The Shadows Saga

by Tagshadow


Shadows Ch. 18 More of the Nightmare

Tor examined his surroundings, he was in a large room; wooden desks lined the walls covered in test tubes and papers entirely black with illegible writing and drawings. Torches that burned lowly in the corners held up by metal stands dimly lighted the whole area. Tor noticed Silver standing beside him looking at the far side of the room. Tor up against the far wall was a metal table; in front of it was the familiar shape of Discord along with the shadow of another figure that surely wasn’t a pony. The figure was silhouetted against the light from on of the torches but Tor could make out shadowy talons and wings. The figure was hunched over something on the table that Tor could not see from his vantage point so he crept closer in hope of getting a better view. He did.

Tor gasped and Silver quickly trotted up behind him to see what was the matter but he froze in place. On the table was Silver, his coat was torn up and he bled profusely from many cuts along his flank. A large cut ran right through his cutie mark, a large white shield. The shadowy creature placed Torais on his side. The band snaked around Silver’s body until the bow was tightly in place; Tor could hear Discord laugh.

“Is it done?” He inquired. The shadowy figure held up a talon for silence. Silver gave a small cough and opened his eye; it was full of reptilian hatred. Silver jumped of off the table and assumed a battle stance baring his teeth at a bemused Discord. The shield cutie mark slowly morphed in colour and shape until it was the same as Torais.

“I going to assume that he’s ready.” He said smiling devilishly. The shadowy figure turned to Discord.

“Aye, that he is sire.” It said in a male voice that sounded like claws on a chalkboard. “ ’E should respond to your mental commands. Try one.” Discord looked at Silver who then proceeded to draw Torais and fire at one table shattering one test tube.

“Veeery impressive. I will say Madwes you’ve outDONE yourself this time.” Discord said and stuck out a clawed hand to Madwes, he shook it.

“What can I say sire? Us griffins take pride in our work!” He crowed. Discord smiled again. Madwes smiled and stepped away from the table and into the light, he was wearing a pair of goggles and smiled broadly

“Don’t forget, you’ve got to do the other one too.” He said and clapped his hands. The doors behind Tor and Silver opened and revealed two dark figures flanking open book. As they came into the light Tor realized that they WERE shadows, shadows in the shape of ponies. Open Book looked like he had been beaten within an inch of his life but he strode into the room with dignity. His cutie mark was an open book. When he saw Silver he lost his composure. Beside Tor, the present Silver looked away.

“Silver! Thank Celestia you’re here! I don’t know what they have planned!” He tried to get to Silver but the shadow ponies jumped on him before he even got close. Open Book looked at Silver desperately. “Silver! What are you doing?” Silver replied by grinning maliciously. Discord stepped over to Open Book and picked him up.

“Poor little pony doesn’t realize that isn’t even your brother! Your brother is gone! And the best part is that he’ll NEVER come BACK!” Discord dropped Open Book onto his hooves and fell over cackling. Open Book appeared devastated he looked at Silver with fear in his eyes.

“Brother what have they done to you? Come on! Please answer me! Please…” Open Book started to pound on the ground causing Discord to laugh even harder. “Please… say something, anything. Just… tell me everything’s going to be okay like you used to.” Tears flowed down Open Book’s face and onto the floor as he gazed into his brother’s hatred filled eyes. Silver said nothing but looked right back at Open Book who lowered his head. Discord finally got control of himself and struggled to get to his feet. He watched Open Book for another moment before he motioned to Madwes. The griffin took the defeated pony by the forelegs.

“Come now lad, yore good friend Madwes is goin ta’ make everything okay, y’hear?” Open Book protested weakly trying to get back to Silver but ultimately Open Book was lead to one of the tables. The plucked a feather from his side and produced an inkwell, he dipped the feather into the little pot and brought it close to Open Book’s chest. Tor could not look away although he felt that the next part was going to be unpleasant. Madwes stabbed Open Book with the feather causing him to cry out in pain. Madwes pulled the feather out slowly; Tor could see that there was a small white orb attached it, the orb bobbled around while Madwes quickly placed the feather into a glass jar. Open Book fell onto his side without a sound and without struggle. The shadow ponies lifted him up and threw him onto the table.

“I’m going to need a knife for this un’.” Madwes said. Discord thought for a moment then snapped his fingers. Beside Madwes Tagia appeared out of thin air. Madwes examined the blade. “Oh, that’s a good un’!” He said excitedly. And placed the knife onto the table. He took the jar containing the feather and orb and smashed it onto the blade. A loud wail that sounded like a thousand distant ponies in pain could be heard throughout the room, it lasted long time before it finally died down to a muted whimper. Madwes lifted his smoking claw from the blade and shook it profusely.

“Wow, that was quite the soul this un’ had!” Ha said happily and picked up Tagia complete with its band. Discord took it and admired it.

“Am I glad I decided on this model. Look at it! So stylish!” He held for another moment before tossing it onto the table. ”Let’s strap it on. Shall we?” Madwes took his spot beside the table and Discord his. Madwes picked up Tagia and began to place it around Open Book’s forearm but Discord stopped him. “Around the neck; easier access.” He said simply. Madwes shrugged and put it on Open Book’s neck. The band once again snaked around until the knife was fully in place. Open Book’s eye opened with a reptilian pupil; same as Silver and he jumped off into a battle stance beside Silver. His cutie morphed until it was the same as Tag’s knife. Discord was enthralled with the two of them, admiring them from every which way.

“Try givin the new un’ a command sire, jus’ to make sure that the connection is in place.” Madwes suggested. Discord gave another devilish grin.

“That, my friend, is a very good idea. Let’s try it.” As he spoke Open Book growled and drew Tagia, he jumped at Madwes and slit his throat cleanly. Madwes didn’t even have enough time to caw or defend himself and fell down noiselessly. Discord snickered at the corpse while Open Book cleaned Tagia on it. Open Book then returned to his place beside Silver without showing any emotion. Discord stepped up in front of them and paced side to side like a drill sergeant.

“All right, now you two are going to need some names seeing as I didn’t even know your old ones.” Discord stopped in front of Open Book and examined him. “You’re the one who can supposedly tag shadows as they call it… your name is going to be Tag Shadow.” Discord glanced over at Silver. “That means you’re the one who can tear shadows… Tear Shadow sounds wrong…” Discord stood up and scratched his chin with a pointed claw. He brightened.” TOR! I’ll call you Tor Shadow!” He laughed to himself but quickly regained his chaotic composure. He paced to the doors and flung them open.

“GO! GO MY MINIONS AND BRING ME THE CORPSES OF THOSE TWO ACCURSED PRINCESSES!” He cried; Tag and Tor galloped out of the room and into the dark hallway. Discord cackled crazily and fell over again; he put his hand on one of the shadow ponies to support himself. “Look at them scurrying to do my bidding! It’s just… priceless!” he said still laughing. He looked at the emotionless shadow and sighed. “It would have been a good idea to keep Madwes alive.” He snapped his fingers and the two shadow ponies disappeared into the floor.

----

Present Tor and Silver followed past Tor and Tag all the way to the palace. It was dark as Princess Celestia had recalled and the palace was dimly lit. Tag and Tor had made it into the castle gardens by passing through a small hole in the castle wall on the far side of the castle. They passed through the gardens easily and soon stood outside the door what must have been Princess Luna’s room. They had dispatched the guards with cold precision leaving the bodies on the floor at their hooves. Tag’s horn lit up and he turned invisible; Tor put his hoof onto a shadow on the wall; his horn lit and the shadows came off of the wall swirling around him until he could not be seen. The door opened and present Tor could make out the sleeping form of Luna on the bed. He waited for the sound of Celestia’s hoofsteps. He heard them in the distance; they stopped for a moment but then resumed faster then before. Tor soon saw Princess Celestia round the corner and note the bodies of the guards. She looked much younger, smaller in size compared to her present status.

She stepped up to the door slowly and peered inside, Tor could see nothing. A puzzled look appeared on Celestia’s face; she closed her eyes in concentration. Tag’s form shimmered and then appeared above Luna with Tagia pointed at her neck. Tor recognized all of it from Celestia’s recollection. Next past Tor appeared behind Celestia with Torais pointed at the back of her head, he could see the tears form in her eyes as Tag smiled and prepared to bring Tagia down on Luna’s neck. As Celestia had said a blue pony came out of nowhere and attacked Tag, Celestia bucked past Tor in the face and he was out cold.

----

Tor suddenly found himself in what looked like a prison cell; past Tor was just waking up next to Tag. Silver was standing nearby.

“What happened?” Tor asked confusedly. Silver looked had a somber expression on.

“You where knocked out, you wouldn’t have any memories of what happened after Celestia bucked you.” He said gloomily. Tor looked back to past Tor and Tag.

----

Tor was in the castle courtyard in the bright of day, he flinched at the sudden contrast of light but quickly adjusted. He could make out Discord and the Princesses. Discord had a large circular red and white target on his middle and motioned for the princesses to come at him. To the side past Tor was standing beside Tag with their weapons at the ready. On signal Tor heard the yells of the royal guard as they made their foolish charge.

“WAIT! YOU”LL ONLY GET YOURSELFS KILLED!” Luna cried after them. One of the guards, a pegasus, stopped in midair.

“Don’t worry milady! We know what we’re doing! This is why we signed up, to protect you two!” He called and rejoined the charge. Luna looked at them helplessly as Tag slashed and Tor fired arrow after arrow into the crowd. Celestia put her horn on Luna’s shoulder.

“Come, we mustn’t let their sacrifice be in vain.” She said calmingly. “We must focus if we are to defeat Discord.” Luna closed her eyes briefly and then opened them; there was a determination that hadn’t been there before.

“You’re right, sister.” She said. “It’s time to put an end to this!” The two of them turned to face Discord. He peered at them.

“You’re kidding, right?” He asked. “You have to be kidding, two little ponies could not have a chance at defeating me!” He said. “Even if you are alicorns!” Celestia stomped her hoof on the ground.

“Hear me Discord! Your reign of chaos and disharmony ends now!” She shouted over the din. Discord laughed loudly.

“They actually think they can beat me!” He chuckled. He stopped suddenly. “Not going to happen.” Luna closed her eyes.

“You may think that you have all the answers! But the truth is you know nothing! Only hatred and pain can come of your leadership!” Celestia said, she closed her eyes and a bright light enveloped her and Luna. Discord gave a bored yawn.

“You’re going to have to try har-“ He was interrupted as a large rainbow shot out of Celestia and Luna landing at Discord’s feet, it quickly became a tornado that surrounded him. Discord’s bored look became one of terror as his feet started to turn to stone. Discord cried out as the stone crawled up his body, taking his feet and reaching hungrily for his claws. Tor noticed the Tag and past Tor were also turning to stone although payed no mind to it as they continued to fight off guards. Discord swirled his body around trying to get away from the stone and Tor couldn’t bear to look anymore and turned away. He heard Discord’s cries of terror slowly drift off along with his consciousness, he felt lightheaded and soon collapsed.

----

Tag opened his eyes but immediately closed them again.

Why do I have to get up? He asked.

Because you have a job. Book said. Tag opened his eyes again.

Of course, wouldn’t want to keep Rarity waiting. Slid out of bed and on to his hooves. A stabbing pain in his head took him by surprise. Ah! What the heck was that?! He asked holding his head in his hooves.

I don’t know but it seems to be quite painful, I can feel it myself. Book said. Tag steadied himself and started downstairs.

He trotted into the kitchen and opened the fridge; there were two apples inside. He ate them hurriedly and stepped out into the street; there was nopony about.

Strange, I wonder where everypony got to? And why do I have a strange sense of déjà vu? Tag wondered as he started towards the Carousel Boutique.

I’m wondering the same thing right now. Book agreed.

Stranger yet, you usually have an answer for everything. Are you feeling sick today? Tag joked.

No… Book said and laughed nervously.

----

Rarity opened the door promptly after Tag knocked.

“Good morning!" She sang as she ushered him in.

“Good morning to you too, Rarity.” Tag smiled. “Shall we get to work?” Rarity nodded and led him up to the inspiration room. Fabric was lay out ready for use.

“Today we will be making those quilts that Fluttershy ordered; I will be teaching this as we go along of course.” Rarity said and began to instruct Tag.

It was mid afternoon when they had finished the order. Tag stood beside Rarity looking proudly at the six quilts they had managed to put together.

“That certainly was gratifying.” Tag said. Rarity nodded.

“Yes it certainly was! They all look wonderful!” She admired them again before putting them into a bag and set it aside. “Fluttershy should be here tomorrow to pick them up.” She said and looked around.

“Are there any orders that I should be getting to?” Tag asked and Rarity sighed.

“No, nopony seems to have a problem at all.” She said.

“… Well what are we going to do? It’s not like I could just leave without putting a full day in.” Tag said. Rarity gave him a look.

“Wanna spoon?” She asked.

“I’m sorry, what is that…?” Tag asked.

----

Tag slammed the library door behind him causing Twilight to seize up in the middle of the floor.

“Tag! Please knock before you come charging in like that!” She said angrily. “I was in the middle of some important research!” Tag was too busy peering cautiously out the window to hear. Twilight sighed and went back to her book. Spike came in from the kitchen to see what the noise was.

“Hey Tag!” he said and Twilight quickly hushed him. Spike grinned sheepishly and walked closer to Tag. “Sorry, I think you might have come at a bad time.” He whispered. Tag looked at the lavender unicorn; her mane was frazzled and her eyes were slightly red.

“Has she been reading that book all night?” He asked curiously. Spike nodded.

“Yeah, it happens sometimes. What are you up to? Shouldn’t you be at Rarity’s?” Tag looked out the window again.

“Yes, but I think something’s wrong, she seems… desperate if you know what I mean.” Spike deadpanned.

“Yeah, because it’s that time of year again.” He said. Tag gave him a confused look.

“What do you mean ‘time of year’?” Spike smiled slightly.

“You know… that time of year where all the mares go crazy.” He said. Tag cast a look at Twilight.

“But Twilight’s…” Spike put a claw to his lips.

“Between you and me Twilight’s too much of a nerd to go through that sort of thing.” He whispered. Tag looked thoughtful.

“So I can hang out here?” He asked hopefully. Spike shook his head.

“Naw, the mares rove around town in a huge group looking for colts, Big Mac lets all the colt’s in town hide out in the barn. I would go there.” Spike suggested.

“Thanks, I’ll do that.” Tag said and inched the door open; the street was all clear so Tag jumped out and into the bush.

Wait… if it’s that time of year then why was Rarity fine the entire morning? Tag wondered.

In all honesty I don’t believe a word of Spike’s story, the only mare we’ve seen go crazy was Rarity. But if it were true then I would say it was an undying loyalty to her job or her not wanting to creep you out seeing as you’re her coltfriend. Book said.

That’s the Book I know and love. Tag thought. Now I feel like a foal for believing Spike. Tag jumped out of the bush and into the street.

“THERE’S ONE!!!!” Came a familiar voice. Tag spun around and saw Fluttershy of all ponies leading a huge crowd of mares through the street.

I hate it when I’m wrong. Tag thought.

Quick! Start tagging shadows! Book said.

I don’t know how! Tag panicked.

Push the light away. Book instructed. Tag started to wave his hooves frantically. With your magic fool! Tag lit up his horn and used his magic to push the light away.

The crowd of mares stopped inches away from Tag. He could make out the familiar faces of four friends: Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Tag snuck in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

----

Tag let go of the shadows when the barn came into view. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath.

That took a lot more out of me than I thought it would. He thought.

I noticed. Book said.

Better hurry up; don’t want to run into Applejack.

Good point. Tag picked himself up and made his way to the barn looking in every direction for the orange mare. He soon stood in front of the barn; he heard a small noise on the other side.

Better check to make sure it’s safe. Book suggested. Tag put his eye to a crack and instantly recoiled in horror.

OH DEAR CELESTIA! Tag screamed inwardly.

I can honestly say that I did not see that coming. Book sounded dumbfounded. Over the sound of Tag’s sanity shattering into a million pieces he could hear another pony laughing. He turned around and saw Tor coming up the hill with tears streaming down his cheeks from laughing.

“I’m sorry but was just too funny the first time!” He said between fits of laughter.

“I’m sorry, what?” Tag asked. “Tor what’s going on?” Tor stopped laughing instantly.

“No, I’m sorry. You won’t last much longer if I keep this up.” Tor said and drew Torais, aiming right at Tag’s head.

“What are you doing?!” Tag asked taking a step back.

“Starting again.” He said and fired.

----

Tor was back in his mind again; he recognized the endless darkness. Silver was there but he was staring at his hooves as if trying to figure out something that was beyond his reach. Tor couldn’t think of anything to say, the events he had witnessed both disturbed and horrified him.

“I’m so sorry…” He trailed off. Silver sniffed.

“Don’t be, I followed you of my own accord and it is my fault. I just didn’t remember that the last few moments of Open Book’s life were so… ruining.” A tear splashed onto the clear floor. Tor didn’t say anything; he stood beside Silver who leaned on him lightly. “I’m sorry that you have to see me like this.” Silver said.

“Don’t worry, we all have our weaknesses.” Tor said. They stood for a long time in the dark abyss. Eventually Silver stopped leaning on Tor but he still didn’t say anything. After more time had passed Tor could hear the distant murmurings of several ponies. Silver looked up.

“It would appear that it is almost time you wake up.” He observed. Tor gave an agitated sigh.

“Is there any way to speed up the process?” He asked. Silver shook his head.

“I don’t think so, and it wouldn’t be good to wake yourself up to quickly.” The murmurings grew louder. “Besides, once you start to hear voices it doesn’t take long to regain consciousness.” Tor’s vision began to brighten.

“Wow, that is fast.” He said. The brightness became a blinding light and Tor squeezed his eyes shut.