This story is a sequel to The Worst 'Ling For the Job
The changeling Hive is getting back in business, and that means getting some defences in place. Taking a cue from Celestia, Thorax sends his brother Pharynx to purchase the best kind of defences:
Guard animals. From Cratus Thundereye, the Ancient Beast Dealer, and owner of Cratus's Crazy Critters.
What should be a simple shopping trip for Pharynx quickly devolves into a trek to a forbidden valley, numerous near-death situations for the ponies he got saddled with, a grudge match with a spectre from his past, and him having to *ugh* talk about his feelings.
Chapters (1)
Every scene is so dense! I love the humour of each creature. Much better than the show's mindless creature + plant gags.
I got every single reference....well...almost every single reference. What is the Screecher Wasp a reference to, if it IS a reference? I immediately thought of the Screecher mod for Don't Starve, but those things looked more like Owls, didn't they?
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It was indeed a reference to the mod, yes, it made sense to include it that way. It's only a reference by name, though, it wasn't meant to link back to their appearance. There were a lot of references, it was tricky to keep track of them all. My personal favorite is "It's definitely Caneighdian," which is Woodie's way of identifying the Moose/Goose.
There will be some edits to it in the future, though, based on Equestria Daily's feedback. Probably around February next year, at the earliest, so watch for that. Glad you liked it, thanks for the feedback
Long story, but funny long story
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I actually kind of want to criticize Pharynx's pragmatic and occasionally semi-fatalist view of things, but then I realize I can't really bring myself to do it because I know that he still has a point...and I know that deep down he still has a good heart with good intentions. He's just not big on expressing it, really.
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It's a fine balance to tread, but I'm glad it worked out. Sentiment vs practicality is something I enjoy exploring, especially when there are creative solutions to present. It makes for good feels without getting too corny, I find
It's also easier to relate to when you consider Pharynx is implied to the sole survivor of a Screecher Wasp attack, and the ability that attack gave him is what relegated him to guard duty and led to Chrysalis treating him like a tool so openly. It would also be part of the reason the other changelings were so afraid of him: he can turn into one of their child-eating predators. At least he had Thorax.