Changeling Life Cycle

I hatched out of my cocoon with my eyes open and my fangs bared. Of course, this was normal; I was made to be strong. Not like those other changelings, the drones who bring me memories of love to consume. I was strong. I was born to be an assassin, a spy for my Queen.

There was one thing.

Despite the best efforts of Queen Chrysalis, I was hatched as a female. The changeling females tended to be more ambitious and rebellious. Usually, they were reserved for use alongside drones as slaves on regular feeding missions. But I was too important. The Queen had taken from her precious store of gene-altering fluids deep in her body to make a changeling like me. She wasn't going to execute me yet, because that would be such a waste of potential. No, I had to be broken first, to ensure my loyalty. Then I could begin my service to my wonderful Queen.

Oh, my Queen! My entire mind ached to do her will. But she had no jobs for me. I could not please her...

I remember emerging from my cocoon, whole, without a single flaw. No holes. But subconsciously, I knew that with every injury my body would adjust to the loss of mass with holes. Changelings don't grow.

It was hard, when she broke me. I had to go a day without feeding. I felt very small. Small, and worthless, and purposeless, like I was just an accident that my Queen had no use for. But I held on. I knew that my Queen was perfect. There was no such thing as accidents in the Hive.

Finally, I was deemed ready to be brought before Queen Chrysalis. What a privilege! My entire body tingled with excitement. Naturally, there were others before me who were to meet with my Queen. There was one, a young and boisterous drone who lazed about occasionally. The guard drones carried his lifeless corpse out for the other drones and the slaves, in case there was any love left on the body to feed on.

The male changeling that was right in front of me in line was strong for his breed. He was filled with a desire to serve his Queen and nothing else. He was a mindless servant devoted to his master, and he was going to reward it. I could feel it. He was let into my Queen's chambers and I caught a glimpse of Her, sitting regally on a throne of discarded changeling exoskeletons. I shivered and lost my balance for a second. Such beauty! She was perfection. I wanted to please her in every way possible. The doors shut before we could make eye contact. I suddenly felt very cold and empty.

You have done well, changeling drone, conveyed my master to the drone who was in the room with her. She made no attempt at concealing their conversation. There was nothing to hide. Your genes will be useful for the future of the Hive.

I could barely make out his reply. It was feeble and unimportant. I live to serve you, Your Highness. You are my master. I live to serve you.

The Queen's voice, mentally shouting. Then you shall be rewarded!

I waited for the doors to open again, so that I could see her again. My only desire was to be praised just like that drone. Eventually, I heard my master's mental order to the guard drones. Open the gates!

Slowly I was able to make out the figure of my dark Queen, sitting regally atop her throne with her legs spread casually and her forelegs relaxed on the armrest. The drone was still there as well. He was busy licking the Queen clean.

"Enough," she said, and I could feel my heart pumping wildly to hear her voice. The drone turned his face up and I saw that his eyes were dreamy. He licked his lips, bowed, and left the room. I immediately turned my attention back to my Queen, who was gazing nonchalantly at the holes in her hooves. On either side of her was a slave who was bound by the neck in chains. They had their eyes closed and were sitting but slumped over, tattered wings brushing against the ground. All of a sudden, I was aware of someone staring at me.

"My little changeling," said the Queen. She was so beautiful. Her green eyes, her long blue mane, her crown and horn and wings and body and everything.

"...Yes, my Queen?"

"You may address me as Queen Chrysalis. If you do well in your work, just Chrysalis would be fine. But not yet," she added as she rose from her throne. I gulped.

"Yes, Queen Chrysalis."

"Very good. Now, do you feel ready to serve me?"

"Yes, Queen Chrysalis! I always have and always will." I felt tears spring up in my eyes. I loved her! I would do anything for her! I would easily die for-

"Good. Hmm, let's see. Now, your first mission will be a feeding mission. However, I also want to test your other... abilities. So instead of posing as a traveling pony, I want you to kidnap a pony, take its form, feed, then bring the pony back to me. And make sure it's female."

"Of course. I will prove to you and everyling in this Hive that I am your favorite changeling!"

The Queen gave a mirthless chuckle. "We'll see."