Tempest remained in the lab while Gru went out with a large group of the Minions - that was apparently the name of their race, as hard as that was for Tempest to accept - to steal the crystal quantum computer. He left another group of Minions in charge of watching the girls up in the house, while another assisted Nefario in the lab as he prepared things for the work he'd need to do once the computer arrived...as well as hook up points for the computer. Mel, Bob, and another Minion who introduced himself as Barry - his only unique distinguishing feature from other Minions being his insistence on wearing a costume unicorn horn at all times, either on his head or on whatever helmet he was wearing - had the responsibility of primary care for her, bringing her whatever she needed in terms of food, drinks, toiletries, or entertainment...though the last mostly consisted of Mel chasing Bob with a hammer, only for Bob to chase Mel with a flamethrower or similar dangerous weapon when Mel swiped Bob's bear.
To Tempest's surprise, the Minions had absolutely no trouble understanding her 'baby babble' when she made a request. All she had to do was look at one of them and attempt to say something, and they would understand exactly what it was she wanted and attempt to bring it to her. Admittedly, their accuracy of retrieval left something to be desired...but a few imperious glowers had drastically improved that, showing the issue was their memory rather than a failure of communication.
After a bit of experimentation, Tempest made another startling discovery. She'd been trying and failing to understand the Minions when they spoke by parsing the words, and had given up and only half-listened at one point while Mel and Bob argued about something...only to be surprised as it started to make sense. A few tests later, and she'd discovered that if she listened with her mind or her heart and not her ears - in fact, made a deliberate attempt to block out the sounds and hear meaning - what the Minions said came through clear as day. In point of fact, it came through far clearer than Nefario's attempts at translation.
<The words aren't important, are they?> she asked Barry as Mel and Bob struck at each other with a morning star and battle ax respectively, baby sounds coming out of her mouth even as she focused on getting the meaning across. <They're just a medium. Most of what you're saying...it's thought transfer!>
<More or less, yeah,> Barry confirmed, his meaning having almost nothing to do with the sounds coming out of his mouth. <But that's made past Masters uncomfortable, so we try to stick to a somewhat standardized sound pattern so they can explain it away. At least, those that have languages of their own.>
<But why would an entire race develop thought transfer that links to another race?> Tempest inquired thoughtfully. <And any other race, at that? And...why would you need a...> Her eyes widened as she realized the truth. <A proto-hive mind, but without anyone to act as the Queen, or focus of the Hive. That's why your race seeks a Master to give you all direction, so you can all unite in thought. That's how you all were able to know my names too, isn't it?> Barry nodded confirmation with a smile. Tempest grinned at that, but the grin began to fade. <But...> She frowned as she turned it over in her mind. <If that were the case, shouldn't some other race have naturally developed to be the receptor? To create the symbiotic relationship?>
Barry shrugged. <We've searched since our race began for someone to be the perfect receptor, the perfect focus for our over-thoughts. It had to be a mind that was compassionate yet ruthless, disciplined yet excitable, ambitious but reasonable. A mind that could be cold and calculating without being uncaring. Gru is the closest we'd found...until now.>
<You found someone new, then?> Tempest mused thoughtfully. <Best be careful how you tell Gru. Last I checked, even the nicest 'evil overlords' didn't like it when their minions reconsidered their employment.>
<Considering he brought this one to us, I don't think he'll mind,> Barry mused idly.
Tempest stared wide-eyed. <M-me?>
<Not only do you have the right sort of mind, but the way your mind interacts with energy has it naturally adapted to the over-thoughts,> Barry explained warmly. <As you put it, we were searching for our destined Queen...Your Majesty.> He bowed gracefully to her.
<Don't do that!> Tempest snapped out as Mel and Bob moved to mimic the action. <I...I'm nobody's queen! I...I was a general on the wrong side! I sold out my entire race for a false promise that wouldn't have even had meaning had it been true with what I paid! I...I traded the partial redemption I had received and I was working towards for a chance at getting off scot-free. That's the only reason I'm even here...> She lowered her gaze.
<We know all this,> Barry offered warmly. <As the perfect receptor to our over-thoughts, when you open yourself to hear us, we hear all of you. There is nothing in you we would judge you for. We are Minions, and the shape of mind we needed to be whole guaranteed we had to work for a great evil, or one who walked evil paths for good reasons. We can freely accept you...if you can accept us.>
Tempest stared at Barry in shock. The very unconditional acceptance she'd wanted back in Equestria but knew she wouldn't get...offered so freely here... Why couldn't this have been a true fresh start? she thought to herself, not speaking aloud even in her baby babble. If...if I didn't have the burden of remembering all the horrible things I did, I could accept this easily. But...not as long as I'm convinced I'll lead them down the wrong path. And...I can't take them away from Gru, not when that bond plainly means so much on both sides...
<I can hold those memories for you,> Barry offered helpfully.
<W-what?> Tempest gasped in shock.
<Hive-mind,> Barry explained readily. <The memories you wish you didn't have the burden of...I can hold on to them for you. The knowledge that you took a path you regret, the conviction to not tread it again, the you that was shaped by it, that will all stay intact within you. You'll also know you made this choice. But the guilt won't burden you, and you can move forward whole.>
<So...I'd still be me, just...unburdened?> Tempest asked in surprise.
Barry nodded firmly. <And it can all start once The Doctor restores your horn. Until he's ready for it to happen, think about it.> Pulling out a brush, he began to stroke her mane.
Tempest tried to relax into it, letting that turn over and over in her mind. It was...so tempting. But...was it the right decision?
Interesting take on Minion physiology/psychology, makes no small amount of sense when I think about it. This is why I read your stuff, your ability to take an electron microscope to the smallest detail and make it an interesting plot point.
PS. First!!(I never get to do that)
Hoo boy, the suspense is building!
There's a "but but" in the chapter that needs to be cut in half.
A hive-mind based minion race. A staple in what would consider to be could fiction.
Oh now that's an interesting thing. way down in the future it would be fun for her to meet Queen Chrysalis and then have them comparing their minions
Oh! So that's how she's going to lose most of her memories, but still have some access to them. I like this :)
On the one hand, a fresh start without the burden of knowing what actually happened, but knowing that something happened to bring herself to relinquish the burden... on the other hand...
Never give up your memories Tempest! NEVAHHHHHHH!
Also, fun fact after I rewatched MLP FIM The Movie, Tempest really is one of the best evil commanders I have watched! Excellent minion relations! Not a single 'You Have Failed Me' or such bit of employment termination!
I think knowing her mistakes will prevent her from making the same mistakes again regardless of where she is. And thus it will also make her a better leader for the Minions.
I’m not sure if the Minions have the changelings beat with their proto-hive mind.
I doubt any of us readers could've predicted this chpater's revelations... and yet it doesn't seem like a big stretch either. That, and we now have a nice contrast to Chryssi's hive (seriously, minus the emotovore and shapeshifter aspects the two species are strikingly similar in function)...
As far as Barry's offer stands though, I advise Tempest to NOT accept it. Yes she'd still be "her" in every important way, but accepting an artificial peace with her past means she may never be able to come to a genuine peace, if that makes sense.
I can clearly see adult Tempest marching through Equestria with her army of Minions! Much to annoyance from Celestia and excited Twilight (to learn something new).
And I am certain Rarity will have a word or two about their choice of 'uniform'.
I guess it doesn't take a mind reader to see who the next Minion Master will be. Or does it?
I would advise her to keep her memories as those who cannot learn from their past are doomed to repeat it. Also I think that this could help prevent the minions from being forced to betray Gru in the second movie and they would simply switch allegiance to her at the end of the third film.
THIS!
*points at 8994295 *
THIS IS WHY WE NEED A RIMSHOT EMOJI!
Hmm... I like this take on the Minions. In the original they were kooky but competent. In this... Competent and incredibly smart.
... Okay, about my previous comment on the first chapter? Yeah I think I can say that the Minions are done much better here than in the movies, because at least there's some thought put into them here, and they're not just relegated to shallow, annoying humor.
Well.... This is going to get weird, fast.
I understand the hive mind thing, I'm just a bit unsure if I like it that they just take the information out of someones brain if they decite they want to follow them.
The chapter is ready, but if she is supposed to be the leader I would prefer it if they have to talk about it instead of them just grabbing it out of her head unwanted.
I saw another comment about Tempest going to Equestria (maybe just for vacation?), I'm sure Nefarious could maybe do a portal or something.
well that would be funny to see her against the changeling army, maybe with the ponies and Gru together in a sequel.
Well nice chapter, I only disliked the one or two moment a bit where they just searched in her brain. If you should have compared that to the queen, then I always thought they aren't allowed to dig to deep into her brain and that she often stops them. (If i remember a certain story right).
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They didn't search her brain. Once a link is established, any strong surface thoughts are heard across the link until she learns to shield them. The Minions don't use shields at all, because said surface thoughts are their standard communication.
Kewl.
8994502
Eyup, considering her level of background angst, she's been literally shouting her problems in their faces.
love this chapter, can't wait to see what you do with this. also, is this set after the 1st or second movie? i need to watch movies 2 and 3 still
Wow, you managed to make Minions interesting.
You're a genius.
I hope she keeps her memories. Reason being is so she'll not make the same mistakes twice.
So it is PWNYverse, or not?
8994502
I think I can work with that explanation, in that chase it is still acceptable.
I was not expecting the interesting minion world-building.
I've always loved the MInions, and now you've made them even neater. Bravo.
I don't think Tempest should take them up on their offer. I dunno, it doesn't feel like the best idea.
While I agree that, from the perspective of learning from your mistakes, she shouldn't agree to have her memories taken away by the minions, doing so would allow her to be "raised" by Gru the same way other PWNYs were raised by their "parents". (Also, it would be so typical for the minions to make a mistake and regress her to an infant by taking too many memories from her.)
On another note, I hope you have a lot of OC evil villains for Gru and family to go "anti-hero" spy against. The movie villains are so "over the top" that I think you could have a lot of fun creating more villains. (or ask for fan submissions for ideas)
Or... you could go a route similar to the old Inspector Gadget cartoon and have Dru be the "Dr. Claw" to Gru's "Inspector Gadget" and give Dru lots quirky henchmen. Also, it would be hilarious if you had the old Inspector Gadget as a cameo.
Just a thought.
And THIS is why you are so followed Tatsurou!!! World building that expands and builds upon itself and builds upon itself as well as the story lines you are working with
Seems a little... deus ex machina... And a little heavy on exposition for people who haven't seen the Minions movie
A wise alchemist once said: "A lesson without pain is meaningless."
>>Azryth
I'm on the fence about whether or not Tempest should have her memories taken, as both sides have their pros and cons but I do like the Saturday morning cartoon set up being suggested.
8994502
DO YOU KNOW THE WAE!?
Honestly speaking, I will be extremely disappointed if a false Tempest shows up and the Minions don't IMMEDIATELY start spitting on her to show that she is the false queen.
unexpected world building like this is great
8995013
yeah, this is why I like his stories. each and every one is a masterpiece that improves its source material amazingly well.
8995324
Gru: Action is coming! Why are you running?!
Bob: <Spit on this man!>
Much as I like the idea of the MinionMind, and that your other stories have had their memories sealed, I think that this one, since she both requested her trip and actually still has her memory, should differ.
For one, she can't learn her side of the lesson if she forgets it (she needs to forgive herself, not just make up a big can of delayed guilt), and since it will probably be a while before she can return anyway, she may as well keep her memories. Once Gru goes over to Good (and I suspect she will too; she already feels bad about being/having been evil, even if she is still keeping some of the traits), her skills will be really helpful. For one, maybe they can avoid the humping-the-painting scene for DM2. :D
8996076
I agree that I hope Tempest doesn't go for the quick fix. She really does need to learn how to forgive herself for her past mistakes and to move past them.
As far as tempest becoming a 'good guy'...she was never actually evil to begin with. Closed in, full of repressed anger and bitterness, jaded, and ruthless, yes. Much of her guilt stems from the fact that she betrayed Equestria when she went to serve the Storm King. Her work under him was military, and while she now sees that as her being on the wrong side of the conflict that was not in itself evil. (The Storm King himself, however, could be considered evil, but not for choosing to invade Equestria and other lands but how he did so and what his motives were.)
Now....turning into a hero...that is something Tempest could do, but at the same time a non-evil, reasonable overlord type seems like it would fit her. Most heroes (especially Equestrian heroes) don't tend to have traits like her vindictiveness or ruthlessness.
8996984
Good point. Both she and reformed Gru are more suited for Chaotic Good far better than actual evil.
At very worst, Gru was only Affably Evil, and Tempest was more pressured into it.
So... A Hive Mind? Why do I suddenly see all the Minions dressing up as The Zerg/Zerglings one Halloween. All of them screaming "Sweets for The Swarm!"
8995324
8995848
Thank you for continually lowering my expectations of the standard of memes that most of this fandom has!
Here are some thing that you might study:
r/dankponymemes
r/Pony_irl
Thanks for keeping up with the times,
TheLaundry
8999345
Buddy, I’m so out of touch with everything these days; I might as well have come back from a 10 year stay on the moon.
8999454
It's alright, and really, it's just a weird image on the internet that I probably shouldn't be so zealous over
8995324
Spit? No. Pelt them with rockets and bullets? Hell yes
While some may complain a bit about the exposition, I definitely prefer the set up you have here for minion communication. When I started the last chapter, I thought you just made up sounds to copy minion language until that bomb you left for us in the A's notes. Wow. I mean, seriously, wow. Love the attention to detail you put in these stories, but please don't ever push yourself to the point of minion speak. Makes me think of some kids in college that tried to go for 20+ hours in a semester. There's dedication and then there's masochism.
That said, this was probably a good move simply because of how quickly minion speak would get old for everyone. Especially after the Evil Empire (a.k.a. Disney corporate) marketed this poor series into the ground.
Don't you ever get bored of writing these kind of stories? Is always "Insert baby character of FiM in X setting" nowadays for you.
Although I am grateful you decided to continue Megas CMC.
Despicable Me was a good movie, I didn't watch the sequels or the Minions movie because I made that mistake with certain Troll series.
Although I am curious, what pony would you insert in Kung Fu Panda?
That got three movies, several specials and a TV series. Although the TV series contradicts events of the third movie so is probably in a different continuity.
Did you ever watch Yin Yang Yo?
Funny how we got three different franchises with a "Kung Fu Panda", even if Maater Yo is the oldest since he came first and Skunk Fu or whatever was called never caught on.
Yin Yang Yo is hated in France for some reason, probably all the old jokes or something.
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I’m somewhat joking. Welp, I’m gonna do you, now.
(🅱️ead your name.)
9000136
You know what I mean.