//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9: Announcement 
// Story: The Legacy of the Rider III: Misconception 
// by MrAwesome343 
//------------------------------//

	Chapter 9: The Announcement


Taro leaned on the frame of Kayderon's door. "Look, I know doing this takes a while, but can you make this go any faster?"
Kayderon was over an anvil, Kveykva in his hands. "I'm almost done, Taro. Hold your horses." Kayderon chuckled to himself. "Horses, cause we live with them..." Kayderon always made the worst jokes.
Taro sighed and looked out the near by window.
"There, all done. Kveykva is now infused. This sword is now as strong as it will ever get. I wish you luck, Taro."
"Excellent!" Taro said, taking the sword and re-sheathing it. "Thanks, Kayderon!" Taro bolted out the door for the clearing in the forest where the team would meet.
Jay and Rainbow Dash were already there. "What news have you?" Taro asked when he arrived.
"We know where he is," Jay replied.
"Really, where!"
Rainbow Dash looked at Jay, then back at Taro. "The caves beneath Canterlot."
Taro stared in disbelief. "Really! He was there the whole time!" he asked as Thatch landed. Taro filled him in on the details.
"Now we just need the Elements of Harmony," Jay said.
"Not necessary this time," Taro replied.
What? Why not? Thatch asked.
"I just came from Apple-loosa to see Kayderon. He strengthened my sword to the point where it's unnecessary. The need for the others is now irrelevant. The magic of my sword at it's current state should plow right through the magic barrier around Discord. So long as he doesn't fuel it enough."
"Excellent!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Now we just need to get to Discord!"
"Wait, what about the Changeling?" Jay asked.
"Relax, I already have a plan."


Morning rolled over the tree tops. Taro and Rainbow Dash were already awake. They had been talking all night about what happened in the last few years, as well as days.
Jay was next to wake up. "When are we taking him down?"
"What do you mean 'we'? The only one's who are going are me and Thatch," Taro replied.
Rainbow Dash was shocked. "No it's not, Taro, we're all going!"
Taro shook his head. "No. I can't lose you. Either of you. I would rather die than..."
"Than what? Have extra support for a greater chance that you won't?" Jay interrupted.
"Than have you or Rainbow Dash die! I want you two to be the ones who make it through this. I don't care if you even fight!"
Rainbow Dash looked down. "But what's the point in living anymore if you're not here to enjoy life with?"
Taro turned to her and put his arm around her. "Dash, I don't want you to die. If you died, I would have nothing to live for."
"Ditto," she replied, looking down. "I can fight."
"And I have no doubt of that, but how much better are you than someone who has been impersonating me and drawing power from us? I'm stronger than she could possibly dream of."
"But I want to be sure you're okay. What will happen if you die?"
"Hey," Taro lifted Rainbow Dash's head to meet her eyes. "How about we cross that bridge when we get to it?" He leaned in and kissed her.
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Kay."
"So are we staying or going?" Jay asked.
Taro sighed. "Thatch, you up?"
Thatch grunted.
"Should they come with?"
Thatch lay there for a minute, thinking. He turned to them and nodded slowly.
"Finally I can see my dad in action!" Jay exclaimed.
"Alright, I'll be back. Thatch, we're going for a quick ride."
Rainbow Dash caught Taro's sleeve. "Where are you going?"
"To make an announcement." Taro mounted Thatch and took off to the towns of Equestria.
PonyVille was first. He flew into the center of town and Thatch landed with a crash, drawing as much attention as he possibly could.
He stood on the saddle, the ponies gazing at him, many in fear. "PonyVille," he shouted, "if you would like to know what has truly been happening all these years, come to Canterlot this evening at seven precisely."
"And why should we trust the word of you, you traitor!" shouted one.
"Because he's not a traitor." The voice pierced through the crowd like a hot knife through butter. The crowd parted. Twilight.
"Oh really? How do you know?" shouted another pony.
"Come to Canterlot and find out," Taro said. He sat back on the saddle and flew off. Next stop: Fillydelphia.
He had reached every city and town by 5:30. Two hours to prep for the battle.