//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: Rocs and Relationships 
// Story: The Young Warrior: Apex's Choice 
// by Melody Song 
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Apex was smiling, snuggling up against Zenith happily as they sat on Thorax’s throne, which was empty of the alpha changeling. Pharynx was sitting nearby, chuckling to himself.

“Leave it to Thorax to have to see his son get a love life before deciding to pursue his own.” he muttered, smirking in the two nymphs' direction.

Apex blushed at his uncle’s words, but just giggled and kissed Zenith’s cheek lovingly. Zenith smiled back as he returned the affection with a fond nuzzle. It had been long enough that his wounds had healed, now only scars remaining on his chitin as marks of what had happened. Apex traced one on his side with a gentle hoof, and Zenith caught his eye to offer a faint smile.

"I'm okay, Pexy." He whispered, and Apex smiled at him.

"I know. 'M glad."

The two cuddled against each other, looking out at the throne room. It was peaceful, and Pharynx was there with them. There was no reason to get up.

That is, until a beam of red magic shot up in the distance, visible for miles. A Warrior's distress signal, warning of immediate danger. Pharynx’s eyes widened and Zenith leapt up as Apex rose to his hooves.

“Pexy, that’s Hunty’s distress signal!”

“He must be in trouble, you two, come on, with me!” Pharynx ordered.

The general grabbed his crossbow from where it lay beside him, then spread his wings and took off. Apex and Zenith grabbed their crossbows from beside the throne, spread their own fragile wings, and followed him.

They flew as fast as they could, heading for the distress signal. Pharynx led them a little bit away from the distress signal, so they wouldn't immediately drop into an unknown situation. From where they landed, the General led them in a run to Hunter's location, in a large expanse of land on the far side of the territory.

“Hunty!” Zenith shouted, only for them all to skid to a halt as they saw the situation Hunter was in.

In the plains that the signal had come from, the red reformed changeling was slowly backing away from a giant Roc. Zenith gasped and grabbed Apex. He could feel the nymph trembling as he was hugged tightly.

“P-‘Pexy, t-that’s th-the…”

Apex knew what it was without Zenith even needing to finish. He also vividly recalled what Hunter had told him. He had been looking for the Roc that attacked Zenith ever since his brother was hurt. And now apparently, he’d found it. Apex growled and sunk into a battle stance.

“We can take i’ on, we jus’ haf’a work toge’er!”

“Apex, take Zenith and attack from behind, I’ll help Hunter distract it.” Pharynx told him, then raced towards Hunter to relay the plan.

“‘Nithy? You ready?” Apex asked, turning to see the nymph trembling at his side. “Hey, ‘Nithy, shh, it’s okay.”

“B-But w-what if-”

Apex pulled Zenith close and pressed a kiss to his forehead, clutching him tightly. He then pulled away to stand before Zenith protectively, before he raised his crossbow, aiming at the Roc.

“I promise ‘Nithy, I won’ let it hur’ you ‘gain.” Apex told him. Zenith took a breath, then nodded, readying his own crossbow.

“O-Okay. Let’s go save Hunter.” Zenith said, smiling at him softly.

Apex smiled back and took his hoof, leading him up into the air. Together, they flew around behind the Roc, which was thankfully being distracted by Pharynx and Hunter's attacks. Pharynx saw them approaching from behind and transformed into his monster form, roaring at the Roc loudly. The Roc screeched and flapped its wings, lowering its head to snatch Pharynx in its beak.

“S’ay ‘way from my uncle!” Apex shouted out loudly from above the Roc’s head, aiming his crossbow and firing.

His arrow hit the Roc square in the back, causing it to roar loudly. Apex transformed, becoming a formidably sized dragon that shot out a stream of fire at the Roc as it turned towards them. The Roc’s face became badly burnt as Apex dropped the disguise, and it squawked angrily.

“Tha’s for tryin’ to kill my boyfrien’!” Apex yelled, as Zenith fired an arrow at the Roc’s chest.

One arrow alone wasn't strong enough to take down a Roc, of course, but the changelings had put up enough of a fight that it apparently decided a meal wasn't worth this effort. With one final annoyed screech, the monstrous bird took flight, fleeing into the distance. Apex and Zenith landed once the Roc had disappeared from view, hoof-bumping at their accomplishment. Hunter and Pharynx quickly ran over to join them, Hunter grabbing Zenith in a hug. Pharynx rubbed Apex’s head, a proud smile on his face.

“Now that is how you shapeshift. Nice job grub.” he said, and Apex smiled.

“You okay ‘Nith?” Hunter asked the golden nymph, who nodded.

“I’m fine, Hunty.” Zenith then turned to Apex, who looked over. “Y-You…”

“Y-Yes…?” Apex asked hesitantly.

“Y-You called me your… b-boyfriend…”

“W-Well, y-yeah… you ‘re… i-if you wan’ to be…” Apex said, and Zenith squealed, hugging him tightly.

“Yes! Of course I want to be your boyfriend ‘Pexy!”

Apex blushed and pulled him close, falling onto his haunches and holding Zenith close. The golden colored nymph leaned in and slowly pressed his lips to Apex’s. Apex wrapped his hooves around Zenith’s back, holding him securely as he kissed back passionately.

He was glad he hadn’t missed his chance.

The End