//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: Forgotten Legacy // Story: Once Upon A December // by ThePrinceOfTheNorth //------------------------------// Chapter 13: Fogotten Legacy Crystal, Crystalia and Fate carefully made their way through the halls of the Changeling Hive. The torches had given way to intricate carved stone wall scones that held some type of glowing liquid that was extremely bright, almost like sunlight, which made their progress that much easier. Curiously, they had not yet encountered a single Changeling Drone, though the Hive showed obvious signs of inhabitance. Some time after entering the sconed network, they'd stumbled upon a grandly decorated dinning hall. There were half-eaten meals that were still steaming, meaning that whatever had been there was still around somewhere. "I'm not liking this," said Fate nervously. "Don't worry," said Crystalia as they entered a large room, "We'll be fine." "I think this msut be...," Crystal began, but was cut off as they were suddenly surrounded by at least two hundred drones, appearing from the various side passages. "Stay your hooves, intruders," said the bulkiest of the group, "You are not welcome...QUEEN FATE!?" Instantly, every Changeling was bent over. "Forgive us, your majesty. We did not realize it was you." Fate was confused. If they're bowing to me, and we're as far North as Crystal says we are, then this hive must be... "Is this Onyx Gleam Hive," asked Fate, sounding more demanding than she would have liked. "Yes, your majesty," said the Changeling. "I am Intrepid, Captain and last of your Royal Guard." Fate looked around at the changelings gatherd. There were her subjects, not Chrysalis', hers. "But I thought you'd all been killed," said Fate. "Most of us were," said Intrepid as he rose from his bow. "We've only been able to begin reproducing recently. Two months ago there were only ten of us." "Really," Fate said, the shock in her voice noticeable. "Yes, my Queen," Intrepid said, "But we have endured with the help of Diamond Shimmer Hive and the Kingdom of Shadow." "My Hive still exists," asked Crystalia. "Indeed," answered Intrepid, "Your daughter, Princess Crystal Shimmer, has been very generous with the Hive's Love Store, as she says that they have more than they need." "What about the Kingdom of Shadows," asked Crystal. "Those dragons," Intrepid said with a smile. "They have been a great help in reconstructing the outer Hive, and give us their Love freely, along with food and supplies in exchange for gems. Fear not, we have not raided the Royal Treasurey, but have gone into the jet mines for the gems." "Jet mine? I thought this was Onxy Gleam Hive," questioned Crystalia. "It was an Onyx mine, then that dried up," said Intrepid. "We dug a bit deeper, then we found the Jet Geode. It's actually a huge cave network that runs for many, many miles. We started mapping it nearly six hundred years ago, and we still haven't finished, even with our increasing numbers." Fate nodded. "Well, at least they match my chitin, right?" Intrepid let loose a hearty laugh before continuing. "Indeed they do. So, will you be staying?" "Well...," began Fate. She wasn't sure whether to stay and help rebuild her Hive, or to continue on in search of Snowdrop. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and turned to see Crystal looking at her. "It's okay," Crystal said, "They need you right now. Crystalia and I will continue the search once the storm passes." "Thank you," Fate said before turning back to Intrepid. "Very well. I shall stay, for now." A massive cheer went through the group of gathered Changelings. Once they finished, they returned to their normal duties. "Perhaps we should celebrate," suggested Fate. "An excellent idea, my Queen," said Intrepid brightly, "I'll get the preparations underway. I'd suggest you use the Hive Mind to inform everyling of the celebration. You do remember how to use it, right?" Honestly, Fate had not used the Hive Mind in such a long time that she feared she might have forgotten how to use it. Regardless, she began to focus. "Testing, testing, can you hear me," Fate said telepathically. "Loud and clear, my Queen," said Intrepid, understanding her worry. "To all Changelings of Onyx Gleam Hive, I, Queen Fate, have returned to you. To commemorate this, a celebration shall be held in the Grand Dinning Hall this evening. Come if you can, but if it is too difficult, don't try anything stupid, and stay where you are," Fate spoke telepathically to her Hive. "A good speech," said Intrepid. "We do have a Grand Dinning Hall, right," asked Fate. "Yes," Intrepid, "Perhaps I should give you a tour of the Hive." "That would be nice, thank you." ~~~~~~~~ Four Hours Later... The feast and celebrations were in full swing, and everyling was having a good time. Even Crystal and Crystalia had joined in the festivities, and were thoroughly enjoying themselves. "So, what do you think," asked Intrepid. "I like it," replied Fate. "Everyling seems to be enjoying themselves, and that pleases me greatly." As Intrepid nodded, a tall, elegant Changeling Queen entered the hall. Her chitin and carapace were both pure white, her eyes a shade of lightest blue, her mane and tail were a somewhat reflective blue, and her wings were tinted ice blue. She scanned the room, but stopped when her eyes fell upon Crystalia, who had seen her first. After a moment's hesitation, both mares ran to each other, wrapping each other in a warm embrace when they met. "Who's that," asked Fate. "Princess Crystal Shimmer," said Crystal as she came up to Fate, "Future ruler of Diamond Shimmer Hive, and daughter of Queen Crystalia." "Really," said Fate, "Why isn't her chitin black like Crystalia's was?" "Crystalia was the first of her Hive, as were you," said Crystal, "Crystlia, however, starved herself once when her Hive had a Love shortage. This ruined her appearence, leaving it an empty template which Celestia filled with her love for Crystalia as a friend, changing her to look like Celestia. In all my years, though, this is the only occurence of this happening." "And you've been around a long time," said Fate thoughtfully. "Since the beginning," Crystal said simply. Fate nodded and the two of them watched Crystal Shimmer and Crystalia's reunion warmly as the two began to cry. It warmed Crystal's heart to see such happiness, especially in such dark times.