Metamorpha
Changelings are born on a massive scale. While a mare will only have one, or at the most, 2 foals at one time, a changeling queen can have hundreds of offspring at once. This is why sibling bonds are so unusual amongst changelings. But, my brother and I are twins. While all changelings have hundreds of brothers and sisters, two changelings born from one egg is a very, very rare occasion. Twins are treated slightly differently than regular changelings, for one they must graduate each rank together, if one is not doing well, their twin is held back too. This often, as expected, creates rifts between the twins; in fact that is the purpose of “the twin laws”. Bonds are dangerous; bonds put another changeling before the queen. But for Variation and I, these obscure rules only strengthened our connection, and because of the laws nature, even though some tried to separate us to break the bond, they failed.
Variation and I were truly inseparable. When I snapped my right wing, he refused to participate in the big race at our hive’s flight school, purely because he knew I desired to compete.
When he experienced a common but oh-so embarrassing issue of being stuck in a transformation temporarily (even more unluckily it happen when our class was practicing transforming into the opposite gender) I stood by him and defended him from the bullies, reminding them of their embarrassing moments.
But that was then, and this is now.
~
Variation
Chaos in the barracks, everyling stumbling out of their hammocks, desperately looking for their uniforms! Why had the queen summoned all us at such an odd time? And why hasn't anyling lit the candles! I few up to the chandelier, and cast one of the first spells I was taught, a simple spark spell. My horn shone emerald, just like every other changeling’s, then a small spark arched from my horn to the candle, igniting it. I glided back down to the slick black floor. I then went to the heap of uniforms, strewn from their customary places in various chests, and began searching for mine. When I found it, I tossed it over my shoulder and onto my back, before carefully securing the fastener with my teeth, making sure not to puncture the material. I momentarily paused at the polished stone we use as a mirror to make certain that everything was in order, and then joined the group galloping toward the throne room.
~
Metamorpha
I trotted toward the throne room in the company of my barrack-mates. As we walked we speculated softy about why the queen summoned us. The guesses ranged from that she was ready for a new brood (something that has not happened in quite some time because, “we need to focus on training who we have now”) to another hive has trespassed on our territory. We had the leisure of not hurrying because our barracks are closest to the throne room. We entered the grand hallway, unlike the barracks; the light source in here is exclusively magic. It had a soft green glow that filtered through the translucent jade of Queen Chrysalis’s throne. Changelings funneled in through numerous entrances to stand before the queen. It seemed our slow pace had been a bit too slow, we were not as early as I imagined. I spotted Variation a few rows over. I made my way through the crowd toward him, disgruntling a few changelings in the process. Nonetheless we found a place to stand and turned our attention to the queen.
~
My children, I know you are confused and disorientated, as you are normally sleeping at this time. But I wished to inform you of the situation and the plan immediately. I simply could not wait until you awoke.
We have lived here in the so called “badlands” for too long, for too long we have existed on scraps of love in an all but loveless land, when vast rivers of love flow through our neighbor’s lands. The time has come to take what is ours, we could be so powerful, so great, but we allow ourselves to be controlled by the Equestrians. Today is the day we begin our operation. We have positioned sleeper cells in the royal guard at key locations. When we attack, they will work from the inside to bring down Canterlot. Soon I must leave you, my children, to take my place in Canterlot. We still have some time before our attack, but we must begin preparing ourselves, polish your armor, sharpen your fangs, the time is soon. Now, be gone!
~
Metamorpha
Small gasps and murmurs, that could not be heard over the queens booming voice could now be received in her silence. I turned to Variation.
“Did I hear right? Is she really planning on attacking Canterlot?” I almost shouted, before catching myself.
“It seems that way my sister.” Variation’s voice was calm, but his eyes were wide, he was just as shocked as everyling else.
-
We walked back to our barracks as instructed. We didn't talk at all. When we reached my sleeping area, I gave a quick, stiff nod before entering my room.
I was not sure what I thought. On one hand attacking Canterlot was practically a suicide mission. We have maintained a thin peace with Equestria, and they have left us alone for it. But on the other hand, it is what the queen wishes, and that is all that matters. I will give my life for the queen, and this is no exception.
~
Variation
I did not wish my sister to see my distress, so I kept myself composed until I returned to my barrack, once there, I began the freak-out.
“Panic Panic Panic! Oh my god, oh my god! Ok, ok. Calm yourself Variation, you’ll think of something.” I said silently to myself
“What is the queen thinking? We are fine as we are, why is she trying to change that! She clearly has not thought this through. No! Stop it! You must never question the queen! This is the first thing you where thought! If we fail, we will be killed! Massacred in the streets! People will look for our “floaters”, changelings who have infiltrated ponies’ families, and kill them! They will be secret no more!” I mumbled inaudibly to myself. My barrack-mates were staring, but I didn't care.
“Even if we succeed, we will fail! If our ultimate goal is to harvest the love in Equestria, it will not work! How could anyling possibly love in a world where they are suspicious of everypony they meet? Gah! We are doomed! I’m doomed! I either take part in this foolish mission or I will be executed for treason. I guess my chances are better helping the hive but still…” I groaned and flopped into my web-like hammock. I might as well get some sleep; there is nothing I can do about this now.