GoingHome

> Day...past 500. Stopped counting.
> Equestria.
> P0nyville.
> It's a sunny day and the town is alive with gossip.
> P0nies watch you pass.
> Some wave, some just stare.
> All turn to each other, hooves hiding chattering mouths when you're out of sight.
> You are walking to Twilight's library.
> Applejack is trotting along at your side, heavily laden and trying to smile whenever you look at her.
> She doesn't realise you see the sad look in her eyes.
> Pinkie is firmly attatched to your leg, her face buried against your hip.
> She hasn't let go since the party.
> Fluttershy is... being nice.
> She hasn't even got a net today, but she's quieter than usual.
> Rarity is fussing over you like a mother hen.
> With no set order, she shifts from straightening your clothes, smoothing your hair and trying to hide little sobs in a hoovekerchief.
> Rainbow Dash is still nowhere to be seen.
> Twilight has walked to meet you from the library and waits not far ahead with a happy, but everso slightly forced, smile on her face.
> Nearly there now.
> You are Anonymous, and today?
> Today you're going home.

> "The chariot is waiting Anonymous... you must be so excited!" Twilight tries her most enthusiastic voice as she falls in at your side.
"I wouldn't say excited. I hate those chariots."
> "They really are the safest way to travel, Anon. Statistics support-" The purple unicorn easily falls into her gentle oratory.
> It's sweet really.
> She just wants you to feel safe.
> You're not really listening though.
> Just thinking back to when she told you the news.
> It was only yesterday, while you were sitting on the edge of the fountain in the town square.
> You were taking a break from unloading the Sweet Apple Acres delivery to Sugarcube corner.
> Pinkie was sitting next to you, legs swinging back and forth, wearing a contented smile and a significant amount of frosting.
> Applejack was leaning nearby, reluctant to be slacking off work, but unwilling to miss out on the free cupcake Pinkie had offered.
> Fluttershy was on the opposite side of the fountain, occasionally peeking up and ducking back down whenever you looked her way.
> It was one of those relaxed, happy moments.
> One amongst many.
> Unremarkable really, and yet it's firmly fixed in your mind to the smallest detail.
> Twilight came running up with Spike riding on her back.
> He had such a serious expression but Twilight?
> Twilight was trying to smile.
> Trying too hard.
> That was what made you stand up.

-----

> Yesterday.
> "You've got a letter, Anonymous! wonderful news!" She had that rictus grin of hers that never managed to reach her eyes.
"What?"
> Applejack had stood forward from her lean, cupcake still held but no long being eaten and eyes firmly locked on her friend.
> "What's wrong, sugarcube?" She asked, but Twilight just ignored her telling Spike to give you the letter.
> Pinkie sat there, still eating with legs swinging, completely oblivious.
> You unrolled the scroll and started to read it out.
"Dear Anonymous.

	I am pleased to be writing this letter.
The combined efforts of some of the finest magical minds in Equestria, research p0nies and my own humble contributions have met with success.
We have a solution to your unique problem.
Finally, a ritual has been uncovered that will facilitate a return to your fondly thought of and sorely missed land of origin..."

> As you speak, the p0nies listen all the more intently.
> Fluttershy has even given up trying to hide and just stands there, hooves over mouth and eyes wide.

"...time is of the essence. Alignments of a cosmic nature allow for this ritual to work only at very specific times.
You must come to Canterlot by tommorrow sundown at the latest.
I am sorry so little time to prepare can be allowed, magic of this nature can be delicate.
Take heart Anonymous for soon you will be amongst your own kind again.
It is with sadness and pride in equal measure that I tell you this.
It has been an honour to share our home with you, Anonymous.
You will be missed.

Your grateful host.
Princess Celestia."

> *Pbbbbbbbt* Pinkie sprayed a mouthful of cupcake and looked up at you with wide eye shock.
> For a long moment she just stared and then, with a look of desperation said "...Anon...you can't..." she glanced past you at Twilight then.
> ...and quick as a flash continued, "...I mean, we haven't even got a g-goodbye party ready..."
"It's ok. How could you have known?"
> She smiled, wide and hard "I'll go and get started. We can have one tonight!"
> AppleJack tugged at your leg. "Anon?"
> She stood there, hat in hoof "...congratulations. Y'all can quit fer the day. Ah'm sure ya got a lot ta be doin."
"..thanks AJ. Hey... see you all later for the party?"

-----

> Now.
> The chariot was larger than you expected.
> Space for your possessions and room to spare.
> "...here we are Anon. Ah'll..." AJ looks at your leg, Pinkie still attatched. "...Ah'll load up fer ya."
"Pinkie?"
> She makes a murmuring noise, muffled by your pants.
"Come on... you've got to let go sometime."
> "d'nt wanna." Her face presses harder.
> You give your leg another experimental shake, but she's fixed on like a limpet, all four legs wrapped around your one.
*sigh*
> You reach a hand down and pat her puffed up mane.
> It's not as bouncy as it usually is.
> Rarity leans in and whispers to the Pink coated trouser barnacle. "Sweetie? You have to let go."
> She looks up at you and gives an apologetic smile, then continues "It's not safe to travel with somep0ny hanging off your legs."
> "...good. Then he can't go."
> You mouth the word 'crowbar' to the nearby Fluttershy.
> She just looks at the floor, twirling a hoof in the dirt.
> "Darling. You're not being fair. We'd all like Anon to stay... but he has a family of his own. A LIFE of his own... it's all back there. Waiting for him."
> Rarity looks up, meeting your gaze, eyes glistening. "...as much as we might want him to stay, it would be selfish of us to deny him that."

> *snf* "..'kay...m'sorry..." Pinkie slowly slides free of your leg.
> The mare's head hangs, mane still curled, still tangled with streamers but... without life.
> Pinkie's tail droops to the floor and, as if the weight drags her down, she slumps and sits.
> You kneel down and throw a soft hug around Pinkie, mouthing the phrase 'thankyou' to Rarity, who watches with a soft, sad smile.
> As you let go of Pinkie, Rarity steps in and leans against the pink mare, nuzzling a light, reassuring huh.
> You wave at Fluttershy as she looks up, but her eyes just return to that circle of dirt she's tracing.
> Twilight stands near the two pegasus guards, she talks in hushed tones, glancing at the sky nervously.
> Checking the position of the sun.
> She must be getting worried about the time.
> Heading to the chariot you pass AppleJack returning from loading your bags.
> She gives you a nod. "...take care of yerself, Anon."
"You too AJ."
> The chariot creaks as you step aboard.
> "Plenty of time, Anonymous. No need to look so worried." says Twilight from the front of the wagon, smiling.
> You look around...
> Still no sign of Dash.
> ...plenty of spare room in the chariot too.
"...say. Would it be ok if you gals... came along to see me off?"

> The poor guardsp0nies didn't have a chance.
> Pinkie hit one like she'd been launched from a canon, all the while burbling "pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease"
> Fluttershy simply appeared in the back of the chariot next to you, smiling widely and giving you the fright of your life.
> Twilight mumbled something about "...asking spike to send a letter..."
> The finishing blow came in the form of a certain white coated unicorn.
> She sasheyed up infront of the two guards and turned slowly.
> "Oh, colts?.." with a batting of her eyelashes, Rarity said , in a throaty voice "...I'd be ever so... grateful if you would..."
> Wide eyed and dumfounded, they nodded slowly.
> Rarity rewarded them with a sweet... slightly mischevious smile and continued in a quiet tone "...you are SUCH sweethearts..."
> Then, with a wink and a *squeee* of joy, she trotted into the back of the wagon and announced "We are going to... CANTERLOT!"
> As Rarity sat down, you whispered...
"Good work... but, you are such a tease"
> She smiled innocently and replied, loud enough for the guards to hear, "Darling...who said I'm teasing?"
> An embarrassed giggle escaped from Fluttershy which she tried to muffle with a too slow hoof covering her mouth.
> AppleJack rolled her eyes, chuckling "...Colts..." and joined the three of you in the wagon.
> Soon a bouncing Pinkie and a genuinely happy looking Twilight joined you.
> The chariot took off, with a little wobbling and a lot of giggling from excited mares.
> It was hard work, but the guards were fueled by the need to impress.

> So you look back on P0nyville for the last time.
> It's as beautiful from up here as it was down there.
> Still as bright and cheery as the first day you saw it.
> Something is still missing though.
> Rainbow Dash.
> As P0nyville fades into the distance, you watch the fields roll by beneath the chariot.
> Your mind wanders...

-----

> Yesterday.
> You returned to your cottage and sorted out the few things you owned.
> Twilight had explained you'd have to travel light.
> You thought they'd forbid you to take anything back at all.

> The sensible thing would be to stop knowledge of their world spreading to a potentially dangerous place.
> ...but that wasn't their way.
> They didn't want you to have nothing to remind you of your time here... and of your friends.
> "Just a few things" she said. "Only the most precious."
> These p0nies...
> When the choice presented itself?
> They always took the kind option.
> There was a time when that naivety would have frustrated you.
> Now?
> It just makes you feel a happy warmth inside.
> Smiling to yourself, you sort through those treasured little trinkets... the photos... the memories given physical form.
> It doesn't take long.
> A framed photo of you and all the girls.
> A finishing ribbon for the running of the leaves.
> Guest judge sash for the sisterhooves social.
> Ticket stub from the grand galloping gala .
> Hearts and hooves day card from Fluttershy. The first one. The others got a bit... graphic.
> The book of Equestria's history Twilight gave you on your first Hearthwarming.
> Rarity's dance card from the summer sun ball... your name filling half of the slots...
> Your first invite to a 'close-enough-to-be-your-birthday' Pinkie party.
> All of them were arrayed on your table infront of you.
> With care and a fond smile, you placed each of them in the bag.

> Pinkie arrived soon afterwards to take you to Sugarcube corner.
> She was smiling brightly, letting the excitement of an impending party carry her along.
> Of course, the store looked amazing.
> Streamers, food, balloons.
> The works.
> "TaaDaa! whaddya think?" Pinkie stood there on her rear legs, forelegs thrown wide in presentation and a proud grin on her face.
> She was framed by a banner, draped behind her, that said 'Goodbye Anonymous! We'll Miss You!"
> Pinkie looked up at your head as it tilted back to read the banner.
> "...I know it's a sad reason to have a party... but I want your last party here to be the best EVER!" Pinkie smiled gingerly, hoping for a positive response.
"...you've gotta be sick of hearing it, Pinkie... but you throw the best parties..."
> She giggled "Nah. I never get sick of hearing THAT, silly."
> You stood next to her, appraising her work, arm around her shoulder.
> She leans her head against you.
> "...am I... um... early?" a nervous voice interjects from the doorway.
> Fluttershy stands there, head low, peeking out from beneath her mane.
> She has a yellow flower in her hair and... Angel is standing next to her looking uncomfortable.
> He was wearing a red bowtie and trying to pull it free with a paw before Fluttershy told him "Please, Angel. You look s-so smart and h-handsome."
> Angel didn't stop trying... not until it was free. Fluttershy spent most of the party trying to get him to put it back on.
> Pinkie wiped her eyes with the back of her foreleg as she turned around, saying "*snf* Never too early to start a ... PARTY!"

> The party was strange.
> Everything you needed to have a good party was present.
> Friends, food, drink, music, laughter.
> ...but there was a forced edge to it all.
> Fixed smiles and p0nies trying too hard to be happy.
> The party p0ny knew it wasn't going well.
> "Now...what's missing?... hmmm." She pondered beside you at one point.
> you could tell what was going through her mind.
> She'd promised it was going to be the best ever party.
> Even if she didn't feel too happy herself, she was going to keep that promise.
> 'When you're not feeling happy, that's when you have to smile the most.'
> You remembered her telling you that when the lonliness was at its worst.
> She got you through some tough times...
> Pinkie decided she was going to fix the party.
> More confetti... more streamers... more music... more games... Conga line!...more cake.
> The poor mare was getting increasingly desperate as she zoomed around the party trying to get p0nies into the swing of things.
> AJ arrived with the real answer.
> More cider.
> That made things easier.
> For a while.

> "Hey gals! Aww, a party? and you started without me! What's up Anon?"
> A few hours in, the door shot open and in flew Dash.
> She landed infront of you and threw out a hoof in greeting.
> "How could you party without your daily recommended dose of AWESOME?" She struck a flared winged pose and grinned "You gonna leave me hanging?"
*tampf*
> You bumped fist to hoof in that old favorite greeting.
"Hey there Dash. Glad you could make it."
> "Whats the celebration?" Dash leant in to Twilight and whispered "...it's not his birthday is it? 'cause I definately got him something I just... uh... forgot it."
> "Rainbow..." Twilight stumbled mid sentence, not knowing how to broach the subject.
> She needen't have worried.
> "What's up with that...banner..." slowly her eyes widened.
"Dash. They finally found a way home. Great news, huh?"
> She looked at you, mouth curled in disbelief, trying to blink away the shock.
> "...but..." her mouth worked a little after the one word escaped, as she tried to continue.
> Twilight placed a reassuring hoof on Dash's shoulder "Rainbow... we should be happy for Anonymous. He's finally going to see his home again."
> Dash shook the hoof free "...he's got a home here." ...and stomped up to you.
> "What's up? Bored of m- ...us?" She reared up and prodded you in the chest with a hoof.  "Just gonna drop us?"
> "Huh? y'gonna run out on all your friends?"
"Dash, please I-"
> "...y'gonna run out your b-bro?" She was blinking back tears.
"...It's my home, Dash. I love you gals, but it's my home."
> "...you just don't love us enough...*snf*"
> With that, she turned and left in a streak of blue, foreleg clutched over her face, hiding her tears.

-----

> Today.
> The chariot lands before the steps to the palace.
> "Nuhuh, pard. Ah got it" AJ still insists on carrying your bag.
> Pinkie got quieter the closer you got to the palace and is now starting to get a little... clingy again.
> She's leaning close as she walks, bumping your leg with nearly each step.
> Fluttershy slinks along peering out from behind you all, keeping the group between her and the intimidating staircase.
> Rarity hangs back for a moment, thanking the guards with a sincere and flattering gratitude.
> You walk towards the pristine marble staircase lined with nobly attired guards.
> The top of the staircase is graced by a regal presence.
> Celestia.
> As she stands there waiting, her wings flap outwards and stretch wide.
> She is framed by an aura of sunlight, her majesty aglow for all to behold.
> Twilight is awestruck, her smile just getting bigger and bigger.
> Celestia gives a beatific smile as she looks down the stairs to you and the approaching p0nies.
> "Twilight. I'm so glad you all came. Anonymous has been a part of your lives for so long. It's only right that you should be present to bid him farewell."
> Her melodic voice carries to all present without effort.
> Not everyp0ny is here though, but it remains unsaid.

> You accompany the Princess through the halls and corridors.
> She and Twilight talk as the two of them lead you to the place of the ritual.
> They shed formality with ease, merrily talking about the trivial and consequential with equal vigour.
> It's infectiously lightening the mood, the rapport they share.
> Teacher and student, not ruler and subject.
> Luna walks at their side, silent but with regal dignity, the very shadow of her sister.
> She glances at you occasionally and, upon catching your eye gives  a tight little smile.
> A voice like velvet whispers "Worry not for your friends, Anonymous. I know they are dear to you. All will be fine."
> Her mouth did not move.
> The voice echoes inside your mind.
> You offer a smile of gratitude to her and she gives a little nod in response.
> Ahead, the grand double doors to the hall open.
> Standing in the doorway, you take in the scene.
> It has a glorious, clear crystal window on the far wall, facing the setting sun.
> Four unicorns of inderterminate age and palpable wisdom fuss over a large wooden archway that sits against the crystal.
> Circles are etched into the floor radiating outward from the archway, with sigils of esoteric origin marking cardinal points.
> Two seperate circles  flank the archway, one for each Princess.

> The p0nies with you stare awestruck at the room as Celestia and Luna take position in their respective circles.
> Pinkie's mouth hangs agape as she looks towards the
> "...the point of transference between day and night..." murmurs Twilight, engrossed in the arcane details before you all
> Her eyes dart around, absorbing everything "...sympathetic correspondance to the symbolic ending of one phase of life and beginning of another..."
> "...with power sources inherently aligned with transferal... the shifting of one world to the next...so clever." She smiles and looks up to you.
"I have no Idea what you're talking about."
> She just grins. "it's such a well crafted spell...It's going to work... oh..." she suddenly looks sad.
> "I...um. I think I might have been hoping it wouldn't." She smiles sheepishly at you "...I'm sorry Anon."
"Don't be. I'm going to miss you guys."
*Fwum*
> The sudden eruption of power from Celestia's circle snaps your attention onto the scene.
> Circles begin to slowly radiate their own power and behind the arch the sun slowly begins it's final decent.
> ...it's right then it sinks in.
"This is the last sunset I'll ever watch here..."
> Twilight leans in against your leg and Pinkies bottom lip begins to tremble.
> "Darling... you have the finest company for it." Rarity sits near you with a sad smile.
> Applejack lowers your bag down and takes her hat off out of respect.
> "Ah don't rightly know what's happenin here..."
> Fluttershy peers up, having curled into a little ball the very second she heard the noise.
> She stands next to you staring, not at the scene unfolding as the ritual intensifies, but at you.

"...I want to thank you girls. You've always been there for me. All of you."
> You kneel down near Twilight and place a hand on her shoulder.
> She closes her eyes and leans her neck against your forearm.
"You taught me everything I needed to know Twilight... and a few things I didn't."
> She chuckles, but sniffs back a tear promptly afterwards.
"I mean it. You showed me so much. Things I never even dreamed were possible. I'll always remember you for that."
> She nuzzles her head against your forearm.
> "...goodbye..."
> You turn to face Applejack.
> "Ah'm gonna miss you, pard. You were there best dang tree climber ah ever did hire." She smiles, head tilted to the side slightly.
"Heh. You mean you're gonna miss your best dang cider customer."
> "hah!" she punches you in the leg with a forehoof, mock ferocity marking her demenour "Ya were a pain in th'hind parts... an' a friend."
"...you mean that?"
> She smiles softly  "Ah always mean what ah say."

> Fluttershy tugs at your leg while Pinkie weeps quietly to your side.
> "...um...I..." She trails off... still talking but too quietly.
> You lean in close to hear the muffled whispering.
> "I'm really sorry if I annoyed you." glances up at you then, looks at her feet with a bright blush at your closeness.
> You whisper back to her...
"I'm sorry that sometimes I let you."
> "I just w-wanted you to l-like me..." she stumbles on, head still shying away from you. "I'm s-sorry I made y-you...h-hate me."
"shh. I never hated you, 'shy. You're too sweet."
> She looks up with a cute little smile "...um... can I ask you s-something?"
"shoot."
> "wh-what was your f-fetish?" glances away as soon as the question is asked.
> With a grin, you lean closer and whisper a few words into her ear.
> "*gasp*... is...is th-that even possible?" she holds a hoof up to cover her shocked, gaping mouth.
> You wink at her.

"Pinkie."
> "...*sob*..." her shoulders shudder, but she tries to keep still
> Little patters of moisture mar the stone beneath her head.
> In a reversal of roles you never thought you'd live to see, you throw a tight hug around the pink pony.
> You hold it, gently squeezing.
> Hugging away the tears.
> Her voice is muffled by your shoulder "...I know you have to *snf* go, monkey... it's just soo*sob* sad...."
> The first thing she ever said to you was 'you look like a monkey.'...
"...when you're saddest, that's when you have to smile the most. A clever p0ny told me that once."
> She laughs a little between sobs and out of the corner of your eye you see the edge of her mouth creep into the beginnings of a smile.
> "Really? a clever p0ny?"
"Well, really it was a cheeky mare with cupcake breath. She looked funny, but she sounded clever."
*paf*
> She hits you gently on the shoulder, sadness sitting on her face like an ill fitting mask, eyes still red with tears.
"I'm gonna miss your smile."
> "...*snf* take this one with you then."...and she gives the biggest, brightest, toothiest grin you ever did see.
> The kind of smile that spreads straight off her face and onto every other.

> "Saving the best for last, are we sweetie?"
> Rarity raises her eyebrows and smiles.
"...spike isn't here, Rarity."
> Your reply is perfectly innocent and almost believable.
> She chuckles, seeing through you in an instant.
"Thankyou."
> "For all the free tailoring? It's about time, dear."
"No. I don't mean that. Nice clothes sure, but it's talents I appreciate."
> She holds a hoof up to her cheek, looking away with feigning aghast, scandalised outrage.
> "*gasp*...why, Anonymous... such thoughts about your innocent, but irresistable friend. I'm appalled... even though It's entirely understandable"
> You roll your eyes.
"I mean you always kept an eye on me. You were there when I needed to talk. You were there when I needed help. Always."
> She looks back slowly, blinking away the dampness in her eyes.
"Whether I wanted to or not, you made sure I did the right thing. I didn't alway realise it, but you always had my best interests at hear.
> She smiles a sweet, sad smile and nods.
"I just wanted to say one thing before I left."
> You lean in and pick up her hoof.
> Raising it to your mouth, you kiss it swiftly.
"Enchante, mademoiselle."
> "Anonymous? you are incourigable."

> There's no time left.
> You can see the sun is now low enough to shine through the archway.
> Luna's power mixes with Celestia's, coursing through the patterns on the floor and arcing up the wooden archway.
> Slowly the light of the red setting sun spreads outwards, filling the arch with a dull, pink light.
> One of the attendant unicorns gestures for you to move.
> Picking up your bag you pause to look back at the assembled p0nies... your friends.
> Pinkie still smiles, eyes rimmed with tears.
> Fluttershy, looking like she's trying to work out the mechanics of a particularly difficult task, pauses to give a gentle wave.
> Twilight watches the archway with awe, glancing at you with a mix of sadness and envy.
> Rarity still holds that hoof up, staring at you with a wistful, nostalgia fueled smile.
> AJ puts on her hat, straightening it out and rubs the back of a hoof against an eye muttering about 'traildirt.'
> You turn and begin the long walk home...

> The doors crash open with the sound of agitated guards and flapping wings.
> A blue shape shoots across your field of vision and skids to a halt between you and the fast forming portal.
> Rainbow Dash.
> She stands between you and the portal, legs in a wide stance, head low and wings flared.
> "I'm not gonna let you do it, Anon." her eyes are red, her breathing quick and frantic.
"Dash... please. Don't do this."
> "NO!" she cries out "You can't go! you... you don't want to. You just..."
> You walk closer to her, slowly.
> "... you just can't..." her head sags, eyes closing "...please. I... I..."
> You kneel down next to her, lowering your bag to the floor.
> She whispers "...I d-don't want you to *snf* leave... please..." her wings droop and her rear slumps down to the floor.
> You place your hand on her back and lower your head to hers, forehead to forehead.
"...I'll miss you too, Dash..."
> "...b-but...I need you." She nuzzles her head against yours, soft rainbow mane brushing your cheek.
"I know. You're my 'bro, Dash. You always will be. Nothing will ever change that."
> "...but...but..." almost too quiet to hear, she whispers "...I wanted to be more..."
> A purple foreleg wraps around her "...oh, Dash... there isn't time. If Anon is going home-" Twilight starts to lead her back to the others.
> Dash yells "He's got a home... here!" but the outburst seems to steal her strength.
> She doesn't resist being led away.
> As you stand and shoulder your bag, barely hearing Rainbow sob "...I wanted to tell him... I...*snf* I just... couldn't..."

> The closer you draw to the portal, the more the image takes shape.
> A room.
> Yours.
> Unchanged after all this time.
> The reason why becomes clear.
> Your clock on the wall
> One of those kinds with the date beneath it.
> It records only a week of time having passed.
> All those years here... and there? So little has changed.
> They wouldn't even have had time to miss you.
> Your life is still there, waiting.
> So close you can just reach out and touch it...
> The people you missed so hard it hurt.
> Family.
> Friends.
> All those inconsquential things that, once denied to you by your new circumstance, were wanted with such fiery passion.
> T.V!
> Meat!
> The chance to have a life again... to love again.
> The job you hated so much, but oddly found yourself pining for in time...
> That quiet girl at the store, who got nervous whenever you paid...
> All the small comforts of home.
> Your home.
> Just one step away.
> .
> .
> So.
> Why are you just standing there, Anon?

> You wanted it for so long.
> Then, slowly you let go of the hope.
> It was too painful to keep ahold of.
> The hope remained as a faint candle, buried beneath the distractions and mundanities that life provides.
> It's all you dared allow yourself.
> Now it's here...
> Seeing it so close...
> A hollowing, powerful yearning for home that you had long forgotten takes hold of you.
> The memories you'd forced yourself to forget resurface.
> The old wounds open and the hurt of being torn away from all you knew is raw and unrelenting.
> Just a step away.

> Do you still want it, Anon?
> It's right there.

> Coming to Equestria destroyed you.
> Slowly, surely.
> Everything that you were? that you knew?
> Lost.
> Eventually, you were too.
> Broken and feeling lower than you ever had.
> ...but from that lowest of points, with help from your new friends...
> You rebuilt yourself here.
> Learned so much.
> Found joy in the simplicity of life.
> The laughter in friendship.
> They were so kind to you, so generous...
> They helped you without reservation.
> Everytime you faltered, they were there.
> With them, you made yourself a new life.
> A new home.

> ...and yet you can't just turn away.
> Everything you yearned for is so close.

> You stare at the room you wished so hard to see again, faces of loved ones dancing across your minds eye.
> You look back towards the six p0nies...six friends that mean so much to you...
> They're a blur of colour...
> Wiping your eyes doesn't help
> Damn traildust.
> Ahead lies the home you lost.
> Behind the home you built.
> Whatever path you take today...
> ... the choice you make will be irrevocable.
> Whichever life you leave behind will still be with you.
> At some times a joyful memory, and at others an aching longing.
> Forever with you, but forever lost to you.
> One step and your life is changed.
> Just one step.


> You are Anonymous.
> ...and today?
> Today you are going home.