Twilight Sparkle should have seen it coming. She thought Tirek would be so intoxicated with power that the Centaur would distract himself with how big of a destruction could be unleashed.
But it appears she should give credit when it’s due. Because the first use of his new strength was quite productive. And that is to rid himself of the only possible obstacle to his conquest, aka: them.
The analyst in her wonders if there’s such thing as a double-pessimist when Tirek still delivered a gloating monologue before their collective demise.
“-Now I’ll crush you with my bare han-!” A sudden flashed blinded them for a second.
“What is-?!” His answer was a war cry before being slammed by a force of a speeding train. From his preys’ view, it looks like it was as a flaming object on wheels sent the Centaur flying.
As it stopped in front of them, they took in the details of what saved their flanks. It looks like a large chariot and a heavily armored one that Applejack would guess her brother will work up a sweat hauling. Rainbow just describe how it looks like it was on fire while Rarity had more appraising words for the contrasting red and blue palette used to give such mighty appearance.
But Twilight eventually recognized the battle chariot as the ‘Blaze trailer’, a prominent artifact during the final warring days of Medieval Equestria; both from a few older texts and a project one Nightmare Night. She assisted her brother in making a replica of the vehicle to complete the costume of his greatest hero in Equestrian history.
“Shining Armor!” Speaking of her brother, she was glad when she instantly recognized the pony’s color scheme. But the longer Twilight looks; the farther the evidences detract from the pony she knew.
For one: What has he been eating?! “Woah… he’s looking… robust.” What Applejack’s said was quite an understatement. Twilight knew her brother was tall for a Unicorn, but since when was he taller than Big Mac? With the added bulk, she would even bet he’s as big or even bigger than Celestia.
“Is everyone alright?” And then there’s his voice as the deep rumble carries so much experience and maturity. It may not be the Canterlot Voice, but it will surely get anypony’s attention. But the strange thing is the way it conveys authority had an undertone of compassion that somehow even soothed Fluttershy’s flustered nerves.
And the final clue that tries to distance this stallion from her brother were in the eyes. That intense blue gaze, brighter that she can recall, still held his concern… and much more. Wisdom of time and strength beyond measure; it almost feels like being in the presence of her future mentor all over again.
Her friends also shared in the confusion but the most shocking expression was that of Discord and what he said. “Is- Is that really you? Opti-…”
But they were interrupted by a roar as Tirek dug himself out of the trench he created. His rage was momentarily abated as the Centaur observed with pestering familiarity the one who struck him. But once he recognized the ornament on his neck did Tirek disbelieving realized who stands before him. “PRIME! IMPOSSIBLE!”
Positioning himself to stand between them, Twilight noted how his new powerful presence brought comfort to those gathered behind. “Tirek… Today you answer for your crimes against Equestria and against Harmony.” They wondered why he was walking back after such declaration.
But all watched in awed silence as the necklace, which bear some similarities with the Elements, glowed intensely and what followed shocked them greatly. Applejack quickly changed her opinion of the ‘glorified carriage’ as pieces magically came undone while Pinkie wished her party wagon could also transform.
Fluttershy could only meekly agree with Rainbow’s increasing percentage of awesomeness as parts shifted and covered his body.
Rarity beamed how she has never seen a more dashing knight while Spike was reminded of one of his comic book character as an ancient-looking armor takes form.
The remaining two were silent for similar yet different reasons. Discord was coming to term that an old acquaintance was being reborn. While Twilight… had so much in mind to talk.
This particular artifact was shrouded more with myths than facts despite its part in history. No pony was able to learn the full extent of its capabilities and even the Princesses were never able to use it more than as a mode of transport, but legend has it that the chariot was more than meets the eye.
Twilight concluded that it will only respond to an external factor. Seeing how the gem on her brother’s neck flashed in tandem with the transformation sent her mind into overdrive.
Twilight Sparkle can no longer deny what that element signifies and the legendary lines before the closing of an iconic battle mask. "One shall stand, one shall fall!"
Getting over the revelation, Tirek blazed with renewed fury. “It matters not how you returned! You’ll all be food for my hunger! My hunger for power!”
“Go! I’ll buy you all some time!” The command was heeded by all but one. Twilight was quickly scooped up by the Draconequus before she can voice her protest. Discord gave him a final stare…, one heavy with remorse, before carrying away his sister to safety.
“Such heroic nonsense!” Tirek unleashed a barrage towards the charging stallion. Shining dodged as best as he could, conjuring a shield for those he can’t.
Seeing as the charge wasn’t even slowing, Tirek sent a much larger fireball directly in his path. Shining didn’t look deterred as he jumped over the explosion. It was to his advantage as the shockwave sent the armored stallion flying towards his opponent. Blasts of magic shot true as he sailed over Tirek’s tall stature. The Unicorn continued firing when he landed behind the centaur, content that his foes’s back was turned towards the fleeing group.
Realizing the plan but caring no less for it, Tirek sneered at his old nemesis. “You still throw away your life so recklessly for the weak!”
“This is just between you and me!” Each gave a mighty bellow as they charged to relive a battle from a distant past… and to some…, one they hope stays in the past.
xxxxx
From a much, much…, MUCH safer distance did they watch the clash of titans. Pinkie tried to downplay each painful blow to a visibly uncomfortable Fluttershy. It wasn’t helping that Rainbow was commentating the fight of the century with Spike loudly cheering.
Applejack may not be prone to violence but she just can’t stand bullies and rooted for her friend’s brother. And for Rarity... her favorite novels are in need of a reboot as live action battle between good and evil is strangely more thrilling.
“Let me go! I got to help my brother!” Discord however was a bit busy keeping a firm hold on a frantic Alicorn.
Ignoring the hoof up his chin as trying to keep her safe was all he can do. “Best to stay away, lass! That’s Prime’s battle now!”
But Twilight finally broke free and directed an irritated glare towards the Draconequus. “THAT’S IT! Maybe you two didn’t officially meet and I know you won’t care to! But that pony who’s risking his hide is named Shining Armor!”
“Repeat after me: ‘Shining’.... ‘Armor’….” Twilight promised to apologize to Pinkie later.
“Maybe he is or was… But not anymore.” Discord realized that he inevitably got all their attention, but must now voice what he believes is happening. “Contrary to popular beliefs, villains are not the only ones that get locked up and freed after a thousand years.”
The weakened Spirit of Chaos was about to explain before Rainbow’s forewarning; “In Equish!”
“Please.” How kind of Fluttershy.
Pausing a bit to find an answer agreeable by all, he simplified based on existing event. “Think Nightmare Moon without the evil.”
That was much of an accepted explanation, thought one found its severe lack of facts. “How’s that explain anything?!” Good ol’ Twilight the sceptic.
“Who cares?! Are you seeing this?! I don’t know what he’s on, but this new Shining is giving that big oaf a new shiner!” Raindow’s excitement was not unfound for the armored stallion was formidably holding his ground against the Centaur.
Tirek’s enormous physique would have been a terrifying advantage. But it became severely cumbersome to catch a smaller and more agile opponent. Once he scaled the monstrous summit, Shining planted a blow betraying the size difference.
Angered at how far he was pushed, Tirek slammed his magic into the ground and a massive spike erupted to pierce pony’s side. While he was stunned, Tirek aimed a fiery shot.
Having used his magic to prevent further damage, Shining brought out an arsenal of the armor. A solid shield augmented by the Unicorn’s magic took the blast as Shining used it to bash his opponent.
Shining Armor tried to follow thought before being struck once more, painfully at the same side. Staggering, he noted the offending projectile was a jagged boulder magically linked to Tirek’s hand. After blocking strikes from the makeshift flail, Shining took the offensive. The side of the shield widen and sharpened as an axe head clashed in a shower of sparks.
When his opponent swung down the weapon, Shining hooked his own and gave a mighty tug. Surprised by the strength in that pull, Tirek was met with an earth-shattering buck up his chin.
The stagger lasted too short as Tirek caught his opponent before a decisive blow could be landed. He then slammed the pony to ground hard. “I’ll rip you in half!” Tirek growled at the resistance as he brought his other hand to crush the Unicorn.
Tirek looked baffled as light flashed from the gaps and his enclosed fists were pushed open to reveal a pair of brilliant blue glaring. And in a display of unbelievable strength, Shining’s magic took hold of him and with a powerful bray hurled the much larger opponent across the battlefield.
Seeing Tirek downed, their hope soared. So much into it that Applejack couldn’t help but shout despite doubting Shining could hear it. “Finish him off, Prime! Do it now!” She gave a sheepish grin once realizing the mix-up.
Shining took back the fallen shield, a point lengthening to take a new form to end this once and for all. He launched himself with the sword to land the finishing blow.
But the blade was stopped… as well as their hearts. A bestial sneer contrasted the look of trepidation reflected as Tirek ignored the sharp edge engulfed in his massive hand. Too stunned to react as the stallion was forcefully drawn to a jarring punch that sent him reeling. Returning his focus to avoid another fist, Shining resumed his increasingly difficult endeavor.
Despite his valiant effort, they are not able to renew their optimism. For as the battle began anew, a sense of foreboding weighed in their mind.
“He will lose…”