//------------------------------// // A Warrior's Name // Story: The Young Warrior // by Melody Song //------------------------------// “All changelings old enough to hunt on their own merit gather in the throne room for a Hive meeting!” The familiar words from the familiar voice echoed around the Hive. Hundreds of changelings poked their heads out of burrows and other rooms, making their way towards the familiar summons. But this time, it was a warm feeling that greeted the changelings, their own happiness surging as they felt a wave of pride envelope the room and all its occupants. There was no lingering fear anymore, as the changelings amassed in the now open, roof-less throne room. Pharynx was sitting tall and proud in front of the old stone plinth, which was now covered with grass and vines. A brand new throne made of oak rested on top of the plinth, and though the changelings were still in awe of the new atmosphere, Pharynx's commanding gaze urged for their attention. Silence fell across the large mass of changelings, and Pharynx smiled, genuinely. Apex sat nearby, his chest puffed out and his head raised, wings extended slightly to show an authority. But he wasn’t alone in his wait this time. Now, Thorax was sitting beside him, licking him around the ears in an attempt to calm him, as he was radiating high energy. Apex just giggled and batted him away playfully, then straightened up as Pharynx began to speak again. “Everyling, we are gathered here today for a special occasion.” Pharynx glanced at Apex, and the nymph was overjoyed to see pride reflected in his eyes. “Today, it is time for a young apprentice to receive his next rank.” The changelings all began to murmur among themselves, wondering who it could be. Pharynx ignored the talking and rose onto his hooves, standing before them. Pharynx opened his carapace and fanned his wings out, his antlers lighting up with his newly red aura, silently demanding for the changelings to let him continue. Once they had all returned their attention to the beta changeling, he continued speaking. “This nymph has not been an apprentice for very long, but he will continue to learn diligently as he grows. And due to his part in defeating the former Queen, he has more than earned his warrior rank.” Thorax smiled, eyes watering with emotion as he nosed Apex gently, the nymph beaming up at him. Pharynx turned to face Apex, smiling at the young nymph. “Apex-discipulus, come up to me.” Pharynx instructed, his voice carrying across the room. Apex stood up, his muzzle brushing Thorax's in affection before he walked to Pharynx, head held high. Pharynx looked down at him as he stood before him. Apex flared out his wings, extending them as high as they would go, his red tail pausing in its wagging motions as the sheer magical feel of the old ceremony surrounded him. Pharynx gave the nymph a small smile, before raising his head to the sky and beginning to recite the ancient words of the naming ceremony. “I, Pharynx-dominus, Prince-General of the New Hive, ask our ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard throughout his apprenticeship to understand the ways of your noble code, even through our exile from the Old Hive. Now, I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn.” Pharynx then gazed down at Apex sternly, his face set but his eyes shining with comfort. Apex trembled slightly with nerves, but his certainty did not waver as he heard the next line. “Apex-discipulus, do you promise to honor and uphold the code of the changelings, to protect and defend your Hive, even at the cost of your life?” “I do.” Apex vowed, his voice sure. Pharynx flicked his tail, leaning down to rest his chin on top of Apex’s head. “Then, by the powers of our ancestors, I now give you your rank. Apex-discipulus, from this moment on, you will be known as Apex-legatus.” Gasps could be heard around the room, but though Apex was unsure why the rank was so strange, he paid them no mind. The nymph nuzzled Pharynx’s shoulder, as was tradition, before stepping back. His ruby-red eyes shone with excitement. Pharynx laid a hoof on his shoulder, and he looked up at him, sensing he was going to say something. “Like me, you hold two ranks now. Apex-dynastes, a Prince of the changelings, and Apex-legatus. The deputy to the General. Bear these titles well.” Apex nodded in understanding as the other changelings began to cheer, shouting his new title in an excited chant. Apex stood proudly, looking up at Pharynx. “How come you ma’e me you' depu’y, Avunculus-Pharynx?” he asked quietly, and Pharynx smiled wistfully for a moment, seeming lost in a memory. Finally, he looked down at Apex and answered him. “Because there’s no one else I trust more.” Pharynx rubbed his head, smiling. Apex giggled, nuzzling him. “Do… D’you think I coul’ jus’ call you Uncle Pharynx? ‘Stead of Avunculus-Pharynx? So I don’ mix up your ranks?” Pharynx sighed, but nodded after a moment. “Sure grub.” Apex beamed, hugging him, and Pharynx hugged back. Thorax trotted up to join them, as a gold-colored reformed nymph with one violet eye and one yellow eye walked up. Thorax lifted up Apex, hugging him. “I’m so proud of you Apex!” Thorax said, nuzzling him. Apex giggled and nuzzled him. “Uh, hi Apex-legatus…” the nymph said shyly. Apex looked over and stared in shock as he recognized the nymph. “Z-Zenith-discipulus?” “I-It’s Zenith-eques now.” he said, giving Apex a slight smile. “I just wanted to say congratulations.” Apex jumped down from Thorax’s hooves, his wings catching him. He landed by Zenith and smiled. “Thanks. ‘M happy you go’ your rank too.” Apex said, smiling and holding out a hoof. “You wanna be frien’s?” “Sure!” Zenith took his hoof, blushing slightly. Apex smiled and nuzzled him, then trotted back to Thorax happily. Zenith smiled and trotted off, still blushing, though no one else seemed to notice. Apex, meanwhile, cuddled into Thorax’s hoof, closing his eyes in contentment as Thorax nuzzled him lovingly. He was finally with his family. A family he could count on and would love and protect him. And he’d do the same for them. Always. The End