//------------------------------//
// Chapter 23: Mass effect 
// Story: From the isles of Avalon 
// by The Drifting Bard 
//------------------------------//

Twilight's mind for a spell




I had grabbed a shield off the wall hangings in the room, positioning it to the stairs and sitting on it. Giving myself a push from the ground, I sped down the staircase at such a speed that, when I finally came to a halt the collar became snagged. As I stood up, I noticed Trixie's unconscious form. I began to run. noticing the collar was now loose, I ripped it off.
"Come on, work... magic...work" I panted as I ran.

I could hear the sounds of steel hitting steel, I jumped into a bush for a moment. 
peeking out, I could see Alan was deftly out matched. he was jumping back from each swing across his midriff. 
I was half tempted to jump out and help, but that would put me in danger. 

He had a plan, but what was it?.

I took off again, this time heading for Ponyville. While I ran I began to think.
What if he dies? all is lost and we would have to give up hope.
what if they both die? life goes on.
what if Tirek dies? I wont be alone.

I realized that in a sense the only thing driving Alan to keep going was... me.
He had come this far to succeed in rescuing me, which he's now done.
but what else can he do? Tirek wants to kill him personally.. and why does he need the other elements?
finally coming to a conclusion, I began to run even faster. 

Celestia's sun was beginning to set, and I was slowly running out of steam.
I began to walk. "Alan, be safe" I whispered to myself, as if it was instilling some hope, even if it could be false.
the fear slowly set in. I had the feeling something bad was going to happen.
there was an eerie wind blowing. 

I couldn't help it, I teleported to Ponyville.
"Celestia," I wheezed out, my legs gave way. 
"G-gather the others... Alan has a plan" 

"Twily?" My brother came rushinog up, What was he doing here?.
"Shiny.. what are"
"no time, drink" He handed a bottle of water to me... at least It was water.

I began to explain everything that had happened while I was there.
"Sounds like Tirek alright... but forcing you to play Chess? and punching you in the face because his troops failed?" Shining took a glance at the red mark on my face. It no longer stung.

Applejack had arrived with Rainbow Dash, looking just about ready for anything.
Rarity had appeared with Fluttershy looking worried as usual.
Pinkie pie, however, turned up looking just about ready for war. 

"How are you feeling sis?" Shining asked. 
I simply looked over to the others. "I feel a lot better now," 
"lets go rescue Alan"






back in the dirty mind of one Gallant Knight





"Give up, and die already" Tirek spat as he swung the gargantuan blade once more. 
I simply stepped to the side and deflected it. he had finally scored a few hits. The trench coat now lay on the floor, several large holes cut into it. my t-shirt was now hanging loosely over my jeans acting as a tabbard.
"Not going to happen" as he brought the sword down to make a nice filet out of me, I stopped it with the tsubasa.
gripping the hilt with both hands, I pushed up. Tirek fell backwards but regained his stance. I brought the sword back down in a flick. 

He ran for me, bringing his sword down, catching me across the chest.
with a cry of pain, I slid back. blood slowly trickled down my chest, It was lucky that i parried at the last second.
however, It was just my luck that he had swung across. I tried to jump back, but was up against a tree. 
so i ducked and rolled forwards. 
I found myself behind Tirek, so i slashed him across the back.
He roared in both defiance and agony. "shut up" I said nonchalantly, Kicking him in the back.
he brought the flat side around and caught me in the side, sending me flying into a wall. 
as I flew in the air the only thought i had would have to be fuck me... I am going to die.
My head grazed the stone on the floor as I slid across the grass.

I stood up and gripped the sword tighter. Don't know how much longer I can hold out...Hurry Twilight.
There was a chill in the air as sparks flew from the pendragon. Arthur's voice rung out in my head. 
"you are the last Pendragon, It's time you started fighting like one" 

I took a deep breath and calmed my nerves, finally settling on the low stance once again. "Watashi no ken de, watashi no chi ni yotte, anata ga ochiru*" I held the blade across my chest, taking the stance of a samurai. I let out a primal roar as i dashed to the dark lord.

but it was all in vain. He once again brought the sword down, I raised my sword to block it, succeeding.
however, I felt a foot collide with my ribcage, Kicking me back. Tirek then threw his sword after me.
I stabbed the Pendragon into the ground, swinging myself round to kick the gargantuan sword away. 
It missed as it was lodged into the wall.

Lady luck was on my side once again. I pulled the sword out of the ground and began my assault.






*by my sword, by my blood, You will fall.