//------------------------------//
// Epilogue: The Apprentice 
// Story: A Day in the Life of Flash Sentry 
// by Silver Inkwell 
//------------------------------//

Epilogue: The Apprentice

Nightmare Shadow stood in the darkness waiting for somebody very special to show up so that he could test them, and then he would learn from them.

And soon enough he came, Tirek was there and came to greet him at last.

“Well hello there, Tirek,” Nightmare Shadow said, “Nice night isn’t it?”

“Yes it is, one perfect enough to steal your magic,” Tirek said, but when he tried to he couldn’t, “WHERE IS YOUR MAGIC?” he shouted out loud in anger.

“It is in a safe place where I can access and use it a moment, but that’s not the real question that you should be asking here, the real question to be asking is this, will you help me learn how to steal magic like you do, or will I have to send you down to Tartarus myself? I would like us to be friends you know.”

“I don’t make it a habit to make friends or to teach any pony my tricks.”

“Well suit yourself then,” Nightmare Shadow said clicking his hooves together as a portal to Tartarus opened right besides Tirek almost touching him.

“Wait!” he said, “Alright, I will teach you, if you spare me from prison.”

“You have my word,” Nightmare Shadow said clicking hi hooves once more again and the portal closed, “Those are the words I like to hear from you, now then, hall we begin? I am most anxious to be your friend and your apprentice.”
With that said they began to train at once, and Nightmare Shadow mastered the art very quickly, and when he finally did, Tirek wanted to be released.

“I have done what you have asked,” he said, “Now release and free me.”

“I’m sorry, did I hear a demand come across to my ears? I am the master now Tirek, and I control you now. And you should have never said yes to our deal, because everybody knows not to ever make a deal with the bag guy or villain, and if you ever do, you have to specify everything, so I am sorry my friend, but your usefulness has now expired, and I no longer need you anymore.”

And with that said Nightmare Shadow clapped his hooves together and sent Tirek back to Tartarus. And then he gently held the amulet that he wore around his neck that had his power, and the other one that had another far more mysterious power that could corrupt the minds, thought, ideas, fears, and dreams of all the other ponies of Equestria. Something to help him win this war, and so with hi new knowledge he flew off into the night and vanished.