Aftermath of A Fallen Star
By Rated Ponystar
Formerly Edited by The Unnamed Pawn and Commander X5
Pre-Read/Edited by: Magic Man, Chaotic Note, and Grand_Moff_Pony
The Dark Alliance (Tirek’s POV)
***
Escaping from Tartarus was no easy feat. I had to wait patiently for my time to leave the accursed prison. Fortune favored me when Cerberus left his post, and I used the chance to free myself. The one benefit about Tartarus was that those who were imprisoned in there could never die; many would say it is a fate worse than death but I disagree. I am a very patient individual, but I am also stubborn. Unlike the rest of my fellow prisoners I kept my wits and spirit live with only one burning desire: revenge.
Revenge against Celestia, Luna, and all the little ponies my damn betraying brother sided with rather then his own flesh and blood. I would wish revenge on my brother too, but it’s been so long since my imprisonment that there is no doubt in my mind he is already dead. Fine, let him rest in his grave. I will just have my revenge on the alicorns and their subjects by tasting their sweet magic.
Of course, I am no fool. I was as weak as a kitten when I finally felt sunlight on my face for the first time in nearly forever. I needed to regain my strength, learn what had happened to the world in the millennia since my imprisonment, and plan my revenge. The first step was easy. Not too long after leaving Tartarus, I soon saw a small cottage with a family of ponies. I played the old and weak act which made them have pity on me. For two weeks I let them feed me, shelter me, and befriend me. I played the grandfather to their foals and told stories I knew during dinner time.
When I was sure I had their complete trust, I took their magic and kill them in their weakened state. After burying the bodies, I now had a base of operations to shelter myself. I traveled to a small village in the distance for food and information. Some were suspicious of me, but they never took me seriously. I learned that my name and deeds had been forgotten in history, another act of fortune in my favor. I slowly began to gather my strength by feeding on the magic of traveling ponies, or children who wandered too far from their homes. Naturally, I had to hide the bodies while various rumors of the disappearances began to spread.
During that time, I slowly began to practice my magic. It felt good to unleash my powers again, but I was still too weak. The last time I had faced the Alicorn Sisters, I had been the size of a small mountain and it would take me years to gain the power I once had.
However, something interesting also happened. I learned that two more alicorns existed: Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Although the latter only lasted a year before her own ponies killed her. I had to laugh at that. It seems the Equestrians were not the perfect utopian society that they made themselves out to be. They were just like the rest of us after all.
Tensions began to grow during the next few years as the Princesses slowly began to lose influence over a growing number of their subjects who were displeased by the changes they were making. I saw it as an opportunity. I soon left the cottage and began to explore more of Equestria, stealing magic whenever I could.
For years I did this. Slowly growing in power. I did my best to keep my actions a secret, until I made a mistake.
I tried taking down a blue unicorn with a silver mane, some traveling magician and story teller. I underestimated her abilities and she was able to escape from me. I knew my identity would be exposed to the Princesses, so I did what I could and tried to retreat to the Badlands to hide for some time.
However, what I didn’t expect was an ambush of guards waiting for me as well as the Spirit of Chaos himself, Discord. I growled as I saw the golden armored ponies surround me with spears ready to pierce my flesh if I made a single move. In front of me, floating above, was Discord himself. I had never met the draconequus before my imprisonment, but I had heard rumors of him. His attack on Equestria came after mine, but in Tartarus everyone talked about him. When I heard he had switched to the ponies side I didn’t believe it, but now it seemed the rumors were true.
“So, you’re the big mighty Tirek that has had Celly and Lunny’s britches all twisted. Can’t say you look like what I’ve seen in the scrolls,” said Discord, arms crossed and looking at me with amusement. “I was expecting a twenty foot tall demon with powers that can destroy mountains, not a shrimp like you.”
I growled. “If I was at full strength, your magic would be mine, monster.”
“Monster?” asked Discord with raised eyebrow. “I don’t recall killing anypony during my reign of terror.”
“Yes, because causing ponies to go insane is so much better,” I snarled back. I tried looking for an escape route but even if I could take on the guards I was no match for Discord. The ability to cause chaos and change reality... one could be a god if they used that power right. His power was even greater than the Royal Sisters, who only defeated him because of the Elements of Harmony and his arrogance. Yet he used it for fun and games when he could have ended them with a snap of his fingers.
I wasn’t even strong enough to drain even a little of his magic, I could just barely absorb two ponies at once. I thought perhaps to appeal to his real dark nature. This was Discord, the Spirit of Chaos, would he really bind himself to these ponies like my foolish brother did? “You know, Discord, we are a lot alike.”
“Oh?” He replied as he pulled out a mirror and looked at himself. His reflection winked back. “Nope, don’t see anything.”
I rolled my eyes. “I meant by something other than our looks. We are both feared for our great power, and with that power we can do many great things. Yet we were denied each time by these ponies who think themselves so much better than the rest of us.” I growled and snarled at the guards who raised their spears a little closer. “They selfishly prosper while my nation has had to suffer for its past sins. I was only taking over for the sake of my people. Nothing more.” A part of that was true. However, now I just wanted revenge. “You were imprisoned in stone by these ponies for a thousand years. I was sent to Tartarus for longer. Why let yourself be ruled by these pathetic creatures? Why not rebel? Become the legend again that was feared and join-” Before I could finish my mouth began to change. A zipper appeared and shut my mouth. Despite my struggles I couldn’t free it.
Discord lowered his head and stared at me with a smirk. “You know, if you were to ask me that years ago? I might have believed you and listened.” He then snapped his fingers and I saw a photo in a frame appear before me. It showed Discord with five other ponies, ones I recognized in the papers as the Elements of Harmony. “But since the day I lost a... friend, everything changed. I found those who actually like me for who I am, and are willing to be my friend. I have a mare who is unlike anyone I’ve ever met and I hate seeing her cry. She’s cried for years because we both lost that special friend who affected us both. If I was to betray her now I would never forgive myself.”
I tried to say something but the zipper prevented me.
“So thanks for the offer, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline,” said Discord as he snapped his fingers and wore an officer's uniform. My hands were suddenly sealed with cuffs as I glared with hatred but was met with only an amused smirk. “Hope you enjoyed your vacation, Tirek, but it’s time to go home to Tartarus again.”
***
Discord left me in a pink bubble that I was unable to break out of with my magic before handing me over to the guards. He even put a leash around the bubble as an added insult as if I was some pet! I was left there in chains, cuffs, and my mouth still a zipper as I was forced to walk back towards my prison. It would only remain for a few hours, thankfully. Discord had left, but I was nothing but glad for that. The mere sight of him made me want to lash out and destroy everything in sight. Foolish. Just like my brother. Getting emotional with ponies. I swear, one day, his magic will be mine.
Eventually, it got dark and the group made camp for the night. I was forced to sit in my bubble, no food or water, and watch as the guards slept or kept watch. I was left to rot in my prison and stew in my hate. I had failed. I had this one chance to be free and regain my power, but I was now heading back to my living hell. I cursed that unicorn I didn’t kill. Cursed Discord. Cursed all of Equestria and those who lived in it.
Even if it took another thousand years, I would be free to reign over them all.
While I sat there in the darkness, the sound of hoofsteps from a pathway nearby alerted not just me but the other guards as well who grabbed their weapons. They lowered them when they saw more guards arrive.
“Commander Wellsprings,” said the mare in charge, saluting to my guards, “of the sixth platoon. Princess Celestia sent us as back up to make sure that you guys brought the prisoner to Tartarus safely.”
My guard commander saluted back. “Good to see a friendly face. Did Discord give you our report?”
“No, we were gone not to long after you were deployed. Is Discord still in the area?” asked the commander as she and her troops began to place themselves around.
“No.”
“Good.” The new commander then pulled out her sword and, before anyone could react, stabbed him straight into the chest. The commander died with a gurgle before falling to the grass motionless.
My eyes widened as the traitor guards suddenly attacked my escort guards with their blades, cutting them down before most had a chance to react. Those that did were ready to fight back, but, in another surprise, some of their own suddenly stabbed them in the back or sliced their necks open. In less than a few minutes, most of the guards that had followed Discord into capturing me were dead, their blood spilled across the campsite.
I was confused by what was going on, when somepony new entered the area. He was dressed in armor I had never seen before. It was black as obsidian with a dark red cloak trailing behind him. It was like knight armor yet it looked more smooth and durable while covering every part of the unicorn’s body but his head while in the center of the armor was a blue and silver swirling sphere that was shining in the center. Two swords of great length were by his side and I could sense them pulsing with magic. The unicorn himself was yellow in coat color and brown in mane color, looking young, handsome, but there was a vigilant fire in his eyes that looked almost fanatical. The remaining guards all bowed to him as I saw green fire enrapture the new guards, revealing themselves as changelings in royal armor. Those who didn’t change and betrayed their comrades bowed as well.
The dark armored knight looked at my bubble prison with some amusement before his horn lit up and he unleashed his blades. I didn't even get a chance to see them before they cut through my shield in a cross formation and were sheathes back in place. That one duel strike split the bubble and it disappeared, freeing me.
I stood there with curiosity as the armored unicorn stood in front of me with a smirk. “You know, if you’re this easy to capture, I wonder if even rescuing you is worth it.” I narrowed my eyes while wishing I could talk, but the zipper was still in place. “I wouldn’t worry about your mouth. That should fade away at some point soon.” He began to me as if I was some monkey on display. “I guess you're curious about who I am and what’s going on? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Morning Blade; one of the five Royal Knights of Unicornia. The personal bodyguards and agents of the Royal Unicornia Family.”
My eyes widened. I had heard of Unicornia in my travels, but as far as I knew the relationship between Equestria and them was bad. This had suddenly become interesting.
“Those guards who betrayed their own were bribed. Everypony's got a price. The changelings follow Queen Cicada, an ally of ours who doesn’t like the new Changeling Republic. Neither of us also like Equestria, something I think you share in common with us, right?” asked Sir Morning Blade.
I slowly nodded.
“Well, my superiors have sent me here to offer you an alliance. We plan on taking you back to Unicornia to help you recover your strength. There is a war coming that we plan on taking advantage of in the future. Your power is great and we can make it greater,” said Sir Morning Blade. “Unlike Equestria, which has just begun to discover the power of magic and technology, we have been doing it far longer than any other nation. We’re more advanced, and have the means of making anyone stronger with drugs, rituals, medicines, advance techniques, and more. We just require two things from you.”
Ah, the catch. Always a catch. Still, I listened.
“First, we would like to... study your means of absorbing magic. It’s unlike anything we have ever seen before. Agreed?” asked the knight.
I quickly nodded. The means of which I use to steal magic was meant for my kind and my kind alone. I was not afraid to have them study it, they couldn’t recreate it even if they tried.
“Good. Second, how would you like to regain what was yours that your brother stole from you?” He smiled at me. “How would you like to take over your old home and rule it?”
They had my curiosity. Now they had my attention.
And my allegiance.
***
The Nation of Pride
The Tyrant of Hate
The Queen of Lies
A Dark Alliance is born
Oh... crap... ALL UNITS, BATTLE STATIONS!
This just keeps getting better and better and now I can't wait for the next story and can't wait to see more Tirek.
Oh, cr*p baskets.
I think you mean latter.
*Sigh * Ultimate power is a paradox. You can do anything with it except share it. No one ever seems to see that at some point they will be betrayed.
Twilight's death actually had one positive. Discord staying loyal, too bad it got wasted.
Excuse my while I go try to let my rage ebb away.
Don't you mean 'latter'?
And bravo once again. I can see this happening with Tirek.
7273921 They are blinded by their own greed and lust for power, that's why.
Also, a very important and unnerving plot point was mentioned here. Unicorn is apparently much more technologically and magically advanced than Equestria. I was kinda hoping that they would have been as "magic only" as the Equestrian purists were. This is starting to look increasingly bad.
I want to nuke 'em so badly right now
7273976 Your not the only one who wants to nuke them. I want to nuke them too.
Interesting. Really looking forward to Fluttershy's chapter as that plot thread was left a little hanging and I was interested in seeing how it continues. Also really good chapter.
... You know, I fucking hate Unicornia. And not in a "love to hate, good villain group" manner.
No, I hate them because everything for their power-grabbing bullshit keeps going according to THEIR advantage. I hate built-up villains having all these resources, all this power, because it gives absolutely no hope that said villains can be overcome. It's not exclusive to the villains in this fic, either. There's also Purgle the War-Mongering Minotaur in "The Prince". Absolutely hate that everything goes to his plans with no sight of consequence.
Basically, I'm accusing you of making a Villain-Sue NATION. You know what would be great? If we get to see Blueblood Senior get gutted by the ponies he goes to. If they shoot themselves in the foot and leave some glimmer (heh) of hope. Not repeatedly reading how Unicornia thinks itself so great and everything going according to their plans.
So is there a point to this story? Is it all leading up to something? Or is it just going to be depressing plot twist after plot twist...... it just seems like the author enjoys destroying cannon equestria one crazy chapter a time.
7274182 Part of my thoughts, I agree with your opinionated observation.
7274182
7274200
All this is doing is setting up the next story. In which the Evil mastermind tries to set up his pro pony/unicorn government. I am waiting to see how long it takes for Tirek to backstab the villainous ponies when the plan goes south.
This story... is a mess. Seriously you seem to have nothing planned out, you just go back in the timeline randomly and add some sort of new twist because a new episode released. After reading the latest chapter i defiantly won't be continuing reading. I wasn't enjoying this story in the first place and the only reason i'd continued to read was because i wanted a conclusion something that never happens in this story because you're too busy trying to stuff in some sort of twist. Not to mention the annoying perspective and timeline changes nearly every chapter nothing really happens it's just a bunch of depressing filler. I don't enjoy being depressed do you?
Crud. This is getting crazier and weirder.
7274127
Unicornia is the pony version of the Draka (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Domination) who are the ultimate in villain-Sues.
And honestly, any actual fight between the two nations would end in an apocalypse for Unicornia. Their opponents control the sun and moon, weather, and can grow more food (thanks to earth pony magic) and quite probably have a higher tech level, or at least industrial capacity.
Seems like things are going to soon play out into a war that will end both Equestria and Unicornia as we knew them (or the the case of Unicornia, didn't know.)
7274305
The story is depressing because of Twilights death. In Pewee's chapter we find out that Twilight had a grand destiny and would have led the world into a golden age. Her death has thrown the future into chaos and now what could have been is in severe danger of not happening. The point of this story is to first set up the world that will be happening in the next story and showing why Twilight was important.
In Amadus Blueblood's chapter we find out he opposed Twilight's plans and killed her so he could have power. He does not realize that his actions could be bringing the equivalent of Armageddon down nor does he seem to care. The sad fact is that the world is now an exceptionally dark place and Amadus is using it to further his own agenda not realizing or being capable of realizing that every choice he has made is the wrong one.
So yes this story is depressing and dark because it has to be in order for the next story to have its chance at a bright dawn!
It seems Armaedus Blueblood would rather let the world burn than admit he can't have everything he wants. But he's made a fatal mistake in recruiting Tirek, Tirek craves power and will stop at nothing to get it.
To be honest, I kind of agree with what some of the other commentators are saying about Unicornia and their status of "cannot do evil wrong". This is a trope that applies everywhere, from movies to comicbooks to literature; the villain´s plan is never foiled even when it looks like it. It gets tiring, annoying and can just make you interest. However, I don´t think that applies to this story.
You see, I think you´ve done a good job so far. So far. I still need to keep on reading to be sure of how this will turn out.
You´re presenting the villains as impeccable masterminds. They never fuck up, they are better at magic, they are better at technology, they hate Equestria for whatever reason... It kind of reminds me of Nazi Germany prior and during the first years of WII. Yes, I´m bringing up the nazis, but not in the way you think.
I´m not saying that Unicornia is "nazis", though the resemblance is still there. Not that I blame you, since WII most evil empires are basically magical nazis (The Witcher, Star Wars, etc). What I mean is that the perceptions of the heroes, the ones we´re rooting for, are the same the Allies had when they were facing the Axis. They thought of Germany as this unstoppable force. They were better armed, trained, and just kept on going. No one was able to beat them. Not even the Russians could. Hell, nowadays a lot of people think that the only mistake Nazis did was messing with Russia or otherwise they would have won. And yes, messing with Russia was their downfall. However, what most people tend to ignore, is how fucked us the situation was inside them. Lots of stupid mistakes, incompetence, inner revolts... They were just really good at hiding it. I think the same happens to this villains. Just because we see them as perfect doesn´t mean they are.
I´m completely sure that they are about to fuck up, majorly. The same way the Nazis downfall is marked with their defeat on Stalingrad, I´m betting that getting Tirek alongside their lines is that point. It´s going to bite them in the ass hard. And I really hope it happens that way, because quite honestly, I dislike the trope of an OC villain beating a canon one, specially one with the power of Tirek.
In fact, when Tirek so arrogantly states that there´s no way they´ll find a way to replicate his powers, I hope he´s right. Now, that´d be an interesting twist. Because it would be pretty damn unexpected.
So, I´m still hopeful about this whole issue of "villain Suetopia".
Keep up the good job, and I am looking forward to reading the next chapter
7273889
Well...that suddenly took a nasty turn...
I just realized - there still hasn't been a Fluttershy chapter yet. I wonder when that's coming along?
You are such a fool, Amadeus. Making a deal with Tirek is just like Kasper making a deal with Zamiel. Anyone familiar with Der Freischutz knows that Amadeus' days are now numbered. His soul will be whisked away to Tartarus for his sins, and his body cast into a ravine to be devoured by wolves.
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Never appeared
7275604
Because I am saving it for later
Oh schist!
There's a storm coming, and I have a feeling Equestria isn't going to be ready.
the entirety of this chapter in a nutshell
7274127
...
I don't know what story you're reading, or maybe you haven't been reading for a while, but he's been losing power hand over fist. He's at a point where nothing is going right for him, not beyond short-term victories.
7274854 An Equestria that takes place in a world that is dark and depressing doesn't bother me. I feel like there has been a lot more tell than show over many of the past chapters for the sake of the set up, and I feel like the story has gotten generic.
YES! I want to add how the elements of harmony got involved in the Cherliree chap.
7275516
I would love to see him get to the after life to be greeted by Faust who then shows him Twilight, Flash Sentry, and his son under her care. She then tells Amadus that he has been kicked out of the herd and his son was allowed in because he was so screwed up in the head that he couldn't be held accountable for his actions. Then Twilight gets to tell him that because of him the ponies have become lesser and it is all his fault.
I can't believe what I'm reading from this Chapter. It's bad enough that Tirek will steal magic ponies since the season 4 finale, but joining forces with the Unicornian Nation to get what he wanted??? It seems that Amadeus' evil plot is getting thicker now that he has an Army of Villians by his side.
I bet in Equestrian Civil War: Alternate Universe, there will be an epic battle between the two largest factions.
Unicornia (Villians): Amadeus, Majesty, Sir Morning Blade and the Royal knights, Equestrian's First, Queen Cicada (w/ her changelings), and Tirek
V.S
Equestria(Heroes): Twilight (Revived), Twinklestar, the Mane 5, Crystal Empire army, Celestia, Luna, and Discord.
7281588
What do you mean?
7281603
About five or six months
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For one, you need proof and Amadaus covered his tracks pretty well. Second, will people really trust the word of a traitor? Some might assume he was lying to Shining to make himself look more sympathetic. Third, Amadaus has influence and such it would take time to mount a case against him. That's why he was so quick to leave.
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Reason it was so easy to damn the assassins and Blueblood was Amadaus made sure the proof was all there for them to be convicted and sentenced easily
This chapter by far outstrips the others in "what the hell" moments.
It's like, "Bruh what the hell did I just attempt to read"
Not that I'm hating, doe.
You know, thinking on it, the one most fucked over, by the recruitment of Tirek is Majesty Blueblood herself. Still, she was already fucked over.
I find the entire scenario unfair for her, and am worried that if I do read the next story, I'm going to start bitching about wanting her to defect from the decadence of Unicornia to Equestria. She doesn't get a chance to truly decide for herself. "Destiny" says she's going to be the villain that may end the whole damn world, and her scumbag bastard of a father is going to raise her in an environment to suit HIS wants to a point that she's just a pawn that will do as the Unicornian Government says without question. He, through his plans, deprived her of all positive potential influence via her brother or mother.
... Really, Tirek taking her magic might end up being the cruelest kindness. She can't end the world if she's powerless, and being without that power may just save the world because of Tirek. Pretty sure our demonic centaur just wants to rule everything and crush resistance under his hooves... not destroy the entire planet. :D
Every new chapter just makes this story better and better.
!!!
Shit's about to go down
7277683
It's possible but alot of things need to be covered in my AU story though such as Spike and his whereabouts and the invasion.
7275601 How many chapters left in this story? How many chapters for "The Ragnarok of Equestria"?
One more thing, I have no idea Orichalcum was real life metal.
7384578
5 chapters, but 3 POV's left. As for Ragnarok, unknown at the moment
killed
__________________
move down a line.
______________
I'm sad that Luna never really got here chapter. But with how involved she is, and how many lives she's mingled with from both stories by now. She'd probably end up with her own story / side fic. Since we've yet to get Rares, Flutters, or AJ. Anywho. Decent chapter.