Dusk was now in full panic mode.
Princess Celestia? help me!
I'm sensing that you're in some sort of endangerment, Hive Mind.
The damn Princess is coming! We're screwed!
It was odd to see such a pony that was boasting so much confidence and well being to be reduced to a stuttering mess. Options from the sane to the down right desperate started to float through his thought process. He could try to hide in the Everfree forest but if they found the Hatchery, all his preparation would be for naught. If he stayed and confronted the Princess who knew what would happen. Fear and speculation took hold as Dusk peered out the small oval window to see Spike writing down on the parchment.
Kill the messenger, Hive Mind.
Dusk froze in spot as his eyes locked onto the small, innocent dragon. Kill Spike?
Without the messenger the town would be much slower to deliver a plea for aid. I have already begun morphing a Spawning Pool. A peaceful village like this would be easy to consume quickly.
The mere thought of it made Dusk shut his eyes tightly. What scared him was the mere thought of it as an option for consideration. No, I will not have the Zerg harming Ponies. Do not bring this discussion up again. Dusk put the notion down with permanence. Have the Zerg ever attempted a form of diplomacy?
The pause between the question being asked and the reply ticked off Dusk as odd. Usually the answer was very quick and precise. No, Hive Mind.
Perhaps it is time to break tradition.
I highly recommend against it, Hive Mind! They will find our species threatening and rightly so! You are endangering the Swarm by possibly revealing your nature!
Dusk snarled although no pony would understand why by just watching him. My nature is being a Pony! Something that you have altered to fit the Swarm's needs. You have thrust the responsibility upon my shoulders and therefore I shall decide. Do I make myself clear?
The answer was late again but this time Dusk could feel a presence that was more in awe. The Swarm is at your beck and call, Hive Mind.
Time to put Equestrian Medical Science to test. Dusk thought as he pushed the door open with his magic. Following a deep breath he exited to see the Dragon burn the parchment which meant the scroll was well on it's way. All three turned to face the exiting Stallion until Dusk could feel the aura try to envelope him once more. A simple concentration and it was thwarted as easily as the first time. “I'll come to the Hospital.” the Stallion admitted.
“Thank Celestia!” Nurse Redheart said as she turned towards the Hospital.
“Thank you, Dusk.” Twilight said as the shock of her magic getting dispelled was losing it's surprise. “I'm sorry if I'm being abrupt but you have to know that your in danger. Please understand?” The little sister pleaded as she walked towards the hospital along with the Nurse.
“On one exception.”
The two mares looked back with worry as they witnessed a stalwart Dusk sitting on the front step to the Library. “What is it?”
“I promised to take Fiddlesticks on a date tonight. Let me go talk to her first.” Dusk reasoned as he shut the Library door behind him and begun to walk towards the two mares.
“I'm sorry, Dusk but we could all be infected as is. We can't risk this possible infection reaching more ponies then it already has.” Nurse Redheart tried to explain but by the look on the Stallion's face, she had a feeling it was hopeless.
“I'm not a walking infection, Nurse.” Dusk informed the Nurse as he let his expression soften. “I'll meet you two at the Hospital in short order. You have my promise.”
Twilight looked at him with worry as he only gazed back at her with a soft smile. Sometimes she wished she could call upon Shining to help with the puppy dog eyes, Dusk's ultimate weakness. Twilight simply let out a sigh before nodding her head in defeat. “You promise, Dusky?”
Dusk Breaker paused for a bit until he gave a low chuckle. He remembered the first time Twilight called him that although it sounded much more like 'Dwusky'. The stallion simply let out another sigh before doing something he hasn't done for such a long time. He made a few steps forward and gave Twilight a tight hug. He could feel her initial tightening of muscles in apprehension until she raised a hoof to hug back. “I promise, Twilles.”
With that, Dusk departed towards the center of town leaving a frustrated Nurse, confused baby dragon and a worrying little sister. He had at least some time to himself to figure out what the hell he was going to do.
The Spawn Pool has finished, Hive Mind. Shall I start to hatch Zerglings?
Yes. I will need them tonight if we are to make it through this escapade. What are the Drones up too? Dusk asked although he could feel the five or so previously hatched Drones wander aimlessly around the Hatchery due to his last orders.
They are waiting for your orders, Hive Mind.
Perfect. Send one towards the Hospital that I was being held over night. I want the perimeter mapped out for tonight's mission. Stealth is key so I don't want that Drone compromising our position.
Tonight's mission? What is your plan, Hive Mind?
All in due time. Report to me when the Zerglings hatch. Dusk finished as a wicked grin formed on his face. He admitted to himself that at first he felt like a helpless colt but now he had a plan. He was almost shocked at the turn of events since Canterlot if he didn't already have a Princess to worry about. A run down musician turned into a Hive Mind. That's one for the books! Dusk chuckled before finding himself on the fated music store's doorstep. Entering the store he gave a simple greeting. “Hello?”
His greeting was meet with silence as his first few steps made the hardwood floor beneath him give a slight creak. The piano sat in the same spot he left it after his first night playing together with Fiddlesticks. Upon closer inspection he even noticed that the entire instrument has been given a wipe down and if he didn't know any better, a possible tune up. It would be impossible to know for sure without hitting some chords. His hoof hovered on one of the pristine keys as a pain of guilt stopped him from pushing down.
A loud thump sound echoed from the back followed by a groan. The very action that flagged some worry inside Dusk. “Fiddlesticks?” Dusk called out again but only to get silence as a reply. His steps hastened until he found himself looking at what he assumed were a large pile of boxes that had collapsed. What made his eyes wide however was the two hooves that poked out from the below the pile. “Fiddlesticks!”
His horn begun to glow brightly as boxes and other accessories begun to fly about the small store room. His prize laid flat upon the hard wood floor that gave a grunt as soon as the pressure was lifted. It only took seconds for the unicorn to place the mare upon his back and then sprung out of the shop. His hooves beat the ground as his speed increased. He could feel the pony on his back stir slightly as hooves rubbed against his chest fur. What made him breath easily was the groan that escaped her lips. Thank the Swarm for this new body! Dusk thought as he ran faster then he ever could towards the Hospital.
The Hospital had taken a grand change in the small time since Dusk Breaker was a simple patient. Entire rooms were now sealed and multiple bio-hazard symbols were plastered everywhere. Multiple ponies trotted to each station wearing full body suits and respirator. Dusk however had only a little amount of time to inspect anything with detail before being ushered into a small patient room that was sealed to prevent any sort of organism, airborne or otherwise, to leave. A caution which the Unicorn simply laughed at when the scientist weren't poking and prodding him with multiple medical tools.
The only thing to worry him was the poor mare who had woken up in the room next to his. He could hear her shout through the walls when the doctors surrounded her for samples. Never had he wanted to break through a wall so much before in his life. The very thought of it made him squirm though. He had to keep his new Zerg DNA hidden from both the Royal sisters, all of Equestria and his family. A daunting task to be sure but something that needed to be done.
A buzzer sounded in his room which followed by a green light, something that Dusk learned that some pony was about to enter. What caught him off guard however was that the tall presence of Celestia was the one to trot in. Dusk practically dove to the ground from his bed in a low bow. A gesture well drilled into his family due to how much attention they had received from royalty.
“Rise, my little Pony.” Celestia beckoned with her trademarked soft smile. Her presence demanded attention as her flowing mane and pristine coat of white almost shined in the room. Dusk did as he was asked only to see how much of a crowd he had gathered. Princess Luna and Cadence along with his brother and sister begun to fill the small confines of the room. The pressure was now starting to make him feel confined as he backed up a step.
Is this it? Are they going to put me down like a monster? Dusk's eyes went from face to face to see a varying amount of expressions that ranged from deep worry all the way to pity.
“Do not worry, Dusk Breaker of Canterlot. The best of Equestria are here to cure you of this foreign ailment.” Celestia spoke first as she tried to raise one of her subjects hope. “The scientist have even proclaimed that this certain problem is not contagious merely by breathing in the same room. So far, only blood to blood transfusion is the carrier.”
Dusk was listening to her but all of this information was anything but new. He had learned this all from the Swarm so he decided to test out his best bluff. “Thank you, Princess. This news comes as a great relief to both my family and I.” The young lad gave a smile even as he begun churning out mental orders to his subjects. He could feel the sun's warmth dying as Luna's moon was easily taking it's place.
Twilight took a step closer with a smile as she visibly started to choke up. A hoof from Shining Armour stopped her as his gaze fell upon his older brother. “We do wish you the best of health, Dusk. You also know however that you must remain in this room until further notice, for all of Equestria's sake.” His voice was calm but held the steel authority any Captain of the Guard should hold.
“Shining!” Cadence scoffed at him before taking a step forward and smiling at the sitting pony. “You know we love you as family, Dusk. If there is anything you need from us, just ask.” Her words of comfort washed over Dusk with ease, a soft smile as an indication.
Only one thing stuck out front in his mind as he voiced his concern. “How is Fiddlesticks doing? Is she ok?”
“Worry not for she is fine. Miss Fiddlesticks has been tested and deemed clear of any sort of infection. She merely has but a simple bump on her head from her small accident.” Celestia answered with reassurance.
Dusk breathed a sigh of relief at the update and begun to smile a bit easier. Only one other question nagged at him as his eyes shifted to his younger brother. “Is the royal guard stationed here to guard me?”
Shining Armour stiffened slightly when the gaze fell upon him. For a moment he was quiet as he contemplated about divulging any sense of military intelligence with a civilian, even if it was family. “There is a contingent stationed here, yes.” he finally answered with trained authority, a trait that was starting to annoy Dusk more then it usually did.
Perfect.
I must ask, Hive Mind. What exactly do you have planned?
A test run. I want the two Zerglings by the forest's edge as soon as the sun fully sets. Make sure they are quiet about it.
Understood, Hive Mind.
Dusk smiled deeply as he felt an inner fire burn inside him. “It's good to know that you care about my well being, Princesses. I'm glad to be under such diligent care.” the sick Unicorn said just before the buzzer sounded again and in walked a medical team all suited up.
“I'm sorry, Princess.” The head of the team announced as the multiple members started to help Dusk get comfortable, a sign that another examination was underway. “This is a dangerous process that I need to ask you to vacate the room. My apologies.”
“It is no problem, Doctor. I wish you the best, Dear Dusk.” Celestia said before departing the room with every pony but Twilight.
“If you need anything, Dusk, just ask. I live in town so I can be reached at anytime.” Twilight said before touching her hoof on yours. Worry tried to ply the smile she kept on her face.
Dusk just smiled and worded thank you before a mask was placed over his mouth. He watched Twilight leave and begun to relax as multiple samples were taken from his body. A wicked smile gently graced his face as his conscious was elsewhere however.
The guard gazed left and right with his eyes as he noticed the area outside of the hospital was deserted besides himself. A perfect time to stretch! The guard let himself smile since he was stationed here by the captain. It beats becoming a tavern keeper like his old Pa. He cracked a smile at the thought as he begun another long bout of standing still and slowly surrounding his area.
A small snapping sound echoed from the forest's edge as the guard's eyebrow raised in curiosity. His spear lowered towards the possible enemy. His demeanour lessened into a scowl as his steps slowly brought him closer to the shrubs. The greenery gave a startling shake as the guardspony was about to order the intruder to show himself when a brown bunny appeared. Both creatures gazed at each other in surprise until the guard just gave a sigh and brought his spear back up as the bunny scurried off.
“Damn bunnies.” The guard cursed under his breath as two shadows blurred behind him. “I never get any of the good postings.”
“I don't get it!” Dr. Pain Killer screamed in frustration as he rubbed the sides of his head, a futile attempt in trying to relieve his approaching headache. His doctors coat hung on a hanger nearby as another one of his team trotted by with a new portfolio that was deposited on the already cluttered desk. “No Pony alive has this kind of..” he fought with what word to use. “Everything!” he began to fume.
“Please try to explain it to me, Pain Killer.” Celestia pleaded as she was amongst the group of collected doctors. She watched the exasperated Doctor groan as he leaned forward in his chair to look the Princess dead in the eye.
“He can never die of old age, Princess.”
The two royal sisters gasped at the news. Rarely surprised, it marked how important this single pony has become.
“His cells do an extraordinary thing where they hunt other, more weaker cells until only the strongest strain is alive. They continue to do this until that particular part of his body is at peak condition.” the doctor paused as he examined the attentive princesses. “We even gave him a small dose of poison.”
“Thou did what?” Luna asked with shock as she slammed her hoof down.
“Wait, Princess!” The doctor said as he stuck a hoof up. “The dose we gave him would have made a normal pony sick for a few days at tops and we also had an antidote at hoof. Mr. Dusk Breaker however wrinkled his nose at the intrusion. His white blood cells were ruthless and extremely resilient to any sort of harmful effect. It's brilliant really.” Pain explained as he let out a breath.
“Can we use this to propel our medical science?” Celestia asked as she begun to think about the situation from the wide angle.
“Yes and no.” Pain said and as he inspected Celestia's face he continued. “We mixed his blood with a normal pony's blood and the results were very daunting. The normal blood cells were consumed by a second rate version of Dusk's blood cells. It almost seemed like a brain dead slave following it's master. The corrupted cells would follow the corrupter until the conversion was complete. We would need.” Pain Killer was cut off by a loud siren that echoed through out the Hospital that was soon followed by a voice.
“Contamination leak! Gas! Gas! Gas!”
“Evacuate!”
Dusk smiled wickedly as he felt the Zerglings swipe and bite through each medical instrument with ease. He could feel the multiple test tubes crash upon the floor or the protection suits being ripped to shreds. His orders were meticulous as he examined the event through the eyes of his subjects. Everything of importance was soon dispatched as he could hear pleas and screams from the ponies scrambling about. Satisfied with the destruction he had unleashed, he ordered the Zerglings to retreat back out the hole in the vent above them. The total time since insertion was less then thirty seconds. Beautiful.
The entire event was simply breath taking. The raw power and speed from such creatures was amazing to see at work. He could feel his position as the Zerg Hive Mind slowly start to cement. He witnessed multiple ponies run past his door including the two royal guards that were posted to his room.
The Zerglings have returned past the forest line, Hive Mind.
Perfect execution. I want more of those Zerglings as quick as possible.
We need more bio-energy, Hive Mind. Dusk rolled his eyes as he remembered how low he had gotten. Shall we harvest more trees?
No, that is much too slow. Tonight we hunt.
Dusk was going to continue until he heard some approaching noise from his doorway. He squinted at the sudden intrusion as he made his way to the door only to see a group of suit ponies opening a door way and instantly begun to stream red hot flames as if to purify it. Another team then came in to dose any of the remaining flames with what looked like to be foam. They went from room to room repeating each process until they reached Dusk's. Unfortunately for the ponies, he wasn't in the mood for a barbeque.
Celestia watched with disdain as the emergency teams were sent in to cleanse any form of the new virus from the hospital. Her orders were absolute as ponies ran around trying to secure anything that they could. Shining Armour was shouting to his guard ponies as they started to commit to search parties. The Captain being angered that the intruders slipped in and out without being spotted. A disaster in a nut shell.
Multiple examinations of each pony begun but it was certain so far that the virus was not air borne. At that, Celestia could only breath out in relief. Now all she could do along with the rest of her staff was setup a temporary base of operations. It was very time consuming and most of the data inside was now being purged. It all meant a fresh start as soon as the team inside located Dusk Breaker and retrieved him.
A noise broke Celestia out of her deep thinking however.
A scream echoed from the Hospital door way as all working ponies stopped what they were doing to look. Another scream echoed from inside as guards begun to circle the royal sisters to defend from any hostility. Every pony was quiet as the screaming had come to a unnerving silence. Seconds past as a form came bolting out of the darkened Hospital entrance. The suit she was wearing was torn and the helmet was no where to be seen. Her light blue mane danced with each step but Celestia witnessed the look of terror on the pony. The Mare tripped on one of the many chords as she came to a skidding stop near the entrance.
“Princess! Help me!” She pleaded as tears formed on her face. Her fore hooves dug at the ground as if gaining those few precious inches away from the Hospital was life saving.
Celestia watched in terror for only a moment before quickly coming to help.
It was too late however.
The Mare Scientist smiled for a moment as she witnessed the Princess race towards her until a familiar tingle spread through her back hooves. A blue aura engulfed her legs which soon started to drag the mare back towards the Hospital. The Mare screamed in utter terror as she tried to pull away but only left trail marks where her Hooves failed to grapple any sort of procurement. Celestia watched as the Mare desperately grappled with the door frame for only a moment as tears flowed easily before being fully dragged into the darkened hospital. A scream emanate from the hospital that made many start to back off or drop whatever they were doing to shake visibly. Only the guards stood their ground defiantly but even they had no indication at the threat before them.
They watched as the Mare that was pulled in was tossed from Hospital entrance. The body would have contacted the nearby tree if it were not for Celestia's magic to halt her. Guards quickly begun to drag the Mare away as a form calmly walked out from the hospital as Celestia cast a illumination spell that easily covered the area and the approaching figure.
“Dusk?” Princess Celestia and Shining Armour realize with shock.
“I am the Swarm.”
