Everfree Forest
The Hive
Dragonfly's Throne Room
Dragonfly, Seeker, Rhino, Darter and Spotter had set up a stone table in the center of the room and had spread out a map of Equestria and old reports and were discussing their next move.
"Okay," Dragonfly said, "Here's what we know so far."
He placed a hoof on Ponyville.
"Equestria is currently dealing with a Timber Wolf crisis, they've had to evacuate several outlying towns and a few former safe zones. The Ponies Military is beating back the wolves but they keep attacking, reports say the wolves are more aggressive then usual and the attack are random so the Ponies haven't been able to mount a counterattack."
Seeker rubbed his chin and said.
"Ponyville was the most recent attack. Timber wolves are know for their bloodlust but even for them this is too bold, I for one think someone or something might be controlling them."
Rhino spoke next.
"If that's the case they are either insane or have no grasp of tactics. Not to sound paranoid but this smells fishy, Equestira is known as a peaceful country but it's also known for it's very strong military."
Spotter snorted.
"Our Prince got that point across to us, loudly, before the invasion."
"Well I was Right!!" Said Prince shouted.
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Flashback
Main Changeling Hive, a little over a year ago
"ARE THEY BUCKING INSANE!!!!!"
The only reason Seeker didn't have his back against the wall completely was because of the very terrified forms of Rhino, Spotter, Darter and the other Changelings of Dragonfly's small hive that were currently hiding behind him in sheer terror of the very enraged Young Royal ranting at how stupid the other Royals apparently were.
Dragonfly looked like he was having a massive meltdown, his hive had seen him angry before, but never this angry. In fact, they swore they could see smoke rising from his carapace.
From his ranting they had guessed the other Royals, lead by Chrysalis, had planned to invade and take over Equestria. There were other details but the small hive couldn't make them out.
"Anybuggy with a BRAIN knows that Equestria is a peaceful county for a REASON!!! The Griffins learned that before Nightmare Moon appeared, their only warning was an eclipse before their king at the time and his loyalists were found dead with their throats slit by Pony Commandos, THESTRAL COMMANDOS not less, Who Will will use terror tactics! After that the united Griffin Kingdoms fell to infighting. They may have a strong military now but they are allies with Equestria!
He grabbed a pillow off the bed next to him and screamed long and loudly into it.
After screaming into it for about an hour, he pulled the pillow from his face, set it back on the bed and took a deep breath. He then turned to look at his hive.
"Sorry you all had to see me fly off the handle like that. It's just those horseapples for brains Royals have had the most brilliant idea to invade Equestria to "gain enough love to feed the Changelings for thousands of years." We all know that isn't going to happen, Equestria has a very strong Military for a peaceful county, we need ponies free and unharmed to keep our kind sustainable, and even if the plan to take Canterlot is a success the Ponies will bring their full Military might on our heads. This WHOLE plan is doomed to fail, The other Royals only have barely trained Drones and a hooffull of Soldiers, not to mention no tactics or strategy other then Chrysalis acting as the only point of infiltration."
"How are the other Royals this brainless?" Darter asked.
"The other Royals have fallen to their greed and arrogance, and with Chrysalis in charge they wouldn't see logic." Seeker said shaking his head and looking down at the floor.
"I've also heard that the other Changelings are reaching their rage breaking point, years of suppressed rage at the poor treatment is very close to meltdown." Rhino said.
"How close?" Spotter asked.
"Failed invasion and the other Changelings will turn on their Royals, with things going pear shaped very fast close."
"Which is why I what you guys to take our hive and get the hay out of here before that happens." Dragonfly said.
The others looked surprised.
"You want us to take the hive and leave you here?!" Seeker half asked half shouted.
"Sir, with all due respect, it is the hives duty to stay with it's Royal." Rhino said.
"I know Rhino, but I will not allow my hive to get caught up in the middle of the coming storm and I need to stay here to keep the other Royals from getting suspicious."
His hive looked at each other for a long time, finally Seeker said.
"I hope you know what your doing Dragonfly."
"So do I Seeker, so do I."
End Flashback
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"And it turned out leaving when we did was a very good idea." Spotter said.
"Then we recovered our Prince's cocoon after the smoke cleared. Wasn't easy however." Darter said.
"So what's our next move Prince Dragonfly?" Rhino asked.
Dragonfly brought a hoof to his chin and went into deep thought, what would be their next move? They were safe in the Everfree Forest for now but they only had 52 Changelings, not any were near enough to keep the hive sustainable. The Ponies were still on alert after the invasion and with the Timber Wolf crisis, which now only left to options;
A. Stay hidden, Which could very well cause problems down the line.
or
B. Reveal themselves to the Ponies, and hope they could work something out.
Both options didn't really appeal to him but he knew that these were the only options left. He looked up at his lead Changeling, who were looking back at him waiting for his decision. Dragonfly was at a lost on what to do, he did want to protect his hive but staying hidden was going to make that very hard to do. On the other hoof there was the fact that revealing themselves could lead to disastrous consequences for his hive. He sighed, Dragonfly couldn't make this decision alone.
"Seeker, gather the rest of the hive. I want to hear their opinions on this matter before I make a decision, in the meantime I have a letter to write in case option B is chosen."
"Understood Dragonfly, I gather the hive in the Meeting Chamber." Seeker stood up and walked out of the room, Rhino, Darter and Spotter behind him.
Dragonfly laid down on his throne pulling out a sheet of paper and a quill and started writing.
I hope this is the right thing to do. I will protect my hive, but at the same time I'm not sure if I can.
What Will Be The Next Move Of Prince Dragonfly And His Hive?
Let's see where this story goes.
Hi Ho, Silver,
Grandpa's doing alright, and I found the time to read your next chapter.
I could understand the others' fear; Dragonfly's been so laid back and calm that seeing him angry is terrifying.
And, of course, he's got a pretty big choice ahead; revealing himself to the ponies or staying hidden. Granted, staying hidden could help defend them against any ponies that would try to hurt them on sight, but if they resort to stealing from the ponies and get caught, it'll be way harder to convince them of anything as opposed to Option B.
Though it is nice of Dragonfly to decide to get the opinions of the other changelings before he makes a decision. Nice use of democracy or showcasing how he cares about his hive.
Excellent work.
π
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Great to hear that.
There a reason why "Beware the Nice Ones" and "Beware the Quiet Ones" are tropes. The scary thing is though; that wasn't his greatest level. It's well known that Dragonfly has a explosive temper with a long fuse, however if he's truly enraged but instead of exploding he speaks in a very calm but cold tone... well the only one to trigger that got beaten to a bloody pulp.
The poor fool in question was a Royal who was totally asking of it did something to cause him to snap... Dragonfly went into it expecting no mercy, and he gave none. By the time it was over all four of Dragonfly's hooves were covered in blood up to his elbows and the other Royal was barely even conscious, and the only reason it got that far was because the others were beyond shocked at the brutality to stop him, even Jewel's father and Chrysalis were stunned. And the really scary thing is; he got that from his mother.
Understandably... seeing that shook the other Royals, even the worst of the bunch, quite badly to the point were even as a group they didn't dare engage him in combat. Because if he could go that far if truly pushed... what else could he do with the right motive.
Out of curiosity, how would the Pack, and for that matter the others like Luco, react to seeing that? Especially since they know Dragonfly is a laid back and cheerful sort of guy willing to led a hoof. I'm guessing shock would be one of them.
Certainly a pickle for sure, their original plan was to stay hidden until things cooled off but fate, as always, messed that up. Now with the Gatherers E-Energy wouldn't be a worry, be with the Juggernauts appearing like that (though the Ponies are grateful for the rescue don't get me wrong) and the Timber Wolves means Ponyville will be on alert for a long time.
In the situation the Hive is in now, what would Shiva pick if she was a Royal and leading it?
That's another reason why his Changelings are so loyal to him; he values their input on decisions that effect the Hive as a whole and he listens to their opinions. Dragonfly sees his Hive as not just, well his Hive, but also as his family in much the same way Shiva views her Pack as her children, and since he makes sure they go to bed on a full stomach and treats them well it makes prefect sense as to why his Changelings will follow them through the abyss and back.
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Shock would be the chief emotion:
Shiva would wonder if this is how she comes across when she loses her cool, and would probably try to calm Dragonfly down.
Luke, however, would hold her back, not wanting her to risk herself.
Celine would similarly try to calm Dragonfly down with her pack link, not getting close or restraining him, but trying to soothe him with calmer memories.
Kodo would be right by Celine's side, defending her and her family just in case.
Logan would be right by his dad's side, ready to fight if Dragonfly turned on them; he tends to fight what he's scared of, and Dragonfly would be terrifying him.
Red would be backing off, trying to take Logan with her, but his fight instinct wouldn't be letting him.
Darius would also be backing off, his crossbow ready.
Myst would stand ready to defend her entire pack if need be, though she'd also understand where Dragonfly was at, as she herself entered that rage mode more than once.
Jazz would start playing a soothing melody to calm Dragonfly down from a distance.
Liz would be cowering in Celine's arms, terrified beyond measure.
Star Wing would be shocked at her lover's anger and likely either protect Blue Belle and Diamond Dancer from seeing him that way, or try to snap him out of his anger and cool him down.
Blue Moon would be out of there in a flash, running away terrified.
Frost Bite would use her ice powers in an attempt to literally cool the situation down.
Fox Hound would try to break the situation up, since she's trained to be a peace keeper and officer of the law.
Cat Catcher would automatically be defending his mother; he'd want to flee, but his mother brings out his protective instinct.
And indeed, Antenna would be trying to calm Dragonfly down, not wanting him to stay in this state of anger.
Ricochet would be backing off, and instinctively recording the whole thing, which she tends to do when nervous.
Jackknife would at first be cheering Dragonfly on as he beat the Royal down (you did say the Royal had it coming) before realizing Dragonfly was going too far and stepping in to break it up.
Swift would be cowering in horror, trying not to get sick.
Phoenix would let him vent on the Royal for a bit, before firing a shot into the air to get his attention and calmly telling him he's made his point.
Blaze would just watch on with a grin, feeling Dragonfly was more than justified to take it as far as he needed.
Luco, similar to Jackknife, would be cheering until he noticed the Royal was losing. Unlike Jackknife, however, Luco would take a moment to consider if the Royal was worth saving, since he wasn't sure how combat capable the Royal was. And Luco cares more about lives when they're badasses.
Diamondback would be disgusted at the show of violence and at first look away or shield Swift's eyes. Eventually, if Jackknife stepped in and risked Dragonfly's wrath, Diamondback would encase Dragonfly in a stone prison until he calmed down.
Wildvine would breath out a calming scent of lavender and sedatives to calm Dragonfly down.
Bang Fifigara would yank the two apart and chastise the Royal first for whatever they did to earn such a beatdown and then Dragonfly for descending into such a primal fit of rage.
Danielle Dolores Dixon would hide behind Bang and refuse to get involved.
Allison βTexβ Churchill, like Phoenix, would fire her guns into the air to get Dragonfly to come to her senses. Once she had his attention, she'd aim her pistols at him and warn him to ease it back.
Smith would run for the hills, right behind Blue Moon.
Nick Connors wouldn't intervene, but he would grimace at how violent Dragonfly got.
General Drake would wait until Dragonfly had exhausted himself, then gently pull him away, telling him that he won.
And finally, Brock would wince at the violent actions before stepping in and pulling Dragonfly away, marching him off and not letting go until Dragonfly had calmed down.
She'd try to take a third option: she'd have the gatherers on standby, collecting E-Energy if they could, but not taking any risks. In the meantime, she'd wait until the Timber Wolves attacked, and then have her forces (likely Luke, Red or Jazz) aid the ponies in stopping them, allowing them to bond with each other through a trial by fire. Once the Timber Wolves had been driven off, Red, Luke and Jazz would offer the ponies a chance to meet with Shiva and discuss terms for an alliance.
Exactly why Shiva's pack are willing to follow her. Originally (at least in the Scales and Fur continuity) Myst led the pack, and while she was charismatic enough and had earned several of the wolves loyalty by freeing them from oppressive humans, her actions often resulted in her pack mates getting injured or killed fighting dragons and humans. Shiva, on the other hand, gave them a life where they weren't in constant danger and didn't need to constantly fight for their lives, and supplanted it with top notch defenses, ensuring that if anything came after them, they could fight it off. Myst just couldn't compete with that.
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Don't blame any of them, thankful Dragonfly has only snapped like that once, but that doesn't mean he won't in the future.
Huh, didn't think of a third option at time. Then again first story.
And it's things like that as to why in Dragonfly Hive he was seen as such a threat, I mean; a Hive with a massive number of Changelings loyal to him, only using who he is? It's no wonder Chrysalis wanted him dead, she knew she wouldn't have a chance if he was around when she launched her coup.
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Yep. People can always still get angry or pushed to their limits. Though I shudder for whoever pushes him that far again.
Exactly; don't worry too much about it.
Yeah; though that's something that separates Chrysalis from Myst; despite Myst's beliefs, she never even considers attacking her own kind. And when Shiva proved herself to be the better leader, Myst stepped down. She wasn't happy about it, but she'd be insulted and disgusted if someone told her to try and launch a coup against Shiva. As a result, Shiva's not used to the idea of her pack turning on her; when even Myst wouldn't stoop that low, she can't comprehend Chrysalis doing the same thing.