>A sense of relief fills you as Celestia pulls away.
>”How do you feel?”
“Much better thanks.”
>You pull down your shirt.
“We should reach Ponyville in a couple hours.”
>You can remember the scenery as it passes; this is a road you’ve traveled before.
>”Good, from there we can catch the train to Canterlot and set things straight.”
“I will be catching the train, but I have another task for you.”
 
“Apologize to the mane 6 for me. I’d do it myself, but they’ll likely turn me in.”
>”You can apologize yourself when this is over.”
>She’s a bit optimistic about how things will turn out.
“I may not be here when that happens.”
>”Don’t speak in that manner. I know you’ll be fine.”
“Do you though?”
>She doesn’t answer.
“Thought so…”
 
>The two of you walk along the road, neither of you saying a word.
>You did want her to apologize to the mane 6, but more so you didn’t want her there.
>If you know her then Chrysalis will either be sent away or placed on the moon, both not solving the problem.
>This calls for a more crude solution.
>One only you can give.
 
>You make out the outskirts of town, and slow down your pace.
“There it is…”
>”What do you want me to tell them?”
“Tell them…. This is what I am, and that in another world, I hope things would turn out differently.”
>She nods,”Stick to the edge of town, I’ll draw their attention.”
“Affirmative, it was good to have met you Princess.”
>”Likewise.”
>With that she trots into town as you trudge off the road.
 
>She’s greeted with an uproar by the sound of it.
>Royal visits are rare, so an unexpected one is sure to cause quite the stir.
>Thankfully this allows you to pass through virtually unopposed.
>You’re about half-way to the train station when you take a look at yourself.
>This is no way to dress for a royal audience, even if it isn’t truly royalty.
>There’s only one place in town to get clothes that fit you, and that’s home.
 
>Going through the front door would be suicide, there’s too much of a risk to be caught.
>Instead you climb around the back, entering the second story window.
>Most of them were boarded up; you’re just surprised it isn’t burned down yet.
>You ease yourself into your bedroom.
>Everything is just the way you left it; nothing seems to have been disturbed.
>They respect privacy, you’ll give them that.
 
>You literally tear off your clothing which has degraded to little more than scraps of cloth.
>You slip into something more comfortable, just a simple pair of jeans and t-shirt.
>There’s a hooded robe as well which you also put on.
>It’ll at least give you a couple seconds if you’re spotted.
>Every second counts when it comes down to it.
>Your stomach rumbles, reminding you that you haven’t had anything substantial since last went to Canterlot.
 
>You head downstairs, hoping no one has raided your fridge.
>”Ye… kno…”
>You press yourself against the wall and listen closely.
>Someone’s here, but who?
>”We really… him go… a threat.”
>It’s a girl from the sound of it, but you need to get closer to hear exactly what they’re saying.
>You inch closer to the bottom of the stairs.
 
>”Dwelling on the past won’t change anything.”
>”What he did was wrong. You have to let him go.”
>You hear one of them sobbing, trying to keep it in.
>They don’t know you’re here which is enough for you.
>You head back up the stairs, eyes peeled on the bottom in case they decide to come up.
>”Eep!”
>That turned out well.
 
>You turn around fast enough to see a blur of yellow crash into you.
>You lose your balance, crashing down the stairs, forming a crumpled mess at the bottom.
>Why does nothing ever go as planned in this god forsaken place?
>”Oh, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”
>You can’t see anything, but something about her seems familiar.
>Why does that voice sound… Fucking Fluttershy.
 
>More hoofsteps sound off towards you.
>”What happ- Who is that?”
>”I don’t know. I saw him walking upstairs, and he startled me. So I kind of…”
>They can’t tell it’s you yet, likely due to the robe covering you.
>They’ll find out sooner or later, might as well be now.
>You stand up, cracking your neck for dramatic effect.
“Nice to see you all again.”
 
>You face towards them, the rest of your friends now in view.
>”A-anon?” Twilight asks looking upon you.
“Now before you do anything-“
>Her face becomes flushed with anger as she pins you against the wall.
>She never was good at listening.
>You kick your shoe off and fling it at her face, disrupting her control.
“Listen to me. I’m not here-“
>You duck out of the way of an incoming chair.
“Let me explain.”
 
>The others are too transfixed on your appearance to help Twilight.
>”We have nothing to-“she tosses another chair at you, “talk about!”
>You dive over the counter and into the kitchen, the chair nicking you.
>You peek your head over, only to duck from a hail of apples.
>You dust off one of the projectiles and take a bite.
>Mmmmmm… juicy.
“I’m sorry Twilight. I’m sorry about everything.”
>”Sorry is not going to cut it this time.”
 
>”Twilight please you’re scaring her.”
>Her? Who else is here?
>”She won’t be afraid once he’s gone.”
“Who is her?” you ask standing up.
>A pillow plows you in the face doing nothing but irritating you.
>She’s run out of things to hurt you with by now.
>Twilight’s horn begins to spark violently as she charges some sort of attack.
>Guess she isn’t out of moves.
 
>A bolt of lightning tears across the room striking you against the chest.
>You grab onto the counter to keep yourself up as she charges another.
“Twilight- just wait.”
>She grimaces as she gets ready to unleash another.
>”Please…” a little voice cries from behind her.
>Twilight turns halting her attack.
>You can’t see who said that, but you don’t recognize the voice either.
“Who is that?” you ask.
>A filly flies up to the top of the couch, looking at you with curiosity.
>Daisy?
 
>This is a situation you weren’t ready for.
>Daisy flaps over towards you, cornering you in the kitchen.
>”Are you- she pauses clearing her throat, “Anon?”
>You look over to the others who’re nodding their heads.
“Yes I am.”
>”You may not remember me. I was in the uh-“ Her eyes turn red as she holds back the tears.
>Martin took so much from her, good thing you taught him a lesson.
 
>You step forward and hug the distraught filly. Crying is one of the few things you can’t stand.
>You stroke her mane as the tears flow down your back.
“Shh… It’s alright, he’s long gone.”
>”Thank you…” she sobs.
>You look at Twilight who appears to be doubting her previous behavior.
“Daisy, I think you should run home now. I need to talk in private now.”
>She sniffs and does as instructed leaving you all alone.
 
>You take another bite of your apple breaking the awkward silence.
>”So why’d you come back?” Applejack asks.
“For a fresh set of clothes and some food of course.”
>Your joke falls on deaf ears.
“What? I was only going to be here a minute before I moved on.”
>”Moved on to where?”
>”And what for?” Rarity adds.
“Canterlot, I have some unfinished business there.”
 
>All six get ready to attack at yours words.
“Whoa now hold your horses! I’m not going to kill the princess.”
>They back off, but remain wary.
“Not the real one anyways…”
>”And what do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. I’m not here to cause trouble, but since you’re all here anyways I may as well offer my apology.”
 
“It was wrong what I did. I deceived you all into believing I was something I’m not. I did terrible things to those who didn’t deserve it. I don’t deserve your sympathy, but for what it’s worth I’m sorry.”
>They part as you step towards the stairs.
“I wish we had met under different circumstances… Bye.”
>You go back upstairs, no sign of pursuit on their part, and climb out the window.
>If you hurry you can make the train to Canterlot.
 
>Celestia’s arrival still has Ponyville’s undivided attention.
>You stick to the back alleys masking yourself in the darkness.
>It’s not difficult to move around incognito.
>You’re almost at the train station when you’re blinded by a yellow glare.
>Moving out of the way you spot a contingent of royal guards patrolling the station.
>Why the hell are they here?
>They’re seldom seen outside the castle, let alone in Ponyville.
 
>They keep a tight watch on the perimeter, though you’re barely able to slip through them.
>The door is tightly guarded, two of them standing ready.
>You’re not going to get on that way.
>You could go in through one of the windows, but you’re sure to be seen if you go on that route.
>There’s no conceivable way to get on undetected. *clash*
>”Watch it!” a guard says to one of the loaders, “We’ll put you in the stockade if you drop another one.”
 
>That gives you an idea.
>You loosen the side of one of the crates and open it.
>You can’t see too clearly, but there appears to be enough space for you to squeeze in.
>It’s a tight fit, but you manage to get in.
>Resealing the side the waiting game begins.
>Time passes slowly, and you find yourself counting sheep.
>You’re interrupted by a rumbling as you feel yourself being lifted.
 
>”They don’t pay us enough for this. This box weighs a ton.”
>”Quit your yammering, or we’ll make you.”
>”Dude shut up, I don’t know about you, but I like my teeth where they are.”
>”I don’t know what’s up with everyone recently. After that foreigner got banished everything’s gone to Tartarus.”
>He has no idea how right he is.
>”I’m more worried about today. Let’s just get this shipment loaded and head home.”
>At least someone values their time.
 
>They drop you off in the train, a sliding door signaling their exit.
>”All loaded up!” he shouts.
>The train roars to life as it pulls off down the tracks.
>You can’t take the confinement of this box any longer.
>You kick open the side and hurl yourself out.
>You find yourself where you think is the storage car, a surplus of boxes crammed within.
>You’re mildly interesting what the cargo is, but you don’t care enough to investigate.
 
>You look through the door into the next car, just more crates lying inside.
>From car to car you move trying to get to the front of the train.
>The train suddenly shifts, tossing a crate off of its shelf, crashing against the floor.
>”What was that?”
>”Probably just the crates, I’ll check it out.”
>Damn guards.
 
>You conceal yourself behind a stack as the guard enters.
>He whistles a tune to himself as he scours the storage car.
>That sounds awfully familiar to you.
>”Aha,” he shouts finding the fallen crate, “Just a crate after all!”
>He sets it back on the shelf and heads back to the door.
>The train shifts again, sending another box flying off the shelf, right next to you.
>”You need to be more careful or else-“ He silences as he spots you.
 
>”Stop right there criminal scum! Nobody breaks the law on my watch! I’m confiscating your stolen goods. Now pay your fine or it’s off to jail.”
“Resist Arrest?”
>”Then pay with your blood!”
>Anon vs. Royal Guard. Fight!
>The both of you leap towards each other.
>He strikes first knocking you against the wall.
“If you wanted to play rough then you should have said so.”
 
>You pick up one of the smaller crates and throw it at him.
>He cradles the package and sets it down giving you the opportunity you needed.
>You mount him, tearing off his helmet as he bucks wildly.
“I think you need to take a nap.”
>You bring down your fist against his neck, knocking him out like a light.
>This fight was curiously easy. Why did he let himself open like that?
>”You alright in there?” another guard shouts.
>Another person to deal with, how fun.
 
>You slide open the door and walk into the next car, a passenger car.
>The guard is the only one there oddly enough.
>He’s staring out the window, not paying you any attention.
>”Everything alright in there? What was the commotion all about?”
“He had a little slip, nothing compared to what’s going to happen to you.”
>He turns to you glaring, “We’ll see.”
>Round Two. Fight!
 
>He swipes you with his hooves a couple times, each of you exchanging blows.
>Neither of you seem to be able to land a hit.
>You see a turn coming up, one he doesn’t notice.
>You brace yourself as the shift throws him off balance.
>You land your first blow against his unguarded snout, making him reel back.
“At least you’re putting up a better fight than the other guy.”
>He wipes his nose on his hoof, a stream of blue blood running down his nose.
>Blue?
 
“Why is your blood blue? The others always had-“
>He smiles and attacks again, you dodging easily.
>You swing off the seats and kick him backwards.
>Where have you seen blue blood before?
>This isn’t the first time you’ve seen it.
>Your eyes widen at the thought.
>The guard’s smile grows at your expression.
 
>”You should have stayed in that forsaken land.”
>He disappears in a puff of smoke, appearing once more as… you.
>He dances around on his legs for a minute, getting used to his new form.
>”How interesting. Chrysalis will reward me for bringing in the fugitive.”
“You’ll have to catch me first changeling.”
>”Not a problem.”
>He lurches forward and charges.
 
>You haven’t fought a human since before you got here.
>His feet frantically stomp on the ground as he continues leaning forward.
>You jump and pull yourself to the ceiling as the changeling comes crashing beneath you.
>You land on his back, inciting a small groan from him.
“You have to learn to walk before you can run.”
>Picking him up by the collar you slam him against the wall repeatedly, bloodying his face even further.
 
>You flip him around to admire your work.
“So this is what I’d look like if I sucked.”
>He coughs up a wad of blood and laughs at you.
>”You have no *cough* idea who you’re dealing with.”
“I kinda do,” you reply punching him in the ribs.
>”You’ll never stop us all.” *cough cough*
>He squirms as you introduce your knee to his gonads.
“Watch me.”
 
>You open the door dragging his body behind you.
>”Never… stop…”
“I have a question. You like trains?”
>He coughs up more blood in response.
“Let me introduce you to his friend. Tracks.”
>You grab his arms and toss him underneath the train, giving the wheels a new blue coat.
>Flawless Victory. Fatality.
 
>You close the door and sit down, finally able to relax.
>You’ve had enough surprises for one day.
>Sleep eludes you, the changeling’s words keeping you awake.
>Why does it feel like he knew more than he let on?
>You jump out of your seat and back into the storage car.
>The guard is still knocked out, lying in a pool of drool.
 
“What were you trying to protect?
>You grab the package and rip it open.
>You reach inside, pulling out some type of black object.
>The lack of light cloaks it, but it feels wet and squishy.
>You squeeze it lightly, its fluid bursting from the core.
>It smells disgusting, so you wipe off your hand on the unconscious guard.
>The smell seems to have stirred him from his slumber, giving you a chance to obtain some answers.
 
>You grab another box and drag him into the next car.
“I think we got off on a bad start.”
>You heave him onto a seat where he stays due to your show of force.
“Let’s cut the bull and you tell me what I want to know, starting with this.”
>You place the box before him, his expression telling you that he has the info you want.
“What is this?”
>”It’s a box.”
“Wrong answer.”
 
>You slam his head against the table and grip his jugular.
“Maybe I wasn’t being specific.”
>You smash the package, destroying the object within.
>He tries to stop you, but your grip assures his cooperation.
“What is that?” you ask pointing towards the goopy mess.
>He refuses to answer, instead raising his head defiantly.
“Have it your way.”
 
>You scoop up the remains and tighten your grip, forcing his mouth open.
>He shakes violently as you shove the mess into his mouth, wood and all.
>You ease off his throat and coax it all down his gullet.
“I’m tired of playing games, what is that?!”
>He gasps for air, furiously trying to gag himself.
>You slam him down again.
“We’ve got hours before we reach Canterlot. Until then you’re my bitch! Now what is it!?”
>”It’s an egg!” he cries.
 
“A what?”
>”You heard me!”
>You slam him down again and again.
“Don’t smart mouth me you little bitch. Now what is it?!”
>”An egg.” He mutters painfully.
>”An egg from what?”
“A changeling…”
 
>You turn back to the storage cart.
>That place is full of boxes like this, hundreds of them stacked on top of each other.
>If Chrysalis raises them in Canterlot…
“I’ll never stop them all.”
>You look back to the bleeding guard, wallowing in pain.
>The damage finally got to him as he returns to his regular form.
>You can’t let them reach Canterlot.
 
>You pull him to the back cabin, tossing him on his back.
>Placing a foot on his spine you grip his tiny wings.
>You pull with all your might, tearing both of them off of him.
>He pisses himself in agony, losing control of his bodily functions.
“You helped me out so I’m going to let you live. Tell your buddies to call it quits, because there’s a new sheriff in town.”
>You lock the door behind you, sitting down on the median between the two cars.
>You pull the pins holding the two together, the storage car slowing down behind you.
 
>The crisis is averted for now, but who knows how many shipments have been made to Canterlot already.
>You sit down and lay your head against the window.
>You close your eyes and drift to sleep watching the passing scenery.
>Several hours later…
>A screech pulls you back into reality.
>You stretch, cracking your back and neck with a satisfying series of pops.
>The guards’ voices echo around you, though none have entered the car yet.
>You manage to slip out the back and run to cover before anyone notices you.
 
>Canterlot. If only you were here under better circumstances.
>Being a fugitive tends to dampen the mood.
>You look back to the tram station, the conductor arguing with some guards regarding a “lost shipment.”
>Happy to disappoint you boys.
>Sensing the opportunity you sprint into a nearby alley and away from the scene.
>Hope they liked the paint job.
 
>You proceed through the alleys unfortunately far more crowded than those of Ponyville.
>It’s filled with garbage, street raff and some fluid you don’t want to know about.
>You eventually take to running amongst balconies as the roofs are too tall and guards patrol the walls above.
>Your cloak does eventually come in handy, hiding you long enough to escape from an oncoming group of guards.
>Chrysalis certainly has increased security now that she’s in command.
>Leaders do tend to be paranoid after all.
>At least this time, someone really is after her.
 
>You make it to the Castle Courtyard, dodging in and out of the hedges.
>Guards pass by obliviously, allowing you further access to the castle.
>You pass by multiple statues, taking time to admire Discord’s.
>So much power, so misguided. Tragic really.
>The next statue is strikingly familiar.
>Though it’s incomplete, you look as dashing as ever.
>At least the sculptor got your nose right, you might have had to kill-
>No Anon. You’re over that. This is your final job and then you’re done.
 
>You slide next to the wall, hiding within the bushes.
>Two guards are standing at the doors.
>Great, the only accessible entrance and it’s blocked.
>Quick Anon, how do you distract someone?
>Bing! You pick up a small rock and toss it away, its thud echoing.
>The guards look towards the noise and follow it. Huh? That was easy.
>They must be more changelings; no trained p0ny would abandon their post.
>Now free, you creak open the door and slip inside, Chrysalis awaiting.