The Anons of Equestria: Chapter 5 (Clusterfuck)

>What is the definition of home?

>Is it where you were born?

>No, that’s just a place. A home is special.

>Is it where you live?

>Can’t be. When you had to sleep in a motel for a week that didn’t make it your home.

>Where is ‘home?’

>You’ve been so convinced that it was Earth, in that little apartment you own.

>And it served its purpose for the time, but on reflection? It was nothing more than a mass of cold walls and appliances.

>Then you came to Equestria.

>Every fiber in your being tried to fight against it, but to no avail.

>Each day brings true joy, every breathe of air a miracle.

>You turn over to Fluttershy, it would a transgression to awaken her.

>She saved you in a sense, this little p0ny…

>You close your eyes and scoot closer drifting into a warm sleep.

 

>There’s an awareness in your dream, one you hadn’t felt since the last one a week ago.

>This time when the images flash you no longer yearn for them.

>You’re already home, there’s no need to travel back to the old.

>”Anon go home.”

>Jesus Christ, shut up. I am home you piece of shit subconscious.

>”Your home is all that’s important. Nothing else is.”

>If I could slap you I would you.      

>A wave of pain rocks you to the core.

>Your body takes shape within your mind.

“Th- The hell!”

>”I’m tired of your weakness. Your incompetence!”

>You can’t be angry at yourself, this is just wrong.

“What the hell are you?”

>”I’m the truth. Now shut up and listen.”

 

>”This lovey dovey home you think you have is nothing more than a prison.”

“Yeah I’m gonna stop you right there. You can kindly kiss my ass.”

>”You’re nothing an insolent child who dreams up fantasies of what his desires.”

“Look, my mind is made up. Equestria is my home. Ponyville is my home.”

>”Your home is sucking out the very essence of what makes you human! Don’t you understand that!?”

>His anger instills fear.

>”These p0nies with all their love and tolerance bullshit? It’s designed to make you nothing more than a docile slave in their world.”

“I had no idea one could be so fucking wrong.”

>You clutch your ribs as they cut into your flesh.

>”You think they care about you? They don’t! They wanted you to be silent so they can enjoy their fantasy. You think the mane 6 just warmed up to you? Ha!”

>His words cut deep.

 

>”They used you like a common whore, not even having the decency to tip.”

“They’re my friends. They wouldn’t do this to me.”

>”Oh really? You think it’s just the mane 6? I said your friends, those others who discovered you in that forest.”

“Now I know you’re lying. They tried to…”

>The voice laughs, “Comfort you? Yes, what better way to keep you relaxed than having others of your kind reassure you.”

“That’s impossible…”

>”Don’t you find it funny how they never once took the possibility of leaving seriously? They brushed it off as nonsense.”

“They said they tried…”

>”Did they? Think hard about this, did they?”

>You… you don’t remember…

>”Whenever you brought it up you were immediately shot down. Great friends huh?”

 

>”Or how about when you went to find a job? They had one for the others, but mysteriously none for you.”

“That was weird, but not a sign of some conspiracy.”

>”They wanted you to relax, they wanted you to cool down. Isn’t that how you met Miss Fluttershy in the first place?”

>It is. You went to The Broken Record just after that, and you met her then.

>”They gave you pocket money to buy you off and it worked. It’s all lies.”

>You had this all figured out, but what’s now… It doesn’t make sense.

>”Your home, your friends, your love, everything. It’s all to keep you under control.”

“They lied to me…”

>”Yeeesss. They did, and they will continue to do so.”

“You’ve been trying to help me this whole time? Every time I slept you tried to show me the truth.”

>”A thank you would be nice.”

 

>They manipulated you. They took advantage of your kindness and turned it against you.

“How do I get home? You know how, I can feel it.”

>”I needed you to trust me. Would you have believed me before?”

“No, but I do now.”

>”Then listen and listen well… Seven barriers exist in this place that bind you here. You must destroy them.”

“How do I find them?”

>The voice chuckles, “You already know them. You know their names because they told you so. Go ahead…”

>Seven barriers. Seven obstacles. Seven Anons.

“Duff… Flash… Anonymous… Mickey…” you can’t bear to speak any further.

>”Now you understand. The only way to return home is to end each of their pitiful lives.”

>That’s impossible. You can’t fight them.

 

>”I understand that you’re not the sharpest crayon in the box, far from it, but you don’t need to fight them directly.”

“Then what should I do?”

>”Use their fears against them. Use their hatred. Do what you humans do best… lie.”

“Lie?”

>”Yes, do what they did to you. Give them a taste of their own medicine.”

“I can’t do that. I’m not a good liar.”

>”Do not worry Anon. I will be there when you need me, just let me do the talking.”

“Why are you helping me? Who are you?”

>”I hate to see innocents taken advantage of, and as to who I am? Let’s just call me a worried resident of this world of mine.”

>A string of light cuts through the curtains awakening you.

>You sit up, Fluttershy still asleep.

>*Head to the Ponyville markets, you’ll find them there.*

>His voice whispers directly into your ear.

 

>You silently comply and head out without a second wasted.

“Are you in my head?”

>*I am everywhere Anon. Just focus on what lies ahead.*

“Yeah, why am I going to the market?”

>*Mickey and Anonymous are there. Their feud is strong. When you invoke their rage, the others will follow.*

“And what should I do when I see them?”

>*Meet with Mickey and let me do the talking.*

>The local shopkeeps wish you good morning.

>You debate ignoring them but his voice protests.

>*Do not cause suspicion. Besides, it’d be rude to ignore them.*

>You wave with a forced smile, *Good boy. Now find Mickey.*

 

>You weave through the crowd in your quest.

>They smile at you, each a veil of their deception.

>How could you have been so blind as to trust them?

>*You had no choice. They forced it upon you.*

>You ball your hand into a fist, *Now now Anon, ease up.*

>He wrestles control of your hand and eases up your muscles.

>”Howdy Anon,” you recognize Applejack call over.

“Applejack,” you reply scanning the fields.

>She observes you curiously, “You alright there partner? You look kinda cold.”

“Warm as an apple pie.”

>Her laughter is strained, “You sure? Where’s Fluttershy? I thought you two were staying at her house.”

“Change of plans. I needed to meet with Mickey.”

>”Ah, they just moved on.”

*Where to Miss Applejack?*

 

>The fuck are you doing?

>*Helping you out.*

>”They said they were heading back home. Don’t know for how long.”

>Your body moves on his command, kissing her hoof.

*Much appreciated dear.*

>She blushes hard and you regain control after he sets out in the right direction.

“I swear if you do that again…”

>*If you want my help then you must accept my methods. Unless… you changed your mind.*

“No!” you shout earning a few inquiring glances.

>You hurry off as their conversation takes a turn for the worse.

“I’m tired of lies. I just want the truth. I want my home.”

>*Then do as I say.*

 

>You ease the door open and slip inside your house.

“Anyone home?”

>”I’m in the kitchen!” Mickey calls.

>*Ask him where the others are.*

“Where’s Anonymous and Dash?”

>He finishes plating his sandwich and takes a bite, “Upstairs taking a shower.”

>You feel him seep back through you, *Allow me.*

*Doesn’t that anger you? To know they’re there together?*

>”I used to be angry, but… You were right you know. I was wrong about him.”

*Mickey you see-*

>”I couldn’t get it out of my head. All I saw was the monster, but he’s been innocent. A product of another world.”

*This is what I-*

>He interrupts him again, “Thanks to you, I can get to know my brother again, as he was. So-“

*You were right.*

 

>Mickey freezes, his face plain, “What?”

*Anonymous has been putting on an act this whole time. I came to your first.*

>”That’s impossible. I mean we…”

*He’s been lying to us. He lied to you. You fell for it.*

>Mickey rests his sandwich upon the table, a raw power taking hold of him.

>His arms twitch ever so slightly, “So that’s how it is big brother…”

>This is wrong. Even if he did lie to you, no one deserves this.

*So what are you going to do about it?*

>You force your will back into your body, but are immediately shot back.

>*Tsk tsk Anon. It’s unkind to mess with your ally.*

>You’re no ally of mine! I can’t let you do this to him.

>*Do? It’s already been done.*

 

>Anonymous thumps down the stairs, “Hey Anon. I thought you’d be out today?”

*Change of plans I’m afraid Mr. Anonymous.*

>”What’s with the formality? You sound like-“

>He looks at you, almost analyzing you. “Anon, what’s the color of green?”

*Turquoise.*

>”That doesn’t even make sense.”

You chuckle, *What fun is there in making sense?*

>His expression turns sour,”Mickey, don’t let Anon leave.’

>”Oh, why shouldn’t I? Why should I listen to you anymore?”

>*Oh what fools these mortals be.*

>You bastard!

>”He told me about you, he told me the truth.”

>”Mickey, please you have to believe me. That THING isn’t Anon.”

*Don’t trust him Mickey, he’s as mad as he was before.*

>Rainbow Dash peeks her head from the upper floor, “What’s with the yelling?”

>Anonymous whirls around, “Dash get out of here, now!”

 

>Mickey breath is erratic as you feel his power increase.

>Damn you! What are you doing to him?!

>*Just giving him a little boost, like old times.*

>Mickey smashes the island with his fist and breaks it in two with ease.

>Dash takes off upstairs and Anonymous makes a break for the door.

*Don’t let him go Mr. Mickey.*

>Anonymous reaches for the handle as an unholy hand grabs hold of him and throws him back.

>Mickey leaps over the bar and grabs his brother by the shirt.

>”I should’ve finished you when I had the chance.”

>Anonymous yelps as his own kin begins to beat him down, again and again.

*I love a family feud. Makes for great entertainment.*

>”Oh really?” Mous says from beside you.

 

>You hit the floor, a throbbing pain in your head.

*Mickey! Lend me your aid!*

>Mous kicks you in the stomach, “Seems I got here just in time for the party.”

>Mickey releases his hold on his brother and charges Mous.

>*Oh this is going to be good.*

>Just when he’s about to impact Mous sidesteps with his cane planted, the latter causing Mickey to face plant into the wooden floor.

*And you’re out!* you laugh painfully.

>Let me go!

>*Not a chance.*

>You get up, Anonymous and Mickey out cold.

*I wonder how Pinkie’s doing? She must miss you Mr. Mous.*

>Mous keeps his cool, “More than you know.”

*I’m curious, how much would you like to return home again, back to your Pinkie Pie?*

>”About this much,” he says swinging his cane.

 

>*I must admit, that was unexpected.*

>The blackness of your mind grants no peace from your unwelcome guest.

>*Still, you served your purpose well Anon. I admit that I thought this energy would’ve been wasted.

>You keep silent, not wishing to converse with your puppeteer.

>*Anon, are you there? Aaaanoooon?*

>Your body seizes up in pain, *There you are!*

“Please… leave me alone.”

>*Oh don’t tell me this about the whole, lied to make your friend become a rampaging juggernaut again?*

“That whole seven barrier thing was bullshit, wasn’t it? How could I have fallen for that?”

>*I must admit, I am rather experienced in such deception. I’ve had many years of experience.*

“You’re going to be here forever aren’t you? Always whispering in my ear trying to turn me against them?”

>*An eternity isn’t all that long if you think about it.*

 

“Just tell me then, who are you? Give me a name to put to the voice.”

>*I can give you more than that.*

>A click rings out and something walks out from the shadows.

>His figure is distorted, an amalgamation of others.

>His toothy grin is pleasant in comparison to the offsetting gaze of his pale yellow eyes and piercing pupils within.

>He reaches out with his lions paw, “Discord. Pleasure to meet you.”

“What the fuck are you?” you reel backwards.

>”Ugh, why does everyone ask that?”

“You’re a monster.”

>”No Anon. I’m a Draconequus.”

“Thanks for the clarification freak.”

 

>He rubs his eyes, “Oh why must I have chosen such a dull soul.”

“If you’re so tired of me then leave. I’ll throw a going away party.”

>”Nice try Anon, but that’s no fun. Besides, where else will I find a mind as weak as yours?”

>Don’t let him get to you. Don’t let him make you angry.

>”Why? Doesn’t it feel good to let it all out? To give in? I can make you like the others you know...”

“The only power I want is to toss you out of my head.”

>”Such a shame.”

>You grip your head in a rush of pain.

>Discord laughs openly at your agony, “Oh go cry somewhere else. Stop being such a- ugh…

>He topples over and twists about in spasms.

>”Wh- What are you doing to me?!”

“What am I doing!?” you groan and tighten your hold.

 

>Discord crawls over to you and presses his talon in the flesh of your calf.

>”How are you doing this?”

>He squeezes, the pain negligible compared to the aching in your brain.

>It’s as though a thousand scorpions are spitting venom within your mind.

>Your brain swells and hemorrhages against your skull.

>Discord climbs atop you and grips your neck, “Tell me!”

>As swift and tight as his hold came, it loosened.

“Discord?”

>The pain vanishes and you look around for the creepy fuck.

>Only the vast nothingness remains with you in the center.

>He’s gone.

>At last.

 

>Your eyes sizzle under the dazzling light as you begin to stir.

>A hoof caresses your arm, a kind and gentle voice whispering your name.

>You can barely make out Fluttershy through the fog of your vision.

>”It’s going to be alright,” she purrs lightly and looks away, “Right?”

>Twilight’s voice is easily recognized, the answer calming her.

>Duff watches over you with his pistol at the ready.

>”How could this have happened,” he asks quietly.

>Twilight shines a light in your eye once more, “Discord has many tools. Deception and trickery being his favorite.”

>A new voice calls over them, “We had no idea he had escaped. It seems he’s grown even cleverer after all these years.”

>The mysterious mare moves into sight with her mane of various colors.

>”It is with great sorrow that young Anon had the misfortune to be his target.”

“Who are you,” you croak.

>Her smile is warm and inviting, “My name is Celestia. It is good to meet you.”

 

“Celestia? That’s a nice name…”

>You start to drift back into sleep, but a cyan hoof slaps you in the face, “Wake up!”

>”Dash!” Mous commands “Calm yourself. He’s not the enemy here.”

>The results work, whether you agree with her methods is trivial, and you start to sit up finding yourself in Twilight’s house.

>Dash’s eyes lay red and her fur damp. She wipes her face and walks back to… Anonymous.

>He’s laying down on a bed similar to yours, Rarity and the others keeping an eye on him.

>Dash sits beside him and cradles his hand, his skull purple and bloodied.

“What happened?”

>Mous takes his place beside you, “After the fight, I brought you here to Twilight. When I came back to get the others… Mickey was awake.”

>You can only imagine what he did while you were gone.

 

>”I tried to catch him, but I’m not as fast as I used to be. He escaped and Anonymous hasn’t changed in his condition.”

>Duff covers his mouth, “I should’ve been there. I could’ve done something.”

>”You could’ve! Where were you?!” Dash berates him in distress.

>Celestia snaps in response, “Rainbow Dash, quiet! This wasn’t his fault.”

>Mous continues to explain, “Before he left, I heard Anonymous bubbling something about a Discord character. I told Twilight and she called in the princess.”

“Princess? Celestia?”

>She nods, “You have much to learn about us. When Twilight wrote to me of Discord’s name I checked his prison, finding a replica in its place. I don’t know how long he’s been active.”

“I do.”

>You heard his call the first night you were here.

“He’s been here since we arrived.”

 

>”Whatever brought you here must’ve caused enough chaos to free him from his prison. It’s the only explanation,” Twilight says.

>Celestia eyes her curiously, “What do you mean ‘Whatever brought’ them here?”

>”I- I haven’t told you everything about them. I didn’t want to worry you.”

>Celestia keeps her calm, “My student, it is imperative that you tell me the truth.”

“It’s the only way,” you answer, the other Anons voicing their acceptance.

>”Alright, but keep an open mind,” she says to the others who were listening, “It may be difficult to take in.”

>The others look distressed at this warning, but they finally nod.

>”It began a little over a month ago, when they first woke up in Equestria…”

>You shiver as she tells them everything she knows about you and your history.

>They listen and wait, soaking up everything she lays before them.

>It’s troubling just how bad things have gotten.

>And to think you had this all figured out.

 

>By the end of it their eyes are the size of footballs, yet Celestia is remarkably serene in her reaction.

>”So you four are just half of your group?” Celestia asks.

“Yes. Mickey fled and the others already split.”

>”Then we must find the others. Discord won’t just try to manipulate one, he’ll work through the others as well. Where did they go?”

>Mous answers, “I remember seeing Flavus chase after a train that day, but I don’t know where.”

“Canterlot if I’m correct.”

>”Ahh yes,” Celestia replies, “I have met this human. He seemed nice enough.”

>Duff clarifies, “He’s just a civilian like Anon. The poor bastard was scared half to death on our first meeting.”

>”Luna’s been keeping him safe and will continue to do so. What of the other two?”

“Flash and Light. Flash left us and didn’t say where, and Light…”

>Mous answers, “He went to find Chrysalis, princess.”

>”That is most unfortunate.”

 

>Rainbow looks down at Anonymous, “So he… He lost me once…”

>Pinkie watches Mous with new perspective.

“They all lost their homes. Some of us couldn’t bear to see them go,” you say.

>Twilight nods, completely oblivious of the man who had lost her.

>”What do we do now?” Fluttershy peeps.

>”We need to remain calm,” Celestia concludes, “Discord’s plans have been disrupted thanks to Twilight and myself, but he’s still out there.”

>Duff checks his mag and slams it home in his Pulse Rifle.

>”I say we find Discord and nuke his shit from orbit,” he looks to the others, “It’s the only way to be sure.”

“Something we agree on, how about you Mous?”

>”I’m not a fighter anymore, but I sure as hell am not gonna sit back and watch him tear up my home.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

 

>Duff steps forward, “I know I’m not the most experienced here, Celestia has that mantle.”

>”Much appreciated,” she replies.

>”But I’ve protected Ponyville in the past and I will do so today. I will die to protect my friends. I will die to keep them safe,” he says mournfully watching Anonymous’ body.

>Applejack tips her hat to him and speaks, “I ain’t exactly hankering for a fight, but tarnation, Duff’s right here.”

>Pinkie nudges next to Mous, “That meanie isn’t going to hurt my friends either.”

>The others speak their pieces, only leaving Celestia.

>She closes her eyes and gives a slow accepting yes.

>”We need to find the others before Discord can get to them. I shall return to Canterlot. Come when you’re ready.”

>Anonymous will not be allowed to suffer for Discord’s entertainment.

“Then let’s get moving.”

 

>Meanwhile in Canterlot…

>”Next train to Ponyville departs in fifteen minutes.”

>You bide your time and exit the train under the stealth of the night.

>Each stop has brought problems upon you and you can’t risk getting into a fight here.

>Celestia needs to know just how far gone her sister is.

>You control your breathing as a group of unwitting guards pass.

>There’s no way to tell if they’re changelings or not without getting caught.

>And you’re not too fond of that idea.

>You bolt into a nearby alley and clutch onto your satchel.

>A quick check shows that no one’s following you, but you can’t be certain.

>Changelings always seem to pop up-

>”Nice night, huh flash?”

 

>You twirl around and peer into the darkness.

“Who goes there? Identify yourself!”

>”I always loved the night you know. So peaceful, so pure. Everyone’s either sleeping or up to no good. You don’t look to be sleeping.”

“Flavus? Is that you?”

>”I hoped you’d recognize me. I hate introductions, they get so tedious after so long.”

>He’s off. There’s something amiss.

>”I know why you’re here. That evidence in your satchel is rather damning to someone I care about.”

“Flavus please. I don’t want to hurt you.”

>His laughter echoes across the deathly city, “Hurt me? I think you should be more concerned about how I’m going to hurt you.”

>He reveals a dagger in his hand as he gets closer.

>You blink, and a fierce sensation hits your belly, Flavus inches from your face.

>”Tell me Flash, are you familiar with the work of Xiang Yu?”