//------------------------------// // Sister-Brother Bonding // Story: Pride and Joy // by Melody Song //------------------------------// Pharynx sighed and tapped his hoof restlessly on the side of his bed. He sighed again, staring blankly at the book on war strategies he had propped up on the pillow. Usually it would draw him in and he’d be invested in the thing, but today he was too bored. Apex was spending the day with Thorax, so he couldn’t train him. The patrols had-surprisingly-gone on their rounds without his prompting. And with Thorax occupying Apex, there wasn’t anything to discuss with his brother. All in all, Pharynx had the day off. And he hated it. Pharynx wasn’t the kind of changeling to take days off. He loved working, especially if it involved training in any way. He always did his best to make sure he at least had something to do. The beta changeling sighed and stood up, sliding the book back onto the shelf. He then stretched a bit and wandered out of his room. Pharynx wasn’t planning on going anywhere in particular, but hoped a short walk might help him think of something to do. “I could always do some solo-training… no, it’s not as fun without a nymph to boss around… I could grab one of the nymphs from the nursery… maybe that yellow and blue one… what was his name? Parquel? Stupid name… but he seems tough enou-” Pharynx’s train of thought was abruptly cut off as he collided with something. Due to not paying much attention to where he was going, Pharynx had bumped into someling. “Oof!” a small voice grunted as Pharynx stepped back. He then saw who he’d bumped into. “Oh, it’s just you Ocellus.” “Nice to see you too Pharynx.” Ocellus said smoothly, picking herself up. “Whatever.” Pharynx sighed, rolling his eyes. “What are you doing here anyway?” “You know that school’s out for the summer-” “I meant, why are you in my way?” “Well, Thorax was going to help me with a lesson to prepare me for my future role in the Hive, but he’s-” “Playing with the grub, I know.” “Mhm. Since he said I could take a break from studying for the day, I thought maybe I could go read outside.” Ocellus explained, showing Pharynx her saddlebags, which had a couple books tucked inside. Pharynx noticed most of them seemed to be about dealing with loss, but chose not to comment on that. Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Of course Ocellus would go outside just to read… wait…” “You know, you could be doing something else other than burying your muzzle in a book.” Pharynx said, and Ocellus hugged her bags protectively. “Like what?” she asked, raising a brow, and Pharynx gave a slight sigh. “Look, I know that you’re upset about Oculus and Pupae-” “Upset doesn’t begin to describe-” “Let me finish. I know you’re upset about them and grieving, but trust me, reading about loss and how to deal with it isn’t going to help. Everyone has their own way of coping with grief and the methods in books can only go so far, believe me.” “Why should I?” Ocellus asked, and Pharynx didn’t respond. She rolled her eyes. “Fine, what do you suggest I do then?” “Well, how about a lesson from me? Thorax has been teaching you a lot about diplomatic things you’ll need to know, but I haven’t gotten much of a chance to show you the other things you’ll need to learn.” Pharynx said, a smirk growing on his face. “Oh, well, okay-wait.” Ocellus’ eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What kind of things?” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “I really should have seen this coming.” Ocellus sighed “Oh quit complaining and get in position.” Pharynx said, circling her. “I don’t see how this is supposed to help.” “Two ways. If you’re going to be our Royal Advisor you need to know proper fighting techniques, so if necessary you can help me protect Thorax. Because I can only watch one of you at a time, it would be helpful if you could defend yourself.” “And the other way?” “Learning to fight was something that Oculus and Pupae enjoyed greatly, and it might help you cope if you did things that they used to do.” Ocellus sighed and sunk into a battle stance. “Alright, I guess I can understand that… but still, I don’t see the logical point of this, you act like you’re expecting us to be attacked any day now.” “I’m just trying to ensure you can protect yourself.” Pharynx retorted, gesturing for her to adjust her stance. “Come on, if Apex can do this so can you.” “Fine…” Ocellus shifted, getting into the correct position. “Now what do you want me to do?” “I’m going to startle you, you need to dodge me.” Pharynx said. “I could come from any direction, so be on alert.” “Alright, alright.” Ocellus crouched low, barely hearing Pharynx leave. She pricked her ears and listened close, trying to hear something that might signal Pharynx was nearby. Soon, Ocellus began to think Pharynx had tricked her. She sighed and tensed her muscles, preparing to stand. Then, just as Ocellus opened her mouth to call out to Pharynx, something hard rammed into her side. She shrieked as she fell into the sand of the training hollow. “The element of surprise, key to any battle.” Pharynx spoke from above her. “Never let your guard down, Ocellus, basic knowledge.” “Hmph. You cheated, you never said you’d wait for me to give up.” “I didn’t wait. I was creeping towards you the whole time. If your senses were more fine-tuned you’d have heard me coming. Or maybe not, I’m not the best in the Hive at all physical activities for nothing.” Pharynx said. “Yes, how wonderful.” Ocellus muttered, giving him a look. “Do we have to keep going? I want to read my books.” “You can do that later, training is more important. It’s like studying, the only way to get better is to keep practicing.” Pharynx told her “You know, I never thought about it connecting to studying like that… but I guess it makes sense.” Ocellus said, putting a hoof to her chin in thought. “The reason you never thought of it that way is probably because you were convinced physical activity had no real purpose at all.” Pharynx said, looking at her “I guess… I mean, I didn’t think it was a waste of time necessarily, but I didn’t think it was something I’d have to do very often… mom and dad used to try to convince me too but…” As Ocellus trailed off, Pharynx reached and laid a hoof on her shoulder gently, giving her shoulder a light pat of comfort. “Well if you’re going to be my royal advisor you’ll find that you’re very wrong very soon.” Pharynx chuckled, smirking. “Oh, the training I’m going to put you through…” Ocellus gulped nervously, looking around. She then spotted her books, the saddlebag they were in having been placed at the edge of the training hollow. She smiled slightly, looking at Pharynx. “Well, if you like training so much, maybe we can try mental training instead?” “You just want an excuse to read your books.” Pharynx accused “Not exactly.” Ocellus smiled. “I was thinking maybe… chess?” Pharynx blinked, then grinned. “Sure, if you want to be beaten again. I’m great at chess.” “Oh we’ll just see about that.” Ocellus muttered, grinning. ------------------------------------------------- “How are you doing that?!” Pharynx exclaimed, glaring at Ocellus, who was looking at him smugly. “You’re not the only one who’s allowed to be smart.” Ocellus replied, moving a pawn forwards. Pharynx glared at her, then resumed his focus on the chessboard. Ocellus was almost to his king, so he moved it to the left. Ocellus grunted, realizing she didn’t have any pieces there, and Pharynx smirked. “How are you so good at this?” Ocellus asked, moving her rook. “I figured you only care about physical fitness!” “Just because I enjoy training my body doesn’t mean I don’t know how to train my brain.” Pharynx retorted, stung a little by her comment. He pushed a pawn to the left, which Ocellus quickly captured. “Besides, war strategies are a lot like chess.” “How so?” Ocellus asked, jumping a square with her knight and capturing his bishop. “You’re the general and the pieces are your soldiers. For example, Ocellus…” Pharynx placed a pawn near her queen, which she took. “It would seem like you’re winning.” “Indeed it would.” Ocellus said, grinning. “Just one question.” Pharynx jumped a square with his knight. “How many of my pawns do you have?” “Seven.” “And how many do I have total?” “Eight. But why should that-” “Because you’ve neglected to notice that while you’ve been busy capturing the pieces I attempt to move towards the front of where your queen is guarding the king, one of my pawns has your king from behind.” “W-What?!” Ocellus’ eyes widened as Pharynx grabbed the named pawn and used it to knock her king over. “Checkmate.” he said smoothly. “Wha-I-how?!” Pharynx smirked and leaned back in his seat, chuckling as Ocellus gazed at him in surprise. “You see, Ocellus, a player must be willing to sacrifice all his or her pieces in order to ensure success.” Pharynx explained, smirking at her. “Don’t be embarrassed, I had to learn that once too.” “Oh really? By who then?” Ocellus said, though only pretending to be interested as she picked up the game pieces. “General Fortuna.” Ocellus froze and nearly dropped the bishop she was holding. Pharynx chuckled, standing up. “F-Fortuna?” “Yep. Greatest General and mentor I could’ve asked for.” Pharynx replied, staring off into the distance wistfully. “I remember when she did this to me. Granted, she only gave me a brief explanation of how the pieces moved before we started, while you already know how to play, so it wasn’t quite the same.” “She taught you how to play chess?” “She taught me pretty much everything I know. Heck, she even tried to teach me to be nicer to Thorax.” Pharynx laughed, and Ocellus gaped at him. “Well, it’s true. She became like a second mother to me, after a while.” “Oh…” Ocellus looked away, realizing now why Pharynx had seemed so sure that reading wouldn’t help her grief. “I’m sorry that she-” “Don’t be. It was a long time ago, and she died doing what she loved. She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” Pharynx replied, packing up the rest of the chess set. “”So she’s the reason you have mental and physical capabilities?” “Pretty much. Of course, you weren’t so bad yourself.” “But you completely dominated me.” Ocellus objected “I wouldn’t say that.” Pharynx chuckled, smiling slightly. “If I hadn’t suddenly remembered the trick Fortuna pulled on me in my first game, you would have won.” “W-Wait, really?” Ocellus asked, and he nodded. “Yes, really.” Pharynx replied, rolling his eyes. “Congratulations, you’ve realized sometimes the General can be beat. He just prefers not to tell creatures it’s possible.” Ocellus giggled softly, then yawned. “S-Sorry, I’m a bit tired from all the training and the surprising strain that chess match put on me.” “Hey, you played against the King, of course you’re tired.” Pharynx said sharply, laughing. “No, I played against the Prince. Thorax is with Apex.” Ocellus said cooly. Pharynx grunted. “That’s not funny.” “So?” Ocellus giggled, grabbing her bags and yawning again. “I think I’m just going to go read in my room.” Pharynx sighed and stepped in front of her. “You want a lift?” “Huh?” “I mean, I am the reason you’re tired.” Pharynx lowered down slightly. “Go on, climb on.” “Really? You want to carry me?” Ocellus raised a brow. “Let me guess, you’re going to drop me.” “Oh come on, I may be rude and sarcastic but I’m not cruel, Ocellus.” Pharynx said. “Besides, if I can deal with the grub climbing on me then I can handle you.” “Okay…” Ocellus fluttered her wings, settling herself on the larger changeling’s back. Pharynx then straightened up and began walking towards Ocellus’ room. He sighed slightly as he felt Ocellus rest her head against the back of his neck. The beta changeling continued walking, trying not to think about one of his guards seeing this and teasing him later. Pharynx managed to make it back to Ocellus’ room without anyone seeing the two. He stopped and let her climb off. “Thanks Pharynx.” Ocellus said, adjusting her saddlebags. “But… why did you do that for me?” Pharynx sighed. “I don’t know, I just felt like being nice.” he then saw the look on her face. “Hey, it happens every once in a while you know.” “I guess… well… thank you.” Ocellus said, pulling one of her books out. Pharynx didn’t recognize it, the cover was black and white, the title in pink. Moxie. “What’s that?” Pharynx asked, and Ocellus glanced down at the book he was staring at. “Oh, Moxie? I put it in there in case I got tired of reading the other books. Why?” Ocellus asked “It seems… I mean, it…” Pharynx trailed off. “Yes?” “Is it a crime for me to like reading sometimes, Ocellus?” “Well, no, I was just kind of surprised you were interested.” Ocellus admitted “Yeah, well…” Pharynx sighed and looked away. “Look, I just… we did say you were a part of the family, but I know you and I don’t really spend a lot of time together. I know how hard it is to lose someone you care about, and… I want to make sure you’re okay. Happy?” Ocellus blinked, and then lunged for him. Pharynx immediately tensed up, but he didn’t have to, as Ocellus wrapped her hooves around him. “Um… okay…” Pharynx said, pushing her away a little. “Sorry…” “It’s fine, just maybe don’t do that again in public?” Pharynx asked, looking around. Ocellus snickered. “Afraid of wounding your reputation as a tough warrior? That ship’s sailed, cuddlebug.” Pharynx turned bright red and snarled at her. “What have I told you about that nickname?” Ocellus just laughed and walked into her room. Pharynx growled and followed her. “You’re insufferable.” Pharynx said, glaring at her. Ocellus just stuck her tongue out at him. “Seriously?” “What? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do to your-” Ocellus broke off. “Your what?” Pharynx asked “...Siblings.” Ocellus whispered “Wait… I thought-” “It’s very flattering that Thorax sees me as a daughter.” Ocellus cut him off. “But honestly… you’ve always kind of been like an older brother to me. A rude, sarcastic, mean-” “Watch it.” Pharynx warned “-Annoying brother, but a brother nonetheless.” Ocellus said, looking down at the ground. “Besides, you are pretty funny sometimes, and you do act like you're my age when we interact.” “Sometimes. And only because you’re so hard to deal with when we fight.” “Exactly. Brother and sister.” Ocellus looked back up. “Would you… want to be like my brother?” Pharynx looked at the nymph’s hopeful, wide eyes, and sighed. “I guess… that wouldn’t be so bad. Besides, apparently I treat you like a sister anyway.” Ocellus beamed, then set her bag down on her bed. “Thank you Pharynx… would you like to read with me? I think you’d like Moxie.” “Alright, alright.” Pharynx sighed, sitting beside Ocellus on the bed. Ocellus smiled and opened the book. Pharynx sighed and pulled her over to him, and Ocellus smiled, continuing to read. Pretty soon, the nymph had dozed off, the book falling from her hooves. Pharynx grabbed it and set it down, then laid Ocellus down in her bed. Pharynx then yawned and shifted, trying to get up. “I probably have time to go take a nap…” “No… stay…” Ocellus mumbled, and Pharynx stopped. “Stay, please… brother…” Pharynx sighed and laid down beside her. “Fine… guess sleeping here won’t make much of a difference…” Ocellus smiled and cuddled against him. “Love you brother…” Pharynx sighed and wrapped a hoof around her, smiling. “Love you too sis.” he said, then yawned and closed his eyes, lying down beside Ocellus. Soon, he was asleep as well. --------------------------------------------- “Pharynx? You in here?” Thorax poked his head into Ocellus’ room an hour later. “I mean, it’s probably unlikely since you don’t really spend time with-Ocellus?” Thorax’s eyes widened as he saw the two changelings curled up in the bed. Pharynx had his hooves around Ocellus. Thorax smiled softly and slowly backed up. “Well, I can always talk to him later…” Thorax murmured, walking back to rejoin Apex in the nursery, smiling.