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// Chapter 23: Snow Melts and Spring Comes 
// Story: Patrilineality: Making Up For Time We Lost 
// by Melody Song 
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Metamorphosis smiled as he wandered through the Hive. The weather was warming up at last, and the snow had begun to melt. This, of course, also meant a few rain showers, but now that the cold was leaving and the changelings were more alert, they could deal with these. A coming storm was actually the reason Metamorphosis was heading for one room in particular.

He ducked under some low hanging vines that resembled a curtain, smiling softly as he stood outside the entrance to the room. “Ocellus?”

“Metamorphosis! Come in, please!” Ocellus’ voice called from within the room.

Metamorphosis entered the room. Ocellus was still at the Hive for the winter holidays. Smolder had returned home to the Dragonlands with Ember, to see her family. Ocellus was lying on her bed, reading.

“Heh, hello Ocellus.” Metamorphosis trotted closer and nuzzled her.

“What are you doing in here?” the young changeling asked “N-Not that I’m not glad to see you.”

“I know, it’s nice to see you too. I’m just checking in on you, there’s a storm coming, if you didn’t realize.” Metamorphosis nodded at the darkening skies.

“Oh, I was so invested in my book I didn’t notice.” Ocellus said, glancing out the window.

“Heh, I could tell.” Metamorphosis sat on the floor beside the bed. “But while I’m here… is everything alright with your parents?”

Ocellus frowned and her ears drooped. “I don’t know…”

“I was afraid that you’d say that. Honestly I’d been noticing signs for a while.” Metamorphosis said, frowning. He rose and put a foreleg over her. “Would you like to talk with me about it?”

“It’s just…” Ocellus whispered. “They’ve been so distant, a-and they don’t say goodnight to me anymore, or even to Capillarie and Scorpia. I’m worried… i-it’s like they’re casting aside the love we have in our family.”

“Oh Ocellus…” Metamorphosis hugged her. “It’s okay, little one.”

Ocellus rubbed her eyes. “I-I wouldn’t be surprised if they d-don’t even help Capillarie and Scorpia when the storm hits. Th-They only stay with them long enough for mom to give them her nectar, since they’re still too little to eat other foods. A-And they’re scared of storms…”

“It’s alright Ocellus. Capillarie and Scorpia are safe and sound in the nursery.” Metamorphosis nuzzled her. “They will be comforted by the nursery caretakers and their fellow younglings.”

Ocellus nodded in silent agreement, cuddling against him. Metamorphosis smiled softly. He knew he could not fix the problems with her parents, only her parents themselves would be able to fix their mistakes. But… perhaps he could offer her a way to escape the hurting, temporarily.

“And you will be safe and sound with us.” Metamorphosis continued, and she looked up.

“Y-You mean…?”

“Mhm. Ocellus, would you like to join me and my sons during the storm?” Metamorphosis offered

“Y-Yes, I’d like that… thank you Metamorphosis…” Ocellus said “C-Could I bring my book?”

“Of course. I’m sure Thorax and Pharynx won’t mind.” he chuckled

Ocellus smiled and picked up her book. Metamorphosis waited for her, then led her out as the thunder began to rumble across the skies.

Metamorphosis led her through the hallway to Thorax’s room.

“You know, Ocellus, this offer isn’t just for today.” Metamorphosis said, looking down at her.

“I-It isn’t?”

“Of course not. You are Thorax’s student, and even if you weren’t, we would not turn you down if you needed something. If you ever want to spend time with us, you just have to ask.”

“Okay Metamorphosis. Thank you…” Ocellus said, hugging her book to her chest as they walked into Thorax’s room.

Thorax was curled up on the bed, looking out the window. Apex was asleep, cuddled up to Thorax’s chest. Pharynx was lying on his stomach beside him, head resting on his crossed forelegs. Metamorphosis smiled and led Ocellus to them.

“Oh, dad, there you are.” Thorax said, looking up, then smiled when he saw Ocellus. “And you brought Ocellus!”

“H-Hi Thorax… M-Metamorphosis said I could stay here with you…” Ocellus said nervously, and Metamorphosis smiled at her softly.

“Oh, well, he’s right, of course you can. Come here.” Thorax urged kindly

Ocellus trotted forwards, then crawled into the bed. She curled up in between Thorax’s forelegs, and Apex shifted to make room for her, sighing softly in content. Ocellus opened her book to where she had left off. Metamorphosis settled down in the bed beside Pharynx, nosing him in slight concern.

“Pharynx? Are you okay?”

“Mhm… ge’ off dad… ‘m sleeping…” Pharynx mumbled

“Heh, don’t mind him dad, he likes sleeping during rainstorms.” Thorax explained, rubbing Pharynx’s head. “Don’t you cuddlebug?”

“Sh-Shuddap snugglebug.” Pharynx grunted, opening his eyes and leaning against Thorax. It was then that he noticed Ocellus. “O-Oh… uh… d-don’t you dare tell anyone about that nickname, Ocellus. Either nickname.”

“Okay Pharynx, I won’t.” Ocellus promised, then looked back down at her book.

Pharynx sighed and smiled as he settled back down. Metamorphosis nuzzled him and he grunted before rolling onto his side. The rain had begun to fall, and the room’s atmosphere quickly turned cozy and comforting.

“So, Ocellus, what are you reading?” Metamorphosis asked, trying to make conversation.

“Oh, a new book my classmate lent me. It’s about a girl in a high school that’s extremely sexist, and she’s standing up against it.” Ocellus explained

“Sounds interesting.”

“Mhm.” Ocellus said

“Would you mind reading it to us?” Thorax asked gently

“Um… well… it’s got a lot of… curse words in it, Thorax…” Ocellus explained, blushing.

“Oh. Heheh… nevermind…” Thorax nuzzled her. “Enjoy the book though.”

“Okay.” Ocellus nuzzled him back, then looked down at the book.

Metamorphosis smiled around at them. Thorax was content to sit and stare out the window, watching the rain as it fell outside. Ocellus was calm and clearly happy, reading her book while curled up by Thorax and Apex. Pharynx napped peacefully beside the two changelings, his hooves reaching out to wrap around his brother’s side and cuddle closer. And he himself, laying beside Pharynx and watching over them like only a father could. Metamorphosis smiled. Even though Ocellus wasn’t related to them, lying here together, they really seemed to be like a little family. And this family was perfect.

End of Act 2