>You woke up with a start, before settling back on the couch you had slept on
>A good day to be Anonymous, that was for sure
>Looked like Silk was up already, watching you with vigilance
>What a responsible person she was, to be able to move on with so many heartbreaking events in such quick succession
>She was definitely going to be in the running for the role of your assistant
>As you were thinking, you noticed her composure start to break slightly
>How strange. Were you causing that, or was her fidgeting just coincidental?
>Only one way to find out. You decided to…
>No, you couldn’t think about her. Not now. You were past all of that
>Still, perhaps you could at least think about one of those cool empires you were reading about back on Earth
>Khmer hydraulic engineering, that was always a fun one
>Shit, you loved reading about all that stuff
>Your world’s history was way better than Equestria’s, that’s for sure
>Anything from the Napoleonic Conquests to Norman Sicily fascinated you, and it was probably pretty evident
>You loved all that stuff to pieces, shame you wouldn’t be able to read about it anymore
>Never again. It was pretty shit, to be honest
>Back on topic, Silk was in a bit of a state
>Yeah, you’d done something to her by thinking about all of that
>Her face looked as though her favorite wine had turned to vinegar whilst she was drinking it
>Needless to say, she seemed a bit irritated you were still languishing on her couch
“Interesting. Didn’t know you Changelings reacted so readily to emotion.”
>”Anon, we feed off of love. And when one of us hasn’t had much for a while, we tend to react far more strongly to fear or hate. For a second there I felt some exceedingly strong positive emotion, followed by… remorse? Hopeless nostalgia? I’ve never been good with that stuff.”
>Emotional analysis. You don’t think you’ll ever get used to it. It was bad enough with Celestia and Luna, but a whole race that can do it? It was starting to feel intrusive
>Seemingly sensing something was off, Silk readjusted her composure a little
>”You know, Anon, if there’s ever anything you’re having trouble with, you could always just ask me for help. I mean, it’s because of you that I’m still alive, so I want to be there in your hour of need, too.”
“I appreciate the gesture. Means a lot. But we have only known each other for, like, a day. Are you sure you’d be willing to go along with what I do and forsake your Queen like that?”
>"Certainly. The Queen has never done much for me, and I couldn't forgive her for what she's done to this hive."
>Shit, they all took to you very quickly
>Felt good to be the guy giving the orders for once
>"Anyway, I noticed that you haven't eaten since you got here. Would you like me to get you some breakfast?"
>Damn, she could cook too? How very hospitable. None of your friends back in Ponyville ever did that for free, except Pinkie or AJ on occasion
>She was doing a very good job of winning you over already, just by being nice to you
>Oh right, she fed off of love. That meant that a good meal for you was a good meal for her, too
>How much of this was genuine, and how much was pragmatic? You weren't really sure
>Fuck it, you weren't going to turn down a meal
"That'd be awesome. Don't worry too much, pretty much anything works for me."
>"Right away, Sir."
>Well, should be another great day of giving orders and being listened to
>For now, that was about enough. You liked the control you had
>Working together to build things up was something the Changelings were surprisingly competent at, considering their reputation amongst Ponies
>Equally, the infrastructure was pretty run down before you arrived
>Was this all because of you? You’d like to think so, anyway
>Whatever. Time to get to work
>Mining was probably still a sore spot for them, so for now they'd be working on roads, some entertainment, and that lumber from yesterday
>You worked on a little vegetable garden for yourself, and built the beginnings of a house
>Well, it was more of a shed than a house, but you didn't want it to look like you were freeloading
>The Changelings seemed fine with it, especially Silk, but you at least wanted to seem like a strong leader when Luna came over in a couple of days
>Oh right, that whole thing. It'd be a bit interesting explaining that you'd invited a head of state over, but you could probably manage fine
>They all implicitly trusted your judgment, so nobody would question it
>You hoped

>It was a comfortably slow day for you
>Recently the nights hadn’t been too bad either
>Although you supposed this was just because your sister still did a fair amount of the work, and your subjects weren’t exactly used to talking to you just yet
>Indeed, it was a good day to be Luna, Princess of the Night
>You’d agreed with Celestia that the best way to deal with Anon was to confront him, face-to-face
>Well, you really had outdone yourself this time
>Not only had you gotten hold of his location, but you even arranged a time with Anon and he seemed receptive
>Sure, you did have to lie about conflict with Celestia, but he’d have to forgive you in time
>As it currently stood though, the human was a direct threat to Equestria
>He originated from a warlike society and was very emotionally volatile
>His dreams could attest to that, you’d probably had to intervene in them more than anypony else’s
>It was sad, really, watching someone get so torn up about a death that wasn’t even their fault
>You should likely have consulted your sister about the whole thing before she invited him to Canterlot, but it just felt a bit… personal
>You’d already been over that though. He needed to get over it and heal, not put himself in charge of a town!
>Based on what he said, it was a Changeling Hive, too
>That was very, very bad
>It wasn’t even necessarily their shape-changing abilities that made them threatening when paired with Anon, it was simply how they gained their power
>If they could only get love from him by playing into his delusions or indulging his interests in recreating a human state, then Anon would either never get over his problems, or become the leader of an armed and dangerous rogue nation at Equestria’s borders
>Likely both, and you couldn’t allow either to happen
>You just hoped he’d be willing to listen
>It was about time for your final conversation with Celestia before setting off to pursue Anonymous
>You hated leaving her to raise the moon in your stead, but you both agreed this was something too important to leave stewing
>She approached the meeting table, gently smiling
“Sister, I know it will be difficult for a few days, but try to manage things as usual whilst I’m gone.”
>”I will most certainly be fine, Luna. I have a few centuries’ experience under my belt, after all. All of that aside, I believe you wished to discuss something with me?”
“Yes, I do. Some of my agents near the Changeling border have reported heavy instability. Hives are operating quasi-independently from one another, imports have ceased, and there are even reports of a change in administration.”
>Celestia’s face changed to one of concern
>She never overplayed her emotions, but you could read her well enough
>”Decentralization stands directly against Chrysalis’ domestic policy since the attack on Canterlot. Has something happened there?”
“I believe it is likely. Needless to say, it makes the situation regarding Anonymous more difficult. With overall leadership weakening the Hive he leads might have rallied behind him as a substitute, so even if he chooses to return there might be some opposition from the Changelings in town.”
>”Then I suppose it is my turn to wish you safety. Try not to… make a scene, I don’t believe we should make an enemy of the Changelings any more than we already have.”
>You nodded, before performing an old piece of transformation magic to morph your appearance into that of a young unicorn mare
"Much as I'd love to mount a dramatic rescue mission, I think, as you say, that the Changelings would view my appearance as a diplomatic incident. I'll get him on his own, so they can't trick him any more, then escort him back. Should be easy."
>You didn't like using these sorts of tactics, but they were necessary at a time like this. As an enterprising statesman, Anon would surely understand the reasoning
>"What do you suppose you'll do with him, after you complete this little rescue mission of yours?"
>You thought for a second, before eventually replying to your sister
"I'm considering trying to learn a bit more about him, and how his world works. He seems pretty convinced that he could govern a realm better than even us, and he can be eloquent when he wants to be, so what if we employed him in the Equestrian government?"
>Celestia's brow furrowed, and like you she took a second to respond
>"He would certainly be an… interesting influence in the court. Logistical difficulties aside, it seemed that he had some issues with me, so perhaps it would be a good idea to give him time. I will leave it up to you, though, since you know him better. Once again, good luck, sister."
>She pulled you into a hug with her wings, one that you reciprocated
>And without another word, you walked off in opposite directions
>This would be an interesting operation, to say the least

>Endless numbers of Changelings moved about the streets of the Capital Hive, looking suitably feeble and weak compared to you
>As was fitting, a Queen should always look better than her subjects, even undisguised
>All that said, it was still not a good day to be Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings
>Rumors of disloyalty in the upper echelons, massive love shortages, the works
>These were all possible consequences of urbanizing your Lands, you knew that well
>But suppose you'd succeeded in a full-scale invasion of Equestria like you intended, it would all have been worth it
>You supposed the historians of the realm would have to mark your reign as one of managed decline if nothing changed
>Damned historians, none of them knew what they were talking about!
>Based on the projections of your advisors the current shortages would require you to up your border-hive autonomy scheme
>It was a shame, letting some of your subjects go, but they could most realistically fend for themselves, and you always made sure to send a letter to each one you released
>Once you secured a better love supply, you could bring them back in, but for now you had enough problems to deal with in your heartlands
>Sounds of a nearby scuffle filled your eardrums
>Oh, never mind, just politicians brawling in the street again
>The way your kind settled disputes among themselves never failed to amuse you
>All this talk of politics got you thinking, it had been too long since the last government purge and your underlings had gotten comfortable
>That could come later though, your daily procession was nearly over and you wanted to get back to your throne room already
>Upon nearing your castle, your guards crossed their spears instinctively to bar entry
>They always were far better than the Equestrian ones
>You motioned them to lay down their arms, but they stood firm
>You might have to retract that previous statement
>"Sorry, Miss. No entry is permitted for common citizens."
>Alright, this was getting insulting
>You moved in close and loomed close to their faces
"My apologies, I suppose I should take my leave then, shouldn't I?"
>You feigned an exit, before turning around and snapping at them
"I AM YOUR QUEEN, YOU DOLTS! THE FURTHEST THING IN THIS REALM FROM COMMON!"
>Their demeanor remained certain, and one of them calmly responded
>"As of forty minutes ago, you are no different to the rest of us. The Regency Council rules us now, and you are not on said council."
>Blast it all, they'd pulled off a coup d'etat whilst you were none the wiser!
>Disloyal imbeciles! You should have purged them when you had the chance, like that time a few years ago
>If the guards were anything to go by, you'd need to fight them all in order to regain control, and to be realistic they likely had more firepower in that castle than you could handle
>Firepower that you had built up! Curse them!
>"Move along, citizen. We have orders to escort you from this city if need be."
>Hmm, you'd need support to get your position back, and going into exile wasn't really an option due to your frosty Equestrian relations
>Perhaps you should relocate near the border and raise a well-supplied army in the hives out there
>They tended to be more loyal, after all, and they'd surely jump at the possibility of a dominant position when you inevitably led them to victory
>Maybe head to one of those old mining towns? You had stationed one or two good Centurions there, and they were generally the most loyal of all
>Yup, that was your best shot. As long as Equestria knew nothing of the situation, everything would turn out fine. You could feel a wicked smile forming on your face, exposing your well-kept fangs
"Fine. Be sure to remember that this will be the last time all of you slight me. The vengeance of Chrysalis is supreme!"
>With that, you retreated, cackling
>You weren't cackling internally though, in fact you were a bit miffed
>You'd throw an almighty fit when you were out of here, that was for sure, but as of now you needed not to do anything in front of your subjects that would make them think you irrational or wrathful
>You were sure most of them already thought that, but no harm in at least painting yourself as a graceful loser
>You weren't a loser though, your victory was just on hold for a little while!
>Your hooves trembled a bit, and your step wavered here and there, but surely no-one would notice that kind of subtle body language that only royalty can see
>You'd be over it when you were back on your throne
>Until then, you'd at least have a chance of scenery

>Yup, still a good day to be Anon
>Arguably a great day, according to some sources
>Silk did need one or two pointers as to what was edible to humans, but her heart was in it and that was what mattered
>The other Changelings understood your instructions, and worked fast and hard
>Might be time for a rest, you'd been a bit single-minded today
>You retrieved your faithful Knapsack of Holding™ and pulled out some of the instruments you'd crafted in Ponyville
>Lyra's training was even more rigorous than Twilight's in places, but you preferred its results
>You could control about ten instruments simultaneously if you really focused, channeling air through those that would normally require use of your mouth and just moving other ones the right ways
>It was pretty easy for you, just had to focus on remaking the songs you heard back on Earth and your magic would do the rest of the work
>You could probably put the Canterlot Orchestra out of a job if you tried
>Thus far, you had trained to perform flawless recreations of the Danube Waltz, the Marseillaise, and for some reason Misery by Maroon 5
>You weren't sure why you picked up that last one, it wasn't even a piece that used any of the instruments you had, you just remember that at the time the silence was slowly killing you
>Enough of the shit jokes, your violin control could use some work
>That was Lyra had told you anyway. She was good with the strings, so you supposed it was natural she'd have the most to say on that front
>You wanted to get an accordion at some point and figure out how to nail the motions for that
>It'd be nice to bring some polka to this place
>As you were practicing with three of your stringed instruments out in the woods, you were approached by Silk
>"Interesting. I wouldn't have taken you for the type to enjoy music. Or magic, for that matter. You seem pretty good at it, Commander."
"Eh, I largely started learning as a way to get a bit of control over my life. Feels like I'm leading an army whenever I play all of them at once."
>Damn, when you put it like that it sounded pathetic
>"Sounds to me like you're a natural leader, Anon. And based on how well everyone's doing under your command, there's ample evidence that you're good at coordinating people."
>She turned it into a compliment! No matter how much you tried to disparage yourself, she kept trying to lift you up!
>That kind of attitude balanced you out pretty well, actually. If she was like this with the others then she'd be at least as good a leader as you
>She had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, too. Time to make her a proposition
"Silk, in the very short time I've known you, you've proven to be very reliable. In light of that, I'd like to make you my…"
>Shit, what was a good term that sounded official and corresponded to her status?
>She was already a centurion, after all. What could outdo that?
>Her previously very upbeat demeanor had changed to one of anticipation
>"...What are you making me, Anon? You trailed off a little bit."
"Uh, I'm making you my Commissar-in-Chief for Popular and Military Affairs!"
>That came out a bit more… Soviet than you intended. Would she even understand what that meant?
>Her face lit up and her wings began to buzz gently but consistently
>"Thanks a bunch, Anon! With a position like that, I can help you out with running things! I have a few ideas for how we can make this hive even better, so I'm glad you made me your second-in-command!"
>Second-in-command? You never explicitly said that, but it made a degree of sense considering she was the only Changeling you had taken the time to know personally
>What if she was using that to gain power and manipulate you?
>Nah, she wouldn't do that. She was your friend, after all
>Then again some of your 'friends' back in prison most certainly did do that kind of thing, and it didn't end too well for you
>Perhaps it was good to keep your guard up just a little bit
>Still, it was probably good to delegate power. Once you'd proven that what you were doing was better than that acquainted Diarchy system, you could go back to Ponyville feeling confident, and hopefully Silk or someone else could run things from then on
>Silk's composure quickly changed, and she regained the more soldierly and serious aspect of herself
>"Well, we should probably get back to the hive if you're really going to do this. Make it an official announcement and all. Not to brag, but they were all likely sure that was the arrangement anyway. I'm looking forward to closer cooperation between us, Commander!"
>Oh boy, another speech. Should go over fine, right?

>For a little while, it was a very good day for you, Silk, known as 236 by the Queen you'd sworn off
>Wasn't a very good one now, though
>Your father was a talented mage and soldier, and he taught you to read far more than just emotions
>You knew what Anon was thinking when you got close enough to him, and it wasn't reassuring
>The second-in-command statement was a gambit, sure, but one that had paid off
>Immediately afterwards though, he started thinking about what he'd do when he left the hive!
>It was and always would be a matter of if, not when
>You truly did have his best interests in mind, because the emotions he seemed to associate with Equestria, its government, and its people were ones of mild discomfort at best and trauma at worst
>He was someone who thought like a Changeling, separating his thoughts from his actions and seeking control
>So naturally he'd be far better off with you and the others than with the Ponies
>His love was extremely potent, you just needed to tap into it right
>Insert yourself into his life as a trustworthy advisor, a true friend, or even a love interest, and he would hand it all over
>You needed to keep him here, for his sake and yours
>Even if you had to sabotage the little state he was running and blame someone else
>Even if you had to hurt or kill your fellow Changelings for it
>He and you were cut from the same cloth, you just needed to make him see
>You'd build a functioning nation, one better than Chrysalis or the Princesses could manage, and then you'd be able to show them all that you'd made the right choice in sticking with Anon
>But most importantly, Anon would see that he'd made the right choice sticking with you