>Taking the disguised Chrysalis by the hand you enter the crowded streets of Ponyville.
>Most of the residents stare at the two of you in curiosity, while some give you a look of contempt.
“Charming place we have here Sophie.”
>”Anon my nam-“
>You harden your grip on her hand so she gets the message.
>”Yes. It certainly has a rustic aesthetic about it.”
>Like you thought, your brief conversation has done a number on the ponies here.
>They return to their business while a few still keep a close eye on you.
 
>You weren’t lying when you said how this place looked. This is basically your dream town.
>Your time here will be short lived if you can’t obtain some sort of residence.
“Excuse me my fine sir,” you say to a nearby earth pony, “Could you be so kind as to point me to the mayor’s office?”
>He scoffs at you and returns to his duties.
>”Rude isn’t he?”
“One would think after we came all this way someone would at least be kind, alas…”
>You catch another pony coming towards you from the corner of your eye and you can’t help but grin a little.
>If ponies are this easy to fool, then this will be one enjoyable stay.
 
>Another earth pony, this one orange and wearing a cowboy hat cuts in.
>”I apologize for Amazon, he’s just busy is all.”
“No need, I understand completely.”
>Sophie stays quiet, almost troublingly so.
>”What brings you ta Ponyville?”
“We’re actually looking for a place to stay. We left our own town called Riff after an influx of dragons burned it to the ground. I think we’re the only ones who made it.”
>You rub your eyes keeping up the act until she responds.
>“That sounds terrible sugarcube, probably cus of that Dragon Migration thing. I’m sure I can help ya’ll get settled in here. Ponyville is a right good place to live.”
 
>You shake her hoof and thank her before she leads you off further into town.
>”Ya know, I never did catch your names.”
“My name is Anon, this here is my partner in crime Sophie.”
>”Nice to meet you both, my name’s Applejack. I work over the hill yonder at Sweet Apple Acres, best apples in Equestria.”
“I haven’t had an apple in ages; I’ll have to stop by there sometime.”
>”How about you missy?”
>Sophie doesn’t say much, instead keeping to herself.
“She’s had a hard time with this whole arrangement. She lost a lot of family back home.”
>”That sounds awful.”
 
>She shows off most of the town, going over most of the hotspots.
>”And this here is the mayor’s office. Just tell her Applejack sent ya and she’ll set you up with something.”
“Where are you- The farm? I gotcha, tell the family I said hello.”
>She gallops back down the road, leaving you and Chrysalis alone.
“What’s wrong? You should be a bit chattier.”
>”She knows who I am. I didn’t want to blow your cover.”
>Sound reasoning. She did say changelings weren’t on good terms with Equestrians.
>You open the door to the mayor’s office, two ponies conversing inside.
>A tan earth pony with a gray mane, most likely the mayor from Applejack’s description, and a purple unicorn who you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet.
“Evening lades.”
 
>”Well- Hello there. Is there something I can help you with?” the mayor asks hesitantly.
>The unicorn takes an immediate interest in you, which is odd considering how every other pony reacted.
“Yes. You see my friend and I here are new to town, and we were hoping that you could assist us with that. Applejack told us to mention her.”
>”Of course. Applejack is a fine and respected member of our community. My name is Mayor Mare, and this is another upstanding citizen, Twilight Sparkle.”
>They extend their hooves in a kind gesture which you meet.
“Pleasure, my name is Anon and this is…”
>Chrysalis doesn’t respond as she stares at Twilight.
 
>You give her a death glare, forcing cooperation out of her.
>”Sophie…” she says with scorn.
>So much for not trying to blow your cover.
“Be polite now Sophie. I must apologize, her temper has been out of whack every since we left home.”
>Mayor Mare walks about the office collecting several files and examining them, letting you talk to Twilight.
>”It’s quite alright; you look like you’ve been through quite the ordeal.”
“And have we, but we shouldn’t talk about it around Sophie,” you turn to her, “she hasn’t been quite the same.”
 
>”I’m looking forward to it.”
>”Here we are.” The mayor blurts out, tossing a couple documents on the desk.
>”If you would just fill these out we’ll have you set up in no time.”
>”Miss Mayor, I don’t think we should keep them held up with all this busy work. You’ve traveled quite a ways have you not?”
“Indeed we have, but we really should fill these out. Nuisance is no excuse for sloppiness I always say.”
>The mayor smiles, handing you both a set of forms.
>”Just have them back by weeks end. Twilight, could you be so kind as to show them to their residence? It’s just across the bridge at the north end of town.
>”Of course, if you’d follow me.”
 
>You follow Twilight out of the office, Chrysalis to your back.
>The two of you prattle back and forth, though you keep your attention on Chrysalis.
>Her attitude with that Applejack girl was one thing, but this was completely different.
>There was anger in her eyes. What the hell did Twilight do to make her that way?
>The three of you come upon a simple two-story cabin across next to a river.
>”Let me show you inside.”
“That’s quite alright Twilight Sparkle. I’m sure Sophie is very tired, so I think it’d be best that we depart ways for now. May we speak again madam.
>You bow and give her hoof a quick peck like a true gentleman.
>”I’d like that, and please, call me Twilight.”
 
>You wave to her as she heads back into town, holding the door open for Chrysalis.
>Make sure no one’s around, close the door.
“Okay. What the fuck was that?”
>”What was what?”
“Don’t give me that bull shit. You know exactly what I’m talking.”
>You feel a migraine setting in. Fucking migraines.
“I never hit a woman in anger before, but I’m starting to think about it.”
>She sits on the couch and crosses her legs.
>”It is no concern of yours.”
 
“No concern of mine? No concern of mine!? Let me get something straight, if you’re going to follow me, then there are some rules you have to follow.”
>”I don’t have time for this.”
“Rule number 1: If I tell you to do something, you do it, no questions asked.”
“Rule number 2: Leave your shit at the door. I don’t care about how you feel about others. You become emotionally compromised and you’re useless to me.”
“Rule number 3: Everything you say, do, think or touch is important to me. Knowing is half the battle.”
“And number fucking 4: Never lie to me. I have a BS fly swatter so I can swat out the flies… which is your BS. Any questions?”
>”Are you quite finished?”
 
>The back of your hand stings, you aren’t used to giving into your anger like that.
>Chrysalis’s eyes radiate in anger as she throws you up against the wall.
>”How dare you dishonor me!”
>She deserved as much. You give her a shit-eating grin.
“Is that what Twilight did? Dishonor you?”
>”You know nothing about me!”
“I know enough. I know that whatever Twilight did was enough to spark that inner rage of yours.”
>Her magic wavers as she is unable to take your words.
“Hit a little too close to home didn’t she? She was the one who sent you into that forest wasn’t she?”
       
>You ease off the wall, now able to physically resist her.
“I may not… feed off of emotion, but I can feel yours. All that hatred and suffering dwelling within...”
>You wrap your fingers around her neck and slightly squeeze, eliciting a small gasp from the weakening Chrysalis.
“It’s beautiful, but it’s too much for you. It peels away at your very being.”
>You almost see tears form in her eyes.
“I want you here with me, but I can’t have you acting like a child. Do you understand?”
>She meekly nods her head. You loosen your grip and set her back down on the couch.
“Good, I’m glad we’re both on the same page.
 
>You take a few steps around the house to let Chrysalis recompose herself.
“I apologize for striking you, it was an act of rage, and I’m better than that. Self-composure is one of the few things I’m known for.”
>”It is alright Anon. I myself wasn’t in control of my behavior.”
“Do you want to talk about it? The deal with Twilight?”
>”I think I’d like that…”
>You spend the rest of the evening listening to her tale and filling out the paperwork the mayor gave you.
>Interesting story she had, but rather sloppy in your opinion. It’d have been best to kill Cadence after assuming her identity, but not everyone can be as good as you.
 
>”So what about you? How did you become who you are?”
>The question came as a shock to you. No one has ever actually asked about your past before.
“You wish to learn how I came to be? There’s no real story behind it…”
>”There’s always a story; you truly are a unique individual compared to others.”
“I am now aren’t I? Well, you told me about you, so it’s only fair if I do the same.”
>You lay down on the couch next to her, eyes fixated on the rotating fan.
“When most people think of serial killers, psychopaths, murderers, rapists and the like, they all believe something happened to them. Me? Not so much.”
 
“I wasn’t beaten or neglected as a child. In fact I had a better life than most. My parents were in the upper-middle class and provided whatever I wanted. They were kind, gentle and actually cared about me.”
>”So what happened?”
“Nothing. I was ‘unique’ amongst others on Riff. About 95% of the population had some access to magic, whether it be simple telekinesis or expert divination. The other 5% consisted of half-breeds and mutants. I was neither, instead gifted with intelligence and ingenuity.”
>”Is that why you chose to act the way you are?” You laugh a bit.
“Nothing quite as melodramatic let me assure you.”
 
“Life was too easy on Riff. No challenge I couldn’t overcome with my ingenuity, except for magic of course, but that had little effect. So I decided to try something new and exciting, take a walk on the wild side as it were.”
>”How was it?”
“Exhilarating, like nothing I’d felt before. Good ol’ Sophie, the first person I had feelings for. She hung out with a bad crowd, trying to act cool, but I saw through that. She turned me down, not ‘hardcore’ enough to hang with her. Shows what she knew.”
“I tracked her down to an abandoned alley where she went to buy illegal drugs with her friends. She never would have guessed that I would be the one waiting for her.”
 
“A crime of passion, not like they could even linked me to the murder. I put my skills to use, covering up and planting evidence, lying to detectives, giving false testimony. Watching Old Bill get locked up for a crime he didn’t commit was simply divine. From that point I simply did it for the fun of the game.”
>You sit back up and crack your neck.
>”That was quite the story Anon. So… you killed me huh, this girl?”
“Yep, I found it hilarious that you chose that form when I met you.”
>”I can see why, in a twisted and demented sort of way.”
“The best way there is,” you reply with a wink.
 
>”Speaking of which, where do we go from here? I'd love another taste of those delicious feelings of yours, the sooner the better.”
“All in due time Chrysalis. Do you know how most killers get caught? Impatience. We take this time to settle in, let more people move in, and then we can get to work.”
>”But that could take weeks, maybe even months.”
“That’s nothing quite like what you did to me.”
>”Oh you…” she giggles, putting a smile on your face.
“How does happiness taste?”
 
>”Not quite as sweet, but it’s something at least.”
>You sigh, trying to relieve some built up tension.
“Well, if you’re going to do it then do it already.”
>”You really don’t mind?” she asks sitting beside you.
“You keep asking and I might change my mind.”
>”Ok ok,” she says laying a hand on the side of your head, “Just relax.”
>Closing your eyes you fully relax, taking in whatever Chrysalis deals.
>”You may feel a bit woozy…” she states as she rests her head against yours.
 
>Time passes, but nothing happens. You open your eyes to see what’s up.
“Is something supp-“A wave of energy interrupts you.
>You can feel her inside your mind, feeding off of you.
>It’s not a painful feeling, more like a rubbing sensation behind your eyes.
>Your surroundings become blurry and you lose feeling in your limbs.
>Sophie holds your body upright, staring deep into your eyes, an inner fire brewing within her.
>Whatever she’s doing works as she seems to be rejuvenated from the joining.
>She closes her eyes and ceases the flow of magic, settling you back down on the couch.
 
>It doesn’t take long for you to fully recover, though you are slightly nauseous.
>Chrysalis stays beside you running her fingers through her hair.
>”I really needed that. Maybe we can do that again some time.”
>She’s not the only one who enjoyed it. It feels like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
“I might just hold you to that.”
>”You hungry? It doesn’t seem fair to leave you with an empty stomach.”
“In fact I just might be, any particular place you had in mind?”
>”I figured we could stop somewhere in town. Besides, it’d be best to know more about our new home wouldn’t you agree?”
>Indeed you do, she might turn out to be quite the assistant.
 
>You hold open the door for Chrysalis as she walks by.
“After you.”
>You can’t tell if her smile is genuine, but deep down you truly hope it is.
>Both of you walk down the streets of Ponyville, now scarce with the coming night.
>You come across a Café and sit down to eat. They don’t have any meat, but what did you expect?
>You order a Sunshine Salad, while Chrysalis only gets a glass of water.
>She’s probably full from your time together so she won’t get anything else.
>You spot Twilight walking by who proceeds to come towards you.
“Rule number 2,” you say jokingly.
>”I’m over it, don’t worry.”
 
>”Hello you two, how did you like the cottage?”
>”It was lovely,” Chrysalis speaks up, “Won’t you join us?”
“Sophie please, I’m sure Twilight is very busy.”
>”Not at all. It’s nice to talk with new people.”
>Chrysalis made up for her previous actions with her performance. She makes idle chatter with Twilight, though you still notice small snippets of her loathing.
>You take another bite of your delicious salad.
>”So how are you holding up Anon?”
“Quite well, thank you for asking.”
 
>”Are you two busy?”
“Not at the present time. Why do you ask?”
>”Well, it’s just that I’ve never seen anyone like you before, so I thought I’d-“
“Take a few notes and learn about us.”
>”Yes, if you are willing to do so.”
>You look at Chrysalis. She’s not an actual human, and if Twilight is at all a good researcher than she’ll find that out real quick.
“I’m free, but Sophie needs to finish up her paper work. Isn’t that right?”
>She picks up on your meaning, “It almost slipped my mind, another time perhaps.”
>”I understand, it was nice to talk to you.”
>”The feelings mutual.”
 
>Chrysalis says her goodbyes and splits from your company, leaving you and Twilight.
>”She’s a strange one.”
“Ordinary for us though. So which way to your house?” You try and change the subject.
>”Follow me,” Twilight says walking down another road, “I just have an odd feeling about her.”
“Really? What kind of feeling?”
>”I feel like she knows more about me than she lets on. You saw how she was.”
“That’s just Sophie being Sophie. She seems to have that effect on people.”
>You come to a large tree, apparently Twilight’s living quarters.
>”I guess, go ahead and make yourself comfortable; I’ll be back in a second.
>You pick a book off a shelf, Equestrian History V6, and browse through it waiting for her return.
 
>”So you’re that new guy huh?”
>A baby dragon, barely reaching your knee, addresses you.
“I would be the one,” you reply not taking your eyes off the book.
>”I’m Spike; Twilight’s talked about you plenty.”
>You place the book back and shake his tiny little hand.
“Pleasure.”
>Twilight reenters the room, an odd assortment of tools floating behind her.
>”Good to see you two have met. Care to give me a hand Spike?”
 
>They lay out the tools on a table before you. They range from syringes to some sort of spiral funnel.
>Most of the tests were fairly normal, rudimentary stuff you do in a doctor’s office.
>She pulls the needle out of your arm, a drip making its way down your arm.
>”Now that wasn’t so bad now as it?”
“I know it wasn’t. Spike was the one complaining.”
>”Needles freak me out man.”
>You and Twilight chuckle at his nervousness and proceed.
>”That should do it for the basic stuff, but do you mind testing something else I’ve been working on?”
 
“Sure why not? Anything I can do to help.”
>Twilight’s positively giddy as she pulls out a large contraption.
>She helps you strap into the device, securing a harness around your wrist and settling a cap upon your head.
>She flips the switch, the machine roaring to life.
“So what is this thing supposed to do, fry me?”
>”Of course not. This machine takes various readings like blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and other factors.”
“A polygraph test… To see if the person is lying.”
>”In layman’s terms, yes.” Fuck…
 
>”Spike, could you record the data as it is projected please.”
>He grabs a sheet of paper and quill and sits at the end of the machine.
>”Now I’m going to ask you some questions. Just answer honestly.”
>You nod, as long as she doesn’t ask too specific of questions you should be alright.
>”Is your name Anon?”
“My given name is Anonymous, though I prefer to be called Anon.”
>Off to a good start at least.
>“Why are your clothes burnt up?” So much for that.
>You smile and keep your cool, wording is everything.
“I was caught in an explosion at my home.”
 
>”How did travel to Ponyville?”
“This is starting to sound more like an interrogation th-“
>”Just answer the question,” Twilight snaps.
>Guess this was her actual reason to keep you here.
“I walked. It tends to be a good method of transport.”
>You deliberately snark at her.
>”Have you ever caused anyone harm?”
>No way to get out of this one.
 
“Of course I have. Roughhousing is quite common where I’m from.”
>Spike is hastily scribbling down notes while Twilight appears a bit offput by your answers.
>”Just one last question Anon, and we’ll be done.”
“Whenever you’re ready.”
>”Have you ever, intentionally or unintentionally murdere-“
“No.” you state before she can finish.
>The machine changes tune and powers down. All good until that final fucking question.
>Twilight looks over the results, giving hints of approval until she hits the bottom of the page.
 
>She gives a sigh and lays down the paper.
>”All true, I’m terribly sorry about this. I didn’t want to do this, but…”
“You should be sorry. There’s no excuse for what you did. Have I murdered someone? What type of question is that?”
>”The princess wanted me to ask you them even though I vouched for you. I’m really sorry.”
>You unstrap yourself and rub your head angrily. All according to plan.
“I trusted you Twilight. Was everything until now just an act?”
>”No, please look at things from my perspective. I know you wouldn’t do anything like that, but Celestia doesn’t.”
       
>You keep up this back and forth banter, slowly weakening her will.
>You figure it’s time to end this argument.
“Twilight. I trust you, but I need for you to be able to trust me as well.”
>”I do, it’s just-“
“I get it Twilight, you were under orders, but even still, you betrayed me.”
>”Let me make it up to you. I never wanted things to turn out this way.”
>Like shooting fish in a barrel. You open the door, satisfied with your progress.
“Sure, but for now I need some rest.”
>”Just meet with me tomorrow okay? I’ll try and make things right.”
“It’s a date,” you reply heading back home.
 
>You slam the door shut, Chrysalis nowhere in sight.
“I’m home!” you shout up the stairs.
>”How was everything at ‘Twilights’?” She asks putting emphasis on her name.
“The usual, had a chat, did some tests, got asked if I kill people. You know normal stuff.”
>”She did what now?”
>You walk up the stairs and into the bedroom with Chrysalis.
“Celestia asked her to interrogate me with a lie detector test. Fun times that’s for sure.”
>Chrysalis looked worried, “Well what happened?”
“I passed with flying colors. Twilight even thinks that she owes me for being disrespectful, which she does.”
 
“It’s all in the past now. Now… where are we going to sleep?”
>She’s puzzled, “There’s a bed right there.”
“Like I didn’t know that. Do you want it, or do you hang by the ceiling like a bat?”
>”I sleep normally for your information, besides we can both sleep on it.”
“This really doesn’t bother you does it? Fine, just don’t do anything creepy.”
>She slides under the covers while you turn out the lights before joining her.
>A comfy bed is a nice change of pace since the only place you’ve had to sleep the last few months were cold stone.
 
>”Hey Anon?”
“What is it Chrysalis?”
>”Do you think I could slide closer. It’s kind of-“
“No, just take more covers.”
>She grabs hold of the sheets and wraps them around herself, leaving you barren.
>Well, you like the cold anyways.
>”Goodnight Anon.”
>You put both hands behind your head and close your eyes.
“Sleep tight.”