Dusk could only groan as he slowly pushed up on all four hooves to feel debris fall from his back. A searing pain bounced with in his skull like a ball that had about as much force of a freight train at full speed. Blinking a couple of times focused his vision but it was something he immediately regret as he witnessed his attacker's magical light blind him. Shutting his eyes tightly he raised a hoof to block such offensive source from even breaching through his eye lids.
Celestia stood tall as her horn let off a wave of aura that threaded within its self like a violent storm. She quickly extended her wings and with one flap found her self beside Dusk's retreating form. Her unloving gaze stared down upon him as her magical hold grasped around his throat making him give out a wheezing cough before being slammed through the floor boards. Placing another magical hold on his tail, Celestia rose the large stallion until his belly was exposed. A soft spot she immediately attacked by reeling her back leg in then quickly connecting with Dusk's ribcage. The force enough to send Dusk crashing into the nearby bar causing loose bottles to crash on the floor spilling their contents.
Fiddlesticks watched the two titans fight as she cowered near the two royal guards. She watched with horror as Dusk rose his head slowly only to get the golden aura around it to slam it against the counter with enough force to crack the polished wood. A tear rolled down Fiddlesticks cheek as her mouth hung agape due to the sheer violence before her. She watched as Dusk coughed up a spray of blood that spread over the counter just before being slammed against the counter again.
“Your power has blinded you to everything around you, Dusk breaker!” Celestia shouted with her royal voice. Her hoof sat on Dusk's beaten form as ragged breath managed to escape his lips. “Too many lives have been lost to your intentions and the intentions of the creatures named Zerg. You are sentenced to a life of eternal imprisonment under my ever watchful eye and all of your subordinates to be put to extinction!”
Fiddlesticks reeled at the sudden decree before running past the guard. Her approach was suddenly halted as a golden aura lifted her off the ground and levitate slowly over towards the two ponies. She scrunched her body as she soon found the Princess' eyes now gazing at her in disappointment.
“I trusted you, Fiddlsticks, to keep Dusk Breaker under some form of control,” Celestia scolded the mare who hung her head low in regret. “This however is none of your doing. Know that I don't blame you for Dusk Breaker's actions nor have I ever had. This is exactly why I tried to force you two apart before departing for Canterlot,”
“Ah'm a might sorry, your Highness,” Fiddlesticks spoke in a sad tone as she lifted her head to level her gaze at the mighty Goddess. She was shocked to find Celestia giving her one of the most soft and caring smiles. “Ah knew Ah should've done better, Ah'm sorry ta both of ya!” her apology hung in the air for a moment.
Celestia quirked an eyebrow at her little pony's apology. “You should not have to apologize for him but it speaks volumes for your care to him. As admirable as it may be, I must ask you to sever such emotions connecting the two of you,” Celestia asked although by the shiver that overcame the levitated Mare that saying and doing will be difficult.
It was then that Celestia felt the stirring from the creature underneath her hoof. After gently placing Fiddlesticks down to the ground she pressed down harder on Dusk's ribs to get a groan in response. Celestia's face then took a turn that surprised Fiddlesticks as the country mare sat beside Dusk with a caring hoof on his back. Celestia's expression turned to one of remorse as she spoke “I had wished that you could handle such responsibility, Dusk. I will miss the sound from which you could weave using those very hooves,”
“Princess, your orders?” one of the guards that stood near the door asked openly as he held his spear with ease.
“Send a messenger to Captain Tower. Tell him to begin the cleansing,” Celestia ordered as the guard saluted crisply before making haste about his task. Celestia then averted her attention to Fiddlesticks who had planted herself beside Dusk while placing one of of her fore hoof's on his back making small circles. “I'm sorry, Fiddlesticks, but this has to be done for both Equestria and you,”
Fiddlesticks was quiet however as she leaned forward to rest her head on the softly breathing Dusk. She yearned to be held just like the previous night; to be cared for. She was going to lose that warmth again so shortly after the first initial shock of discovering what Dusk had hidden away.
“Your ponies will die,” a hoarse voice deeply came from the motionless stallion as his half lidded eyes gazed up to Celestia. “They will defend the Hive till their last breath,”
“Tell them to surrender,” Celestia spoke as her expression hardened once more.
“No,”
“Don't be foolish, Dusk,” Celestia scolded the Stallion that laid beneath her hoof. “Don't let more Ponies die because of your pride,”
“Would you surrender if Gryphons came knocking down Canterlot gates?” Dusk asked as he closed his eyes at Celestia's silence. “That is their home as much as mine. If you want it burned then you shall pay for it with blood,”
“Please, Dusk, just give in to the Princess' demands!” Fiddlesticks begged as she tugged at Dusk's grey coated sides. The dark blue hue of his mane fell onto her as he turned his head to look at her. “Please don't make this harder on yourself, Dusk,”
“No,” Dusk denied her request with ease before giving a cough. “I will defend my children with my dying breath,” Dusk's vision shifted back to Celestia as the Goddess witnessed the softness taking over his dimly lit orbs. “I may understand now a sliver of why you love each of your little Ponies, Celestia,”
Celestia was quiet as she observed Dusk's features shift as he laid his head back down on to the counter top. “I will ask you once more, Dusk Breaker. Tell your subordinates to peacefully accept their fate,”
“You might as well thrust a spear through my chest, all the good it would do you,” Dusk grimaced as he felt his broken rib reconnect and begun weaving the harden bone back together. Not exactly a painless procedure to be awake for.
“So be it,” Celestia levitated the Stallion outside and deposited him within a prisoner cart. Fiddlesticks ran after them as the Goddess ordered the convoy to the Castle.
Hallbjorn watched from the dark of a nearby alleyway before following behind a few blocks. After securing his way into the palace he made his way towards the lone room designated for the Germaneigh visitors. “Greetings, Father!” the warrior shouted as he closed the distance between himself and the lone Pony who stood looking out the window. “I have some news that may shine some light on this meeting Celestia has called,”
The air around the Hive was relaxed as Drones and Zerglings patrolled the outer edge of the clearing. The lone Hydralisk slithered about near the large Hatchery as his observant eyes often searched the sky for any intruder, pony or otherwise. The Hydralisk had something more important under his care however. A single Egg laid near the Hatchery entrance and the long creature wrapped it's long tail around it as if a Mother protecting it's infant.
Intruders. Attack.
Instantly a long gouge of flame shot forth from the tree line as a burnt Zergling corpse crashed upon the creep floor. A long howling broke through the evening air as shapes surrounded the Hive. Their numbers easily towered over the Zerg collective which gave the winning percentage a brand new low.
A pair of Zerglings charged the line as one was meet with two spears, the other jumped onto his brethren's body and over the two pony soldiers. The Unicorn who just used his flame spell was recovering until he found a single talon deep within his chest and a large maw chewing on what was left of his face. The Zergling, satisfied, turned to it's next target only to be pierced to the ground by several spears. Some of the razor sharp tips merely deflected off the carapace but the few that found the softer tissue began to dig within the Zergling's body.
The Hydralisk turned as his spine flaps opened to unleash a hailstorm of deadly projectiles. Ponies fell dead as the projectiles eagerly dug themselves through armour, cloth and bone. The few that didn't die immediately from the attack soon found their very own body fighting a poison that quickly consumed the heart and lungs. The Hydralisk screeched at the approaching enemies until a lone Drone glided towards the Egg.
Retreat. Survive.
The Hydralisk didn't even hesitate as he uncoiled his body from the egg and placed himself between the small fragile worker as the egg was being separated from the creep. The Hydralisk took one more look at the Drone before turning back to the enemy giving off another painful screech that herald another spine volley. Shields rose amongst the pony ranks but they soon found them to be useless as one spine pierced through and into a Unicorn behind the front ranks.
Cover. Retreat.
The Hydralisk turned to see that the Drone placed the egg within it's large maw. A small screech came from the Hydralisk as it motioned towards the other edge of the forest. The Drone followed it to a key as it hurried it's pace only to be blocked by another wave of Ponies that stared down the smaller creature. The Hydralisk however slithered to face the Soldiers head on. Spine's flew moment's before it's long talon was raised like a scythe. The follow through from the attack caused a single slow pony's head to roll on the forest's floor. The Hydralisk screech before several spears dug deep within it's bowels. The large creature simply smacked what attackers he could away as the Drone passed through the small opening in the Pony wall.
A large spout of flame engulfed the Hydralisk as it howled in pain. The Drone turned to see that the Hydralisk dug it's talons deep in two nearby tree's so none of the flames could get past to harm either the egg or the Drone.
Run.
The Hydralisk screeched lowly at the Drone once more before being lite on fire.
The Drone only waited a moment before fleeing the scene with haste.
Celestia stood outside of the Dungeon door as a loud howl of pain echoed from within. She grimaced knowing full well what was now taking place at the Everfree forest. Dusk had been screaming for the past five or so minutes and Celestia had been present for the whole time. A group of ponies at first were gathered before she had the entire wing of the castle evacuated besides the guards. Another scream filled the air before Shining came to a stop at her side.
“He deserves this,” Shining spoke without pity as he listened.
“Do you blame him?” Celestia asked calmly as neither pony turned to face the other.
“For what? Causing both my Sister and my Mother to become captives to mere thugs?” Shining huffed. “Or perhaps I shouldn't blame him for the multiple deaths and suffering he has spread?”
“You have plenty of resentment towards him, Captain,” Celestia said but her tone seemed to almost wavering on as if she was warning him.
“He's no longer my Brother,” Shining simply explained without a hint of reluctance. “For all I care, my Brother died the day those things infested him,”
“Do you think I gave up on my sister when she gave in to jealousy?” Celestia asked as she noticed that much of Dusk's painful screaming had come to a eerie quiet. Her vision shifted slowly to see that Shining had his eyes closed as if to finally listen to the slight breeze that blew in the evening air. “Think about what I have said. I go to set the Sun and see Miss Fiddlesticks off. I want a large garrison of your best guardsmen standing watch over this cell,” Celestia ordered before turning away clearly ignoring any kind of salute he may give to her.
Shining stood as his eyes slowly opened to see the heavy set iron door. A small window was placed on it to allow some sort of ventilation. Beyond that door however was the thing he was deemed to watch over until he was finally released from the royal guard. A King of the Crystal Kingdom can't be a Royal Guard under Celestia after all.
The lone pony waited in the shadows of one of the palace towers as the sun dipped behind the far off landscape. Luna's moon easily took over it's place as it's benevolent rays of light began to filter over Equestria. This Pony however was only relieved to have more of a shadow to hide in. It wasn't until the crack of the door that the rather quiet store room was brightened by an outside source.
A lone Lunar Guard stuck it's head in looking both left and right before frowning.
“I'm over here, you dolt,” the voice spoke up as a lone hoof stepped into the moonlight.
The Guard grinned for a moment before looking outside. Convinced that the coast was clear he trotted inside and placed a satchel on the floor. His eyes squinted but even with his natural low-light vision he found that this Pony remained in the dark. “Everything you want is in the bag,” he whispered.
“Good,” the voice purred out with malicious intent.
The Stallion stood tall still completely unsure of which Gender the Pony is! The voice seemed broken up or as if travelling from a distance. The Guard scuffed at the floor a couple of times before speaking out “You will hold your end of the bargain, correct?”
“Yes, yes, I'll make sure that the papers will go through. Your little Filly will attend the best of schools here in Canterlot,” the voice came back rather annoyed.
The Lunar Pony huffed out a breath but decided against speaking more on the situation. All he cared about was seeing his daughter go to an excellent school. Turning he made his way towards the door only to give the mysterious Pony one more look before closing the door behind him.
The Pony walked out into the moon light to reveal a very malicious smile that would make even the most stoic wince. Quickly, the contents of the saddle was dumped on the floor as large folders of medical and scientific notes quickly kicked up a small layer of dust. With one quick swipe of a hoof the front opened to show a clear title.
Subject 1A: Dusk Breaker
Subject 2A: The Zerg
Fiddlesticks was glad as she could be for the Princess has bought her a first class private booth for the train ride home. The night was young and before the train had already departed Canterlot she felt a ache that echoed within her. She knew exactly what it is but dared not to think about it. Her tears were painful and the warmth she once shared was fleeting. The only thing that made the trip bearable at all was the constant serving of alcoholic drinks for the trip to first class carriage. She'd downed the pitiful excuses for glasses of wine before snatching the bottle from the serving Mare's hooves.
Fiddlesticks proudly sang a simple little lullaby as she departed the train. The words, long from actually making sense, were now just moans and curses. Chucking the empty bottle of wine into an alley she chuckled with fits before jumping in the air as if scoring the wining basket in any sport. Her stumbling finally brought her to the one place she could call home.
“Ah mish shoo so musch!” Fiddlesticks declared before giving the edge of her shop a large hug. Ignoring the slight line of slobber she unlocked the door with some difficulty. Dancing around instruments she made her upstairs as she placed her hat on the rather large looking chair. Dat'sh funny, Ah don't remember there being a big ol' chair there! She thought giggling before turning her way to bed with her Violin case in her tight embrace. “Yer my only friend,” she moaned before snoring loudly.
As the rhythmic sound of her snores filled the small apartment did the Drone glide out of the darkness. The large chair gave a pulsating kick as a opaque form within was starting to form.
Fiddlesticks turned as she coughed only to find her head protested such actions. Her moan of pain however made due as she slowly shifted her weight towards the edge of the bed. A soar taste was left in her mouth as she wobbled only for a few moments in her bedroom. A sudden urge to use the bathroom overfilled her as she ran past the motionless figure who waited in the darkest corner. A loud flush filled the small apartment as a more refreshed Mare came forth letting out a long sigh.
Memories flashed through her mind as she made her way into the conjoining living room only to discover a grotesque object was standing in the corner.
Don't be shocked, Miss Fiddlesticks.
“Who said that?” Fiddlesticks turned her head as pain flared from such sudden movement.
Take a moment and sit down, Miss Fiddlesticks.
Eyeing the large, cylindrical egg like object in her living room she only let her mouth hang open before dropping down to her haunches.
Good. This is the Zerg Swarm speaking to you through our mental synapse.
Fiddlesticks couldn't believe what she was hearing. The darn Egg is talkin' ta me!
No, Miss. I'm simply a thought pattern you hear with your brain waves. Understand?
“Uhhh...” Fiddlesticks mumbled for a second trying to find the closest blunt weapon accessible to her.
Miss Fiddlesticks, you have come into contact with the Hive Mind correct?
“Wha' in tarnation is a Hive Mind?” Fiddlesticks spoke out loud as she wrapped one hoof around a wooden lamp shade base. “Wait, did you say the Zerg?” Fiddlestick asked with a sudden interest as her heart started to beat faster then it already has.
Correct. The Hive Mind, as we call him, is Dusk Breaker. I believe you two have come into intimate contact?
“Well wait jus' a second, mister! Ah don't just let any Stallion come into mah bed!” Fiddlesticks huffed as she crossed her fore hooves.
You didn't answer my question.
Fiddlesticks swallowed rather loudly despite how dry her throat was. “All we did was kiss, honest,” she threw up one hoof as if to make some sort of oath.
You have Zerg DNA within you, Miss Fiddlesticks.
“Ah got wut?” she stammered before feeling something graze past her to glide towards the Egg. She recognized it only slight by descriptions. It was one of Dusk's creatures from within the Forest.
Welcome to the Swarm, Miss Fiddlesticks.