//------------------------------// // Bonus Chapter: Metamorphosis Meets Apex // Story: Patrilineality: Making Up For Time We Lost // by Melody Song //------------------------------// Thorax smiled as he led Metamorphosis down the hall. “There’s someone special I really want you to meet.” “But haven’t I already met everyone?” Metamorphosis asked, referring to when he was introduced to the Hive. Thorax chuckled. “Not quite.” “Wait… is this the nursery?” Metamorphosis asked as Thorax led him down a familiar hall. Thorax smiled knowingly and entered the room. It had changed since how it looked in the Old Hive. It was lined with crevasses in the walls, for egg clutches to be nestled in. The floor was covered with a thick layer of moss. However, one thing made Metamorphosis concerned. It was empty. “Thorax… where are the nymphs?” Thorax suddenly emitted a wave of remorse, and Metamorphosis frowned. “Are they…?” “Wait!” Thorax held up a hoof. Metamorphosis startled and looked down. A small nymph rested in the moss, curled in a ball. His lime-green chitin blended perfectly in against the moss. The only signs he was there was the small horn on his head, his red carapace, and his red tail. Thorax smiled kindly and reached, gently hooking his foreleg under the nymph’s stomach and scooping him up. “Apex…” Thorax whispered The nymph rolled in his sleep, revealing that he had diamond shapes on his chest. He wiggled and opened his eyes slowly, revealing ruby red eyes. His eyes opened wide when he saw Thorax. “Papa Thorax!” the nymph reached for him, and Thorax chuckled as he hugged him. “Missed you!” “Heh, I missed you too my little hyper sprite.” Thorax nuzzled him, then turned to face Metamorphosis. “Y-You’re a…” Metamorphosis began to say, but was distracted by a whimper. The little nymph was curled up, cradled in Thorax’s foreleg. He was staring, wide-eyed, at Metamorphosis. Thorax smiled and nuzzled the nymph. “Apex, this is Metamorphosis, Pharynx and I’s father.” Apex stared at him in awe. Metamorphosis gave him a gentle smile, but the little nymph snuggled into Thorax. “Y-Your daddy?” Apex whispered, and Thorax nodded, shifting his hoof. “Is tha’ where you wen’? ‘Cause Sillia an’ Fema sai’ you were goin’ somewhere bu’ they didn’ say where.” “Mhm. Dad…” Thorax looked up to him. “Meet Apex. My adopted son.” Thorax kissed Apex on the forehead, and Apex giggled, reaching up and batting at his muzzle gently. Thorax chuckled, then looked to Metamorphosis. “You… you adopted a nymph?” Metamorphosis asked “But… what about his parents? Are they-” Apex began whimpering, and Thorax sat down with him. He reached, repetitively running a hoof down Apex’s forehead, off the bridge of his muzzle. Apex’s eyes drooped and he yawned, reaching and wrapping his tiny hooves around Thorax’s hoof, leading it to his muzzle. Thorax chuckled and shifted as Apex guided his hoof into his mouth, where he began sucking on it. Thorax nuzzled the little nymph as he drifted off. He then glanced up at Metamorphosis, and spoke in a low whisper. “Apex’s parents were killed during the Great Change, an explosion of love caused a cave-in. Most of the other nymphs and eggs were crushed too. There aren’t many new eggs now, and the remaining nymphs are probably with their parents.” “So you adopted him… when you could have let any other changelings raise him…” Thorax blushed. “I… I couldn’t help it… he’s so sweet… in a mischievous, adorably rambunctious way…” Apex yawned and nestled closer. “You’re not wrong… he seems very peaceful now though.” “Heh, wait until he’s more alert.” Thorax chuckled. “But I love him for who he is, of course.” “Heh, that’s what it means to be a parent.” Metamorphosis murmured, leaning over to nuzzle Thorax. “Thanks dad.” “So, did this little one start the ‘Papa Thorax’ nickname?” Metamorphosis asked, and Thorax chuckled. “Yep. The rest of the Hive started using it after he did.” Thorax nuzzled the nymph. “Mm… Papa Thorax?” Apex mumbled, and Thorax looked down. “Yes Apex?” “Mm… snuggles?” “Heh, in a minute sweetie.” Thorax nuzzled him. He giggled and settled back down. “So, you’re not upset?” “Heh, how could I be upset when my son is becoming such an amazing and wonderful changeling?” Metamorphosis nuzzled Thorax gently. “I’m proud of you, for doing this for him.” “Thank you dad… I really thought he deserved a father… and, well, we bonded. I love my little hyper sprite.” Thorax said, smiling down at the drowsy nymph. Metamorphosis smiled at the nymph as well. “So, what does Pharynx think?” “Heh, he loves Apex, in his own way. Now, I’d better get this little one to bed.” Thorax smiled, and Apex’s ears pricked. “Snuggles now?” “Heh, yes honey, snuggles now.” Thorax smiled at the nymph and nuzzled him. Apex smiled and kept Thorax’s hoof in his mouth. Thorax, however, slowly retracted it so he could stand. “Come on, let’s go to my room, I’m sure you got tired of sleeping alone in the nursery.” “Mhm… love you Papa Thorax…” Apex nuzzled up against Thorax, who trotted out of the nursery, still cradling him. “I love you too Apex.” Thorax smiled at him. Thorax entered his room, and Metamorphosis looked around. It had a large bed on one side of the room, the rest was empty save for a desk and a door that Metamorphosis assumed led to a private bathroom. The bed itself had pillows lining wherever it touched the walls. Apex giggled and yawned as Thorax settled down in the bed sphinx-style, laying the nymph inbetween his forelegs. “Alright, sleepy time my little nymph.” “Can I have Blizzard?” Apex asked sleepily. “Of course Apex.” Thorax smiled and turned. He ignited his antlers to open a chest tucked behind the bed. Metamorphosis hadn’t noticed it before. A small white teddy bear was lifted out of it and brought over to the nymph. Apex beamed and grabbed it out of Thorax’s magic, pulling it close and cuddling it. “Heh, he seems to really like it.” Metamorphosis commented. “It’s his favorite toy.” Thorax leaned down and nuzzled Apex. “You must’ve missed him, didn’t you?” “Uh-huh. Sillia wouldn’ le’ me come ge’ him ‘cause you weren’ here to a’prove i’ or somethin’.” Apex mumbled, cuddling the bear. “I’m sure Blizzard missed you too.” Thorax said “The grub’s gonna end up spoiled at this rate.” Metamorphosis turned at the sound of his other son’s voice. Pharynx had entered the room, which made Apex look up as well. He reached out a hoof to Pharynx as the beta changeling got closer. “Uncle Pharynx!” “Heh… hey grub.” Pharynx nuzzled him gently. Apex giggled and lightly batted at his muzzle. “Missed you Uncle Pharynx.” “Yeah, missed you too, grub.” Pharynx looked up at Thorax. “Seriously, he’s going to be so spoiled at the rate you’re going.” “Heh, that’s why I have you to help me.” Thorax teased “Besides, Apex will be a nice little nymph, I know it. He may grow up very privileged but he won’t let it go to his head. He’s too sweet and precious for that.” “True…” Pharynx glanced at Metamorphosis. “I take it you’ve been introduced to the grub?” “Yes, he seems very nice.” Thorax chuckled and leaned down to nuzzle the nymph, who yawned hugely. “Time to go back to sleep, Apex.” “Noo…” Apex moaned “I wanna stay up, ‘m no’ sleepy…” “Heh, come on my little hyper sprite.” Thorax traced a hoof down the nymph’s forehead again, off the bridge of his muzzle. “All good nymphs go to sleep.” “An’ good papa changelings don’ make their nymphs go to bed.” Apex grumbled, cuddling the bear. However, he yawned and allowed Thorax to place his hoof by his mouth. “Go to sleep my baby boy.” Thorax whispered, letting Apex begin to suck on his hoof. “Mm… o-okay…” Metamorphosis smiled softly, then looked to Pharynx and gestured for them to leave the room. Thorax and Apex deserved time to themselves, having only just reunited as father and son. ------------------------------------ Metamorphosis, very happy after a peaceful night’s sleep, entered Thorax’s room. He smiled as he observed the scene. Thorax was lying on his side now, Apex still held in his forelegs. The nymph shifted and slowly began to stir. Apex opened his eyes as Metamorphosis drew closer. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Hello Apex.” “H-Hi…” Apex looked out at him from behind Thorax’s forelegs. “I heard you’re a very rambunctious little bug.” Metamorphosis said Apex brightened. “I can do rambuncshous.” “Heh, okay.” Metamorphosis paused. “But first… those nicknames… ‘Papa Thorax’ and ‘Uncle Pharynx’ right?” “M-Mhm…” Apex nodded Metamorphosis smiled. “So then what would my nickname be?” Apex hesitated. “Um… you’re Papa Thorax’s daddy… so… Gran’pa Mety?” Metamorphosis chuckled. “I love it, little one.” Apex smiled. “Can we play?” “I don’t know, what about Thorax?” “Papa Thorax knows I leave, he doesn’ worry.” Apex explained. Something told Metamorphosis that Thorax in fact did worry. He simply didn’t reveal this to Apex in fear of making him think he’d done something wrong. “How about we play in here?” “Okay!” Apex whispered excitedly. He wiggled out of Thorax’s hold, stopping to nuzzle the alpha changeling affectionately before hopping down. Metamorphosis watched Apex trot over to the chest he’d seen the night before. Apex dug through it, pulling out toys and setting some aside. Metamorphosis chuckled. “I see why Pharynx made that comment about you being spoiled.” “Whas’ sp-oil’d?” Apex asked “Heh, it means that you get everything you want.” “I don’ get everything I want.” Apex said, pulling out a griffon plushie and moving it around like it was flying. “Well, has Thorax ever told you no?” “Yeah… bu’ he’s bad at i’. Uncle Pharynx tells me no all the time though.” Apex explained. “Heh, well, it’s nice to know they understand how to tell you no. And you’re very cute, I see why Thorax has a hard time.” Apex nodded and pushed a toy that seemed to be made of woven feathers towards him. “Heh, what’s this?” “I dunno. Queen Novo gave i’ to me when Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx took me with them to Moun’ Aries. They take me places a lot.” Metamorphosis chuckled. “I imagine they must do that to spend time with you.” “Mhm! An’ it’s fun ‘cause I always get presents!” Apex said, then trotted over and snuggled up against Metamorphosis, who chuckled. “Are you sure you don’t want to go back to Thorax?” “Mhm! I wanna play with you… Gran’pa Mety.” he added shyly Metamorphosis smiled and wrapped a hoof around Apex, lifting him up and nuzzling him. Apex giggled and reached, hugging him. Metamorphosis passively took in some of the nymph’s seemingly endless love, making him twitch and giggle. “Hehe, tickles Gran’pa Mety!” “Heh, sorry little one.” Metamorphosis nuzzled him. Apex smiled and reached out, booping him on the nose. Metamorphosis blinked in surprise, while Apex giggled at his reaction. “Gran’pa Mety?” Apex asked, and he shook himself. “Heh, yes Apex?” “How come you’re no’ transformded like us?” to prove his point, Apex snuggled down into Metamorphosis’ foreleg and pressed against his leg holes. “Didn’ Papa Thorax tell you how?” “Yes, he did Apex.” Metamorphosis lifted Apex closer. “He showed me how to transform. But for some reason, I was unable to.” “You couldn’?” “Mhm.” Apex hugged Metamorphosis, smiling. “I love you an'way.” Metamorphosis chuckled and hugged back. “Thank you Apex.” Apex giggled and nuzzled up to him. Metamorphosis smiled down at him. “So, Apex, have Thorax and Pharynx told you about their… their mother?” Apex froze, then looked away. “E’ery nymph knows who Chr-Chry-she is…” Apex mumbled “Oh?” Metamorphosis looked down at him in concern. “What’s wrong Apex?” “Sh-She’d a’ways c-come for me…” Apex buried his head in Metamorphosis’ shoulder. “Sh-She came, an-an’ she brought Uncle Pharynx wi’ her!” “To do what, Apex?” “Y-You don’ know?” “No, I must have already left the Hive at that point. But if you told me…?” “Sh-She… she came to b-beat me…” Apex mumbled, and Metamorphosis’ eyes widened. “Sh-She what?” “She called i’ m-makin’ ‘xamples of th-the weaker subj’cts. Sh-She used to do i’ to Celly too, b-but Uncle Pharynx says she on’y started d-doin i’ after Papa Thorax left… a-an’ we couldn’ stop i’…” Metamorphosis held Apex close. “I’m sorry Apex, I’m sorry that it happened and that I asked.” Apex whimpered and rubbed his eyes. He looked to be fighting back tears, and Metamorphosis stood. He carried the little nymph back to Thorax, setting him on the bed. “N-No… I-I don’ wanna go back to bed…” “Shh…” Metamorphosis nuzzled him. “I just think you need Thorax right now.” Apex nodded, whimpering. He crawled over and cuddled up to Thorax again, making him stir. “Hm?” Thorax sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Dad?” “Morning Thorax.” “P-Papa Thorax…” Apex nuzzled up to him. “Apex? Sweetie, what’s wrong?” Thorax lifted him and nuzzled him. Apex cuddled against him. “I… I asked him if you and Pharynx had told him about your mother.” “Oh… oh, Apex…” Thorax rocked the little nymph as he began to whimper. “It’s okay honey…” Thorax began soothing the nymph, giving him his hoof to suck on. Apex sucked on the alpha changeling’s hoof, tears flowing but beginning to dry up. Thorax nuzzled him, then looked up at Metamorphosis. “I had no idea, really. I don’t think she’s ever done what he said she did back when I lived here.” “I understand.” Thorax murmured, looking down at the nymph. “You… do?” “I… I used to think those punishments were confined to me, because I was the weaker son in her eyes. I was shocked and angry when I found out she’d done it to Ocellus and Apex. I see Ocellus as a daughter, in a way. She has parents, but I can’t help but see her as a daughter anyway. To find out Chrysalis had mainly targeted both the nymphs I see as good as my own children…” Metamorphosis nuzzled him. Thorax sighed, starting to cry. “I… I mean… I guess it just proves how alike they are to me… she took her anger out on the ‘weaker of the Hive’ just like she would with me…” “Thorax, I think you need to go back to sleep.” Metamorphosis said Thorax nodded and laid down, adjusting Apex in his hooves. They both closed their eyes as Metamorphosis settled down behind Thorax. He began stroking his son’s head, humming to him softly. Thorax smiled and held Apex closer. “Heh… I think Pharynx inherited your singing voice too…” Thorax murmured, and Apex giggled softly. “Hehe… mhm… Uncle Pharynx ‘s a good singer…” Metamorphosis smiled and wrapped his hooves around Thorax, holding his son close as he fell back asleep. ------------------------------------------- Metamorphosis woke up again some time later. He didn’t remember falling asleep, but he must have. He heard voices, and looked up to see Thorax had moved. He was now lying on his stomach on the floor, watching Apex put away his toys. “Apex, I’m sorry if dad…” “I’s okay Papa Thorax.” Apex laid the hippogriff feather toy back in the box. “I’s like when you hafta explain ‘bout… ‘bout me, so you dis’ract me.” “Oh, Apex…” “I ge’ i’ Papa Thorax.” The nymph bounded over, clutching the griffon plushie as well as Blizzard. He wagged his little tail as he settled down in Thorax’s forelegs. Apex set the plushies nearby, then lay on his stomach, like a mini-sphinx staring up at a larger one. “I don’ care if your daddy looks like her. An he looks more like Uncle Pharynx. So he’s special.” Thorax smiled and nuzzled him. “Alright Apex. As long as you’re okay with him.” “Mhm!” Apex then shifted and snuggled up to Thorax. “Gran’pa Mety’s fun.” “Heh, Grandpa?” Thorax asked “Mhm, ‘cause he’s your daddy.” Thorax giggled and nuzzled the nymph. Metamorphosis decided to make it known he was awake, hauling himself up. “Oh, dad!” Thorax looked up brightly. “Gran’pa Mety!” Metamorphosis chuckled as he trotted over, and the nymph reached for him. Apex scrambled out of Thorax’s forelegs and clambered onto Metamorphosis’ back. “You’re fin’ly ‘wake!” “Heh, yes Apex, I’m awake.” Metamorphosis chuckled “Now, how about some breakfast, my little hyper sprite?” Thorax suggested “Yay! Bacon an’ pancakes!” Apex cried, opening red wings from under his carapace and fluttering over to Thorax. Thorax smiled as the nymph landed on his head. “Alright, let’s go. Coming dad?” “Heh, of course Thorax.” Metamorphosis followed Thorax, who carried Apex on his head. They met up with Pharynx in the cafeteria. He was hunched over at one of the tables. “Pharynx?” Thorax asked “Wha-?!” Pharynx shot up, then yawned. “Oh, it’s just you.” “Are you alright Phar?” Thorax asked in concern. “Oh, yeah, I’m fine. Just up late.” “Nightmares again?” Thorax asked as he sat down beside him, letting Apex hop onto the seat on his other side. “I-what-? Uh-n-no.” Pharynx stammered as Metamorphosis sat by him, boxing Pharynx in between his father and brother, then giving him a nuzzle. “Daddd…” “Heh, sorry Pharynx.” Metamorphosis gave him a side-hug. “Geez…” Pharynx groaned. Thorax chuckled and leaned in, nuzzling him as well. “You want snuggles tonight?” he asked in a low voice. “I… um…” Pharynx blushed and glared at the table. “Well?” “I… I wouldn’t say no…” “Aww, heh, cuddlebug.” “Sh-Shut up.” Pharynx muttered, as Apex jumped over and sat in Pharynx’s lap. “Don’ you wanna snuggle with us Uncle Pharynx?” “I… dangit Thorax…” Pharynx glowered at Thorax. “Heh, what? Not my fault Apex is so adorable.” As if to prove his point, Apex made his eyes big and stuck out his bottom lip. “Oh no, not the puppy-dog eyes! Apex, no!” “Come on, he’s just trying to get you to join us so you have a good night’s sleep.” “I… oh fine.” Pharynx muttered, and Apex beamed, giggling as he went back to Thorax. “Dang grub.” Thorax and Metamorphosis just chuckled, Apex nuzzling up to Thorax. Pharynx sighed and leaned against Thorax, who slipped a foreleg around him. “We do need to talk about these nightmares Pharynx, they’re getting more and more frequent.” “Whatever…” Pharynx sighed, half-lidding his eyes and pressing against him. Metamorphosis smiled at the brothers, as Apex trotted over to him. He lifted up Apex and cradled him as the brothers talked to each other in low voices. “Heh, I take it you see this a lot?” Metamorphosis asked Apex, who nodded. “Mhm. They’re funny.” Apex giggled “Heh. They’re brothers.” Apex nodded and nuzzled Metamorphosis. “Can we have chockit chip pancakes?” “Heh, with extra bacon?” Metamorphosis suggested, raising a brow. “Yes!” Apex cried, eager to exploit Thorax’s distraction to get more food. Metamorphosis chuckled. “Oh Apex…” Well, from the ponies that he’d befriended as they traveled, he had learned many parenting stories. And it seemed that grandparents liked doting on their grandchildren. So Metamorphosis felt no shame. “Hehe, we haven’ spen’ much time toge’er ye’, bu’ I love you a’ready Gran’pa Mety.” Apex nuzzled up to him. Metamorphosis smiled, hugging him. Apex giggled and cuddled up to him. “I love you too Apex.” Metamorphosis smiled. “Now how about we get those pancakes?” “Yay!” Apex nuzzled him. Metamorphosis chuckled, embracing the new member of his family. He then headed off with him to get the nymph’s breakfast, leaving the brothers to continue their conversation.