“Miss Fiddlesticks!”
The called pony tapped her hat back as she gazed out of the train car door with a look of complete surprise. In all her glory stood Princess Celestia baring a rather welcoming and kind smile easily affixed to her muzzle. Several of her guards surrounded her with Princess Cadence and Shining armour for company. Crowds watched as the rather country looking mare stepped off the train and did her best to bow.
“Greetings, Miss Fiddlesticks. I do hope the train ride has been enjoyable for you?” Celestia asked as the sun seemed to make her very coat radiant.
“Ah had a blast Princess,” Fiddlesticks caught up in her words as the focus of every pony seemed to dawn on her. Her resolve brought her through however as she remained focused on the Solar being. “Ah hate to be askin' right off the Train but is Dusk ok?”
Celestia was quiet for a moment but her non shifting facial expression was rather disturbing. “Dusk's position within Equestria is a tad more political, Miss Fiddlesticks,”
“She means complicated,” Cadence corrected her older mentor with a slight giggle.
“Yes, much more complicated actually. We're afraid that your assistance may be critical to deal with him. Can we take your luggage?” Celestia asked before narrowing her eyes on the creature departing from the train door to hover beside Fiddlesticks. In mere seconds guards lowered their weapons and formed a defensive perimeter around their Royal charges. “Get away from that creature, Fiddlesticks!” Celestia warned as her horn begun to light up with magical energy.
“Ah come on, Princess! One lil' Drone ain't gunna hurt ya!” Fiddlesticks chuckled as she rubbed her hoof on the Zerg worker much like a owner and their dog. A low hum emanated from it's maw which Fiddlesticks simply cooed at affectionately. “See? Ain't nothin' this lil' guy will do to harm none,”
Only silence answered her as every single pony in the station was dead quiet. Celestia simply examined the Drone and waited for any reason to attack. A full thirty seconds passed with both parties exchanging looks until Fiddlesticks waved at them.
“Ah'd appreciate some help carrying some of my luggage or are ya gonna zap the little guy here?” Fiddlesticks asked as the quiet started to unnerve her.
“Of course we would love to help, right Princess Celestia?” Cadence asked as she slightly nudged the Solar Princess.
“Of course,” Celestia said as she easily regained her more friendly composure even though her gaze never left the Drone.
Cadence turned to her Husband with a large smile. “Honey? Could you lift her things please?”
His groan was all that was needed as he sheathed his sword and ordered his guards to stand down. Stepping forth to break from formation he stood a few meters from Fiddlesticks. “What can I carry for you, Miss Fiddlesticks?”
“Oh!” Fiddlesticks stomped her hoof down. “Ah have it comin' from the cargo car. Matter of fact here it comes!”
Jaws dropped as the crate was offloaded from the car by four Unicorns carefully using levitation magic. Shining simply muttered for a moment before turning back to Fiddlesticks with disbelief. “What did you pack?” he muttered with bewilderment.
“A girl has to be prepared,”
“How is our little scientist doing, hm?” the distorted voice spoke out once more as the lavender Unicorn cringed at the disruption. The room was filled with notes, data sheets, equipment and several other tools that all seemed to be used. “Anything yet?”
Twilight Sparkle simply groaned as she dropped the last spread sheet held with her levitation magic. Knowing full well that she was being watched from the dark she simply shook her head. Apparently that answer was something that was quite unsatisfactory.
“Oh, Twi, you know that won't do,” the voice came through the walls. “Your Mother's life depends on this. You're a smart Mare, perhaps you need some more incentive?”
“No!” Twilight screamed out in fear. “I'll do it just please leave my Mother alone!”
“I want this data, Twilight!” the voice turned into a raging symphony of sound that made Twilight's ears ring. “I need what your Brother has!”
“You don't get it!” Twilight shouted as her composure began to shake. “The Zerg are way too advanced on a molecular scale for me to study in such a short period of time! It would take me years to fully get you what you need by myself! I could possible get you an experimental dosage within the time limit but the effects are too numerous to count!”
“I don't care about the possible after effects!”
“The very cells within the sample that you gave me would consume any Pony if it ever got into their blood stream! I could add a magic nullification to perhaps change the cells function to a very slight degree but-”
“Do it!” the voice boomed to silence any protest Twilight presented.
Twilight levitated a single syringe over and begun the process as a sense of dread washed over her. Within Twilight's magical aura was the stepping stones of planetary destruction. The wealth of knowledge is all there but it also came at such a great cost that she couldn't even fathom. There is so much to learn and she knew so little of it.
Outside of her room wait a pony with a single cigarette smouldering away between his lips. His narrow gaze peered at the Mare that laid on her haunches. The heavy bags underneath her eyes easily showed more then enough of her condition as well as her frayed mane. None of it really fazed him as his eyes glinted with raw obsession as he eyed the vial of purple ichor.
“Time to dethrone you, Mr. Fang”
“We found him like this from last night. The poor maid practically threw the breakfast she was holding straight to the ceiling,” Celestia explained as they all watched Fiddlesticks enter the room only to see the massive object within. A single large Cocoon stood taller then even Celestia as only a small faint glow came from within. A blackened creep spread like fleshy veins easily grasping onto any surface it could reach. What really began to disturb every pony but Fiddlesticks was that you could hear and feel the heartbeat from within the large egg shaped hold.
“Don't get too close Fiddlesticks,” Celestia warned but such caution was thrown away as Fiddlesticks walked up to the fleshy side and placed a hoof on it's side.
Nothing to be alarmed about, my Queen. Fiddlesticks didn't even flinch as the increasingly familiar voice filled her head.
Is he ok? Did some Pony injure him? Fiddlesticks immediately enquired before stopping for a moment. Wait, what did ya just call me?
You are now a Queen of the Swarm, second only to the Hive Mind, my Queen. It was requested from the Hive Mind that you be placed upon a proper position.
Fiddlesticks groaned aloud with a slight shake of her head. There he goes again without askin' me if Ah even want too!
Do you not want the position within the Swarm hierarchy, my Queen?
Fiddlesticks was quiet for a moment before smiling towards the encased Dusk Breaker. She could feel his very heart beat from the fleshy walls and within her very own mind. She had to come to grips with the Swarm's invasion within her own body but it seemed that their would be some perks. If anything, it meant that Dusk couldn't cheat on her without her knowing. Ah will be your Queen.
“Fiddlesticks?”
The mentioned Violinist turned is if suddenly disturbed from a slumber. The Princesses gazed down at her with looks of worry while the Prince already had a magical grasp on the hilt of his sword. A moment of silence engulfed the room as the steady heartbeat let out a rhythmic tune. “Are you ok, Fiddlesticks? You went suddenly quiet for a moment,”
Fiddlesticks simply let out a light chuckle with hopes to lift the mood from the Royalty. “Thank ya for yer worry, Princess. Ah'm just worried about Dusk is all,” Fiddlesticks explained as she turned back to the large Zerg organism.
He will be done metamorphosis in exactly three hours, thirty-nine minutes and twelve seconds, my Queen. He will then be ready to lead the Swarm with increased efficiency.
Keep me up to date on any changes, Swarmy.
Please stop calling us that, my Queen.
Fiddlesticks only grinned before turning back to the Princess with a comforting smile. “He'll be out shortly, Princess,”
“How do you know that?” Cadence asked before she gasped with the realization.
“You've been infected, haven't you?” Celestia asked with a very calming demeanour. They watched as Fiddlesticks calmly nodded her head but otherwise stood her ground proudly. “This complicates matters even further then. We need to speak to you about yesterdays proceedings,”
Fiddlesticks sat on the couch with a hardened face of deep thought as Celestia's explanation of Dusk's current position within Equestria is announced. It was funny to her when she thought about it as a smile broke through her frown.
“What's funny, Fiddlesticks?” Cadence asked with curiosity as she brought the tea cup to her lips.
“Ah have been lookin' fer the right Stallion for quite a while now. Who knew it'd be a Pony with an Alien infection?” Fiddlesticks explained her thoughts as she chuckled once more to the very thought of it.
“This is also where you should make your decision, Miss Fiddlesticks,” Celestia interrupted. “I have absolutely no ill will towards you but if you wish to join Dusk Breaker, then you'll also deal with the same consequences. I'll remove you as an Equestrian citizen and place you under the care of this new Swarm government. If you choose to stay however, then we will try our best to remove the infestation within you and let you live your life,”
Fiddlesticks answer almost seemed to shock the group except for Cadence who only smiled. “Dusk needs me and although Ah think he can be a few bricks short of a house, he looks out for me. Ah think Ah've been looking for that kind of,” Fiddlesticks paused for a moment as she thought of the most obvious word to describe it. “That kinda Love,”
“I have been noticing a few tendrils from your essence, Fiddlesticks,” Cadence spoke with softness as she could see the loving connection seeping out from the simple Violinist. “I hope you install some sort of patience within my Brother-in-law. He can be stubborn and straight forward sometimes,”
“He can also be extremely dangerous now,” Shining Armour cut in much to his wife's displeasure.
“All that being said,” Celestia spoke up loudly before any sort of argument could be had. “Are you sure this is to be your final choice, Miss Fiddlesitcks? You will be losing all your property in Equestria and it will be quite a distance from Family. If Dusk Breaker is faithful in his agreement however, then mail and visits can be arranged through me,”
“My Pa will be disappointed but he was always closer to my Sister anyway,” Fiddlesticks lowered her furrowed gaze as thoughts raced in her head of Family and Friends. Years of living in Ponyville flashed before her as she remembered the multiple concerts she played for everyone, all the small get togethers with her Cousins at the farm and her very own musical shops. A small tear rolled across her muzzle for a moment as she spoke. “Ah'll miss my Cousins 'nd Friends in Ponyville too,”
“Are you absolutely sure you want to do this, Fiddlesticks?” Celestia asked once more as the room grew quiet.
Fiddlesticks thought about a possible peaceful life settled in Ponyville; rolling countryside, cute wildlife and great Ponies.
My Queen, my apologies but the Changeling will be hatching soon. Hive Mind informed me before his ascension that you were to take charge in his stead. He seems to completely trust you despite my convincing argument, my Queen.
Fiddlesticks was still as it all came clear to her when she heard the heartbeat from the Synapse.
“I'd love to stay, Princess Celestia, but,” Fiddlesticks placed the tea cup back down on the saucer before giving the occupants of the room a rather confident grin.
“I have a Swarm to run,”
“No!” the Pony yelled as his cigarette began to roll away with ease, a trail of smoke lazily filling the air. The intense pain easily began to seep into every single cell within his body. White blood cells tried fruitlessly to repel the new organism only to be eaten away and replaced by the thousands. Organs began to fail along with nerves that lead down his legs. Twitches rocked his body as the Zerg DNA begun to work it's way up the brain stem.
Twilight Sparkle watched with horror as the prepared vial of mixed Zerg DNA easily begun to corrupt the Unicorn. The colour of his coat even paled where it wasn't already bulging with new muscle to the point that the skin was tearing. She couldn't believe the speed which the foreign organism was overtaking his body as she watched what seemed to be a misplaced claw jutting out of one of his hoof's.
“What have you done to me?” he manage to scream before coming very still on the floor in his disfigured state.
Twilight stared for a few moments in shock until she finally managed to get her breathing under control. The door out of this imprisonment is open and just waiting for her, calling for her! She almost cried in joy before looking at the sole obstacle in her way. The motionless thing that seemed dead for she couldn't see any breathing rhythm or motion for that matter. Urging one hoof forward she stepped down only to get no response.
Another.
And another.
Still nothing came from the creature as Twilight's hope started to sky rocket. The door was so close she could feel a breeze coming from it which probably meant a window or even a door out of this hell hole! Throwing caution to the wind she broke out into a full on gallop until a loud shriek caused her to turn to see a lurking figure slowly getting up on all four hooves. The fear returned as she shook steadly when the figure turned it's head to look at Twilight only to show four tendrils waving freely from the ex-Pony's maw. That alone was enough for Twilight as she screamed and made a dash for any sort of haven from that thing.
“Help!”
Fiddlesticks whistled a soft tune as she watched the Egg before her in the final processes of hatching. Celestia, Luna and a few professionals, including Dr. Pain Killer, also watched as honoured guest within the rather dimly lite Swarm Embassy office room. It was makeshift for the moment but it suited the need of such a small Nation. The candle flickered a few times as the assembled watched eagerly, notes and pictures being taken as well as a voice recorder to store thoughts on site. All of the lab coats made Fiddlesticks chuckle but it made Celestia feel better with them around so who was Fiddlesticks to say no?
“This is truly fascinating!” Pain Killer said as he quickly scribbled down a few notes of the rather strong membrane that held most of the egg exterior together. “My old University classmates can eat their hearts out! Never have I ever had a chance at such a biological discovery!”
“Study hard, Doctor,” Celestia baded without letting her gaze fall from the Egg. “You may not get another chance to be this close,”
“Unless ya decide to study abroad,” Fiddlesticks quipped wearing a rather innocent smile towards Celestia.
“You would allow it?” Pain Killer shouted, eyes wide with shock. “You'd actually let me study the Zerg?”
“You'd be the very first visitor within the territory of the Swarm!” Fiddlesticks explained with a smile as she tipped her hat back. “Heck! We'll even let ya publish yer findin's for all to read,”
Celestia watched with interest as more warmth begun to comfort her respect in Fiddlesticks nature. If there ever was a Mare out there to balance out Dusk Breaker it could be the very Violinist siting confidently beside her. Perhaps there is some small amount of hope in this new Swarm.
“We can even make yesterday a holiday of celebration,” Fiddlesticks thought for a moment as a hoof tapped her lip in thought. “We'll call it National Hive day!”
Celestia giggled which caught both her sister and the assembled off guard. Celestia immediately looked shocked as she looked to hr younger sibling for some clearance.
Luna simply chuckled at the very enquiry. “You haven't been exactly happy and laughing lately, dear Sister,” Luna's expression soured slightly as the reason to her older Sister's malcontent. “Though there be many reasons against doing such acts,”
“I cannot forgive Dusk Breaker for the lives he has taken, Luna, not yet,” Celestia's smile disappeared to a more determined expression. “but, perhaps that doesn't mean I can't try to become a good neighbour,” Celestia explained before turning to smile at Fiddlesticks who wore a rather serious face that concentrated on Celestia. “Is something the matter, Miss Fiddlesticks?”
“Ah'm sorry,” Fiddlesticks admitted.
“For what?”
“The Swarm has explained to me what happened in the Everfree Forest. Ah'm sorry that it came down to such a violent dispute. Those Ponies shouldn't have lost their lives for the Zerg,” Fiddlesticks explained through the stinging of tears in her eyes.
Celestia smiled softly before embracing the smaller Pony fondly. “Thank you, Fiddlesticks,”
Taking in the warmth Celestia's hug provided, Fiddlesticks gave one last firm squeeze before letting go. “If there is anything Dusk and Ah can do to help those families-,”
Celestia raised a hoof to stop her before she could say anymore. “Do you think Dusk would apologize to all those families? To all the Colt and Fillies that have one less Parent, Aunt, Uncle, Brother or Sister?”
Fiddlesticks took one shaky breath as her vision dropped to the floor. Just thinking about it made her fore legs shake with the emotional burden it would place upon her shoulders. “Is this how it feels like in war?”
“It's much, much worse,” Celestia replied solemnly as Luna dropped her head in remembrance. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. One of my greatest friends and generals said that to me once and I kept that piece of wisdom with me to this day,”
“Courage,” Fiddlesticks said as if the very quote was imprinted within her mind. “I promise that Dusk and I will try and make amends with those families who have lost their loved ones. Equestria has been a wonderful home for my Family and Ah; how could I expect to live as neighbours if we didn't respect one another?”
“Well said, Fiddlesticks,” Celestia complimented as she gave Fiddlesticks one last smile before turning back to the egg before them.
Birth in thirty seconds, my Queen.
“Thirty seconds!” Fiddlesticks announced as she gave her rump a shake in excitement. Every Pony watched with numerous recording devices at the ready. The Tension could be cut with a plastic spoon!
The Egg hatched and with it all the internal fluids that babied the strain until its birth. Those fluids soon decorated both ponies and walls alike as Celestia and Luna stared in utter surprise. One Mare scientist began flailing as if she was being melted like hot water on sugar. It took a good smack from one of her colleagues to actually snap her out of the little stupor she was stuck in.
The result of the rather messy display was a single Pony Unicorn that laid upon the ground with only mild leg twitches to show life. After a few moments of waiting the crowd watched as the Pony began to raise himself onto four steady legs. His dark brown mane and light grey coat was slick with the Egg fluid but otherwise seemed to be entirely unharmed.
The only odd part about the average looking Pony was when he spoke.
“Greetings, my Queen,” The Changeling spoke fluidly and as he did so, small trails of smoke left his maw much like a smoker who has drawn on a cigarette.
“Hmm,” Dr. Pain Killer muttered. “Fascinating,”