The Young Warrior: Eternally Paternal

The changeling that stood before them was taller than any of their own forms. Metamorphosis stood at the same height as Thorax did in his true form, maybe even slightly taller considering the length of his horn. His mane and tail were messy, cherry red in color, a single braid running through each in an attempt to tame them. Ocellus turned to stare as well as he opened his eyes, and concealed a startled gasp.

He had pupils. Chrysalis was thought to be the only changeling with eyes like other creatures, eyes that could focus. But Metamorphosis had them as well. The irises were a beautiful blend of deep purple that faded to a teal halfway down, the pupils themselves round and expressive, like a pony’s.

On Metamorphosis’ back, they could see a familiar jagged violet carapace, and matching wings, larger than average to compensate for his height. More so, they were sparkling like the brother’s and Apex’s had after time spent living in the Crystal Empire. He was at the halfway point between unreformed and the reformation. Metamorphosis looked around at them all, seeming almost ashamed of his true form.

Pharynx couldn’t stop staring at him. It was more than just his appearance, there was something almost burning inside his chest. It felt like his heart was being pulled out of him. His hooves wanted to move towards the changeling, though he resisted. It felt like his very being wanted to be beside Metamorphosis. Something had just clicked into place in his mind.

“I-I know I don’t look normal, but,” Metamorphosis sighed. “This is me.”

“I thin’ you look nice.” Apex spoke quietly, peeking out from behind Thorax. “You ‘emind me of someone I know.”

Metamorphosis smiled shyly, before glancing down at Fortuna. “We should get going, Saber. Songwing and I heard the griffons saying they were planning to move the grain tonight.”

“Then we’ll be there to intercept it.” Fortuna responded simply. “Right then, you lot, follow us. Songwing, Transmorpho, lead the way.”

The two changelings nodded and turned around, leading the group off. Fortuna fell back slightly to walk beside her disguised sons.

“Phary, what’s wrong? Your emotions are clouded.” She whispered. Pharynx shook his head, the purple mane of his disguise swinging around his shoulders.

“I-I just don’t– I don’t know what to think anymore.” Pharynx murmured. “He doesn’t look anything like I imagined.”

“Why is he so tall?” Ocellus asked quietly, joining the conversation.

“I think it must be something to do with his heritage, he was always unusually tall.” Fortuna replied. “Chrysalis also imbibed him with the magic of the royal family when she mated with him, which gave him a little boost of extra height. I’m not sure if he’s aware of it, or even if she meant to. Though it’s likely she intended to have him become her King, and felt their height should match.”

“I forgot we have royal magic.” Thorax admitted. “I wonder if it’s affected Apex, it could be why he became taller when we transformed.”

“I hadn’t considered it, but that does make sense. We would’ve eventually grown to be mother’s height, when we underwent the ritual to officially bring us into the royal family’s magic.” Pharynx looked up at Fortuna. “Tuney, why do I feel connected to him, somehow?”

“You’re family, Phary.” Fortuna’s eyes glowed with warmth as she gazed at her son. “It’s a sort of instinct all changelings have, it’s just not felt very often. Don’t you ever wonder how nymphs are able to find their parents and siblings when they hatch? We have an instinctual pull towards our biological families.”

“I don’t like it.” He muttered, hissing softly. “It doesn’t– I don’t want to be attached to him, he doesn’t seem that bad, but I still just– I’m not ready to be connected with him.”

“No one’s forcing you to.” Ocellus pointed out.

“We’re here.” Midlight spoke up before Pharynx could respond.

The group looked up to see a large warehouse a few hoofsteps away from them. Midlight waited for Fortuna to join herself and Metamorphosis before she continued to explain.

“The griffons have guards at the front and back entrances, and there’s a guard on each side of the building that patrols it. The only unguarded entrance is through a hatch in the roof, which is locked and blocked from inside.”

“I could melt us an entrance.” Ember suggested, cracking her knuckles with her claw. “Just get the guard on the side out of the way and boom.”

“That would be helpful, Slash, but it’s not quite the method we’re looking for.” Fortuna halted her train of thought. “We prefer something called the changeling way.”

“And what ‘way’ is that, exactly?”

“Based on the layout of the warehouse, I’d say a standard Decoy and Deploy maneuver. Lure all the guards away with a few well-timed skirmishes, then sneak in through the roof hatch to catch any remaining guards by surprise.” Pharynx stated, stepping forward.

“I was about to suggest that.” Metamorphosis spoke up. Pharynx couldn’t help shooting him a glare.

“Well, you didn’t. I did.”

“Trachus.” Fortuna hissed, and Pharynx could tell she was itching to lecture him, but they didn’t have time.

“In any case, you’re right. We were thinking of Decoy and Deploy.” Midlight jumped in to avoid an argument.

Fortuna relaxed slightly. “Alright then. Storm Wake, Toxis, Slash, you’ll go with Songwing to act as decoys for the guards to follow. Transmorpho, Vertex, Clef, and Trachus, you’ll be breaking in through the roof with me.”

Pharynx knew Fortuna chose the groups like this for a reason. If he didn’t love her so much, he’d have gutted her by now. Thorax stepped closer to him, and his temporarily golden eyes flashed.

“Pharynx, you’re drenched in negative emotions. I-I know you don’t like this, but please, mom seems to think it’s a good idea.”

Pharynx sighed and looked away. Ever since their transformation, Thorax had been able to transmit his thoughts more easily than before. It helped with communication sometimes, but Pharynx hated to have to more readily agree with him.

“Fine. I’ll play nice. For now. I still don’t like him.”

Fortuna tapped her hoof against the ground twice, and instantly Midlight disappeared into the trees. Tempest, Ocellus, and Ember followed her without a word, while Fortuna and Metamorphosis led the others into the air. It was time for the plan to be put into action.

Time to see if Pharynx could stay civil with the father he had just found.