Tirek grumbled, pacing in front of the small mirror that he had set up in the cave that served as his temporary home. Before him, his frail, emaciated form walked back and forth, mirroring the centaur perfectly. Upon meeting his reflection’s gaze, the male stopped and tugged at the silver circle that rested over his shoulders and hung down over his upper chest.
Though magically enchanted so that it was always the perfect size, it sure didn't feel like it was working. It may have been his reduced stature or his growing irritation, but he couldn't help but pick at the piece of jewelry. Glancing in the mirror, Tirek quickly came to the conclusion that it annoyed him as his familiar pendant was no longer there.
A glance into his bag confirmed that it was still on him, and still just as broken as the last time he checked. Split straight down the middle, the magical artifact was completely dull, lifeless even. The triangle no longer hummed with power, instead sitting inert, as if it were little more than a child’s toy or a gaudy bit of jewelry.
“Damndable Cerberus,” Tirek muttered to himself only to stop and stomp a hoof. “Enough of this dillydallying.”
Trotting out of the cave, Tirek summoned a bit of magic and attempted to conjure a stone wall over the entrance. For a moment it seemed as though the spell was going to work, but then, just as it neared completion, it sputtered out. Tirek slumped down, a knee hitting the ground as a hand grabbed at his chest in fear.
After a moment of nothing happening, he stood back up and shook his head. Summoning his magic once more, he worked a much different spell, one far less draining. When it was complete a simple illusionary barrier formed over the cave entrance, making it appear as though it was merely a wall.
“Foul mutt,” Tirek muttered under his breath.
Stomping angrily into the woods, Tirek pulled forth a cloak from his bag and cast it over his shoulders. With the hood pulled up and a bit of magic used to make himself more forgettable to the average passerby, Tirek made his way toward town. It didn't take long for him to reach his destination as the forest creatures gave him a wide berth.
Standing at the edge of the wood, Tirek gazed out over Ponyville, noting how small it all was. Barely more than a collection of hovels, with a couple of larger structures, it definitely looked like the remote farming village he had been told of. Locating his target amidst the pitiful sprawl was simple, as Golden Oaks stuck out like a sore thumb amidst all the thatched huts around it.
Tirek straightened his shoulders and trotted towards the library, avoiding the main bulk of Ponyville in favor of a more roundabout route. He encountered few ponies, none of whom spoke to or even seemed to notice the rather tall Centaur. There were also no guards about, though Tirek knew that would change in time as they expanded their search for him. Without distractions to get in his way, Tirek was able to reach golden Oaks in little time, bouying his slightly foul mood somewhat.
Pushing his way inside, Tirek was immediately struck by the smell of aged paper, candle wax, and ink. It wasn't hard to figure out what the source of these scents was, as the interior of the hollowed-out tree was stuffed with books. Every wall, all the way up to the ceiling sported rows of tomes on seemingly every topic that could be imagined.
Or at least that's what it looked like at first glance, for the truth was that there were really only fiction and more general knowledge books. None of the many titles jumped out at him as very advanced, causing his somewhat alleviated mood to sink slightly.
“May I help you, sir?” asked a feminine voice.
Tirek turned and glanced down to where a purple unicorn sat at a desk a few feet to his right. Clearly the librarian, she wore a pair of glasses that sat at the very tip of her nose, a silver chain dangling around her neck. With a soft smile and a slightly pudgy physique, she didn't exactly seem worth speaking to.
Then Tirek looked into her eyes and found within those purple orbs a deep unrestrained curiosity. Not only that but he could sense within her a considerable magical strength and a confidence born of experience. He also noticed the beginnings of crow's feet forming at the edges of her eyes, signaling that she wasn't as young as she appeared at first glance.
“Yes,” Tirek declared. “I was told that you have rare books on pre-equestrian artifacts, is that true?”
“Oh yes!” proclaimed the librarian, her eyes sparkling like a pair of binary stars. “We have quite an extensive collection of rare tomes. Can you believe the university was just going to throw them all away after they made their copies? I couldn't just let them go to waste.”
“Yes yes. That's all well good. Now, are they open to view by the public?” Tirek inquired.
“I suppose technically they are,” admitted the mare. “Though I’d like to know why you are seeking out such knowledge in the first place.”
“I…” Tirek hesitated, a half dozen lies swirling around in his head. Then he looked into her eyes and began to speak before he had even finished deciding on what to say. “I have an artifact, one given to me by my brother. It was broken during a… move, and I wish to repair it.”
“Wouldn't you rather give it to a professional to fix?” inquired the mare.
“No!” Tirek nearly shouted, taking a step back. “No. It means too much. Why the mere thought of someone else touching it is… unpleasant.”
“I understand,” muttered the librarian, who paused, and pulled open a drawer. “Here. This is the key to the archives.”
“Thank you,” Tirek replied.
“My name’s Twilight by the way. What's yours?” Twilight inquired.
“Why must you know?” Tirek demanded.
Twilight tapped a large open book in front of her. “It's for the visitor log.”
“Right, of course,” Tirek muttered. “My name is… Sendak.”
“That's Spelled s e n d a k, right?” Twilight asked.
“Yes, yes now give me the key,” Tirek ordered.
“Sure thing. Here you are,” Twilight offered, hoofing over a small keyring with only a single key on it.
Tirek took it and stomped off, giving no thought to the other patrons or his surroundings. For a moment he kicked himself for not getting directions but then he found a door helpfully marked ‘Archives’. A little relieved he didn't have to go back to the counter and embarrass himself a second time, Tirek unlocked the door and pulled it open.
Inside he saw a long set of stairs winding down into a basement far deeper than he anticipated. At the bottom, he saw the roots of the tree create over a dozen hallways stuffed with various shelves. Seemingly acquired from multiple different sources they were a great variety of sizes and shapes. Which fit as their contents were sometimes as small as Tirek’s fist or were literal stone slabs as big as his head. Everywhere he looked he saw dust, poorly organized tomes, and more books than he had seen on the main floor.
And that was before he stepped down into the endless rows of knowledge just waiting for him.
“Wait,” Tirek muttered. “Why did I tell her the name of my old mentor? I had a plan for this sort of thing.”
The librarian’s wide, curious, and intelligent eyes suddenly popped into Tirek’s mind, making him pause. Then he shook his head, dismissing the image, and forcing himself to think about his task.
“Focus Tirek,” he whispered to himself. “The Canterlot archives may be too closely guarded but this little bolthole barely even has any security at all.”
Tirek paused and scowled. “And I’m talking to myself again, wonderful.”
“No, this isn't it either,” Tirek muttered to himself.
The centaur paced back and forth in front of a small desk he had swept of debris. Though not nearly tall enough for him, and stinking of aged paper, it served his purposes adequately. A few books were propped open on it, several were piled in a corner, and even a set of stone slabs were resting against one side.
“I simply can't make heads or tails of this filing system,” Tirek cursed. “Perhaps that useless librarian could aid me.”
Trotting upstairs, Tirek pushed open the door and looked around. He was slightly surprised at how late in the day it was, but he didn't give it a second thought. Instead, he focused on the sound of feminine mumbling coming from behind one of the nearby stacks. Making his way over, Tirek was able to make out what sounded like a very one-sided conversation happening not far.
“No, I can't just put this backup. It's far too damaged, but at least the cover is still on,” Twilight murmured to herself. “Oh, but my patch job isn't holding.”
Tirek peeked around the corner to find that Twilight was standing near the kid's section, a battered hardcover in hoof.
“So many kids sign this book out it would be a shame if it didn't get put back on the shelf,” Twilight muttered.
Tirek couldn't help but chuckle despite the pressing nature of his mission and why he was there.
“What, who?” Twilight demanded, only to relax when her gaze settled on Tirek. “Oh, it's you Sendak. I umm… hope you didn't hear much.”
“Don't worry. All I heard was you talking to yourself a bunch,” Tirek retorted.
Twilight's face turned several shades redder. “I um, oh my. I usually don't do that.”
“Really? Because it sounds like you talk to yourself quite often,” Tirek prodded.
“Well, it does get rather lonely here since Spike moved out,” Twilight muttered.
“Spike, is he your… son?” Tirek inquired.
“In a way. It's a long story,” Twilight cleared her throat. “Now then, I presume you came here to more than just tease me.”
“That was partially the reason, yes. Though my true objective was understanding this rather obtuse system of classification you have,” Tirek replied.
“The entire thing is shifted one over, and-” Twilight chuckled. “Here. I’ll lend you a hoof.”
“If you insist, though I must confess I am rather annoyed by the warzone that you call an archive,” Tirek jabbed again.
Twilight winced. “Well, it was never meant to serve as a true archive, just storage. Once word got out I was collecting original copies universities just sent over all their beaten-up tomes without so much as a warning letter.”
“That explains the piles,” Tirek murmured.
“I’ve lobbied the town to give me a helper, or some manner of replacement in order to give me the time to organize but they refuse,” Twilight continued.
“Yes, yes. Now could we hurry this up? I was hoping to get at least a lead before I was forced to retire for the day,” Tirek pressed.
“Oh of course. Follow me,” Twilight offered.
The pony trotted ahead, allowing Tirek to fall in behind, an amused smirk coming to his face. Teasing the rather verbose librarian alleviated his irritation somewhat, though that small sliver of joy quickly faded. As he realized that she talked to herself just as much as he did.
“I’m locking up!” shouted a voice.
Tirek sat up suddenly, blinking rapidly.
“What time is it?” he muttered to himself.
Despite spending three consecutive days plumbing the depths of the archives he continually found himself lost in his work. Amidst the sea of barely accounted-for knowledge there were hundreds of dead ends, and more than a few red herrings. Both his in, and out pile had grown significantly, alongside the number of pages now filled with scribblings that were contained in his notebook.
Glancing up, Tirek located the clock which hadn't been there until that morning. Likely installed just for him, the simple device was the only thing marking the passage of time down in the dimly lit basement. For a moment the centaur considered thanking the librarian, only to dismiss the notion as unnecessary.
“I suppose it is getting rather late,” he admitted to himself.
After gathering his things, and a tome he intended on reading that night back at his cave, Tirek proceed up the stairs. There he stopped and quickly locked the door behind him before continuing on to the front desk. Where Twilight stood, the librarian smiling up at Tirek as he approached.
“Did you happen to find any leads today?” Twilight inquired.
Tirek scowled. “Nothing. Every time I think I’ve found a reference to the technique I need its not actually in the same book.”
“Ahh well, I hope you find something soon. It would be a shame for all your efforts to go to waste,” Twilight commented.
Tirek grunted angrily. “I feel likewise. This backwater town has long since lost its charm.”
Tirek gripped the door handle and was about to leave when he noticed the glint of steel just outside. Glancing in that direction, he saw several royal guards milling about in a square not far from the library. Immediately the chance of discovery popped into his head, stopping him from departing just yet.
“Now I know Ponyville is rather quaint but I know once you get used to it you’ll come to love it as much as I do,” Twilight pressed.
“Err is that so?” Tirek cleared his throat. “You aren't originally from here then?”
“Oh no. If the accent didn't already tip you off, I’m originally from Canterlot,” Twilight offered.
Tirek’s scowl returned. “No doubt from one of those inbred noble families I presume?”
Rather than be offended, Twilight merely chuckled. “Nope, just a commoner.”
Tirek stopped, and turned to the librarian, eying her in a different light. “But you sound… educated, knowledgeable. I thought such higher learning wasn't something the so-called ‘lower classes’ were allowed to participate in.”
“Oh there are still some schools that require a noble title to attend, but they are thankfully in the minority,” Twilight answered with a smile. “Even then, that's not an obstacle to someone with a royal patronage.”
“You were supported by one of the lesser princes?” Tirek asked.
“Princess Celestia herself actually,” Twilight proclaimed rather proudly.
“I… am surprised,” Tirek stated, the genuineness in his own voice surprising the centaur. “I knew you had some manner of academic success under your belt but I never would have guessed that you had caught the eye of Celestia.”
“It's a long story, and I wasn't her only student but I did spend several years studying under her,” Twilight replied.
“Huh,” Tirek muttered.
The centaur blinked and noticed that the guards had disappeared sometime during the conversation.
“Well this has been an enlightening conversation but I really must be going,” Tirek stated.
“I assume I’ll be seeing you again tomorrow?” Twilight inquired, her tone almost… hopeful.
“Yes, of course,” Tirek muttered, before hastily departing the library and making his way toward the forest.
As he walked home, the centaur contemplated the preexisting notions he held about the strange little unicorn. Intelligent, powerful, curious, but not ambitious in the slightest, it was almost a shame. Then he realized what he was thinking about, and gave his head a shake, thoughts returning once more to his mission.
Tirek came to a stop at his desk and was about to dump the load of books he had found, only to stop. Glancing down, he saw what looked like a cupcake sitting in the center of his workspace. White fluffy frosting adorned with rainbow sprinkles sat waiting for him, a small note indicating that it was ‘from Twilight’.
Gently putting his pile of most recent finds off to one side, Tirek picked the confection up and inspected it. It smelled nice, vanilla, sugar, a hint of chocolate, inviting, almost too much so. Inspecting the small note attached to it revealed that those two words were the only ones on it.
“Is this some manner of trap?” Tirek thought aloud.
Then he chuckled, dismissing the notion as silly. Twilight was a source of endless assistance, and a good bit of annoyance, but never any malice. Her endless blathering seemed born of boredom, and loneliness rather than spite, or some desire to hear herself speak.
It was almost endearing, in a way, Tirek thought to himself.
Shaking his head, Tirek reminded himself of his mission and how it may have been jeopardized by the cupcake. These old manuscripts wouldn't likely survive exposure to such concentrated amounts of sugar. With that thought firmly in mind, Tirek stomped up the stairs, intent on telling the dorky librarian off. He was definitely not intending on thanking her or finding out if there were more, though if he came to that information by accident it would be a win-win in his mind.
The centaur's train of thought was derailed upon reaching the main floor and finding that the usually empty library had a visitor. One that towered over the diminutive librarian, leaning over the desk with a lecherous grin on his face. Garbed like that of nobility, the stallion had a slightly greyish coat, a dull blonde mane, and brown eyes.
“That's very nice of you, but I assure you I cannot give you any manner of assistance,” Twilight stated.
“Oh, surely you have some contact with the princess. A simple letter delivered to her desk would go far in righting a terrible wrong done to my family,” pressed the mystery stallion.
“Lord Butter Tart, I do not have the authority to request such a thing of Celestia. I-” Twilight tried to say.
“Oh your not making a formal request, more of a personal inquiry,” interrupted the stallion.
“What seems to be the trouble here,” Tirek imposed.
“I was just politely asking for a favor from…” Lord Butter Tart paused, and looked up to where Tirek stood, the centaur glaring down at the so-called lord.
“Well. What were you doing?” Tirek pressed, only to pause and raise a finger. “Perhaps that thing was leaving? What do you think Twilight.”
“Oh um, yes!” Twilight exclaimed. “I do believe you mentioned an appointment earlier.”
“Appointment? Oh right. Yes, that appointment. I really should be going,” murmured the stallion. “Do pass along my letter at your earliest convenience. You’d be bringing justice to a poor family!’
“I will!” Twilight replied, waving to the stallion as he hastily slunk out of the library and vanished into the street.
The moment he was gone, Twilight picked up the letter left behind by the stallion and dropped it into the trash. Which she then spat on, before pushing it out of sight beneath her desk.
“What was all that?” Tirek asked, jerking a thumb in the direction of the fleeing lord.
“That was ‘lord’ Butter Tart,” Twilight began, adding air quotes to the lord part. “His family bankrupted themselves building a massive plantation on Zebra lands during a border dispute. Once settled, it was decided that it was actually the property of a zebrican noble.”
“So he lost his mansion, his property, and probably a good chunk of money,” Tirek concluded.
“Pretty much,” Twilight admitted with a shrug. “This all happened before he was even born, but Butter Tart here has been determined to get it all back.”
“He bothers you frequently?” Tirek pressed, gaze narrowing.
“No, thankfully. I’ve heard rumblings that he has pestered nearly every noble family in Canterlot. If he's now bothering an ex-student of Celestia that hasn't had a lesson in nearly two decades he must really be scraping the bottom of the barrel,” Twilight remarked aloud.
“Pathetic,” spat Tirek.
“No kidding,” Twilight agreed, only to sigh. “But enough of that. What can I do for you?”
“Oh, I uh…” Tirek paused. “Just wished to thank you for the dessert. It was nice.”
Twilight grinned, her smile lighting up the room. “I’m glad you liked it! I noticed you don't usually bring any food with you so I thought you might like a snack.”
“Yes, I am rather… poor at the moment,” Tirek muttered.
“You know if you’d like. The town has set aside a small sum to pay for a janitor but no one’s ever taken the job,” Twilight offered.
“You would have my sweep and dust?” Tirek asked.
“Well I do all that anyway, really it would just be handling a few of the heavier things that I can't manage on my own. Really you wouldn't have to do anything at all most of the time,” Twilight added.
Tirek chuckled. “Extorting the local government. You really are a mischievous one, aren't you?”
“I wouldn't go that far,” Twilight murmured, the librarian scratching her neck awkwardly. “It's more like I’m ensuring that the money doesn't disappear into Mayor Mare’s emergency slush fund like last year.”
Tirek’s grin grew. “I suppose I could handle that for as long as I’m hearing. Though if I’m being honest I hope it's not for too much longer. It feels like I’m finally onto something.”
“Oh,” Twilight muttered. “That's great. Really great. I hope you find what you're looking for.”
“As do I,” Tirek exclaimed.
As the centaur trotted back to the archives, he couldn't help but keep Twilight's distraught expression in mind. It almost seemed like she wanted him to stick around despite his prickly nature and the fact that he was a centaur. It was a disconcerting thought, one that gave rise to questions Tirek didn't want to ask, never mind answer.
The sound of hooves clopping against wood echoed through the basement, yet went unheard by Tirek. The centaur was absorbed in a book, eyes wide, and flicking eagerly across the pages. His study desk had grown larger, having been replaced by one suitable for his bigger stature.
Apparently, someone in town had been about to throw it away when Twilight had come in and offered to buy it. The story was obviously a lie, as Twilight couldn't maintain eye contact when she told it, but Tirek didn't mind. It had enough space for all three editions of his notebooks, a pile of other tomes, and even some hooks for cleaning supplies.
The broom, duster, mop, and bucket were all within easy reach, though Tirek needed them not at the moment. Rather the only thing he needed was to reach the end of this particular tome, at which point he would have what he had spent nearly two months searching for.
“And though this method is capable of restoring even the elements of harmony to full working order it is not able to mend an artifact that utilizes Z access rune matrices, as they…” Tirek muttered, stopping abruptly. “Aah, not again!”
Tirek raised his arm and was about to whip the book at a wall, only to stop before he could do so.
Another knock, this one more hesitant, grabbed Tirek’s attention.
After clearing his voice, Tirek called out. “What is it, Twilight?”
“Oh um, it's getting rather late, and I was hoping to lock up,” called a voice.
“Late? It's not-” Tirek stopped. “It's nearly nine o clock.”
“Yes. The library closed hours ago,” Twilight shouted.
Tirek hastily gathered up his things, stuffing them into his bag, and scrambling up the stairs.
“I’m terribly sorry about that Twilight. Why didn't you interrupt me?” Tirek demanded the moment he laid eyes on the slightly flustered unicorn mare.
“I did try, several times. You were just so absorbed into your research that I didn't have the heart to really try though,” Twilight admitted.
Tirek chuckled. “I suppose I was rather wrapped up in my work.”
“Did you find what you were looking for? You said you’d finally found something at lunch,” Twilight offered.
“I thought I did, but it was yet another dead end,” Tirek admitted with a sigh. “Perhaps it is time I begin searching elsewhere.”
“Wait, we still have that shipment coming in on the third. Perhaps what your looking for is in there,” Twilight hastily offered.
“Possible,” Tirek remarked. “Though if it is not, I will have to reconsider things.”
Tirek began walking to the front door, Twilight close to his side, a hesitant smile on her face.
“Hey if you're still going to be around in a week, would you consider joining me for a small gathering with a few friends?” Twilight asked.
Tirek stopped at the door and looked down at the mare. “Gathering? What manner of gathering is this?”
“Well, you see the apple harvest is about to wrap up, and when it does my friends and I throw a little party,” Twilight explained, the unicorn tapping her hooves together nervously. “It's not like, a big thing or whatever but it would mean a lot to me if you joined us.”
“I…” Tirek paused. “I will consider it.”
“Okay, great. See you tomorrow?” Twilight asked.
Tirek paused just outside the library. “Of course. Goodnight Twilight.”
“Oh you forgot something,” Twilight offered.
Tirek turned around and was about to ask what that may be when all of a sudden a purple face appeared before him. Lips then pressed against his cheek, leaving him so stunned he barely noticed as a blushing Twilight ducked back inside.
“Okaygoodbye!” she shouted before the door slammed shut.
Tirek stood there, a hand touching his cheek, for nearly a minute.
“I… I should go,” Tirek muttered to himself.
Tirek stared off into space, a hand scratching idly at his cheek while his mind churned with uncomfortable thoughts. He recalled the night before, and the way Twilight had avoided him this morning. Despite being annoyed at how cagey she was being all of a sudden, Tirek couldn't muster the energy to be angry at the unicorn. She was constantly blushing and didn't seem to want to talk about what had happened, at least not yet.
“Augh, enough of these distractions,” Tirek muttered half-heartedly to himself.
Picking up the tome he had been reading through, Tirek busied himself once more. As the minutes ticked by his curiosity began to burn brighter, and hope ignited in his chest. By the half-hour mark, he was standing up and pacing as he read, eagerly devouring the words.
Tucking a bookmark into his spot, he placed the current book aside, picked up another, and skimmed a few passages. He then grabbed several of his notebooks, and upon rereading what he had written, went back to the first book.
“This… This is it,” Tirek muttered. “And it's so simple! I don't even need any other ingredients or preparation!”
Tirek gathered up the tomes he no longer needed, and hastily placed them back in their proper place. Once that was done he carefully cleared away a section of ground, and drew a magic circle in order to aid his casting. He was tempted to bar the door or lock it but he knew Twilight wouldn't barge in on him so he didn't bother.
Pulling out his necklace, Tirek placed it in the center of the matrix and began to summon his magic. Once he gathered all he could hold, he placed a hand on either side of the damaged piece of jewelry and released it. The glowing energy was swallowed immediately by the circle, which shifted colors several times before becoming a radiant gold.
It then pulsed once, twice, three times, each brighter than the last. Temporarily blinded, Tirek blinked away the stars in his eyes and looked down.
There, sitting before him was the artifact he had spent several months trying to fix. Now whole once more, it hummed with barely contained power, almost eager to do as Tirek bid of it.
Donning it in a single almost panicked motion, Tirek drew a crystal from his desk and held it out in his hand. He then drew forth on the necklaces’ power, pulling at the magic stored within the simple hunk of rock. Sure enough, its hidden contents were pulled out, and into Tirek’s mouth, vanishing down the centaur's throat.
With a content swallow, Tirek felt vigor surge through him. His muscles grew ever so slightly, and the grey plaguing him mostly vanished, retreating to a single strip of hair on one side of his head. He was not the picture of power, and vitality that he yearned to be, but no longer did he look like a frail old centaur nearing death’s door.
In an instant, he leaped to the top of the stairs and was about to proudly declare his victory to Twilight. Only to stop when he realized that he couldn't do that.
“Come on Tirek. You wanted all the magic in Equestria didn't you?” he whispered to himself. “Surely one little unicorn isn't going to stop you.”
Opening the door to the archive, Tirek peeked out, unsure of what he was going to do. His frenetic, mostly contradictory thoughts came to a halt when he saw Twilight talking to a group of royal guards. Though out of earshot to most, Tirek had enough magical power left in him to use a spell to enhance his hearing.
“-but miss Crab Tree said that she saw a centaur here. Are you saying she lied?” pressed a masculine voice.
Twilight sighed. “Miss Crab Tree has dementia. She probably saw a picture of one and assumed it was real.”
“We have several other witnesses who can corroborate her story. How do you explain all that?” Added another.
“Rumours started by Lord Butter Tart after I rebuffed his most recent attempts to ask Celestia for help,” Twilight proclaimed.
“He was recently spotted in town, sir,” whispered one of the guards.
“Your certain that there isn't a lick of truth to these rumors?” asked the leader of the guard cadre.
“I’m absolutely certain that Tirek is not here,” Twilight stated.
“Well. Far be it for me to question one of Celestia’s former students. Come on boys, let's pack it up and head back to Canterlot,” proclaimed the guard.
“Enjoy the train ride home,” Twilight offered.
Tirek watched as the guards walked off, leaving the library relatively empty once more. With them gone, Tirek ducked back into the basement, a conflicted expression crossing his face.
“Why would she stick her neck out like that?” Tirek whispered to himself.
The centaur stood there, hands clasped around his necklace for several minutes. He knew that going through with his plan would mean that Twilight would have to be his first target. Yet he couldn't bring himself to even consider the possibility of draining the unicorn of her magic.
With a growl, Tirek gripped the artifact and began to squeeze. His muscles bulged, and then with a titanic crack, the thing snapped clean in two. Inert once more, the artifact capable of untold destruction became little more than a set of strange jewelry.
“Hey, Sendak. Are you okay?” whispered Twilight.
“Just fine,” Tirek replied. “Had a slight mishap, but it's all cleared up now.”
“Were you able to repair your necklace?” Twilight inquired.
“No. In fact, I think I made it worse,” Tirek admitted, glancing down at the two hunks of inert gold he had in his hands.
“Oh my goodness. Are you okay?” Twilight pressed.
“Just fine actually. Actually, I think I’m going to put it on the back burner for a while,” Tirek replied, tugging the door opening and facing Twilight.
“Oh my. You look… great,” Twilight blurted out. “Not like you didn't look great before but just… wow.”
“I’m glad you like what you see,” Tirek declared.
“Very,” Twilight murmured. “Now uh, what were we talking about?”
“We were talking about… lunch. Would you like to get some with me?” Tirek inquired.
“Wait, like… as a date?” Twilight asked back, a blush edging onto her face.
“Yes, as a date,” Tirek replied.
“Of course, I’ll go out with you Tirek!” Twilight shouted, only to gasp and cover her mouth. “Oh shoot. I shouldn't have said that out loud.”
“Wait, you knew?” Tirek asked, aghast.
“Pfft, of course. I cast true sight on myself every morning,” Twilight declared. “It's why my eyes sparkle like that.”
“I just thought that was ya know… you,” Tirek muttered.
Twilight giggled. “Nope, just a habit I picked up after falling for one too many illusionary pranks that my old roommate used to pull on me.”
“I…” Tirek sighed. “Well, that's kind of disappointing. I thought for sure no one would recognize me.”
“Ha. My brother is the captain of the Canterlot guard, I grew up with him using wanted posters like flashcards,” Twilight declared. “I knew it was you the moment you walked in.”
“How naive of you to not turn me in,” Tirek remarked.
“It would have only been naive if you had been a bad guy, but you aren't,” Twilight stated quite confidently.
“You know I could just turn around and go back to my evil plan,” Tirek pointed out.
“But you aren't going to,” Twilight interjected.
“I’m not?” Tirek replied, a smirk crossing his face.
“Nope!” Twilight proclaimed. “You're going to take me out for lunch, and call me pretty.”
Tirek chuckled laughing long and hard, until all the stress that had built up since his escape was gone. Replaced by a strange sort of contentment the kind of which he had never truly felt before in his life. It was warm, comforting, and only grew stronger when he looked down into Twilight's sparkling eyes.
“Well,” he began with a smile. “You are very pretty.”