Anon frantically paced back and forth in the throne room while Raven, Javelin, Valorant, and several other guards did their best to hold back the hundreds of changelings outside the doors, their angry shouts easily reaching his ears. He nervously glanced up at said secretary and guard detail just as they managed to close the door, several of them falling to the ground as they let out sighs of defeat.

"Anon, Pharynx is about ready for blood out there." Raven announced, picking herself up from the floor and making her way over to the human.

Anon paused in his pacing and let out a long groan, "I know, I know. I just... I just don't know what to tell them. 'Sorry Chrysalis isn't back yet, there's a good chance she's either dead or being held prisoner by the crazy centaur and literal God of Chaos?'"

"Personally, I would word it a little better, but I mean..." Javelin shrugged.

Anon sat down on the steps leading up to his throne and held his head in his hands. He let out a long sigh as his shoulders slumped.

"Tia and Lulu are so much better at this shit than I am." Anon mumbled, shaking his head.

Raven gently placed her hoof on his thigh, "Well you're a prince now. Celestia and Luna are due to go into labor at literally any time now. Cadence isn't the ranking royal in charge here, even if she has seniority. She's empress of the Crystal Empire and her authority, even if she was born an Equestrian subject, isn't recognized as higher than yours. As it stands right now, you have to make the choices for us... I will say this though, keeping the changelings in the dark is not going to help us in the long run."

Anon looked up to Raven, a worried furrow in his brow. Much to his comfort, the secretary offered a small smile of encouragement as she gently patted his thigh.

"How do I word this? I-I mean... for all we know, telling them that Chryssi might be dead will only make things a hundred times worse." Anon questioned.

"The changelings have remained peaceful so far, and it's in their best interest to stay that way. That said, we can't keep them in the dark anymore. They're going to lose all the trust we've been building up this whole time and if the worst comes to pass and she really is dead... they'll likely never forgive that. They'd most likely just bide their time and betray us as soon as we took their mana rings off." Raven replied, just as Javelin walked up beside her.

"I know you're worried about her, dude... and I know you're holding out for hope that she's going to just come back or send another message, but we have to face facts here. If she hasn't sent another message yet, she probably isn't going to be sending one at all. We've got enough to worry about with Discord and Tirek tearing up entire cities. We don't need the changelings rioting too." Javelin added, a sympathetic look on his muzzle as well.

Anon took a sobering breath as he rubbed his forehead with his fingers, "Dammit... alright, let them in."

With his orders now vocalized, Javelin swiftly turned on his hooves and trotted over to the door. He nodded toward Valorant, who quickly ordered her guards to form up in the usual day court formation. Albeit with some obvious unease, the ponies moved into formation just as Javelin reached the door. He swiftly pulled it open, giving a view of the dozens of changelings present before the throne room doors.

"Hear this! If you can all manage to step up to the podium in a controlled and calm manner, and direct your grievances to the crown in an orderly and respectful fashion, day court can now begin." Javelin announced.

With some minor grumbling on their part, the changelings obeyed and made their way into the throne room in relative peace. They arrived at the podium and immediately parted to allow Pharynx to step up to the front, as if representing the rest of them.

Feeling the tension in the air rising by the second, Anon slowly and hesitantly nodded to Valorant. Taking the command as business as usual, Valorant stepped forward.

"The first case of the day will be the changelings. Speaking as the representative of the group, will be High General Pharynx." Valorant announced, before nodding back to Anon.

With a nervous gulp, Anon spoke up, "Good morning, Pharynx, and the rest of you as well. I understand you wanted to speak with me."

Pharynx nodded, "Where is our Queen? She was supposed to be back days ago and we've not heard anything. She's never been gone this long before, and you've all been stonewalling us any time we try to find out any information about her. She's our Queen. Our Mother! We have a right to know just where you sent her and what has happened to her!" He barked, his voice filling with more and more anger as he spoke.

Nearly all of the other changelings chittered in agreement, their wings buzzing in anger, almost giving them the sound of a swarm of angry hornets. While most of the guards in the room noticeably tensed at the obvious agitation of the crowd, Anon held out his hands in as placating a manner as he could manage.

"I know, I know. Trust me, I get that you guys are upset... I know we've been keeping you in the dark, but we didn't want to tell you something that might not be true." Anon explained.

Pharynx tilted his head to the side, "What do you mean?" He demanded.

Anon sighed, "Well... we received a message from her that same night she went to go watch after Discord-" He began, but was swiftly cut off.

"You mean you did talk to her and you didn't tell us!" A changeling shouted.

Before Anon could calm the changelings down, a chorus of angry shouts and curses were thrown his way, and several of the guards did in fact step forward, their postures noticeably tensing as if they expected a fight. Before they could shoulder their spears or unsheathe their blades, however, Anon stood up from his throne.

"Wait!" He shouted, so loudly that even the rowdy changelings silenced themselves.

Valorant, along with Pharynx, gave him a questioning glance, while the rest of the changelings quickly realized how tense the guards were around them.

"Listen to me!" Anon continued, gladly taking all of the attention in the room lest their be any bloodshed, "Listen, please. Chrysalis did send us a message the day she left to watch over Discord. That's the last we've heard from her and... her message wasn't good. We didn't want to tell you all because we've been hoping to hear from her again. We didn't want to cause unnecessary concern if she was alright and just couldn't send a follow up letter yet." He explained.

While his explanation seemed to quell the most rambunctious of the changelings present for a moment, Pharynx looked at him with a measure of scrutiny that he could only assume meant he was being analyzed.

"What do you mean 'the message wasn't good'? And why would she be unable to send another letter? Is she hurt?" Pharynx questioned, his brow furrowing as if he was already adamant he wouldn't like Anon's answers.

Anon bit his tongue. He quickly looked over to Raven to find her giving him the smallest of shrugs. She walked up to his side, motioning for him to lean down so she could whisper into his ear.

"It's your call... I don't think it'll cause a panic but you never know... there's only so much we can delay... we've already lost the Wonderbolts, Appleoosa, and all of Manehattan." Raven whispered.

Anon gave a slow nod as he rose back up to his full height. With a look of resignation on his face, he turned to Pharynx once more, "Discord betrayed us," He started, earning a series of gasps throughout the room, "He's teamed up with Tirek and they're attacking Equestria city by city. Chrysalis sent us a letter, telling us about his betrayal but... well since we haven't heard from her since, we don't know what's happened to her." He admitted, a sad look in his eyes.

A stunned silence permeated through the air, and the dozens of changelings all stared up at Anon with fearful looks on their faces as they contemplated the prospect that their Queen and mother may very well be gone for good. Some fainted from the thought, while others fell to their haunches and struggled to keep from hyperventilating. At the front of the group, however, Pharynx stood with an unreadable expression on his muzzle. Eventually, he spoke, his tone as plain and emotionless as his gaze.

"Where are Tirek and Discord now?" He asked, calmly.

Anon sighed, "We aren't sure. With Discord at his side, Tirek can disappear and reappear wherever he wants. The last we heard, they were in Appleoosa and... well the entire town's magic was stolen."

Pharynx's gaze fell slightly, until he was looking just to the steps below Anon, "I see." He stated, quietly.

Anon bit his lip as he watched over the reactions from the changelings before him. While he still felt his nerves and guilt from the entire situation in his chest, he couldn't help but feel for the little bug horses as they went through what was likely some of the worst news they'd ever heard.

"Listen... I know you guys are scared. I know you're upset... I can't pretend that Chrysalis was as important to me as she was to all of you, but I care about her a lot... I never would have let her go if I thought she could get hurt... but I promise you all, we will fix this. If she's still out there, we will find her, and if not... then you can be damn sure we'll make the bastards who hurt her, pay." Anon addressed the crowd, no small amount of seething anger filling his voice as he thought of Discord and Tirek.

Pharynx looked up to Anon with a scoff, his mouth open to retort in what was mostly likely a condescending sneer, but before he said anything, he suddenly tilted his head to the side. The look on his face quickly morphed into one of scrutiny, but as he observed Anon for several seconds, he slowly closed his mouth and nodded.

"Very well, Prince Anon. I believe you. We... will be in the caves below. Please let us know if you learn anything about our Queen." Pharynx stated, surprising even the changelings behind him with his sudden change of heart.

Feeling equally surprised, Anon dumbly stared after the changeling for a few moments as he turned around and led the rest of his kin out of the throne room and back down to the caves below the castle. He watched them walk all the way down the hallway until they rounded a corner and disappeared down the stairs.

Feeling utterly drained by the whole affair, Anon sat on the stairs, his elbows resting on his knees as Raven, Javelin, and Valorant walked up beside him.

"All things considered, I think you handled that pretty well." Valorant complimented.

"Am I the only pony that noticed Pharynx just kinda... changing his mind really quick? Like, don't get me wrong, bro. That was a great speech and it got me motivated a bit but... Pharynx isn't the type to be moved by a simple speech. At least, as far as I can tell." Javelin stated, still staring after the changelings.

"He's also a very reasonable changeling. I think he was reading Anon's emotions and realized that he was being genuine with him." Raven offered.

Anon slowly shook his head, "Regardless... at least they aren't starting a riot anymore."

"Let's just hope that nothing changes with them before Tirek and Discord show up... last thing we need is to be quelling a riot when those two attack." Javelin shook his head.

"Don't remind me," Anon groaned, "Isn't Cadence supposed to be here any minute now?" He asked.

"Indeed I am." Cadence announced, stepping through the throne room doors and redirecting everypony's attention.

"Cadence, there you are. Tell me some good news, please." Anon replied, standing up to his feet.

Cadence smiled, "We've managed to evacuate all the major cities between here and Appleoosa, and the smaller towns and settlements have all managed to start evacuation too. While Tirek is powerful enough to steal flight and strength from pegasai and earth ponies now, it looks like he's just heading straight for Canterlot. All of the other cities have so far been untouched." She explained.

Anon let out a sigh of relief, "That's good at least. One less thing to worry about."

Cadence gave a sympathetic nod, "I take it that group of changelings I passed in the hallway had something to do with how you're feeling?" She questioned.

Anon pinched the bridge of his nose, "Something like that." He shook his head.

Cadence frowned ever so slightly, "I'm sure she's okay. Tirek may be a monster, but his goal is power, not death. I don't see Discord as the type to kill either." She offered.

Anon was silent for a few moments, "I hope you're right." He muttered.

Cadence only gave a mute nod in response as Shining Armor walked in through the doorway behind her, "Honey, Princess Celestia and Luna are ready to speak with you." He called.

Cadence nodded, "That means you too, Nonny." She said, giving a half smile.

Anon allowed the nickname to put a bit of a smile on his face as he followed the candy colored alicorn out of the throne room. As he stepped out, Raven, Javelin, and Valorant quickly fell in step behind him. Valorant quickly made her way up to Shining's side, giving him a curious look as she reached him.

"So, any news about the fourth and fifth divisions?" She asked.

Shining shook his head, "I'm sorry, Val. I can't send two divisions already tasked with border patrol and security in the Empire. We'll stop Discord and Tirek... I just can't leave the empire undefended to do it." He replied, apologetically.

Valorant sighed, "Welp, looks like it'll be all hooves on deck then. I've already recalled the two-twenty fifth artillery, four O' ninth infantry, and tenth air scouts. Equestria's borders are gonna be open for a time, but if we don't stop Tirek here, we won't have a country to protect at all." She explained.

"I get it, I do. My sister will think of something. She always does." Shining offered as they reached Celestia and Luna's bedchambers.

After a polite knock from Anon, a quiet 'come in' reached all of their ears, and they promptly opened the doors. Laying on the large bed before them, were Celestia and Luna, the ladder sleeping soundly as her sister gave a weak smile to the arrival of her husband. An entourage of nurses and doctors quickly funneled out of the room, whispering quiet apologies for getting in the way before clearing out of the bedroom completely.

With now unimpeded access to his wives, Anon quickly made his way over to the bed and gently held Celestia's hoof with his hand.

"You two alright?" He asked, softly.

Celestia smiled, "Oh, we're both fine, Honey. Just a little tired. The doctors say everything looks good so we've only a day or so at most before the foals are due." She replied.

Anon smiled, "Good. That's good. I can't wait." He offered.

"So how was day court today? Anything notable?" Celestia questioned.

"There-" Raven began, but was swiftly cut off by Anon.

"Was nothing new, really. A few changelings were wondering where Chrysalis was but it was no big deal. They were really understanding and patient." Anon asserted.

Celestia nodded, "Oh, that's good. Better than a riot, right?" She chuckled.

Anon blanched but quickly shook his head and forced a chuckle along with his wife, "Y-yeah... that wouldn't be good."

While Raven eyed Anon with a skeptical look on her muzzle, she quickly turned back to Celestia, "Everything is going well, Princess. Cadence is here too." She offered.

Hearing her name, Cadence stepped over to her aunt and gave her a warm smile, "You wanted to see me?" She asked.

Celestia nodded, "I did. Twilight too. I just sent her a letter before my exam so I believe she'll be arriving in an hour or so." She replied.

"Twilight? What do you need her for?" Anon asked, curiously.

Celestia sighed, "Tirek and Discord teaming up is the worst thing that could have possibly happened... as such, we need to take measures that I... I wish we didn't have to." She admitted.

"What do you mean? What kind of measures?" Anon asked, tilting his head to the side in concern.

Celestia struggled to meet his gaze, which only served to fuel the fears and concerns welling up in Anon's chest.

"Honey, what do you mean? What measures?" Anon pressed, sounding much more concerned already.

"Tirek knows of Luna and my ascension... he also knows of Cadence... but he doesn't yet know of Twilight's." Celestia started, taking note of the look on Anon's face.

"O-kaaaaaaay... so what?" Anon replied.

"So, Tirek is coming after Luna, me, and Cadence. Not Twilight." Celestia replied.

Anon slowly nodded his head, "So... what you're saying is... we can use that to our advantage?" He questioned.

Celestia nodded.

"To do... what exactly?" Anon hesitantly questioned.

Celestia bit her lip and averted her eyes once more, only furthering Anon's feelings of concern once more.

"He's after our magic... so if we transfer our magical powers to Twilight, we can at least buy more time-" Celestia began, before Anon quickly did a double take and cut her off.

"I'm sorry, what? No, not just what, but what the fuck? Actually no, not just what the fuck, what the actual fuck? You can't give up your magic now!" Anon exclaimed, frantically.

"Honey-" Celestia tried to speak, but Anon was having none of it.

"No, don't you 'honey' me! You and Lulu are going into labor at any point in the next day. You know it's already been a huge concern for me with how the kids have been developing since I'm not a magical creature. You can't give up your magic right when they're about to be born. Something could go horribly wrong!" Anon continued, raising his voice so much so that it stirred Luna.

"Mmmphhh... why're you yelling so much..." Luna mumbled, blearily opening her eyes.

"Because this is quite literally the worst plan I've ever heard!" Anon replied, at the same volume.

"Honey, please. We're running out of options here, and-" Celestia tried once more, but Anon simply cut her off again.

"And this is somehow a better option!? No! Even if I was okay with this -which I am most certainly not- then the whole plan hinges entirely on Discord not telling Tirek about Twilight's existence. What makes you think he hasn't already done that!?" Anon argued, crossing his arms.

Valorant quickly cut in before Celestia could respond, however much to her despair, it was not to side with her, "I have to agree with Prince Anon here, Princess. Even if this doesn't hurt or kill your foals, it'll only slow Tirek down at best. Discord might have not told him about Twilight yet, but it's only a matter of time until he finds out. Hay, he may have already found out from any magazine or newspaper that mentions her by now." She reasoned.

Celestia bit her lip as she looked over to her sister. With a pensive frown on her muzzle, Luna spoke for her, "While you're both bringing up valid points... we're not sure what else to do. Celestia and I cannot wield the elements of harmony, and at the moment, neither can Twilight and her friends. Tirek is powerful enough already... if he were to take even one alicorn's magic..." She trailed off, as if she didn't even want to say what could happen.

Anon shook his head, "And how exactly does you three giving up your magic make things any better? If he catches Twilight, then he gets all of your magic anyway. Not only that, but if you all give up your magic, what do you even intend on Twilight doing with it? Fighting him? She's only been an alicorn for a few months. You've been alicorns for a collective two thousand plus years!" He rebutted.

"Anon, we are in no condition to fight Tirek-" Luna tried to speak, but much like her sister, Anon was having none of it.

"That we agree on. You know what would make it infinitely worse? If you have no magic to protect yourselves if he does try to hurt you. I mean, what? Do you think he's gonna see that you two are about to deliver and decide to be polite all of a sudden? If the plan is to hide, then we can hide you two at least until you give birth and recover. Then you can all fight him together." Anon suggested, punching the palm of his hand with his clenched fist.

"Anon, honey... Tirek would reap havoc on Equestria while we were in hiding. He'd destroy everything in his path searching for us... and with Discord at his side, it would only be a matter of days before he found us. This plan allows Twilight a chance to prepare and besides... she's the best hope we have. The elements of harmony chose her as the element of magic. If anypony can find a way to defeat Tirek, it's her." Celestia replied, softly.

Anon shook his head, "No. No, I don't believe that. There... there has to be some other way we can do this. I know there is... there just has to be." He responded, his head dipped in thought.

"Anon... I'm not sure what will happen, but we have to think about the whole of Equestria right now... not just ourselves. That is the price we must pay to be leaders." Luna offered, a sympathetic look on her face.

Anon glared at the lunar alicorn, "As far as I can tell, Tirek isn't out for blood from any ponies just yet... the two alicorns that banished him to Tartarus for a thousand years? I think he'd be more than happy to kill you both. I'm not going to let that happen." He declared, before turning on his heels and storming toward the door.

"Wait, Anon!" Celestia cried reaching out for him.

"Where are you going?" Cadence called.

"Nonny!" Luna added.

Pausing at the doorway, Anon looked over his shoulder, "Jav, with me. Val, you and Shining set up defense here. Under no circumstances are Tia and Luna to transfer their magic to Twilight. Not until those foals are born, or I say otherwise. I'll go stop Tirek myself if I have to."

Raven quickly galloped over to Anon as Javelin hesitantly trotted up to his side, "Anon, those aren't your calls to make!" She exclaimed.

"Raven, right now, I'm not your friend. I'm your prince. My wives are in danger and I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way." Anon growled.

Stepping back in surprise at the sudden hostility from the human, Raven owlishly blinked at him as he started down the hall. Javelin gave his fiancé a loving nuzzle before trotting after the human, an unsure look on his muzzle as he caught up to him.

"You mind telling me what you're doing?" Javelin asked, looking up to Anon with concern written all over his face.

Anon looked down to the stallion for a moment, "Don't worry. I have a plan."

Don't threaten Anon's horse wives. He'll get very upset.

Hope you guys liked that one. The next few chapters are gonna be absolutely wild. There's a lot that gonna be happening and I hope you all enjoy it. It was quite a bit of work to make it all work out lol.

Oh! For anyone interested, I have finally made a discord server! If you want to chat with me, hang out and play games or watch me stream art and such, feel free to join :D

https://discord.gg/zSB8EUuA