(Like the crappy sequel to an okay game I am BACK everypony! Anyway, this story was just a little something I needed to write about, most of it won’t make sense right now but just go with me for now. If human stuff isn’t exactly your thing feel free to wait until I post the end of this one because there is important stuff at the end. –Tag)

Tag sat in the Carousel Boutique; it had been a wild trip to get back from Canterlot. After he had regained his senses he had a hard time explaining to his friends that he was perfectly fine. He wasn’t. He put aside the dress he had been repairing and sighed.

A lot on your mind? Book asked nonchalantly. Tag glanced at the knife strapped to his foreleg and nodded.

I just haven’t been feeling like myself. He thought sadly.

I believe that would be a logical assumption seeing as you miraculously recovered from being insane not even two days ago! Book exclaimed. Tag smiled sheepishly.

After that horrible nightmare I just have to wonder why our world seems so perfect… He trailed off.

In all of pony time there has always been something wrong; when I was around it was a war with Discord, and while you’re around it’s… a war with Discord. Book finished lamely.

It’s just… what if everything that is… wasn’t before? Tag wondered. He got out the next order.

That’s an odd question. Book observed.

While I was… insane… I felt like I had a much better understanding of the universe. It’s really hard to explain because that feeling is gone now that I’ve returned to normal. Tag struggled to think.

I could tell that you certainly had some kind of knowledge but I failed to understand any of it. Book sighed.

Put it this way: how long have we existed? I feel as though there is another chapter before this one in the grand scheme of time, somepony that came before us. Tag thought. Book was silent and for a while, the only noise came from the sewing machine.

That is one of the most intelligent things you have ever asked me. Book said at last.

This is serious! Tag thought, frustrated.

No, that is a very good question; and one that I can’t even answer. Book said apologetically. But it’s not like you could ask anypony that kind of question because I don’t think anypony knows the answer!

I wasn’t exactly looking for an answer; I guess it’s just one of those things to think about.

And you’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Book mused. Perhaps you should be thinking about your marefriend? Tag stopped his work and blushed slightly.

I wish you wouldn’t call her that. He thought as he started again.

You’re the one who kissed her. Book reminded him.

I wish you wouldn’t bring that up. Tag thought.

Wishing won’t get you anything! You have to get it yourself! Book cried.

What are you on about? Tag asked surprisedly.

Don’t you think it’s time you go out with her again? Tag did a double take.

Since when is that your decision to make? He asked.

It was my idea last time, it worked out pretty well I think.

True but….

Exactly. Book said, finishing him off.

Fine! If that’s what you want I’ll do it! He thought irately. But where would we go? The ponies still don’t trust me. He added

“Tag! Are you done up there?” Rarity called from downstairs.

You know just how to time these things. Tag sighed. “Yeah, I’m done.” He called downstairs.

“Perfect! I need you to mind the store; I have a customer that needs a private fitting.” She called back up

Tag sighed and trotted down the stairs; Rarity was standing beside a large stallion with a broad smile on his face.

“Afternoon, sir.” Tag said respectfully.

“Afternoon to you too.” He said back.

“Tag, do you think you could mind the store for a while?” Rarity asked casting a glance to the front door.

“Are you sure you want me too?” Tag asked surprised that Rarity would trust him.

“Of course, it’s a slow day anyway.” She said and trotted up the stairs. “Please follow me.” She said and beckoned for the stallion to join her. Tag sat behind the counter.

I was serious about that question though. Tag thought. What if there was a species before us? He could hear Book sigh in his head.

How am I supposed to know? Book muttered. Tag shook his head.

I’m not asking if you know, I’m asking for any insight.

Well I’ve got nothing. Book said exasperatedly. Ask Twilight; she’s more up to date on things then I am.

Yeah, I’ll do that. Tag agreed. The bell at the front of the shop and a sea green unicorn walked in.

“Good afternoon, is there anything I can do for you?” He asked smiling. She pulled a dress out of one of her saddlebags and placed it on the counter.

“Could I get this repaired?” She asked pointing at a large hole in the side. Tag nodded. She placed several bits on the counter. “When should I come to pick it up?”

“Tomorrow, at around three.” Tag said. The unicorn nodded and trotted out.

I have a feeling that this will be a long one. Tag groaned inwardly.

----

Rarity came down the stairs an hour later with the stallion.

“Come back in three days and I should have it done.” She said and led him to the door; she politely held the door for him and he left. She closed the door and looked to the clock. “Would you look at the time! It’s almost four! Time to close the Boutique.” She looked at Tag. “Just let me get your bits.” She trotted over to the cash register and collected to bits with her magic. Tag took them.

“Thank you.” He said; Rarity looked at him with a concerned look on her face.

“Are you alright dear?” She asked. Tag shook his head slowly.

“It’s nothing… I… things just feel slightly different.” Tag said with a resigned sigh.

“Well if there is anything that our friends or I can do please just let us know.” She said.

“Thank you but I think I should get home, Tor has been getting fidgety lately.” Tag lied and trotted outside. He was going to ask Twilight the question that had been pulling at the back of his mind.

----

Tag knocked on the library door before opening. Twilight was standing at her writing desk making a quick note before she turned to him.

“It’s a public library, you don’t have to knock.” She said.

“But it is also a house, I thought I would be mannerly.” Tag said simply. Twilight gave him a strange look.

“Is something wrong Tag?” She asked curiously.

“There been a question on my mind lately; was there anypony before us? I mean us as a species, was there ever any form of intelligent life?” He asked quickly; Twilight looked at him like he had gone crazy again.

“Where did that come from? Are you feeling alright Tag?” she asked him with a concerned look on her face. Tag shook his head in annoyance.

“Why does everypony keep asking me that?” He wondered angrily. Twilight backed up a bit. “Wait…”

“Tag I think that you’re just thinking about things to hard, perhaps you should take a break from things. You’re still recovering after all.” She suggested. Tag shook his head again.

“I’m not overthinking things, I’m just thinking!” He argued. “After what happened I feel almost as though this world we live in is a lie!” He shouted. Twilight looked at him, horrified.

“Tag, please calm down!” She said desperately. Tag stopped immediately and looked around.

“I’m sorry about that.” He said somberly. Twilight looked at him cautiously.

“It’s okay….” She said quietly. Tag could feel anxiety creeping in the back of his mind; he shook his head and sat down.

“No, it’s not okay. I think there’s something wrong.” He said.

“What’s going over here? What’s all the yelling about?” Spike asked as he came in from a separate room. Tag looked at the floor.

“Tag seems to be having some problems.” Twilight sighed; she turned back to Tag. “What do you think we should do about it?”

“I don’t now what can be done about it…” Tag trailed off. Spike scratched his head.

“But what is the problem?” He asked.

“Tag seems to think that there was another race before ponies; not a concept that is discussed often.” Twilight explained.

“Why don’t ask the princess then? She’s been alive for forever; she would know something.” Spike suggested but Twilight shook her head.

“With the things that are happening, I don’t want to put more on the Princesses mind. They said they would contact us if they needed us.” She said. Tag stood up again.

“Of course, I guess I’ll just have to live with this for awhile.” He mumbled.

“I’m sorry Tag.” Twilight said. “But with the threat of Discord still in the air we can’t be doubting ourselves.” Tag nodded.

“I understand.” He agreed. Twilight inspected him.

“I’m still worried about you…” She trailed off. Tag looked right into her eyes.

“Do you want me to stay here tonight?” He asked.

“No… it’s just… let me know if anything happens tonight.” She said hesitantly. Tag walked toward the door.

“Then I will leave.” He said and stepped out into the now dark street and closed the door behind him. Tag was frustrated, he was annoyed, and he felt like his friends didn’t understand him.

Are you going to be okay? Book asked uncertainly.

I’m fine, what makes you think that I’m not?

I can feel some very strong emotions right now; I don’t think that they are the good ones either. Book said. Tag’s eyes flashed.

I used to think that having a pony in my head would be a good thing but quite frankly it’s been getting annoying. He thought angrily.

Calm down. Book said soothingly. Tag stopped trotting and took a deep breath.

Your right, I’m sorry. He sighed.

Perhaps you should turn in early. Book suggested.

Maybe. Tag agreed. His house was in sight.

----

Tag pushed open the door and trotted in; he could hear Tor in the kitchen cooking something.

“Evening Tor.” He mumbled, Tor’s head popped into the front hall; he had a concerned look on his face,

“Is something wrong?” He asked. Tag shrugged his shoulders.

“Sure I guess.” He still mumbled. Tor wasn’t convinced but he didn’t say anything.

“Well… there’s food if you’re hungry.” He said and ducked back into the kitchen. Tag followed him in and sat down. Tor was leaning on the counter as he waited for whatever was in the pot to boil. His side had healed and he was doing much better but his muscles had been torn and it would take some time for his flank to heal.

“How is your side today?” Tag asked casually. Tor stood up straight for second but resumed leaning.

“It’s getting better; I think tomorrow I’ll start doing the exercises.” He declared.

“Good thing, it must be mind numbingly boring around here.” Tag said. Tor turned off the stove and picked up the pot and a few bowls with his magic, Tag picked up a couple of spoons. Tor put the pot on the table and Tag looked into it uncertainly.

“Apple soup.” Tor said quickly. “My first attempt.”

“I was unaware that you could make apple soup.” Tag said quietly. Tor smiled sheepishly.

“Silver suggested it; I’m not exactly goo at cooking… or anything like that at all.” He mumbled.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Tag said to himself. He served himself some of the cinnamon coloured liquid. He dipped his spoon in a sipped it cautiously, Tor watched ready to call the hospital. It felt warm in his mouth and tasted surprisingly good.

“What do you think?” Tor asked looking at him for any signs of injury.

“Not bad.” Tag complimented him.

Of course, Silver could make all kinds of good things for the long hours at the library. Book said.

Why didn’t you tell me then? Tag asked slightly annoyed.

Just because. Book laughed to himself quietly. Tor had served himself some soup and had eaten some.

“That IS not bad for a first try.” He mused. “But I digress, how was your day?”

“It was a normal work day.” Tag said simply. Tor looked at him curiously.

“There haven’t been many work days, are you sure nothing special happened?” He wondered.

“I said nothing happened.” Tag said bitterly. Tor looked concerned again.

“Did something happen?” He asked looking right into Tag’s eyes, Tag tried to hold his gaze but couldn’t and looked down into his apple soup.

“There’s just been a question on my mind…” He trailed off.

“Perhaps I could help?” Tor said encouragingly.

“Ever since we got back I’ve been wondering if we were the first intelligent species, or if there were others before us.” He explained. Tor looked at him strangely.

“Where did that come from?” Tor asked, he had forgotten about his soup.

“After I had been freed of Discord’s control and was… different… I felt so… so much like I knew everything yet I wanted to know more; more about the past, and everything that has occurred in this world.” Tag continued. “I wonder what happened before ponies, we can’t have been here since the beginning of time.” Tor was absolutely speechless.

“I… have you asked anypony about this?”

“I went to visit Twilight after work, she thought I was going crazy again.” Tag sighed. He finished his soup and stood up. “I’m going to bed, I have to go to work tomorrow.” He started towards the living room but Tor stopped him.

“We should talk about this! If it’s making life hard for you there must be something we can do.” He said limping up to Tag quickly.

“No, Twilight suggested that I’m just overthinking things and that I go to bed early. I don’t believe that I’m overthinking it but I could probably use the sleep.” Tag said and started up the stairs; Tor watched after him helplessly.

----

Tag stood in the doorway of his room and looked at Tagia.

Too soon? He thought dispassionately.

In all honesty I don’t have a specific date, please stop asking and I’ll let you know when you can take me off for the night. Book sighed. Tag climbed into bed.

Good night. Tag thought quietly.

Not yet. Book said. Before Tag could do anything he was out cold.