note, I will see you in a couple weeks for the final edition of this series, Eternally Paternal!

~Melody Song