13. [Audio]

[brodakota]

[North's voice comes over the network, sounding rather panicked. Surprisingly so, especially to people who know him for his quiet, patient demeanor.]

Is anyone else in Ponyville right now? 

If you are, have you seen Theta? 

It's really important that I find him, and I think it's getting dark.

[That's new...and all the more worrisome.]

Comments

[spaceracist]

[Silently he motions for the Spirits to take up flanking positions. Emile isn't entirely sure what's going on here, but the real Theta's got to be around here somewhere, right? He trots up a little closer.]

Theta?

[brokentrust]

[The tail scoots under the bush. Nope. No Thetas here.]

[spaceracist]

[Bullshit. Emile sneaks closer and his spirits do the same. Here, dragon, dragon, dragon, dragon....]

[brokentrust]

[There's the sound of rustling as the dragon shadow continues to hide itself. They can't see me. I can't see them.]

[spaceracist]

[What advanced tacti--no, no they're not. Spikes becomes impatient and pounces!]

[brokentrust]

[There's a squeak as the shadow dragon tries to get away, sort of fading in and out as it struggles with Spikes.]

[spaceracist]

Gotcha!

[Emile pounces (as much as a pony can), but seems dismayed to find yet another fading dragon.]

C'mon, you ain't the real one either?

[brokentrust]

[Nope. Bad luck, Emile.]

[spaceracist]

[Son of a bitch. Well, Emile will keep looking until someone gives the sign that they've found the real Theta or the sun comes up, whichever one comes first....]