//------------------------------// // Failure // Story: The Young Warrior // by Melody Song //------------------------------// Pharynx was up again in a matter of hours. Apex had greeted him and was cuddling beside the injured changeling. Just as Pharynx was shoving Apex away from him, Thorax came back. Though he clearly wasn’t happy. Thorax stalked into the cave, his eyes pooling with tears. He was hissing and spitting as he moved, shaking his head as though to clear it. Apex was most concerned about the hissing, which was highly unlike his friend. “Pater-Thorax...?” Apex’s questioning look made Thorax wither. Thorax collapsed in the snow beside them and began crying loudly. Pharynx reached out, wincing, and rubbed his back. “It didn’t go well?” “Everything was fine.” Thorax spat. “B-But then Spike's friends let me see the royal baby and… and the love made me drop my disguise. T-Then everyone surrounded me while I tried to apologize but I was hissing b-because I…” “You went into a Feeding Frenzy?” Pharynx finished for him. "Whas' tha'?" Apex asked. "When changelings who haven't had a good meal in a long time encounter a large supply of love, we can go into a Feeding Frenzy, where we start hissing and trying to feed." Pharynx explained. "So you did tha' Pater-Thorax?" Apex asked Thorax nodded. “I-I tried my best and managed not to feed, but they were convinced I snuck in to feed on the baby. T-The worst part is Spike didn’t even try to defend me!” he growled “Of course he didn’t… if I see that guy again, I’ll make sure he-!” Pharynx winced and reached a hoof to his injured side. “No, you’re hurt Pharynx. I'll do it. Besides, I’m the one who trusted him, it's my fault…” Thorax muttered sullenly. “Thorax?” a familiar voice asked, and Thorax jumped up. It was Spike, he was calling out for Thorax as he walked down the cave entrance, looking around for the changeling. Pharynx rose slightly, only to fall back down with a faint hiss. Thorax shook his head and gestured for Apex to hide. The nymph pressed against Pharynx as Thorax stood up and crept closer to the dragon. “Thorax, I just want to apologize! I should’ve stood up for you, I know that!” Spike stopped near the ravine and looked around. "Come on Thorax... please...?" Thorax then sprang. “LEAVE ME ALONE!” he bellowed, hissing at Spike menacingly. Spike stumbled in shock and fell down into the ravine, claws scraping and clinging to the edge. “U-Uh, a-a little help?” he asked pleadingly. Pharynx and Apex looked on silently, though Apex looked up at Pharynx nervously. “C-Can’ we help him, Pharynx?” “No grub… this is Thorax’s battle to fight, all we can do is wait and see what he chooses.” Pharynx responded, and Apex nodded in understanding. Thorax, meanwhile, had started talking to the dragon. “-In Equestria would I help you? I’m an evil changeling, remember?” Thorax snarled bitterly. “B-Because we’re friends!” Spike said as his claws lost their grip. “You were the best friend I’ve had in a long time, like, ever. You're actually nice to me and you don't just see me as Twilight's assistant! But I messed up, and I made you think you weren’t worthy of friendship. But you are! I just… I wish I’d been a better friend to you.” That did it. As Spike slipped off completely, Thorax lunged and grabbed him. He nipped him up by the back of his neck, careful not to puncture him with his fangs. Thorax then yanked him backwards and managed to pull him back to safety. Once Spike had found his footing, Thorax released him. The two looked down and stood in silence for a minute, then Thorax sighed and spoke up. “It’s okay… I can tell you’re usually a good friend. I shouldn’t have expected you to give up the respect you earned from the Crystal Ponies.” “No, I’m sorry.” Spike hugged him, surprising them. “I shouldn’t have left you alone like that. But I know how to fix it.” “H-How?” “I’m gonna do what I should have done in the first place.” Spike replied. “But I need your help.” Thorax hesitated, and Spike took his hoof. “I’ll be next to you the whole time, I promise. I won’t leave.” Thorax nodded. “B-But how are you gonna get me there? They’ll probably try checking if I use ‘Crystal Hoof’ again.” Spike thought for a minute. “Can you transform into objects? Like, rocks?” “Of course.” “Transform into a gemstone, then I’ll carry you in. I eat gems, so they probably won’t think to inspect any that I’m holding.” Thorax hesitated, then glanced back to the shadows where Pharynx and Apex lay. Pharynx’s violet eyes were just visible, and he gave the tiniest of nods. Spike looked over to see what his friend was looking at, but Pharynx had already moved to blend in with the shadows again. “Okay, let’s do it.” Thorax said at last. Spike nodded, giving him a talon’s up gesture. Thorax gave him an awkward smile, then transformed, becoming a ruby. Spike reached down and lifted him up, then glanced around. “Thorax said his brother was here. I won’t try to look for you, if you want to stay hidden, but I promise, I’ll take care of Thorax until we get back.” he then clutched the gem in one claw as he began to climb up the slope. Pharynx sighed as the drake and his disguised friend disappeared through the hole that led out. “Vide te mox, brother.” he whispered Apex tapped Pharynx lightly on his shoulder. “Whas’ tha’ mean?” “It means ‘see you soon’.” “Can you teach me more?” Pharynx sighed softly. “I’ll try. No promises, I’m still a bit tired.” Apex nodded, nuzzling him. He chuckled. “Alright, go find me a stick or icicle I can use to draw with, I’ll teach you the letters.” “Yes sir Pharynx sir!” Apex gave him a playful salute before scampering off. “And keep away from the ravine!” Pharynx called after him. “Clearly the ice around it is slippery and I won’t be able to move fast enough to catch you if you fall!” “Alrigh’!”