Ponyville 2
"Rhino, explain, now."
"This would be easier to explain back at the Hive, and I assure you Dragonfly, this Changeling isn't a threat to you. Hiveless know that attacking a Royal, young or not, is a really bad idea for their welfare."
"Either way, I'm bringing this one back to the Hive."
Seeker: "Understood, we'll be waiting."
Dragonfly looked at the Hybrid, who was looking back fearfully, then slowly spoke.
"Thunderlane is it?" The Hybrid nodded, "Here's what's going to happen; I'm not going to hurt you as long as you don't give me a reason and you're coming with me back to my Hive, from there I'm sure we can work something out. But before I let you up I have one question: are there more of you here in Ponyville?"
"Just one; my little bro Rumble, he's back at my place likely waiting for me. There are also two Ponies that know what me and Rumble are."
At Dragonfly's surprised look Thunderlane quickly continued,
"They walked in on me one day as I was showing Rumble how our Disguise Ability worked, I fully admit that I begged them not to say anything about what they saw, both Pinkie Promised that they would keep it secret."
"Pinkie Promised?" Dragonfly as he let Thunderlane up.
"It a special promise we in Ponyville do; Pinkie explains that once somepony does these motions: Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my ey-ow!" He accidentally poked himself in the eye doing the last gesture.
"Remember to shut your eye first though."
"Yes, basically if one makes this promise they must keep it, the only time it can be safely broken is is very serious situations, like if somepony's life is in danger."
"What happens if it isn't?"
"Nopony really knows, but at the same time they'd rather not find out. Don't get me wrong, Pinkie's a very nice Mare and all that , just..."
"Beware the nice ones."
"Pretty much."
"Got it, let's go get your brother and those two Ponies."
"They're going too?" Thunderlane had a brief look of panic flash on his face.
"You don't need to worry Thunderlane, I promise, Pinkie Promise even," Dragonfly did the motions, "that they will not be harmed. I just want them there as since they already know of you and your brother, they should know about my Hive as well before something goes wrong. My question is are they trustworthy?"
"Absolutely, I've know them for years and they've kept mine and Rumble's secret for most of that time."
"Alright, let's go."
The two replied their disguises and headed to Thunderlane's place, a two-story house with a third level made from clouds. He walked up to the door with Dragonfly behind him and entered, and just as Thunderlane had said, his younger brother Rumble was waiting, along with the two Ponies; Pegasus Mares by the names of Flitter and Cloud Chaser.
Flitter was a little shorter than Cloud Chaser and had a grayish blue coat with a grayish opal mane and tail with a pink bow tied in the former and grayish raspberry eyes. Her cutie mark was three blue and white dragonflies. Cloud Chaser was a little bigger then Flitter and had a Persian blue coat, light blue mane and tail with white highlights and pink eyes. her cutie mark was shooting star.
The three of them were shocked by what had happened, but agreed to come along. Dragonfly brought them back to the tea shop and the teleport point, activating it and sending them all to the Hive.
The Hive
The teleporter lowered towards the floor spreading its claws and a green flash appeared under it, the teleporter raising again after Dragonfly and his guests and been set on the floor. The two Mares had to lie down for a minute to recover while Thunderlane looked around and Rumble checked on the two.
Seeker and Rhino apporached as Spotter and Darter stood back, Dragonfly looked over at his guests, waiting as they recovered. Once they did they looked around in awe of the Throne Room, soon seeing Dragonfly sit down on his throne with his commanders on the sides. Flitter and Cloud Chaser, perhaps due to habit, bowed with Thunderlane and Rumble.
"You don't need to bow, Flitter and Cloud Chaser, you're not my Changelings. Thunderlane and Rumble, please raise."
The four stood up as Dragonfly continued by asking Rhino to explain what a Hybrid was.
"Hybrid Changelings are the result of a Changeling mating with a member of another species, in this case Ponies. Three are three types; Partial, Half, and Full. Partial resemble their other parent species the closest and are in fact physically indistinguishable, Half also resemble their other parent's species but have the fangs, backplate, horn, and holes of their Changeling perent. Full, like Thunderlane and Rumble here, fully resemble Changelings but with added features from their other parent's species, like in this case the eyes, mane and tail, and cutie mark."
Dragonfly took a quick look at Thunderlane and sure enough, there was the cutie mark, right were it was supposed to be.
"What are their capabilities?" He asked, Rhino continued.
"Well unlike most breeds Hybrids do not require E-energy, rather they emit it like their other parent's species."
"Which provides another source among others, how do they do it?"
"A few ways, the most simple is just being among their Hivemates, another is going to the Hive's Heart, placing their hooves or other limbs on it. and channeling some into it. I should note though that they do consume a little more food."
"And what of their other traits?"
"Depends on the type; Partial only have a basic Emotion Sense and their Disguise Ability doesn't work, though because they are physically indistinguishable from their other parent's species this isn't to big of a problem. But on the other hoof among their other parent's species they are perfect Infiltrators and as they emit E-energy they can really help a Hive if they have a shortage. Half have a better sense, but there disguises are... random at best when active, they only work when they feel like it. However Half are able to take a lot damage and recover from wounds very quickly. And Full combine the best of both; they have the full disguise and sense of Changelings, with the abilities of their other parent's species. In this case with Thunderlane and Rumble they have Pegasus Magic and all it brings."
Dragonfly nodded in understanding, turning to the four waiting guests. He turned to the Mares first.
"Flitter, Cloud Chaser, from what I understand you've known about Thunderlane and Rumble being Pony/Changeling Hybrids for years and have kept it secret all that time. Is this true?"
Flitter spoke first.
"Yes, we walked in on him while he was teaching Rumble about the disguises, I don't think we've seen anypony, or Creature for that matter, that terrified. The first thing he did was beg us not to harm Rumble, we were a little too surprised to respond at first but eventually he settled down and Thunderlane explained what he and Rumble were."
Cloud Chaser went next.
"He told us everything, from about why he was here and the going on back with the other Hives, including the Civil War."
Dragonfly blinked at bit at the last part, he turned to Thunderlane.
"What Hive are you and your brother from?"
"Hive Moth, one of the first to fall. Our parents... I'd rather not talk about it, only that I know they're dead."
Dragonfly nodded and turned back to the Mares.
"You two do know that, by showing you the Hive, we're taking a pretty large risk here; as far as Chrysalis knows, I was killed by Timber Wolves three years ago. I want to keep it that way, for now at least. If she knows I'm alive she come after not just my Hive before its ready, but most likely Ponyville as well and that's something none of us want. Will you two be able to keep this secret?"
Both Mares immediately nodded, doing the motions of a Pinkie Promise.
"Prince Dragonfly, we Pinkie Promise that we will keep this all secret, we've been doing it for Thunderlane and Rumble, both of who are very important to us, so we will do the same for your Hive." Flitter said, Cloud agreeing.
Dragonfly allowed a closed mouth smile to appear, he had been using his Emotion Sense the whole time and could tell to two Mares were genuine in their promise.
"Then I believe we'll get along just fine, and in exchange for keeping this secret, I'll set up a teleport point in your house. Congratulations Flitter, Cloud Chaser, you two are now honorary members of the Dragonfly Hive."
The four looked surprised at what he just said, the Mares looking a bit confused as well. Seeker explained it to them.
"You see, as honorary members you'll be able to access the Hive through the point at anytime, you'll also get a special link that will alert the Hive if you two are ever in danger, and we will help support you in your current and any future jobs."
Flitter and Cloud took it in and smiled brightly while Dragonfly turned to Thunderlane and Rumble, both of whom looked relieved.
"Thank you Prince Dragonfly, we wouldn't let you or your Hive down." Cloud said, he smiled at them then turned to the two Hybrids.
"Now Thunderlane and Rumble, as Hiveless I'm guessing you former Royal severed their Hivemind before they died."
"Yes, before she did she told us to run, run and live. As far as I know, Rumble and I are the only ones who escaped. We haven't seen any others from our Hive since." Thunderlane said.
He let out a sign, looking down at the floor.
"I will admit, I've had this feeling of loneliness and longing since then, Rumble and the girls have helped majorly, but its still there."
"Well Thunderlane, would you and Rumble be interested in join our Hive then?"
Thunderlane's Head snapped up with a look of shocked surprised, and hope.
"Really?!"
Dragonfly smiled, walked down from his throne, and gently touched his horn with Thunderlane's. He was shocked at first, but he soon felt Dragonfly's presence with his mind, asking to connect the Hivemind with him. Thunderlane closed his eyes with Dragonfly and accepted. To Thunderlane he began to feel the loneliness and longing he had held for years fade away as his mind began to fill the the voices of Dragonfly's Hive, all welcoming him in. Everycreature else saw Thunderlane's backplate slowly change from gray to a shiny metallic silver and grow a short spike in the center, something that all of the Dragonfly Hive Changelings had as well.
After a few seconds the two pulled back from each other, both smiling with Thunder very lightly shedding small tears of joy and relief, joy at rejoining a Hive and relief as the pain he had held onto for years had finally faded away.
"Welcome to the Hive Thunderlane." Dragonfly said, pulling the Hive's newest member into a hug, surprising the Hybrid who after recovering returned it fully. Dragonfly then did the same with Rumble, who happily accepted it as well as Flitter and Cloud wrapped Thunderlane into a two-way hug.
Once everything was down the four of them returned to the tea shop and, after making sure their disguises were up, headed into the main area, with Dragonfly in front. He opened the door and...
"SURPRISE!!!"
Nearly jumped out of his skin for a second time that day at the party Pinkie had set up while they were gone, Dragonfly took the laughter of his scare in stride and congratulated Pinkie for the party, saying...
"Good job Pinkie, I'm not one who's surprised too easily, now let's get this party started. Sorry it took us so long."
"No worries Wingy, just made your reaction worth it."
"Wingy?" The smile showing he wasn't insulted at all.
"Okay everypony, let's PAR-TY!"
And party they did.
The Next morning
Dragonfly groaned from the cider-induced hangover he had.
'Just how much did I drink last night? Good thing it wasn't the hard cider.'
The party and ran long into the night, Pinkie had gone all out with many snacks and drinks. During the party he had meet most of the town's Ponies, Many of whom were very happy on the tea shop being opened again. He got up and contacted the Hive.
Seeker, how are things at the Hive?"
"Things are good here, some of the Changelings are a bit upset that they missed the party but they liked the cinnamon rolls."
"Yea sorry about that, how are our new members?"
"Settling in nicely, and the sisters are so far keeping their word."
"Thunderlane did say they're trustworthy but we'll have to wait and see, anyway could you tell me about the locations of note in town?"
"Sure, here are the locations of note; Town Hall: The center of the town, from here you can keep track of local events and where records are keep if you need them. This all so the workplace of Mayor Mare, she can give quests related to town events and news on the outside world.
The Marketplace: This is were you can get various items from food to cooking utensils and soap, the Apple Family has their own stall were you can buy apples.
Barnyard Bargains: This shopping mall is owned by the Rich Family and sells a large variety of goods, including items not sold in the Marketplace.
Sugarcube Corner: The local sweet shop, you can buy many different sweets and pastries from here. Due to this place's popularity it has a large deposit of E-energy making it a good spot for the Gatherers, it is the workplace of the Cakes and Pinkie Pie. They can give quests to help them gather items they need and Pinkie's parties are a great source of E-energy by themselves.
The Day Spa: While this place my not be as important as the other's, It is a great place to relax after a hard day and offers a wide variety of options.
Golden Oaks Library: This place is closed right now but it will offer what you would expect from a Library.
And finally the Train Station: From here you will be able to travel to other locations in Equestria.
"I Thank that's enough for now Seeker, I need to start getting things ready for the shop's reopening."
"Okay, let me know when you want to continue."
"I will, out."
Dragonfly walked downstairs and into the storeroom.
"Time to start gathering what I need."
Stats
Page generated in 0.021 seconds
Total duration
673 users online
900,739 hits today, 2,054,621 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
Changelings aren't ponies. You should call the changeling prince something else, and not a stallion.
9983021
Well I'm not sure what else I would call him, you have any ideas? I don't mean that in a sarcastic way or anything like that, I'm just using stallion as it's something I'm use too and Changelings (at least for me) are pretty close to Ponies so I think it counts.
9983146
Hello Silver,
This chapter had a lot of great emotion to it. Even though you say it's lackluster, I think it still had a lot of heart. Thunderlane and Rumble joining the Hive really felt like Dragonfly was giving them a much needed break, Pinkie Pie was fun as always with her surprise party, and the mention of Golden Oaks library being closed makes me curious about when Twilight will make an appearance. If this takes place before she comes to town, I'd be really interested to see how Dragonfly influences her when she does.
One small nitpick:
I feel that the 'only that I know they're dead,' takes a little away from the scene. Oftentimes, less can be more. And if you just had Thunderlane say he'd rather not talk about it, I feel you can get the same emotions across and make it feel a little more realistic. People don't usually like to talk about traumatic experiences, so having Thunderlane tense up about it, and maybe add in Dragonfly understanding would really help your characters:
Hope this helps. Thank you very much for sharing.
10974460
Thanks, in a way this chapter also shows Dragonfly's willingness to help out the lost souls which is another thing that sets him apart from most of the other Royals.
This story starts about six years before Nightmare Moon's/Luna's return and goes from there, so Twilight hasn't yet moved to Ponyville.
I understand your nitpick, I'll keep that in mind for the future. Beyond that I'm glad you are liking the story so far.
If Shiva was present when Rhino explained the Hybirds (Let's just say she met the Hive during a trip in the Everfree), what would she say in response?
10974520
She'd be very intrigued by it. If she hasn't already offered an alliance with Dragonfly, she'd offer to make it official by asking if he has any changelings he'd like to marry off to one of her dogs, since it sounds like the hybrids could be excellent additions both to his hive and her pack. Of course, she'd probably first have to ask Kodo or Celine or one of the dogs if they'd be willing to at least agree to a breeding pact with the changelings, but she wouldn't have much of a problem with that, least of all with Kodo. Shiva asks him to jump, he asks how high. She asks him to kiss a changeling, he'd ask which cheek.
10974550
Dragonfly would be a little iffy on marrying off to one of his Changelings to one of Shiva's dogs, but if both gave their consent and had spent enough time together to know it would work out he be alright with it, and I assume Shiva would be the same way as she would understand his weariness on that. Dragonfly has witnessed other marrying off their own kids to increase their power and would never allow the same to happen to any of his Changelings. And any that try feels just how sharp his fangs can be.
But as long as the Changeling was treated well he'd be okay with it, and he would know if the one in question wasn't. But as I said, Shiva would understand that and help make sure it worked out for all involved.
You know, I wonder what a Full Hybrid of a Changeling/Dog would be.
And out of curiously, how would a Full Hybrid Changeling be an excellent addition to her pack? We know the benifits of having at least one in a Hive, so in Shiva's pack?
10974646
Absolutely; she wouldn't just say, "Let's marry two of our own off to each other," she'd be more like, "Do any of your changelings have a preference for diamond dogs?" Then she'd be like that mother who sets her son up with a girl she thinks he'd like; although she's not going to force the two to be together if they don't want to be. All she'll do is offer the opportunity, and see what happens.
The traits they'd take from the dog parent would mostly likely include their spade like digging claws and their dog-like snouts and ears; which would give them the full range of the dog's digging ability. Also, if it was one of Shiva's kids - since Shiva is a unique type of dog called a demi-wolf - they'd also come with fur that can glow like a unicorn horn, which is a sign of someone who's inherited Shiva's pack link.
A Full Hybrid Changeling would have access to not only the dog's digging ability and pack link, but would also have shapeshifting abilities; something that would make it a perfect scout and infiltrator. Shiva's big on being able to use diplomacy and peace talks, but it can be difficult if someone is suspicious of her and using her pack link to read their minds can risk scaring them. With a diamond dog-changeling hybrid, Shiva could send the hybrid in as a spy of sorts; they'd dig their way in underground, come out somewhere in a disguise, blend in with whoever she's trying to approach peace talks with and learning what they would want or what would be good negotiation points for them.
Of course, that would all depend on what the hybrid themselves wanted to do with their lives. But even then, someone that can dig into the ground, shapeshift and come out as someone else would be a really interesting pack member to have. And while Shiva would be able to utilize shapeshifting by linking with them through the pack link, it's not as effective as someone who's born with the ability and has had all their life to practice using it.
10974655
I thought so, Shiva's a mother to her pack after all.
Would be quite the addition to any Hive, Pack or whatever. And an interesting bit of information on Celine there. I do need to ask though, while I've read a bit of the Pack Line, what are is capabilities and limits?
Indeed that is true, which shows why the Hybirds are a boon to their Hive or Pack. The really sad thing, which Rhino didn't mention here, is... before the Civil War only a few Hives (Nebula's and now Dragonfly's among them) accepted the Hybrids, the rest... it was kill on sight, no pity, no mercy, no remorse. As a result the Hybrids flocked to Nebula's Hive like moths to a light as she gave them both a home and protection from the other Hives, and like the others Changelings there scattered to the four winds.
Now that Dragonfly has two in his Hive, more might start appearing seeking protection. One never knows.
Now something I'm curious about; while we know that Shiva and Dragonfly would get along just fine, how would she get along with the other members from what we've seen so far? And how would Star, Luke, Celine, and Kodo get along with them and Dragonfly. Also, what would their reaction be to what Dragonfly did with Thunderlane and Rumble here?
10974714
The Pack Link draws inspiration from Moira from Overwatch, in that it draws energy away from opponents, and then uses that energy to heal and empower allies. Additionally, it draws from Team Fortress 2's Medic's Uber-charge, where as long as Shiva is giving energy to someone, they get a huge increase in strength and durability. Additionally, it's altered so that while Shiva is linked with someone, they can share thoughts, memories, and even abilities and skills.
However, there are drawbacks to all of this; Shiva's empowering ability requires energy. And if she's not able to drain that energy away from opponents, she has to either use herself or other pack mates. So, for instance, if/when her pack links were repelled by the Outcasts (since you mentioned they have magic repelling items), she'd have to draw on the strength of her own pack, which would half her forces, since several of them will get incapaciated by the energy drain that she's using to power her strongest fighters. Then, there's of course the question of whether she drains her weaker fighters, who won't have as much energy, or if she drains her stronger fighters, who have more energy, but will be knocked out of the fight. And, of course, if she uses herself, she'll pass out from the exertion, and then there won't be any pack link. And while Celine and Kodo could take over, they have their own preferences; Kodo focuses way too much on draining others, which would make him useless against the Outcasts, while Celine focuses way too much on defense, and would tire herself out since she's not replenishing her energy sources with the energy from foes. Both of them are trying to work on it, but it's a slow process, especially when they're also told to rely on each other, and thus they settle into these roles to compensate each other; Kodo provides the energy, while Celine provides the defense.
Also, a small added limit is that while Shiva and her children can learn memories or skills, they won't be as adept as the skills or abilities without a lot of time to train. Like, for example, if they drain a pegasus, they could technically be capable of flight, but it would require a lot of energy to use since they don't have wings, and they'd be flopping all over the place trying to control their movement in the air, which would give others an opening to attack them. It's easier for them to replicate spells, since they've gotten training from the changelings, but physical attacks and techniques are harder since Shiva over-relies on her pack link, and doesn't have the muscle memory. It's easier for Kodo to do physical attacks since he trains, but again, it makes his skills with the pack link weaker as a result. Celine again is more of a pacifist, and focuses on martial arts and turning her opponents energy against them, which is effective for defending herself, but not for straight up attacking others. And, of course, some people like Star or Luco can disorient Shiva or her children with really disgusting memories, bringing new meaning to the term 'the mind is a terrible thing to read.'
I think for the most part, Shiva would get along relatively well with the others that we've seen. Seeker, of course, would remind Shiva a lot of Skippy, who was her first changeling friend, and also the one that explained a lot of things to her. Rhino would probably get along well with Luke, since both are the main fighters of the group, which Shiva would approve of, since she sometimes worries that she takes up too much of Luke's time and doesn't give him the chance to just have buddies he can go out and have a beer with. And I haven't really seen a lot of Darter and Spotter, but I think they might get along well with Kodo, Celine or Star. Star would also probably flirt with all of the changelings - like I mentioned, she's very lonely and desperate for any kind of affection - while Celine would be a bit more polite and certainly curious on what they do. Kodo, on the other hand, would be a bit more aloof, but still polite, mostly because he wants to play up a tough guy persona, but at the same time doesn't want to mess up a potential alliance for his mother.
As for what they did to Thunderlane and Rumble, Celine would be the one that had the biggest problem with it, since she tends to think the best of others and would wish that Dragonfly hadn't run down Thunderlane and pinned him to the ground like he was already a criminal. Shiva and the others would be quick to point out to her that Dragonfly had no idea if Thunderlane was with Chrysalis. And considering that Chrysalis is one of the few people Shiva genuinely dislikes, she would definitely approve of caution towards anyone that could be associated with her.
10975406
Huh
, quite interesting. 
I can see why using the Pack Link could be a double-edged sword if used like that, and besides the Outcasts repelling it they would focus on Shiva if they saw her using it, or at least those with ranged weapons.
I can see Star driving some of the Changelings crazy at some point.
And I will be be giving Darter and Spotter more screen time later on so hopefully we'll get a better idea of their personalities.
Also I can see Dragonfly and Shiva sitting with Celine explaining the former's actions in catching Thunderlane, wonder how that would go down.
Don't have any more questions for the moment, I'll see you on the next one.
Now this story's giving me Stardew Valley vibes with the town, objectives/quests, and locations of note!
11009419
Certainly gives off that vibe, I did use influence from several games in this after all.