> Pride and Joy
>  by Melody Song
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Reaching the Apex
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax smiled as he looked around the throne room. Newly reformed changelings were hovering around, talking with each other. Then, Thorax noticed that many tunnels were blocked off.

“Sillia?” Thorax asked, and a nearby ice blue female looked over.

“Yes King Thorax?”

“What’s happened to the side tunnels?”

“They must have collapsed when the explosion of love happened.”

“Oh, I see…” Thorax looked around. “Gather some changelings and start uncovering the tunnels, we need to get to the changelings at the lower levels and make sure no one’s been trap-” he suddenly broke off, ears twitching.

“Your majesty…?” Sillia asked

Thorax raised a hoof, looking around. He had been alerted by the noise of crying. Then, he found the source. A small, unreformed changeling was curled up by the edge of the room. He was only a nymph.

“Oh my…” Sillia whispered.

Thorax went over to the nymph and touched his head gently with a hoof. The nymph looked up at him with big, round, blue eyes. He was the same as all the nymphs, small, hole-infested stubby legs, black chitin, and dark blue carapace. Thorax smiled at him softly.

“Hey little guy. I’m Thorax. Who are you?” Thorax asked gently.

“A-Apex.” the nymph whispered

“Where are your parents Apex?”

“Th-They push’d me ou’ of the tunn’l ‘cause i’ was crumbling. Why ‘re you all colorful?” he asked.

The nymph startled Thorax slightly with his broken Ponish. Usually nymphs could talk properly at the age he seemed to be.

“You mean the tunnel to the nursery is blocked?!” a blue changeling named Tibius asked.

“Oh no! The nymphs! The eggs!” a pink shaded one named Fema cried frantically.

“Come on!” Sillia urged, leading the others past Thorax and Apex, starting to dig past the rubble.

Thorax charged up his antlers and lifted Apex out of the way, carrying the small nymph to the center of the collapsed throne room.

“How old are you little one?” Thorax asked, taking the nymph into his hoof, cradling him like he had seen Cadence do to Flurry.

“F-Five…” Apex whispered, cuddling against his hoof. Thorax smiled softly at him. He was only five, of course his Ponish wouldn’t be perfect yet.

“Apex, I’m going to teach you something while we wait for them to free your parents.” Thorax sat down and set the small changeling on the ground in front of him. “It’s called sharing love.”

“How d’you do tha’?” Apex asked.

“It’s hard to explain. But it can save you from ever feeling hungry again. You want that, right? To not have to feed?”

“Yeah.” Apex agreed.

“You just need to give some of your love, give it freely. You can do that, right?” Thorax asked him. Apex nodded and closed his eyes.

After a minute or so, nothing happened. Thorax cocked his head.

“What-? Why is it not working for you?” Thorax mumbled, the nymph didn’t hear him.

“Th-Thorax?” He felt little hooves wrapping around his leg. “You tas‘e upse’.”

Thorax nodded. No point in hiding it. Apex could taste his feelings, even though he was still just a little nymph.

“I-I am, a little. I-I’m still not even exactly sure how this transformation works, we haven’t tried it with a nymph, and…” Thorax trailed off as he felt Apex nuzzling him. He smiled at the feel of the nymph's nuzzles.

“I-I don’ care if I don’ tran’form. As long as you…you take care o’ me.” Apex said softly.

Thorax smiled softly and lifted Apex up to nuzzle him back. “Of course I will Apex.”

Suddenly, a pink light wrapped around Apex, and he was lifted up. Thorax smiled, though he was still unsure how the transformation happened. Apex came out of his cocoon a small, reformed changeling. He had the same lime green chitin as Thorax, but with red wings, tail, carapace, and bright ruby red eyes. He bounced a little in excitement and Thorax picked him up in his hooves, hugging the small nymph. Apex giggled and nuzzled up to him.

“I did i’!”

“Heheh, yes you did! Good job Apex.” Thorax kissed the nymph’s forehead gently. “I guess you just needed someling to share your love with.”

“We’ve uncovered the tunnel! King Thorax, should we get to the nymphs?” a yellow changeling named Cornicle shouted the question over to Thorax, poking his head out of the tunnel.

“Yes, try to reform as many as you can. They’ll need someling to share love with.” Thorax called to him.

“Y-You’re a King?” Apex asked, and Thorax nodded. Apex reached for his muzzle and smiled, booping him on the nose. “I thin’ you’re a dad. Can I call you Papa Thorax ‘stead?”

“Of course you can.” Thorax chuckled, smiling at the nymph, and Apex laughed, cuddling up to him.

Thorax couldn’t help smiling. This little nymph was just so spunky and sweet. Also a little bold, to ask his King if he could call him ‘papa’. Apex snuggled into his chest, and Thorax held him close. The love coming off the King and nymph was overpowering to those around them.

“King Thorax!” Fema called frantically. Thorax stood, allowing Apex to climb onto his head.

“What is it, Fema?” he asked, coming over to her, Apex shifting to balance properly on his head.

“Um… could Apex stay with Cornicle for a minute?” Fema asked, and Thorax, while confused, nodded. He lifted the nymph and set him at Cornicle’s side.

“Now, what is it?” Thorax asked

Fema wordlessly led Thorax down the tunnel. A crowd of other changelings were huddled in a loose circle. Thorax towered over them and his eyes widened as he saw it. Two unreformed changelings were lying there. They were pinned under the rubble, and Thorax could see there was no hope. They were gone.

“It’s Hexia and Mandible. The tunnel must have collapsed completely after they pushed Apex out of the way. They’re his parents.” Fema told him softly.

Sillia moved closer. “I just checked on the nymphs King Thorax. I’m afraid… many of the eggs have been crushed, a-and a few of the nymphs. Though most of the older nymphs are merely injured, and a few eggs survived.”

“Oh no…” Thorax turned to Tibius. “Tibius, gather some changelings and carry the bodies of Hexia, Mandible, and the nymphs outside the hive. Give them a proper burial, and then come back. The rest of you do what you can for the remaining nymphs and eggs.” he instructed.

“And Apex?” Sillia asked

“He… He should know, but let me talk with him first-what is it?” Thorax asked

Fema and the other changelings he hadn’t been addressing had lowered their gaze and were staring at something behind their king. Thorax looked down to see Apex standing there, Cornicle running up to them.

“S-So sorry your majesty, he got away when I wasn’t looking.” Cornicle apologized.

“Wha’s e’eryling doin’-” Apex managed to squeeze past the crowd and saw the two.

“King Thorax-” Tibius began.

“It’s too late now…” Thorax whispered, looking up at them. “Half of you go rescue the nymphs and eggs, the other half wait in the throne room. I’ll handle this.” Thorax commanded. The changelings nodded, turning and leaving.

“M-Mommy? D-Daddy?” Apex croaked, and Thorax reached with his hoof, drawing him close against him.

“I’m sorry Apex. We didn’t mean for you to see, I was going to tell you mysel-”

“Mommy!” Apex screamed, and Thorax lifted the nymph. “Daddy!”

“Apex, calm down, i-it’s okay…” Thorax stammered, unsure how to help the nymph.

“M-Mommy… Daddy.” Apex turned and cried into Thorax.

Thorax held the young nymph close in comfort. Thorax ran his hoof gently along Apex’s back, soothing him.

“It’s okay Apex, I’m here. I’m so sorry.” Thorax said, wiping the tears from the nymph’s eyes as he looked up.

“I-I was gonna show them m’ new wings.” Apex whispered

“You can show me.” Thorax suggested.

Thorax smiled half-heartedly at the nymph. Apex didn’t care that Thorax had already seen them. He spread them open and they fluttered. Thorax smiled softly and nuzzled the nymph.

“Come on Apex, let’s take you back to the throne room.”

“Wha’ ‘bout mommy an’ daddy?”

“I know I'm not your parents, but I’m here.” Thorax soothed. “Come on Apex. Let’s go.”

The sooner the nymph got away from the tragic sight, the sooner he’d calm down. It would also help if there were other changelings around to share love with him.

“O-Okay Papa Thorax.” Apex finally said.

Apex clambered onto Thorax, returning to his perch on the monarch’s head. Thorax carried him out of the passage, hearing the small nymph still stifling sobs. Thorax sighed, knowing how hard it must be for the nymph to lose two creatures so important to him when he was so young.

“Your majesty, we heard what happened-” Sillia began, rushing up to him. She then noticed Apex on his head and broke off.

“He’s very upset.” Thorax explained. “I need you all to help me, he needs love and comfort.”

Thorax levitated Apex off his head and onto the ground. Sillia, Cornicle, and Fema, who had been in the group that returned to the throne room, surrounded Apex alongside Thorax. Together they shared some of their love with him, until he began to calm down.

“What now?” Fema asked, eyes shining with sympathy. “Poor thing...”

“I’ll take him to the other bedding areas. Carry on with the original plan for the…” Thorax glanced at Apex, who was still a little shaken.

“Yes sir.” Fema responded, understanding.

Thorax carried Apex to the adult changeling’s nesting chambers and settled him in a nest. The young nymph fell asleep instantly. Thorax sighed and put his hoof by the nymph, rubbing his head gently in comfort.

“Poor thing. Don’t worry little one. I’ll stay with you. For as long as you need.” Thorax thought as he gazed at the sleeping nymph.
> Here For You
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax was sleeping soundly in his new room. The changelings had cleared out one of the rooms for him, making it the new King’s quarters. They had understood why Thorax hadn’t wished to use Chrysalis’ room. That would remain untouched.

However, Thorax was not alone in his room. A small nymph was cuddled up beside him. Apex. He was fast asleep, for now. Apex’s little hooves were wrapped around Thorax’s foreleg, snuggling up against it like it was a teddy bear. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Then…

“No…” Apex mumbled, shifting. “G-Ge’ way… I-I don’… no… no!!” Apex shrieked loudly, ruby red eyes opening wide.

Thorax sat up beside him, looking around. “Wha-? Apex…?”

“P-Papa Thorax…” Apex whispered, crying.

“Oh, Apex…” Thorax reached and lifted him up. “Shh, it’s okay. What’s the matter sweetie?”

“N-Nothin’…” Apex lied, wiping his eyes. “‘M sorry I woke you up…”

“Apex, I don’t care about that.” Thorax assured him, sitting up and grunting slightly as he leaned against the hard wall. He’d have to get something to cushion that. “I just want to know what’s wrong.”

“I-I w-was h-havin’ a bad dream…” Apex stammered.

“Oh Apex… what was it about?” Thorax asked, shifting his hold on the nymph.

Apex cuddled against Thorax and buried his head in Thorax’s chest. “Y-You w-won’ like i’…”

“It’s okay, you can tell me.”

“I-I’ was… was ‘bout your mom…” Apex mumbled, and Thorax’s eyes widened.

“Wh-What about Chrysalis?”

“I-I’ was ‘bout wha’ she used t’do…” Apex said, looking up at him through watery eyes.

“What did she do sweetie?” Thorax asked softly, and Apex tensed up. Thorax tasted worry and fear. “Shh, it’s okay. I won’t be mad at you.”

“Sh-She… she…” Apex stammered. “Sh-She u-used to c-come t’ the nurs’ry… a-an’ sh-she’d m-make ‘xamples o’ all the w-weak nymphs… m-mostly m-me a-an…”

“And who, sweetie?”

“...Ocellus…”

Thorax’s eyes widened. He’d taken Ocellus on as his pupil a few days ago, after noticing her keen eye and intelligence. She hadn’t ever mentioned this. Thorax then leaned down to nuzzle Apex in comfort.

“Okay… what did she do?”

“Sh-She’d b-bea’ us…” Apex whimpered. “Sh-She’d c-call us w-weak a-an’ worthless an’ her guards wo-wouldn’ do an’thing… a-an then sh-she’d jus’ leave…”

“Oh Apex… I’m so sorry…” Thorax nuzzled him “I’m so sorry you had to go through that, and I’m sorry it left such a scar on you that you dream about it.”

Apex sobbed quietly, and Thorax cradled him. Deep down, Thorax was pretty sure he knew why Chrysalis… his mother… had done this to nymphs she barely knew. But Apex was far too young to have to worry about that. For now, Thorax just needed to calm him down.

“Apex…do you think… if I told you a story, you’d be okay to go back to sleep?” Thorax asked

“S-Story…?” Apex looked up at him.

“Mhm.” Thorax nuzzled him gently. “Do you think you’d be able to sleep if you hear a story?”

“O-Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex agreed. Thorax laid back down and kept Apex between his forelegs. “Wh-Whas’ the story ‘bout?”

“It’s about me.” Thorax pulled him close. “Me and my brother. Pharynx. The General of the Old Hive.”

“Y-You mean the changeling tha’ you can’ transform? He’s your brother?”

“Mhm.” Thorax nuzzled him. “This is a good story about us, I promise.”

“O-Okay…” Apex cuddled close. Thorax nuzzled him again, then looked up at the wall. He hesitated, then spoke.

“When I was around your age, I lived with my brother and many more nymphs in the nursery. Pharynx and I’s mother didn’t pay much attention to me, she focused more on Pharynx, believing he was more capable. And she wasn’t wrong to believe that, he’s one of the greatest warriors the Hive has ever seen.”

“He soun’s like the bes’.” Apex said, and Thorax chuckled, nodding.

“He is. But you see, other than giving me some toy dolls of ponies, our mother mostly ignored me.  I’m sure the dolls were meant to be a training exercise, I would have to keep the dolls safe. But I mostly just played with them, and because of our mother’s refusal to acknowledge me, it was up to Pharynx to look out for me.”

“Why woul’ you need t’be look’d af’er, Papa Thorax?”

“Heh, well… I was… very different from the other nymphs. I’m sure you know, Apex, that in the Old Days, every young nymph wanted to be an aggressive warrior. When I was growing up it was no different. Everyling wanted to be like that. Except me.”

Apex wiped his eyes and snuggled close. “S-So whas’ your brother go’ t’do with i’?”

“Well, it was thanks to Pharynx that I remained safe back then. Because I was so different from the other nymphs, they would pick on me for not wanting to fight. They’d call me names and tease me for being weak.”

Thorax then smiled softly, looking down at Apex. Apex looked up at him through watery eyes.

“But Pharynx would never let them hurt me. Just a simple glare from him, and the words ‘step away from my brother’ would make them scared. Then, he’d transform into a signature monster form of his, and they’d run away.”

“R-Really?”

“Mhm.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Of course, afterwards, he’d make me ‘hit myself’ and tell me to be tougher, but he meant well. I always knew he loved me, in his own way.”

“Woah…” Apex breathed. Thorax giggled. “I-I wanna be jus’ like him, Papa Thorax. M-Maybe then I won’ be scared… c-can I…?”

“Oh Apex…” Thorax kissed his forehead, making him giggle. “You can be anything you want, sweetie. If you want to be like Pharynx, you can.”

Apex smiled, cuddling close. He then yawned, rubbing his eyes. Thorax chuckled and lifted the blanket over them both.

“Now, it’s time for bed.” Thorax said

“O-Okay Papa Thorax… bu’… ‘m s’ill sorry I woke you u’…” Apex whispered

“Oh Apex, I don’t mind at all.” Thorax nuzzled him and kissed his forehead. “I just want you to be happy and feel safe. You come first, my little hyper sprite.”

“Heheh… I like tha’ name…” Apex mumbled sleepily. “N-‘Nother story…?”

“Maybe tomorrow sweetie.” Thorax settled him down in the bed. “For now, why don’t you go ahead and sleep?”

“Kay… nigh’ Papa Thorax…”

“Goodnight Apex.” Thorax kissed his forehead again, smiling at the little nymph. “My little hyper sprite.”
> To Change A Brother
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax sat on his oak throne, smiling as he looked around. The nymphs had fully recovered from their injuries from the cave in, ready to reform, and the remaining eggs had hatched. The Hive was truly growing since the great change. To prove it, Thorax need only look at the little nymph currently bouncing between the foreleg rests on the throne, giggling.

“Papa Thorax, Papa Thorax, lookit!” the lime green nymph cried, smiling as he sprang from one ledge-like foreleg rest to the other.

“Heheh, good job Apex, be careful now.” Thorax warned.

Apex laughed as he sprang again. However, this time, he caught onto the ledge with his forelegs. He shrieked, though still smiling, his back hooves scrabbling on the wood as he tried to haul himself up. Apex lost his grip and fell to the ground with a thump.

“Apex! Sweetie, are you okay?” Thorax stood up, leaping off the throne to lower down and nuzzle him.

Apex giggled as Thorax nuzzled his stomach, batting at the alpha changeling’s muzzle with his little hooves. “‘M ‘kay Papa Thorax!”

“Heh, okay.” Thorax lifted up the little nymph, cradling him. “But be more careful next time, okay?”

“O’ay Papa Thorax.” Apex said, climbing onto Thorax’s head.

“Thorax!” a snarling voice came from a hallway.

Thorax sighed and turned to face the voice. “Yes Pharynx?”

“What’s all this stuff about a gardening club? As if we need any more disgusting-smelling plants around here with a Maulwarf on the prowl!” the unreformed changeling growled, stalking up to Thorax.

Thorax trotted to him with a kind smile. “Don’t worry Pharynx, the gardening club will be started after we lead the Maulwarf away as planned.”

“Oh yeah, because that dumb plan’s totally going to work.” Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so idiotic, brother! The Maulwarf will just come back!”

“It won’t, Pharynx, don’t worry.” Thorax said, but could tell Pharynx didn’t look convinced.

“Yeah right.” Pharynx muttered.

“Pharynx, aren’t you going to say hello to Apex?” Thorax asked, trying to change the subject.

“Why would I?” Pharynx asked, looking up at the nymph perched on the monarch’s head.

“He likes seeing you Pharynx.” Thorax said.

“Why would he?”

“Cause you’re the bes’est warrior o’ the Hive!” Apex exclaimed, smiling widely.

“I know I am. And you’re a grub.”

Apex tilted his head. “Wha’?”

“I don’t need to say hello to him.” Pharynx said to Thorax. “He knows I’m here, that’s enough.”

“Come on Pharynx, I think you should get to know him.” Thorax said

Pharynx rolled his eyes, buzzing his violet wings to take off. “Or I could not do that. I’m going to patrol.”

“Alright Pharynx.” Thorax said, sighing as Pharynx left.

“Papa Thorax?” Apex leaned forwards on Thorax’s head to look at him. “Is Pharynx really your brother?”

Thorax sighed again. “Yes Apex, he is…”

Apex shifted to lie on Thorax’s head more comfortably. “Then how come he an’ you aren’ the same?”

“It’s… complicated, Apex.” Thorax sighed. “He and I were raised differently, that’s all. Our mother bred him to become a warrior, making sure he trained under the top General, and… and I was shunned by her. So we grew up together, but we gained different views of the world.”

Thorax then fell silent, waiting for Apex’s reaction. He was worried Apex might react badly to hearing him mention Chrysalis.

“Oh… okay Papa Thorax.” Apex hugged one of Thorax’s antlers. “Bu’ you think Pharynx’ll like me one day?”

“Heheh, I’m sure he will sweetie.” Thorax promised as he made his way back to his throne.

“Good.” Apex said, smiling.

“Why do you need him to like you?” Thorax asked, sitting down in the throne again and levitating Apex off his head, setting the nymph between his forelegs.

“I wan’ him to teach me!” Apex said, bouncing up and down. “Like how he shows the o’er nymphs to growl! Bu’ better, I wan’ him to show me e’erything he knows!”

Thorax chuckled and nuzzled Apex lovingly. “I’m sure he will, my little hyper sprite.”

Apex smiled and hugged Thorax, then his nose wrinkled. “Two new scents an’ Pharynx.” he reported.

Thorax beamed as he nuzzled Apex. “Good job Apex, you smelled those scents from pretty far.”

“Uh-huh!” Apex cuddled against Thorax. “Bu’ I don’ rec’nize the scents wi’ Pharynx…”

“Hm…” Thorax looked up, just in time to see Pharynx dragging something behind him. “Well, here comes Pharynx, so let’s just see if you’re right.”

Apex smiled and cuddled up to Thorax, laying down against the bigger changeling’s forelegs. Pharynx dragged a large bag past a few changelings, getting their attention. Pharynx dropped the bag in front of Thorax’s throne, snarling.

“I found these trespassers outside the Hive.” Pharynx snarled, opening the bag to let two unicorns tumble out.

“Starlight! Trixie!” Thorax stood up, Apex clambering onto his back. “It’s alright Pharynx, let them go.”

“But they were lurking on our territory!” Pharynx objected “In the Old Days I would’ve drained them of their love by now.”

“And that’s why they’re called the Old Days,” Thorax said serenely, placing a hoof on his brother’s chest, “Because they’re in the past. We don’t do that anymore, Pharynx.”

“I liked the Old Days better.” Pharynx huffed, barging past Thorax.

Thorax sighed and turned to Starlight and Trixie. “I am so sorry about that.”

“You better-”

“Oh, it’s fine!” Starlight said chipperly, using her magic to shut Trixie’s mouth. “But I thought Ember helped you get more assertive to deal with all the rogue changelings.”

“She did! Ember was a great help.” Thorax said, smiling.

“So then who’s that?” Trixie asked, pointing to Pharynx.

“Well… I was able to convince them all to change… except Pharynx… my brother.” Thorax sighed

“Your brother?” Starlight asked

“Yep. Pharynx is my elder clutchmate.” Thorax explained, wincing slightly as Pharynx pounced on a pile of moss and flowers nearby, tearing them up.

“Oh yeah! You guys have the same… eye shape…?” Starlight tried

Apex giggled, and Pharynx looked up, spitting out the vines.

“What a ridiculous comparison.” He said, stalking away. “We are nothing alike.” he sneered

“You don’t have to pretend that we’re similar. We know we’re not.” Thorax told Starlight, watching Pharynx go.

“Um, yeah, I have a question.” Trixie said, looking at Pharynx and shuddering slightly in fear. “If he’s still unreformed, why is he not… hungry…?”

“Oh, well, back when I lived in the Crystal Empire, I learned that chocolate tastes just like love, and it’s also sweet enough to fill us up.” Thorax explained. “Since Twilight’s been helping with showing the Hive more of Equestria’s innovations, the chefs learned how to make chocolate. Everyone loves it.”

“So… Pharynx eats that instead?” Starlight asked

Thorax nodded. “He may not like the new ways, but he also knows otherwise he’d starve without ponies to feed on. So he does eat chocolate to get nourishment.”

“Chockit’s good!” Apex added, giggling. Starlight gasped softly upon seeing him.

“Aww! Hello little one! What’s your name?”

“Apex!” he replied cheerfully. Thorax chuckled and rubbed the nymph’s head. “Hehe! Papa Thorax!”

“Papa Thorax?” Trixie asked, and Thorax blushed.

“Apex started calling me that, and now all the nymphs and a few of the adults use it. They say it’s because I act more like a father than a king.”

“An’ cause he’s like my papa!” Apex added, unfurling his red wings to fly up and nuzzle Thorax.

“Heh, Apex hangs out with me a lot.” Thorax explained.

“Oh, is he… is he an orphan?” Trixie asked

Thorax nodded, taking Apex into his foreleg and cradling him. “I’ve been looking after him since the Great Change, when… when it happened.”

“So he’s like your son. That’s so sweet!” Starlight smiled at Apex

“Heh, yeah…” Thorax smiled, liking the idea of Apex being his son. “But between my normal duties, overseeing the plans to lead away the Maulwarf, and taking care of Apex, I haven’t had much time to talk with Pharynx.”

“Why can’t you just leave him be? I mean, he’s not hurting much, right?” Trixie asked, flipping her cape.

Thorax sighed. “Pharynx used to be the Head General in the Old Days, but now that we’re peaceful there’s nothing for him to do. So instead he just stalks around making everyling miserable. The other ‘lings are all sick of it, and unless I can get him to accept our new way of life, all the progress we’ve made is at risk.”

“An’ I wan’ Pharynx to transform so he can teach me!” Apex jumped down and jumped onto the moss Pharynx had been tearing up. “‘M gonna be his ‘prentice an’ he’ll teach me to figh’ an’ e’erything!”

Apex then began rolling in the moss like he was fighting an enemy. Starlight and Thorax both giggled.

“Apex really wants Pharynx to teach him…” Thorax sighed “But there’s no way Pharynx would agree to… maybe he would if he reforms…”

Crack!

“Ah!” Thorax looked around, and saw Pharynx had kicked a hole in the wall. “Pharynx! Stop doing that!”

“The Hive looked better with holes.” Pharynx muttered, breaking a rock in half and hissing at a nearby changeling before leaving.

Apex giggled and ran over to the hole, rearing up on his hind legs and hitting the area around the hole. Thorax sighed, watching the nymph with a sad expression.

“Hm… I think we might be able to help with that.” Starlight said

“We can?” Trixie asked, and Starlight nudged her. “I mean, of course we can!”

“You would?” Thorax asked

“Of course Thorax! We can handle this.” Starlight said, smiling.

“Well… alright.” Thorax said, walking over to Apex and scooping him up. ‘Thank you both.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie needs no thanks!” Trixie announced. “Come on faithful assistant. There is a changeling in need of us.”

Starlight rolled her eyes but followed her anyway.

“Good luck!” Thorax called, holding a squirming Apex.

“Papa Thorax, I wanna fin’ Pharynx!”

“Heh, later, sweetie.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Why don’t we go get you a snack, okay?”

“Okay!”

A little while later, Thorax had returned to the throne room and was sitting with Apex, watching the nymph eat a cookie. Starlight and Trixie suddenly trotted up.

“Oh, there you two are. How’d it go with Pharynx?” Thorax asked

“Er… your brother is… interesting.” Starlight said hesitantly.

Thorax sighed. “That bad, huh?”

“Unfortunately.” Trixie muttered

“Would you like to talk about it?” Thorax suggested “You can come with me to the Feelings Forum, if you want.”

“The Feeling what now?” Trixie asked

“Heh, come on, I’ll show you.” Thorax nuzzled Apex. “You want to come, Apex?”

“Nu-uh, I wanna s’ay here!” Apex said, plopping down on the throne. “‘M gonna be king for you t’day.”

Thorax chuckled and nuzzled him. “Okay sweetie. Be good, and come get me if something’s wrong, okay?”

“Mhm.” Apex nuzzled Thorax in return, then he headed off with Starlight and Trixie.

The throne room was mostly quiet after Thorax had left, and Apex soon grew bored.

“I won’er wha’ else I can do… Papa Thorax’s king stuff is borin’… ooh, a bug!” Apex sat bolt upright as he saw a cricket hopping past.

Giggling, Apex ran for the cricket, trying to catch it. He followed it through the Hive, dodging the adult changelings that he passed by. He was so focused on the cricket that he didn’t notice where he was going. Until he crashed into someone.

“Oof!”

“Hey! Watch where you’re going, grub!” a familiar gruff voice said

“Pharynx?” Apex stepped back, forgetting about the cricket. “Why’re you ou’side?”

“I could ask you the same thing, why aren’t you with my brother?” Pharynx asked, looking into the distance and walking away from the Hive.

“He wen’ to the Feelings Forum an’ I didn’ wanna.” Apex walked after Pharynx. “Where ‘re you goin’ Pharynx?”

“I’m leaving.” Pharynx replied

“Why?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Is i’ cause wha’ Papa Thorax sai’ ‘bout o'er ‘lings bein’ sick o’ you?”

“Oh yeah, like he isn’t sick of me too.” Pharynx muttered

“He’s no’!” Apex bounced around in a circle around Pharynx. “He loves you, he sai’ so! An’ you gotta s’ay so you can teach me e’erything you know! I wanna be a good figh’er like you!”

Pharynx rolled his eyes. “I’d rather not get talked about for helping you because they think I’m teaching you about the Old Ways.”

“Bu’ I wanna learn…” Apex said softly

Pharynx sighed. “Grub, I-”

There was a sudden rumbling, seeming to come from the ground. Apex looked around, noticing they had gone a while away from the Hive. Pharynx’s eyes narrowed.

“Grub, hide.”

“Wha’?”

“Just trust me!” Pharynx lowered into a battle stance.

Apex ran to hide behind a rock, just as a giant Maulwarf broke through the surface. Apex yelped and watched with wide eyes as Pharynx unleashed a battle cry and launched himself at the beast.

Back at the Hive, Thorax was talking to a few changelings with a worried expression on his face. Apex hadn’t been seen in a while. Starlight and Trixie then raced up.

“Thorax! Pharynx is missing!” Starlight exclaimed

As Thorax turned to face her, the changelings nearby all cheered.

“Wait for it…” Trixie said slowly

“And the dread Maulwarf is coming this way!” Starlight finished. The changelings all screamed and began panicking.

“Told ya.” Trixie snarked

“What?!” Thorax exclaimed “Oh no… have either of you seen Apex? I can’t find him.”

“You don’t think he’s with Pharynx, do you…?” Trixie asked. “I mean, apparently he left, and no one’s seen Apex…”

“He did want Pharynx to train him… oh no, he probably wandered off looking for him!” Thorax lifted off, wings fluttering. “We have to find them, who’s with me?”

Thorax was greeted with silence. He sighed and looked away. Starlight rolled her eyes and stepped forwards.

“Oh, sure, you could all stay here, not help Pharynx and he won't bother you anymore. It's your choice.” Starlight began.

“Starlight, where are you going with this…?” Trixie asked, but Starlight ignored her and continued.

“But remember when you didn't have a choice! When you were forced to obey Chrysalis! You might have been unstoppable, but you weren't free to choose! And now you are, because of Thorax! Well, his brother and his son are out there! Now is your chance to prove you're just as strong embracing love as you were feeding on it! It’s your time to show what changelings can really be! Not because you have to, but because you choose to!”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“That was an amazingly epic speech, Starlight.” Trixie said dramatically. “I just can’t believe not a single changeling was moved by it.” she finished snarkily.

“Focus you two, we need to find them!” Thorax said

Crash!

“What was that?!” Trixie shrieked

“Come on!” Starlight raced forwards, Thorax and Trixie fast behind.

“Pharynx!” Thorax cried

Pharynx was battling the Maulwarf. He looked up when he heard Thorax.

“What are you doing here?!”

“I’m here to save you!” Thorax said, looking around. “Where’s-”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex poked his head up from behind a large rock.

“Get out of here!” Pharynx shouted. “Take the grub and let me handle this!”

“We’re not leaving you!” Starlight protested

Apex yelped as Thorax snatched him up and cradled him. Trixie lifted up the rock he’d been hiding behind and tossed it, nearly hitting Pharynx. Pharynx performed a midair somersault to avoid the rock, growling at Trixie. Starlight fired magic at the Maulwarf, which didn’t affect it.

“I thought you said you could beat this thing!” Starlight shouted to Pharynx.

“With the rest of the swarm! Not alone!” he shouted back, as Thorax backed up, cradling Apex.

“Apex, sweetie, why did you run off?” Thorax asked

“I was jus’ followin’ Pharynx!” Apex said

“Look!” Trixie pointed above them. Changelings were charging over to the Maulwarf.

Thorax set Apex down and nuzzled him before taking off to hover beside Pharynx. Apex whimpered and backed up, crouching low. The changelings continued trying to pin the Maulwarf. Thorax and Pharynx were thrown back, and Thorax groaned.

“It’s no use! We’re out of practice and he’s too tough!”

“Ugh, too bad it can’t fight itself.” Trixie muttered

Apex screwed his eyes shut. “Tha’ Maulwarf looks really tough, bu’… fight i’self! Tha’s i’!”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex reared up. “The story! ‘Bout Pharynx makin’ you hi’ yourself!”

“That’s it!” Thorax and Pharynx said as one, grinning at each other.

The other changelings stepped back as the two brothers began to trick the Maulwarf. They even went as far as taunting it. Apex giggled and cheered from on top of a rock. Together, the brothers drove the Maulwarf back into the ground, Pharynx causing it to bite it's arm with a teasing hiss.

“Papa Thorax, you did i’!” Apex ran for Thorax, who scooped him up and nuzzled him. He then turned to Pharynx.

“What were you doing out here, Pharynx?”

“Leaving. I’m done with all of you.” Pharynx muttered

“Then why bother fighting the Maulwarf?” Thorax asked, smirking slightly.

“Well, I couldn’t just let it attack you!” Pharynx snapped.

“But I thought you didn’t care about us.”

“The Hive is the thing I care about most.” Pharynx growled

“Well you certainly don’t act like it.” Starlight pointed out. Pharynx rolled his eyes.

“I’m sorry if I don’t get excited by flowers or Feeling Circles-”

“Feelings Forum.” Thorax corrected

“Whatever. Doesn’t matter. Even if I do care about the Hive, I obviously don’t have a place there anymore.” Pharynx muttered. Thorax reached and lifted his chin, smiling softly.

“You do have a place in the Hive, Pharynx.”

“Yeah!” a changeling spoke up. “We were wrong, just because the Hive is a gentler, nicer place, it doesn’t mean we won’t ever have to defend ourselves.”

“Clearly.” Trixie added, looking at the hole the Maulwarf had gone into pointedly.

Apex smiled and jumped onto Pharynx’s back, giggling and nuzzling him. “I wan’ you to s’ay.”

The changelings around them all called out in agreement. Pharynx looked around, surprised, but a soft smile growing on his face. Apex flew back to Thorax.

“Y-You all want me to stay?”

“Unless you still want to leave the Hive.” Thorax replied.

“Why? I love the Hive.” Pharynx replied, smiling.

They all gasped as a warm pink light enveloped Pharynx. He was lifted up and wrapped in a glowing pink cocoon. It split open midair, revealing Pharynx again. But this time, he was different, with cyan chitin, a violet carapace, red antlers and tail, and lavender eyes.

“Pharynx!” Apex said, recognizing him by his personal scent of a Meyer lemon. Pharynx smiled softly, approaching. He hesitated, looking at Apex, then spoke.

“I did want to teach him… I just thought everyling would think I was being a bad influence on him…”

“You don’t have to worry about that now.” Thorax assured him

“Yeah… I guess I just got a bit worried about you kicking me out when I heard those two plotting to tell you you had to banish me.” Pharynx added, glaring at Starlight and Trixie. The two mares blushed and shied away sheepishly.

“Well, lucky for us, you weren’t a lost cause.” Thorax said, smiling.

“Lucky for me, you wouldn’t give up on me.” Pharynx replied

Apex giggled and jumped over, hugging Pharynx around the neck. Pharynx chuckled and hugged him back.

“So doe’ this mean you’ll teach me?!”

“Of course grub, we can get started right away.” Pharynx replied, smirking. “After all, I’ve got to carry on the tradition of the current General teaching the next one.”

Apex gasped and beamed, hugging him.

“Sooo…” Trixie began, getting their attention. “Glad everything worked out…”

“Yeah!” Thorax said, then his smile dropped, and his eyes narrowed. “Let’s talk about how you not only attempted to lead the Maulwarf to the Hive, but also drove my brother away from it!”

Trixie backed away, and Pharynx chuckled, giving Apex a quick nuzzle.

“I have to admit, part of how I was acting was me getting him to use his new assertiveness.” Pharynx whispered to Apex, who giggled.

“Really?”

“Yep.” Pharynx then raised his voice, carrying Apex closer to Thorax. “Hey, you guys want to hear about how I used to make Thorax hit himself?”

“Oh yes, absolutely, right now!” Starlight said, smiling sheepishly as she sat down.

Pharynx chuckled and began the story, Apex still cradled in his hoof. Apex snuggled down into Pharynx’s grasp on him, smiling.
> Tsundere(bug) Naps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pharynx trotted to his brother’s chambers, smirking slightly. He had just finished ordering the new group of guards in training to patrol the Hive. And now, with that taken care of-though he’d probably have to patrol the area again after the incompetent ‘lings, he had some time to himself. Time he’d spend waking up his brother, who he knew was napping.

Pharynx entered Thorax’s chambers to find him lying in bed, just as Pharynx had predicted. It was usual at this time of day. Pharynx rolled his eyes at his brother, but when he got closer, he allowed himself a small smile.

There, cuddled up to Thorax, was young Apex. Scourge of the hive, most mischievous of the nymphs, and yet somehow Thorax’s little pride and joy. The nymph yawned and opened his eyes sleepily.

“Hey grub.” Pharynx greeted the nymph. Apex smiled at him.

“Hi Pharynx-” he then snickered.

“What’s so funny?” Pharynx asked, raising a brow.

“Y-Y’know how e’eryling calls him Papa Thorax?”

Pharynx assumed Apex to be referring to Thorax. It was kind of obvious to tell, anyway.

“Of course. As I recall, you started it.” Pharynx said, nudging the small nymph lightly with a hoof.

“Cause he’s like my papa.” Apex replied.

Apex began nuzzling against the sleeping king. Thorax gave a content sigh and shifted, pulling Apex closer. Pharynx chuckled softly, but composed himself.

“Er… you were saying?”

“Righ’.” Apex smiled at his father figure before continuing.  “Well… the o’er lings kinda go’ a name for you too.”

“If the words ‘Grandpa’ or ‘Cousin’ leave your mouth then I don’t care if you’re Thorax’s favorite or not, I will make sure you never say anything again.” Pharynx growled.

“Nu-uh, no’ those.”

“Then what delightful nickname have they come up with for me?” Pharynx realized that his sarcasm was probably lost on the nymph, because he answered readily enough.

“Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said simply.

Pharynx growled, expression turning into a scowl. Seeing the look on Pharynx’s face, Apex quickly hid. He ducked underneath one of Thorax’s forelegs, burrowing under his papa.

“What?!” Pharynx shouted, raising his voice, which startled Thorax awake.

“Gah! Pharynx, what’s wrong?” Thorax asked worriedly after seeing his brother.

“I tol’ him ‘bout the o’ers name for him.” Apex replied, voice muffled by Thorax’s foreleg.

“This is going too far! I didn’t have a problem hearing them call you Papa Thorax,” Pharynx jabbed a hoof at Thorax’s chest for extra emphasis, “because let’s face it, you don’t have much dignity left anyway. But they have no right to-!”

“Pharynx, it was meant in good humor-”

“So?!” Pharynx snarled

“D-Doe’ this m-mean I can’ call you Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, still hiding.

Thorax readjusted himself and lifted Apex up. He set the nymph down so that he was tucked between Thorax’s forelegs and chest, and Apex sat up on his haunches. Pharynx sighed and his expression softened.

“Well, I’ll make an exception for you. But only because Thorax has practically adopted you into our family, so I’m technically your uncle anyway.” Pharynx consented with a sigh.

Pharynx then poked the nymph gently in the chest. Apex giggled and fell down onto his side, clinging onto Thorax’s foreleg with his little hooves.

“-But, the others have no excuse. Thorax, tell them not to call me that or I will myself. And I promise, I’ll be much less nice about it.” Pharynx snarled

“Very well, Prince Pharynx.” Thorax sighed, rolling his eyes slightly.

“Thank you, King Thorax.” Pharynx retorted.

Pharynx then jumped up onto the bed, sitting by the two. Apex moved closer to him.

“Why did'ya come ‘n here an’way Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked

“Looking for this one.” Pharynx nudged Thorax in the shoulder. “Eh, might as well stick around, anyway. Give the others some last minutes of freedom to call me what they like.” Pharynx sighed, using his magic to shut the door.

“Do you want to nap with us then?” Thorax suggested

“I came here to wake you up.”

“Well, you might as well sleep with us. I’m not getting up just yet. I didn’t get enough rest because someling woke me up with their complaints about a harmless nickname.” Thorax said, smirking slightly.

“Impressive snarking aside, there is no way I’m joining you and my nephew in your little cuddle pile. I may be reformed but I have no interest in joining you two.” Pharynx huffed, looking away.

“Wait… you just called him ‘your nephew’.” Thorax repeated

“Yeah, and?” Pharynx asked, glancing over and raising a brow, wondering where Thorax was going with this.

“I’ve never heard you refer to him in such an affectionate way! Aww, Phar!” Thorax cooed.

“Thorax, please don’t-”

It was too late, Thorax had lifted Pharynx in his magic and pulled him in for a hug. The two brothers were now lying side-by-side on the bed. Pharynx struggled but couldn’t break free. Apex started laughing and laid near Thorax’s chest, nestling against the bigger changeling.

“Put me down.”

“Join our nap.”

“Not a chance.”

“Then either way, I’m going back to sleep and you’re not getting away.”

“Thorax!” Pharynx shouted in protest, struggling.

“Don’ you wanna nap wi' us Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, pouting slightly. Pharynx sighed and rubbed his head.

“I… I’m not a softie like Thorax…”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.” Thorax replied, lighting up his antlers and drew the blankets over Pharynx.

“Thorax…” Pharynx sighed, but was distracted by the soft warmth of the blanket. “Wh-What is this thing…?”

“A blanket, Phar. You have one in your room.”

Pharynx blushed. “I, uh, kind of… tore it up when I was… still unreformed…”

Thorax chuckled and nuzzled him. “It’s okay, I have a couple extras. You like it?”

Pharynx blushed harder. “U-Uh, no…”

Apex giggled and dove under the blanket. He came up again, wiggling into the space between Pharynx’s forelegs. He wrapped his hooves around Pharynx’s foreleg and snuggled against it. Pharynx blushed again and leaned down to nuzzle him briefly. Apex yawned widely and giggled.

“Mm… sweepy Uncle Pharynx…”

Pharynx chuckled and smiled at him. Thorax beamed and cuddled against him.

“Th-Thorax, get off.” Pharynx said

“Aww, but you need to cuddle for it to be a ‘cuddle pile’ as you called it.” Thorax replied, nuzzling him.

“Ugh… fine. You’ve got five minutes.”

“Sure.” Thorax smiled at him, then laid down. He kissed Apex’s forehead gently. “Sleep well my little hyper sprite.”

“Heheh… you too Papa Thorax…” Apex mumbled

As Thorax and Apex dozed off, Pharynx felt his eyes growing heavy. The comforting warmth of the blanket was lulling him to sleep. And the heavy but soothing feel of Apex and Thorax leaning on him was nice. Soon, he felt his head drooping, and it came to rest on the pillow. He yawned widely and closed his eyes.

“Maybe i’ won’t hurt t’ rest my eyes for a lil’ bit…” Pharynx mumbled, yawning again. He cuddled closer to Thorax subconsciously, smiling in his sleep as he rested with the two younger changelings.
> Love At First Fight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pharynx was patrolling the outer perimeter of the Hive when Apex ran up to him.

“Uncle Pharynx!”

“Yes grub?” Pharynx sighed

“Papa Thorax wen’ to do king stuff an’ he sai’ I could come spend time with you! So can i’ be training time, please? Please please please?!” Apex asked, bouncing around Pharynx.

Pharynx rolled his eyes slightly at the nymph’s enthusiasm, but smiled.

“Sure grub. Come on, you can help me finish this patrol.”

“Yay!” Apex sunk into a pounce and sprang, wrapping his hooves around Pharynx’s neck and swinging himself onto the beta changeling’s back.

“Ugh, grub…”

“Please can I ri’e?”

Pharynx levitated him off his back. “Warriors don’t need to be carried everywhere by their superiors. Ride around on Thorax’s head all you want, but not me. We’ll continue this patrol with you walking beside me. Is that clear?”

“Yes sir Uncle Pharynx sir!” Apex said, his little dragonfly tail wagging. Pharynx nodded in approval.

“Good. But don’t wag your tail so much, you’ll only draw attention to yourself or alert your prey to your presence.”

“Okay Uncle Pharynx!”

Pharynx sighed. “At least we’re not near enough to the Hive for anyling to hear you…”

Apex just giggled innocently. Pharynx smiled slightly and rubbed the nymph’s head. Apex smiled and walked closer to him.

“Uncle Pharynx? How come you’re doin’ this all by you’self? Why don’ you go’ the o’er lings doin’ this?”

“I have to re-train a lot of the soldiers since they’ve gone soft with Thorax’s ‘activities’. I also have to train newer recruits, and right now I don’t trust any of them to get the job done right.” Pharynx explained.

“Is tha’ why you’re training me?”

“Partly. Teaching the next generation early on helps to prepare them for harder training when they’re older.” Pharynx gave him a smirk. “Plus it’s kind of funny that you’re doing better than the actual soldiers are at their training.”

“I won’ le’ you down Uncle Pharynx! ‘M gonna be the bes’ warrior in the Hive, an’ General, jus’ like you!” Apex proclaimed

Pharynx chuckled softly. “I know you will grub, I’ll make sure of it. Now come on, the Hive isn’t going to patrol itself.”

“How would i’ do tha’ Uncle Pharynx? The Hive can’ move.” Apex said, blinking up at him innocently. Pharynx blinked, then facehoofed.

“I’ll explain it to you later grub.”

“Okay.”

With that, the beta changeling and nymph continued the patrol. Soon, the two had patrolled the whole perimeter of the Hive. They were now heading to a sandy area Pharynx had been using to train Apex. As they headed into the sandy area Pharynx held up a hoof for Apex to stop.

“Scent the air grub, any distinct smells?”

Apex raised his head and opened his jaws slightly. “I smell… tha’ feathery airy scent tha’ birds have-”

“Skip the animal scents.” Pharynx corrected himself.

“Uh… nope. I don’ smell any Rocs or Ta’zulwurms or nothin’-wai’.” Apex stopped and trotted ahead.

“What is it?”

“A pony!”

Pharynx’s brow raised slightly, both from surprise that Apex had smelled it before he did, and that a pony was this far from Equestria. He too, parted his jaws to taste the emotions and smells on the air.

“Am I righ’ Uncle Pharynx?”

Pharynx nodded. The scent was obviously from a pony, it had the distinct magical trace of a unicorn. Interesting though, the magic trace was faint, and unlike any he had ever noticed from a pony before. It was… crackling. Like lightning. Their personal scent was the smell of the air after a rainstorm. And the gender… based on the magical trace, it was a mare.

“Shoul’ we go say hi to her Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, looking up at him. “Papa Thorax sai’ i’s the righ’ thing t’do.”

“Maybe for him.” Pharynx snorted, stalking past Apex. “I’ll deal with this pony my way.”

“Why?”

“She approached the Hive from the side, almost as if sneaking up on us. Now stay behind me grub.”

“Okay Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said, falling into place behind the older changeling.

Pharynx trotted confidently up to the pony, who came into view. His eyes narrowed as he took in the pony’s features. It was a mare, as he’d predicted. But she seemed much different from other ponies.

This mare walked like a soldier. Each step taken with measured precision and confidence. Her teal eyes were dead set at her target, which had shifted from the Hive to Pharynx. The black cloak she wore concealed most of her dark mulberry coat and completely covered her cutie mark. Her magenta tail was left free, matching the magenta mohawk on her head.

The most startling thing Pharynx took in about her was her face. Not her eyes, or the squared muzzle usually reserved for stallions. It was the broken horn on her forehead, as well as the scar running down one of her eyes. These two things completed the look of intimidation on her face.

Apex ran underneath Pharynx, poking his head out between the Prince-General’s forelegs as he walked.

“Uncle Pharynx, she looks scary…”

“It’s an intimidation tactic grub, just stay close. She’s a pony, she won’t hurt a nymph.” Pharynx said. “Though to be honest I wouldn’t be surprised if she was at least able to. The cloak covers most of her body but with the way she carries herself she clearly has some muscle…”

Apex sheltered underneath Pharynx as they approached the pony. She stopped when she was a few hoofsteps away from them, and Pharynx did the same. He gently nudged Apex out from under him with a hoof. But he kept his eyes trained on the mare.

“Pretty far from Equestria, aren’t you, pony?” Pharynx said cooly. The mare’s expression hardened. “Let’s get straight to the point, what business do you have with the Changeling Kingdom?”

“I’m here to deliver a message to your leader.” she said.

“I’m his brother, I can pass the message along to him.” Pharynx replied, knowing better than to trust that she actually had a message for Thorax. It was a classic infiltration technique.

The mare snorted. “Didn’t expect to find someone competent out here. But the message I have is for King Thorax, no one else.”

Pharynx growled. “Yeah, I’m sure. Well, you’re only getting me, so either pass on the message or head back to Pony-land where you came from before I chase you there.”

“Listen, bug.” the unicorn mare slammed her hoof down on the ground before him. Pharynx didn’t even flinch. “I’m just here to deliver a message courtesy of the Princesses of Equestria-”

“You don’t look like any Royal Guard I’ve seen.” Pharynx interrupted

“I’m not one.” she snarled. “This is a favor for them, just take me to your king.”

“Not without some proof.” Pharynx retorted.

“I don’t have proof.” the mare spat. “Just let me pass, bugboy.”

“Oh, now you’ve done it.” Pharynx snarled, sinking into a battle stance. He flicked his tail to signal Apex to get out of the way.

“Don’t test me, bug.” she growled, dropping into an identical stance.

“If you just came here for a fight…” Pharynx began, stalking around her, “Then you’ve come to the right changeling.”

“I’m not here for a fight.” she prowled around beside him, the two creatures circling each other. “But if it’s the only way I’ll get by…”

“You won’t be able to.” Pharynx smirked. “I don’t believe I introduced myself. Prince-General Pharynx of the Changeling Hive. And I won’t let you get past me just so you can do who-knows-what to my Hive.”

“I see creatures like this all the time. Talk all they like, but it’s backing it up I want to see.” she replied, her broken horn sparking with electric blue light.

“It’s more than just a fancy title.” Pharynx grinned, igniting his antlers with his red aura. “You’ll see soon enough.”

As the two circled each other threateningly, Pharynx glanced at Apex. The nymph had sat down a little ways away from them. He’d likely be out of reach of any attacks. Good.

“Enough talk then.” the mare got his attention, grinning slightly as the remains of her horn ignited in an electric blue aura. “I’ve been itching for a good fight for weeks now.”

Pharynx chuckled softly. “It’s funny you think you’re winning this fight.”

She smirked. “That’s because I am.”

With that, the two creatures launched themselves at each other. Pharynx heard Apex cheering for him in the background. He smirked and charged at the unicorn, head ducked to lead with his antlers. She sidestepped him and barreled into his side.

The two tussled for a few more minutes, until Pharynx thought he’d found a weak spot. He spun on his forehooves to knock her legs out from under her. He hoped she’d end up tangled in her cloak and fall. However, the mare leapt high into the air, coming down in front of Pharynx before he could realize what happened.

Pharynx transformed, becoming his signature monster form. The mare didn’t flinch in the slightest. She merely ignited her horn. Electricity gathered at the broken tip, and she blasted him in the chest. Pharynx let out a grunt as he untransformed from her attack. She then tackled him to the ground. He swore under his breath as he looked up at the mare. Her horn still crackled with energy.

“I’m not looking for any trouble. Just agree to take me to your king and I’ll release you.” she spoke calmly.

Pharynx growled, but nodded. The mare stepped back and he sat up. Apex raced over and nuzzled him.

“Grub, get off. I’m fine.” Pharynx shoved Apex away gently.

“Can’ believe you didn’ win, Uncle Pharynx!” Apex murmured, looking up at him.

“Yeah, you and me both, grub.” Pharynx muttered, then looked up at the mare. “Let’s go then.”

“What? No more objections?”

“You won the fight. You’ve proven you’re worthy of respect.” Pharynx replied simply, though he was still a bit bitter about losing. “Come on, or I’ll transform again and throw you back to Equestria.”

The mare snorted in disbelief. “As if I’d let you.”

Pharynx growled softly, but led the strange mare towards the Hive. Apex jumped onto his back, and he didn’t force the nymph off, too beaten to complain.

Pharynx led the mare through the Hive, to the throne room. Thorax looked up when they entered.

“Pharynx, there you are. I thought Apex’s training would take longer-what happened? Who is she?”

“This pony has requested an audience with you, brother.” Pharynx said, trotting to Thorax.

“An audience?” Thorax asked, as Apex flew into his hooves. “Okay… go ahead.” he told the mare, who had stepped forwards to stand in the center of the room.

“Your majesty.” the mare bowed to Thorax, using formalities despite being covered in scrapes and bruises from her fight with Pharynx. “I am Tempest Shadow, I come on behalf of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twilight?” Thorax spoke, confused. “Why couldn’t she come herself, is something wrong?”

“Not exactly your majesty.” Tempest rose from the bow. “I was originally not planning on visiting the Changeling Hive, but the princess requested of me through a letter that I come here to pass along a message I’ve been spreading, along with a message of her own.”

“Oh? What is it? A-And please, don’t call me your majesty…”

“Very well.” Tempest Shadow nodded. “The message from the princess is a request for the changelings to send one young changeling to Ponyville. The princess is starting a new ‘School of Friendship’ and is asking all the leaders of Equestria and beyond to send a student.”

“Okay.” Thorax smiled kindly. “And the other message?”

“That is a personal message.” Tempest Shadow began. “I have been on the road for a while spreading it. The message is that… The Storm King is dead.”

“The Storm King? From the legends?”

“Yes. He’s gone, you need not fear him. He was turned to stone and his statue was shattered in Canterlot.” Tempest explained

Thorax nodded. “Alright. Thank you Miss Shadow. Please let Twilight know I accept her invitation to send a student to Ponyville.”

“I’ll be sure to pass it along.” Tempest saluted him, then turned to head out of the throne room. Pharynx followed her to the entrance of the Hive.

“Tempest Shadow.” he caught her attention as she was about to leave the Hive, and she turned to him.

“Yes… Pharynx, right?”

Pharynx nodded. “You, uh… you weren’t so bad out there, when we were fighting…”

Tempest raised a brow. “I pinned you in five minutes.”

“Caught me off guard.” Pharynx brushed it off. “I didn’t expect a pony to be so good at fighting.”

Tempest rolled her eyes. “Not all of us want to go… I don’t know, prance through meadows wearing flower crowns or something.”

Pharynx chuckled softly at the mental image. “Either way, you weren’t such a bad fighter.”

“Yeah, you weren’t so bad yourself.” Tempest said

“How did you learn to fight like that?”

Tempest hesitated. “I… trained myself. That’s all I’m willing to disclose.”

Pharynx nodded. “And you seemed to know a lot about the Storm King’s defeat.”

“Many ponies were there when it happened.”

“Then why, out of all of them, did Princess Egghead pick you to come?” Pharynx didn’t wait for her response this time. “And your name, ‘Tempest Shadow’. Seems almost tailor made for the Storm King…”

Tempest growled. “Fine. I used to work for the Storm King, alright? I was his Commander. But I’m a better pony now. I no longer wish for the conquest of other lands.”

Pharynx smirked slightly. “Oh, I don’t care about that. A war would’ve been nice, I enjoy fighting. I just find it impressive you were good enough for the Storm King to choose as his commander.”

Tempest shrugged. “I was the best of the best.”

“Sure seems like it.” Pharynx smiled at her slightly, and she smiled back.

“Thank you. You would not believe how incompetent the Equestrian military is though.”

“Oh, I would.” Pharynx objected, and the two laughed. Then, Tempest looked up at the sun, judging the time.

“I had better get going. The message for the princess won’t send itself.”

Pharynx nodded in understanding, watching her go.

“Pharynx?” Thorax trotted up to him, Apex on his head. “What are you doing out here?”

“Nothing, just… making sure she leaves.” Pharynx said, watching Tempest fade into the distance.

“Oh, well, come on then.” Thorax led Pharynx back into the Hive. “I was thinking of sending Ocellus to this new School of Friendship…”
> Return To The Crystal Empire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax trotted down the streets of the Crystal Empire happily, looking around. Not much had changed, but the empire was still very beautiful, even in winter. On the changeling king’s head was a familiar little nymph.

“Papa Thorax, ‘re we there ye’?” Apex asked impatiently

“Heheh, almost sweetie.” Thorax said, looking behind him at Pharynx. The older changeling was grumpily following them. He hadn’t wanted to come. “I think you’ll really like Cadence and Shining, both of you. Their daughter’s a bit young but she’s smart for her age.”

“How d’you know Papa Thorax?”

“I used to help Sunburst watch her.” Thorax explained, smiling at the nymph.

“Oh…” Apex fell silent after that.

Soon, they reached the large crystal palace. Apex gasped as he tilted his head to look up at it. Even Pharynx had to-begrudgingly-admit it was impressive. Thorax smiled as a sense of familiarity washed over him.

“Thorax!” a familiar voice called out. Thorax looked over with a smile. Apex jumped onto Thorax’s back to hide from the new ponies, looking at Pharynx, who remained stoic.

“Cadence! Shining!”

The pink coated alicorn trotted up with a smile on her face. Her husband trotted beside her, Sunburst behind them, carrying a bassinet in his magic. Thorax trotted over to Cadence, hugging her.

“We’ve been waiting for you!” Cadence said, pulling away from Thorax to lean on Shining. “We were wondering when you’d arrive.”

“Oh, did we keep you waiting? I’m sorry, we had some delay-”

Shining chuckled and prodded him in the side gently. “Same old Thorax. It’s fine buddy, Cadence is just saying that because it seems like somepony missed her favorite foalsitter.”

Sunburst came closer, smiling as he lifted up the bassinet. “She was fussing all this morning, somepony was certainly eager to see you again.”

Thorax smiled widely as he looked into the bassinet. Apex peeked out for a closer look. The young alicorn filly in the bassinet was smiling up at Thorax.

“Tora! Tora!”

“Hey Flurry!” Thorax nuzzled the filly.

Apex frowned and jumped off Thorax’s back, opening his wings and fluttering down to Pharynx.

“Uncle Pharynx, I wanna go.” Apex whispered

“You and me both grub.” Pharynx muttered.

Cadence smiled as Thorax lifted Flurry from the bassinet and held her. That was when she noticed Pharynx.

“Cadence, this is my older brother, Pharynx.” Thorax said, and Pharynx nodded curtly. “He’s the general of our Hive.”

“The general, huh?” Shining trotted over. Apex gasped softly and hid underneath Pharynx. “So how many guards do you have?”

“About a thousand, out of them only ten are willing. And they’re less competent than your guards, which is saying something.” Pharynx retorted

“Pharynx, please-”

“No, it’s fine Thorax.” Shining assured him. “So what about you then? Are you better or worse than your own guards?”

Pharynx snorted. “I was trained by the best, and now, I am the best.”

“Would you mind proving that?”

“I’d be happy to ram you into the ground.” Pharynx replied, smirking slightly.

“Terrific.” Shining smirked as well.

Cadence rolled her eyes. Then, as she watched the two glare at each other, she saw Apex peek out from under Pharynx.

“Aww!” Cadence leaned down to look at him. “What’s your name little one?”

“A-Apex…” Apex whispered shyly.

“Heheh, nice to meet you Apex, I’m Cadence. And aren’t you just the cutest little thing?” Cadence smiled at him, and he scampered out from under Pharynx, jumping onto Thorax’s back.

“Papa Thorax, I wanna si’ there.” Apex said, looking at Flurry, who was still held in the alpha changeling’s hooves.

Thorax laughed and nuzzled him. “Wait your turn Apex.”

“‘Papa’ Thorax?” Cadence asked, giggling slightly.

Thorax blushed. “A-Apex came up with it.”

“And now the rest of the Hive won’t stop using it.” Pharynx grumbled

“So, why is Apex here? Shouldn’t he be in the Hive with his parents?” Cadence asked

Apex clung to Thorax, nuzzling him. “Papa Thorax ‘s my…Celly sai’ i’ was called guar’ian or somethin'…?”

“He’s your guardian? But…” Cadence looked at Thorax.

“Apex’s parents died during the Great Change.” Thorax whispered to her.

“Oh, the poor thing…”

“I know, but I’ve been looking after him. He doesn’t think about it much.” Thorax explained

“Papa Thorax, I wanna go…” Apex said, pouting.

Thorax chuckled. “Apex, we just got here.”

“I’s borin’.” Apex stated

Pharynx then followed Apex’s gaze to Flurry, and smiled slightly.

“Grub, don’t tell me you’re jealous of the foal.”

Cadence and Thorax giggled. Apex sat up, stammering.

“Wh-Wha’? Nu-uh!”

Thorax chuckled and gave Flurry to Cadence, lifting up Apex and cradling him.

“It’s okay if you are sweetie. But I promise, you’re my one and only little hyper sprite.”

“P-Promise…?” Apex asked softly, and Cadence aww’d.

“Heh, I promise.” Thorax nuzzled him. “And in a way, looking after Flurry helped prepare me for taking care of you, so you should be glad we bonded.”

“Heheh, and I think Flurry would like a new friend.” Cadence added

“Ape’! Ape’!” Flurry agreed, flapping her wings. She then took off, flying over to Apex. Apex yelped and burrowed into Thorax’s hooves, hiding. Thorax laughed.

“It’s okay Apex, she just wants to play. You like playing.”

Apex peeked out at the little filly. Her mother had scooped her up.

“Sorry she startled you Apex, she’s got pretty good control of her wings and magic, we can’t keep up with her sometimes.”

“Good thing she’s got control. We’d have to reapply Fledgeling’s Forbearance if she didn’t.” Sunburst remarked, adjusting his glasses with his magic. “I predict it won’t be long before she starts speaking fluently.”

“Mama!” Flurry squirmed in her mother’s hooves.

“How about we take the little ones up to Flurry’s playroom?” Cadence suggested

“And you and I can have that sparring match.” Shining said to Pharynx.

“It won’t be a sparring match.”

“Oh?”

“Sparring matches usually have more than one competent soldier.” Pharynx finished his thought, smirking. Shining chuckled.

“Oh, so that’s the way we’re doing this. Fine then.” Shining said, leading him away.

Thorax and Cadence both chuckled, before heading into the castle. Sunburst followed behind them. Cadence led them down a long hallway.

“I’m sure you remember the way Thorax.”

“Yes, it’s the door right across from her bedroom.”

“Mhm.” Cadence stopped in front of one of the doors and opened it.

Apex’s eyes widened as he took in the room. The walls were a light pink color, and the room itself was full of toys. Thorax chuckled, setting Apex down.

“Has the room gotten bigger?”

“Celestia and Luna enjoy giving Flurry gifts. I’m starting to think they make it a competition.” Cadence giggled, as Flurry flew into the room. Apex wasted no time in following her.

Flurry grabbed a few building block toys and a couple bears. She ran back to Apex and held them up. Apex took a few blocks and began stacking them. Flurry giggled and levitated the bears around him.

“Tora play?” Flurry looked at Thorax.

“I’s Tho-rax.” Apex told her.

“To-ra?”

“Tho-rax.”

“To-rax.”

“Good job Flurry!” Cadence said, smiling, then looked at Thorax. He was smiling proudly at Apex, who was playing with the blocks while Flurry moved the bears. “Thorax?”

“Yes Cadence?”

Cadence began to say something, then seemed to second guess herself. “You… do you want to see your old room? We haven’t changed it.”

“Really?” Thorax smiled “I’d love to!”

“Heh, let’s go then.” Cadence said. “Sunburst, could you watch these two little ones for a bit?”

“Of course.” Sunburst smiled before stepping into the room. Thorax and Cadence then went down the hallway, heading for Thorax’s old room.

“We’ll be back in a minute Apex.” Thorax told him.

“Uh-huh.” Apex stacked another block. Thorax chuckled and left.

“Ape’ play!” Flurry trotted over and stomped on the blocks, knocking them over.

“Tha’s how you play?”

“Play! Ape’ play!”

Apex knocked the blocks over and Flurry giggled. She gave him a bear, levitating hers. Sunburst chuckled and sat down to watch them.

“Ape’ chase!”

“Okay!”

Apex grabbed his bear, one that was completely white. Only a pair of black eyes and nose made of black thread disrupted the pure white color. Flurry giggled and levitated her bear away. Apex levitated his own bear up and made it follow hers.

“Chase! Chase!”

“‘M chasin’!” Apex giggled, but brought the bear back down to hug it. “I’s cuddly…”

“Keep?” Flurry asked

“Huh?” Apex looked down at the bear. “Wha’ d’you mean, ‘eep?”

“Keep!” Flurry repeated. Apex tried to push the bear back to her but she shook her head. “Nu-uh. Keep, Ape’!”

“I think she wants you to keep it.” Sunburst supplied helpfully.

Flurry nodded eagerly. “Ape’ keep!”

“Really?” Apex looked at her, his ruby red eyes widening. “I can keep him?”

Flurry nodded eagerly. Apex beamed and hugged the bear, nuzzling it.

“Than’ you Flurry…”

“For Ape’! Ape’ an’ Tora!” Flurry said

Apex looked up. “I can do somethin’ for you!”

Sunburst laughed softly. “I’m not sure you could do much Apex. Besides, it’s just a bear, Flurry has plenty.”

“I go’ to! Papa Thorax says i’s the righ’ thing when you ge’ a gift!” Apex said, and Sunburst chuckled.

“Tora dada?” Flurry asked, looking at Apex.

“Nu-uh. He’s no’ my daddy, he’s my Papa Thorax.” Apex corrected

“Um, Apex, that’s the same thing.” Sunburst told him gently

“Nu-uh, Papa Thorax is jus’ my Papa Thorax. He doesn’ ‘place my daddy, so he’s jus’ Papa Thorax.”

“Ah, I understand.” Sunburst said knowingly, rubbing the little nymph’s head.

“Tora papa!”

“Yeah! Only i’s Thor-ax.” Apex told her

“To-rax!”

“Tha’s wha’ I can teach her! To say Papa Thorax’s name!” Apex smiled and held the bear close, grateful Thorax and Pharynx had been teaching him to read. He knew how to get her to say it right. “Th.”

Flurry blew a raspberry. Apex bit his lip.

“Thor.”

“Tor.”

“Th-or.”

“Th-Th-Thor.” Flurry finally said

“Yeah! Thor-ax!”

“Thor-a’!”

“Thor-ax! Like how you sai’ Tor-ax on’y with the h!”

“Th-Thor… Thorax.” Flurry said, and Sunburst’s eyes widened.

“Yes! Thorax!”

“Thorax! Thorax!”

“I don’t believe it…” Sunburst murmured, as Apex turned to him.

“S-Sunburst, can we go show Papa Thorax an’ Flurry’s mom?”

Sunburst blinked. “O-Of course! Come on, let’s go!”
> A New Revelation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax stepped into the old bedroom where he had slept while living in the Crystal Empire. He smiled as nostalgia washed over him. Flurry Heart and Apex were playing in Flurry’s playroom, which was nearby. Their laughs and giggles reminded him of his own days of entertaining his ‘Young Mistress’.

Cadence trotted into the room beside him, smiling. She had given him a minute to take it in. They’d left it exactly the same.

“I was keeping it the same for you, if you ever wanted to spend the night here on a visit.” Cadence explained

“Thank you Cadence, I-I can’t believe you didn’t change a thing.”

“Of course I wouldn’t. It’s your room now.” Cadence replied, smiling at him kindly. He smiled back gratefully. Cadence then turned to survey the room. “You left a few things behind, I think you should have them.” Cadence’s horn glowed and she levitated a familiar rubber yellow duck to him.

Thorax smiled and took it in his hoof. He held it and pressed it lightly, feeling a wave of wistfulness overtake him.

“Thanks Cadence. You know, Apex might like this. He’s been chewing on things lately, sometimes I wake up and he’s chewing on the blanket or pillow.” Thorax said

“Aww. Do you think he’s teething?”

“Heh, well, he’s five years old, he’s a bit too old for that. It may be that his fangs are growing in, he’s around the age when it happens for nymphs.” Thorax replied “I’ll talk to him about it when we get back to the Hive. He’s having fun with our little ‘Mistress’ right now, I don’t want to disturb them.

Cadence chuckled, then turned. “That reminds me…” she lifted over a familiar journal to him. “Here. Maybe you can use it to write about your new tasks as king.”

“Thanks, Cadence…” Thorax said, eyes watering. Cadence smiled as he wiped his eyes. “I mean, thank you for this, and… and… well…”

“Yes Thorax?”

“I never knew anything close to a mother before coming here. But you… you certainly were one for me.”

Cadence’s eyes widened and she smiled. Thorax laughed nervously and looked away.

“Yeah, I know, grown ‘ling calling someone his mother-”

Cadence cut him off with a hug. “Thorax, it doesn’t matter how old you are. Everyone deserves a mother’s love.”

“...Thank you.” Thorax hugged her back.

“What about your brother? Was Chrysalis ever nice to him?”

“He… she had more respect for him than me, but he was never more than her commander. Though I don’t think he’d ever admit that he missed out on that part of our nymphood.”

“I see.” Cadence said slowly, then they let go of each other.

“Don’t worry, he’s not upset about it or anything, at least, that I know of.” Thorax assured her. “I think he just counts it as another reason he had to grow up fast.”

“What was the other-”

“Cady, I was wondering where you went.” Shining’s voice came from the doorway, and Cadence turned to greet him.

“I was just returning Thorax’s-Shining!” she gasped

Shining was covered in sweat and bruises. Pharynx trotted in beside him, looking equally banged up but wearing a triumphant smirk.

“I take it you won?” Thorax asked his brother dryly.

“Obviously.” Pharynx smirked.

“It was a close win.” Shining cut in. “And I call for a rematch.”

“I might just take you up on that. I could use some more training for the next time a bunny wanders onto the training field.” Pharynx retorted, smirking.

Thorax sighed. “Alright Pharynx, that’s enough. We should probably be going.”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex ran up to them, Sunburst behind him with Flurry. “Flurry can talk!”

“Heheh, yes Apex, she can.” Cadence said

“No, bu’ look wha’ she can say!” Apex pointed to Flurry. Flurry flew over to Thorax and hugged him.

“Th-Thorax!”

Cadence gasped, and Thorax’s eyes widened.

“F-Flurry?”

“Thorax! Thorax!”

“Apex taught her.” Sunburst said

“You did?” Thorax looked at his nymph, pride filling his chest.

“Mhm! ‘Cause she sai’ I coul’ have this!” Apex showed them a stuffed bear made of white fabric.

“Oh, I don’t know about that…”

“Oh, it’s alright Thorax. Flurry has more toys than I can count.” Cadence giggled.

“Oh… I guess it’s okay then…” Thorax picked Apex up, smiling softly at him. Apex smiled and cuddled the stuffed bear. “What are you going to name him, sweetie?”

“Blizzard!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Apex, don’t you think you should stop chewing on Blizzard? You just got him today, we wouldn’t want to wear him out.” Thorax said, watching the little nymph knaw on the bear’s leg.

“Mm-mm…” Apex grunted. Thorax leaned down and nuzzled him.

“Apex, just tell me what’s wrong.” Thorax said, and Apex looked up at him.

“Mm… m-my teeth hur’… chewin’ Blizzy makes them feel be’er…” Apex admitted, snuggling closer to Thorax, who shifted him so he laid on his back.

“Can you let me see?” Thorax asked softly.

Apex cuddled Blizzard close to him and opened his mouth. Thorax leaned in and touched a hoof to the nymph’s mouth, looking closer. Then, his eyes widened.

“Oh, Apex…”

“I-Is… is i’ bad Papa Thorax?”

“Oh, no, of course not.” Thorax lifted Apex in his foreleg, cradling him. “Oh, Apex, my sweet darling baby boy…”

“Hehe… 'm your baby?” Apex asked

“Of course you are my little sprite.” Thorax kissed his forehead.

“S-so wha’s wrong wi’ my mouth?”

“Nothing Apex. Your fangs are growing in.”

Apex gasped “So I’ll be a big changeling? Like Uncle Pharynx?”

Thorax giggled “Yes Apex, just like Pharynx.” he nuzzled him

Apex beamed, then yawned, and Thorax kissed his forehead again.

“Now, it’s time for all good little nymphs to sleep.” Thorax nuzzled him.

“M-my mouth hur’s…” Apex began chewing on Blizzard again.

“Hm… I have an idea.”

Thorax nuzzled him, pulling Blizzard from his mouth and placing him beside Apex. Then, he got off the bed. He rummaged around in the saddlebags he’d brought to the Crystal Empire. Thorax turned to Apex, holding something in his hoof. He smiled as he walked back to Apex.

“When I was living in the Crystal Empire, Shining and Cadence noticed I had a habit of trying to taste things-”

“What’s this about tasting stuff?” Pharynx trotted in, smirking.

“Uncle Pharynx!”

“Hey grub. Now what’s going on?”

“Heh, Apex’s fangs are growing in.”

“‘M gonna be a big changeling like you!” Apex said, smiling as Pharynx went to the bed.

“Alright, but what’s that got to do with Thorax eating stuff?”

“Well, their castle… it was just a few quick licks, the way the light was shining on it made it look like-”

“Tha’ rock can’y s’uff?” Apex asked

“That is what it reminded me of once I saw rock candy for the first time.” Thorax agreed

“So, what’s this about tasting stuff that probably shouldn’t be tasted?” Pharynx asked

“Well near Hearths Warming, there was so much stuff that was perfectly edible that they were using for decoration.” Thorax blushed, and Pharynx raised a brow.

“Now you admit it? Where was this when you told me ‘the popcorn on the tree is not food Pharynx, so stop trying to eat it when no one’s look’-er, I mean…” Pharynx blushed, and Thorax smiled

“Shining told me the same thing. See, he and Cadence kind of noticed. They gave me something to bite on so I wouldn’t hurt myself. It was probably meant to be a joke, but…”

Thorax opened his hoof to reveal the yellow duck Cadence had returned to him earlier that day. Apex’s eyes went wide and he reached, poking it. Thorax smiled and passed it to him.

“Go ahead, try biting on it. Cadence told me she cleaned it, it’s fine.”

Apex took it in his hooves, then bit on the head. A loud squeak emitted from it, and Pharynx’s eyes widened in surprise.

“It’s responsive?”

“Mhm. I used to try and coax Flurry Heart into throwing it.”

“To simulate a chase.” Pharynx agreed quickly

“Yeah.” Thorax leaned in to nuzzle Apex. “You can chew on this when your teeth hurt, the only conditions being not in the nursery and not before bed. It’s too loud. But this is going to make a great addition to your toys.”

“Hehe, uh-huh.” Apex snuggled up to Thorax. “Mm… g’night Papa Thorax.”

“Goodnight my baby boy.” Thorax kissed his forehead.

“Hehe, hear tha’ Uncle Pharynx? ‘M his baby…” Apex yawned, snuggling against Thorax before falling asleep. Thorax smiled, but sighed.

“Pharynx…” Thorax began, reaching to stroke Apex’s head. “...Do you think… Apex would be happier with… with an actual family? A mother and a father?”

Pharynx looked at him. “Are you being-? Okay, we’ll do this your way. Why do you think that?”

“Just think Pharynx… I hardly ever have time for him. He can’t come with me to every meeting and even when he does I can’t watch him all the time. I need you to watch him for me sometimes, or even Ocellus. But you two can’t always do that… and I can't always ask you to..."

“You’re right.” Pharynx said “But… Thorax you heard what Apex said in response when you called him… your ‘baby’… he really wants you to be his ‘Papa’.”

“Heh, Pharynx, did you-”

“I know what I said.” Pharynx interrupted, then sighed “The point is, he doesn’t care if you can’t be with him all the time, he still loves you.”

“But… he deserves a parent that can always be there for him…” Thorax sighed

“Thorax, what he deserves doesn’t matter.” Pharynx watched Apex sleep soundly, cuddled up with Blizzard in his hooves and the duck lying by him. “It’s what he wants that matters.”

Thorax looked up at Pharynx, who smiled.

“And he wants you.” Pharynx said “He wants his dad.”

“...Thank you Pharynx. I really needed to hear that, it helped.” Thorax said

“Good, because that made me nauseous.” Pharynx said, and Thorax giggled, reaching over to hug him.

“Thank you Pharynx.”

“Heh… any time bro.” Pharynx said, pressing into the hug.

“I love you.”

“...Love you too…”

“...Heh, Uncle Pharynx.”

“...You little-” Pharynx lunged, but Apex’s soft, content sigh made him freeze. Pharynx sighed and settled for rubbing Thorax’s head hard. “Whatever… Papa Thorax.”

“Hm… goodnight Phar.” Thorax sighed, nuzzling him.

“Night Thor. Now let me go so I can go to my own bed.” Pharynx said

“No, stay here, please?” Thorax asked, and Pharynx sighed

“Okay… for you Thor.” Pharynx sighed

Pharynx climbed into bed and rested against Thorax, who draped a foreleg over him, pulling him close.

“Goodnight cuddlebu-”

“Hm?” Pharynx asked, raising a brow.

“Goodnight Pharynx.” Thorax sighed, kissing his forehead.

Pharynx sighed “Night Thorax.” he muttered, snuggling up against his brother’s side anyway.

Thorax nuzzled him. Pharynx sighed again and hugged him.

“Night… snugglebug…” he finally mumbled

Thorax gasped “Pharynx…”

“...Just for tonight, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Just for tonight.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Goodnight, you big cuddlebug.”

Pharynx groaned, but pressed against him. “Goodnight, dorky snugglebug.”

“Heh, I love you Pharynx.”

“Love you too little bro.”

And so, the two brothers fell asleep in Thorax’s bed, Apex snuggled up beside them.
> Embers and Rubies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“No.”

“Come on Pharynx, please?” Thorax begged as he followed his brother down the hallway of the Hive.

“No means no, Thorax.”

“But why not?”

“I’m busy!”

“It’ll only be for a little while!”

Pharynx wheeled around to face his little brother, glaring. Thorax pouted at him.

“I’m only asking you to watch Apex for a couple of hours. You like playing with him!”

“In a way. Usually I’d agree and get some time to train him, which, I remind you, isn’t playing. But why does it have to be now?” Pharynx growled

“I’m supposed to spend time with Ember today in the Dragonlands, it’s no place for a nymph!”

“You coddle him too much, Thor. Need I remind you he trains with me more than three times a week? He’s capable of handling a bit of rocks and fire.”

“No he can’t! He’s only five, Pharynx!”

“Well he might as well come along with you anyway, because my answer is no.”

“Why, Pharynx? What have you got to do today besides drill the soldiers?”

Pharynx looked away, and Thorax cocked his head at him.

“You… do have to drill the soldiers today, right? I’m not mixing up your schedule or anything?”

Pharynx hesitated. “...I gave the soldiers the day off. It’s not like they can get any worse than they already are.”

“But why? You love yelling at them.”

Pharynx blushed slightly. “I-I have other plans.”

Thorax’s eyes widened. “Pharynx, did you make a friend?!”

“What?!” Pharynx looked up at him. “I just-no!”

“Aww, come on, you can tell me.”

Pharynx blushed harder. “I-I’m just… meeting up with someone. A-And I don’t need a grub hanging onto my carapace the whole time.”

“Who is it?” Thorax asked curiously. “You have been leaving the Hive a lot lately…”

“N-Nopony important!”

“Nopony, hm?” Thorax grinned. “Who is it? Shining? Trixie? Starlight? You don’t know many ponies so it’s got to be one I know.”

Pharynx growled and turned to leave. “J-Just a pony, I think the purple princess knows her.”

“Wait, it’s a mare? Pharynx, is my big brother in lo-”

“Don’t say it!” Pharynx spat

Thorax giggled. “Fine. But seriously, who is it?”

“None of your business.” Pharynx snarled. “The point is, I can’t take Apex for you.”

“Why not?”

“He’ll just be bored the whole time, and if he’s bored the whole time, he’ll annoy us.”

“He won’t cause any trouble Pharynx, I promise!”

“Don’t make promises for him Thorax, you know him.”

“Okay… but then what am I supposed to do?”

“Stick him in the nursery like you’re supposed to?”

“You know he doesn’t like playing with the other nymphs.” Thorax sighed, looking away. “I don’t know why but it worries me, he should have friends.”

“Well I don’t have time to debate this with you, I need to go before I’m late.”

“But-”

“Look, just take him with you. You can keep him near you at all times.”

“But what about Ember?”

“It’s Apex, if he can make me like him, then he can make anyone like him.”

“I guess…” Thorax sighed

“There, problem solved. Now I have to go, I’m going to be late.”

“Since when did you care about being late for anything except training, Phar?”

Pharynx blushed. “S-Since now. I’ll see you later bro.”

“Alright.” Thorax smiled slightly. “Have fun on your date.”

“It’s not a date!”

“We’re changelings Pharynx, I can tell you’re in lo-”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Fine, fine. Just have fun.” Thorax smiled and nuzzled his brother before heading to his room to get Apex. He had let the nymph play there while he talked with Pharynx.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Please be nice to Ember, she’s a great friend but she can get upset easily.” Thorax told the little nymph perched on his back. They were walking towards the Dragonlands, Thorax having landed a little bit outside it.

“Okay Papa Thorax. Bu’ why do I go’a be up here an’way?” Apex asked, climbing onto Thorax’s head.

“Well, the ground is going to start heating up once we get closer to the lava pools of the Dragonlands."

“Can’ we jus’ tran’form in’o dragons?”

“It’s politer to stay in our own forms Apex, you know that.”

“Bu’ Uncle Pharyx says we shoul’ take ‘nother forms if they’re ben’fickle.”

Thorax giggled slightly. “Beneficial, Apex. Pharynx isn’t wrong, but the heated rocks won’t affect me as much as they will you, so it’s better to just let you ride on me until we get there.”

“Okay.” Apex said, settling down on Thorax’s head. Thorax smiled at him.

“Ember’s going to meet us at the border, then we’ll fly to her cave. It’s at the top of a mountain, so the rocks won’t be as hot from the lava.”

“Okay Papa Thorax. Whas’ she look like?”

“She’s a blue dragoness with bright red eyes. And she’s really tough and smart…” Thorax blushed slightly. Apex looked at him.

“Papa Thorax, d’you like her?”

“Wh-What?” Thorax blushed harder and Apex giggled. “N-No Apex… I mean… I like her, just… she probably doesn’t like me that way so…”

“Why don’ you tell her?”

“Because she’s not that kind of creature, sweetie. She doesn’t like feelings or emotions, and I’ve been teaching her to be more sensitive to other’s feelings, but… I don’t think she’d like me if I told her.”

“Is tha’ her?” Apex asked suddenly, pointing ahead of them. Thorax looked over and squeaked, blushing as he saw her.

The blue dragoness looked over and waved at him, flying closer. She clutched a purple-blue scepter with a red gem at the top.

“Hey Thorax.”

“H-Hey Em.” Thorax said, smiling at her. Ember then saw Apex perched on his head.

“Uh, who’s this?”

“O-Oh, this is Apex.” Thorax levitated the nymph off his head and into his hooves. “My brother Pharynx couldn’t watch him so I had to bring him.”

“Is… he your son…?” Ember asked slowly.

“O-Oh, not exactly.” Thorax nuzzled Apex, who giggled. “Apex… he’s an orphan, and I’ve been taking care of him.”

Ember’s gaze softened as Thorax placed Apex on his back. Apex giggled innocently.

“Hey Apex.”

“Hi!” Apex smiled widely. “Papa Thorax sai’ you were a brave dragon, an’ smar’.”

Ember blushed slightly. “Heh, oh, did he?”

Thorax blushed and nodded. Ember chuckled and smiled at the nymph.

“How about we head up to my cave then?”

“That sounds good.” Thorax said, blushing.

Ember smiled and took off, Thorax following her lead. Apex giggled and clambered back onto his head. Ember led them through the Dragonlands, and Apex looked around excitedly.

“Papa Thorax, lookit all the mel’ed fire!”

“It’s called lava, Apex.” Thorax told him

“La’a?”

“Heh, mhm.” Thorax chuckled as he followed Ember into a landing outside a cave. She led them in, setting her scepter aside. Thorax smiled and set Apex down, letting him look around.

“Why’s i’ so dark?”

“The caves sometimes get dark during the day, dragons like having shade.” Ember explained

Apex trotted around in the cave, smiling. His ruby-red eyes glowed in the dim light as he glanced back at the adults.

“Huh, your eyes look like gems.” Ember remarked

“All changelings’ eyes glow in the dark, it’s because we have great night vision.” Thorax explained, trotting towards Ember. She looked over and locked eyes with him.

“Oh, wow, Thor, your eyes look like amethysts…”

Thorax chuckled nervously, blushing. “Th-Thanks Em…”

Ember giggled softly, then glanced at the eager nymph. He was bounding around, pawing at the walls in curiosity. Ember then looked back to Thorax.

“S-So… you really think I’m brave? And smart?”

“W-Well, yeah…” Thorax gave her a hesitant nuzzle, not noticing the blush filling her face. “You helped me get more assertive. And you’re obviously smart to have won the Bloodstone Scepter, even if you worked together with Spike. Y-You’re brave, strong, smart, and so much more.”

“W-Wow… thanks Thorax…” Ember stepped back, rubbing her arm. “I-I think you’re smart too… you’re also really… uh… sweet… and… ugh, I’m bad at this…”

“It’s okay.” Thorax smiled at her softly. “Keep going, you’ve got this.”

“W-Well… I think you’re… smart… and sweet… and sensitive, but, you know in a good way.” Ember smiled slightly. “I mean, being sensitive let you help me get more in touch with my own feelings, so…”

“Thanks Ember…” Thorax smiled, and she smiled back.

“Papa Thorax!” Apex leapt at the older changeling, hugging him. Thorax giggled and hugged him back. Apex cuddled into Thorax’s foreleg, yawning.

“Heheh, is someling sleepy?”

“Nu-uh Papa Thorax, ‘m no’…” Apex yawned again.

“Heh, come on.” Ember beckoned him over to a thick stone slab. “This is my, uh, bed, I guess. It’s not very comfortable for non-dragons but…”

“It’s fine Ember.” Thorax sat down on the stone slab, settling Apex against his side. Apex yawned and curled up there. Ember chuckled and sat by Thorax, curling her tail around herself.

“Heheh… he’s a cute kid.”

“Thanks…” Thorax blushed, looking at her. Ember reached over and laid a claw on his hoof. He blushed harder. “U-Uh, do you… want to hold him?”

“Apex? I don’t know, I’ve never even held baby dragons before.”

“Well, Apex is five, he’s not a baby.” Thorax said, nodding to the nymph. “You don’t have to hold him for very long, just for a minute.”

“O-Okay…” Ember rose and picked up the small nymph, sitting down in his place. Thorax blushed as Ember laid back against him. “Heh, sorry…”

“No, it’s fine.” Thorax assured her, laying his head down on the rock and closing his eyes.

Apex yawned and cuddled against Ember, who blushed. She put a claw on his stomach and tickled him gently. Apex giggled and opened his eyes slowly.

“Huh? E-Ember?”

“Heh, yeah… Thorax said I could hold you…”

Apex giggled and squirmed, closing his eyes. “I’s okay… he’s ‘sleep an’way…”

Ember glanced over, seeing that Thorax was indeed asleep. “How’d you know that?”

“E’eryone has a special tas’e or smell tha’ on’y they smell like, an’ Papa Thorax’s smell go’ fain’er, meanin’ he fell ‘sleep.” Apex explained

“Oh.” Ember looked down at him. “So… what does he smell like?”

“Some frui’y thing… I thin’ he called i’ a man’o. An’ you smell like a fire when i’ goes ou’…”

Ember chuckled. “Matches my name, I guess. You know, you’re pretty cute, little ruby.”

“Ru’y?”

“It’s the shade of red on you.” Ember explained, tapping his carapace lightly. Apex giggled.

“Guess tha’s why Papa Thorax likes you… you’re nice.”

Ember blushed. “He likes me…?”

“Mhm…” Apex yawned and closed his eyes. “He sai’ so…”

Ember looked over at Thorax, smiling softly. “I… like him too…”

“Good. So can you tell him no’ to worry an’ tell you he likes you…?” Apex asked sleepily, and Ember chuckled.

“Sure, I can do that. Go back to sleep if you want, little ruby.”

Apex smiled and cuddled into Ember’s arms. Ember leaned back against the alpha changeling, feeling his soft breaths as he rested. She held the little nymph close against her, closing her own eyes in content. Soon, she was dozing lightly beside the two changelings, Apex still held in her arms.
> Even Kings Need Their Big Brothers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex padded around the nursery, bored out of his mind. Thorax was busy with boring diplo-madic polo-ticks stuff, or something. The other nymphs were sleeping, so he couldn’t play with them. And he didn’t like playing with them anyway.

Apex had very cleverly pretended to be sleeping when Tibius had come to check on the nymphs. Now he clambered over the edge of the nursery wall, and fell down the other side, sitting on his rump in the hallway. He stood and looked around.

“Noling will notice if I sneak ou’ for jus’ a little bi’… I can catch a bug and take i’ back. Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx will be proud of me!” Apex thought to himself.

He smiled at the internal image of trotting up to Thorax and Pharynx when they came to check on him, a bug clamped in his jaws. Apex ran a little faster until he saw the sun. He jumped up and over the exit hole’s bottom ridge.

“This ‘s why I like Papa Thorax to carry me.” Apex muttered, scrambling over the stone, scraping his abdomen.

Apex padded out into the open, ducking into the vines to hide every so often. The other changelings knew he was meant to be in the nursery so it was better they didn’t see him. He made it all the way to the Hive entrance and allowed himself a small cheer. Noling was around. Yet, anyway. Apex transformed in a flash, becoming a small cat with red-orange fur.

The kitten raced away, mewling eagerly. It jumped in the grass and rolled around with sheer joy, stirring up crickets, moths, and a few butterflies. Apex then lay still on his back, watching the bugs with amber colored cat eyes, deciding which ones to take.

Crickets were slimy and tough, not to mention their legs had the tendency to stick in your throat. Butterflies were too pretty to eat, and some could be poisonous. The moths, then. They were soft and feathery, and the furry bits made good nest material for the nursery.

Apex rolled back onto his stomach and leapt, swiping his cat paws at the moths. He jumped further and further in the tall grass, chasing the moths. He managed to trap one under his paws, but it got away.

Apex shrugged and simply jumped up a nearby tree to catch another. The tree was actually near the Hive, Apex’s wandering had taken him closer to home than he’d expected. It was just outside it. If a grown changeling were so inclined, they could leap straight from the cliffs of the walls and onto the tree.

He made it onto a very thin branch before grabbing a moth. He smiled, but before he could change back, he slipped, just barely digging his cat claws into the branch. His claws dragged through the branch, which was breaking. Apex spat out the now dead moth, which plummeted to the ground, making a soft thud his cat ears picked up.

“Don’ le’ go… don’ fall. I don’ wanna fall!” Apex pleaded in his head.

The branch did not heed his request. It gave a crack that could surely be heard inside. Apex let out a loud scream before falling down. He banged his head on a rock and his vision blurred. He could feel himself changing back into his original form before blacking out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax was sitting on his throne, staring blankly at a wall.

“That’s it. Thor, move over.” Thorax let out a small yelp of surprise as Pharynx jumped up onto the throne beside him.

“What is it Phar?” he asked as Pharynx sat down on the throne’s forelegrest.

“You’ve been staring at that wall for the past thirty miutes. So you’re either very bored or getting sick. Pick one.” Pharynx replied.

“The former.” Thorax sighed. “I wanted to spend some time with Apex today but I have all these duties to take care of.”

“Apex can spend over an hour without you and nothing bad will happen, you know that.”

“Still, I want to see him again.”

“You’re killing me here Thorax. The work you have to do is more important than playing with Apex. Besides, it’s only for a few hours, it’s not like anything could go wron-”

“Aahhh!”

Thorax and Pharynx jumped up, eyes going wide. They raced out of the throne room upon hearing the scream. Pharynx opened his jaws, Thorax following his lead. They tasted only scents of confusion, wafting from those closest to the walls of the hive, where the scream had come from.

“You smelling any pain? Shock?” Pharynx asked, and Thorax shook his head.

“No, but… that cry, it was Apex.”

“You sure?”

“He screamed just like that when he lost his parents. It’s him Phar, I know it is.”

“But he should be-” Pharynx broke off, looking over to the other changelings. “Sillia!” he barked at the nearest changeling. “Was anyling in the nursery recently?”

“N-No, the nymphs were all asleep and King Thorax said he’d check in on them himself as soon as he was done. We trusted they wouldn’t wake.” Sillia told him.

“Apex does tend to be mischievous, it’s possible he was pretending, your highness.” Cornicle added.

“Let’s check outside the Hive.” Pharynx took off and flew over the wall. Thorax followed him, worried.

Thorax gave a yell as he saw the scene below. Apex was lying limp at the base of a tree that was near the wall. A broken branch was lying on top of Apex, pinning him under it. Thorax landed and knocked the branch away with a hoof, reaching for Apex.

“Gently Thorax, you don’t want to jar any injuries he might have.” Pharynx warned, voice coming out sharply.

Concern and worry clouded Thorax’s senses, wafting off his brother. It was directed at Apex. Thorax opened his mouth to say something to Pharynx, but before he could, Fema, Sillia, and Cornicle ran up, seeing the nymph.

“What was he thinking?!” Fema cried as she saw Apex curled on the ground. “Leaving the nursery like that! He could have been hurt far worse.”

“The real question is why no one stayed in the nursery with the nymphs.” Thorax shot back, lifting Apex with his magic. “You know he’s stubborn, he wouldn’t have listened if anyone told him to stay put.”

“King Thorax, he was asleep when Tibius looked in on them-” Sillia began

“He had to be pretending. There’s no way he could have been asleep if he was able to sneak out for so long.” Thorax snapped, using his magic to lay Apex in the crook of his foreleg.

“M-My King, I’m sor-”

“Don’t apologize Sillia.” Pharynx told her, voice emotionless but stern. “King Thorax is merely in a state of shock. I’ll escort him and Apex to the infirmary. Go about your own duties.”

Pharynx then turned and locked eyes with Thorax, who looked down at Apex. At times like this, Thorax was glad Pharynx was the older brother. Pharynx’s gaze softened as he looked at the small bundle curled limply in his brother’s foreleg. Thorax instantly felt guilty for snapping at Sillia, causing Pharynx to take over for him.

“Phar-”

“Save it Thor. Let’s get the grub help first.”

Pharynx and Thorax made their way to the infirmary, where they laid Apex down and the changelings on staff took over. Pharynx tilted his head towards the hallway. Thorax followed him listlessly. He leaned against the wall for support, watching Pharynx, who stood in front of him.

“You going to say anything?” Thorax asked, voice raw. Pharynx looked at the opposite wall.

“Well, for starters, I’m going to say I was wrong. Apex did manage to get in trouble.”

Thorax glared at him, and Pharynx looked up. He sighed, continuing.

“But yes, I am going to say more. I know you feel guilty about Sillia, but any other changeling would have acted the same had they been in that position. I know you’re not Apex’s real father but he cares about you as though you were, and it’s no secret you care for him like a son. The others can understand that.”

“But… But I should have-”

“Stopped him? Yeah, I’d have stopped him too if I could, but we can’t change the past Thor.”

“But he trusted me. And I let him get hurt.”

“We didn’t let him do anything. You and I were in the throne room, and we’re not a Hivemind, how could we have known he was thinking ‘why don’t I jump out a tree, see what happens’?”

“We?”

“Yes, we. He calls me… you-know-what for a reason, doesn’t he?” Pharynx reminded him.

“Pharynx, I-” Thorax broke off, eyes watering.

“Thorax… alright, come here.” Pharynx sighed, holding out a hoof.

Thorax realized what he meant and stepped forwards cautiously. He closed his eyes and allowed Pharynx to pull him in. Thorax put his head on Pharynx’s shoulder. He could feel Pharynx’s love flowing out and into him. Thorax closed his eyes and began crying.

“It’s okay Thorax.” Pharynx murmured.

“It-It’s not Phar. Apex is hurt.”

“He’s not going to stay hurt.”

“Why are you doing this?” Thorax asked slowly. Pharynx sighed, putting a hoof between Thorax’s antlers.

“Why do you think Thor? You need me, just like you did in the Old Days. We’re brothers, that never changed. In all honesty, I don’t give a damn if you make me look like a sensitive bug, as long as you’re okay.” Pharynx smiled softly. “Your big brother’s here, that’s all I’m saying.”

Thorax smiled and straightened up, looking down at his brother.

“Thank you Phar. That really helped.”

“Your majesties?” the doctor poked her head out of the room just then, and they both turned to her. “Apex is awake.”

Thorax stood up and ran into the room. Pharynx came in after him. Apex was sitting up in the bed. Pharynx turned to glare at the doctor, who nodded and backed out of the room.

“P-Papa Thorax.” Apex reached out a hoof for the King.

Thorax sat by him, lifting Apex up and holding him against his body. Apex snuggled into Thorax’s chest, hugging and nuzzling him. Thorax looked down, realizing Apex was crying.

“Apex, what’s wrong sweetie?”

“Let’s start with falling out of a tree. How did that happen?” Pharynx asked.

Apex shifted and burrowed into Thorax, who hugged him gently.

“I was tryin’ to ge’ a bug. I turned in’o a cat an’ chased i’, bu’ the branch I was climbin’ broke.” Apex explained.

“Why did you even try to catch one?” Thorax asked.

“I wan’ed to bring i’ back an’ show you, so you’d be proud o’ me.” Apex murmured.

“Apex, you didn’t have to do that, I’m already proud of you.” Thorax said, nuzzling the nymph.

“‘M sorry Papa Thorax, ‘m sorry Uncle Pharynx.” Apex cried softly.

“It’s okay Apex, we’re not mad. I’m here, don’t worry.” Thorax told him, trying to calm the nymph, but he looked worn out.

“And I’m here for you.” Pharynx whispered to Thorax, who smiled at him briefly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax sighed and laid Apex in the bed of his private chambers. The little nymph had a rough day, but the doctor said with a good night’s rest, he’d be alright. Luckily Apex hadn’t damaged his exoskeleton or his head with the fall, to Thorax’s relief. And to Pharynx’s, but the Prince was less vocal about that.

“Papa Thorax, ‘m sorry I scared you.” Apex murmured as he closed his eyes.

“How did you know that?”

“You tas’ed really scared when you came in. Uncle Pharynx too.” Thorax smiled softly at the nymph and stroked his head gently. “Will you s’ay here wi’ me?”

“I’m sorry Apex, but I have to-”

“Of course he can grub.” Pharynx cut him off, walking into the room.

“Pharynx, what about my duties?” Thorax asked, turning to face him.

“Don’t worry about it, I can handle both our jobs for a few hours. Stay here with him, he needs you more than our subjects do.” Pharynx told Thorax.

“Really?” Thorax asked.

Pharynx smiled and went to the bedside, looking at the drowsy nymph curled under the blankets. Thorax looked over, and Pharynx nudged him in the side teasingly.

“Really. What, you think I can’t or something? Just take care of Apex, Thorax. Leave the work to your big brother.”
> Peace Thereafter Soveriegn's Distress
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Alright grub, when I give the signal-”

“Yahhh!” Apex lunged and head-butted Pharynx in the chest, giggling as he fell to the ground and rolled onto his back, laughing. Pharynx rolled his eyes and looked down at the nymph.

“Focus, Apex.”

“O-Oh, righ’. Sorry…” Apex said, sitting up.

“It’s fine. Now, pay attention. A proper general must be alert and focused at all times. Understood?”

“Yes sir Uncle Pharynx sir!” Apex said, saluting him with an innocent smile. Pharynx sighed, but smiled.

“Good. Now, when I give the signal, get a running start, jump, and try to overpower me.”

“Yes sir!”

“Okay… in three…”

Apex sunk down into a crouch, muscles tensing.

“Two…”

He shuffled his back legs, preparing to spring.

“...Now!”

Apex pounced. He sprung forwards, hit the ground, then ran before doing a quick crouch and jumping again. Apex reached out, and managed to hook his foreleg around Pharynx’s neck, landing on Pharynx’s back. He began punching his carapace, grunting.

“Easy Apex.” Pharynx glanced back at him. “Hold it.”

“Wha’?”

“That tactic may work on a pony, but if you’re attacking a creature with a hard carapace or scales on their back, go for the neck.”

“Yes sir!”

Apex then jabbed him in the neck, rearing and jamming his forelegs into Pharynx’s shoulder blades.

“Argh!” Pharynx cried out and he dropped to his knees. “Good job Apex, shoulder blades are always a weak spot.”

Apex beamed at the praise and jumped down, ducking underneath Pharynx and charging. He swept Pharynx’s legs with his side, then dodged out of the way as Pharynx fell down. Apex laughed and cheered, clapping his hooves. Pharynx chuckled, standing.

“Good job Apex. Usually I’d have resisted more but we’re working on your tactics, not your strength at the moment.”

“S-So… you wouldn’a fallen o’er?” Apex asked, frowning and ears drooping.

“Well, not usually, but your tactics would have caused someone with less strength than me to fall over.” Pharynx told him, making the nymph brighten again. “Now, let’s try a different tactic.”

“Ooh, wha’?”

“Here, I’ll show you. It’s an easy move.” Pharynx reared back onto his hind legs, and Apex stepped closer, watching in awe. “Now, I’m demonstrating with the bipedal stance, but you’ll have to use a different stance.”

“Why Uncle Pharynx?”

“Because only two living creatures have mastered the bipedal stance, and one of them is me.” Pharynx said, smirking.

“Who’s the o’er?” Apex asked eagerly.

“That’s classified.” Pharynx told him, cheeks reddening slightly, though the nymph didn’t notice.

“Oh… okay! Well, ‘m gonna be the third to mas’er i’ Uncle Pharynx!” Apex announced, rearing up and trying to copy Pharynx, only falling back down.

“Heh, I’m sure you will be grub.” Pharynx smiled at Apex as he sat up again. “Anyway, like I was saying…”

Apex looked on curiously. Pharynx smiled and balanced himself again.

“Okay, so first, you swipe high…” Pharynx swiped his hoof in the air above an imaginary enemy’s head. “Then, while they’re distracted, you swipe low, hooking your other hoof around their back legs.”

Apex giggled as he watched Pharynx do the second part. Pharynx then smirked and did a backflip to complete the move.

“Do I ge’ ta do tha’ Uncle Pharynx!?”

“Well, not the backflip, you’d probably get hurt and then Thorax would kill me.” Pharynx rubbed the nymph’s head. “Besides, I think you had enough pain falling out of that tree.”

“Oh, righ’. Okay.” Apex said, looking down. Pharynx chuckled and lifted his chin.

“In a few years, I’ll teach you the backflip. For now, let’s practice the move.”

“Okay Uncle Pharynx!”

“Okay, rear up, and use your wings to balance yourself.” Pharynx instructed.

Apex did as asked, opening his wings slightly to gain balance. Pharynx nodded and circled him, checking his stance.

“Good. Now, swipe up.” Pharynx instructed.

Apex swiped his foreleg high. Pharynx nodded in approval.

“And sweep low.”

Apex swept his other hoof around to catch the legs of his imaginary enemy, but mid-swing, his back leg slipped and he went tumbling. The little nymph yelped as he fell, hitting his side.

“Oh shi-uh, I mean, you okay grub?”

Apex whimpered, closing his eyes. A memory swam to the front of his mind. An image of a familiar, hole-covered changeling taller than anyone else as she towered over the frightened nymph, who lay bruised and battered on the floor. Her cruel eyes glaring and cold as the nymph sniveled and wailed. All he received was a slap to the cheek and an order to shut up.

“Grub!”

Apex yelped, jolting out of the memory. Pharynx was standing over him, a look of unabashed concern and worry on his face. Apex scrambled up, shaking himself off.

“‘M-‘M fine Uncle Pharynx. Can we try ‘gain?” he asked hopefully.

“Alright grub, if you’re good.” Pharynx said, stepping back.

“‘M okay! Could you jus’ show me ‘gain?” Apex asked

“Sure grub.” Pharynx reared up again, performing the motions again. Apex smiled as he watched, the training driving the memories from his thoughts for the moment. “Alright, your turn.”

“Okay!” Apex reared up and did the first swipe. “Like this Uncle Pharynx?”

“Good job grub, now the second swipe.”

“I can do i’ this time!” Apex promised, and did the swipe down. He managed to do it successfully this time, though he was a bit wobbly. “Did I do good?”

“Heh, yes, you did, Apex.” Pharynx rubbed his head. “We’ll go back and refine it later. On to the next move.”

“Wha’ is i’?”

“The sideways leap and pin.” Pharynx sunk into a crouch, then sprung and reared, pretending to pin an enemy to a nonexistent wall.

Apex’s eyes widened as he recognized the move. A vision flashed in his mind of Chrysalis lunging at him and thrusting him against a wall, pinning him there. He screwed his eyes shut, whimpering as he remembered the pain of her hooves pressing against his neck as her bared fangs got closer…

“Grub… grub… Apex!”

Apex yelped and shrunk away from whoever was talking to him, falling into the sand beneath him and beginning to sob. He covered his face with his hooves, wailing.

“Apex, what’s going on, are you oka-”

“M-Make i’ s’op!” Apex screamed, tears streaming down his face. “M-Make her go ‘way, I-I don’ wanna b-be p-punished!”

As Apex continued sobbing, someone scooped him up and began cradling him. He felt a muzzle rest on his head, and a low vibration followed by a scent of sour lemons. Pharynx was humming to him. He forced his eyes to open, seeing the beta changeling humming to him comfortingly, eyes closed.

“U-Uncle Pharynx…” Apex whispered, and Pharynx opened his eyes.

“There you go grub, see? You’re safe.” Pharynx nuzzled him, then, still cradling him, began walking back to the Hive.

Apex whimpered and cuddled against Pharynx, who took him all the way back to Thorax’s room.  The General even ignored all the changelings staring at them for once, rather than snapping at them to mind their own business. Pharynx pushed the door to Thorax’s room open upon reaching it, trotting in sternly.

Thorax, who’d been sitting at the desk in his room, looked up. “Pharynx? Apex? What’s going on?”

“Thorax, we need to talk.” Pharynx spoke sharply.

“Okay? What is it? Did something happen?” Thorax stood and went to Pharynx. “Is Apex okay?”

“He’s fine, for now.” Pharynx laid Apex on the bed, giving the nymph a gentle head rub while levitating Blizzard over to him. Apex grabbed the bear, cuddling up to it. “But you and I need to talk, outside.”

“Oh… okay.” Thorax led Pharynx outside, stopping briefly to kiss Apex on the forehead.

Once the two were outside, Pharynx cast a soundproofing barrier on the door to Thorax’s room.

“What was that fo-”

“So he wouldn’t hear me about to scream at you.” Pharynx snarled, and Thorax gulped. “How long has he been having flashbacks to the Old Days?”

“W-Wait, you kno-”

“I asked how long, Thorax?”

“I… I think since the Great Change, he had a nightmare around then… he might’ve had nightmares before that time too…”

“And you didn’t tell me, why?” Pharynx growled, and Thorax shied away from his smaller, yet more intimidating brother.

“I-I thought with enough love and time, th-the nightmares would go away-”

“Those weren’t nightmares you pebble-brain! Those were flashbacks! He has PTSD, Thorax! Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at five years old! We can’t just do nothing and ‘hope it goes away’!”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to not tell you abou-wait, PTSD?!”

“Yes!” Pharynx shouted, facehoofing. “Sweet Hivemother Thorax, how did you not recognize the signs?”

“I’m sorry Pharynx, I just… he’s so young, a-and I thought… there was no way…”

Pharynx sighed and pulled his hoof away from his face. “I guess I understand that Thor. It startled me too, honestly I wouldn’t have realized if he hadn’t gone into a panic attack.”

“He what?!”

“Don’t worry, he’s alright. I calmed him down.” Pharynx reassured his brother before the king could rush past him to get to Apex. “But we need to decide what to do.”

Thorax sighed and looked at the door to his room, knowing his little nymph was in there, possibly needing him. He bit his lip, then turned back to Pharynx.

“I know it’s serious Pharynx, but I don’t think we should tell Apex. At least, not the full extent of it. I don’t want him to panic.”

“That’s fair.” Pharynx glanced at the door as well. “We might as well just tell him it was a panic attack, likely he’ll be able to figure out what caused it, he’s a smart little nymph. But we don’t have to tell him he specifically has PTSD.”

“Yeah… it would scare him, especially since he doesn’t know what it means.” Thorax agreed.

“So, we explain to him what a panic attack is, I assume how we’re going to help him get through them, and that he doesn’t need to be scared. Correct?” Pharynx asked for confirmation.

“Yes.” Thorax agreed, heading for the door. “Come on Pharynx.”

“Alright, I’m coming.” Pharynx removed the soundproofing spell with a glow from his antlers, then followed his brother. They had a nymph to talk to and comfort.
> Ponyville Crew
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax glanced at Apex as he carried him through Ponyville. The nymph was looking around eagerly.

“How come we’re mee’in’ Flurry here t’day?”

“Cadence took her to visit her aunt, and I was hoping to talk with Ocellus.” Thorax explained, smiling at the nymph. “And Cadence told me there’s a couple foals here that you two can play with.”

“Really?!” Apex squirmed eagerly. Thorax chuckled, setting Apex on his back.

“Careful sweetie, I don’t want to drop you.”

“Bu’ who’re the foals?”

“I’m sure you’ll meet them soon, don’t worry.” Thorax assured him. “I’m not sure what their names are, but Cadence told me that one of Twilight’s friends foalsits for them often, and they’re very well behaved.”

“Does tha’ mean I go’a be well-be’aved?” Apex asked, pouting slightly. Thorax laughed, smiling as he neared the Castle of Friendship.

“Who said you weren’t already?”

“Uncle Pharynx sai’ I wasn’ be’avin, bu’ maybe i’ was ‘cause I kept chasin’ bu’erflies ‘stead of doin’ wha’ he sai’ to.”

“Heh, you know Pharynx, Apex. He’s very serious about training. You’re right, he probably just said that because he was frustrated. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him.” Thorax told the nymph, stopping outside the Castle of Friendship.

“‘Re we there, Papa Thorax?”

“Mhm.” Thorax smiled and set Apex down, leading him up the stairs. Thorax knocked on the huge doors, and they opened in a magenta glow.

“Thorax! It’s nice to see you!” Twilight Sparkle greeted him, and Apex squeaked, hiding underneath Thorax.

“Hey Twilight. I’m here to talk with Ocellus like I mentioned in my letter.” Thorax said, and the mare smiled.

“Of course, she’s with her friends in the school library, I can take you there if you want.”

“Okay, but first, is Cadence here? She mentioned she and Flurry were visiting.” Thorax looked around.

“Right, sorry, Tempest isn’t here today and Starlight’s caught up with her guidance counselor duties. I’m a bit lost without those two to keep me on track.” Twilight laughed softly. “Cadence is here, yes, she’s with Flurry Heart and the Cake Twins.”

“Alright.”

“Yes, they’re in the living room of the castle. Why do you ask?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Heh, well…” Thorax looked down and nudged Apex out from under him. “Heheh, it’s okay sweetie. You can come out.”

Apex stepped away from Thorax, pawing at the floor shyly. Twilight gasped and was at his eye level in an instant.

“Aww! He’s adorable! Hi there cutie, I’m Twilight!”

Apex looked up at her, his tail wagging slightly. “H-Hi… ‘m Apex.”

“Heh, aren’t you just the sweetest thing.” Twilight nuzzled him, then stood up. “I take it you wanted to let him play with Flurry?”

“If that’s okay, they really hit it off when I brought him and my brother to the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh, Cadence mentioned that. Though she seemed more entertained discussing how Shining got into a sparring match with your brother.”

Thorax chuckled nervously. Twilight smiled and glanced at Apex.

“I’d be happy to take you two over to Cadence to drop Apex off before we get Ocellus.”

“That sounds good.” Thorax responded, scooping Apex up.

“Heh, well, come on.” Twilight led them down the hall, taking them to another door.

“So, you said Tempest wasn’t here? Does she work for you?”

“Heh, sort of. She’s my personal guard, and we’re working to get her registered as an official guard. Starlight likes to call her the ‘Friendship Guard’.”

“She did seem like a good guard, Pharynx didn’t tell me, but it seemed like when she visited the Hive to pass on your message, they got into a fight. Considering Pharynx actually let her enter the Hive, he must’ve been impressed by her.”

“Tempest did mention a changeling gave her trouble on the way in, something about not trusting her and a… giant bug form?”

“Yes, that would be Pharynx.” Thorax sighed, shaking his head. “I’ll have to talk with him about that…”

“Don’t worry about it, Thorax, Tempest said she actually enjoyed the challenge.” Twilight giggled, as Thorax picked Apex up. “I wonder if it had anything to do with where she went today…”

As Thorax smiled at the implications, Twilight opened another door, trotting in.

“Cadence, Flurry, look who’s here!”

Apex pricked his ears, hearing Flurry babbling. He giggled and leapt out of Thorax’s hold, running past Twilight.

“Flurry!”

“A’ex!”

Apex stopped short when he saw the two foals his friend was sitting between. One of them was an orange unicorn filly with bright blue eyes, another was a creamy white pegasus colt with a swept back brown mane and brown eyes. The two foals stood up and trotted over to him curiously.

“Heh, Apex, this is Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, they’re twins.” Cadence said, gesturing first to the colt and then the filly, smiling at him kindly. “Don’t worry, they just want to be friends.”

“H-Hi…” Apex said as they approached him. The filly, Pumpkin, examined him for a minute, then smiled and held out a plushie of a butterfly.

“Play?” she asked

“Okay!” Apex took the butterfly, following the two foals over to Flurry. “Hi Flurry.”

“Hi-Hi!” Flurry greeted, pushing a hot air balloon toy over to him. “Play flyin’.”

“Flying? Okay.” Apex sat down, the twins joining him.

“Heh, I’ll be back soon Apex, okay?” Thorax called from the doorway.

“Okay Papa Thorax!” Apex called back, smiling at him. Thorax smiled, turning with Twilight to leave. Apex then turned back to the foals.

“I’m going to go get us something to eat, I’ll be back in a minute Flurry, be good.” Cadence nuzzled her daughter before leaving the room.

Once Cadence was gone, Pumpkin set her toy down.

“She’s gone.” Pumpkin spoke.

“Yay!” her brother buzzed his wings and took off. “So now what do we do?”

“Wai’ wha’?” Apex stood up, looking around. “I though’ you couldn’ talk well.”

“We can, we just didn’t want to talk ‘bout the game we were gonna play in front’a the grownups.” Pumpkin explained

“Oh.” Apex looked around. “So Flurry can talk too?”

“Mhm! Hi Apex!” Flurry said, smiling and holding up her stuffed snail. “Whammy says hi too. It’s ‘causea you I can talk bet’er.”

“Heheh, hi Whammy.” Apex poked the snail in greeting. “So can we play?”

“Mhm!” Pumpkin bounced up and down. “Let’s play princesses an’ dragons!”

“Nu-uh!” Pound argued. “You always wanna play that!”

“But now we got another boy so we can do it better!”

“Do I get a sword?”

“Mhm!” Flurry levitated over a stick from a toy chest. “I saved’ed it from last time.”

“Can I have a sword too?” Apex asked hopefully.

“Uh-huh!” Flurry ran over to the treasure chest, digging out a plastic flute. “Will this work?”

“Okay!” Apex reached for it, but Pumpkin grabbed his hoof in her magic, stopping him.

“No, I want it!”

“Okay… ooh, drumsticks!” Flurry pulled out the long wooden sticks. “Here Apex.”

“Thanks!” Apex took it and looked around. “So whas’ the game called?”

“Anarchy!” all three called, then began whacking their ‘weapons’ together.

Apex gasped, then giggled and joined in. Pound knocked Flurry’s weapon away, but she scooped it up in her magic and took off. Pound followed, wings buzzing. Apex opened his own fragile wings and followed them, then looked at Pumpkin.

The filly closed her eyes, surrounding herself in a blue aura. Apex gasped as she lifted herself off the ground, giggling. She then began fighting. Pound thrust his stick at her, and she dodged, but he quickly knocked her sword away.

“No! Not the sparkl’y flute!” Pumpkin dove after it, and Pound rolled his eyes.

“She’s kinda scatterbrain’ed.” Pound murmured to Apex.

“Oh.”

Pumpkin picked up the flute, then twirled it and began playing it. It emitted a strangely nice sound. Apex stopped, watching, until Pound clashed his stick against Apex’s.

“Come on!”

“Righ’!” Apex turned and began fighting again. Pound rushed at him, pinning him to the wall.

“And so tale told of a nymph called Apex! He was felled by the knight because Pound is… uh… what rhymes with Apex?”

“Wha’ are you doing?” Flurry questioned, landing.

“Being the bard! We sing about wha’ happens!”

“Then sing ‘bout how I slay mighty Apex!” Pound said

“Nu-uh!” Apex grinned. “Time to show Uncle Pharynx I was lis’enin.”

Apex shoved his ‘sword’ up against Pound’s, forcing him backwards. Pound grunted, and flew forwards again. Apex pushed his back legs against the wall, leaping from the wall and twisting to come around behind the pegasus colt. He then swiped his ‘sword’ and knocked Pound’s away.

“I win!”

“Yay! Good job Apex!” Flurry cheered, while Pumpkin made a happy trill on the flute.

“I want a rematch!” Pound demanded

“Okay!” Apex said eagerly, picking up the ‘sword’ again.

The foals began playing again, Pumpkin sitting down and playing the flute in time with their ‘sword fighting’. They laughed and giggled happily, not even noticing when Cadence, and eventually Twilight and Thorax, returned. The three adults simply sat down to watch the game, happy the four had become friends.

Eventually, the four kids grew tired, which was when the adults made themselves known. Cadence scooped up Flurry Heart, and Twilight picked up the twins. Thorax then carefully lifted up Apex.

“Heh, did you have fun Apex?” Thorax whispered to the sleepy nymph.

“Mhm…” Apex yawned and cuddled into him.

Thorax chuckled and held him up slightly so he could say goodbye to the foals. Apex smiled and nuzzled each of them.

“We should play more.” Pumpkin whispered

“If we do, we need a cool name.” Pound added

“Well… we can on’y see each o’er when Flurry an’ me come to Pon’ville…” Apex murmured

“Ponyville… Group?” Pumpkin asked

“Nu-uh. Ponyville… Crew.” Pound retorted

“Stick together.” Flurry said, holding out a hoof. Apex, Pound, and Pumpkin laid their hooves on top of hers.

“Friends forever.” they all said, then giggled.

“Heh, alright, now I think it’s time all of you went down for naps.” Cadence told the foals.

“And it’s time for us to head home.” Thorax agreed, nuzzling Apex, who yawned. “Heh, you want me to carry you, sweetie?”

“M-Mhm…” Apex rubbed his eyes, snuggling into Thorax’s chest.

Thorax smiled and nuzzled him, carrying him out. Apex yawned, hearing Thorax whisper goodbyes to Cadence and Twilight, then heading out of the castle.

“Papa Thorax…?”

“Yes my little hyper sprite?”

“Can we come back soon…?”

“Heh, of course we can sweetie.” Thorax kissed his forehead. “Go ahead and sleep for now. We can snuggle when we’re back home.”

“Okay…” Apex sighed, closing his eyes and nestling close.

Thorax chuckled, smiling. The little nymph smiled in his sleep, feeling Thorax’s hoof securely around him. It had been a great day.
> Official
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax was busy doing paperwork in his “office” at the Hive when the door banged open. Pharynx gave only five words to explain the situation he was now in.

“Get. This. Thing. Off. Me.” He demanded.

Apex was currently bouncing on his head, and the prince looked about ready to throw the nymph across the room with his magic. It didn’t help that a few passing changelings out in the hallway had noticed the situation Pharynx was in and had begun laughing.

“Papa Thorax, ‘m booooored.” Apex whined. “An’ Uncle Pharynx sai’ he won’ play with me.”

“Oh did he?” Thorax raised an eyebrow, pushing away the paper he’d been writing on. “You know, I was just about finished, but now that I think about it, I have a few more things to take care of. I guess Pharynx will have to watch you for a while longer.”

“What?!” Pharynx exclaimed, stepping all the way into Thorax’s office. “No way am I babysitting this thing!”

“That ‘thing’ is your nephew, Pharynx.”

“Not biologically!” Pharynx hissed. Apex, it seemed, had his own complaints on the matter. He took off and flew to Thorax.

“Bu’ he’s so borin’ when we’re no’ trainin’.” Apex whispered into Thorax’s ear, making the King laugh.

“I know Apex, but it’s just for a little longer, I promise.” Thorax told him

“Thorax, I am not watching your grub. He practically attacked me on the way over here. Do you think I let him climb on me like I was a jungle gym?!”

“Pharynx, you’re the General of our army. Don’t tell me you weren’t able to stop a nymph from climbing on your head.”

Pharynx opened his mouth to respond, but none came. He knew that arguing would only prove Thorax’s point. He had no choice but to resort to… the truth.

“Fine. I just didn’t want to hurt the little guy, happy?” Pharynx admitted.

“Yes. I finally have proof you do care about him. Not that I needed it. Did you really think you could mask your love for him?”

“Of course no-” Pharynx broke off as Thorax lifted Apex and set him down on Pharynx’s back.

“I’m only asking for you to watch him a little longer, is that too much to ask?”

“It is when it’s Apex.” Pharynx mumbled, turning to leave.

Pharynx didn’t want to admit it, but Thorax was right. He had come to care for the little bug as family. Despite all the trouble Apex sometimes caused, Pharynx loved him. He had swelled with pride when Apex perfected his first pounce. His heart leapt with affection whenever he found Apex cuddled in a cluster nap with his ‘Papa Thorax’. Though he still had no intention to join the two, watching them was just as fulfilling.

While Pharynx had been reflecting on this, he found himself making his way to Hive exit that would take them to the sandy hollow where he and Apex trained. It was typically deserted due to being both on the outskirts of the Hive and nowhere near any of Thorax’s activities.

Apex was still riding on his back, causing stares of shock at the sight of the little nymph sitting on their General’s back. It didn’t help that Pharynx seemed unfazed and not angry. He wasn’t, for the record. Just a bit frustrated.

“How in the name of good King Thorax did Apex swing that?!” one changeling gasped.

“Never thought I’d see the day someling other than ‘Papa’ Thorax managed to get close to the prince.” another ling added in an undertone.

“It’s Apex we’re talking about, everyling knows he’s the King’s favorite. It was only a matter of time before Prince Pharynx got in on it. Bet he’s hoof-picked the little guy to succeed him or something.” another muttered.

“Alright, that’s enough gawking. Back to work, all of you!” Pharynx demanded, whipping his head around to glare at them.

As the changelings ran off, Pharynx sighed. They actually made a good point. If things kept going the way they were now, would Apex eventually end up succeeding Thorax as the next King, or even himself as the next general?

But Thorax’s love of Ember was no secret to the beta changeling-though Thorax had no clue his brother was even aware-and they might have kids one day. And, well, he hated to admit it, but his own relationship with that Tempest mare was getting stronger. He might end up settling down with her, and well, if they both had nymphs of their own, would Apex still be first in line to the throne and/or army?

Well, he probably had to tell someone about him and Tempest first, but his point still stood. Though he had no idea why he was making a point to himself in the first pla-

“Uncle Pharynx, ‘re you jus’ gonna s’are in’o space all day or ‘re we gonna do something fun?” Apex whined.

Pharynx sighed, stopping both his walking and his train of thought. They’d reached the clearing anyway. He turned his head to glance at the nymph perched on his back. Surprisingly, Pharynx could taste a bit of sadness coming off the young changeling. He was making a good show of seeming bored, Pharynx gave him that. But his scent betrayed his true emotions.

“Hey, you didn’t let what those lings said get to you, did you grub?”

Apex remained silent, hopping off Pharynx’s back.

“Grub, I’m talking to you, answer the question.” Pharynx said. Apex scuffed his hoof in the dirt.

“Sorry… Pharynx. I’s jus’… Papa Thorax is better a’ feeling’s. I jus’ don’ wanna make you mad, I know you don’ like talking ‘bout this s’uff.”

Pharynx was startled. He hadn’t expected Apex to know he wasn’t typically interested in things like this. Apex didn’t seem to notice, if he did, he didn’t seem to put two and two together.

“Apex…” Pharynx sighed and sat down, motioning for Apex to join him. Once he had, Pharynx continued. “Look, you’re partly right. I’m not that into all the touchy-feely stuff like the others. I’m definitely not as sensitive as Thorax, the guy invented Feeling Circles, noling can top that.”

“I's a Feeling’s Forum.”

“Hivemother, you sound just like him.” Pharynx teased lightly, giving a sigh, then rubbed the nymph’s head, looking down at him. “But just because I don’t get into those sorts of things doesn’t mean I can’t care. Just tell me what’s bothering you, okay?”

“I’s jus’…” Apex looked away. “Wha’ if Papa Thorax doesn’ like me forever? He gave me to you jus’ for some borin' papers. Wha’ if he’s jus’ ‘tending to le' me s’ay with him, ‘cause ‘m an orphan? My… my paren’s bein’ gone is kin’a his faul’, I know ‘cause the o’er nymphs sai’ so. Wha’ if he jus’ wan's to make himself look good by lookin’ af’er me?”

“Yep, you definitely let those changelings back there get to you.” Pharynx pulled Apex against him. “Apex, Thorax loves you, I know he does. Not just because you’re an orphan, but because you remind him of himself. You have a chance to grow up happy, in a way he never did. That’s why he dotes on you.”

“Then why’d he make you wa’ch me?”

“Probably to get us to bond outside of our training, if I know him as well as I think I do.” Pharynx replied. “He’s also most likely legitimately busy anyway, considering the work I saw him doing yesterday before he went to go play with his favorite nymph.”

“Me?”

“No, the other little spunky green and red grub.” Pharynx joked, leaning down to nuzzle him gently. “Of course you, who else would I mean?”

Apex laughed and jumped up, hugging Pharynx around the neck.

“Thanks Pharynx.” he murmured.

“You can still call me ‘Uncle Pharynx’ outside of the  you know, grub. Just… don’t let the other lings hear, okay?” Pharynx told him.

“Cause i’ would ruin your rep’ation as toughes’ changeling e’er?”

“That, and it would look like I’ve given them freedom to call me whatever they want.”

Apex giggled softy, and Pharynx smiled. After giving Apex a few more minutes to hug him, Pharynx decided to continue their training and show him how to shapeshift better. They began going from form to form without transforming back in between. Thorax found them like that, mere bursts of light in the clearing.

“Apex? Pharynx?” Thorax asked, and they both transformed back.

“Yes Papa Thorax?” Apex asked. He said it a little too politely. Thorax looked between them, noticing the devilish grin on Pharynx’s face. He had never seen his brother look like that, but he had seen…

“Apex, Pharynx, stop fooling around, this is important!” Thorax cried in exasperation.

“Aw come on!” ‘Pharynx’ groaned, stomping his hoof in annoyance. “We almost had you!”

“What gave it away?” ‘Apex’ asked him. That was definitely not something he would say, and Pharynx would never stomp his hoof like he had done.

“I have only ever seen Apex wear a smirk like that before. Now hurry up and change back to normal.” Thorax demanded. Both changelings sighed, and in a flash, “Apex” had become Pharynx, and “Pharynx” Apex.

“Next lesson, I’m going to teach you to mask your emotions grub, we would have pulled it off if you hadn’t given us away.” Pharynx told Apex, who glared up at the bigger changeling.

“Well I wouldn’a sai’ Papa Thorax so nic’ly!”

“I was just uncomfortable calling my own brother ‘papa’. You can understand that.”

“Are you both quite finished?” Thorax asked, and they turned back to him sheepishly.

“Yes...”

“Yes Papa Thorax.”

“Good. Apex, I have something to show you and Pharynx. Come on, let’s go to my office.”

Thorax led the two back down the hall to his room, which they entered. Pharynx took a seat by the desk, and Apex landed on his head. Pharynx didn’t even flinch. Thorax eyed him.

“What? I may not enjoy wearing him like a second set of antlers in front of other ‘lings, but it’s not that bad in general.” Pharynx defended, making Thorax smile briefly at his achievement.

“Whas’ the thing?” Apex interrupted, and Thorax turned his attention back to the matter at hoof.

“Well Apex, I know Pharynx and I both consider you a part of our family, but I wanted to make it official.” Thorax showed them a paper.

By the power of Federal Law, the child known as Apex Cornea will now be placed under the care of a parent / guardian. By signing, they choose to accept responsibility over this foal, should Apex Cornea choose to be under the care of him / her.

Parent/Guardian’s signature: King Thorax Glyder

Child’s signature:

Thorax’s signature was neatly written on the line under it, and there was space for a second signature beside his own. Apex looked up with joyful tears in his eyes.

“I ge’ ‘m pro'ly s’posed to sign too, but why’s there an ex’ra bi’ by your name Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, which Pharynx had also been wondering.

“That space is for Pharynx. He would take on the position of an Uncle. All he needs to do is sign his name.” Thorax explained, lifting a quill and holding it out to the older changeling.

Apex jumped down, and Pharynx caught him deftly in his hooves. Pharynx looked up at his brother, who smiled kindly at him. Pharynx took the quill in his magic and lifted Apex to see.

Parent/Guardian’s signature: King Thorax Glyder, Prince-General Pharynx Elytron

Apex hugged Pharynx, then flew to Thorax. The King held him gently, giving him a quick nuzzle.

“Now, Apex, your turn.”

Apex took the quill eagerly in his own magic and signed his name under theirs.

Child’s signature: Apex

“Wha’ now?” Apex asked

“This was just to make it official. We can still act the same way we do now, we’re just legally a true family. Father, son, and uncle.” Thorax replied.

“They do know I’m his uncle, right?” Pharynx asked

“Every creature knows you’re my brother Pharynx. Those working at the legal office will know, and if they don’t, Princess Twilight or Princess Celestia will probably catch wind of it and let them know.” Thorax assured him.

“Fine then.” Pharynx consented, then both brothers looked at Apex.

The nymph’s taste told them he wanted to hug them both at once, so Thorax stood and moved to Pharynx, sitting by him. Apex hugged Thorax, reaching for Pharynx, who shifted closer.

“C‘mere grub.” Pharynx took his new nephew from Thorax and pulled him in close.

“I can s’ill call you Papa Thorax, righ’?” Apex asked Thorax, who laughed.

“Of course you can Apex, like I said, this is just for legal reasons. If you’d still rather call me that, you can.” Thorax assured him.

“I’ ‘minds me of when we me’. I’ll ne’er forge’ i’ this way.” Apex explained, then yawned.

“I think someling missed his nap time an hour ago.” Thorax said.

Thorax leaned down to nuzzle the nymph still curled in Pharynx’s hooves. Pharynx allowed himself a small smile at the sheer adorableness of his nephew and brother’s interactions.

“Did no’.” Apex grumbled in response to Thorax.

“Come on Apex, I’ll tell you a story. I’m your official dad now, I have to make sure you get enough sleep.” Thorax urged.

Thorax lifted the stubborn nymph with his magic and carried him out, headed for his bedroom. Pharynx followed, chuckling.

“Can’t believe I’m saying this, but… there’s no other ‘ling I’d pick to be my nephew.” Pharynx murmured.

Pharynx watched Thorax lay down with Apex, curling protectively around the little nymph as he drifted off into dreamland. Thorax was talking, though Pharynx couldn’t make out the words. He was clearly telling Apex the promised story. Pharynx smiled as he watched. Yep. Life was good.
> Bathtime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Okay grub, so this is how you do a perfect pounce straight from a crouch.” Pharynx said as he walked around Apex.

The Prince-General and nymph were in a sandy area outside the hive, where the older changeling was giving the younger some training.

“Hunter’s crouch.” he snapped the order.

Apex, who had been standing there, tail waggling, immediately dropped down and crouched as Pharynx walked around him. Pharynx stopped and tapped Apex’s dragonfly wing tail, which he lifted off the ground. Pharynx then pushed the nymph’s forelegs a bit closer to his sides.

“Alright, good. Now, once you’re in the crouch, press all your weight on your back legs. When I give the order, I want you to push off your back legs and propel yourself forward, just like normal.”

Apex nodded, then adjusted his stance. Pharynx nodded in approval and continued circling him.

“Alright… now!” Pharynx commanded

Apex sprang forwards, forelegs coming out in front of him, extended and ready to grip any prey or enemy that crossed his path. As Apex sprang, he felt very powerful and confident. However, the feeling was short lived as he hit the ground, promptly tumbling to the ground and rolling from the impact. He groaned as he stood up, feeling the dust and sand in his carapace.

Apex heard Pharynx sigh as he trotted to him. “Again, Apex? Every time, you end up stumbling.”

“Sorry Pharynx…” Apex said, head bowed and ears drooping.

Though Apex knew this wasn’t the old hive anymore, he couldn’t help but remember what would usually happen if he failed. He closed his eyes tight as he remembered being pinned to the wall, a magic aura sharp as a barbed spear digging into his underbelly as he wailed aloud. The wailing only to be stopped short by a hoof to his jaw…

“Hey, hey! Apex, snap out of it!” Pharynx’s voice penetrated the scenes flashing before the little nymph’s eyes.

“I-I… U-Uncle…”

“Shh, it’s okay.” Pharynx put his hoof around Apex in a slight hug. “It’s fine grub.”

“U-Uncle Pharynx, I-I don’ wanna go back…”

“You’re never going to see her again grub. Thorax and I are here. We’re always going to protect you, I promise.” Pharynx said, and Apex sniffled, nodding. “Now, do you want to get back to work?”

“...Yes.” Apex said “I wanna keep going.”

“Really? We can leave it here if you want.”

“No, I wanna try ‘gain. ‘M gonna be the bes’est warrior ever an’ protect the Hive.” Apex said, and Pharynx smiled, rubbing his head.

“And I’ll be by your side every step of the way grub.” he said, and Apex stood up.

“Thanks Uncle Pharynx.” Apex hugged his leg.

“No problem grub, it’s why we’re out here. Now come on, I think I have an idea for how to work with your stumbling rather than trying to stop it.” Pharynx said

“Really?”

“Well, we’ll still try to fix that, but for now it may work in your favor. Though we’ll need a-perfect.”

Pharynx was looking across the sandy area. Ocellus was sitting in the grass where the sand ended. She had come out to join them for some fresh air and was reading while they practiced. Upon noticing that the sounds of Pharynx barking orders and Apex’s war cries had stopped, she had stood up and was walking to them, eyes showing concern.

“Is everything alright?”

“Oh, we’re fine. Apex was just a little… upset.” Pharynx phrased the last word in such a way that Ocellus was able to understand and nod in comprehension. “Anyway, we were just looking for a victim-I mean assistant.”

“A… what?” Ocellus blinked, taking a step back nervously.

“Oh, calm down, I’m not gonna tackle you.”

“Oh… okay, so then what do you-”

“Apex is.”

“What?!”

“Huh?” Apex added, trotting over to them and looking up at Pharynx inquisitively.

“Here, you stand here…” Pharynx pulled Ocellus to stand in front of Apex. “Now, grub, you back up…”

Apex shuffled backwards as instructed, and Pharynx trotted to him.

“Assume the position you took before.”

Pharynx waited until he had, then leaned down to speak with him more privately, so Ocellus wouldn’t hear what he was saying.

“When you spring, you’re going to end up hitting the ground in front of Ocellus. When you no doubt tumble and begin to roll, I want you to use your body weight to propel yourself to her. Roll with the impact and use it to your advantage.”

“How will rolling a’ her help?” Apex whispered

“Heh, you’re going to roll to her at her diagonally when your body automatically shifts as you fall. So you’ll knock her legs out from under her and trip her.”

“Cool!”

Pharynx nodded “You won’t be able to use it every time, seeing as you’ll usually want to hit your target when you land, this is just to use in case you miss your mark or are trying to do it to surprise the victim.”

“Okay Uncle Pharynx.” Apex paused “How will I know I can do i’?”

“Well… my trainer, Fortuna, told me a tip she picked up once. See it, then be it. Picture yourself succeeding at what you want to accomplish, then do it. You think you can do that?” Pharynx asked

“Okay.”

“Alright, when I give the signal, pounce.” Pharynx instructed, straightening up and stepping away from him.

Apex readied himself, muscles tensing and form as perfect as he could make it. He concentrated on what he wanted to happen.

“And… in three… two… now!” Pharynx called, and Apex sprang.

The nymph felt a surge of confidence pass through him as he leapt into the air. He knew exactly how this would work, seeing what would happen before it did. He smirked, forelegs extended just as before.

Apex hit the ground and this time, though he felt himself overbalancing, deliberately fell into a roll, driving his body forwards with his own weight. He heard Ocellus squeak, and as he came into contact with her hooves, he tucked his legs in tighter.

Apex heard a loud thump as he stopped rolling, and stood dazedly. He looked down, shaking himself to get the larger clumps of dust and sand off his carapace. He saw Ocellus curled up in a defensive position, lying in the dirt. She looked up, glaring. For a minute Apex worried she was looking at him, but a quick glance behind him showed she was eyeing Pharynx, who was trotting up with a proud smirk on his face.

“Great job Apex, it worked perfectly.” Pharynx then looked down at Ocellus. “Though we’ll need a less weak target to practice on next time.” he added

“Pharynx, that wasn’t very nice.”

“Have you met me, Ocellus? I’m not nice.” Pharynx said, but offered a hoof to help her up anyway.

“You could have at least warned me.”

“Then you would have been able to prepare and brace yourself for the attack. The enemy isn’t going to be given a warning of what you’re going to do next on a battlefield.”

“But I’m not the enemy!”

“You were in this scenario. And don’t raise your voice with me, kid. You may be Thorax’s protege and close with him and myself, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to take that tone of voice from you.”

Ocellus sighed and rolled her eyes. Pharynx glared at her sharply, making her squeak and back away. Pharynx then turned his back to them, trotting a little ways away to do a quick look over of the area. A few Rocs had been sighted at the edge of the territory a few days previously.

Taking notice of the general’s distraction, Ocellus leaned down and whispered into Apex’s ear. He grinned mischievously and nodded, before dropping into a crouch and slinking towards Pharynx. Ocellus watched, following at a distance. Apex glanced back once he was close to the adult changeling, and she nodded.

Apex then sprang once more. He made no sounds and Pharynx, focused on the sky above them, didn’t notice the nymph until he’d slammed into him. Apex grinned in satisfaction at the surprised yell Pharynx gave as Apex rammed into his neck, locking his hooves around the bigger changeling as he stumbled.

“Apex, what the buck?!”

“What was that you mentioned earlier, Pharynx? Something about finding a ‘less weak’ target?” Ocellus asked innocently, trotting up.

“Hehe! We go’ you Uncle Pharynx!” Apex cheered

“Okay, that’s it!” Pharynx lunged at Ocellus, Apex still giggling on his back.

Ocellus squealed as Pharynx tackled her, sending them both to the ground. Apex scrambled off Pharynx’s back, joining the two in an impromptu wrestling match. The three changelings began tussling in the dirt, Pharynx growling in frustration, Ocellus yelping, and Apex giggling.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax smiled as he made his way through the hive, heading for the entrance. He had been very pleased to see Pharynx, Ocellus, and Apex heading off together earlier. Thorax knew Pharynx had just been taking Apex to train, with Ocellus coming along for some fresh air. But it was nice to see the general wanting to spend more time with the two nymphs.

As Thorax reached the entrance to the hive, he saw two figures heading towards him, a third perched on the first’s head.

“There they are.” Thorax thought, then smiled, raising his voice to greet them.

“Pharynx! Ocellus, Apex! How was your training? I want to hear all about-what in Equestria?!”

Thorax gaped at them. All three of the changelings-even Ocellus-were covered in dirt. Pharynx looked calm, if not a bit guilty, while Apex was grinning and Ocellus looked sheepish. The book Thorax remembered Ocellus having with her when the three left was now carried in her magic.

“Hey Thorax…” Pharynx said slowly, giving him a slight smile.

“Pharynx, what happened?” Thorax asked sternly

“We, uh… had a bit of an argument that ended with some friendly wrestling…”

“Pharynx!”

“I-It wasn’t his fault Thorax…” Ocellus stepped forwards. “I asked Apex to tackle him because he was teasing me, then we started tussling.”

Thorax sighed, but gave her a gentle smile. “It’s alright. And it at least looked like you had fun.”

“Uh-huh!” Apex chirped happily. Then, Thorax grinned, a glint in his eye.

“But, you know what this means…”

Pharynx’s eyes widened and he looked at Ocellus and Apex, also smirking. “Oh, yes.”

“Wh-What? N-no, I don’t think that’s necesar-” Ocellus began, only to be cut off.

“Bathtime!” Thorax cried eagerly. Apex’s eyes went wide, and he instantly objected.

“Nononono!” Apex cried, screeching in protest as Thorax lifted him in his magic.

“Come on my little sprite!” Thorax said chipperly, then looked at Ocellus. “You too Ocellus.”

“B-But I can clean myself…”

“I know, but I’d rather you come with us.” Thorax explained, and she trotted over, head bowed.

“Serves you two right.” Pharynx remarked, then Thorax narrowed his eyes at him.

“You’re coming too Pharynx.” he said, eliciting giggles and snickers from the two nymphs, who cast each other knowing smirks.

“What?! Thorax, I’m not some nymph, I can-”

“Let’s go Pharynx.” Thorax said, trotting away. Pharynx sighed and followed him, grunting.

Apex whimpered and continued to protest as Thorax took them to his room, and into his bathroom.

“No no no no no!” Apex wailed as Thorax set him down and began to run the water for the bath.

“Apex, you need a bath, all three of you do.”

“And Ocellus and I can bathe ourselves, so if you’ll just let us-”

“Pharynx, you’re both staying here.” Thorax snapped

“But why?”

“I want to make sure you actually get cleaned and don’t just brush off the big chunks of dirt and leave it at that.” Thorax replied, stopping the water. “Okay Apex, in.”

“No! You can’ make me!” Apex cried, crossing his hooves.

“Yes he can.” Pharynx smirked

Thorax lifted Apex in his magic and lowered him into the water. Apex screamed and flailed, sending water splashing out of the tub. Ocellus yelped and threw her book out of the bathroom as the water hit her, while Pharynx hissed and backed up. Thorax sighed as the water hit him.

“Apex, the water won’t hurt you.”

“I don’ wanna! I don’ wanna, I don’ wanna!” Apex screamed

“Apex, please.”

“Nononononono!” Apex yelled

“Grub will you knock it off?!” Pharynx yelled back, as Apex tried to climb out of the tub.

“Apex, hold still!” Thorax pleaded, gently pushing him back into the tub. Apex squealed as the water lapped at his sides.

“I don’ wanna, I don’ wanna, I don’ wanna!” Apex cried, sobbing now. Thorax sighed and bit his bottom lip. Pharynx growled and took a step closer.

“Grub, Thorax is only trying to help get you clean, and the longer you sit there screaming the longer you’ll be in there. And some of us would rather not sit here listening to you throw a tantrum.” Pharynx snarled

Apex stopped crying abruptly, taking in a deep, shuddering breath. “I… I don’ wanna…”

“Apex, I just want you cleaned up.” Thorax reached and stroked his head. “I promise, I’ll take you out of the bath as soon as you’re clean.”

“B-B-Bu’…”

“Please, my little hyper sprite.” Thorax whispered, and he nodded. Thorax smiled slightly and looked over. “Ocellus, I can run another bath for you once I’ve finished with Apex, if you want.”

“I, um… I wouldn’t mind just getting in with Apex… if that’s okay…”

“Heh, it’s alright. Come on.” Thorax encouraged.

Ocellus stepped forwards hesitantly, before climbing into the tub and grabbing one of the washcloths. Thorax picked up the other and put some soap on from the bar of it sitting nearby. He glanced over at Pharynx, who was trying to subtly sneak out the door.

“Get over here Pharynx.”

Pharynx groaned and trotted over, sitting by Thorax. “There, happy?”

“Pharynx.” Ocellus said suddenly “I think the water’s too cold, can you give us some more warm water?” she gestured to the knob that would bring heated water.

“Ugh, fine.” Pharynx moved closer to the tub, reaching for the knob.

Ocellus locked eyes with Thorax and jerked her head towards the general. Thorax smiled, nodding. He lunged and gave Pharynx a hard shove, knocking the front half of his body into the tub. Pharynx sputtered and gasped as he was forced to pull himself into the tub to right himself.

“Thorax!” Pharynx exclaimed, while Ocellus and Apex giggled.

“Heh, well, now all three of you can get clean at once. It’s not like you’re crowded in there.”

He wasn’t wrong. The tub was big enough for Thorax to fit in comfortably, with a little extra room. Thorax was embarrassed to admit it but he had tested that before. Both he and a certain blue dragoness were able to rest in it with no trouble during one of her visits to the Hive.

“Ugh… will you just get it over with already?” Pharynx asked “You’ve got the only other washcloth and I want to clean myself.”

“Sorry…”

Thorax blushed and took the washcloth, beginning to rub it on Apex’s chitin, getting under his wing casing, behind his ears, and his underbelly. Apex giggled and kept moving around, though that made it easier for Thorax to clean him off. While he cleaned him, Apex talked about what they had done that day.

After he finished, Thorax passed the washcloth to Pharynx and levitated over a towel from a stack of them. He lifted Apex out of the tub with his hooves and used his magic to wrap the towel around him.

“An’ Uncle Pharynx show’ded me how to roll an’ I tripped Celly an’ she fell o’er!” Apex said as Thorax dried him off, and Thorax smiled, chuckling.

“That sounds like quite a day, Apex.” he said, nuzzling him.

Apex giggled and burrowed into the fluffy towel, while Thorax cradled the bundle.

“Alright, do you need any help Ocellus?”

“U-um… well, if-if you could maybe get my back…” Ocellus said timidly.

“Of course Ocellus.” Thorax set Apex down a little bit away from the bathtub, then took Ocellus’ washcloth and cleaned her carapace off for her.

“Thanks Thorax…”

“Of course, Ocellus.”

Thorax noticed she was clean, and brought over another towel, wrapping Ocellus in it as she stepped out. Ocellus smiled and nestled against it, going to join Apex. Pharynx was the only one left now.

“Pharynx…”

“Don’t you even start.” Pharynx snapped, beginning to clean himself.

“But-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Pharynx spat “It’s bad enough you made me do this while you three watch, I don’t need you trying to help.”

“But Pharynx, you missed a spot.” Thorax said, and Pharynx paused, blinking.

“Where did I possibly miss?”

“Here!” Thorax leaned over and booped him on the nose, giggling.

Pharynx stiffened, eyes going wide. He opened his mouth to respond but closed it. Then, he just looked away and kept washing.

“Uncle Pharynx?”

“Leave it grub.” Pharynx grunted

“Aw, but Pharynx, you looked so cute, how could I resist?” Thorax asked, and Pharynx looked over at him, glaring.

“Shut up, I’m not cute.”

“Aww, yes you are!” Thorax leaned over and hugged him.

“Thorax, I’m all wet!”

“Uh-huh.” Thorax kissed Pharynx on the cheek in a brotherly way, then let go. “Come on Phar, just finish rinsing off so I can help you dry off.”

“What part of ‘I don’t want your help’ is unclear to you?”

“That was about bathing, not getting dry.”

“I-ugh…” Pharynx finished and stood up, beginning to climb out of the tub.

Thorax moved too fast for Pharynx to protest. He pulled over another towel and opened it, so that when Pharynx stepped out he walked into it. Thorax wrapped the towel around Pharynx, pulling him closer as he began drying him off.

“Ugh, Thorax!” came Pharynx’s muffled protest, and Thorax chuckled.

“Sorry Pharynx.”

He stopped rubbing him dry and pulled Pharynx in for a hug through the towel, pecking him on the cheek again. Pharynx blushed and pressed into Thorax, biting the inside of his cheek and closing his eyes tight.

“Hehe, aww.”

“Shuddap.”

“Papa Thorax, Uncle Pharynx, ‘re you no’ figh’ing an’more?” Apex asked, and Thorax lifted him, cradling the little nymph.

“No, Apex, we aren’t fighting. We weren’t in the first place.” Thorax kissed his forehead.

Apex giggled, then yawned, snuggling up into Thorax. He rocked the nymph gently in his hooves, smiling.

“I think that means it’s someone’s naptime.”

“Nuh-uh, ‘m a big changeling, I don’ need naps!” Apex protested

“A nap sounds nice, actually.” Ocellus remarked, yawning as well.

“Alright, well, let’s get you two to bed then.” Thorax said

He unwrapped Apex from the towel and laid it to the side, Ocellus and Pharynx taking off their own towels and placing them there as well. Thorax took the cover off the drain to let the water drain out. He then carried Apex to his bed.

“Ocellus, do you want to join us?”

“I-I wouldn’t want to intrude…” Ocellus said, and Thorax smiled

“You won’t, come on, it’s alright.”

Ocellus nodded and followed them. Pharynx rolled his eyes and stood by the door.

“See, doesn’t it feel so much better now that you’re all nice and clean?” Thorax asked as the nymphs settled down on his bed.

“Mhm…” Ocellus sighed, slipping under the covers and snuggling against Thorax’s chest.

Thorax smiled and drew her closer, while Apex floundered around, trying to get comfortable on the bed. Thorax used his magic to lift Apex and set him beside Ocellus, and he curled up, yawning.

Pharynx sighed and looked at a crate at the corner of the room, antlers igniting.

“Here grub.”

Pharynx levitated over a white bear, setting him in Apex’s hooves.

“Blizzard!” Apex hugged the bear close, rubbing his cheek against the stuffed animal.

Thorax chuckled softly, smiling and pulling Apex close.

“Alright, ready for a nice, long, relaxing nap?”

“Uh-huh-” Apex broke off with a yawn, pulling Blizzard in close and snuggling against Thorax.

Ocellus murmured agreement and laid her head on Thorax’s foreleg, sprawled on her side as she rested. Thorax leaned down to nuzzle them both as they settled in for a nap, then looked over at Pharynx.

“Aren’t you coming Pharynx?”

“Absolutely not.” Pharynx replied, turning away.

“Come on Pharynx, you must be tired, you were out there training for a while.”

“And I’ve done much more than train a nymph for much longer than a few hours without needing to rest afterwards.”

“Pharynx…”

“No Thorax, I’m fine. How many times do I have to… have to-” Pharynx broke off, jaws opening wide and eyes closing as he yawned. Thorax smirked and raised a brow.

“Without needing to rest, huh?”

“Sh-Shut up…” Pharynx muttered, blushing.

“Heh, come here Pharynx, it’s okay.” Thorax shifted slightly so as not to disturb the nymphs, holding out a foreleg to Pharynx.

“No way Thorax, I’m not going over there just so you can pull me into another one of your snuggle piles!” Pharynx said, then yawned again.

“You sure…?”

“I-but… I… ugh!” Pharynx stalked over. “Five minutes.” he told Thorax, who grinned.

“Sure, ‘five’ minutes.”

“I’m serious.” Pharynx said, pulling himself onto the bed.

Thorax smiled and wrapped a foreleg around Pharynx, nuzzling him. Pharynx sighed and crossed his forelegs, but Thorax still buried his muzzle against him.

“What are you doing?”

“Heheh, you smell all soapy and clean from the bath.” Thorax explained, blushing.

Pharynx blushed as well, then leaned down and sniffed himself. He did smell like the soap, and he felt very refreshed and clean too.

“I… guess I do…” Pharynx stretched, reaching his legs out until they ached.

“Getting ready for a nice nap?”

“No way. I’m not some nymph. I told you, I’m just gonna lay here for five minutes, then I’m getting up.” Pharynx replied, only to yawn again.

“But?” Thorax nosed him gently.

“I… there is no…” Pharynx yawned once more, pressing his head into Thorax’s side.

“Hm?” Thorax hummed, moving slightly to gently adjust Apex and Ocellus.

Pharynx sighed, then wrapped his hooves around Thorax. “I… I do feel… a lot more comfortable… after that bath…” he murmured

Thorax smiled and kissed Pharynx’s forehead, and Pharynx snuggled against him, smiling softly.

“That… nice, warm, relaxing bath…” he yawned again and continued mumbling to himself before he slipped off to sleep.

Thorax smiled and nuzzled Pharynx, kissing his forehead.

“Heh, just five minutes, huh bro?” Thorax whispered, gaze soft. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get some rest. Just sleep.”

Thorax then looked over at Ocellus and Apex, who rested at his chest, Ocellus sprawled on her side and Apex cuddling Blizzard close. Thorax smiled and reached to pull them both close. He kissed them each on the foreheads. He laid his head down between them and his brother, then went to sleep.
> Sick Little Lings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“A-Achoo!” Apex sneezed hard, wiping his nose.

The little nymph sniffled, eyes watering. He cuddled against Thorax’s chest. The monarch was still asleep, but he wouldn’t be for long, it was morning. Apex coughed, and Thorax’s ear flicked. The nymph gasped, which turned out to be a bad idea as he broke into a coughing fit. That got the alpha changeling’s attention.

“Huh…? What is that…?” Thorax’s eyes opened slowly, and he rubbed his eyes. Apex snuggled against his chest, managing to stifle his coughs. “Apex…?”

“‘M here Papa Thorax.” Apex whispered hoarsely, and Thorax looked down at him.

“Sweetie, are you okay? You look a bit pale.”

“‘M fine.” Apex tried insisting. Thorax leaned down to nuzzle him. He giggled slightly, then felt a familiar tickling sensation in his muzzle. His nose wrinkled and his face scrunched.

“Apex?”

“A-A-Achoo!” Apex sneezed, hard, ducking his head. Thorax gasped softly and scooped him up.

“Oh Apex, my sweet baby boy…” Thorax pressed a hoof to Apex’s forehead.

“N-No Papa Thorax, ‘m fine! I’s jus’ a snee-achoo!” Apex sneezed, then began coughing. Thorax’s eyes widened and he cradled Apex.

“Sweetie, you’re burning up… you’ve got a bad fever… my poor little baby boy…” Thorax held him close.

Apex whimpered and began crying. Thorax pulled him close and the nymph sobbed into his chest.

“Bu’ I don’ wanna be sick! I-I wanna s’ay up an’ p-play-achoo!”

“I know sweetie, but you need to rest so you can get better. Then we can play as much as you want, I promise.” Thorax kissed his forehead gently. “Okay my little hyper sprite?”

Apex whimpered and snuggled against Thorax. “O-Okay Papa Thorax… w-will you s’ay with me…?”

Thorax bit his lip, watching the nymph. “Well, I-”

“Thorax, where are you-oh, good, finally.” Pharynx walked into the room, glaring at him. “I told you to be in the throne room by seven, it’s seven thirty.”

“Oh, I-”

“Y-You hafta do king-s’uff t’day…?” Apex asked, lip trembling. Thorax looked down at him, sighing.

“Why does it matter if he has stuff to do, grub?” Pharynx asked

“‘C-‘Cause I wan’ him to s’ay with me-achoo!” Apex sneezed again, and Pharynx stepped back.

“Ah, so, the grub has his first cold, huh?” Pharynx asked Thorax, who nodded.

“I have to stay with him Pharynx, please…”

“Thorax…” Pharynx looked at the sniffling nymph. “Come on, you know I can’t do your stuff for you, you’re the King, I can’t do that as well as you could.”

“But then there’d be no one to watch over Apex…” Thorax nuzzled the nymph gently.

“There’s got to be someone.” Pharynx objected. “What about Ocellus?”

“She is home for that ‘mandatory fall week off’ she mentioned…” Thorax agreed slowly.

“I don’ wanna s’ay with Celly!” Apex protested, coughing. “W-Wan’ Papa Thorax!”

“I know sweetie, but Pharynx is right, I have duties to take care of…”

“B-Bu’…” Apex broke off, sneezing. Thorax nuzzled him gently.

“It’s okay Apex, I promise to come check on you when I can, and if you’re good for Ocellus, I’ll bring you back a treat, okay?”

Apex hesitated, then nodded. “O-Okay Papa Thorax… if you prom’se you’ll come back soon… an’ i’ll be a good trea’.”

“Of course my little hyper sprite.”

Thorax smiled, reaching and gently running a hoof down Apex’s muzzle, off the bridge of his nose. He continued the motion until Apex yawned, closing his eyes. Apex reached for Thorax’s hoof, and the alpha changeling let him hug it for a minute before pulling back.

Apex yawned again and stretched out, clinging to the blankets now that his father-figure’s hoof was gone. Thorax chuckled, then wrapped the blanket around him. Apex coughed and snuggled down into the warm sheets, lying his head back against the pillow. He closed his eyes, feeling a familiar little bear being slipped into his hooves.

“Blizzy…”

“Shh.” Thorax kissed his forehead gently. “Just snuggle up with Blizzard and try to get some rest, sweetie. I’ll send Ocellus over here, so she’ll be here when you wake up.”

“O-Okay Papa Thorax… l-love you…” Apex yawned, closing his eyes.

“I love you too my little hyper sprite.” Thorax nuzzled him, then stood up. Apex could hear him following Pharynx out.

The nymph closed his eyes, falling asleep. Soon, he stirred, hearing more hoofsteps. The taste of yellow daisies and soft rain hit his senses. Apex yawned and sat up.

“Celly?”

“Hey Apex.” Ocellus walked over, smiling softly. She had a book in her hoof, and Apex giggled.

“You brough’ a book?”

“I thought I could read to you.” Ocellus explained, sitting down beside him. Apex coughed as she laid down next to him, opening the book. “Here we go…”

Apex clambered over, sniffling. He cuddled up between the older nymph’s forelegs, looking at the book. Ocellus began to read to him, and Apex closed his eyes. He yawned and tried to stay awake as Ocellus read aloud.

“Go ahead and sleep if you’re tired.” Ocellus told him.

“Mm-mm. ‘M no’ sleepy Cell-achoo!” Apex sneezed, and Ocellus pulled the blanket around him.

“You need to rest Apex.”

“W-Wanna wai’ for Papa Thorax-achoo!” Apex began coughing, and Ocellus patted him on the back. Apex groaned and burrowed into the bed, closing his eyes.

“There you go.” Ocellus nuzzled him, smiling. “Sleep well.”

“N-Nigh’… sissy…” Apex mumbled, smiling slightly as he felt her surprise before drifting off.

Some time later, Apex heard talking. Arguing, it sounded like. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

“And now look, you woke Apex up.” he heard Ocellus’ voice say sharply.

“So? He was going to wake up anyway, with you coughing and sneezing like that.” the other changeling replied. Apex yawned and blinked, vision focusing.

“Uncle Pharynx…?” Apex looked up at him.

“Hey grub.” Pharynx sighed, moving closer to him.

“Where’s Papa Thorax?”

“Still doing diplomatic stuff. He told me to check on you two.” Pharynx then turned to glare at Ocellus. “And good thing I did too, this one is sick too.”

“Huh?” Apex sniffled and looked at her.

“N-No, I’m fine, I’m just a little cold.” Ocellus said, then coughed. Pharynx rolled his eyes.

“You’re sick, kid.”

“O-Okay, I don’t feel great…” Ocellus admitted, lying down. Apex continued coughing.

“U-Uncle Phary-achoo!”

“What is it grub?”

“C-Can you s’ay?” Apex asked

“Oh no, I’m not getting sick by watching you two, Ocellus is still adult-ish, she can take care of you.” Pharynx said, turning to leave.

“P-Pwease?” Apex made his eyes big and pouted.

“Oh come on Apex, not the puppy-dog eyes…” Pharynx tried to protest, but the eyes persisted. “I… oh fine, just stop it.”

“Yay!” Apex beamed as Pharynx walked back over. “Sn-Snuggle Uncle Pharynx?”

“Fine…” Pharynx sighed, laying beside them. “Not a word Ocellus.”

Ocellus giggled cheekily. “Okay your majesty.”

“Shut up.” Pharynx snarled, and Ocellus yawned, curling up beside him. “Oh come on, I’m here for the grub, you go back to your room.”

“My parents are busy and I’m here anyway.” Ocellus told him.

“Ugh…” Pharynx sighed and laid down, closing his eyes in submission. Apex smiled and snuggled up to him, nosing his cheek. “Grub…”

“Wanna snuggle-achoo!” Apex turned his head as he sneezed. Pharynx groaned and mashed his face into the pillow.

“I’m going to get sick, aren’t I? Ugh, Thorax owes me big time for this…”

Apex coughed and cuddled against him. Pharynx sighed and put a hoof over him. Ocellus moved closer, opening her book. Pharynx rolled his eyes but laid his head on Thorax’s pillow, closing his eyes and pulling Apex against his chest.

The little nymph smiled and rested against Pharynx’s chest. He listened to the elder changeling’s heartbeat, letting the sound lull him to sleep.

“Nigh’ Uncle Pharynx…”

“Yeah yeah… sleep well grub.” Pharynx grumbled, then grunted as Ocellus flopped down across his stomach. “Ocellus!”

“What? You’re comfy.”

“I am not a pillow!”

“Well you feel like one.”

“Mhm!” Apex cuddled close, yawning. “Sof’y Uncle Pharynx…”

“Ugh… I hate you both.”

“We love you too Pharynx.” Ocellus replied cheekily.

“Love you Uncle Pharynx…” Apex murmured, then sneezed. Pharynx sighed again.

“Just stay quiet, both of you… I might as well get a nap out of this…”

“Fine.” Ocellus settled down, then smirked. “Cuddlebug.”

Pharynx turned bright red. “Only Thorax can call me that, Celly.”

Ocellus blushed slightly as well and laid her head on his stomach, coughing. “Fine. But only because you’re too comfy and it’s making me tired.”

Pharynx blushed but let it go, closing his eyes. Apex dozed on his chest, smiling. The three changelings slept comfortably in the large bed. The nymph was woken up for the third time an hour or so later.

Apex stirred after feeling something cold on his forehead. He blinked and yawned, coughing. The cold thing was removed and someling kissed his forehead. He giggled and opened his eyes. Thorax was standing above him, smiling softly.

“Papa Thorax!” Apex exclaimed, reaching for him.

“Heheh, hey sweetie.” Thorax picked him up and cradled him. “How do you feel?”

“Bi’ be’er…”

“Yeah, you better be feeling better-” Pharynx’s voice said from out of his line of sight, before breaking into coughs.

Apex looked over, seeing Pharynx lying on his side beside him. Ocellus was lying beside him, sleeping. Thorax laid down, Apex still in his hooves.

“Uncle Pharynx?”

“I was right. Staying with you two was a bad ide-achoo!” Pharynx sniffed and laid his head down.

“I didn’ think you could ge’ sick Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said, crawling over to him.

“I’m not invincible, grub.” Pharynx coughed, and Thorax leaned over to nuzzle him worriedly. “Ugh… Thorax, get off, I’m okay…”

Thorax kissed Pharynx’s forehead before turning to nuzzle Apex gently. Apex smiled and snuggled close.

“Anyway, until you get better, you’re all my sick little lings.” Thorax said, giggling.

“Hey! I’m not a nymph Thorax, I’m older than y-” Pharynx broke off, coughing. Thorax rubbed his back, smiling.

“Aww, but you’re smaller than me! So you’re little!”

“Hey!” Pharynx exclaimed, and Thorax chuckled. “You better not call me that again…”

“Okay, okay, fine.” Thorax said, giggling.

“S-So, doe’ this mean you’ll s’ay with us, Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, and Thorax smiled.

“Oh Apex… you three are sick.”

Thorax reached and wrapped a hoof over Pharynx, as Ocellus crawled over and laid beside him. Pharynx grumbled but pressed closer to them anyway. Thorax smiled softly down at the little nymph, who smiled back and rested against his chest.

“I’m not going anywhere.”
> The Storm Song
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ocellus, Apex, and Pharynx were snuggled up to Thorax as they rested, trying to recover from their recent cold. Outside, rain poured down from the sky, trailing down the window.

Thorax was looking after them all. A book lay in Ocellus’ hooves, but she struggled to concentrate on it. The four had been reading the book together before Pharynx had fallen asleep. Thorax had sworn he’d heard Pharynx mumbling comments on things the characters did, despite feigning indifference.

However, before they’d been able to finish the book, the rain started, and Pharynx fell asleep soon after. Though it seemed he was the only one who didn’t mind the rain. Ocellus and Apex were still up, and looked nervous. Thorax leaned down to nuzzle Apex as thunder cracked outside.

Apex yelped and burrowed into Thorax, while Ocellus shuddered and pressed closer to Thorax’s chest. Pharynx just smiled sleepily and wrapped his forelegs around one of Thorax’s, snuggling closer against his little brother.

“I-Is he scared too?” Ocellus whispered, looking at Pharynx

“No, I think he’s enjoying it.” Thorax leaned down and nuzzled Pharynx’s forehead, making him stir. “Cuddlebug? You awake?”

“Mm… wha’ is it snugglebug?” Pharynx mumbled, not opening his eyes and pressing closer.

“How do you feel about the storm?” Thorax asked, leaning down and kissing Pharynx’s forehead.

“It’s nice… makes me…” Pharynx yawned and rested his head against his brother’s foreleg, still smiling. “Sleepy…”

“See?” Thorax said, smiling softly as he pulled Apex closer with his hoof and cuddled him.

There was another crack from the lightning, followed by a loud boom. Apex yelped and whimpered, beginning to tear up. Ocellus whimpered as well and moved closer to Thorax, nuzzling up against him. Thorax sighed as Apex cried into him. Pharynx opened one eye and then the other, struggling and sitting up. He righted himself onto his stomach and gazed bleary-eyed at Thorax and the young ‘lings.

“Huh? What’s…? Oh.” Pharynx sighed “Thorax, move over.”

“What? No Pharynx, you’re sick, you need rest.” Thorax put a hoof around Pharynx’s shoulders and drew him against his side. Thorax then pressed a kiss to Pharynx’s forehead, and the general smiled slightly.

Pharynx then coughed, sniffed, and shook his head. “Relax Thor, I’m fine. And I’ll go to sleep after, I promise. Just let me help you.”

Pharynx reached out and scooped up Apex in his foreleg, drawing him close. “C’mere Apex. You too, ‘Cellus.”

Ocellus moved closer to him cautiously. Pharynx smiled kindly at her and brought her closer with his magic. He settled Ocellus by his chest and waited for her to rest her head on him. When she did, Pharynx sighed and nuzzled them both.

“Hear that?” he asked softly.

“Th-Thunder?” Apex murmured.

“What else?” Pharynx prompted

“Rain?” Ocellus tried, instinctively cuddling against the bigger changeling.

Pharynx curled a foreleg around her and nodded. “Yes. But close your eyes, and listen closer.”

He then pulled open the curtains Thorax had closed earlier. Thorax shot him a warning look but Pharynx shook his head at him. Apex and Ocellus both closed their eyes and pricked their ears, doing as he had instructed. Pharynx kissed Apex gently on the forehead, then after a moment, nuzzled Ocellus in comfort.

Ocellus opened her eyes again after a minute, smiling. “I get it… it has a rhythm.”

“Mhm.” Pharynx said as Apex opened his eyes. “Like a song.”

“I’s s’ill scary…” Apex mumbled, and Pharynx lowered his head down onto the mattress, both from fatigue and to better look him in the eye.

“I know it is to you two. But just close your eyes and listen for the song, then pretty soon you’ll be asleep, and the storm won’t matter.” he whispered

“That makes sense…” Ocellus mumbled, as Pharynx lifted both her and Apex back to Thorax.

“Mhm. Now snuggle up to Thorax and try to get some sleep.” Pharynx said, sneezing softly and yawning before settling back into his original position.

Apex and Ocellus nestled against Thorax’s chest, closing their eyes and listening to the storm soothe them to sleep. Soon, the two nymphs had drifted off. Thorax smiled and nuzzled Pharynx’s forehead, kissing his cheek.

“Thank you cuddlebug.”

“S’no problem snugglebug.” Pharynx mumbled, coughing slightly.

Thorax put a hoof on his head and rubbed it gently. Pharynx sighed and shifted, snuggling against him.

“Rest now, cuddlebug.”

“Fine…” Pharynx grunted, cuddling up to him. “W-When Ocellus gets up, wake me… I wanna hear how that story ends…”

“Aww, you were listening.”

“Uh… maybe.” Pharynx admitted, yawning. He closed his eyes and pressed close.

“How’d you know that would work anyway?”

“Heh… I told you the same thing once, back in the old days. We were little, a couple months younger than Apex… not surprised you don’t remember.” Pharynx coughed a bit. “Still, I figured it would work, those two are just like you.”

Thorax smiled. “I remember now. A-And you sang to me…”

“Sh-Shut up, I did not.”

“Yes you did.” Thorax chuckled, nuzzling him. “I remember the words now.”

“You better not…”

Thorax simply smiled and began to sing softly.

“As the storm begins outside
And the rain begins to fall
Hear the lightning strike and thunder bang-”

“Thorax…” Pharynx tried to protest, but yawned, cutting himself off. Thorax smiled and nuzzled him, continuing.

“You may tremble with fright
But you need only remember
The way to calm your fears

Listen close to the storm
And within the crashes, hear the song
Rhythm beats inside the clouds
The Song of the Storm.”

Thorax finished, smiling at Pharynx.

“You have the better singing voice, you know.”

“I ha’e you…” Pharynx grumbled, yawning again and snuggling up to Thorax. Soon, he was asleep.

Thorax giggled at Pharynx’s last remark, tucking the blankets around his brother a bit better.

“Love you too Pharynx.” he nuzzled him gently. “You’re a great brother.”

Thorax watched the sleeping changelings around him, smiling at them all.

“Have a good sleep,” Thorax nuzzled Apex, “My little hyper sprite,” he turned to Pharynx and kissed his forehead, “My tough cuddlebug,” he finally turned to Ocellus, “And my prized pupil.” he smoothed the frill on her head, smiling.

With that, the proud alpha changeling laid down by the other changelings-his family. He closed his eyes, following the advice Pharynx had given to him so long ago, that had now been passed on to the younger generation. Listening to the storm, Thorax soon fell asleep.
> Longest Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-------2017, C.E.H (Chrysalis Era Hive)-------


The Winter Solstice. Known to the changelings as “The Longest Night”. The last night before hibernation. They would take all their provisions, dried fish and jerky, berries, the last bits of preserved love they could spare, and have a feast. Of course, Chrysalis was given all the best food.

The changelings had been growing lethargic and tired as the weather got colder. Soon, at midnight, they would gather into their nests and rest. Their Queen would then cast a spell on them to send them into a winter long hibernation, so they wouldn’t rouse until the weather was warm again.

Now, someling was stalking through the halls of the Hive. A familiar changeling with black chitin, a jagged purple carapace and wings, and lavender eyes. He was calling out to the drowsy changelings in the halls. Head General Pharynx. Eldest son of Chrysalis and Prince of the Hive.

“Alright everyling, off to bed, it’s almost-” Pharynx broke off with a yawn. “-hibernation time. Get to your nests, let’s go.”

“Pharynx…” Thorax stumbled after his brother, yawning widely. “Come on, it’s late, mother’s about to put everyling to sleep. We need to go to bed.”

“Oh be quiet wimp, just a few more hallways.” Pharynx retorted, eyes narrowing.

“Pharynx, you’re tired and it’s making you cranky-”

“What?!” Pharynx snarled

“Eep!” Thorax stepped back. “I mean… it’s late, brother. And you know mother won’t thank you, you do this every year. You almost pass out just to do it. She never even notices.”

“Our mother is the Queen, of course she doesn’t have time to notice every little thing.” Pharynx retorted.

“Still.” Thorax groaned and put a hoof to his stomach.

“What’s the matter? Hungry?”

“Of course! Y-You know mother eats all the good food herself…”

Pharynx rolled his eyes. Thorax trotted closer.

“Please Pharynx, everyling knows to go to their nest anyway.” Thorax begged

Pharynx yawned again, then huffed. “Fine, anything to stop your whining.”

Thorax nodded gratefully, and the two brothers headed to their room. Thorax immediately curled up in their shared nest, yawning. Pharynx staggered slightly and flopped into the moss beside his brother.

The nest wasn’t the best sleeping place, but the moss had ferns and bracken in it, unlike the nests of the other changelings. Being the sons of the Queen did give them some advantages, such as better nest materials. Though they still had to share one nest.

Pharynx curled up in the nest and closed his eyes. He buried his head in the moss, trying to doze off. It would make it easier on their mother to cast the hibernation spell if he was already sleeping. Thorax seemed to have no trouble, sleeping calmly beside his brother.

All the changelings would sleep in their nests, tucked safely as deep into the Hive as possible. There, it would be the warmest, and they wouldn’t feel the chill of the storms outside. Only once the spring winds were blowing would the spell relinquish them to waking.

“Mm… than’ you mother…” Pharynx mumbled as he pressed into the moss, saying his nightly prayer to the Queen, “Than’ you for protectin’ us…”

Thorax shifted beside him, and flung his foreleg over Pharynx. Pharynx grunted, but felt some cold air blow by in the hallway. He then instinctively pressed against his brother.

“Nigh’ Pharynx…” Thorax mumbled. “See you ‘n the spring…”

Pharynx sighed but pressed closer for warmth. “Nigh’ brother…” he mumbled as he closed his eyes. "See you in th' spring..."


-----2020 T.E.H (Thorax's Era Hive)-------


Pharynx yawned and rolled over in bed. Something was poking him in the side.

“Pharynx…”

“Go ‘way…”

“Come on Pharynx.”

“Sleeping…”

“Pharynx, if you don’t wake up you’ll miss Longest Night!”

Pharynx sighed and opened his lavender eyes. He sat up, yawning, and looked over at his beaming brother.

“Only you Thorax…” Pharynx sighed

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Thorax asked, seeming hurt.

“I’m just saying, what’s the point of celebrating Longest Night anymore?” Pharynx asked as he got up, stretching. His cyan chitin cracked pleasingly and he sighed. “I mean, we don’t hibernate now, so…”

“I know, but the tradition is too deeply ingrained in our culture just to throw away…” Thorax said

“I guess so…” Pharynx sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Why don’t we all nap at midnight, just like in the Old Days?”

“I’m planning on it. But we have a whole day of activities to do first!” Thorax said cheerfully, wrapping his brother in a hug.

Pharynx groaned and shook his brother off. Thorax continued smiling.

“And guess what Pharynx? We all get as much good food as we want!”

Pharynx opened his mouth to respond, then hesitated. “That… is actually a good idea…”

“I know! Now let’s go, come on! Apex is waiting for us in the nursery!” Thorax happily dragged his brother away.

“Nooo, Thoraaaax, ‘m still sleeepyyy…”

“It’s just your body readjusting to not hibernating, Pharynx! Don’t worry, some activities will wake you up!”

-----------------------------------------------------

And so, after a long day of Thorax dragging his brother around the Hive for various “fun” activities, it was night. Pharynx did enjoy the feast, he ate as much as he wanted, stuffing himself. Thorax did the same, keeping an eye on both his brother and Apex to make sure they didn’t overeat.

“Heh, wow, you were hungry.” Thorax remarked as Pharynx finished his food.

“Well, you have been dragging me across the Hive all day.” Pharynx remarked, stifling a burp. Apex giggled and finished the rest of his food, also burping.

“Heheh, fair enough.” Thorax nuzzled him, picking up Apex. “But I’m surprised you’re not worried about ruining all your hard work in getting yourself physically fit.”

“Well… I’m also trying to fill up to be ready for hibernation.” Pharynx admitted. “Storing up on food makes sure your body has plenty to keep you alive for the winter.”

“I know that Pharynx. But we’re not hibernating.” Thorax reminded him.

“Force of habit.” Pharynx shrugged. “Besides, I’m just going to sleep for the rest of the night, and probably most of tomorrow morning, so…”

“Fine.” Thorax sighed, giggling as Apex climbed onto his head.

Pharynx nodded and stood up from the cafeteria table. He headed out, trotting to his room. Thorax followed fast behind.

“Phar? You okay?”

“Of course I’m okay!” Pharynx snapped, then yawned. Thorax giggled.

“Aww, is someling cranky?” Thorax asked, nuzzling him. “Does the big brave cuddlebug need a nap?”

“Sh-Shuddap…” Pharynx yawned. “I’m not cranky.”

“Heheh, really?”

“Of course really!” Pharynx retorted sharply.

“Well, seems like you’re cranky to me.” Thorax teased.

“‘M sleepy too.” Apex remarked, yawning. Thorax lifted him off his head, cradling him.

Pharynx rolled his eyes and yawned again. “I’m just worn out, and I ate a lot.”

“Come on then.” Thorax pulled Pharynx to his room. “Heheh, let’s get you to bed my cranky cuddlebug.”

Pharynx huffed, but gently took Apex from Thorax and climbed into bed. He sank into the warm sheets with a soft sigh. Apex snuggled up by his head, yawning and burrowing under the blankets.

Thorax went over to the drawers and pulled out the firefly lantern from underneath it. All of the rooms had at least one. Thorax shook it slightly to rouse the bugs, then set it on the top of the drawers. He then trotted back to Pharynx, reaching and rubbing between his brother’s shoulderblades.

“Mm…” Pharynx yawned and stretched out, smiling. Thorax giggled and kissed him on the cheek.

“Thinking about the Old Days again?”

“Never would’ve been this comfy in the old Longest Night…” Pharynx replied, half to himself. “And no cold air’s coming in…”

“Heh, that’s why blankets are so nice.” Thorax said, pulling the blanket over Pharynx, since only Apex was under them. “But you know what you did have?”

“Mm… wha’?”

“Me.” Thorax smiled, lifting up the blanket and climbing into the bed, wrapping his hooves around the smaller changeling. Apex, drowsy but still awake, climbed out of the way, settling himself by their heads, curling up like a cat.

Pharynx blushed but smiled, giggling softly. “Heheh… Thorax…”

Thorax smiled and kissed his cheek. “You’re a cute little spoon you know.”

“Mm… wha’e’er…”

Thorax smiled and nuzzled him. “Go ahead and sleep cuddlebug, it’s what the Longest Night is for.”

Pharynx nodded, closing his eyes.

“Goodnight Pharynx. Night Apex.”

Apex gave a yawn in response, already asleep. Thorax chuckled softly, kissing the nymph on the forehead. He then pulled his brother close, and Pharynx didn’t pull away. He merely pressed back into the warmth of Thorax’s body. He closed his eyes, almost asleep. But first…

“Mm…” Pharynx cuddled against Thorax, who tightened his grip on him.

“Pharynx?”

“Gotta… say the prayer…”

Thorax’s face fell slightly. “Pharynx… you know mom-”

“Than’ you, brother…” Pharynx mumbled, and Thorax gasped, “Than’ you… for bringing us outta the dark… leading us to a better way… for never giving up on me… I love you…”

Thorax cried softly, pulling Pharynx close. “I love you too Phar.”

Pharynx smiled in his sleep, rolling over to face Thorax and burying his face in his brother’s chest. Thorax smiled, cuddling him, glancing at Apex in reassurance he was still asleep. He then closed his eyes, joining his brother and son in sleep.

The two brothers slept peacefully through Longest Night. The only light in the room being from the shining moon outside and the lantern of flittering lightning bugs.
> Hearth's Warming Surprises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was winter in the Changeling Hive. Snow was all around the Hive, and that meant fun.

“Heheh, catch me Papa Thorax!” Apex squealed, bounding through the snow.

The nymph left small little indents in the snow as he bounced. He smiled, basking in the cold sunlight. It was nearly evening, and he and Thorax were enjoying the last of the sunshine for the day. Then, as Apex smiled at the darkening sky, a hoof scooped him up.

“Eehehe! Papa Thorax!” Apex turned and hugged him, giggling.

“Heheh, gotcha my little hyper sprite!” Thorax cried, smiling at him. “Ready for cuddling and cookies?”

“Mhm!” Apex smiled, nuzzling against him. Thorax giggled and nuzzled him.

“Heheh, aww, cute.” a familiar rough voice said from above them. Thorax looked up, and immediately blushed.

“Ember!”

Ember smiled as she landed in front of them. Apex wiggled out of Thorax’s grip and ran to her, then stumbled and fell into the snow. Ember laughed softly and picked him up, holding him.

“Hey there little ruby.”

“Heheh, why’re you here?”

“Just thought I’d visit.” Ember walked over to Thorax, blushing slightly. “Smolder mentioned you guys celebrate Hearth’s Warming now.”

“O-Oh, yeah… would you… like to stay for the day?” Thorax asked

“Sure. Feast of Fire isn’t until tomorrow anyway.” Ember said, cradling Apex.

“O-Okay then, come on.” Thorax said, blushing. He led her back to the Hive, Apex giggling in her arms.

“So what are we doing first?” Ember asked as they walked into the warm Hive.

“Well, we were going to get something to eat, then sit by the fire in my room. Pharynx isn’t here yet though.” Thorax told her.

“Oh, okay. You have any gems?”

“Well, not really, but dragons eat meat, right?”

“Of course.”

“Well, most changelings are omnivores so we have some meat options.”

“Great.” Ember smiled at him and he blushed.

They entered the cafeteria and Thorax ordered for them. Ember sat at a table with Apex.

“So, what are you going to do while you’re staring at the fire?”

“Papa Thorax says I ge’ to open presen’s!” Apex said cheerfully. Ember blinked.

“You get presents?”

“Yeah! Don’ you?”

“Not really…” Ember replied as Thorax returned. “The Feast of Fire is more about stories.”

“Aww, so you don’ ge’ presen’s e’er?”

“Nope.”

Thorax frowned and blushed slightly as he set their food down. “Here you go Em.”

“Thanks Thor.” Ember smiled at him, beginning to eat. Apex dug in as well. They finished their food and Thorax picked up Apex.

“So, you want to go sit by the fire now?” Thorax suggested to her.

“Okay, but I thought we were waiting for your brother?”

“He said he’d be back around now, but we’re just waiting for him to get here to open presents. He won’t mind if we head over to the meeting spot now.” Thorax explained, leading them to his room.

Ember shrugged and nodded as Thorax led them into his room. He set Apex down on the bed and went to light the fire.

“Here Thor, I can do it.” Ember offered

“Oh, okay Em.” Thorax smiled at her and stepped back. Ember took a breath and let out a small breath of fire at the logs. They caught fire and began crackling. “Woah. Thanks Em.”

“Heh, no problem Thor.” Ember said, blushing.

Apex giggled, and Thorax looked over at him, smiling. Apex smiled back, laughing as Thorax came over and picked him up, cradling him.

“Can we open presen’s now Papa Thorax?” Apex asked eagerly

“Heheh, we should probably wait for Pharynx sweetie.” Thorax told him, and Apex pouted.

“Bu’ Uncle Pharynx won’ mind…”

“Well… okay sweetie, you can open one present now.” Thorax said, booping his nose.

“Hehehe! Yay!”

Thorax chuckled and set Apex down, going over to the desk in his room and taking some presents from underneath it. He picked up one and set it aside, then opened the drawer in it and pulled out a smaller present. Thorax smiled and held it to his chest, then turned back to Apex.

“Here you go my little hyper sprite.” Thorax said, setting one of the presents down in front of Apex.

“Yay!” Apex cheered, tearing at the wrapping paper. Thorax chuckled, watching him.

Apex unwrapped the present, opening the box. He gasped and lifted out the gift. A plushie of a fluffy orange kitten. He hugged it and put it by Blizzard.

“Heh, I noticed how much you like taking a kitten form, so I thought maybe you’d like something to practice copying it off of.”

“Yay!” Apex hugged him. “Thank you Papa Thorax.”

“Heheh, of course sweetie.”

“‘Re… ‘re there more plushies?” Apex asked, looking at the presents. Thorax chuckled.

“Maybe there are, but you’ll have to wait until Pharynx comes back to find out.”

“Aww… okay Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed.

Thorax smiled, kissing him on the forehead, then turned to Ember.

“U-Uh, Ember?”

“Yes Thorax?” Ember looked over, the firelight concealing her blush. Thorax was blushing too.

“I… I got something for you, I-I know you said you don’t really get presents but I thought you’d like it. I was going to give it to you another time but I guess now’s good a time as any and-”

Ember reached and laid a claw on his hoof, cutting him off. They both blushed heavily and Ember looked at the wall.

“I would actually really like to see it.” Ember told him, smiling slightly. “It would be the first gift I’ve ever gotten…”

Thorax smiled and held out the present. “Th-Then I hope I made it a good one.”

Ember smiled and took the gift, opening it. Her eyes widened, and she lifted it out. It was a set of two thick gold chains that were connected by a circular gold plate with a raging fire etched onto it. Thorax smiled and lifted it up in his aura, setting it down on her head. He reached with a hoof and carefully adjusted it.

“I know you said you don’t like tiaras because they’re ‘princessy’ but… I thought maybe something more like a chain… and it matches your armor, right?”

Ember nodded, reaching up to feel it. “Oh wow… Th-Thorax, this is…”

“Y-Yes?”

Ember hesitated, then jumped forwards and hugged him. Thorax yelped in surprise, then hugged back, blushing. Ember rested her head on his chest, smiling and blushing.

“I love it, Thorax. Thank you.” she murmured, then looked up at him. “I just wish I had a gift for you.”

“Your happiness is the only gift I need.” Thorax assured her.

“Still…” Ember blushed suddenly. “Wait… I know…”

“Em? What are you-mmph!”

Thorax was cut off as Ember pulled his head down and kissed him passionately. His eyes went wide, then he closed them and sunk into the kiss. He wrapped a hoof around her, pulling her close. They continued kissing until they heard a giggle, and a familiar snarky tone.

“Wow, and I thought my surprise was going to shock you.”

Thorax and Ember jumped apart, blushing. Apex was giggling and cuddling Blizzard, watching them. And standing at the doorway was Pharynx, who was smirking.

“P-Pharynx! H-Hey…” Thorax said, blushing.

“Hey bro.” Pharynx chuckled, walking over to Apex.

“Whas’ your ‘prise Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked him eagerly. Pharynx blushed slightly.

“U-Uh… well…”

“Heh, Pharynx?” Thorax questioned, raising a brow. “Is there something you want to tell us?”

Ember giggled and wrapped an arm around Thorax, making them both blush. Pharynx also blushed, then sighed and turned to the doorway.

“Yeah… I do…” he admitted, gesturing to someone out of their sight.

Apex and Thorax looked at the doorway curiously. Then, Pharynx stepped back, allowing a pony to walk in, one with a magenta mohawk and broken horn.

“Tempest Shadow?” Thorax asked, recognizing the mare. She blushed slightly and nodded.

“You can just call me Tempest.”

“Tempest?” Ember walked over, and Tempest’s eyes widened.

“Ember?”

“Wait, how do you know her?” Pharynx asked Tempest.

“We met when I went to the Dragonlands to pass along the messages. Ember got involved when a drake insulted me and I cracked his scales.” Tempest explained, smirking at the dragoness.

“Heh, she was pretty cool for a pony.” Ember added.

“She sure is…” Pharynx sighed, looking at Tempest, who blushed.

Thorax giggled, looking between them. “So, this was the surprise Phar?”

“Y-Yes…” Pharynx admitted, blushing. “I wanted to tell you I… I’ve been… seeing her…”

“Aww!” Thorax cried, hugging his brother. “I’m so happy for you!”

“Y-Yeah… h-happy for you too Thor, now get off.” Pharynx pushed him off, and Thorax blushed.

“W-What do you-?”

Ember chuckled and put a claw on Thorax’s shoulder. “Thor. I love you.”

Thorax turned bright red. “I-I love you too Em…”

Ember smiled and kissed him on the cheek, blushing. Pharynx smirked and led Tempest to the fire, and the two sat down.

“Papa Thorax, presen’s now?” Apex asked.

“Heh, okay sweetie.”

“Open this one first Apex.” Pharynx said, tossing a present to the nymph.

Apex giggled and began opening it as Thorax and Ember joined Tempest and Pharynx. The adults curled up by the fire, watching the nymph cheer in delight.

Apex eventually opened all the presents but one. He pulled off the wrapping paper for the final one, lifting it out and beaming. It was a black dragon plushie with purple eyes and accents that were rainbow colored. Apex hugged it tight, looking at Pharynx, who chuckled.

“I, uh, know how much you like playing with a certain… dragon plushie, grub, and… I figured you’d like one of your own, just a little different.”

“It’s from both of us.” Thorax added, pulling Apex into a hug. “I thought you’d like it to be rainbows instead of purple.”

“I love i’!” Apex cried, cuddling it. “‘M gonna name him Pride…”

“Heh, that’s a wonderful name sweetie.” Thorax kissed Apex’s forehead, and the nymph yawned. “Heheh, go ahead and rest my little hyper sprite.”

“Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex curled up in Thorax’s forelegs, holding Pride. Thorax smiled and nuzzled him.

Soon, the nymph was asleep, his new plushie now in a limp hold. Thorax and Pharynx smiled at the nymph, then Thorax pulled Ember close. She giggled and rested against his side, watching the fire. Pharynx put a hoof around Tempest, who leaned into him.

The room descended into peaceful silence, contentment filling the room. The feeling warmed them despite the snow and cold weather outside.
> Nothing's Gonna Harm You
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex yawned, opening his eyes slowly. He rubbed his eyes and snuggled closer to Thorax, sinking into his warm hooves. He grabbed for Blizzard, pulling the stuffed bear toy close to him.

“Mm… morning my little hyper sprite…” Thorax murmured, pulling Apex close.

“Heheh, mor’in Papa Thorax…” Apex rolled over and buried his tiny head into Thorax’s chest. He opened his mouth, taking in the scents around him, as Pharynx had been training him.

Mangoes, the sweet fruit that was Thorax’s personal scent, tinged with familial love; lemonade. That was normal, along with the slightly dampened taint of sleep. But there was another. Apex wrinkled his muzzle at the smell. Slightly sweet lemons... Pharynx’s scent. But it was bitter with sadness… no, not sadness, but Apex couldn’t think of another way to describe it.

“Uncle Pharynx?”

Thorax, more alert now, lifted the nymph up to set him on the alpha changeling’s side. “He came in last night, you were asleep.”

Apex clambered over his papa, clinging to Blizzard. He tumbled down and landed in the soft sheets again, immediately colliding with cyan chitin. Apex giggled and pressed his head against Pharynx’s hoof, which was clutching something. It was Night Fury, his dragon plushie.

“Mornin’ Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said, shoving Night Fury out of his hooves and sitting in the plushie’s place.

Pharynx merely grunted and opened an eye. “Give me back Night Fury.”

“Wa’e up firs’!” Apex said happily, poking his chest.

Pharynx groaned and closed his eyes. “Not happening.”

“Why no’?”

“It’s almost spring, Apex, and remember, this is the first year we haven’t hibernated. Since spring is coming, our bodies are still adjusting to us already being awake.” Thorax reminded him.

“Whas’ tha’ go’a do with i’ Papa Thorax?”

“Well, right now, Pharynx’s body is telling him he should still be hibernating, because it’s not quite spring yet. So it’s harder for him to wake up.”

“Oh.” Apex nudged Pharynx again. “I know how t’ wa’e him up Papa Thorax.”

“Heheh, you do?” Thorax asked, smiling.

“Mhm!” Apex leaned close, then took a breath. “Wa’e up Uncle Pharynx!” he cried into his ear.

“Gah!” Pharynx sat up immediately, eyes wide. “Grub!”

Apex had fallen over, giggling. “Wha’? I go’ you up!”

“Not for long.” Pharynx snatched up Night Fury and rolled over, lying down. “Go away, both of you.”

“Pharynx, you’re in my room.” Thorax reminded him.

“So?”

“Why’s Uncle Pharynx in here an’way Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, poking Pharynx’s carapace.

“Mnph… Thor, you better not-”

“He had a nightmare last night.” Thorax explained, rubbing his brother’s back, between his shoulder blades. “He didn’t sleep well.”

“Did he suck on your hoof Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, and Pharynx rolled back over to stare at him.

“Why in the name of the Hivemother would I do that?”

“Papa Thorax le’s me suck on his hoof when I have bad d’eams.” Apex replied

“That’s because you’re a grub.” Pharynx grunted, yawning and laying down. “Just leave me alone so I can sleep.”

“Bu’-” before Apex could finish his protest, Thorax had scooped him up.

“Alright Phar, we’ll leave you alone.” Thorax agreed, nuzzling his brother. “Sleep well cuddlebug.”

Pharynx grunted and dragged the blanket over his head. Thorax chuckled softly and walked out, still carrying Apex.

“Papa Thorax, how come we couldn’ s’ay with Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked as Thorax carried him to the cafeteria.

“He’s obviously very tired right now sweetie, and he’s okay with being left alone, so we need to respect that, okay?”

“Okay Papa Thorax.” Apex cuddled close, and Thorax nuzzled him, smiling.

“That’s my little hyper sprite. Come on, I’ll get you some bacon and eggs for breakfast.”

“Okay!” Apex said, brightening. He wagged his little tail, making Thorax laugh softly as he carried him off to get his food.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was late morning in the Hive, and Thorax had taken up his usual position in the throne room, leaving Apex in the nursery. Apex didn’t like being in the nursery though. He didn’t get along with the other nymphs, he was younger than them all, aside from the newborns, but they were taken care of by their parents. Because of this, Apex had merely hunkered down in a corner of the nursery. That is, until it started raining.

Cracka-boom!

“Eek!”

A small green blur dashed into Thorax’s room and scrambled onto the bed, burrowing underneath a cyan lump. Apex burrowed up underneath Pharynx, whimpering and shaking in fear.

“Mmph… what the…?” the lump that was Pharynx shifted, moving as it tried not to crush the quivering bundle. “Grub?”

“Uncle Pharynx!” Apex hugged him tightly, crying.

“Grub? Why are you crying?” Pharynx picked him up, laying down on his stomach and settling Apex between his forelegs.

“S-Scary…” Apex whimpered, burying his head in the beta changeling’s chest.

Pharynx looked outside, noticing the storm. He sighed softly and nosed Apex.

“Grub, it’s okay. Remember? The storm song.”

Apex whimpered and cuddled close. “T-This one’s diff’en’.”

“Well, yes, it’s kind of a different storm. We’ll be seeing a lot of these in the transition from winter to spring.” Pharynx said, rubbing Apex’s head. “But it’s still just noise. It can’t hurt you.”

“B-Bu’... h-how d’you know i’ won’ Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked softly, rubbing his eyes.

“Because I’m here.” Pharynx pulled him close, looking down at him fondly. “Nothing will ever harm you while I’m around, I promise.”

“Y-You promise Uncle Pharynx?” Apex sniffled.

“I swear it, Apex. I’ll never let anything hurt you.” Pharynx hugged him tight.

Apex smiled softly and cuddled into Pharynx’s hooves. Pharynx laid down, rolling onto his back and resting the nymph on his chest. Apex giggled softly and curled up there, wrapping his tail over his muzzle like a cat. Pharynx chuckled softly, setting Blizzard in his hooves, then picking up Night Fury and holding him loosely.

Pharynx looked out the window, smiling as the rain poured down. He gently rubbed Apex’s back, soothing the nymph to sleep. Apex smiled, and Pharynx began to sing briefly.

“Hush now, little one
Don’t you cry
I promise, I swear
Nothing will ever harm you
They can try me if they dare

As long as I am here
I swear I will keep you safe
No, nothing’s ever gonna harm you
Not while I’m around

As long as I am standing
As long as I can fight
I will protect you from all harm
Defend you from the monsters
Lurking in the shadows

As long as I am here
I swear I will keep you safe
No, nothing’s ever gonna harm you
Not while I’m… around.”

Pharynx smiled as he finished the song, resting a hoof over Apex. The nymph was now asleep, smiling softly. Pharynx smiled lovingly at his nephew, before closing his eyes, pulling both Apex and Night Fury close, and falling asleep as well.
> Parents
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex opened his eyes to find he was lying in a grassy field. A gentle breeze blew around him. Two figures were approaching. He sat up, blinking, then recognized them. Two unreformed changelings.

“Mommy! Daddy!”

“Apex?” the female, Hexia, asked

Apex beamed and ran towards them. The male, Mandible, scooped him up.

“Something’s wrong. You look… different.” Hexia said

“I shared love and transformded!” Apex explained brightly

“Transformed…?” Hexia asked, as Mandible put him down.

“Tha’ ‘xplosion! I’ was e’eryone transforming like Papa Thorax show’d us to!”

“Papa?” Mandible asked

Apex gulped, pulling away and scuffing the grass with a hoof. “I-I’s wha’ e’reyone calls him, now he’s King…”

“The Queen has been overthrown? By her own worthless son?” Mandible asked

“H-He’s no’ wor’less, a-an’ Papa Thorax can show you how t’ transform too!”

Hexia shook her head. “We obey the Queen. And you should too.”

“There isn’ a Queen! She turn’ded to stone!”

“Stone?” Mandible asked, eyes going wide.

“Th-The ponies did i’. Bu’ Uncle Pharynx says i’s a good thing.” Apex explained. He smiled as he looked between them, wanting them to ask him how to transform.

“No… no, this can’t be.” Hexia whispered, then her eyes narrowed. “Wait… ‘Uncle’ Pharynx?”

“M-Mhm…”

“Does everyone call him that?”

“They used to… bu’ he made them s’op…”

“I can’t believe both of Chrysalis’ sons betrayed her.” Mandible muttered

“Bu’ i’s okay!” Apex protested. “E’reyling’s happy now, e’en Uncle Pharynx! We can make our own love, an’ you ‘member Ocellus? The nymph tha’ used to be beaten like me? She’s the smar’es’ an’ best now! She’s like a big sissy t’ me, an’ Papa Thorax’s future royal ‘dvisor!”

“Sister? Papa? Uncle?” Mandible repeated

“Y-Yeah…?”

“There’s clearly more affection in your tone than I’m sure is in other’s voices when they speak of their king.” Hexia sneered

“N-No, m-mommy…”

“I can’t believe this. We sacrifice ourselves for you. We wait all this time for you here, and you go and create a new family?!”

“No! ‘M no’ trying to ‘place you, mommy an’ daddy!”

Hexia and Mandible huffed, turning away. Apex crept forwards.

“Mommy? D-Daddy?”

“No.” Mandible snarled. “You do not call us that. You are not my son. You are some kind of… replacement! But let me make this clear, you are not my son and you will not call us by anything other than our names!”

“B-Bu’ I… ‘m your s-son… y-your nymph…”

Hexia and Mandible began to walk away. Apex tried to chase them, but he never seemed to catch up to them, always falling behind.

“Mommy! Daddy! Wai’ please! I-I jus’…” Apex collapsed in the grass, the gentle breeze blowing around him. “I-I jus’ wan’ you t’ love me… y-your nymph…”

Apex screwed his eyes shut and sobbed. The breeze did not seem gentle now. It blew hard and strong, and he cried harder.

“Mommy… daddy…”

When Apex opened his eyes again, he was lying beside Thorax. He was back in Thorax’s room, cuddled up to the King like always. He reached and pawed at him.

“Papa Thorax…?” Apex whispered hoarsely. “Papa Thorax? Papa-”

“You’d rather call someone else your papa over your own father?” Mandible’s voice asked

Apex hesitated, then nosed Thorax. “Th… Thorax? Thorax…”

Thorax shifted, then grunted and opened his eyes. Apex nuzzled him.

“Apex…?”

“Th-Thorax…” Apex whimpered

Thorax lifted Apex up and held him. “Sweetie…? Why didn’t you call me ‘Papa’?”

Apex hesitated. His bottom lip trembled, then he began crying. Thorax’s eyes widened and he hugged Apex close, cradling him. Apex pushed his hooves against Thorax’s chest, trying to push himself away.

“Apex, honey…” Thorax rocked him gently, and he sniffled. “What’s wrong my little hyper sprite?”

Apex continued sobbing, and Thorax sat up. He leaned against the wall, the pillows he’d lined it with cushioning him. Apex wailed and tried to resist the urge to bury his face in Thorax’s chest and hide. He heard the door open, and a familiar cyan changeling stomped in.

“What is the grub crying about now? I can hear him in my room.”

“Your room is right next to ours, of course you can hear him.” Thorax retorted.

“Well, why is he crying?”

“I-I don’t know. Apex, sweetie…?” Thorax nosed him. “What’s wrong my little hyper sprite?”

“I-don’-they-wan’-me…” Apex stammered, sobbing.

“Grub…?”

“Apex…” Thorax wiped Apex’s tears away, then laid his hoof near Apex’s mouth.

Apex hesitated, sniffling. Then, he reached and wrapped his little forelegs around the offered hoof. He hugged it, nuzzling against the lime green chitin. Thorax smiled and helped Apex guide his hoof to his mouth.

“Here sweetie. I’ll let you suck my hoof for a bit, okay? Then will you be calm enough to tell us?”

Apex whimpered, looking at the hoof. He wanted to have his normal bedtime routine to calm him. Snuggles, maybe a story, then sucking on Thorax’s hoof until he fell asleep. But Mandible’s words stuck in his mind.

“Apex…?”

“Mm-mm.” Apex pushed his hoof away slightly. Thorax’s eyes widened.

“B-But you always…”

Apex whimpered and snuggled into Thorax’s foreleg, crying. Thorax began rubbing his carapace, and he sobbed harder.

“Apex, sweetie, tell me what’s wrong, please?”

“Th-They…” Apex cried harder.

“Here, let me do something.”

Apex felt a new set of hooves lift him up. He looked up to see Pharynx sitting beside Thorax and cradling him. Pharynx reached and gently poked Apex’s belly. He giggled, then covered his mouth.

“Grub, tell us what’s going on.” Pharynx said

Apex hung his head, tears still falling. He glanced up momentarily, and saw Thorax watching him in concern. Apex sobbed, then reached for Thorax. Thorax took him, holding him gently.

“Apex…?”

Apex couldn’t take it. Crying, he cuddled against the bigger changeling, burying his head in Thorax’s chest. Thorax gasped softly and began soothing him.

“Oh, Apex, it’s okay. What’s wrong sweetie?”

Apex sniffled and cuddled close. “P-Papa Thorax…”

“I… Apex, you said Thorax at first… why are you using ‘Papa’ again…?”

“I-I…” Apex sobbed. “Th-They don’ love me…”

“What? Who doesn’t?”

“M-Mommy an’ daddy…”

Thorax blinked. “Apex… your mom and dad are…”

“I saw them.” Apex sniffled “I-In m’ sleep…”

“You saw them?” Pharynx asked

“Th-They w-were there…”

Thorax nuzzled him gently. “What did they say sweetie?”

“Th-They d-didn’ know ‘bout you bein’ king an’ I tol’ them an’… an’ they didn’ like i’. Th-They were mad I-I sai’ she was in stone, an’ tha’ you both ‘trayed her…”

Thorax and Pharynx looked at each other, then back at Apex. He cuddled up to Thorax.

“Th-Then they s-sai’… sai’ I… I…”

“It’s okay sweetie…”

“Th-They sai’ I r‘placed them ju-jus’ cause I call you Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx. A-An’ I wasn’ their son an’… an’…” Apex trailed off

Thorax held Apex close, cradling him. “Shh, shh. It’s okay my little hyper sprite. It was just a dream.”

“Th-They sai’ they were waitin’ for me.” Apex protested weakly.

“Sometimes dreams seem very real.” Pharynx explained, nuzzling the nymph. “I should know, I’ve had plenty of vivid nightmares. You’re okay. It wasn’t real.”

Apex sniffled and rubbed his eyes. Thorax kissed his forehead gently.

“It’s okay, my little hyper sprite. I know that I haven’t replaced your parents in your heart, and I don’t want to. I just want to be there for you. I just want to be your Papa Thorax.”

Apex nodded, sniffling. Thorax smiled, nuzzling him, and he nuzzled back.

“P-Papa Thorax…”

“Heh, let’s get you back to bed my little hyper sprite.” Thorax said

Pharynx got up so that Thorax could lay down. He smiled and settled Apex in his forelegs. Apex whimpered and grabbed Thorax’s hoof, guiding it to his muzzle. Thorax smiled as Apex gripped it in his tiny hooves and placed the tip in his mouth.

“U-Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked after a minute

“Yes grub?”

“C-Can you s’ay?”

Pharynx looked at the trembling nymph and sighed.

“Y-Yeah… I can stay…” he said

“Th-Thank you Uncle Pharynx…”

Pharynx sighed but smiled. “No problem grub.”

Pharynx then slipped under the covers, letting Thorax tuck them around him. He grunted slightly as he got comfortable, settling down beside Thorax. He leaned over to Apex, who was still sucking on Thorax’s hoof. Pharynx hesitantly planted a gentle kiss on the nymph’s forehead.

“Heheh…” Apex giggled, yawning as he lost his grip on Thorax’s hoof. “Uncle Pharynx…”

“Yeah yeah…” Pharynx mumbled, curling up to face the nymph.

“Aww, Pharynx.” Thorax cooed

“Whatever…” Pharynx muttered

Apex giggled, then continued sucking on Thorax’s hoof. Thorax smiled and nuzzled him. Apex yawned, eyes closing. Soon, the nymph was asleep. Thorax turned to nuzzle Pharynx affectionately.

“Ugh, Thorax…”

“Goodnight Pharynx. Love you.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever. Goodnight bro.”

Thorax then looked at Apex lovingly. “Goodnight my baby boy.”

Apex smiled in his sleep as Thorax nuzzled him. Thorax then laid his head down, letting his hoof slip from Apex’s mouth. Apex yawned and snuggled against him.

“Mm… Papa Thorax…” he mumbled, smiling as he cuddled against him. The nymph slept peacefully for the rest of the night.
> Brave Little Bug
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex giggled as he chewed on his rubber duck. He smiled and squeaked when he felt a familiar muzzle nuzzling him. Apex looked up, beaming. Thorax was smiling down at him.

“Heheh, come on my little hyper sprite, lunchtime.”

“Yay! Can we have ice cream too?” Apex asked, springing up.

“Heh, of course my little hyper sprite.” Thorax replied, scooping him up.

Apex giggled and hugged Thorax, who chuckled. Thorax carried the little nymph to the cafeteria, where they met up with Pharynx.

“Hey Thor, grub.” Pharynx greeted

“Uncle Pharynx!” Apex leapt down to hug him. Pharynx chuckled and hugged back.

“Yeah yeah, hey grub.”

Apex nuzzled him, then was lifted up and placed on a chair by Thorax. Pharynx sat beside him while Thorax got their food. He returned with some steak for Pharynx and Apex, as well as a baked potato for himself.

As he ate, Apex noticed that one of his teeth was hurting. He shrugged it off, assuming it was his fangs still growing and continued eating.

“Done! Ice cream now Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, looking up at Thorax pleadingly.

“Heh, of course sweetie, come on.” Thorax stood and lifted up their empty plates. Pharynx rolled his eyes and stood.

“I’ll come with you.”

“Why? You want ice cream?”

“Wh-What? No…” Pharynx said unconvincingly. Thorax chuckled and nuzzled him.

“You want some raspberry chocolate ice cream?”

“...Yeah… that’d be nice…”

“I wan’ jus’ chockit.” Apex said, bouncing up and down a bit.

“You’re already hyper enough.” Pharynx teased lightly, smirking.

“Heh, alright Pharynx, let’s just go get the ice cream.” Thorax said, smiling. He trotted off, leading Apex-and Pharynx-to the dessert table.

Pharynx got his ice cream first, and began eating it eagerly. Thorax smiled, nuzzling his brother, who shooed him away. Thorax giggled, leading them a little bit away from the dessert table so they could eat without being in the way.

“Me nex’ Papa Thorax!” Apex reached out his forelegs.

Thorax chuckled, then levitated Apex’s chocolate ice cream down to the nymph’s eagerly waiting hooves. Apex beamed as he brought the treasured icy treat closer. Then, he took a bite.

Apex froze, eyes widening. He lost his grip on the ice cream as his face scrunched up. He whimpered in pain, it felt like his teeth were cracking.

“Apex, honey, what’s wrong?” Thorax asked worriedly, stepping around the fallen ice cream.

Apex felt tears coming to his eyes, then he wailed. His hoof moved to his jaw, gripping the left side of his muzzle. He cried loudly, hunching over. Thorax scooped him up without hesitation. Apex cuddled against Thorax as he cried, clutching his jaw. Thorax rocked him back and forth.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay sweetie, I-I’ll get you another ice cream, alright?”

“N-No!” Apex pressed closer to Thorax. “N-No’ more!”

“Grub?” Pharynx stepped forwards. “Thorax, what’s going on with him?”

“I-I don’t know, he just ate some ice cream…”

“He’s got his hoof against his jaw…”

“I know…” Thorax nuzzled Apex. “Apex, what’s wrong?”

“H-Hur’s…” Apex whispered

“What? What hurts?”

“M-My m-mouth!” Apex exclaimed

“Come on Pharynx, we need to take him to the infirmary.”

“Right behind you bro.”

Thorax rushed down the hall, still cradling Apex. Pharynx followed fast behind. The two raced into the infirmary.

“Stinger!” Thorax called out, and the unreformed changeling in question trotted up.

“I’m here, what do you need?”

“I-It’s Apex.” Thorax set Apex down gently. “H-He had some ice cream and then just started crying.”

“Ah. I think I know what this is.”

Stinger picked up the nymph and carried him to a bed. Thorax and Pharynx followed worriedly. Stinger grabbed his medic bag and dug through it, producing two slim metal instruments, one with a mirror at one end.

“Pharynx, hold Apex’s mouth open.” Stinger instructed.

Pharynx nodded and obeyed, gently forcing Apex’s mouth open. Stinger carefully maneuvered the tools to look into Apex’s mouth. He nodded.

“Just as I thought.” he pulled back and Pharynx released Apex, who hugged him.

“What is it Sting?” Thorax asked worriedly, as Pharynx rubbed Apex’s back gently.

“Little Apex there has his first cavity.” Stinger explained.

“C-Cavi’y?” Apex whimpered, rubbing his cheek. Stinger nodded.

“It’s when buildup from your food eats away at your tooth. I know Thorax makes you brush your teeth but it’s still possible to get them.”

“Bu’ i’ hur’s when I e-ea’ed ice cream…”

“That’s because the cold ice cream was reacting badly with the sensitive tooth. But don’t you worry, I can fix it.”

“H-How?” Apex asked, pressing against Pharynx.

“Well…” Stinger reached into a few of the cabinets, putting some gloves on over his hooves as he spoke. “First we need to inject a numbing agent into your mouth, so you don’t have to be in pain from that ice cream, and so you won’t feel what comes next.”

“N-Nex’?”

“Yeah. Next, I’ll have to drill a small hole into your tooth, to remove the decayed area. Then I use something called a ‘filling’ to seal it up.”

Apex whimpered. “P-Papa Thorax!”

Stinger turned around. “Apex, it’s okay. You won’t feel a thing, I promise.”

“N-Nu-uh!” Apex reached for Thorax, who picked him up and hugged him. “I-I don’ wanna!”

“Apex, shh, it’s okay my little hyper sprite.” Thorax kissed his forehead. “Sweetie, you need to be brave or else your tooth will keep hurting. You want it to stop hurting, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Then you need to be my brave little nymph, okay?” Thorax nuzzled him and set him on the bed again. “I promise, I’ll be right here holding your hoof the whole time. But you have to be brave for me. Can you do that?”

“O-Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex rubbed his eyes, wiping away tears.

“Alright…” Stinger stepped forwards. “Just lie back for me and open your mouth, okay?”

Apex nodded and laid back, opening his mouth as asked. Thorax took his hoof as promised, holding the small nymph’s hoof tight. Stinger held up the shot, and Apex flinched.

“It’s okay Apex, it’ll be really quick, medic’s honor.”

Apex screwed his eyes shut and nodded, leaning against Thorax. Stinger nodded and placed the needle onto the inside of Apex’s left jaw. Apex yelped slightly as Stinger injected it.

“There you go, you should be completely numb in a few minutes, okay?” Stinger said, stepping back and grabbing a few more things. “Now…”

Apex shifted and curled up slightly, whimpering.

“Apex, it’s okay.” Thorax nuzzled him. “You need to keep your mouth open for Stinger, okay sweetie?”

Apex whimpered but shifted back into place. Stinger nodded to Thorax gratefully, holding a tool that looked like a small drill. Apex yelped slightly. Pharynx pushed past Thorax and laid a hoof on Apex’s shoulder.

“It’s okay grub, it doesn’t hurt, your mouth is too numb for it.” Pharynx assured him.

“H-How d’you know U-Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, mumbling slightly due to going numb where Sting had injected the shot.

Pharynx sighed and nuzzled him. “I-I just do, okay?”

Stinger and Thorax both glanced at Pharynx, but he ignored them. Pharynx kissed Apex’s forehead briefly.

“It’s okay Apex, I promise, it’ll be over soon.” Pharynx assured him.

“O-Okay Uncle Pharynx…” Apex murmured, letting Stinger come closer.

Stinger approached and held out the drill. “I know this looks scary, but the drill is designed for this. It’s not dangerous, it’s only powerful enough to make a tiny hole in your tooth like it’s supposed to, okay?”

Apex nodded, whimpering. Stinger leaned in and placed the drill on the tooth. Thorax flinched and looked away, but he still held Apex’s hoof. Pharynx clenched his jaw and kept his hoof on Apex’s shoulder, watching Stinger.

Stinger then stepped back. “Alright, now we need to put in the filling. Almost done Apex, you’re doing great.”

Apex whimpered and nodded. Stinger revealed a small piping that was leaking a white-ish paste.

“This is the filling, okay? It’ll mold to your tooth. It doesn’t hurt in the slightest, this is the easiest part.” Stinger promised, moving closer.

Apex opened his mouth, closing his eyes. Thorax looked back over and kept his eyes on Apex. Stinger then reached in with the piping and after a minute or two, stepped back. Pharynx sighed slightly in relief and nuzzled Apex.

“All done grub.”

“Pharynx is right, we’re done.” Stinger smiled softly. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Apex shook his head, clambering over to Pharynx, who picked him up. Thorax nuzzled Apex gently.

“Oh sweetie, you were so brave. That’s my little hyper sprite.”

Apex giggled slightly and looked at Stinger. Stinger smiled, having just removed the gloves and washed his hooves.

“You’ll be numb for a few more hours, okay? But that filling will hold. It’s really only meant to last you until your next molt.”

“Wha’ happe’s the’?” Apex asked, nose scrunching slightly as he realized the numbness was affecting his speech.

Stinger chuckled at his reaction. “You see Apex, once you molt, any injuries go away. That of course, means that the filling will disappear with the molt. You’ll have your whole tooth again.”

Apex smiled and snuggled into Pharynx, who chuckled. Stinger chuckled and trotted over to a cabinet, pulling two things out.

“Heh, usually I’d give you a lollipop, but your teeth are still going to be pretty sensitive for a while. So…” Stinger held up a bottle of love extract, as well as a small basket of toys.

Apex gasped softly and reached out. Stinger chuckled and set the love extract in his hooves.

“Go ahead and wash out the taste of the filling with that. The filling itself isn’t harmful, it just may taste a bit bad.” Stinger then shook the basket. “Once you’ve done that, I’ll let you take a couple of these, in place of the lollipop.”

Apex gulped down the love extract, smiling. Thorax giggled and nuzzled him.

“Slow sips sweetie, you don’t want to get the hiccups.”

Apex nodded and slowed down. He still finished the drink quickly. Stinger chuckled and offered up the toy basket. Apex beamed and reached into the basket. Stinger shook it around a little until Apex grabbed two things. Thorax nuzzled Apex gently as Stinger smiled.

“Wha’ ‘re they?”

“Heh, that one’s a little squirty fish, you’re supposed to use it in the bath.” Stinger pointed to the colorful rubber fish.

“Heh, your duck will have a friend now Apex.” Thorax said, and Apex giggled.

“As for that other one… ah, I remember, I put a couple of those in there.” Stinger chuckled as he looked at the thing.

“A game?” Pharynx raised a brow.

“No, it’s shaped like a little game console for effect. See the rings sitting in the water? You press on the little buttons and it sends water waves to lift the rings up. The goal is to get the rings on the targets.” Stinger explained, tapping on the ‘screen’ to show the small spikes on the inside.

Apex giggled and pressed one of the buttons, watching the rings float up. Thorax chuckled and nuzzled him.

“Do you want it Apex? You can pick a different one.”

“Nu-uh, I li’ i’.” Apex said.

“Heh, okay then.” Thorax smiled, looking up. “Thanks Sting.”

“No problem.” Stinger smiled before turning to put the basket of toys back.

Apex looked up at Pharynx as he carried him out of the infirmary. “Un’ca Pharynx?”

“Yeah grub?” Pharynx glanced down at him.

“How come you knew i’ woul’n’ hur’ me?”

Pharynx blushed and looked away. “No reason…”

Thorax chuckled and nuzzled him. “Phar, come on, you can tell us.”

Pharynx sighed. “W-Well… I knew it wouldn’t hurt because… I used to be scared too…”

“Wai’ really? You, Un’ca Pharynx?” Apex asked, holding the toys closer.

“Yeah, me. I got my first cavity back when I was around thirteen… I mean, I pretended like I wasn’t scared, but I was…”

Apex giggled and nuzzled him. Pharynx chuckled and nuzzled back.

“Y-Yeah… I was scared to get a filling, but… well, I faced it, and I made it out. That’s how I knew it wouldn’t hurt. And how I knew you could take it. You’re a toughbug, like me.” Pharynx nuzzled him, making him giggle.

“Mhm… bu’ why coul’n’ Papa Thorax hel’ you?”

“Well, I was pretending I wasn’t scared. He didn’t know.” Pharynx said, looking at Thorax, who chuckled and nodded.

“Mhm. I mean, I had a suspicion, but I didn’t want him to get mad at me…” Thorax said, and Pharynx glared at him. “What? You were scary back then…”

Pharynx rolled his eyes, then looked down at Apex. “Heh, anyway, I also knew you’d be able to handle it because you had someone there for you. And I was right, it didn’t hurt, did it?”

“Nu-uh.”

“Heh, it’s because we’re warriors, grub.” Pharynx nuzzled him. “We’re tough.”

Apex giggled and nuzzled him. “Can we go play wid’ my toys?”

“Of course we can, my little hyper sprite.” Thorax said, nuzzling him.

Apex smiled and giggled as Thorax kissed his forehead. Pharynx chuckled and shifted his hold on the nymph. Apex cuddled against him. Pharynx smiled at the nymph, before letting Thorax take him.

“Thanks.” Thorax whispered, cradling Apex. Pharynx smiled and followed them to Thorax’s room.

Apex giggled as Thorax set him down. He rushed over to his duck, setting the water game aside and putting the squirting fish by the rubber duck. Pharynx chuckled.

“I’m sure you’ll be soaking wet when you give him a bath tonight, Thor.”

Thorax glared at him. “It won’t be that bad! Besides…” Thorax smiled at Apex softly, watching him play, “As long as he’s happy, it’s fine.”

Pharynx chuckled and leaned against Thorax, smiling. Thorax put a foreleg around Pharynx, and he didn’t pull away. The two watched Apex playing with the new toys, placing the duck and fish on top of the water game. He was giggling and smiling, happy again.
> Lullabies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flurry Heart was giving her best friends a tour of her home while the adults who were with them did the same, guided by Cadence.

Ember was there, visiting the Empire to explore a possible trade between the two kingdoms. Thorax and Pharynx were there simply to see Cadence, as she’d invited Thorax over, asking him to bring Apex so they could play. Tempest, as Twilight’s personal guard, had accompanied the Princess while bringing Pound and Pumpkin. Twilight was currently exploring the Empire with Starlight and Sunburst, and had assured Tempest she would be okay without a guard, allowing her to spend the time catching up with Pharynx, Ember, and Thorax.

Apex now followed Flurry Heart, Pound Cake, and Pumpkin Cake aimlessly through the Crystal Empire castle. He was trudging along behind the three, steps slow.

“I can’t ‘lieve you live here Flurry, it’s so big!” Pound cried

“It’s a castle Pound, it’s a’posed to be big.” Pumpkin replied, then looked back. “Apex, are you o‘kay?”

“Huh? Yeah, just sleepy… ‘n my tummy hurts.” Apex mumbled, putting a foreleg around his stomach and grimacing.

“Maybe we should tell someone.” Pound suggested

“I’ll be… fine…” Apex’s legs buckled and he fell. His eyes closed as he hit the floor, groaning.

“Apex!” Pumpkin and Flurry screamed, drawing the attention of the adults.

Thorax, Ember, Cadence, Pharynx, and Tempest ran to them.

“Kids, what happened?” Cadence asked

“Apex said his tummy hurt an’ when he said he’d be okay, he fell.” Flurry replied

Thorax stepped forward and lifted Apex into his foreleg, his antlers glowing with a light blue aura. Thorax closed his eyes and opened his mouth, tasting the nymph’s emotions.

“He’s alright.” Thorax sighed in relief. “He just had too muchlove.”

“What do you mean?” Cadence asked

“Changelings still need some love to survive.” Pharynx explained, stepping forward. “Tastes here and there, usually from other ‘lings or friends. But young nymphs sometimes take in too much, and what’s considered a normal amount for grown changelings can make them sick.”

“What are you going to do then?” Tempest asked

“We’ll just have to draw out the extra love.” Thorax replied

“Draw out…? You mean eat?” Ember asked for confirmation.

“Yep.” Pharynx said simply, before joining Thorax.

The two grown changelings opened their mouths and closed their eyes. Glowing pink light went from Apex into the brothers’ mouths. They stopped, Pharynx licking his lips, and watched Apex closely. The nymph stirred and his eyes opened slowly.

“Papa Thorax?” Apex shifted in his hooves.

“I’m here Apex, it’s okay.” Thorax nuzzled him gently.

“M-My tummy hurts…” Apex moaned, snuggling against the alpha changeling.

“Don’t worry grub, I know something to help with that.” Pharynx told him.

“Cadence, I’m sorry but I think we had better go.” Thorax apologized

“It’s no trouble, I understand.” Cadence assured him.

“I’ll come too. I want to see if he’s okay.” Ember said, stepping forwards.

“Um…” Tempest looked down at Apex, then out the window. “I don’t know if…”

“I’ll let Twilight know where you are Tempest. I’m sure she’ll understand you wanting to be a supportive friend.” Cadence told her.

“Thank you Princess.” Tempest bowed before joining her friends. Together, they headed out.

Later on that day, Thorax was laying in his bed, soothing Apex. He rocked Apex gently in his hooves, and the little nymph moaned.

“Here Thor.” Pharynx entered the King’s bedroom, Tempest and Ember behind him. In his magic, Pharynx carried a steaming mug with a herbal scent wafting out of it.

“Chamomile tea with honey and lemon. It should help.” Pharynx explained, setting the cup down on the bed.

“Thanks Pharynx.” Thorax tilted the cup nearer to the nymph. “Here Apex, try this.”

Apex reached and took a sip of the tea. He licked his lips and took another sip.

“It’s good.”

“Mm-hmm. Take slow sips, okay?” Pharynx warned

Apex pushed the cup away after a few more sips. Thorax pulled Apex closer, nosing him.

“Try to rest, Apex, okay?” Thorax murmured, running a hoof down his stomach to soothe him.

“Flurry Heart told me her mommy sings to her when she can’t sleep…” Apex mumbled, snuggling into Thorax’s chest.

“Well, I can try a song…” Thorax began. Pharynx huffed and moved to a corner of the room.

Apex nestled up close and looked up at him, listening. Thorax’s voice was soft and gentle.

“Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now, quiet now,
It’s time to go to bed.

Drifting off to sleep
Exciting day behind you
Drifting off to sleep
Let the joy of dreamland find you.”

“That’s all?” Tempest asked

“Twilight’s friend Fluttershy told me about it, she said that’s all there is.”

“I know that Thorax. Foals hear it all the time from their parents, including me.” Tempest replied

“Here Thor, let me try.” Ember said

Ember pulled herself onto the bed. She sat down by Thorax’s side and leaned against him, reaching to rub Apex’s head. Then, she sang softly, her voice made it sound slightly melancholy.

“Look to the stars, my darling boy
Life is strange, and vast, filled with wonders and joys
Face each new sun with eyes clear and true
Unafraid of the unknown, because I’ll face it all with you.”

“That’s pretty short too Em.” Pharynx remarked dryly.

“At least I’m trying to help. My mother used to sing it to me. She’d say ‘darling girl’ instead of boy, obviously, but the rest is the same.” Ember told him.

“My turn then, seeing as he’s still awake.” Tempest said, stepping closer to the bed.

Tempest leaned down and nosed Apex so he’d look her way. To Ember and Thorax’s credit, he did look a little drowsier. Tempest began to sing, her singing voice surprisingly deep-throated and pure, but not deep-deep. Just heavy.

“Where the north wind meets the sea
There’s a river full of memory
Sleep my darling, safe and sound
For in this river all is found

In her waters, deep and true
Lay the answers and a path for you
Dive down deep into her sound
But not too far, or you’ll be drowned.

Yes, she will sing to those who’ll hear
And in her song, all magic flows
But can you brave what you most fear?
Can you face what the river knows?

Where the north wind meets the sea
There’s a river full of memory
Come my darling, homeward bound
When all is lost, then all is found.”

Tempest finished her song and Apex yawned. He snuggled deeper into Thorax’s hooves, but still did not sleep.

“Come on Apex.” Tempest sighed. “My grandmother taught me that one.”

“Oh for the hivemother’s sake.” Pharynx groaned. He strode over and leapt onto the bed, settling himself in front of Thorax.

“Pharynx?” Thorax said, confused.

“I know a song. It’s an old changeling lullaby from the days of the old hive. But Tempest...you might not like the first verse.” Pharynx said

“It’s okay. If it helps Apex, I’ll be fine.” Tempest said

“Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, and Pharynx’s gaze softened.

Pharynx used his magic to lift Apex from Thorax’s forelegs and set him between his own. Apex looked up. Pharynx took a breath and began to sing, his voice coming out a rich and soothing baritone.

“The sky is dark and the hills are white
As the Storm King speeds from the north to-night”

Pharynx paused and glanced at Tempest. She made no attempt to stop him but he saw her eyes widen slightly. He looked down at Apex again and continued.

“And this is the song the Storm King sings
As over the world his cloak he flings

Sleep, sleep, little one sleep
He rustles his wings and gruffly sings
Sleep, little one sleep.

On yonder mountain-side a vine
Slings at the foot of a mother pine
The tree bends over the trembling thing
And only the vine can hear her sing:

Pharynx leaned down to nuzzle Apex affectionately, and Apex touched his muzzle gently with a small hoof. Pharynx gave him a soft smile.

Sleep, sleep, little one sleep
What shall you fear when I am here?
Sleep, little one sleep.”

Pharynx pulled Apex closer, laying him against his chest. Apex yawned and closed his eyes.

“The king may sing in his bitter flight
And the pine may croon to the vine to-night
But the little snowflake at my chest
Liketh the song I sing the best

Sleep, sleep, little one sleep
Weary thou art, anext my heart
Sleep, little one sleep.”

Pharynx finished the song, and they saw Apex was asleep. The nymph seemed to be listening to Pharynx’s heartbeat through his chitin. Pharynx smiled proudly and looked up at them.

“Pharynx, that was amazing.” Ember whispered

“Your voice is beautiful Phar.” Tempest added

“Thanks. I was just trying to help the kid sleep.” Pharynx leaned down again and nuzzled Apex.

“I wonder why he calmed down to your song and not any of ours.” Thorax wondered

“Does it really matter? The grub’s asleep and he’s going to be okay.” Pharynx said

“Right.” Thorax very carefully eased himself closer to Pharynx. “Do you mind if I…?”

“Don’t even think about it.” Pharynx warned.

“Okay.” Thorax then promptly moved and laid beside his brother, resting his head by Apex, near Pharynx’s chest. “But I already did it.”

“Great.” Pharynx muttered

Ember and Tempest climbed in after Thorax, settling by the three changelings. Pharynx, despite himself, sighed contentedly as Tempest took up the spot on his other side, resting against him. Ember laid by Thorax instead, curling up beside him.

“Apex wasn’t the only one that lullaby worked on. I’m pretty sleepy myself.” Tempest murmured

“Me too.” Ember mumbled, snuggling into Thorax’s carapace.

“Me… three…” Thorax sighed, before falling asleep.

Pharynx now found himself surrounded on all sides by sleeping creatures. He contemplated what to do and selected the best option. He laid his head down by Apex’s small form and closed his eyes. Soon enough, sleep called to him as well.
> Tensions Build
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex was giggling and laughing as he ran through the Hive, looking behind him at the two nymphs chasing him. They were younger than him, one was a mostly pink female, the other a mostly pale green male. Their names were Scorpia and Capillarie, and they were Ocellus’ little siblings.

Thorax had left Apex in the nursery for the day, and though the little nymph had been adamant about playing with the other nymphs, Capillarie and Scorpia were quick to approach him. Now, they were racing through the halls like they’d been friends forever.

“Heheh, we’re gonna get you Apex!” Capillarie cheered

“Nu-uh! ‘M winnin’!” Apex cried as the nymphs slipped past the adult changelings in the hallway, eliciting surprised yelps from the adults.

The three nymphs ran into the throne room, laughing, but skidded to a halt at the sound of something that wasn’t usually heard in the Hive. Yelling.

Apex’s ears flattened and he shut his eyes tight, memories of Chrysalis yelling at him resurfacing. However, before he could slip too far into that painful recollection, a warm hoof had wrapped around him and scooped him up. Apex smelled the familiar fruity scent of Thorax, and burrowed close.

“P-Papa Thorax?” he opened his eyes, seeing Thorax smiling down at him softly. He then looked up, ears flattening as he saw the source of the yells.

Pharynx was in an attack stance, teeth bared and snarling out responses to the two changelings in front of him. Capillarie and Scorpia’s parents. Their names were Oculus and Pupae, and though they were transformed, they still relied greatly on the Old Ways. Apex knew this from hearing Pharynx complain about them, which was usually whenever he vented to Thorax while they were cuddling with Apex.

“For the last time, no! Now get out of here before I throw you out by your tails!” Pharynx shouted

“We’re not leaving until we get permission!” Pupae insisted, slamming a hoof on the ground. “Those ponies have trespassed on our Hive’s land long enough!”

“That town is at the very edge of the border, it’s hardly getting in the way.” Pharynx remarked, eyes narrowed.

“That doesn’t sound like the Pharynx I remember.” Oculus said, eyeing him. “The old Pharynx would’ve insisted we launch a full-scale attack on them for even considering taking an inch of our territory.”

Pharynx’s eyes widened and he stepped back slightly. “N-No, I-”

“That must be it. Last I heard, you were set up to become King once Chrysalis eventually passed on. But look at you now. Content to take a back seat and let your weakling brother’s decisions be the law you enforce, rather than yours.” Oculus continued, grinning at him.

“Perhaps we were right, you have gone soft, Prince Pharynx.” Pupae said snidely.

Pharynx shook his head and lunged, slamming both his powerful front hooves onto the ground in front of the two, causing the ground to shake. He snarled at them, the remnants of his fangs glinting in the light.

“That is enough!” Pharynx bellowed, glaring at them with cold eyes. “You two have said enough today, get out of here or I’ll force you out!”

Pupae turned away from him, seeing Thorax and the nymphs. Thorax had been comforting Apex, who was beginning to tear up. He then stepped forward, placing the little nymph on his back.

“Pupae, my brother’s right, it’s best you and Oculus leave…”

“Fine.” Pupae snapped, striding towards the doors, Oculus behind her. “Capillarie, Scorpia, come with us.”

“Bye Apex…” Scorpia murmured as the two nymphs followed their mother and father out of the room.

“Those… little… arrghhh!” Pharynx yelled and charged up his antlers, sending a blast of magic at a nearby wall.

Apex whimpered and began crying softly, though he didn’t know why the magic blast had startled him so much. Thorax lifted Apex up and cradled him.

“Shh, it’s okay sweetie. You’re okay.” Thorax reassured him softly. Apex whimpered and reached up, feeling Thorax’s muzzle with his hooves to be sure he was really there.

Pharynx, panting slightly with the frustration, trotted over. “Sorry grub.”

“U-Uncle Pharynx…” Apex reached out for him, and Pharynx took him from Thorax’s hooves. “Wh-Wha’ d’you mean you’re so’ry? Wha’ did you do?”

Pharynx looked up at Thorax, sighing before nuzzling the nymph. “Nothing, just… sorry I scared you.” he told him.

“Wh-Wha’ were they yellin’ bout?”

“Oculus and Pupae want to try and attack the ponies of the town at the edge of the Badlands.”

“Why?”

“They think they’re a threat.” Thorax explained, nuzzling Apex. “They’re not, of course, but I’m afraid those two are very hard-headed.”

“They can’ have their heads brokd’ed?” Apex asked in confusion. Pharynx laughed and smirked.

“You’d think so. No, grub, hard-headed is a way of saying they can’t be easily talked out of something.”

“Oh.” Apex settled in Pharynx’s hooves. “So wha’re they gonna do?”

“Hopefully, they’ll listen to us and not be stupid.” Pharynx responded.

“Mhm. Now come on my little hyper sprite,” Thorax scooped him up, and he squealed in delight. “You want to play a game?”

“Uh-huh!” Apex hugged Thorax, smiling. Thorax laughed and hugged back. Pharynx chuckled, walking over to Thorax’s throne and sitting down beside it. Apex looked over, then squirmed free and bounded over. “Uncle Pharynx?”

“Yeah grub?”

You shouldn’ si’ there.” Apex grabbed his hoof and tugged him over to the oak throne, trying to nudge him into it.

“G-Grub, what are you doing? That’s Thorax’s throne.” Pharynx protested, as Thorax walked over.

“Come on Pharynx, you deserve a chance to sit in it.” Thorax nuzzled him. “You’re a leader too.”

“Yeah, a prince. Contrary to Oculus and Pupae’s remarks, I’m fine being that.” Pharynx shot back.

“Bu’ they sai’ you woulda’ been king.” Apex looked up at him.

“Well, yes, back during the Old Days, Chrysalis would’ve eventually died or retired, and I would’ve taken over.” Pharynx told him. “But I don’t want to be king now.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t sit on my throne for a bit.” Thorax laughed, helping Apex push Pharynx onto the throne.

“Hey!”

“Heh, just sit there for a while, I’ll be playing with Apex anyway.” Thorax said, as the nymph fluttered his wings and took off, booping Thorax’s nose.

“Tag Papa Thorax! You’re i’!” he cried, before rushing off.

Thorax laughed and ran after the nymph, giving chase. Pharynx sighed and settled on the throne, which was surprisingly comfortable for being made of wood. He found himself naturally sprawling on it like Thorax did. He laid his head on the foreleg rest, eyes threatening to close as he watched the joyful nymph and king play.

The sun was shining directly onto the throne, warming the beta changeling’s chitin. He yawned and closed his lavender eyes, settling down. Maybe a quick nap wouldn’t hurt…
> Sacrifices Made
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Pharynx? Pharynx, wake up.”

Pharynx opened his eyes, yawning widely. “Thor? Wha’ time is it?”

“Around two in the afternoon, you fell asleep.” Thorax responded, and Pharynx closed his eyes again. A muzzle grazed his own, and he nudged it away.

“Why’d you wake me up? Something wrong?”

“W-Well, sort of…” Thorax’s worried tone made him open his eyes. “No one has seen Oculus or Pupae since they left the throne room. Capillarie and Scorpia are back in the nursery, but they haven’t seen them either.”

“And you want me to do something about it?”

“Well, you’re a great tracker so I was wondering if you could…?”

Pharynx sighed and sat up. “Fine, but only because they’re technically our subjects. No matter how stupid they are…”

“Thank you Pharynx.” Thorax said, smiling. Apex was napping in the crook of his foreleg.

“Yeah yeah, let’s just get this over with.” Pharynx opened his mouth, scenting the air. “Their scents are faint here, from when they left…”

He led Thorax out of the throne room, following the faded scents of Oculus and Pupae. Pharynx frowned, noticing it led outside the Hive. They stopped quickly for Thorax to put Apex in the nursery to finish his nap.

“They’re heading in a random direction.” Thorax said as Pharynx led him.

“No they’re not.” Pharynx looked ahead, then took off. “They’re heading for the Equestrian border.”

“What?! But-oh no, you don’t think-?”

“Let’s go.” Pharynx said briskly, leading him through the Badlands. Thorax hurried along, worried.

Soon, they reached the border, to be met with the sounds of fighting. Pharynx growled and charged out of the treeline, then skidded to a halt as he saw the scene before them.

Oculus and Pupae were ganging up on two unicorns, who the brothers recognized as the mayor of the town and his sister. Police were keeping the crowd out of the way. Pharynx swore under his breath and burst out of the undergrowth, then sprung at Oculus and Pupae.

His ferocious look seemed to startle them, as the ponies screamed, backing away. They saw him as another threat. But he ignored them, charging and knocking Oculus and Pupae away from the mayor by catching them with his antlers.

“What were you two thinking?!” Pharynx yelled, snarling at them.

“We're only doing what needs to be done, what you and your pathetic brother didn't have the skills to pull off!” Oculus shouted

“We told you not to do this for this exact reason!” Pharynx slammed a hoof on the ground, making the earth shake. “We are not at war with these ponies, leave them be!”

“We won’t stop until they agree to demolish the houses on our territory!” Pupae retorted, snarling.

“They don’t have to do anything, and you don’t have the authority to decide that! I am the General, and my brother is the King, it is only on our authority that that would ever happen!”

As Pupae continued arguing, and Pharynx retorted, Oculus glared around at the ponies watching them. What Pharynx failed to notice, caught up in yelling at the enraged female drone, was that the police of the town were inching toward them. Oculus saw them first, and his eyes widened in realization of what was about to happen.

“-You two need to learn to get your heads out of the Old Days! We can retain some methods but attacking a defenseless town is crossing the line!”

One of the police ponies raised up a crossbow, and Oculus reacted, leaping. Thorax saw it too, stumbling from the undergrowth to reach his brother.

“-You have to listen to your leaders, if we say don't attack a town, you don't attack a tow-”

“My Prince, look out!”

“Pharynx!”

Oculus shoved Pharynx backwards just as Thorax reached the group. Pharynx stumbled back, falling into Thorax's hooves as the crossbow fired. Oculus collapsed to the ground, the arrow sticking out of his side. The force of the crossbow had managed to pierce his tough chitin.

“Oculus!” Pharynx stood up, rushing to him. The drone lifted his head, a half smile on his face.

“Complete idiot of a Prince, though… h-how in Chrysalis’ name… d-did you… not see that coming…?” Oculus laughed weakly, before falling limp. His head hit the ground.

“Oculus!” Pupae shrieked, running to her mate. She looked up, snarling. “You monsters, what have you done to my mate?!”

“Pupae, calm down, please-” Thorax tried to say, but she wasn't listening.

“You killed him, now I'll kill you!” She screamed

“Pupae, you will stand down now, that is an order!” Pharynx shouted at the top of his lungs.

Everyone was silent, then, a pony screamed. It was easy to see why. Pharynx was giving Pupae a look that was unmistakably the look Chrysalis was known for. The police ponies once again raised their weapons. Pupae laughed and looked over at the brothers, eyes sharp and certain.

“Your majesties, get into the woods, I'll give you some time.”

“Pupae, no-” Thorax started to say, but she cut him off.

“Please, your majesty. Just promise me you'll look after the kids for us.” Pupae said, giving them a deep look. “Please. Our only regret would be not giving them a good family after all we did was neglect them.”

Thorax's eyes widened, but before he could protest further, Pupae had let out a battle cry and lunged. She leapt and stood over Oculus, protecting his unmoving body with her own. Pharynx grabbed Thorax and dragged him back into the trees.

They stayed in the woods until silence fell again. When they came back out, Thorax instantly began crying. Pharynx merely surveyed the scene silently.

Pupae had fallen, arrows in her side and wounds all over. She lay beside Oculus, as the mayor spoke with the police ponies. Thorax stepped forward and got the mayor’s attention. They spoke for a minute, then Thorax returned, wiping tears from his eyes.

“Well?”

“We're taking them home.” Thorax told him in a low voice. Pharynx nodded and pulled Pupae onto his back. Thorax took Oculus. Together, they bore the two back home.

Pharynx was in a numb state, eyes staring straight ahead, his hooves guiding him down the memorized path without their aid. He could barely believe what had just happened, especially one part. He watched the scene over and over again in his mind as they walked.

“They… they saved us… me… they hated me… but they still… Oculus still sacrificed himself for me… they still… called me their prince…”
> A Price Paid
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex was playing in the nursery with Capillarie and Scorpia when Thorax and Pharynx came in. It had been about a week, and the two nymphs were still grieving over the loss of their parents. Apex was trying to cheer them up, nuzzling them and trying to get them to play games with him.

“Papa Thorax!”

“Heh, there you are my little hyper sprite.” Thorax smiled sadly. It looked like he’d been crying. Apex trotted over and let Thorax pick him up. Apex nuzzled him. “Capillarie, Scorpia, how are you doing?”

“Okay… w-we wanna see Celly…” Scorpia said

“I know. I’m trying to get Twilight to let her come here, but she said something about seeing Ocellus soon anyway…” Thorax scooped them up.

Pharynx rolled his eyes and took Apex, cradling him. Apex giggled and nuzzled him. Pharynx sighed and nuzzled back. Apex hugged him.

“Wh-Whas’ gonna happen t’ Capillarie an’ Scorpia, Uncle Pharynx?”

Pharynx sighed and nosed him. “I’m not sure Apex.”

“Th-They’ll be ‘kay, righ’?” Apex asked nervously

“...Yeah. Yeah, they’ll be fine Apex.”

Apex whimpered and snuggled up to Pharynx, worried.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex rushed through the Hive, slipping past random changelings. Panting, the little nymph went bursting into the throne room. “Papa Thoraaax!”

“Apex! What’s wrong?!” Thorax asked frantically, sitting up. Apex ran up to him, letting the alpha changeling scoop him up.

“C-Capill‘rie a-an’ Scorpia c-co‘lapsed! F-Fema t-took them somewhere…”

“The infirmary, probably, let’s go.” Thorax said

“Wait you two.” Pharynx stepped in front of him. “I should probably prepare you… both of you, before we go.”

“Wh-What do you mean Pharynx?” Thorax asked, holding Apex close.

“Well… you both know how nymphs those two’s age survive.” Pharynx said

“They drink nec’er.” Apex said, somewhat proud he’d known the answer, but still worried.

“Yes Apex. And that nectar is produced by their mothers. And, well, I talked with them the other day, and…” Pharynx sighed. “Well, they aren’t weaned off the nectar yet.”

“Oh no…” Thorax whispered

“S-So… th-they’re gonna…?” Apex whimpered, tearing up.

“Maybe, grub.” Pharynx admitted

“No!” Apex squirmed out of Thorax’s hooves and ran down the hall.

“Apex, wait!” Thorax called, he and Pharynx chasing after the nymph.

Apex burst into the infirmary, rushing into the room he detected Capillarie and Scorpia’s scents from. He skidded to a halt, looking at them, where they lay on the bed. Scorpia sat up as he came in.

“Apex?”

“S-Scorpia… Capill’rie…” Apex clambered onto the bed, sitting beside them. “‘Re you okay?”

“Mhm, for now… b-but I don’t think we’re gonna stay that way…” Capillarie said softly, coughing and spitting out some changeling slime.

“N-No, you hafta…” Apex stammered, eyes watering as Thorax and Pharynx entered the room.

“W-We’re not going to last much longer… I dreamt about it…” Capillarie told him, reaching and resting a hoof on Apex’s. “You’ll be okay Apex…”

“B-Bu’ you an’ Scorpy gotta s’ay…”

“No…” Scorpia coughed, closing her eyes. “I-I can hear mommy and daddy… they’re calling for me…”

“I hear them too…” Capillarie said, closing his eyes. “I-I can see daddy…”

“No…” Apex whimpered, beginning to cry. Thorax picked him up, cradling him. “N-No, don’ leave me…”

“We have to Apex… we’re sorry…” Scorpia leaned over and nuzzled him. “You’ll be okay.”

“N-No… no’ wi’ou’ you…”

“You’ll find other friends, better ones.” Capillarie told him, smiling. “Ones that’ll be with you forever…”

“I don’ wan’ o’er frien’s!” Apex wailed

“Sorry it has to be like this Apex…” Scorpia mumbled, lying down.

“N-No… P-Papa Thorax, d-do something…” Apex looked up at Thorax, who sighed, eyes filled with tears.

“I’m sorry Apex… but I-I can’t stop this…”

“B-Bu’ y-you’re the bes’es’…” Apex turned to Pharynx, whimpering. “U-Uncle Pharynx…? C-Can’ you-”

“No one can grub. It’s just life.” Pharynx told him solemnly.

Apex couldn’t take it any longer. He sobbed and buried his face into Thorax’s chest. He heard Capillarie coughing and lying down beside his sister.

“See you in Elysium, Scorpie…” Capillarie mumbled

“I’ll be there soon Cappy…” Scorpia replied

Apex cried harder, shielding himself from the surely frightening sight and trying not to think about what was about to happen to his friends. He heard Scorpia saying something to Thorax, and him responding, also seeming to be crying. Then, after a few moments of silence, Thorax kissed Apex’s forehead.

“It’s okay sweetie… i-it’s over…”

“Th-They’re… g-gone?” Apex asked, voice muffled. He didn’t look up from his hiding spot.

“Yes grub… they’re in a safer place now.” Pharynx said from somewhere off to the side, his muzzle touching the hiding nymph’s cheek.

“It’s alright my little hyper sprite. They’re safe, and happy now. They’ll never know hunger, pain, fear, or sadness ever again.”

“B-Bu’ isn’ tha’ wha’ they al’rea’y had here?” Apex pulled his head away from Thorax’s chest, looking up at him and wiping his eyes. “S-Safe’y? A-All the love they need? N-No fear or pain or nothin’?”

“They’re going someplace where they can have more of that than we could offer.” Thorax told him

Pharynx sighed and nodded, nuzzling him. “Thorax is right. The world isn’t all good Apex. I know it’s hard grub, life is like that. But they’re better off there than here.”

Apex sobbed again, clinging onto Thorax. The king sighed and carried him out of the room, Pharynx following. Thorax took Apex back to his room, laying down in the bed and setting Apex in between his forelegs. Apex cuddled into him, and Pharynx laid Blizzard in the nymph’s hooves.

Apex clutched the bear, whimpering and crying. Thorax rubbed his back, and Apex reached, wrapping his tiny hooves around Thorax’s large one. He carefully guided the monarch’s hoof to his mouth, and began to suck on it. Thorax smiled sadly and kissed the nymph on the forehead, letting him suck on his hoof until he fell asleep.

“Thorax?” Pharynx’s voice asked faintly as Apex drifted off. The nymph pricked his ears, trying to catch what Pharynx was saying. “-do about Ocellus?”

“Well… I guess we’ll have to hope Twilight was telling the truth about seeing her soon…” Thorax responded. That was the last thing Apex heard before falling asleep.
> Back At The Hive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ocellus trotted happily through the fields that led her home. She was leading her class, as well as Headmare Twilight, which made her feel very important. This, combined with the excitement from her friends and fellow students behind her, was giving her enough energy to press forward.

It was so great that Headmare Twilight had finally been granted permission from all the parents/guardians to take the class on a field-road trip (as the students had begun calling it) to each of the different kingdoms. Of course, the kingdoms had been told at the beginning of the school semester that they’d be coming sometime around late spring, and that time was now. They’d stopped by Canterlot for a tour first, and now, they were on their way to the Changeling HIve.

“How much further, Ocellus?” Gallus asked, wiping his brow. It was hot out in the Badlands, since there were no pegasi to control the weather.

“Not too far! You can see the Hive from here, look!” she pointed to the large black spires in front of them.

“So, all this used to be a wasteland?” a pony asked from the back of the group.

“Mhm! But after King Thorax brought about the Great Change, the love-starved, barren lands began to return. We think it’s because there’s so much love now.” Ocellus explained

As Ocellus was talking, many creatures began pulling out notebooks to jot down the information. Knowing their Headmare, there would likely be a test on this information as they took the train to their next stop. Of course, this had caused some debate among the students on whether it was really fair, seeing as five of them would already know everything about their own kingdom, and would likely have told each other already, plus Sandbar, as he was also their friend.

Regardless of the fairness of the tests, the students remained eager. Ocellus most of all, she couldn’t wait to see her family and home again. She continued talking to the others about the history of the changelings, knowing it was something Thorax probably wouldn’t mention much, he didn’t like remembering that time. And despite her friend’s occasional jokes, all the students knew Ocellus’ lectures were far more bearable than their Headmare’s.

As they neared the Hive, they saw something moving in the grass. Ocellus stopped, looking at it, and the others followed her gaze. The grass began twitching as whatever it was came closer and closer, then…

“Wrow!” a small mew emitted from the grass, and an orange tabby kitten jumped out of the grass, chasing crickets.

“Awww!” nearly everyone cried, and Silverstream scooped up the tiny kitten.

“Oh, you’re so cute! Yes you are, yes you are!” she cooed, and the kitten mewed.

“Hey! ‘M no’ cute!” it suddenly squeaked, and Silverstream gasped.

“You can talk?!”

“‘Course I can!” the kitten squirmed out of her grip, falling to the ground. In a green flash, the kitten hit the ground as a nymph. His ruby red eyes stared up at all the different creatures.

“Apex!” Ocellus exclaimed, smiling at him, and he turned to face her, bouncing slightly.

“Hi Celly!”

“What are you doing out here? Nymphs are supposed to be in the Hive.” Ocellus said

“Sillia’s watching me!” Apex said cheerfully. “We’re playin’!”

“Apex!” a voice called.

“Go’a go!” Apex yelped, running away. An icy blue colored changeling burst through the grass, panting.

“Apex! You… get… back… here…” she gasped.

“He went that way Sillia.” Ocellus told her, and she looked over.

“Oh, Ocellus! Nice to see you! Thanks, the little scourge’s been getting away from me since I brought him out here.” Sillia panted, taking off again.

Ocellus giggled and watched them go, then they continued on. They headed into the Hive, where Ocellus took them to the throne room.

“King Thorax?” Ocellus walked in, seeing the king lounging on his throne, Pharynx sitting beside him.

“Ocellus!” Thorax stood and trotted over. “Nice to see you and your fellow students. Hi Twilight.”

“Nice to see you Thorax.” Twilight greeted, smiling. “We’re visiting all the different kingdoms to study the different aspects of friendship within them, I mentioned it earlier this semester, I believe.”

“O-Oh, of course!” Thorax smiled brightly. “It’s great to see you. I don’t exactly have anything specific planned, but I can take you on a tour.”

“That would be great!” Twilight agreed, taking over leading them.

Ocellus dropped back to talk with Pharynx, who had followed them. “Hey Pharynx.”

“Hello Ocellus.” Pharynx greeted, not looking at her.

“So, uh, how are my parents? I know you don’t like them but…”

Pharynx gulped and looked down at the ground. “Kid… I-”

“Papa Thoraaax! Help!” a green blur came rushing towards them, leaping and jumping onto Thorax’s head.

“Apex? What’s wrong?” Thorax looked up at him as Sillia ran up.

“There you are you little-oh, Thorax, you found him.” Sillia stopped, panting.

“Sillia’s chasin’ me!” Apex said, holding onto Thorax’s antler.

“Because you wouldn’t stop running!” Sillia retorted, sighing.

“Sorry if he caused you any trouble Sillia, thank you for watching him.” Thorax told her, as Apex dropped into his foreleg, snuggling against the king. “You can go rest now, if you want.”

“Thank you your majesty.” Sillia said, giving a playful glare to Apex before leaving. Thorax smiled at the nymph, setting him on his back.

“Sorry about that everyone, let’s continue.”

After the tour of the Hive, Thorax showed them to a nesting chamber where they could stay for the night. As the group settled in, Pharynx left with Apex, leaving Thorax to talk with them.

“You guys really sleep in these?” Sandbar asked, settling into a moss-lined nook in the wall.

“We used to.” Ocellus said, setting her saddlebags in a nest.

“There are separate rooms now, for changelings who prefer beds. But I kept a few nesting chambers open, for those of us who liked being together. Of course, we’ve made them more comfortable now.” Thorax explained. “Though this one will be empty tonight.”

“Why?” Smolder asked, nudging Ocellus’ saddlebags aside and curling up in the nest.

“Well, another thing we do is sleep in clusters, it helps us restore energy.” Thorax told her. “I created a communal resting chamber for that, which is where the changelings that usually stay in here will be tonight.”

“So… you guys just cuddle together?” Smolder asked

“I bet it’s great!” Silverstream said, and Thorax laughed sheepishly.

“Y-Yeah, it is. Uh, before I go, Ocellus, could I speak with you?”

“O-Oh, sure Thorax.” Ocellus said, trotting over to him. Thorax led her out, where they joined Pharynx in the throne room. Apex was curled up on Thorax’s throne, yawning.

“Ocellus… we have something to tell you…” Thorax said, picking up Apex. “It’s… about your family…”

“Wh-What about them?” Ocellus asked nervously.

“Well… you see… there was a… accident…” Thorax said, looking away, eyes watering. “They tried attacking the town at the edge of the Badlands, a-and when Pharynx stopped them…”

“W-What? What happened?”

“They… they saved my life Ocellus…” Pharynx admitted, stepping forward. “Oculus… he pushed me out of the way of a crossbow arrow… and Pupae distracted the police so I could get Thorax out of the way…”

“Th-They… they did…?” Ocellus began tearing up. “But… but they… they hated you…”

“I know… I still don’t understand why they did it… but… they saved my life.”

“Th-Then… what about Capillarie and Scorpia?” Ocellus asked, and Pharynx looked at Thorax.

“Well…” Thorax trailed off as Apex whimpered. “Sweetie, it’s okay…”

“No i’s no’!” Apex jumped down and ran to Ocellus, hugging her. “C-Celly, P-Papa Thorax sai’ they’re with y-your mommy an’ daddy an’ they’re no’ gonna be hungry or scared or sad an’more bu’ I don’ wan’ them to leave!”

Ocellus gasped and hugged Apex “N-No… they…” soon, both nymphs had begun crying.

“They weren’t able to survive without Pupae… I’m so sorry Ocellus…” Thorax stepped forwards and hugged her. Pharynx moved closer.

“I-I understand… it’s not your fault…” Ocellus wiped her eyes and looked away. “I-I should go back to the others a-and get ready for bed…”

“Okay Ocellus.” Thorax nuzzled her. “You’re welcome to join us in the communal resting chamber, if you want.”

“Thank you Thorax…” Ocellus mumbled, turning and leaving the throne room. Thorax sighed and held Apex, cradling him.

“Give her some time Thor.” Pharynx spoke.

“Okay… come on my little hyper sprite, let’s get you to bed.” Thorax murmured, carrying Apex to the communal resting chamber.

By the time Ocellus returned to the nests where her friends were, it was dark. Most of the kids were asleep, but her friends had stayed up to wait for her. They noticed she seemed upset, but when she didn’t tell them what happened, they simply wished each other goodnight and settled down to sleep.

Ocellus laid down in a nest with Smolder, burrowing down into the moss and closing her eyes. Smolder watched her in concern, reaching and laying a claw on her shoulder.

“Celly?” Smolder whispered. “You okay?”

“Y-Yeah… I’m fine…” Ocellus mumbled, standing up. “I just… need some fresh air…”

“Okay Celly.” Smolder reached up and kissed her on the cheek, sapphire blue eyes shining in the darkness. “I’ll be right here when you get back, take all the time you need.”

Ocellus smiled at her softly, then left. She stepped cautiously through the Hive, looking around. Ocellus found herself entering the communal resting chamber. There, mostly everyone was asleep, all but one of them. This changeling was in the center of the huddle, the drones surrounding him were cuddling and resting on him.

“Th-Thorax…?” Ocellus walked through the soft layer of moss on the floor, making the king look up. “C-Can I sleep in here tonight…?”

“Of course you can Ocellus.” Thorax said, as Apex yawned and opened his eyes.

“Celly?”

“Hi Apex…”

Apex smiled softly and wiggled, pressing himself against Thorax’s foreleg. “You can sleep nex’ t’me if you wan’.”

Ocellus smiled and laid down beside the younger nymph, between Thorax’s forelegs. Apex nuzzled her, then closed his eyes, falling back asleep. Ocellus rested her head on Thorax’s chest, and he put a hoof around her.

“Go ahead and rest Ocellus.” Thorax assured her, as another changeling entered the room. They both looked up to see who it was, recognizing the glowing lavender eyes.

“Pharynx?” Ocellus asked, and he blushed slightly as he laid down beside Thorax, shoving a few sleeping changelings aside.

“I couldn’t sleep, okay?” he muttered, leaning against Thorax’s shoulder. Thorax chuckled and wrapped a hoof around his brother, pulling him close.

“Heh, okay Pharynx. Goodnight.” Thorax said, and he grunted. Thorax then looked at Ocellus. “Night Ocellus. Sleep well…”

“Goodnight Thorax… goodnight Pharynx…” Ocellus murmured, closing her eyes.

Thorax nuzzled her sadly before resting his head on the ground and going to sleep.

The next morning, Pharynx woke up first. He got Thorax up, and not wanting to wake up Ocellus before she was ready, they took a still asleep Apex to the throne room. Thorax sat with Apex on the throne, holding the nymph. Pharynx sat by the throne, the two brothers waiting for what they knew would happen.

Eventually, by the time Apex woke up, Ocellus entered the throne room. She was wearing her saddlebags and Smolder was next to her. The dragon rubbed Ocellus’ back gently, murmured something to her, then left. Ocellus trotted closer to them, looking down at the ground.

“Ocellus?” Thorax asked softly. Apex sat up on Thorax’s head, and Pharynx looked over.

“I… I had the night to think about things…” Ocellus spoke quietly.

“A-And…?” Thorax asked hesitantly. Ocellus fell silent. Thorax stood up and walked to her. Pharynx followed him.

“Th-They’re gone… They’re really gone…” Ocellus finally whispered, speaking through sobs. “I… Oh C-Celestia, I-I’m an orphan… I-I’m… alone…”

“No Ocellus, you’re not an orphan.” Thorax assured her, as Apex jumped down to hug her around the neck. Thorax pulled her close. “I promise, I won’t let you be alone.”

“Wh-What do you mean-?” Ocellus broke off.

“Ocellus, I promise, I’ll always be here for you.” Thorax said, looking at her. “I’ll look after you. I’ve always seen you as good as my own daughter, anyway…”

“You… really? You have…?” Ocellus looked at him.

“Of course. And I promise you, Ocellus, I’ll take care of you, whatever you need, I’ll do.” Thorax hugged her. “You’re not just my protege, you’re my family. And I won’t leave you alone.”

“Y-Yeah, me ei’er. Y-You’re a good sis’er…” Apex said, wiping his eyes and hugging her.

“Same here.” Pharynx stepped over, smiling softly. “You’re a good kid Ocellus, I wouldn’t mind spending a little more time with you… as a member of the family…”

Ocellus gasped, then hugged them back, smiling through her tears. Pharynx hesitantly stepped closer, allowing himself to be caught in the hug. She held on tight.

“Thank you…” Ocellus whispered. “I-I love you all…”

“We love you too Ocellus.” Thorax responded, holding her tightly. “We all do. We won’t let you go through this alone.”
> Sister-Brother Bonding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pharynx sighed and tapped his hoof restlessly on the side of his bed. He sighed again, staring blankly at the book on war strategies he had propped up on the pillow. Usually it would draw him in and he’d be invested in the thing, but today he was too bored. Apex was spending the day with Thorax, so he couldn’t train him. The patrols had-surprisingly-gone on their rounds without his prompting. And with Thorax occupying Apex, there wasn’t anything to discuss with his brother.

All in all, Pharynx had the day off. And he hated it.

Pharynx wasn’t the kind of changeling to take days off. He loved working, especially if it involved training in any way. He always did his best to make sure he at least had something to do.

The beta changeling sighed and stood up, sliding the book back onto the shelf. He then stretched a bit and wandered out of his room. Pharynx wasn’t planning on going anywhere in particular, but hoped a short walk might help him think of something to do.

“I could always do some solo-training… no, it’s not as fun without a nymph to boss around… I could grab one of the nymphs from the nursery… maybe that yellow and blue one… what was his name? Parquel? Stupid name… but he seems tough enou-”

Pharynx’s train of thought was abruptly cut off as he collided with something. Due to not paying much attention to where he was going, Pharynx had bumped into someling.

“Oof!” a small voice grunted as Pharynx stepped back. He then saw who he’d bumped into.

“Oh, it’s just you Ocellus.”

“Nice to see you too Pharynx.” Ocellus said smoothly, picking herself up.

“Whatever.” Pharynx sighed, rolling his eyes. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“You know that school’s out for the summer-”

“I meant, why are you in my way?”

“Well, Thorax was going to help me with a lesson to prepare me for my future role in the Hive, but he’s-”

“Playing with the grub, I know.”

“Mhm. Since he said I could take a break from studying for the day, I thought maybe I could go read outside.” Ocellus explained, showing Pharynx her saddlebags, which had a couple books tucked inside. Pharynx noticed most of them seemed to be about dealing with loss, but chose not to comment on that.

Pharynx rolled his eyes. “Of course Ocellus would go outside just to read… wait…”

“You know, you could be doing something else other than burying your muzzle in a book.” Pharynx said, and Ocellus hugged her bags protectively.

“Like what?” she asked, raising a brow, and Pharynx gave a slight sigh.

“Look, I know that you’re upset about Oculus and Pupae-”

“Upset doesn’t begin to describe-”

“Let me finish. I know you’re upset about them and grieving, but trust me, reading about loss and how to deal with it isn’t going to help. Everyone has their own way of coping with grief and the methods in books can only go so far, believe me.”

“Why should I?” Ocellus asked, and Pharynx didn’t respond. She rolled her eyes. “Fine, what do you suggest I do then?”

“Well, how about a lesson from me? Thorax has been teaching you a lot about diplomatic things you’ll need to know, but I haven’t gotten much of a chance to show you the other things you’ll need to learn.” Pharynx said, a smirk growing on his face.

“Oh, well, okay-wait.” Ocellus’ eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What kind of things?”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I really should have seen this coming.” Ocellus sighed

“Oh quit complaining and get in position.” Pharynx said, circling her.

“I don’t see how this is supposed to help.”

“Two ways. If you’re going to be our Royal Advisor you need to know proper fighting techniques, so if necessary you can help me protect Thorax. Because I can only watch one of you at a time, it would be helpful if you could defend yourself.”

“And the other way?”

“Learning to fight was something that Oculus and Pupae enjoyed greatly, and it might help you cope if you did things that they used to do.”

Ocellus sighed and sunk into a battle stance. “Alright, I guess I can understand that… but still, I don’t see the logical point of this, you act like you’re expecting us to be attacked any day now.”

“I’m just trying to ensure you can protect yourself.” Pharynx retorted, gesturing for her to adjust her stance. “Come on, if Apex can do this so can you.”

“Fine…” Ocellus shifted, getting into the correct position. “Now what do you want me to do?”

“I’m going to startle you, you need to dodge me.” Pharynx said. “I could come from any direction, so be on alert.”

“Alright, alright.” Ocellus crouched low, barely hearing Pharynx leave. She pricked her ears and listened close, trying to hear something that might signal Pharynx was nearby.

Soon, Ocellus began to think Pharynx had tricked her. She sighed and tensed her muscles, preparing to stand. Then, just as Ocellus opened her mouth to call out to Pharynx, something hard rammed into her side. She shrieked as she fell into the sand of the training hollow.

“The element of surprise, key to any battle.” Pharynx spoke from above her. “Never let your guard down, Ocellus, basic knowledge.”

“Hmph. You cheated, you never said you’d wait for me to give up.”

“I didn’t wait. I was creeping towards you the whole time. If your senses were more fine-tuned you’d have heard me coming. Or maybe not, I’m not the best in the Hive at all physical activities for nothing.” Pharynx said.

“Yes, how wonderful.” Ocellus muttered, giving him a look. “Do we have to keep going? I want to read my books.”

“You can do that later, training is more important. It’s like studying, the only way to get better is to keep practicing.” Pharynx told her

“You know, I never thought about it connecting to studying like that… but I guess it makes sense.” Ocellus said, putting a hoof to her chin in thought.

“The reason you never thought of it that way is probably because you were convinced physical activity had no real purpose at all.” Pharynx said, looking at her

“I guess… I mean, I didn’t think it was a waste of time necessarily, but I didn’t think it was something I’d have to do very often… mom and dad used to try to convince me too but…”

As Ocellus trailed off, Pharynx reached and laid a hoof on her shoulder gently, giving her shoulder a light pat of comfort.

“Well if you’re going to be my royal advisor you’ll find that you’re very wrong very soon.” Pharynx chuckled, smirking. “Oh, the training I’m going to put you through…”

Ocellus gulped nervously, looking around. She then spotted her books, the saddlebag they were in having been placed at the edge of the training hollow. She smiled slightly, looking at Pharynx.

“Well, if you like training so much, maybe we can try mental training instead?”

“You just want an excuse to read your books.” Pharynx accused

“Not exactly.” Ocellus smiled. “I was thinking maybe… chess?”

Pharynx blinked, then grinned. “Sure, if you want to be beaten again. I’m great at chess.”

“Oh we’ll just see about that.” Ocellus muttered, grinning.

-------------------------------------------------

“How are you doing that?!” Pharynx exclaimed, glaring at Ocellus, who was looking at him smugly.

“You’re not the only one who’s allowed to be smart.” Ocellus replied, moving a pawn forwards.

Pharynx glared at her, then resumed his focus on the chessboard. Ocellus was almost to his king, so he moved it to the left. Ocellus grunted, realizing she didn’t have any pieces there, and Pharynx smirked.

“How are you so good at this?” Ocellus asked, moving her rook. “I figured you only care about physical fitness!”

“Just because I enjoy training my body doesn’t mean I don’t know how to train my brain.” Pharynx retorted, stung a little by her comment. He pushed a pawn to the left, which Ocellus quickly captured. “Besides, war strategies are a lot like chess.”

“How so?” Ocellus asked, jumping a square with her knight and capturing his bishop.

“You’re the general and the pieces are your soldiers. For example, Ocellus…” Pharynx placed a pawn near her queen, which she took. “It would seem like you’re winning.”

“Indeed it would.” Ocellus said, grinning.

“Just one question.” Pharynx jumped a square with his knight. “How many of my pawns do you have?”

“Seven.”

“And how many do I have total?”

“Eight. But why should that-”

“Because you’ve neglected to notice that while you’ve been busy capturing the pieces I attempt to move towards the front of where your queen is guarding the king, one of my pawns has your king from behind.”

“W-What?!” Ocellus’ eyes widened as Pharynx grabbed the named pawn and used it to knock her king over.

“Checkmate.” he said smoothly.

“Wha-I-how?!”

Pharynx smirked and leaned back in his seat, chuckling as Ocellus gazed at him in surprise.

“You see, Ocellus, a player must be willing to sacrifice all his or her pieces in order to ensure success.” Pharynx explained, smirking at her. “Don’t be embarrassed, I had to learn that once too.”

“Oh really? By who then?” Ocellus said, though only pretending to be interested as she picked up the game pieces.

“General Fortuna.”

Ocellus froze and nearly dropped the bishop she was holding. Pharynx chuckled, standing up.

“F-Fortuna?”

“Yep. Greatest General and mentor I could’ve asked for.” Pharynx replied, staring off into the distance wistfully. “I remember when she did this to me. Granted, she only gave me a brief explanation of how the pieces moved before we started, while you already know how to play, so it wasn’t quite the same.”

“She taught you how to play chess?”

“She taught me pretty much everything I know. Heck, she even tried to teach me to be nicer to Thorax.” Pharynx laughed, and Ocellus gaped at him. “Well, it’s true. She became like a second mother to me, after a while.”

“Oh…” Ocellus looked away, realizing now why Pharynx had seemed so sure that reading wouldn’t help her grief. “I’m sorry that she-”

“Don’t be. It was a long time ago, and she died doing what she loved. She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” Pharynx replied, packing up the rest of the chess set.

“”So she’s the reason you have mental and physical capabilities?”

“Pretty much. Of course, you weren’t so bad yourself.”

“But you completely dominated me.” Ocellus objected

“I wouldn’t say that.” Pharynx chuckled, smiling slightly. “If I hadn’t suddenly remembered the trick Fortuna pulled on me in my first game, you would have won.”

“W-Wait, really?” Ocellus asked, and he nodded.

“Yes, really.” Pharynx replied, rolling his eyes. “Congratulations, you’ve realized sometimes the General can be beat. He just prefers not to tell creatures it’s possible.”

Ocellus giggled softly, then yawned. “S-Sorry, I’m a bit tired from all the training and the surprising strain that chess match put on me.”

“Hey, you played against the King, of course you’re tired.” Pharynx said sharply, laughing.

“No, I played against the Prince. Thorax is with Apex.” Ocellus said cooly. Pharynx grunted.

“That’s not funny.”

“So?” Ocellus giggled, grabbing her bags and yawning again. “I think I’m just going to go read in my room.”

Pharynx sighed and stepped in front of her. “You want a lift?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, I am the reason you’re tired.” Pharynx lowered down slightly. “Go on, climb on.”

“Really? You want to carry me?” Ocellus raised a brow. “Let me guess, you’re going to drop me.”

“Oh come on, I may be rude and sarcastic but I’m not cruel, Ocellus.” Pharynx said. “Besides, if I can deal with the grub climbing on me then I can handle you.”

“Okay…” Ocellus fluttered her wings, settling herself on the larger changeling’s back.

Pharynx then straightened up and began walking towards Ocellus’ room. He sighed slightly as he felt Ocellus rest her head against the back of his neck. The beta changeling continued walking, trying not to think about one of his guards seeing this and teasing him later.

Pharynx managed to make it back to Ocellus’ room without anyone seeing the two. He stopped and let her climb off.

“Thanks Pharynx.” Ocellus said, adjusting her saddlebags. “But… why did you do that for me?”

Pharynx sighed. “I don’t know, I just felt like being nice.” he then saw the look on her face. “Hey, it happens every once in a while you know.”

“I guess… well… thank you.” Ocellus said, pulling one of her books out. Pharynx didn’t recognize it, the cover was black and white, the title in pink. Moxie.

“What’s that?” Pharynx asked, and Ocellus glanced down at the book he was staring at.

“Oh, Moxie? I put it in there in case I got tired of reading the other books. Why?” Ocellus asked

“It seems… I mean, it…” Pharynx trailed off.

“Yes?”

“Is it a crime for me to like reading sometimes, Ocellus?”

“Well, no, I was just kind of surprised you were interested.” Ocellus admitted

“Yeah, well…” Pharynx sighed and looked away. “Look, I just… we did say you were a part of the family, but I know you and I don’t really spend a lot of time together. I know how hard it is to lose someone you care about, and… I want to make sure you’re okay. Happy?”

Ocellus blinked, and then lunged for him. Pharynx immediately tensed up, but he didn’t have to, as Ocellus wrapped her hooves around him.

“Um… okay…” Pharynx said, pushing her away a little.

“Sorry…”

“It’s fine, just maybe don’t do that again in public?” Pharynx asked, looking around. Ocellus snickered.

“Afraid of wounding your reputation as a tough warrior? That ship’s sailed, cuddlebug.”

Pharynx turned bright red and snarled at her. “What have I told you about that nickname?”

Ocellus just laughed and walked into her room. Pharynx growled and followed her.

“You’re insufferable.” Pharynx said, glaring at her. Ocellus just stuck her tongue out at him. “Seriously?”

“What? Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do to your-” Ocellus broke off.

“Your what?” Pharynx asked

“...Siblings.” Ocellus whispered

“Wait… I thought-”

“It’s very flattering that Thorax sees me as a daughter.” Ocellus cut him off. “But honestly… you’ve always kind of been like an older brother to me. A rude, sarcastic, mean-”

“Watch it.” Pharynx warned

“-Annoying brother, but a brother nonetheless.” Ocellus said, looking down at the ground. “Besides, you are pretty funny sometimes, and you do act like you're my age when we interact.”

“Sometimes. And only because you’re so hard to deal with when we fight.”

“Exactly. Brother and sister.” Ocellus looked back up. “Would you… want to be like my brother?”

Pharynx looked at the nymph’s hopeful, wide eyes, and sighed. “I guess… that wouldn’t be so bad. Besides, apparently I treat you like a sister anyway.”

Ocellus beamed, then set her bag down on her bed. “Thank you Pharynx… would you like to read with me? I think you’d like Moxie.”

“Alright, alright.” Pharynx sighed, sitting beside Ocellus on the bed.

Ocellus smiled and opened the book. Pharynx sighed and pulled her over to him, and Ocellus smiled, continuing to read. Pretty soon, the nymph had dozed off, the book falling from her hooves. Pharynx grabbed it and set it down, then laid Ocellus down in her bed.

Pharynx then yawned and shifted, trying to get up. “I probably have time to go take a nap…”

“No… stay…” Ocellus mumbled, and Pharynx stopped. “Stay, please… brother…”

Pharynx sighed and laid down beside her. “Fine… guess sleeping here won’t make much of a difference…”

Ocellus smiled and cuddled against him. “Love you brother…” Pharynx sighed and wrapped a hoof around her, smiling.

“Love you too sis.” he said, then yawned and closed his eyes, lying down beside Ocellus. Soon, he was asleep as well.

---------------------------------------------

“Pharynx? You in here?” Thorax poked his head into Ocellus’ room an hour later. “I mean, it’s probably unlikely since you don’t really spend time with-Ocellus?”

Thorax’s eyes widened as he saw the two changelings curled up in the bed. Pharynx had his hooves around Ocellus. Thorax smiled softly and slowly backed up.

“Well, I can always talk to him later…” Thorax murmured, walking back to rejoin Apex in the nursery, smiling.
> Stories of The Ponyville Crew
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Apex!” A young filly shouted.

The filly had a pale pink coat, blue eyes, and a bouncy purple mane that faded to pink, with a highlighter blue streak running through it. The filly took to the sky with large wings, and a horn lit with a yellow aura amidst the curls of her mane.

“Flur’y Hear’!”

This voice belonged to a young but lanky male creature. He had green chitin, a red carapace covering his back, ruby red eyes, and a red tail that resembled a dragonfly wing. A curved green horn-which lacked the typical spirals of a unicorn’s-rested on his head. He unfurled red dragonfly wings from his back and was airborne in moments.

The two creatures met in the middle for a hug, then released. Flurry Heart nuzzled Apex, who returned with an affectionate nuzzle of his own, a pink essence passing between them.

“Flurry! Apex!” two voices cried in unison.

“Pound, Pumpkin!” the changeling and the alicorn responded

The colt that raced up to the pair was a pegasus. He had a creamy white coat with brown eyes and a chocolate brown mane. He flapped his wings and rose into the air to greet them.

The filly that ran behind him was a unicorn. She had a pale yellow coat, blue eyes, and an orange mane with a small blue bow fastened to the back. Her horn ignited on her head to surround her body in a blue aura and send her soaring up to join her brother and friends.

The four kids shared a hoofbump.

“How’s life, A?” Pound Cake asked

“Stop ‘tending to be grown up, Pound.” Pumpkin protested, her blue aura keeping her airborne.

“Hehe, i’s grea’ guys!” Apex responded anyway, smiling. “Papa Thorax an’ I had so much fun yes’erday, an’ Uncle Pharynx show’ded me a new figh’ing move!”

“Teach it ta me!” Flurry and Pound demanded at once.

“Me too!” Pumpkin joined in.

“That can be saved for later, I think.” they heard a smooth voice say.

Princess Twilight Sparkle trotted up to them, a smile on her face. Behind her came King Thorax and Prince-General Pharynx of the changeling kingdom. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire followed them. Bringing up the rear was Tempest Shadow, Princess Twilight’s personal guard.

“Auntie Twily!” Flurry Heart flew over to the adults, hugging Twilight eagerly.

Apex moved to Thorax just as fast, and was briefly cradled by the larger changeling before Thorax released him.

“Are you four ready for the best sleepover ever?” Twilight asked as Flurry and Apex rejoined the Cake twins.

“Yes!” they all shouted eagerly.

Cadence, Thorax, and Twilight all chuckled and led the way into the Friendship Castle.

“Hey, guys.” Pound hissed as they trotted towards the towering crystal structure. “I’ve got an idea.”

“Tell us, then.” Pumpkin whispered back, as they looked up to see if any adults were within earshot.

“Nu-uh, Uncle Pharynx has real good hea’ing. He’ll hea’ us.” Apex whispered before Pound could respond.

The foals fell silent until they had made it inside.

“So, what would you four like to do first?” Twilight asked, smiling at them.

“Where’s Spike an’ Starlight?” Apex asked, looking around.

“Starlight’s hanging out with Trixie, Maud, Mudbriar, and Sunburst for the night and Spike’s having an O&O tournament with Big Mac and Discord in his dimension. So we have the castle to ourselves.”

“Um…” Flurry looked to Pound, who shook his head slightly. “We wanna play pretend.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna be a princess ‘dvisor!” Pumpkin agreed, beaming.

“Heh, alright. Have fun you four. I have sleeping bags laid out in the library so you can play there. We’ll be in the dining room.” Twilight said, but they were already racing off.

“Okay Auntie Twily, love you!” Flurry called as they disappeared

The adults all looked to each other, some of them sharing a laugh before heading off.

The foals raced into the library, momentarily distracted by what lay before them.

The books were still arranged neatly on the shelves, but it was the floor that had changed. Four sleeping bags had been arranged in a circle, so the occupants could lie in them and still all talk to each other.

Pillows and blankets had been placed by a couple straight backed wooden chairs, clearly for fort-making purposes. Board games were stacked by the pillows, including Dragon Pit. On the other end of the room was a soft armchair big enough for a full grown pony surrounded by foals to sit in, and a stack of foal-friendly books was placed by it, clearly for bedtime stories and such.

“Wow…” Flurry breathed

“If Papa Thorax reads to us I wanna si’ on his head.” Apex claimed the spot, pointing to the chair.

“Let’s have a pillow fight!” Pumpkin added

“Guys, focus!” Pound demanded

“Oh, right.” Flurry said

“Yeah, sorry.” Pumpkin’s tail wagged as she smiled. “Okay, let’s start building the fort for me and Flurry, then you two knights can ‘tect us.”

“No’ ‘bout tha’, silly!” Apex said, nudging her. “The thing Pound was gonna tell us!”

“Oh, right. Sorry.” Pumpkin giggled, then looked around. “We can still build a fort though, right?”

“Yeah, sure, whatever. Now ta my thing!” Pound said

“Yeah, tell us Pound!” Flurry said eagerly, sitting down.

“Okay, tonight…” Pound began, and they leaned closer. “We should sneak out and explore the castle.”

“Yeah! Uncle Spike says even he’s never seen the whole thing!” Flurry whispered excitedly.

“Yeah, he tol’ me an’ Papa Thorax the same thing!” Apex agreed “Ponyville Crew…”

Apex extended his hoof, and the others set theirs on top of his.

“Let’s go! Stick together, friends forever!”

They all giggled at their little plot, before Pumpkin lifted some pillows in her magic and slammed one into Apex, knocking him over.

“That’s for calling me silly.” she stuck her tongue out at him as he sat up, shaking his head.

“You jus’ wai’ Pumpkin. I’mma le’ all the dragons ‘tack you an’ save Pound an’ Flurry.”

“Hey!” Pumpkin huffed

“Hey, I don’t need saving!” Pound said

“I jus’ though’ you migh’, ‘cause Uncle Pharynx says pony guar’s a’ways need saving.” He licked his foreleg and drew it over his ear like a cat, smirking at the flustered pegasus colt.

“Hmph. I’ll be your head knight and boss you ‘round.” Pound retorted

“Then I’ll save the head knigh’ when the dragons ‘tack.” Apex replied cheekily.

“How about first to the pillows to build the fort gets to be head knight?” Flurry suggested sweetly.

Pound and Apex took off running, and Pumpkin giggled.

“Very clever Princess Flurry.”

“Thank you, Advisor Pumpkin.” Flurry replied, trying to make her voice sophisticated, though they dropped the charade with a hoof bump before joining the two colts.

--------------------------------------------------------------

As it was already five in the afternoon when the sleepover started, the adults came to check on the foals at eight for their dinner. They heard loud squeals and voices issuing from the library.

“I can already hear the endless giggling now.” Pharynx remarked dryly. “I still don’t see why I had to come.”

“Didn’t you want to see me?” Tempest asked him slyly, and Pharynx blushed.

“O-Of course I wanted to see you Temp. I only meant I probably would have been more useful staying at the hive and leading in Thorax’s stead.”

“I know, silly bug.” Tempest leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’m just messing with you.”

As Pharynx blushed even harder, Thorax took the chance to chuckle and nuzzle his brother’s cheek.

“Sillia, Fema, Tibius, and Cornicle are more than capable of taking care of things in our absence, Pharynx. I daresay they could use the practice, even with Ocellus’ help now that school’s out. With all the diplomatic meetings and your insisting on accompanying me to them all, they need the time to adjust to being our go-tos for these kinds of things.”

“I suppose so.” Pharynx sighed, then, the voices of the foals were discernible.

“Hehe, die fero’ious man’i-core! Your feroci’iness days have come to an end!” they heard Apex crying out.

“Royal Advisor Pumpkin reporting for aid!”

“Pumpkiiiin, get back in the castle! We’re a’posed to be protecting you, not the other way ‘round!” Pound whined

“I wanna help! Flurry said I could.” they heard her huff.

“Yes, protect the Castle, my royal advisor!” Flurry cried

“See?”

The adults entered the room and all of them, even Pharynx, had to stifle giggles and “awws” at the adorable scene.

Apex and Pound stood in the front, wearing armor crafted of some cardboard boxes from Twilight’s latest shipment of books. They also wielded cardboard swords. Pumpkin was standing behind them, wrapped in a purple blanket like it was a cloak, horn lighting up. Flurry Heart was behind all three of them, sitting on a fluffy pillow and shielded by a large cave of blankets that had been draped over the chairs, the pillows stacked in the front and behind like a wall.

The three foals not in the fort were facing a “manticore” that was made of a stack of the game boxes that weren’t strewn about the floor. The shape could resemble the lion-like beast of legend, if one were to squint at it. Apex, taking advantage of Pound and Pumpkin’s argument, raced forward and stuck his sword into the “manticore’s” chest.

“Haha! I slayed the man’i-core!” Apex cheered as the game box pile fell apart.

“Yay Apex!” Flurry said as she exited the fort. “For your bravery and valor in battle, I now promote you to head knight!”

“Yay!”

“Wait, no fair, I wasn’t ready!” Pound cried at the same time as Apex cheered

“Heh, there is no ‘no’ ready’ in a ba’le, Pound.” Apex remarked, grinning.

“Don’t worry Pound, you can be my head knight next time.” Flurry consoled the sulky pegasus, who brightened up at this.

“Hello kids, I see we’re having fun here.” Twilight said, stepping in and picking her way past the scattered game boxes and their pieces.

“Hi Auntie Twily!” Flurry said, rushing over to stand in front of the adults. “Hi mommy, hi daddy!”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex fluttered over to join Flurry.

“Hello Apex, are you enjoying yourself?”

“Uh-huh! We slayed the man’i-core!” Apex proclaimed, beaming.

“Well, I bet you manticore-slayers are hungry, aren’t you?” Cadence asked, and in response, four little stomachs growled.

“That seems like a yes.” Twilight giggled “Come on kids, we have salad and hayburgers in the dining room.”

“Yay!” the foals cheered.

Pound wiggled out of his cardboard armor, followed by Apex. Pumpkin cast aside her cloak with a flash from her horn.

“Last one to the dining room’s a stale cupcake!” Pound called, buzzing his wings and shooting out of the room.

“Hey! Wai’ up!” Apex raced out after him, followed by Pumpkin, then Flurry.

“So…” Twilight said

“Allow me Princess.” Tempest smirked. At Twilight’s confusion, she raised her voice. “Last one to the dining room has to clean this place up!” then promptly turned and ran after the foals.

Pharynx burst into laughter, before taking off after her. Thorax blinked for a moment, before realizing what was at stake and wheeling around, rushing after his brother and Tempest.

“Oh so help me, Thorax is not leaving us to clean this up!” Shining ran after them.

“Wait, Shining!” Twilight called, then huffed. “Boys, am I right Cadence? Well, technically Tempest isn’t a boy but you get the idea.”

Cadence nodded, then smiled. “Yes, boys indeed. Now…” she then grinned. “You’d better start cleaning!”

Cadence then promptly followed the others, and Twilight gaped at her, before turning and viewing the mess left behind by the foals. She let out a long, heavy sigh, before trotting over and beginning to pick up the games.
> Expectations...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After dinner, Cadence and Thorax decided the foals needed to be bathed, as neither Apex nor Flurry had agreed to having one the night before. The two found use of a bathtub thanks to a rather irate Twilight, who was still upset about being left to deal with the foals’ mess. Pharynx, Tempest, and Shining, not needing to be told twice, made themselves scarce. They stayed out of the purple alicorn’s way while the two more parental of the group dealt with the foals.

“Here we go.” Cadence said, lifting Flurry into the warm water after filling the tub.

“I don’ wan’ a bath Papa Thorax.” Apex protested, Pound and Pumpkin hiding nearby.

“I know Apex, but you need to be clean.” Thorax lifted him over to the tub as well.

“Come along now you two, no dawdling.” Cadence added, beckoning with her wing to the twins.

“We usually get toys to play with in the tub…” Pumpkin murmured.

Pound pushed her into the water, giggling before she yanked him in with her magic. The twins began splashing water at each other. While they had their water fight, Thorax and Cadence bathed their respective children, before tackling the twins together.

After baths, the foals returned, fresh and clean, to the library. Twilight had cleaned up, leaving behind only the fort for the foals in case they wanted to use it come morning. Apex, having been planning this moment, dragged Thorax to the chair they had seen earlier, the stack of books beside it untouched during their games.

“Please Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, pouting.

“Alright, I’ll read to you for a bit, okay?” Thorax consented, lying on the chair the same way he usually sprawled on his throne.

The foals all cheered, clambering up and adopting different perches on him. Pumpkin curled up by his side, leaning her head against him. Pound lay on his back, while Flurry took up the space between his forelegs. Apex selected his usual place on Thorax’s head.

Pumpkin and Flurry lifted up a book together in their magic, and Thorax smiled as he took it from them. He opened it and began to read aloud to the foals cuddled up around him. The other adults found him this way, and while some (Pharynx and Tempest) treated it with supposed indifference, the rest of them allowed their hearts to melt at the saccharine sight.

After a story, the foals trudged reluctantly to their sleeping bags. They laid down, settling in for what was supposedly a good night’s sleep. Flurry and Apex were kissed goodnight by their parents, and Twilight nuzzled Pound and Pumpkin.

“Alright, goodnight kids.” Twilight said as they headed out “The others will be in guest rooms and I’ll be in my room. Tempest will be patrolling the corridor, so if you get lost looking for the bathroom or for one of us, she’ll be able to help. Okay?”

“Yes Twilight.” they all choroused, Flurry adding an “auntie” to her response.

“Alright. Have a good night.” Twilight said, smiling before she left the room, closing the door behind her.

The group decided to wait a while before going out to explore, just to ensure the grownups really had all gone to bed.

Eventually, Pound stood up, Flurry and Apex following his lead. Pound looked at them, seeing only two outlines of pony shapes, and frowned.

“Where’s Pumpkin?”

The other two foals turned to look with him, Flurry lighting up her horn so they could see. The young unicorn was still laying in the sleeping bag. She had fallen asleep. Pound rolled his eyes and trotted to his sister, nudging her in the side. Pumpkin stirred and yawned, rubbing her eyes.

“Whazzit?”

“Come on Pumpkin, we gots to get up. Remember? Exploring.”

“Oh, right, ‘sploring.” Pumpkin yawned, then flopped back down.

“Pumpkin, we don’ ha’e time for this.” Apex whispered, his ruby red, pupiless eyes glowing in the dark room. “We go’a ge’ up now, a’fore we miss ou’ chance. Come on. Ponyville Crew, s’ick together, friends fore’er. ‘Member?”

“Right, right.” Pumpkin heaved herself up, sighing. “Okay, where to first?”

Pound led them to the door, and Flurry and Pumpkin concentrated their magic to open the large doors. Pound looked down the halls, thinking.

“That way.” he finally decided, pointing to the left.

The foals crept out of the library, Flurry and Pumpkin keeping their horns lit so they could see what was in front of them.

After traveling for a bit, they saw another light. This one was electric blue, and flickering. Hoofsteps sounded.

“It’s Tempest!” Flurry whispered

“Oh no, we’re gonna get caught!” Pumpkin whimpered

The hoofsteps got closer, and the foals huddled together.

“What’s gonna happen?” Flurry asked in a low voice.

The hoofsteps stopped. Tempest had heard them.

“Oh no…” Pound moaned, and the hoofsteps started up again.

“Shh!” Apex hissed. “I have an idea, you guys ge’ in tha’ room!” he pointed to the doors to the right of them in the hallway.

Flurry, Pumpkin, and Pound carefully cracked open the door and slipped inside. They peeked out at Apex as he surrounded himself in green flames. When he emerged, the foals gaped at him. Where Apex had stood, Thorax did now. And just in time, too.

“Thorax?” Tempest stopped in front of them. Apex managed an awkward smile and nodded.

“Y-Yeah, it’s me Tempest.” he said, mimicking Thorax’s voice perfectly.

“I thought I heard voices, what are you doing out here?”

“O-Oh, I was just getting some water, Un-Pharynx heard me too, you probably heard us talking.”

“Okay…” Tempest said, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, I’ll be going then.” He said nervously, taking a few steps.

“Thorax, hold on.” Tempest said, and the foals all froze. Then, she smiled. “The kitchen is down that hallway.” she gestured to it.

“Oh, r-right…” Apex gulped, hoping he hadn’t given them away. “My bad…”

“It’s okay, I still get mixed up on occasion myself.” Tempest gave him one last smile before leaving.

As Tempest rounded the corner and her hoofsteps faded, the foals all sighed. In another flash of green flames, Apex was by their side again, smiling.

“Tol’ ya I had an idea.” he said

“How’d you get his voice so perfect?” Pumpkin asked

“I hea’d Papa Thorax talkin’ a bajillion times.” Apex waved a hoof dismissively. “An’ once you know wha’ they soun’ like, you can copy someone’s voice.”

“Great job Apex.” Pound said, patting his shoulder. “Now c’mon, let’s go.”

The group explored for a while longer. After hearing from Tempest where the kitchen was, they decided to sneak down to raid it.

“Come on, just a bit further and we’ll have all the cookies we can eat!” Pound cried triumphantly.

“We’re coming, we’re coming.” Pumpkin said, yawning. “You sure we can’t just go back to bed?”

“Pumpkin, we’re nearly there!” Pound protested

“All we know is Tempest said the kitchen was this way, we dunno where it is ‘xactly…”

“But we’ll find it.” Pound insisted.

As the twins continued arguing, Pumpkin wanting to go back to bed, Flurry and Apex looked at each other. They shrugged and were about to continue walking when a slightly cracked door caught their eyes. The two wandered closer to it, noticing the ethereal blue light that was shining from it.

“Pumpkin, Pound, shush an’ come see.” Apex hissed, drawing the foals’ attention.

“What’s it coming from?” Pumpkin asked, trotting up beside them as Pound flew down to them.

“Let’s find out.” Flurry pushed open the door, and they looked around the room.

It was small, with a desk pushed up against the left wall and a bookshelf against the right, a circular wooden table in the center of the room. The bookshelf was stacked high with books, the table and desk were overflowing with papers. Flurry lifted up some and began trying to sound out the words.

“Magic… thawmic… freqencies… and their… re-re… relations… to… cross-space-ial de-mansions.”

“I don’ think you sai’ i’ righ’.” Apex said, leaning over her shoulder. “Papa Thorax sai’ the ‘u’ sound changes a lo’…”

“It don’t matter, what’s it mean?” Pound asked

“There’s lots more, look at this one.” Pumpkin was standing on the chair by the desk, reared up on her back legs to see onto the desk. She lifted up a paper and read it aloud. “Th-Th… Theories… of possible… alter-alter… alt’nate… di-mansions… across the… uni-uni… university?”

“Wha’s all this s’uff doin’ in here?” Apex asked, to no one in particular.

“Maybe it has to do with that thing.” Pumpkin pointed behind them, and they turned.

A large mirror was resting in front of the wall, space behind it where wires came out and attached to it. The frame had a stand at the top, with a book in it. The mirror was swirling slightly with blue and purple. Flurry went over to it and poked it with a hoof. The surface seemed to ripple and she stepped back in surprise.

Pound and Apex flew up to the book and read the title while Pumpkin and Flurry batted at the mirror.

“Mr Lemon-cello’s Lib’ary…” Apex said

“There’s more books over here.” Pound called, going to a stack of them and picking them up, reading the titles. “The Myster… Mysteri… Mysterious… Beni-Ben… Benedict Soci… Socie… Society… A Night Divi-ded… Sher… Sherlo’k Holm… Holmes...”

“You think they all go in here?” Pumpkin asked

“Auntie Twily is always inventing stuff, maybe this is one of them.” Flurry suggested

“It’s a magic mirror!” Pumpkin cried “Like in the fairy tales!”

“Auntie Twily invented a magic mirror?” Flurry breathed, in awe.

“Pretty stupid looking magic mirror.” Pound grumbled

“Hm, yeah… I wonder what these wires are for…” Pumpkin lifted one in her magic and tugged it curiously.

Apex and Pound flew around the back and Apex snorted.

“This isn’ no magic mi’or thingy.” he said “I’ says righ’ here on the back, made in Reina.”

“Then why are there swirly magic bits and why’s it got those wire things?” Pumpkin protested

“Let’s see…” Flurry yanked at the wires.

Pound and Apex began moving around behind the mirror, knocking the mirror a bit. Pumpkin grabbed a wire, getting it wound around her leg as she trotted around to the front of the mirror. She stuck her muzzle in it, giggling as it rippled.

Pumpkin backed away to get a better look at the ripples, just as Apex hung onto the top of the mirror, lifting up the book in his magic and opening it, before tossing it aside. The mirror’s surface then became regular glass.

The wire around Pumpkin’s leg tightened and tripped her, making her fall with a soft yelp. The mirror tilted forwards due to the weight on it and the tug at the wire. Apex yelped as well, taking off, his little wings buzzing as he hovered beside Pound.

The mirror began to fall, and Flurry leapt up.

“Pumpkin!”

“Ahh!” Pumpkin curled up into a ball, as Apex and Pound flew down to them.

“I’ll ge’ her, you ge’ Flur’y!” Apex called, reaching and attempting to scoop up Pumpkin.

Pound landed and grabbed Flurry’s hoof, pulling her over to the desk and nuzzling her.

“You okay?”

“Y-Yes…” Flurry said shakily, then her eyes widened. “Where’re Pumpkin and Apex?!”

Pumpkin was struggling to get away, whimpering. Apex was tugging on her forelegs, while she kicked her back legs. She was trying to free her leg, which was still tangled in the wire. The more Pumpkin and Apex yanked at the wire, the more it rocked the mirror.

“Apex! Pumpkin! No!”

Flurry lit up her horn and surrounded Apex and Pumpkin in her yellow magic. She yanked them over, ignoring the pained shriek from Pumpkin as the wire scratched her hoof. Flurry set them by her as the final tug sent the mirror falling down. Flurry threw up a giant yellow bubble around all four of the foals, who screamed as the mirror fell and the shards flew everywhere.

A few shards bounced against the bubble, but others created holes in it, Flurry was too scared to make it very strong. Apex yelped as a shard nicked his cheek, making a jagged cut, and the frightened nymph began crying. Pound nosed a still whimpering Pumpkin, while Flurry also sobbed in terror.
> ...Shattered
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sound of glass breaking and the cries of frightened foals woke even the heaviest sleepers among the adults. They leapt out of their beds and raced into the hallway.

“What was that?” Twilight asked, as the sound of wails pierced the air.

“That was Apex!” Thorax cried

“Flurry!” Cadence whirled around

“Where’s it coming from?” Shining asked

“I can’t tell, the sounds are echoing in these giant hallways.” Pharynx replied, ears flicking.

Tempest galloped up to them, and Twilight turned to her.

“Tempest, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know Princess, but I just checked on the foals and they’re not in the library.” Tempest replied, then looked to Thorax. “Weren’t you heading for the kitchen?”

Thorax blinked “What?”

“I saw you a few minutes ago… or at least, I thought it was you.” Tempest replied, looking around at them. “I heard voices and when I went to check, Thorax said he was getting water, and Pharynx had been asking him where he was going.”

“I’ve been asleep the whole time.” Thorax told her. “But then who would you have see-” he broke off and looked at Pharynx.

“Apex.” Pharynx spat “We’ve told the grub a million times not to transform into others, but does he listen? No.”

“But why would he have transformed into you, Thorax?” Cadence asked

“I don’t know.” Thorax sighed, shaking his head. “That’s not important, we need to find him and the other foals.”

“Right, come on Pharynx.” Tempest’s ears twitched and she turned, leading the way down the hall with Pharynx on her tail, also listening to judge their distance from the cries.

They followed the sounds until they reached a room with a door open. Thorax and Cadence ran past the two guards, and gasped at the scene before them.

Amidst the piles of notes on a table and desk, lay a mirror with wires attached to it. And huddled in a corner by the desk, surrounded by a yellow forcefield, were the foals. Apex and Pumpkin were crying, Pound was hugging his sister, and Flurry was huddled in the center of the group, sobbing and horn charging the protective shield.

“Apex!” Thorax raced to them, Cadence following him.

“Flurry! Sweetie, what’s wrong, what happened-”

“My mirror portal!” Twilight raced to it, stepping cautiously around the broken glass.

“Your what?” Pharynx asked as he flew over to Thorax, hovering to avoid the shards.

“I’ve been experimenting with mirror portals, I managed to get my own up and running, I was about ready to enter it, now I’ll have to start all over!” Twilight exclaimed, turning to the foals. “What did they do to it?!”

Cadence tapped on the forcefield and Flurry looked up, seeing her.

“Mommy!” Flurry whimpered, dropping the shield, and Cadence picked her up.

“P-Papa Thorax…” Apex cried, standing shakily and whimpering. “U-Uncle Pharynx…”

Thorax reached for Apex, who shifted, revealing a cut on his cheek. Thorax gasped and lifted him up, nuzzling the whimpering nymph.

“It’s okay my little hyper sprite, we’ll get that taken care of.” he soothed him

“Are you two hurt?” Tempest asked Pound and Pumpkin.

“I-I’m not, b-but a wire was on Pumpkin’s leg, and when Flurry pulled her outta the way she got scraped.” Pound said, Pumpkin showing the cut on her leg.

“What did you four do to my mirror?!” Twilight yelled, and everyone fell silent. “I’ve been working on it for months and it was finally ready! Now I have to start my work all over! All the untold secrets of other worlds wasted because of a few foals!”

The foals were silent for a minute, then began whimpering and crying again. Thorax and Cadence cradled their foals and attempted to soothe them, while Shining Armor did his best to console the twins. Tempest and Pharynx glared at Twilight, who was frozen in shock at her own words. Finally, she took a breath to calm herself and spoke.

“I… kids, I’m sorry…” Twilight said. “I’ve been very stressed about this and… I know that’s no excuse… I’m sorry, this is my fault, I left the door open a bit and that was sure to catch your attention…”

“Why did you four sneak out anyway?” Pharynx asked, looking at Apex.

“I-I’ was Pound’s idea, he sai’ we should go ‘xploring…” Apex whimpered “We were looking for cookies when we saw the glowing thing… ‘m sorry I ‘tended to be you, Papa Thorax…” he nuzzled up against Thorax, who smiled softly and kissed his forehead.

“We’re sorry…” Pound added

“It’s okay little ones.” Tempest said, joining Pharynx, the shoes she wore as part of her armor protecting her hooves from the glass. “No one got seriously hurt, and the Princess clearly has an abundance of notes. She can rebuild the mirror.”

“And I’ll get started on that right away.” Twilight agreed. “Tempest is right, no one got seriously hurt and that’s what matters. Now, how about we clean off Apex and Pumpkin’s cuts and get you four back to bed.”

“O-Okay…” Pumpkin said

“Uh-huh.” Flurry agreed, wiping her eyes.

Pound and Apex nodded quietly, and they carried the foals out of the room. Thorax and Cadence took care of Apex and Pumpkin’s cuts, then they took the foals back to the library.

“I think we’ve had quite enough excitement for one night.” Cadence remarked as she laid Flurry down in her sleeping bag.

“Agreed.” Thorax kissed Apex gently on the forehead, and he giggled quietly. “You four go straight to bed, alright?”

“Okay.” Apex burrowed into his sleeping bag.

“We promise.” Pound agreed

“It’s what I wanted to do an’way…” Pumpkin mumbled, already falling asleep.

Flurry nodded, then closed her eyes and settled down. The adults waited for a bit longer to make sure the foals were really asleep, then headed out of the library.

“I think they’ll stay asleep this time, that was probably very scary for them.” Cadence murmured

“It was scary for me too.” Thorax whispered “Apex could have been badly hurt.”

“Hate to admit it but I was a bit worried too.” Pharynx grumbled, and Thorax beamed.

“Of course you were, you care about him Pharynx.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Come on, let’s let them sleep.” Twilight said

“You’re right Twily, we need to get back to bed too.” Shining agreed.

The adults headed back to their bedrooms, Tempest breaking off to return to her patrol. In the library, the foals sat up once the adults had gone.

“Never do that again, right?” Flurry asked, and they all nodded

“I’m sorry I suggested it…” Pound mumbled

“It’s okay Pound.” Flurry put a hoof on his, smiling. “We know you didn’t mean that to happen.”

“Yeah. Bu’ tha’ doesn’ mean we can’ s’ill a‘ven’ure.” Apex agreed

“Yeah. Just not with Twilight’s stuff.” Pumpkin added

“Ponyville Crew…” Apex reached out his hoof to place it in the center of the circle.

The others smiled and laid their hooves on his.

“Stick together, friends forever.” they chorused, keeping their voices low.

Pumpkin yawned and withdrew her hoof, snuggling down into her sleeping bag and closing her eyes. The others followed her lead.

“Night guys.” Pumpkin whispered

“Night.” Pound mumbled

“G’nigh’.” Apex said

“Night.” Flurry said

Those were the last words spoken, before the sound of soft snoring echoed through the library.
> Twintuition and A Green-Eyed Monster
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ocellus was walking through the Hive, nose buried in a book, when she suddenly walked headfirst into something.

“Ow!” Ocellus shrieked

“Hey!” a familiar voice cried.

“Oh, sorry Pharynx.” Ocellus put the book away and rubbed her muzzle.

“Are you okay Ocellus?” Thorax walked over, Apex on his back.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just wasn’t paying attention, this book is really interesting.” Ocellus explained, looking down at it. “I got it from the school library before summer break, Headmare Twilight let me borrow it.”

“What’s it about?” Thorax asked, smiling, while Pharynx merely rolled his eyes and looked elsewhere.

“It’s about psychological processes and how some creatures have a psychological connection deeper than the average creature.” Ocellus lifted the book up again, showing him the title.

“Internal Connections.” Thorax read, and Ocellus nodded, smiling.

“Actually, I think you’d find it interesting. It’s got an entire chapter relating to twins and how they share a psychological connection.”

“Oh, that is interesting.” Thorax and Pharynx said as one, though Pharynx did it more sarcastically.

“What the…?” Ocellus looked between them, as Apex giggled.

“Sorry about that,” the two said in unison, “Hey!”

“Papa Thorax, how ‘re you an’ Uncle Pharynx doin’ tha’?” Apex asked

“Heh, like Ocellus said, grub.” Pharynx prodded her book with a hoof. “We’re connected, with a little thing called Twintuition. It’s like intuition, but only occurs between twins.”

“Oh! Whas’ in’ui’ion?”

“It’s when you know or sense that something’s going to happen before it does.” Thorax suddenly blinked and looked over at Pharynx. “Take two steps to the left.”

Pharynx obeyed, just as Tibius came rushing past. “Sorry your highnesses!”

“Yay! You save’d Uncle Pharynx from being knock’ed o’er, Papa Thorax!” Apex cheered.

“That’s amazing!” Ocellus said, glancing between them. “What else can it do?”

“Well… I’ll bet you ten bits I know what Thorax is going to say next.” Pharynx said.

“Uh, sure.” Ocellus agreed. Pharynx grinned, then glanced at Thorax. His eyes seemed to flash slightly, and he smirked.

“Pharynx, don’t make bets with nymphs.” they stated as one.

Apex giggled and cheered, clapping his hooves. “‘Gain! Do i’ ‘gain!”

“It’s not supposed to be funny, grub.” the two once again said. Apex squealed with laughter, holding onto Thorax’s carapace to keep from falling.

“Okay, I think that’s enough.” Ocellus spoke up sharply, stuffing her book in her bag.

“Is something wrong?” they both asked, and Thorax glared at Pharynx.

“Sorry, force of habit.” Pharynx shrugged. “You were saying?”

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m just… busy. I have a few things to do.” Ocellus said

“Oh, that’s alright Ocellus. Pharynx and I were heading to my office anyway, I need his help preparing for the speech I’m giving at Canterlot.” Thorax told her

“Oh, okay, good luck.” Ocellus said quickly, rushing past so they wouldn’t pick up on her disappointment.

Once Ocellus had gotten a good way away from the two, she sighed, ears drooping. Ocellus sat down in a small alcove in the hallway, there were a few scattered through the Hive, with windows so you could sit and look outside. She dropped her bag on the ground beside her, resting her head on the window ledge.

“Why does he need Pharynx to help him prepare? I’m supposed to be Thorax’s royal advisor, why not ask me?” Ocellus mumbled, kicking her hoof. It immediately came into contact with her book. “Ow!”

Ocellus groaned, then noticed that her bookmark was still in the chapter she’d shown the brothers. Ocellus lifted up the book, flipping it open. Her eyes glazed over as she scanned the page with disinterest.

“Stupid ‘Twintuition’... I wonder who came up with that name anyway. Probably Pharynx… dumb…” Ocellus muttered, turning the page.

-Nullify effects of psychological connection…

The words jumped out at Ocellus, and in an instant she snapped back to full attention. Once again burying her muzzle in the book, she began to read aloud quietly.

“To temporarily nullify effects of psychological connections in order to perform experiments, scientists would cast the Nexum Dissolvere incantation, more commonly known as the Connection Cancellation spell. In order to cast said spell, the user must-”

Ocellus broke off and leaned back, closing the book. She shook her head, rubbing her temple.

“What am I thinking? I can’t do that! Sure, I bet it’s going to get super annoying now that I know Thorax and Pharynx can pretty much read each other’s minds, but they’re my leaders! It wouldn’t be right!”

Ocellus sighed and tucked the book away, though she did dog-ear the page. Ocellus then began carrying her bag back to her room, mentally thinking up a first draft for the speech Thorax mentioned.

“Pharynx may be able to read his mind, but I’m the one with the speech-writing skills.” Ocellus muttered to herself in determination.

Early the next day, before Princess Celestia had even finished completely raising the sun, Ocellus was finished. She set down her quill, yawning, and staggered over to her circular bed, slipping under the canopy curtains and curling up under the pink sheets, hugging one of her pillows. She burrowed deep into the bed, closing her eyes.

Thorax and Pharynx came in to check on her a couple hours later, Apex trotting along behind them. While the nymph immediately ran over to the bed to squirm up and snuggle beside Ocellus, the brothers went to the desk in her room. Pharynx lifted up the three sheets of paper lying on it, next to a very worn-looking quill.

“Thorax, look at this.” Pharynx’s voice woke Ocellus slightly, and she pricked her ears. “She wrote your speech.”

“She did?” Thorax’s hoofsteps could be heard moving towards his brother. “Wow… this is way better than the one I was thinking of…”

“Yeah, I know, I had to sit through it.” Pharynx quipped.

“Do you think we have enough time to go over this?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Yes, that’s great!” their voices intertwined, and Ocellus grimaced, forcing her eyes open as the sound of the brothers laughing greeted her. “Oh, morning Ocellus!”

“Morning…” Ocellus sighed and sat up as Apex clambered onto her head, which was only slightly bigger than he was. “You two are still doing that then?”

“Doing what?” Thorax asked

“She means doin’ the sayin’ the same thin’!” Apex said, giggling.

“Eh, sometimes it’s involuntary.” Pharynx shrugged.

“And we can’t exactly turn it off.” Thorax added as Ocellus got up. “It’s usually just a feeling.”

Ocellus sighed and walked over to her vanity, walking around the brothers. She picked up a dragonfly-wing shaped clip Smolder had made and fastened it behind her ear.

“We saw your speech Ocellus, it’s really good.” Thorax told her, and Ocellus turned.

“Really? Do you think I should help you practice it?”

“I think we’ve got it.” Thorax and Pharynx said together, then glared at each other. “Okay, now you’re doing this on purpose.”

Pharynx smirked, eyes flashing again. “Oh, am I? Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you to back up in three… two… one.”

Thorax scrambled backwards as one of the rods holding up the curtains on Ocellus’ canopy bed fell. Apex and Ocellus both shrieked and ran out of the way.

“Uncle Pharynx yay! You sa’ed Papa Thorax!” Apex said, hugging Pharynx.

“Heh, yep.” Pharynx smirked, as Thorax nuzzled him. “Ack! Thor, get off!”

“Heh, fine. Come on, let’s go practice this speech.” Thorax said, and Pharynx nodded, following him.

“Oh, sure, don’t worry about me.” Ocellus muttered, using her magic to lift up the curtain rod. “I’m fine…”

After Ocellus managed to put the curtain rod back in place, she sighed and turned to her bookshelf. With nothing to do she might as well rearrange them. As Ocellus began shifting some of the books around, her eyes fell on a framed picture on the bottom shelf. She smiled softly as she picked it up. It was a picture of Thorax, Pharynx, Apex, and herself. She held it close and whimpered softly.

They were all standing together. Ocellus was right between Thorax and Pharynx with Apex on her shoulders, not as though separating them, but connecting them. Though it seemed now they didn’t need her to connect them, they already had a bond. They could do it themselves. Ocellus growled softly and threw the picture onto her bed, then stormed out.

Ocellus soon found Thorax and Pharynx, in the alpha changeling’s room. She could hear their laughter, and peeked in. Apex was playing with his toys on Thorax’s bed, while the brothers stood nearby, practicing the speech Ocellus had written. Ocellus sighed, listening to them.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is-” Thorax broke off as he saw Pharynx grinning. “What?”

“You just skipped five whole paragraphs.”

“What?!”

“Heh, kidding.”

“Pharynx! Be serious!” they said as one. “Hey! Quit it! You quit it!”

Pharynx let out a laugh and cleared his throat. “Alright, alright, I’m done. But you have to admit that was funny.”

“I guess… but can you please stop? I need to have this more or less memorized by tomorrow and this isn’t helping.”

“Alright, alright.” Pharynx rolled his eyes and muttered something before flipping back to the first page. “If you ask me, this isn’t going to help, you just need more confidence.”

“I am aware of your opinion, Pharynx, but I have my own, and I'm trying to memorize this.” Thorax said, somewhat sharply.

Ocellus’ eyes widened, and she stepped away from the room, walking down the hall.

“Pharynx has his own idea on what helps Thorax, and instead of helping him, he’s just mimicking him… he’s acting like it’s a game.” Ocellus murmured. “So they don’t always get along, even when they’re using their ‘Twintuition’... that’s it!”

Ocellus smirked and raced down the hall, rushing into her room and dragging the Internal Connections book from her bed. She flipped it open to the page she dog-eared, and grinned slightly.

“Perfect. Maybe if Thorax realizes Pharynx thinks this whole thing is just a joke, he’ll let me help him instead.” Ocellus giggled softly. “I mean, obviously Pharynx doesn’t want to help him anyway, and I know some good methods to memorize things. Yeah, this is okay. It’s the right thing to do.”

Ocellus stood up, then walked out of the room and headed to Thorax’s room. She glanced in, seeing Thorax cuddling with Apex.

“What are you doing out here?” Ocellus squeaked and turned around at the sound of Pharynx’s voice.

“Oh, just… looking for you.” Ocellus told him.

“Me? Why?”

“I just thought it was really funny how you mimicked Thorax earlier. Can you do it again?”

“Heh, I live for it.” Pharynx smirked, walking in. Thorax looked up.

“Oh good, you’re back, now we can keep going.” Thorax and Pharynx said together, and Thorax blinked. “Pharynx, what are you doing? Stop it. I mean it Pharynx, stop it.”

Pharynx began laughing, and Thorax glared at him.

“Pharynx!”

“What?”

“Stop it! Hey! Pharynx, shut up!” they said as one again. Thorax glared at Pharynx furiously, and Pharynx shrunk slightly before him.

“Pharynx. Ray. Elytron. Will you please quit that? It’s not funny.” Thorax said in a dangerously low voice. Apex ducked under the bed’s blankets, hiding.

“Alright, alright.” Pharynx rolled his eyes. “I was just trying to get a laugh.”

“Well I didn’t enjoy it!” Thorax raised his voice, glaring at him. “I’ve had enough, it was funny when you obviously weren’t doing it on purpose but joking around is the last thing I need right now!”

“But Thorax, I-”

“I don’t want to hear it! I’m nervous enough without you piling on! If you want to joke around and mock me instead of helping, then you can just go!”

Pharynx hesitated, then glared at him. “Fine!” he then turned and stormed out, past Ocellus.

Ocellus closed her eyes and lit up her horn, then began chanting under her breath. “Irritum facit dissolvere, societatis vinculum disrumpant. Irritum facit dissolvere, societatis vinculum disrumpant. Irritum facit dissolvere, societatis vinculum disrumpant!”

Ocellus opened her eyes again, looking around. Pharynx was gone, presumably having stormed off somewhere. Ocellus then peeked into the bedroom, but Thorax was simply calmly nuzzling Apex, whispering to him. It didn’t seem like he’d noticed anything.

“Did it work?” Ocellus whispered to herself, as Thorax looked up.

“Oh, hi Ocellus.” Thorax smiled at her, getting up. “There’s been a change of plans, do you want to help me with the speech? You wrote it after all.”

“O-Oh, of course Thorax! But I thought Pharynx was helping you.” Ocellus said, stepping in.

“W-Well… he needed a break.” Thorax said quickly.

“Oh… can you tell how he’s feeling?” Ocellus asked, sitting beside Apex on the bed.

Thorax frowned and closed his eyes. “No… I can’t… b-but it doesn’t always work, that must be why… anyway, I could really use some help.”

“Of course, let’s get started.” Ocellus smiled at him.

After a long day of preparation, Ocellus and Thorax stopped to go eat dinner.

“I think you’re definitely going to nail the speech Thorax, you’ve memorized pretty much all the key points.” Ocellus assured him.

“I hope so… it needs to be perfect… I just… what if I forget?”

“You won’t.”

“But what if I do?”

“Impossible, you’ve got all the important parts of the speech memorized, and I’m sure I’ll be able to prompt you if you need me to.” Ocellus reassured the nervous looking King.

The two entered the cafeteria, Thorax cradling Apex. They headed over to the table where Thorax and Pharynx usually sat (and where Ocellus occasionally joined them). However, Pharynx was nowhere to be found.

“Where’s Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked.

“He’s probably lost track of time. Too busy training.” Ocellus rolled her eyes slightly.

“Can’ you tell Papa Thorax? Wi’ your twin’ui’on?” Apex asked. Thorax bit his bottom lip and closed his eyes.

“No… nothing. It’s all clouded…” Thorax said after a minute. Apex looked upset, snuggling into Thorax, and he smiled at the nymph halfheartedly. “Don’t worry sweetie, I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

But Pharynx did not show up. Neither Ocellus or Thorax saw him for the rest of the day. That night, Ocellus smiled as she laid down in bed. She was a bit worried about Pharynx, but she’d heard one of his guards saying they’d seen him go to his room, so he was at least in the Hive. And tomorrow, she’d get to witness Thorax giving a speech she wrote for him.

But things don’t always work out the way we want them to.

Thorax was worried, he hadn’t seen Pharynx since their fight the day before, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get his “Twintuition” to activate so he could make sure he was okay. Ocellus, of course, knew why, but she was intent on making sure Thorax knew he didn’t need his brother, not when he had her.

“It’s okay Thorax, just breathe.” Ocellus encouraged, as the king paced around by the balcony in Canterlot where he was to give the speech.

Ocellus was glad Apex wasn’t there, having been taken to watch from the crowd by Princess Cadence and her family. As sweet as the little nymph was, he would probably just get worried about Thorax himself, which wouldn’t help.

“I-I just… Ocellus, I think this is my fault.” Thorax said in a rush, and her eyes widened.

“What?”

“I yelled at Pharynx, a-and I upset him, h-he was just trying to cheer me up, he hardly ever does that… b-but now I’ve made him upset, a-and I think that’s why our Twintuition isn’t working. But it has to work! I need him!”

“But he wasn’t helping, you said so.” Ocellus objected.

Thorax sighed and glanced at the balcony. “He was trying to, in his own way. I know what I said, but I’ve always needed him, needed our bond.”

“Why? I’ve never seen him do anything at these events. Other than growling at anyone who gets too close to you.” Ocellus said, and Thorax chuckled softly.

“Well, yes, he doesn’t say anything, but that’s because he doesn’t need to. Our ‘Twintuition’... it always helped him convey his emotions to me, in a deeper way than most changelings can.”

“But how? That doesn’t seem possible…” Ocellus murmured, and Thorax looked back at her.

“...With these words declared, let the feeling be shared.” Thorax said after a minute, and Ocellus looked up at him. “When one of us was hurting, or scared, or sad… we could share that pain with our twin. It would even out the emotions, or give another of us an extra boost of an emotion we need.”

“Oh… s-so, when Pharynx was saying you need more confidence…”

“He was talking about our ritual.” Thorax sighed and looked down. “Before every big meeting, Pharynx and I talk, he calms me down, and then Pharynx uses our connection and natural magic to share some of his own courage with me. It makes me brave enough to go out there and speak with everyone.”

“So what you’re saying is…” Ocellus felt a creeping feeling of dread entering her chest.

“I literally can’t do this without him.” Thorax looked down at the ground, tears beginning to fall. “And now somehow I broke our bond… and I can’t sense anything from him at all.”

Ocellus gulped and looked away. “Um… Thorax?”

“Y-Yes Ocellus?”

Ocellus sighed and lit up her horn, closing her eyes and beginning to mutter another spell. “Revertetur in nexu, ab secure vinculum. Revertetur in nexu, ab secure vinculum. Revertetur in nexu, ab secure vinculum!”

“Ocellus what-” Thorax broke off, gasping, Ocellus closing her eyes in guilt as she knew Thorax must have felt his Twintuition return. “Pharynx!”

“I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry…” Ocellus whispered, her voice breaking.

“What do you mean Ocellus? What do you have to be sorry for?” Thorax asked gently.

“She did it.”

Ocellus and Thorax’s heads both jerked up, staring. Pharynx walked up to them, his eyes slightly red, which only made Ocellus’ guilt worsen. She’d never seen the general cry before.

“Pharynx!” Thorax rushed over and hugged him. Pharynx hugged back briefly, then walked up to Ocellus. “Phar?”

“She stopped our connection.” Pharynx looked down at Ocellus. “I’m not sure how, but it’s too big of a coincidence. She was there when I felt the bond break, and she just so happens to be standing here when the bond came back.”

Ocellus ducked her head, tears falling now. “I’m so sorry…” she whispered. “I-I didn’t know…”

“What?” Thorax walked closer.

“I cast a spell to nullify your Twintuition…” Ocellus admitted, voice cracking. “I just wanted Thorax to notice me, I’m supposed to be his Royal Advisor, not Pharynx. I-I didn’t understand how important the bond between you two was… t-then Thorax told me about that emotion-sharing thing and…”

“And you realized just how much we needed it.” Pharynx finished for her. Ocellus nodded, choking back a sob.

“I’m so sorry…” Ocellus whispered. Surprisingly, she found herself caught in a hug by a lime green hoof.

“We’re the ones who should be apologizing, Ocellus.” Thorax told her, holding her close. “Of course we notice you, you do so much and you’re so important to us. We didn’t realize we were upsetting you. We’re sorry you felt like you had to do something that drastic to get us to notice you.”

“I…” Ocellus hugged him back. “I know you said you see me as a daughter, b-but then Pharynx and Apex see me as a sister, and I just… I’m so confused… I always felt like Pharynx and Apex got most of your attention… I act more independent, like Pharynx… but because I don’t live at the Hive due to Friendship School…”

Thorax hugged her tightly. “Ocellus… I never meant to-”

“Thorax!” Twilight trotted up to the group of three. “Celestia and Luna are ready to start.”

“O-Oh, right.” Thorax released Ocellus, sighing. “I’m ready, just give me a minute.”

Twilight nodded and trotted off again. Thorax turned to Pharynx, who stepped closer.

“Ready, brother?” Pharynx asked, and Thorax nodded. The two leaned close and touched their antlers to each other’s.

“With these words declared, let the courage be shared.” Pharynx murmured, and Ocellus saw a small trickle of magic spread between them. Unlike Pharynx’s red aura and Thorax’s cyan one, this magic was a light golden color.

“With these words declared, let the fear be shared.” Thorax spoke in turn, and this time a gray magic flickered between the two.

“Alright, there you go.” Pharynx stepped back, then flinched. “Wow, Thorax, you really were scared.”

Thorax chuckled nervously, then turned to Ocellus. “We’ll talk more after the speech, I promise. Pharynx, could you escort her down to the crowd?”

Ocellus and Pharynx both nodded, and the beta changeling gestured for the nymph to follow him as Thorax took a breath, then strode out onto the balcony. Ocellus wished she could have shared something with him too, but she could only hope Pharynx’s shared courage had been enough to quell his anxiety.

“-To conclude, we may have once been a species to be feared, and we know it will take time. But we hope all of you can find it in your hearts to grant us a second chance. Because without that, I’m not sure we can truly move on.”

Ocellus stomped her hooves in applause, though it was drowned out by the stomping hooves of the entire crowd. Upon glancing to her left, Ocellus could see Pharynx looked like he was nearly tearing up. He wouldn’t be the only one, Thorax had done beautifully. Apex was perched on Pharynx’s head, beaming at his father figure. Ocellus smiled at the two, though her heart wrenched slightly.

No matter what Thorax told her, she was never around enough for him to give her quite the same bond that he had with his brother and Apex. It was her own fault, but even then, she knew Thorax would never ask her to give up going to Friendship School just to have a better bond with him. Ocellus then realized Thorax was still talking.

“Thank you, everyone…” Thorax fanned out his gossamer wings. “But I would like you all to know I did not do this alone. I had some help from two changelings very close to me.”

Ocellus’ eyes widened, and she saw Thorax scanning the crowd, eyes landing on her and Pharynx.

“One of them is my older twin brother Pharynx. Without him, I wouldn’t be standing here right now. He gave me the courage to do this, as he always has.”

Pharynx smiled softly, locking eyes with Thorax. Thorax was silent for a moment, then smiled wider. Ocellus smiled softly, realizing they must have been using their bond to communicate something.

“The other is a changeling who isn’t biologically related to me, but I have always felt a special bond with her. She’s the one who wrote this speech, and helped me practice. She is the smartest changeling I’ve ever met, and I know that my family would not be complete without her.”

Ocellus’ eyes widened, as Thorax continued.

“She attends Princess Twilight’s School of Friendship, and because of that we don’t get to talk often. But I do appreciate and love her. Even if she doesn’t have the special connection my brother and I have, or even the one my adoptive son and I do.” Thorax smiled widely. “I would like to offer my endless gratitude to her. Ocellus Iris, my future Royal Advisor, and the nymph my brother and I have always seen as our little sister.”

Ocellus gasped softly, placing a hoof on her chest. She didn’t need “Twintuition” to feel the love and gratitude Thorax was sharing with her. Thorax had promised they would talk more after the speech, but he had rendered that unnecessary. Ocellus smiled widely, a tear trickling down her face. She finally was sure of where she belonged in their little family. A sister.

She would never have the bond Pharynx and Thorax did, but upon reflecting, Ocellus realized she didn’t need it. Twintuition was Thorax and Pharynx’s special bond. Ocellus didn’t need Twintutition to prove she was their sister. The three of them knew it, and that’s what mattered.
> Gemstones, Braids, and Limes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Bu’ Papa Thorax, I don’ wanna go to the nursery…” Apex whimpered, as Thorax carried him into the moss-lined room.

“I know sweetie, but it’s just for a little while, I promise.” Thorax told him, setting him down. “I have to go with Pharynx to check out some suspicious activity out at the edge of our territory, so you need to stay here for a bit. I’ll come get you as soon as I’m back, I promise.”

“O-Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed, and Thorax smiled softly, nuzzling him.

“That’s my brave little hyper sprite.” Thorax kissed his forehead gently. “I’ll see you in a bit, bye sweetie.”

“Bye Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed, watching the alpha changeling leave.

Apex stood up and turned, looking around at the nymphs playing in the nursery. His ears flattened and he backed away. They were being very loud, and he didn’t like that. Apex crept over to a corner of the nursery and laid down in the moss. He noticed a few other nymphs were playing by themselves, but saw the others almost instantly crowd them and pull the lonely nymph into their games. Apex held back a sob, why weren’t they doing that to him?

“Well well well, a little nymph all on his own.” a voice came out from nearby, and Apex looked up.

A nymph with yellow chitin and blue accents was standing above him. Apex felt a little intimidated by the nymph, but smiled at him.

“H-Hi… you wanna play…?”

“Name’s Parquel. And yeah, I want to play. But not with you.”

Apex’s ears flattened against his head. “H-Huh?”

“See, you’re too little. You’re just a weak baby.” the nymph sneered

Apex’s eyes widened. “‘M no’ a baby!”

“Then what’s with that stupid Broken Ponish? Can’t you talk right, baby?”

Apex whimpered, eyes stinging as he struggled not to cry. He backed up, pressing his back to the wall.

“G-Go ‘way… I-I know how t-to figh’...”

“Oh wow, I’m so scared of the weak little nymph.”

Apex’s eyes watered, and he gritted his teeth. The older nymph laughed loudly.

“Aww, is the baby gonna cry?”

Apex whimpered, then took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. He’d show this nymph, he’d roar, just like Uncle Pharynx did. He let the sound build up in his chest, then opened his mouth… and squeaked.

The nymph snickered, then burst out laughing. “You call that tough?! You’re weaker than I thought!”

Apex whimpered and burrowed deeper into the moss, hiding his face. The nymph continued laughing.

“Heheh, aww, is the little baby sensitive?”

“At least he has feelings, unlike you.” a new voice said, but Apex didn’t look up.

“Who are you?”

“Your worst nightmare.”

“Yeah! Now leave him alone! He didn’t do anything to you!” a second voice piped up.

“Or what?”

One of the new voices suddenly darkened. “You’ll be in the bottom of a shallow grave.”

“Ha! You don’t scare me!”

There was silence for a minute, and Apex stayed frozen in place. Then, the bully squeaked out.

“O-Okay, okay, I give! Just let me go!”

“Good.” one of the voices said, and then there was silence again. Until…

“H-Hey, it’s okay, you can come out now.” the second of the two voices said. Apex hesitated, trembling, then cautiously raised his head.

Two unreformed nymphs were standing before him. The first was a bit taller, and had blue eyes, blue fangs, and a blue braid. He was putting a knife away. The second was closer to Apex, looking down at him in concern. This nymph had one of his eyes closed, the open one was a deep, sapphire blue.

“Are you okay?” the sapphire-eyed nymph asked gently.

“M-Mhm, ‘m okay.” Apex murmured, looking up at them.

“That jerk didn’t hurt you?” The one with the braid asked, and Apex shook his head. “Good, glad we got here in time. Name’s Hero, that’s Zenex. Who are you?”

“A-Apex…” Apex whispered, shrinking back into the corner. ‘Zenex’ carefully moved closer.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Apex nodded, keeping his eyes on the ground. Zenex frowned and reached, lifting the younger nymph’s chin with a hoof.

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I don’ like i’ here…” Apex whispered, eyes pooling over and tears beginning to fall. “No one e’er plays with me, a-an’ they laugh ‘cause I can’ talk righ’. E-E’er since C-Capillarie an’ S-Scorpia w-wen’ up in the sky I don’ have an’one else to play with…”

The two nymphs stared at him for a minute, then both moved forwards and hugged him tightly. Apex sank into their embrace, burying his head in their shoulders.

“Hey, it’s okay, don’t cry.” Hero said soothingly, rubbing his back. “But if you don’t like the nursery why are you in here?”

“H-Ha’e to be…” Apex whispered hoarsely. “P-Papa Thorax h-had to go with Unc- w-with Pharynx o-on pa’rol s-so I haf’a s’ay here…”

“Wait, Papa Thorax? As in, the king?” Zenex asked, and Apex pulled away, nodding and digging a hoof into the moss.

“H-He ‘dopted me ‘c-cause ‘m a-an o-or… orphan…” Apex stammered. Hero rubbed his back gently.

“Me too.” he told him, and Zenex nodded. “But hey, you’ve got someone who cares about you, that’s saying a lot.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Thorax will come get you soon.” Zenex said, and Apex wiped at his eyes. “Until then, do you want to play with us?”

Apex’s eyes widened. “R-Really? I-I can play with you?”

“Of course!” Hero smiled at him. “Zen and I needed another player for our game anyway, it’s not much fun playing tag with only two ‘lings. And if you hadn’t noticed, most nymphs don’t really like how we’re not colorbugs like them.”

Apex smiled. “I don’ care, i-if you don’ care how I talk…”

“Of course not. I think it’s cute.” Zenex told him, and Apex felt his cheeks burn slightly.

“T-Thanks… Z-Zenny…” Apex murmured, and Zenex’s face turned pink.

“Heh, aww, cute.” Hero laughed and rubbed Zenex’s head. “C’mon then Apex, Zenny.”

“H-Herooooo!”

“Heh, what?” Hero chuckled, and Apex smiled slightly, making the nymph look over. “What’s up?”

“Y-You ‘mind me of my… of Pharynx.” Apex corrected himself, knowing Pharynx had asked him not to tell others about his nickname. Hero turned red.

“I-I… well…” Hero reached and booped Apex’s nose, making him squeak. “Tag, you’re it, no touchbacks!” he exclaimed, then promptly ran off.

“Hehehe, hey!” Apex cried, chasing the older nymph. Zenex joined him, giggling. The three raced around a small area of the large nursery, laughing.

Apex soon managed to tag Zenex, and then Zenex went after Hero. The three nymphs laughed and giggled as they worked to evade each other. Eventually, Apex was it again, and he saw a perfect opportunity to get the two older nymphs by surprise. He doubled back when they’d gotten far enough away, and quickly shapeshifted into a small pebble.

“Hey, where’d he go?” Apex fought the urge to giggle as he heard Zenex’s voice come closer. “Hero, time out, Apex disappeared.”

“Aw, come on! He was it!”

“I know, don’t you think that’s odd?”

“Eh, gives us more time… hey, what if we hide?”

“Isn’t that cheating?”

“Hm… make up another rule saying we can hide?”

“I guess… still, I wonder where he went.”

“He’ll turn up Zen-”

“Rahhh!” Apex cried as he shapeshifted back, tackling the two nymphs to the ground. They both squealed as he knocked all three of them into the moss. “Gotcha!”

“Heheh, hey!” Hero protested, as Zenex giggled and looked up at Apex.

Apex giggled, smiling, then looked down at them. Zenex was looking up at him with both eyes, and Apex’s own eyes widened slightly. Only one of Zenex’s eyes was sapphire blue. The other was a shining emerald green. Zenex seemed to register what Apex was staring at and squeaked, covering his green eye with a hoof.

“Zen? What’s wrong?” Hero glanced over, and Zenex scrambled away.

Apex got up and stepped over to the nymph, reaching out for him. Zenex flinched, but Apex merely took the hoof covering Zenex’s eye, and moved it. He then leaned in and gently nosed him.

“H-Huh?” Zenex blinked, opening his green eye instinctively, then flinched. But Apex merely smiled at him softly. “W-What are you doing? A-Aren’t you freaked out?”

“Why would I be? Your eyes ‘re so pre’y!” Apex exclaimed, hugging him. “They’re like gems’ones.”

Zenex turned red again and looked down. “N-No they’re not…”

“Yes they ‘re.” Apex nuzzled him. “They’re beau’iful, Zenny.”

Zenex hesitated, then hugged him, and Apex hugged back. “You really think so?”

“Mhm!”

Zenex’s eyes watered and he began crying tears of joy. He hugged Apex tightly, pulling Hero over as well.

“Hey! Toughbugs don’t hug!” Hero protested

“Can this one? Just for a minute?” Zenex asked, and Hero sighed, nodding.

The three nymphs hugged for a minute longer, then let go. Zenex smiled widely at the two.

“Thank you…”

“‘Course.” Apex smiled at him, then looked down. “H-Hey, ‘re…”

“Hm?”

“...‘Re we friends now…?”

“Of course!” both nymphs cried as one, and Apex gave them a relieved smile.

“We’re definitely friends.” Zenex hugged Apex tightly, and Hero nodded.

“Yeah, you’re one of us now Apex.”

Apex smiled, hugging Zenex back. The three nymphs then heard hoofsteps, and Apex opened his mouth slightly. Ripe mangos.

“Apex?”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex raced over, opening his wings and flying to Thorax, throwing his hooves around the alpha changeling’s neck.

“Hehehe, there you are my little hyper sprite!” Thorax curved a hoof around Apex and cradled him, kissing his forehead gently. “You alright sweetie?”

“Mhm.” Apex snuggled against him. “I made friends!”

“That’s wonderful Apex, who are they?” Thorax asked, smiling at him.

“Hero an’ Zenny!”

Thorax then saw the two unreformed nymphs, and smiled, beckoning them over. They came over, and Apex jumped down, nuzzling them.

“Thank you both for looking after him.” Thorax said, smiling at the two.

“No problem. Maybe next time you need him to be looked after you could take him to one of us instead of the nursery.” Hero suggested, and Thorax smiled.

“I definitely will, it seems like Apex had a lot of fun.” Thorax picked Apex back up. “You two want to come with us?”

“I’m waiting for Hive, he said he’d be here in a bit.” Zenex explained

“And I’m waiting with him.” Hero added

“Alright then, you two have fun.” Thorax smiled at them, and Apex waved before Thorax carried him off.

“Papa Thorax, I can play with them more, righ’?”

“Of course you can Apex.” Thorax smiled at Apex gently, nuzzling him. “Whenever you want.”

“Yay! Where ‘re we goin’?”

“Pharynx’s room. He’s a little banged up, he had to fight back a couple Equestrian thieves. I thought he might want his favorite little nymph to snuggle with him.” Thorax explained.

“Yay! Snuggles with Uncle Pharynx!” Apex smiled and pulled himself out of Thorax’s grip, running to Pharynx’s room and leaping onto the bed. “Uncle Pharynx!”

“Gah! Oh, it’s just you grub.” Pharynx yawned and wrapped a hoof around Apex. “Thorax, did you have to bring him?”

“Well, I did promise to come get him the moment we got back, and the more changelings you snuggle with, the faster your energy will be restored.”

“Fine…” Pharynx sighed, as Thorax laid down next to him.

“Heheh, you want back rubs Phar?”

“What? No!” Pharynx growled, but Thorax had already begun rubbing his back between his shoulderblades. “Thorax… s-stop… it…”

Pharynx relaxed, resting his head on the pillows and pulling Apex closer. Apex giggled and snuggled closer. Pharynx half-lidded his eyes, looking down at Apex.

“You have fun in the nursery, grub?”

“Mhm, I made friends!” Apex snuggled into Pharynx’s chest. “Hero an’ Zenny.”

“Zenex?” Pharynx shifted so he could look up at Thorax, who nodded.

“They seemed to be getting along really well. I may have promised Apex he could spend more time with them soon.”

“Fine by me. That Hero kid though… he seems like a bit of a troublemaker…” Pharynx returned to his original position, half-lidding his eyes again.

“Hero’s fun! We played tag!” Apex protested.

“He didn’t seem that bad Pharynx.”

“Alright alright, fine, I’m overruled.” Pharynx yawned and closed his eyes. “Still…”

“It’ll be fine Pharynx. Why don’t you rest? We’ll be here when you wake up.” Thorax suggested.

“Fine, if it’ll get you to stop talking…” Pharynx’s breathing slowed and deepened, and soon, he was asleep. Apex smiled and cuddled close to him.

“Nigh’ Uncle Pharynx.” Apex said cheerfully, getting a half-awake grunt in return. Thorax giggled softly, still rubbing Pharynx’s back gently.

Apex also yawned, curling up in Pharynx’s hold. He closed his eyes, and felt Thorax kiss his forehead. Apex drifted off to sleep, content in his uncle’s hooves as his papa rested beside them. The little nymph smiled as he slowly fell asleep, thinking about his two new friends. Something told him they’d have plenty of adventures together in the future.
> Nightmare
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex cuddled up under the sheets with Ocellus, who was reading aloud from her book.

“And then, the Prince leaned in, and kissed the fair maiden-”

“Gross Celly! Why do all your story-tales go’a have kisses?”

“Firstly, Apex, it’s either Storybook or Fairy Tales. Secondly, would you rather I read from Equestrian Cultures and Camaraderie, Volume 8?”

“Nuh-uh!”

“Then shush.” Ocellus teased, and Apex stuck his tongue out at her. “Now, where were we?”

“Okay Ocellus, you can go now.” Pharynx poked his head into the room. “We’re back.”

“Uncle Pharynx! Papa Thorax!” Apex leapt up, but Ocellus pulled him back down with her magic, wrapping the blankets around him.

“No Apex, it’s bedtime. Lie down.” she directed, leaping off the bed and levitating her book after her.

“Did he give you any trouble?” Pharynx asked as she passed.

“Aside from making grossed-out faces every time something romantic happened in my book?”

“Can’t really blame him for that.”

“Then no.” Ocellus smiled. “Thanks for offering me the chance to look after him on my breaks. It’s wonderful having something like siblings again...”

Apex sighed and nuzzled down into the blankets. He now regretted being so rude. Ocellus’ parents had provoked a fight with a nearby town and gotten killed. Their nymphs-Ocellus’ brother and sister-weren’t weaned off her mother’s nectar yet, and had unfortunately passed a week after their parents. Ocellus had struggled through the grief since Thorax brought her back to the Hive to tell her.

“Hey, Celly?” Apex asked, and she glanced over. “‘M sorry for wha’ I said… kissy scenes are gross bu’ you like ‘em, so… you can read them ‘gain if you wan’…”

“Thank you Apex. I know what you’re doing but the sentiment is appreciated.” Ocellus smiled at him before leaving. “Goodnight Prince Pharynx, goodnight Apex.” she called as she walked out.

“Grub… I should warn you…” Pharynx walked up to the bed. “Thorax is a little out of it. He’s had a long day and needs sleep.”

“Okay.” Apex said brightly. “As long as I ge’ to snuggle with him!”

Pharynx rolled his eyes slightly, but the door opened wider and Thorax stepped in. Apex lifted his head and smiled. The changeling King trotted over to the bed and laid down. The second his head hit the pillow, his eyes closed and he was asleep.

“Papa Thorax?”

“Tried to tell you, grub. Try not to wake him up, he needs rest.” Pharynx said.

Apex sighed and settled between Thorax’s forelegs, curling up. Pharynx dropped his tough-bug act long enough to kiss Apex gently on the forehead, then left after making sure the only light in the room was from the window. Apex snuggled down into Thorax’s hooves, falling fast asleep.

-------------------------------------------------------

Apex was standing in the middle of the throne room. He was back in the old Hive.

“Wh-Wha’ am I doin’ here?” he asked

“I would have thought that obvious, you little mewling grub.”

Apex’s eyes widened as he looked up. In the place where Thorax’s tree throne usually was, there was the black throne carved of stone of the old hive. One that Chrysalis now sat on. She smirked and stood up, trotting to him.

“The only reason a pathetic little grub like you would be here was if he deserved to be. Just you wait grub, there’s a whole world of hurt coming…” she sneered.

-------------------------------------------------

Apex jolted awake, looking around. He still lay in Thorax’s hooves, though not held as snugly as usual. He looked up at Thorax and nuzzled him.

“Papa Thorax?” Apex murmured, nosing his cheek.

“Mm…” Thorax grunted and shifted.

Apex sighed “Try not to wake him up.” Pharynx’s words echoed in his head.

“C’mon… ‘s jus’ a stupid dream. Like Uncle Pharynx says… push pas’ the fear…” Apex mumbled, closing his eyes again.

---------------------------------------------------

He now stood in the center chamber of the old nursery, which lacked the soft moss the new one had. He was an unreformed changeling. Chrysalis was towering above him. She sneered and lifted him in her magic.

“You’re too soft you stupid grub! You need to be tougher!”

She threw him down on the ground, then lifted him again and plunged his body against the wall. Apex yelped in terror.

“P-Papa Thorax…” Apex sobbed

“That traitor won’t save you, why would a lowly grub like you ever be important enough for him to come back just to rescue you?!” Chrysalis sneered.

Apex slid down the wall and thudded against the floor, feeling a few wounds open. He looked up, vision blurry. Pharynx stood beside Chrysalis, in his unreformed form.

“U-Uncle Pharynx…?” Apex whispered, extending a hoof slightly.

Pharynx didn’t respond. Apex turned to see Ocellus, also unreformed, standing among a crowd of other unreformed changelings.

“Celly?” Ocellus didn’t even look his way, eyes trained on something in the opposite direction.

Apex felt tears begin to flow freely, entering his wounds and stinging them. The hot liquid clouded his vision even more. Chrysalis approached him.

“Not even going to fight back? Looks like you’re heading down the same path the traitor took. And I promise you, this time I won’t let another betrayer escape.”

Apex whimpered as she picked him up once more. She opened her mouth, and he began crying. Chrysalis was about to drain the little love he had.

Suddenly, a blue light washed over his surroundings. The changelings faded, his wounds disappeared, and lastly, Chrysalis vanished. Just before Apex could fall into the new white abyss, he landed in someone’s strong hooves. He sank into them and nuzzled against the chest of the figure. They had fur. It was a pony.

“Young Apex.” the pony murmured, and Apex looked up.

“Luna?” Apex asked, looking down to see he was back to being reformed.

“Yes. I must say, I’m surprised to find trouble in your dreams. Typically Thorax beats me to it.” Luna said

“He’s too sleepy…” Apex murmured

Luna set Apex down and he looked away. “Would you like to talk about it?” Luna asked gently.

“I’s jus’… us’ly he a’ways wakes up when I do. On’y he’s really sleepy tonigh’ an’ when I woke up earlier he didn’ ge’ up. An’ when I fell back ‘sleep Chrysalis was af’er me. An’ Uncle Pharynx an’ Celly didn’ do anything to stop her… bu’ Papa Thorax a’ways wakes up an’ tells me ‘m okay, the monsters can’ get me and ‘m safe an’ he loves me, an’… an’…” Apex began shuddering as he cried. “He didn’…”

Apex felt a feathered wing wrap around him. Luna’s muzzle touched his.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that. I expected Thorax to aid you as usual, so I didn’t realize anything was amiss until you dreamt of such a terrifying thing.”

Apex continued sobbing, and Luna whisked him up with her wing, carrying him.

“I would like to show you something.” Luna’s horn glowed and a bubble appeared, like a window. “This is Thorax’s dream.”

“P-Papa Thorax?” Apex whispered, as Luna set him down.

In the image, Thorax lay in a grassy field. His dream’s Apex lay asleep on his head, Ocellus curled between his forelegs, reading. Pharynx lay by his side, leaning against Thorax but clearly on guard. Tempest was curled beside him, her head on his shoulder. Ember was resting on Thorax’s other side, scepter in hand and lying leisurely beside her obvious mate.

“He dreams about this all the time Apex. He truly loves you, and the family he’s made since you entered his life.”

“Bu’… wha’ if ‘m no’ good ‘nough for him?” Apex asked. “Wha’ if he finds a be’er Prince, o-or thinks ‘m too much trouble… wha’ if he doesn’ love me an’more? H-He didn’ even say goodnight t’ me, Uncle Pharynx did. Wh-Wha’ if he’s tired of me?”

As Apex wiped his eyes, he realized the dream was fading. Luna sighed.

“Wh-Whas’ going on?”

“You are waking up.” Luna put her wing around him. “I’m sorry I was unable to provide comfort.”

“I’s okay Luna…” Apex sniffled “I’s no’ your fault ‘m no’ good ‘nough… ‘s mine...” he left the dream realm before Luna could respond.

---------------------------------------------

Apex woke up, realizing he was still crying. He looked out the window, seeing the moon shining in the middle of the window. He sniffled and wiped his eyes, then stood and crawled away from Thorax.

“‘M never gonna sleep ‘gain…” Apex mumbled, curling up at the edge of the bed, away from the blankets and half hanging off the bed, so he wouldn’t drift off again.

Apex let another sob wrack him, and gazed at the opposite wall, though the shadows caused by the moon’s light frightened him. He fought the urge to go back to Thorax and burrow into his warm body.

“H-He doesn’ love me…” Apex murmured, letting the tears fall onto the floor.

---------------------------------------------

Luna stepped through the window from Apex’s dream and appeared in Thorax’s. Thorax stood up, the Apex on his head being levitated down to lie between his dream Pharynx’s forelegs.

“Luna? What are you doing here? This isn’t a nightmare.”

“No, but this is:”

Luna’s horn glowed and she showed Thorax her previous encounter with Apex. Thorax’s eyes widened as he saw the nightmare, then the talk between Luna and the nymph.

“No… no, I’d never replace him. He may not be my real son but I love him so much.” Thorax said, turning to Luna. “Luna, wake me up, I need to see him.”

“Thorax, Apex was correct, your aura is very clouded, meaning you’re tired. You need this rest.”

“Luna, please. I’ll sleep later, this is important!”

“How so?”

“I need to see him before he does something. What if he runs away or gets scared of me? I’d never forgive myself for not waking up when he needs me the most.” Thorax was almost in tears.

Luna sighed. “Very well Thorax. I wish you luck.” her horn glowed and his dream dissolved. She then sighed again, looking into a different dream, where a familiar white alicorn slumbered. “Make this right.”

-----------------------------------------------------

Thorax opened his eyes to see a huddled mass at the edge of his bed. He reached over with a hoof and nudged it gently.

“Apex?” he whispered.

“Go ‘way.” Apex mumbled. Thorax slipped a hoof around Apex and drew him closer.

“Apex…” Thorax kissed the nymph’s head gently, then gave him a comforting lick around the ears. “My sweet, darling little nymph, I’m so sorry.”

“F-For wha’?” Apex mumbled, wiping his eyes. He’d been crying, Thorax realized, and grew even more guilty.

“Luna showed me your dream, and what you said to her. I’m sorry I didn’t wake up my little hyper sprite, I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Thorax cradled Apex gently against his chest. “I’m so, so sorry Apex.”

“Thorax?” Pharynx stepped into the room tentatively. “Luna appeared in my dream, something about Apex needing me...?”

“Uncle Pharynx!” Apex turned and reached for Pharynx, who went over to the bed, rearing up and placing his forelegs on the bed.

“I’m here grub. What’s going on?”

“I-I had a nigh’mare where we were in the Old Days an’ Chrysalis was to’ring me, an’ you and Celly didn’ do anything an’ I woke up bu’ Papa Thorax didn’ wake up and-” Apex began bawling now.

Thorax looked pleadingly at Pharynx, who nodded and leaned over to nuzzle Apex.

“Grub, it’s okay…”

“No i’ wasn’! I was all ‘lone an’ scared an’ Papa Thorax didn’ wake up!”

Thorax wrapped Apex in his hoof and held him close as he sobbed. Apex buried his head into Thorax’s chest.

“You’re right to be upset Apex. I should have woken up, but you have to understand that sometimes I’m just too tired.”

“I do un’erstan’…” Apex sniffled. “B-Bu’ I needed you…”

“I know. And that’s why I’m truly sorry. I want you to know that I would never even think of doing something like replacing you. You are good enough Apex. You’re perfect for me. You fit snugly in my hooves and though you may grow up, there will always be a place for you in my heart.”

Apex sniffled and hugged him.

“You are my sweet, darling, clever, spunky little nymph. You may not be related to me but you are my son.” Thorax said, nuzzling him.

“Yeah, and grub…” Pharynx said, gaining the nymph’s attention. “If you ever have another nightmare, or if Thorax is too tired to watch over you… well, my room’s right down the hall. I could even just take you with me in the evening, let you sleep in some extra bed or… maybe my own. Just so you wouldn’t have to walk down the hallway in the dark.”

“Really?” Apex asked

“Of course. So long as you don’t tell anyling.” Pharynx replied, giving him a wink and a smile.

“See Apex? We are all here for you, and we love you. We love you so much it’s hard to stop us from caring.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Now come on my little hyper sprite, show me that cute little smile of yours.”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Come on my sweet nymph.” Thorax nuzzled Apex again. “I know it’s hard, after all you just went through. But I promise if you smile now, I’ll always make sure there’s someone here to comfort you if you need it.”

Apex nodded, and Thorax put his muzzle to Apex’s stomach, blowing into him. Apex giggled and squirmed, smiling at last.

“There’s the smile I know.” Thorax said, settling down in bed. “Now, are you ready to go back to sleep?”

“I… I don’ know…” Apex mumbled. Thorax and Pharynx both smiled kindly.

“Apex, I’ll be here with you. If you get scared, I’ll still be holding onto you tight, whether I wake up or not. And you know, bad dreams can’t hurt you.” Thorax said.

“Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed.

“I’d better head back to bed too.” Pharynx sighed. “I was having the best dream…”

He leaned over to kiss Apex on the forehead again, then dropped down onto four legs again and headed for the door. Thorax smiled and laid down, lying on his side. He drew Apex close against his chest and nuzzled him.

“Goodnight my little hyper sprite. I love you.” Thorax cooed to the nymph.

Apex yawned and settled against Thorax’s chest, closing his eyes.

“G’night Papa Thorax… love you too.” Apex murmured. He laid his head on the alpha changeling’s chest and soon fell asleep.

Early the next morning, as Thorax woke up, he felt very well rested. He found he was now lying on his back, having shifted during the night. Thorax felt a warm presence on his chest, and when he looked up, he saw Apex was sleeping there. The small nymph was cuddled up to him, still asleep. Thorax sighed, content. He sat up and kissed Apex on the forehead, waking him.

“Morning Papa Thorax.” Apex said, smiling sleepily at the grown changeling.

“Good morning my hyper sprite.”

Apex giggled at the nickname and crawled forward, nuzzling under Thorax’s chin and smiling.

“My darling little nymph.” Thorax teased gently, leaning back against the wall and lifting up Apex to nuzzle him. “Did you sleep okay after our talk?”

“Mhm.” Apex smiled as Thorax cradled him. “Not one nightmare.”

“Good.” Thorax kissed his forehead again. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“I love you Papa Thorax.” Apex sighed, snuggled against his chest.

“I love you too Apex.” Thorax said, hugging his little nymph close.
> When Fortune Fell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Pharynnnx! Get off me you big lump!” Ocellus cried, and Pharynx chuckled. He was currently lying down in the sandy training area, Ocellus pressed underneath him.

“What have we learned, Ocellus?”

“That you’re a jerk?” Ocellus tried, shoving at him but not making much of a difference.

“You need to be able to play to your strengths.” Pharynx replied, then froze.

“Um… Pharynx…?”

----------------------------

“Pharynx, you need to remember to play to your strengths.”

“I know, Tuney, I’m doing that!”

“You’re just shapeshifting, Phary. You have other strengths, learn them and access them.”

---------------------------

“Pharynx!”

Pharynx jumped, realizing Ocellus was no longer under him, standing in front of him instead. “What?”

“What happened? You spaced out for like, ten minutes.”

Pharynx blinked and shook his head. “I’m fine. Just lost my concentration.”

“If you say so.” Ocellus shrugged. “I was wondering if we could take a break? We’ve been out here for three hours.”

“So?” Pharynx stood up, looking down at her. “You realize it won’t kill you, right?”

“But I wanted to read!”

“And I want to teach you how to survive!”

“Books can do that!” Ocellus cried

“So can actually training!”

“You’re just saying that so you don’t have to watch me beat you in chess again.”

-----------------------

“What-how?!”

“Brains, Phary.”

“Hey! I’m smart!”

“Yes, you’re smart, but you need to think strategically. Work smarter, Phary, not harder.”

“This game is stupid.”

“Oh, you’re only saying that because you’re being a sore loser. Come here, let me show you a better strategy.”

-----------------------

“You won’t beat me.” Pharynx said, brushing past her. Ocellus huffed and glared at him.

“I will! But does this mean we can stop training?”

“Fine.” Pharynx rolled his eyes, leading the younger changeling back to the Hive.

“Hey, where’s Thorax? I haven’t seen him all day.” Ocellus remarked as she hurried to catch up with him.

“He’s probably doing his job, for once.” Pharynx replied, gritting his teeth slightly. He knew exactly where Thorax was, and he had better hurry up. Pharynx wasn’t sure how long he could last, but it wouldn’t be much longer.

----------------------

“-Until fortune finally fell my way. Because on this day… two little nymphs dropped into my life... I promise that I will keep you from all strife. I am here for you, my little boys, my darling pride and joys…”

“Tuney, Thorax already fell asleep.”

“I was singing it for you, Phary.”

“S-Shut up… I’m too big for lullabies.”

“Really? You look tired…”

“S-Shut… up…”

-------------------------

“Pharynx, seriously, what’s up? That’s the third time you’ve gotten lost in your own head. It can’t be that empty.” Ocellus said, and Pharynx shook his head.

“I’m fine Ocellus, I just need to clear my head.”

“So you can go look for your marbles?” Ocellus asked slyly, and Pharynx cuffed her over the ear.

“Watch it…” Pharynx warned, sighing. “I’m fine Ocellus, I’m just… not in the game today.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Pharynx replied, and Ocellus gave him a look. “Leave it alone, Ocellus.”

“Fine…” Ocellus said, though she still eyed him as they walked. “So, to the Hive Library? Or the cafeteria? Or maybe the communal resting chamber?”

“Resting chamber. It’ll be empty.” Pharynx replied.

“Alright then.” Ocellus shrugged.

The two headed to the communal resting chamber, stopping briefly so Ocellus could grab a couple of their favorite books from her room. Pharynx led Ocellus to the chamber, and they laid down in the soft layers of moss. Ocellus immediately immersed herself in her book, but Pharynx hesitated a moment before grabbing his own, a war book. He stared at the pages, closing his eyes as he read the familiar words.

-------------------

“Tuney, can we go over it again, please?”

“Alright, alright. Let’s see… tactic ten thirty five?”

“Ten infiltrators gather thirty important pieces of information within five days for the warriors to make use of.”

“Good. Tactic eight-four-zero?”

“Eight thousand to the front, four hundred to the side, and-”

“Zero left behind!”

--------------------

Pharynx closed his eyes. “Zero left behind…”

“What?” Ocellus asked, glancing up.

“Nothing.”

“No, tell me. Something’s going on, and you know I hate being left in the dark.”

“Ocellus-”

“Tell me.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything-”

“I’m your sister-figure, I have the right to know-!”

“You wouldn’t understand!” Pharynx snarled, standing up and storming out, just as Thorax walked in.

“Pharynx, are you in-here?” he blinked as Pharynx stomped past him.

“About time.” Pharynx muttered as he walked by.

“Thorax?” Ocellus walked over as Pharynx left. “What’s going on with him?”

Thorax sighed and looked after his brother. “He’s just… remembering when… when fortune fell.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Pharynx sighed as he entered the Veteran’s Hall. He followed the dimly lit hall to the farthest room, lit with a single firefly lantern. Pharynx lit up his own antlers and horn with as dim of a red glow as he could muster. He stepped into the center of the room, stopping at a marker and sitting down.

“Hey Tuney.” Pharynx whispered.

The marker said nothing, but Pharynx stared at it intently, as though waiting for it to respond. He stared at the writing until it was bored into his mind. Not that he hadn’t memorized it the many other times he had visited.


Fortuna Arya Larynx



The Golden General



March 4th, 1983 - April 21st, 2005


Pharynx let out a dry sob, touching a hoof to the marker. “Hi… mom…”

He sat in silence for a while, letting tears drip down onto the marker, staining it silver with his pain. Pharynx hunched over the marker, crying silently.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it…” Pharynx whispered after a moment. “Thorax came first this year… he didn’t get to be here last year so it was only fair… he really missed you… and today seemed like a good day… I-I don’t know if you know, but… today is the day that you… that you first sung us that song…”

Pharynx was only greeted with more silence, and sighed. He rested a hoof on the marker, took a breath, closed his eyes, and began to sing.

“When you look to the stars my little boys
You’ll find that life is strange and vast
Carrying wonders and joys
I’ll help you face each new sun
With eyes clear and true
Unafraid to stare into the unknown…
Because I’ll face it all with you…”

Pharynx felt more tears slip out as he continued.

“Look into the stars my little boys, and stare up at the moon…
No matter how many days pass, I’m always thinking of you…
I’ll help you face each new day, help your hope to thrive…
I promise I won’t go so soon
You won’t have to wait long until I’m here with you…”

Pharynx cried harder, voice becoming lost as he sobbed. A hoof suddenly was set on his shoulder, and a new voice began to sing.

“Everyone else always seemed so far…
I was wishing on a golden star, 
Until fortune finally fell my way
Because on this day
Two little nymphs dropped into my life
I promise that I will keep you from all strife
I am here for you my little boys…
My darling pride and joys…”

Pharynx looked up, seeing Thorax standing there, Ocellus behind him. Thorax embraced his brother, who leaned against him, staring at the marker.

“I miss her too, Phar.” Thorax whispered.

“She should have had more time…” Pharynx murmured.

“You two got what she didn’t though.” Ocellus uttered, squirming her way between the two brothers. “You have plenty of time, time to live as she wanted you to, and carry on her legacy.”

Pharynx smiled softly and rubbed her head. “W-When you’re right, you’re right, little sister… I can see her in you, y’know… I see her in you and Apex…”

“She lives on in our hearts, Phar.” Thorax told his brother softly, smiling through tears. “As it should be.”
> Griffonstone Visit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Remind me again why the grub is here? Or why I’m here, for that matter?” Pharynx asked his brother as they sat on the train heading across the canal that bridged the ocean between the mainland Equus and the continent on which Griffonstone sat.

“Well, you insisted on coming with me, and we can’t just leave Apex behind when both of us are here.” Thorax reminded his brother.

“And why not? He has friends to keep him occupied now, and his friends are close with the only changelings I trust to keep the Hive safe in our absence.” Pharynx retorted, glancing over at the nymph in question.

Apex was bouncing in place next to Ocellus, pretending to be examining the papers scattered around the young changeling. She was nose-deep in a book as usual, only registering Apex’s antics with a flick of her ear. Thorax giggled softly at the two, answering Pharynx’s question as he did.

“You know Apex prefers to know where we both are, Pharynx. He gets worried when we’re gone for too long. And you know why.”

“I know that Thorax, but Griffonstone is no place for a nymph.” Pharynx snapped in an undertone. “You know that.”

“Twilight’s told me that the recently selected new ambassadors for Griffonstone are doing wonders for the overall atmosphere, Pharynx!” Thorax replied chipperly.

“Oh joy, so now we’ll just have to beware of crumbling buildings that eager grubs will no doubt want to explore, instead of rude locals.”

Thorax swatted his brother with a dismissive hoof. “Oh hush you.”

“What are you going to protest with? That there’s no way a curious and energetic little hooffull of a nymph will be interested in the old, rotting, new playground?”

“We can keep Apex under control Pharynx, I honestly don’t see what you’re complaining abou-”

“He’s out of his seat and trying to goad Ocellus into playing tag with him by taking one of her books.”

Thorax yelped and leapt to his hooves. Sure enough, Apex was dragging a thick book steadily out of Ocellus’ reach, giggling mischievously. Ocellus had seemed to finally realize what was happening and was glaring at the nymph.

“Apex, give that back, I need it!”

“No! I’s been claimed’ed by me! Fu’ure King-Gen’ral Apex o’ the chang’ling Hive! Come an’ ge’ i’ if you dare!” Apex called in response, standing on the book proudly.

Thorax lunged to try and snag the little nymph in his hooves, but when he moved, he found himself crashing to the floor of the train car. He turned, glaring at his saboteur, none other than his own brother.

“Pharynx!”

“Oops.” Pharynx grinned at him from where he sat on the train seat, one hoof casually placed on Thorax’s gossamer tail. “Sorry.”

Apex giggled, running by his papa as Ocellus jumped down from her seat in an attempt to get her book back. He dragged the book along with his magic, grinning as he passed by the incapacitated king and smug prince.

“Apex, give it to me!”

“Nu-uh! Mine!”

“You can’t even read!”

“So?!”

Thorax groaned and covered his head with his hooves. He could still hear Apex scampering around the train car and Ocellus demanding the return of her book.

“Well, would you look at that, it’s almost as if I was right.” Pharynx chuckled, now sitting on top of Thorax’s carapace, effectively keeping the alpha changeling pinned to the floor.

“Pharynx, you’re not helping…”

“Sorry. Hey Apex, the king is incapacitated! Want to plan a coup?”

“Okay!”

“Pharynxxx…” Thorax groaned, sighing. Pharynx tapped his little brother’s head with a hoof.

“Wait for it…” Pharynx continued, and Thorax glanced up. As Apex ran over, dragging the book, Pharynx reached and snatched the nymph up. He then deftly pried to book from Apex’s magic and tossed it to Ocellus, getting off of Thorax and sitting back down in his seat. “There. Happy now, brother?”

Thorax sighed and got up, sitting beside Pharynx, who held the struggling Apex. “I don’t think ‘incapacitating’ me was necessary, Pharynx.”

“No, but it certainly was entertaining.” Pharynx chuckled, tossing Apex to Thorax. The alpha yelped as the nymph suddenly landed in his hooves.

Thorax sighed at his brother, while Apex pouted in his hooves. He then glanced around the train car, examining the moods of the other passengers. Ocellus had returned to her seat, her book having been reclaimed. He then glanced over at Pharynx, finding him grinning at Apex, who was still pouting. 

“Uncle Pharynx, mut’ny isn’ ‘llowed!” Apex huffed.

Thorax chuckled and cradled the cranky nymph gently. “Apex, be nice to Pharynx, he’s trying to make sure you stay put like I told you to.”

“I go’ bored…” Apex huffed, and Thorax gently placed him between himself and Pharynx.

“If you stay here for the rest of the ride, I promise I’ll let you run around for a bit when we get to the train station, okay sweetie?”

“Okay Papa Thorax…” Apex sighed, curling up between the two. Thorax smiled at the nymph and rubbed his head, looking out the window.

They eventually arrived at the Griffonstone train station, and the changelings made their way off the train. Ocellus was still invested in her book, while Pharynx remained stubbornly scornful on the idea of the visit. Thorax carried Apex on his back, the young nymph looking around curiously.

“Ocellus, you’re the one who’s been reading non-stop about Griffonstone, where do we go?” Pharynx asked, and Ocellus responded, not looking up.

“Their home lies on a mountain near here, they typically fly up. Headmare Twilight did assure us the ambassadors would be waiting there, remember?”

“I don’t listen to half of the words anyone says Ocellus.” Pharynx grunted, opening his wings. Ocellus rolled her eyes and finally emerged from behind her book, putting it away. “Let’s go then.”

“Papa Thorax, you p’omised I could run ‘round!” Apex reminded him, and Thorax smiled at him.

“I know my little hyper sprite. But let’s get up to Griffonstone first, okay?”

“Okay…” Apex sighed, climbing up to Thorax’s head as the alpha took off.

Soon enough, they had reached the peak of the mountain. Thorax and Ocellus followed Pharynx as he landed and looked around. A trio of griffons stood near a broken archway nearby. Ocellus ran towards them, colliding with the smallest of the three.

“Gallus!”

“Hey Ocellus!” Gallus held out a claw, which Ocellus bumped with her hoof.

“I didn’t know you were an ambassador.” Ocellus said as Thorax and Pharynx trotted over.

“Heh… surprise?” Gallus tried, chuckling. “Yeah. I handle the relations with the other kingdoms, or something. Gilda and Gabby do the other stuff.”

Ocellus giggled and he chuckled sheepishly. Thorax smiled kindly at the other two griffons there, a gray griffon and a tan one. Apex slid down Thorax’s neck and flopped down on his carapace. The gray griffon immediately took notice and squealed, jumping closer to the nymph. Apex yelped and grabbed onto Thorax’s neck, and almost immediately, Pharynx stepped between the griffon and nymph.

“Get away, you’re scaring him.” Pharynx ordered her calmly, and she backed away.

“Sorry, he’s just so cute!” the griffon held out a claw. “I’m Gabrella, but you can call me Gabby if you want.”

“It’s nice to meet you Gabby.” Thorax said, shaking her claw politely when Pharynx made no effort. “I’m Thorax, that’s my brother Pharynx, our sister Ocellus, and the nymph is my son Apex.”

“Wait, sister?” Gallus asked Ocellus, who nodded shyly.

“Gilda.” the tan griffon introduced herself, dragging Gabby backwards. “Sorry about her, she has way more enthusiasm than is normal.”

Gabby giggled and hugged Gilda, smiling at her. “Aww, don’t be such a grump, Gildie!”

“Gabs, get off.” Gilda gently shoved her away, then beckoned with a claw for the others to follow her. “Come on, we can continue at the old castle, it’s pretty demolished but it’s big.”

Thorax nodded and followed the two griffons in. They made their way through the city, which seemed to be in ruins. Apex had jumped off of Thorax’s back and was weaving between the older creatures, looking around. Ocellus and Gallus began keeping an eye on him, herding the youngling back towards Thorax or Pharynx whenever he strayed too far.

“Here.” Gilda led them up a flight of stairs into the ruins of a castle. “Pretty much the only stable room here is the old throne room, so I’d keep an eye on the kid.”

Thorax nodded and picked Apex up, though he squirmed. “Papa Thorax, you p’omised!”

“I know Apex. You can run around a little if you want, but stay where I can see you, okay?” Thorax said, setting the nymph down. Apex giggled and scampered off, trotting around the throne room.

Apex chose not to pay too much attention to what the adults were talking about. He instead began exploring the room they were in. Apex leapt onto a wood pedestal, then jumped back down. He giggled and tackled imaginary enemies, then rolled into a mound of gray.

“Heheh, hey there!” Gabby picked up the nymph, smiling at him.

“Hi…” Apex said shyly. Gabby smiled at him and offered him a golden biscuit with an acorn on top.

“You want one? They’re Griffon Scones, Gildie makes them herself!” Gabby said, and Apex took it eagerly, nibbling it.

Apex beamed, nibbling it. “I’s good!”

“Right?” Gabby giggled and set him down. “Oh! Wait right here! I have an idea!”

Apex tilted his head in confusion as the griffon dashed off, and trotted back to Thorax and Pharynx. He curled up between the brothers, and each one rubbed his head gently before returning to the conversation. Apex giggled and closed his eyes, dozing off. Soon, he felt someone picking him up, and recognized Thorax’s scent. He smiled and snuggled into the hoof holding him.

“Papa Thorax…” he mumbled, giggling when he felt something soft bump his nose.

“You don’t have to-”

“It’s okay King Thorax, I don’t know why I still have it anyway, it’s been years since I used it.”

Gabby’s voice punctuated Apex’s dream. He opened his eyes, seeing the soft beak of a griffon plushie. He giggled and reached his forelegs out, locking his hooves around the plushie and pulling it towards him. Gabby stood in front of him, smiling. Apex smiled back, looking up to see Thorax above him, smiling.

“What do you say Apex?”

“T-Thank you Gabby…” Apex whispered, clutching his prize. Gabby smiled and gave him a pat on the head.

“No problem little guy!” she said, smiling at him.

Thorax chuckled and carried Apex out of the ruins of the castle, the others following him. Apex held the griffon plush with one hoof and clung to Thorax with his other.

“Did you have fun sweetie?” Thorax asked, and Pharynx rolled his eyes.

“Mhm! Gabby’s fun!” Apex giggled, and Pharynx snorted.

“She acts like the pink pony with too much sugar.” Pharynx snorted as they began flying down the mountain. “The other two were more reasonable.”

“Yeah, because they act like you.” Ocellus taunted, and he punched her in the shoulder.

“At least I didn’t stay buried in my book the whole time, sis.” Pharynx retorted, grinning.

“Hey! I was listening!”

“Sure you were, and Thorax kicks puppies.”

“No I don’t-! Oh…” Thorax blinked in realization. “Pharynx, Ocellus, be nice.”

“I will if she will.”

“I will if he will!”

Thorax sighed and flew a little ways ahead of the two as they continued to banter. Apex giggled and hugged the plushie, smiling at Thorax. He smiled back and nuzzled him.

“Don’t listen to them, my little hyper sprite. They’re just being silly.” Thorax chuckled, and Apex smiled.

“I know Papa Thorax. Celly an’ Uncle Pharynx ‘re the bes’es’ a’ bein’ siblin’s.” Apex said, and Thorax laughed, making Apex smile.

Apex smiled and hugged the plushie, snuggling closer to his papa. Soon, they landed at the train station, just in time to catch the train that would take them home. Apex smiled, closing his eyes, content in his papa’s hooves, holding his new toy.
> Bullies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax smiled as he laid Apex in the moss of the nursery. Apex giggled as Thorax leaned down to nuzzle him.

“Heh, alright, I’ll be back soon my little hyper sprite.” Thorax assured him

“Okay Papa Thorax!”

“While I’m gone, why not try to make some friends?” Thorax suggested, nuzzling Apex and looking over at the other nymphs.

The nymphs in question were playing quietly in the moss. Some play-wrestled while others nuzzled each other and played with stick toys. A few looked over at Thorax. Apex noticed one in particular, a yellow nymph with deep blue accents and eyes. He was watching them with a strange grin on his face. Apex gulped and wrapped his forelegs around Thorax’s leg.

“I-I don’ wanna play with them…”

“Oh Apex, don’t be silly.” Thorax nudged Apex out from under him. “You need more friends sweetie.”

“B-Bu’ I have friends! Celly, an’ Sillia, an’ Fema, Tibius an’ Cornicle, an’ you an’ Uncle Pharynx!”

“Heh, you need more friends your age.” Thorax clarified “I know you have Flurry, Pound, and Pumpkin, but you can’t always see them. And Zenex and Hero are good friends for you, but you need some ‘lings to play with that are closer to your age.”

Apex crossed his forelegs in a grumpy-albeit cute-pout. Then, he noticed the bigger nymph glaring at him with a smirk. Apex’s eyes widened with slight fear, but he was soon distracted by Thorax.

“Come on, no pouting my little hyper sprite.” Thorax nuzzled him, then kissed his forehead. “I’ll be a while, so why don’t you at least try to play with some of them?”

“I-I don’ wanna…”

“Please sweetie? For me?”

Apex sighed, dropping his pout. “O-Okay… for you Papa Thorax.”

“Thank you Apex.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Heh, try to have fun, alright? I’ll be back to get you in a couple hours.”

“Okay…” Apex reached and hugged Thorax around the neck. He chuckled and returned the hug, then set him down in the moss.

“Papa Thorax!”

The other nymphs had finally noticed the alpha changeling. They swarmed around him.

“Papa Thorax, are you here to play with us?”

“Come play!”

“Will you play with us Papa Thorax?”

As the nymphs clamoured for his attention, Thorax chuckled and stepped back.

“I’m sorry little ones, but I just came to drop off Apex. I have to go do a few things.”

“Awww…” the nymphs chorused

A few of them looked at Apex with disapproving scowls. He backed away, blushing in embarrassment. Then, he bumped into someling. When he glanced up, he saw it was the same nymph from before. He was wearing the meanest grin Apex had ever seen.

“When you come back will you play?” one of the female nymphs asked

“Heh, we’ll see.” Thorax smiled warmly. “I’ll see you all soon!” with that, he turned and trotted out, smiling.

Once he had left, most of the nymphs returned to playing. However, as Apex tried to slink away, hoping to hide in a corner, someling’s hoof came down on his tail. He yelped in pain and surprise and looked back. It was the yellow and blue nymph.

“Wh-Wha’ d’you wan’, Parquel?”

“You’re the reason Papa Thorax couldn’t play with us.”

Apex mumbled something, and Parquel got in his face.

“What did you say, maggot?! Speak up!”

“H-He’s no’ your papa…” Apex murmured

“Not my papa, ey? Then he’s not yours either, filthy urchin.” Parquel shoved Apex backwards.

“Eeek! Owww…” Apex whimpered as he stumbled and fell, the soft moss doing nothing to cushion him as he hit the ground.

“Oh stop crying you big baby.” Parquel snarked

“Wh-Why’d you d-do tha’?”

“What’s it matter? Isn’t Papa Thorax’s ‘little hyper sprite’ supposed to be brave?” he sneered

“Yeah! What happened to the little grub that’s ‘gonna be the King-General and protect us all’?!” another nymph joined in, grinning.

Apex felt tears forming and wiped them away with his hoof. “S-S’op i’...”

“Heh, and that’s another thing! Why’re you talking like that? Everyone else can talk normally!”

“L-Like wha’?”

“That! That dumb broken Ponish!” Parquel snapped. “What, do you think it makes you sound cute?! Think it’ll make Papa Thorax love you more?!”

“N-No, I don’!” Apex protested

“Alright guys, cut it out!” a male lavender nymph called

“Shut it, gaybug or you’re next!” Parquel shouted, and the nymph retreated. “I run this nursery, why should I have to stop?!”

“You’re making the poor thing cry!” a pink female nymph protested

“So what?! Everyling knows he’s Papa Thorax’s special little nymph! He deserves this!”

“How do you figure?”

Parquel turned to face Apex, who was sniffling and crying on the ground. He smirked as he opened his mouth. “He needs to be taken down a couple notches, before he starts thinking he’s better than the rest of us.”

“I-I wouldn’!” Apex sobbed

“Yeah you would! You’re just gonna become a big spoiled brat because Papa Thorax is your new dad! You said so yourself!”

“H-He’s no’ my new dad!” Apex cried. “I-I don’ wanna r’place m-mommy an’ d-daddy…”

“Heh, then what is he?” Parquel asked, smirking.

“He… he’s jus’ my Papa Thorax…”

“You hear that!” Parquel shouted to everyone. “He said it! He admits it! His Papa Thorax! He wants Thorax all to himself!”

“N-No! Th-Tha’s no’ wha’ I mean’!”

“Sure it is! You’re always going to be Papa Thorax’s bratty nymph!”

“I-It did kinda sound like that…” the pink nymph murmured

“Exactly!” Parquel sneered at Apex. “What, you think you’re something special just because you’re a pitiful little orphan?”

Apex gasped and began crying harder.

“Aww, what’s wrong? Pouting like a baby just because I told the truth?”

“‘M… ‘m no’ a… a baby…”

“So? I still know what you really are.” he stood over the sniveling nymph and grinned down at him.

Apex shrank back, curling into a ball and looking up at Parquel. Fright showed in his wide eyes. Parquel grinned as he finished his thought.

“A stuck-up brat trying to suck up to the higher ups because your mommy and daddy didn’t survive. What, you think one of them will adopt you or something? Huh? Do you? If you do, you’re a dumb orphan.”

Apex whimpered and curled up into himself. Parquel smirked.

“Papa Thorax will never be yours. You may think you’re hot stuff but really, he just feels sorry for you. You always have been, and always will be, a dumb, little, orphan.”

Apex began bawling. Parquel laughed cruelly.

“Go on! Cry like the little pathetic baby you are!”

“Now what?” one of Parquel’s fellows asked.

Parquel reached and hooked his foreleg around Apex’s neck, lifting him up. He lifted the nymph by his neck, nearly choking him. As Apex struggled to get free despite the tears rolling down his face, Parquel smirked.

“We teach him a lesson.”

Parquel waited for his followers to surround the nymph, then dropped him. Apex hit the ground hard and continued sniffling. Parquel smirked as he calmly gave the order.

“Sic ‘em.”

Apex screamed in terror as they pounced. All the techniques that Pharynx had taught him went out of his head, and he was forced to simply wail as they began punching him. He screamed and yelled in pain as the blows struck his soft chitin and began bruising instantly. He felt his fragile tail being stomped on, his jaw was struck multiple times.

The whole time, he heard Chrysalis’ cruel laughter ringing in his ears. Their blows were hers, and hers were theirs, until the whole thing blended together and he couldn’t tell anything apart anymore. Except the pain. The sickening, blinding, pain. Tears streamed down his face as his breathing quickened, nearly entering a panic attack, before a cry rang out.

“Stop!” Parquel shouted after thirty minutes of this. He strode forwards, grinning. “I get to finish him.”

They all stood aside, creating a small aisle for Parquel to walk through. He watched Apex struggle to stand, nose bleeding. Parquel waited until Apex was able to look up at him, and then reared back, punching him in the gut.

The force of the blow sent Apex reeling backwards. He hit a wall and felt his carapace crack. Apex cried out in pain as his head banged against the wall. His vision blurred and he began to see stars.

Parquel snarled as he headed forwards. He reared and slammed his hoof into the wall, inches from Apex’s head. He boxed Apex in, then growled.

“Listen up brat, here’s what you’re gonna do:” Parquel began, “You’re going to sit in a corner and let us throw rocks at you. Then when Papa Thorax gets back, you’re going to disguise your injuries, and don’t even think about telling him or Pharynx. Just don’t tell anyone. And you’re going to let us play with Papa Thorax when he comes to get you. Got it?”

“Uh… uh-huh…” Apex whimpered

With that, Parquel let him go. Apex sniffled and staggered over to a corner far away from the others. He flopped into the moss, staining some with his blood, and continued crying. Rocks began to be tossed his way, hitting his back and sometimes his head. He snuggled down into the moss, wishing for Thorax or Pharynx to come and save him.

After a long while, he heard hoofsteps. Apex sniffled and made his magic surround him. When it faded, it revealed the little nymph as though he’d never been harmed. He still felt all the injuries, but forced himself to sit up, quickly burying the bloodstained moss under some fresh moss.

“Papa Thorax, you’re back!”

“Playtime now?”

“Play! Play!”

Thorax chuckled as the nymphs clustered around him. “Just a minute guys. Where’s Apex?”

“Forget about him, play with me!”

“No, me!”

Thorax ignored the nymphs, his eyes scanning the room. Then he spotted Apex, sitting in a corner.

“Apex, what are you doing over there? Come on, come over here.” Thorax urged

Apex gulped and prayed that his disguise would hold. He stood and walked over quietly. Thorax smiled and lifted him up, nuzzling him. Apex squeaked as Thorax’s muzzle brushed against his tender jaw.

“Heh, how was your day?”

Apex glanced at Parquel. He narrowed his eyes at the younger nymph. Apex forced a smile.

“G-Good…”

“Papa Thorax, play with us!”

“Heh, alright, for a little bit.” Thorax set Apex down. “But then Apex and I have to go.”

“Yay!”

Thorax giggled as one of the nymphs tagged him, then they scattered. Thorax smiled and began running after them, trying to catch them all.

Apex smiled softly, then Parquel approached.

“I-I didn’ tell him…”

“Good. Keep it that way.” Parquel punched him in the shoulder, where he was already nursing a bruise.

Apex clamped his jaws shut so he wouldn’t yelp, eyes watering from the pain. Parquel laughed and then flew after Thorax and the other nymphs.

“Heh, gotcha!”

“Nooo! Papa Thoraaaax!!”

“Time for nuzzles!”

“Hehe, help me guys!”

“We’ll save you!”

Apex whimpered softly. He could play, but he knew moving too much would risk his disguise dropping. And even then, Parquel wouldn’t like it if he joined in.

Thorax pretended to fall, hitting the moss and laughing along with the nymphs that “overpowered” him. They giggled and squealed, crawling all over him. Apex then caught Parquel’s eye. Parquel grinned, proudly swaggered over to Thorax, and… sat down between his forelegs, nestling against the alpha.

Apex’s eyes widened and he bit back a sob. That was his spot. He should be snuggling with Thorax. He pressed into the moss as fresh tears sprung up. After a couple minutes, Thorax ignited his antlers and lifted up the nymphs, setting them aside. He then stood up.

“Papa Thoraaax…”

“I’m sorry guys, but Apex and I have to be going.”

“Aww…”

Thorax smiled softly. “How about I come back tomorrow and we can play?”

“Yes!”

“Yay!”

“Thank you Papa Thorax!”

Thorax chuckled and then headed over to Apex. He reached and lifted him up.

“Heh, come on sweetie, I have a surprise for you.” Thorax said as they walked out of the nursery.

“Y-You do?”

“Mhm.” Thorax nuzzled him. Apex flinched slightly, but Thorax didn’t notice. “After all, today is a very special day.”

“I-I’ is?” Apex asked softly.

“Of course.” Thorax kissed Apex’s forehead gently. Apex swallowed a whimper, he had a bruise just under his horn. “Heh, you do remember, don’t you?”

“U-Uh…” Apex gulped, fearing if he answered wrong then Thorax wouldn’t like him. “I-I’s no’ my birthday, r-righ’?”

“Heh, no…” Thorax nuzzled him and he winced slightly. “Today is the anniversary of the day I first found you, my little hyper sprite.”

“Wh-When you foun’ me?”

“Mhm.” Thorax kissed his cheek. “The day when I promised myself I’d take care of you.”

Apex snuggled against him, his eyes growing heavy. His bruises were throbbing and he felt his magic slipping. He struggled to hold up the disguise.

“Apex…? Is something wrong?”

“N-No… j-jus’ sleepy…” he mumbled

“What? But… your naptime isn’t until a few hours from now. A-And you never admit that you’re tired when you are.”

Apex gave a small shrug. Thorax nuzzled him nervously, and this time, Apex yelped.

“Apex, why’d you yelp?”

“I… y-you star’led me, Papa Thorax…” Apex whispered, eyes closed as he cuddled against him.

“Apex, I’m getting concerned, is something wr-APEX!” Thorax shrieked

Apex’s eyes shot open. His disguise had dropped. He quickly shut his eyes and concentrated, making it return.

“‘M-‘M ‘kay Papa Thorax!”

“No, no you’re not! What happened to you?!” Thorax began nuzzling him, feeling for injuries through the disguise. “Oh, my baby boy. What happened, who did this?!”

Apex began tearing up as Thorax inadvertently pressed on his injuries. Thorax then began moving quickly down the hall.

“P-Papa Thorax, ‘m fine…”

“You are not!” Thorax looked down at him.

“I-I a-am…” Apex sniffled

“Thorax?” Pharynx trotted up. “There you are, where have you been?”

“It doesn’t matter, Apex is hurt!” Thorax exclaimed

“What?” Pharynx looked at Apex, who held up the disguise. “He looks fine to me…”

“It’s a disguise.” Thorax carried Apex away, Pharynx hurrying after him.

Thorax entered his bedroom, and gently sat Apex down. Apex noticed a cake nearby, probably what Thorax was taking him to see.

“P-Papa Thorax…” Apex whined softly.

“Apex, change back.” Thorax said

“‘M-‘M no’ dis’ised.”

“Yes you are, I saw your disguise drop.” Thorax said

Apex looked away. Thorax nuzzled him and he yelped, shying away.

“Grub?” Pharynx asked, confused

“Apex, why won’t you drop the disguise?”

Apex fell silent, then mumbled it under his breath. “...el… no’ to…”

“What was that?”

“...Tol’ me no’ to…”

“What?! Who told you not to?!” Thorax nuzzled him.

“S-S’op i’!” Apex cried, backing away.

Thorax looked hurt, stepping back. Apex continued to back up. As he bumped into the wall, he cried out in pain and fell forwards. He fell onto the bed, landing on his side, and felt himself naturally undisguise.

“Apex!” Thorax reached and lifted him up, getting a better view of his injuries.

“Oh sweet hivemother… how the heck did this happen?!” Pharynx exclaimed

Apex sniffled and began crying. His nose had dried blood around it, one eye was bruised, and there was a reddened area on the back of his head. The bruise by his horn was bad too, and there were numerous cuts and bruises on his body. His tail had a rip in it and his carapace was cracked. Apex opened his carapace slightly to reveal undamaged but slightly bent wings.

“Oh Apex… my sweet baby boy, what happened to you?” Thorax asked, cradling him.

“I… I didn’... th-they…” Apex sobbed into Thorax’s chest.

“Shh, it’s okay sweetie, it’s going to be alright.”

“Grub, who did this to you?”

“H-He tol’ me no’ to tell you!” Apex cried “H-He sai’ he’d hurt me more!”

“Apex…” Thorax nuzzled him.

“Grub, he can’t hurt you if we know who he is.” Pharynx said

Apex gulped, sniffling. “...P… Parquel…”

“Parquel?!” they both exclaimed as one.

“H-He s-sai’ I w-was a d-dumb or-orphan a-an you jus’ fel’ s-sorry for me…” Apex whimpered

“Oh Apex, of course that’s not true! I love you sweetie!” Thorax nuzzled him, careful not to cause him any more pain.

“H-He s-sai’ tha’… tha’ I w-wan’ed you all to myself…”

Thorax sat down on the bed, concerned. He cradled the little nymph, giving him his forehoof.

“When I get my hooves on that bratty grub-”

“Pharynx, that can be dealt with later. Alert the infirmary that they’ll need to prepare a bed for Apex.” Thorax said, as Apex took his hoof and began sucking on his hooftip.

Pharynx nodded and raced out of the room. Apex snuggled against Thorax, whimpering and still crying. Thorax soothed him, concern etched across his face.

“P-Papa Th-Thorax…?”

“Yes Apex?”

“‘M… ‘m I in t-trouble?”

Thorax gasped softly. “N-No Apex, of course not. My sweet baby boy… I’m so sorry you had to go through all of that…”

Apex sniffled and nuzzled against Thorax. Thorax smiled softly and nuzzled him.

“I promise, Parquel is going to be in a lot of trouble for what he did to you, sweetie. No one gets to hurt my little hyper sprite.”

“B-Bu’ th-tha’ll jus’ prove him r-righ’... th-tha’ ‘m sp’led an’ a b-brat…”

“Sweetie…” Thorax nuzzled Apex. “Just because I want to make sure that someone is punished for doing something bad, doesn’t mean that you’re spoiled. I would have done the same had it been any other nymph.”

“G-Guess he’s righ’… he s-sai’ you on’y took care of me ‘cause you fel’ bad for me…”

“He’s right that I care about you. But it’s not because I feel sorry for you. Look at this cake.”

Thorax lifted Apex up to show him. Apex looked at it. It was chocolate, the little nymph’s favorite flavor.

“I got this for us because I want to celebrate that you came into my life. Now, I’m not trying to replace your parents. But I do want to be there for you, in any way I can.”

Apex sniffled, and Thorax smiled.

“Y-You really m-mean it?”

“Of course I do, my little hyper sprite…” Thorax kissed his forehead gently. “Now, how about, if you’re good for me and I take you to the infirmary, we can eat that cake once they’re done bandaging you up. It would be a shame to waste it.”

“Hehe… okay…”

Thorax smiled and lifted Apex, carrying him out of the room.

A while later, Apex lay in an infirmary bed, asleep. He was cuddling Blizzard, which Pharynx had retrieved for him. Chocolate stains were visible around his mouth, and he was smiling. The little nymph was covered in bandages, but Stinger had promised that he’d be alright.

Thorax and Pharynx, after assuring that Apex would be okay, had gone to the nursery. Thorax entered first. The nymphs all took notice of this.

“Papa Thorax, you’re back!”

“Are you here to play?”

“Play, play, play!”

“Where’s Parquel?” Thorax asked, his voice stern.

The nymphs all stopped bouncing and grew silent.

“Where is he?”

A lavender nymph approached them.

“H-He’s o-over there…” he said, pointing to the nymph, who was napping in a corner.

“Thank you… um…”

“V-Viorel.”

“Heh, thank you, Viorel.” Thorax said, his gaze softening as he smiled kindly to the nymph. He then grew stern again as he headed for Parquel.

Pharynx came in behind Thorax and stood at his side. Thorax reached and nudged the yellow and dark blue nymph awake.

“Huh…?”

“Parquel?” Thorax asked sharply.

“O-Oh, hi Papa Thorax!”

“Parquel, did you harm my son?” Thorax asked, eyes narrowed.

“S-Son? Papa Thorax, I didn’t know you had a son.”

“Apex.” Thorax clarified. “Are you responsible for his injuries?”

“Wh-What? Me? I wouldn’t hurt a fellow nymph!” Parquel said

“I think you would. Those wounds didn’t just show up on him out of nowhere.” Pharynx remarked

“B-But I didn’t!” Parquel cried

“Yes you did!” Viorel ran up. “Y-You had your gang beat him up, we all saw it!”

Thorax and Pharynx’s eyes widened.

“You pathetic little traitor! I told you to keep your mouth shut, gaybug!” Parquel hissed

Viorel whimpered and backed away. Thorax reached and scooped him up.

“Don’t be ashamed of who you are. Being gay is perfectly alright.” Thorax told Viorel, who nodded and hugged Thorax.

“So, pretty much an admission to your guilt.” Pharynx said to Parquel.

“H-He’s lying!”

“No he’s not!” a pink nymph raced up. “I tried to stop him at first, your highnesses!” she said “I-I’m ashamed but… I took his side for a minute…”

“It’s alright little one.” Thorax told her.

“Traitors!” Parquel shouted.

“I think that’s enough out of you, Parquel.” Thorax said sternly. “I want you to go to your parents and tell them what you’ve done. Pharynx will make sure you do that. They’ll decide what to do next.”

Parquel crossed his hooves. “I’m not apologizing for putting that brat back in his place.”

Pharynx snarled and lifted the nymph in his magic. “That was not a suggestion. You will be confined to an empty room and you will deliver a truthful apology to my nephew.”

Parquel squeaked. “Y-Yes s-sir.”

Pharynx snarled at him again, then deposited him in the moss. Thorax looked around at the other nymphs.

“Which of you were helping him?”

A few nymphs sheepishly raised their hooves. Thorax nodded as he looked at them all.

“You will each also tell your parents what you did. I’ll leave the rest up to them.”

“Yes King Thorax…” they all murmured

“Wh-Why do you call him your son?” Parquel muttered

“Because he is.” Thorax glared at him.

“No he isn’t, not really! And I don’t see why I’m in trouble!”

“You purposely and without being provoked, harmed Prince Apex, adopted son of King Thorax and nephew of myself, Prince-General Pharynx.” Pharynx growled at him.

Thorax nodded. “You’ll go to your parents now and tell them what you’ve done to Apex.”

“F-Fine…”

Thorax nodded. “And you’ll leave these nymphs alone.”

“O-Okay…”

With that, Thorax set Viorel down and watched the nymphs trudge out of the nursery.

“Pharynx, could you make sure they go to their parents?”

“Alright. You go check on my nephew.” Pharynx replied, trotting out after the nymphs.

Thorax smiled and left the nursery. He headed back to the infirmary and entered Apex’s room. He was greeted by a welcome surprise.

“Apex!”

“Papa Thorax?” Apex looked up from the coloring book.

“Heh, hello sweetie.” Thorax trotted over and nuzzled him. “How are you feeling?”

“Better… Stinger ga’e me thi’ to ‘cupy me.” Apex said, looking down at the coloring book.

Thorax smiled and nuzzled him. “I talked with Parquel. He’ll be telling his parents what he did, I’m sure they won’t let him off easy.”

“O-Okay…” Apex nuzzled Thorax back. “C-Can I have more cake?”

“Heh, of course sweetie.” Thorax kissed his cheek. “Did Stinger tell you anything about your injuries?”

“Jus’ tha’ I had t’ stay in bed for a bit…”

“Well, he told me that as long as you’re resting, you can stay in my room, just like usual, okay?”

“Yay!”

“Heh, alright then.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Mind if I stay here with you for now?”

“You can stay Papa Thorax.” Apex nuzzled him.

“Heh, thank you my little hyper sprite.” Thorax nuzzled him. Apex giggled and hugged him, wincing slightly. Thorax hugged back gently.

“I love you Papa Thorax.”

“I love you too Apex. My sweet baby boy.”
> Love Poison
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax was sitting in the throne room with Apex, Ocellus, and Pharynx when a female changeling approached them. Thorax recognized her as a part of the alchemy divison.

“Almexa?” Thorax asked as she cautiously approached the throne he sat on. “Is something wrong?”

“Not exactly… I need permission to go and collect something that grows on the outskirts of the territory..” Almexa explained.

“A plant?” Thorax inferred, as Apex clambered onto his head and Pharynx stepped up to stand beside him.

“Yes, your highness. I need to get this plant.” Almexa withdrew a book and opened it to a specific page, showing them a picture of a flower with white inner petals and purple outer ones. “It’s called Columbine, it’s supposed to grow near the border of the territory.”

“And you need this flower for… what exactly?” Pharynx asked

“For a potion.” Alemxa explained. “I wanted to try to make a sleeping solution with it, to help the younger nymphs sleep well.”

“Well, alright Almexa. But take Pharynx with you, it’s a long way away from the Hive.”

“Thank you King Thorax!” Almexa brightened up, as Pharynx gave his brother a look.

“Thorax, are you sure about this?” Pharynx whispered, standing up.

“Of course Pharynx, what’s the harm? It’s just for a sleeping solution.” Thorax replied

“Still… I’m keeping an eye on her.” Pharynx muttered, following Almexa as she left the throne room.

----------------------------------------------

Almexa came rushing back into the throne room a mere two hours later. Pharynx was following her. Thorax had been playing with Apex, and looked up.

“Pharynx? Almexa? Is something wrong?” Thorax asked

“Nothing's wrong, your majesty!” Almexa said breathlessly. “I figured something out!”

“Figured what out?” Thorax asked, sitting up straighter.

“The potion! Columbine doesn’t make a sleeping potion, it makes a love potion!” Almexa explained, pulling out a vial of swirling pink liquid. “I analyzed it too, that's why I brought it here to show you. I may not have gotten what I intended but this is just as good!”

“How so?” Pharynx asked sharply, glancing at her, and Almexa held up the vial.

“This tiny little vial should be the equivalent of a day’s worth of love. We may not feed on love all the time, but we all still eat it on occasion.”

“Well, yes, it’s a natural part of our diet. We can’t ever stop feeding on it completely.” Thorax agreed, seeming hesitant.

“I know, but this potion will stop us from needing to feed off other creatures! I did the calculations, a vial this size a day is the equal to a day’s feeding portion!”

“Really?” Thorax looked up interestedly. Almexa nodded. “I guess we could try it then.”

“Thorax, are you serious?!” Pharynx hissed. Thorax looked to him, then back to the female changeling.

“I mean, if you and the other alchemy ‘lings look at it, and see if it really is able to do what you predict.” Thorax told Almexa.

“Alright. Here’s what I have.” Almexa pulled out five more bottles, setting them down beside the first one. “I’ve memorized the recipe too, so we can keep making more.”

“Thank you Almexa, could you inform the other alchemy changelings?.” Thorax asked, and she nodded before leaving.

“Thorax, what now?” Pharynx spat

“Now, we wait for the alchemy division to learn more.”

--------------------------------------------

“King Thorax, come quick!” Almexa’s shout alerted the alpha changeling. He cradled Apex in one hoof as he ran towards the direction of the shout, Pharynx fast behind.

The king and prince burst into the alchemy division of the Hive. Almexa was frantically pacing, while two changelings were giggling jovially and nuzzling each other.

“What’s wrong, Almexa?” Thorax asked the frantic changeling.

“We were further analyzing the compounds of the potion as you instructed, Thorax, but the smell emitting from it… it’s just so irresistible, Aurelius ate some, and started acting love-drunk, essentially. But when Chaandee tried to drain the excess love out of him, it affected her too.”

Pharynx parted his jaws slightly, then immediately drew back with disgust. “It’s far too sweet to be true love.”

“I agree, your highness.” Almexa said, “But as Chaandee proved, attempting to drain it from a consumer merely brought the manufactured love into them.”

“Then what do we do?” Thorax asked, glancing at the two love-drunk changelings

“I don’t know my king.”

As they discussed, no one noticed Aurelius bump into the table, accidentally knocking a vial off of it. The vial rolled into the hallway, just waiting for an unassuming changeling to trot by.

-------------------------------------------

“It’s not so bad, everyone looks happy at least.” Thorax remarked, observing the happy drones trotting around.

“They look happy, sure, but I don’t think this potion is going to work well in the long run.” Pharynx retorted, glaring at the drones.

Thorax shrugged, cradling Apex in one hoof. Ocellus, who was reading nearby, glanced up curiously. Thorax lifted up a vial containing some of the love potion. “It can’t really hurt, Pharynx. It’s love.”

“You really want to try some?” Pharynx asked incredulously, and Thorax nodded.

“I might as well see what the others like about it so much.”

“Can I t’y some too Papa Thorax?” Apex asked, sniffing the vial curiously.

Thorax hesitated. “We haven’t seen it’s effects on nymphs yet sweetie… I think maybe it’s best for you not to have some right now, until we’re sure it won’t over-feed you. I don’t want you to get another stomachache.”

“Okay Papa Thorax.” Apex said, cuddling close to Thorax, eyes full of trust.

Thorax smiled and kissed his nymph on the forehead, then tilted the vial back and took a few quick sips. A dazed smile soon spread across his face as he set Apex down. Apex nosed his hoof in concern, but Thorax merely giggled. Ocellus closed her book and stepped over to Pharynx, sitting beside him.

“Come here grub.” Pharynx tugged Apex over to him as Thorax sat down heavily, smiling dumbly. “Thorax, say something.”

“Heheh… P-Phar, I love you…” Thorax nuzzled him, and Pharynx gagged from the overwhelming love coming at him from the effects of the potion.

“Ugh…” Pharynx grunted, placing Apex down in front of him.

“Papa Thorax…?” Apex asked softly. Pharynx looked down at the confused nymph and sighed.

Pharynx lifted up the nymph, beckoning for Ocellus to follow him. He then carried Apex to an empty room. Ocellus tucked her book under her hoof and stood by Apex as Pharynx set him down.

“Grub, kid, you two need to promise me something, okay?”

“Yes brother?”

“Wh-Wha’ is i’ Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked nervously. Pharynx leaned down and nuzzled him.

“I need you two to promise me that whatever happens, don't ever eat the love potion. I don’t like the looks of this.” Pharynx said “Can you promise me that you won’t eat it?”

“I won’t…” Ocellus sighed softly. “It smells so good though…”

“Don’t.” Pharynx snapped at Ocellus, who nodded. “Grub…?”

Apex nodded and hugged him. “I p’omise too Uncle Pharynx.”
> Changes Arrive
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Heheh, hey brother…” Thorax giggled, blushing as he nuzzled against Pharynx, who nuzzled him back. “I love you…”

“Heh… love you too, my brother…” Pharynx mumbled, kissing his brother on the cheek. They giggled, snuggling together.

“P-Papa Thorax…?” Apex trotted up to the bed, and they looked over. “‘M… ‘M hungry…”

“Then come have some love sweetie.” Thorax offered, extending a hoof.

Apex resisted the urge to run up and cuddle in Thorax’s hooves. He wanted so badly for Thorax to hold him, but what Pharynx had told him rang in his mind.

“Whatever happens, don’t eat that love potion.”

“I ‘mem’er Uncle Pharynx…” Apex murmured, and Pharynx glanced up.

“Heheh, hey Apex. Have I told you how much I love you, little guy?”

“You say i’ all the time. Jus’ in your own way.” Apex thought, sighing. “‘M… ‘M ‘kay Papa Thorax… no’ tha’ hungry…”

“Alright sweetie, just let us know if you change your mind!” Thorax said cheerfully as he snuggled back up to Pharynx, who made no effort to pull away.

Apex frowned and left the room. He winced as his stomach growled, and winced more as he watched the giggling, smiling changelings as they groped for more love. He flinched as he saw Ocellus sprawled out in her room, giggling and kissing a picture of Smolder.

“Hey Apex…” a raspy voice said, drawing Apex’s attention as he made his way down the hallway.

“V-Vio’el?” Apex turned to see the violet nymph trotting up to him, stumbling. “W-Why’re you shakin’?”

“I-I’m hungry… my parents won’t feed me…” Viorel stammered. “O-Oleander’s feeling it too… right Ollie?”

Apex glanced behind Viorel, who also turned to look.

“O-Ollie!”

Oleander, a green-blue nymph, was crouched over a cluster of changelings. He had his mouth open and was panting. Apex yelped, his eyes widening.

“V-Vi… so much love in the air… w-we can eat it!” Oleander opened his mouth.

“Ollie, no!” Viorel raced to him.

“Olean’er!”

It was too late. Oleander began feeding on the excess love wafting off the changelings. The more he drank in, the gidder he looked. Eventually, he collapsed.

“Hehehe! Vi-Vi, c-come try…” he mumbled

“Ollie!” Viorel raced over. “D-Don’t worry, I’ll help you…”

“Vio’el, no!” Apex said, but Viorel didn’t hear him in time.

Viorel began feeding off of Oleander, attempting to drain him of some of the love. Soon, the youngling could consume no more, and flopped down beside his boyfriend. He giggled and snuggled up to him.

“Ollie, the clouds are moving…” Viorel giggled. “Come join us Apex-y…”

“N-No… no…” Apex’s eyes filled with tears, and he rushed off.

Apex screwed his eyes shut, running as fast as he could. The overpowering smell of love was clouding his senses. He didn’t care where he went at this point, nor if anyone worried about him. As long as wherever he went cleared his head.

----------------------------

In the woods outside the Hive, a hooded figure was making his way towards the spires of it. He smiled from underneath the hood.

“I’m coming home, boys.” the figure stated as he reached the treeline, pulling down his hood to reveal a long, twisted horn and a messy red mane. “Whoever you are.”

--------------------------------------

Apex tore out of the Hive, tears streaming down his face. He only stopped when he reached the sandy training area that Pharynx always took him to. He sank down onto his haunches and began to sob aloud. He looked up, tears hitting the sand as he looked up at the training area. The sobs grew louder as memories came flooding back.

“Get back here grub!”

“Come ge’ me Uncle Pharynx!”

Apex began sniffling and whimpering as he sat there.

“Pharynx, be careful!”

“Relax Thorax, it’s a simple lunge and grab, he can handle it.”

“Yeah Papa Thorax! Uncle Pharynx’s been trainin’ me good!”

Apex screwed his eyes shut, wailing as he hunched over.

“Heheh, great job grub.”

“Can we do ‘tack moves nex’?!”

“Sure we can. Heh, you know what Apex?”

“Wha’ Uncle Pharynx?”

“I have the feeling you’re going to make a great warrior.”

Apex sniffled and wiped his eyes. He stood up, tail flicking. His eyes narrowed in determination.

“U-Uncle Pharynx would’a wan’ed me to keep going. So I will.”

Apex sunk into a crouch and began creeping low to the ground. His eyes scanned the foliage for prey. A cricket soon made itself known. Apex bared his teeth, raising his tail… and sprung.

----------------------------------

The unknown creature made his way to the Hive. He was surprised but happy to see the new grasses and flowers springing up from the ground. However, he noticed one area was still barren. He headed towards it in curiosity, his teal-purple eyes widening slightly when he scented a living creature moving around inside it.

“Oof! Ugh, no!” a small voice groaned.

The creature stepped closer, peeking into the sandy hollow. He sank down low so as not to be seen. A small little… green thing was jumping around. Wait, no… it was a changeling. A nymph, to be exact. He had lime green chitin, with a red carapace, wings, and gossamer tail. Three diamonds sat on his chest and he had ruby red eyes.

The young nymph couldn’t have been more than five. However, he was out here, alone. The creature frowned, concern showing on its face. The little nymph was prowling around the hollow, in a perfect crouch. Then, a cricket jumped from the grass. The nymph sprung, but fell down and tumbled.

“He’s malnutritioned…” the creature murmured, noting the nymph’s skinner-than-average frame, and the way he looked too tired to even be able to walk without stumbling.

The nymph’s hearing seemed to be better off than the nymph himself. He jerked his head up and looked around nervously.

“Wh-Who’s there?” he asked, sinking into a pouncing position. “Sh-Show you’self! I-I can figh’!”

The strange creature sighed, though he smiled slightly at the nymph’s bravery. Tired of hiding, he stepped into the open, lowering his hood.

------------------------------------------

Apex yelped as a strange creature came out of the grass. He was an unreformed changeling, as tall as Chrysalis. But his eyes were a teal-purple and his mane and tail were red, a strand of his tail loosely braided. Apex still whimpered and scrambled away. The changeling lowered himself down and removed his cloak, revealing a gentle, concerned expression.

“Shh, it’s okay little one.” he said, setting the cloak down. Apex tilted his head in confusion, the changeling had the same carapace and wings that Pharynx used to have. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Y-You look like her…” Apex whispered

“Who?” he asked gently

“Ch-Chrysa-Chrysali-” Apex stammered, shrinking back.

The changeling seemed to understand, and didn’t press further. He instead withdrew something from his cloak. Apex smelled the scent wafting off it instantly. Salty, slightly peppered… but the familiar scent of meat… jerky!

The unreformed changeling levitated over the jerky. Apex took it cautiously. He was about to eat it, then paused and opened his mouth. He carefully took in all the scents. Just the usual scents of jerky, it was safe. Apex began eating it ravenously. The changeling chuckled.

“Very clever little one. I don’t think many nymphs would have thought to check it.”

“U-Uncle Pharynx taugh’ me to.” Apex mumbled around a mouthful of jerky.

“Who’s Pharynx?”

“He’s the Prince-Gen’ral.” Apex replied, finishing the jerky. “He kinda look’ded like you before he transform’ded.”

The changeling blinked for a moment, then shook off his confusion.

“Well, um…”

“‘M Apex.”

“Alright. Apex, why are you here alone?”

“I-I don’ go’ an’one to come wi’ me. Somethin’ made all the ‘dults go weird an’ Papa Thorax had some too, then Uncle Pharynx… a-an the o’er nymphs jus’ ge’ weird too when they tas’e the s’uff…”

“What stuff?” the changeling prompted, giving the malnourished nymph another piece of jerky.

Apex began eating it. “O-One of the alchm’y changelings wen’ lookin’ for a flower she needed for a s’eep potion. The potion ac’ually ma’e love ins’ead though. On’y when Aurelius had some i’ spread to Chaandee, th-then a vial go’ way from them an’ the whole Hive liked i’. They kep’ makin’ more so we wouldn’ run ou’. Papa Thorax tried some, bu’ Uncle Pharynx made me an’ Celly promise no’ to have any… th-then he an’ Celly had some too an’ they won’ s’op drinkin’ i’ either.”

The changeling’s eyes widened with worry. “Was this potion… pink? And was the flower called Columbine?”

“Mhm!” Apex replied.

The changeling stood, stepping forward and picking up Apex. The nymph giggled as he was set on the large unreformed changeling’s back.

“I know what’s happened to your Hive, Apex. But I can fix it.”

“Fix wha’?” Apex asked, gnawing on the last bit of jerky.

“The problem.” the changeling began walking towards the Hive in the distance.

“U-Um… hey, whas’ your name, an’way?” Apex questioned, and the changeling glanced back at him, giving him a gentle smile.

“My name is Metamorphosis, Apex.” the changeling, Metamorphosis, introduced himself.

“I like tha’ name.” Apex said, finishing the jerky. “D’you like i’ too?”

Metamorphosis chuckled, smiling at the nymph as he carried him to the Hive. “Yes… I like it too…”
> Cures
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So… Mety?” Apex asked as the unreformed changeling walked.

Metamorphosis smiled slightly at the sudden nickname. “Yes?”

“Whas’ wrong wi’ the Hive?”

“False Love.”

“Fal’ Love?”

Metamorphosis nodded. “False love is what is created when a normal love potion has Columbine added to it.”

“Bu’ then how come Almexa didn’ know wha’ i’ did? She’s a changelin’ too!” Apex said

“The recipe for False Love is unknown to most creatures. It doesn’t surprise me that not even the other changelings recognized it.” Metamorphosis said, noticing they were getting closer to the Hive. He stopped and lit up his horn, and Apex trembled.

“Wh-Wha’ ‘re you doin’?”

“It’s alright little one.” Metamorphosis glanced back at him comfortingly. “I’m just going to cast a spell to prevent us from wanting to feed on the False Love.”

“O-Okay…” Apex closed his eyes and let Metamorphosis cast the spell. It wound around Apex’s muzzle and sank into his chitin, making him squeak a bit in surprise.

“It’s okay Apex. This will make the False Love odorless to you, and it’s smell is part of what makes it seem so tempting.” Metamorphosis told him.

Apex nodded and adjusted his position on Metamorphosis’ back. Metamorphosis smiled at him, cast the spell on himself, then entered the Hive. His eyes widened. Changelings were everywhere, reformed ones. They all seemed to be under the potion’s effects, sprawled out in clusters.

“Wha’ now Mety?” Apex asked, climbing onto his head.

“We’ll have to take a look around the Hive and assess the level of danger each changeling is in.”

“Dan’er? Bu’ Alemxa sai’ tha’ i’ was equal t’ a day of love.”

“She probably thought it was, yes.” Metamorphosis said, stepping around the changelings sprawled on the ground. “But that’s because False Love can be very tricky to measure and analyze. This Almexa, as an alchemy changeling, probably is used to potion making.”

“She is! Celly showed’d me their lab’atory, i’ was cool!”

“I’m sure it was little one.” Metamorphosis chuckled, smiling at him. “But as False Love isn’t well known, she would have had no knowledge of what it could do. What she created obviously seemed to her like something that would be beneficial to her kind, when it was actually the opposite.”

“Wha’ d’you mean Mety?” Apex asked

“Rather than sustain a changeling, False Love acts in something akin to the power of suggestion. When you ingest it, or even just feed on the love from the air, it certainly feels like your stomach is being filled. However, False Love is not nutritious to a changeling at all, it’s like…”

“Like… chockit cake?” Apex asked, his stomach growling at the suggestion of cake.

“Sure Apex, that’s a good example. Like chocolate cake, it’s very sweet and delicious, but it contains none of the same ‘proteins’ found in natural love that we need to feed on. Not only that, but the delicious taste and smell causes us to continue drinking more and more. So essentially, the False Love is giving changelings who ingest it the feeling that they are full and well fed, while they’re actually starving themselves because they don’t have access to the proteins.”

“Th-Then how come no ones… d-die… died…?” Apex buried himself deeper against Metamorphosis’ carapace.

“Don’t worry little one, no one is going to die.” Metamorphosis smiled at him softly. “I was describing the effects it has on unreformed changelings. Since reformed changelings can make their own love anyway, a single dose of False Love wouldn’t usually be a problem, they’d return to normal in a few days.”

“Bu’ they’ve had way mo’e than tha’!”

“Mhm. You are lucky I found you when I did, Apex.” Metamorphosis stopped and examined an unconscious changeling. “These changelings are burning through their naturally produced love so fast, they can do nothing but ingest the False Love to feed.”

“So wha’ do we do?”

“I know a potion that will essentially sober them up. But we’ll need to gather all the ingredients, as well as get rid of all of the False Love potions.”

“I saw them makin’ i’.” Apex announced.

“Good. Now, I’d go with you, but I need to prepare the counter potion and you know the Hive better than myself now. You’ll have to go alone, do you think you could do that?”

“Mhm.” Apex jumped off Metamorphosis. “N-No one goes in’o the throne room an’more, you can make the potion there, i’s tha’ way.” he pointed down the hall.

“Alright. Thank you Apex.”

Apex nodded and ran off down the hall, skirting other changelings. Metamorphosis’ spell prevented him from slowing down as the enticing scent of the False Love got his attention. Metamorphosis then headed down the hall in the indicated direction.

--------------------------

Apex rushed into the Hive’s alchemy division, immediately spotting the large cauldron of swirling pink liquid. He ran over and examined it for a minute, then closed his eyes. He usually never took forms larger than a pony foal, but now, in a whirl of flames, Apex was a huge dragon. He grinned and grabbed the cauldron, pulling it easily out of the alchemy division’s room.

Apex managed to drag it all the way to the entrance of the Hive, where he flapped his wings and took off. He pulled the cauldron with him, stopping at a nearby pony town. He set the cauldron down near a grate on the street. Ocellus had told him these led to a disposal that would contain anything, and that magic purified it before recycling it. He tipped the pot over and watched the love poison empty out. He then abandoned the cauldron in a trash heap, transforming back before returning to the Hive.

Apex trotted into the throne room, seeing Metamorphosis lying on the floor, hunched over some old potion books and containers. He looked up, smiling softly.

“Did you get rid of it?”

“Mhm! I turned in’o a dragon! Wai’ll I tell Uncle Pharynx, I ne’er turned in’o something tha’ big ‘afore!”

Metamorphosis chuckled, then returned to his work. “You seem to think very highly of him.”

“Tha’s ‘cause Uncle Pharynx is the bes’! He’s the grea’es’ warrior in the Hive! An’ ‘m gonna be jus’ like him!” Apex said, dropping into a crouch, then jumping up, giggling. “An’ Papa Thorax will be so proud of me!”

Metamorphosis chuckled again, smiling. “So I take it they’re brothers? Pharynx and Thorax?”

“Mhm.” Apex trotted over and sat down, watching what Metamorphosis was doing. “An’ they go’ a sis’er too, Celly. They ‘dopted her a few months ‘go!”

“Adopted?”

“Mhm. They ‘dopted her as a sis’er, like how Papa Thorax ‘dopted me!” Apex said cheerfully, and Metamorphosis stopped what he was doing.

“So, um… why did they adopt ‘Celly’?”

“Ocellus.” Apex explained. “They ‘dopted her ‘cause she’s their ‘dvisor an’ they love her like a sis’er.”

“That was nice of them.”

“Mhm… an’ Papa Thorax ‘s the grea’es’ papa, he took me in when my mommy an’ daddy…”

Metamorphosis nuzzled him in comfort. Apex smiled again. Metamorphosis smiled at him as well, turning back to his work.

“You can keep talking if you want Apex, I’ll enjoy the conversation.”

“Okay… Papa Thorax ‘dopted me ‘fically a while ‘go. Uncle Pharynx says he do’es on me, bu’ also tha’ he loves me an’ tries to make me happy ‘cause he didn’ ge’ to be when he was my age.”

“Oh?” Metamorphosis asked, not looking up as he stirred in some ingredients to the solution he was creating.

“Mhm. See, Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx weren’ really close growin’ up. Papa Thorax sai’ i’s ‘cause they were too differen’. Bu’ he didn’ have a good nymphood ‘cause of i’. An’ his mother was… was her, an’ she really didn’ like him. She used to punish him, Uncle Pharynx says so.”

“Her?” Metamorphosis looked back at him, eyes widening slightly. “Chrysalis?”

Apex whimpered at the name but nodded. Metamorphosis paused, then spoke.

“Apex… do Thorax and Pharynx have a father?”

Apex blinked, then shook his head. “Nu-uh. Uncle Pharynx sai’ tha’ she ne’er tol’ them ‘bout him. An’ they ne’er me’ him.”
> Familial Relations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Metamorphosis controlled his surprise and elation as best he could. Apex didn’t notice, and nuzzled up under his chin. Metamorphosis put a hoof around his small body gently.

“Sh-She used to hur’ me too… af’er Papa Thorax lef’ the Hive…” Apex mumbled

“Thorax left?”

“Mhm. A few months af’er the Can’erlo’ Invasion. He s’ayed to make sure Uncle Pharynx was okay, ‘cause Uncle Pharynx go’ a bi’ sick. Bu’ then he lef’ an’ wen’ to the Crystal Empire, an’ lived there ‘til he came back with some friends to defea’ the queen.” Apex’s eyes shone with admiration. “Papa Thorax is the bes’ leader the Hive’s e’er had.”

“I can’t believe it… h-he’s the King…” Metamorphosis thought, but shook himself. “That’s quite a story, Apex.”

“Mhm.” Apex smiled. “Papa Thorax is the bes’.”

Metamorphosis smiled at him slightly, then added the last ingredient. A drop of the False Love from a vial he’d found in the throne room. The potion bubbled and swirled, turning white.

“Whas’ tha’ mean?” Apex asked, poking a hoof at the container.

“It means that it’s done.”

Apex beamed and hugged him. “When you sa’e us, can you s’ay?”

“I’m not sure. I came all this way to see the changeling’s new lifestyle.” Metamorphosis sighed. “But I can’t transform, I’ve tried to but I can’t.”

Apex nuzzled him. “I don’ care you’re no’ transformded. An’ they won’ ei’er.”

Metamorphosis smiled and placed a hoof around him. “Come on then. Let’s distribute this cure.”

Apex jumped up happily, rushing down the hall. Metamorphosis followed, placing the potion into small vials and carrying them out.

The two went from hall to hall, Metamorphosis helping Apex to feed the love-drunken changelings the antidote. Slowly, they began to wake, rubbing their eyes and mumbling in confusion. But before they could get a good look at Metamorphosis, he would be on his way to the next hallway. Finally, after leaving the young blue nymph Apex had told him was Ocellus, they had woken everyone. Or so Metamorphosis thought.

Apex caught his hoof as he tried to return to the throne room. “W-We go’a ge’ Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx.”

Metamorphosis blinked. “We haven’t seen them yet?”

“Mm-mm, they’re in Papa Thorax’s room.” Apex turned and led him down a different hallway, which was completely empty. “There’s Uncle Pharynx’s room…” he stopped in front of one door, and pointed to another.

“And this one?”

“Papa Thorax’s.” Apex replied, frowning. “Uncle Pharynx shoul’ be in his room, bu’ he’s been all diff’ren’ since he a’e some of the Fal’ Love.”

“It can make you not act like yourself.” Metamorphosis told him, and Apex’s ears drooped.

“I like the ol’ Uncle Pharynx be’er. He was the las’ to have some of the Fal’ Love…”

“He must have a very strong will.” Metamorphosis said. “Just like his mother.”

“Mhm… I liked when he didn’ tell me he loved me… he showed’ed me he did, by trainin’ me… a-an lettin’ me cuddle with him when Papa Thorax wan’s him to watch me f’the day… he doesn’ le’ an’ling ‘xcept me an’ Papa Thorax do tha’.”

Metamorphosis smiled softly and nuzzled the little nymph. “Then let’s wake him up, so he can go back to being that way again.”

Apex smiled and fluttered his little red wings, pushing open the door. “P-Papa Thorax?”

Metamorphosis peeked in after Apex. Two changelings were lying in a large bed. They were much more unique than the others, taller, and with antlers. The smaller of the two was asleep, but the larger one was awake. He smiled at Apex as he tentatively trotted over to him. He scooped up the little nymph, giggling.

“Hehehe! Hey sweetie…” he giggled and nuzzled Apex. Apex smiled and touched his nose to the changeling’s.

“Papa Thorax…” Apex murmured, then squeaked as the changeling booped his nose. “Eep! Hey!”

“Heh, who’s my silly little bug?” he nuzzled him gently, and Apex laughed. The second changeling stirred, yawning and slowly opening his eyes. They were lavender, like the first one’s dark purple eyes.

“Hey there little guy.” he reached over and pulled Apex in, cuddling him. “You’re so cute, you know that?”

“‘M no’! ‘M a toughbug, Uncle Pharynx, like you!” Apex protested, squirming.

“Heheh, no, you’re a cute little buggy!” he laughed

“Uncle Pharynx, you’d ne’er say tha’.” Apex said, crossing his hooves. The changeling merely gave him a nuzzle. “Ack! An’ you’d ne’er do tha’! You don’ e’en like ‘mitting you like snuggles!”

“What’re you talking about? I love snuggles.” he pulled Apex close.

Metamorphosis watched curiously. The two adult changelings curled around Apex, the smaller one holding him tight. So the taller one was Thorax; that made sense, he was the king; and the smaller of the two was Pharynx.

Metamorphosis then stepped into the room. Apex saw him and tried to get free. Metamorphosis shook his head. Keep them still and happy, he seemed to tell the nymph. Apex sighed, leaning against Pharynx and resting on him.

“A’ leas’ Uncle Pharynx is comfy…” Apex thought as he laid against Pharynx’s chest.

As Thorax moved to nuzzle the nymph, Metamorphosis sprung. He withdrew a vial and poured the contents down the changeling’s open mouth.

“Gah!” Thorax reeled back, sputtering but forced to swallow the potion. He blinked and began rubbing his eyes.

Metamorphosis then turned to the second changeling, who merely chuckled and cuddled Apex. He briefly registered the cyan chitin and red accents, along with a violet carapace so similar to his own. Metamorphosis shook it off and grabbed Pharynx’s muzzle. He pried it open, pouring the next antidote vial down his throat. The changeling was forced to gulp it down, and Apex hugged him tight.

“U-Uncle Pharynx?” he asked softly. Pharynx coughed and groaned, shutting his eyes, then opening them.

“Guh… what the-? Where am I?”

“Uncle Pharynx!” Apex hugged him tightly as Metamorphosis stepped back. He went to the doorway and watched as the reawakened changeling looked down and grunted.

“Grub, what are you doing? Get off me.” he growled, pushing Apex away from him.

“You’re you ‘gain!” Apex exclaimed, throwing himself at Pharynx again. He grunted but sighed and reluctantly put a hoof around him.

“A-Apex…? Phar?” Thorax rubbed his eyes. “What happened…?”

“Papa Thorax!” Apex jumped over and hugged him tight.

“Apex? What’s wrong sweetie?” Thorax asked nervously, pulling Apex close.

“Nothin’.” Apex sighed happily, cuddling against the king, who hugged him gently. “‘M jus’ happy you’re back.”

“Back?” he looked up at Pharynx, who shrugged.

“Don’t look at me.”

“The Fal’ Love, i’ poisn’ed you.” Apex said

“False Love?” Pharynx echoed

“Tha’s wha’ Mety sai’ i’ was called.” Apex said

“Who’s ‘Mety’, Apex?” Thorax asked

Apex leapt down from the bed and trotted to the door, Thorax and Pharynx following him. Apex reached and took Metamorphosis’ much larger hoof. Metamorphosis smiled softly and allowed the little one to lead him into the room.

Thorax and Pharynx gasped as they saw him, and Metamorphosis couldn’t blame them. Pharynx then dropped into an attack stance, snarling at him.

“Apex, get behind me.” he growled

“Uncle Pharynx, no! He’s nice!” Apex said, standing in front of Metamorphosis.

“He’s what?”

“He sa’ed you!” Apex said, taking off and nuzzling Thorax. “H-He s’opped you from drinkin’ the Fal’ Love an’more.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Thorax asked him

Metamorphosis stepped forwards. “Your majesty, if I may call you that?”

“J-Just Thorax, please.” he murmured, and Metamorphosis smiled slightly.

“Thorax. My name is Metamorphosis. And what Apex means is that you were in danger, all of you were. The False Love potion is extremely dangerous to changelings, it acts like a drug.”

“What do you mean, dangerous?” Pharynx was still in a defensive stance, and Metamorphosis could see Chrysalis reflected in his eyes. Distrust and wariness were traits of both her and her son, it seemed. Nevertheless, he continued.

“False Love tends to fill a changeling with endless joy, but while you may feel like you’re gaining love and feeding, in reality, False Love has no true love in it. You weren’t gaining any food from it. Reformed changelings can counter this with producing their own love for a time, but it wouldn’t last long. Essentially, you were starving yourselves without realizing it.”

Thorax’s eyes went wide. “W-We would have…?”

“Yes, eventually, you would have succumbed to hunger and died.” Metamorphosis said softly. “Luckily for you and your Hive, I ran into Apex out in a sandy hollow. He was malnourished and it didn’t take more than a few questions to figure out what had happened.”

“M-Mal…? Oh no, Apex…” Thorax nuzzled him gently, and the nymph giggled.

“‘M okay Papa Thorax! Mety gave me food!” Apex said

“You should actually be grateful he was malnourished. Had he not been able to tell me he was hungry, it would have meant he’d eaten some of the False Love as well.”

“I didn’ ‘cause Uncle Pharynx sai’ no’ to.” Apex said, looking at Pharynx, who relaxed slightly.

“So… have you cured the others too?” Pharynx questioned.

“Yes, and Apex and I got rid of the rest of the False Love.” Metamorphosis responded. “With everyone coming to their senses, it shouldn’t take long for the False Love still in the air to be covered with natural love.”

“Thank you.” Thorax breathed, as Apex clambered onto his head. “You saved us all.”

Metamorphosis nodded, and Pharynx trotted closer, looking wary of him.

“I do wonder, why were you near our Hive in the first place?”

“I…” Metamorphosis sighed and took a breath. “I left the Hive a long time ago, but I heard about the changeling’s reformation, and I had to see for myself. I was also… I was looking for my sons.”

“You have children?” Pharynx questioned

“Yes. Two.” Metamorphosis smiled slightly. “I left the Hive mere days after their eggs were laid. I had hoped to return before they hatched, so I could watch them grow up. But the reason I had left was in hopes of finding a better life for them. I only found that better life recently, and it appeared the Hive had already discovered it. So I came home.”

“So, you don’t know their names?” Thorax asked

Metamorphosis shook his head. “My mate was always very adept at determining genders and ranks of eggs, so we knew they were both male, but I wanted to wait until we saw what they looked like before naming them. Of course, I never got to see them, so she would have named them herself.”

“Then do you know what their ranks were? Maybe we could help you find them.” Thorax offered.

At this, Metamorphosis smiled. “That won’t be necessary. I saw all the changelings in the Hive while Apex and I were curing them. I know which ones my boys are.”

“Really? Who?” Thorax asked

“Well, based on the rankings my mate gave them… one would be a steadfast and loyal protector, ready to fight until his last breath. The other… she seemed particularly displeased with his egg. He would have no rank, but something inside would ensure he gained a royal status one day.”

Pharynx’s eyes widened slightly, and Thorax looked confused.

“But… who has a royal-” Thorax broke off, eyes widening. Metamorphosis smiled softly.

“Y-You mean, you…” Pharynx trailed off in disbelief.

“It’s been a long time… my sons.” Metamorphosis said softly.

Thorax stepped forward cautiously, then hugged him, Metamorphosis laughed and hugged him back, looking at Pharynx. He stepped forward as well, not quite hugging Metamorphosis but getting close enough that Thorax was able to pull him in, and he didn’t resist.

“Doe’ this mean you’re stayin’ Mety?” Apex asked, jumping off Thorax’s back to join in the hug.

“Heh, yes Apex. If my sons want me to.”

“Of course we want you to stay!” Thorax smiled and nuzzled him. “I know you’re not reformed but that doesn’t matter to us.”

“I tol’ you.” Apex said cheekily, and Metamorphosis chuckled, nuzzling him.

“Mind your elders, grub.” Pharynx said, smirking. “He’s technically your grandfather now, you know.”

“Grandpa Mety!” Apex cheered, hugging Metamorphosis around the neck. He chuckled and hugged him back.

The newly reunited family embraced lovingly. They smiled, content for the moment.
> Comeuppance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Papa Thorax!!!” Apex burst into the throne room, tears streaming down his face. Thorax jumped and slipped off his throne, Metamorphosis helping him up.

“Apex, what’s the matter?” Thorax asked, as the nymph ran into his hooves.

“P-Parquel hi’ me an’ took Blizzy!” Apex sobbed, and Thorax sighed, holding him.

“Who’s Parquel?” Metamorphosis asked, as Pharynx came in.

“A stupid jerkass who should’ve gotten the crap beaten out of him a long time ago-”

“Pharynx!” Thorax cried, covering Apex’s ears. “H-He’s a nymph a couple years older than Apex that’s been bullying him…”

“And if it was up to me I would beat that son of a bitch into next month-”

“Pharynx, please…” Thorax whispered, and Pharynx sighed.

“Honestly Thorax, I agree with Pharynx. This is your child and he’s being mistreated, why don’t you do something?” Metamorphosis asked.

“W-Well, when we first found out he’d put Apex in the infirmary, taking care of my baby was more important at the time.” Thorax nuzzled Apex gently. “Even if Apex wasn’t hurt, I’m supposed to be the king, w-what would my subjects think if I ordered an attack on a nymph?”

Pharynx groaned. “Come on, I can make it look like an accident!”

“Pharynx, please just drop it!”

“Bu’ I wan’ Blizzy back!” Apex wailed, and Metamorphosis nuzzled him.

“It’s okay Apex, I’ll get him back for you, okay?” he soothed him.

“Bu’ you’e older than Uncle Pharynx…” Apex sniffled.

“I can do this, I’ll get Blizzard back, I promise.” Metamorphosis assured the nymph, before leaving the throne room.

“Dad, you can’t be serious, he’s a nymph and you’re still on pretty thin ice with everyone since you can’t reform.” Pharynx called as he caught up with his father.

“Why didn’t you hurt Parquel when it happened?”

“I wanted to! I’d have thrown him into the sun without a second thought if Thorax hadn’t reminded me that Apex needed us more than I needed to punch that kid’s lights out!” Pharynx sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I miss when Chrysalis was in charge sometimes, you didn’t get in trouble for hurting kids.”

“Pharynx, I’m sure we can get Blizzard back without hurting the nymph-”

“If we can, it'll be a miracle, the brat’s a psychopath, I blame his parents.” Pharynx muttered as they entered the nursery hive.

“Which one is Parquel?” Metamorphosis asked

“I don’t know, maybe the one punching the stuffed bear identical to Blizzard?” Pharynx snarked, and Metamorphosis shot him a glare, before heading past the other nymphs.

As Metamorphosis and Pharynx passed by, the nursery grew quiet. Pharynx nudged the nymphs aside gently as they came closer. Metamorphosis took a breath, steadying his gaze as he walked calmly towards the yellow nymph.

“Parquel?” Metamorphosis asked, and the nymph didn’t look up.

“Who wants to know?”

“Metamorphosis Brook. I believe you have something that belongs to my grandson.” Metamorphosis said sternly.

“Geez, how many meddling family members does that spoiled brat have?” Parquel asked, looking up at Metamorphosis with a haughty smirk. “Get out of here, I haven’t done anything.”

“Apex said you punched him.”

“They all say that! If there wasn’t a bruise, it didn’t happen, he’s making it up for attention!” Parquel said.

“Then why are you holding his bear?”

“This is mine!” Parquel said, hugging it.

“Apex wrote his name on the bottom of the left hind leg.” Pharynx whispered into Metamorphosis’ ear.

“Can I see that? Apex wrote his name on it.”

“When I said it was mine I meant by playground rules. Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers.” Parquel replied, smirking. “Apex left it here and I just so happened to find it.”

“Kid, give us the bear or I will beat you into hell.” Pharynx snarled.

“Or… we could trade.” Parquel suggested, grabbing Blizzard by the neck and holding him up. “Sure would be a shame if it were to rip…”

“For the love of-we are not paying a ransom for a dumb bear! Give it to me!” Pharynx snarled, lunging at Parquel, but his father's purple aura held him back. “Dad! Let me at him!”

“Pharynx, let me do this! Just trust me.” Metamorphosis cried, hauling his son backwards. Pharynx sighed and nodded.

“Fine. But if you can’t get that bear back in five minutes I'm ripping the kid apart and taking the blood soaked bear back to the grub.” Pharynx whispered to him.

Metamorphosis rolled his eyes at his son and stepped forwards. He knelt down and looked Parquel in the eye.

“Now you listen to me young man. That toy is not yours, it is my grandson’s favorite toy, and what you are going to do is give it to me right now. If this is your way of acting cool, it’s not working, and that bear is only going one place: back into my sweet grandson’s hooves. He is not doing this for attention and you know it. The only reason you’re doing this is because you’re jealous of what an amazing and kind nymph he is, and you know you could never be half of the creature he is. Now give it back, or my son and I will make sure no one, not even Thorax, finds the body.” Metamorphosis said darkly.

Parquel looked startled for a moment, then just smirked. “If the brat’s not spoiled, then why’s he got his dumb grandpa fighting his battles? He’s just scared to face me, and he should be. I threw him into a wall. Imagine what I could do to his dumb bear, and then blame it on you.”

Metamorphosis’ eyes flashed, and then narrowed into slits. “That’s it!”

Metamorphosis lunged forwards and used his horn to pin the nymph to the wall by his tail. Parquel screeched and stared at him in shock.

“I may be a grandfather but I am not afraid to teach a bratty child a lesson! You are not the boss of this nursery just because you can throw a punch! You are a nymph, not an adult, and you cannot treat others this way just because you’ve decided you don’t like someone!”

With that, Metamorphosis pulled back, grabbing Blizzard in his magic. Pharynx stormed over, and quickly slapped Parquel across the cheek, before Metamorphosis grabbed him by the hoof and led him out, father and son hearing the nymph begin crying.

“Sweet Chrysalis that felt good.” Pharynx breathed, and Metamorphosis smiled. “I didn’t think you could be that tough, dad…”

“I try not to show it too much…” Metamorphosis chuckled. “But you know Pharynx, I am always here for my family, all of you. And I would throw my own life on the line to protect my kids. I’m not afraid to get tough to protect you.”

Pharynx smiled, hugging his father briefly. “Come on, let’s give Apex his toy back.”

Metamorphosis smiled, holding the bear gently in his foreleg as they made their way back to the throne room, heading for the nymph in question.
> The Lil' Fangs
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Apex!” two voices shouted as the young nymph scampered towards them.

“Hero! Zenny!” Apex cried, as the three nymphs met in a hug.

“Heheh, how’ve you been, little guy?” Hero asked, rubbing Apex’s head, and he swatted him away.

“Hey! ‘M no’ li’le! ‘M a’most six!” Apex huffed stubbornly, and Hero snickered.

“Okay, okay, big guy then.”

“So what do you guys wanna do?” Zenex asked.

“Play!” Apex cheered.

“Yeah, but play what?” Hero asked

“Hm… le’s go fin’ Pharynx!” Apex said, and Hero blinked.

“Why should we go find Pharynx?”

“‘Cause he t’ains me so maybe he’ll teach us somethin’ fun!” Apex replied, running off.

“Wait, he trains you?! Pexy, wait up!” Zenex cried, chasing after the reformed nymph. Hero shrugged and followed them.

Apex led his two friends to the sandy hollow where Pharynx took him to train, and sure enough, he was there. However, he was sparring with an unreformed red changeling that Apex didn’t recognize.

“I’ve got you now!” the unreformed changeling called

“You wish, Hive!” Pharynx snarled, lunging and tackling the other changeling to the ground. The two rolled for a bit before Pharynx pinned the changeling, Hive, underneath him. “I win.”

“Not so fast!” Hive pushed out from underneath him and knocked him to the ground. Pharynx snarled and the two began tussling again.

Apex watched for a minute longer as Hero and Zenex caught up, then decided the two had obviously been fighting a while with the same results every time.

“Uncle Pharynx!” Apex called loudly, making the beta changeling immediately jerk his head towards the nymph.

“What do you want grub, can’t you see I’m busy?!” Pharynx asked, seeing Apex was clearly not in danger.

“Yeah, getting your ass handed to ya!” Hero laughed. “Typical colorbugs, you don’t stand a chance against a real ‘ling!”

Pharynx snarled again and lunged forward, sweeping Hive off his hooves with a simple back leg swipe and holding him down with one hoof. “How’s that for a colorbug, kid?”

“Eh. I’ve seen better.” Hero decided. Pharynx rolled his eyes, letting the red changeling up.

“Did you need something, grub?”

“Will you show me an’ Hero an’ Zenny a new figh’ing move?” Apex asked.

“...You interrupted me for that?”

“Please Uncle Pharynx…?” Apex asked, pouting a little.

“Wait, Uncle Pharynx?” Hive looked at Pharynx, grinning mischeviously. “I wonder what started that fun little name-”

“Don’t you dare-”

“Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharynx Uncle Pharynx!” Hive chanted, falling over laughing.

“Hivey, come on, it’s not that funny!” Zenex called out to the unreformed changeling. Pharynx turned red, glaring gently at Apex.

“Now’s not really a good time, grub.” he muttered, but Apex persisted.

“Jus’ one move? Really quick? Pleaseeeeeee?” Apex begged, giving his uncle the irresistible puppy-dog eyes.

“I… but…” Pharynx flared his wings in defeat with a groan. “Fine. One move. Then you go practice by yourselves and leave me alone.”

“Yay!” Apex cheered.

“Oho, this I’ve got to see.” Hive chuckled, picking himself up and pulling Zenex closer. “Besides, Zenny Boy is my trainee.”

“I thought I was your little brother…?” Zenex said, looking up into the bigger changeling’s eyes.

“You are! But for the sake of beating Pharynx you’re my apprentice.” Hive elaborated, and Pharynx rolled his eyes.

“Why do we want to learn from a colorbug anyway?” Hero asked, and Pharynx glared at him.

“Because I can see to it you never see Apex again.”

“Sounds more like a punishment for him. I mean, look at this face!” Hero grabbed Apex and smooshed his face a little, holding him up. “Do you really wanna make this face cry?”

Pharynx facehoofed before walking down into the sandy hollow, muttering to himself. Apex squirmed out of Hero’s hold and trotted over to join him. Hero, Zenex, and Hive followed him, as Pharynx drew a line in the sand.

“Hive, stand behind the line.” Pharynx told him, and he shrugged, obeying. “You three, with me.”

“Wha’re we gonna do Uncle Pharynx?” Apex asked, and Pharynx sighed in defeat.

“We’re going to use partner fighting to spar with each other, taking turns. Two of you will pair up together, and one will be with me.”

“Dibs on Pexy!” Zenex called, hugging the nymph, who giggled.

“...Fu-” Hero began, before Zenex whacked him gently with a wing. Hero turned to Pharynx, and the two glared at each other for a minute before Pharynx continued.

“...Right. The point of partner fighting is to be able to trust each other. You stand back to back and defend yourself and your partner. It’s a defensive position, but you can also end up falling into a rhythm where one attacks and the other defends. Remember, it’s about trust. If you’re not able to completely rely on your partner to protect you, the move fails.” Pharynx instructed. “Now, Apex, Zenex, back to back. Hero, Hive, and I will come at you, you have to defend yourselves.”

Apex and Zenex did as Pharynx told them and stood back to back, as Hive, Hero, and Pharynx surrounded them. Pharynx stomped his hoof on the ground once, twice, three times, and they began.

Hero pounced first, hooves outstretched, but Zenex swiped his hoof out and knocked him aside. Hive came next, lunging for Apex, but the smaller nymph dropped into a roll and slid under Hive’s attack, coming up underneath him and raking his horn and forelegs across his belly, throwing him off. Pharynx dodged a blow from Zenex and reached to nip him up by the back of his neck, but Zenex and Apex leapt forwards together.

“Tackle the bug king!” Apex shouted as the two collided with Pharynx and their combined weight knocked him down.

Hive began laughing. “Tackle the bug king indeed!”

“Like you’re one to talk, you were defeated by a five year old in ten seconds.” Pharynx snapped. “Alright, Apex, Zenex, Hive, up. Hero and I are next.”

“Great.” Hero said sarcastically, and Pharynx rolled his eyes.

The pair went back to back, and they began again. Apex went for Pharynx, but the beta changeling gently knocked him back with a hoof. Zenex came at Hero, but he headbutted the nymph in the side and knocked him to the ground. Hive came at Pharynx, and the two adults reared onto their hind legs to fight, Hive clearly relying on Pharynx’s balance to keep himself up as they fought. Hero ducked between them and went in for a leg sweep, knocking Hive off-balance and sending him to the ground.

“Yes!” Hero buzzed his wings and leapt into the air, grinning at Pharynx. “Guess we’re not so bad at being a team…”

Pharynx nodded in approval. “You three can practice on your own now, Hive and I have some unfinished business.”

“Right you are, Uncle Pharynx!” Hive laughed.

“Why you-!” Pharynx charged, and Hive ran for it, the two heading out of the hollow in a not-so-playful game of cat and mouse.

The three nymphs laughed, then Hero leapt at Zenex, who knocked him aside. Apex giggled and ran to join in as the two began tussling.

The three play-fought in the sandy hollow, pushing each other around and pretending to hurt each other. Then, Hero sank down low, his tail swishing from side to side as he crept towards Apex and Zenex.

“I’ve got you right where I want you.” He growled playfully, and while Zenex laughed and pretended to be frightened, Apex stiffened up.

“I-I’s okay… i’s no’ her… she’s no’ here, i’s jus’ Hero playin’...” Apex tried to convince himself, as Hero slunk closer.

“You’ll never escape the wrath of Hero Bell!” Hero laughed, showing his fangs.

“Oh no! Apex, help! The evil changeling Bell is coming closer!” Zenex giggled, but Apex was frozen.

“Bow before your mighty King Bell!” Hero cried, rearing up onto his hind legs and flaring his wings dominantly.

Apex shrieked and scrambled backwards, tripping over his own hooves and falling to the ground. Hero and Zenex immediately stopped and ran to him, reaching out to help him.

“Apex, it’s okay, Hero was just playing!” Zenex cried, putting his hoof on Apex’s shoulder, but Apex curled into a ball and screamed loudly, sobbing. Hero and Zenex looked at each other in concern, but luckily they didn’t have to worry about what to do for very long.

“Grub!” Pharynx came barrelling into the hollow, Hive behind him, both had heard the scream.

Pharynx slowed down as he reached Apex, falling into the sand so he was laying down on his stomach. He gently pulled Apex closer to him, resting the frightened nymph against his chest. Apex cried and sobbed, struggling against the beta changeling’s firm grip, but Pharynx didn’t relent.

“Shh, grub, it’s okay. You’re safe, I promise. She’s not here.” Pharynx whispered, and slowly, Apex began to calm down. He pressed into Pharynx’s chest, crying and shivering. “It’s okay Apex, just let it out. I’m here.”

Hero and Zenex looked at Hive, but he shrugged cluelessly. Pharynx glanced up, sensing their confusion, and mouthed PTSD at them. Hive’s eyes widened, while Hero stared at Apex in shock, and Zenex covered his mouth in horror.

Finally, Apex was calm enough to open his eyes. He peeked out, seeing only Hive, Zenex, Hero, and Pharynx staring at him. He sat up slowly, sniffling and wiping at his eyes. Hero and Zenex stepped closer, over Pharynx’s large foreleg, sitting down beside their friend.

“You okay Pexy?” Zenex asked softly, and he nodded, stifling whimpers. Zenex reached out, holding his hooves out for a warning, before gently hugging the distraught nymph. Hero crept closer and joined in, hugging Apex lightly.

“You’re okay.” Hero said, and Apex smiled softly, holding onto the two. “You’re okay Apex.”

Apex smiled wider, nuzzling the two nymphs. “‘M now… thanks guys…”

“No problem Pexy.” Zenex smiled at him. “Us weirdos gotta stick together, right?”

Apex giggled and nodded, and Hero smiled. Hive walked over and sat by Pharynx, the two clearly taking a mutual truce.

“So… what should we do next, Lil’ Fangs?” Hero asked

“Li’le wha’s?” Apex asked

“Lil’ Fangs! I just came up with it now! Y’know, cause me and Zenny and you are all kids who’re connected to the Fang Gang!” Hero said. Apex looked up at Pharynx, who chuckled and nodded.

“He’s not wrong. I’m a part of the Fangs, and so is Hive. Not sure where this kid comes in but I guess he’s connected to us somehow.” Pharynx said, ruffling Hero’s mane. Hero turned red.

“Hey, quit it before I start calling you Papa Pharynx.” Hero grumbled, and Pharynx blushed, though he didn’t protest the name.

“Okay! Lil’ Fangs!” Apex said, sticking his hoof out. Zenex put his hoof on top, and Hero placed his hoof on top of theirs.

“Lil’ Fangs!” the three chanted together, laughing.
> Fatherly Instincts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come an’ ge’ me Papa Thorax!”

“Heheh, I will my little hyper sprite!”

Pharynx covered his ears and gave a disgruntled groan as he smashed his face into his brother’s throne. He had gotten very little sleep the night before due to having to re-arrange the training schedules, then getting dragged out of bed along with the others by Ocellus because she had “found an interesting constellation” of all the inane reasons. As a result, the beta changeling merely wanted to sleep, though his brother and nephew were currently making the task impossible.

Pharynx raised his head with a grunt, glaring sleepily out at his brother. Thorax was chasing Apex around the throne room, the two laughing and playing together without a care in the world. Unfortunately for Pharynx, they had chosen to do so when it was nearly noon, and the sun was shining in the perfect angle on Thorax’s throne to make it a prime napping spot.

“Thorax, could you please shut the grub up? I’m trying to sleep.” Pharynx grumbled, and Thorax glanced over, concerned.

“Are you okay Phar?”

“I’m just peachy.” Pharynx muttered. “I know you love the grub but do you have to display it so openly when I’m obviously trying to take a nap?”

“Well Pharynx, I’d have to wonder why you’re trying to nap on my throne when you have a perfectly comfortable bed in your room.” Thorax replied cheekily.

“Don’t you sass me right now baby bro, or I’ll go get dad.” Pharynx grunted. “Impressive as it was, I’m not in the mood.”

“Alright, alright.” Thorax nuzzled Pharynx and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Sleep well cuddlebug.”

Pharynx mumbled a response, closing his eyes and curling up on the throne, his tail flicked over his muzzle. He slept peacefully for a while, vaguely sensing Thorax and Apex playing some kind of game nearby. Pharynx just prayed it would keep the grub quiet long enough for him to nap.

However, in the end it wasn’t Apex who woke Pharynx early.

“Phar?”

“Shuddap, sleeping…”

“Phar, come on, I have a question.”

“Ask me again later…”

“It’s important.”

Pharynx sighed and forced his eyes open, raising his head. Thorax was curled up at the foot of his throne, Apex dozing in a little nest made of his curled tail. “What’s so important…?”

“I… well…” Thorax nosed Apex gently. “I know you love Apex a lot, so I was wondering… would you ever want… kids of your own, one day?”

Pharynx was honestly too tired to be embarrassed at this point, and settled for a raised brow. “Like, with Tempest? Or are you planning something?”

“N-Nothing like that, I just… was thinking… you always treat Apex so sweetly, even if you don’t like to show it… isn’t there someone like him you treat that way too?” Thorax asked.

Pharynx shrugged and flopped back into the throne lazily, gazing at his brother with a drowsy, not-quite-invested expression. “Thorax, why in the name of the Hivemother would I treat anyone besides the grub like that?”

“I was just curious…” Thorax gently stroked Apex’s forehead. “I just imagine everyone has those kinds of parental instincts inside them, and certain types of kids turn them on… for me it was Apex… I just wondered if you’d felt something like that too…”

“Nope, never.” Pharynx insisted, closing his eyes and basking in the sun. “Sure, the grub’s sparked something in me a couple times, I guess, but nothing like that… just… more like a duty to protect him because he’s my nephew… not because he’s almost my son…”

“Well… okay… sorry to bother you Phar, you can go back to your nap now.”

“Thank you.” Pharynx mumbled, falling back asleep. As he did, something blue flashed across his mind’s eye for a moment, and he opened his eyes again, only to find nothing there. He sighed and closed his eyes, going to sleep.

Later that day, Pharynx took Apex out to the sandy hollow to train him. He was going over Apex’s crouch, when a blue-haired nymph barged past him.

“Coming through!”

“Hey! Kid, watch where you’re going!” Pharynx shouted, as Apex giggled and cheered for his friend.

Hero skidded to a halt, a ball in his mouth. He spat it out, giggling. “What’s the matter colorbug?”

“I’m trying to train my nephew.” Pharynx spat, but Hero was bouncing the ball around, completely ignoring him. “Hero, could you please go play somewhere else?”

“Fineeeee.” Hero groaned. “Apex, think fast!”

Hero tossed the ball at Apex, who leapt for it. He hit the ground as the ball fell an inch away from his hooves. Hero giggled and lit his horn, lifting the ball into his hooves. Apex cheered and held it up triumphantly, tossing it back and running off.

“Apex! Get back here!” Pharynx called.

“Aw, let him play!” Hero retorted, grinning at Pharynx smugly. Pharynx groaned and sighed, leaving.

“Fine, might as well go patrol.” Pharynx muttered to himself as the two nymphs ran off, laughing.

While on his patrol, Pharynx could hear Hero and Apex playing and laughing. Pharynx rolled his eyes, deciding to stalk some birds he saw to work on his stealth. He couldn’t be getting sloppy just because the changelings were reformed now.

Pharynx crept closer to the unsuspecting birds, sinking down low and pressing his weight onto his haunches. He was just about to pounce on a bird that was poking at the ground, but before he could leap on one, there was a yell.

“Raghhhh! Look out!!! Here comes the bugbear!” Hero’s playful cries startled the birds as Pharynx leapt forwards, causing him to trip and fall flat on his face with a groan.

Apex and Zenex burst out of the undergrowth, laughing as they jumped over Pharynx’s form, running further into the trees. Pharynx groaned as Hero raced out after them, noticing the beta changeling.

“Oh, hey Pharynx. What are you doing on the ground? Someone could trip over you.” Hero said, buzzing his wings and flying over the adult changeling.

Pharynx groaned and sat up. “You three scared away the birds!”

“So? Go find some more! You don’t have to be mopey about it!” Hero called back, disappearing into the bushes.

Pharynx facehoofed, storming off. “That idiot kid…”

Later, Pharynx was eating lunch in the cafeteria, while Ocellus read a book next to him. Then, Hero rushed in with Zenex and Apex, laughing.

“Food fight!” Hero bellowed, which was met by cheers and everyling tossing food around. Apex and Zenex ran into the fray, laughing and cheering.

Hero joined in, grabbing an apple and launching it at Ocellus, who shrieked and ducked, causing the apple to bounce off her book and stab onto Pharynx’s antler. Everyone froze as Pharynx looked up at the apple, then glared across at the blue-haired nymph.

“Hero. Bell.”

“Eep!” Hero shrunk back as Pharynx stood up, storming towards him like a hunter on the prowl.

“Hero. What. Did. You. Do?” Pharynx snarled.

“I-I was just trying to have fun!” Hero said, but Pharynx’s hoof slammed down in front of him, and he shrank back.

“I have been dealing with your idiotic ideas all day! FIrst you dragged Apex away from his training, then you scared away the birds I was trying to stalk and didn’t apologize, and now this! I am sick of having to deal with you and your messes! If you really want to parade around without even thinking about the consequences of your actions, then take your crazy antics somewhere else!” Pharynx bellowed at the top of his lungs, taking the apple off his antler and flinging it at the nymph.

Hero let out a barely audible whimper as the apple hit the ground at his hooves, his ears flattening down against his head. He stared down at the apple, nodding. “...yes sir.”

Pharynx snorted angrily, glaring down at the nymph one final time before he stormed off. Hero sighed tiredly, turning away from Apex and Zenex and walking out of the cafeteria dejectedly.

“Finally, peace and quiet.” Pharynx murmured as he sat beside Thorax’s throne, where the king himself was perched.

“General!” Retina shouted, rushing into the room. “There’s been sightings of a Tatzlwurm on our territory!”

“Where?!” Pharynx demanded, leaping up.

“It’s in the forest at the border.” Retina explained.

“Alright, it’s not too close to be threatening, but get some capable soldiers to keep an eye on it, and let me know if it comes any closer.” Pharynx told her, and she nodded, saluting him before leaving.

“I-I should find Apex.” Thorax said nervously.

“‘M here Papa Thorax.” Apex said, coming into the throne room with Zenex. Thorax rushed over and scooped him up.

“Thank Elysium you’re okay, where have you been?” Thorax asked, sitting back on the throne with Apex in his hooves.

“We were looking for Hero.” Zenex told him, climbing onto the king’s lap. “We haven’t seen him since Pharynx yelled at him.”

“You yelled at Hero?” Thorax asked Pharynx, who rolled his eyes.

“He kept getting in my way and I’d had enough.”

“He wasn’t trying to!” Zenex protested. “It’s not his fault you were consistently wherever he was having fun!”

“He started a food fight!”

“Let’s come back to that.” Thorax interrupted, calling their attention back to him. “So where’s Hero?”

“We don’t know, he’s not in any of the places we looked.” Zenex told Thorax, who frowned in concern.

“Do you know where he might be?”

“Uh-uh.” Apex said, snuggling into his hoof.

“Well…” Zenex put a hoof to his chin in concentration. “He does have a campsite somewhere in the Hive territory, but I can’t remember where he said it was.”

“Oh yeah! I ‘member! He tol’ me i’ was near where we we’e playing in the fo’est!” Apex cried.

“Now I remember! The forest by the edge of the territory!” Zenex agreed, high-hoofing the younger nymph.

“W-Wait, wasn’t that…” Thorax looked at Pharynx nervously.

“Where the Tatzlwurm was seen!” Pharynx jumped onto his hooves, ready to leap into action.

“Oh no, Hero!” Zenex shrieked.

“W-Wha’ if he ge’s ea’en?!” Apex asked, terrified.

At those words, Pharynx’s eyes snapped into slits. Some kind of beast roared within his chest, bubbling to the surface as he felt a sudden urge to protect the nymph. Pharynx growled and began storming towards the door.

“Pharynx, w-where are you going?” Thorax asked.

“To get the kid, where else?” Pharynx said darkly. “I’ll be back soon, stay with the grub. I’ll find Hero.”

“B-Be careful, stay safe.” Thorax called.

“I have to be.” Pharynx replied, more to himself than Thorax, fanning out his wings and flying out, heading for the forest. “I can’t risk the kid’s life…”

Pharynx flew into the forest at top speed, hitting the ground and running through the trees.

“Hero! Hero, get out here!” Pharynx yelled, looking around as he ran. “Come on kid, this isn’t the time for games! Come out! You could be in da-gah!”

Pharynx’s forelegs slipped on the grass as a rope snare he’d unintentionally stepped in yanked him off the ground. He dangled from the tree branch, struggling.

“Hero!” Pharynx called out, as the bushes rustled. The nymph in question stepped out, staring at him blankly. “Hero, there you are! Get me down!”

Hero continued staring at him, sitting on the ground. “...Why should I?”

“What?”

“You didn’t appreciate my ‘antics’ before, so why should I let you down now? So you can yell at me more?” Hero dug his hoof into the ground. “At least from up there you’ll eventually pass out when the blood rushes to your head.”

“Hero, you have to get me down, we’re in danger!” Pharynx called.

“Oh well.”

“Hero!”

Hero turned away from him. Pharynx sighed and gave him a look. “I won’t let you down until you apologize.”

Pharynx groaned and sighed. “Hero, I’m sorry I yelled at you, I lost my temper and I shouldn’t have done that. Can you please let me down now?”

“Nope, wrong answer.” Hero replied stubbornly.

“What else could I possibly have done?! All I’ve been doing all day is going about my own business, and you’re constantly in my way and getting into every kind of possible antic you can think of!” Pharynx cried, struggling against the rope and preparing to blast it with his magic.

Hero’s ears wilted and he stared at the ground. Pharynx sighed and stopped, staring at him with honest confusion in his eyes.

“Hero… what did I do…?”

Hero remained silent for a minute, then spoke softly. “...You’re right, I was getting in your way and messing around, and maybe it wasn’t because I was having fun. I just… I just…”

“Spit it out kid.”

“I wanted your attention, okay?!” Hero leapt to his hooves, glaring at the now surprised Pharynx. “All the other nymphs have someone that cares about them! Zenny has Hive, Apex has Thorax, but I have no one! You’re pretty cool for a dumb colorbug, I thought maybe you would care about me, but apparently you only care when I do something bad!”

“I… Hero…”

“So I did! I distracted your training and I started a food fight! The birds really were just a coincidence but it worked! You’re paying attention to me! So there!” Hero stomped his hoof on the ground and sat down again, puffing his cheeks out in a pout.

Pharynx stared at him, then sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. “You’re right.”

“H-Huh?”

“You were clearly trying to get my attention, but I was so focused on what I wanted to do that I didn’t realize.” Pharynx grabbed the rope and pulled himself upright, so he could look at the nymph right-side up. “I didn’t mean to ignore you, I had no idea you wanted me to… to treat you that way…”

Hero scuffed the ground. “Everyone else had a parent… I guess I was just thinking… a Papa Pharynx would be nice…”

Pharynx blushed slightly, looking away. “Thorax was asking me earlier if anyone made me feel the way he feels when he sees Apex… I think I know what he meant now…”

Hero looked up at Pharynx, who looked back at him.

“Apex is a good kid, but he doesn’t drive me crazy the way you do. But it’s more than that… when Zenex said you might be out here, I just… I knew I had to find you. I had to make sure you were okay, that you weren’t hurt, and only I could do it. I was the only one who could come get you. I didn’t understand it before but I guess it was… I guess it was a kind of… paternal instinct.”

Hero stood and buzzed his wings, lifting off the ground to look him in the eye. Lavender met deep blue, and Pharynx reached a hoof out, an unasked question. With only a moment’s hesitation, Hero made his choice. He flew closer, taking the beta changeling’s hoof and allowing the adult to pull him close. Hero rested against Pharynx’s chest, holding onto the bigger changeling. His horn glowed, and Pharynx was cut free.

“Now, we have to get out of here.” Pharynx said, hovering in midair as he looked at Hero. “There's a Tatzlwurm in the forest.”

“Oh, so that’s why you needed to get me!” Hero exclaimed, giving him a look. “Why didn’t you just say so?”

“You were upset, and-oh, I don’t know.” Pharynx sighed and released the nymph. “Come on, let’s just get out of here before it finds us.”

“Okay!” Hero flew back into Pharynx’s grip, clinging to his neck. “Away!”

Pharynx rolled his eyes, but smiled at the nymph. “You’re crazy if you think I’m carrying you back.”

“Welp, call me crazy then, Papa Pharynx.” Hero replied cheekily, climbing onto Pharynx’s head.

Pharynx chuckled softly, flying out of the forest, heading back to the Hive.
> All For Pride
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“S-So, um… dad…” Thorax took a breath as he and Pharynx stood together in front of Metamorphosis. “I… I’m Pansexual.”

“And I’m Bisexual… and possibly Genderfluid or Non-binary, I’m not sure…” Pharynx said, trailing off.

Metamorphosis smiled at his two boys, trotting over and kissing them both on the foreheads. “It’s okay my sons, you know I’ll accept you know matter what.”

“Thanks dad.” Thorax said, sighing in relief. Metamorphosis smiled at them lovingly.

“I’m going to go help out the chefs, I’ve been thinking about taking up baking.” Meta nuzzled the two before heading off.

“You know he’s gay, right?” Ember asked, she, Tempest and Ocellus coming over to the boys with Apex.

“Obviously.” Pharynx replied

“G-Guys, don’t you think that’s a hurtful stereotype?” Thorax asked.

“Whas’ gay?” Apex asked, looking up at the adults.

“...Have you seriously not told him yet?” Tempest asked

“Yeah! Your own sister has a girlfriend!” Ocellus joined in.

“A second ago you were saying dad was gay.” Thorax retorted.

“I… touche, Thorax.” Ember replied, grabbing Apex and holding him out. “Doesn’t the kid deserve to know though?”

Pharynx groaned and glared at Thorax. “You handle this one, I’m still having flashbacks from when Flutterwings asked what a lesbian was.”

“I… fine…” Thorax sighed. “Apex, being gay is when two boys like each other in a romantic way.”

“He’s not gonna understand that!”

“I’m trying!”

“Well try better!” Pharynx turned away, muttering to himself. “Still can’t get that stuff out of my head… who in their right mind would think I like Venom…?”

Thorax sighed and nuzzled Apex. “U-Um, we’ll tell you more later sweetie, okay?”

“Okay Papa Thorax.” Apex replied innocently.

“Just so you know, it’s not because we’re stereotyping him.” Tempest told Thorax.

“Yeah, he just… it’s kind of obvious.”

“But he and Chrysalis used to be married.” Thorax objected.

“And if I remember correctly, he literally ran away from her.” Ocellus responded as Apex scampered off to play.

Apex trotted through the Hive, thinking back to what Thorax had said.

“So if bein’ gay is likin’ boys… is i’ good ‘r bad…? Papa Thorax sounded pre’y upse’...”

As Apex trotted along, he wasn’t looking where he was going, and knocked into someone. “Oof!”

“Ack, sorry Pexy, are you okay?” It was Zenex. Apex looked up at the nymph, staring into his different colored eyes, not noticing how his cheeks began heating up.

“‘M-‘M fine Zenny.” Apex replied, and the nymph smiled at him brightly.

“That’s good! Where were you going?”

“N-Nowhe’e… jus’ thinkin’...”

“Oh, well, I was going to the cafeteria to get snacks, Hero and I were gonna hang out. You wanna come?” Zenex asked, holding up his saddlebags to show him.

“Okay Zen-Zen!” Apex said, then blushed. “I-I mean Zenny…”

Zenex blushed and smiled shyly. “It’s okay Pexy, I like it.”

“You do…?” Apex asked

“Yeah! Heh, now c’mon, let’s go find some brownies!” Zenex said, trotting off. Apex blushed and giggled, following him.

The two nymphs ran through the halls, passing by Thorax, Pharynx, Tempest, Ember, and Ocellus as they headed for the cafeteria.

“Okay, if you’re so sure dad’s gay, then prove it.” Pharynx told the girls as they headed for the kitchen.

“Well, I’ve seen him checking out some of the guys around here.” Tempest said.

“And he sounded like he wasn’t telling you something before when you two came out to him.” Ocellus said.

“You heard that?” Pharynx asked

“We heard his response and figured you two had finally worked up the nerve.” Tempest explained.

“Well, I’m still not convinced.” Thorax told them.

“There’s an easy way to settle this, which is we’re right and you’re wrong.” Pharynx replied.

“Pharynx!” Thorax cried in exasperation as the beta changeling chuckled.

“Children, children.” Ocellus said, her tail flicking. “Why argue when we can just ask him? It’s not the olden days anymore, Chrysalis legalized gay marriage a long time ago! We can just ask!”

“Wait, if she legalized gay marriage then why would she get Meta to marry her? She had to have been able to tell.” Ember said.

“If he hasn’t said anything he probably never told her either.” Pharynx said.

“Also, genetics. I mean, look what he created.” Ocellus added, gesturing to the brothers.

“Eh, fair enough.” Ember shrugged, and the group entered the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Zenex and Apex were foraging for treats in the cafeteria, which was empty. Zenex poured a plate of brownies into the saddlebags he’d brought. Apex trotted over with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, dumping them in as well.

The two nymphs giggled mischievously as they also grabbed some heart-shaped cookies with red sprinkles. Apex then spotted a small tray of key-lime pies and cheesecakes. He sniffed them cautiously, before carefully picking them up and setting them in the bag. Zenex laughed and took a cookie, stuffing it in his mouth.

“Rea’y?” Zenex asked, his voice muffled from the cookie.

“Mhm!” Apex said, and the nymphs ran off.

The two ran into Zenex’s room, laughing. “Hero, we’re back!”

“Yes! What’d you get?” Hero asked, and Zenex unloaded his bag.

“Dig in everyone!” Zenex said, and they all lunged, grabbing randomly at the sweet treats.

Soon, there was only a single brownie left, but all three nymphs were too full to eat it, sprawled on the floor.

“Wow… that was… so good…” Hero said.

Apex giggled, crawling over to Zenex and flopping onto his stomach. Zenex squeaked and blushed, patting him on the head. Apex blushed and smiled at him, and he smiled back. The two closed their eyes, falling asleep contentedly.

“I think… ‘m gay af’er all…I like Zenny, a' leas'...” Apex thought to himself as he fell asleep, smiling.

Elsewhere, Thorax, Pharynx, Ember, Tempest, and Ocellus had found Metamorphosis, who was making brownie batter.

“Dad? U-Um… so, we were wondering…” Thorax began.

“Yes my lovebug?” Metamorphosis asked, and Ocellus coughed knowingly.

“Well, um… it’s okay whatever you say, but-”

“For the love of-Thorax is trying to ask if you’re gay.” Pharynx cut his brother off.

Metamorphosis froze, blushing. “I… If I’m gay?”

“Yeah.” Pharynx confirmed. “So… are you?”

Metamorphosis blushed and looked away, stirring the batter. “Well… yes, I am…”

“Told you.” Ocellus grinned smugly at Thorax.

Thorax rolled his eyes at her slightly, hugging Metamorphosis. “We support you dad, just like you support us.”

Metamorphosis smiled gratefully, hugging his sons. “Thank you, all of you…”

“Of course dad.” Thorax said.

The others all moved over and joined in the hug, though Ocellus also reached and took the spoon covered in brownie batter, licking it. Pharynx rolled his eyes at her, hugging his father. The group hugged for a minute longer, happy and proud.
> Nothing Will Change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex squirmed in his sleep, unbeknownst to Thorax, who was fast asleep beside him. Apex groaned as the dream plagued his mind.

“N-No… I… I… wahhh!” Apex shot upright, then immediately scrambled out of bed, leaping down to the floor and scampering off.

The little nymph ran straight into the bedroom of the one changeling he wanted to see the most at that moment.

Pharynx was fast asleep in his own bed, muttering to himself and grinning. “No Tempest… let me show you how it’s done… heheh…”

“U-Uncle Pharynx…” a tiny hoof poked his cheek, and his eyes opened slowly to find Apex staring at him with big round eyes.

“Grub? What is it?” He asked in a low tone.

“U-Uncle Pharynx, I-I had a-a b-bad dream…” Apex whispered, and Pharynx smiled at him gently, lifting his hoof to let the nymph crawl underneath it and snuggle against his side.

“You can stay with me if you want Apex.” Pharynx said softly, and Apex smiled. “But why didn’t you wake up Thorax?”

“...I-I’ was ‘bout him…” Apex admitted.

“It was?” Pharynx lifted himself up slightly and stared at Apex. “That’s a first… what happened, grub?”

“W-Well… i’ was ‘bout him an’ Emmie…”

Apex began to tell him the story. How it had started with him overhearing Thorax and Ember discussing a “new arrival” and he had gotten really excited, hoping they meant something fun. He then realized they were talking about a baby, and became a little disappointed but still eager to see the foal.

Then, he watched as two small storks with Scorpia and Capillarie’s voices delivered a single bundle to the two, which contained the baby. Apex had barely even gotten to see a glimpse of his new faceless baby sibling, before Thorax and Ember had whisked them away and shut him out of Thorax’s room.

No matter how hard Apex pounded on the door and cried to be let in, they ignored him.

Finally, they emerged, with the new baby in Ember’s arms. They were fawning over the baby, and didn’t even notice he was there as they walked away, Thorax proclaiming the baby was “his one and only child”

That was when Apex burst into tears, curling up in a ball while being taunted by a voice he somehow knew was the baby’s, saying Thorax would never love him again now that he had a real baby, because Apex was adopted.

Pharynx sighed and lifted Apex up, rolling onto his back and placing the nymph on his chest. “Grub, that’s never going to happen.”

“B-Bu’ i’ might…” Apex whimpered.

“Thorax and Ember might have a kid of their own one day, yeah.” Pharynx agreed, nuzzling him. “But that’s never going to change how much they love you.”

“Bu’ if they do, t-then I won’ be Papa Thorax’s baby an’more…”

“You’re always going to be his baby, no matter how big you get.” Pharynx assured him, but Apex sniffled and hid his face against Pharynx. “Grub…”

“P-Papa Thorax won’ love me if he an’ Emmie ge’ a new baby…”

“Yes he will. Nothing is going to change if he and Ember have a kid.” Pharynx said, lifting Apex’s chin with a hoof. “I promise.”

“W-Warrio’ promise…?” Apex asked, and Pharynx smirked.

“Warrior’s promise, Apex. I swear on my rank that I’m telling the truth. Nothing is ever going to keep Thorax from loving you, grub. You’re his son. His heir.”

“He doesn’ need me to b’eathe.” Apex giggled and poked Pharynx’s snout. “Silly Uncle Pharynx…”

“Not air, Apex, heir. H-e-i-r.” Pharynx corrected him, booping his own nose. “It means you’re his first child, the one who’s entitled to his rank when he eventually… joins Capillarie and Scorpia.”

Apex squeaked and his eyes grew big again, but Pharynx was quick to pull the nymph into a hug.

“It won’t happen for a long time, grub. Thorax is young and healthy, and he’s got me to protect him. He won’t join them for a long time, okay?” Pharynx said softly, and Apex nodded. “But when he does, that means you’d become the King in his place.”

“I-I would…?”

“Mhm. Because you’re his heir. Specifically, his heir to the throne. Only his oldest child can claim that.”

Apex’s red eyes gleamed in the darkness as he wagged his tail. “S-So I-I’ll be…?”

“The King-General, just like you wanted.” Pharynx chuckled and rubbed his head. “If I’m still around, you’d have to fight me for it though.”

Apex giggled, smiling through his tears, and wrapped his hooves around Pharynx’s neck, snuggling into his chitin. Pharynx chuckled, laying back down on his side so that Apex could cuddle against him.

“You ready to go back to sleep?”

“Guess so… Papa Thorax an’ Emmie will s’ill ha’e a baby…”

“Grub, Thorax’s still not comfortable just saying she’s his girlfriend. You’ve got a while before they start thinking about having kids.” Pharynx laughed softly, and Apex smiled, pressing against his chest to hear his heartbeat.

“So I ha’e time to plan wha’ t’do…” Apex yawned and curled up against Pharynx.

“Yeah, sure grub. Just remember one thing.” Pharynx said as he put a hoof around the nymph.

“Wha’?”

“...Little siblings are some of the most annoying creatures in existence. They’ll try to make you play with them and they’ll make you get mad and run around after them…” Pharynx kissed Apex’s forehead, smiling softly. “But at the same time, they’re kind of wonderful to have.”

“How d’you know Uncle Pharynx…?” Apex asked sleepily, and Pharynx smiled.

“Thorax used to frustrate the living Tartarus out of me. And he still does.” Pharynx chuckled, smiling at Apex. “But whenever I think I’m on my own, and I don’t have anyone to count on… his stupid face is right there, encouraging me.”

Apex giggled, smiling as Pharynx nuzzled him one last time, and slipped a dragon plushie into his hooves. Apex beamed and hugged Night Fury close, clinging to Pharynx’s chitin, pressing into his chest. Pharynx smiled and held the nymph close, laying his head back and slowly falling back asleep.

Apex yawned and curled up beside him, still able to hear Pharynx’s heartbeat from where he was. He smiled and nestled closer. “Uncle Pharynx’s hear’bea’ is nice… bu’ Papa Thorax’s is my fa’orite song… no one else’s can be like his, because he’s my papa…”
> Lost And Found
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Come on Apex, let’s go!” Zenex called from outside, as Apex dug through his toy chest.

“One sec’nd!” Apex shouted back. He then dove into the chest, as the door opened and Zenex and Hero walked in.

“What’s taking so long, Cousin Apex?” Hero asked.

“I can’ find Blizzy!” Apex jumped back out of the toy chest, a kitten dangling from his horn. Zenex grabbed it and hugged it.

“Eclipse!” he said, petting the kitten. Hero looked at the kitten, then the toy box in utter confusion.

“How…?”

Apex whimpered and his ears drooped. “I need Blizzy, he’s no’ an’where!”

“It’s okay ‘Pexy, we’ll help you find him!” Zenex offered happily. “Just let me put Eclipse in my room.”

“R-Really?” Apex asked, blushing as he looked up at Zenex hopefully.

“Yeah! Lil’ Fangs Lost and Finders! Let’s go!” Zenex put Eclipse on his back, leading them out and into his room, so he could put Eclipse down. “So where did you see Blizzard last?”

“Um… I had him w-when Uncle Pharynx an’ I we’e trainin’... then Papa Thorax wan’ed me t’go to the nurs’rey…” Apex said.

“Okay, so let’s check the training ground and then the nursery!” Zenex said eagerly.

“Well, what’re we waiting for! Maybe Papa Pharynx has it!” Hero called out, already gone. Zenex giggled.

“Well, come on ‘Pexy!” Zenex urged, joining Hero. Apex blushed and followed them eagerly.

Soon, they made it out to the sandy hollow where they knew Pharynx took Apex to train.

“Okay, so what now?” Hero asked.

“Look fo’ Blizzy!” Apex cried, running around the hollow.

Zenex and Hero joined him, digging around in the dirt to find the bear. Soon, they were covered in dirt, and Hero was scratching his head.

“Okay, so we found a broken arrow, pieces of old training dummies, and I’m not sure if this is lice or sand in my mane.” Hero said, lifting his back leg and scratching like a dog.

“Let’s hope for sand. Anyway, it’s clear Blizzard’s not here.” Zenex commented. He was building a sandcastle. Apex poked his head out of the top, whimpering. “B-But we’ll find him! Don’t worry ‘Pexy!”

Apex sighed, blushing as he crawled out of the sandcastle, flopping into the sand. “I’s no use…”

“Don’t give up ‘Pexy, we’ll find him.” Zenex nuzzled his friend gently, but the nymph still looked close to tears. “Come on, you said you also stopped by the nursery, so let’s go look around there.”

“B-Bu’ wha’ if we don’ find him…?” Apex asked

“We will!” Zenex kissed his cheek gently, blushing as he rushed off. “Let’s go!”

Apex stared after him, blushing. Hero laughed and gently thumped him on the back. “You got game, Cousin!”

“Huh?”

“Nevermind. C’mon, let’s go catch up with Zenny Boy!” Hero called, running after Zenex, and the younger nymph jumped, running after them just as Pharynx and Hive entered the training area.

“Was that the kids?” Hive asked, and Pharynx blinked.

“Yeah… huh, wonder what they were up to.”

“Whatever it is, dibs not giving them baths!” Hive called, and Pharynx groaned.

“Hive!”

“Sorry dude, self-preservation.” Hive chuckled. “Anyway, are we gonna spar or what?”

“Heh, I’ve been waiting on you!” Pharynx tackled Hive into the sandy hollow, and the two began tussling.

Meanwhile, the three nymphs had run into the nursery, tracking sand and dirt everywhere. They continued searching the nursery without a second thought, scrambling around and upsetting the other nymph’s activities.

“Eep! Hey! Guys!” Viorel shrieked as Hero barged between the purple nymph and his boyfriend.

“Sorry Vio’el!” Apex called, as Zenex picked up a random nymph, searched underneath them, then put them down. “Ha’e you seen Blizzy?”

“Your bear?” Viorel shook his head. “Not recently, sorry.”

Apex whimpered, but Zenex hugged him tightly. “Let’s keep looking!”

“Think buddy, where else did you go the last time you saw Blizzard?” Hero asked, taking a chance to punch Parquel in the face as he attempted to sneak up on them.

“U-Um… the cafe’ria?”

“Cafeteria! Let’s go!” Zenex said, rushing out. Apex and Hero followed him, racing to catch up.

“Wow, Zenny’s really into helping you find your bear, huh?” Hero asked

“‘Cause he know Blizzy is my fa’orite.” Apex said.

“Uh-huh, sure.” Hero chuckled, and Apex blinked in confusion.

The nymph brushed it aside as they raced into the cafeteria, leaving behind a cloud of dust as they searched.

“Aha!” Hero dove out from under a table.

“Did you find him?!” Apex asked, running over.

“Better!” Hero held up a half-eaten cookie. “Free food!”

Zenex facehoofed. “Hero, focus!”

“Your loss!” Hero shoved the cookie into his mouth, smacking his lips. “Delicious!”

“Cousin Hero, Blizzy!” Apex stomped his hoof angrily.

“Oh, right!” Hero jolted up and began searching.

“Is there any other place you went with him?” Zenex asked as they searched under the cafeteria tables.

“The throne room… bu’ if I had him then, Papa Thorax would’e made sure I didn’ leave him…”

“Anywhere else?” Hero suggested, but Apex shook his head no. “Darnit…”

“Well, he’s not here. Let’s check the throne room just to be sure.” Zenex said.

“But! We gotta be sneaky.” Hero put in.

“Why?” Apex asked

“Pex, we’re covered in dirt. If Uncle Thorax even catches a glance of us like this, you know what he’s gonna want to do-”

“Baths!” Zenex and Apex shuddered.

“Exactly! Come on, and lay low!” Hero said, leading them towards the throne room.

They arrived in the throne room at a slower pace than usual. Sneaking around the back of Thorax’s throne, they quickly scanned the vicinity.

“This isn’t working, we need to get closer.” Zenex whispered.

“Around the back of Uncle Thor’s throne, let’s go.” Hero commanded, and the three nymphs crept along on the ground, scanning the throne room as they moved.

Then, they bumped into a cyan hoof, and, dreading what was in front of them, looked up.

“Hello kids.” Pharynx said, smirking down at them. “You boys on a secret mission?”

“Papa Pharynx, shh!” Hero hissed at him, but it was too late. Thorax had trotted over to them, and promptly gasped.

“What happened to you three?! You’re covered in dirt!”

“We’ve been digging through the sandy hollow.” Zenex said, shaking a clump of dirt off his ear.

“Why?!” Thorax exclaimed.

“I-I can’ find Blizzy!” Apex cried, his eyes watering. Zenex hugged him tightly.

“And we told him we’d find it!” Zenex added, Apex snuggling into his chest.

Thorax laughed softly and leaned down to nuzzle the reformed nymph. Apex sniffled and hid in Zenex’s chest, blushing. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

“I los’ Blizzy an’ you’e laughing…”

“Oh, Apex, you didn’t lose Blizzard.” Thorax smiled at the nymph. “I asked Kydra to wash him for you; you were dragging him around all day, and he was dirty.”

“Of course.” Hero rolled his eyes. “Thorax had him the whole time.”

“Ky said she’d have him back to you by tonight, do you think you can wait a little longer to get him back?” Thorax asked, and Apex nodded, sniffling. “Good. Now…”

“Uh-oh, run!” Hero whipped around, only to find Pharynx standing in front of him.

“You three need baths, come on!” Thorax cried.

“No!” the three screamed in unison, as Pharynx and Thorax scooped them up, carrying them to Thorax’s room.

“Papa Pharynx, don’t help him!!!” Hero cried, squirming. “I’ve been good! I was trying to help!”

“You still need baths, you’re filthy!” Thorax said as he turned on the water in the tub. Hero, Apex, and Zenex fussed and squirmed as the two adults plopped them into the bathwater.

“No fair.” Hero pouted, puffing his cheeks up and crossing his hooves.

“Oh, stop pouting, it’s just a bath, Thorax even gave you bubbles.” Pharynx said, resting on the side of the tub and chuckling. He then received a stream of water in his face. “Gah!”

“Ooh, soapy.” Hero laughed from where he had just spat water on his papa.

“Hero!”

Thorax laughed at the two and began bathing the three nymphs. But Apex couldn’t help staring at Zenex, becoming lost in his thoughts as he gazed at him. Zenex had continued to help Apex look for Blizzard, even though it had led to a bath. The nymph smiled at Apex, swatting away Thorax’s hoof as he tried to scrub him.

Apex let out a soft sigh, sinking down into the bubbles, paddling over to latch onto Zenex, hugging the nymph and closing his eyes as he felt the unreformed youngling wrap his hooves around him. He wasn’t sure what this new feeling was for Zenex, but he knew it didn’t matter what it was, he was happy.

Life was good.
> Come Out, Little One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex sighed as he paced around. Seeing as Thorax and Pharynx had connected their rooms to his new one, he had to be quiet so they wouldn’t hear him. Thorax had given him his own room when Night Bloom and Shadow Stalker came, so he wouldn’t be kept awake by them.

Apex liked having his own room, especially since Thorax had promised he could come snuggle with him and Ember whenever he wanted. Pharynx had said the same with him and Tempest, though he’d sworn him to secrecy on that. But right now, being alone was beneficial to the nymph.

“I don’ know wha’ t’do Blizzard.” Apex said, speaking to the worn bear propped up on his bed. “I really don’ wanna keep hiding…”

Yes, Apex still had his speech impediment. He had tried talking normally but he hadn’t grown out of it yet. Thorax assured him that he’d probably have a normal speech pattern when he reached adulthood. Either way, Apex had learned to not mind it. Especially since Thorax told him it didn’t matter anyway, and he thought it made him cute.

Apex sighed as he trotted to his toy chest. He sat down and opened it, smiling at all his toys, then reaching underneath them. He smiled down at the broad rainbow flag in his hooves. He held it close, closing his eyes.

“Blizzard, wha’ am I s’posed to do?” Apex asked, looking at the bear. “I wanna tell Papa Thorax an’ Uncle Pharynx bu’ I don’ know wha’ they’d think… 'm... 'm scared...”

Blizzard merely flopped over onto his side. Apex sighed, but before he could reach for the bear, there was a knock on his door.

“Apex?” Thorax’s voice asked through the door.

“U-Uh, one minu’e Papa Thorax!” Apex said, tossing the rainbow flag into his toy chest and closing it, then igniting his horn and righting Blizzard. He trotted to the door and opened it.

“Heh, hey sweetie.” Thorax nuzzled him. “Pharynx and I were thinking of taking you out for the day, just you and the two of us, like we used to do.”

“Really?” Apex gasped, then hugged him. “Yay! Thank you Papa Thorax!”

“Heh, of course my little hyper sprite.”

Apex smiled and followed Thorax out of the room. As they left, they passed by Tempest and Ember, who were playing with their daughters. However, Apex failed to notice he hadn’t completely shut his door.

As Thorax and Pharynx nuzzled and kissed their mates goodbye, Apex left the room. The alpha and beta joined him shortly after. Once the three left, Ember and Tempest began talking, not noticing Shadow Stalker and Nightfire Bloom wandering away.

The two found their way into Apex’s room due to the slightly opened door. Nightfire Bloom pushed it open and they crawled in.

-------------------------------------------------------------

“Well, that was a great day, wasn’t it?” Thorax asked as they headed back to their rooms.

“Mhm!” Apex giggled, riding on Thorax’s back. He yawned sleepily and leaned his head against Thorax’s neck.

Pharynx chuckled and leaned over to nuzzle him. “Heh, you have fun grub?”

“Yes Uncle Pharynx…” Apex yawned.

The three of them headed into Thorax’s room. Pharynx started to head to the short hall that connected it to his room.

“Pharynx, Thorax!” Ember rushed up to them, Tempest behind her. “Temp and I, we-”

“We can’t find the kids!” Tempest finished

“What?!” the two asked in unison. Thorax levitated Apex off him and laid him on the bed, so as not to disturb the drowsy nymph.

“Where’s the last place you saw them?” Thorax asked

“Near the hallways. We checked Phar and Temp’s room already.”

“Try Apex’s room then.” Pharynx suggested, leading the way. The group headed down the hallway.

“I don’t think they’ll be here Phar, Apex usually keeps his door closed.” Thorax said.

“It’s not closed now.” Tempest gestured to the door. It was ajar slightly.

“He probably left it open by accident.” Pharynx said, pushing the door further open. The giggling of foals could be heard.

“Shadow!”

“Nightfire!”

Tempest and Ember raced in, scooping up their babies. Thorax and Pharynx followed them inside, relieved. Then, as Thorax leaned in to nuzzle Nightfire Bloom, he noticed she had something in her claw.

“What’s this?” Thorax nosed Nightfire gently, until she let go of it. Ember took the object.

“It’s… a piece of fabric?” Ember held it up.

“That’s a pride flag.” Thorax said, recognizing the rainbow pattern.

“It has to be Apex’s, none of us have the gay flag.” Pharynx remarked, and Thorax blinked.

“Come on.” Thorax took the flag and headed out to his room, where Apex was.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex yawned and briefly opened his eyes as he felt a soft nudging on his shoulder. “Papa Thorax…?”

“Apex, wake up sweetie.” Thorax said

Apex sat up slightly, rubbing his eyes. Thorax was standing before him. Apex smiled at his papa, then noticed the fabric in the older changeling’s hoof. His eyes widened slightly.

“Apex,” Thorax stepped closer and laid the cloth flag on the bed, “Do you know anything about this?”

Apex backed up, then spun around and took off running. He leapt off the bed and hit the ground, racing out of the room. He screwed his eyes shut, not wanting to pay much attention to where he was going. Tears fell down his face as he ran.

Eventually, Apex could smell outside air and slowed down. He looked around, wiping his eyes. He was in a grassy field near the Hive. Apex sighed and hung his head, walking further away from the Hive.

Apex soon stopped and began circling in place, making a small nest. He laid down in it and curled up, closing his eyes. He began to cry again, burying his muzzle in his forelegs. This was it. Thorax wouldn’t love him anymore because of the flag and he wouldn’t want him to live in the Hive, and…

Apex wasn’t sure how long he hid there, going over the many things Thorax would probably do. He heard hoofsteps, and shrank back into the grass. Then, the noise stopped, and pupiless eyes peeked over at him.

“Hey Apex.” a small voice said

Apex looked up. “V-Viorel?”

The lavender nymph nodded, sitting by him. “What’re you doing out here?”

“W-Well, wha’re you doin’ ou’ here?”

“Picking flowers.” Viorel held up a basket. “I’m making a bouquet for Oleander. Why are you out here?”

Apex buried his muzzle back into his forelegs. “P-Papa Thorax foun’ my gay flag…”

Viorel blinked. “And?”

“H-He’s no’ gonna love me an’more…”

“Says who?” Viorel nosed Apex gently, making him look up. “Apex, being gay isn’t a bad thing.”

“B-Bu’ my whole fam’ly ‘s straigh’… wha’ if they don’ like tha’ ‘m no'...? A-An' disown me...?”

“Just because they’re straight it doesn’t mean they won’t like it.” Viorel said, sitting down. "Besides, it sounds like you're being paranoid."

“Then how come they didn’ follow me when I ran...?”

“They’re probably trying to give you space or something.” Viorel responded, shrugging.

“S’ill… they won’ ge’ i’… they’re all straigh’…”

“Actually, Pharynx isn’t straight. Or Thorax for that matter.”

“Wh-Wha’ d’you mean? Uncle Pharynx loves Tempy… a-an’ Papa Thorax loves Emmie…”

“Yeah, but they aren’t straight. Pharynx is Bi and Thorax… I think he’s… pan-something? I know the sexuality, I just don’t know the name.” Viorel shook his head. “Anyway, they’re not straight. And I thought Meta was gay.”

“Well, yeah, bu' he doesn' spend 'nough to coun'. An’ Papa Thorax an' Uncle Pharynx have female ma’es…”

“That’s just because they happened to fall in love with girls.”

“Bu’ still…”

“Look, Apex…” Viorel smiled at him. “You know I’m gay, right?”

“Yeah…?”

“And does anyone-not including Parquel-ever call me out for it?”

“No…”

“Exactly. Especially not Papa Thorax.”

“B-Bu’ your no’ his son…”

“No, but he still loves us all. Father of the Hive, remember?” Viorel nuzzled Apex. “He takes care of us all, and that means he loves us all.”

Apex looked away. “V-Viorel…?”

“Yeah?”

“H-How’d you tell your fam’ly?”

“Well… I introduced them to Oleander.” Viorel shrugged. “They didn’t mind.”

Apex sighed. “I-I jus’ wanna u’do the way they foun’ ou’…”

Viorel thought for a minute. “Maybe… there is a way.”

“How?”

“They only saw the flag, right?”

“Yeah…?”

“Then there’s still time for you to properly explain.”

“I-I dunno…”

Viorel stood up. “How about I walk you back to the Hive? We can go together, and if Papa Thorax reacts badly, which he won’t, then you can come to me.”

“O-Okay… thanks Viorel…”

“What’re friends for?” Viorel smiled at him, then grabbed his flower basket. “Come on, let’s go.”

Apex slowly followed Viorel back to the Hive, helping the lavender nymph to pick more flowers along the way. It was a nice distraction. But soon, they had reached the entrance, and Viorel ushered the younger nymph to the royal’s rooms. Apex noticed a light was on in Thorax and Ember’s room, and there were voices coming from inside. Apex gulped nervously.

“It’s okay Apex. Go on.” Viorel urged

Apex nodded and krept towards the door. Viorel smiled at him softly, then trotted away with the flowers. Apex reached and slowly opened the door. He took a breath and walked in.

He was immediately scooped up into a hug and attacked with nuzzles by Thorax. Apex squeaked in surprise but burrowed into Thorax instinctively.

“Oh Apex, sweetie, I was so worried.” Thorax said, nuzzling him. “Where did you go sweetie?”

Apex looked away. “O-Ou’side…”

“Told you we should’ve checked the fields.” Ember said

“And I told you to give him some space.” Pharynx retorted. Ember shrugged, unable to argue.

“So Apex…” Thorax set Apex down and nuzzled him. “Do you have something to say to us?”

Apex nodded and lowered his head slightly. Thorax waited for him to continue.

“P-Papa Thorax… Uncle Pharynx, I…” Apex took a breath. “I… I like boys… ‘m… gay…”

There was silence for a minute, then, Thorax lifted Apex up. He looked up at Thorax, eyes wide. He was smiling.

“I still love you Apex.”

Apex gasped softly and hugged Thorax tightly. Pharynx chuckled, trotting over with the gay flag.

“And I think this belongs to you, grub.” Pharynx laid the flag over Apex like a blanket, though it barely covered him. Thorax and Apex giggled, smiling.

“U-Uncle Pharynx… y-you an’ Papa Thorax don’ care?”

“Of course not grub.” Pharynx smiled softly. “We love you, no matter what.”

Apex beamed, pressing against Thorax, who cradled him lovingly. Apex closed his eyes, pulling the flag close.

“Heheh, okay, bedtime my little hyper sprite.”

“O’ay Papa Thorax…” Apex yawned, snuggling close.

Apex felt Thorax carrying him down the hall, and into his room. The alpha changeling laid him down on his bed, pulling the blankets over the nymph. Apex smiled as he snuggled under the sheets, feeling Thorax set Blizzard down in his hooves.

“Lo’ you Papa Thorax…”

“Love you too, my baby boy.” Thorax kissed Apex’s forehead gently.

An overwhelming but comforting sense of home washed over Apex. He smiled, nuzzling into the pillows, hugging Blizzard and the flag close. He was right where he belonged. And his sexuality wouldn’t change that.
> A Villain And A Hero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex tossed and turned in bed beside his papa, whimpering and squirming. Thorax stirred, feeling the nymph kicking at him. He reached and gently lifted the nymph up, cradling him.

“Apex, sweetie, wake up.” Thorax whispered. Apex squirmed and thrashed, then suddenly screamed, eyes opening widely.

“Daddy!! Mommy!!!”

“It’s okay sweetie, it was just a dream…” Thorax whispered, and Apex stared up at him, then burst into tears.

“Mommy, daddy!” Apex cried, as Thorax did his best to soothe the little nymph.

Eventually, Apex cried himself to sleep, and Thorax sighed wearily, stroking the nymph’s cheek gently.

“My sweet little hyper sprite…I’m so sorry...” Thorax kissed him on the forehead, before settling back down, putting the exhausted nymph on his stomach and falling back asleep.

The next day, Apex woke up to a surprise. Chocolate chip pancakes with a smiley face drawn on them in whipped cream. Apex wiped at the dried tears on his face, leaning forward and accidentally getting a dab of whipped cream on his face.

“Aww!” someone cooed, and a camera flashed as Apex looked up in surprise.

“Heheh, good morning sweetie, do you like your surprise?” Thorax asked from behind Ocellus, who was holding the camera. Pharynx and Metamorphosis were beside him, with Zenex and Hero on their backs.

“U-Uh huh…” Apex nodded hesitantly. “Why…?”

“Because it’s your birthday, silly!” Ocellus giggled, and Apex’s eyes widened. “You’re six now! We’ve got presents and cake for later!”

“Yeah, and we can hang out together! Lil’ Fangs!” Zenex called, grinning at him.

“I… I…” Apex backed away from them, looking terrified. “N-No! I can’!”

“A-Apex, it’s okay-” Ocellus began

“No! I can’ do i’! No’ wi’out mommy an’ daddy!” Apex screamed, opening his wings and flying out of the room as fast as he could, fresh tears falling down his face as he ran for it.

Apex scrambled through the Hive, searching for a good hiding place. He went past the throne room and into the nursery, diving through the crowds of nymphs and scrambling into a corner. He burrowed deep under the moss and covered his head, sobbing.

“Well, look who it is!” a familiar voice sneered, and Apex screwed his eyes shut.

“Go ‘way Pa’quel…”

“Aww, is the wittle baby sad? Why don’t you go cry to your-oh wait, that’s right, you don’t have a mommy!”

Apex froze, stiffening, completely silent. Parquel was still laughing as the young nymph slowly stood up, shaking the moss from his back and turning to face the yellow colored nymph.

“What’s wrong? Did I touch a nerve?” Parquel chuckled. Apex’s eyes narrowed with pure rage. “What’re you gonna do about it? Huh?”

“...‘M gonna rip you’ throa’ ou’!” Apex screamed at the top of his lungs, tackling Parquel to the floor.

Parquel yelled and punched Apex in the throat, but Apex recovered without so much as a flinch, leaning down and biting down hard on Parquel’s shoulder, tossing the bigger nymph into a wall. He slid down and was on his hooves again instantly, as the hit wasn’t that hard. Apex and Parquel launched themselves at each other, one out of pure rage and one out of a need for a fight.

-------------------------------

“He has to be here somewhere!” Thorax cried nervously, as Pharynx and Ocellus searched the throne room.

“No sign of him in the mess hall.” Hero said as he and Zenex entered the room.

“Or our rooms.” Metamorphosis added, walking over.

“We’ll find him.” Pharynx assured Thorax, who was pacing around and almost hyperventilating.

“I sure wish some convenient link to Apex’s whereabouts would walk in right about now.” Zenex said, and Hero looked at him.

“King Thorax! General Pharynx! There’s a fight breaking out in the nursery!” Viorel, the little nymph Apex was friends with, cried out as he entered the room. He looked terrified, shaking a little.

“Oh shi-”

“Children present!” Ocellus shouted at Pharynx.

“Buck it, let’s just go!” Pharynx replied, rushing off, Thorax fast behind him. Viorel yelped and curled into a ball as they all ran past him.

The group burst through the entrance of the nursery, where two nymphs could be seen screaming and tussling in the moss, all the other nymphs cowering nearby. One of the nymphs suddenly grabbed the other's shoulders and tossed them away, but not before they were dragged down as well. The nymphs hit the ground to reveal just who they were as they leapt apart from each other, snarling at each other.

It was Apex, and his nemesis, Parquel.

Apex was crouched low in a pouncing position, his nose bleeding heavily and staining his teeth red. There was a sizable gash in his leg, but he still stayed upright. Parquel stood opposite him, panting heavily, bleeding from a gash on his carapace, his tail lashing.

“I don’t know where you got this newfound fight in you, weakling, but I’m going to rip it right out of you!” Parquel yelled.

“Yeah, well I think you forgo’ something.” Apex panted, wiping his nose fruitlessly.

“Oh really? What did I possibly forget, dummy?” Parquel sneered.

“A villain dies a thousand deaths,” Apex began, igniting his horn and charging. “Bu’ a hero dies a’ one!”

He caught Parquel directly in the chest with his horn, blasting him directly with the spell. Parquel was blown backwards, sending him straight through a thinner section of the wall and into the next room. Apex fell into the moss, panting and gasping as his blood stained the green cushion beneath him.

“An’ I think we know which one you ‘re…” Apex breathed, closing his eyes and smiling as the other nymphs slowly crept out of hiding. Before they could reach Apex, a lime green hoof carefully lifted him off the ground.

“My little hyper sprite…” Thorax murmured, touching his horn to Apex’s head and carefully healing his bloody nose, then doing the same for the gash on his leg.

The little nymph opened his eyes slowly, spitting out a little blood. “P-Papa Thorax…?”

Thorax nuzzled him lovingly, eyes watering. “I’m right here my little hyper sprite.”

“D-Did you see…? I go’ Pa’quel.” Apex said, and Thorax laughed softly.

“Yes, I saw, we all did.”

Pharynx walked over, gently rubbing the nymph’s head. “I’ve got to say, I’ve never seen you do that before. I’m proud of you, Apex.”

Apex hugged both the brothers tightly, eyes watering. “I love you Uncle Pharynx! I love you Papa Thorax!”

Thorax hugged the nymph back, tears of relief flowing down his face. “I love you too Apex.”

“Yeah… we both do, grub.” Pharynx agreed, as Hero and Zenex climbed onto his shoulders.

“Cousin Apex, that was so awesome!” Hero cheered. “You’re awesome!”

“Yeah! I thought for sure something bad was gonna happen but then you blasted him like it was nothing!” Zenex added, hugging his friend tightly. Ocellus and Metamorphosis joined in the hug, all of them embracing the little six-year old nymph.

Viorel, who had crept back into the nursery, after spitting on Parquel’s unconscious body, picked up Ocellus’ camera. He held it up, wobbling a little, until Oleander steadied him. The two nymphs balanced the camera as one, and the flash went off.

Apex’s sixth birthday, and his first fight against Parquel, lay reflected in the camera lens. A happy family crowded around in a group hug, all embracing the proud green nymph in the center. The beautiful memory captured forever.
> Epilogue: Forever and Always
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apex sat on the cliff overlooking the Hive, watching his fellow changelings flitting around as the sun set. The ten year old sighed and gazed out aimlessly. The sound of hoofsteps made his ears prick, and he used his Uncle’s training to see who it was.

Soft, tentative steps. Slow and rhythmic. The scent of mangos. Thorax. His Papa Thorax.

Thorax sat down beside Apex and looked over at him. “Been looking for you. I know you only come up here when you’re sad. What’s wrong sweetie?”

Apex wiped his eyes. “You an’ Emmie don’ ha’e time for me an’more… you’e too busy with the new baby.” he mumbled

Thorax sighed and put his hoof around Apex, pulling him close. Apex instinctively pressed against him.

“I’m sorry you felt that way Apex. You know I still love you, Night Bloom just needs extra special care right now. She’s the first dragon-changeling hybrid ever, and we need to be really vigilant around her because we don’t know if she’ll be okay.”

Apex’s eyes widened and he looked up at him. “She… she migh’ die?”

“N-No, nothing that serious, sweetie. But she might be a very different child. We don’t know yet.” Thorax turned and nuzzled him. “But what I do know is that no matter what, she is never going to replace you, Apex.”

Apex sniffled and looked away. Thorax regained his attention with a boop on the nose and a small smile. As Apex giggled, he began to speak.

“You are always going to be my little hyper sprite. The one who sucked on my hoof when he was just a tiny little nymph only five to six years old, and who still does now when he’s scared.”

Apex blushed, but let Thorax continue.

“The one who’s always made me smile with his adorably spunky and rambunctious personality… who cuddles his favorite bear when we snuggle and lets me tell him stories he’s probably too old for…”

He giggled and nuzzled against Thorax, who’d begun to tear up. His voice cracked as he spoke.

“Who can’t fit on my head anymore but rides on my back instead… who I let tackle me to the ground when he and his Uncle Pharynx play ‘tackle the bug king’ because I know how happy it makes him.”

Apex smiled at the memories.

“Who I take to Ponyville for ‘special trips’ just so he can spend time with his friends because I love to see that big beautiful smile on his face… who’s going to ‘look after me and Pharynx when we’re old and broken’ because he’ll be the ‘King-General’ and succeed us both.”

Apex giggled as he remembered the promise he made so many years ago that he still intended to keep.

“Because he’s going to fulfill his wildest dreams and make his Papa so, so proud. Who, no matter how big he gets…”

Thorax wrapped his hooves around Apex and lifted him up in front of him, so they were looking at each other eye-to-eye.

“Is always, always, going to be my little baby boy.” Thorax touched noses with the nymph, smiling through the tears falling down his face. “My darling son… my pride and joy… the Prince of the Changelings…”

“P-Papa Thorax…” Apex wrapped his hooves around Thorax’s neck and hugged him. He hugged back, still smiling as tears fell on the nymph.

“Who I love with all my heart… and will never, ever make me hate him. Because he’s my baby. My little one. My favorite nymph.”

Thorax held him tight, they were both crying now.

“And when it’s time to say goodbye-”

“N-No, Papa Thorax…”

“Which won’t be for a long, long time… he will cry the hardest… but I will tell him to keep smiling and be the leader the Hive needs. And he will smile and hug me tight… and he will visit me every day… and he’ll sit by my resting place and leave gifts and talk to me.”

Apex sobbed and buried his head in Thorax’s shoulder.

“He’ll tell me everything that’s happening. He’ll do all this because he loves me…”

Thorax kissed Apex’s forehead, making him look up.

“And because I was able to love him back. Because I will always be there for him. And when his time comes… he’ll lay beside me… and I’ll be there again… to lead him up to our home in the skies… where we’ll remain, father and son, young again… to play and frolic forever more.”

“P-Papa Thorax!” Apex cuddled against him, crying.

Thorax rubbed his back as he cried. “Because he and I will always be together. Not rain, or wind, by hoof or claw, could anything ever tear us apart. Because I love my little hyper sprite… my darling baby boy…”

Thorax lifted Apex’s chin.

“Because I hate to see him sad… because I know sometimes I have to let him be sad… and it causes me so much pain…” he rocked the nymph as though he was still five. “And I love him, and I won’t ever let anything take him away. Not Chrysalis-”

Apex sobbed aloud again. Thorax soothed him with a stroking motion down his forehead and across his muzzle that hadn’t been used since he was very young.

“Not Elysium. Not anything. I love him so much… more than I could ever put into words.”

“I love you too Papa Thorax…” Apex cuddled against him. “‘M sorry I though’ tha’ stuff, ‘m sorry! I’ll never le’ you go ei’er, I p’omise!”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for sweetie.” Thorax wiped his eyes, though that did nothing to stop his tears. “I’m sorry I had to say all that… I just needed to…”

Apex nuzzled him, smiling through his tears. “I-I love you Papa Thorax.”

“I love you too, my baby boy.” Thorax whispered

“Tha’s all?” Apex asked, and Thorax nuzzled him.

“That’s everything.”

Then, Thorax stood up, and Apex laid on his back, resting his head on the back of the alpha changeling’s neck. Thorax smiled as tears fell down his face. He headed down the slope, towards the Hive and the sunset behind it. No more words were exchanged between the two changelings. Everything they had needed to say had been spoken.


~Fin~