"Hi, Chrysalis, Anon. How are the physicals and paperwork fairing for the hive?"

The elements of harmony welcome Chrysalis and you into a large room with a table that projects a map of Equestria and the surrounding lands onto it. The two of you take a seat in crystal chairs matching that of the others around the table. Chrysalis gestures to her forehoof and sling.

"This is the only injury among my changelings, and as should be expected, it will be some time before we regain body mass in a more healthy fashion. The paperwork is running smoothly, though somepony may want to calm Mayor Mare down when this is all finished. She asked Anon about the population of his home world and, well, did not receive it well.

"That doesn't sound good. I'll make her and her team a pie later." Applejack said. Twilight beamed at her friend for a moment, then turned her attention to you and Chrysalis.

"Good idea, Applejack. Now that the hive is here, and there is a crowd of press gathering, I wanted to know more of your plans before going out to see them. What do either of you plan to say to the press?"

Chrysalis was the first to speak up. "I will answer any questions from the press. As for my changelings, I believe one of Anon's plans will still work here."

"Yes, They may not be ready to march straight to a farm and start an apprenticeship right this moment, but if Shop owners around town will accept a temporary employee here and there, they can start out as vendors selling the merchandise. Our changelings will be able to meet more and more ponies, and raise money for an upcoming event."

"What sort of event are we talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"A festival of sorts. a chance for all of the ponies in Ponyville to showcase their trade and vocation. Our changelings can seek out apprenticeships after regaining some of their strength, and it'll hopefully be inviting to anypony who has not given them a chance." This caught Rarity's eye.

"Applejack and I know a lot of the sales ponies around town. We can help you with that, but what do you mean by not giving changelings a chance?"

"No plan survives the battlefield. I don't expect 100% of anypony to be fully accepting of our changelings. I would like to see to mutual respect rather than mistrust or hate. Can't go in any good direction without talking first."

"And what makes you think talking to ponies in public will help things? Your track record is not exactly the best right now."

"That was an unusual situation. I was playing unpracticed cards. What I'm talking about is much more normal for me; making nicer relations with people with less than stellar opinions about my associates."

"And you're ok with this, chrysalis?"

"I trust my consort, Rainbow dash. Despite your opinion of him, he is the reason the hive is here and not still in the mountain."

"Well I'm not going to argue with that."

"Well that's a relief," Spike exclaimed as he walked in. "I counted at least four different papers from every city from Manehatin to Phillydelphia. Is everyone ready to meet with the press?" Twilight turns to Chrysalis.

"I'll be answering questions along side you if that's ok. I can introduce you and you can say something of your own if you want."

"That's fine with me. I'm ready when you are."

The group left through the front of the castle to meet a crowd of reporters wielding cameras and notebooks which sat eagerly at the foot of the stairs leading up to the main doors. Your steps take you forward and into view, stopping short of a wide podium set up at the top of the stairs. Standing at attention with hands behind your back, the other elements and spike also stop, giving Twilight and Chrysalis prominence as they step forward. Twilight begins.

"Hello, Everypony. Thank all of you for being patient and understanding. Today surely has been eventful as the changelings are now officially equestrians, so please everypony give a warm welcome to Queen Chrysalis."

Polite applause comes from the audience as Twilight steps aside to have Chrysalis take the podium.

"Thank you, Twilight. Hello, Everypony. I am so happy to be able to see all of you in a peaceful setting. I don't know what has been said yet, so let me say it now. The attack on Canterlot was a desperate mistake which I deeply regret. I did not see any other way until I happened upon a friend, whom I now call consort, Anonymous. It is thanks to him and the princess's amnesty that My changelings and I have a chance to join ponies peacefully, And I look forward to all changelings making new friends along the way."

Cameras started flashing. something told you that Chrysalis was wearing a smile as she let her hope for the future show. Twilight stepped next to Chrysalis.

"Now are there any questions for Chrysalis and I?"

Dozens of hoofs shot up and Twilight and Chrysalis took turns choosing ponies to give answers to. They started with ponies up front and made their way to the back of the crowd giving information freely. You watched the crowd. No faces seemed to be with malicious intent, and neither did their questions. The flashing of cameras died down but not before you noticed a few focused on the people behind the two spokesponies where not many were looking. Any reporters not asking questions were feverishly writing notes. The questions focused on what state the changelings were in, what the changeling's plans were now, and where the other princesses were now. Cadence apparently returned to the Crystal empire as they did not want to be away from their daughter any longer than necessary. This was news to you, though you can't say you blame them. Celestia is currently seeking nourishment aid for the changelings, and Princess Luna is tending to duties in Canterlot. The only thing noted in your mind is no mention at all is that one of the duties mentioned is the disposal of an alien weapon. Best to not offer that part up. It is gone and there is no purpose in bringing up potentially upsetting ideas without reason. All things considered, The news ponies were a pleasant audience.

Nearing the end of the press questions, The only notable pattern that seemed out of the norm was a pair of ponies that not only wrote notes along side the others, but they kept glancing directly at you between finishing their notes and when the next question started. Both were a shade of green and wore green and brown patterned shirts. One male, and one female. Your scanning always pulled you to them as your eyes became acutely aware of the movement of four eyes pointed their pupils at you over and over again. Still looking for any other outliers, you kept your eyes steadily moving across the crowd, coming back to them, but not stopping longer than anywhere else in he crowd, wondering if they noticed you noticing them.

"And with that, Celestia's sun is nearly setting. Thank you, everypony for coming, and safe travels to all of you." Twilight ended the event there, and everyone followed them back inside the castle.

"How do you think I did, Anon? Did the sling throw off my posture?"

"I think you did great, my Queen. You stood straight right to the end. Speaking of, are your other hoofs keeping you up well?"

"Yes, They are. I will see to locating rooms for everyone with Twilight. How about you go get some food for yourself right now?"

"I'm good right now. I can wait for when Celestia returns with the Crystals so that we can all eat together."

"Oh I don't think you have to worry about that. Knowing the distance to Canterlot, A princess will have made it to Ponyville any minute now." Spike chimed in.

Looking to the windows on either side of the doors, you see the dying light of the horizon become overcast with a brighter green glow. Twilight lit up with excitement as the doors opened.

"Princess Celesti- Luna??"

You chuckle. "No plan survives."

Princess Luna walked through the front door with Pinky's cart in tow, light shining through any gaps in the wood. As if feeling it's presence, the changelings quickly gathered in a crowd around the princess of the night who gladly passed them out in her magic. The first to receive any made a beeline straight to your group and held six shining crystals in their hooves.

"for you, My queen."

Smiling, Chrysalis picks up four and places a caring hoof on the eager changeling.

"Thank you, My little Changeling, but remember that there are enough for four for everypony. make sure that no pony gets any less."

"Yes, My queen" With a smiling bow, the changeling whom you want to say is named Fire Dance returns to the others.

Once they are all passed out, Luna gives the cart back to Pinky, then comes to see everypony else. Greeting Twilight and Chrysalis with a hug, then you with a hug and a familiar pat on the back. She doesn't let you go until she whispers something in your ear: "You have been holding back."

Surprise and a shade of confusion became your expression as you looked at her questioningly. in what manner does she mean? Did she see your dreamed up memory earlier today? What was her impression of it?

"Luna. Is Celestia alright?" Twilight asked?

"Our sister is fine. We took over so that she can rest in time for tomorrow's duties. Celestia sleeps in Canterlot tonight."

"Oh. ok. That is good to know."

"Indeed. We shall see to regular transport of the crystals on the morrow. For now, can we trust that all has gone well with Doctor Sterile and Mayor Mare?" She says, then noticing the slinged hoof of Chrysalis. "Oh dear. We are sorry. how bad is it?"

"Not to worry, Luna. It is a minor incomplete fracture that will heal relatively soon. We were just talking about eating dinner for everyone else. Will you join us?"

"Certainly. We have time before we must tend to our nightly duties."

"Great! I'll make the best dandelion sandwhiches everypony has ever had." Spike chirped, to which you needed to interject.

"Actually, I can't eat Dandelions. They are inedible to humans. How about this, spike, You go whip up that specialty for the ladies, and I'll cook up some vegetables for myself."

"Sounds like a plan. Here, I'll show you the way."

Spike leads you to a room several doors past the main dining hall where the others walk into. He shows you to a walk in room which you can loosely call a refrigerator. The silent room lit aglow with magic markings that spike is surprised he had to explain to you. Long lasting cold spells that can be set to the boundaries of a room. All the trouble and maintenance humans had to go through to go from storing ice to creating freezing and below freezing boxes with air compressors and antifreeze, and ponies just learn to craft coldness into a room. You suppose it to be that easy and therefore much less impressive than it might actually be, but you must digress for now. You are getting hungry, and the ladies probably are too. You pick up some ingredients and a couple of pans, then set out to make the first cooked meal you've had in a while.

Along side you, Spike prepares sandwiches with a practiced hand. Not letting his eyes pull away from his task, he speaks up to where you can hear.

"So what are the big differences for what a human can eat in a pony world?

"Mostly flowers and grasses. No hey or alfalfa definitely. Fruits and veggies are fine."

"No alfalfa or hey. Do you have anything for hay fries?"

"We cut potatoes then fry them. Wait, you can make fries from hey? how?"

"I haven't learned that recipe yet. Human fries are Just fried potatoes? That sounds bland."

"Most like it with salt or a blend of seasonings. For me, some good swaths of the skin still on them hits the spot."

"That sounds more believable. Speaking of skin, how about meat?"

"Of course, meat is edible to me, but I trust that would be frowned upon here."

"Definitely. Especially if the cows find out. Actually, is cow edible to you?"

"Yes. Is that fact a problem?"

"Only if you tell them. They would scream and stampede every time they see you, and Ponyville has had it's fair share of near misses when one even sees a snake." The way he said it struck you as odd.

"Tell them as in they can talk?" Spoke gives you a sideways look.

"Yeah, Cows can talk. You didn't know that?"

"No, not at all. I've been here a week and the extent of what I know is ponies, donkeys, deer, and yacks as far as hooved creatures go. Now there's cows, and I'm glad I know that now and not randomly in the future when I get the absent minded thought to blurt out 'I miss beef' right next to one. Are there any more?"

"Just that with the hooved creatures. I'm glad I mentioned it."

With several sandwiches plated, Spike loads them onto a cart.

"Done here. Are you?"

You take in a deep whiff of the grilled squash and steamed carrots and broccoli, letting out a pleasured sigh. "Yes!"

Back in the main dining hall, ponies and changelings converse in groups spread out. Many of the volunteers from earlier seem to be getting to know your changelings. This brings a smile to your face, and you start to relax as you make your way to a central table where the others are sitting. You help spike serve his dishes before taking to your own warm meal. Admittedly, though it was somewhat hastily cooked and not even seasoned, something about biting into your first warm meal in a while felt absolutely amazing. It showed on your face. Perhaps it was the fact that this is the first luxury that you let yourself care about, or maybe some generations of going from consuming warm, freshly killed meat to preparing cooked meat had engrained channels of pleasure centers in your mind that warm food floods naturally.

Keeping to table manners, eating the dish with a fork and spoon, then switching to the steamed vegetables or a drink of water was all that kept you from forgetting posture and inhaling the warm food. This caught the attention of Rainbow Dash, who eyed you curiously.

"First warm meal in a while, huh? Does it have anything to do with your carnivorous side?" This scared a gasp out of Rarity.

"Rainbow, How rude of you to say it so accusingly to Anon!"

"Well I don't mean to say anything in a bad way. It's harder to tell without the beak, but I think Gilda makes the same faces with cooked food."

You nod in agreement as you put your fork down for a moment. "It's alright, rarity. Now that you mention it, though, cooked meals do make up a large portion of human meals, from burgers to baked potatoes. That's a new perspective that I hadn't considered until now. Gilda is what, a griffin? What exactly is the griffin and dragon customs for any carnivorous inclinations they may have?"

"Yes, Gilda is a Griffin I go way back with. They sometimes eat fish when away from strict herbivores, and have a prideful stance about being courteous around them. Gilda's told me she's tried some before, but she never shows any cravings for it when she's with me. Spike, What about the dragons in the dragon lands?"

"Well I know we can, but I've never craved it or seen another dragon ever go for meat. Dragons usually keep to seeking out gems. I Don't think any drake would consider the backlash of being labeled a creature eater to be worth it.

"Makes sense," you say as you take this information in and nod. Rainbow Dash turns back to you.

"So what about you? What's your full stance on being able to stop eating meat?" Before you can reply, Luna steps in.

"Anonymous has already spoken that he can be sustained on fruits and vegetables alone, and one may trust Anonymous to be courteous to other creatures. We hath seen that much earlier this day."

Surprise and curiosity struck everyone at the table as all eyes fell on her. Until now, Luna had been the omen caller to your arrival, and the least charitable outside judge.

"Are you feeling okay, Princess? Your attitude is way different than this morning."

"We are quite fine, Rainbow. Admittedly, our forewarning was based on the history of his world rather than the aspects of himself as an individual. I see now that the alien that has been thrust upon us may yet prove to be a valued ally. We also find ourselves reminded that everyone, including those present here, have the ability to be led astray without friends."

Almost stammering on the sudden charity from the princess of the night, you reply graciously. "Thank you for giving me a chance, Princess."

She returns your reply with a small smile. "As our sister has invited Chrysalis to call her by Celestia, we hope that ye will come to be comfortable with calling us Luna. Hopefully, the extent of thine conversations with us proves to not be strictly professional as well."

The princess of the night is giving you a chance to be friends. Her offer is so casual to the point of feeling somewhat familiar, yet completely unexpected. You stammer on the proper gracious niceties to reply with until you notice the whites of somepony's eyes disappear on the other side of a window. You smirk and stand up.

"I appreciate you giving me a chance Pri- Luna. If I may, I have an idea for a light hearted shenanigan. I'll be just a moment, My queen. Luna, please come with me. Everyone else, Don't pay too much attention to the window across from us until about ten seconds after we've passed it."

Approving of your proposal, Luna stands up. Everyone else watches the two of you curiously as you leave for the main hall. Once the two of you are in the atrium and headed for the main doors, you speak in a low voice to Luna.

"How much do you know about me regarding what I'm up to?"

"Enough to recognize thy mischievous grin. What be the plan?"

"How well can you do a contagious yawn?"

"Quite so."

"Perfect. I will lead us under a tree. There are two reporters that are still curious and dropping eves."

Luna met your explanation with a mischievous grin which she then relaxed into a pleasant smile. Making your way out the front doors, the two of you went down the steps and over past the window where the others will be watching. Along your way, you found an honest excuse to keep up small talk by pondering to Luna about how you wonder the Artist Van Gough may have painted "A Starry Night" differently under this night sky and full moon. This gave you an excuse to look in every direction, verifying a glimpse of your target's eyes as you scanned. Luna seemed to enjoy the topic earnestly, pausing casually only to let out a yawn once the two of you finally made it to a tree.

As expected, three additional yawns were heard in response. Still with your mouth reflexively open, you point your hands up to the other two sound makers while Luna catches them in her magic. Once your own yawn finally ceases, you smirk, crossing your arms, and address the two green ponies in green and brown patterned shirts.

"Well it seems this tree has been growing eves, Princess, ones that even dress to camouflage."

"Indeed, Anonymous. Be these interlopers of mischievous intent?" Luna replied as she set the two ponies on the ground. Lunar guards that you didn't notice were patrolling now land, circling them. The mare, now panicking, pleads their case.

"We're sorry! We didn't mean to intrude. I admit my curiosity got the best of us. Our mistake was not knowing what to do next and making a rash action."

"Speak more calmly, our little pony. Begin by identifying thy selves." Luna Addressed them as the lunar guards maintained position.

"I am Quick Dry. This is my partner, Snapshot. We are the reporters for the Canterlot Carols."

To this, Luna raises a hoof and dismisses the guards.

"We are familiar with the publication. You cover family oriented venues and charity events around Canterlot. We enjoyed thy coverages of the last three solstices. What drove thee to spy on the Friendship Castle? How Hast the coverage of today's press conference not sated thy intrigue?"

"In truth, Princess, we were curious about the creature that accompanies you. No pony asked anything about them, then the conference ended before we had the chance to change the question subject." The mare then turns toward you. "If I may, what sort of creature are you, mister Anonymous?"

You take a step forward, your arms still crossed. "I am what is known as a human. Out of all the ponies that came to the conference, I did notice the two of you glancing at me more than a few times. Your stallion friend was the only photographer that didn't aim every single shot directly at the podium either."

As if caught doing something scandalous, they both flayed their ears down in fear.

"Indeed that is true, sir. We didn't mean any disrespect."

"Oh, don't worry about that, Quick dry. None was taken. In fact, I would like to hear your rationale in this. Tell me your experience in all of this, and in return for giving my new friends a spectacle," you say, gesturing to the window where your queen and the Elements of Harmony are now waving, "I might fill the gaps with an exclusive interview. How does that sound?"

"Oh, that would be amazing, sir. Snapshot, give him your best starting from the Everfree."

The stallion, moving his camera to the side, stepped forward. "Word spread about multiple princesses and several squads of both solar and lunar guards searching the Everfree Forrest. We, along with just about every other paper on the grapevine arrived and waited for the better part of a week with no announcement other than travel to or within the Everfree Forrest was strictly forbidden to civilians. This continued until this morning, where everypony was told to assemble in city hall as if there was an anticipated danger. After a few hours where nothing happened, everypony was told that the city was safe, and while leaving the building, we caught a glimpse of you at the train station. You did something that set the ground on fire, then stomped it out. The only train that arrived and left came back with you, now accompanied by changelings, and you were positioned noticeably close to Queen Chrysalis. I don't think there is any deceit in what was announced, but I know there is more to the story, and that is your role in all of this, isn't it?."

He did not mention Pinky's screaming. Either they had just caught you at the station, or they are holding that back for some reason. You turn to Luna.

"Are you certain these are a reputable group, Princess?"

"Indeed, Anonymous. We believe ye can trust them to not bend thy words."

"Very well! As the Changelings no longer live in secrecy, I too will continue in honesty. Allow me to illuminate your story." You start off with an enthusiastic tone. "My story starts off at the edge of the Everfree Forrest. I had been taken there suddenly without warning, and a misunderstanding with the pony, Pinky Pie had left me in somewhat of a fearful situation."

"Can you elaborate on this misunderstanding?" The stallion asked as his partner wrote furiously with a quill in her mouth.

"Please understand that there was no real danger that miss Pie or I posed to each other, but I had been suddenly cursed at the time to where my speech was reversed, 'Hello' vocalized as 'Oleh,' which one can imagine made de-escalation of the situation quite hard to reach. This is where my story with the changelings begins. They had found me and separated me from Pinky until they could take me to see a potion maker whom was able to cure my speech. Finally, I would be able to make some headway in peaceful relations in this Equus that I find myself in."

"Hold on, sir. Your choice of words is peculiar. Are you saying that you were transported here from outside Equestria?"

"Indeed I was magicked here in some unknown fashion, but in a sense, from much farther than Equestria, or any borders on Equus. You will not find any other humans on Equus, for I was taken here from a different world; A world under a different sun, moon, and stars entirely."

The eyes of the pony in front of you widened. His partner looked up from her writing, stunned. "Surely, you are pulling my leg."

"No, sir. You can even ask Princess Luna. I have allowed her to see into my mind where there are over twenty years of a life in a different biosphere. One without magic such as me has no hope of hiding secrets in such a manner."

"No magic? can you tell us more about this other world?"

"That is a subject much too vast for a single sitting. Imagine going to a world with no ponies at all and explaining the culture, magic, and history of the four pony races in it's entirety. Another time perhaps?"

"That would be most appreciated, sir. Erm, where were we... You had your speech restored by a potion maker. When was this?"

"That was the next day after I had arrived."

"Then what about the rest of the week that has lead up until now?"

"Remember that I was new to this world. I had to learn a whole new culture and history if I was going to respectfully address the princesses and clear up the confusion with the changelings."

"Which you commenced this morning. May I ask what drove you to help the changelings? It was said that you are now Queen Chrysalis's consort. Is their help in restoring your speech involved?"

"Well It certainly started our relationship. The changelings were the closest ponies to me when I was finally able to speak, and I learned of their plight. From then on, they did not need to ask. It was my decision first to do what I can for these ponies. I would hope that anypony with the ability to would help others in need, should the occasion provide itself."

"Speaking of relationship, May I ask the question that would be on every pony's mind?"

"Snapshot, I have only been on this world a week. That is not long enough to form any kind of romantic relationship."

The pony before you seemed grimace somewhat at his inconsiderate question, though you figure having the question answered today will prove advantageous in the court of public opinion and idle gossip.

"Well spoken sir. And what about now? What will your role in the changelings' oncoming endeavors be? Will you bring something else new or unexpected to Equestria?"

You turn your head towards the center of Ponyville. You can nearly see down a road to the other side where the Everfree Forrest persists. somewhere along the edge still sits an axe head; a tool that was brought with you to this world.

"That is a very interesting line of questions. I will continue to be at my Queen's side for as long as she will have me. My strength will bolster our changelings wherever I may be able to, and as far as bringing something new to Equestria, I hope you quote me as much as possible this evening, because I wonder if anypony will be able to predict it."

Author's Note

I'm back! life happened and I did not find the time to wright much. I have been wanting to get this chapter out for so long as it marks the real beginning of Anon's interactions as a free agent along side the changelings, the details of which have been replaying in my mind with more and more detail involuntarily! I will be writing much more often now!