Not happening

Chapters

The Change.
The Effects
The Assertive
The Hated

The Change.

Chitin clad hooves clicked against grey stone, bright rays of sunshine burning the open-air throne room, sorry, speaking platform. A tidal wave of eye-melting colours surrounding me.

My black visage a burn mark among a blinding tapestry. Eyes of all different colours quickly glanced away when my orange compound eyes, they skitter away from my presence like frightened mice in the presence of a cat. I keep my head held high as I approach a large being with the horns of elk but the colours of an insect.

I refuse to bow nor pay respect as I stop before his raised platform. What has he done but tore apart my home? destroyed my hive?

King Thorax speaks gently "Tsetse, I would appreciate it if you could consider sharing love with the hive and reforming, I'm sure you will find it better then you think it is"

I look him dead in his unnatural eyes "Considering..." I hold back a resentful smirk "Considered. No. And it is General Tsetse"

King Thorax shakes his head, disappointment clear "Another day, another flat no from you Tsetse. We do not need generals anymore, and if you would accept friendship, you would be able to see why"

I can't hold back my sneer "Friendship isn't the problem, Thorax. And because you were an outcast in the hive, you wouldn't know what friendships among changelings are" the blatant disrespect by calling him by his name and not his title would get me punished with manual labour for a month for disregard of royal authority.
If he thinks gentle words and uninformed 'logic' will bend my will, then he must be more insane then Queen Chrysalis.

But he seems strangely pleased by being called just his name, but he meekly points out "and that was the problem in the old hive, it was far to easy to be cast out"

I would roll my eyes, but I can't really "No, you just made exceedingly easy" I shake my head, creatures like him will never understand "I'm done here. You like to pretend you are the ruler of this farce of a hive, but you are nothing more than a pretender, ironic, considering what you were"

Before he can answer I turn around and walk away at a casual rate, daring him to follow me and further out himself as a weakling. He doesn't.

The creatures of bright colours split around me like water around oil. 'Creatures' does sound harsh, but what do you call something with no name? The brightly coloured being around me are not changelings.
Changeling means more than just a generation or a Queen. It is a millennium of history, it is a proud culture nurtured through the ages. But the creatures have no history, not because it does not exist, but because they have discarded it, thrown it away, casted it to the side like yesterday's trash.

I delve deeper underground, into what remains of the true hive. It is there, in the comforting dark that I am greeted by the last of the Changelings.

A figure with purple compound eyes and a blood-red sail steps from the shadows, his voice echoing through the inky halls "What did Thorax want from you? Has there been an attack and wishes for our aid?" He sounds almost hopeful, my fellow general had taken his duty of protecting the hive into his core, letting it become a part of him.

I shake my head "No, It was once more an attempt to make me into those creatures" He narrows his eyes slightly, though, at my choice of wording, or his brothers attempts, I can't tell.

Pharynx sighs and turns back into the depths. I walk beside him as we pass through the tunnels, the walls no longer shifting and changing to match our natures. As we walk in silence, we pass a few changelings doing menial duties. He breaks the heavy silence first "Three more of my legion have shifted. At this rate, I am afraid it can no longer be called a legion with only 35 remaining"

I grit my teeth before carefully speaking "You are fortunate, only 5 of my legion remain"

He turns his head to me in what could be considered concern but cleverly disguised as surprise "Surely not. Your legion was filled with the best and brightest. Was the infamous loyalty among you not enough?"

I scowl at the floor, letting him lead our path "Apparently not. We would have died for each other, but when it comes to civil disquiet? They took the easy path, all but my absolute best"

Pharynx leads us to a large chamber, the measurements being 100 meters wide and 300 meters long, I should know, I helped design it. We stop at the edge of the platform, overlooking the now mostly empty Soundaim. The once lively shops and restaurants now mostly empty or filled with dust.

Pharynx asks with the authority granted to a general who has fought many battles "Who of your legion remains?"

I try to answer with the same militaristic tone, but it is difficult to stop emotion from leaking through "Anopheles, my lead poison expert, she always has at least 3 vials of highly lethal poison with her.
Lonomia, my lead infiltration expert, she has extreme skill in disguises and being able to create and hold an original personage for years if needed.
HawkWasp, commonly known as Hawk, my lead of the warrior division, she is known for her unusually excruciating bite and power.
Bullhorn, my lead spy-craft expert, he often works with Lonomia in infiltration but for shorter periods. Especially known for being able to create convincing backstories and temporary safe houses in short periods.
Honey, my lead gatherer, she and those under her would provide love for the legion with all excess going to the hive. She is less of a fighter but can be extremely intimidating."

The only ones who remain of my legion are those who were closest to me. I was handpicked by the previous Queen, Queen Atlas, and it was due to my experience that I was allowed to continue my position as high general by Queen Chrysalis. And as such, my admirals were hoof-picked by me alone.

Pharynx has idly locked his eyes on a group of workers who are reinforcing the ceiling "Good, at least you have your Admirals. At moon high, tomorrow night, gather your Admirals and meet me at the lower hatchery. We have much to discuss about the future of the hive"

If I could raise an eyebrow, I would "The hatchery? You think it is wise to let HawkWasp around fragile nymphs?"

He chuffs "No, but there is something you need to see"

I nod "I will take my leave. Continue your efforts to convince your... brother" Without bothering to witness his reaction, I spread my wings and buzz down multiple layers of the Soundaim. I fly to the 4 lowest levels, where the living quarters have been moved.

I push open a thick stone slab called a door and enter what has become a small but cozy little home. An apartment would be closer, but I prefer the word house. I walk through the bare kitchen and into the single room at the end of the small hall. The minimalistic bed taking up a quarter of the room, with my weapons, armour and polishing kit taking up the rest of the small room.

I sigh as I climb onto the bed, tucking my wings into their hardcovers. I rest my head down as I can't help but remember my previous home. A luxurious apartment in the upper hive with a spacious kitchen, plenty of rooms for my multitude of weapons and knickknacks, and a large room with a plush bed. No point in fantasizing about it, but it is nice to remember now and then, to remind myself of just one other thing I am striving for.

I still feel the carved images of centuries of history and stories engraved in the walls underneath my hooves. The sheer amount of information about us that would suck me in and refuse to let me go until I learned ever more about our culture. How proud we were! We had so many truly great Queens who had led us into multiple golden ages, where food was overflowing and wars non-existent. How we would have a test for all young changelings to help them determine their roles in society. Before Queen Chrysalis, young lings could choose what they wanted to be, but she had twisted even that by just forcing young lings into a position based on their body types. (Except drones, they are bred practically mindless but make up the bulk of the army)

I close my eyes and begin to drift off. I can see why King Thorax wants to be rid of the mad Queen Chrysalis, but he has taken it too far by changing who we very are, just to escape the reputation of ONE Queen. He is young, he does not remember the reign of Queen Wasp, nor was he subject to the rich culture of the changeling seeing as he was cast out before he could access the hivemind and outcasted as a nymph by his other hatchmates.

Too far... He went too far...

Author's Note

Based after the Changeling reformation but before Thorax meets Dragonlord Ember in the show. Keep in mind, this is more a writing exercise for me and less of a committed story, so no promises on constant updates.

For any of you who were curious, I will list the rankings of the Changeling Empire below (military and regular changelings are one and the same)

Queen. (Leader of the hive. Has control over Hivemind and the keeper of order)
Princess. (Queen in training. Can only be hatched in very specific conditions)
General. (In command of Admirals, only the best of the best. Hoof-picked by the Queen)
Admiral. (In charge of subsections. 1 Admiral for 1 thousand Warriors, etc)
Warrior. (Protectors of the hive, specially trained for war)
Infiltrator/Spy. (Infiltrate foreign societies to gather information/love)
Gatherer. (Trained to gather the most amount of love from wild or captured assets)
Specialist. (Painter, Blacksmith, Mapmaker, etc)
Caretaker. (Raise young nymphs/grubs and keep eggs healthy)
Worker. (Builders, architects, storekeepers, etc)
Subject. (Peasant, middle class, regular changeling, etc)
Drone. (Near mindless lings who make the bulk of the army. Fighting is instinctive)

All classes are looked upon as mostly equal, seeing as every class brings something important to the table. But Queens, Princesses, Generals, and Admirals are seen as the highest positions. Except for drones, drones are literally the lowest class, but only because of their near non-existent mental capacities.

Terms:
Soundaim - A large, circular, shopping-mall like area in the hive. Before the Reformation, it was a hub for gossip, food, and purchasable items. It is one of the few areas of the original hive left. It was built deep underground to prevent invaders from reaching it.

Names: (Just so you can look them up if you want)
General Tsetse (Tsetse fly)
Admiral Anopheles (Anopheles Mosquito)
Admiral Lonomia (Lonomia Caterpillar)
Admiral HawkWasp (Tarantula Hawk Wasp)
Admiral Bullhorn (Bullhorn Acacia Ant)
Admiral Honey (Common Honey Bee)

Yes, I understand that I should probably introduce the information in the actual story, but really? Do you know how many chapters it will take to naturally introduce that much information? I do, and it is around way too much for me to actually care.

The Effects

General Tsetse walked down into the dark halls and twisted tunnels, utilizing an instinctive map of her hive to navigate the constant turns and paths all the way down to a dim, quiet hatchery.

The remnants of slimy green nutrients dripped down from the ceiling, the chrysalis holding them long broken. A few scattered eggs placed in large divets in the floor were all that was left of the changeling pupae. General Tsetse took great care not to even come close to stepping on the few eggs left as she approached the small group of changelings huddled around a divet.

Her Admirals stood at attention quickly when they saw her approach. She sat down by Pharynx and ordered "At ease, Admirals," they sat back down as she turned her gaze towards Pharynx "Why have you called a meeting here? Surely there are more private areas, especially with the creatures coming down every now and then to check on the pupae"

Pharynx did not take his eyes off of the large pupa as he answered "I called you all here for a reason. I have had several theories as to what is causing the immediate change in the pupa and larva when they hatch. And now I have proof validating my theory"

Admiral Lonomia spoke up, her blood-red compound eyes betraying her silky voice "Forgive the interruption General Pharynx, but may I ask what theory you have conducted?," she flattened her black crest "And I query why you have summoned us as well"

Pharynx took his gaze off the egg before addressing Admiral Lonomia "During the weeks after the Reformation, I noticed that all changeling eggs in the upper hatcheries have produced reformed changelings immediately. There is no dramatic change from black to colour. And I discovered this almost by mistake when I oversaw the hatching of a changeling in this very hatchery. The Larva was born with black chitin and did not change." Pharynx paused to let the information of his statement sink in

Admiral Honey spoke up, her voice gentle as her amber eyes widened slightly "Forgive my question General Pharynx, but do you mean to say that the larva born from the lower hatcheries differ from the one born in the upper hatcheries?"

Pharynx nodded "During the past few days, I have come up with a plausible theory as to why this has occurred. During the Reformation, the Queens Throne had absorbed the energy of not one, but four alicorns, 6 elements, and the god of chaos himself. My theory is that the sudden explosion of the Queens Throne had caused a sort of radiation. Changelings have never before changed our base forms as we did that day, so being in the radiation zone must have created the perfect conditions for such a thing, and all the hatcheries in the upper levels are in the radiation zone, so the Pupa must be affected while gestating" Pharnyx finished, looking at the Admirals who all pondered this closely.

Admiral Anopheles spoke next "It is a good theory, General Pharynx. But there is one flaw if you do not mind me saying so", she waited until Pharnyx meets her sickly green eyes before continuing "While scouting, I have seen several changelings miles away from the hive change their forms. If said radiation zone goes that far, would not the lower hatcheries also be in the boundaries?"

Pharynx narrowed his eyes in thought, casting his gaze back at the egg "My guess would be that the radiation zone is limited to above the ground, perhaps due to the minerals in the soil or some other factor I am unaware of. But as I said, it is a guess"

Admiral Bullhorn chuffed, his muscular frame towering over the other Admirals "Better theory then the rest of us have, General Pharynx," his dark blue eyes looked around the hatchery "Shouldn't we just grab some eggs from the upper hatcheries to hatch more proper changelings?"

Admiral Hawkwasp rolled her violet eyes "Apart from how the parents would hunt you down if you took any eggs? There is no guarantee that the eggs hatch if taken out of the radiation zone, or if they did then they could end up as some amalgamation of Reformed changeling or pure changeling"
Admiral Bullhorn flared his tall black crest "I knew that, Hawkwasp! I just think that if there is a chance for more proper changelings to boost our numbers, then we should at least try!"

Tsetse bares her fangs and hisses "Enough! You of all should know a mother's wrath Admiral Bullhorn," Tsetse turned her attention to Hawkwasp "Do not aggravate your fellow Admirals Hawkwasp, not so close to the Pupa!"
Hawkwasp lowered her gaze, not ashamed, but willing to accept her carelessness in picking a fight so close to a Pupa.

Tsetse turned her baleful gaze onto the egg, watching the small movements of an active changeling that may never hatch "Admiral Honey. What are our current love reserves?"

Admiral Honey frowned deeply, the sorrowful look not suited to her gentle face "At an all-time low, General Tsetse. We have fewer mouths to feed, but fewer infiltrators and gatherers to collect food. We are holding steady, but it is nowhere near enough to allow the Pupa to hatch. If I had even a little excess, I would funnel the love straight into the eggs, but we barely have enough to feed ourselves. So for now, the Pupa must remain in limbo"
She reached out to the egg, petting it with utmost care as she said softly "...Poor things might never be able to hatch at this rate"

Admiral Lonomia snarled, her tone quickly growing toxic "What's left of the infiltrators have been working day and night to feed us as we are. Don't insinuate that it is our fault!"

Admiral Honey stopped petting the egg, looking at Lonomia with just one eye she whispered in a dangerous tone "I know, it is why I have not... severely punished... what is left of our infiltrators" And it was that moment that the other Admirals were reminded just why Honey was considered the most intimidating of the group.

General Pharynx sighed "This meeting is getting off course. Admiral Lonomia, you have my full permission to utilize what is left of our infiltrators or any who want to gather to collect more love"

Lonomia looked over at General Tsetse for confirmation. A short nod of agreement was all she needed before saluting the Generals and buzzing out of the hatchery to who knows where to collect more infiltrators.

Tsetse rested a holed hoof on Pharynx's shoulder "General Pharynx, I need you to try and convince your brother to at the least cease his... demands. He will not listen to me, but he needs to be reminded of just who exactly he is trying to change"

Pharynx met her pumpkin-orange eyes for a long moment before nodding "Be sure to watch over the Pupae while I am gone. The only caretakers we had left have joined the Reformed, and now there is no one to make sure the Pupae are not taken or damaged"

Tsetse nods "Of course, go now"

Without another word, Pharynx opens his wings and buzzes out to meet with his brother, leaving Tsetse and her Admirals alone.

Anopheles draws a hoof down her face "I am almost tempted myself to infiltrate Equestria for some fresh love to eat" now that the other general had gone, the Admirals were now free to speak without formality.
Hawkwasp lays herself down on the cold floor "You say that again, remember the little cakes filled with jellied love? Faust those were good"
Lonomia spoke next, still a little stiff around the remaining general "Remeber the ice cream with hardened love shaved on top? What I wouldn't give"

Honey laughed "It has been a long time since we had those sorts of luxuries! Before Chrysalis became Queen I think"

Bullhorn sighed heavily "Stop it, you all are making me hungry"
Hawkwasp sniped near immediately "you're always hungry"
Bullhorn reared back, pretending to be more offended then he actually was "Hey! I am a big ling! I need food dammit"

Honey grinned, her fangs glinting in the low light "Well you all are welcome to gather love with me on my next outing into Equestria, I could use the assistance"

General Tsetse, who had been listening fondly, interjected "Sorry to disappoint you Honey, but I am afraid my other Admirals have to stay here, we are in far too a precious of a position to leave the hive"

Hawkwasp yawned before commenting "Why don't we just contact the Boreas hive? They are still allies no?"

Tsetse stiffened "They would just as soon help us as they would take us over. They are allies yes, but mostly due to political marriages and our similar strength in numbers. Now that we are split up, they would kill any creatures they found and claimed our hive as would be their due. Enough on the other hives, they cannot be made aware of the split."

Tsetse sighed, letting the tension in her body go "We simply have to be patient and try to grow our numbers again. After that? who knows"

Tsetse looked up at the inky ceiling. This day had been filled with hard questions and difficult revelations, the hive may be suffering from magical radiation, the Pupae may not ever hatch, and the Admirals tempers are growing shorter. And it wasn't even lunch yet.

Author's Note

(Dear lord, I wrote this in one go at 8 at night. Not as drama-filled as the other chapter, but I wanted some development of the Admirals and some explanation for the Reformation)

Changeling class description
(It might not be mentioned fully in the story, and I like something to come back to check as well. And yes, I am aware of how some of these changes will most likely be conflicting with canon, but it is my story dammit)

Queen -Tallest in the hive, slender and naturally thin but with tough armour. She has a layer of coloured armour around the midsection to protect reproductive and organ systems. Has a crown-like growth that acts as a direct connection to the hivemind, also allows her to control the hivemind. She has slit eyes and several rings of a slightly different colour to make adjusting to rapid changes from dark to light easy.

Princess - Second tallest in the hive, only a few inches shorter than a Queen. Her armour is tough but stronger than the Queens. She has a small lump where future crown-like growth will sprout. Has slit eyes like a Queen, but fewer rings of colour.

General - Tallest of all non-royal changelings, has extremely tough armour and fangs are elongated past the chin. A general can be bred or made. A bred general changeling has small pitch-black slit pupils similar to the Queens but a solid colour surrounding the pupils and are born with colours. A made general is different since their eyes, crest, wings, and wing covers all gain pigmentation upon promotion, they also undergo rapid bone growth that extends their height, hardens their chitin and extends their fangs.

Admiral - Admirals are slightly weaker then Generals but trade brute strength and natural weapons for a higher organization and thought process. When Admirals are promoted they gain colours to their eyes and wings only. Admirals are not incredibly smarter then Generals, but when promoted, their brains undergo a rush of hormones and chemicals that expand the section of the brain most responsible for organization and planning. As such, most Admirals are not necessarily cunning or clever but excellent with plans and organization of troops and supplies.

Warrior - The fighting class of changelings with extremely tough chitin and long fangs. They are often bulky with muscles and are able to carry three times their weights with ease. They are stronger than the Admirals but are less capable of leading thousands of troops into victory and do not have the mental capacity for the stress they must undergo. They have well developed vocal cords for loud roars used to startle or intimidate enemies onto send signals across a noisy battlefield.

Infiltrator - The sneaky class of changelings with thin, vulnerable armour that is better suited for absolute silence then all-out battle. They have especially muted eye colours to better blend in with the shadows. They are one of the most cunning classes of Changelings, just falling short the Generals.

I will do the rest of the classes next chapter!

Terms

Queen's Throne - A massive throne made up of magic draining rock that is found only in the badlands. It has seated hundreds of Queens and has garnered the nickname 'Queen's Throne'

Pupa - a changeling baby still in its egg (Pupae being multiple Pupa)
Larva - a baby changeling
Nymph - a young changeling

The Assertive

Another day, another proud changeling turning against us and becoming a creature. Our numbers are slowly falling, more and more warriors choose to become colourful, pacifistic creatures. Warriors who used to be able to slice through Maulwurf hide like butter can no longer even swat a fly without being scolded for 'not thinking of the flies feelings'. Disgraceful.

Things are sliding downhill for the hive. Less true changelings are being hatched and more adults are converting. And where is the oh so wonderful king, perched on his wooden throne? That's right. He has buggered off (no pun intended) to have a vacation with prey while the hive is at such a perilous stage.
Before he left, he implemented this mandatory 'creative outlet' that all changelings should attend. I went to this craft time seeing as I am a changeling after all, but I don't know what all those creatures were doing there. Pharynx took great pleasure in making spears and I on the other hoof revelled in painting gory scenes of glorious battles we had won in the past, guts and all. It was hilarious to watch the weak-minded creatures lose the contents of their stomachs when viewing my wonderful works. But that is beside the point.

A Changeling trots up to me, near perfectly blending in with the dark halls "General Tsetse" He salutes, his form rigid and straight, as a soldier form should be. I flick my ear down "At ease. What is your news Infiltrator?" All infiltrators share thin, weak chitin that makes then more slender, perfect for blending into the shadows, and this infiltrator is no exception.

He drops his salute and relaxes his position "King Thorax has been sighted returning to the hive from his vacation, General Tsetse"
I nod briefly "Anything else, Infiltrator?"

"Current love stores are dropping. We are dropping to critical levels, the current gatherers and infiltrators left are unable to provide enough food to support us"

I narrow my eyes "Acknowledged. You are dismissed" He nods and trots past me, probably to inform Pharynx of this development. So the mighty King Thorax returns? I should have smashed his egg.

I turn down a corridor, walking steadily up to the surface as I connect to the fragile, decaying hivemind All Changeling units, make your way to the sky commons to greet King Thorax's return
A crowded murmur of agreements filters through like static. The hivemind should have been a cacophony, a symphony of voices all at once, powerful music that could only be translated by a true changeling. Now it was little more than a quiet static, a decaying thousand-year thread of what should have been a strong steel cable. The hivemind is on the verge of snapping, only held together by the last of the high changelings. Me.
While Pharynx and I are technically equal in position, we are not equal in power or knowledge. Once a changeling reaches a certain age, or was born in a certain time, they are classified as high changelings, which are renowned for immense power and knowledge that builds over time.
I, General Tsetse, am 739 years of age. And I have the scars to prove it, the countless battles and takeovers telling a tale on my chitin. Ponies could compare us to their Alicorn princesses, but they would be wrong. While changelings have extremely long lifespans, we are not immortal, I am nearing the end of my lifespan, as the eldest changeling other than royalty ever recorded to live had died at 879. It is funny, I always thought if I was strong enough, stealthy enough, I would have enough time to do what needs to be done, now though? All I want is more of it. More time.

I continue up the tunnels, glaring as the walls themselves get lighter, and light green vines decorate them. I immediately notice when a gathering of changelings forms behind me. A deep sadness sends a pang through me as I realize, that even with my admirals and Pharynx's legion, only 22 of us remain and 9 of them away from the hive gathering love.

Creatures shy away from us as we make our way to the wooden throne. Flammable. One accident and it would be up in flames. I can tell Hawkwasp really wants to be the cause of the said accident.

King Thorax is weary from his long flight, seeing as he has just sat down. But there is something different. Could it be that the ponies put some stupid ideas in his mind?

He catches his breath while staring at us, he has something to say. He straightens his back, oh? "Unreformed changelings," his tone is stronger, what is this? his glare/stare is almost up to par with a normal changeling "I have been patient enough with you. It is time you join the rest of your siblings and share love. If not, you know where the exit is"

The changelings behind me are sent reeling. Banishment? when did he grow such a spine? Pharynx, who has taken his place beside me, seems almost impressed with his brothers moxie.

The warriors behind me begin murmuring quietly, they are scared. They do not want to change, but they want to stay in the hive more then they want to leave. I open my mouth to speak when Thorax cuts me off, did that little shit do that on purpose?! He knows I would tear his words apart like I am itching to tear out his throat. He ignores my hissing and continues on "It is time. You do not need to be constantly hungry anymore, we will gladly welcome you with open hooves"

A whoosh behind me. I glance back to see a proud warrior let himself become a creature in the hopes of plentiful food, then another, and another, and another. Before long only Pharynx, my Admirals and I are left.

King Thorax, though tired and obviously wanting rest, looks pleased with himself, but still addresses the rest of us, he just won't stop pushing! "Well? Are you going to share love too?"

Caustic acid is bubbling over as his words echo. He took what was left of the hive. He MURDERED the last hopes for the changelings! He looks so pleased with himself. He won't stop pushing. Pushing and pushing and pushing and pushing and pUshing and puShInG.

A scream of absolute rage tries its damnest to rip its way out of my throat, but I force myself to keep my tone at a vicious snarl "No. I am not. How dare you. HOW DARE YOU even THINK of threatening a high changeling of banishment!? You can't even BEGIN to understand what I have done for this hive! What sacrifices I have made! How many I have lost! And you have the AUDACITY to threaten me?!"

I step forward, more than prepared to rip his disgusting carcass apart. I want to kill him, kill him, kill him, kill him. Pharynx grabs a tight grip of my foreleg, preventing me from tearing his brat of a brother to shreds.
King Thorax seems stunned and confused, I may not be able to kill him, but I will at least wound him, tear down his confidence "You?! A pretender trying so desperately to be a Queen?! You were always too blind to see beyond the obvious. We had Queens BEFORE Chrysalis you absolute wanker! You are too weak to defend this farce of a hive. What if the other hives learn of this?! you think they will just join this little club of your and go skipping in the flowers?! THEY. WILL. KILL. US. ALL! And it will be your fault-"

Pharynx snaps at me, anger written all over his face "That's enough! We will talk later General Tsetse" I raise my head imperiously, he is pissed off because I snapped at his baby brother. He is too weak to see what needs to be done.

King Thorax is completely still on his throne. His eyes are wide and slightly fearful. I spit at his feet before turning and walking back into the depths of the hive, just before I am out of earshot I hiss mockingly "Wanna banish me? I would like to see you try"

My Admirals are at my back, their loyalty not going unnoticed. Admiral Bullhorn whispers to me "What a way to put it, General Tsetse! He got what was coming to him"

Admiral Hawkwasp snorted "A wakeup call, that dumbarse actually thinks that the Polaris Hive won't try and take over when they hear of this? Oooh, I almost want to be the one to tell them just so I can see the look on his face when his eyeball meltin' changethings are slaughtered"

Admiral Anopheles hisses at him "Hawkwasp! We may be all that's left, but if I catch you trying such a thing, I WILL make you regret it. It will a cold day in Tartarus when I allow what's left of our glorious hive fall to the Polaris Hive.

I don't respond to the banter going on around me. My world is crashing around me like glass stricken by a rock. All those changelings, warriors I had served with, Infiltrators I had gone on missions with, all of them gone. Any future I had seen for changeling kind rendered useless just because King Thorax grew thicker chitin somewhere away from the hive.

Admiral Honey puts a wing on my elytra, a quiet comfort as we walk. She understands exactly what must be going through my mind, she has always had a knack for it, even as a larva. She has her own Pupa down in lower hatcheries somewhere, and now she realizes that she may never get to see her offspring grow into a healthy hive, or grow at all. None of the eggs will.

I almost wish I didn't snap at King Thorax, but he took away my last hopes for the hive in one fell swoop of assertiveness. My voice is slightly hoarse from yelling as I speak "Admiral Anopheles. Summon what is left of the active gatherers and Infiltrators outside the hive. There is something that must be addressed"

Anopheles pauses for a moment before responding "If I may, General Tsetse, a few of the Infiltrators have expressed wishes to live in their chosen lives"

I ask stiffly "Which ones? and where?"

Anopheles thinks for a moment before answering "Carapace in Equestria, Manehatten, posing as a journalist. Beetle in GryffonStone, he has found a mate who knows of his true identity to feed off. And Ladybug in Appleoosa, posing as a researcher"

I sigh, I do not begrudge them for choosing to live close to prey and making lives there among them, but it is all the easier for them to forget where they come from if they live so far away from the hive. Though Beetle having a Griffon mate who knows of his changeling origins is worrying, she could easily betray him.

"Summon them as well if you can and if it does not threaten their positions in their chosen lives. But make certain they realize they will not be harmed nor detained if they choose to return, relay the information I will speak of later if you must, it is vital all changelings hear what I have to say"

Admiral Anopheles nods, she doesn't show it, but I can tell she is pleased with my decision to leave the infiltrators alone. Admiral Lonomia is a bit bitter, but she is accepting of their choice, it is not uncommon for infiltrators to even find happiness outside the hive. In fact, before Chrysalis, the little upstart, it was almost encouraged as long as they still funnelled love back to the hive.

I look into the darkness of the halls as I say quietly, all of the dangers we face weighing heavily in my tired mind "We may have to leave the hive"

Author's Note

Well, this chapter was a bit of a shit show. Thorax met with Ember and took her advice, the poor bean thought it would work too. NOPE, he underestimated just how much he was pushing Tsetse. She hides it well, but even after hundreds of years, she still snaps back way too quickly.
Also, mentions of another Hive? Multiple hives? You didn't really think that this was the only hive in existence?

Changeling code
Changelings have a type of secondary communication expressed through body language. A single ear flick going down in a military setting would reaffirm an at ease order or in a civilian setting would be something like 'relax' or 'calm down'.
Flaring of a crest in a heated conversation would be a signal to back off but in a happy conversation would be excitement or interest.
There is a lot of signals that can pass in a single conversation, but changelings from a young age learn to pick up on these signals.

Terms used
Sky commons - a large area where the top of the hive is open to the sky. It is where King Thorax's throne is located, along with small groups fro activities, most of the changelings spend their time in the Sky commons, leaving the true changelings in the lower parts of the hive where no changes have yet occurred.

Changeling secondary ranks.

Secondary ranks are less cared about then first ranks, but they are valid and mentioned in a few cases such as royalty or High changelings. it is more a method to help determine the status of an individual.
Royalty- Certain changelings specially nurtured by the previous royal.

High Changeling- High changelings are NOT like nobility in the ways of bloodlines. Any changeling who lives to or past 400 years is automatically considered a High changeling due to the raw power and knowledge they have collected over the years. The older the High changeling, the more respected they are.
A High changeling that is made by the Queen, hatches from their eggs with an untapped reserve of power and knowledge that would usually take hundreds of years to acquire. They are not able to tap into this power until they are 40 years old, which is when Changelings enter their prime.

Changeling- A normal changelings lifespan reaches to about 60 years until they are killed. High changelings are extremely rare due to how often changelings are killed due to Maulwurfs, starvation, or being discovered. Changelings are not anything special, but they are not weak. Just average citizens.

Low Changelings- Most commonly drones or changelings with severe disorders that can offer nothing to the hive. Low Changelings cannot be made, only born. Changelings who were crippled in battle are not considered Low Changelings. Only those with mental or physical disabilities so severe they cannot contribute in any way are considered Low Changelings. Drones are automatically placed in this category.

The Hated

Admiral Bullhorn hissed, incredulity clear "Leave the hive?! This is our home! And I'll be damned to Tartarus if we abandon it!"

Admiral Honey looked at the floor as we walked down "It was our home. Can any of us say that we are not the odd lings out? This place, our hive... It is taken. Gone. It is no longer ours. It is theirs"

I feel my chest tighten as Hawkwasp growled, flaring her crest to accentuate her anger "Then we take it back! These daisy pushers couldn't fight back even if they wanted to! We are still strong!"

I snap at them "No! If we fought as we are, we would lose. We are too few in number and too weakened from hunger to mount an attack. If we dared to invite another Queen to help us, they would take over, and while they might keep me around, they would kill the rest of you. And that is not a sacrifice I am willing to make, I would rather our hive fall into obscurity than be overrun by a Queen who has no attachment to it"

Taking a few deep breaths, I continue explaining my plan "We need more food if we ever wish for the pupae to hatch, and we need a secure location to raise them to allow our hive to survive," My Admirals are not outright protesting, so I continue "I need suggestions of possible locations that would allow what few infiltrators we have to harvest easily, but still secure enough to raise our pupae undetected"

After a short pause, Admiral Honey speaks up "Perhaps the caves underneath Canterlot? They are certainly expansive enough to hide the new hive and we could easily gather love from the ponies above"
Admiral Lonomia hisses "It is far too close to the prey! They are aware of the caves since Queen Chrysalis imprisoned two Alicorns there, expansive and confusing? yes, but the risk of being discovered is too great!"

Admiral Bullhorn cuts off what looks to be the beginning of an argument "Perhaps one of the outskirts? Such as Everfree or Appleloosa?"
Anopheles quickly counters his suggestions "Who said we have to stay in Equestria at all? We could very well head for the Hippogryfs or Zebras, they produce love just as well as Ponies, and are not as aware of changelings"

Admiral Hawkwasp scowls at the floor, a natural look when she is deep in thought "I believe we should remain in Equestria, we know the ponies there the best. We know how they think, act, and most importantly, how they attack," Admiral Anopheles scoffs, and is rewarded by a fierce glare from Hawkwasp "No listen! As much as I adore a good brawl, it is important to know how our opponents will attack us should our new hive be discovered! I will not put pupae at risk just because our information on other prey species is lacking"

General Pharynx, who has been dead silent the entire conversation, speaks up "I don't think we should abandon the hive at all," Everyling turns to look at him, but let him continue "I don't want to give up our legacy for anything, but we can't just leave this hive, OUR hive, unprotected, even though it is filled with eyesores and safety hazards. This is our home and our family, however weak they have become, are still here, and I don't think we should leave them behind"

I close my eyes briefly before responding "I understand better than most, General Pharynx, but our culture and history is dying. Soon enough, the creatures will begin to expand back down into the lower hive and begin changing it, getting rid of what no longer fits their new ideology," Pharynx winces at the word 'creatures', but he knows my meaning enough to not interrupt "If even for a moment I believed those creatures could come to a compromise about it, I would try. I would bargain and scream until their ears were bleeding and my throat wore out. But whatever force that changed their base forms also changed the way their minds worked, they have become so love drunk and hyper-fixated on sharing love with each other that they have no room for those who won't"

Admiral Honey takes over quietly, but we can hear the truth in her words "You saw how Thorax just tried to push us out, to banish us if we did not conform to his new reality. It won't be long before the rest of the reformed changelings begin to push us out in other ways, such as cutting off our infiltrators on their way in or out."

Admiral Hawkwasp hissed quietly "What I would like to know is where Thorax got the spine to attempt to banish us like that. Before he leaves, he bends like wet paper whenever something so much as hisses at him, but one trip to Equestria and suddenly he can backtalk lings who have been around since before his parents were even a thought?"

Anopheles suddenly perks up her ears, and we cut chatter immediately, staying completely silent until she hisses "The abominations have begun to scrape at the walls not far from here, they are moving closer"

Great. Of course they wouldn't hesitate to wreck the lower hive to create more space for themselves. Standing up, I look directly at pharynx even as I address my Admirals "Gather what little supplies and belongings you have. We are leaving, sooner rather than later"

Admiral Honey interjects "But what about the pupae! We cannot take them all, nor do we have enough love to hatch them"

I let her interruption slide as it is a decent question and answer "We will take three eggs. Two eggs will hatch normally once we have enough love, but with the third egg, we will overload with love once we have enough" The Admirals, and Pharynx, are stunned.
It is known that Royal eggs can be created when overloaded with enough love, but it is incredibly rare due to the fact that it takes an absurd amount of love to even begin the process.
Ignoring the slightly incredulous look on Bullhorns face, I continue with my plan "Once we have gathered supplies and the chosen eggs, we will leave the Badlands Hive to create a new hive. Once we have the new hive secured and a steady stream of love coming in, we can begin the process of creating a Royal Pupae and hatching the regular pupae."

How glorious it will be to have a Queen once more! Even a princess can help restore the fragile mess the hive-mind has become!

My loyal Admirals nod, understanding the unspoken dismissal, and trot out of the dark hallway in different directions. Pharynx, however, does not move and instead glares at me "I don't agree with your plan to leave the Hive, and if you speak to my brother that way again, I will personally rip out your throat. But I won't stop you from leaving, nor will I tell Thorax"

I scowl at him "You wish to stay with these creatures? Fine! I know your too stubborn to leave your broodmate behind, but know that when they eventually banish you, and they will, your real kind will be waiting for you"
I continue down the hallway at a brisk trot, completely done with the conversation.

I am disappointed. And angry. Of all lings, I thought Pharynx would be all for leaving the hive for the survival of our kind, but I guess his loyalty to his brother and the memories of this place are strong. I don't expect him to allow himself to become one of the creatures, but he will be alone. Alone, surrounded by creatures, isolated from the hivemind, and pressured from all sides to give in.

Trotting down deeper into the darkness to gather what little I hive, I can only hope that Pharynx keeps his sanity and does not become a love-drunk traitor like the rest of them.

Author's Note

so..... It has been a while. But shit, I never promised a regular update! add in a healthy dose of procrastination and just a hint of forgetting about the site, and this goes left alone for far longer than I anticipated.

I do plan for Tsetse and her gang to create a new hive with all the technicalities, infiltration, and troubles that come with it, so interesting stuff is planned! (Sort of)

By the way, does anyone know of any other good changeling fics?