A hero. Someone who is expected to save someone’s life and protect the innocent. That’s what a hero (usually) is. Me? Oh, no, I’m not a hero. I’m just some changeling with basically no expectations for life. At all. Or, so I thought.
(Disclaimer: some of these events have happened (or have been referenced to) in real life. However, most other events are entirely fictional and shouldn’t be taken seriously. Also, Teen Rated just in case. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy.)
Three changelings walked into the hatchery, looking around. Many eggs were resting on the ground. Queen Chrysalis looked over. “Are you sure you two wanna do this?”
The other two changelings nodded. “Of course we are, right Shade?” the male changeling asked the female.
Shade nodded. “Yeah Valor, of course.”
Shade and Valor looked around, examining each and every egg. And they searched for a while
Then, one shook.
They looked over to it. They walked over to it and picked it up. Valor smiled, watching it crack.
The egg cracked and then hatched.
A changeling with two dark blue eyes poked its head out.
Shade and Valor chuckled. “This one,” Shade said, examining the tiny grub.
Chrysalis nodded. “And what would you like to call him?”
Valor smiled at the grub. “I think he needs to be big and strong like his papa.”
“How do you know that’s how he’ll grow to be that?”
Valor smiled and rubbed the grub’s head. “Dunno. But I want his name to be special.”
Shade chuckled. “Like what?” she asked, taking the grub from Valor.
The grub’s dark blue eyes stared at them, sparkling in the light. He let out a babble.
She smiled. “I think there are great things destined for this little hero.”
Valor’s eyes widened. “‘Hero’ huh?”
Shade nodded, stroking the grub’s head. Then, she looked up in realization. “Do you think?”
Valor nodded and looked at Chrysalis. “We think… he should be named ‘Hero’.”
Chrysalis nodded. “Okay then, let me get everything set up, and he shall be in your care.”
Shade and Valor nodded and followed the Queen out of the hatchery.
The Captain looked over. “I know that! We just need to—” a shadow towered over them. They looked over to see a long strand of blue heading towards them. They screamed before it hit them…
~~~
“Ah! Curse this braid!” I yell, watching as my plastic soldiers fell on the ground. My blue braid had fallen over my shoulder and hit them. You may be wondering how in the heck that happened. Well, it had something to do with how I was sitting. I was on my knees and head hung over the ‘battlefield’. Now, you may be wondering: why is a thirteen year old changeling playing with plastic soldiers? I dunno, I just like doing it. Oh yeah, my name is Hero. Why? I dunno, ask my mom and dad.
I groan, picking up my custom plastic figure of changeling Captain Foresight. He’s got yellow eyes, a small necklace, and a crossbow. I’m case you’re wondering, I was recreating an old battle called the ‘Battle of Western Equestria’. I remember a song by a group of changelings called ‘Fields of the West’. I began singing it under my breath.
“As the drum roll started on that day Heard a hundred miles away A thousand crossbows fired And the arrows pierced the land. And the cannons fired all day long Yet the trenches were holding strong Heavily defended Now the gauntlet‘s been thrown and the struggle‘s begun.”
They weren’t anyone big, they were kind of a local band. The hive didn’t mind though.
I watched as Foresight’s trench was bombarded by cannon fire from the RG’s (that’s what we call Royal Guards) and few changelings fly at a flick of my hoof. I chuckled, rolling a changeling tank over the trench. I know CT’s weren’t used during the battle, but whatever.
“Heheh, ‘oh no! A CT is coming!’,” I said, waving bat pony General Silverfang, another historical figure, but I won’t bore you with my historical facts. “Heheh, ‘yeah! And we’re goin’ make you run with your tail between your legs!’,” I spoke in a different tone, now waving Foresight. “Pew! Pew! ‘Argh!’!” I smiled, dropping Silverfang. “Yes! Changelings victorious once again!” I cheered, a beam of joy filling my happy soul.
That happiness soon dropped like a bomb.
I heard hoofsteps. I looked over, expecting my parents to step in. But instead, I was met with Chrysalis. I blinked, a bit confused. Why in the world would she want me?
Well… judging by the dark cloud in her eyes… something was wrong.
“Hero…” Her voice… it’s not as… well, fearsome as I remember. When she sits on my bed, however… I know something really is up. “Your parents… they… they’re…”
My eyes widen. I knew my parents were ill… but…
“I’m so sorry…” she says, rubbing my back. She screws her eyes shut. “I’ll… I’ll leave you alone.” She sighs, before walking out.
And, what was my response to finding out my parents were dead? Well… I cried. And I cried for a good while. I eventually cried so hard I’d fallen asleep. I didn’t get much done that day.
I woke up around the evening, before crawling down to my plastic soldiers and making another battle. I try to take my mind off of this… it slightly works. I mean, it’s kinda hard to create a battle without the possibility of a shower of tears.
A few days later, we had a funeral. My old man was a military ling. Unfortunately it was during peace times, so he didn’t fight as far as I know. But I still respected him. Huh, maybe that’s the reason I like military history so much.
Anyway, I watched as the changelings fired their crossbows in the air. I know it’s mandatory to collect the arrows, but I asked, and received one of the arrows, as well as a Devil Horn flag. Due to mama’s marriage to papa, they share a grave, papa one one side, mama one the other.
I left that day, felling a bit… well… depressed. I mean, why wouldn’t I be? My parents died.
I try my best to ignore it, ‘specially since I don’t have the best reputation ever. Oh well, beggers cain’t be choosers. Also, one thing to know about me is that I have a country accent. So, if you see words like ‘cain’t’ instead of ‘can’t’, it’s just my accent kicking in.
I continued life as it is, being picked on, making friends. Life was… pretty boring to be honest. At least until…
The Canterlot Invasion.
My chance to shine! The chance to prove I’m not just some bug in this hive! Maybe my parents’ll be happy! I mean, they already were, but still. It was a few weeks away, so I had a while to prepare, but whatever. It beats doing academy work. So, Semper Fi ya son (or daughter) of a mare!
But, until then, life would be boring. And that’s how it would stay for a while. But don’t go anywhere! I promise this’ll get interesting! Just, be patient, and you’ll see how my life flipped like a coin.
Lunch. My favorite time period of the academy. Apart from all the ones I like. I looked over to my small group of friends. We’re all boys by the way. I have a few friends who are girls, but it’s mainly boys. We’re mainly telling jokes, (some more offensive or inappropriate then others). We were laughing and joking as usual. Then, I mentioned that I was going to sneak off for the Canterlot Invasion. They immediately burst out laughing. Way to boost my self confidence ya mooks. Unfortunately, they didn’t believe me. So, buck…
As you can expect, most of my classes are boring. There are two sections of the Academy. The military part, then the normal boring classes. Guess where I’m at. Judging by this math equation, I’m in the normal classes. I sighed, looking at the problem. Math was never really my strong point.
After school, I was laying in bed, drawing a couple of comics. The current one was called Fallout Equestria: 37. The plot was about a Stable called Stable 37, where a Stable guard leaves the Stable after it’s attacked by a group of Raiders. He soon meets with a mare named Blackbelle and—
I’m rambling, ain’t I?
Anyway, I continued drawing said comic. And I would do so for a good while. I chuckled, laying back on my bed, smiling. I feel relaxed after a good bit of comic writing/drawing. Don’t ask.
After a while, I got bored and set the comic aside. I looked over to the butterfly knife my papa gave me. I chuckled and picked it up, spinning it in my hoof. I smiled, opening it, then closing it. It took a while, but I was able to do it after a while. I chuckled, looking at my calendar. The Canterlot invasion was just days away, and I had to prepare.
By that I mean, I pack a buckin’ bag. Seriously, I had my plastic army figures, my comics and pencils, heck, even food and water. At least now I know I’ll be prepared. But for now, I have time to rest.
I walked out of my room (mainly because I haven’t been out in a while) and walked down the hallways. I looked around, noticing a few changeling nymphs running around.
Now, it’s probably important to know that I’m an introvert. I hate interaction with new creatures. Well, I won’t say ‘hate’, but I just don’t like social interaction.
That changed when I bumped into him. I looked at a changeling nymph, looking around the same age as me (thirteen). He had two colorful eyes. One was blue, the other green.
“Um… hello?” I greeted, waving a hoof.
“OhshootI’msorrypleasedon’tkillme!”
Huh, eight words in five seconds. That’s a new record.
Judging by the panic in his voice, he expected me to do something to him. I don’t know what he was scared of. I mean, I had my knife on my side, but I wasn’t planning on using it.
“Er… what?” I asked.
He stopped breathing like I was gonna murder him. “Y-You’re not gonna hurt me…?”
I shook my head. “Nooo?”
The nymph sighed in relief, then stood up. “Okay, sorry about freaking out like that.”
I chuckled. “It’s alright. You ain’t the first ‘ling to walk into me.” I stood up as well, dusting myself off. “My name's Hero. What’s yours?”
“Z-Zenex…” he muttered, but I couldn’t really hear it.
“Huh?”
“Zenex,” another voice cut in. We looked over to see a red eyes, red winged, red… carapaced(?) changeling with a chipped horn walking over.
“Hivey,” Zenex said, walking over to the older changeling. The older changeling scooped him up. The nymph nuzzled him.
“Heheh, hey Zenny Boy,” the red changeling said, resulting in Zenex blushing furiously.
“Hivey! Don’t call me that in public!”
‘Hivey’ chuckled. “Why not?”
“It’s embarrassing!” Zenex whined, flailing his hooves.
I chuckled myself, looking at them. The older changeling looked at me. “Hello there. I’m Hivehunter, and I’m sure you’ve met Zenex.”
“Mhm.” I nodded. Hivehunter chuckled and cradled Zenex. I tilted my head. “Are you his father? Or brother?”
Hivehunter chuckled. “I guess you could say that.”
Zenex nodded. “Mhm. Hivey has taken care of me since I was five.”
Hivehunter nodded. “Yeah. Zen has been my closest friend ever since.”
I nod, understanding a bit. I mean, if someone took care of you since you were five, wouldn’t you be their best friend? I know I would. Probably…
I have a habit of being back stabbed. Probably my own fault for being a little gullible bit—
Anyway, I started hanging out with Zenex more often. Over time, I learned about how he was bullied for his eyes and he learned about my parents and how I was “bullied” for my braid. I put quotations there because I don’t care about what other changelings say. They’re just incompetent fu—
So, after a while, I told Zen about my plans to join the invasion. He had an… unexpected reaction.
“Really? Funny you mention that…”
I looked at Zen. “What?”
Zen chuckled a bit. “I’m Uh… sneaking off to join the military.”
“You’re what?!” I asked. Zen is usually a shy guy. I never thought he’d run off and join the militia. Huh, maybe I should join as well. Eh.
Actually, while I’m on the topic, I should mention that we changelings have four divisions of the military.
First is the very recognizable Devil Horns, led by General Scarab. They’re our main infantry unit and they’re pretty much the main military division you’d see.
The next division is the Wasp Division, led by General Yellowjacket. They’re primarily built from the hive Elites (the changelings who are born ‘wealthy’) and have more specialized training. Hivehunter is part of that division, and me and Zen are apart of the regular ‘lings.
Next is the Naval force called the Water Striders, led by General/Admiral Larax. As you see, they’re the Navy, working primarily in the water. Not much to say about them.
Finally, we have our air force, the Raging Hornets, led by General Webwings. They’re well known for their tactics. One of them isn’t much, but a whole group of them (perfectly named a ‘Hornet Swarm’) can be fairly deviating.
That’s all of the divisions we have so far. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Chrysalis added a new division to the militia.
Anyway, Zenex and I talked about the prospects of joining the military, and I mentioned my papa was a military ‘ling. Although, I had to explain to him that papa was a soldier during peace times, so no stories really.
Anyway, that’s how I met Zenex and Hivehunter. The days I spent with the nymph sped the days up like a clock. Tomorrow was the Canterlot invasion. Maybe then I could decide what to do with my life. Who knows.
I should’ve mentioned something. I’m scared of heights. Like, really scared of heights. So much so that I hardly know how to fly. It doesn’t help that I’m wearing my bags, and they’re weighing me down. If I knew we were going to fly to Canterlot, I wouldn’t have snuck off to join this invasion.
Anyway, we finally reached the city, which was surrounded by some kinda force field. I noticed the others slamming into the shield.
Um… okay?
I pulled out my butterfly knife and began stabbing it. At least one of us has common sense. After a while, we managed to break the shield. I still don’t know what Chrysalis was doing, but we were finally inside.
I landed a way away from the other group. I looked around after my head stopped spinning. Okay, war; not the adventure I read about in books. I got up and ran off in a random direction. After all, I didn’t have much of a choice. I continued running for a good while. Heh, Papa would be proud. Soon, I reached a shop. You may be wondering why I’m here, well sir or ma’am, whatever you prefer, I decided to see what all I bought with me.
Okay, that’s everything I need. Oh? You wanna know what Dead-Eye is? Oh wait, you didn’t? Oh well, it’s my story and um… yeah. My story.
Anyway, Dead-Eye is an auto-aim spell. It makes your vision go orange and you can paint red x’s on your target.
Anyway, I had everything I needed (and/or wanted), so I was pretty much set for anything. I stayed inside for a while and ‘liberated’ a few things for supplies. But not like I needed it. I mean, it’s not like we’re going to lose or anything, pffft! (That’s called foreshadowing!)
I stepped outside after ‘liberating’ some loot. I eventually found Zenex. He was standing outside the gate of the Canterlot castle. I stepped over.
“Hey Zenex,” I said, trotting over. I watched as Zenex paced nervously. I blinked and sat down beside him, trying to rest as my hooves were killing me. Although, that might be because I was nearly over encumbered in loot.
Zenex looked over. “Oh. H-Hey Hero,” he stuttered, sounding as nervous as he looked.
I blinked and nodded at the castle. “What’s wrong?”
“I-It’s Hive… he’s inside…” Zen mumbled. “He told me to wait here, but…” he looked up to the castle.
I patted his shoulder, looking up at the castle. I assume Zen was nervous about Hive being injured or something. But, I digress.
After about thirty minutes, Zenex decided to try and enter the gates. That was cut short when a love explosion (I think) erupted from the castle.
“Oh shoot! Take cover!” I yelled, running for an alleyway. But, it was too late and I was sent flying.
I awoke a few hours later, pretty confused. I looked around. “Ugh… Z-Zen…?” I looked around, noticing I wasn’t in the city anymore. I was in the woods. “Zen? Zenex?! Anyone!” I called out, only to get no response. I sighed, looking around for my bags. Unfortunately, they weren’t on my back.
Crap.
Luckily, my knife was on my side, so I wasn’t going to die out here without a fighting chance. I began walking in a random direction, looking around for my bags. I wasn’t sure how far out I was. I could be on the outskirts of Canterlot, or some other pony town.
I continued walking for a while, then I heard the rumble of my stomach.
Double crap.
All of my food and water was in my bags, and I didn’t have them. I sighed and sat down on a log. I played with my butterfly knife for a while, before hearing a twig snap. I readied my knife, looking around. Soon, I noticed a pony wagon rolling by. I blinked, before turning into a pony, a unicorn, and trotting over.
“H-Hey! You!”
The pony pulling the wagon stopped. “Hm?”
A looked around nervously. “Do you know where the nearest town is?”
“Ah yes. Ponyville is a few miles that way.” They pointed down the dirt road they were following.
“Thanks.” I ran off, in search of civilization. And food, but mostly civilization.
I trotted down the road for a bit, looking around. The grumble in my stomach soon turned to a growl. I groaned, and continued walking. As I did, however, I noticed a small camp a few meters deep into the surrounding woods. I walked over, not thinking much of it. Then, I saw it. They had food.
I was still starving. I couldn’t take their love while they were awake. I snuck over and took a few bags of what appeared to be potato slices, as well as a water bottle.
I trotted back to the road and continued to follow the trail, snacking on my weird potato slices. I chuckled. They tasted great!
“What the heck are these?” I asked myself. I continued trotting for a while, before spotting a town. I immediately ran towards it, changing into my pegasus form.
I looked around, smiling. Civilization!
I ran through the town, looking around. I eventually found a building in the shape of….
…a cupcake?
Um… okay? I thought. I continued walking until I found a general store. I opened the door, and was greeted by a pink pony carrying a lot of flour. And sugar. And other baking ingredients.
“Um… you need some help there, fella?” I asked them.
I heard a gasp, then they rushed off, somehow not dropping their stuff. I blinked and trotted in.
“Hello?”
A stallion looked over. “Ah, hello.”
I trotted over. “Hi, um… Ah’m lost. I need a map.”
The stallion frowned a bit. “I’m sorry, kid. But maps cost money. And… business is business…”
“Oh… well, could you at least give me directions?”
“To where?”
“Um…” I didn’t think this through…
I didn’t think this through. I shook my head. “Nevermind. I’ll just go find my bags…” I walked out. I sighed and looked around. As I walked, I noticed a cloud of dust. I blinked in confusion. There isn’t any wind, so how was the dust—
I got my answer in the form of that pink pony tackling me.
Huh, ten words in five seconds. Zenex has some competition.
“Um… what?” I asked.
The pink pony began bouncing up and down like a hyperactive three year old. I blinked.
“Well?! What’s your name?! What’s your name?!”
“Um… Hero?” I managed to answer. I looked at her for a bit. Was she on something. I couldn’t think that well as she grabbed my hoof and began shaking it. And I mean really shaking it. I managed to pull away. “Um… thanks for the welcome.”
“Of course! I’m always happy to make a new friend!”
Friend. Such a word. Such a very used word. A word so sweet, it attracts all the bees.
I hate it.
I’m sorry, but I hardly have friends, other than Zenex. Why? Well, I’ve been betrayed by literally all of my friends. Whether they rat me out for their mess, take advantage of me, lie, steal, etc.
It’s annoying.
I chuckled a bit. “Heh… uh… thanks?” I pulled my hoof back. She continued bouncing.
“So tell me, where are you from?! What are you doing here?! How old are you?! Who are your parents?!”
I sighed. Unlike before, I kind of accepted that Ma and Pa died. But, I honestly didn’t care at this point.
“Nowhere, came to visit, I’m thirteen, and dead.”
The pink pony continued bouncing. “Ooh, neat! Well, except for your parents being dead, I’m so sorry!”
“It’s fine,” I reassured. I looked around. “Say, do you happen to know somewhere a kid like me could get some money?”
“Hm… ooh! I know!”
“Really? Where?”
“The bank!”
I blinked, before facehoofing. Of course she’d say that.
“Although… I do believe Aj is looking for a new hoof to help around the far—”
I took off before she could even finish. I continued running, ignoring whatever else she said.
I continued running, accidentally bumping into a lavender unicorn. I fell to the ground and shook my head and sat up. “Ugh…. oh, sorry about that.”
She looked down. “Sorry, it’s my fault. I have been more careful.”
Well… okay then? I blinked a bit. I stood up. “Um, do you know where the farm is?”
“Sure. It’s that way.” She pointed towards what appeared to be a few fields. I nodded and bolted off. I don’t think I’ve been so eager to work like… ever. I guess that’s what happens when you’re close to starving. Before you ask, no, we don’t completely rely on love. Normal food can sustain us. But we do sometimes get indigestion and stomach cramps, but at least we’re surviving.
I eventually made it to the farm. It was quite big, at least compared to the other buildings in town. I chuckled and walked in.
~~~
“So, ya mind explainin’ why ya wanna be a helper around here?”
I was sweating nervously. It’s not the questions that were getting me, oh no. It was more of the fact that I was staring at an orange earth pony who looked like she took her job very seriously. I’ve heard that earth ponies are a force to be reckoned with. I guess it makes sense, though.
“Well you see, my Ma and Pa died recently, and I’ve sorta been on my own for a while. Not much to eat or anything.”
“Ah see…”
“Mhm. So, I was wondering that if I picked up some slack, maybe you could pay me and I could buy some food. Even if it’s for a day or so, I’d really appreciate it.”
She smiled a bit. “Why, a’course.”
“Really?! Thanks! I promise I’ll make it worth your time!”
She chuckled and nodded. “Ah’m sure ya will.” She stood up. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”
I nodded and followed her. She began introducing me to her large family. And I mean, large family. Too long; didn’t read: we have Applejack, the orange earth pony with green eyes and a braid (ayy!), Apple Bloom, her little sister, a yellow earth pony filly with a red mane and a pink(?) or light red ribbon and orange eyes, Big Mac(Intosh), a big red earth pony with orange mane, green eyes, and what I can only assume is one of those Arabian horse collars. Finally, there’s Granny Smith, who I assume is their (sorta) matriarch, she’s a green earth pony with a white or grey mane, orange eyes and an orange bandanna.
I’ve actually been growing a sorta bond with Big Mac. I don’t know why, but we were getting along quite well. Maybe it’s because we’re both a bit… quiet. I look up to him as an older brother. Quite a kind feller.
“So Mac, do you talk much?” I asked, carrying one of the hay bales.
“Eenope.”
I chuckled. “You’re a shy feller, ain’cha?” I asked, smirking.
He blushed slightly. “Eeyup.”
“That’s all you really say, ain’t it buddy?”
“Eeyup.”
I smiled. He smiled back. I chuckled and set the hay bales on a wagon. He gave me a pat on the back.
“Heheh, thanks Mac.”
“Eeyup.”
I chuckled and looked at the cow pin. “So, milking time, correct?”
“Eeyup.”
I nodded and smiled. “Eeyup.”
He smiled back and wrapped a hoof over my shoulder. I chuckled and followed him towards the cows.