“The time has come. Finish what we started.” A dark pegasus commanded, his deep voice thundering through the tunnels. Nameless closed and locked the iron cage before him, activating its innumerable wards and spells, and trapping his apprentice inside. “You will die like an unwanted whelp, or live as a conquering champion. The choice is all yours.” He shifted his billowing cloak as he motioned to the adjacent guards, who quickly nodded and headed towards the control center.
“I can’t kill her. She is too powerful and you know it.” Alpha pressed lightly against the shimmering magic, allowing his muzzle to peak through and snort at his master in annoyance. “You waste your time patronizing me. I was never destined to win.” Alpha subconsciously latched his shield onto his left hoof, resting it against the cold floor of his cell.
“Victory is not for the weak my young apprentice. The moment you expect defeat is the moment you will receive it.” Nameless glared out from beneath his hood, his eyes piercing Alpha’s soul and sending a familiar chill down his victims spine. The two stayed locked in place, a battle of stubborn will privately at hand. After a minute or so, Alpha gave up, releasing a discontented sigh.
“I have trained and fought through the blood, sweat, and tears to reach this point… only to lose. And you cannot convince me otherwise.” The younger pegasus turned away from the door and began to attach his other weaponry. His muscular wings stretched out from their place on his back, brushing the falling dust from his silver armor. Nameless stamped his hoof upon the ground and waved to the second set of guards.
“I am not here to convince you of anything. I trained you to win, you just need to decide what battle you are fighting.” In his annoyingly cryptic tone, Nameless repeated his mantra, earning him an eye roll from Alpha.
“You can never give me a straight answer can you? And don’t even think about repeating your lesson on patience and whatever the hell else you might be conjuring up.” The elder pegasus let out a low and bittersweet laugh, smiling at his apprentice in full. Alpha halfheartedly chuckled as well, but a sad frown quickly returned. “You have faith in me, and that means more than you know. But how can I have hope in something that might not even exist?” Alpha turned his head, not allowing any weakness to show.
“That’s not hope, young one. That is faith.” Nameless scratched at his chin in sudden thought, before he walked forward to whisper to his apprentice, “a wise stallion once told me that everypony has to trust somepony, and to live a life of doubt was worthless.” Alpha raised his head to gaze once again at his master, curiously deciphering his words.
“Thank you… but you know, you did butcher my quote. There was a lot less wisdom and a lot more vulgar language in the original.” Nameless snorted and stepped back, Alpha gave him a confident and reinforced smile, but he could never perish all doubt. To do so, would leave him an empty husk of a pony.
Alpha swiveled his head and began strapping on his sword, and re-checking his armor. He only turned back when the unnerving and familiar sound of whips rang through the air. Two minotaurs walked slowly in a circle, pushing giant pins of wood as a substitute for a magical engine. Alpha grabbed the bars and glanced at Nameless, who stood still as a statue. His cage suddenly shuddered as the mechanics took hold… he didn't have much time.
“This will be the last you ever see of me.” Nameless whispered, his tone wavering between sentimentality and dejection. Alpha looked at his mentor, a wave of confusion washing over his face. Of course, he was more than aware of his own impending doom. But to see Nameless in such a rare form was unnerving, yet also reassuring in some strange way.
“Even if I win, this would not be the end… would it?” Alpha cocked his head to the side, allowing his short and newly cut mane to swing lightly in the fire light. Nameless, who had turned to leave, glanced back at his one and only purpose.
“Your path is no longer intertwined with mine.” He sifted his hoof through his white mane and for a brief moment, appeared to be decades older than he truly was. “You have a future, and I play no part in it.” Alpha stumbled as his cage began to rise, leaving the safety of the tunnels and heading towards the terrible fire of the sun. He had always had a love-hate relationship with Nameless, but now that he was leaving, it simply didn't feel right to hate him anymore.
“Remember Alpha. You are who you choose to become. Remember why you fight.” The dark pegasus, in a violent torrent of shadows, disappeared. Alpha knelt down and watched through the final opening as his master vanished. They had met in a flash, so it was only fitting for him to vanish in shadow. They would never meet again.
Alpha rose to his hooves and placed a silver and gold helmet upon his head, fastening it tight. The walls of stone flew by like a waterfall, and up above, the deafening roar of its waters could be heard. He closed his eyes and took deep and calming breaths, his body pushing upon the decorated chest plate. A long scar was engraved upon his face, driven over his left eye and traveling up upon his head. He traced the scar with a metal cloven hoof, silent tears falling in his mind.
“Mares and Gentlecolts!” An announcer rang, his voice trickling down from the arena above. Alpha opened his eyes as the piercing light of day struck his face, blinking blindly, he attempted to look up through the growing gap of fire. “We have gathered here today, to witness what is acclaimed to be the greatest battle of the decade!” The crowd roared as the bars to Alphas prison were opened wide. The announcer inhaled deeply, preparing for his most important statement.
“Today, the undefeated warrior faces off against the young and upcoming star in a duel to the death!” Ponies, griffons, changelings, and every creature in the stands seemed to lose their heads. “Please welcome our champions! And enjoy the battle of the century!” The announcer paused for dramatic effect, “Alis Mortes versus Starstrike Glimmer!” Alpha, after hearing his title, stepped out onto the sandy floor and slowly raised his head. The final hours had begun.