(Forgive me if reading this part is painful to read; it’s supposed to be. –Tag)
Tag got to the Carousel Boutique just in time for him to pick Rarity up. He knocked on the door and waited patiently. The door opened and Rarity stepped out into the street with Tag.
“Good evening Rarity.” He said.
“Good evening.” She agreed.
“Shall we go?” Tag asked and Rarity stepped into the street.
“Lead on, gentlecolt.” She said.
“Right this way then.” Tag said and started down the street. Rarity stepped up beside him as they continued into the darkening night.
Tag had decided that they would go to the How and Hay Café for dinner and when it came into view Rarity looked at him.
“Is this the place we’ll be eating at?” She asked him.
“Yes. Do you not like it?” Tag asked. He was worried to his surprise. Rarity shook her head.
“No, I was just wondering.” She said.
Dear Celestia this is so awkward. Book moaned.
Hey, I’m new to this sort of thing. I doubt you’ve ever been on a date before in your life! Tag thought.
No, before Discord kidnapped me I had a wife and son. Book said flatly, Tag cringed.
Sorry, I didn’t know… He trailed off.
It’s okay. There’s a lot that you don’t know about me. And besides, I have long gotten over that. Tag didn’t think he would ever be able to get over anything like that. They were at the front door of the café now. Tag opened the door and Rarity trotted in. Silver Platter was standing at the front.
“Hey, it’s you again!” She said. Tag was relieved to see that at least she didn’t give him a strange look.
“Hello Silver Platter.” Tag said. “A table for two please.” Silver Platter glanced at Rarity and grinned at Tag before leading them into the restaurant. She led them to a booth and sat them down before trotting off to fetch water. They sat down in silence for a few moments.
“So, how are you finding Ponyville?” Rarity asked.
“I love it here, everypony has been very welcoming so far.” Tag said. Rarity smiled.
“Ponyville is certainly well-known for being welcoming.” She said proudly.
“I can see why.” Tag agreed. A colt came up to their table.
“I assume that you’re Tag?” He asked.
“I’m Tag, yes.” Tag said.
“I’m Mister Hay, I’m the owner of the café.” Tag stiffened. “I’m afraid that I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” He said.
“Why?” Rarity asked. Mr. Hay looked at her.
“Because he’s dangerous and scaring off the other ponies.” He explained, Tag looked around and saw that other ponies were looking at him and Rarity. Tag stood up and stepped out of the booth.
“Fine, we’ll leave.” He said.
“Wait a moment Tag, we don’t have to leave for any reason.” Rarity stepped in. Silver Platter came up with their waters. When she saw Mr. Hay she stopped.
“What’s going on here?” She asked as she put the waters down.
“Mr. Hay is asking Rarity and I to leave because I’m scaring off the other customers.” Tag explained. Silver Platter looked at Mr. Hay with a surprised look on her face.
“Mr. Hay! Why would you do that?” She asked in disbelief. Mr. Hay looked at her.
“He’s dangerous, and he has that knife of his.” He said and motioned to Tagia.
“If he was going to hurt anyone don’t you think he would have done something by now?” Silver Platter said Mr. Hay shook his head.
“Doesn’t matter, he still is scaring away the other customers. Stay out of this.” He said testily. Silver Platter looked at Tag.
“Don’t lose your job over me, I’ll leave. And I’m thankful that at least you understand. I know where Mr. Hay is coming from.” Tag said. Rarity got up too.
“I guess there is no choice really.” She sighed. Mr. Hay grinned.
“I’m glad you see things my way.” He said. Tag took a quick step toward him; the smile instantly disappeared and he took a terrified step back. The entire restaurant was silent now. Tag looked at Mr. Hay with disgust.
“Goodbye.” He said simply and trotted towards the door. Rarity hesitantly followed.
Tag stepped out into the street and waited for Rarity. She stepped out beside him.
“What was that?” She cried.
“He wanted me to leave and I left.“ Tag said simply.
“You should have stuck up for yourself!” She said Tag shook his head.
“If I had then I would have scared everpony else in the restaurant. No, it was better that I just left.” Rarity opened her mouth to argue but shut it again.
“Now what should we do?” She asked, she sounded beyond disappointed.
“Perhaps we should go to another place and eat there.” Tag suggested. Rarity shook her head.
“No, they would probably ask you to leave there too… perhaps we could go back to my house.” She said.
“Sure, but won’t Sweetie Belle be home?” Tag asked.
“No she always stays out with her friends. They’re trying to get their cutie marks by trying anything possible.” She explained.
“Let’s do that I guess.” Tag agreed. Rarity led the way back to the boutique.
----
It was six by the time they stepped into the main room. Rarity led the way into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry this didn’t work out the way it was supposed to.” Tag said and Rarity turned to him.
“It’s not your fault, I am a little disappointed, but not in you. I’m disappointed in the other ponies that look at you. If they saw it all the would have seen that Luna was trying to kill you and Tor, and that you were just trying to protect your brother.” She said. “Now, what should we do for dinner?” Tag thought for a moment.
“Maybe we could make some pasta? I really don’t know what you have.” Tag said.
“We’ll do pasta then.” Rarity declared. She moved to one side of the kitchen and pulled out some penne. “Could you please put some water on?”
Tag moved to the sink and got a pot; he filled it with water and turned on the burner. Rarity measured out some penne. They sat at the table while they waited for the water to boil.
“Tell me about your friends.” Tag said after an uncomfortable silence. Rarity thought for a moment.
“Months ago, Twilight came to Ponyville to help oversee the Sunset Celebration that was being held here. It just so happened that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and I were in charge of separate things. Pinkie Pie threw a welcoming party for her and we realized that Twilight was an anti-social pony. When the princess was kidnapped and Nightmare Moon appeared Twilight told us we had to find the elements of harmony. She also told us that this was something she had to do alone; we wouldn’t let her and on the way learned a little bit about each other. When we entered the place the elements were kept Nightmare Moon appeared. We managed to fight her off together with the power of friendship.” Rarity summarized.
“That sounds like quite an adventure!” Tag said.
“It was.” Rarity agreed. “That’s why the six of us believe so strongly in friendship.” She said.
“Didn’t you also defeat Discord?” Tag asked.
“Yes, that happened a few weeks ago.” She answered.
“I remember that, but what happened?” He asked.
“A very lengthy tale about chocolate rain and the labyrinth at Canterlot castle.” Rarity said quickly.
“I’m assuming that something else happened?” Tag asked.
“I’d really rather not talk about it.” Rarity explained.
“Right, I think the water is boiling now.” He said and pointed toward the pot. “I’ll get it.” He stepped up and poured the penne into the pot. He took his seat again and looked at Rarity she looked him and he grinned sheepishly. “This probably isn’t the most romantic first date.” He said.
“No, it isn’t.” Rarity sighed. “But it’s still enjoyable all the same.” Tag smiled lightly.
“I guess that I just don’t know what ponies talk about on a date.” He said simply.
“Other ponies would typically talk about work, but we work together… how are you finding Ponyville? Wait, asked that already. How are you and Tor adjusting?” She asked finally.
“We’re getting used to it, we’ve finally decided to go out and buy some vegetables and stop eating out.” Tag said. They sat in silence again. Tag glanced at the clock; it was 6:30. “I believe the pasta is ready.” He said and got up. He pulled out two plates and the appropriate cutlery. He drained the pasta and served some onto each plate. He placed one in front of Rarity and one where he was sitting moments before. “What would you like to drink?” He asked.
“Water will be fine.” Rarity said. Tag got out two glasses, and filled them with water. He passed one to Rarity and took his seat. They ate in an uncomfortable silence.
This is horrible. Book said.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to say! Tag cried mentally.
It’s a good thing she actually likes you. Book continued.
What so you expect? I’ve been in stone for the past thousands of years, and on top of that I’m not even a real pony! Tag was freaking out.
Stay calm and be cool. Book told him. Use the good old-fashioned manners; mares love good old-fashioned manners.
No, she’ll just think that I’m old or something. Tag thought.
You ARE old! Book exclaimed. Thousands of years old!
Not helping. Tag thought with gritted teeth.
Good old-fashioned manners. Book said again. Tag looked up and saw that Rarity was looking at him. He looked at his plate and saw that he had finished.
“I’ll get it.” Tag said and put the dishes into the sink with his magic. He took his seat again and looked at Rarity; she looked at him expectantly.
“I know this probably wasn’t the most romantic of evenings.” Tag sighed.
“It’s okay, I believe we agreed that this would be a learning experience for the both of us. This was just a lesson; I’m sure there will be more to talk about in the future” Rarity said. Tag smiled.
“Thank you for understanding, it makes the stares much easier to bare.” He said. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was 8:30. Rarity followed his look.
“Would you look at the time!” She exclaimed.
“Is that my cue to leave?” Tag asked. Rarity looked back at him.
“Not necessarily, but it certainly is getting late.” She said. Tag stood up.
“I guess I might as well get going then. Good night Rarity.” He said.
“Good night Tag.” She said. Tag walked out of the Carousel Boutique. The now freezing night air made him shiver.
It’s really getting cold out. Tag thought to himself.
Is it? I can’t tell. Book said.
Please don’t talk to me; I’m trying to be depressed. Tag thought dryly.
Be that way. Book said and was silent. Tag started the walk home, the buildings were dark and Tag began to wonder what time it was.
“Hey!” Came a voice from behind him. Tag turned around slowly and saw three stallions behind him; a pegasus flanked by two earthponies.
“Yes?” Tag asked despondently.
“Are you Tag?” Demanded the one in the middle. Tag instantly assumed a defensive stance.
“Yes…” He said testily.
“We’ve been looking for you.” Said the pegasus. All three of them took a menacing step forward. Tag drew Tagia in a quick movement.
I hope you’re not planning on using me. Book said.
I might have to if it comes to that. Tag thought worriedly. The ponies took another step. Tag stepped backward; he didn’t want to fight.
“What do you want with me?” Tag asked.
“We want to have a little… talk…” Said the middle one.
“You’ll have to catch me first!” Tag called and ran in the opposite direction, the other ponies instantly took up the chase. The pegasus flew up into the air and dive bombed into Tag crashing down on top of him. Tag struggled fiercely but the pegasus held him down with a strong hoof. The other ponies were catching up, in his panic Tag drew Tagia and slashed at the pegasus’s neck, the blood flowed onto Tag’s face as he pushed the corpse over and got to his hooves. The other ponies had stopped in their tracks and were now staring at him in rage.
Not good! Tag thought.
What gave you that idea? Book wondered. One of them stepped forward and pointed an accusing hoof at Tag.
“You killed Seeker!” He cried.
“I-I- I didn’t mean to!” Tag cried. The other pony to turn around and ran; the first was still staring at Tag.
“We’ll get you, you will learn to fear chaos.” He said and ran off after his friend. Tag watched the retreating figure and a shiver went through him.
Did I hear what I thought I heard? He thought apprehensively.
I hope not. Book said. Tag looked at the body of Seeker.
… Did I… really kill another pony? He asked himself, Book was silent. Tag’s eyes moistened a little. I didn’t mean to! I was trying to get away, and, and-
GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF! Book shouted, Tag jumped and settled into silence. Yes you killed another pony, that’s already happened and you can do nothing about it! He continued. The only thing to do is to dispose of the body before somepony sees it.
How can you act so careless? A pony just died! Tag thought.
I was there when you killed Water Drop. I’ve had to live with it for the past several millennia. I’ve long since stopped caring. Meanwhile, you get several millennia of sleep and a fresh start, so DEAL WITH IT. Book said angrily and Tag fell into a terrified silence.
... How should I… dispose of the body? Tag asked quietly.
Take him outside of town and bury him. Book said simply. Tag looked at the body of Seeker a moment longer; his cutie mark was of a night sky. Tag lifted him up with his magic and wobbled in the direction of the Everfree Forest.