"You disgust me"

Apocrita blinked, stopping to stare at you, only to realize you weren't going to stop either and hurried to catch up to you. "Why do you say that?" she asked, her violet bug eyes narrowing at you.

Striding through the hallway, if you could even call it that, you tried to see if there was anything in it that might be of use. Not a secret way out or hidden weapon. You already figured the Changelings would dogpile you if you really got out of hand, but you still wanted... something. Your focus waned to disinterest quickly, deciding to answer her after a full minute of silence.

"Because, you ate that shit like you hadn't had a meal in weeks." you grumbled, shuddering at the thought of it. You learned quickly in your stay that Changelings could survive off of more than just love. It made sense, because outside the occasional poor pony that they'd kidnap, they really had little to go around. Good for you in the sense that you had something to eat then, but bad in the sense that it was absolute shit. Fermented swamp plants, grubs, and what you think was literal shit. You always stuck to the former two, not testing the foul smelling brown stuff they put on your plate.

Apocrita actually growled at your accusation. "I'll have you know that you're being served luxury food. That was second only to love itself. It's about the only reason I accepted this assignment." Apocrita explained. You think she was giving an eye roll, but those bug eyes, they're just so weird you can't tell.

"Ah, so you're saying you were bribed to do this job. I guess it's not something anyone was lining up to do." you snickered, pleased that this was apparently going to be as miserable for her as it was for you.

"Of course not. The only the reason the rest of us tolerate a hairless ape like you is because Queen Chrysalis commands it. Far be it from me to see what she sees in you." Apocrita scoffed, her head shaking from side-to-side as she doubted her merciless leader.

"Does that include insulting her favorite hostage to his face? Seems like I could submit a complaint to your HR department on that." you point out, making her mouth set in a firm line. You actually liked the bit of attitude she gave you now that Chrysalis was off doing business, it made her more than the typical drone you'd had to interact with while cramped up in that room for the past week, but you didn't need her to know that.

And then you got sidetracked thinking about your HR comment. She probably didn't know what Human Resources was, because, ya know, "Human". Was it Pony Resources? Or was it Changeling Resources? Dammit, those hard hitting questions were always in your face. That and your Attention Deficit Disorder. You really should have gotten diagnosed and got some meds to go with that, but they'd probably be gone after being sucked into magic pony land.

"Where are we going?" Apocrita suddenly interjected, drawing you out of your pointless internal prattling.

"How the hell should I know? I've been stuck in a room for the past week. I figured you were taking me somewhere." you answered, shrugging your shoulders nonchalantly.

"I'm following you. If you wanted to go somewhere, then I'd have to lead you." Apocrita pointed out, her pace picking up as she moved to your side, but seemed ready to overtake you any moment.

"Like I really want to stare at scrawny horse-bug butt." you mutter, getting a nasty look from your guard. "Fine, fine, just... I don't know, take me on a tour. Show me what your hive has to offer."

Apocrita seemed to suppress a growl as she mumbled "From elite guard to babysitting tour guide, that meal wasn't worth it."

"I thought being in my presence was the greatest perk of all." you shot at her, letting her know full well you overheard her complaints.

"Whatever." she grumbled, ears drooping as she trotted forward. "Since we're close by, lets take a look at the nursery. Best to introduce the baby to babies."

"I'd be more pissed off about that if you didn't remind me of a question I had." you said, following as Apocrita led you down a side passage, bringing you to a long hallway that ended in a set of double doors. "So, you're a female, apparently, and Chrysalis-"

"QUEEN Chrysalis" Apocrita interrupted, shooting you a glare over her shoulder.

"Queen Rapebug" you amended, giving her a shit-eating grin, despite your refusal to eat shit. "She's obviously a female. And you're insects, but not fully, I think." you rambled, just as Apocrita began to open the doors. "I was wondering, do the regular females give birth, or is Chrysalis the only one popping out babies? Because I can totally see her doing that considering she's obviously a total slu-UUOHH GOD! WHAT IS THAT!?" you shouted, your offensive questions and insults about the bug-ponies cut short as you laid eyes upon the contents of the room.

It seemed to be a fairly large chamber, with numerous passages leading to other places you couldn't quite see, but that was irrelevant. What mattered was that both the floor and ceiling seemed to be covered in gross green egg. Those on the ceiling seemed held together by some weird mucus like substance... which was probably just mucus. Those on the ground seemed to all be cracked open or in the process of shaking to free their precious cargo.

Only, the cargo looked like an absolute nightmare. Small, white grub-like larva with black spots on their backs and angry little Changeling faces crawled around the floor, constantly hissing and waggling their tongues at, well, just about everything. The Changelings were hard enough to look at, but these were just... these would be in your nightmares tonight. God knows they looked enough like the grubs they fed you for breakfast. In fact... were they?

Apocrita gave you a confused look as she ventured further into the room, her presence drawing the attention of several larvae. The hissing masses of ugly proceeded to crawl over to her, climbing up her legs and nestling between the holes in her legs, making you want to vomit the breakfast up.

"They're larvae, obviously." she stated, lifting one of her forelegs up to bring some of the wiggling monsters closer to her face, where it proceeded to hiss at her. "Don't tell me you've never seen a baby before." she said, giving you a deadpan look.

"No, I've seen babies before. Babies are cute. I've even seen fillies before you guys ninjaed me out of Canterlot, and those little bastards were fucking adorable. But these? These are... Christ, this looks like Satan had a drunken threeway with an angry cat and oversized maggot, then had the baby aborted, only to find to his deepest shame it didn't die!" you exclaimed. Part of you was proud of that disgusted tirade, one for the record books. Apocrita on the other hand shot you a hard look.

"And here I thought we Changelings were ferocious." she spat coldly, kicking all her legs one at a time to get rid of the little passenger critters. "I'm not saying we're cute, but even we have standards on insulting an infant." she added, trotting back over to the door, refusing to look at you. "It's for the best you keep denying our majesty what she wants. She'd end up dying of starvation trying to get anything from you." she threw in.

You just stared at her for a moment, not really sure how to respond. You were no saint, so you weren't going to deny that your words were harsher than they had any right to be, but something about the scorn in her words made you feel cold. They were the love sucking monsters here, not you, so where did she get off with the moral high ground bullshit?

Regardless, you shook it off and quickly hurried after her when you heard approaching hissing from the disgusting worms.

The walk to your next destination went in relative silence. You'd tried to spark up a conversation a few times, but to no avail... of course, to be fair, you'd tried to do so by picking at Apocrita's nerves. Minor things, like if she ever got anything stuck in the holes in her legs before, or maybe if she intentionally puts things in them because it's a kinky thing for Changelings.

When she finally stopped, you almost ran into her from the abruptness of it, leading you to windmilling your arms to keep balance. She glanced back to see you hovering over her and quickly stepped to the side, timed perfectly so that you'd still end up falling forward without anything to cushion your fall. You almost didn't hear it through your own yelp of pain, but you could swear you heard her giggle at your misfortune. You probably deserved it, but when you shot her a glare, she seemed to have a totally innocent (for a murderous love-eating bug monster) look on her face.

"Looks like karma's coming for you." Apocrita said with a sneer, waiting for you to pick yourself up off the floor.

Grumbling as you pushed yourself up, you shot back "Seriously? You're going to talk to me about karma for shit talking your babies and asking totally legit questions about your swiss cheese legs? Karma decide to turn a blind eye to you guys kidnapping me or all the ponies that you guys drain the love out of?"

Frowning in response, Apocrita moved on, declining to answer your question. Instead, her wings began to flitter about, slowly lifting her body off the ground as she hovered forward. It was at this point that you realized that you were in another wide open space. It wasn't outside, but it was a positively huge chamber, which seemed dug into the ground with a massive pit, once more filled with Changelings. Thankfully for you, they were actually of the mature, less disgusting variety. Approaching the pit, you saw that while there were many Changelings flying about, there were just as many on the ground.

"This is Carapace Colosseum." Apocrita began to explain, motioning one hole-filled hoof out to the rest of the chamber, bringing your attention to a number of seat like structures in the hive walls. "Whenever we get our hooves on a dangerous beast, we bring them here for entertainment. Even better when we have a resilient pony to force them to fight against." Apocrita stated, a somewhat sadistic gleam in her eyes as she thought about past shows.

You weren't really surprised that the Changelings were interested in bloodsports stuff. If anything, you had to admit, you missed the more interesting, action packed entertainment from your world when you were in Canterlot. Sure, the ponies were really nice and all, but you couldn't help but notice that they were incredibly soft. Figuratively and literally. Most didn't seem to have a bad bone in their bodies, and would respond to your whining with hugs to lessen your pain. It was adorable in a 'Have a shot of pure diabetes inducing sweetness' sort of way. So the Changelings were sort of a nice change of pace for your more crass behavior. Made you feel like less of a monster... mostly.

"That's great and all, but I'm not seeing a whole lot of pony vs. monster action right now." you stated, looking down into the pit. All you saw were Changelings, gathered around, focused on something further in. It was hard to see with those flying around blocking your view.

Turning back to the pit, Apocrita gave a disappointed sigh. "Yes, well, we only get so lucky. More often than not, we end up using the Colosseum to train and test ourselves against one another. It's how most of the elite guard end up standing tall over the rest." she explained.

As she did so, you were finally able to get a glimpse of what the Changelings were focused on. Several of them were surrounding and closing in on another of their own kind. What made it stand out was, like Apocrita, this Changeling had differences in their body. Purple eyes and back armor, with blue wings, and even a red fin and tail compared to others. You had to admit, he kinda looked badass.

Your feelings increased quickly as the Changelings surrounding him charged. Two behind him made a flying leap, clearly trying to get him in a blind spot, but you saw his ears twitch minutely. Rearing up on his forelegs, his rear legs coiled, tensing up before shooting out to deliver a double kick, each hoof striking his attackers right in the face. You were pretty sure you saw some fangs fly off as the two fell to the ground.

As his hooves came back to meet the ground though, three more Changelings charged from the front, one coming straight for his head while the other two seemed to be coming in at an angle. The more distinguished Changeling only seemed to smirk, kicking off the ground so he'd dive head first into the one before him, delivering a headbutt that drove the short horn atop his head into the side of his opponent's chest, sending a sudden spurt of green out that came with an anguished cry.

The forward motion had also surprised the other two, who clearly thought he'd have stayed in place, now having to halt their movements to readjust. This gave the single Changeling a chance to shake his head, throwing the enemy on his horn off of him, potentially goring him further in the process, as well as whipping the green blood into the eyes of the other two.

While it didn't seem like enough to absolutely blind them, it did make them flinch for a moment longer. Using this, he extended his wings to the fullest, stretching them out just enough that they struck the other two in the face. It didn't seem particularly painful, if anything it was comedic, it kept them in place as he lifted himself off the ground, then rotating so that his forelegs went toward one of his opponents and his back legs toward the other. He grabbed the both of them by the head between his hooves and continued to rotate, building speed while holding them, until he at last let go, sending the two flying away.

The display earned a roar from the crowd, some flying down to congratulate the victor, who seemed proud of his accomplishment, but at the same time wanting more. Even you had to stop yourself from shouting out, one of your arms already poised to punch the air in excitement.

When the thrill died down a bit, your mind raced with new questions, and you turned back to Apocrita, who seemed equally impressed with the display. "Hey, I got another question for you."

Apocrita looked back to you, a frown growing on her face, the reminder that you were here and her problem ruining the mood for her. "I'll just go back to ignoring you until we get to the next destination." she stated, already hovering back to the entryway.

"Come on, this one isn't even offensive... at least, I don't think it is." you pondered, already seeing how it could be.

Sighing, the violet-eyed Changeling gave you a look. "Spill it."

"Okay, so, I noticed that pretty much all of you guys look alike. Like, exactly alike. See, this is the part that seems like it's offensive, say that to the wrong people on my world and you get your ass kicked." you stated. You'd never been in that position, but seen more than a few guys who were on the receiving hate for that comment.

"Of course we are, we're all Changelings, it should be obvious." your guard stated, already losing interest.

"Yeah, yeah, but like, you and that guy down there, you're not. You guys have different eyes and armor and other... stuff. Like his fin things." you pointed out. "Do you guys just choose to look different with your shapeshifting powers? And why just you guys?"

Apocrita actually seemed surprised by the consideration of your question. "Actually a little observant, aren't you?" she muttered, but gave you no time to actually answer. She was learning rhetorical questions weren't good around you. "To answer your question, this is what we look like on our own, no shapeshifting. Myself and him, Pharynx, we're... special, and not just because we're elites. Rather, we're likely elites because we're special."

"Care to sprinkle some exposition on that answer? I've kind of got a thing for spice." you pushed, arms crossed over your chest, getting a bit more interested.

She seemed irritated by the way you phrased it, but Apocrita continued on willingly. "As you pointed out, most Changelings look the same, and honestly have very little differences behaviorally from one to another, almost totally dependent on Queen Chrysalis for guidance. But there's usually one in every brood that is special. They're smarter, usually faster and stronger too, among other things. The increased intelligence lets them develop an actual personality and individuality. These are the Changelings that our queen prizes for their ability to truly act on their own, to provide for her when she needs something new. And because of how we are, this usually affects how we actually look." Apocrita explained, her chest puffing out a bit as she exhibited pride in her outstanding status among creepy horse-bugs.

"Huh, so, not a total hive mind. Duly noted." you declared, stroking your chin thoughtfully as you made your way out of the Carapace Colosseum. "That actually brings me to another question."

"Go ahead, I'm feeling generous." Apocrita said, hovering up beside you, a smile still on her face from the chance to bask in the glory that was being special and getting to brag about it.

"Good, cause you never did answer my question about where all the larvae come from earlier. You got me thinking that Queen Slutbug's the mommy, and she fucks you guys to make more, which means you're all a bunch of incest babi-"

You didn't get the chance to finish the question as Apocrita's foreleg shot out, delivering a swift punch (or was it kick) to your arm, shoving you into the wall and making you fall over. "GAH! Fucking hell you bitch!?"

"I'm regretting my life choices now." the abusive guard muttered, continuing on, not caring if you'd catch up or not.

"This is the last stop for today. You want to see more, I'll show you later, but I can only put up with so much." Apocrita mumbled, having gone completely monotone as it seemed she'd already given up on either expecting anything good out of your or even being pissed off.

You were still rubbing your arm, which still hurt from the bug-beast's blow. You questioned how a limb full of holes could deliver such a painful strike, but dropped the thought as you looked out, finding that the tunnel she had led you through ended not in another chamber, but outside.

Apparently you were in some sort of spire in the hive, because you were several stories up, making it clear that if you tried to escape here, you'd probably just fall to your death. Not that even you were that stupid to try and run away here, seeing as your dedicated guard was right beside you and, true to her word, you could see platoons of Changelings flying and marching around, preparing for any oncoming assault by the armies of Equestria. Even without them though, you doubted you'd dare to make such a move.

The land surrounding the hive was an absolute wasteland. You wanted to say it was simply a desert, but the numerous sharp, craggy sections told you the land was simply devoid of all life. There were barren trees here and there, but they looked like they were petrified fragments of a land that could have once been prosperous. Far off on the horizon, visible to you only because of your elevation, you could see the glimmer of green that indicated there was a forest somewhere, but only after a miles long trek in an unforgiving world.

"This was... not what I was expecting at all." you stated, crouching down so you could sit on the ledge. You noticed Apocrita flinched for a moment, either worried that you'd fall or thinking that you were trying to escape, but she relaxed when you just sat there, letting your legs dangle. "Considering how buggy you guys are, I thought you'd live in a swamp or something. I mean, shit, you had those plants and grubs for breakfast. Those sure as hell don't come from here."

Sighing, Apocrita levitated down, until she was right beside you, then planted herself into a sitting position, looking out over the devastating sight sprawling in all directions. "I already told you, that was a luxury meal. Our liege sends troops to collect only the finest of meals for her. The rest of us make due with the fungi we grow in the lowest chambers. I suppose you wouldn't understand how difficult it is for us to survive here."

"I guess I wouldn't." you admitted with a shrug, like it was the most menial thing in the world. "But then, why don't you just move? Build a new hive somewhere else?"

Apocrita scoffed, taking her eyes off the landscape to visibly express her disapproval of your simple words with them. "Because a harsh place like this is the only place we are safe. Ponies hate our kind for what we must, emphasis on MUST, do to survive. Our hive can produce anti-pony magic, but if we were to settle in a swamp or anywhere else that can support life, then ponies would be able to camp, hide, and make their attacks without worry. By living out in the middle of this wasteland, we guarantee that nopony can come after us."

"Wow, and here I thought in marshmallow pony land, the idea of military tactics would be nonexistent." you said, a little impressed. "Probably should have seen that coming when I saw the gorefest earlier though." you added under your breath.

Apocrita gave a snort, shaking her head. "I don't understand how a creature like you can still joke around so much. I brought you up here to show you that escape is hopeless, you're not getting out of here until Queen Chrysalis allows it, and that'll only happen when they march a ponies up here to keep us well fed. All for something as lowly as you."

"Well, yeah, I have to keep joking. Otherwise the terrorists win." you said, a half-smile gracing your face. "You're the terrorists by the way. You hide in your victim's nation, commit terrible acts, kidnap innocent people, and live in a shit hole with the express intent that it's a huge pain for people to come after you... I'm going going to start calling your leader Queen Chyrsal-ISIS."

The response given to you was a confused, somewhat disgusted look. "I have no idea what that means, but I get the feeling I should be offended and probably wouldn't be in the wrong for pushing you over the ledge right now.

"Probably not." you admitted with a shrug, pushing yourself back to your feet to avoid giving her the chance. "Anyways, I think I'm tired enough of looking at this dump for now. Lets go get something to eat. I think I can actually manage watching you scarf down that shit without throwing up... including the literal shit." you stated, turning to head back down the tunnel, given you'd have no idea where you were going.

Apocrita raised a brow at you as she trotted after. "Wait, is that what you think we were eating? That's disgusting. It's actually..."

Author's Notes:

Wow! I was not expecting to get featured on the front page after the first chapter! Keep up the love people and I'll keep providing! I feed off of it!... Wait... Shit.