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

[guerriera]

[ RUDE, shadow!Theta, rude! ...And very out-of-character for the shy AI.

Momentarily distracted not by Xion's retreat but by the magical key summoned by the younger mare, it takes a minute for Carolina to notice this change in personality. Max meanwhile, waddles over immediately to whuff at Barkley, then attempt to nose at the Theta-dragon, snuffling the ground before making odd whining noises. ]

...Something's not quite right.

[brodakota]

Yeah. I'm pretty sure that's not Theta. He wouldn't do something like that.

[skysmirror]

[The one good thing about these shadows is that their actions give them away. Over her momentary start, Xion dismisses the Keyblade. Sorry about that surprise, Carolina, but old habits and reflexes are hard to overcome.]

No, he wouldn't.

[Barkley whuffs back at Max. He's okay, just surprised. But that sure is a funny smell, right?]

[guerriera]

[Just how many of you people have keys, anyway? ...Would be a question she'd ask had Carolina seen more than one other fight with such a weapon. As it is, there's simply a look, because seriously, a key? before she steps towards shadow!Theta. It's a wary stalk, head lowering slightly as she approaches.

Max yipped in agreement, before nosing further at shadow!Theta, trying to tag it with his tongue. What gives, little dragon-person?]