//------------------------------// // Meeting in Tartarus // Story: The Price of Freedom // by kahnac //------------------------------// It had been almost a year since Twilight had arrived at the gates of Tartarus, itself. In that time, she had returned the straggling gate-keeper, Cerberus, to his post in the dark domain. It was a rough journey, but it seemingly paid off in the end. Unfortunately, due to the present crisis of their world losing magic in all its forms (all living creatures, followed by all magical artifacts), she found herself returning to this infernal domain once again. But thankfully, she was not alone this time. Thanks to a suggestion brought up by the young pegasus filly, Cozy Glow, who was made her friendship assistant, Twilight Sparkle made the decision to go back to Tartarus, and after analyzing the situation with the princesses, decided to bring all of her friends, minus Starlight Glimmer who was left in charge of her school, to help her. The plan was simple: go into Tartarus, and make sure Tirek was still in the dark realm. And if he was, interrogate him for information. It would be an interesting endeavor, given this would be the second time Twilight would actually enter the cavernous prison. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have to go in alone. And despite a harrowing walk to the Gate, involving a lack of magic bringing up some inconveniences, the seven friends soon arrived. Standing in the side of a mountain, up a single flight of stairs, a huge pair of stone doors bearing glowing, red glyph’s towered over the group like a giant monolith. In front of them, sticking in the doors like some manner of cork was a square-shaped slab with four smaller squares on each end, in a diamond-shape position. The material itself looked like a pale aqua circuit board, bearing a gaping hole on the bottom. Seeing it brought a great sense of relief to the princess. “This is the only door to Tartarus. The good news is the seal isn’t broken. So we know Tirek didn’t escape....” she trailed off, raising a hoof to her chin in thought. The other friends knew this meant there was something else she was about to mention. “Lemme guess: you got bad news, too.” Applejack inquired, as if she expected this from her friend. “The last time I was here, I had to use magic to get in, according to Starswirl, all unicorn magic was gone by yesterdays sunset.” Twilight answered, looking dejected. Wanting to be at least a little helpful, Rainbow suggested, “Maybe he was wrong.” Though she had her doubts, Twilight knew it could be possible. And it was at least worth a try to get inside. So she did her best to produce her own magic, giving a strained groan as she made the attempt. But she sighed in disappointment when all she could produce was an inkling of a magical spark. Before she could say anything, Pinkie went up to her side, and said, “Don’t worry, Twilight. I got this.” With such confidence, right before she posed as a pizza delivery pony crossed with a mascot wearing a pizza slice over her head, and a hair net. She even produced a pizza box from the satchel on her side as she knocked on the huge door. But she got confused when no answer came. “Huh. Always worked before. Oh, well.” She said passively, tossing the box away. “Did any a y’all pack anything that could actually help?” Applejack asked. A good question, which earned the response of the ponies all searching in their satchels for anything be of benefit. At first, it din’t appear as if anything would be any help at all. Even Rarity admitted as she pulled out her sewing materials, “These all do magic - but not the kind we’re looking for, i’m afraid. Suddenly, Spike found something in his bag that he never noticed before. “Hey, how about this?” What he brought out was an aqua, and gold cone with a ring held at its round base. Twilight’s expression brightened as he actually recognized the item in question. “The Key of Unfettered Entrance! Where did you find this, Spike?” “In your bag. Cozy Glow must have packed it for you.” Spike said, handing it over to a happy-faced Twilight. “She really did think of everything. “ “Um....what does it do?” Fluttershy asked. “It can magically open any door. And since artifacts like this haven’t lost their power, yet.....” The key was quickly placed in the hole of the lock, proving a perfect fit. As soon as it was in, it hummed while transferring its energy to the lock, giving the item a bright, blue glow which filled all of it up, including the other squares. All four began clicking, and turning in a full 180 degree angle, and unlocked the Gate. Both doors swung wide open to reveal the dark, and foreboding inside of the cavernous prison. But when Twilight went to reach for the Key in the hopes of using it again to exit the prison, it completely shattered on impact, and turned to dust to the ponies and dragon’s surprise. “I guess it only works once.” said Twilight, with a clear hint of confusion, and concern in her tone. But she, and the others pressed on, knowing they’d worry about departure later. Once all seven of them were inside, the wide-open gate immediately shut on them. All of them left in a state of perpetual darkness without any magic to light up their way. Which is how they got easily startled by a hissing Cockatrice appearing in their sights. All of them exclaimed in fright, and shut their eyes as tightly as possible. “Cockatrice!” Exclaimed Applejack. “Do something, Fluttershy!” Rarity exclaimed, too. “Don’t look at it! It’ll turn you to stone!” Rainbow Dash also exclaimed All of them unaware of Pinkie Pie nervously smiling as she foolishly stared at the avian monster. But after 10 seconds of looking, followed by the animal’s roar, Pinkie noticed how unaffected she was. Even hopping up and down with her usual flair upon realizing she was safe. “I don’t feel like stone.......unless it’s really bouncy.” After Pinkie’s funny statement, everypony began to get their nerves back, and dared to also look at the stone-making monstrosity. When they did, all they saw was the Cockatrice in a cage, slithering in circles in a depressed, and rather bleak manner that showed it had lost its own flare. Fluttershy, feeling sympathy for the creature, gently rubbed its side, saying, “Maybe he’s lost his magic, too.” Right before the sound of other animals moaning caught their attention. “All the creatures here must have.” Light suddenly began to appear in the domain, and unveiled numerous mythical beasts in cages. The Bugbear, a Yeti, Chimera, Manticore, Malworth and numerous others sat in cages. All of them dejected, and sad because of their weakened state adding to their imprisonment. The pitiful sight only earning them sympathy from the visiting ponies. “Starswirl said that would happen on the second day.” Twilight said, growing more and more concerned for the situation. “I know it should make me feel safer, but.....it just makes me sad.” Spike admitted, feeling for the poor creatures in the cages. “We gotta fix this!” Twilight looked to the creatures one last time. She knew Spike was right, and that they had to do something to end this nightmare. Without magic, their world would truly become despondent, and eventually fall to ruin. So she, and the others continued on with new determination. As they walked, Pinkie went up to a horned beast, and attempted to make it smile while saying, “If all these monsters lost their magic, getting past Cerberus should be easy-peasy!” Only to be disappointed when the poor thing slumped back into its depression. Suddenly, the sound of heavy foot-falls approached the group, and Rainbow Dash was first to notice the approaching goliath. “LOOK OUT!” All of the girls screamed as Cerberus ran past them, after almost stomping on them, and began moving around in a restless manner. It appeared the 3 headed dog had grown bored and was attempting to entertain himself by sprinting around the prison. Unfortunately, he ended up becoming an obstruction by doing this. Fortunately, they had Fluttershy to help settle him down. “I’ll talk to him.” She said, flying up to the 3 heads - the left, and middle growling at her, while the right had its tongue hanging out. When she spoke, however, they paid her actual mind. “Um, excuse me, puppy!” She said in a high, friendly tone which she used to talk to, and play with any young animals she cared for. “You are a very good guard dog, yes you are!” she baby-talked, rubbing the middle heads muzzle, and gaining satisfied growls from the beast, as all heads focused on her. “But, um, we were wondering if we could get by to check on Tirek?” she asked nice, and sweetly. Cerberus growled in confusion very briefly....but then he began lapping her up with his 3 tongues, now fully remembering the pink maned mare from the last time they met. “That looks like a yes.” Aj said, feeling relieved, though the group almost got hit by random slobber from the massive hound, still licking the giggling pony. “I’ll get you a towel, darling!” Rarity said loudly ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After Fluttershy had her fun, Cerberus guided the entourage to the narrow path leading the prison peak which held a large, iron cage. The very cage they had created when the power they used to vanquish Tirek banished him back here, after ripping his stolen magic away. The path was a bit of a climb, as the peak stood high above them. Admittedly, the girls, and Spike, were a little nervous to do this, given how their last encounter with the prisoner they were about to face was their most harrowing experience to date. He almost brought all of Equestria to ruin, and would have almost succeeded in his conquest, and reign of destruction had they not found the power to stop him. But he was a weak, and frail creature now, based on what they remembered of his defeat. And since they, themselves, had no more magic in them, he couldn’t use it to escape. By all means they were safe from the wizened old centaur. But when they finally reached the summit of the peak, and saw the shadowy silhouette of the demonic centaur, they began to notice something odd. He didn’t seem to be as thin, and weak as they recall. In fact, he was standing up tall, and strong with his arms crossed behind his back. The bull-horns he had in his second, and final form were visible to them, which was confusing given his relative size hadn’t changed. He even seemed to have a flow of hair hanging from his head instead of a mohawk streak. He also seemed to be wearing something in his cell, based on the curved things resting on his shoulders. It was all too clear something was up. He soon noticed their approach, and turned around to face them. His yellow eyes no longer pin-pricks in empty sockets, but fully encompassing his eyes with no pupils at all. And when he spoke, his voice was deep, brisk, and powerful. Just as it was when he regained his strength, and youth. ”Well, well, well: the Princess of Friendship here for a visit?” he mock bowed, holding the end of some manner of cape on his left hand while draping it over himself. “And what have I don’t to earn the honor of you, and your entourage’s company?” “We want answers, Tirek! Magic is disappearing all across.....Equestria........” Twilight’s words died in her throat as she, and her friends gaped at the imposing figure of Tirek. While he retained the size of his older, weak form, his form itself was anything but. His skin a bright red, and his fur a pure black. The white hair that made up his beard was a few inches longer, and on the top of his head was a full mane of white hair instead of that hilarious mohawk resembling a guard’s helmet. Directly in the middle of fully extended, razor-sharp bull horns that almost touched the roof of his cage. And his eyes were completely yellow, with absolutely no pupils at all, which only added menace to the knowing, fang-filled grin he was showing. Yet what was more odd, and striking was the onyx armor he wore on his torso while a pair of curved Spaulders pointing upwards in their horn-shaped visage rested on his shoulders. Hooked by a golden lace was a short black, and red cape which hung behind him with a hint of wind flowing through it. He also had a waist guard lined with grey metal, along with shin guards for his legs. And on both arms were a pair of silver gauntlets which seemed to shimmer, even in this dark cavern. It was unbelievable seeing Tirek like this, and only added further fuel to their suspicions......as well as their growing concern, since they were unsure how strong the centaur was. “I know!” Tirek said with wicked glee, picking up on the group’s nervousness. “And it’s such a waste of-” he slurped his lips as he hungrily hummed. “delicious magic!” he then flailed his rather large tongue out of his predatory maw, hissing like a reptile, to the girls, and Spike’s discomfort. It only took a moment before Tirek addressed the obvious elephant in the room. “Tell me, though: do you like my new appearance? A bit rustic for my normal taste, but for some reason the suit speaks to me. Almost as if I wore something like this in another life.” he hummed. “Well, let me tell you something, Tirek.” Rarity actually spoke up, giving her own thoughts to Tirek’s attire. “Gothic armor is so passe’ this time around. You’d be better off wearing a rugged hoofball uniform to make your appearance even come close to appealing!” she stated, trying to insult the great centaur.....not wanting to admit that the armored look he had seemed to fit his appearance. Instead of annoyance, Tirek showed amusement through a brief chuckle he had. “And you must be the “Rarity” pony Discord last mentioned. He did say you were an influence over his love of “good accessories”.” He then smirked. “A shame it was an abysmal influence from a tasteless mare.” That got the reaction he wanted, and Rarity actually stammered in abject shock and anger. “Tasteless?!” she almost shrieked. “Why you uncouth, brutish-!” “Simmer down, Rarity.” AJ said to her fashionista friend, trying to keep things as settled as possible. “Don’t let ‘im get ya riled up. That’s just what ‘e wants.” She cast a brief glare at the centaur, who continued smirking his evil smirk, and held his arms behind his back. Twilight, however, wasn’t interested in any games the centaur wanted to play, and addressed the issue he brought up further. “Explain yourself, Tirek! How is it you look like this when we took away all the magic you stole? We all saw you go back to an old centaur!” “And i’m sure you’d love to see me in such a weakened state, wouldn’t you?” Tirek inquired. “You princesses always enjoy lording over those weaker than you, and my being an elder would only add to that incredible obsession.” Seeing the mare only continued to glare, he sighed, and answered. “Yes, I WAS reduced to an old, and withered state following our last encounter. And it was anything but an amusing experience. I probably would have stayed like that forever......had I not been given a special gift of a mystical persuasion.” “So you are behind the magic disappearing!” Rainbow accused. “That’s why you look all buffed up, isn’t it?” Tirek huffed, and said, “Silly filly: if I had all that incredible magic, do you think i’d still be locked up in this place?” He then knocked on his chest plate, and explained what his armor was. “Although physical evidence would show otherwise, I am no stronger than I was in the second form I took, which lead to my gaining the power to drain flight from Pegasi. Enough to keep me strong, but not enough to let me escape. This armor holds the power to let me soak up the magical essence of the very world around me, and hold it. Since there’s so little here in Tartarus, it was just enough to maintain my present form. All of the magic I currently hold stays in me, protected from any outside forces that could sap it away by the alloy I wear.” He lightly grumbled, “And as such, I remain a hapless captive of this accursed realm. So no, you worthless nag: I’m not behind your magical famine.” The girls gave each other questioning glances. Even though all he said made some sense, they were still unsure if what he was saying was the absolute truth. Unfortunately, there was no way they could be sure. “But.......I may know something about it.” Tirek openly admitted, grasping the bars of his cage with a knowing smile. This sparked a hopeful sensation in the girls, and prompted Twilight to ask, “Then tell us, where is Equestria’s magic going, Tirek? What’s making it disappear?” Instead of answering, TIrek merely stroked his beard, and chuckled in delight. “Maybe if you let me out of this cage, I could be inclined to remember.” He then leaned threatening close to Twilight with that sickening grin of his. “What do you say, Princess: you scratch my back......and I scratch yours?” A rude tugging on his beard drew the centaur’s attention to Rainbow Dash, who was pulling his face to hers while holding his beard. “How about you tell us, or else you’ll be trapped here forever because we’re all out of magic, and nopony can open the door?” The minute she let go of him, the centaur’s lips parted into a beastial snarl - the same kind as a wild predator who was just yanked by the tail. The others noticed, except for Rainbow, who watched as the centaur returned to his full height while glaring at the pegasus......and then punched her right in the nose, and sent her back towards her friends. “Rainbow!” Applejack exclaimed, as they all surrounded the pegasus to make sure she was okay. Luckily, there was no lasting damage aside from her repeated sniffling. “It’s okay, guys, i’m fine - just a real good sucker punch.” She, and the others, returned Tirek’s glare with their own, before he said, “But perhaps you might get something worse the next time any of you lay your filthy hooves on me! I might not be at the height of my glory, but I can still tear you apart from behind these bars.” His arms crossed his chest. “I only refrain from it because there isn’t any point. As they smart mouthed pegasus stated: noone in this room is capable of opening the gate of this accursed prison. Which means there is no way out for any of us.” This got the girls real startled. “Oh, my. I never even thought of that.” Rarity said. “You mean we’re just as trapped as Tirek?” Spike asked in a tone which betrayed the feeling of panic he had growing in his heart. Hearing the fear, and worry in their voices only made the centaur chuckle in fiendish delight. He had turned his back on the ponies before, but returned to face them all. His next insulting statement making Twilight glare at him. “What a pity - well, for you. Sweet revenge for me. It already appears my little apprentice’s plan was a success after all.” Everyone gasped in complete shock, before AJ stepped forth and demanded, “Which little apprentice?” “Actually, we’ve never met in person: we’re pen-pals. It turns out she knew of me, and of my own mystic prowess. Thus she asked me to take her on as an apprentice, and, in return, she would work to gain the means of exacting revenge against all of my enemies. How could I possibly resist the opportunity to take on my own student?” Tirek chuckled deeply as he said, “And she’s such a studious mind, and a quick study. It appears I was able to teach her all that I could for what she was capable of doing. Each of her letters had so many questions revolved around the power of draining magic.” The menacing centaur ran his claw along one of his cell’s bars. “And even the ability to manipulate Space, itself, to a lesser degree.” “And you answered them?” Pinkie asked in her high pitched voice, actually hanging onto the bars of the cage, and leaning towards Tirek. Unfortunately for her, he also had no meaning of personal space, and began leaning towards her in a creepy manner as he said, “Well, I was bored. And as I said: it’s an enticing thing having an apprentice of your own. One to mold, and shape in your own image. So I did only what was natural, taught her everything she now knows, and then pointed my little apprentice in the right direction.” Tirek leaned so close to the freaked out Pie, that he caused her to lose her grip, and fall back down as he smiled. He then laughed, “And here’s the real treat: she was so grateful for all that I taught her that she actually opened a one-way portal to my cell with the information I gave her,” his gaze falling on his armor, “that instead of a traditional apple on my desk, she gave me my armor.” “Hang on a second.” Spike spoke. “This “apprentice” of yours: she was the one who got you that armored suit?” He began scratching the side of his head in confusion. “But.....how did she open a portal directly to you? There’s no way whoever she is could actually make a portal as accurate as that!” “And yet she did.” Tirek replied with a hint of pride in his voice. “I already mentioned she was a quick study. How else do you think she was able to send this to me? Much less infuse it with a magic spell which returned me to the prime of my youth?” Then he sighed in disappointment. “It’s only a shame the amount she put into this armor is so limited. Then I could have escaped from this accursed dungeon on my own. Oh, well.” He shrugged. “I’m only amazed she was able to make armor comprised of the Changeling’s dark throne.....or rather, its rubble, anyway.” Once again, the ponies were left to gasp in shock. “Chrysalis’ throne?!” Twilight exclaimed. “But that’s impossible! Thorax told me he disposed of its remains after Chrysalis was driven away! And it shouldn’t have any powers left in the state it was in!” “But the proof is right here, in front of your muzzles.” Suddenly, a familiar, fiery orb of magic appeared in between Tirek’s horns, which then seemed to interact with the armor, itself. Glowing, red runes shining as Tirek seemed to gather some small tint of energy from the very air around him. After half a minute, he sighed deeply while cutting off his spell. “It appears that the material of the Dark Stone goes very well with my own abilities: like Changelings, we are fellow parasites.” He chuckled boisterously. “My apprentice managed to soak up enough magic with the armor she created to give me an energy boost. I was only surprised when I found it had a spell to replenish my original strength from before I came to Equestria. The armor itself has been soaking up what little magic there is surrounding me, and ensuring it never escapes my body. I am actually protected from my protege’s cursed spell, and have enough power to sustain myself. Added to her diabolical plan, I told her I couldn’t be any more proud of her wicked, and devious intellect. My black heart was blessed the day I received her first letter.” Once Tirek finally ended his monologuing , Fluttershy asked, “Can’t you just tell us your pen-pal’s name? I mean, since we are stuck here anyway?” “Oh, why not? The irony is just too perfect!” He grinned with vile glee. “Her name is.........” All seven of the friends leaned in closer to hear what he was going to say. Curious to know who Tirek would actually be willing to consider a protege’, and take on as an apprentice. Whoever it was must be a true deviant, or have some reason for doing so. Tirek even leaned closer to the ponies as far as he could reach, letting his lips hang open to appear as though he was about to speak. Seconds passed by, and still he said nothing. Rainbow Dash grew impatient. “Well? We’re waiting, horn head.” Instead of actually speaking, the mouth of the evil centaur closed, and formed a malicious smirk of amusement. “On second thought.....if you idiots cannot figure out the obvious, then I see no reason to indulge you.” he said, turning his back on the group. “WHAT?!” They all exclaimed. “Now wait a horse-pickin’ minute!” Applejack said angrily. “We’re already trapped in here with ya. There ain’t no need to throw us fer a loop!” “Maybe not.....but I choose to do so, irregardless.” “Oh, yeah?!” Rainbow exclaimed, actually banging on the cage bars in a threatening manner. “Well, how about we bust into that cage, and MAKE you tell us? You’re not as tough as you used to be, so you better quit the tough act, or we-” Suddenly, a familiar, orange glow enveloped the cyan pegasus in midair, forcing her limbs together. With her head darting around frantically, and her friends calling out to her, Rainbow looked to the one responsible for doing this - Tirek, with his right hand in a throttling position as his magic surged in his horns. And on his face was a look of incredible anger. “Already forgetting who has the magic around here, you idiotic nag?! I may not be as powerful as I was when I faced your little princess here - but as you all stand completely powerless in this realm, I still stand as your superior.” He then began to slowly close his fist, making Rainbow feel a squeezing sensation which caused her to grunt in pain. “So I suggest you kindly show me the respect I deserve.......or i’ll do what I should have done when I last had you in m clutches!” He then threw his arm from side to side, and made Rainbow slam into both rocky walls surrounding the cage, much to her friends concern. He then brought her back to the front of his cage, and said, “Arrogance, as i’ve learned, is a dangerous aspect that leads to a crushing experience when one lets it run wild. Best learn that in the future, little pony.” And then he dropped her like a bag of dirt. While the impact did hurt, it didn’t cause any permanent damage. Just left her dazed, and bruised. Now, while the ponies and Spike were happy she was alright, Twilight was anything BUT happy with the way Tirek had just treated her friend. But before she could shout at the oversized villain, he spoke. “Now, if you REALLY want to know who my apprentice is, then you’ll have to actually think. To begin, ask yourselves why you are here in Tartarus in the first place.” “Pfft! That’s silly! You’re silly, Tirek!” Pinkie giggled. “We already know why we’re here: all the magic in equestria is slowly disappearing, and we have to figure out why it is before-” “No, not that reason!” Tirek exclaimed in annoyance. “We already know your “prime directive”. The actual question is: why did you come here?” “Because.....we thought you had something to do with the disappearing magic.” Spike admitted. “Mhmm. Not bad. Now...why did you all think I was responsible?” “Cause yer the only one anypony knows who can take away magic.” Applejack said, glaring at the centaur. “But HOW....did you come to think I had a hand in this? What gave you the idea to begin with?” Twilight herself began to reflect aloud, “Well, after the incident with our Cloudsdale class, and then the trouble with our own magic, one of my students mentioned you to us, and-” A few seconds later, realization struck. Tirek’s smile grew wider as Twilight’s eyes did the same. “It-...it couldn’t be! That’s impossible!” “Twilight, darling, what is it?” Rarity asked. “Do you know who it is?” “She does.” Tirek said with a coy smile. “It’s only the issue of acceptance which prevents her from fully registering the harsh reality which lays before her. Either way, it remains the truth, no matter how much she dislikes it.” The alicorn looked up to Tirek once more. A fearful, hopeful look in her eyes as she feared the answer. “It seems impossible, but....... she was the one who brought it up, and ultimately sent us here. Tirek.....is it really who I think it is?” “Indeed: my apprentice....is named Cozy Glow.”