//------------------------------// // Fortune Strikes // Story: The Young Warrior: Pharynx's Journey // by Melody Song //------------------------------// “All changelings old enough to hunt for their own love gather in the throne room for a Hive meeting!” The female voice that spoke the words rang out through the Hive, and every changeling emerged from the halls to crowd around the rock at the back of the room, where the Head General stood. But Pharynx couldn’t care less about the crowd of excited nymphs and adults that joined him where he had been waiting. He was more intrigued by the changeling that had called for their attention. The female changeling would have looked like any average changeling, if it weren’t for the silvery wings, silver-gold carapace, and yellow neckfin that melded into a golden mane over her eyes. Her brilliantly gold eyes stared down at them all from atop her position on the rock, silently observing the crowd. “P-Phar, who is that?” Thorax asked, also staring at her, though he seemed more intrigued in her colorful appearance than anything. “Aureum in generali, Thorax.” Pharynx breathed. “The Golden General. Fortuna Larynx-domina, Head General of the Hive.” The two nymphs were standing in front of the Head General, along with a small cluster of other nymphs. The General waited for all the other changelings to arrive before continuing. "Everyling, we are gathered here today to honor the ancestors through the performance of our sacred apprenticeship ritual. Each of these young nymphs you see before you are five years of age, and are ready to learn to defend our Hive. They will be trained by an experienced warrior drone until they are ready to defend their fellow changelings, for the sake of the Hive." Pharynx sat with his chest puffed out slightly, head raised in dignity and pride. Today, he would be apprenticed to a warrior drone, and begin his training. Pharynx pricked his ears and paid close attention as Cilia, Tibius, Hexia, Mandible, Hunter, Cornicle, and Fema were apprenticed. He needed to know which warriors would be left after they were apprenticed, to calculate his chances of getting a mentor he respected. “Thorax, you are now five years old and it is time for you to be apprenticed. Until you receive your warrior title, you shall be known to others as Thorax-discipulus. From this day forward, Athrax-eques will be your mentor, until you have reached warrior status.” Fortuna proclaimed, the lilting, almost musical rhythm of her voice somehow soothing the nervous looking nymph. Thorax moved from his spot beneath the rock and slowly went to the warrior drone he had been assigned to, standing beside him. Pharynx was now the only changeling left, and resisted the urge to buzz his wings. Fortuna had saved Pharynx and his brother for last, there had to be a reason. Fortuna stood from her spot on the rock, flew down to Pharynx, and walked up to him. “Pharynx. You are now five years old and it is time for you to be apprenticed.” Fortuna said, staring at him deeply. “Until you receive your warrior title, you will be known to others as Pharynx-discipulus. From this day forward…” Fortuna lowered her head, touching her forehead to his. Pharynx’s eyes widened, this was different from the others’ apprentice ceremonies. “I shall be your mentor, until you have reached warrior status. I will pass down all I know to you, until you have gained a warrior title.” Fortuna said, and Pharynx bit back a gasp. With that, the apprentice ceremony was over. Fortuna beckoned for Pharynx to follow her as the others dispersed, and he obeyed. Pharynx followed her silently as she led him down a hallway, until she glanced back at him, her brow arched in question. “Shall we talk to each other or are we walking in silence?” Fortuna asked, and he blinked. “You have not given me permission to speak, Fortuna-domina.” Pharynx said simply, staring straight ahead as they walked. “And why do you refuse to look at me?” “It is proper to not maintain eye contact unless given permission.” “You needn’t be so formal, Pharynx. My name is Fortuna, you shall call me that and that only. Besides, it is more proper to ask questions, you’ll learn more.” Fortuna stated, a slight accent dripping into her words. Pharynx blinked, no one had ever said that to him. “So… F-Fortuna, where are we going?” “Here.” Fortuna stopped, leading him into the room. Pharynx followed, and his eyes widened. “Th-The armory?” Fortuna nodded, leading him through the armory, to a wall of swords. She levitated over a small dagger with a deep blue handle. “This is to be your starter weapon, I shall show you how to use it during our lessons.” Fortuna told him. Pharynx nodded, grinning at the dagger as he took it in his own magic, examining it from all sides. Fortuna gained his attention once more with a tap of her hoof. “I only have one rule, Pharynx-discipulus.” “Yes, Fortuna-domina?” Pharynx looked up at her, and she tapped a hoof against the side of the blade. “Only use this – or any weapon you find yourself in possession of, for the defense of the innocent. Never for the harm of the unarmed.” Pharynx blinked, looking down at the dagger. “But warriors hurt anyone who gets in their way. It is what mother taught me.” “Your mother is a respectable leader, but no one is right all the time. Never attack if someone is innocent, that is my rule, and as you are my apprentice, I expect you to follow it. Do you understand?” “...Yes, Fortuna-domina.” Pharynx agreed. “Good. Now return to your den, our training shall begin tomorrow.” Fortuna told him, heading for the entrance of the armory. “Would you like me to walk you there?” “I know my way around the Hive.” Pharynx dismissed, before gripping the dagger's hilt in his teeth and leaving the room, grinning. He didn’t know how to properly use the dagger yet, but already he knew he looked fierce holding it like this. Pharynx quickly made it back to his room, seeing Thorax curled up in the nest, whimpering. Pharynx set down the dagger and stroked the handle with great care, before walking over, adopting a bored look. “What’s wrong with you, wimp?” “A-Athrex-eques is scary…” Thorax whimpered. “I-I don’t know if I can do this, h-he said so many things, I-I don't want to be his apprentice...” “Well you better be able to do this, Thorax. You know what happens when mother gets… disappointed.” Pharynx chuckled, grinning at his brother’s terrified look. He couldn't wait for his training tomorrow.