//------------------------------// // Chapter Nine—Brings Forth the Vortex and Assembles the Ponies // Story: Tirek's Shadow // by LiterarySerenity //------------------------------// Discord had never been one for direct confrontations. Enjoying immense magical prowess tended to reduce most obstacles and potential foes to mere diversions at best, so the chaos spirit had seen little fun in getting rid of any pony in such a way. In the past, he had preferred to mess with his targets through indirect means or mental games—getting into ponies’ minds, finding what made them tick, and playing to their shortcomings. Oftentimes, watching an opponent work her or his way out of a problem Discord had crafted would give him untold pleasure. For the solutions could be surprising as the ingenuity needed to perform these feats. Unfortunately, this same technique made the struggle against Tirek all the more dangerous and unnerving. The shadow had preyed on Discord’s thoughts and fears, and it showed. He attacked using a combination of brute force and the draconequus’ own abilities. He seemed able to guess and neutralize whatever tactic Discord tried, making each one to blow up in his face before coming in to deliver a hard blow. If Discord launched a 100-party cannon salute with rockets in place of confetti, Tirek would create 100-rounded pipes to send them hurling back. When the chaos spirit willed a league of thorny vines to entangle the threat, his opponent could not only spray them away with plant killer but cause the majority to attack their originator instead. Discord had failed to realize what a glass jaw he possessed, until the shadow shattered it again and again. Of course, he also would not have credited the centaur who tried to conquer Equestria with being this inventive. More worrisome still was the fact Tirek continued to drain his victim, growing steadily stronger as a result. Discord could feel the flow and imbalance shifting. Before much longer, he would not be able to fend off the blasts of power and relentless series of chaotic occurrences, from flying shrubbery that spewed sneeze-inducing pollen to clouds that shot through the air like cannonballs. Furthermore, panic was constricting his movements and concentration. He kept having to shove aside thoughts of Tirek winning the battle, or getting drained to the dregs of his magic, or succumbing to the dark tendrils the shadow claimed would destroy his friends one by one. Argh. They would have been fine if Discord hadn’t given into the centaur’s temptations in the first place. That was when, of course, Tirek managed to catch the draconequus in a taffy puller, curling and stretching him out in a very uncomfortable fashion. Discord sagged in these confines. The fiend drew closer with magic blazing around his claws. The dawn was just beginning to break, which did nothing to deter Tirek. Discord had a bad feeling the wish that the shadow might melt in sunlight wouldn’t come true. Then the draconequus heard a faint whistling sound and noticed a small flash of blue shooting high into the sky. He couldn’t help a short-lived swell of anticipation at this sight, dampened only by the fact his unexpected backup appeared to have come alone into a very tense situation. Oh, dear. Despite this, when Rainbow Dash dived at such a great speed—creating a noticeable sonic rainboom effect that gave off a high-pitched whistle—she even caught Tirek by surprise. In fact, so intent was the centaur on having Discord all tied up that he only began to glance upwards as the speed-demon came sailing down, twisting in mid-flight so her hind foot smacked Tirek right between the eyes. This impact sent the shadow shooting into the hard bedrock at the bottom of the ravine. There he lay still for at least a moment, allowing Discord an opportunity to slither free from the taffy puller. “Oh, yeah!” Rainbow Dash did a flip. “That’s how it’s done. How did you like that, Tirek?” “Reckless as ever, I see.” Discord cracked a few misplaced joints in his spine back into position. “I don’t suppose the others are coming?” “Don’t worry.” Rainbow Dash replied, smug yet resolved. One had to admire those traits in her. “I sent Tank to go get them. He won’t leave us hanging.” “Isn’t Tank the turtle?” “Yes.” The Pegasus replied, unabashed. However, she must have read something in Discord’s expression, or maybe simply read the giant why? that appeared across his face, because then she added. “Don’t underestimate Tank. If something needs doing, he’ll make it happen.” “Of course, the sharp report from that sonic rainboom no doubt helps.” “Kind of.” Rainbow Dash looked a little embarrassed. “Come on. You just need to have some faith, all right?” That was easy for her to say. Discord sighed, keeping an eye on the broken up rocks deep in the ravine. The blow Rainbow Dash had dealt would have taken most opponents out of commission, yet the shadow’s silence bothered him nonetheless. He could sense magic welling from deep in the earth. It wouldn’t be long until the shadow emerged again, doubtless in retaliation toward the feathered pony. “Okay. So do you want to let me in on what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash grew serious. “Like, why is Tirek here, and how did he get free? Also, what’s up with your arm and wings?” This reminder made Discord draw in his wings self-consciously, although the bird wing popped out again almost right away. The stones began to rumble. “A shadow that claims to be Tirek has syphoned off some of my magic, weakening me as a result, with the apparent intent to take revenge on you ponies and me.” Discord stated. There. It was perfectly concise and quick answer, though Rainbow Dash looked as if she would have liked a better explanation. However, that was the least of their concerns. For the stones exploded into dandelion fluff, and a dark streak spiraled up, spinning into a dark tornado of sorts. Both Discord and Rainbow Dash could feel themselves getting drawn towards the giant vacuum. “Element of Loyalty.” Tirek’s voice echoed amid the developing storm. “You will be the first pony to know my wrath.” “As if!” Rainbow Dash retorted. “You should know I’m an expert at handling tornados and blowhards.” “We’ll see about that.” Came the response. “I just have to fly with the wind.” Rainbow Dash said. “And this tornado is history.” She started to zip off to do exactly that, if Discord hadn’t blocked her way with a pillow. The pegasus found herself spitting out goose feathers, and sitting up on the cushion like a cloud. “Forgive me for cutting short your heroic charge.” Discord said, raising his voice above the din. “But you cannot treat this tornado as you would others. It’s far too chaotic.” “Chaotic?” Rainbow shouted back. “Tirek is using my magic.” The draconequus explained. “I recognize this kind of tornado from a past—” He cleared his throat. “’Game’. The idea was meant to throw off and baffle Pegasi who try to disperse it in the usual way. They tend to get chucked out while avoiding the numerous obstacles inside it.” “Huh.” Rainbow Dash considered this information. “That sounds like one intense thrill ride.” Her smug deepened, and Discord could discern, of all things, enthusiasm glinting in her eyes. The pegasus grabbed out a pair of googles from her mane and slipped them into place. “Okay. Any tips on tackling it?” Discord could hear Tirek laughing from deep in the tornado and realized the shadow had probably counted on the headstrong Rainbow Dash reacting in such a manner. If the centaur was handling the situation in any way similar to what the draconequus might have done, there would be some additional nasty surprising waiting—and that was even if Rainbow overcame the complications in the lining of the vortex. Attacking from above wouldn’t work. Discord himself would have prevented this using some other measures so his victims couldn’t “cheat.” All the chaos spirit could see was Rainbow entering the tornado and getting enveloped in shadows… “So we’ll have to go right through after all.” Rainbow Dash said at length, simultaneously guessing at Discord’s thoughts and breaking into them. She clapped her hooves together, obviously pumped. “It’s a trap.” Discord warned. “It’s an obstacle course.” Rainbow Dash said. “And there isn’t an obstacle course yet that could beat Rainbow Dash. Of course, I’m sure Tirek wasn’t counting on me having a little help.” She winked at Discord. “Trust me. We’ll show him how it’s done.” “Very well.” Discord became small and wound around Rainbow Dash’s neck like a scarf. “Just long enough for the others to get here.” “Yes. Just long enough for them to come.” The draconequus was unsure if he hoped for this to happen or not. Perhaps Rainbow Dash’s pet turtle would indeed fetch the ponies, or the sonic rainboom would have alerted them. All he knew was the necessity to end the conflict quickly before Tirek could make good on his threats. And so the pair plunged into the storm. *** In the end, it was a combination of sky-piercing sonic rainboom and sputtering Tank that alerted ponies throughout the town, including most of the element bearers. Hearing a shrill screech had awakened and brought many Ponyville inhabitants to bedroom windows or out upon front door steps, where it was possible to see the strange phenomenon occurring at the Everfree Forest. Clumping clouds, mixed with the graying foliage and the sounds of a conflict further inwards caused instant concern. Wildlife from the woods fled from its confines. Birds flew for parts unknown. Squirrels and small critters headed for the distant hills. Even the predatory creatures, who refused to forgo the forest, hung around the outskirts or seemed to hide away into its deepest recesses for protection. Tank shot through the air overhead, smashing into clock tower—and causing it to let off a resounding donging sound—crashing against the bell above the schoolhouse, and finding Applejack’s head all the way at Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight rushed outside to find a crowd of frantic ponies on the front palace doorstep, and her friends pushing through the bustle. Applejack had an ice pack atop her head and carried Tank on her back. In the skies, the princess could see the multi-hued remnants of Rainbow Dash’s maneuver dissipating. She could sense (this was the only way to describe it) that whatever was going on in Everfree Forest also involved Discord, which unsettled and reminded her of the nightmare. “Twilight.” Rarity said, climbing the steps along with her other friends. “We came as soon as we heard the commotion. Do you have any idea what is happening?” “I think so.” Twilight answered. “Although I hope I’m not right.” She might have headed off right then with friends in tow, except she noticed the mayor breaking free from the throng. “Princess Twilight, tell us what we should do.” The mayor begged, and the assembled crowd clamored in anticipation. She needed to calm down them down. “Every pony, I regret to inform you that Ponyville is at risk once again. We’re going to face whatever it is and hopefully resolve the situation.” Twilight indicated her friends. “Until further notice, every pony is to go home, lock the doors, and seek as much protection as possible. Retreat into your cellars, if possible, and stay quiet. We will let you know when it is safe to come back outside. Mayor.” She turned to the mayor. “Make sure that all the residents have sturdy shelters, and use the storm cellars in Town Hall and the palace for any pony in need. Ensure everyone is secure.” “Yes, your highness.” The mayor said. “You heard the princess.” She called to the ponies. Take shelter, now.” The crowds dispersed, heading for their homes and the appropriate shelters. It still amazed Twilight that ponies would seek her guidance, which they had done even before she had become a princess. And, racing off with her friends toward the Evefree Forest, she dreaded that the danger waiting up ahead would match the fierce nightmare she had seen. Because if this was so, they might have to face their greatest foe yet.