//------------------------------// // Shadows Ch. 14 Confrontation // Story: The Shadows Saga // by Tagshadow //------------------------------// After he had wandered for several minutes Tor found a balcony that led out into the courtyard, Tor stepped out and could see the castle gardens. I wonder if you can see Discord from here? Silver asked. Why would I want to do that? Tor thought. Just to make sure that he’s there. Silver suggested. Beside, you haven’t even seen him yet; aren’t you even slightly curious? I suppose… Tor squinted his eyes into the distance to look for the statue that Silver could identify. There he is! Silver said triumphantly. Wait... is that a pony over there? Tor thought suddenly and squinted harder. Yeah, it looks kind of like Iron Hoof. Silver said. Tor could clearly make out Iron Hoof’s large figure in front of the statue; he seemed to be talking to it. Why would Iron Hoof be talking to Discord? Tor thought. Maybe he's an agent of Discord! Sliver realized. What he didn’t realize was that there was another pony watching, watching him. “Tor? What are you doing out here?” Came a voice and Tor jumped. He spun around and saw Twilight standing in the hall. “I can’t take of Torais for the night yet and it’s rather hard to sleep when it's attached to my body.” Tor explained. “Right, well, you should still try to get some sleep for the meeting tomorrow. We can’t get anything done if any of us are bone tired.” Twilight said and trotted down the hallway. Tor sighed. She’s right. Silver said. Yes she is, but you won’t have the same problems that I will. Tor thought in resignation and began to trot back to his own room. I will tell everypony about Iron Hoof tomorrow but I guess that I must get some sleep. He thought as he passed another door, he heard a familiar voice coming from inside. He stopped and took a step closer. “Why would you even do that?” Tor recognized Spike’s voice. “Why do you care so fervently about whom I eat dinner with?” Tor also recognized Rarity’s voice. “Because he was created by Discord!” Spike hissed. “I’m worried about you, Rarity!” “Spike, dear I appreciate the concern but I am perfectly capable of handling myself.” Rarity said back. “Do you really think that you would stand a chance when he’s got that knife of his?” Spike demanded and Rarity was silent for a moment. “I don’t think Tag is capable of using Tagia on another pony, he’s really… sensitive about things like that.” She explained. “But what if Discord gets to him? What if he already got to him yesterday night and you never knew about it?” he asked quietly, and Rarity seemed at a loss for words. “Spike, what has gotten into you?” She asked. Tor couldn’t Spike’s muffled reply but Rarity responded in a shocked voice. “Spike… I had no idea…” She seemed at a loss for words. Tor decided that he had intruded enough and trotted down the hall. This is really affecting everypony… Tor thought distantly. I would think so! Silver said. Not now Silver, I need some time to think. Free of intrusion if possible. Tor thought. Of course, I’ll be here if you need me. Silver went silent as Tor climbed into bed. Goodnight Tag, wherever you are. ---- Tag gasped as he regained his consciousness, Discord was waiting for him. “You see what I mean? I want to help you.” He said. Tag was still doubtful. “But why do you want to help me? What are you after?” He demanded. Discord stepped back slowly and sat back down on his throne. “I want to put a stop to this, I could make everything better with a snap of my fingers.” He smiled at Tag vindictively, Tag felt a strange grayness creeping in through the back of his mind but he fought to push it away. “But I don’t want your help…” He argued weakly. Discord blinked and lay down in a cloud hammock. “My oh my, you’re a strong willed pony, aren’t you?” He said condescendingly, the grayness was pushing harder to get a foothold in Tag’s mind. “What are you doing?” He demanded; Discord gave him a surprised look. “Me? What could I possibly be doing? I just want to help…” He sounded hurt but Tag still didn’t believe him. The grayness was flooding his mind at this point, swirling around him and threatening to drown him, Tag still fought desperately for control but it was a losing battle. “I don’t… …I think… …but… …what if… I…” ---- Tor was sleeping peacefully when Tome burst trough the door. “Tor, wake up!” he cried and shook the pony until his eyes opened groggily. “Why? What’s going on?” He asked confusedly as he struggled with his sheets. Tome used his magic to rip Tor off the bed and put him on the floor. “The statue of Discord has disappeared!” He cried, Tor stood stock-still. “How is that possible?” He asked in disbelief. “That’s what the princesses are trying to find out.” Tome said and led Tor into the hallway. Tor followed him quickly. What do you make of this? Tor asked Silver. I don’t really know what to think but I’m sure that Iron is connected to this somehow. He replied. Quite possibly, I doubt telling anyone about this will be a good idea. Tor thought as they rounded another corner. Why wouldn’t we tell anyone? Silver asked. Having an agent of Discord in our midst would have its benefits. Tor thought simply. I suppose your right; besides, I don’t think that now is a good time to reveal that the commander of all of Equestria’s armies is the enemy. Silver said. Right, there must be enough on the princess’s minds right now. Tome pushed open the door to the courtyard and made directly for the castle gardens. Tor could make out individual ponies; he saw Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Iron, Tac, and Princess Luna along with several royal guards. Most of them were milling around nervously. “What’s everypony doing?” Tor asked Tome as they trotted over. “I would assume that they are searching for clues as to what happened.” Tome said, he was out of breath. As Tor and Tome drew near Tor heard somepony shouting, he recognized Iron’s voice. “This is what happens when you wait!” He shouted and Tor heard Tac’s voice shout in return. “I can see that! But I would kindly stop pointing it out then I can think of our next step from here!” Tac shouted back. Tor saw Iron put his head forward as if he meant to charge. Tor saw Fluttershy mutter something inaudible. “No, the time for waiting is over! I saw we send out the royal guard in search of Discord’s influence and to deal with him once and for all!” Tor sped up into a gallop. Tac put his own head down; ready to charge. “I can see that you need to be put in your place!” He called and started to charge. Before either of them could reach the other Fluttershy let out a scream that made everypony stop in their tracks. “STOOOOOP!!!” Tac and Iron stared at her in shock, as did everypony present. Wow… Silver mumbled in shock. Yeah… Tor agreed. Fluttershy continued. “This is not the time for arguing, we need to figure out what happened. So stop wasting time!” She said and Iron Glared at her, Fluttershy gave him a stare that made him look away. Tac thought for a moment. “Thank you, Fluttershy. Forgive me for my impertinence.” Fluttershy relaxed and nodded at Tac sheepishly. Iron stalked up to Fluttershy; he was shaking with rage. Without saying a word he raised his hoof as if to strike Fluttershy and Tor drew Torais without hesitation. “Don’t do it!” he said aloud. Iron stopped instantly and turned to face Tor. All eyes were on him. Just had to do it, didn’t you? Silver said impassively. What was I supposed to do? He was going to hit Fluttershy! Tor thought; Iron was stalking up to Tor until they were face to face. Tor holstered Torais and looked directly into Iron’s eyes. Iron’s eyes were full of hatred and anger but Tor could detect a hint of fear at the same time. “Don’t you EVER point that piece of trash at me EVER again.” He growled. “Only if you never threaten my friends ever again.” Tor said defiantly, before Iron could respond Tor heard the Royal Canterlot Voice. “CEASE THY QUARREL AT ONCE!” Luna shouted. Iron immediately turned to her and bowed deeply, Tor followed his example. “Forgive me, princess.” Iron said quietly. Tor said nothing but stole a quick glance upward; Luna was looking at the two of them in annoyance. “It is as Fluttershy has said, we shouldn’t waste our time fighting. That is what Discord must want.” She explained and looked back at Fluttershy. Iron stood up from his bow and looked at Tor, his eyes were dark. “Make sure that it never happens again.” He muttered and stalked off. Tor was left looking at the rest of his friends whom were all staring at him with shocked looks on their faces. “Was it really necessary for you to point Torais at him?” Tome asked. “What else was I supposed to do?” Tor said. “You probably could have done anything but that. Iron is not a pony that you want to be enemies with.” Tac said as he trotted up. Tor sighed. “I’m sorry, I guess I just get a little to… protective sometimes.” Tac nodded in understanding. “That is a good trait to have, especially for a old member of the Manehattan guard. But you also must learn when put those feelings aside; that is a sign of true maturity.” he said, Tor sighed. “Of course, I’m sorry.” Tor said quietly. “Let’s just forget that it ever happened.” Not going to happen easily. Silver muttered. True, but I think we should get back to the situation at hand. Tor vindicated. Tor and Tac trotted up to the group. “I must get Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Spike. I will be back momentarily.” Tome called and trotted back to the castle at a quick pace. “Do we have any idea what happened?” Tor asked. “Not really, all we know is that the statue is gone, we’re searching for anything that could give us an idea right now.” Twilight summed. “Right, let’s resume the search then.” The ponies looked around the statue and the grounds, nopony found anything of note. Eventually Rainbow Dash came flying out of the castle. “Discord is gone? How could we let this happen?” She cried as she flew to the ground. “Oh! I just remembered!” Tor exclaimed; the other ponies looked at him expectantly. “Well? Spit it out!” Applejack said. “Last night I was on the balcony over there.” Tor pointed it out with his horn, Twilight nodded. “I remember that.” She said. “I saw the statue of Discord, but I also saw a pony in front of it; General Iron Hoof and he appeared to be talking to Discord too.” Silence followed. “Why would Iron do that?” Pinkie asked. Tac looked contemplative. “I assuming that you came to the same conclusion that I have.” He asked and Tor nodded. “I could only assume that he is with Discord.” Tor confirmed. “What should we do?” Twilight asked “We should interrogate him!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed but Tac shook his head slowly. “No, I don’t think that anypony could take Sir Iron down easily.” He said; Rainbow Dash looked thoughtful. “But we have waaaay more ponies than he does.” She said. “We don’t know that Rainbow.” Twilight said plainly. “He could have any number of allies in the castle.” Rainbow Dash sat down dispiritedly. “What do we do then?” Pinkie asked excitedly. “Throw him a party?” “Pinkie…I… um I don’t think that would be a good idea…” Fluttershy squeaked. “But why not?” Pinkie asked confusedly. “Because we don’t want him to know that we know.” Tor said; Pinkie looked at him even more confused. “It would better if he thinks he’s safe, that way he won’t do anything rash.” Tor explained and Pinkie lit up. “Oh! I get it! It’s like a surprise party!” She exclaimed. Tac frowned. “No-“ “YES, yes exactly like a surprise party. So don’t tell him.” Twilight interrupted and threw a pleading glance at Tac who nodded in understanding. Pinkie was jumping up and down excitedly. “Oh boy! I have to go get ready!” She said and dashed off on the direction of the castle. “Is she always like this?” Tac asked. “Pretty much. She’s jus’ being Pinkie.” Applejack explained. “I should probably make sure she doesn’t wreak havoc in the kitchens.” Luna sighed and flew off. “Of course.” Tac sighed. “Come, let us see if Tome is having any luck with Rarity and Spike.” He said and trotted off in the direction of the castle. The other had no choice but to follow him. ---- Tac led them into the castle and down the decorated halls; it wasn’t long before they were standing in front of Spike’s room. “Shouldn’t Tome be around here?” Rainbow Dash asked. “He said he was going to get Spike and Rarity.” “He’s prolly stuck tryin ta get Rarity out of her room. Darn mare can’t get ready in the morning.” Applejack sighed. “Right, well, we should still try to get Spike up at least.” Twilight said and pushed open the door; Tor could hear Spike snoring and see his sleeping form under the blanket. Tor glanced at the clock; it was 9:04. “Wake up Spike!” Twilight called out as she trotted in, Spike peeked out from under the covers and covered himself. “I’m trying to sleep here Twi. Can’t you come back in a few hours?” he moaned as Twilight pulled the covers off. “No.” She said simply and picked up Spike. “Discord’s statue disappeared and we need all of us to be up and ready to deal with anything he can throw at us.” She explained as she dropped him on the floor. As he heard the shocking news Spike instantly straightened up. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner then?” He exclaimed. “We could have been doing something about it a long time ago!” “Tome was getting us up to assist with the search. Right now we’re sure he’s trying to get Rarity so we thought we’d come and get you.” Tor said. “Of course.” Spike muttered as he dusted himself off. “Is something wrong Spike?” Tor asked but Spike shook his head. “No, it’s okay. Let’s go see how Tome is doing with Rarity.” He said and plodded out the door. Twilight looked after him worriedly. The assembly proceeded to Rarity’s room and was met with the sight of a very angry Tome standing in the hallway. “Miss Rarity! Please tell me that you have finished ‘preparing yourself’.” He called through the door, an irritated voice replied. “You cannot rush perfection!” Rarity called back. “You’ll just have to wait.” Tome turned to look at the newcomers. “Is there anyway to speed up the process?” He asked desperately Applejack shook her head. “Ah told ya. That darn mare jus can’t get herself ready in the morning.” She said. “I hate waiting.” Rainbow Dash muttered and sat in front of the opposite wall; Fluttershy slowly joined her. How does Tag live with it? Tor asked. I’m wondering how Open Book can deal with Tag. Silver said dryly. Tag… Tor trailed off and sat next to Fluttershy. ---- Steel Mail trotted out of the guard barracks just inside of Manehattan, Archer followed just behind him. “Come, Arch. If you slow down I’m going to leave you behind!” He called as he started into the bright streets. “Then slow down Steel! We all know you’re the fastest pony in the guard but you can stop showing it off.” Archer shouted as he galloped to catch up. Steel Mail didn’t slow down. “The pub will close if we aren’t fast enough.” He said simply. Archer lagged further behind. “Come on! Slow down!” He yelled. Steel Mail stopped and Archer ran right into him, Archer sat down hard. “I said slow down…” He muttered as he got to his hooves. Steel Mail was peering down an alleyway with a strange look on his face. “What’s wrong?” Archer asked pensively. “There’s a pony down there.” He said quietly. “And I think I recognize him.” “Well who is it?” Archer asked. “A pony I threw out a few days ago.” Steel Mail said and started to trot slowly into the alleyway, Archer followed at an even slower pace. “HEY! You!” Steel Mail called out, Archer could see the form of a pony shift in the dark. The pony stepped into the dim light; he was a very gray green with a gray blue mane. Archer saw the knife strapped to his foreleg and prepared to fight if necessary. Steel Mail didn’t seem to care and walked up until he and the pony were face to face. “What are you doing here?” He sneered the pony said nothing. He looked up slowly until he was gazing into Steel Mail’s eyes, he took a step back but continued berate the pony. “Didn’t I throw you out a few days ago?” He asked mockingly. “Do you need me to do it again?” The pony looked at him malevolently and his eyes flashed. “I don’t think you could if you wanted to.” He said lucidly, Steel Mail frowned. “That’s not how you treat guards in their own city. I think you need to be taught a lesson.” He pulled his hoof back as if to punch the pony but Archer quickly stepped in the way. “What are you DOING Steel?” He asked. Steel Mail pushed him to the side. “Starting class.” Steel Mail said and jumped at the pony. Archer watched in horror as the pony drew his knife and carved Steel Mail’s neck. Steel Mail slumped to the ground without a sound leaving just Archer and the pony in the alleyway. The pony looked at Archer with a stony face. “Are you going to try it?” He asked; Archer shook his head profusely. “Then get out of here.” Archer nodded and got to his hooves. He turned and ran faster than he had ever before, faster than Steel Mail.