>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?”