//------------------------------// // Chapter 26: Leads to Many // Story: Patrilineality: Making Up For Time We Lost // by Melody Song //------------------------------// Soon, it had been a week since the death of Oculus and Pupae. The shock and grief had worn off a little. With Thorax feeling stronger and less upset, it was time to prepare for the warrior burial ceremony. Metamorphosis and Thorax were discussing the funeral arrangements with Sillia and Tibius in the throne room. That was when Pharynx came bursting in. Metamorphosis tasted worry and fear coming from him. Without Pharynx needing to speak a word, Metamorphosis knew what it was. Only one current situation could get Pharynx to panic like this when bringing them news. “Thorax!” Pharynx stopped in front of them, eyes wide. “Capillarie and Scorpia are in the infirmary!” Sillia and Tibius took this as a signal to leave, nodding politely to the leaders before rushing off. Metamorphosis assumed they would spread the word, but he was more focused on what Pharynx had announced. Capillarie and Scorpia were strong nymphs, if they were in the infirmary, it could only mean one thing. “I was afraid of this… they’ve grown too weak.” Metamorphosis murmured. Thorax’s ears pricked and his eyes widened. He had heard him. “What?! No! We've been trying so hard, I thought they were getting stronger!” Thorax exclaimed, rushing out of the throne room. Metamorphosis and Pharynx were fast behind. “Pharynx, where’s Apex?” “He’s napping with Zen and Hero, don’t worry, he didn’t see it.” Pharynx assured the frantic king, then glanced at Metamorphosis, adding in an undertone, “Dad, what if we’re too late…?” “We have to hope we aren’t Pharynx, Thorax would never be able to handle it otherwise.” Metamorphosis replied in an equally low voice. And Metamorphosis did hope. He prayed to the Equestrian princesses that the nymphs would be alright, that his son's efforts would not go to waste. They had been doing so well, and Thorax had been trying so hard to find a changeling female who was still nursing her own nymphs, that might provide Scorpia and Capillarie with the lifegiving nectar. He had even sent a message to Twilight Sparkle, but her research had, for once, turned up nothing. Deep down, Metamorphosis had known it would be pointless. It wouldn’t make a difference. He had seen similar things to this before. The nymphs were far too weak. But still, he had hoped the nymphs would live, he doubted either of his sons would be able to handle it if they didn't. However, it was inevitable. Metamorphosis at least hoped for a painless death for them. They made it to the infirmary and rushed for Scorpia and Capillarie. The two were lying in the same large bed. Capillarie was resting, but Scorpia was awake. “Scorpia…” Thorax whispered “P-Papa Thorax…” Scorpia whispered, as Capillarie sat up. Both nymphs were trembling and sweating, weak without nectar. “I’m so sorry little ones, don’t worry, we’re going to fix this.” Thorax promised, but Metamorphosis could tell he was unsure. He knew Pharynx and the nymphs could tell too. “P-Papa Thorax, it’s okay.” Capillarie nosed him with a sad smile. “I-I knew we were gonna see mommy and daddy again soon… I know because I dreamed of it…” “Oh Capillarie…” Thorax nuzzled him. Capillarie smiled, closing his eyes briefly. “W-We were in a big field… they were leading us to golden gates with clouds beyond it… Ocellus wasn’t with us… but I wasn’t sad. I knew she shouldn’t be there, and that she was safe…” Capillarie continued “I-It’s not gonna be that scary, right?” Scorpia asked quietly. “Like falling asleep.” Capillarie replied, which seemed to comfort her. “No… no, you don’t have to… you shouldn’t have to learn what it’s like…” Thorax stammered. “But Papa Thorax, we’re going so we can be happy.” Capillarie murmured, coughing slightly. “No… you are happy… you don’t need to go…” Thorax lifted up Capillarie and cradled him. Capillarie coughed and leaned against him. “I-It’s okay Papa Thorax… we’ll be even happier there… I-I’ll s-see you there sissy…” Capillarie mumbled, closing his eyes. “Bye Cappie…” Scorpia whispered, lying down. “No! Capillarie, stay awake, please! Don’t close your… eyes…” Thorax began crying, his tears dripping onto the nymph’s body. But Capillarie didn’t move. He breathed no more. “P-Papa Thorax…?” Scorpia sat up slightly. “C-Can you hold me? P-Please…? I-I want you to hold me…” “O-Of course I can Scorpia…” Thorax murmured. Pharynx and Metamorphosis moved closer as Thorax laid Capillarie down on the bed, then lifted Scorpia up into his hooves. Thorax pulled Scorpia close, crying as he held her. She began talking, softly. “Thank you Papa Thorax… I-I wanted you to hold me, s-so I’ll feel warm before I go…” “Scorpia… no, don’t say that…” “B-But it’s true… I-I just wish… I could’ve seen Ocellus again… one last time…” Scorpia whispered “But I hope… she doesn’t join us for a long while…” “Oh, no Scorpia… no…” Thorax pulled her close. “Y-You will see her again… y-you’re going to have a long, happy life.” “Papa Thorax… s-some stuff just isn’t meant to happen… at least, I guess…” Scorpia coughed up some remnants of slime, her body was failing from lack of nutrition. “I… I know you’ll take care of sissy though… you’re the best kind we’ve ever had… g-goodbye Papa Thorax… I love you…” Then, with one final breath, Scorpia was still. Thorax let out a wail and Metamorphosis reached out, hugging him. Pharynx pressed closer. “They’re safe now, Thorax. They will never know pain, cold, or hunger again. They’re finally at peace.” Metamorphosis whispered. “They’re in Elysium with their parents, watching over us all.” Thorax nodded and looked down at the two nymphs, still crying. Unlike their parent’s final expressions of hate and anger, the young, innocent nymphs were smiling. They had gone peacefully. Thorax sobbed harder and reached out, lifting them both up, cradling them as he cried. Metamorphosis pulled away from Thorax slightly, giving him some space. He put a foreleg around Pharynx instead, drawing him close. Death was a harsh fact of life, and Metamorphosis knew it was one that did not come easy. However, it was also a lesson he knew everyone had to learn eventually. Even leaders of kingdoms. His sons were no exception. “Dad… what are we going to tell Ocellus…?” Pharynx asked quietly, leaning on Metamorphosis as they watched Thorax cry over the nymphs. Metamorphosis could not find a response. He merely hugged his son tightly, fighting back tears. Pharynx nuzzled against him, burying his head into his father’s shoulder. Metamorphosis sighed heavily. He could feel Pharynx, the toughest changeling in the Hive, crying into his shoulder. Metamorphosis released a few tears of his own as he watched Thorax holding the nymph’s lifeless bodies close. He began sobbing as he finally answered his son’s question, holding Pharynx tighter as he did. “I don’t know Pharynx. I just don’t know...”