//------------------------------// // Chapter 64: One nation, Two species pt.3 // Story: Era of Harmony // by Gambling_Sam //------------------------------// *Faust POV* I'm going to re-kill that conceited asshole. As soon as he warped out of my space after getting the go ahead to bring back two of those changeling captains, I had begun to watch his progress from my sphere to see if he would actually succeed. And lo and behold, the idiot screwed it up...again! As soon as he left, the human and Twilight Sparkle proceeded to destroy the zombified threats while his idiotic self decided to warp back to me with a big smile on his face. "Well, how do ya like that, Faustie?! I told you they would be history!" Tarus exclaims as he came through his teleport. I give him a deadpan stare as I point at the globe, which was showing off Ronin and Twilight conversing with a unicorn female and three griffons at some house shortly after defeating the zombie changelings. "You made history alright." I snarl, catching him off guard as I walk up to him and whack him on the head. "History as the galaxies greatest idiot! They're still alive, dumbass!" Groaning slightly from the blow, he walked up to the globe as his eyes widen in shock before he looks up and meets my wrathful gaze. "F-Faust...I don't know how they survived! Those two were an unstoppable team!" He stuttered out as I narrowed my eyes. "Perhaps while alive, but as decaying zombies?" I said as I shut my eyes to dull the rising headache I was getting. Tarus frowned for a while, seemingly to be deep in thought before he suddenly smiled widely. "Hey Faust, why don't you make yourself a champion?" He asked me as I reopened my eyes to glare at him. "And why would I do that? The last one turned on me the second he got his blessing." I stated, recalling the foolish idea of blessing a human with the power of prophecy. Tarus chuckled. "Then choose someone who already has power, and blackmail them. Give them no choice BUT to listen to you." He said as I tilted head. "It sounds like you already know who I should pick then?" I said as he nodded. "Easy. The young boy you've been keeping an eye on." He said as my eyes widened. "You mean Nicholas? Why in my name would I..." Then I realized where he was going with this as a smirk appeared on my face. "Ah, yes. Why try to kill the power in that child if we can make it ours? We would never have to worry about our jobs being in danger." Tarus winked as he turned to the globe. "EXACTLY!!! Now is the best time to do it anyway! Ronin is in Griffonia going after that old fart and Raiden might be heading to Tartarus soon himself. No one could protect him from me if I go now!" He proclaimed proudly as I shook my head. "No." He turned back to me, shocked. "No? What the hell do you mean no?!" I stepped forward, a look of malice on my face. "I mean no. You've failed too many times, Tarus. Head back to Tartarus, I will handle the boy." His eyes widened, realizing that I was serious. "Your actually going to go to the mortal realm? In person?" I nodded. "I'm done watching from the sidelines." I looked at the globe, sensing the presence of a being that should be long dead. "And if certain pieces are being brought back on the board, then I must interfere." I walked past him as I opened a golden portal to walk through. "Go home, Tarus. Let a real Equestrian handle this." I said as I walked through the portal. Tarus grumbled and warped away, as I looked towards the scale that sat nearby, always looming over the globe. Could I make a champion out of Nicholas? He's already shown to be vulnerable to mental torment...but I think I know a better way to convince him to see things my way. I thought as I looked over at the globe again, this time it was showing the boy cuddling with two familiar fillies on a lawn in ponyville. I shook my head and turned back to my portal and walked through. How much would you sacrifice to save those closest to you, child? ****************** Ronin POV ****************** I woke up to the familiar sound of snoring on top of me. After the agreement Grazier and I came to in the caverns, we returned to his and Opal's house on the outskirts of Griffinstone. To say Opal was suprised about what we had in mind was an understatement. She flat out told us it would be suicide to go against Grimbeak... ...Without a plan, anyway. And that's where Twilight decided to jump in. After an hour or two of them butting heads,, Her and Opal worked out that if Twilight and I went into the rather old castle while the couple attempted to rally some of the griffons to revolt against their king, we'd be able to not only locate him, but seize the throne as well. Of course, this wasn't going to happen in one night. Opal said it would take a day to get all the equipment and weapons made for the three griffons, and that we should rest up and prepare ourselves for the assault, so we settled in for the night. Twilight would end up sleeping in the guest bedroom while I slept on the same couch I had been put on while being unconscious. Half-asleep, I rubbed the mane of the loud thing on me. "Pinkie...cut out that snoring. Your gonna piss off Chrysalis again if you wake her up." "But Mom, I don't want to go outside! Let me study!!!" A sleep-induced voice told me back, causing me to open my eyes just to see Twilight on my bare chest. (I had unsummoned the armour to be more comfortable, though I kept the greaves on due to not being on an open couch with no blanket.) I looked on as Twilight scrunched her face up and stirred a bit, before snuggling into my body by wrapping her front legs around my chest as she sighed happily. D'aaawww, she looks so-NO! I yelled in my thoughts as I narrowed my eyes at the unbearably cute mare on me. I am not thinking those thoughts about her. Why not, My liege? I heard a voice speak out, echoing in my mind. Eyes widened in shock, I looked around before remembering it was a conversation in the hive mind. And you are? I asked mentally as I heard a small squeak from Twilight as she settled in. Drone number 123784202, your highness. A male voice stated timidly as I frowned. OK, three things. One, Don't call me king or highness, call me Sir. Second, why the hell do you have a numeral name? And three, why would I even think about seeing Twilight like that? The changeling in my head was silent for a long moment before answering. All drones are given a numeral as a name at birth, Sir. We, the hive that is, have also been watching your exploits through your eyes as we have been working on the nest. We have seen your struggles and your interactions, and it is clear that you care for this mare. I groaned quietly at that as several other voices chippers in agreement to what he said, meaning there were now more changelings listening in. "Well, first off I'm giving you a name." I actually said aloud by accident, almost waking up Twilight as she pulled herself up closer to my face, wrapping her forelegs around my neck now as she nuzzled my chest, muttering about someone being "big and strong". Uh...your name is now Luxord. And what do you mean I care for her? She's my bro's CRUSH!!! I heard some giggling from the changelings as the newly named Luxord sighed. Sir, we know your stubbornness matches Mother Chrysalis, but please think about this... He stated calmly as I frowned. Since when did the changelings call her that? Twilight Sparkle, by First Mothers memories, is a very powerful unicorn capable of many great feats. The hive would easily thrive with her as one of your mates. That, and your brother obviously has a one mare mind. I blinked in suprise at the reasoning behind his words. OK, that does make sense. But I ain't stepping on that minefield. Twilight likes Raiden anyway, and I got bigger things to worry about right now...such as MY UNBORN CHILD! I mentally shouted the last bits, starting to lose my cool. I could feel the flinch from the changelings as I finished my words. Though it wasn't long until Luxord spoke back up. Sir, believe me when I say your child is alright. The egg was brought to the hive moments ago, alongside the return of the three Queens. But you should at least consider the idea that the mare may only have a foals crush on your brother. OOO, HE SHOULD USE FLOWERS! An overly loud female changeling called out. No! He should flex his strapping body! I know that gets my venom running just thinking about it! Another female called out, making me shudder slightly at the idea of my drones sneaking peeks at me. You two are weird! Obviously he should just kiss her. It worked for Queen Chrysalis! A male called out before the whole mindset became an arguing match. I groaned softly, starting to get a headache as more changelings started voicing their opinions rather loudly, ignoring Luxords pleas to settle down. ENOUGH!!! I yell in my mind, effectively quieting the barrage of voices in my head, replacing the loud voices with an overwhelming wave of fear. Ugh, they're scared again. Greeeaaaat. Listen, yall can't just blow up my mind like that. I said sternly, but softer than before as to not cause the changelings to be even more afraid of me. And besides we aren't herding with Twilight. As far as that goes, she's not even into me anyway. I thought as I heard several murmurs ring out as Luxord sighed. Very well, Sir. If that is what you wish to believe, we will let you rest. Come, my people. We must let the king sleep before his mission continues. With that, their presence from my mind disappeared, making it feel actually quite lonely in my head as I kinda missed their presence. Dang...Can't believe I'm missing having multiple voices in my head. I chuckled softly as I looked at Twilight, who was snoring softly as she was pressed against me, I couldn't help but softly stroke her mane as thoughts of my brother went through my mind. Raiden...you better not break this mare's heart. **************** Chrysalis POV **************** "Finally!" I exclaimed as we laid Pinkie Pie down into the main bedrooms bed at the hive-house. "Your sure she is alright, Nurse?" Redheart looked to me as she centered the egg Pinkie had...laid on the floor nearby the bed and nodded. "None of the test I did showed any negative signs, so we had to take her out of that room." She looked to Pinkie, who had begun to mutter to herself with a huge smile in her sleep, before shaking her head with a smile. "I swear, that mare is one of a kind. How can she end up laying an egg and just end up sleeping it off like that?" I shrugged my shoulders and turned to the door. "Each Queen handles it differently. Who knows what you will do when your time comes?" I said with a smug smile as Redhearts face went red and her eyes widened to pinpricks. "Oh, nonononono! I am NOT looking for that right now! We aren't even married to Ronin yet, and Pinkie already has a foal or changeling on the way!" She exclaimed as she tilted her head. "Where are you going, anywho? Don't we need to look after the egg?" I shook my head. "No, the eggs are quite capable of staying alive as long as their mother is near. I have a hive to check on and a son to talk to." I looked back towards the door, hiding the small rush of emotions that went through my face at the mention of Tak. "I...have some things to atone for, especially with how I've treated him recently." Redheart nodded. an understanding smile on her face. "Then go find him. I don't need a kid to know that you and him are close. Go find Tak and make sure to make amends." I smiled at that and walked out of the room and down into the living room, taking notice to the fact that the entrance to the underground hive wasn't sealed. He must be already downstairs. I thought as I began to walk the cavern halls. Several changelings flew by while I walked, with them either bowing to me while staring in awe at my new appearance or flying up and hugging one of my legs before continuing on their way, though I realized that any of the ones that hugged me seemed bigger than the ones that bowed, though they lacked horns or wing. Must be Pinkie Pie's earth pony love Influence on the Drone making progress. I wonder how physically strong those ones are? I thought before reaching the center room of the hive, which had grown to be much larger than when I had introduced Ronin to the first batch of drones. There were now a staggering amount of changelings flocking in and out of the room, either transporting what looked like cocoon making materials or carrying larva to quieter locations. As I looked on, my eyes fell upon the target of my search. My son...and his soon-to-be-mate. I walked over to the two, with them not noticing me due to them talking quietly, though the orange pegasus (Scootasomething) giggled lightly as I got closer. "Tak, don't say things like that. We're supposed to be figuring out the traitor problem, remember?" She said, making me stop in my tracks. "Traitor?" I exclaimed sharply, causing Tak to freeze up and the pegasus to gasp as she turned around slowly. "Tak's mom! What I meant so say was...whoa." She trailed off as she looked me over before poking the still unmoving Tak in the side. "Tak! Your mom looks different!" She said as Tak turned around and looked at me, his jaw dropping at the sight in front of him. "M-M-Mother? How did...When did you?" He stuttered out as I put a hoof to his mouth. "Son." I began, that gross feeling welling up inside me as I recalled how I had been treating him. "For a while now, I may have been being a bit of an ass to you...So I'm sorry or whatever." I said quickly, looking away as my face started heating up. Why do emotions have to affect us so much more than other species?! I thought as I felt Tak embrace me in a strong hug, tears going down his cheek. "Mother...I'm so glad to see you embracing this new way of life!" He exclaimed as all the changelings in the room suddenly stopped to stare with smiling expressions at us while the orange pegasus looked slightly uncomfortable. I sighed, wrapping a foreleg around Tak and motioning to the filly with the other. "Join the hug, you little child." "Her name is Scootaloo, Mom." Tak said, though it came out muffled. Scootaloo smiled and hugged Tak from behind. "I'm only doing this because I like you, not because I'm into this mushy stuff." She said, causing me to laugh. "Your courting the wrong species to not be into intimacy, filly." I stated, causing Tak and Scootaloo to both turn red in the face. "MOOOOOOOOM!" Tak groaned while Scootaloo gagged, causing me to laugh louder. "I'm kidding...but seriously, what traitor?" I said, getting back on topic as the changelings from before went back to their duties. Tak looked to Scootaloo, who nodded at him, before looking me in the eyes. "Mom, while we were gone, Scootaloo managed to find a dead changeling body in the depths of the cave. After examining it, the hive found it was about a month old in age." He reported as I frowned, narrowing my eyes. "How? Every changeling has been accounted for. The only ones who hatched without any supervision were...the original four." I said as my eyes widened. "You think one of the LAZR are a traitor?" He nodded. "Indeed. Though I know it wasn't Larxene. She died for the sake of the hive at Canterlot." Scootaloo sighed. "That only leaves Axel, Roxas, and that Zexion dude who chills with Silverspoon." She said as I thought it over. Roxas is a big toddler, so it isn't him. Axel is brash but brutally honest, not the traits of a traitor...and Zexion is lazy, but isn't negative towards the hive. I looked around, eyeing each changeling carefully as they flew by, any of them possibly being a part of this. Scootaloo noticed my wandering eyes. "Chrysalis...what's wrong?" I looked to her, an uneasy expression on my face. "Any one of these changelings could potentially be a part of this? Who knows if the traitor works alone?" Tak face-hoofed. "Mother, don't you think your being a tad paranoid? We only found one body." I shook my head. "Paranoia has kept our people alive, my son. That's why we-" "TAAAAAAAK!!!" A loud yelling cut me off as what looked like a blue version of Nicholas in his power form ran into the cave looking like he pissed himself. "Axel?! What's wrong?" Tak exclaimed, making me do a double take. "That's Axel? What did you kids do in Canterlot?!" I exclaimed as the humanoid changeling shook his head rapidly. "Now isn't the time for that! I was just coming back from escorting Sweetiebelle from the hospital when I bumped into a cloaked person." He explained as I frowned but Taks eyes widened. "Wait...a cloaked pony?" He said, his eyes brimming with interest as Axel shook his head. "No. A person! It was a human like Nicholas and his brothers, but older! He was heading towards the hospital when he bumped into me." He said as I turned to Tak. "Son, I will send out a message through the hive. All changelings will report here immediately to be questioned about the traitor incident while you and your...fillyfriend go with Axel and hunt down this human." I said sternly as Scootaloo frowned. "What's so dangerous about an old human?" She asked as I turned away from them, having a hunch that if another human was here, it could possibly be a threat considering who the last two humans were. "Let's just say I have a hunch." I turned to them swiftly, pointing towards the exit. "NOW GO!!!" Tak and the others swiftly made way towards the exit while I prepared to send the message through the hive mind. What are the odds of another human appearing right after that ice queens defeat? I thought as I sent out mental alert through the hivemind to any and all drones that weren't part of Taks little friend group. And now we have what could possibly be a traitor in our midst as well? And to think I had believed that we would be able to rest easy after the Canterlot incident. I thought worriedly before I shook my head, my thoughts moving the the two mare's upstairs and the egg with them. No. I need to be strong. I have...a real family now, and I will protect it from any threat. ********** Tak POV ********** The sound of clattering hooves rang out clear on the empty street. Scootaloo, Axel, and I were on our way to the hospital after Chrysalis gave us our orders. Thankfully, it was well past night out, the moon was rising higher into the sky as we continued our rushed sprint across town. "What do you think the human will want at the hospital?" Scootaloo asked as we turned a corner and began on the dirt path that trailed towards the hospital. "Don't know. The only thing there are hurt patients like Nicks brother." Axel said as my heart nearly stopped at the realization of what might come to happen. "Buck, that must be why he's going there!" I exclaimed as I charged my horn and enveloped us in a yellow light that took us straight to the hospital waiting room. As the light dimmed, Axel clutched his head. "Dang, man. Warn us before you do that." Axel said groggily as Scootaloos eyes twirled around in her head as she went haphazardly moved around before I grabbed her. "No time, we need to get to Raiden and warn the princess about the human." I exclaimed as Scootaloo got her bearings and we ran through the halls, looking into each doorway. "And how long are we gonna just look through-found him." Axel said, cutting himself off as he walked into a room with Scootaloo and I close behind. Walking in, I noticed two things. One, Princess Luna wasn't here. In her place was a nurse that was casting a healing spell on Raiden, though it seemed to have little effect. Second, there was a night guard watching over the man. Though he immediately looked to us in suprise. "Hey, you three can't be in-" Axel raised a hand to stop him. "Chill, man. We came to warn you about a human coming to hurt the guy your guarding." The guard blinked in suprise as Scootaloo opened her mouth to say something. "Well well well...It seems there has been some misconceptions about my intentions, aye lads?" An older voice spoke out from behind us, making all three of us turn around quickly to face the source of the voice. As I layed eyes on him, I noticed that although he was a human, he seemed...weaker than the brothers. He wore a familiar robe that covered his head entirely from view, but you could tell by the frailness of his arms that he was old...very old. He seemed to wear a pair of grey tunic bottoms that were tucked into what seemed like boots of some kind. "Who are you? And why are you here?" I demanded, glaring at the human in front of us. To the shock of us all, he laughed. "My boy, ain't it obvious by now?" He pulled the headpiece of the robe back, revealing sharp blue eyes and grayish blonde hair that was cut short to the neck. "I think the boys grandfather deserves to check up on his grandchild, don't ya think?"