The room on the other side of the door was a horrifying sight; the walls were covered in green mold and sea life. But the thing that drew Tag’s attention the most was sitting in the corner. It looked like a large pile of pale flesh; the only reason that Tag knew that it was alive was the rise and fall of the top half. Tag stood there staring until the mass shifted, a head shaped object appeared from the top of the mass; it had a face, the eyes were slitted like a reptile’s and it’s mouth was what looked like an oval shaped hole constantly sucking in air, the sound was hollow, like a pony that refused to draw it’s last breath. It had no nose and its eyes seemed to struggle as they focused on Tag, then Tagia. The mouth hole turned into the slightest smile.
I can see that you are repulsed by my appearance. Came a voice; it was dry yet strong and echoed around the inside of Tag' head. He looked around quickly, but the only living thing in the room was the creature. You are alone here, safe from the outside world. Said the voice calmingly.
“What are you?” Tag asked nervously.
Me? I am Antediluvian. The voice of time and wisdom through ages that have passed long ago and will not pass for a long time. I am a curse and a blessing, a friend and a foe, for you will never understand what I speak until it’s too late.
“Antediluvian?” Tag asked disbelievingly. “What are you?” The creature made a sound that might have been a laugh but it sounded like it was choking.
I am not a thing, I am an entity that exists everywhere anchored here in physical form, I fly free when alone. It explained.
This is not normal. Book said sounding frightened slightly. Another choking laugh ringed out.
You, Open Book from a time I’ve nearly forgotten. I remember your plight. Tag froze.
“You can hear Book?” He asked.
I hear all, I see all, and I know all. I have said this yet you seem not to understand.
“Everything?” Tag asked.
Yes, I know the ones you hold dear; I know that a great trouble approaches both for you and them. I know that you will be put to the test. A mind forged in shadow destroyed by its maker only to repair itself with light. For you it was facile, but for those you love perhaps it will prove to be overwhelming.
“What do you know about my friends?” Tag demanded.
I know that there is nothing to be done. The voice said simply. Tag shook his head.
“Tell me what’s going to happen!” He demanded again.
I cannot, it would only distract you from your chosen path. My goal is to deliver unto you this prophecy: Beware the one you thought was dead. Beware the shadow that hides in shadows. Beware those you thought you could trust, and those you can’t. And to remember… the brightest sun tells the darkest lies. Tag stared at Antediluvian for a long time.
“The one I thought was dead? Shadow that hides in shadows what are you saying?!” He yelled.
It never makes sense until it’s too late. Antediluvian responded. Tag shook his head.
“No, why can’t they make sense? Why do you have to speak in riddles? The fate of Equestria is at stake!” He said. Antediluvian wriggled forward until he was face to face with Tag. Tag took a quick step back from the inhaling mass. Then Tag noticed the smell. “What is that?”
There will be a trial. Tag turned around and pulled at the door, it wouldn’t budge.
You will be put to the test like never before. Tag spun around onto the other side of Antediluvian, looking for a way out. He was beginning to feel tired.
Will you survive? Tag threw himself against a small window only to find that it was closed.
Can you save them? He could feel himself fading, all of his instincts told him to fight but his brain knew he wouldn’t get anywhere.
Or will chaos thrive like in the times of yore?
----
Tor sheathed Torais and looked at the makeshift target on the other side of the square. The arrow dissipated leaving a hole in the middle of the barrel. Tor turned back to the other archers he had been training.
“Okay, you guys try again.” All six of the ponies lined up holding their bows. Tor watched each one as they pulled back the arrow. He nodded to them and they fired; two arrows fell just short of their target, three hit the sides of the barrels but one was nearly a bull’s-eye. Tor looked at his team.
“Good, there’s been a lot of improvement.” He praised them. He received several smiles and an embarrassed thank you. “I think that will do it for today, you guys head home.”
“When’s the next training day?” Asked one.
“Day after tomorrow.” Tor said. All of his archers dropped their bows in a pile and trotted of in their own directions. Tor trotted to where Quick Thrust was training the close range fighters. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been under his eye. They were sparring with wooden sticks while Quick Thrust watched.
“How is everypony doing?” Tor asked. Quick Thrust nodded, almost to himself.
“Very good, I wasn’t expecting for there to be this much… excitement.” He said, Tor noticed he was looking at Rainbow Dash who was sparring with Applejack, Applejack had been forced to on the defensive due to Rainbow Dash’s powerful offence.
“Rainbow Dash certainly does look like she’s enjoying herself.” Tor observed. Applejack saw a chance and jumped under Rainbow Dash flipping her onto her back and effectively ending the match. Tor clapped his hooves on the ground. “Good one Applejack!” The orange mare bowed slightly and jumped off of Rainbow Dash who sat up huffily .
“So close, I hate losing.” She mumbled under her breath.
“Okay everypony!” Quick Thrust called out. “That’s enough for today, remember that the day after tomorrow is the next session.” The ponies put their sticks away and began to trot off in different directions talking amongst themselves. Soon only Quick Thrust, Tor, Rainbow Dash and Applejack remained in the now deserted square.
“Ah think that went fairly well, wouldn’t you agree?” Applejack asked looking at Tor who nodded in agreement.
“Well I wasn’t expecting there to be as much talent as there was, not to mention how much we improved. But there’s no way that we’d be able to take on anything.” He sighed. “The force is just to small.”
“Well then what’s the point in any of this?” Rainbow Dash asked. “If we can’t fight we should we bother getting ready?”
“Well I’m sure if there was a fight on our hooves then more ponies would be willing to get their hooves dirty. But until then all we can do is train those who are willing.” Quick Thrust explained. He lifted his spear off of the ground and began to trot toward home. “I’m going to call it at that, it’s been too long since I’ve done anything like this.” Tor looked over at Applejack.
“I’ll come into work tomorrow?” He asked. Applejack nodded.
“We’ll be waiting, I’ll see you guys tomorrow. I’m going to hit the hay.” She started back to Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash sped off without a word leaving Tor to put the weapons away.
Do we even have a place to put these things? Tor asked as he picked up the bundles of weapons.
No, I think no one will mind if you keep them at the house. Silver suggested. Tor shrugged and trotted in the direction of home.
…You did a good job. Silver said after a while.
You think so? Tor asked, surprised.
For a pony that doesn’t have so much confidence in himself you certainly managed to get them to be confident in you.
All I did was show them how to shoot bows. Tor thought quietly.
You gave them a purpose in protecting Ponyville; it’s in times like these that family and friends become vital.
----
Tag felt ground beneath his hooves but he saw nothing but darkness. Then Book came into view with a dark look on his face.
“What’s going on?” Tag asked, trotting to meet Book halfway.
“Antediluvian told you the future.” Book said. “Then he knocked you out.” Tag shivered as he remembered the creature he had seen,
“Told me the future, huh? All I remember was that bit about the one I thought was dead, the shadow that hides in shadows and that I can’t trust those I thought I could… and those I don’t.” Book nodded.
“Right, he also said that not even the shadows can keep you safe.” He added.
“Well what is all that supposed to mean?” Tag asked angrily. “What’s the point of knowing the future if you can’t understand it?”
“You’re not supposed to, Antediluvian said that you will never understand what he says until its too late. I suppose that it’s just something to be wary of.” Book said shrugging slightly. Tag stamped at the ground in frustration.
“Sometimes I hate being stuck in my own mind!” He shouted. Book gave him a stern look.
“Calm down.” He commanded. “Freaking out won’t solve anything. Just stay calm; I don’t think we’ll be here much longer.”
“What makes you say that?” Tag asked.
“A feeling I get, I can feel your consciousness being pulled away.” Almost as if on cue the area began to light up and soon Tag was blinded.