//------------------------------// // chapter 25: reduced to ash // Story: From the isles of Avalon // by The Drifting Bard //------------------------------// Inspired by Malukah and theHumanTim Tirek broke through to where Alan crashed, seeing the six women running in fear. Ignoring them, he walked up to Alan's seemingly dead form. "heh, I won" He chuckled for a moment. "heh, well.. you lose... now i can take over" He turned around to leave. "Not so fast, Tirek" Tirek pivoted on one foot, attempting to bring his sword round. I simply tutted. I was holding the blade in between my thumb and index finger. I punched him in the face. "not to beat around the bush but," as he recovered from the punch, I drew the sword. I swung it across his chest, leaving a nice gash. "your a dick" I threw another punch which he intercepted, and threw back in my face. "not good" I grunted as he continued to push down against me. The ground began to shift, causing me to fall on my back. Tirek's gargantuan sword was still held against mine, and I soon felt a burning sensation in my arms. I began to look at my options. Option 1. take the hit like a bitch. Option 2. aim for the testicles... If he has any Option 3. Kick him off and stand tall I choose option 4. a combination of all three. As the meat-cleaver like sword bit into my flesh, I kicked out, pushing Tirek away. I rolled backwards onto my feet. Giving him the finger again. he sped towards me, I simply stood my ground and closed my eyes. It was over, his sword had grazed my side. Mine was through his black heart. Within one last swoop, I severed his head. Twilight and the others had returned with grave looks on their faces. Twilight looked about ready to break down into catatonia. Rarity had an almost similar look. the fashionista had felt as though she had lost a brother. "I should have stayed" Twilight muttered under her breath. Right now, all she could do was sob. Celestia placed a hand on the distraught Librarian's shoulder before giving a warm smile and a hug. Pinkie Pie began to twitch. then came a very loud shout of one single, one syllabled word. Twilight looked up for a brief moment to Celestia, "everyone, Prepare yourselves, we need a forward battalion right there" The sun-goddess pointed in the direction of the tower. "but we also need to prepare the hospital for him... Hope for the best, Prepare for the worst" "-UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!" I had stubbed my big toe on a tree as I slowly limped towards ponyville. getting closer and closer still. The reason for the cry of agony, anger and pain was simple. I had dislocated my big toe again. I placed the sword into its scabbard and began to use it as a cane, alleviating a small amount of pain from my foot. It hurt to walk... but soon I'd be back home, relaxing with a book, croissant and a cup of tea. "I'll be there soon Twi" I collapsed, shrouded in a dark fog. Tirek's spirit entered my mind and willed my body to continue moving in the direction of ponyville. Mindscape: Final battle (ugh... too much Scott pilgrim the videogame) "Tirek, Just give up man, You're done" I said nonchalantly. "you will be reduced to ashes," He leapt across towards me, Taking on his original form. a fucking centaur. "oh for fuck sake, get out of my head will you?" he swung at me catching my cheek. "fuck it, My mind... I do what I want!" there was a bright glow, as a new form of armor appeared on me. "Mind if I string you along?" I threw back my fist and launched it at him. It connected with his face, but he simply bucked me away. I was suddenly reminded of mortal kombat 3... Ya know... Motaro? I realized the only way to actually beat him was to get above him and strike. It's a lot harder that it looks. I jumped and swung the blade catching him in the back. he then bucked, It was to be a very long process. what felt like a few hours, Tirek was slowly beating me into submission. but Arthur finally stepped in to lend a hand. "Come on, Alan... We can do this, together" He outstretched a hand to help me off the floor. I nodded in compliance and we began to tag team. I would come up high and strike Tirek from behind, while Arthur would get underneath. It took several tries, much like most final boss battles. However, Tirek had finally had enough. He brought his forelegs up, Preparing to bring them down on Arthur's head. there was a sickening crunch as Tirek missed his mark. I looked on, seeing that Arthur's whole chest cavity had caved in. Tirek began to laugh, not his usual evil laugh.. but a victory laugh. I gritted my teeth in anger, before I heard Arthur's voice echo throughout the arena. "Remember, Do it for me, Do it for Equestria, for Avalon... for them... for her" I brought the sword up to a midstance once again, and cleared my head. The landscape changed, becoming a scene of serene tranquility. Tirek grew tired of the fighting and simply charged. I thrust the blade forwards. "Heiwa ni iku" Go in peace I closed my eyes, and opened them. as it turned out, I was lying on my back staring up at the moon. I got up and continued my journey home.