//------------------------------// // Shadows Ch. 13 Obligatory Scene Change // Story: The Shadows Saga // by Tagshadow //------------------------------// (Forgive me if a make Applejack sound like an idiot. Also, I realize I have this thing for three letter names that start with T and I don’t deny it. -Tag) Earlier that day… Tor was finishing his shift at Sweet Apple acres when Applejack came up to him. “I think that’s enough fer today, Tor. Why don’t ya pack it in?” she suggested, Tor nodded. “I suppose I should probably stop for today.” He agreed. YES! Silver screamed from the back of his mind. “Why don’t ya come on back to the house so I kin get yer pay.” Applejack said and started off in the direction of the old farmhouse. Do you have to yell every time work ends? Tor asked mentally. Sorry, but it’s just so boring out here! Silver said sheepishly. Tor frowned as he started to follow Applejack. Yes I have to agree that it is boring out here, but it’s a job. A job that I would like to keep. He thought. I said I was sorry. Silver mumbled. It’s okay, just please don’t yell out loud when it’s time to go home. Tor thought and entered the farmhouse. The farmhouse was well loved by the family in it and Applejack occasionally muttered something about fixing it up when they had enough money. “Right over here.” Applejack said and led Tor to the dining room table. “Let me just count out yer bits.” She said. Tor stepped forward and ignited his horn. “Allow me.” He said and started picking up bits one by one to show he wasn’t stealing any and counted up his pay. Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Why didn’t you do that before?” She asked. “The thought never occurred to me.” Tor said innocently. “Right well I expect you’ll do that from now on then.” Applejack said. “Of course.” Tor said. “If that is all then I believe that I should be going.” Applejack nodded. “Good day Applejack.” Tor offered a slight bow and trotted out the door. “Don’t be a stranger!” Applejack called out as Tor went down the path to Ponyville. ---- Tor entered the house and immediately noticed that Tag wasn’t home yet. Strange, Tag is usually home before me. Tor thought. Maybe Rarity is keeping him… busy. Silver suggested. Tor frowned. I wish you wouldn’t do that. He thought. I meant with work and stuff. Silver said honestly. Right, either way I should probably start dinner. Tor moved to the kitchen. He had only started to get the necessary items together when he heard a knock at the door. He trotted back to the front hall and opened the front door. Rarity was standing on the threshold. “Good afternoon Tor, I was just wandering if you knew about where Tag is?” She asked him, Tor looked at her confusedly. “I thought he was still at work.” Tor said but Rarity shook her head. “No, he didn’t even show up.” She said sounding worried. “At first I thought it concerned what happened last night but nopony answered when I came here earlier; I closed up the shop early so I could investigate.” She explained. “He wasn’t back by the time I went to bed last night and I didn’t bother to check on him this morning. If what you say is true, then he’s been missing since he left the boutique.” Tor summed. Sounds about right. Silver piped up. “I guess so, what should we do now?” Rarity asked. Perhaps we could get the gang together. Silver suggested. “Silver says we should gather everypony together.” Tor repeated. “Right, I’ll get Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, you get Rainbow Dash and Applejack,” Rarity said and trotted off toward the Sugarcube Corner. She seems really worried. Silver observed as Tor trotted to Sweet Apple Acres. What are you implying? Tor asked. That perhaps the first date went well. Silver said. Right well we can ask Tag when we find him. Tor thought and started to gallop. ---- All six mares (and Tor) arrived at the library half an hour after Tor and Rarity split up. Tor, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were last to arrive and when he entered the library Tor could tell something was wrong. Rarity was pacing around in circles while Pinkie was… being Pinkie; Fluttershy was beside Twilight with a worried look on her face. Twilight was studying a vial of red liquid. When the three of them entered Twilight looked up from her work. “Good, the three of you made it.” She said and trotted over to the stairs. “Spike! Get down here!“ She called. The little dragon made his way down with a grumpy look on his face. “It’s after six! I’m trying to take a nap!” He mumbled as he looked around the room, he understood the atmosphere and rubbed his eyes. “Never mind.” Rarity trotted over to Twilight. “Was there anything you could get from the… blood?” She asked hesitantly. Tor blinked quickly and Fluttershy let out a small squeak. Rainbow Dash jumped up. “What blood?” She asked. Twilight shook her head. “Somepony found a dried pool of blood in the street this morning, the mayor asked me to examine it seeing as I’m adept at magic. She also told everypony to stay inside until we could figure this out.” She explained. “So far I can tell that it is not Tag’s.” “What made you think that it could be Tag’s?” Tor asked. “Because it was found between your house and the Carousel Boutique.” Rarity said Tor shivered. “Well, what else is there to know then?” He asked. Twilight pulled a book off the top of the desk. “According to my handbook for investigations of all kinds, the blood spatter indicated the use of a knife, and that the blood most likely fell onto somepony and then the street.” Twilight explained. Fluttershy had curled into a frightened ball while most of the others looked sick. “You’re making it sound like Tag killed somepony.” Tor said doubtfully. “I’m not saying that Tag killed somepony; but it might have been self defense.” Twilight suggested. It would make sense. Silver said. I think that Tag might have been the pony the blood fell onto and that there was another pony on top of him. “Silver is saying that he agrees.” Tor said. “If that’s true and that Tag killed another pony in self-defense then what should we do?” he asked. “We should contact Princess Celestia!” Pinkie jumped in. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Twilight said and got out a quill and a piece of parchment and began to scribble words down furiously. “Should we really get Princess Celestia involved in this? She must be pretty busy with royal… stuff.” Rainbow Dash said. “But this is an important matter!” Rarity exclaimed. “If Tag is missing then Discord might be trying something.” “But ah thought that Discord was trapped ‘n’ stone back in Canterlot.” Applejack wondered. “Princess Luna said something about Discord being able to do a lot from his stone imprisonment. Rarity’s right, worst-case scenario is that Discord is trying something, best-case scenario is that he was kidnapped by a secret organization.” Twilight said. “Those both sound like worst-case scenarios!” Spike exclaimed. “Focus Spike. Here, I need you to send this to Princess Celestia.” Twilight handed him a letter that he quickly incinerated. “Well now what?” Rainbow Dash asked loudly. “Now, we wait.” Twilight said and slumped over. Another hour had passed before Spike let out a belch and another letter appeared in front the friends. Spike cut it open with a claw and read it aloud. “My faithful student Twilight Sparkle I am dismayed at the disappearance of Tag and I can’t help but be worried. If your suspicions are true, and Discord is trying something, then we have to find Tag as soon as possible. First I need you and your friends to come to Canterlot; there is something that must be tested. I need you to bring the blood that was found in the street too, Princess Celestia” Spike put the letter down and looked at the faces around him. “How are we going to get to Canterlot?” He asked, he was answered by a knock on the door. Pinkie jumped up and opened it in a second; a royal nightguard stood in front of her with an emotionless expression on his face. “We have been sent here to take you to Canterlot.” He said dispassionately. Pinkie shifted uncomfortably. “Okay then!” She said and trotted out into the darkening street, Tor reluctantly trotted after her, the other five mares and Spike followed him as they all climbed into a dark carriage. The guard stepped into the harness with his partner and they took off into the night. ---- Tag looked up at the moon as it rose into the sky; he sniffed and looked at his surroundings; he was following the road he had come from several days before, back to Manehattan. Tag didn’t want to go back but this way he knew where he was going. I should probably stop for the night. He decided and stepped over to a large bush and poked his head in. He sighed wearily and pushed aside several branches to make a small den. Goodnight, everypony. He thought and a tear hit the ground below his head. ---- “Hello again, my friend!” Discord said and picked up Tag, Tag scowled and turned his head away. “Please, why can’t you let me live in misery?” He asked desperately. Discord put him down and sat in his throne. “Because I want to help. Can’t I help my own creation?” He asked in return. “I don’t want your help.” Tag said plainly and turned his back, Discord frowned and out his claw around Tag’s shoulder. “Let me show you a little something that might change your mind.” Discord grinned and slapped Tag in the face. ---- Tor, Spike and the Elements of Harmony arrived in Canterlot almost immediately and Tor was the first to step off the carriage. He looked at the castle in amazement while the other mares stepped off, Spike was the last and just as he hit the ground the carriage took off into the night. Princess Luna was waiting for them at the entrance and greeted them hesitantly as they walked up to her. “Welcome to Canterlot castle.” She said stiffly, Tor could tell she was uncomfortable. She probably still remembers the night Tag got Tagia back. Silver mused. Should I say something? Tor asked. I wouldn’t try it. Whatever you say would probably be awkward. Silver said. “Hello Princess.” Twilight said awkwardly Just like that. Silver muttered. This is serious. Tor thought. The rest of the mares had said hello and Luna was leading them into the castle. Tor was lost in the maze of hallways but Luna led them on without a doubt. There was a haunting familiar feeling as they continued. Why do I feel like this? Tor asked. Maybe you’re starting to remember what happened. Silver said plainly. Is that a good thing? Tor asked apprehensively. Depends on whether it drives you crazy. Silver said. I really needed to hear that. Tor thought dryly. Glad to help! Silver said happily. I was being sarcastic. Tor thought. Luna had stopped and Tor stopped just before walking into Fluttershy. Luna turned to face them. “Before you enter, please understand that sister is taking a large risk by allowing you to come here. Never speak of this to anypony under any circumstance.” She said in a low voice. All seven ponies and dragon nodded their heads with large round eyes and Luna opened the door. The mares and Spike entered but Luna put out a hoof as Tor passed. She couldn’t seem to meet his eyes and looked at the floor. “I just wanted to apologize for how I acted the other night; I was blinded by rage at the fact that you two were allowed to live. That was no way for a princess to act, and I nearly killed two innocent ponies on my rage.” Tor was staring at her and trying to collect his thoughts. “… Tag and I are not innocent ponies; our hooves have been stained with blood and that can never leave us. We are trying to live now in a vain attempt to make up for what we did. We will always be accountable for our sins but what we do in the future can help ease the burden of the past, as an immortal goddess I expect that you can understand what I’m trying to say.” He responded; Luna looked up at him with shock in her eyes. “You are a very wise pony… I am thankful that I was unable to go through with my plans.” She said in awe, Tor smiled. “Do not dwell on the past, look forward to the future, and make it what you want by working in the present.” He whispered and trotted through the door. The others were waiting for him and they all faced forward as he stood next them. They stood in awe at the room before them; there were ponies in uniforms sitting around a table, there were four in all one of whom was Princess Celestia. The room around them was fairly bare but the table was intricately carved with many scenes from horrible battles. Princess Celestia greeted them with a nod of her head. “Welcome, Elements of Harmony, Spike, and Tor to the war room of castle Canterlot.” She said and made a sweeping gesture with her wings. Twilight gasped. “You mean that this is the famous war room from the history books?” She asked in surprise. Celestia nodded. “Yes the famous war room that was established by Commander Hurricane after the founding of Equestria.” She said; Twilight looked as though she had defiled holy ground. “Come now, take a seat and we can get this all over with.” Said one of the other ponies, he was a red, tough looking earthpony with a scar that went across his forehead. Pinkie and Spike walked up and sat down, followed closely by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy and Twilight looked terrified of moving a step while Rarity looked doubtful. “Why would we need to be in the war room?” She asked curiously. “We require your input and knowledge on the current situation, my lady.” Said another pony; this one was a white unicorn in an old fashioned military coat. Rarity blushed slightly. “It’s nice to meet a pony with manners.” She said quietly and sat in a free chair. Tor looked at Twilight who still seemed like she couldn’t move and Fluttershy was hiding behind her. Should I do something? Tor asked. What do you think? Silver said. Aren’t you supposed to be the well-mannered one of the two of you? Tor shook himself mentally. No, I said I WAS better mannered, Tag rises to meet the occasion, but I try to stay so all the time. Wait… You just proved my point. Silver said with a resigned sigh. Fine. Tor thought and trotted over to the two petrified mares. “Come on, it will be fine.” Tor said to Twilight, unsurprisingly she wasn’t convinced. Tor sighed. “Don’t disappoint the princess.” He whispered, Twilight gathered courage and took a step forward. She opened her eyes and saw there was nothing to fear; she quickly trotted over to an empty seat blushing with embarrassment. Tor looked at Fluttershy. I won’t even attempt it. He decided and picked her up with his magic. He placed her curled up form in an empty chair and took a seat in the remaining one. The pony in the military coat put his hooves on the table. “Well then, I would like to welcome you formally to the war room. My name is Tac, I am Canterlot’s current strategist. The pony with the scar is called General Iron Hoof; we just call him Iron. Our final friend is Tome the royal advisor of the princesses.” He motioned to Iron Hoof and then to Tome as he spoke, Tor looked at Tome quickly; he was a maroon unicorn with a thin white beard. Tome was scrutinizing him. “So, you are Tor I presume?” He asked; Tor felt a strange sense of foreboding. “Yes, I am Tor.” He said slowly Tome still scrutinized him. “Watch your weapon, boy.” He warned and turned back to the assembly. “Okay, the reason we have called you here is to discuss the possibility that Discord is making another attempt on Princess Celestia or Princess Luna.” He summarized. “And you need our knowledge?” Tor asked. Iron narrowed his eyes. “Show some respect and speak only when spoken too.” He reprimanded. Tor’s ears flattened. “Forgive me sir.” He mumbled. “What was that?” Iron said loudly. “Sorry sir!” Tor said louder. Iron leaned back. “I think I could get used to this.” He said. I think I don’t like him. Silver muttered I think I don’t like him myself. Tor agreed. “Well, what do you want to know?” Twilight asked. Tac put his hoof on his chin. “You could start with the last time that Tag was seen by any of you.” He said. “Just so that we know how much time has passed.” He explained. Tor glanced at Rarity quickly; he could see a little fear in her eyes that was quickly replaced by slight edginess as she spoke up. “The last time I saw him was when he left the boutique last night.” She said steadily. Tac turned to her. “And what was Tag doing at the boutique last night?” He asked; Rarity looked uneasy again. “He was… finishing up some work and had to leave late.” She said quietly. Iron squinted at her. “Why don’t I believe you?” He said questioningly Tor really did not like this colt. “Please leave her alone, we know that Tag left the Carousel Boutique last night and that he did not return to our house. You also said that you needed the blood that we found.” He said testily; nopony else knew about their date. Tac looked slightly agitated. “It is important that we know what happened that night because it might be important. It could possibly give us an idea of where he went.” He said perturbingly. Rarity let out a long sigh. “He was over at my house for dinner.” She said. The room went silent. Tor noticed Spike’s eyes go especially wide, more so than everypony else’s. “Thank you, now Tor, you say that he didn’t return to your house that night?” Tac continued; Tor nodded his head in confirmation. “That is correct, sir.” He said. “And the blood was in between the two destinations.” “That is correct sir.” “Can we see the blood please?” Twilight pulled the vial out of her backpack with her magic and floated it onto the table. Tome picked it up with his magic. “I’m going to use a spell, if we are right about this then our worst fears have been confirmed.” He closed his to eyes so he could concentrate. The elements of harmony looked at each other. I wonder what these ‘worst fears’ are? Silver asked darkly. I’m wondering too. Tor agreed. Tome’s eyes snapped open; he looked a little frightened. “Is it as we feared?” Celestia asked. “Yes, Discord’s Chaos has returned.” He said weakly. “Discord’s Chaos? That doesn’t sound good.” Fluttershy squeaked. “No ma’am that certainly is not good.” Tac agreed. “But who are these ‘Discord’s Chaos’ ponies anyway?” Applejack asked. “Back during the war, Open Book and Silver were not the only ponies that Discord kidnapped. At the beginning of our campaign we heard that an entire settlement had disappeared; the only thing that was left were the empty buildings.” Celestia explained. “We came to the conclusion that it was Discord because there were no signs of a struggle that we could find. After a minor battle we found that the enemy forces were ponies. We had captured a prisoner; an examination showed that he had… changed much like Twilight and her friends had during Discord’s more recent escape. We were unable snap him out of it; we were forced to execute him. Another examination proved that there was magic infused with his blood that would effect the whole body through circulation and this magic would keep them alive until the end of time.” “So you mean that these ponies are immortal like you?” Rainbow Dash inquired and Celestia nodded. “Yes, and that means that they are still out there today, causing chaos for Discord in his absence.” Celestia said. “So Discord might be trying to do something, seeing as these are his forces we should instantly assume Tag’s disappearance is connected to their reappearance.” Tac explained. “That means that our next move would be to do something about Discord, since he’s only in the castle gardens.” Twilight said. Iron nodded slowly. “Seems like it’ll work.” He said in agreement. Tac frowned. “That’s what he’ll want us to do. I say we should wait and see what happens; if Discord tries anything with Tag he’ll have to send him here. We should bide our time and keep a lookout for Tag, after he is found then we’ll move against Discord.” He suggested; Iron looked a little frustrated. “That’s all it ever is with you, wait-and-see. I think that it’s time for us to do something about this.” He argued. “General Iron Hoof, I appreciate your input but Tac is the royal strategist we should follow his ideas.” Celestia said. Tac looked at Iron with smug satisfaction, who sneered back at him. “Fine, we’ll wait… for now.” He said with a glint in his eyes. Tor shivered. And here I thought the whole hospital incident was bad. Silver mumbled. Well, I don’t know about that, at least I’m not stuck in a hospital bed. Tor thought. “What happens now?” Rarity asked. “I’m afraid that I can’t let you return to Ponyville, Discord might try something and I must keep an eye on Tor.” Celestia said. “But what about the library? And Sweet Apple Acres? And what about Rarity’s sister, Sweetie Belle?” Twilight kept asking questions. “Several royal guards will be dispatched to deal with your day-to-day tasks.” Tome answered, Rarity’s eye widened. “I should hope you don’t put a member of the royal guard in charge of my boutique!” She cried. “I suppose that wouldn’t be a good idea.” Tome said. “But nevertheless we cannot let you return to Ponyville; we will send a guard to look after your sister.” Rarity looked slightly annoyed but didn’t say anything. I wonder how Sweetie Belle will react to a royal guard at the door? Silver wondered loudly. Doubtlessly not positively. Tor thought. “So for now, good night. We shall hold another meeting in the morning. Tome will show you to your rooms.” Celestia said and stood up; the other ponies in the assembly followed her example and trotted out of the room. ---- “This way to your rooms.” Tome said in a reserved voice, he trotted in the other direction the Princess Celestia had leaving the elements, Spike, and Tor to follow. Tome dropped of each pony, and Spike one at a time until it was just he and Tor. Tome stood outside a door and pushed it open with his magic. “This is where you will be staying for the night, if anything happens, especially anything involving Discord pull the rope and ring the bell. We’ll be ready if he tries anything.” He said and pointed at a rope that was hanging in the corner. “Right. Well goodnight Tome.” Tor said and trotted into the room. He heard the door close behind him and he looked at the bed. Please tell me that you’ve been on me long enough for me to sleep by myself. Tor thought desperately. … Nope! Silver said happily. Looks like I won’t be sleeping for the next little while. Tor sighed and trotted out of the room.