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Leaving the Hive

By ArchiveAccount
Created: 2024-04-11 03:00:39
Expiry: Never
thorax/bug/adventurepaladin-mlp

  1. Written by Paladin-mlp
  2. https://poneb.in/6STAZFNB
  3.  
  4. >You lie on ground, the stone floor feeling cold as it presses against your chitin.
  5. >You’ve grown used to it though.
  6. >You’ve been down here for a while now, keeping an eye on all the recovering changelings
  7. >Rows of green cocoons fill the chamber, within each lies a battered changeling recovering from their wounds.
  8. >Most of them are guards, injured protecting the hive from one of the many threats that plague the Changeling Kingdom.
  9. >The rest are unfortunate drones who accidentally got themselves stuck in one of the many ever-shifting doorways within the changeling hive.
  10. >Your body shivers just thinking about that, having a stone doorway close right on top of you.
  11. >In an attempt to get that off your mind, you get onto your hooves and begin to walk around the chamber.
  12. >It's time to do your rounds.
  13. >You need to inspect each cocoon daily for damage and make sure that each changeling is showing signs of progress.
  14. >Walking by each cocoon you look at the upside down changeling, their eyes closed shut as each lay unconscious.
  15. >Occasionally each will show a small sign of life, a leg will twitch or an eye will open halfway and then close.
  16. >It can take weeks or even months for the green fluid to completely heal their wounds.
  17. >The cocoon itself is self-sustaining and requires little to no maintenance, you really just need to make sure no changeling accidentally pokes a hole in their pod with one of their fangs.
  18. >After fifteen minutes you finish inspecting the last of the cocoons.
  19. >All of them are in perfect shape, as always.
  20. >The boredom of this job is absolutely terrible.
  21. >It gets so lonely down here.
  22. >You would love nothing else than for someone else to talk with while you were down here.
  23. >You lay back down on the ground, the cold stone floor sending another shiver down your spine.
  24. >You would also love a couch.
  25. >Yes.
  26. >You think back to the invasion of Canterlot and the multitude of bright colorful furniture inside each of the pony dwellings.
  27. >Those ponies may have been onto something.
  28. >A large circular opening develops on the wall opposite of where you are lying.
  29. >In the doorways stands an angry-looking drone dressed in dark-blue armor.
  30. >Two metallic mandibles protrude from the drone’s helmet, making him look even more intimidating.
  31. >“AT ATTENTION DRONE!”
  32. >You immediately shoot up to your hooves.
  33. >The drone begins to walk towards you.
  34. >“Sleeping on the job again private!”
  35. “No Sir!
  36. >“You better not be! Or else I’ll have you cleaning latrines for the next month!”
  37. “Sorry sir! Won’t happen again sir!”
  38. >The drone begins to look around the chamber, carefully inspecting each of the cocoons.
  39. >He sees one cocoon in particular and stops, staring at it intently.
  40. >“There you are…”
  41. >The drone squints at the changeling inside the cocoon.
  42. >Inside rests a middle-aged, grizzled drone.
  43. >He is slightly larger than all of the other changelings in the chamber.
  44. >Abundant scars litter his chitin.
  45. >Several large, unhealed gashes are present on his side.
  46. >Even in his sleep, he has a fierce look to him.
  47. >“Private” The drone says as he continues to look at the cocoon. “You are to remove sergeant Gaster from stasis. Once you get him cleaned up send him to the briefing room.”
  48. >The drone turns towards the doorway and begins to walk out of the chamber.
  49. “Sergeant Gaster… b-but Sir!”
  50. >“WHAT?!”
  51. >The drone stops and looks back at you annoyingly
  52. “Uhh… the sergeant still has two more weeks left in stasis before he fully recovers from his wounds..."
  53. >The drone continues to stare back at you in contempt.
  54. >“Do I look like I’m blind private?!”
  55. “Uhh… n-no sir…”
  56. >“WHAT!”
  57. “NO SIR!”
  58. >“Than stop questioning my orders and do as you're told!”
  59. “YES SIR!”
  60. >You quickly approach cocoon and begin prepping it for opening.
  61. >You hear the drone walk towards the doorway, mumbling obscenities under his breath.
  62. >The wall quickly closes behind him.
  63. >You look at the unconscious veteran drone.
  64. >Shaking your head, you let out a deep sigh.
  65. “Sergeant Gaster is not going to be happy about this…”
  66. >Flying upwards, you carefully use your fangs to detach the cocoon from the ceiling.
  67. >Falling just a few feet, the pod plops down to the ground, remaining fully intact.
  68. >The drone's eyes slowly open after the impact, he begins to look through the membrane of the cocoon, dazed.
  69. >You land next to the cocoon.
  70. >Using your fangs, you carefully make a long incision along the thin translucent membrane.
  71. >The green fluid begins to pour out, drenching your hooves and the surrounding floor.
  72. >The changeling inside begins to stir.
  73. >After most of the fluid pours out, you remove the deflated remnants of the cocoon off the drone.
  74. >The drone begins to cough, replacing the green fluid inside his lungs with air.
  75. “Focus on breathing. Breath in. Breath out.”
  76. >You place you hoof over the drone's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.
  77. >Slowly, after a bit of coughing, he begins to resume normal breathing.
  78. >Wiping the green fluid from his eyes, he turns to look at you.
  79. “How are you feeling Sergeant?”
  80. >“Ugh… I feel like shit… “
  81. >The drone brushes your hoof of his shoulder.
  82. >“My side still hurt like a bitch. Almost as if..”
  83. >He turns to look at his side, seeing the unhealed wound.
  84. >“What the!”
  85. >He immediately turns to you, anger apparent on his already menacing face.
  86. >“What's going on here?! I’m not healed yet!”
  87. “Sorry sir, but I had orders to wake you up early."
  88. >“Early?!”
  89. >He pauses, thinking to himself for a second.
  90. >“The only reason they wake me up early is if…”
  91. >The drone's face goes cold.
  92. >“We’re under attack!”
  93. “W-what?”
  94. >“I knew it was just a matter of time before those greedy griffons marched on us!”
  95. >The drone grabs you.
  96. >“Hurry! We need to wake up the rest of my swarm!”
  97. >You stare back at the drone, momentarily caught in a state of speechless fear as he firmly grips you.
  98. >“We'll need every changeling we can get! We must protect the hive!”
  99. “Actually-”
  100. >The drone moves beside another cocoon.
  101. >He begins to lower his long protruding fangs towards the pod.
  102. “NO DON’T!”
  103. >You quickly lunge at the changeling, pushing him away from the cocoon before he can pierce it.
  104. >He screams in pain as the two of you hit the ground.
  105. >Looking downwards, you see your hoof is covered in a mixture of the green healing fluid and blood.
  106. >As you lunged to stop him you must struck his open wounds.
  107. “Oh! Sergeant! I’m-”
  108. >You are thrown across the room as the muscular drone hurls you off of him.
  109. >You fall to the floor with a thud.
  110. >Still dazed from the impact, you hardly notice the drone has you pinned against the ground.
  111. >He stands over you, drops of green fluid slowly dripping off his body onto yours.
  112. >His sharp fangs snarl at you threateningly.
  113. “P-p-please don’t hurt me! I-I’m sorry I pushed you! I didn’t mean to-”
  114. >“SHUT UP!”
  115. >The drone yells as he slams you against the stone floor, causing you to whimper in pain.
  116. >You breath in and out heavily in fear, cowering below the mighty hooves of the drone.
  117. >He continues to stare downwards at you for a few moments before poking his lead up.
  118. >“It’s so quiet… Why don’t I hear rest of the drones mobilizing?!”
  119. >He looks down to you inquisically.
  120. “I’ve been trying to tell you! We’re not under attack!”
  121. >The drones expression goes from being angered to suprised, then back to angered.
  122. >“Well then you better tell me what the fuck is going on right now, or I swear I will-”
  123. >“The lieutenant! He told me to remove you from the cocoon! I told him you weren't healed yet, but he didn’t care!”
  124. >The sergeant's eyes twitch.
  125. >“That slimy little grub!"
  126. >The drone lets go of you.
  127. >"If that little prick thinks he can pull this kinda shit on me, then he's got another thing coming!?”
  128. >The drone spreads his wings and leaps into the air.
  129. >He begins to flutter wildly, but quickly crashes down on top of you.
  130. >Both of you yell out in pain.
  131. >After a moment of recovering, you carefully slide out from beneath the sergeant's slimy, bleeding body.
  132. “Sergeant Gaster… You shouldn't fly immediately after leaving the cocoon. Your wings need a minute to dry off from the fluid.”
  133. >The drone turns, his eyes staring back at you like daggers.
  134. >“Gee… thanks for telling me…”
  135. >The drone quickly gets onto his hooves and runs to the wall.
  136. >The wall opens upwards and he immediately sprints outwards to the left.
  137. “W-wait! Where are you going!? You need to go to the briefing room! That's in the other direction!”
  138. >You begin to run towards the doorway after the drone.
  139. >Just as you reach it, the wall closes shut.
  140. "Ghaa!"
  141. >You gasp in shock, your skull just inches away from getting crushed.
  142. >As you stand there for a moment regaining your composure, the doorway opens back up.
  143. >Looking down the hallway you see a long trail of green hoofsteps.
  144. “Oh no… this can’t be good.”
  145. >As tempted as you are to let the Gaster run off on his own, you realize if he doesn’t go directly to the briefing room the lieutenant will have you cleaning latrines for the next year.
  146. >Spreading your wings you take flight down the hallway, following the green hoof steps.
  147. >The narrow stone corridors make flying quickly especially hazardous, but you weave around the passages as fast as you can.
  148. >You pass by several green luminescent orbs, illuminating the trail of slime left behind by the drone.
  149. >After flying for quite awhile, you begin to hear a changeling running not too far ahead of you.
  150. “Sergeant Gaster! Wait!”
  151. >The hoof steps continue as you see the changeling exit the tunnel.
  152. >Following after him, the tunnel opens up to the large atrium of the hive.
  153. >He runs down a large stairwell to the lower levels.
  154. >Propelling yourself forward, you fly directly beside him as he uses the stairs.
  155. “Sergeant!” You huff in and out, winded from flying so quickly. “You need to report to the briefing room!”
  156. >The drone ignores you and continues to run down the stairs.
  157. “Where are you going?!”
  158. >He quickly turns and runs across a narrow bridge.
  159. “Wait!”
  160. >You dart after him.
  161. >After flying a little further a large set of green doors comes into view.
  162. >In front of it stand six drones clad in armor.
  163. “Sergeant Gaster, that's the throne room! Not the briefing room! You shouldn’t be-”
  164. >“Buzz off!” The drone yells as he picks up his pace.
  165. >The six drones spot the two of you running towards them.
  166. >“Hey is that Gaster?!” One of the guards yells.
  167. >"I thought he was still recovering?!"
  168. >They turn to look at each other confusingly.
  169. >“What are you doing here sergeant. Shouldn't you be-”
  170. >“Out of my way!” Gaster yells as he bursts past the six drones and onwards through the large set of doors.
  171. >You continue to fly after him.
  172. “Gaster! You can’t go in there!”
  173. >You continue to huff in and out, barely able to keep up with the drone.
  174. “The Queen is having her court right now!”
  175. >A grin forms on the drone’s face.
  176. >“Good!”
  177. >The two of you enter the large throne room.
  178. >Dozens of changelings are present in the chamber, some on the floor, some sitting in one of the many openings lining the walls.
  179. >In the center of the chamber lies Chrysalis sitting on her large enchanted throne speaking with a few of the changeling elders.
  180. >“CHRYSALIS!” Gaster yells.
  181. >All of the changelings, the Queen included, look at the two of you.
  182. >Feeling all of their eyes watching you, you are overcome with dread and slowly back away into the crowd.
  183. >Sergeant Gaster boldly approaches the throne.
  184. >“Sergeant Gaster…” The Queen rolls her large green eyes. “What a pleasant surprise…”
  185. >“You know what else is a pleasant surprise my Queen? Getting pulled out of a cocoon two weeks early before you are fully healed!”
  186. >The drone motions to the large gashes along his side.
  187. >Blood drips from the large wounds onto the stone floor, but the drone appears unfazed by any sort of pain.
  188. >He just looks angry.
  189. >“I think it's time we talked about some of the changelings you choose to be officers.”
  190. >“Gaster…” The Queen grinds her teeth menacingly at the drone.
  191. >“Now I know I’m the toughest son of a bitch you’ve got! And I can kinda understand why you never promote me to rank higher than sergeant… kinda…”
  192. >The Queen squints as she gazes upon the drone in disdain.
  193. >“But just because the lieutenant is a giant roly poly who curls up into a ball and cries at the first sign of a fight, doesn't mean I should always be there to baby sit!”
  194. >“Did you even bother listening to the mission briefing!" The Queen yells as she points to the drone with her hoof.
  195. >“NO! I didn't! Because any changeling STUPID enough to pull a drone out of a cocoon before he is fully healed is clearly not competent for leadership!”
  196. >“You insolent fool!”
  197. >The Queen stands up from her throne completely enraged.
  198. >“I’m the one who gave the order to bring you out early, not the lieutenant!”
  199. >Gaster pauses for a moment, his eyes going wide in surprise.
  200. >“Oh… well… guess I'm sure you probably had a pretty good reason then.”
  201. >The drone stares awkwardly at Chrysalis for a second, the mare's eyes glowing green with rage.
  202. >“I’ll just go to the briefing room then-”
  203. >“Stop!” Chrysalis yells as her she grabs hold of the drone with her magic.
  204. >“You’ve already made a mockery of my court! I might as well just tell you the details myself!”
  205. >She extends her large, translucent wings and flies down from her throne.
  206. >Landing directly infront of the drone, she stares at his battle hardened face.
  207. >After letting out a sigh, her demeanor becomes less angry and more serious.
  208. >“We have long used the Everfree Forest as a way to travel back and forth between the hive and the city of Canterlot. Its lack of Royal Guard patrols make it the ideal for transporting love to the hive undetected. However… over the past few weeks several of our changeling love collectors have gone missing while flying over the forest.”
  209. >Chrysalis begins to walk circles around the drone as she speaks.
  210. >“I instructed our network of spies to gather whatever information they could into this matter. Days passed by and no one was able to turn up anything… until finally one of our spies made an inquiry with a hermit who lives deep within the Everfree Forest. When asked about the disappearances, the mare told us this.”
  211. >Chrysalis transforms into a black and white zebra.
  212. >“Be weary when flying through the air.”
  213. >“For you may fly over the dark one’s lair.”
  214. >“Far to the east lies a terrifying knave.”
  215. >“Hidden deep within an ominous cave.”
  216. >“But if traveling is a must, be sure not to drag.”
  217. >“Or else, you will feel the wrath of the evil hag.”
  218. >Gaster presses a hoof against his face.
  219. >“Oh great… we’re going off of intel that rhymes… this is going to be one of /those/ kind of missions?”
  220. >Gaster rolls his eyes as Chrysalis changes back to her true form.
  221. >“Do not doubt the credibility of this intel! The hag exist! And she is most certainly the one responsible for the disappearances!”
  222. >“A hag? Really? You woke me up to to deal with one old unicorn! Why didn’t you just send in a swarm of the new recruits, this would be an excellent mission for them to get their hooves dirty for the first time!”
  223. >“I DID!”
  224. >A grave look appears on the Queen’s face.
  225. >“They’ve been gone for a week, there have been no sightings of any of them since they entered the forest!”
  226. >Gaster closes his eyes tightly, shaking his head into his hoof.
  227. >“Shit… SHIT! The entire swarm?!”
  228. >“It is my fault!” The Queen says. “I underestimated the creature's strength. Clearly she is not to be taken lightly. That is why I am sending you, our hive’s fiercest warrior! I want you to go in and destroy this vile creature!”
  229. >Gaster lets out a deep sigh.
  230. >“Let's see… over the years there's been timberwolves, diamond dogs, griffons, dragons… I was able to dispose of all of those creatures you, I suppose I should be able to take care of this hag problem too…”
  231. >“Excellent! I’d expect nothing less from our hive’s champion!"
  232. >Gaster looks to his side and inspects his large, dripping wounds.
  233. >He lowers his head to the stone floor.
  234. >“I got a bad feeling about this.” He quietly whispers to himself.
  235. >“Now there is a chance that some of the new recruits may still be held captive. That is why you must leave immediately for this mission!"
  236. >Gaster lifts his head up.
  237. >“Alright. Let me gear up and throw together a swarm and I’ll be out of here in no time.”
  238. >Chrysalis' face grows grim.
  239. >“I’m sorry Sergeant, but you must undertake this mission alone.”
  240. >“WHAT!?”
  241. >“Most of our best soldiers and infiltrators are not available. I put almost every changeling I have into operation Equestrian Freedom. It is a massive undertaking I know, but once it is carried out it will make all these years of preparation worth while! We will have enough love to feed for generations!”
  242. >“Just like operation Canterlot Wedding!” The sergeant yells.
  243. >The changelings in the throne room all gasp at once.
  244. >“YOU!”
  245. >Chrysalis’ horns begins to grow brightly as she wraps Gaster in her magic.
  246. >His body begins to constrict, causing the drone to yell out in pain.
  247. >Seeing the blood pouring out from Gaster's open wounds, Chrysalis release her grasp, causing the drone to fall to the floor.
  248. >“You are lucky I have need of you for this mission!”
  249. >“Fuck!”
  250. >Gaster slowly gets back to his hooves.
  251. >“Might as well just kill me! Looks like I am going to die on this mission anyways!”
  252. >“No you won’t! I have complete trust in your ability to do this! You have proven yourself countless times in the past!”
  253. >“In the past? Sure! Maybe I could pull this off if I was half the age I am now!”
  254. >Gaster looks around the multitude of changeling within throne room.
  255. >“Why can’t you get any of these assholes to help me?”
  256. >“Look around!” Chrysalis points her hoof.
  257. >Closer inspection of the remaining changelings reveals most of them are either too old or too young to offer any assistance.
  258. >Additionally, all of the changelings appear emaciated.
  259. >“Besides for my personal guard and the hive’s already dwindling defense force, there is no one left who can assist you! Even with the protection of my throne, we are already extremely vulnerable to attack! And those of us who are left haven’t fed on l-love in s-so l-long…"
  260. >Chrysalis' eye begins to twitch.
  261. >“WE'RE STARVING!”
  262. >“Dammit… DAMMIT! There’s gotta be somebody that can come with me! I mean look at me!”
  263. >Chrysalis grits her teeth in displeasure, anger continue to build inside her.
  264. >“If this thing took down an entire swarm do you think I’m really going to stand a chance!”
  265. >Another drop of blood drips from Gster’s side onto the floor.
  266. >The Queen lets out a sigh.
  267. >“Very well, I suppose some additional support will be vital for you mission.
  268. >She looks to the gaping wounds on the drone’s side.
  269. >“You will need a medic to treat your wounds…”
  270. >The Queen turns around, inspecting the cavern. Her tall form lets her easily see every changeling in the room.
  271. >She stops.
  272. >A small smile forms in the corner of her mouth.
  273. >She’s staring at you.
  274. >“Thorax! Approach the throne!”
  275. Leaving the Hive
  276. By Paladin
  277. Ya’ll are getting a Thorax story, bitches!
  278. XOXO
  279. >You stand there, stunned.
  280. >The Queen is staring at you.
  281. >Every changeling in the throne room is staring at you.
  282. >This can't be happening...
  283. >This can't be-
  284. >“Do not make me repeat myself Thorax…”
  285. “Uhh… YES! S-sorry my Queen!”
  286. >You begin to hesitantly walk towards the throne.
  287. >“Him?” Gaster yells out. The drone hangs his head low. “You’ve gotta be kidding me…”
  288. >“Thorax, you are currently assigned as a cocoon caretaker in the medical division, correct?”
  289. >You stare into the Queen’s large green eyes, your body trembling in fear.
  290. “...y-yes.”
  291. >“Your old responsibilities shall be assigned to the head caretaker. You are now assigned as a field medic under sergeant Gaster.”
  292. >“Is this some sort of joke!?” Gaster yells. “This drone is obviously not capable of handling this sort of assignment?”
  293. >“Really?” Chrysalis says as she turns to look at you. “Thorax, as a caretaker, you underwent medical training, did you not.”
  294. >You begin to cower down slightly
  295. “uhh… y-yeah…”
  296. >“And you completed basic training, just like all of my subjects are required to?”
  297. >Your eyes begin to water up slightly.
  298. “umm… yes…”
  299. >“Well then, I am convinced you are capable enough to assist on this mission, how about you sergeant?”
  300. >The drone squints annoyingly at the queen.
  301. >“No! This grub is going to get me killed!”
  302. >“Hmm… Well… perhaps a demonstration is in order.”
  303. >Chrysalis turns back to you.
  304. >“Thorax, I would like you to prove yourself. Do you see the wounds upon Sergeant Gaster's side?”
  305. >She points her long hole-riddled leg at the gaping wounds.
  306. >“I would like you to treat them.”
  307. “Uhhh… alright… I’ll go get some medical supplies-”
  308. >“NO!” Chrysalis yells viciously, causing you to shudder in fear.
  309. >She quickly changes her demeanor back to a more friendly, relaxed state.
  310. >“Treat it only using magic, as you were trained to do so without supplies.”
  311. >Gaster begins to look suspiciously at the Queen.
  312. “umm… alright… I’ll try…”
  313. >“That is all I ask.”
  314. >You walk up to the side of the drone.
  315. >Both your horn and Gaster's side illuminate with a green glow of magic.
  316. >You focus intently on attempting to close the wound.
  317. >Regenerating body tissue is an extremely taxing spell, you immediately feel the intense mental strain.
  318. >The far side of one of the wounds begins to close slightly.
  319. “uummmMM….”
  320. >Beads of sweat begin to drop from your brow as you begin to breath in and out heavily.
  321. “Ummm… MMM…. GHAaaaaa!”
  322. >Your spell discharges as your chest heaves in and out.
  323. >After taking a second to catch your breath, you look up to inspect your work.
  324. >The largest of wounds, a gash roughly 10 inches long, has only closed about half an inch.
  325. >“Thanks! I feel so much better now.” Gaster says mockingly.
  326. “I… I’m sorry…”
  327. >“What's wrong Thorax?” The Queen asks.
  328. “I… just… can’t do it…”
  329. >“And why not?”
  330. “I… don’t have the energy…”
  331. >Chrysalis places her hoof over your shoulders as she gazes reassuringly at you.
  332. >“It’s alright Thorax, we all feel your pain.”
  333. >She motions to the rest of changelings in the chamber.
  334. >“All of us are starving and barely have enough energy to get by. But… we still find a way…”
  335. >She looks back to Gaster, the drone still eyeing her suspiciously, and then turns back to you.
  336. >The smile disappears from her face.
  337. >“Close his wounds Thorax.”
  338. “B-but I can’t-”
  339. >“You misunderstood me Thorax. I didn’t ask you to heal it. I asked you to close it.”
  340. >Gaster squints in anger at the Queen.
  341. “But… if I did that, it would-”
  342. >“Just do it kid!” The old drone interrupts. “No sense in her being pissed off at the both of us...”
  343. >You look back to the Queen, she is staring back at the two of you coldly.
  344. >Disobeying her would cause a large amount of suffering for you.
  345. “A-alright… m-my Queen”
  346. >You once again stand directly next to the drone’s wounded side.
  347. “Y-you should lie down sergeant.”
  348. >“Just fucking do it.” The drone says dismissively as he stares directly forward.
  349. >You begin to charge your horn.
  350. >Originally green, it slowly becomes whiter and whiter until barely any hue of green remains.
  351. “I’m sorry about this sergeant…”
  352. >The drone continues to stare forward, his body rigid.
  353. >You lower your horn down so that it is just a few inches away from one of the gaping wounds.
  354. >You take in a deep breath, and then plunge your horn forward.
  355. >*Tiiiiisssssssss*
  356. >There is a sizzle as your scalding hot horn makes contact.
  357. >Gasper initially jolts from the pain, but then stands still, continuing to stare forward.
  358. >You slowly slide your horn across the opening, cauterizing the wound.
  359. >A small smile forms in the corner of Chrysalis face as she watches you carry out the procedure.
  360. >You move on to the next wound, attempting to be as quick as possible.
  361. >Roughly half-way through the process, the drone begins to waver back and forth.
  362. >You pull back.
  363. >“Do not stop!” The Queen yells from behind you.
  364. >You plunge your horn back into the wound.
  365. >Gaster wavers significantly, causing your horn to burn undamaged tissue.
  366. >Realizing the drone is about to collapse in pain, you grab hold of him with both of your front hooves and continue.
  367. >With your support, you are able to steady him enough to avoid further incidents.
  368. >After several, agonizingly long minutes, you close the last wound and discharge your horn.
  369. >Gaster is panting in and out heavily, his face grimacing in pain.
  370. >You continue to maintain your grip on his side, now littered with several horrific burns.
  371. “I’m so sorry-”
  372. >“Get off of me!”
  373. >The drone violently pushes you away, causing you to fall backwards.
  374. >“What’s the matter Sergeant? Still not convinced?” Chrysalis utters cheekily. “Perhaps you’d like another... demonstration?”
  375. >The drone looks furiously at Chrysalis, he begins to open his mouth to hurl an insult, but stops.
  376. >“Alright… Thorax will work as a medic… but it doesn’t matter. We are still going to fail this mission.”
  377. >“And why’s that!?” Chrysalis yells.
  378. >“Because I won’t be able to take down this hag on my own!”
  379. >Gaster point to you as you pull yourself up from the ground.
  380. >“He sure as shit won’t be of much assistance when it comes down to fighting! And even if Thorax was the best medic in the hive, he won't be able to bring us back from the dead once the hag is done with us!”
  381. >“You doubt yourself-”
  382. >“NO! I know myself! I’m getting older, weaker! You just saw me stumble a few moments ago! I’m not the changeling I used to be anymore!”
  383. >Chrysalis’ face continues to remain firm
  384. >“Please! My Queen…” Gaster drops to his knees. “You need to listen to me. I need more support on this mission!”
  385. >Chrysalis stares down at the old drone, her gaze appears slightly surprised.
  386. >She looks at the scarred and disfigured chitin of the veteran soldier, into his blue pleading eyes.
  387. >"I've never seen you act like this before..."
  388. >"Your highness, please!"
  389. >The Queen lets out a sigh.
  390. >“Very well sergeant, I suppose you are right.”
  391. >Gaster perks up.
  392. >“You may have ONE of the changelings from my personal guard. I can not afford to offer you any more assistance than that. We are already stretch far to thin.”
  393. >“Thank you my Queen.”
  394. >Chrysalis spreads her wings and returns to her lofty stone throne.
  395. >She looks over the throne room at her various subjects.
  396. >“Guards! Forward!”
  397. >Six fierce, veteran changelings approach the throne. They all look pristine, each equipped with the full armor. Despite the love shortage, all of them appear to be in prime, physical condition.
  398. >Gaster carefully looks over each of them carefully.
  399. >“So I can choose anyone from your personal guard?”
  400. >“Yes, although there is clearly no wrong choice-”
  401. >“I choose Knives!”
  402. >“What?!”
  403. >The six changelings look to each other confusingly, and then all turn at once to the large crowd of changelings surrounding the throne.
  404. >A small, petite, changeling mare steps forward.
  405. >“Knives?! N-no! You can’t choose her!”
  406. >“You just said there was no wrong choice!”
  407. >“I was referring to my personal soldiers, not my infiltrators!”
  408. >“My Queen, I’ve fought alongside Knives in Canterlot. Not calling her a soldier is quite an insult to the poor mare! Isn’t that right Knives?”
  409. >The small mare grins slightly as she slowly approaches the throne.
  410. >As she moves closer, you notice several small objects protruding from the mare’s leg holes.
  411. >She is too far away to tell what they are.
  412. >“She is far too special to risk on this mission!”
  413. >“The fact that she’s special is why I need her! I need good infiltrator in my swarm! Clearly, if the previous swarm's assault taught us anything, a head-on attack is not the best option for this situation.”
  414. >“The answer is still no!”
  415. >“My Queen, Knives has been stationed by your side for far to long! Keeping her here is a waste of her talents! She will never get her chance to shine if you continue to keep her sheltered!”
  416. >Chrysalis stares furiously at Gaster.
  417. >“How about this, let's leave it up to her.”
  418. >The drone looks the mare, who is now standing directly beside you.
  419. >Closer inspection of the mare reveals that within each leg-hole she maintains a dagger, eight in total are sheathed across her body.
  420. >“Knives, what do you say? The hive really needs you. Are you willing to help on this mission?”
  421. >The mare looks to Chrysalis’ large green eyes, and then back to old drone.
  422. >She nods.
  423. >Gaster turns to Chrysalis with a sly grin on his face
  424. >“Well your highness?”
  425. >“FINE!” Chrysalis huffs.
  426. >The Queen leans in closer to the drone.
  427. >“But if you let anything happen to her… ANYTHING!”
  428. >“No need to worry about that your highness! As a matter of fact, with skills like hers, Knives will probably be the one making sure nothing happens to me!”
  429. >“Alright Gaster! You’ve wasted enough of my time! You are to report to the armory, gear up, and leave at once!”
  430. >“Understood my Queen!
  431. >Gaster and Knives both turn around and begin walking towards the exit of the throne room.
  432. >The two of them make it halfway to the exit when Gaster suddenly stops and gazes back at you.
  433. >“Why the fuck are you still standing around Thorax?!”
  434. “Oh! Sorry sergeant!”
  435. >You spread your wings and quickly dart towards the two changelings waiting for you in the middle of the throne room.
  436. >Landing behind them, the three of you proceed towards the exit.
  437. >“Do not fail me Gaster!” Chrysalis yells just as you are about to exit.
  438. >The drone does not turn around, instead he continues to walk forward through the large set of green doors.
  439. >“And remember, if you let her get hurt, I will-”
  440. >*SLAM*
  441. >Gaster forcefully shuts the door behind him.
  442. >“Jeez!” The drone looks to Knives. “How do you deal with that shit all day?”
  443. >The mare grins and rolls her eyes.
  444. >“This combat mission should be a vacation compared to putting up that kinda bullshit.”
  445. >Gaster lets out a sigh.
  446. >“Come on, let's go.”
  447. >The drone begins to walk down the narrow stone hallway as the three of you make your way to the armory.
  448. >Your group walks in silence, Knives and Gaster walking side by side and you trailing close behind.
  449. >You can’t help be feel bad looking at the newly created burns on Gaster’s side.
  450. “Sergeant Gaster…”
  451. >“What…” the drone replies, clearly irritated.
  452. “I just wanted to apologize again… for the burns-”
  453. >“For fuck's sake! I heard ya the first two times Thorax!”
  454. “Oh… alright… I was just trying to make sure there was no hard feelings between us. Hopefully we can still be… friends?”
  455. >Gaster and Knives both stop and turn around.
  456. >“Shut up Thorax!”
  457. >You hang your head low and close your mouth.
  458. >The three of you continue down the hallway until you arrive at the armory.
  459. >The stone wall opens up to reveal a large room. Several stone shelves line the walls, most of the shelves lie empty. The gear that is present is worn and in disrepair.
  460. >A large drone stands in an alcove off to the side.
  461. >“Well if it isn’t the stingiest drone in the entire hive.” Gaster yells out.
  462. >The drone rolls his eyes.
  463. >“Great… you again... here to break all of my best equipment?”
  464. >“It’s not my fault it always breaks, I’m not the one who made it so shitty!”
  465. >The drone huffs.
  466. >“Watch your mouth Gaster!”
  467. >“Yeah whatever… just give me some armor.”
  468. >“Fine… come with me… you ungrateful codger...”
  469. >Gaster follows the drone to the far end of the armory, leaving you and Knives at the entrance.
  470. >You look over to the mare.
  471. >She is scanning the supplies held in store at the armory, paying no attention to you.
  472. “Hi there! My name's Thorax, I don’t think we were ever properly introduced.”
  473. >You extend a hoof out to the mare.
  474. >With a blank expression upon her face, she looks down at your hoof and then to your eyes.
  475. >She slowly extends a hoof to you. As the two of you shake, you notice the grip of her hoofshake is extremely weak, her chitin is also very delicate and soft.
  476. >You gently smile at the mare, but she continues to look at you with a blank expression.
  477. >You look down at the eight daggers sheathed across her legs.
  478. “So your name is Knives?”
  479. >She nods slightly at you.
  480. “Do you go by any other sort name?”
  481. >She shakes her head, just barely.
  482. “Oh… ok… I’ll keep calling you Knives then…”
  483. >You continue to stare at the mare awkwardly for a few seconds. She just continues to stare at you without saying anything.
  484. “Well… looks like we’re going to be spending a lot of time together during this mission. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?”
  485. >The mare just continues to stare at you blankly.
  486. “Uhh-”
  487. >“She’s mute you moron!” Gaster yells from the other side of the armory.
  488. “Oh! You are? Sorry… I didn’t know!”
  489. >“Yeah! That seem to be a running thing with you isn’t it.” Gaster continues to yell. “Not knowing jack shit!”
  490. >The drone in charge of the armory walks over to Gaster carrying a blue metallic helmet
  491. >Gaster turns his attention from you to the drone
  492. >“No! Not that one!”
  493. >“What do you mean! These are the top of the line!”
  494. >“Bullshit they are! Not only do they look terrible, but they are totally impractical!”
  495. >“What?!” The drone looks down at the helmet he is carrying in his hooves “You don’t like the mandibles! That’s the crowning piece of each set of armor! That’s what strikes fear into your enemies!”
  496. >Gaster grabs the drone.
  497. >“Do I look like I need help striking fear into my enemies!”
  498. >He stares into the drones eyes with an intimidating glare, causing him to cringe.
  499. >“I didn’t think so.”
  500. >Gaster release him.
  501. >“And besides, those stupid mandibles are too long! They make using your fangs extremely difficult. But more importantly, they stick out too damn far! It makes it real easy for your enemy to just reach out, grab hold of your helmet, and snap your fucking neck!”
  502. >“Oh… well… I guess… you may have a point there.”
  503. >“Yeah no shit! Whoever designed those things clearly had no idea what they were doing.”
  504. >“B-but, the Queen helped design these!”
  505. >Gaster lets out a deep breath as he shakes his head back and forth in disdain.
  506. >“Well ain’t that a big fucking surprise…”
  507. >“You best not repeat that sergeant!” The drone yells out angrily.
  508. >“You best go and get me a helmet that isn’t fucking useless!”
  509. >The drone huffs up, about to say something, but instead quickly disappears behind a row of shelves in the back of the armory.
  510. >You hesitantly walk towards Gaster.
  511. “Sergeant…”
  512. >“WHAT!”
  513. “You just said our Queen doesn’t know what she’s doing… that’s... that’s treason!”
  514. >“Shut up Thorax, or else I am going to shove one of those damn mandible-helmets up your tight little ass!”
  515. >Your back legs clenched together as you quickly back away from the armor fitting area.
  516. >The drone returns carrying a helmet without any mandibles.
  517. >“Here!” He pushes it against Gaster's chest, causing it to clang against his metal breastplate.
  518. >Gaster places the helmet upon his head and makes sure that it fits securely.
  519. >“We took Canterlot with these helmets. There was absolutely no reason they had to be replaced with the newer version. It was a damn shame! They were perfect!”
  520. >“Are we done here?” The drone replies angrily to Gaster.
  521. >“Hold on!”
  522. >The newly armored drone walks over the mare waiting quietly at the entrance of the armory.
  523. >“Knives…” Gaster speaks to the mare using a much more gentle tone. “I know most infiltrators don’t like wearing armor, but maybe for this mission you should consider wearing it? Just this once?”
  524. >The mare’s eyes dwindle closed slightly as she looks off to the side, contemplating Gaster’s request.
  525. >After pausing for a moment, she looks back at the drone and shakes her head.
  526. >Gaster lets out a sigh.
  527. >“Alright… I know it gets in the way when you are trying to be stealthy… but… just try to be careful on this mission without it… ok?”
  528. >A small smile forms in the corner of the mare’s lips as she nods to the old drone.
  529. “Uh… if she doesn’t want her armor, can I wear it instead?”
  530. >“I told you to shut up Thorax! For fuck’s sake!”
  531. >You cower back in fear as the drone approaches you, your back bumping into a stone shelf.
  532. >“You think you’ve earned the right to wear armor? I didn’t get to wear armor until my 17th combat mission! How many combat mission have you been on Thorax?”
  533. “Uh... two. Including this one.”
  534. >“Canterlot was your only mission? Shit... I bet you were one of those changelings that were just flying around the whole time doing nothing, weren't you?!”
  535. “Uhh…”
  536. >“Fuck!”
  537. >Gaster rolls his eyes backwards as he lets out another huge sigh.
  538. >“Do you even know how to fight?”
  539. “Well… I know how to… but-”
  540. >“Don’t bullshit me Thorax!”
  541. “Sorry... It's just that I’m more of a lover than a fighter.”
  542. >“A lover? Then why didn’t you become a love collector?”
  543. “Well… I tried… but my instructor said my shapeshifting skills weren’t good enough...”
  544. >“Oh really? Why’s that?”
  545. “He said I didn’t have the confidence to convince ponies that I was one of them… and...”
  546. >"And what?"
  547. "And... neither did I have the confidence to... ever get a mare friend to collect love from..."
  548. >“Great, so they made you a nurse and now you're my problem.”
  549. “Yeah…”
  550. >“Well thanks for that depressing backstory private, your misfortune really makes me feel better about myself right now.”
  551. “Uh… you're welcome?”
  552. >“Oh for fuck's sake Thorax! You need to- You know what? Forget about it! Let's get back to your fighting skills. How’s your magic blast?”
  553. “Uh… I can’t really aim that well.”
  554. >“What about your aerial attack?”
  555. “I… could never really master that one either.”
  556. >Gaster firmly presses a hoof against your chest as he stares angrily into your eyes. He is about to yell something at you, but then pulls back.
  557. >“That's... alright…” The drone says, gritting his teeth.
  558. >He points a hoof to the mare standing near the entryway.
  559. >“You know, she's no good at those either. All she uses is telekinesis, and she’s damn good at it!”
  560. >The mare winks at you with a small grin upon her face.
  561. >Gaster turns back to you.
  562. >“Please tell me you can at least lift up a dagger with your magic.”
  563. “Uh… Yeah… I think I can do that.”
  564. >“That’s really reassuring Thorax...”
  565. >Gaster turns to the drone in charge of the armory.
  566. >“Hey! Get the private a first aid kit and something sharp, will ya!”
  567. >The drone rolls his eyes and disappears behind the stone shelves.
  568. >Gaster turns back to you, looking at you in disgust.
  569. >“What did I do to deserve this…”
  570. “Sorry sergeant…”
  571. >“Would you stop fucking apologizing all the time! It makes you look even more pathetic than you already are!”
  572. “Sorr-”
  573. >The drone squints at you.
  574. “Understood sergeant…”
  575. >The drone returns carrying a pair of first aid saddlebags and a sheathed dagger.
  576. >“Alright good.” Gaster says as he looks over the equipment. “Strap him up.”
  577. >The drone places the saddle bags over your carapace begins to firmly pull the leather straps across your underbelly.
  578. >While the saddlebags are being secured, you take a quick look at the contents.
  579. “Uhh... sergeant.”
  580. >“WHAT NOW!”
  581. “There’s a lot of things missing from this first aid kit.”
  582. >Gaster turns angrily to the drone attaching the saddlebags.
  583. >“Don't blame me! That’s the last kit we have. Most of the good equipment is in use on the Queen's big mission. If you don’t believe me, you can take a look for yourself!”
  584. >The drone motions to the mostly vacant shelves littering the armory.
  585. >“Shit!” Gaster yells.
  586. >“I know it rough right now, but the Queen says it will all be worth it in the end.”
  587. >“Just… Just shut up! Let me see that dagger!” Gaster says as he removes it from his sheath. “What the fuck is this!”
  588. >Removing the blade from its sheath reveals a rusty, chipped, and dull weapon.
  589. >“It's the best one we have back there.” The drone replies defensively.
  590. >“This is pathetic!”
  591. >“I know it may look bad, but actually the hilt is in fantastic condition! I mean, just look at that craftsmanship!”
  592. >The drone smiles as he points to the dagger's leather grip.
  593. >“You know what. Fuck you!”
  594. >Gaster slams the blade into its sheath and shoves it against your chest.
  595. >“Try not to stab yourself with this Thorax!”
  596. >You nervously grasp the weapon in your hooves and bring it up to your eyes for closer inspection.
  597. >The hilt actually did look kinda nice.
  598. >“Would you please stop ogling that piece of shit, we need to go!”
  599. >Both Knives and Gaster are waiting for you in the hallway outside the armory.
  600. “Coming!”
  601. >Looking forward, you once again notice how Knives has each of her daggers holstered within her legs.
  602. >Following suit with her, you place the dagger inside one of the openings littering your legs.
  603. >You proceed towards the exit. After taking only two steps the dagger falls right out.
  604. >Gaster’s mouth falls open as he watches you failing miserably, a small smile forms on the lips of Knives.
  605. >You plant your face into your hoof in embarrassment.
  606. >“THORAX!”
  607. “Sor- I mean coming sir!”
  608. >You scoop up the dagger, toss it into your half-empty first aid kit and leave the armory.
  609. >The armory door closes behind you. The three of you stand in a circle.
  610. >“Alright, it's time for one final check. Lets see... Armor?”
  611. >Gaster bangs on his chest plate with his hoof.
  612. >“Check!”
  613. >You look down at your bare chest.
  614. >“Shut up Thorax. Next… how about weapons?”
  615. >Gaster looks to the two of you.
  616. >Knives horn begins to glow and so do each of the eight daggers resting in her legs. All at once the blades emerge from their sheaves and encircle the mare.
  617. >Knives nods.
  618. “Holey sh-!”
  619. >“Hey! Watch the language Thorax! Grubs aren’t allowed to curse! And besides… that’s my job!”
  620. “I’ve never seen any changeling do that before! That’s amazing… and terrifying!”
  621. >Knives shoots you a wicked grin as she sheaves all of her daggers at the same time.
  622. >“There’s a reason I choose her to come along on this mission." Gaster turns from Knives to you. "Now Thorax, please tell me you didn't manage to loose that dagger already?”
  623. “I’ve got it right here sarge!”
  624. >You pull the blade out from your first aid kit.
  625. >"Alright, I think we are good then-"
  626. "But what about your weapons sir? Aren’t you going to bring something?”
  627. >“No…” Gaster grins. “You see kid... I am a weapon."
  628. >The old drone's fangs glisten as a spark erupts from the tip of his horn.
  629. >"Weapons are check! Next we have… swarm?”
  630. >The drone looks to each of you.
  631. >“Swarm is at three out of nine changelings-”
  632. >*CLINK*
  633. >Your dagger drops to the floor as you fail horribly at putting it back into your saddlebags.
  634. >“Make that two and a half out of nine changelings. Not good… but it’s gonna have to do. Swarm is check!”
  635. >Gaster looks at both of you, his demeanor becomes much more serious.
  636. >“Alright, the final inspection is over! You maggots listen up! What I says goes! You got that!”
  637. “Yes sir!
  638. >Knives nods
  639. >“This is going to be a dangerous mission! Several changelings are likely already dead because of this… hag… So our objective is simple, we fly there and we kill it! Now I know both of you are hungry, but there will be no feeding off of this creature! Even if it is… or used to… be a pony, we are not going to mess around with this thing! We kill it and we come home! Do I make myself clear!”
  640. “Yes sir!”
  641. >Knives nods.
  642. >“Now I plan on this being primarily a stealth mission. Once we reach the creatures lair, Knives will go in and scout ahead. Once she gets the layout of the lair and identifies the location of the creature, we will BOTH move in the eliminate the target. We will get the drop on her and have the element of surprise. If all goes well, she'll be dead before she even notices us. But no matter what happens, you will not engage the creature without me being there! Do I make myself clear Knives?”
  643. >The mare nods.
  644. “What about me?”
  645. >“Thorax… I’m sending you in first!”
  646. “WHAT?!”
  647. >Gaster chuckles to himself
  648. >“Just fucking with you maggot.”
  649. >He punches you in the shoulder, causing you to pull back in pain.
  650. “Ow…”
  651. >“You shall remain outside the lair while Knives and I take out the hag. Once the fighting is done, you shall perform any first aid upon us, if required. Additionally, if there are any changelings being held captive, you shall tend to their wounds as well. Any questions?”
  652. “No sir.”
  653. >“Good!”
  654. >The drone spreads his wings
  655. >“We fly in formation! We fly low, we fly fast! Once nightfall hits we will make camp somewhere near the border between the Changeling Kingdom and Equestria. We begin searching Everfree at first light! Once we find and kill the bitch, we fly back home immediately! I don’t want us spending the night in enemy territory!”
  656. >The drone propels himself into the air, his wings fluttering rapidly.
  657. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr9To9IQhU4
  658. >“Swarm! Airborne!”
  659. >You and Knives propel yourselves off the ground behind Gaster, forming a small V.
  660. >“Brothers and sisters! Our time has come!” Gaster cries out. “In this time of need, the hive looks to us!”
  661. >You begin to feel a nervous shiver run down your spine.
  662. >“The vile scum of Everfree has made the mistake of attacking our kind! A mistake they will PAINFULLY regret!”
  663. >The breeze generated from the multiple fluttering wings causes you to shiver even more.
  664. >“The hive looks to us proudly this day! For our time has come! Our time has come to protect our brothers and sisters from future attacks! Our time has come to deliver justice for our fallen brethren! Our time has come... TO SLAY THE HAG!”
  665. >Gaster looks forward down the long stone corridor.
  666. >“Swarm! Follow me!”
  667. >The three of you take off.
  668. >Flying as one, your soar through the many tight corridors of the hive.
  669. >Changelings narrowly dart out of the way as they see the three of you approach.
  670. >“MAKE WAY YOU MOTHER FUCKERS! HAHAHA!” Gaster yells manically to the changelings in your path.
  671. >You make it to the main atrium. Just as you begin to make you downward decline, Gaster yells once again.
  672. >“ONWARDS! TO VICTORY!”
  673. >You leap from the stairwell and begin your descent face-first into the main foyer.
  674. >Your stomach begins to churn as you fly downwards at terrifying speed.
  675. >Several changelings stop what they are doing and watch the three of you fall.
  676. >Gaster continues to scream, his voice spreading across the entire atrium.
  677. >“WE SHALL RAIN DOWN GREEN FIRE UPON OUR ENEMIES!”
  678. >The changelings in the atrium begin to cheer as they watch your formation plunge downwards.
  679. >You continue to fall faster and faster, the air striking forcefully against your face.
  680. >The bottom of the hive is getting very close.
  681. “Sergeant?”
  682. >“NONE SHALL STAND IN OUR WAY!”
  683. >The old drone continues to yell manically, paying you no mind.
  684. >Butterflies continue to churn within your empty stomach.
  685. >The changelings on the base level become closer and closer as you continue to approach.
  686. “SERGEANT!”
  687. >“WE ADAPT! WE OVERCOME! WE ARE... THE CHANGELINGS!”
  688. >Gaster quickly flattens out his wings. You and Knives follow suit.
  689. >The three of you narrowly miss hitting the ground floor.
  690. >The atrium erupts in a chorus of cheers from the many onlookers.
  691. >Hurling forward with great speed, you make your way to the main entrance.
  692. >Before you can even blink, the three of you shoot out from the hive.
  693. >Speeding forward, on the ground ahead of you are two fully armored drones standing guard.
  694. >The three of you narrowly pass over their heads, missing them by just inches.
  695. >The gust of wind from your flyby knocks their mandible-style helmets from their heads.
  696. >“HA! YOU STUPID FUCKS SHOULD HAVE STUCK WITH THE OLDER MODEL! HA! HAHAHAHA!”
  697. >You continue to fly forward with great speed, your wings aided by flying in formation.
  698. “That was... amazing!”
  699. >You say to yourself, the blaring wind deafening the others from hearing you.
  700. >Looking behind you, the enormous spire that is the changeling hive begins to slowly get smaller and smaller.
  701. >You look at Gaster’s face.
  702. >There is a large smile upon it.
  703. >You never thought this old, veteran drone could be this happy.
  704. >Turning to Knives, the petite mare also has a large grin on her face.
  705. >The mare joyously soaks up the sunshine on her black chitin, relishing as the air flows across her wings.
  706. >Based upon what you heard Gaster say earlier, this was something she likely did not get the chance to appreciate .
  707. >This was something you didn’t get the chance to appreciate either, being stationed in that lonely, dimly lit cocoon-filled cavern all day.
  708. >You feel yourself smiling as well, gazing off into the large expanse of desert on the horizon.
  709. >After the attack on Canterlot you felt completely miserable with yourself.
  710. >Seeing those six ponies... those six friends... desperately defend each other against overwhelming odds made you question things...
  711. >All you wanted was a friend of your own, but none of the other changelings wanted anything to do with you.
  712. >You look to the smiling changelings flying beside you.
  713. >Seeing them in happiness makes you feel happy as well.
  714. >You’ve flown in a swarm before, but this time it feels different.
  715. >You feel closer to the two changelings flying beside you than any of the other changelings you have ever known.
  716. >You are swarm mates. You are battle brothers. You are expected to watch each other's backs and sacrifice yourself for the swarm if need be.
  717. >You feel close. A connection. Almost as if you are fri-
  718. >“YOU'RE BREAKING FORMATION THORAX! PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND PAY ATTENTION!”
  719. >You let out a sigh.
  720. “YES SERGEANT!”
  721. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  722. >“So there we were, chasing after this timberwolf! Our whole swarm was right on its tail! And I mean close! But the little fucker was so damn quick! He dodged every bolt of magic and dive-bomb we threw at him!”
  723. >Your campfire burns brightly, keeping the three of you warm in the cold desert night.
  724. >“So he kept on running! And we kept on flying after him, until he ran into a grove of trees...”
  725. >The embers of the fire swirl upwards into the night sky. Behind you lies a large expanse of desert, while a few miles ahead stands a large expanse of trees.
  726. >“Now we’ve been tracking this fucker all day and spent the last 20 minutes chasing him! None of us were about to let that asshole get away!”
  727. >The trees and sand stand in stark contrast to one another, the forest rising up against the desert like a giant wall.
  728. >“The woods were too thick to fly through, so we landed and started running! We could barely track the fucking thing, but we kept on pushing forward!”
  729. >Your wings tire greatly from the long flight. You didn’t do much flying when you were around the hive. You didn't do much of anything actually…
  730. >“We kept chasing after the thing until it brought us down into a gulley-”
  731. >You will have another intense day of flying ahead of you tomorrow.
  732. >“And then all the sudden…”
  733. >There will likely be a lot of ground to cover before the three of you are finally able to track down the hag.
  734. >“A whole pack of timberwolves sprung out from the bushes! The fucker lured us right into a trap!”
  735. “A trap?! By the timberwolves?! T-then what happened?!”
  736. >You sit with your front legs firmly in front of you, your eyes fully alert and awake.
  737. >The old drone look across the fire in your direction.
  738. >“Well… they had us outflanked and outnumbered. But…”
  739. >Gaster's fangs glisten as the orange glow of the fire reflects upon them. He looks to you with a toothy grin.
  740. >“...they did not have us outclassed.”
  741. >The drone’s blue eyes turn from you to the fire.
  742. >“Things got pretty hairy, the entire swarm sustained multiple injuries, myself included.”
  743. >Gaster motions to the recently cauterized wounds upon his side.
  744. >“But we blew everyone of those damn timberwolves to pieces!"
  745. >Gaster spreads his front hooves wide, imitating a giant explosion.
  746. >"There were twigs and logs from each of their bodies scattered across the entire grove! ...Of course, shortly after we blew the last one of them apart, they each began the process of reassembling themselves. Persistent little fuckers...”
  747. “So what did you then?”
  748. >“Well… we burnt down the entire grove!”
  749. >Gaster throws another log on the fire. A flurry of embers spiral forth into the night sky.
  750. >“Scorched the earth with green fire! Couldn’t have those damn timberwolves trespassing into our lands and preying upon the young and weak!”
  751. “Th-the whole grove?”
  752. >“Yes the whole grove! Had to make sure we killed them all, didn’t we?”
  753. “Wow…”
  754. >“That definitely wasn’t my best mission.” Gaster looks down to his hooves and shakes his head “I can’t believe I didn’t catch that!”
  755. “Catch what?”
  756. >“The fucking ambush! I totally underestimated my opponent! Put my entire swarm in harm's way because of it! Luckily no one got killed. But damn… things got real ugly down in that gully. If my squad wasn’t as trained and disciplined as they were, the timberwolves definitely would have won that fight.”
  757. >Gazing into the embers of the fire, the old drone lets out a sigh.
  758. >“I’m getting too old for this shit…”
  759. >The three of you sit there in silence for a long while, watching the blaze.
  760. >Gaster turns to you.
  761. >“Thorax, you got any good stories?”
  762. “Uh…”
  763. >You think back to the past few years of living in the hive. Besides from being ostracized by your siblings and failing at everything you wanted to be good at, nothing comes to mind.
  764. “Not really…”
  765. >“Come on! You got to have something!”
  766. “Well… one time I removed a drone from a cocoon two weeks before he was completely healed…”
  767. >You look at the drone with a small grin upon your face.
  768. >The grin slowly disappears as the Gaster stares at you intimidatingly.
  769. >“Shut up Thorax.”
  770. >You let out a sigh and look down at the smoldering embers.
  771. "Actually… there is one thing…”
  772. >“What's that?”
  773. “Well it's more of a question than a story…”
  774. >You turn to the delicate looking changeling sitting beside you. The mare is quietly looking into the fire.
  775. “Why is Knives mute?”
  776. >The mare’s small body jolts when she hears you say that.
  777. “I mean… was she born without a tongue? Or-”
  778. >“What the fuck Thorax!”
  779. “What?”
  780. >The mare slowly turns her head to look at you, a bleak expression upon her face.
  781. “Oh… I’m sorry Knives… I didn’t mean to upset you!”
  782. >“You should know better than to bring that up around her, you stupid fucking-”
  783. >The small changeling raises a hoof to Gaster, catching his attention.
  784. >The drone looks to the mare, a weary expression still on her face.
  785. >She quickly jerks her head from Gaster to yourself, twice.
  786. >“Wait… You want me to tell him?”
  787. >The mare nods.
  788. >The old drone looks frustratingly between yourself and the mare. You can tell he wants to yell, but he holds back.
  789. >“Alight Knives… if you say so…”
  790. >Gaster turns from the mare to you.
  791. >“So back when-”
  792. >The old drone stops, looking at you fiercely.
  793. >“Hold on! You really never heard the story about Knives before? How’s that even possible?”
  794. “Uh…”
  795. >You shamefully look down into the fire.
  796. “No one ever talks to me…”
  797. >Gaster rolls his eyes.
  798. >“For fuck’s sake…”
  799. “You don’t have to tell me… just forget I asked…”
  800. >“No!"
  801. >You cower back slightly as the large drone looks down at you from over the fire.
  802. >"You asked for this Thorax!”
  803. >You cower back slightly as the drone looks down at you from over the fire.
  804. >“This all happened back when I was about your age. I was a young drone, I had only been on a handful of missions. Don’t get me wrong, I was as tough back then as I am now! But, I wasn’t…”
  805. >The drones face softens.
  806. >“I wasn’t... I don’t fucking know how to call it! I guess I wasn’t... broken… at least not until after it happened.”
  807. “After what happened?”
  808. >Gaster turns from you to Knives.
  809. >The mare continues to stare blankly into the fire.
  810. >“Thorax, you know how we have the nursery on the upper level?
  811. “Yeah. That’s where I was hatched from, just below the throne room.”
  812. >“Exactly. Your brood was the first to hatch in that chamber, before then the nursery used to be at the ground level.”
  813. “It did? Why did they move it?”
  814. >“Well…” The drones voice becomes completely somber. “One night when the hive was asleep, several intruders made their way into the hive.”
  815. “Intruders? W-who do you mean?”
  816. >“Diamond dogs…”
  817. >Gaster lets out another sigh.
  818. >“None of the guards on duty noticed them because they burrowed in from below.”
  819. “S-so what happened? Did they try to steal something?”
  820. >“No. They weren’t looking for gems… they were looking for... food.”
  821. “W-what!?”
  822. >“The damn things can track a scent up to a mile away! So... they burrowed into the nursery, the smell of the eggs drew them...”
  823. “...”
  824. >“They… they had a FUCKING FEEDING FRENZY DOWN THERE!” The drone's voice begins to shake as he is overcome with rage and emotion.
  825. >Knives continues to stare blankly into the fire, the dancing orange flames reflecting off her eyes.
  826. >“None of us knew what was going on until we heard the crash. Once the bastards were finished, they collapsed the tunnel they burrowed in from. I… I… was one of the first guards down there. I saw the carnage. It was… I can’t even fucking describe it…”
  827. “…”
  828. >“The whole hive went on red alert. The Queen wanted blood. We all wanted blood! Plans for an all out assault started immediately that night. But while we were preparing, the nurses were cleaning up the carnage of the nursery. That's when the found her.”
  829. >Gaster turns to the petite mare sitting beside you.
  830. >“You see, Knives hatched prematurely, that's why she’s so small.”
  831. >You look at the small mare sitting down in front of the fire. You recall feeling her delicate chitin from earlier when you shook her hoof.
  832. >“I guess when the diamond dogs came in, she stayed hidden… she stayed quiet. When the nurses found her, she was hiding under a pile of broken egg shells. Once word spread to the rest of the hive that there was a survivor from the brood, it invigorated us! In all the carnage… all the despair… not all was lost. It gave us hope!”
  833. >Gaster’s eyes water up a little bit.
  834. >“The next day we tracked down the colony of diamond dogs that did this. The Queen personally led the assault. It was the only other time besides the siege of Canterlot that the entire hive was used for the attack. Once we found them… well… we killed every one of those damn egg-killing mother fuckers!”
  835. “You killed all of them? Even the pups?”
  836. >Gaster continues to look into the fire.
  837. >“After that day, I was broken. No more tiny, little, love bug… I was a hardened killer! That was the mentality of most of us that cleared that diamond dog colony. Me and the rest of the changelings in my swarm didn’t give a FUCK about anything that stood in our way! Diamond Dogs! Griffons! Even fucking dragons! We didn’t fucking care, we’d kill ‘em all!”
  838. >The flames dance in front of the drone, making his large form all the more menacing.
  839. >“And we did! But… ”
  840. >The drone lets out a sigh as he looks down into the fire.
  841. >“All of the changelings from my old swarm are dead now. Keeping the Changeling Kingdom protected from its enemies took quite the toll. There’s not many of us veterans left in the hive now."
  842. >Gaster watches an ember drift from the campfire into the night sky. It quickly flickers out and dies.
  843. >“Anyways… back to Knives. After the assault, the Queen was a complete wreck. She was disappointed in herself for letting something like that happen. She knew she couldn’t undo the past, but she wanted to make amends towards the lost brood. So… the Queen brought it upon herself to personally raise that tiny little grub. As the years went by, Chrysalis attempted to teach her everything she knew. Unfortunately, much of what she taught that little filly just couldn't do. As you can tell, she isn't the strongest changeling in the hive."
  844. >You look at the thin limbs of the fragile looking mare.
  845. >“But being weak didn't mean she had no strengths. She already had a knack for being quiet and remaining unseen, so it was only natural she develop into an infiltrator. But that wasn't her only strength. Although her magic blast wasn't that powerful, she has great finesse when it comes to moving things. She can't lift much with her magic, but what she can move…”
  846. >Gaster motions to the many daggers placed across the mare's legs.
  847. >“Well... when you have something that is razor sharp, you really don't need a lot of force.”
  848. >A small grin forms in the corner of the changelings mouth, but it quickly disappears.
  849. >“The only problem is that the Queen is too overprotective of the mare! She almost never lets her leave her side. Being cooped up in the hive all day is such a waste for a changeling of her skill set!"
  850. >Both of you turn and look at the small changeling. She continues to stare silently at the burning fire.
  851. >“However, no matter how much the Queen or anyone else tried, no one could get Knives to speak. I can’t blame her though, after what she went through... The only reason she’s still alive is because she stayed silent and hid. Poor thing was down there for hours. Underneath that pile of shells, listening to all of that carnage...”
  852. >You begin to shiver in both fear and disgust. Gaster turns to you.
  853. >“So that’s why Knives is mute. Are you happy Thorax?”
  854. >You shamefully look down at your hooves.
  855. >“Yeah… it wasn’t pleasant for us to go through that again either! Next time think before you ask a question like that!”
  856. >The drone looks up at the Everfree Forest on the horizon.
  857. >“We’ve got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow. We should all get some sleep.”
  858. >Gaster rests his old, tired body upon the ground, positioning his back so that it is facing the fire.
  859. >Knives quickly follows suit, curling herself up into a tiny ball.
  860. >The mare hardly takes up any space as she lies there beside the fire.
  861. >Feeling ashamed with yourself, you continue to stare at the glowing embers for a bit longer.
  862. >You feel so bad for that poor changeling. That traumatic experience in the nursery chamber clearly has had a huge impact on her entire life.
  863. >You turn to look at small curled up changeling, focusing on the daggers protruding from her legs.
  864. >You and her differ significantly. Your entire life all you really wanted was a friend, someone to talk to. Knives on the other hand, whether she was too traumatized or too afraid, wanted to talk to no one. Or maybe she did want to talk… but-
  865. >You immediately jolt backwards as you realize her two blue eyes are open, staring back at you.
  866. “Oh… s-sorry… I didn’t mean to stare…”
  867. >The mare continues to gaze at you blankly.
  868. “Uh… we better get some sleep.”
  869. >You quickly lay down, your back turned to both Knives and the fire.
  870. >Your mind reels in shame and humiliation. Again and again you continue to mess everything up. Why must you make everyone hate you! You can’t do anything right-
  871. >Something rustles beside you.
  872. >You slowly open you eyes.
  873. >The small mare is standing over your saddlebag, rummaging through it.
  874. “Knives… is there something you need from there?”
  875. >The mare pulls out your dagger. She turns to you, a blank expression upon her face.
  876. >Fear begins to overtake you.
  877. “Kn-Knives?”
  878. >She begins to approach, dagger magically in tow.
  879. “I… I’m sorry I was staring at you.”
  880. >Your heart pumps wildly as the mare continues forward, maintaining her cold, blank gaze.
  881. “I… I’m sorry I asked about why you were mute… that was stupid of me!”
  882. >The mare stands directly over your cowering body.
  883. “P-p-please!”
  884. >The mare lowers her small head towards you.
  885. >You pull your front legs in tightly against your chest.
  886. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry!”
  887. >The mare continues to move her head forward until it just a few inches from yours. She looks into your horrified face.
  888. >Your close both of your eyes tightly, too scared to watch what will happen next.
  889. >Your body trembling, your heart pumping, you can still feel her over you. But nothing happens... moments continue to pass by-
  890. “AHH!”
  891. >A warm fluid moves across your leg.
  892. >Your eyes jolt open.
  893. >You see Knives with her mouth over your front right leg.
  894. >You frantically pull back.
  895. “NO! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY!”
  896. >“The fuck are you yelling about Thorax!” Gaster yells from the other side of the fire.
  897. “SHE BIT ME! SHE BIT ME!”
  898. >“What?”
  899. >Knives continues to stare blankly at you.
  900. “I’M BLEEDING!”
  901. >“You’re not bleeding.”
  902. “YES I AM!”
  903. >“YOU’RE NOT FUCKING BLEEDING THORAX!”
  904. >You look down at your front leg.
  905. >There is no sign of blood. Actually come to think of it, you didn’t feel any pain at all.
  906. “Huh?”
  907. >Taking a closer look at your leg, you examine where you felt the warm fluid.
  908. >One of your leg holes is now filled with a sticky green goo.
  909. “What?”
  910. >You look to Knives.
  911. >The mare levitates the dagger towards you.
  912. >She gently slides the blade, sheath and all, into the green fluid within your leg hole.
  913. >An eerie feeling comes over you as the sheath presses against the delicate, protected chitin inside your leg.
  914. >The aura of green magic disappears from the dagger.
  915. >Sticking securely against the viscous, glue-like substance, the blade rests firmly in the hole.
  916. >You look up to the mare, your eyes looking at the daggers placed across her legs. Each one is also secured with the green goo.
  917. “Wait… you were trying to…”
  918. >You look back and forth between your newly equipped dagger and the mare.
  919. “You remembered when I dropped my dagger back at the armory. You were trying to show me how to wear a dagger without it falling out...”
  920. >The mare nods at you, ever so slightly.
  921. “But… But you heard me pleading for my life… Why did you come at me like you were going to stab me?!”
  922. >The mare continues to stare blankly at you. After several seconds, as small smile forms in the corner of her mouth.
  923. “Wait... did you…”
  924. >“HA!” Gaster laughs from behind you. “Well I’ll be damned! Never thought Knives would have a sense of humor!”
  925. “That was a horrible joke!”
  926. >Gaster continues to chuckle behind you.
  927. >Knives' smile grows a little larger.
  928. >“As much as I’d like to continue giving Thorax shit, that’s enough messing around. We all need to get some sleep.”
  929. >The mare turns to Gaster and nods.
  930. >She walks to her previous spot and curls up into a ball, all the while maintaining the smile upon her face.
  931. >Still flustered, you angrily walk back to your previous spot.
  932. >While moving, you look down at your leg. With each step the dagger maintains its position and does not fall.
  933. >Letting out a tired and disgruntled sigh, you plop down upon the ground and close your eyes.
  934. >After a few moments, you begin to calm down.
  935. >The warmth of the fire feels comforting against your chitin.
  936. >You open your eyelids halfway, taking one last look at your newly equipped dagger.
  937. >Looking past the dagger, you see Knives quietly sleeping.
  938. >Bad joke or not, she actually helped you.
  939. >Having this dagger within easy grasp did make you feel a little more secure.
  940. >It’s been awhile since a changeling helped you with something.
  941. >You try to think back, attempting to recall the last time anyone showed you any sort of concern.
  942. “Hmm…”
  943. >Nothing comes to mind.
  944. >You look past Knives and onto the treeline off in the distance.
  945. >Your eyelids begin to grow heavy, within seconds you pass out.
  946. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  947. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFcqN-J6sMo
  948. >You awaken in the middle of the night to your stomach aching.
  949. >Hunger pains strike severally enough to make you cringe.
  950. >You’re salivating heavily, beads of drool dripping from your mouth.
  951. >You open your eyes, they are immediately they are blinded by a bright light.
  952. “Ahh!”
  953. >Your eyelids squint as you turn away, protecting your eyes from the intensity of the white beam.
  954. >Looking off to the side you see both Knives and Gaster sitting around the dying embers of the campfire.
  955. >Both of the changelings look uneasy in their sleep, expressions of stress and discomfort on both of their faces.
  956. >A faint white light shines upon them, similar in strength to moonlight.
  957. >You return your gaze back to the bright light.
  958. >Off in the horizon, miles within the Everfree Forest lies a single, bright beam of light shooting upwards into the sky.
  959. “What is that?”
  960. >The beam of light shines brightly, standing starkly against the black sky and dark trees.
  961. >As you continue to stare you begin to feel something, something you haven't felt in a very long time.
  962. >No. Not felt. Tasted.
  963. >Your mouth continues to salivate, pools of saliva forming around your tongue.
  964. >You can feel it tugging at you, the beam is pulsating with love.
  965. “It’s sooo... beautiful.”
  966. >Your voice shakes as you rise from the ground, your legs neglecting how tired and exhausted you are. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is right in front of you.
  967. >You bump into Gaster as you begin to walk towards the light.
  968. >“WHA!” The old drone jumps.
  969. >You pay him no mind and continue forward.
  970. >“What the fuck is-”
  971. >Gaster’s voice is immediately cut off as he stares directly at beam.
  972. >You leave the circle of the campfire and continue walking away from your companions.
  973. “I can almost taste it… There’s so much love around it… so much… so muchWRRRHHHHAAA HISSSS-SSS-SSS AAAHHH.”
  974. >Your head jerks upwards as your tongue hisses forth wildly. You walk forward, eyes fixed upon the beam.
  975. >“I’ve never seen anything like it…” Gaster utters in awe as he rises to his hooves. “The light… it’s... it’s…”
  976. >The drone begins to take one step forward, but stops.
  977. >“It’s wrong… this can’t right…”
  978. “The love… s-s-so hungry… s-s-so much lovGHRAAWAAAA!”
  979. >Your head continues to jerk wildly. All you can think about is the love emanating from the beam of light. You must go towards it!
  980. >“The light…” Gaster begins to utter to himself, his voice shaking as he attempts to look away.
  981. >“It’s in the forest... the light... the forest…”
  982. >With each step you take towards the beam you feel a sense of bliss overtake you.
  983. >“Towards the forest… towards the… gulley… the gulley.
  984. >He begins to turn away from the beam of light, but struggles to do so.
  985. >“Trap…”
  986. >Gaster begins to shake his head back and forth.
  987. >“Trap… TRAP! IT'S A FUCKING TRAP!”
  988. >The drone breaks his gaze free of the beam, looking down at the ground.
  989. >“THORAX! STOP!”
  990. >Gaster’s commanding voice causes you to pause.
  991. >“IT'S A TRAP THORAX! LOOK AWAY!”
  992. >You attempt to turn your head around to look at the drone, but you can’t, it's just too-
  993. “Beautiful…”
  994. >“NO THORAX! IT'S THE HAG! IT’S THE FUCKING HAG!”
  995. “Can’t stop… must keep… GHAAAAHAHAA HISSSS HISSSS!”
  996. >You proceed forward. Yelling continues to occur behind you, but you pay it no mind.
  997. >The light is all that matters now.
  998. >So much love.
  999. >You are so hungry. You’re STARVING! You need this. You can’t live without this. You must have-
  1000. “AAHHH!”
  1001. >A large blunt force tackles you to the ground, your gaze of the light is interrupted.
  1002. >You frantically struggle to get up and turn towards the light, but something is pinning you down face-first against the stone desert floor.
  1003. >“Thorax!”
  1004. “GHHHHAWAAAWAA!”
  1005. >“Thorax! Look at me!”
  1006. “GHHHHAA HIISSSS HISSS!”
  1007. >You snap your fangs at the large drone, but he forcefully slams you against the ground. You yelp out in pain.
  1008. >Lying stunned on the rough desert floor, you feel a warm sticky substance encapsulate your two front hooves.
  1009. >You open your eyes and see the dark night sky, beneath it the desert goes on for miles.
  1010. >You are facing the opposite direction of the Everfree Forest, and no longer facing-
  1011. “The light!”
  1012. >You try to push yourself up, but your front hooves are cemented to the ground with a sticky green substance.
  1013. >“It's a trap thorax! You can’t look at it!”
  1014. >You attempt to turn your face around to look at the light, but Gaster grabs your head.
  1015. >“Thorax! Look at me!”
  1016. “The light-”
  1017. >*SLAP*
  1018. >You wince in pain as Gaster strikes your face.
  1019. >“Dammit Thorax! Look at me!”
  1020. >Your body quivering, you turn your attention up towards the drone.
  1021. >“I need you to focus private!”
  1022. “But… but…”
  1023. >“Don’t look at it!”
  1024. “It's so strong... it’s… it’s... driving me CRAZY!”
  1025. >“I know its strong. But you can’t! It’s the hag! She’ll kill us! You need to-”
  1026. >A pair of buzzing wings flies past the two of you towards the forest.
  1027. >“KNIVES!”
  1028. >Gaster lets go of you and flies after the small changeling.
  1029. >You continue to look forward into dark horizon, a faint glow covering the ground before you.
  1030. >The glow is emanating from the light.
  1031. >The glorious light.
  1032. >You begin to turn around.
  1033. “No!”
  1034. >You jolt your head away remembering what Gaster just told you.
  1035. “It's a trap! Must… not… GWWWHHHAAA!”
  1036. >Your head wildly wavers back and forth.
  1037. >Your hooves attempt to pull upwards, but are firmly cemented to the ground by the viscous green fluid.
  1038. “GGHHHAAAA… must… stay…”
  1039. >You feel the light’s pull, you know it’s behind you, shooting upwards in all its glory.
  1040. >It is so beautiful. So fulfilling. You must have it.
  1041. “Can’t… look… must… mussSSSSSSSSS!”
  1042. >Your head flails back and forth in an attempt to turn towards the beam, but your rigid chitin prevents you from looking completely behind you.
  1043. >You can only see glimpses of the beam out of the corner of your eye.
  1044. “HISSSSSS HISSSSSSSSSSSS!”
  1045. >You turn your head more and more.
  1046. “GGGGHHAAAAA! GHHHHAAAAAAA! GGGGH-”
  1047. >A sharp pain strikes your neck. Your knees buckle as you collapse onto the ground.
  1048. “Ghaaa... ghaa...”
  1049. >You begin to breath in and out heavily.
  1050. >Small remnants of pain linger in your neck as you lay there frightened.
  1051. >Your mind is struck with a horrifying realization. You almost snapped your neck trying to look at the light.
  1052. >Gaining a brief moment of mental composure, you attempt to steady yourself.
  1053. “No… just… don't think about it. G-got to… look away.”
  1054. >You look off into the distance at the dark horizon.
  1055. >Your heavy breathing slowly begins to return to normal.
  1056. “Everything is going to be ok... Just need to wait for Gaster and Knives to come back…”
  1057. >You continue to stand there, staring off into the dark abyss of the night.
  1058. >Somewhere across that desert is your home.
  1059. >You never wished to be back at hive as much as you did now.
  1060. >Time passes by.
  1061. “Gaster should be back any minute now...”
  1062. >You stand there alone in the eerie silence of the night.
  1063. >The wind picks up, a cold breeze strikes your chitin, causing you to shiver.
  1064. >You’ve never felt so alone.
  1065. >Fear and isolation begin to take hold as you begin to crouch down.
  1066. “They’ll come back… Gaster is strong…”
  1067. >The wind dies down, the area around you becomes eerily quiet.
  1068. >You look at the remnants of your campfire directly in front of you.
  1069. “I just n-need to wait a little longer…”
  1070. >The dying embers of the fire give off a faint, red glow.
  1071. “What if…”
  1072. >The coldness of the desert begins to penetrate through your black chitin.
  1073. “What if... they don’t come back.”
  1074. >The last of the dying embers of the campfire burn out.
  1075. “What if… they went towards the light… GHHAAAAAAAA!”
  1076. >You attempt to cover your mouth with your hooves, but they are still cemented against the ground.
  1077. >You can feel it tugging at you. It's still behind you. It's there… it's-
  1078. >*zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*
  1079. >Your body perks up as the the faint sound of buzzing wings fills your ears.
  1080. “SSSSSS-S-Sergeant?”
  1081. >You attempt to turn around to look, but you are unable. Instead, you continue to stare straight and listen intently as the buzzing grows closer and closer.
  1082. “Sergeant Gaster?”
  1083. >You yell out, but there is no reply.
  1084. >As you focus on the buzzing, you notice it is only from one set of wings.
  1085. “S-sergeant, is that-”
  1086. >“GHHAAAA!
  1087. >A drone yells from directly behind you, causing you to jolt upwards in fear.
  1088. >The buzzing stops as you hear something land behind you.
  1089. >“GHHHHAAA! GHHHAAAFFFF-F-F-FUCK!”
  1090. >The drone walks directly beside you. A small changeling is draped over his back.
  1091. >You look at the old drone. His face looking extremely distressed. Turning your attention to changeling he is carrying you see she is not moving.
  1092. “Knives? Is she…”
  1093. >“SSSS-She’s fine… Just unconscious…” The Gaster says as he carefully places the mare onto the ground beside you.
  1094. >He wedges her front right hoof into the same pile of green goo keeping you secured down. He then lowers his head down and secretes another small pile of the sticky substance onto her left hoof, entrapping her beside you.
  1095. >As he secures Knives, you notice a trickle of blood coming down the drone’s side. Tracing the blood upwards, you see a dagger protruding from his flank.
  1096. “Sergeant! You’re hurt!”
  1097. >“Oh… that? Yeah… Knives didn’t take to kindly to me trying to stop her.”
  1098. >The drone yanks the dagger from his side and throws it to the ground. More blood begins to spurt out from the wound.
  1099. “Hold on! Let me bandage that!”
  1100. >Your horn illuminates as you grab the pair of saddlebags lying beside the ashy remains of the fire.
  1101. >“What? This? It's just a scratch!”
  1102. “No its not! That's a deep wound! And I refuse to cauterizing this one!”
  1103. >“Well... if you insist.”
  1104. >The drone walks directly in front of you, exposing his bleeding right flank.
  1105. >Using your magic you remove a roll of gauze and a jar of green healing salve from the bag. You take a generous amount of the salve and slather it upon the wound.
  1106. >Next you rip off a piece of gauze and levitate it over to the drones side, pressing it firmly against the wound.
  1107. >“I had to knock her out… she just wouldn’t stop…”
  1108. >You focus intently on dressing the wound as the drone continues to speak.
  1109. >“She just flew straight for it. It's all she cared about. I could feel it tugging at me. The beam. It was so strong… So... beautiful…”
  1110. >The drone goes quite as you finish up.
  1111. “Alright sergeant, all done.”
  1112. >You turn your attention from the wound to his face.
  1113. >He is staring behind you, the reflection of the beam in his eyes.
  1114. “SERGEANT!”
  1115. >The drone continues to stare blankly into the beam, drool dripping from his open maw.
  1116. >“It’s so beautiful.” The drone says calmly.
  1117. “DON’T LOOK AT IT! IT'S A TRAP!”
  1118. >“A trap? I know… I know…”
  1119. “THEN STOP!”
  1120. >“I… I... can’t. I know is a trap. But... I can’t turn away.”
  1121. >You look nervously at the drone and then down at your slime covered hooves. Any idea pops into your head.
  1122. >You lower your head to the drone's front right hoof and quickly secrete a lump of sticky green slime.
  1123. >“Thorax…”
  1124. >You secrete another lump of goo onto his back right hoof.
  1125. >“Thorax… stop.”
  1126. >You lift your head up and look at him puzzlingly.
  1127. >“It's no use…”
  1128. “What do you mean?!”
  1129. >“That won’t be enough to stop be.”
  1130. >Looking down at the strong muscles of the drone, you realize he's right. He will easily be able to break through the restraints you placed on him.
  1131. >“Hisssss. HISSSSS!”
  1132. >The drone's forked tongue begins to flicker as he continue to look at the beam of light.
  1133. “SERGEANT! DON’T LOOK! PLEASE DON’T LOOK!”
  1134. >The drone’s head begins to jerk back and forth. You see him moving with restraint, trying to contain himself.
  1135. >“Thorax…”
  1136. “What should I do sergeant?! What should I do!?”
  1137. >“Abort the mission. In the morning you and knives are to fly back to the hive. Warn them about- GHHHAAAAAA!”
  1138. >The drone’s mouth shoots open, exposing his sharp fangs.
  1139. >You pull back.
  1140. >He continues to jerk his head back and forth.
  1141. >“GHHHHHAAAA-A-A… WARN THEM… ABOUT…”
  1142. >The drone begins to attempt to walk forward, but is stopped by the green goo cementing his two right legs to the ground.
  1143. >“GGGGGHHHHHHAAAAAA!”
  1144. “PLEASE DON’T GO!”
  1145. >“GHHHHHAAAAA!! GHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAA!”
  1146. >The drone begins to frantically flap his wings up and down.
  1147. >The green goo begins to stretch upwards as the drone achieves flight.
  1148. “NO!”
  1149. >You use you magic to try to push the drone downwards, but it has almost no effect against his towering might.
  1150. >“HIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSS. HIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”
  1151. >Gaster continues to thrash about, his mind completely entranced by the beam of light.
  1152. >Your head lowers downwards as the strain of holding the drone begins to take its toll.
  1153. >Upon the ground lies your medical supplies.
  1154. “Please sergeant… just-”
  1155. >A gust of wind from Gaster’s flapping wings knocks the saddlebag over, causing the medical supplies to scatter to the ground.
  1156. “Just…”
  1157. >A black leather pouch catches your eye.
  1158. >The strong wind blows open the pouch, exposing three small syrettes.
  1159. “Morphine… MORPHINE!”
  1160. >Using your magic you immediately grab one of the syrettes from the pouch and pop off the cover, revealing a razor sharp needle.
  1161. >“GHHHHHHAAA! GHAAAAAAAA!”
  1162. >You thrust the needle into the drones neck, struggling to maintain your magical grip as he continues to thrash about. You flatten the tube, injecting the dose of morphine into his bloodstream.
  1163. >The drone pauses for a second and looks at you, saliva dripping from his sharp fangs.
  1164. “Sergeant Gaster! Can you hear me? Are you-”
  1165. >*SNAP*
  1166. >The drone bites at your face, missing you by just inches as you narrowly dodge out of the way.
  1167. >You fall sideways, the green goo on your front hooves causing you to collapse awkwardly.
  1168. >“GHHHHHAAAAAAAA! GHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!”
  1169. >Turning his attention from you towards the distant beam of light, Gaster continues to thrash about wildly in a desperate attempt to break free.
  1170. >The green slime securing his hooves begins to stretch as the large drone moves higher and higher from the ground.
  1171. “Bigger dose… BIGGER DOSE!”
  1172. >You quickly grab a second syrette from the pouch and pop off the cap.
  1173. >Gaster now flies directly above you snarling like a wild animal as he looks towards the light. The green goo stretches further and further, almost about to snap.
  1174. >With another quick thrust, you jam the second needle into his neck. You squeeze the tube only slightly, giving him only a half dose. He may be a large changeling, but if you give him more morphine than he can handle you could kill him.
  1175. >“GHHHHHHHHHAAAAAA! GHHHHHAAAA! GHHHAA! GHA… Ga…”
  1176. >Gaster wings stop flapping, causing him to land clumsily onto the ground in front of you.
  1177. >The stretched, green slime returns to a clump as Gaster arrives at ground level.
  1178. >Several moments pass by in silence as the the drone just stands there, blankly looking at the light.
  1179. "Gaster?"
  1180. >The drone continues to look forward, non-responsive.
  1181. >The drone’s legs begin to buckle.
  1182. >You pull out the needle from Gaster’s chitin just as he collapses onto the ground. Despite falling, his eyes remained glued to the distant beam of light.
  1183. >“Ow...”
  1184. “Gaster? Gaster!? Can you hear me Gaster? Is that really you?”
  1185. >“Shut up Thorax…” The drone mumbles.
  1186. “Sergeant how do you feel?”
  1187. >“I feel… good. Very fucking good…”
  1188. >The drone begins to rub his head back and forth against the ground, nuzzling the cold desert floor in an attempt to become more comfortable. The euphoric effects of the morphine cause the drone to smile intoxicatingly at the beam.
  1189. “You need to stop looking at the light sergeant.”
  1190. >“Fuck you I’m not gonna stop looking at the light…”
  1191. “But sir, you told me yourself… it's a trap!”
  1192. >“I did?”
  1193. “Yes sir.”
  1194. >“I... well… fuck…”
  1195. >The drone continues to gaze off into the distance.
  1196. >You look into his eyes and see the massive beam’s reflection.
  1197. “GGHHAAA!”
  1198. >The pull of the light begins to overtake you.
  1199. >You shake your head back and forth, tightly closing your eyes.
  1200. >“What's the matter with you Thorax!”
  1201. “The light!”
  1202. >“Nah… you’re problem is that you need to quit begin such a whiny little bitch… Ha… Ha...”
  1203. >You let out a sigh as you slowly open your eyes.
  1204. “Maybe I should have let the hag get him…” You whisper to yourself.
  1205. >“What was that?”
  1206. “Nothing…”
  1207. >Looking down to avoid the beam's reflection, you see medical supplies scattered across the ground. In front of you lies a roll of gauze.
  1208. “Hmm… this might help.”
  1209. >Levitating it up with your magic, you begin to unroll it, wrapping it around Gaster’s head.
  1210. >“Hey. what are you-”
  1211. “We need to cover your eyes sergeant.”
  1212. >“You ain’t covering shit!”
  1213. >The drone begins to pull the gauze off with his free hoof.
  1214. “Stop! This is so the hag won’t drive you crazy again!”
  1215. >“The only thing driving me crazy is being stuck with a pathetic fuck up like you!”
  1216. >You snarl your sharp fangs at the drone as you are overcome with a wave of anger.
  1217. “Gaster! Y-you… ASS!”
  1218. >Gaster immediately stops what he is doing and turns to look at you.
  1219. >“Thorax!” He yells, his face enraged.
  1220. >His blue eyes squint at you from beneath a thin layer of gauze.
  1221. >“Did you just swear?” A small smile forms in the corner of his mouth. “OOOOooooo I’m telling…”
  1222. >You let out a sigh and resume wrapping.
  1223. “You’re high on morphine Gaster, try to focus on sleeping.”
  1224. >“Thorax.”
  1225. “…”
  1226. >“THORAX!”
  1227. “WHAT?”
  1228. >“We just got our asses kicked... didn’t we?”
  1229. “Yeah...”
  1230. >“Dammit!”
  1231. >You finally finish wrapping the gauze around the drone’s head just as he attempts to curl up into a ball for warmth. The green goo still attached to his hooves makes the process extremely difficult for him.
  1232. >“That hasn’t happened to me since Canterlot… back against all those colorful, happy, little, ponies. It was so fucking embarrassing...”
  1233. >You pick up the half used morphine syrette and turn to the small changeling lying beside you.
  1234. >A look of extreme discomfort is present upon her face, her mind still feeling the effects of the beam.
  1235. “Hold on Knives... this should help.”
  1236. >You inject the remaining syrette of morphine into the mare.
  1237. >Within a few seconds you see her face become more relieved.
  1238. >“Canterlot… what a giant shitshow that was…”
  1239. >As an extra precaution, you begin to wrap a layer of gauze around Knives’ eyes.
  1240. >“We took the city. Everything was going great! But then… we left the fucking Queen to watch over that pink anorexic bitch!”
  1241. >You finish covering the eyes of the sleeping changeling and turn to the blindfolded drone.
  1242. >“I never should have left her alone in the throne room! I just had to let my stomach get the better of me. It had been so long since I fed. There was so much love on those ponies in Canterlot. So much-”
  1243. “HIISSSSSSS!”
  1244. >Your forked tongue flings wildly from your mouth.
  1245. >“Thorax?”
  1246. >Shaking your head violently up and down, you manage to regain yourself.
  1247. >You immediately take the last syrette of morphine and inject it into your neck.
  1248. “Ohhhhh-oh-ohhhh…”
  1249. >You let out a sigh of relief as you feel the drug coursing through your veins.
  1250. >Gaster begins to lift the gauze over his eyes.
  1251. >“Thorax are you ok-”
  1252. >You bat his hoof away with your magic.
  1253. “I’m fine! And don’t touch that!”
  1254. >The drone smiles, humored by your attempts at being stern.
  1255. >“Yes sir! Ha!” The drone laughs to himself as he gives you a mock salute.
  1256. >Feeling the effects of morphine begin to take hold, you attempt to wrap your eyes in gauze while you are still able.
  1257. >“I sure hope I don’t end up taking orders from you one day Thorax.”
  1258. “What? Me?!”
  1259. >“I’ve been around all these years, I’ve seen it happen a bunch of times. The Queen, in all her infinite wisdom, somehow lets the young and inexperienced changelings call the shots. Just like the lieutenant. Just like the captain. Just like the major…”
  1260. “I’m pretty sure you won’t have to worry-” You tuck the end of the gauze underneath the multiple layers of wrapping. “-about that ever happening.”
  1261. >“I sure as fuck hope so.”
  1262. >You plop yourself down uncomfortably onto the ground.
  1263. >“Because that would be absolutely fucking terrible…”
  1264. >Despite being beneath multiple layers of gauze and a set of closed eyelids, you roll your eyes in annoyance.
  1265. “Gaster. Please sleep.”
  1266. >“Alright Thorax, but not because you asked me to. Whiny little bitch.”
  1267. >With the effects of the heavy dose of morphine taking its toll, the tug of the light is mostly nonexistent.
  1268. >You quickly pass out.
  1269. ~~~~~~~~~
  1270. >“ArrrrrggggGGGGHHHHHH!”
  1271. >The disgruntled yell of an angry drone fills your ears.
  1272. >You attempt to open your eyes but you can't see anything. The gauze wrapped around your eyes from the night before is still present.
  1273. >Through the tiny holes in the gauze a bright light peers through.
  1274. >A jolt of fear overcomes you. Could it be the beam? It wasn't this bright last night.
  1275. >You feel rays of light warming your black chitin. A sense of relief over comes you. It’s sunlight.
  1276. >Removing your blindfold you are immediately blinded by the light of the early morning sun.
  1277. >Squinting, you see Sargent Gaster stand up, his hooves still constricted by the green slime.
  1278. >You watch as the drone begins to inspect his surroundings. He looks off into the distance where the beam of light once stood. Now absent, all that is present now is a large expanse of trees.
  1279. >“That was a dirty trap you pulled on us last night hag…” Gaster says, looking off into Everfree.
  1280. >The drone's eyes squint as a wave of anger becomes apparent on his face.
  1281. >“You're gonna pay for that...”
  1282. >Gaster turns from the forest back to you and Knives.
  1283. >“Swarm! At attention!”
  1284. >You begin to pull yourself up from the ground.
  1285. “Oww!”
  1286. >Your front legs sting with pain. Sleeping with your hooves glued to the ground has caused your legs to become quite stiff.
  1287. >“Both of you on your hooves right now! I don’t have all day!”
  1288. >Shrugging off the pain, you manage to stand up. You turn to Knives, her face also revealing a large degree of discomfort.
  1289. >“Alright, first things first!" The drone turns to the small changeling. “Knives! Cut this shit off me!”
  1290. >Gaster spreads his wings and begins hovering into the air. The green slime holding his two right hooves begins to stretch.
  1291. >Knives’ horn begins to illuminate, but quickly stops. She looks down at her legs with a shocked look upon her face.
  1292. >Where there are normally eight daggers protruding from her legs, now rest none.
  1293. >“Missing something?” Gaster calls out. “Don’t you remember last night when we were flying over Everfree and you tried to turn me into a pincushion!?”
  1294. >The mare looks to Gaster, shocked.
  1295. >“Oh... don’t worry, I brought one of them back for you!”
  1296. >The drone motions to the bloodied dagger lying upon the ground next to the mare.
  1297. >The mare's eyes go wide in surprise as she looks at the dagger and then the bandages upon the Gaster's flank.
  1298. >Knives mouth becomes ajar as she begins to cower down in embarrassment.
  1299. >“Knives! Hurry up! Pick up that dagger and cut me free!”
  1300. >Perking herself back up, she turns to the drone and nods.
  1301. >With a quick flash of green light the dagger shoots forth and slices through the green slime, detaching Gaster from the ground.
  1302. >“Finally!” The drone yells out in annoyance.
  1303. >Gaster lands on the ground and begins to pull the green substance off his hooves using his magic.
  1304. >He turns to the both of you.
  1305. >“Well… don’t just fucking stand there. You both have daggers! Cut yourselves out!”
  1306. “Yes sir!”
  1307. >Both you and Knives spread your wings and attempt to hover over the ground.
  1308. >The green slime slowly begins to stretch upwards as your wings flap furiously back and forth.
  1309. >Removing your dagger from it's sheath, you attempt to cut through the green slime.
  1310. >The dagger makes it halfway into the viscous fluid and stops, becoming stuck.
  1311. >You must have plunged the dagger into the slime too slowly.
  1312. “Ugh! Darn it!”
  1313. >You attempt to pull out the dagger, but it is firmly cemented into the slime.
  1314. >You look to Gaster.
  1315. “Uhh… sir-”
  1316. >The drone looks at you and immediately turns away in disgust.
  1317. >“I’m a little busy here Thorax.” The drone angrily says as he continues to yank the green substance off his hooves. “You’re a big bug now, figure something out.”
  1318. “Yes sir…”
  1319. >After a few moments of continued struggling, you let out a sigh of defeat.
  1320. >Turning to Knives, you see she is also having trouble. Her small wings lack the strength to lift her hooves from the ground, not allowing her to stretch the green slime far enough to cut herself free.
  1321. “Hey Knives… I don’t suppose you can lend me a hoof over here… please…”
  1322. >The mare stops struggling for a second and turns to look at you.
  1323. >There is a quick flash of green light as her dagger slices through the viscous slime holding you down.
  1324. >With your wings still flapping furiously, you to shoot upwards.
  1325. “Whoa!”
  1326. >Completely caught off balance and unprepared for flight, you spiral backwards, crashing into the ground behind you.
  1327. >Lifting your head up from the ground you see both Gaster and Knives staring at you.
  1328. “Uhh… thanks Knives.”
  1329. >Gaster shakes his head in disapproval and gets back to cleaning his hooves.
  1330. >The mare smirks at you for a moment, before returning her attention to her own bindings.
  1331. >As you get to your hooves, you watch the mare resume struggling to free herself.
  1332. “Hey… do you need some help with that?”
  1333. >The small changeling turns to you and then back to the pile of slime.
  1334. >She shakes her head and resumes trying to lift her front hoof.
  1335. “Oh… alright…”
  1336. >You begin to pull of the green slime from your hooves as the mare continues to struggle.
  1337. >After a few minutes of watching her, you see the frustration continue to build in her eyes.
  1338. >You stop cleaning your hooves and walk beside beside her.
  1339. “Are you sure you don’t need any help?”
  1340. >She stops what she is doing and shoots you a cold glare.
  1341. >You back off hesitantly.
  1342. “Sorry… I… umm-”
  1343. >“Cut out that bullshit Knives!” Gaster yells as he continues to clean himself. “We don’t have all day! Swallow your pride and let him help you!”
  1344. >The mare looks angrily at the sergeant and then looks at her hooves.
  1345. >She lets out a deep sigh and then sullenly looks at you.
  1346. “It’s… it's alright Knives. There’s no shame in asking for a little help when you need it.”
  1347. >The mare's eyes turn away from you, gloomily looking at her small trapped hooves.
  1348. “We all have our strengths... and weakness… me especially.”
  1349. >She turns up to look at you, her blue eyes are slightly watery.
  1350. “B-but that why we work together! We’re a swarm. We help each other and together we act as one. It’s what swarms do!”
  1351. >The small changelings blinks at you, her blue orbs staring directly into your eyes.
  1352. >You motion to the green slime ensnaring her.
  1353. “We’ll do this together. I’ll help you lift, and you cut, alright?”
  1354. >The mare nods at you slightly.
  1355. “Great, let's do this.”
  1356. >You carefully slide your front hooves under the mare’s chest.
  1357. “Alright, use your wings to pull up in three… two… one-”
  1358. >You push upwards on the mare’s chest as she begins to flap her wings.
  1359. >The force exerted by the two of you is enough to make the green slime begin to stretch.
  1360. “It’s working! Knives, cut it now!”
  1361. >With a quick flash of green her blade glides through the air, cutting through the bindings.
  1362. >Knives flies upwards out from your hooves. Quickly gaining control of her flight, she catches herself and gracefully lands beside you.
  1363. “We did it!” You say happily, looking at her with a smile. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
  1364. >The changeling looks at you blankly.
  1365. “See, when we work together we can-”
  1366. >Knives turns around and begins to walk away.
  1367. “-accomplish…”
  1368. >After taking a few steps she takes a seat on the ground and begins cleaning her hooves, completely paying you no mind.
  1369. >Your smile quickly disappears from your face.
  1370. >Letting out a deep sigh, you plop down onto the ground. Joining suit with the other two changelings, you begin the painstaking process of cleaning the sticky green liquid from your hooves.
  1371. >After several minutes you finish cleaning yourself.
  1372. >You walk over to where your dagger lies stuck within the green pile of slime. It takes all the strength you can muster, but you are able to yank it out. You begin the painstaking process of cleaning your blade.
  1373. >Gaster, his hooves now clean from the green goo, walks up beside you.
  1374. >“Thorax!”
  1375. >You nervously look up at the drone.
  1376. >“Were you somehow blinded by that light last night?”
  1377. “Uhh... no.”
  1378. >"Well then, are you still under its effects?"
  1379. "N-no..."
  1380. >"Then why are all these medical supplies just lying around all over the fucking place!"
  1381. >The drone motions to the opened saddlebags and various healing equipment strewn about.
  1382. >“Get your shit together private!" Gaster jabs his front hoof into your chest. "Those supplies are your responsibility!”
  1383. “Y-yes sir!”
  1384. >“And you better hope nothing important blew away in the middle of the night!””
  1385. >Laying your slime covered dagger upon the ground, you immediately stand up and begin collecting the various medical implements.
  1386. >The wind has blown some of them far off, causing you to do quite a bit of scurrying back and forth in the area around the camp site.
  1387. >After roughly 20 minutes of searching you gather up what you think is the last of the supplies.
  1388. >Returning to the other changelings you see Gaster standing there, your dagger levitating in front of him.
  1389. >“Did you find everything?”
  1390. “Yes sir.”
  1391. >“Good!”
  1392. >The drone turns his attention to your dagger.
  1393. >“Listen up private! I shouldn’t have to remind you not to leave your weapon just lying around! You should always keep it on you! This a combat mission, not a fucking cake walk! We can be attacked at any time and you always need to be prepared for when the shit hits the fan! Understand?”
  1394. “Y-yes sir! Won’t happen again sir!”
  1395. >“You damn right it won’t! Here!”
  1396. >The drone levitates the dagger forward and you grab it with your hoof.
  1397. >Looking down at your knife, you notice that all of the slime has been cleaned off. Additionally, the blade looks noticeably improved. Some of the rusty areas have been cleared, and the edge of the blade looks considerably sharper.
  1398. >You look up at Gaster in surprise.
  1399. >“One more thing… about last night.” The drone’s tone changes drastically, becoming much more soft.
  1400. >“That was some quick thinking with that morphine shot. I never would have thought of that myself..."
  1401. >The drone pauses for a moment, shaking his head back and forth.
  1402. >"I’m not gonna lie, when Chrysalis assigned you to my swarm I had my doubts about you. Actually, I thought you were gonna do something stupid and get us all killed. But… you proved me wrong. Last night you adapted and overcame to the situation. Things got pretty hairy with that beam… but you pulled through.”
  1403. >The drone places a hoof upon your shoulder, giving you two rough pats.
  1404. >“You did good Thorax.”
  1405. >Your eyes light up upon received the compliment.
  1406. “Thank you sergeant!”
  1407. >The drone removes his hoof from your shoulder as his the expression becomes much more gruff.
  1408. >“But don’t let it get to your fucking head!"
  1409. >Your smile quickly disappears, although a sense of pride is still apparent within you. Considering this is Sergeant Gaster, any sort of compliment like this should be highly appreciated.
  1410. >Gaster begins to turn away, but stops.
  1411. >“I just have one question about last night though.”
  1412. “What's that sergeant?”
  1413. >“How many doses of morphine do you have left in that kit of yours?”
  1414. >The drone points to the saddlebags hanging from your sides.
  1415. “Uhh… there’s none left, I used all of them last night.”
  1416. >“For fuck’s sake!”
  1417. >The drone angrily rolls his head back, looking upwards towards the sky.
  1418. >“I sure fucking hope we’re not going to need it!”
  1419. >Gaster propels himself into the air and looks down at both you and Knives.
  1420. >“Alright swarm listen up! The mission will go ahead as planned! We fly in the direction of where that beam of light was last night.”
  1421. >Gaster points to the Everfree Forest, anger gleaming in his blue eyes.
  1422. >“We find the source, we find that hag, and we fucking kill her! The hag is in possession of a weapon that can detrimental to the Changeling Kingdom. The weapon must be destroyed! The lives of many changelings hang in the balance! Failure is not an option! Do I make myself clear!”
  1423. “Yes sir!”
  1424. >Knives nods.
  1425. >“Good! Now get in formation!”
  1426. >You and Knives fly on either side of the drone, forming a small V.
  1427. >“Swarm, follow me!”
  1428. >The three of you take off.
  1429. https://youtu.be/MQTr30tih54?t=19
  1430. >Wind glides across your wings as you swiftly fly above the badlands. Abundant outcrops of tan sandstone litter the desert floor. Upon them several small shrubs and cacti struggle to cling to life with what little sustenance the desert provides. Canyons and arroyos cut through the landscape, making land travel extremely treacherous. The three of you fly over them with ease.
  1431. >The badlands of the Changeling Kingdom have always been rough and inhospitable, but you much prefer the desert compared to what lies ahead.
  1432. >The thick and overgrown Everfree Forest grows closer and closer. The edge of the forest is ripe with hanging vines, half-fallen decaying trees, and other abundant flora. Not to mention untold amounts of fauna that have yet to be seen...
  1433. >“We’re now entering enemy territory! I shouldn’t have to remind you about all the dangers that lurk in these woods. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious. If you see something, say something!”
  1434. >Gaster turns to you.
  1435. >“You got that private?!”
  1436. “Yes sergeant!”
  1437. >The border between the Changeling Kingdom and Equestria passes underneath you. This is only the second time you’ve entered Equestria. You’ve flown over the Everfree Forest once before, but that was with the safety of the entire hive. Now there is only three of you.
  1438. >You look at Knives and Gaster.
  1439. >Even though two of the mightiest warriors in the hive at your side, a feeling of isolation grips you. Together you are nothing more than three black grains of sand flying over the endless sea of green.
  1440. >“I hate this fucking forest!” Gaster complains as he hacks up a wad of mucus in his throat and spits it onto the underlying trees. The spit falls downwards and collides upon the canopy.
  1441. >“Burn this whole shithole down if I could!”
  1442. >You peer downwards. A thick layer of leaves prevents you from seeing the forest floor.
  1443. “So what exactly are we looking for sergeant?”
  1444. >Gaster continues to stare downwards as he speaks to you.
  1445. >“That beam probably wouldn't have be able to make it past the thick canopy, so keep an eye out for any sort of clearings, large or small. We should be at the location of that beam in about five miles, so stay alert!”
  1446. “Didn’t the zebra say the hag was in some sort of cave?”
  1447. >Gaster huffs.
  1448. >“Oh… you mean that crazy recluse that only speaks in rhymes? You really think she’s a reliable source?”
  1449. “Uhh… well...”
  1450. >“Cave or not, we won’t be able to see jack shit with all this tree cover, and even if you offered me a double feeding of love I still wouldn’t have us search on hoof! Every inch of this forest has ambush written all over it! We stick to the skies until we make contact.”
  1451. “Sounds good to me.”
  1452. >You turn your attention to the forest. The canopy covers the landscape like a thick green blanket. There are absolutely no breaks stretching as far as your eyes can see. Regardless, you continue to remain alert as you fly forward.
  1453. >Time passes by as you continue to soar. Glancing backwards you notice the badlands you flew in from are completely out of view, replaced instead by the Everfree Forest.
  1454. >“Alright. It's been about five miles, keep your eyes peeled! The source of the beam should be right around here!”
  1455. >You look at the canopy intently. All you see is more of the same, a never ending span of trees.
  1456. “I don't see any clearings sergeant.”
  1457. >The drone continues to stare downwards, not acknowledging you.
  1458. “Maybe if we split up we can cover more ground?”
  1459. >“Split up? That’s a great idea private... if you want to get us all fucking killed!”
  1460. >The drone turns to you disgruntled.
  1461. >“Just keep looking!”
  1462. “Yes sir…”
  1463. >You continue flying another mile. There has been no sign of any clearings, as well as no sign of civilization. All that lies below you are trees fighting with one another to take up as much space as possible.
  1464. “Sergeant Gaster… I think we may have past it… Should we turn around-”
  1465. >“Shut the FUCK UP Thorax! Keep your mouth SHUT and your eyes DOWN!”
  1466. >You shamefully hang your head low, turning away from the drone.
  1467. >A glare of light catches your eye before quickly disappearing within the canopy.
  1468. “Sergeant-”
  1469. >“If you don’t shut up right now-”
  1470. “I saw something!”
  1471. >Gaster halts mid air. You and knives immediately follow suit.
  1472. >“What did you see?”
  1473. “A glare.”
  1474. >“Where?”
  1475. >You point to your right towards a thick grouping of trees.
  1476. >“Thorax,” The drone buzzes up directly in front of your face. “Are you absolutely sure you saw it?”
  1477. >You nod.
  1478. >The drone takes in a large breath and exhales deeply.
  1479. >“Alright… Swarm, follow me.”
  1480. >He begins to move fly forward but stops.
  1481. >“Thorax… from here on don’t say fucking anything! This is a stealth mission! If you say something and blow our cover you’ll can get us all killed. You got that!”
  1482. >You hesitantly nod at the sergeant.
  1483. >“Good… now Knives and I should be able to take it from here. You just stay behind us and do what I say. If all goes well we should be back at the hive before nightfall.”
  1484. >Gaster looks down to the forest canopy.
  1485. >“Alright, let's do this.” The drone says softly.
  1486. >The three of you fly downwards to where you saw the glare, stopping when you reach the canopy.
  1487. >Your hooves dangle above the leaves as the three of you hover in place.
  1488. >The canopy of leaves is extremely thick, even while flying directly above you cannot see what is below.
  1489. >Gaster turns to you and Knives.
  1490. >“We’ll go down together.” The drone whispers.
  1491. >You gulp nervousness as you look down at the leaves beneath your hooves.
  1492. >You struggle to hover in place as a cold breeze begins to strike the three of you.
  1493. >Coupled with the brisk air against your chitin and the fear of what lies below, your whole body begins to tremble.
  1494. >There could be anything below that canopy; a pack timberwolves, a hydra, an ursa major...
  1495. >Not to mention… a hag.
  1496. >“Three… two… one-”
  1497. >You all simultaneously stop flapping your wings and immediately fall into the underlying canopy.
  1498. >The soft leaves glide across your black chitin as you descend. The foliage quickly gives way to a jagged set of twigs and branches. The bright sunlight immediately disappears, giving way to a dark and dreary forest.
  1499. >After falling a short distance you finally make it into an opening large enough to spread your wings. The three of you hover in a tight-nit circle while to scanning the surroundings for threats.
  1500. >“Over there!” Gaster says softly as he points his hoof off into the distance.
  1501. >A small, out of place structure stands upon the forest floor. You squint to make out what is, but there are too many leaves and branches impeding your view.
  1502. >“Follow me, single file!”
  1503. >Gaster quickly darts towards the structure, Knives following directly behind him and you hesitantly bringing up the rear.
  1504. >You nervously examine your surroundings as you approach. The thick, old trees all have and eerie look to them, many containing misshapen limbs from growing to close to one another. You've been in forests before, but something about these woods seems off. It's as if the trees themselves feel unnatural.
  1505. >Keeping your worries to yourself, the three of you continue through the dimly lit forest. The flight is made treacherous by an abundance of contorted branches and hanging vines. You follow Gaster's lead as the three of you weave in and out of the abundant obstacles.
  1506. >A glare--coming from the top of the structure--once again catches your eye.
  1507. >Gaster slows down to a halt as he begins to descend towards the forest floor.
  1508. >The object come into view. It is a large block of stone with a metal rod affixed to the top. Upon the rod lies a large circular mirror bent at a 45 degree angle.
  1509. >The structure come into view. Tucked away within a grouping of trees lies a large block of stone. Affixed to the top stands a thick metal rod supporting a large circular mirror. The finely polished glass points upwards at a 45 degree angle.
  1510. >Gaster silently lands upon the forest floor, his soft descent eliminating all noise generated from his hooves hitting the ground. The drone quickly takes cover behind a tree as he stares intently towards the stone.
  1511. >You and Knives follow suit.
  1512. >“It's all clear.” Gaster whispers. “Let's move in.”
  1513. >The drone quietly shifts from tree to tree, keeping covered with each advance he makes. Knives expertly follows behind him, barely making a sound.
  1514. >You rush forward in an attempt to keep up. Leaves crinkle and twigs snap beneath your hooves with each step you take. You cringe in a mixture of fear and embarrassment at your failed attempts of being stealthy, but continue forth the best you can.
  1515. >The three of you move up until you are just a short distance away from the stone.
  1516. >Gaster carefully looks to his right, and then to his left.
  1517. >“No sign of the hag.” He whispers.
  1518. >The drone slowly approaches the structure, eyeing it cautiously. Knives and yourself follow suit.
  1519. >Taking a close examination, you carefully study the mirror. The large circular device doesn’t look very special, it is simply a well polished mirror roughly two feet in diameter.
  1520. >The stone looks fairly ordinary as well, not seeming to be magical in nature.
  1521. >You look upwards.
  1522. >A ray of late-morning sunlight shines down through a hole in the canopy. The opening is the same size as the mirror, just large enough for the beam of light you saw last night.
  1523. >Looking in the direction the mirror is facing, you spot another circular mirror off in the distance. But instead of pointing upwards, this mirror points downwards into a small outcrop of moss covered rocks. Squinting, you can just barely make out a small patch of darkness within the outcrop. It's an opening, just large enough for a pony to get through.
  1524. “The cave…” You whisper to yourself.
  1525. >It is just like the zebra said.
  1526. >You tap Gaster on his shoulder. The drone looks to you, his head still on a swivel looking for threats.
  1527. >You point to the other mirror adjacent to the outcrop.
  1528. >“Bingo…” The old drone mumbles under his breath.
  1529. >Gaster steps towards the cave, but stops. He turns back towards the upward facing mirror.
  1530. >“Let's take care of this first.”
  1531. >He quietly buzzes to the top of the stone pillar.
  1532. >Gaster places both of his front hooves upon the mirror and begins to pull. His well-toned muscles begin to flex as he lifts with much force, but the panel of glass remains firmly attached. Frustration growing in his eyes, the drone lets out a small grunt as he gives the mirror a sudden jerk.
  1533. >*Clink*
  1534. >The mirror rips off from its adjustable bracket as the sound of snapping metal resonates throughout the forest.
  1535. >“Shit!” Gaster curses under his breath.
  1536. >All three of you turn towards the outcrop, watching for movement.
  1537. >Several long, agonizing seconds pass by. But nothing happens.
  1538. >Satisfied that no one heard the noise, Gaster lets forth a sigh of relief.
  1539. >“Thorax, grab this.”
  1540. >The drone lowers the large mirror down to you.
  1541. >You grab hold with both of you front hooves-
  1542. >*CRRIIINKLLINKLINKILINK*
  1543. >The mirror slips from your hooves and shatters to the ground.
  1544. >A horrified expression strikes your face as the sound of broken glass rings across the forest.
  1545. >You look up to the drone standing upon the pillar. Gaster stares back, his right eye twitching in frustration. The drone looks like he is going to burst in anger, but he instead turns towards the cave entrance.
  1546. >“Swarm! Weapons ready!”
  1547. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1HZGZNP_bU
  1548. >Gaster’s horn immediately charges green as he readies a magical attack.
  1549. >Knives levitates her only dagger out from her sheath, pointing it at the cave.
  1550. >You nervously equip your newly sharpened dagger. Pointing it at the entrance, you struggle to keep the blade steady. Fear is gripping your mind, causing your magical grasp to falter.
  1551. >Gaster takes flight, hovering above the two of you.
  1552. >“When the hag comes out hit her with everything you’ve got! Now move!”
  1553. >The grizzled veteran shoots forward into the air, moving into the branches directly above the cave.
  1554. >You and Knives begin running towards the entrance.
  1555. >Knives suddenly stops.
  1556. >Turning around, you see her looking at the shattered mirror.
  1557. “Knives, what are you doing?”
  1558. >The mare ignores you. Her focus set solely upon the broken remains.
  1559. “We need to-”
  1560. >The fragments of the mirror begin to illuminate with a green light.
  1561. >You watch in awe as twenty long shards of glass elevate into the air.
  1562. >The mare’s attention shifts towards the dark hole along the side of the outcrop. As she faces the cave, each of the shards of glass turns directly towards the entrance as well.
  1563. >She begins to walk forward.
  1564. >You stand there, marveling at the horrifying sight of several lethal objects encircling the mare.
  1565. >“Swarm! What the fuck are you... /Holy/ shit!” Gaster proclaims seeing the many shards. “Good thinking Knives, now get your asses over here!”
  1566. >Your attention shifts back to the cave. You run forward, taking cover behind a tree trunk not far from the entrance. Your lone dagger continues to float beside you, still wobbling in fear.
  1567. >Knives seeks cover a short distance away from you, standing behind a fallen tree. Her eyes stare unwaveringly at the cave entrance as she stands ready to unleash a barrage of glass.
  1568. >“Thorax! Knives! Move right, you’ll have enfilade fire!” The drone speaks as softly as he can while still barking orders. “Go! NOW!”
  1569. >You look to where the sergeant is pointing. Nodding in understanding you to sprint to the new location, Knives trotting along behind you.
  1570. >Breathing in and out heavily from your sprint, you dive behind a fallen log not far from the entrance.
  1571. >You cautiously peer around the log and return your attention to the cave. You are now directly in line with the entrance.
  1572. >As you lie crouched behind the log, Knives stands firmly beside you. Her attention set solely on the opening.
  1573. >“Swarm get ready!”
  1574. >Gaster’s horn begins to charge even brighter as he prepares to swoop down for an aerial attack. An aerial bombardment would be extremely difficult to pull off at such a small height, but there is no doubt in your mind that the sergeant wouldn’t be able to pull it off.
  1575. >Droplets of sweat begin to drip from your chitin as you continue to look at the entrance.
  1576. >Several moments pass by.
  1577. >The strain of holding onto the dagger with your magic is beginning to take its toll.
  1578. >You look at Knives and Gaster. They too are beginning to feel the effects of magic fatigue, the mental drain begin made worse due to the fact that neither of you have fed in weeks.
  1579. >“Steady!” Gaster says, struggling to maintain his spell.
  1580. “Ghaa!”
  1581. >The strain of the magic is too much. You drop your dagger onto the moist forest floor on the other side of the log. As you stand behind cover--breathing in and out heavily trying to catching your breath--you lean across the log and grab the dagger with your fangs. Your heart beating rapidly, you quickly return behind the safety of the log.
  1582. >Gaster notices your inability to hold your dagger.
  1583. >He turns to Knives. The tiny mare’s face is straining in exhaustion, looking as if she is going to lose control of her magic at anytime.
  1584. >“Swarm, I’m flying down to take a look!” Lower your weapons.”
  1585. >Knives slowly lands the multiple shards of glass upon the ground, letting out a sigh of relief as she becomes free from the tiring effects of the spell.
  1586. >Gaster slowly flies to the outcrop. His horn still shines bright, ready to unleash a fully charged bolt of magic.
  1587. >He carefully lands directly above the main entryway. Lowering his head down from over the top of the entrance, the drone cautiously looks inside.
  1588. >Several moments pass by as he stands there alone, his horn shining green light into the inner recesses of the cave.
  1589. >“No one’s here.” Gaster softly says as he continues looking through the opening. "Both of you, get over here!"
  1590. >You reluctantly walk forward, hindered not only by the fear of what lies inside of the cave, but also what lies directly in front of it.
  1591. >“Come on, we’re going in!”
  1592. >The drone cautiously enters the narrow opening. His horn dissipates, releasing the fully charged attack. Now instead, his horn emanates a soft green glow.
  1593. >Knives hesitantly looks back towards the multiple shards of glass she left behind. Her face lets out pained expression as she realizes that she won't be able to bring the large fragments with her. The shards are too bulky to place in her many vacant sheaths dotting her legs holes.
  1594. >The three of you proceed downwards. The narrow opening is only large enough for one changeling to get through at a time, however, as you descend, the tunnel becomes wider. The dark and dreary tunnel is littered with stalactites and stalagmites, looking like jagged fangs in the throat of the cave.
  1595. >As you go inside a vile stench fills your nostrils, causing you to gag.
  1596. >“Hmm…” Gaster silently mumbles to himself as he comes to a halt, taking in a deep breath. “The smell of death…”
  1597. >Your legs begin to tremble as you stand within the dimly lit tunnel.
  1598. >“So much for this being a rescue mission…”
  1599. >Fear overtakes you.
  1600. >You are not cut out for this. You shouldn’t be here. You're going to die down here, just like all the other changelings drawn into this cavern by the beam of light.
  1601. >You turn your head towards the exit.
  1602. >“Don’t even think about it Thorax.” Gaster warns, looking at the terrified expression on your face. “We’ve got a job to do here and we’re not leaving until it's done! Now come on, let's go!”
  1603. >The drone continues further into the tunnel. Knives follows directly behind him, you hesitantly bring up the rear.
  1604. >You cautiously look around the cavern. More jagged stalactites ominously hang above your head. Fearing that the large chunks of rocks will slam down upon you like row of giant fangs, you instead look down .
  1605. >You see several dark green stains upon the stone floor.
  1606. “What is…”
  1607. >You take a closer look.
  1608. >The dark green stains are beginning to peel up as the three of you walk over them.
  1609. “...Blood.”
  1610. >Knives immediately clamps her fangs upon Gaster’s tail and pulls him back.
  1611. >“Wha!” Gaster yelps in surprise.
  1612. >Knives lets go of his tail and points forward with her hoof. Directly in front of Gaster, elevated a few inches above the ground, is a taut rope rope.
  1613. >“Trip wire…” The Gaster says under his breath.
  1614. >The three of you look upwards. A large steel grate hangs above you. Attached to the grate lies several jagged pieces of sharp rusty metal. The entire grate is drenched in the remnants dried green changeling blood.
  1615. >“Fuck me…” Gaster curses as he turns to the mare behind him. “Knives, looks like you're up.”
  1616. >The changeling mare stands up firmly.
  1617. >“Scout ahead, search the cave for traps. Find the hag-” The drone move directly in front of her face. “-but do NOT engage! Once you find her, you come right back! Understand?”
  1618. >The mare nods.
  1619. >“Good! Now… do what you infiltrators do best.”
  1620. >The mare turns forward, looking down the dark ominous cavern.
  1621. >She begins to descend into the darkness.
  1622. “Knives wait!”
  1623. >Both the mare and Gaster turn to look at you.
  1624. >“What did I say about not talking you little shit!”
  1625. “Uhh…”
  1626. >“For all we know you already blew our cover!”
  1627. >You hang your head low as you look down at your hooves.
  1628. >“That’s right, keep you head down and your mouth shut until-”
  1629. >Your horn begins to glow as you pull your dagger from its sheath. You slowly levitate the dagger directly in front of you.
  1630. >“What do you think you’re doing?” Gaster asks in annoyance.
  1631. >Lifting your head up, you look at the mare.
  1632. “Knives… you lost most of your daggers. You should take mine… just in case.”
  1633. >The two changelings look at you in surprise.
  1634. >Gaster's face quickly returns to its previous angered form.
  1635. >"Is this your attempt of getting out of the fighting?"
  1636. "N-no sir."
  1637. >“You told me that you couldn’t hit a thing with your magic bolt!”
  1638. “I can't...”
  1639. >“You understand that by giving Knives this blade you are giving up your only means of a ranged attack! If you get engaged with the enemy you'll only have your fangs!”
  1640. “I... I... understand that...”
  1641. >“Thorax…” Gaster’s voice changes, becoming less harsh. “You could die down here if you don’t have a means to defend yourself.”
  1642. >You look to Gaster.
  1643. “Sergeant, we both know she can do more with this dagger than I could. Giving her a second weapon is for the best.”
  1644. >You look down at your hooves.
  1645. “I probably wouldn't do much good with it anyway...”
  1646. >“For fucks sake Thorax…” The drone rolls his eyes backwards.
  1647. >Knives looks hesitantly at the sergeant.
  1648. >“Well what are waiting for? Take the fucking thing!”
  1649. >The mare grabs the dagger with her magic and slides it into one of her open sheaves. She stares at you blankly for a moment before giving you a small nod.
  1650. >You nod back.
  1651. >The mare turns around. Carefully stepping over the tripwire, she descends into the darkness of the tunnel.
  1652. >Gaster turns to you.
  1653. >“Private, I hate you so fucking much right now...”
  1654. “Sir, I'm sorry about the mirror, it slipped-”
  1655. >“What did I tell you about apologizing all the time private!”
  1656. >You hunker down.
  1657. >“Look at me Thorax!” The drone says as his eyes look at you grimly. “If Knives gets hurt because of your carelessness, any punishment I can do to you will pale in comparison compared to what the Queen will do to the two of us!”
  1658. >Your shoulders slump down further as you look at the drone in a mixture of shame and fear.
  1659. >“You're so easy to hate, do you know that? Changelings are supposed to be vicious! We’re supposed to be mean! We’re not supposed to care for one another. We’re not not supposed to be… friendly.” The drone shivers upon saying that word.
  1660. >“Out of all the changelings for me to get stuck with, why did it have to be you! You’re weak, pathetic, useless in a fight, always fucking things up left and right…”
  1661. >You pull back as the drone continues to berate you in the dimly lit cavern.
  1662. >“But…”
  1663. >You perk up.
  1664. >“...”
  1665. “But what?”
  1666. >Gaster looks at you for a second, unsure what to say. He hesitantly grits his fangs.
  1667. >“Shut up Thorax.”
  1668. >A small smile forms in the corner of your face as Gaster turns away towards the dark tunnel.
  1669. >“Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. We’ve got a job to do here.”
  1670. “Yes sir.”
  1671. >You and Gaster wait in silence for several minutes. Both of you are on full alert, looking back and forth between the entrance and the inner depths of the cave. The tunnel remains dead quiet, except for the occasional drip of water falling from the ceiling onto the floor.
  1672. >After several minutes, you see two blue eyes approaching from the darkness.
  1673. “Sergeant!”
  1674. >You nudge the drone on his side as you point out the orbs.
  1675. >“It's about damn time!”
  1676. >Knives comes into view as she approaches the two of you. She has a very scared look upon her face.
  1677. >“Knives, did the hag spot you!?”
  1678. >She shakes her head as she carefully makes her way over the tripwire.
  1679. >“Good… good…” Gaster says relieved. “So what's wrong? Are there more traps?”
  1680. >She shakes her head.
  1681. >“Were you not able to find her?”
  1682. >She shakes her head.
  1683. >“Well what is it then?”
  1684. >The mare looks to the two of you unsure how to respond. She looks down at her hole-riddled hoof. Spotting a dagger, she immediately pulls it out with her magic. It hovers in front of the two of you.
  1685. >You and Gaster look at the dagger confusingly.
  1686. >“She’s armed?”
  1687. >Knives shakes her head. She immediately pulls out a second dagger, it hovers beside the first.
  1688. >“What? Two daggers? Gaster asks, puzzled.
  1689. >Knives pulls one of the daggers away, and then immediately places it next to the first.
  1690. “Not one, but two…”
  1691. >Knives looks at you and nods her head up and down.
  1692. >“There’s two hags? Gasters asks in shock.
  1693. >Knives nods once, but stops. She immediately begins to shake her head back and forth.
  1694. >“What? There isn’t two?”
  1695. “S-sergeant. I think she’s trying to say that there isn’t two.” You begin to shiver, “Th-there’s more than two...”
  1696. >Knives turns to you and slowly nods, a large amount of worry in the meek changeling's eyes.
  1697. >“More than… Well how many are there?!”
  1698. >The mare looks down to her front hoof and lifts it off the ground. She quickly brings it down, tapping it against the ground.
  1699. >*tap*
  1700. >*tap*
  1701. >*tap*
  1702. >“…”
  1703. “…”
  1704. >“Shit… SHIT! It's a coven! In the name of all that’s holey, why did it have to be a coven!”
  1705. >The drone continues to curse as he angrily slams the ground with his hoof.
  1706. “Sergeant… w-what do you know about covens?”
  1707. >The drone drearily looks up a you.
  1708. >“You don’t want to know…”
  1709. “S-sergeant Gaster… if you know something and it can help us... please... tell us!”
  1710. >The drone lets out a deep sigh.
  1711. >“Fine… if you gotta fucking know... usually they’re solitary, the vile creatures despise each other almost as much as they despise all other forms of life. But... every once and while a few of them become so filled with a lust for power that they set aside their differences and work together.”
  1712. >The drone closes his eyes.
  1713. >“And in the process each becomes stronger. Their magic builds off one another, and together they have immense magical abilities. Together they are stronger than they are individually…”
  1714. “H-how strong?”
  1715. >Gaster looks at you bleakly.
  1716. >“You know how strong the Queen is?”
  1717. “Yeah…”
  1718. >“They're stronger...”
  1719. “w-w-WHAT?!”
  1720. >A rush of panic comes over you. Knives become more scared as well. Gaster continues to look bleakly at the ground.
  1721. “What are we gonna do sergeant? We can’t take on a whole coven by ourselves!”
  1722. >He turns back to the mare.
  1723. >“You're sure they didn’t notice you.”
  1724. >Knives nods.
  1725. >“Well… if we still have the element of surprise-”
  1726. “But sir, wouldn't it be best if we headed back to the hive and get reinforcements?”
  1727. >“Hmm…" Gaster thinks to himself for a moment.
  1728. “The mission has changed. The Queen didn’t know there was a coven here! She only thought there was just one hag! Surely she would understand!”
  1729. >“We could… but…”
  1730. >Gaster looks down the dark tunnel.
  1731. “Sergeant! If we just come back-”
  1732. >“The mirror’s broke.”
  1733. “…”
  1734. >“We have to do this now.”
  1735. “...what?”
  1736. >Gaster turns to you.
  1737. >“You broke the mirror Thorax. If we leave now and come back in a few days, they’ll have noticed that someone discovered their lair. They’ll likely set up a watch. They’ll fortify. They might even relocate, lay low, and then start this up again somewhere else."
  1738. >Your eyes begin to water up. Feelings of guilt, fear, and despair begin to overtake you.
  1739. >“We’ll have lost the element of surprise. Even if we come back with three swarms led by the Queen herself, we’re likely going to suffer heavy casualties.”
  1740. “B-but…”
  1741. >“We have no choice we have to-”
  1742. >“Hello!”
  1743. >A young stallion's voice calls out from the entrance of the cave.
  1744. >All of you freeze.
  1745. >“Shit!” Gaster’s eyes go wide
  1746. >“Is anypony down there?”
  1747. >Knives immediately shoots upwards and clings her hooves to the ceiling. In a quick burst of green fire the mare transforms into a stalactite.
  1748. >Gaster grabs hold of you.
  1749. >“Hide!” The drone whispers before being engulfed in green flame, forming a large boulder.
  1750. >“Hello?” The voice of the pony calls out from the entrance.
  1751. >Letting your natural reflexes take over, you transform, blending into your surroundings. You are now a grey stalagmite protruding upwards from the floor.
  1752. >A quick flash of blue light fills the cave as you transform.
  1753. >“What the-” The pony yelps in surprise. “Dinky, is that you? Are you down there?”
  1754. >A young stallion emerges from the entrance.
  1755. >You immediately recognize the pony is a member of the royal guard.
  1756. >“Whatever happens, don’t do or say anything.” Gaster whispers behind you.
  1757. >The pony is fully armored, most of his his greenish blue coat protected underneath a layer of gold barding.
  1758. >Spear in hoof, the earth pony hesitantly makes his way down towards the three of you.
  1759. >“By Celestia, it reeks down here-” The pony halts. A sense of fear overcomes his face as he realizes the smell entering his nostrils is the unmistakable smell of death.
  1760. >“Please don’t let that be…”
  1761. >You see the fear in his eyes as he looks into the darkness of the tunnel. The pony has no way of illuminating the path. He hesitantly looks over his shoulder, unsure if he should delve further into the cave or turn around and go back.
  1762. >“Y-you can do this… You can do this...” The stallion nervously says to himself as he slowly begins his descent.
  1763. >The pony grips his spear tightly as the sunlight seeping in from the entrance begins to disappear with each passing step.
  1764. >“H-hello… i-is anypony down here?” The guard pony asks, his voice soft and trembling in fear.
  1765. >The three of you continue to remain disguised as the stallion draws near.
  1766. >“D-Dinky?”
  1767. >He is now just a few feet away from you, and still approaching...
  1768. >Oh no... he's not stopping!
  1769. >He must not be able to see you in the darkness!
  1770. >You brace for impact!
  1771. >“Are you AAHHH!”
  1772. >The pony’s barding slams into your disguised form. You do your best not to sway, but your body shifts slightly from the impact.
  1773. >The guard recoils backwards, startled. He points his spear at you, the pole shaking in his hooves. With what little light remains this far deep in the tunnel, you see the glistening of the metal spearhead as it is just inches away from you.
  1774. >Your heart is beating rapidly. You feel the urge to transform and flee, but you are just too scared.
  1775. >You instead do nothing.
  1776. >The pony nervously extends his hoof in front of him as he blindly moves forward in the darkness.
  1777. >His hoof makes contact with your disguised chitin.
  1778. >You hold your breath.
  1779. >It feels as if time itself has stopped as the pony stands there with his hoof on you.
  1780. >This is the first time a pony has ever touched you...
  1781. >Through direct contact with his hoof you feel the abundant love emanating from his inner being. Just by touching him you are able to taste the glorious emotion. Your tastes buds cry out for more as they are teased with the tiny helping.
  1782. >Part of you wants to pounce on him and suck him dry of his essence.
  1783. >Your mouth begins to salivate just thinking about it.
  1784. >But… you feel something else. Something restraining your most primal instinct to feed.
  1785. >As the pony stands there with his hoof upon you, trembling in the dark tunnel all by himself, you feel... a connection.
  1786. >You feel sympathetic.
  1787. >You feel like you can relate.
  1788. >The pony lets out a sigh of relief.
  1789. >“It’s just a rock…”
  1790. >The stallion taps you a couple times with his metallic hoof guards. You do your best not to flinch as the pony pokes you in what is now your face.
  1791. >He turns and begins to walk further down the tunnel.
  1792. >You let in a much need breath of fresh air as you resume breathing.
  1793. >The pony begins walking forward towards-
  1794. >THE TRAP!
  1795. >In a few more steps he is going to trigger the tripwire!
  1796. >It’s too dark for him to notice!
  1797. >The metal grate will topple down on top of him for sure!
  1798. >He’s going to die unless…
  1799. “It's a trap…”
  1800. >You whisper silently into the darkness.
  1801. >The pony continues walking forward, his front hoof extended in front of him as he blindly trudges through the darkness.
  1802. “It’s a TRAAaappp…”
  1803. >The pony stops, his front hoof just inches away from the tripwire.
  1804. >“What? Is somepony down here?” The royal guard asks nervously as he begins to turn around.
  1805. >You feel Gaster stir next to you, the changeling shifting slightly while in his disguised form.
  1806. >“I… I heard you! Reveal yourself!” The stallion brandishes his spear in your direction as he begins to approach.
  1807. >Your eyes once again watch the glistening spearhead as it grows closer and closer. It's pointing directly towards you and shows no signs of stopping.
  1808. >“I’m warning you!”
  1809. >You cringe as his spear is just a foot away.
  1810. >“Show yourself!”
  1811. >“Fine asshole!”
  1812. >A flash of green light occurs beside you as Gaster changes back to his true form and lunges at the guard.
  1813. >The drone bats the stallion's spear from his hooves, tackling the pony to the ground in one fell swoop.
  1814. >You and Knives immediately transform back from your disguises.
  1815. >Pinning the pony’s hooves against the cold stone floor, Gaster snarls his teeth.
  1816. >“Ch-ch-changelings!” The stallion shrieks in terror.
  1817. >“Ya got that right…” The drone smirks as his fangs draw closer to the pony's throat.
  1818. >“I should have known your kind was behind this!”
  1819. >“Shut up!”
  1820. >Gaster slams the pony across the face, knocking off his helmet. The stallion's short grey and black mane remains fixed in place, tied securely by a thin piece of cloth.
  1821. >You and Knives walk on either side of Gaster as the pony recovers from the impact.
  1822. >“Strike me down… but they’ll be more of us! We’ll find the filly you took!”
  1823. >“How noble… too bad I have no fuckign idea what your talking about… nor do I fucking care.”
  1824. “We didn’t kidnap any filly. We’re here to slay the hag!”
  1825. >Gaster turns to you, giving you an angry glare as he continues to pin the pony against the ground.
  1826. >“Thorax, your brain must have just as many holes in it as your legs do! Why did you warn him about the trap!”
  1827. “Uhh… well…”
  1828. >You nervously look away from the terrifying drone. You spot the rusty trap hanging from the ceiling.
  1829. “The grate! It would have made too much noise if we let him trigger the trap!"
  1830. >“Ohh… So /now/ you’re concerned about not alerting the hags!”
  1831. >“Y-you didn’t take filly?” The pony asks, confused.
  1832. >“No you idiot! Who the fuck do we look like?! We’re soldiers, not fillynapers-” Gaster squints at you. “Well… at least some of us are.”
  1833. >“Then please, let me go! I’ll leave!”
  1834. >“And risk you coming back with a dozen of your buddies? I don’t think so.”
  1835. >Gaster begins to apply pressure upon the guard's throat.
  1836. >“As much as I hate wasting a perfectly good meal, you really offer me no choice here."
  1837. >The stallion begins to struggle for air.
  1838. >“Sorry about this pal, but you just stumbled into the wrong cave.”
  1839. >“Ple… Sto… Ple-” The pony attempts to plea with what little breath he has left.
  1840. >You look down at the helpless pony pinned beneath Gaster's massive form.
  1841. >You can’t help but feel sorry for the young stallion as he lays there being asphyxiated.
  1842. >The pony’s flailing hooves brushes against you. His warmth and love once again sends shivers down your spine.
  1843. >You still feel connected to this pony.
  1844. >You can’t let him die.
  1845. “Sir... wait!”
  1846. >The old drone ignores you.
  1847. “Gaster stop!”
  1848. >The drone turns to you.
  1849. >"What?!"
  1850. “Uhh... we need him!”
  1851. >“The fuck are you talking about?”
  1852. “He… he can help us fight the hags!”
  1853. >“Help us fight- are you out of you damn mind?!”
  1854. “Sir, we really need the help-”
  1855. >“No! We don’t need any help! We still have the element of surprise! The three of us can do it on our own!”
  1856. “No we can’t sir! Right now it’s the three hags versus just you and Knives! You and I both know I’m no good in a fight!”
  1857. >“I've survived worse odds. And beside, why the fuck would he help us? A few years ago we sacked his capital! Do you think a pony from the Royal Guard is just gonna let that go?!”
  1858. >The pony continues to struggle, attempting to break free of his captor's grasp.
  1859. “Uhh… because… because the coven stole the filly he’s searching for!”
  1860. >“What!?”
  1861. “Right Knives? You saw the filly back there while you were scouting ahead... right?”
  1862. >She looks back and forth between you and Gaster as he continues to strangle the pony.
  1863. >You look to the mare with pleading eyes.
  1864. >She hesitantly nods.
  1865. >You perk up, filled with hope.
  1866. “See! The hags kidnapped the filly he’s trying to rescue, we’re both on the same side!”
  1867. >Gaster looks suspiciously at Knives, the mare looks back at him blankly.
  1868. >“No! The ponies are our enemy! Especially ponies in the Royal Guard!”
  1869. >Your mind spins as you continue looking for excuses to try and save this young stallion's life.
  1870. “But… but… the enemy of our enemy is our… friend.”
  1871. >Gaster flinches as you utter that statement.
  1872. >“Shut up Thorax! I don’t need to hear that shit right now!”
  1873. “But sir-”
  1874. >“I said enough-”
  1875. “Changelings adapt! Changelings overcome!”
  1876. >Gaster’s eyelids narrow angrily at you.
  1877. “And right now the only means of overcoming our current situation is being strangled beneath your hoof!”
  1878. >The large drone snarls at you, exposing his sharp fangs. You hesitantly take a step back, but immediately stop yourself. You can’t back down now. You must remain strong!
  1879. “You’re tough Gaster, maybe tough enough to survive all of this. But do you think you’ve got what it takes to return to the hive all by yourself? Because right now I don’t think Knives and I are going to survive this fight...”
  1880. >Gaster’s eyes shift from you to Knives.
  1881. “I know it doesn’t matter what happens to me… but Knives is too important to risk! She’s the last of her brood, she’s the Queen’s favorite!”
  1882. >Gaster stops snarling as he continues to stare at the petite mare.
  1883. “We need that pony sergeant! He’s a trained soldier! He can help!”
  1884. >The drone takes in a deep breath as he contemplates the words you just said.
  1885. >He looks down at the pony, whose face is beginning to grow pale.
  1886. >“As much as I HATE the idea of working with a pony… my swarmmate here makes a pretty good point.”
  1887. >The drone lowers his head just inches from the pony’s face.
  1888. >“Help us kill the coven of hags and we’ll let you and the filly go back on your merry way. Do we have ourselves a deal?”
  1889. >The pony stares at the drone, his throat still constricted and unable to speak. His eyes slowly begin to close.
  1890. >“I’ll take that as a yes.”
  1891. >Gaster removes his hoof. The pony gasps for air, his lungs expanding widely from the much needed oxygen.
  1892. >*Cough* *Cough*
  1893. >“Knives! Keep an eye on him! If he does something stupid, slit his throat.”
  1894. >The mare nods as her vision shifts towards the stallion struggling to regain his breath.
  1895. >Gaster lifts up the pony’s spear.
  1896. >“Thorax! Here!” The drone slams the wooden shaft against your chest. “Hold on to this until we get to the coven. Don’t let the pony near it until then.”
  1897. >Just as you take the spear within your hooves, Gaster grabs you by the shoulder and pulls you close.
  1898. >“Never disobey me again private…”
  1899. >Gaster grits his fangs as he stares at you angrily.
  1900. >“When I order you to remain quiet, you remain quiet! Do you understand!?”
  1901. “Y-yes sir.”
  1902. >The drone moves in even closer, his blue eyes almost on top of yours.
  1903. >“If you disobey me one more time… I fucking swear… if the hags don’t kill you, then I will!”
  1904. >The drone grabs a hold of your face.
  1905. >“Do I make myself clear you little worthless maggot!”
  1906. “y-yea...”
  1907. >“What?!”
  1908. “Yes sir!”
  1909. >“Good!”
  1910. >Gaster throws your head back, causing your body to violently slam into the hard stone wall.
  1911. >The angry drone returns his attention to the pony struggling to get back on all fours.
  1912. >“Quit dickin’ around pony! We’ve got a coven to kill.”
  1913. >“I’m not… going… anywhere…” The pony says as he regains his breath.
  1914. >“Excuse me?”
  1915. >“I know all about you… insect scum! All you do... is deceive! I’m not falling... for your lies!”
  1916. >Gaster squints angrily at the pony.
  1917. >“The filly I’m looking for... obviously isn’t back there. You’re just tricking me into doing your dirty work!”
  1918. >“Filly or not… the only way you’re getting out of here alive is if you help us!”
  1919. >“You really expect me to believe you’ll just let me walk away once this done?!”
  1920. >“Are you calling me a liar?”
  1921. >“HA!” The pony scoffs. “You’re an evil changeling! All you do is lie and steal love that isn’t yours! I bet even that coven of hags are better creatures than you!”
  1922. >Gaster’s eye twitches.
  1923. >“You really think that?”
  1924. >The veteran drone moves in closer to the guard; the pony remains unwavering.
  1925. >“Do you not smell the rotting flesh?” The drone spreads his front hooves in the air.
  1926. >The pony remains steadfast.
  1927. >“Did you not notice the death traps?” The drone illuminates his horn, shinning green light upon the adjacent tripwire and overhanging steel grate.
  1928. >“Wh-what?” The pony gasps as he looks upwards.
  1929. >“You know NOTHING pony!”
  1930. >Gaster leans in closer.
  1931. >“Perhaps I should teach you a few things…”
  1932. >“Uhh…well…” The guard nervously edges against the cave wall to get away from the vicious changeling. “This still doesn’t change the fact the filly isn’t down here!”
  1933. “But she is...” You nervously pipe in.
  1934. >Gaster rolls his eyes.
  1935. “Knives said she saw a filly when she scouted ahead. Right Knives?”
  1936. >The mare stares at the three of you blankly for a moment, and then nods just barely.
  1937. >“Really?” The pony replies skeptically. “Tell me what the filly looked like then?”
  1938. >The mare stares blankly at the pony in silence.
  1939. “Uhh… she can’t tell you… she’s mute…”
  1940. >“Mute?”
  1941. >The pony rolls his eyes
  1942. >“/Oh/… of course she’s mute.”
  1943. “No really. See doesn’t speak-”
  1944. >“Shut up bug! You really need to learn how to lie! You’re a real embarrassment to your entire race-”
  1945. >“What did you say!”
  1946. >Gaster grabs hold of the the pony by the collar, angrily looking the pony in the eye.
  1947. >“That /bug/ is a highly trained field medic who has already saved multiple lives, including your own!”
  1948. >The pony begins to shake in fear.
  1949. >“Insult him again and I’ll rip your tongue out.”
  1950. >“Alright! Alright! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The pony looks nervously off to the side as Gaster releases him.
  1951. “Thanks sergeant”
  1952. >“Shut up Thorax!”
  1953. >Gaster turns to Knives
  1954. >“Knives, no bullshit. Did you see the filly back there or didn’t you?”
  1955. >The mare nods.
  1956. >“Really? Then lets see?”
  1957. >The mare nods. She is immediately engulfed in green flame.
  1958. >A tiny filly lies before the three of you. Her light purple coat is littered with dark patches of grime. Her yellow mane lies matted, filled with dirt and debris. She lies trembling upon the ground--her eyes reddened and irritated--streams of tears lining either side of her snout.
  1959. >“Oh sweet Celestia!” The Royal Guard cries out.
  1960. >Your heart pains looking at the tattered filly. The poor thing looks weak and malnourished, likely about to pass out at any moment.
  1961. >“So... are you convinced?” Gaster asks.
  1962. >The cave flashes green as Knives transforms back to her true form.
  1963. >“She’s really back there… isn’t she…”
  1964. >“Yeah… and so are three savage killers…”
  1965. >“But… but why would anypony do something like this?”
  1966. >Gaster looks contemplatively at the distraught guard.
  1967. >“You don’t know… do you?”
  1968. >“Know what?”
  1969. >“How hags reproduce?”
  1970. >“R-reproduce?”
  1971. >“They snatch fillies when no one is looking, dragging them back to their lair. After performing the proper rituals... they… actually, nevermind. We should get moving…”
  1972. >“They what!”
  1973. >“…”
  1974. >“Tell me!”
  1975. >“They devour the filly whole.”
  1976. >The pony cringes, visualizing the tiny purple filly screaming as a hag consumes her.
  1977. >“A week later, the hag gives birth to a filly. The filly looks just like she used to... until her 13th birthday. When that time comes the filly transforms into a splitting image of the vile hag that spawned her.”
  1978. >“Oh no… oh no!”
  1979. >“Oh yes… I shit you not.”
  1980. >The pony looks into the darkness of the cave.
  1981. >“So... still think a bug that feeds on love is worse compared to a unicorn that devours fillies?”
  1982. >Shrugging off Gaster’s ridicule, the pony turns to the small changeling mare.
  1983. >“Sh… she’s still alive back there?!”
  1984. >Knives nods.
  1985. >“But not for long.” Gaster butts in. “Well… as a normal pony at least…”
  1986. >The guard returns his gaze to the darkness of the chasm, trembling.
  1987. >“So pony? Are you convinced? I know all of us /evil changelings/ are just a bunch of compulsive liars...”
  1988. >“Yeah… I’m convinced. I’ll help you kill you the coven, as long as I have your word that no harm will come to myself or the filly after the deed is done.”
  1989. >“Of course.”
  1990. >The pony extends a hoof to the drone.
  1991. >Gaster looks down at the pony’s hoof and then back to the stallion's face. The pony stares at him expectantly.
  1992. >The old drone lets out a sigh as he lifts his front hoof and shakes with the pony.
  1993. >“And one more thing." Gaster says as he grips the pony’s hoof. "You best keep this little partnership a secret. I’ve got a reputation to uphold, and if word gets out about this, then it's not going to be good for either of us.”
  1994. >“You won’t have to worry about that." The pony says, sternly looking into the changeling’s large blue eyes. "I plan on forgetting all about you three insects the moment me and the filly are out of this cave!”
  1995. >“Good!” Gaster detaches his hoof. “Enough fucking around then. Let go!”
  1996. >Carefully stepping over the tripwire, Gaster and Knives begin their descent through into the cave, the drone’s horn illuminating the way.
  1997. >Gulping nervously at the overhanging grate, the pony cautiously begins to move forward.
  1998. >Tightly gripping the guard's spear in your hoof, you follow the pony into the dark passageway.
  1999. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvwtYo5glnU
  2000. >The four of you continue in silence.
  2001. >The floor steadily declines as you delve deeper into the cave.
  2002. >You spot another large mirror firmly attached to a stalactite.
  2003. >Going further into the depths you notice more and more of these reflectors, each angled to send the terrifying beam of light you encountered last night outwards towards the surface.
  2004. >As the tunnel begins to open up, the size of the overhanging stalactites increases as well.
  2005. >You can’t help but to cower beneath them as they loom over you.
  2006. >It feels as if you’re between the jaws of a huge beast, its fangs ready to crash down upon you any second.
  2007. >The stench of death begins to grow stronger, the vile smell biting through your nostrils.
  2008. >Despite having an empty stomach, you fight back the urge to vomit.
  2009. >You continue forward, doing your best to shrug off the odor.
  2010. >You feel a soft crunching beneath your hooves.
  2011. >Tilting your head downwards to investigate, you begin to take a closer look.
  2012. >It appears to be small pieces of some sort of-
  2013. “Umph!”
  2014. >You bump into the metal-plated rear of the guard pony.
  2015. >The party has stopped.
  2016. >Gaster and the pony are looking down at the floor as Knives continues to stare straight ahead.
  2017. >Gaster squints, focusing intently upon the ground.
  2018. >His large blue eyes suddenly go wide in surprise, his head reeling back in disgust.
  2019. >Your attention diverts to where he is looking.
  2020. >It’s some sort of large, black, curved piece of-
  2021. “…”
  2022. >>Two large voids...
  2023. >Your body trembles in fear.
  2024. >>...pull your gaze towards them...
  2025. >You begin to grow dizzy.
  2026. >>...almost as if...
  2027. >A tear rolls down your cheek.
  2028. >>...the voids were staring back.
  2029. “…”
  2030. >Its an eyeless face.
  2031. >A changeling’s eyeless face.
  2032. >They ripped it off.
  2033. >The crunching.
  2034. >It’s chitin.
  2035. >You're walking on chitin.
  2036. >Gaster’s face quickly changes from disgust to anger.
  2037. >He huffs forward down the passageway, enraged.
  2038. >The rest of the party follows after him.
  2039. >You do your best not to look at the sheets of chitin littering the hallway.
  2040. >Your body cringes each time you feel a small shard of your fallen comrades beneath your hooves.
  2041. >But you keep going.
  2042. >The stray shards of chitin eventually turns into piles.
  2043. >So many changelings have fallen here.
  2044. >So much death…
  2045. >Gaster stops.
  2046. >Ahead of your party hangs something from a stalactite.
  2047. >It's too dark to tell what it is, all you can make out is a thin rope suspending some sort of figure.
  2048. >Gaster and the three of you slowly approach.
  2049. >The stench of decaying flesh is nearly unbearable at this point.
  2050. >Gaster shines his light upon the figure.
  2051. >“GHA!”
  2052. >“AHH!”
  2053. “NO!”
  2054. >The pony in front of you vomits onto the ground.
  2055. >A horrific mess of white and green sinew hangs before you.
  2056. >It's a drone.
  2057. >Not a single piece of chitin remains, all being ripped off and discarded upon the floor.
  2058. >One of its back legs is tied to the rope hanging from the ceiling; the other three hang limply.
  2059. >The changeling’s belly lies slit down the middle, decaying entrails hanging out though the opening.
  2060. >His throat--also slit--contains a trail of blood moving downwards across its face.
  2061. >The drone’s forked tongue hangs loosely from its mouth, dangling between its two sharp fangs.
  2062. >Its two large eyes have begun to turn white in decay.
  2063. >*Drip*
  2064. >A drop of blood that collected upon the changeling’s horn falls to the floor.
  2065. >Beneath the corpse lies a large ceramic bowl half-full with the green blood.
  2066. >Additional tears of fright and sorrow pour from your eyes.
  2067. “W-w-why… why would anyone do this?...”
  2068. >Gaster turns around.
  2069. >Seeing your frightened state, he lets out a sympathetic sigh.
  2070. >“The blood… it looks like… they’re collecting the blood…”
  2071. “But… but why?”
  2072. >“I don’t know… But it's time we put a stop to it! We must keep going!”
  2073. >The guard pony lifts his head up from the ground, his stomach now empty of all its contents.
  2074. >“I… I can’t do this…” He utters as he quickly turns around and begins to walk back.
  2075. >“You leave, you die!” Gaster says firmly.
  2076. >The pony pauses.
  2077. >“If we keep going... we’ll all die down here!”
  2078. >The pony resumes walking towards you.
  2079. >You are the only thing standing between him and the exit.
  2080. >Knives levitates a dagger out from her sheath.
  2081. “Wait!”
  2082. >He stops directly in front of you; fear and uncertainty rampant upon his young face.
  2083. “We can do this if we work together!”
  2084. >The pony looks at you while shivering in terror.
  2085. >“I… I…” Tears begin to pour from his face. “I’m just an earth pony… Just what do you expect me to do!”
  2086. “D-don’t say that… you're a trained soldier!”
  2087. >“Yeah… well… I’m guessing so was he!”
  2088. >He motions to the decaying corpse hanging from the stalactite.
  2089. >“I just enlisted a few months ago! I don’t know how to fight hags! This is princess-level stuff!”
  2090. >Gaster and Knives stare at you intently. A glowing dagger hovering in the air, ready to strike the pony from behind.
  2091. “I know you're scared... we all are… but you need to remain calm…”
  2092. >You place your front hoof on his shoulder.
  2093. >He cringes and quickly shrugs it off.
  2094. >“Remain calm?? Just how am I supposed to do that?!” The pony begins to raise his voice in frustration.
  2095. >“Be quiet!” Gaster growls. “Or else you’re dead!”
  2096. >“It doesn’t matter!” The guard fires back at Gaster “Either you kill me now or I die fighting against those hags!”
  2097. >He nervously eyes the opening between you and the cave wall.
  2098. >Knives levitates her dagger closer to the guard's throat.
  2099. “What do you mean it doesn’t matter? W-what about that filly! Does she not matter!”
  2100. >The pony stiffens up.
  2101. “You saw what she looked like, trembling and scared!”
  2102. >His face turns to the ground, looking at his hooves.
  2103. “She needs help! She needs someone to come and rescue her!”
  2104. >“I… I…”
  2105. “She needs you!”
  2106. >A tear drop falls from his lowered head onto the floor.
  2107. >Breathing shakily, the pony remains motionless debating what to do.
  2108. >You continue to look at him with pleading eyes as Knives’ dagger remains hovering in the air.
  2109. >“You’re… You’re right…”
  2110. >Your body is overcome with a wave of relief.
  2111. >“I’ll do this… for the filly-”
  2112. >“Are you done?” Gaster interrupts.
  2113. >The pony looks over his shoulder to see an angry drone and a floating dagger staring back at him.
  2114. >“Yeah… I’m done…”
  2115. >“You better be! We’re getting close, and if you don’t quite your bitchin you're going to give us away and get us all killed! And if you even think about turning tail again, you're as good as dead! You got that?!”
  2116. >Accepting his fate, the pony lets out a deep sigh.
  2117. >“Yeah…”
  2118. >“Good! Now follow me!”
  2119. >The drone storms forward.
  2120. >Knives levitates her dagger back into her sheath as the three of you continue into the cavern.
  2121. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvwtYo5glnU
  2122. >You pass by the decaying corpse of the changeling, only to see another come into view.
  2123. >And then another....
  2124. >...and another
  2125. >Their faces stare at you.
  2126. >Mouths ajar, some appear locked in screams of agony.
  2127. >Almost as if-
  2128. >You body shudders as a dreadful thought comes to mind.
  2129. >These changelings suffered.
  2130. >They suffered tremendously.
  2131. >You have an almost certain feeling that...
  2132. >Their chitin continues to crunch beneath your hooves.
  2133. >...they were deshelled alive.
  2134. >These hags…
  2135. >How could a being be so... despicable...
  2136. >They must be stopped.
  2137. >For your brothers and sisters, for the love of everything good in the world, they must be stopped!
  2138. >The corpses hanging from the ceiling are getting worse, both in terms of decay and gruesomeness.
  2139. >Some are missing limbs.
  2140. >Some have chunks of flesh ripped out from them.
  2141. >Where the missing body parts are, you have no idea.
  2142. >You hear something faint in the distance.
  2143. >Gaster halts, listening closely.
  2144. >You hear voices coming from the end of the tunnel.
  2145. >It’s chanting.
  2146. >The coven is not far now.
  2147. >Gaster turns around.
  2148. >He points a hoof at the spear you are carrying and then motions to the guard pony.
  2149. >You comply, giving the pony back his weapon.
  2150. >The four of you continue on, walking slowly and cautiously.
  2151. >The chanting grows louder.
  2152. >You are unable to make out the words.
  2153. >Whether its some ancient language or gibberish, you can't tell.
  2154. >All you know for certain is the voices are bizarre, like nothing you’ve ever heard before.
  2155. >A faint orange light comes from the end of the tunnel.
  2156. >Gaster eliminates the green glow from his horn as you continue on.
  2157. >The hallway opens up into a large cavern.
  2158. >You all stick to the shadows as you peer into the room.
  2159. >Multiple braziers--each filled with glowing red coals--shed a faint light throughout the chamber.
  2160. >A large, rectangular, pony-sized vat lies on the far right side of the room.
  2161. >Several green lines of fluid drip down from the rim of the steel container, the substance undoubtedly the essence of your fallen comrades.
  2162. >The inside walls of the vat are stained with more of the green blood, with a small pool forming at the very bottom of the container.
  2163. >On the left of the cavern lies a large clear crystal resting upon a large stone pedestal.
  2164. >The gemstone--more than twice the size of your head--glistens brilliantly, giving off a luster not unlike that of a diamond.
  2165. >The top of the crystal, flattened and finely polished, points to a mirror suspended directly above your head.
  2166. >In the center of the chamber lies a large stone table.
  2167. >Three gruesome figures stand around it, chanting ominously.
  2168. >Upon the table lies a scared filly, eyes closed and shivering.
  2169. >You can taste the emotion emanating from the guard pony as he stares at the foal compassionately.
  2170. >You too can’t help but to feel sympathy for her.
  2171. >But mixed in with that sympathy is anger.
  2172. >Seeing your dozens of your dead brothers and sisters…
  2173. >Seeing their bodies torn apart and desecrated…
  2174. >...fills you with a level of rage you’ve never felt before.
  2175. >These hags must die.
  2176. >You look to each one of the vile creatures making up the coven.
  2177. >Each is different in appearance.
  2178. >The first hag--standing at the center of the table--is a unicorn with a coat of green, matted fur.
  2179. >Her long, frayed white mane stretches down to the floor.
  2180. >She wears a tattered black cloak, stained with blood and other putrid fluids.
  2181. >As she chants you notice her foul yellow teeth, each of which is sharpened to a point.
  2182. >Several moles and warts dot her face, adding to her already grotesque appearance.
  2183. >She stands facing the entrance your party just came through.
  2184. >Your heart races when you notice she is staring right at you.
  2185. >Staring back at her--frozen in fear--you notice something.
  2186. >Her eyes are completely clouded and white.
  2187. >She is blind.
  2188. >You let of a sigh of relief as you look to the hag on the left.
  2189. >She is a large unicorn, easily a head taller compared to the other hags.
  2190. >The mare has a violet coat and a dark black mane.
  2191. >Waving her front hooves in the air, a blue magical aura spirals forth from her horn, fueling the dark ritual the coven is performing.
  2192. >She is shrouded in a dark red cloak and wears a large hanging necklace
  2193. >Intermixed along the necklace are alternating black and white objects, each jagged on one edge and pointed on the other.
  2194. >You immediately recognize them.
  2195. >They’re the fangs and horns of your fallen siblings.
  2196. >Multiple chitinous skulls are also strapped to a belt around her side.
  2197. >You quickly look away, their decaying faces making you sick.
  2198. >You look to the last hag on the right.
  2199. >The unicorn is not covered with fur, but instead blue scales.
  2200. >The most hideous of the three, the mare stands unobscured with any sort of cloak, allowing you to see her horrendous, emaciated body in its entirety.
  2201. >Her ribs are clearly visible upon her sides, while her limbs appear bony and frail.
  2202. >Green strands of what you can only assume is seaweed make up her mane and tail.
  2203. >A large festering wound curves along her cheek.
  2204. >Your training a medic makes you cringe upon seeing this lesion.
  2205. >Clearly infected, the gash spews forth a white frothy puss, making it look absolutely vile.
  2206. >Her glassy green eyes stare lifelessly at the filly in the center of the table.
  2207. >The coven speaks as one, chanting their dark ritual as a blue magical aura swirls around them.
  2208. >Scanning them closely, you notice something slightly off with each of the three hags.
  2209. >They all appear unicorn in nature, but each has something protruding from their sides.
  2210. >You squint, trying to take a closer look.
  2211. >The protrusions appear to be white and red lumps of flesh and bone, like a some sort of disfigured set of wings.
  2212. >At first glance you believe they are wings that have been sewed on, perhaps done in an attempt to make themselves look even more vile.
  2213. >But looking even closer you notice that the limbs are not sewed, they are actually attached.
  2214. >The are growing…
  2215. >Two wings and a horn.
  2216. >Just like the two sisters.
  2217. >Have these unicorns… through some sort of dark ritual involving you fallen brethren… discovered a way to make themselves… alicorns?
  2218. >Gaster taps you to get your attention.
  2219. >Huddled in the shadows of the cavern, your party looks to him as he begins to motion commands.
  2220. >Gaster points to the large, violet coated hag with changeling skulls hanging from her sides.
  2221. >He then motions to himself.
  2222. >The three of you nod in understanding.
  2223. >It only seems natural the Gaster, the most experienced soldier in your swarm, will take on the biggest threat.
  2224. >But not only that, you could tell the drone wanted revenge against that hag in particular.
  2225. >She who decorated herself with changeling body parts as jewelry.
  2226. >Your sergeant was sure to offer her no sympathy.
  2227. >Pointing next to Knives, Gaster then points to the green hag with the clouded eyes.
  2228. >The drone slowly moves his hoof along his throat.
  2229. >Knives nods in understanding.
  2230. >She moves off to the side, getting into position.
  2231. >Gaster next points to the blue scaled hag and then to you and the guard pony.
  2232. >You nod in understanding.
  2233. >The guard however--his eyes watery and on the verge of tears--continues to stare at the filly.
  2234. >Gaster taps the pony and looks at him angrily.
  2235. >The guard, coming to his senses looks back and forth between the veteran drone and the sea hag.
  2236. >He nods, readying his spear.
  2237. >You and the pony move together off into the shadows and getting into position.
  2238. >You watch as Gaster and Knives place one of their hole riddled hooves over their horn.
  2239. >A standard stealth combat technique performed by changelings, by placing your horn in one of your leg holes you are able to conceal the magical aura given off when charging a spell.
  2240. >When trying to remain hidden in the shadows, this technique is invaluable.
  2241. >You follow suit.
  2242. >“N-No…” The filly exhaustively yells as the blue hag grabs hold of her.
  2243. >Lifting her upwards with her scaly hooves, the sea hag continues to stare lifelessly at the terrified filly.
  2244. >The language the coven is speaking with immediately changes as they begin speaking in the common tongue.
  2245. >“/We most evil and vile, we who seek to desecrate and defile/”
  2246. >“/Bring this filly to the fold, of which evil there is untold/”
  2247. >The filly begins to squirm.
  2248. >“EEHHh-” She squeals in pain as the sea hag violently shakes her.
  2249. >The filly--reeling in pain--gives up her efforts and hangs limply.
  2250. >The guard pony standing beside you flinches in anger upon seeing this.
  2251. >You feel anger in your heart as well.
  2252. >“/May she learn to corrupt the pure, so that hate and malice shall endure/”
  2253. >“/May she know to purge all good, in an effort to strengthen the sisterhood/”
  2254. >Gaster begins to charge his horn for an attack, the green light being shielded by his hoof.
  2255. >You do the same.
  2256. >You know your aim is terrible but you don't care.
  2257. >You must help put an end to this.
  2258. >The time has come to slay the hags.
  2259. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzWMKgBRGy8
  2260. >“/May her love disappear, as she fills others with fear/”
  2261. >“/May she offer no mercy to the dying, as she she takes joy in their crying/”
  2262. >The sea hag stops chanting, leaving her grotesque mouth ajar.
  2263. >Saliva drips from her sharp yellow fangs.
  2264. ““/From her demise, a new hag shall arise/”
  2265. >“/A being whose heart is filled with blackness, a being of woe and a bringer of sadness/”
  2266. >*Click*
  2267. >*Click*
  2268. >The sea hag’s lower jaw detaches.
  2269. >“/Consume the foal, devour her whole/”
  2270. >The scaled hag opens her mouth to a size which seems unfathomable.
  2271. >“/Consume the foal, devour her whole/”
  2272. >The filly squeals in terror, staring into the terrifying jaws of the hag.
  2273. >“/Consume the foal, devour her whole/”
  2274. >“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!”
  2275. >The guard pony screams as he darts towards the hag gripping the filly.
  2276. >Each member of the coven turns to his cry.
  2277. >“EAT THIS!”
  2278. >The pony plunges his spear into the gaping mouth of the sea hag.
  2279. >The spear forcefully penetrates her upper neck.
  2280. >A splattering and blood shoots out the other side, followed by a blood soaked spearhead.
  2281. >The pony’s gaze locks with that of the vile sea hag, her lifeless eyes staring into him as she hangs from the end of his spear.
  2282. >She falls forth onto the table, the filly still firmly in her grasp.
  2283. >“INTRUDERS!” The blind hag yells as her horn begins to glow. “IT’S THE CHANGELINGS!”
  2284. >Turning from the carnage of her impaled sister, the large violet hag spins towards the entry way.
  2285. >Her horn turns bright white as she summons a powerful spell.
  2286. >*PPPHHHH*
  2287. >Her head flails back as a green bolt of magic hits her in the forehead.
  2288. >A spray of blood intermixed with fragments of skull and brain shoot out from the back of her head as Gaster’s attack strikes true.
  2289. >Her large body falls to the floor with a thud, the spell fizzling from her horn.
  2290. >The hag’s necklace of beaks upon striking the ground, scattering a set of changeling horns and fangs across the floor.
  2291. >Two sharp daggers shoot out towards the green hag, slicing through the air like a green blur.
  2292. >“ILLUMINATE!” The blind hag yells out.
  2293. >A bright beam of light shoots forth from the large crystal on the left side of the room.
  2294. >The beam materializes directly over you, hitting a mirror above your head.
  2295. >The entire cave lights up with a blinding luminescence.
  2296. >Your spell dissipates from your horn.
  2297. >The green magical aura propelling the daggers forward disappears.
  2298. >Knives’ weapons continue through the air narrowly missing their target.
  2299. >Each blade slams into the stone wall behind the green hag and then clangs harmlessly upon the floor.
  2300. >Gaster, yourself, and Knives stare helplessly at the white beam directly above you.
  2301. >Your mouth immediately begins to salivate.
  2302. “The light…”
  2303. >“No! NO!” Gaster yells out.
  2304. >You can taste it.
  2305. “So much lovvvVVVVWRRRHHHHAAA HISSSS-SSS-SSS AAAHHH”
  2306. >“Dammit! FUCKING DAMMMMHHHHHAAA! GHAAAAAAAA!”
  2307. >The intensity of the beam is so overwhelming you immediately lose yourselves.
  2308. >Screaming and hissing, you are powerless to resist its intoxicating effects.
  2309. >Only Knives remains quiet, but she too is transfixed on the beam.
  2310. >The light feels as if it is teeming with love, you must get closer!
  2311. >You each springforth and begin flying wildly at the beam.
  2312. >Slamming into each other and the stone ceiling of the cavern, the three of you fly in and out of the light.
  2313. >A scalding pain strikes your chitin each time you enter the beam, causing you to fall to the floor.
  2314. >However, each fall is short lived as you quickly recover and immediately fly back into the light.
  2315. >The scalding is agonizing, but you can’t stop.
  2316. >You must keep flying towards the light!
  2317. >It is all that matters!
  2318. >You must have the light!
  2319. ~~~~~~~~~~~
  2320. >“YES! Fly towards the light you mindless drones! Fly until it roasts your chitin right off!” The green hag yells.
  2321. >Her shrieking voice brings you to your senses.
  2322. >You are a royal guard, alone, surrounded by a horrific scene of carnage.
  2323. >Turning from the hideous sight of the impaled sea hag, you look to the green hag at the end of the table.
  2324. >Her clouded eyes are staring right at you.
  2325. >You freeze.
  2326. >A large smile forms upon her lips, exposing her vile, yellow stained teeth.
  2327. >Behind you the changelings scream out in pain, flying maniacally in and out at the bright beam permeating across the room.
  2328. >The hag stands still, listening.
  2329. >Her smile slowly disappears.
  2330. >“Sisters?” Fear is present in her voice as she hesitantly turns her head from side to side.
  2331. >Your heart fills with relief, she doesn’t know you're still standing here!
  2332. >She must have thought you were one of the changelings under the effects of the beam.
  2333. >With a front hoof cautiously outstretched, the blind hag begins to approach the violet hag lying upon the ground.
  2334. >“Sister… are you alright?”
  2335. >Her front hoof bumps into the hag’s corpse.
  2336. >“Sister?! Say something!”
  2337. >She’s distracted...
  2338. >You can end this!
  2339. >Right here right now!
  2340. >You begin to slowly pull your spear from the disgusting maw of the sea hag.
  2341. >The green hag continues to blindly feel upon the ground.
  2342. >The spear isn’t budging.
  2343. >You attempt to pull harder, but it is still firmly implanted in the grotesque carnage.
  2344. >“Sister! SISTER!”
  2345. >The hag screams out in terror as she steps into the pool of blood forming around the violet hag’s head.
  2346. >You give the shaft a quick yank-
  2347. >*CRACK*
  2348. >The wooden shaft lets out a loud snap as the spearhead snaps off and falls onto the table.
  2349. >Your eyes open wide in terror as the green hag turns to the noise.
  2350. >“Sister?”
  2351. >You stand paralyzed in fear, unsure of what to do as your only weapon lies broken in front of you.
  2352. >The hag begins to feel the corpse of the dead sea hag lying upon the table.
  2353. >“Help me!” The filly whimpers to you from the clutches of the deceased hag.
  2354. >Hearing this, a sense of purpose fills your fear stricken mind.
  2355. >She’s the reason you came here!
  2356. >You can grab the filly and bolt out of this cave of horrors before the hag even notices!
  2357. >Now is your chance!
  2358. >With both front hooves extended you spring forth.
  2359. >“Get over here you revolting brat!”
  2360. >The hag scoops up the filly and pins her against her chest.
  2361. >Your metal hoof guards clang against the table as you just barely miss her.
  2362. >“WHAT?!”
  2363. >The hag’s clouded eyes stare angrily in your direction.
  2364. >Her horn begins to glow white.
  2365. >Slamming yourself to the ground, a load clap of thunder nearly deafens you as a bolt of lightning shoots out from her horn.
  2366. >“I SHALL BATHE IN YOUR BLOOD CHANGELING SCUM!”
  2367. >The hag’s hideous face comes into view as she rounds the table, death and anger shooting out from her eyes.
  2368. >You run for it!
  2369. >Another bolt of lightning rips out from the hag’s horn, narrowly missing as you dart towards the passageway.
  2370. >A dark blue magical field immediately materializes at of the exit of chamber, blocking your path.
  2371. >“There is no escape!” The hag yells from behind you, charging her horn for another attack.
  2372. >You veer left.
  2373. >Spotting a large steel vat you immediately lunge behind it for cover.
  2374. >“Hiding is useless! You have nowhere to run and I can hear your every move! ...Especially in the bulky piece of armor you're wearing!
  2375. “Darnit!”
  2376. >You curse at your gold barding. It never fit right. Despite it being the smallest set of Royal Guard armor available, it was still too large and clunky for you.
  2377. >She shoots out another bolt of the lightning at the vat as you continue to hunker down in fear.
  2378. >A wisp of green smoke fills the air as the changeling blood begins to boil from the intense heat.
  2379. >“I don’t understand… No changeling should be able to resist the effects of the light!”
  2380. >She continues to walk closer to where you are hiding.
  2381. >“Wait… you’re not one of those insects... are you?”
  2382. >Her clouded eyes squint at you inquisitively.
  2383. >“Surely that can’t be a guard pony lumbering around in that metal barding… can it? Oh… of course! You’re here for the filly, aren’t you?”
  2384. >“EEHHH!” The filly screams out in pain as the hag tightens her grip.
  2385. “LEAVE HER ALONE!”
  2386. >You yell, sticking your head over the vat.
  2387. >Just as you yell, another lightning bolt shoots forth from her horn.
  2388. >You quickly duck-
  2389. “GGGGHHHHHHAAAHHHH!”
  2390. >The bolt strikes the top part of your helmet, completely burning away the blue ornamental fur.
  2391. >The scalding hot metal sears your face and scalp.
  2392. >Pain stinging across face, you collapse to the ground, yelling in agony.
  2393. >“Yes... scream! SCREAM! You shall pay for what you’ve done to my sisters you Royal Guard scum!”
  2394. >You tear off your helmet and throw it to the ground, tearing of bits of fur and flesh in the process.
  2395. >Panting in and out heavily, you clutch your charred face in pain as your body curls into the fetal position.
  2396. >Shivering against the cold steel vat, you feel someone breathing against your raw, charred skin.
  2397. >Cringing in fear.... you hesitantly force your charred eyelids open.
  2398. >The hag stands directly over you, a sadistic grin on her face.
  2399. >“Your time is up pony...”
  2400. >This is it…
  2401. >She has you…
  2402. >And there is nothing you can do...
  2403. >Tears stream down your face, stinging against your seared skin.
  2404. >“I can hear your sniveling you pathetic coward! You cry more than the little one does! Speaking of which...”
  2405. >The a field of dark blue magic envelopes the terrified filly. She is quickly thrown across the room into a steel barred cage. The metal door slams shut behind her.
  2406. >“I’ll deal with the little brat later… as soon as you a properly /disposed/ of...”
  2407. >She smiles a toothy grin, exposing her sharp yellow teeth.
  2408. >You scoot backwards in an attempt to get away, but bump against the immovable steel vat.
  2409. >“But know this… before you die this day, you shall be the first pony to bear witness to my... transformation.”
  2410. “P-Please-”
  2411. >“SHUT UP!”
  2412. >Her front hoof slams against the side of your disfigured face.
  2413. >“There is magic in those vermin’s blood…” The hag motions to the changelings flying about the room.
  2414. >“A powerful magic... And one that can be harnessed! Do you know what this means you blubbering coward?
  2415. “M-mercy... plea-”
  2416. >*SLAM*
  2417. >“It means that soon those unworthy princesses of yours will no longer the only beings in Equestria that possess alicorn magic…”
  2418. >The hag spreads her grotesque, sinewy wings.
  2419. >“Each day my power grows stronger! I can /feel/ the magical energy coursing through my veins... It’s just a matter of time before it is finally complete!”
  2420. >The hag continues to tower over your trembling body.
  2421. >“Now… bear witness to my new magical abilities!”
  2422. >The hag extends her front hoof into the air.
  2423. >Her expression shifts to pained concentration.
  2424. >A bright flurry of green flames erupts from her hoof, causing you to flinch back.
  2425. >“Through the blood of changelings… not only can I bear the wings of an alicorn…”
  2426. >Her green coat begins to sear off as thin fragments of bone and sinew begin to protrude from her hoof.
  2427. >“But also... I possess the power to grow the claws of a DRAGON!”
  2428. >The green fire extinguishes revealing four thin, long claws protruding from what once her front right hoof.
  2429. >Drops of blood fall from the horrendous masses of bone and flesh as small trails of steam emanate from her new appendage.
  2430. >“Impressive… aren’t they?” She says with a pained smile.
  2431. >As she dangles the razor sharp claws in front of your face, you cringe back, preparing for the worst.
  2432. >The hag slowly places her claws upon the steel vat, just inches above your head.
  2433. >“Today these claws shall rip through your flesh… and soon enough... they shall tear into Celestia herself!”
  2434. >The hag’s head points upward, rejoicing with a smile.
  2435. >“I can almost hear her screams now...”
  2436. >*SSSSSSCCCCCCCCCRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCHHHHHH*
  2437. >The hag slowly drags her claws downwards against the steel vat, letting out a gut-wrenching squeal.
  2438. >Something nudges against your front hoof.
  2439. >Something warm.
  2440. >Something... metal?
  2441. >It's your helmet! Surrounded in a magical yellow aura!
  2442. >Further back you see a filly in the confines of a steel cage--her horn glowing bright---struggling to move your helmet towards you!
  2443. >You grip the helmet in your hoof and delivery a solid blow to the unsuspecting hag!
  2444. >“GHAAA!”
  2445. >She screams in pain as several of her pointed yellow teeth fall to the floor.
  2446. >Invigorated with adrenaline and courage, you quickly jump back to all four legs as the impact of your blow wavers her off to the side.
  2447. >Holding the helmet with both of your front hooves, you swing at her again with all the strength you can muster!
  2448. >Her claws shoot out and meet your helmet!
  2449. >Pieces of metal clang to the ground as her talons rip through your headgear with ease.
  2450. >All that exist in your hooves now are two small curved pieces of your broken helmet.
  2451. >Looking up at the hag, she stares at you furiously, blood dripping from her mouth.
  2452. >“I shall disembowel you for that you insolent-”
  2453. >You toss both pieces metal at the hag's face and bolt for the other side of the room.
  2454. >Another bolt of lightning shoots out from her horn, narrowly missing you.
  2455. >You quickly gallop to the other side of the chamber zigzagging left and right as more bolts ring out.
  2456. >“YOU SHALL PAY!”
  2457. >Stray bolts ricochet off the stone walls, floor, and ceiling as the hag shoots wildly in a fit a rage.
  2458. >You dive behind the only piece of cover you can find, the stone pedestal holding the glowing crystal.
  2459. >The hag stops firing as she realizes where you are, her enraged face scrunching up in frustration.
  2460. >“Why must you continue to delay the inevitable!”
  2461. >She cautiously begins to approach the pillar, carefully listening to your every move.
  2462. >You might be small and quick, but you know it’s only a matter of time before she finally hits you.
  2463. >One direct hit and you’re done for...
  2464. >The burns upon your scalp begin to sting as an uncomfortable heat radiates upon them.
  2465. >You look upwards.
  2466. >At the top of the pedestal stands the large translucent crystal, emanating both a bright light and an intense heat.
  2467. >Following the beam you see three changelings maniacally flying in and out of the scalding ray.
  2468. >Their chitin is beginning to develop severe burn marks…
  2469. >...just like the burns across your face.
  2470. >You let out a deep-hearted sigh.
  2471. >There’s no way you can fight this hag on your own.
  2472. >You need their help just as much as they need yours.
  2473. >Your attention turns to the gleaming crystal.
  2474. >Destroying the source of the beam is the only way you’ll be able to free them.
  2475. >Firmly grasping the heavy crystal, you being sliding it off its holder.
  2476. >Light continues to shoot out, causing the changelings to veer left and right each time the beam shifts.
  2477. >“NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING! STOP!”
  2478. >A dark blue aura shoots out from the hag’s horn as she attempts to grab hold of the crystal.
  2479. >As her magic comes in contact with the gem it immediately gets absorbed and vanishes from view.
  2480. >The beam of light immediately becomes brighter.
  2481. >“Cursed stone!”
  2482. >She can’t use magic on the gem!
  2483. >Invigorated by her failure, you continue to lift the crystal with all your might!
  2484. >The heat radiating from the crystal begins to soak through your metal hoof guards.
  2485. >“WAIT! That crystal is an ancient artifact from the days of old! It's the only one of its kind!”
  2486. >You continue to strain as you attempt to lift.
  2487. >“It once stopped the changelings swarms from controlling the entire realm! It’s far too powerful a weapon against the changelings to destroy!”
  2488. >You look contemplatively into the crystal.
  2489. >An artifact like this could defend the entire city of Canterlot from another changeling assault...
  2490. >Actually… this crystal would be of a immense benefit for all of Equestria!
  2491. >The hag begins to slowly approach.
  2492. “STOP RIGHT THERE!”
  2493. >“Alright... alright… Surely, you are a wise pony. You know that the changelings are not to be trusted.”
  2494. >You look to the changelings as they continue to hiss and scream.
  2495. “YEAH, AND NEITHER ARE YOU!”
  2496. >“WAIT! Wait! Hear me out pony, please!” The hag wipes the blood from her bleeding mouth as she continues to speak. “I assuming they tricked... or coerced you into helping defeat me? Surely you understand that even if you destroy that crystal and we’re able to slay me, the changelings still wouldn't let you or the filly leave this cave alive.”
  2497. “…”
  2498. >A small grin forms in the corner of the hag's mouth.
  2499. “The thought… crossed my mind, yes…”
  2500. >“Well… what if I told you there is a way that you can make it out of here alive?”
  2501. >The hag smiles, her bloodied yellow teeth sliding against her curled lips.
  2502. >“Why don’t we make a deal?”
  2503. >You stare at her reluctantly.
  2504. >You are running out of options and she has a point, the changelings definitely can’t be trusted.
  2505. “I’m listening…”
  2506. >“Put down the crystal, leave this place and never return. I’ll do you no harm.”
  2507. “The filly! Let her go too!”
  2508. >“NO!”
  2509. >The hag’s smile disappears.
  2510. >“You slayed my sisters! I need to rebuild my coven! The filly stays with me!”
  2511. “Then no deal!”
  2512. >You begin to raise the heavy crystal into the air.
  2513. >“Wait! WAIT! What else is it that you desire! I can offer you wealth, power-”
  2514. “I came here for the filly, I’m not-”
  2515. >“Your voice… You seem rather young.”
  2516. “...What?”
  2517. >“And a little on the frail side, are you not?”
  2518. >You cautiously stare at the hag, unsure what she is scheming.
  2519. >“Ahh yes, of course you are” She says as her clouded eyes stare into yours.
  2520. “Yeah… I’m small, so what!? What do you propose, make me larger?!”
  2521. >“No… that is not what you really desire…”
  2522. >The hag continues to stare at you.
  2523. >“I see much pain in you, my little pony…”
  2524. >You scoff.
  2525. “See? I don’t think so.”
  2526. >“Ha!” The hag snickers to herself. “These eyes may be blind, but that doesn’t mean they cannot /see/. They offer me glimpses of what was… but more importantly… what can be.”
  2527. >She continues to stare into you as the flames of the braziers flicker upon her eyes.
  2528. >“You don’t get a lot of respect from the other guards, do you?
  2529. >You stand there, bewildered.
  2530. >“You don’t have many friends either…”
  2531. “…”
  2532. >“Nor do the mares pay much attention to you.”
  2533. “NO! THEY DON’T! TO TARTARUS WITH YOU AND THIS DEAL YOU REVOLTING HAG!”
  2534. >“But that’s why you are down here… isn’t it?”
  2535. >You tenses up.
  2536. >“To rescue this filly so you can return home a hero!"
  2537. “N-NO!”
  2538. >“That’s why you left home, is it not? You traveled all the way to Canterlot to become a Royal Guard. You want to do something noble so that other ponies will like you for once in your life!”
  2539. “Th-that’s not true! I… I’m here to rescue her because… because it's my duty!”
  2540. >The hag begins to snicker to herself.
  2541. “What are you laughing at?”
  2542. >“Hehehe... Who are you lying to? Me… or yourself?”
  2543. “I… I’m not-”
  2544. >“Enough! I don’t even need my sight to show me this!”
  2545. >The hag points a single claw at you accusingly.
  2546. >“You are down here by yourself! No guard pony would be stupid enough to search Everfree Forest for a missing pony all on their own! That is... unless they wanted all the credit for themselves!”
  2547. “…”
  2548. >You shamefully look upon the ground.
  2549. >She’s right.
  2550. >As much as you hate to admit it, she’s right.
  2551. >“Here’s what I propose my little pony. I will let you rescue this filly.”
  2552. >Your face perks up.
  2553. “Really?”
  2554. >“I will let you take her back to Ponyville. You will become a hero. You will finally earn the respect of your fellow guards. Mares will flock to you. You will have all the friends you ever desired.”
  2555. “Y-you would do that? You would let me rescue her?”
  2556. >“Yes.”
  2557. “Then fine!”
  2558. >“Come back to this cave in one week's time. You will find her at the entrance.”
  2559. “One week… I can’t take her now?”
  2560. >“No! Come back in one week's time. She will be there, you have my word.”
  2561. >Why would she want to keep her for a week-
  2562. “...”
  2563. >Your heart sinks.
  2564. >The hag wants to complete the ritual.
  2565. >She wants to…
  2566. >...consume the foal.
  2567. >“Do you still accept these terms?”
  2568. >“P-please... Help me-”
  2569. >“Shut up you revolting brat!”
  2570. >A wave of magic shoots out from the hag’s horn and strikes the filly, forcefully slamming her against the steel bars of the cage.
  2571. >Letting out a short yelp, the tiny pony falls to the floor of the cage, her body silently quivers in pain.
  2572. >“Ahh… That’s much better…”
  2573. “You… you monster!?”
  2574. >“What? Are you really concerned about THAT?”
  2575. >The hag points a long, sinewy claw at the filly.
  2576. >“You don’t care about her! She is but a means of getting what YOU want, nothing else! Her fate is sealed! Yours however…” The hag points her vile claw back in your direction. “depends on what you decide in the next few moments…”
  2577. >The warmth of the crystal has become almost unbearable as your metal hoof guards continue to absorb more and more heat.
  2578. >Your legs strain beneath the heavy burden of the crystal.
  2579. >You won’t be able to hold it for much longer...
  2580. >“So what’s it going to be pony? Live the rest of your life the way you always wanted…”
  2581. >You could have everything!
  2582. >No more of the abysmal existence you struggle with day by day.
  2583. >You reflect upon your years of loneliness.
  2584. >Being the runt in a large family, constantly bullied by the other ponies for being small.
  2585. >Enlisting in the Royal Guard thinking you’d form a brotherhood with your fellow guards, only to have things turn out like they were before.
  2586. >None of them wanted anything to do with you.
  2587. >You continued to be alone, just as you had been your entire life.
  2588. >“...or will be it certain death?”
  2589. >This is your chance to make it all change.
  2590. >You can have it all!
  2591. >All you need to do is-
  2592. >You look to the imprisoned foal.
  2593. >Her tear-filled eyes are staring at you in defeat… almost as if she already knows what decision you are going to make.
  2594. >“Well?”
  2595. “I…”
  2596. >The filly lies still in the lair of the vile hag, surrounded in a cesspool of despair and horror.
  2597. >She’s completely alone…
  2598. “I…”
  2599. >Just like you.
  2600. “I accept your terms…”
  2601. >“Excellent!” The hag smiles with glee. “I knew you’d listen to reason.”
  2602. >Your vision begins to blur with tea as you accept the consequences of what you’re about to do.
  2603. >The wretched filly continues to look at you, sobbing within the confines of her cage.
  2604. >You wink at her.
  2605. >“Now... please put the crystal back on the pedestal and be on your way. I have a lot of cleaning up to do down here!”
  2606. >You silently begin to raise the crystal into air.
  2607. “Yes… of course…”
  2608. >The filly eyes go wide as she realizes what you're about to do.
  2609. >A small grin forms in the corner of your mouth as the two of you lock eyes.
  2610. >During this moment, for what may have been the first time in years...
  2611. >You didn’t feel alone anymore.
  2612. >“What are you-”
  2613. >Your hooves slam the crystal against the ground as hard as you can.
  2614. >An explosion of white light fills the cavern as the crystal shatters into hundreds of small shards.
  2615. >“NOOOOO!” The hag furiously yells out.
  2616. >The explosion launches your body across the chamber.
  2617. >Your head violently slam against the hard stone wall.
  2618. >You black out.
  2619. ~~~~~~~~~~
  2620. >The beam of light vanishes.
  2621. >You, Gaster, and Knives simultaneously fall to the floor, each of you landing on opposite ends of the chamber.
  2622. >A clang of metal rings out across the room as the armored guard pony violently strikes the stone wall.
  2623. >He collapses to the floor, his body remaining motionless.
  2624. >You pant in and out heavily, your mind recovering to its normal state as your chitin continues to burn.
  2625. >Raising your head, you see Gaster struggling to get to his hooves.
  2626. >Across the room you also see Knives lying face down, motionless upon the floor.
  2627. >“IDIOT GUARD PONY!” The hag yells out.
  2628. >The braziers lighting the chamber go out.
  2629. >“YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST TAKEN THE DEAL!”
  2630. >You attempt to illuminate your horn, but your magic fizzles.
  2631. >Not a single drop of love remains inside you.
  2632. >You’re completely empty.
  2633. >Everything is black.
  2634. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXYyXhPCJUk
  2635. >You stand alone, heart thumping heavily, body trembling in fear.
  2636. >“Swarm! To me!” Gaster’s voice cries out.
  2637. “S-Sargeant? My magic… I’m drained! I… I can’t see anything… Where are you?”
  2638. >“Thorax! Over here!”
  2639. >Barely visible in the darkness is a set of blue eyes.
  2640. >“I see you! Get over here! Follow my eyes!”
  2641. >Just as you begin to move forward, the black room is immediately filled with dozens of blue orbs.
  2642. >“Hehehe.” A hag laughs in the distance.
  2643. >>“Help me!” The filly cries.
  2644. >“You shall pay for what you did to my sisters!” The hag’s voice permeates across the chamber, coming from every direction.
  2645. “Gaster! Where are you?”
  2646. >“Swarm remain calm-”
  2647. >“I’m going to violate you.” The hag’s voice fills the room.
  2648. >“I’m going to desecrate you.”
  2649. >“I’m going to penetrate you.”
  2650. >“I’m going to complicate you.”
  2651. >>“Help me!” The filly cries.
  2652. >“I’ll break apart your insides!”
  2653. >>“Help me!”
  2654. >“I’ll cut you head to tail!”
  2655. >>“Help me!”
  2656. >“The only thing that works for me…”
  2657. >“...is peeling all the flesh from your shells!”
  2658. >“I’m gonna gut you like an animal.”
  2659. >“I’m gonna peel away your insides.”
  2660. >“I’m gonna gut you like an animal!”
  2661. >“From your intestines I’ll gnaw.”
  2662. >“Your blood shall make me a god!”
  2663. >“Swarm! Ignore what you are seeing!” Gaster yells out. “Follow my voice!”
  2664. >“Follow my voice!” A duplicate of Gaster’s voice simultaneously rings out from the other side of the cavern.
  2665. >“Shit!”
  2666. >“Shit!”
  2667. >“She’s mimicking us!”
  2668. >“She’s mimicking us!”
  2669. >“HEHEHE! How does it feel to have a taste of your own medicine, changeling?”
  2670. >You confusingly look around the chamber.
  2671. >The hundreds blue orbs are beginning to slowly spin around the room, making you sick to your stomach.
  2672. “Sergeant?”
  2673. “Sergeant?”
  2674. >You hear your voice call out from the other side of the cavern.
  2675. “W-what should I do?!”
  2676. “W-what should I do?!”
  2677. >>“Please… Help me! ”
  2678. >>“Please… Help me! ”
  2679. >Tears of fright begin to pour from your eyes.
  2680. >You continue to walk backwards as the sound of scurrying hooves fill the cavern.
  2681. >“You can’t stop my elevation!”
  2682. >“You can’t stop my growing of wings!”
  2683. >“In your blood is where I shall bathe!”
  2684. >“You will give me everything!”
  2685. >>“Help me!”
  2686. >“I’ll drink from your lesions!”
  2687. >>“Help me!”
  2688. >“My success I foretell!”
  2689. >>“Help me!”
  2690. >“You’ll make me perfect!”
  2691. >“Help me become somepony else!”
  2692. >“I’m gonna gut you like an animal.”
  2693. >“I’m gonna peel away your insides.”
  2694. >“I’m gonna GUT YOU LIKE AN ANIMAL!”
  2695. >“From your intestines I’ll gnaw.”
  2696. >“Your blood shall make me a god!”
  2697. >“Swarm! Stay where you are!”
  2698. >“Swarm! Stay where you are!”
  2699. >“Close your eyes! Ignore what you see and hear!”
  2700. >“Ignore what you see and hear!”
  2701. >You hesitantly do as Gaster says, slowly closing your eyes.
  2702. >The nauseating blue orbs disappear from view.
  2703. >A burst of wind whizzes by you.
  2704. “AHH!”
  2705. “AHH!”
  2706. >The clattering of metal and glass strike the floor beside you as the contents of your medical bags pour out.
  2707. >Something sharp just ripped through your gear, narrowly missing your chitin.
  2708. >Withdrawing in fear, you nervously edge backwards until you come in contact with the stone wall.
  2709. >Standing there, motionless and afraid, you continue to cower in fear.
  2710. >“Swarm! If something comes close, sink your fangs into it!”
  2711. >“Sink your fangs into it!”
  2712. >“GHHHHHAAA!”
  2713. >“GHHHHHAAA!”
  2714. >Gaster’s yells out from in pain on the other side of the cavern.
  2715. “Sargeant!”
  2716. “Sargeant!”
  2717. >“HEHEHE!” The hag’s high pitched laugh permeates the cavern. “I haven’t had this much fun in ages!”
  2718. >A large force strikes you, slamming you against the stone wall.
  2719. >Your already agitated chitin stings in agony as you recover from the impact.
  2720. >Listening to you commander, you recoil, lunging your fangs forward and biting down as hard as you can.
  2721. >You chomp down on nothing but air.
  2722. >You bite left!
  2723. >Nothing…
  2724. >You bite right!
  2725. >Nothing…
  2726. >“Not even close you pathetic drone…”
  2727. >“I’ll show you pathetic bitch! Come here!” Gaster yells out.
  2728. >“Hehehe… be careful what you wish for insect…”
  2729. >“COME HERE!”
  2730. >*CHOMP*
  2731. >You hear Gaster’s mighty fangs slam shut.
  2732. >“I’M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!”
  2733. >*CHOMP* *CHOMP*
  2734. >“I’ll KILL YOU JUST LIKE I KILLED YOUR SISTER YOU PIECE OF GHHAHHHAHH!”
  2735. “GASTER!”
  2736. >“GHHAAAAAHH... MY LEG! MY LEG!”
  2737. “HOLD ON! I’M COMING!”
  2738. >Opening your eyes, you see a pair of blue orbs lying stationary on the floor.
  2739. >It has to be him!
  2740. >You run forth to where you think you hear the noise coming from.
  2741. >“N-NO! THORAX DON’T-”
  2742. >A set of claws grabs your throat, the tightness of the grip immediately constricts your flow of oxygen.
  2743. >As you gasp for breath, you feel your hooves lift off the ground as the claws lift your body into the air.
  2744. “Ga---aa----ss”
  2745. >“FUCKING DAMMIT!”
  2746. >You attempt to flail your legs in resistance, but the hag’s grip remains firm.
  2747. >Supplies continues to pour out from the medical bags.
  2748. >“Well what do we have here… a medic?”
  2749. >“FUCK YOU HAG!”
  2750. >“I’m afraid no amount of bandages will be able to save the likes of you.”
  2751. >“FUCK YOU!”
  2752. “Hee--ee---ll”
  2753. >“You pathetic lot were all your Queen could muster? Really? I figured a whore like her would have much more disposable broodlings to send-”
  2754. >“THESE DISPOSABLE BROODLINGS JUST DESTROYED YOUR COVEN YOU-”
  2755. >A wave of magic slams Gaster to the ground, knocking the wind from his lungs.
  2756. >“That’s a fact I am well aware of… and a fact that you shall pay for... WITH BLOOD!”
  2757. >You hear Gaster struggling to get back on his hooves.
  2758. >“Fuck… you…”
  2759. >“Still have some fight in you? You’re quite the courageous little bug, aren’t you? Hmm… Let’s see how just brave you are... after I disembowel the rest of your swarm right in front of you!”
  2760. >The hag’s horn illuminates, shedding a dark blue glow over yourself and Gaster.
  2761. >The drone lies in a pool of green.
  2762. >Blood pours out from a long, thin gash upon his side.
  2763. >Additional blood spills from his back leg, the top of which has been slashed adjacent to an upper leg hole.
  2764. >The drone’s leg remains barely attached, dangling by a thin thread of chitin and sinew.
  2765. >“First I’ll gut your idiot medic, and then I’ll move on to that weakling who’s still lying on the ground!”
  2766. >The hag levitates a bowl from a shelf on the far side of the cavern.
  2767. >You hear the ceramic dish slides against the stone floor as it is moved beneath you.
  2768. >“She’s… not… weak….”
  2769. >“Of course she is! All of your are! You are nothing but vermin! Worthless, pathetic, vermin!”
  2770. >You feel the hag’s claws begin to enter you chitin, but then immediately stop.
  2771. >“Oh... how silly of me... I almost forgot! One of us still needs light to see! I don’t want you missing this!”
  2772. >A quick flash erupts the hag’s horn, the braziers immediately reignite.
  2773. >Gaster lifts his head from the floor, squinting from the sudden brightness of the room.
  2774. >The old drone looks upwards at you in his lowly, defeated state.
  2775. >“Now where were we… oh yes!”
  2776. >The hag begins to cup her claws over the side of your neck.
  2777. >“Wait…” Gaster says weakly.
  2778. >The hag looks down at the drone, a smile upon her face.
  2779. >“Wait? You want me to wait? Ha… HA! Let me guess, you want to make a deal? Well too bad! There is no escape! This ends now!”
  2780. >The drone mumbles something underneath his breath.
  2781. >“What was that?” The hag asks, leaning in closer.
  2782. >“Do it…”
  2783. >“Huh?”
  2784. >“DO IT!”
  2785. >A black blur drops down from the ceiling.
  2786. >Your dagger, gripped in the jaws of a small changeling mare, slices through the flesh of the hag’s outstretched neck.
  2787. >Knives lands on all fours between you and Gaster.
  2788. >“GLLHHHGLLLAAHHH!” The wounded mare cries as blood pours from the right side of her throat.
  2789. >Caught by surprise, the hag drops you from her grip; you hit the ground gasping for breath.
  2790. >The hag’s outstretched claws swipe viciously at the tiny mare.
  2791. >A green mist shoots out from the changeling’s neck across the walls of the chamber!
  2792. >Knives drops the dagger from her jaws, it clangs against the floor and quickly goes silent.
  2793. >“NOOOO!!!” Gaster wails in torment as the small changeling falls to her knees.
  2794. >The hag’s horn begins to turn bright white as she aims at Knives for a finishing blow.
  2795. >Gaster shoots upwards, wings flapping wildly, launching himself at the green mare.
  2796. >The hag discharges a deafening bolt of lightning from her horn as the drone sinks his large fangs into her throat.
  2797. >Reeling her head back from the impact, the bolt strikes the overlying ceiling, causing a shower of sparks to fall over the four of you.
  2798. >The enraged drone begins to viciously tear into the hag’s flesh, causing her to topple backwards.
  2799. >You watch in horror as the hag’s long thin claws shakily begin to pull back and curve, preparing for one last strike into Gaster’s side.
  2800. “LOOK OUT!”
  2801. >Diving forwards, you sink your fangs into the hag’s palm.
  2802. >Rearing your head back, you jerk back the sharp claws just as they are about to strike.
  2803. >Gaster continues to savagely tear into the hag's throat as you maintain your bite.
  2804. >Blood splatters across the two of you as he ferociously rips deeper and deeper.
  2805. >Her vile tasting blood fills your mouth--a mixture of metal and rotting flesh--the likes of which make you want to vomit.
  2806. >After a few moments of struggling, the hag’s claw grows weaker and weaker, until the appendage grows limp.
  2807. >Gaster pulls back from the hag’s neck, ripping a large chunk of flesh with him.
  2808. >Spiting the flesh to his side, the drone takes both his front hooves and places his leg holes over the hag’s horn.
  2809. >Quickly jerking to the right, the changeling snaps the horn from mare’s skull.
  2810. >Grasping it firmly with both hooves, the blood soaked drone raises the sharp horn high into the air above the hag’s head
  2811. >“Didn’t see this coming, did you! DID YOU!”
  2812. >Gaster plunges the horn deep into the hag’s clouded eye.
  2813. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdComTp7KsA
  2814. >Breathing in and out heavily, the large drone stares into the mutilated face of the hag, his head bobbing up and down with each massive breath.
  2815. >“Shiiiit…”
  2816. >Gaster collapses to the ground.
  2817. >Dropping the disgusting claw from your mouth, you rush to the bleeding drone’s side.
  2818. “Sergeant! Hold on! I can help-”
  2819. >“NO!” The drone forcefully says as he raises a front hoof.
  2820. >He points to the small mare lying in a pool of green blood.
  2821. >“Knives first!”
  2822. >Seeing the dire state the mare is in, you nod in understanding.
  2823. “Alright…”
  2824. >You turn towards the mare but stop.
  2825. “Take this!”
  2826. >You tug out a roll of gauze dangling from your torn saddle bags and toss it to your sargeant.
  2827. “Put it over the wounds and apply pressure the best you can!”
  2828. >“Don’t worry about me! Worry about her!”
  2829. >Turning, you proceed to the mare’s side.
  2830. >Blood pours out profusely from her large gaping neck wound.
  2831. “Oh no…”
  2832. >You stare hesitantly at the dying mare, with an injury like this she only has minutes to live.
  2833. >Knives looks back at you with scared eyes, she too knows her fate is grim.
  2834. >Tears of fright begin to fill your eyes.
  2835. >Short breaths of fear begin to develop from your snout.
  2836. >“Thorax!” Gaster barks from behind you. “Remain calm. R-remember... your training.”
  2837. >The drone begins to shiver.
  2838. >“You know... what you have to do.”
  2839. “Y-yes sir...”
  2840. >You take a deep breath.
  2841. >You think back to your training.
  2842. >Step one.
  2843. >Identity the problem.
  2844. >You need a way to hold back the flesh so you can see what's damaged. You need a pair of...
  2845. “Retractors!”
  2846. >Removing your saddlebags from your back, you begin to search for the supplies you’ll need.
  2847. >Most of what wasn't missing in your half stocked medkit now lies strewn about across the floor.
  2848. >After a moment of rummaging, you find nothing useful.
  2849. >You instead begin looking across the chamber,.
  2850. >A glimmer of relief fills your heart as you see the instrument you need not far away.
  2851. >A few green sparks shoot out from your black horn as you attempt to levitate the tool closer, but the retractors remain where they are.
  2852. “Darn it!”
  2853. >Your face cringes, not being able to use magic is going to makes things immensely more difficult.
  2854. >You quickly dart to where the retractors are on the floor and grab them.
  2855. >Running back to the mare, you lay her carefully upon her back.
  2856. >Sliding the metal bars into her neck, you slowly pull open each side of her wound.
  2857. >Knives cringes in pain as you stretch open her chitin.
  2858. >Grimacing at your actions, you have no choice but to continue
  2859. >You wish you had morphine to give her, but you exhausted your supply the night before.
  2860. “Sorry Knives…”
  2861. >You meekly say as you apply a wad of gauze to the wound, clearing away the green blood so that you can see the damage.
  2862. “Airways clear… breathing is... OK…”
  2863. >You take a closer inspection at the blood vessels.
  2864. “Oh… no…”
  2865. >You eyes begin to tear up and your vision becomes blurry as you look inside the mare's neck.
  2866. “Left internal jugular vein… s-severed…”
  2867. >Blood begins to pool up, forcing you to clear it away with more gauze.
  2868. “L-left common carotid artery…. s-s-severed-”
  2869. >“You did it!”
  2870. >A pony’s voice calls out from behind you.
  2871. >“You killed the hag! I… I don’t believe it!"
  2872. >Turning around, you see the guard pony standing on the edge of the chamber surveying the aftermath of the battle.
  2873. “Mr. Pony, please help me!”
  2874. >“What?”
  2875. “She’s bleeding out! I can’t do this with only one set of hooves! I need you’re help!”
  2876. >“Uhh…”
  2877. >The guard pony looks to the filly lying in the cage on the other side of the cavern.
  2878. “PLEASE! SH-SHE’LL DIE!”
  2879. >“Uhh… alright... alright…”
  2880. >The pony hesitantly approaches you.
  2881. >Seeing the blood pour out from the mare's neck, the pony gasps.
  2882. >“Sweet Celestia....”
  2883. >He kneels down beside you.
  2884. >“What do you need me to do?”
  2885. “Take this gauze, apply pressure here and here while I locate some clamps!”
  2886. >“Uhh… alright… I can do that.”
  2887. >The pony removes his metal hoof guards and carefully applies pressure upon the bleeding wound.
  2888. >You search your medical bag for clamps.
  2889. >Nothing.
  2890. >You frantically begin to fly about the room, scouring the floor.
  2891. “There’s one!”
  2892. >You pick up a pair of clamps and continue looking for more.
  2893. >You do another pass, but see nothing.
  2894. “I need three more clamps… but I… but I... don’t have enough..”
  2895. >You begin to hyperventilate.
  2896. “I don’t have the tools I need… I can’t… I can’t…”
  2897. >“Thorax!”
  2898. >Gaster calls out as he props himself up upon the floor.
  2899. >“Remember! Changelings adapt-”
  2900. >The old drones wavers and falls back down.
  2901. >“Changelings… overcome…”
  2902. >You continue to breath in and out rapidly.
  2903. “Adapt…”
  2904. >You take in a deep breath.
  2905. “Overcome…”
  2906. >And exhale slowly.
  2907. “Ok… ok… I can do this...”
  2908. >You look around the room at the remaining supplies you have to work with.
  2909. >Spotting your medical bag, an idea comes to mind.
  2910. >Grabbing the bag tightly in your mouth you rip off a piece of cloth.
  2911. >You rip off another.
  2912. >And another.
  2913. “Th-this... should work...”
  2914. >You walk back beside the mare and look towards the nervous guard pony.
  2915. “Alright, take these retractors! They aren’t self-retaining, so I’ll need you to hold open the wound so I can clamp the blood vessels shut.”
  2916. >“U-uhhh… alright.”
  2917. >The pony nervously replies as he takes the two metal bars in his hooves.
  2918. >He slowly begins to open the wound part way.
  2919. >Knives reels back in pain and the pony immediately stops.
  2920. “More! That’s not enough! Open it more!”
  2921. >The pony nervously complies.
  2922. >You immediately place your set of clamps on the lower portion of the carotid artery, shutting off the flow of blood from the heart.
  2923. “Ok... one down…”
  2924. >You take out one of you thin piece of cloth and begin to tightly wrap it around the other end of the carotid artery.
  2925. >As you pull the knot tight, the cloth slips from your bloody hooves.
  2926. “Grrr…”
  2927. >You frustratingly growl to yourself.
  2928. >You try again
  2929. “Darn it!”
  2930. >It continues to slip.
  2931. >“What’s wrong?” The pony asks.
  2932. “It’s my hooves! I can’t tie off the cloth and close the artery! The work… it’s just too delicate!”
  2933. >“Then why don’t you use your magic?”
  2934. “I can’t! The beam… it drained all of my love! I… I can’t do anything…”
  2935. >You look down at the mare.
  2936. “She’s… she’s going to-”
  2937. >“So you need love? So you can operate?”
  2938. >You look to the stallion… tears in your eyes…
  2939. “Yes…”
  2940. >The stallion takes in a deep breath but then looks at you firmly.
  2941. >“Then take some... from me…”
  2942. “R-really… willingly?
  2943. >“Yes… I… owe you…”
  2944. “Th-th-thank you!”
  2945. >Tears of joy spring forth from your eyes.
  2946. >“Just leave me some alright?”
  2947. “Yes… of course.”
  2948. >A pony who would share love with a changeling?
  2949. >You’ve never heard of anything like this before...
  2950. “Brace yourself, this may hurt a little.”
  2951. >“It’s alright, I’m ready.”
  2952. >You point your horn at the pony and open you mouth.
  2953. >Your horn begins to spark green.
  2954. >Nothing happens.
  2955. >“What’s wrong?”
  2956. “Ummm… it’s because I’m drained… I… I just need to get a little closer…”
  2957. >“Fine, just hurry! Your friend isn’t not looking to good!”
  2958. >Knives eyes beginning to waver, her eyelids beginning to close as more blood pours out from her neck.
  2959. >You move adjacent to the pony and wrap a hoof around his shoulder. You carefully place your horn against his soft teal fur.
  2960. >You horn sparks again as you attempt to feed.
  2961. >“Is it working? I don’t feel GHAAA…”
  2962. >The pony cringes in pain as a pink stream of energy spirals out from his chest.
  2963. >The love essence floats through the air and into your awaiting mouth.
  2964. >The love…
  2965. >...so remarkable.
  2966. >You haven't feed in so long.
  2967. >You need this...
  2968. >...so much.
  2969. >“GHHAAAA!”
  2970. >The pony yells out in pain and falls to the ground.
  2971. >You immediately stop feeding
  2972. >Breathing in and out heavily, the stallion looks at you.
  2973. >“Can you operate now? Is that enough?”
  2974. >Your horn begins to spark, as you focus on the bloodied strip of cloth.
  2975. >The fabric levitates into the air and moves exactly to where you will it.
  2976. “Yes… this should be plenty… thank you. Are you alright?”
  2977. >“Ugh…” The pony shivers to himself. “Yeah… I’ll be fine…”
  2978. “Good… cause need you!”
  2979. >You levitate the retractors to the stallion.
  2980. >Nodding, the guard takes hold of them with his hoof, and reopens the wound.
  2981. >Knives doesn’t cringe this time...
  2982. >Moving the cloth with your magic, you place it under the upper portion of the carotid artery.
  2983. “I hope this works…”
  2984. >Carefully manipulating the cloth, you firmly tie it into a knot, leaving a small amount of the severed artery exposed.
  2985. >You detach you magic and inspect your work.
  2986. “It’s not a clamp… but it looks likes it’s holding.”
  2987. >You look at the mare’s weary face.
  2988. “Hang in there Knives… you’re gonna get through this.”
  2989. >You move on to the internal jugular vein.
  2990. >Starting with the upper portion of the vein, you carefully slide the cloth beneath the blood vessel and tie another knot.
  2991. “Just one more… ”
  2992. >You take out the last piece of cloth and wrap it around the vein.
  2993. >You firmly begin to tie the knot and-
  2994. >*Rrrriiip*
  2995. >The fabric tears apart.
  2996. “No!”
  2997. >You frantically look behind you at the medical bags.
  2998. >“Hey wait!” The guard pony yells as he motions to his side. “Use this!”
  2999. >Several thin leather laces hold together the guard’s barding.
  3000. “Yeah… that should work!”
  3001. >Not far from your hooves is your dagger lying upon the ground.
  3002. >Using your magic, you carefully slice the stitching and pull the lacing outwards.
  3003. >The pony’s armor immediately falls to the floor.
  3004. >You bring a piece of the leather lace closer for inspection.
  3005. “It’s perfect!”
  3006. >Sliding your dagger into your leg-hole sheath, you place the firm leather over the lower portion of the jugular vein.
  3007. >You firmly tie the leather strip into place.
  3008. “Its holding!”
  3009. >“Great!… so what now?”
  3010. “Now?...”
  3011. >You think back to your training.
  3012. “Now we have to either repair or ligate...”
  3013. >“Li-what?”
  3014. “It means close off- No… forget I said that. We need to repair in this situation!”
  3015. >“And just how do you do that?”
  3016. “We… we need… sutures!”
  3017. >You looks around at the medical instruments strewn around you.
  3018. “Hold her open!”
  3019. >“Alright doc!”
  3020. >You look through your saddlebags for a suturing kit.
  3021. “Medic…”
  3022. >Not finding what you need, you again frantically look over the floor for what you need.
  3023. “I’m just…. “
  3024. >Fear begins to well up inside you.
  3025. “...a medic.”
  3026. >You stop what you are doing and remain still.
  3027. >“What’s wrong?”
  3028. >Panic begins to take hold of you as tears begin to pour down your snout.
  3029. >“Hey! What’s wrong!?”
  3030. “It’s…”
  3031. >“Can I help you find it!? Just tell me what it looks like!”
  3032. “It’s not here…”
  3033. >“What do you mean?”
  3034. “I remember back to when I first got these supplies… The medkit was missing a lot of gear… including…”
  3035. >You begin to sob.
  3036. “Including… s-sutures...”
  3037. >“Dammit!” Gaster yells while applying pressure to his wounds. “That fucking quartermaster! When I get back to the hive I’ll fucking kill him!”
  3038. >“Can’t you improvise again?” The pony softly asks.
  3039. >You look around the hags’ chamber.
  3040. “By the time I find a suitable replacement for the sutures… she’ll… she’ll be-”
  3041. >“Wait! Can’t you repair it magically? I’m pretty sure unicorns can do something like that! Can’t you?”
  3042. “I can... but…”
  3043. >“But what?”
  3044. “The amount of energy that spell would consume… it’s enormous!”
  3045. >“And by energy you mean… love?”
  3046. “...yes.”
  3047. >Looking over his shoulder, the guard looks at the filly, still trapped inside the cage.
  3048. >He then looks down at the small mare lying beneath his hooves.
  3049. >“Just… just do it.”
  3050. >You look carefully at the earth pony’s charred face.
  3051. >“Take whatever you need.”
  3052. >Walking over, you sit across from the stallion, Knives lying between the two of you.
  3053. “I will need much more than before...”
  3054. >The guard pony lets out a deep sigh.
  3055. >“Is it the only way to save her?”
  3056. “Y-yes…”
  3057. >“Then just get it over with!”
  3058. “Alright… thank you… th-thank you…”
  3059. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zvVGJrTP8
  3060. >Gaster watches the two of you with an uncertain look upon his face, the verbose drone remaining unusually silent as he continues to watch.
  3061. >You take in a deep breath as you stare into the the pony’s teal eyes.
  3062. >With a spark of your horn, you clear the ground of all the medical supplies.
  3063. “Lie down.”
  3064. >The pony complies, lying upon his flank.
  3065. >From the pile of supplies, you pull out a small rolled up piece of leather.
  3066. >Picking it up with your magic, you levitate it towards the pony’s face.
  3067. >He looks at the piece of leather and then to you.
  3068. “Bite down.”
  3069. >The pony’s expression changes from one of firmness to one of hesitation as the realization of what is about to happen sets in.
  3070. >Taking another deep breath, the pony opens his mouth as you slide in the piece of leather.
  3071. “Ready?”
  3072. >He nods hesitantly.
  3073. “Three…”
  3074. >The pony begins to stiffen up.
  3075. “Two…”
  3076. >He closes his eyes tightly.
  3077. “One-”
  3078. >Your horn sparks bright green.
  3079. >Swirls of pink begin to fly out from the pony’s chest and into your mouth.
  3080. >It tastes so amazing.
  3081. >The feeling getting better with each moment.
  3082. >“MMHHHmm….MHHMM….”
  3083. >The pony mumbles in pain as leather prevents him from yelling in agony.
  3084. >As much as you hate causing pain to this pony…
  3085. >It feels…
  3086. >“MHHMM….”
  3087. >So…
  3088. >“UUUhhh…”
  3089. >Good...
  3090. >“mmhhh…”
  3091. >But the more you feed, the more you begin to taste other emotions.
  3092. >Obvious surface level fear and terror come pouring through.
  3093. >But there's something else...
  3094. >Something deep...
  3095. >Sadness… tremendous amounts of sadness.
  3096. >As your stomach swells you realize you are pulling just as much sadness as you are love.
  3097. >You stop feeding.
  3098. >The leather rolls from the guard’s mouth as he begins to take short breaths in and out.
  3099. “That should be enough…”
  3100. >The small pony curls up into a ball as tears pour from his face.
  3101. >Despite feeling terrible for causing this pony so much harm, you leave him be and proceed to the mare.
  3102. >With excess amounts of love coursing through your veins, your body becomes much more alert and level headed.
  3103. >The pony shakily attempts to get up, the retractors in one of his hooves.
  3104. “No... rest… I should be able to take it from here.”
  3105. >He lets go of the retractors and then falls back to the ground, whimpering in pain.
  3106. >With more love reserves, your magic abilities have expanded.
  3107. >You insert the retractors and once again open the wound.
  3108. >Maintaining your magical grasp upon the metal bars, you simultaneously focus on the two severed ends of the carotid artery.
  3109. >You lower your horn as it flashes green.
  3110. “I can do this…”
  3111. >A green magical aura emanates from your horn to the small changeling's neck.
  3112. >You close your eyes and being to visualize both ends of the artery.
  3113. >You move both ends together and focus.
  3114. >Regeneration of tissue is a difficult spell, but it's not impossible.
  3115. >Starting at the top of the artery, you slowly and carefully begin the repairs.
  3116. >New tissue begins growing from either side, bridging the gap and forming together as one.
  3117. >The mental strain begins to build and build, but you continue.
  3118. “Almost there…”
  3119. >You can feel you love reserves quickly deplete.
  3120. “Almost…”
  3121. >A pain begins to grow inside the back of your mind.
  3122. >Something you never felt before.
  3123. >You ignore it and continue on.
  3124. “…UmmmmMMM! There!”
  3125. >You feel the last of the tissue form and you open your eyes.
  3126. >The carotid artery is completely restored, not even a single sign of scar tissue remaining.
  3127. “We’re halfway there Knives! One more and we’re home free-”
  3128. >Another bolt of pain strikes your mind.
  3129. >You don’t want to be here!
  3130. >You want to return home so bad!
  3131. >You just want to be back with everypony else-
  3132. >Shaking your head, you ignore the pain and get back to work.
  3133. “You’re gonna be ok Knives!”
  3134. >The mare’s eyes are closed.
  3135. >You waste no time and focus on the jugular vein.
  3136. >Your horn emits a bright green light as your magical aura wraps around either ends of the severed vein.
  3137. >You begin the reconstruction.
  3138. >The mental strain continues to build, as your love reserves drain even quicker than before.
  3139. “Focus…”
  3140. >Your magic aura encapsulates each of the ends and glows softly.
  3141. >A dizziness begins to take hold as you once again reach depleted love levels.
  3142. “Almost…”
  3143. >The deep pain returns.
  3144. >A wave of sorrow overcomes you.
  3145. >She can’t die.
  3146. >You need her.
  3147. >You need to bring her back.
  3148. >Back to-
  3149. “AhhhhhHHHHHH…. Done!”
  3150. >You immediately remove the clamp and the three pieces of cloth and leather constricting the flow of blood.
  3151. “Knives!”
  3152. >You remove the retractors.
  3153. “Knives!?”
  3154. >You lean down closer to the small mare, placing an ear over her mouth, listening carefully.
  3155. >You hear the sniffling of the guard pony beside you and the heavy breathing of Gaster off to your side... but you don’t hear anything from the mare.
  3156. >You move your head lower, listening to her heart.
  3157. >There’s nothing
  3158. “No… NO!”
  3159. >You grab the small mare with both your hooves.
  3160. “NO! NO! NO!”
  3161. >The pony turns his head away as he realizes what has just occurred.
  3162. “You... you can’t die Knives! You can’t!”
  3163. >Gaster remains silent.
  3164. “There has to be something I can do… something I can do to…”
  3165. >You let go of the mare.
  3166. “Save you…”
  3167. >A wave of steadiness overcomes your mind.
  3168. >You begin to charge your horn.
  3169. >“Thorax?” Gaster says confusingly behind you. “What are you doing?
  3170. “I can still save her sergeant!”
  3171. >“She… She’s gone Thorax!”
  3172. “I can bring her back! “
  3173. >“What? How?”
  3174. “Defibrillation!”
  3175. >“Defib… yeah… yeah! Do it Thorax!”
  3176. >You stand clear of the mare's body.
  3177. >You charge up your horn with all the magical energy you can muster.
  3178. “Three, two, one… clear!”
  3179. >You place your horn upon her chest as electric shock runs through her heart.
  3180. >Her body raises up as all of her muscles contract from the electrical discharge.
  3181. >Within a moment her body quickly falls back to the ground.
  3182. >You place your ear over her chest and listen.
  3183. “Come on Knives, come on!”
  3184. >Nothing.
  3185. >“Again Thorax! Charge her again!”
  3186. >You attempt to charge your horn, but a few green sparks quickly fizzle out.
  3187. “Grrr! Not again... I’m drained!”
  3188. >“Then feed!” Gaster yells out. Pointing to the guard pony.
  3189. >You look to the stallion laying upon the ground.
  3190. “Please Mr. Pony! I must feed again!”
  3191. >“W-what?”
  3192. “I need more love!”
  3193. >“It hurts so much…”
  3194. “I know, and I’m sorry, but there’s no time! I must save her!”
  3195. >Shivering, the pony looks at the small mare and then over his shoulder at the filly lying silently in the cage.
  3196. >“Promise me… Promise you won’t hurt her…”
  3197. “Hurt who?”
  3198. >“The filly!”
  3199. “Of course not! I’d never hurt her!”
  3200. >“Then... then… fine! Just get it over with!”
  3201. “Don’t worry! I just need a little more!”
  3202. >You slide the leather roll into the pony’s mouth.
  3203. >Your horn jolts to light as you begin draining the pony.
  3204. >“GHAAAAAAAAAAA!”
  3205. >The leather roll immediately falls out from his mouth.
  3206. >But you don't stop
  3207. >You continue to feed.
  3208. >You feel his love pour into you, along with a large amount of other emotions.
  3209. >More sadness… blurring into depression.
  3210. >As waves of sadness pour forth, the amount of love being pulled diminishes.
  3211. >You have no choice but to increase the intensity at which you feed.
  3212. >The stallion screams in agony as you accelerate your feeding.
  3213. >You are are able to taste more love… but it is still blended with other emotions.
  3214. >Extreme amounts of terror. Fear of what is happening and what is to come.
  3215. >“GHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!”
  3216. >Immense anger. A hatred directed both outward, as well as inward.
  3217. >“Ghhhhhhhhaaaa!”
  3218. >Substantial self-loathing, coupled with multiple layers of depression.
  3219. >“ghaaaa……”
  3220. >Waves of anticipation.
  3221. >Splotches of joy and ecstasy
  3222. >You stop the feeding, halting the pink ribbons of energy coming forth from the pony to your mouth.
  3223. >You turn towards your changeling companion and begin to charge your horn.
  3224. >Based on the minor amounts of love you were able to pull, you’ll only get one more chance at this.
  3225. >With your horn shining brightly, you position it directly over her heart.
  3226. “Three, two, one, CLEAR!”
  3227. >The mare’s body contracts upwards and then quickly falls back down.
  3228. “Please come back Knives… please come back…”
  3229. >Holding your breath, you place an ear over the mare’s heart and listen closely.
  3230. >The chamber goes completely silent.
  3231. >Gaster watches attentively, fear and sorrow present on the drone’s weary face.
  3232. “She…”
  3233. >Tears begin to stream your face.
  3234. “She’s alive!”
  3235. >“Holey shit!” Gaster exclaims in relief.
  3236. “I can just barely hear a heartbeat, but… she’s still with us!”
  3237. >“Your brilliant Thorax! Fucking brilliant!”
  3238. >You look to the floor at the scattered remnants of your medical supplies.
  3239. >Spotting a small length of surgical rubber tubing and a pair of needles, you magic them over.
  3240. “She’s lost a lot of blood… but… with a blood transfusion...”
  3241. >You forcefully stab a needle through the hard chitin of your leg.
  3242. >You then carefully puncture the other needle into Knives.
  3243. >Green blood flows forth from your limb to the mare lying upon the floor.
  3244. “...she should pull through.”
  3245. >“I… I don’t believe you did it Thorax! Bringing her back with a shock spell!? I’ve never seen a medic do anything like that before! “
  3246. >With your back turned to Gaster, you sit down and watch the blood flow through the tube.
  3247. “They teach it to us medics as a last resort spell. However, most battle medics usually exhaust their love reserves before they ever get a chance to use it. The only reason I had the magic to cast it was thanks to-”
  3248. >You look to the pony sprawled out upon the ground.
  3249. “...him.”
  3250. >“Well Thorax, I’m impressed! As a matter of fact, I think you’re entitled to a new nickname. The Lightning Bug!”
  3251. >You smile slightly at your sergeant’s remark, but you attention shifts to the teal stallion lying silently beside you.
  3252. “Hey… Mr. Pony?”
  3253. >You gently nudge him with your hoof.
  3254. “Are you alright?”
  3255. >“You drained him pretty good Lightning Bug” Gaster says nonchalantly, “I wouldn’t expect him to get up anytime soon.”
  3256. “Hmm… I guess you're right… I just hope I didn’t hurt him too much...”
  3257. >You continue to nervously watch the stallion as your wrap up the blood transfusion.
  3258. >Getting some gauze and medical tape, you carefully bandage the chitin over Knives’ neck.
  3259. >“So how is she?” Gaster asks as he watches you work.
  3260. “A few months in a healing cocoon and she should be back to her old self.”
  3261. >“That’s good to hear, Chrysalis would have de-shelled us alive if we returned without her…”
  3262. >The drone pauses for a moment then lets out a huff.
  3263. >“Kinda like the hag was going to…”
  3264. >Gaster shakes his head.
  3265. >“Anyways, how about working some of that healing magic on my leg private?”
  3266. >You rip off the last piece of medical tape and apply it to the mare's neck.
  3267. “You're right! I almost forgot! You’ve been applying pressure, right?!”
  3268. >“Yeah yeah… this ain’t my first rodeo, Lightening Bug…”
  3269. >You can’t help but smile at that name.
  3270. “Good.”
  3271. >You get up and begin to walk towards the Gaster, but quickly stop.
  3272. >The guard pony catches your attention once more.
  3273. >A spike of fear hits the corner of your mind.
  3274. >You can’t tell if he’s breathing…
  3275. >“Thorax… your eyes…” You hear Gaster softly mumble.
  3276. >You ignore him, your concern shifting to the guard pony.
  3277. “Sergeant... I need to check something real quick… just keep applying pressure!”
  3278. >Gaster says nothing, instead he continues to look at you with uncertainty.
  3279. >You nudge the pony once again.
  3280. “Mr. Pony? Can you hear me?”
  3281. >“They’re... green…” Gaster says shakily behind you.
  3282. >You disregard him and continue investigating the pony.
  3283. >Placing an ear to his snout, you begin to listen for signs of breathing
  3284. >“Thorax… your eyes are green!”
  3285. “Sergeant please, I need you to be quiet for a sec, I’m trying to listen here.”
  3286. >“Thorax listen to me! Your eyes... They’re green!”
  3287. >You lift your head up and angrily look at the drone.
  3288. “Yeah! I know my eyes are green sergeant! They’ve been green my entire life! Now if you don’t mind I’m trying to-”
  3289. >“No Thorax! Your eyes were blue!”
  3290. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXFJOhLCGIQ
  3291. “...What?”
  3292. >“They were blue! Just like mine and everyone else's!”
  3293. >You think to yourself for a moment, but quickly dismiss the drone’s claim.
  3294. “Chrysalis has green eyes-”
  3295. >“Dammit Thorax! I’m not talking about the Queen! I’m talking about us! Every single drone in the hive! Every fucking one of us has blue eyes!”
  3296. >You think of every changeling you’ve ever known.
  3297. >Blue eyes.
  3298. >All of them.
  3299. >Except for… you...
  3300. >When you start to think about it, it definitely sounds a little strange…
  3301. >A tinge of fear and confusion surfaces from the inner recesses of your mind.
  3302. >You pull out your dagger.
  3303. >Peering into the steel reflection of the blade, you stare deep into your green multifaceted eyes.
  3304. >It seems unusual, but… it just like you always remembered.
  3305. >Your fears begin to disappear as a logical explanation comes to mind.
  3306. “Sergeant, we’ve been through a lot. We both lost a lot of blood and are probably not thinking clearly-”
  3307. >“NO! I’m not fucking colorblind!” The drone looks you over once more. “Shit… even your wings and carapace have changed! This can only mean…” Gaster places his face into his hoof. “Fuck… FUCK!”
  3308. “Sergeant… try to calm down! I think you may be hallucinating-”
  3309. >“Thorax!” The drone takes in a deep breath. “Come here.”
  3310. >You looks towards the guard pony.
  3311. “But sergeant, I need to-”
  3312. >“JUST FUCKING COME HERE!”
  3313. >Letting out a sigh, you leave the pony and hesitantly walk forward.
  3314. >Gaster looks at you sternly.
  3315. >“What is our mission?”
  3316. “W-what?”
  3317. >“OUR MISSION!”
  3318. >You step back, unsure why the drone is suddenly yelling at you.
  3319. “Why are you asking-”
  3320. >“JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION! WHY ARE WE HERE?!”
  3321. >You turn away, avoiding eye contact with the infuriated drone, instead turning to mutilated corpse of the hag.
  3322. >You nervously point a hoof at her.
  3323. “To slay the hags…”
  3324. >“Alright good…” Gaster lets out a sigh of relief and nods. “and what else did we set out to do?”
  3325. “That’s simple, we came here to rescue the-”
  3326. >A lump in your throat stops you from continuing.
  3327. >“Who?”
  3328. “To rescue the-”
  3329. >You turn your head, spotting a small cage on the far side of the chamber
  3330. >Inside a foal lies passed out, the terror of the last few moments likely to much for her.
  3331. >You can’t help to feel sorry the tiny creature.
  3332. >As a matter of fact, you can’t stop thinking about her.
  3333. >It doesn’t feel right leaving her in that cage any second longer.
  3334. >You’d want nothing more than to let her out and-
  3335. >“Who did you come here to rescue!? Tell me!”
  3336. “The filly.”
  3337. >“What?!” Gaster exclaims “What did you say!”
  3338. >You quickly look back to the angry drone.
  3339. “I… I mean the swarm!”
  3340. >You answer with strain in your voice as a sudden headache has begun to overtake you.
  3341. “We came here to find the changelings that went missing! But they were dead! All dead!”
  3342. >Gaster looks contemplatively at the cage and then back to you.
  3343. “Why are you asking me these questions?”
  3344. >“I’ll tell you in a second... Now tell me what happened to us last night?”
  3345. “Last night?”
  3346. >You chitin begins to sting.
  3347. “The light! We were in the forest, and we saw the light!.”
  3348. >“You were in the forest?”
  3349. “Yeah... I mean no… It was the edge of the forest... in the badlands… and then we went into the forest… didn’t we?”
  3350. >Gaster shakes his head.
  3351. >“Lets try your long term…” The drone mumbles to himself
  3352. “Long term?”
  3353. >“What’s the earliest memory you can recall.”
  3354. “W-What do you mean?”
  3355. >“Your first memory! The first thing you ever remember! Tell me!”
  3356. >You think back.
  3357. >Way back.
  3358. “It was… splitting my egg in the nursery hive…”
  3359. >“Ok… tell me more about it.”
  3360. “I was scared…”
  3361. >“Scared?” The drone asks confusingly “Scared of what?”
  3362. “Everyone! They were all so angry… and mean! And…”
  3363. >You pause for a moment, reliving the experience.
  3364. “And all I wanted… all I’ve ever wanted...”
  3365. >“What? Tell me!”
  3366. “A friend…”
  3367. >The drone looks downwards disapprovingly.
  3368. >“From the moment you hatched, you wanted a friend?
  3369. “Y-yes… I can remember it clearly…”
  3370. >“That doesn’t make any sense…” Gaster says shaking his head.
  3371. “What do you mean?”
  3372. >“For fuck’s sake Thorax! A hatchling would have no idea what friendship is! A hatchling would be enraged from being so hungry! A hatchling would want to feed!”
  3373. “But... I remember-”
  3374. >“Thorax…” The drone lets out a deep sigh. “You gave me two sets of answers for each of the questions I asked. Only half of what you are saying is accurate. Your memories… they’re wrong!”
  3375. “Wrong?”
  3376. >Fear and anger begin to well up inside you as you begin to breath in and out heavily.
  3377. >Seeing your anger, Gaster eases back.
  3378. >“Actually, forget I said anything, just treat my leg and we’ll get this straightened out back at-”
  3379. “I’m not wrong! Y-You’re wrong! You’ve lost too much blood, you're hallucinating!”
  3380. >“Thorax…”
  3381. “You don’t know my memories! Only I do!”
  3382. >“SHUT UP THORAX!” The large drone snarls at you, causing you to sink back in fear.
  3383. “…”
  3384. >“I have one more question for you…
  3385. >The drone pulls back, again letting out another sigh.
  3386. >“What was the first thing they ever taught us about feeding.”
  3387. “Feeding?”
  3388. >“Yes, a lesson they drilled into every single one of us hatchlings from they day we could listen. What was it!”
  3389. >You think back.
  3390. >Your mind begins to spin with a flood of memories of while you were young.
  3391. >Being bullied by the others.
  3392. >Not having any friends.
  3393. >Being alone.
  3394. “Don’t…”
  3395. >“Don’t what?”
  3396. “...overfeed.”
  3397. >“Why not?”
  3398. “Because… bad things happen...”
  3399. >“Exactly! VERY bad things! You remember what happened to Cricket, don’t you? The love collector that didn’t have enough self-control.”
  3400. >>You think back to when you were young, they brought all of you down to the hive dungeons.
  3401. >>Within one of the cells lay an emaciated changeling curled up in the corner rocking back and forth.
  3402. >>Peering through the thick steel bars, you immediately notice that something was off about the drone; his eyes, wings, and carapace were a crimson red.
  3403. >>Staring directly into his glowing eyes, he raises his head.
  3404. >>“Let me out of here… LET ME OUT OF HERE YOU… YOU MONSTERS!”
  3405. >>The crazed changeling continues looking directly at you as he begins to stand.
  3406. >>“I WANT TO GO HOME! TAKE ME BACK TO CANTERLOT! I WANT TO GO-”
  3407. >>He falls to the floor. Having not feed in months, his body had begun to wither away.
  3408. >>“...home.”
  3409. >>Tears begin to pour from his crimson eyes as he lies defeated upon the ground.
  3410. >>“P-please… I want to see my family again… please-”
  3411. >“You understand now… don’t you Thorax.” Gaster interrupts your flashback. “You’re different from Cricket though… your mind still seems /mostly/ intact…”
  3412. >You turn your back to Gaster.
  3413. >“Your memories are partially merged... but still present.”
  3414. >The small teal stallion lies on the floor a short distance away.
  3415. >“Your personality seems the same…”
  3416. >You slowly walk to the guard pony.
  3417. >“As far as I can tell… you’re still you.”
  3418. >Kneeling down beside him, you cautiously nudge him against the side.
  3419. “Get up...”
  3420. >“Thorax…” Gaster says with a sigh.
  3421. >With the pony’s armor off you notice his cutie mark, a large vase decorated with several horseshoes.
  3422. “Please get up…”
  3423. >You place your hoof upon the pony’s neck, feeling carefully for a pulse.
  3424. >As you touch his neck, the green piece of cloth detaches from the stallion’s head, causing his grey and black mane to fall downwards.
  3425. “There’s... There’s no pulse!”
  3426. >You begin to breath heavily as tears of fright begin to well up in your eyes.
  3427. “I took too much…”
  3428. >You feel the walls of the chamber begin to tower over you.
  3429. >The ceiling feels miles high, with you cowering in isolation at the very bottom.
  3430. “I TOOK TOO MUCH!”
  3431. >Pangs of guilt overcome you, making your whole body feel weak.
  3432. >“You did what you had to do to save Knives. You did your duty towards the hive. You have nothing to regret.”
  3433. “Wait... I can fix this!”
  3434. >You immediately turn the pony onto his back.
  3435. >Placing a hoof over his chest, you begin to compress up and down with quick rhythm.
  3436. >“What are you doing?”
  3437. “I can save him!”
  3438. >“He’s gone Thorax.”
  3439. “No! I can bring him back! I did it with Knives, I can do it with him too!”
  3440. >“But there’s nothing left to bring back! He’s been drained him completely. Every ounce of love… Every drop of emotion-”
  3441. “NO! IT’S NOT TOO LATE!”
  3442. >“You can’t return the love you took, it doesn’t work like that! Changelings can only take love! We can’t share it!”
  3443. >You begin to charge your horn with an electric shock.
  3444. “THREE... TWO-”
  3445. >The spell fizzles from your control as your loves reserves are too depleted.
  3446. “No…’
  3447. >“You husked him Thorax… he’s dead.”
  3448. “No!... NO! NO! NO!”
  3449. >The cold stone floor painfully strikes your chitin as you collapse your knees.
  3450. >In utter horror and despair, you gaze upon the pony’s corpse strewn out before you.
  3451. >Your tear-filled eyes are drawn to his.
  3452. >With the pale light from braziers illuminating the chamber, the dying embers cast an eerie glow across the pony’s deceased face.
  3453. >A peculiar image resonates across the stallion’s lifeless eyes.
  3454. >There is an almost crystalline reflection, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
  3455. >“You did what you had to do Thorax.” Gaster says softly. “You did nothing wrong.”
  3456. “He… was only trying to help… and… and I murdered him!”
  3457. >“We’re soldiers, these things happen… Just focus on the fact that the swarm’s all still alive…”
  3458. >Taking in a deep breath, you extend a hoof to the pony’s face.
  3459. >You carefully close his eyelids with the tip of your hoof.
  3460. “I... I didn’t even know his name…”
  3461. >“Good!” The drone points to your head. “That means there is more Thorax in there then there is pony!”
  3462. >You shakily raise your front hoof and place it against your temple.
  3463. “He was probably the only pony who would freely offer his love… and I-”
  3464. >“Get ahold of yourself private! He’s just a pony!”
  3465. “Just a pony!? JUST A PONY!”
  3466. >Wings fluttering violently, you angrily turn to Gaster.
  3467. “We’d be DEAD if it wasn’t for this pony!”
  3468. >“Need I remind you that the Equestrian Royal Guard is the enemy private!”
  3469. “But he-”
  3470. >“Need I remind you that our hive is STARVING, and guards like him are the reason why!”
  3471. >You turn away in frustration.
  3472. >“And most importantly, need I remind you that MY FUCKING LEG IS ALMOST CUT OFF!”
  3473. >Gaster motions downwards at the large pool of blood beneath his limb.
  3474. >“Now patch me up so we can get the fuck out of this shit hole!”
  3475. >You take in a deep breath and slowly exhale in an attempt to cool down.
  3476. “Yes sir…”
  3477. >Still full of a medley of grief, anger, and shock, you proceed over to the drone’s leg, bringing with you various medical implements.
  3478. >You survey the damage.
  3479. >His limb is in dire condition. Having been sliced through one of his leg holes, only a thin string of chitin holds the bottom half of his leg intact.
  3480. >Taking in a deep breath, you attempt to focus out the events that just transpired.
  3481. >You have a job to do, and it's time to get to work.
  3482. >Your tools levitate around you in the green aura of your magic.
  3483. >Just like with Knives, you clamp off the major blood vessels that have been severed.
  3484. “You can stop applying pressure now…”
  3485. >The drone lets go, his face showing signs of pain, anger, and frustration.
  3486. >As you are determining what to do next, a realization comes over you.
  3487. >Gaster notices you staring at him in hesitation.
  3488. >“Well… what are you waiting for, fix it!”
  3489. “The damage is too extensive... I’m going to have to ligate the major veins and arteries…”
  3490. >“What!?
  3491. “I’m sorry but… your leg is beyond saving… I'm going to have to ampu-”
  3492. >“BULLSHIT YOU’RE GOING TO AMPUTATE!
  3493. “But sir-”
  3494. >“Don’t ‘But sir’ me! I just saw you resurrect someone! Saving my leg should be fucking simple compared to that!”
  3495. “I have neither the love reserves nor the sutures needed to reconnect the blood vessels-”
  3496. >“What do you mean you don’t have the love reserves! There’s plenty of love to feed on right over there!”
  3497. >The drone points to the filly lying in the cage on the far side of the cavern.
  3498. >You immediately gag in disgust.
  3499. “Her?!”
  3500. >Completely taken aback, one of your eyelids twitches in disbelief.
  3501. “Sh-she’s just a filly!”
  3502. >“She’s just another meal so we can survive!”
  3503. “But... just look at her! In her current state even the slightest attempt of feeding on her might do serious damage!”
  3504. >“That’s a chance I’m willing to take…”
  3505. >The two of you lock eyes, Gaster begins squinting angrily at you as you stare at him in disbelief.
  3506. “B-but what about your deal?”
  3507. >“Deal?”
  3508. “Your deal with the Guard Pony! You agreed that if he helped us, you’d let him and the filly go... unharmed!”
  3509. >“Phhh!” Gaster blows a puff of air out of the corner of his mouth. “I’m not about to lose my leg to honor that bullshit!”
  3510. “But... even I promised him-”
  3511. >“Dammit Thorax! How many times do I have to tell you! Changelings adapt! Changelings overcome! We do what we have to to survive, even if that means we have to lie, steal, or even kill!”
  3512. “But... it's wrong!”
  3513. >“Wrong?! There is no fucking right or wrong! There’s only winners and losers! And I definitely don’t feel like losing anything right now!”
  3514. “But-.”
  3515. >“Enough of this!” The drone slams his front hoof against the stone floor. “I order you to feed!”
  3516. >You stand in place, unsure what to do.
  3517. >“Well… what are you waiting for! I gave you an order Thorax!”
  3518. >Tears begin to well down your chitin as you continue to remain where you are.
  3519. >“Just don’t stand there you-”
  3520. >The drone unintentionally shifts his lower leg, sending a wave of pain across his body.
  3521. >“GHHAA!”
  3522. >Taking a moment to recover, a brief flash of hesitation shoots over the drone’s face.
  3523. >He looks at his current state, and then to you.
  3524. >“Y-you don’t want me to lose my leg… do you?”
  3525. “No… but…”
  3526. >“If I lose my leg… my life is over. I’ll be a burden to the hive… I… I can’t live like that… You wouldn’t let that happen to me… would you Thorax?”
  3527. >The drone looks at you in desperation.
  3528. >You pause… unsure what to say as.
  3529. >You can’t help but to look away from the drone’s pleading eyes.
  3530. >Seeing you look away, Gaster begins to pull back his lips, exposing his bloodied fangs.
  3531. >“Need I remind you what I said I’d do if you disobeyed me again…”
  3532. “Please don’t make me do it!”
  3533. >“I’m going to say this one last time.... FEED!”
  3534. >You stand there paralyzed in fear looking at the drone’s snarling maw.
  3535. >“So what it gonna be Thorax... And don’t you fucking think I won’t be true to my word!”
  3536. “FINE! I’LL DO IT!”
  3537. >You back away from the fuming drone.
  3538. >“Damn right you will!” The drone yells back.
  3539. >Gaster begins to slowly lower his head to the ground, still watching as you.
  3540. >“Damn... right…”
  3541. >Tail between your legs, you hesitantly make your way to the cage.
  3542. >>You can’t do this. You can’t do this! A voice keeps repeating in your mind as you draw closer.
  3543. >You try to focus it out.
  3544. >A building pain grows within your skull.
  3545. >>She’s just a filly! It’s wrong! You can’t feed from her. You’ll kill her!
  3546. >>...but you have to save your sergeant. He will undoubtedly lose his leg... unless...
  3547. >You stand before the cage. The unconscious filly lying before your hooves.
  3548. >>You can’t do this! You can’t-
  3549. >>...
  3550. >Your mind is silenced as a realization hits you.
  3551. >Are the voices in your head even yours?
  3552. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zyhQjJ5UgY
  3553. >The room disappears.
  3554. >A black void surrounds you.
  3555. >Only you and the filly remain.
  3556. >Looking up from the foal, you stare into the infinite nothingness of the void.
  3557. >Searching…
  3558. >for...
  3559. [spoiler]answers...[/spoiler]
  3560. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3561. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3562. [spoiler]Are you even in control?[/spoiler]
  3563. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3564. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3565. [spoiler]Are you even…[/spoiler]
  3566. [spoiler]...you?[/spoiler]
  3567. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3568. [spoiler]Save the filly![/spoiler][spoiler]Save Gaster![/spoiler]
  3569. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3570. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3571. [spoiler]She’s innocent![/spoiler][spoiler]He’s your swarmmate![/spoiler]
  3572. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3573. [spoiler]Who’s actually thinking...[/spoiler]
  3574. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3575. [spoiler]Is the changeling in you considering this...[/spoiler][spoiler]or is it the guard pony...[/spoiler]
  3576. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3577. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3578. [spoiler]The guard pony would definitely want to save the filly...[/spoiler]
  3579. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3580. [spoiler]But…[/spoiler]
  3581. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3582. [spoiler]...wouldn’t you want to do that too?[/spoiler]
  3583. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3584. [spoiler]If you are still even.... you... anymore...[/spoiler]
  3585. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3586. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3587. [spoiler]Part of you wants to believe you would have never hurt a filly.[/spoiler]
  3588. [spoiler]But part of you begins to question…[/spoiler]
  3589. [spoiler]...everything.[/spoiler]
  3590. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3591. [spoiler]From the moment you hatched...[/spoiler]
  3592. [spoiler]...all you ever wanted…[/spoiler]
  3593. [spoiler]...was a friend.[/spoiler]
  3594. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3595. [spoiler]Did you?[/spoiler]
  3596. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3597. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3598. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3599. [spoiler]Does that even make sense!?[/spoiler]
  3600. [spoiler] [/spoiler]
  3601. [spoiler]Could that have been the Guard Pony’s memory?[/spoiler]
  3602. >“Thorax?”
  3603. [spoiler]Or is it yours?[/spoiler]
  3604. >“Thorax!”
  3605. [spoiler]But even if it was-[/spoiler]
  3606. >“THORAX!”
  3607. >The room bursts back into existence.
  3608. >“Thorax! Look at me!” Gaster yells from behind.
  3609. “Huh?”
  3610. >“Are you alright?”
  3611. “Uhh… Yeah… why?”
  3612. >“You’ve spent the last couple minutes just standing there, staring off into space…”
  3613. “I… did?”
  3614. >An eerie feeling runs across your chitin, causing you to shiver.
  3615. >“Listen… that was wrong of me to ask me to feed from her… I shouldn’t have asked that of you.”
  3616. “What?”
  3617. >“It was wrong… especially after what you just went through. You don’t have to feed off her.”
  3618. “Really?”
  3619. >“Yes.”
  3620. >You heart warms up inside your chest. The throbbing pain on the side of head immediately begins to subside.
  3621. >“Now… let’s get my leg fixed.”
  3622. “Yeah… of course-”
  3623. >“Bring the cage over here.”
  3624. “Huh?”
  3625. >“I’ll explain in a second. Please, just bring the cage over here.”
  3626. “Uhh… alright…”
  3627. >You grab the heavy steel cage and slide it against ground. The metal lets out a deafening screech against the stone floor.
  3628. >Like nails on a chalkboard, the noise continues until you make it to Gaster’s side.
  3629. >The small creature inside begins to stir, the commotion causing her to wake. Slowly opening her eyes, she begins to examine the two of you.
  3630. >“Alright…” Gaster says, letting out an exhaustive sigh. “Let's get this over with.”
  3631. >The drone swiftly pierces his black horn through the iron bars of the cage.
  3632. >“EEEEEEEEEEEE!” The filly squeals in fright.
  3633. >Curling up into the far corner of the cage, the foal attempts to get as far away from Gaster’s black horn as possible
  3634. “GASTER!”
  3635. >“Stand still you little runt!”
  3636. >The drone’s horn begins to spark green with magic.
  3637. >You quickly pull the cage away, causing Gaster to fall flat upon the floor.
  3638. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”
  3639. >Gaster turns angrily to you.
  3640. >“Feeding!”
  3641. “You JUST said we wouldn’t feed from her!
  3642. >“NO! /I SAID/ I wouldn’t make /YOU/ feed from her! You’re obviously not capable of doing it now that you have too much of that pony FILTH imprinted in your brain!”
  3643. “But... why would YOU feed on her! Are you planning on casting a healing spell on yourself!?”
  3644. >“NO! Do you really think a grunt like me knows that kind of magic!?”
  3645. “Then why do this! How would feeding help anything!”
  3646. >“Because! I can feed from her... and then you can feed from me!”
  3647. >You pause for a moment, perplexingly staring into the blue eyes of the drone.
  3648. “…What?!”
  3649. >“I’ll do the dirty work so you don’t have to! That way you and your pony tainted conscience can get away scott free!”
  3650. “But… NO! That doesn’t-”
  3651. >“I know it’s not perfect, but that's the best and option we have right now Thorax!”
  3652. >The pony’s fur brushes up against you through the iron bars of the cage. She continues to remain cowering in the corner, keeping as far away from Gaster as possible.
  3653. >“Take her out of the cage private.”
  3654. >The pain returns to your temple, even worse than before.
  3655. >You look down at the foal, quivering beneath your knees.
  3656. >“Give her to me!”
  3657. >She looks to you, her face exhausted and stressed.
  3658. >“Please…” She whimpers
  3659. >“SHUT UP!” Gaster yells, causing both you to flinch.
  3660. >“Don’t think about it Thorax! You’re a drone! It’s about time you started acting like one! NOW TAKE HER OUT!”
  3661. >Tears once again begin to drip from your chitin.
  3662. >The pain continues to build.
  3663. “Yes… sir…”
  3664. >You hesitantly attempt to pull the door open, but it doesn’t budge.
  3665. >“Your dagger! Wedge it open!”
  3666. >You reluctantly comply to Gaster’s orders, removing your dagger from its sheath and wedging it into the door.
  3667. >The pain in your head is excruciating as you attempt to pry.
  3668. >“Please… don’t eat me!” The filly whimpers.
  3669. >You flinch, causing the dagger to become unwedged.
  3670. >“Ignore her Thorax! Just get it over with so we can all go home!”
  3671. >You let out a deep sigh.
  3672. “Yeah… home…”
  3673. >The door snaps open.
  3674. >“Good! Now take her out and give her to me!”
  3675. >You place your dagger back in your sheath.
  3676. “Y-y-yes… sir…”
  3677. >You begin to slowly extend a hoof into the confines of the cage, reaching for the foal.
  3678. >“No! Go away!”
  3679. >She kicks at your hoof as it draws near.
  3680. >Your vision begins to blur with tears as you accept the consequences of what you’re about to do.
  3681. >The wretched filly continues to kick at you, sobbing within the confines of her cage.
  3682. >You wink at her.
  3683. >The pain in your head immediately disappears.
  3684. >She stops struggling for a moment, caught off guard by your gesture.
  3685. >With a small twinkle in her eye, the filly looks at you confusingly, almost as if she recognizes you.
  3686. >You swiftly pull her out and place her on to the ground.
  3687. >“What are you doing?” Gaster asks confusingly.
  3688. >Using all the strength you can muster, you lift the cage into the air and slam the open end over the changeling’s head.
  3689. >“AHHH!!”
  3690. >You immediately pin the drone against the ground as a sticky green substance flows forth from your mouth. Coughing the glob of green goo upon the ground, you deftly thrust both of Gaster’s front hooves into the sticky, restraining substance.
  3691. >“WHAT THE- WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!”
  3692. >Your horn begins to glow bright white.
  3693. >A wave of fear becomes present in the old drone’s face.
  3694. >“THORAX! STOP! Y-you’re confused!”
  3695. >You slide your searing hot horn against Gaster’s side and begin to cauterize the wound.
  3696. >“GHAAAAAAAAAAA!”
  3697. >The massive drone begins to struggle, but in his weakened state you are successfully able to keep him pinned.
  3698. >A black smoke emanates from the burning chitin, its foul odor causing you to cringe, but you don’t stop.
  3699. >You finish the closing the wound upon the drone’s side and begin to move down towards his leg.
  3700. >“NO Thorax! Gaster says breathing heavily in tremendous pain. DON’T DO IT! DON’T FUCKING DO IT!” .
  3701. “I’m sorry...”
  3702. >“NO! DON’T GHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
  3703. >Gaster screams in agony as you plunge your white hot horn into the his leg.
  3704. >Small crackling noises erupt as the heat tears into the chitin and flesh.
  3705. >The heat immediately closes the severed veins and arteries, as well as burning closed the wound.
  3706. >The small thread of chitin connecting Gaster’s leg sears off, causing the lower half of the drone’s leg to become completely severed.
  3707. >Gaster breaths in and out heavily staring in shock at his amputated limb.
  3708. >“No…. NO!
  3709. >Tears pour down the old drone’s face.
  3710. >You stare for a moment at the weeping drone, unable to speak after the acts you just committed.
  3711. >On the far side of the room the filly cowers down in a corner, watching the scene unfold.
  3712. “Gaster… I-”
  3713. >The drone snarls at you through the metal cage.
  3714. >“You… YOU TRAITOR!”
  3715. >He looks at you vengefully, ready to frenzy.
  3716. >“YOU FUCKING TRAITOR! I’LL KILL YOU FOR THIS! YOU’RE FUCKING DEAD! YOU HEAR ME!”
  3717. >Gaster continues to struggle but you maintain your grip over him, the metal bars of the cage separating his sharp fangs from your throat.
  3718. “Gaster, please calm down and listen-”
  3719. >“CALM DOWN?! CALM DOWN!?! YOU’VE COMPLETELY LOST IT HAVEN'T YOU!”
  3720. “Please, just hear me-”
  3721. >“SHUT UP THORAX-”
  3722. “NO! YOU SHUT UP GASTER!”
  3723. >You increase your grip on the squirming drone and push him firmly against the ground.
  3724. “I’m leaving and I’m taking the filly with me!”
  3725. >The drone breaths in and out, looking at you furiously.
  3726. >“You won’t get far! I’ll break out of here and hunt you down!”
  3727. >You exhale deeply.
  3728. “No…”
  3729. >“NO?! What do you mean NO?! There is NOTHING that will stop me from getting my revenge!”
  3730. “There is one thing…”
  3731. >You point to the small changeling lying passed out upon the floor.
  3732. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. If you spend the last of your strength hunting me down… even if you managed to feed on this helpless filly… your body would be in such bad shape you that wouldn’t be able to bring Knives back to the hive.”
  3733. >Gaster turns to look at the critically wounded changeling lying upon the ground.
  3734. “No one knows we are down here… and Knives needs to get to a healing cocoon as soon as possible…”
  3735. >Gaster’s angered expression begins to weaken as a realization sets over him.
  3736. “You’re the only one who can save her…”
  3737. >“You conniving little bitch…”
  3738. “Once you’re at the border, a changeling patrol will spot you and bring you all back to the hive.”
  3739. >The drone stares angrily at you, contemplating what you just said.
  3740. >You already know he won't be coming after you. He has a special attachment to Knives, one that not even revenge could jeopardize.
  3741. >You let go of the drone and stand up over him.
  3742. >Seeing the bloodied three legged changeling sprawled out before you, a wave of pain and guilt hits you.
  3743. >“What are you doing? Gaster asks as he watches you carefully.
  3744. “Leaving…”
  3745. >You walk over to the corner of the room to the still cowering filly.
  3746. “Come on little one… let's get you home.”
  3747. >You extend a hoof to the small creature, she gazes at it hesitantly.
  3748. >Behind you Gaster swings his head, flinging the metal cage off from on top of him. He immediately begins to pull upon his restraints with his fangs.
  3749. >Seeing this, the scared filly immediately takes your hoof. You quickly place her over your back.
  3750. >Wasting no time, you hurriedly gallop for the exit.
  3751. >“That’s right! Run traitor! Run and never look back!” Gaster yells as you make your way through the grotesque corridor of death and decay.
  3752. >“A changeling is nothing without his hive! NOTHING!”
  3753. >The drone’s voice becomes softer and softer as you get further and further away, but his words still penetrate through the passageway.
  3754. >“You have no one now Thorax!”
  3755. >Spotting trap from before, you deftly jump over the tripwire and continue galloping towards the exit.
  3756. >You begin to see the light of the entrance.
  3757. >“NO ONE!”
  3758. >Gaster’s voice disappears as you continue towards the light.
  3759. >The two of you burst forth from the cavern.
  3760. >A rush of relief overcomes you as fresh air enters your lungs.
  3761. >Wet leaves and soft dirt of the forest floor gently conform to your hooves, feeling comforting compared to the harsh cold stone of the cave.
  3762. >As much as you’d like to rest, you know there is only moments to spare before Gaster breaks out from his bindings.
  3763. >You need to move.
  3764. “Alright...”
  3765. >You say to the foal clinging to your shoulders.
  3766. “It’s time to fly you back home.”
  3767. >The filly lets out a tiny whimper of acknowledgement as her hooves grip weakly against your chitin.
  3768. >Wings spread and filled with determination, you lift off into the canopy.
  3769. >Being mindful of your tiny companion, you carefully dodging each branch as you slowly ascend. Entering a flurry of leaves, you begin fluttering rapidly as a sea of green surrounds the two of you.
  3770. >A bright flash of light hits your face as you exit the canopy. Unhindered sunlight--shining brightly into the sky above--feels warm and comforting against your chitin.
  3771. >You turn your head to look at the tiny foal.
  3772. “You’re from Ponyville, right?”
  3773. >“Uh… uh-huh.” The exhausted filly utters.
  3774. “Alright… That should be due north of here.”
  3775. >You look around.
  3776. “ That means we need to go…”
  3777. >An endless sea of green surrounds you, with not a single landmark to be seen.
  3778. “Umm…”
  3779. >You look upwards in an attempt to orient yourself based on the position of the sun, but the glowing orb rests in the absolute middle of the sky.
  3780. “Uh-uh…”
  3781. >A begin to stutter in hesitation as a sense of fear begins to well inside you.
  3782. >You have no idea which way to go and only moments to spare until Gaster is free.
  3783. “Let's see… north should be…”
  3784. >Your stomach begins to growl as pangs of hunger set upon you. Having used the last of your magic treating Gaster, your love reserves are nearly empty.
  3785. >You can almost taste the trace amounts of love in the air as a pool of saliva begins to well inside your mouth. Swallowing your drool, you sense the trace amounts love coming from-
  3786. >The filly shift across your shoulders...
  3787. >You immediately shudder in discomfort, attempting to suppress your inkling to feed.
  3788. >But it’s no use… a changeling’s hunger can never be satisfied. The more you try to ignore it, the stronger it becomes.
  3789. >As the feeling intensifies, you realize of the source is not coming from the filly upon your back, but elsewhere, somewhere far off in the distance.
  3790. >The source of love is strong… almost as if it were… pulling you…
  3791. >A wave of eeriness overcomes as you focus on this mysterious pull, the source of which you cannot explain.
  3792. “This way…”
  3793. >You slowly feel yourself hovering in that direction.
  3794. “Yeah… this is way seems right.
  3795. >You take off.
  3796. >Wind beneath your fluttering wings, you continue forth across the endless sea of green, constantly looking over your shoulder for what you fear most.
  3797. >After a few minutes pass by, you notice a something black erupt from the canopy.
  3798. “Gaster…”
  3799. >You stop.
  3800. >The two of you stare at each other, hovering in place.
  3801. >Moments pass by as you continue to watch one another, each focusing intently on what the other will do.
  3802. >You begin to shiver in fear as your heartbeat begins to race.
  3803. >What if you were wrong…
  3804. >What if he decides to come after you instead of saving Knives…
  3805. “He wouldn’t do that... would he?”
  3806. >Your heart begins to pump quicker and quicker within your chest.
  3807. >You wouldn’t stand a chance against him. Even if he’s wounded…. He’s a killer… you are just a-
  3808. >The drone turns his back to you.
  3809. >Draped across his shoulders is a small changeling.
  3810. “Thank goodness…”
  3811. >You say letting out a sigh of relief.
  3812. “Thank-”
  3813. >You spot only three limbs hanging below the Gaster’s mighty frame…
  3814. >A wave of guilt brushes over you. You disobey orders. You betrayed the hive. You... burnt... off-
  3815. >You continue to watch as the three legged drone flutters away, not looking back.
  3816. “What have I done…”
  3817. >The distant pull once again tugs at you, while at the same time the filly once again shifts across your back.
  3818. >Letting out a sigh, you take one last look at your departing swarm, then turn around and begin to fly.
  3819. >You can’t help but look over your shoulder at Gaster as he flies away.
  3820. >The drone becomes smaller and smaller until he is but a black speck.
  3821. >The constant wind dries out your eyes, causing you to blink. After opening your eyelids the black speck vanishes from the horizon, both of them gone.
  3822. >You continue forth.
  3823. >Time passes by. Whether its minutes and hours, you can not tell. The endless monotony of the surrounding landscape making it difficult to determine how much time has passed.
  3824. >You feel the filly’s grip begin to loosen.
  3825. “Everything alright back there?”
  3826. >“So… tired…”
  3827. >The filly let's go.
  3828. “Woah!”
  3829. >Dropping downwards, you scoop her up mid fall.
  3830. >“Can’t… hold...”
  3831. “Don’t worry! Don’t worry... I can carry you...”
  3832. >Gripping the foal in your front hooves, you pull her in tightly against your chest, her soft gentle coat brushing up against your hard, rough chitin.
  3833. “Just... hang in there alright! We should be back to Ponyville soon!”
  3834. >“Mmm… hmmm…”
  3835. >The weak filly mumbles beneath her breath.
  3836. >Your heart drops for the exhausted filly in your hooves. You are half tempted to stop and find her food and water in the Everfree Forest down below.
  3837. >However, your sense of security quickly prevents you from doing so, you are well aware of what evil lurks in the woods below.
  3838. >You continue onwards.
  3839. >The sun has shifted in the sky, it is now well to the west.
  3840. >To your surprise, the pull of hunger was indeed pulling you north.
  3841. >But before you can think about it any further, you notice a small deviation in the horizon.
  3842. >Squinting, you can just barely make it out.
  3843. >A large lone mountain juts up from the horizon.
  3844. “Hey... That’s… That’s Canterlot! That must mean we're getting close to Ponyville!”
  3845. >You exited say to the pony in your grasp.
  3846. >She says nothing.
  3847. >Looking downwards, you notice she has passed out.
  3848. >You let out a sigh.
  3849. “Rest up… I’ll get you be home soon.”
  3850. >The mountain continues to grow on the horizon.
  3851. >The sun begins to lower in the sky more and more as your draw near. Your wings begin to burn from flying non stop, but you keep pushing. You’re so close!
  3852. >Just as the sky turns a brilliant orange from the setting sun, The forest edge finally comes into view, giving way to a rolling hills. Rows of trees--planted in and organized fashion--dot the hills, along with the occasional farmstead.
  3853. >You slowly hover downwards towards the tree line.
  3854. >Just as you are about to land, your exhausted wings finally give up on you, causing you to plummet.
  3855. >Quickly bracing for the impact, three of your legs strike the ground with a thud, while you're fourth maintains a firm grip upon the filly.
  3856. “Sorry… about… that..”
  3857. >You say with a pained expression upon your face.
  3858. >The filly’s eyes remain closed as she continues to remain passed out.
  3859. >You feel your wings shivering in pain from the prolonged use, but the pain is masked from the delight that lies before you.
  3860. >A short distance away, across the a few small hills of a nearby apple orchard, lies a small town.
  3861. “Ponyville… We made it... We finally made it!”
  3862. >You excitedly say to the filly, still incapacitated within your hooves.
  3863. “Time to bring you back home.”
  3864. >You take a step forward, but stop, your body completely worn out after the long journey.
  3865. >You feel your legs shaking as you continue to carry the filly in your hoof.
  3866. “Maybe… a quick rest first… and then we can get you home…”
  3867. >You shakily stumble over to a nearby apple tree and collapsed beside it.
  3868. >You feel your eyes growing heavy.
  3869. “Just a quick rest…”
  3870. ~~~~~~~~~~~~
  3871. >Your eyes open to be greeted with the darkness of the night.
  3872. >Above you hang an assortment of red apples drooping from long, thin branches. The leaves of the small tree gently flutter in the wind.
  3873. >A dim layer of moonlight struggles to breakthrough the overlying clouds.
  3874. “Ugh…”
  3875. >You moan, rising from your slumber.
  3876. “Must have... fallen asleep…”
  3877. >Chitin stinging and wings burning, your body aches as you pull yourself from the ground.
  3878. >You lift your head.
  3879. >Standing ominously before you lies the Everfree Forest.
  3880. >Intimidated by the foreboding sight, you stand there petrified, staring into the blackness of the abyss. Your tired mind struggles to make out the features of the dark woods.
  3881. >Tall tree trunks sprout from the ground and disappear into the canopy, appearing as thick dark columns.
  3882. >You shiver as cool night breeze strikes against your chitin, but continue to stare.
  3883. >Vines hang from the branches, dangling from the solid blackness of the canopy all the way to the forest floor.
  3884. >Black silhouettes dot the forest, intermixed among the vines.
  3885. >You can almost see figures hanging at the bottom of each vine.
  3886. >Black shadows shaped like…
  3887. [spoiler]Rotting limbs.[/spoiler]
  3888. >Your body begins to tremble as you helplessly continue to stare.
  3889. [spoiler]Disemboweled torsos.[/spoiler]
  3890. >You cringe in pain and fear.
  3891. [spoiler]Deshelled screaming faces.[/spoiler]
  3892. >Tears well up in your eyes as traumatic memories begin to flash across your mind.
  3893. >The cave.
  3894. >The hags.
  3895. >A wave of panic hits you.
  3896. “THE FILLY!”
  3897. >You frantically shoot into the air and being searching.
  3898. “HOW COULD HAVE BEEN SO STUPID! HOW COULD I-”
  3899. >You stop.
  3900. >She is lying on the ground where you left her.
  3901. >Turning your back to the forest, you fly over to the dilapidated filly, landing cautiously beside her.
  3902. >Inspecting her closely, you see the poor filly is still breathing, but is in very poor shape.
  3903. >You let out a huge sigh of relief, your heart beating slower as you get ahold of yourself.
  3904. “Dehydrated… malnourished… We need to get you back to home...”
  3905. >You look upwards.
  3906. >Just a short ways off, contrasting heavily against the darkness of the night, appear several small gleaming dots of light.
  3907. “Ponyville...”
  3908. >Carefully scooping the filly up from the ground, you lift her once again in your hole-ridden hooves.
  3909. >Seeing these voids in your limbs gives you a reminder... you are a changeling in Equestria. You will need to keep your identity a secret to avoid trouble. Especially when the invasion of Canterlot is still fairly fresh in all of the pony’s minds...
  3910. >You body is surrounded in a blue field of magic as you transform into a small teal stallion with a black and grey mane.
  3911. “Alright… now... we’ll just go into town… and drop you off at… at… hmm…”
  3912. >You survey the small town in distance. Candle and torch light glow from the windows of the thatch roof cottages dominating the village.
  3913. >In the center of town you spot a large circular building.
  3914. “There… That must be the town hall.”
  3915. >You look down to the tiny pony.
  3916. “I’ll drop you off, and the ponies there will be able to help you and get you home. And then… after that… I will go…”
  3917. >A pull of hunger tugs at you, once again coming from the north.
  3918. “I will... go…”
  3919. >A sense of loneliness overcomes you.
  3920. >You have nowhere to go now. No hive. Nothing. You can’t go home. You only option is to stay in Equestria. By yourself… The only changeling around for miles…
  3921. >A sense of sorrow sinks in. You’ve been around changelings your whole life… they may have treated you like garbage, but they were still there. You knew them and they knew you.
  3922. >You know no one anymore…
  3923. >You are completely alone...
  3924. >>All you really want is a friend…
  3925. >You shake you head.
  3926. “I’ll sort that out later, I need to get you home first!”
  3927. >Filly in tow, you make your way over the hills on the outskirts of town and towards Ponyville proper.
  3928. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3ttpyZPo7k
  3929. >You spot a pegasus flying through the air, likely heading home as the day comes to a close.
  3930. >But other than that, you pass by not a single pony while walking to the center of town.
  3931. >All of the shops are all closed for the day, the ponies now at home.
  3932. >Some cottages are completely dark--all of the ponies inside having retired for the evening--but some homes are still full of life.
  3933. >You can hear them through the opened windows as you walk past; ponies having pleasant conversations, the occasional laugh, the large yawns from tired ponies about to settle in for the night.
  3934. >Love is in the air. Just by walking through, you can taste it everywhere you go.
  3935. >From the ponies tucking in their foals and wishing them sweet dreams… to the care and devotion dedicated to maintaining the town's beautiful flowers and decorations… the town is absolutely teeming with love!
  3936. >You can’t help but salivate.
  3937. >In your current state of hunger you would love nothing more than to feed…
  3938. >But you hold back.
  3939. >The filly in your hooves needs nourishment more than you.
  3940. >You make it to the center of town, the massive gazebo-like structure stands before you.
  3941. >You climb the steps leading to the massive doors of the large structure.
  3942. >A white sheet of parchment nailed to the door catches you eye. Printed boldly at the top lie the words:
  3943. >“Missing”
  3944. >“Dinky Doo”
  3945. >Below lies a picture of a cheerful looking filly. A blonde mane and a light purple coat.
  3946. >You look down at the filly in you hooves.
  3947. >In her current disheveled state she is a far cry from what she used to look like in the picture.
  3948. >You can't help but sigh seeing her compared to the photo, this poor foal has been through so much...
  3949. “Alright… time to go home Dinky...
  3950. >You carefully lie the filly upon the ground a short distance from the door.
  3951. >You grasp the ornate heart-shaped door knocker firmly with your hooves.
  3952. >Three loud clangs ring out as you slam the wooden door then quickly turn and scurry away.
  3953. >Galloping down the street you turn down an alleyway and stop.
  3954. >Peering around the corner, you watch, waiting for the massive doors to swing open.
  3955. >You wait.
  3956. >A few moments pass by… nothing happens…
  3957. >Dinky continues to lie upon the steps
  3958. >You begin to examine the windows of the large circular building.
  3959. >Not a single pane is illuminated with torch light.
  3960. >The building is currently empty.
  3961. >You let out a sigh.
  3962. >There is no way you can just leave her there, you need to make sure somepony finds her right away.
  3963. >Perhaps you can just leave her on another pony’s door step?
  3964. >You look around the surrounding block, but all of the nearby buildings are pitch black as well.
  3965. “Ughh... This is the heart of the town, somepony still has got to be awake!”
  3966. >*Thud* *Thud*... *Thud*
  3967. >You hear a loud pounding noise coming from a short distance away.
  3968. >Your ears pivot to where the noise originated.
  3969. >Someone's still awake!
  3970. >You run to the steps of the building and scoop up the filly in you arms.
  3971. >You then dart off to where you thought you heard the noise coming from.
  3972. >Running quickly through the street you spot more of the white pieces of parchment canvassed across several buildings.
  3973. >Carefully scanning the block, you see no trace of any pony. Just more posters.
  3974. >You look down at the filly in need and then back up to the surrounding street.
  3975. “They couldn't have gone far-”
  3976. >*Thud* *Thud*
  3977. >The pounding rings out from just half a block away.
  3978. >You dart off towards it.
  3979. >And there you spot her.
  3980. >A grey colored mare, two folded wings upon her back and a long blonde mane running down her shoulders.
  3981. >*Thud…* *Thud...*
  3982. >She waningly slams a hoof against a tall wooden fence, attaching another poster to its surface.
  3983. >You slowly begin to approach her.
  3984. “Ex-excuse me…”
  3985. >You softly say as the mare continues to focus upon the poster.
  3986. >“Umm… excuse me... Miss?”
  3987. >Getting closer you notice tears pouring down the mare’s face. She continues to slam her hoof against the nail, with each hit staring longingly at the small filly on the poster.
  3988. >A shiver runs down your spine, this is undoubtedly the filly’s mother.
  3989. >You hesitantly continue to approach as the mare continues looking unwaveringly at the poster.
  3990. “Ummm… Pardon me… I-”
  3991. >“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you up with my pounding… I’ll leave…”
  3992. >The mare spreads her wings and whooshes into the air.
  3993. “N-No… NO! WAIT!”
  3994. >You yell loudly as the mare begin to fly away.
  3995. “I… I found her! I… I found Dinky!”
  3996. >She immediately stops and turns around.
  3997. >Looking down at the two of you, she spots the tiny filly in your hooves.
  3998. >“Dinky… is that really-”
  3999. >She stares at the two of you in disbelief.
  4000. >“DINKY!”
  4001. >The pegasus swoops down beside you and takes the filly in her hooves.
  4002. >“Oh no… Dinky! Are you ok?”
  4003. >Tears stream down her face as she examines the filly’s terrible state.
  4004. >Several lights from the surrounding houses begin to turn on as ponies wake up from all the commotion.
  4005. “Dinky is passed out right now… She’s malnourished and dehydrated, but she should recover… and be just fine...”
  4006. >The pony looks to you, face still covered in tears, smiling.
  4007. >“Thank you… Thank you so much”
  4008. “You’re… you’re…”
  4009. >You can sense the shock begin to disappear from the mare, replaced instead with happiness, joy and-
  4010. >“Mommy!”
  4011. >The filly wakes up in the embrace of her mother.
  4012. >“My baby! Y-You’re awake!”
  4013. >The filly weakly wraps her hooves around the grey mare’s shoulders.
  4014. >Several ponies begin to exit their homes and walk over to where the three of you are standing.
  4015. >“Are you ok!?”
  4016. >“M-mommy!” The filly cries as she buries her snout into her mother's chest. “I… I missed you so much!”
  4017. >“I missed you too honey! The mare firmly grip the filly in her hooves. I missed you-”
  4018. “GHA!”
  4019. >Both the filly and the mare stop what they are doing and turn to look at you.
  4020. “GrrrRRRR....”
  4021. >Shivering, you strain to control yourself.
  4022. “There’s so much love around you… I… I…”
  4023. >Blue flames engulf you as your true form becomes revealed, the abundance of love causing you to lose control.
  4024. “GHA! GWAAAHHHHHHHHHA!”
  4025. >Your forked tongue flings outwards as you hiss at the mare and her foal.
  4026. >The grey mare immediately backs away in fear, backing away into the safety of the crowd.
  4027. >“IT’S A CHANGELING!”
  4028. >One of the ponies yells from behind you!
  4029. >You fangs chomp down in the direction of the filly.
  4030. >“AHHHHHHH!”
  4031. >“GET AWAY FROM IT!”
  4032. >“IT’S COVERED IN BLOOD!”
  4033. >You look down to you hooves, dried blood from the hags and changelings still cling to your chitin.
  4034. “I’M… S-S-SO….. SORRY… CAN’T… S-S-STOP-”
  4035. >“IT’S ARMED!”
  4036. >Another pony yells pointing to the dagger sheathed inside one of your leg holes.
  4037. “I’M…. I’M NOT-”
  4038. >“FEED ON THIS CHANGELING!”
  4039. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r5sjeDH9AY
  4040. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  4041. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV0-3VMY9vg
  4042. >Waves of sand fling through the air as you come crashing down, your body skidding across the beach until finally coming to a halt.
  4043. >Shivering in pain from the blows you just received, you curl into the fetal position.
  4044. >Head spinning and body aching, you lay there, cowering.
  4045. “It… it wasn’t supposed to be like this...”
  4046. >You managed to escape from Ponyville--just barely--having landed at this small lake on the outskirts of town.
  4047. “I was only trying to help...”
  4048. >Bruised and bloodied, you look out over the still, dark water.
  4049. >Tears stream down your beaten face as you lie there, eyes drawn to the reflection of the glowing moon.
  4050. >Hours pass by.
  4051. >The moon slowly sets beneath the hills, and rays of the sun soon make their way onto the horizon.
  4052. >Brilliant yellows and oranges fill the sky as you continue to watch from the ground.
  4053. >You let out a pained and tired sigh.
  4054. >Daylight is coming…
  4055. >...and so are the ponies.
  4056. >It’s time to move.
  4057. >Slowly extending your legs from your chest, you bobbingly pull yourself up.
  4058. >As you stretch your battered limbs, your dry mouth begs for hydration.
  4059. >You hobble to the water's edge and look down into the lake.
  4060. >A grizzled, bloodied changeling stares back you, long sharp fangs protruding from its maw.
  4061. >Blood, sand, and dirt lay caked to its black chitin.
  4062. “Horrifying… absolutely horrifying…”
  4063. >You close your eyes in disgust as your head lowers to the water's surface.
  4064. >The cold liquid floods into your mouth, providing your dry throat much needed relief.
  4065. >Collapsing forward, you fall face first into the water, submerging your entire body into the cold fluid.
  4066. >Your aching body rejoices as the water soothes your cracked and abused chitin.
  4067. >The sand and blood slowly fade away from your shell, revealing your black chitin in all its glory.
  4068. >As the last of the grime fades away, you walk from the water, dripping wet.
  4069. >Standing still, waiting for your wings to dry, you spot off in the distance over a few small hills the town of Ponyville. The small town is likely in a state of panic after spotting a changeling in the middle of the night.
  4070. >You look down into the water, staring at your reflection as you begin to contemplate.
  4071. >What are you going to do? Where are you going to go?
  4072. >You can’t go home… Chrysalis would make you pay dearly for your traitorous deeds.
  4073. >Your body cringes just thinking about it...
  4074. >Staying in Equestria is an option... perhaps blend in with the masses, try to survive by feeding off the occasional unwary pony.
  4075. >That might work…
  4076. >...if you had the confidence to deceive anyone.
  4077. >You’ve already been found out.
  4078. >It’s just a matter of time before the ponies track you down, and when that happens you’ll spend the rest of you days in the cold dark confines of a Canterlot cell.
  4079. >A flashback of the Hags’ dark cave jolts across your mind.
  4080. >Shaking your head in frustration, you forcefully try to remove that image from your head.
  4081. >You can’t get caught! You can’t live in cell constantly reminding you of that terrible place! It would be a fate worse than...
  4082. >Staring at your reflection, your eyes become fixed to the dagger protruding from your hoof.
  4083. >Your heart stops momentarily.
  4084. >Mind spinning, you attempt to think of something else you could do, somewhere else you can go.
  4085. >But to no avail… all options lead to more hardship and despair.
  4086. >Only one option seems merciful...
  4087. >You remove the dagger from its sheath, staring contemplatively at the worn, well used blade.
  4088. >Your hoof shakes nervously as you hold it in your grasp. Gazing deeply into its metal surface, a pair of scared teal eyes stare back at you.
  4089. >“WE FOUND YOU CHANGELING!” A stallion yells out from behind.
  4090. >Bumbling the knife in your hoof, you quickly turn around to spot a pair of towering, armor-clad stallions approaching you from a nearby hill.
  4091. >Seeing your weapon drawn, the guards immediately stop in alarm and raise their spears.
  4092. >“PUT THE KNIFE DOWN! IT’S OVER! GIVE UP!”
  4093. >You look down at your blade and then at the guards.
  4094. >The earth pony and unicorn begin to advance, spears held high.
  4095. >You can’t let them take you! You can’t be trapped inside a cold, dark cell! Anything but that!
  4096. >A trickle of tears begin to stream down your snout as you breath in and out nervously.
  4097. >An end to the misery…
  4098. >An end to the pain…
  4099. >An end to the loneliness…
  4100. >You place the edge of the blade against your neck.
  4101. >The ponies stop, looking at each other with uncertainty.
  4102. >“What should we do?” One of the guards asks in confusion.
  4103. >“Uh… it's a trick! Don’t let him fool you!”
  4104. >“Are you sure…”
  4105. >“Y-yeah… He’s an evil changeling! Of course he’s trying to deceive us!”
  4106. “I’m... not... evil…”
  4107. >As the guards push forward and you immediately walk backwards to keep your distance, stepping into the frigid waters of the lake.
  4108. >“Not evil? You kidnapped a filly! You’ll pay for your crimes changeling!”
  4109. “B-but... I didn’t kidnap anypony! I… I rescued her! From a hag! From a whole coven of hags!”
  4110. >The guards pause for a moment, then look back to you with a smirk.
  4111. >“Yeah, sure...”
  4112. >“Your lies won’t fool us changeling!”
  4113. “You don’t believe me…”
  4114. >Tears continue to steam from your eyes as you stand there with the blade against your neck.
  4115. “No one ever takes me seriously…”
  4116. >You stand up tall, halting your retreat and cementing you hooves in place.
  4117. “Well… now is my time to… to show you that I’m serious… that I’m not afraid!”
  4118. >You firm up the dagger against you chitin, moving it adjacent to your throbbing artery.
  4119. >The ponies continue to watch, spears raised.
  4120. >You slowly close your eyes and let out a deep breath.
  4121. >The dagger begins to glide, triggering pain.
  4122. >Immediately flinching outwards with the blade, you reactively stop.
  4123. >Hesitantly looking down at the dagger, you quickly place it back against your neck.
  4124. >Again, you attempt to press it into your chitin, but just as before, you instinctively stop.
  4125. >Removing the dagger from you neck, you hold it in your hooves.
  4126. “I… can’t… do it…”
  4127. >The ponies continue to stare at you.
  4128. “I... just... can’t…”
  4129. >You look down at the small knife with in your hooves as rage and frustration well inside you.
  4130. “I can’t even cut myself with this… Gaster should have never even given me this stupid thing!”
  4131. >You turn around and throw the dagger into the lake as hard as you can.
  4132. >It lands with a minor splash, the ripples hardly making any impact in the tranquil waters.
  4133. >The two guards look at you puzzled for a moment and then at each other.
  4134. >“GET HIM!”
  4135. >Each lunges forward in an attempt to tackle you.
  4136. >Bursting forth from the lake, you shoot up into the air.
  4137. >The guards--narrowly missing--come splashing down beneath you.
  4138. >Buzzing furiously, water sprays in all directions as the droplets fly off your translucent wings.
  4139. >Your black chitin gleams vibrantly in the morning sunlight as you rise into the air.
  4140. >The two guard ponies curse in frustration as they lift themselves from the depths of the lake, both turning to watch as you dart off into the sky.
  4141. >On the verge of lunacy from extreme stress and starvation, you give into the only thing you have left. The ever pulling source of love.
  4142. >You’ll turn your back on it all: Gaster, Knives, the hags, the hive, the filly, the guard pony!
  4143. >You won’t look back!
  4144. >The further you fly, the further your worries begin to fade from your mind, replaced instead with the promise of ecstasy that feeding on love has to offer.
  4145. >A source of love this strong can surely fill the void that resides within you.
  4146. >The source seems clear as crystal.
  4147. >You must go north.
  4148. The end

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