Twilight’s eyes widened.
“But your only sister is princess Luna…” She trailed off. Celestia shook her head.
“As I said, this,” she pointed toward the first piece of parchment. “is a lie. This one is the truth.” Nopony said anything. Tag looked at the third alicorn sister, Halley flying across the sky, a shining ball of light followed her across the sky.
“What happened to her?” Tag asked looking back at Celestia.
“Back during the Chaos War, in the beginning Halley defected… betrayed us and joined Discord’s side. She had been feeling the effects of jealousy much like Luna had when she was taken over by Nightmare Moon except that she did not give into it like Luna had, she used it to help Discord win the war. After Luna and I imprisoned Discord she went into hiding along with the rest of Discord’s Chaos. For a while Luna and I looked for her, we missed our younger sister and would have welcomed her with open arms, but we never saw her again.” Celestia explained.
“What did She do that she didn’t feel appreciated?” Tag asked; he looked back at the ball of light on the parchment. Celestia followed his gaze and saw the ball too.
“That is Halley’s Comet.” She said. “It was a magnificent object that flew through the sky during special celebrations like Hearth’s Warming Eve. It glowed even fiercer than the sun.” Celestia said nostalgically. “She seemed to enjoy it and the ponies of Equestria did too but it’s hard to show your appreciation for something that comes along once in a while. And soon Halley drifted apart from us; then Discord arrived and Halley saw something in his attitude so she joined his side. That caused many problems for our war effort. The worst part was that we knew we would have to fight our sister at some point; but nopony can harm a god.”
“But if Halley went into hiding what happened to Halley’s comet?” Twilight asked.
“The comet was placed on the top of Mount Neverest, the mountain that no pony has ever scaled.” Celestia explained. “We tried to find a way to dispel the magical properties and destroy it seeing as we have assumed that Halley did and does not want to come back. But we have given up hope of removing it from existence and will leave it there should a solution ever arise.”
I thought that was what she was talking about. Book muttered. I remember her now, a little fuzzy but familiar.
“Princess… why are you telling us this?” Twilight asked gazing at Celestia, Celestia shifted in her seat.
“I’m telling you because we have discovered something that might lead to the location of Discord’s Chaos. We detected a large spike of magical energy on the very edge of Equestria’s border; a place called Heaven’s End at the western side of the Sun Sea.” Celestia elucidated. “And based on the levels, it could only have come from an alicorn.” She let it sink in for a moment.
“And so you’re going to send us to Heaven’s End to investigate?” Twilight finished but Celestia shook her head.
“No, I’m sending Tag in to investigate. I need you to return to Ponyville and convince your friends that Tag has just been sent to gather intelligence.” Celestia answered. “It is important that few this remains a secret.”
“Is that it?” Twilight asked incredulously.
“I also need you to tell the citizens of Ponyville to prepare some sort of guard. Further examination of the magical spike led us to the conclusion that Halley has freed Discord from stone.” Twilight gasped.
“Is that even possible?” She exclaimed.
“To be absolutely truthful, his imprisonment from you and your friends was not as powerful as when it was by Luna and I. That was why I needed you to make friends for Nightmare Moon’s return; I couldn’t activate the Elements of Harmony by myself. And we couldn’t reseal Discord in stone because by then the Elements of Harmony had already chosen you as their new bearers.” Celestia said unhappily.
“But if it was weaker then why didn’t Discord break out by himself?” Tag wondered.
“It’s because when Luna and I did it the first time we didn’t have the element of magic, I suspect that was way Discord was having trouble escaping. The sixth element boosted your power to make a seal that was only slightly weaker than ours, but enough to make the difference.” Celestia mumbled glancing in Twilight’s direction as she spoke. Tag realized something then.
“Wait, you said you were sending me to Heaven’s End, how am I supposed to get there? Especially if it’s in the middle of the Sun Sea?” Tag asked. Celestia exhaled.
“We’ve enlisted… help.” She said slowly. Tag raised an eyebrow.
“Help? What kind of help?” He questioned her.
“Help, I will not speak more on the subject, you’ll just have to see tomorrow.” She answered.
“Wait, don’t I get to go back to Ponyville to at least say goodbye?” Tag asked, alarmed.
“I’m afraid that Discord’s release means that we cannot spare any more time, that’s why we must get you out early tomorrow.” Celestia explained. “Now I do believe that we have talked more than enough on the subject and Tag must sleep; there is a long journey ahead.” She warned. “Tag, now would be a good time to say farewell to Twilight.” Tag looked at Twilight helplessly, Twilight shrugged her shoulders despondently.
“I guess this is goodbye for awhile.” He sighed.
“I guess so, is there anything you want me to tell anypony in particular?” Twilight asked. Tag thought for a moment.
“Tell Tor not to worry and focus on work, if your going to start some sort of mock guard, Tor would have the experience.” Tag suggested. Twilight nodded in response. She gave him a quick hug.
“I was thinking the same thing. Please be careful.” Twilight pleaded. “Things were looking up.” Tag nodded somberly.
“I will.” He whispered. Twilight stepped back and turned around, trotting out of the throne room leaving Tag with the Princess.
“What am I looking for exactly?” Tag asked the Princess.
“Anything that would give usable knowledge about Discord’s Chaos.” Celestia answered. Tag stood up and made to leave the room but he stopped and turned around.
“…What should I do if I find Halley there?” He asked anxiously. Celestia’s face became unreadable.
“Try to reason with her, I don’t want any unnecessary bloodshed but if she’s hostile then… kill her.” She said finally. Without another word Tag left the room.
----
Is something the matter? Book asked as Tag followed Tome to his room.
What do you mean ‘is something the matter’? Obviously something is wrong, especially if the Royal Family has been telling lies for so long! Tag thought with mild anger. Tome stopped him.
“This is your room.” He said tiredly. Tag gave him a questioning look.
“Are going to bed too?” He asked. Tome shook his head.
“It’s not my turn.” He said simply. “If you need anything please don’t hesitate to call.” He mumbled in a dull voice and half stumbled off. Tag watched after him helplessly for a moment but eventually trotted into his room slowly. He looked at his neatly made bed and sighed.
Now my good mood has evaporated. He thought to himself. Book was silent. Book what do you make of all this?
I honestly don’t know that much about Princess Halley. Book mumbled. I don’t think she liked reading before the Chaos War and during the Chaos War, I suspect that she wouldn’t have read something if it mattered.
You have to remember something! Tag cried. Book was thoughtful.
I have vague memories, perhaps I should show you instead. Book answered.
What do you mean show me? Tag asked.
Remember before you were kidnapped we were going to see your memories through war? It’s kind of like that. Perhaps you should lie down. Book suggested. Tag did as he was told and closed his eyes. He felt solid ground beneath his hooves and opened his eyes; he saw Book standing in front of him.
“Remember this?” He asked casually. Tag looked around at the vast emptiness and then back to Book.
“Now I do.” He replied. Book closed his eyes and a door popped into existence beside him; the door was green to match his coat and the word ‘Halley’ dominated the eye level.
“These are all my memories that involve Halley.” He said pointing at the word. Tag nodded in understanding.
“And we just go through the door?” He asked hesitantly. Book nodded. Tag walked over to the door and pushed it open. On the other side he could see darkness and stars. Tag trotted in.
----
Tag stood in a street in the fading light of day, Book stood beside him looking around. There were ponies everywhere; on the sidewalk and even leaning out of the windows of the buildings but the road was clear. Leaning outward Tag could see a magnificent chariot coming down the lane and as it passed the cheers of the ponies grew louder. As the chariot grew closer Tag could make out the form of an alicorn sitting on it with her horn raised high and wings spread wide. She had a turquoise coat and a matching mane; the mane was set in a ponytail that still flowed like Celestia’s. She had a large smile on her face and was waving a hoof towards the crowds of cheering ponies. The chariot stopped in the middle of the road, Halley waved around one more time then stopped; she closed her eyes and focused for a moment. Then her body began to glow dimly and the chariot below her began to tremble slightly. She began to flap her wings off of the ground and hover in the air. Her body began to glow brighter but then the glow left her, swirling around in the air until it flew off towards the horizon. Silence filled the air. Then a light shone from were the sun kissed the horizon, a large white coloured object jumped up into the air and started to fly across the sky. Tag had to cover his eyes with a hoof so he could see. The object was followed by a magnificent trail of white that fell towards the ground. As the object flew across the sky cheers grew from the ponies until it disappeared. Halley sat on the chariot with a tired smile on her face still waving as the chariot continued down the road.
----
Tag looked around; he was in what he assumed was the Royal Canterlot Library. He could see Book beside him with a nostalgic look on his face. They stood between two bookshelves. In front of Tag was a small opening that led to a clearing. Book let out a small sigh.
“This is when I was made head librarian.” He explained. Tag could see a younger Open Book standing in the middle of a small clearing; he had a proud look on his face that barely covered his excitement. Tag trotted over to the opening and saw the rest of the ponies there; Silver stood just behind Book with a happy look on his face. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Halley stood nearby. Halley had a slightly dispassionate look on her face.
“Open Book, I proudly inaugurate you as new head librarian!” Celestia said. She put her head down in front Book, he crossed his horn with hers. Luna and Halley stomped the ground appreciatively followed by Silver. Celestia stepped back.
“Thank you so much, Princess Celestia.” Book said bowing deeply towards her. Celestia offered him a quick smile.
“Doing your job proudly is thanks enough.” She said, with that the three Princesses flew out a nearby window leaving Open Book and Silver. The room quickly faded to darkness.
----
Tag stood in his mind with Book. Neither said anything for a short while.
“You don’t seem to have very many memories of the princess.” Tag observed.
“Well she didn’t really enjoy reading so the only reason she ever came around was for official business.” Book sighed
“And was she ever seen again?” Tag asked. Book shook his head.
“Not even, I think she drove from the back for the rest of the war.” He sighed. “I think it’s time you got some sleep.”
“Just like that?” Tag asked incredulously. Book nodded.
“I have a feeling that tomorrow will be draining.” Book said simply. Tag sighed.
“Fine, send me out then.” Book tapped Tag’s head with his horn.
----
Tag opened his eyes and looked around, the room was dark. He put his head back on his pillow and closed his eyes again.
I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye. He thought sullenly.
----
Tor sat in the library with his friends; Twilight had just arrived from Canterlot and requested that they all meet her at once. She stood in front of them, alone, with a very serious look on her face.
“I have very important news to share with you all.” She proclaimed. “We must create a militia to protect Ponyville!” Silence followed.
“What about Tag?” Tor asked curiously.
“Tag was sent on an intelligence gathering mission and won’t be back for some time.” Twilight said quickly. Rainbow Dash’s wings extended.
“She sent Tag?” She exclaimed. Applejack stood up.
“Do ya think he can’t handle himself?” She questioned.
“No… it’s just she sent him by himself?” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself. Twilight shook her head.
“Celestia said that she would send help along.” She reassured the assembly.
“Did she give a guess as to when he’ll be back?” Rarity asked.
“She said that she couldn’t be sure.” Twilight sighed. “But you’re missing the point! We need to organize something to protect Ponyville if Discord attacks!”
“But Twilight… it’s the middle of the night.” Fluttershy said pointing out the window at the dark sky. Twilight grunted in mild annoyance.
“Well we still need a plan, even if we have to carry it out tomorrow.” She said. “Celestia suggested that we start up a militia, we have to see the mayor about that. Tag suggested that you lead it, Tor.” Twilight finished looking at Tor.
“Me?” He asked, surprised.
“Of course you.” Twilight said. ” You were a member of the Manehattan guard weren’t you?” Twilight asked disbelievingly. “How can you think you aren’t fit for the job?” Tor thought distantly for a moment.
But I’ve never had to lead anypony… He thought to himself.
Well now’s the time to learn. Silver said encouragingly.
“I don’t know if I’d be good at it but I can certainly try.” Tor said at last. Twilight let out a long breath.
“Good to hear, we should talk to the mayor when the office opens, 7:30 okay?” Twilight asked quickly. Tor nodded. “Good, now get some rest girls, we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.” She said and quickly pushed her friends out into the street shutting the door behind her. They sat in the street for a moment, baffled at their friend’s strange behavior.
“What do ya reckon that was about?” Applejack asked as she got up and dusted herself. Tor stood up; he felt a twinge in his side.
“I don’t know but she got awfully touchy when you asked about Tag.” He mumbled to Rainbow Dash as he helped her up.
“Well then it’s obvious that she wasn’t telling the truth.” Rarity murmured. “I wonder what really happened?” They all stood silently contemplating the question for a moment.
“I’ll ask her about it tomorrow.” Tor decided. “But she was right; we should all get some sleep.” The ensemble muttered in agreement then went in their separate ways.
What do you think Tag’s up to? Tor asked as he passed around a corner.
There are so many things that he could be doing right now. To name any one is impossible. Silver sighed. Don’t ask; I know you’re going to. Tor smiled sheepishly.
Didn’t have read me for that one.
Not even. Tor opened the door to their house and looked at the empty hallway around him.
Why do I feel so lonely when Tag isn’t around? He asked sadly.
Because I’m obviously not good enough. Silver huffed. Tor laughed in spite of himself.
Thanks, I really needed that. But I guess I just miss having a physical pony to talk to. He added. Tor trotted upstairs and into his room. He looked at his bed and smiled to himself. I hope he’s safe at least. He thought silently and lay down. Soon sleep’s black wave engulfed him.
----
Tag felt a hoof prod him. He shut his eyes and shifted so he faced the other direction. The hoof prodded him again.
“Wake up Tag.” Said a tired voice. Tag slowly opened his eyes and looked around; fragile light shone through the room’s only window telling him it was day. He put a hoof up to tell the pony he was awake. He sat up and yawned. Tome stood beside the bed, his eyes were bloodshot. Tag looked at him for a moment before saying anything.
“Is… it time to go?” he asked ruefully. Tome only nodded. Tag slipped out of bed and onto his four hooves.
Morning Book. He thought quickly as he followed Tome out of the room.
Morning. Book said back. Tome lead him down the several hallways in silence. Tag followed beside him making sure he didn’t trip.
This can’t go on. Tag decided.
Then you had better find something good at Heaven’s End. Book answered simply.
Hopefully I will. But I’m half afraid of what this help Celestia mentioned is. Tag thought. Tome stopped, Tag looked around.
“Are we here already?” He asked.
“No… No I’m just… catching my breath.” He wheezed. Tag stepped closer.
“Lean on me.” He instructed. Tome put a great amount of weight on Tag’s shoulder.
“Thank you.” He said gratefully and continued on. Not a moment later they stood outside in the castle courtyard, Tag recalled Book’s memories. He briefly saw Celestia standing with her head bowed in sorrow. He shook the memories away. He saw the real Celestia standing next to a carriage in the middle of the courtyard. One of the pegasi guards leading it stifled a yawn. Tome led Tag over to Celestia then stood up straight; he bowed briefly towards the Princess.
“I have brought Tag.” He announced.
“Thank you Tome.” Celestia said curtly. “Now get some rest.” She added softly. Tome nodded and stumbled towards the castle. Celestia turned back to Tag. “Let’s go.” She muttered and stepped into the carriage followed by Tag. He felt cramped sitting opposite the alicorn princess. The guards took off roughly and the carriage bumped but they were in smooth flight within moments. Tog looked expectantly at the princess.
“Perhaps you could tell me more about this help?” He asked.
“It’s… hard to explain.” Celestia explained. “You’ll be better off waiting until we get there.” Tag shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
I wonder how Twilight’s doing with the militia thing? He wondered.
----
Tor stood beside Twilight just outside the mayor’s office.
“Do you have any idea what we’re going to say?” He asked looking at her.
“I have prepared a small speech.” She said simply and pulled a small stack of papers out of nowhere.
“Anything that I should know?” He asked; Twilight shook her head.
“I’ve got this.” She said confidently. A secretary popped her head out the door and motioned to them.
“The mayor will see you know.” She said and went back inside. Twilight took a deep breath.
“Let’s get down to business.” She said and trotted in followed by Tor.
The mayor sat behind her desk and watched them intently as they sat down in the chairs that had been set out for them.
“I hear that you have some news of grave importance for me?” she asked.
“Yes ma’am.” Twilight answered immediately. “I just got back from Canterlot last night, the Princess had some matters to discuss involving Discord.” She whispered. The mayor’s ears perked up.
“News on Discord?” She asked with sudden interest. Twilight nodded.
“Bad news, I’m not allowed to get into specifics but Princess Celestia suggested that we put together a militia.” She explained. The mayor mulled over it for a moment.
“A good idea, but we have nopony to lead it… unless you’re volunteering.” The mayor said turning to Tor, she motioned to Torais with her eyes. Tor nodded quickly.
“Yes ma’am. I may not have experience leading ponies but I am an ex-member of the Manehattan guard.” Tor said with a hint of pride. The mayor nodded in acknowledgement.
“That is certainly a start. But we need a pony that has experience leading a large group…” The three of them were silent for a moment.
“What about that old veteran that lives on the side of town?” Twilight asked.
“Quick Thrust? I suppose that he’s a good choice. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a militia but we need this to get done right.” The mayor sighed. “Quick Thrust’s experience mixed with your… youth will get us off to a good start. But we can’t have a militia if we don’t have any weapons.” Twilight’s eyes widened.
“You mean there aren’t any weapons in Ponyville?” She asked incredulously. The mayor shook her head.
“Only a select few, not enough to start any fighting force. Twilight, I need you to send a letter to princess Celestia requesting more weapons, bows and swords.” The mayor ordered Twilight nodded. The mayor turned to Tor.
“I need you to go and speak to Quick Thrust.” Tor nodded. “One of my aides will instruct you on how to get there. If that is everything I believe you should get to work. Oh, I’ll call a town meeting for noon to make the announcement.” Tor and Twilight stood up and trotted quickly out of the room.