>The sun had yet to rise when you woke up, with Chrysalis already being out of bed you get to your feet.
>A short and silent shower is had, you let the water flow over you as you stare at the wall.
>A horrible mix of nervousness and determination flows through your veins.
>You have essentially the fate of many hives on your shoulders, whether they know it or not.
>You feel as though they could handle Reicher at the current standing but...you don't like those odds.
>A drone silently prepares your armor and hangs them on the hooks just inside the door.
>"My lord, Queen Chrysalis has requested I tell you that you are to head straight to the main gate, breakfast will be had in the carriage".
"Thank you, you may go".
>"Yes, my lord".
>After finishing up your shower and getting dressed, a knock at the door.
"Yes"?
>Chrysalis silently enters the bathroom, her emerald eyes eminating a soft glow in the dim light.
>"Anonymous, I...I want you be safe out there. Even I don't know how much things have changed since I had gone to Gryphonia".
>Her voice betrays the strength of her eyes, she's worried for you.
"I'll be alright Chryssy, I think I can handle it".
>Despite your words and reassuring smile, Chrysalis remains the same, unconvinced.
>Her eyes shrink almost into a deadpan stare, "You know I can taste how nervous you are dear".
>A green light erupts from Chrysalis' horn, casting a bright green tint on everything in the bathroom.
>Letting the flame travel to a nearby sconce, her own flame dies down.
>"That's better, can never figure out why you bathe in such dim light".
"I always forget to turn them on dear".
>Her deadpan stare continues, "I think it's because you're too lazy to do so".
>Well, she got you.
"Yeah you're right, I've been spoiled by my new status".
>Putting on your revolver holster you check the cylinder making sure all six rounds are loaded and ready to go.
"When is my carriage leaving Chryssy"?
>"As soon as you're done here Anonymous".
>As you turn to her and take her face in your hands her eyes widen a bit.
"I'll be okay my love, I can handle this alright? I know you can tell I'm nervous but I can tell you are too".
>Though you thought that would at least ease her a bit it seems it has done nothing.
>"I...just be careful okay"?
"I will always be careful Chryssy".
>The two of you make your way to the main entrance, a silence that is neither uncomfortable nor welcoming is cast over the two of you. With nothing but the sound of her hoofsteps and your boots against the floor echoing off of the walls.
>Finally, after what felt like an eternity you arrive at the main entrance.
>The gate is already open, the rays of light creeping in, wind flinging the loose sand into the foyer.
>A carriage is parked facing the gate, a familiar face at the controls.
>"Hiya my liege. Ready to set off"?
"Almost".
>Ram Charger arrives in a more heavy armor, you can almost see your own face in the finish.
>Ram bows, "My Queen, my King, I am prepared for departure".
>Chrysalis nods, "very well".
"Ram I'd like the formalities dropped on this if that's okay".
>Another quick nod from Ram as he opens the side door on the carriage.
>"Everything is already packed up Anonymous, we just need ourselves. First to Queen Alice's port hive, then to Gryphonia".
"Alright, sounds good".
>A tingly feeling erupts in your right hand, only when you are being pulled back do you figure out its from Chryssy's magic.
>"Anonymous...before you go...take this".
>She levitates an odd black necklace in front of you, a thin chain with a diamond shaped pendant in the middle.
>As you take it in your hand the sapphire in the center glows a bright blue, throwing a shadow on nearly everything around you.
>After a few moments the light does down, and eventually fades away.
"What, in the hell was that"?
>"It's what's called a computation jewel, it...well it's an experimental device that Beaker had made for you. He says no creature should go without magic".
>She eyes the necklace with a small amount of concern, "It's a good thing I trust him so much, or else I wouldn't have even thought about letting you have this".
>Wait.
>It's magic?
"Go without magic"?
>"He told me its a jewel that concentrates your energy into tangible magic, much like our horns".
>Oh.
>Oh shit.
"So, I can use magic with this"?
>Chryssy nods, "Yes essentially, I wish I had more time to go over details and test but...you need every defense you can get".
>Wrapping you arms around Chryssy she jumps a bit as you hold her close.
"Thank you hun, I appreciate it".
>Letting her go you turn towards Ram, without even asking him he nods.
"Alright, let's get going".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>A few hours have passed since the two of you have left for Queen Alice's hive.
>If it's anything like her Helios wine it's going to be an interesting place.
>The only thing going on is the cradle-like rocking of the wagon as it traverses over the dunes and the occasional bump as the wagon hits a small rock, usually followed by a "Sorry my liege" from the driver.
>Deciding to find some way to pass the time you pull your rifle off of its shoulder mount, laying it across your lap.
>Opening the bolt and unloading the rifle you get to inspecting the barrel.
>Slight score marks, but nothing that wasn't present before.
>"Anonymous".
"Yes Ram"?
>"I have been wanting to ask you how that weapon functions, I've never seen anything like it. The only thing that comes to mind that would be a close comparison is one of the pony's firework launchers".
>Satisfied with your rifle's condition you slide the bolt back in and load the weapon.
"Well, these are the cartridges".
>You hold up a round, the dull gold color dimly shining in the stuffy wagon.
"The lead point here is hurled at high speed by the chemical reaction of the powder in here".
>Indicating the base of the round you continue.
"By making a spark, that whole thing sends the lead flying and into whatever you want dead".
>Ram follows along closely, almost hanging off of every word you say, "That's...fascinating, you humans are pretty ingenuitive".
"Yeah I guess, lack of magic like you guys have is a huge reason why we were so technologically advanced".
>Ram nods, "With that computation jewel you have now though, you can use magic".
>Reaching into your armor and pulling out the necklace, studying its soft casing.
>Magic.
>The thought excites and terrifies you at the same time, like the day Chryssy showed you how she can-.
>Stop.
>The dim light of the sapphire slowly pulses, casting an unusual light inside the wagon.
"How do I...use it though"?
>What looked like a half hearted shrug is your answer, "I have no idea Anonymous, Beaker didn't exactly give anyone any instructions".
>You wonder why Chryssy would give you, the king, an untested artifact made by a scientist which you've personally seen take more explosions than Gaza.
>"The magic is faint, like a foal".
"You can tell I'd imagine".
>"Aye, my understanding is that it draws magical energy from you and things around you, allowing you to utilize if need be".
>Stuffing the necklace back under your armor and leaning back into the seat you heave a sigh.
"I never liked this wagon"
>"I have always enjoyed this wagon, keeps one from the outside elements. Being nearly impervious to most attacks is also a nice addition".
>Resting your hands on your stomach you cross your legs, looking to the ceiling. The rythmic swaying of the wagon as it traverses the desert almost putting you to sleep.
"Way too stuffy, thing needs bigger wind-".
>Chaning direction almost as fast as you could blink the wagon lurches right and picks up speed.
>"What is going on"?!
>The driver pops his small window open into the wagon, "Aye sorry but we got problems! A damned Sand Worm! It's chasing us"!
>Shiiiiiit.
"Shiiiiiit".
>You an Ram simultaneously jump to your feet, grabbing your rifle you slide the small hatch open on the right side of the wagon.
>Ram does the same to the left side.
>"Anonymous! This side"!
>Hurrying to the left side you spot a huge sand colored worm emerge from the ground, hundreds of teeth glistening inside of its mouth.
>Ram sends a beam towards it, striking to the beast's upper lip.
>Raising the rifle you take careful aim at the worm, squeezing off a shot the round hits true to the side of its' head.
>Ram jumps as you fire, cursing under his breath at the noise.
>The worm, however, just seems more upset now.
"How in the fuck can that take a round like that"?
>"I don't know Anonymous but we better figure out something quick, Sand worms aren't to be trifled with".
>Cycling the bolt on your rifle you let off another shot, this one hitting the side of its' mouth.
"No shit it's not to be fucked with, Jesus Christ".
>Two shots from a Mosin and it's just irritated.
>Only thing you can think of is...
"Ram! I'm going to do something stupid"!
>Ram's eyes widen a bit as you make your way to the center of the wagon, the random lurches as the wagon changes direction not helping your journey.
>Reaching the top hatch you undo the lock and fling it open.
>"Anonymous! I don't know what you're doing but be careful"!
>Ram continues to fire beams from his horn at the worm, though to little effect.
>Climbing up the ladder to the top of the wagon, you get a better idea of just how big this thing is.
>It's like a pissed off semi truck is flinging itself around trying to eat the three of you.
>You need to find something akin to a weak point.
>Despite its' best efforts, evolution can't produce a being with no weaknesses.
>There's its' mouth, but where are the eyes? Ears?
"Ram! Where the hell is the eyes"?!
>Letting off a magical beam, Ram strikes dead center on a small hole in the side of the beast's head.
>The worm lets loose a roar, its' writhing increasing by tenfold.
>Bringing your rifle to your shoulder, you try and steady yourself against the wagon's fast paced maneuvers.
>Squeezing a round off it jerks up and grazes the worms head.
>Cursing to yourself you cycle the bolt and line up another shot.
>This one lands a hair above the beast's eye, though it was close enough to cause some damage.
>The worm lets loose a thunderous roar, the sheer noise kicking up sand around it and rattling every bone in your body.
>Cycling the bolt again and sipping back into the wagon you curse under your breath.
>How in the actual fuck are you all supposed to take that thing out?
"Think if we hurt it enough it'll just leave"?
>Ram shakes his head, "Highly unlikely, they're very territorial creatures. If we can make it through to the other side eventually it will stand down".
>Make it to the other side huh?
"How long would that be"?
>A moment of tense silence consumes the wagon, the only noises are the worm chasing the three of you and the driver muttering curses to himself as he maneuvers the sand dunes.
>Finally Ram looks to you, "I'd say judging by the average Sand Worm's territorial field and the speed we are travelling, about five or six minutes".
>That's assuming the three of you can manage a straight line.
>Inching forwards to the front hatch and opening it the driver looks to you, "Yes, my lord".
"Can you try and keep a straight a line as possible due East? At full throttle, we leave it's little circle it'll leave us alone".
>A quick salute from the old changeling, "Aye! Let's kick 'er into full speed".
>In one swift motion he grabs the right most lever and yanks it down, while kicking the right pedal to the floor.
>In a drastic lurch the wagon's nose picks up, the engine whirling away underneath.
>The wagon doubles its speed, the suspension bottoming out against the dunes and rocks, tossing you around the wagon like a popcorn kernel.
>Barely managing to stay on your feet you stumble towards the side, grabbing on to a handle to steady yourself.
>Ram is fairing much better than you, with his quadruped stance he is simply standing loose legged.
>"I didn't know the wagon could achieve this kind of speed, it's astounding".
>The driver gives the front seat a good smack, "Aye! This baby can do it all! Wouldn't trade 'er for the world".
>A sharp bump makes you hit your head on the wall of the wagon.
"Can...you possibly keep this thing from tossing me around"?
>"Aye aye! Sorry my liege".
>The wagon slows to a more relaxed pace, yet keep a sense of urgency.
>Ram makes his way to the side of the wagon, opening one of the many hatches.
>"Looks like that was a lazy worm, it didn't bother chasing us after we took off".
>Nearly collapsing on the seat you let out the breath you've been holding since this whole ordeal started.
>Ram slowly makes his way to the other seat, letting out his own breath.
>Laying your rifle across your lap you take five rounds from your ammo pouch under your left arm.
>Pulling the bolt back on the rifle you slowly load the rounds one by one.
>"Commander Beaker had made those white ones you have yes"?
"That's right, and thankfully so".
>Getting to the last round you close the bolt.
"I'm not much of a fighter without this weapon. I have no teeth or claws that would hurt anything".
>"And no magic yes"?
"Right again, no magic".
>The weight of the amulet makes itself known to you.
"Besides, whatever this is that Beaker made for me, but I have no idea how to use it".
>Ram puts a hoof to his mouth in thought, "I wonder if it works the same way as our horns do, Anonymous, can you do something for me sir"?
You can't help but be a little apprehensive at what's to come.
"Yeah sure what is it"?
>"I need you to concentrate extremely hard on this, I don't know if this will be easy or difficult for you as you have no inherent magical ability".
>He motions his hooves in an odd circular motion, "I need you to form a line of energy from your heart to your right hand, and imagine a flame erupting from your palm".
>Huh?
"Huh"?
>Ram repeats himself, "I need you to form a line of energy from your heart to your right hand, imagine a thread connecting them, now place your energy into that thread".
"I...don't think I have the ability to place energy anywhere Ram".
>"Try it like this, just pour all of your concentration into that thread we talked about. If that amulet works how I think it works you should get a response".
>Sitting up on the bench you turn your right palm upwards, facing the ceiling.
>Mustering all the focus you can you place it on a line from your chest to your right hand, shutting everything else out your focus does't waver.
>A quick flicker of a green light takes you by surprise, and you lose your concentration on what Ram told you to do.
>"Anonymous! That was fantastic! It was very brief but you had a hold of magical energy".
>Taking the amulet into your hands its warm to the touch.
>"I definitely think you should keep practicing at it, I will try to give you instructions to the best of my ability. We should see Yanara at the port when we arrive".
"Yanara"?
>"Yes, Yanara is Queen Alice's advisor, though she is also one of the most knowledgable changelings in the land in all things magical".
>Ram sits snug to the back of the bench, "She will certainly help you much better than I can".
>A curt nod is all you give as a response.
>The next few hours pass with few words exchanged or really anything going on at all, you nod in and out of sleep as Ram seems to just be concentrating on the wagon wall in front of him.
>The sun is starting to set on the horizon, casting a brilliant orange hue across the sky.
>"I think we should stop for the night, we should see the port town at mid day of tomorrow".
>Getting up and popping the top hatch open on the wagon you lift yourself up to sit on the roof of the wagon, looking around for any place to stop.
>A small outcropping or tall rocks are at your 2 o'clock, but you can't make out any details.
>Hopping back in to the wagon you rummage around your gear bag for your binoculars, yanking them out of their case you lift youself back on to the roof of the wagon again.
>Looking through the binos you see a more sinister thing.
>A group of three changelings, all black but with white eyes, wings, carapaces...
>Vira troops.
"Stop the wagon"!
>"Aye my liege"!
>The driver pulls the left most lever hard, almost sending the wagon into a nosedive into the dirt.
>The wagon skids to a halt, Ram calls from the interior, "Anonymous what's wrong".
"Vira troops at our 2 o'clock, about 300 meters out".
>Ram mutters something unintelligible as he hops near cat-like on to the roof of the wagon from the inside through the top hatch.
>A small green aura surrounds his eyes as he scans the rock outcropping.
>"Those are Vira troops yes, by the looks of them very lightly armored scout troops. We're outside their primary vision range it seems, or they would've attacked".
"Are they hard to fight? If it were any other hostile I would've just went around but I'm not privvy to having Vira scouts crawling around our territory".
>"I am not privvy either Anonymous, they're not hard to defeat. Despite Vira's threats of force they're only about a notch or two above our average troop combat wise."
>Ram continues as he looks over the rocks, "Vira troop's strength is in their tenacity to fight over their actual combat skill".
"Ah, so they're crazy"?
>A small chuckle from Ram, "Yes, you could put it that way".
"So how are going to do this"?
>"Well Anonymous we have to eliminate them, they cannot survive now that we've seen them".
"I figured it would come to that".
>"A long range attack is preferred, as they don't fair well in that area. However, we're not exactly equipped to do so as well. Aside from your weapon that is, my magic's damage has a bad fall off at a little under 200 meters".
"I think...if we can stay out of their sight we can just pick them off, I can hit them from here pretty well I think".
>"That is up to you Anonymous, I would opt for a closer stealth takedown".
"Well, two things Ram, I'm not sneaky, and this thing is VERY loud".
>"I understand that Anonymous, my ears are still recovering from our little bout earlier".
"Yeah I know, that and we're running out of daylight".
>A small nod from Ram, "That is true, it's no issue for me but you do not have night vision".
>You ponder a plan of action.
"Ram, they're sitting still aren't they"?
>Ram scans their position again, "Yes, they're grouped around their small fire. No major movements".
"Do they have a commanding officer"?
>Careful deliberation before Ram answers, "Yes, one to the furthest right position, he is the only one with a helmet".
>Climbing all of the way out of the wagon you hop off the top and land in the soft sand.
>Opening the side hatch you fetch your rifle, checking for ammunition you slowly make your way to the summit of the small sand dune the three of you had stopped on.
>Getting into a prone position you lay your rifle on top of the sand, forming a makeshift shooting platform to keep the rifle steady.
>Clicking the rear sight to 300 meters and disengaging the safety you look over the rocky bit where the three changelings are.
>Ram lays to your right, a soft green glow still present in his eyes.
>"Can you hit them from here Anonymous"?
"Well, I don't know for sure but we can sure as shit try".
>"Well, if they find us we'll have a fight on our hands. We'd better be sure this attack is successful".
"I know I know".
>Your breath slows as you focus on the officer, they're not moving much. Looks like the three are having a conversation.
>All three are occasionally bending to scoop something out of the pot over the fire into their cups.
>Assuming it's a soup of some sort.
>After just a few moments of watching them you notice that the officer's head conveniently passes in front of the middle changeling's body.
>Can you go for a twofer?
>Would certainly make your jobs a lot easier to only have to deal with one.
>A lone scout drone shouldn't be a match for you nor Ram.
>You bring the rifle closer to your shoulder, deciding to fire at the officer's head as he bends to the pot.
>Minutes go by as you lay still, waiting for the perfect moment to fire.
>Ram whispers to you, "Anonymous, what are you waiting on"?
"A moment that I can fire".
>Ram adopts a faint hint of uneasiness on his face, but keeps quiet nonetheless.
>The officer begins to bend, in an instant you exhale your breath and prepare to fire.
>He reaches his cup into the pot, his head exactly where you want it to be.
>All you hear is your own heartbeat, your finger curls around the trigger, slowly squeezing inwards.
>At once the all familiar sound rushes into your hears, a fireball makes itself known just for a moment as the bullet kicks up dirt away from the muzzle of the rifle.
>The sharp kick pushing into your shoulder.
>Your ears ring as you cycle the bolt and bring yourself back into a shooting position.
>Ram is scanning the outcropping, a green glow around his light blue eyes.
>"You definitely hit them, the other is panicked".
>"Let's see if we can capture them alive yes"?
>Geting to your feet you rush to the wagon, hopping on to the front seat Ram follows.
>Without a word the driver sets off at full throttle towards the lone changeling.
>Looking into your binoculars it seems the last changeling has gone into shock, as they're just standing there looking towards the other two.
>"What are they doing"?
"I don't know, but they're done now".
>The wagon skids to a stop a few feet from the fire, you stand up and immediately aim your rifle at the last changeling.
"Move and you die, understand"?
>The bodies of the other two lay in a pile to his left, seems the round took off the officer's lower jaw and hit the other changeling in the chest.
>Silky white blood is splattered everywhere behind them, there is still some leaking from the jaw of the officer.
>The changeling is terrified, shaking from head to hooves, barely able to stand up.
"Ram, restrain him".
>"Yes Anonymous".
>The door to the wagon opens, shackles float out towards the changeling.
>They clasp around it's forelegs, another pair come and clasp it's rear legs together.
>A small horn sized metal cone floats over and tightens around the changeling's horn, they wince as it sets in.
>What is essentially a belt zooms out of the wagon and wraps itself around the changeling's wings.
>"I cannot lift them with my magic Anonymous".
>Pulling open the bolt on your rifle and catching the ejected round you load it back in the magazine, with another from your ammo pouch.
>Moving the rifle to your shoulder you grab the changeling by the wing belt and half carry half drag them to the wagon.
>With a hint of venom you toss them into the wagon, they skid along the floor a bit before coming to a stop.
>You were about to get in when the changeling gets a rush of energy.
>"Wait!!".
>A female, then.
>"My helmet! Can I please have my helmet first".
"Why should I do that"?
>She looks to you, her solid white eyes showing no emotion yet seem to get their point across at the same time.
>"I-I'm the officer of the squad now. You killed my two superiors...".
>"I need my helmet if I am the officer".
>You try your best to keep a look of contempt, at the same time she did essentially offer no resistance to her capture.
"Ram, watch her".
>Making your way to the other two dead changelings you pick up the helmet of the fallen officer.
>Not so different from a Roman legion helmet from ancient times, minus the weird broom head thing and this one having a hole for a horn to come through.
>The two bits that are supposed to come to the bottom of the jaw are broken off, most likely from the rifle round.
>It's still covered in white blood, with some dripping on to the golden sand.
>Making your way back to the open wagon door you toss the helmet at the hooves of the captured changeling and climb in after it.
>Once you're settled in the seat Ram hops in and shuts the door behind him.
>The changeling silently looks at the helmet unceremoniusly tossed to her hooves, her empty white eyes still managing to portray sadness at her fallen officer.
>"He...wasn't the best sergeant, but Certi kept us alive. I can thank him for that at least".
"Who said you could speak".
>She takes the hint and shuts up, resorting herself to just staring at the floor of the wagon.
>The front hatch slides open, the driver's duller blue eyes are the only thing that show through, "I'm gonna assume my liege that we're foregoing the stop for tonight"?
>You nod.
"Yeah, think you can pull an all nighter to town? We'll take an extra days rest then".
>The older cahngeling adopts a look of dread for a sliver of a second, before resuming his usual stoic...driverness?
>Who knows.
>The wagon sets off at a galloping pace.
"I'll buy you a case of helios wine and some rum".
>Immediately the wagon's nose pick up, nearly triping its' speed.
>"Yo ho an' a bottle o' rum, drink 'til yer lips are numb".
>He happily sings to himself as the four of you set off at a quick pace towards Queen Alice's port town.