Rocky Road

[Pacifist]

THE STORM

Rain pounded the island as I shivered in my carapice. The other changelings chittered nervously amongst themselves as I looked out at the beach, alone under the insufficient cover of the palm tree. This was *not* how it was supposed to go. It was supposed to be a little project that I was going to help the Hive with, to help myself get in touch with my changeling roots. They wanted to expand, see if changelings could survive in groups without a King to guide them.

In hindsight, they could have chosen a better location, because we were currently stranded while a tropical storm of some sort was battering the island. Until it went away, we wouldn’t be getting any help. No pony ship could sail in this kind of weather, and we wouldn’t be able to make a proper shelter in this condition. I did not want to freeze to death out here.

I was alone with strangers, far away from my family and my loves. Hope faded, giving way to dread and anger. Dread at my condition, and anger at those who let this happen. I had half a mind to yell at the other changelings, but I knew this wasn’t their fault.

I began to feel numb, the sound of the rain giving way to the ringing in my ears as my balance began to falter. I was going to die here…

Then, a sound, a cry of a creature whose size boggles the mind. It cut through the haze, through the numbness, through the ringing in my ears… A strange cry, one that I had never heard before, loud and powerful, yet not of malice.

I looked up to the skies, and saw… Her. Wings a hundred feet wide shone with a brilliant light. Long legs with sharp ends that looked like it could cleave stone with ease, bright blue compound eyes, brown fur for warmth, two feathery antennae… She was a giant moth, of a size I had never seen before.

In the back of my mind, a soft song played as the titanic creature flew town towards us. I felt dwarfed by her size, but comforted by her presence. I looked up at her, and she looked down at me.

The other changelings were saying something, but I had them almost completely out of my mind. I could feel… A presence. A message without words, but with great meaning. The sound got louder, and while I did not know the language, I knew the words. I spoke softly, because I knew she would be able to hear me.

Mothra, oh Mothra, if I were to call for help
Over time, over sea, like a wave, you’d come
My guardian angel

She let out another beautiful cry, and it was like a weight was gently pressed on my mind, not crushing it, but holding it close.

“Mothra…” I said, tears coming to my eyes as I walked up close to her. She bent her head down low as she shielded us from the storm with her great wings.I gently pressed my head against her, taking in the soft fur as I felt her warmth. I spoke once more.

Mothra, oh Mothra, of forgotten kindness and ruined spirits
I pray for everyone’s spirits as I sing
This song of love

I gave her a gentle kiss on her mandible, and I could feel love course through me. I smiled, and blushed a little.

Salvation has come to us… And a new love has found me.

I motioned for the others to come over, and we climbed onto her legs. Mothra let out another beautiful cry, and she took off, holding us close and protecting us as she began to fly us home.

I realized that this would probably take a bit of time to explain to my other lovers, but I knew they’d understand.

Mosura, ya… Mosura...