//------------------------------// // The Dark Alliance (Tirek) // Story: Aftermath of a Fallen Star // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// Aftermath of A Fallen Star By Rated Ponystar Formerly Edited by The Unnamed Pawn and Commander X5 Pre-Read/Edited by: Magic Man, Chaotic Note, and Grand_Moff_Pony The Dark Alliance (Tirek’s POV) *** Escaping from Tartarus was no easy feat. I had to wait patiently for my time to leave the accursed prison. Fortune favored me when Cerberus left his post, and I used the chance to free myself. The one benefit about Tartarus was that those who were imprisoned in there could never die; many would say it is a fate worse than death but I disagree. I am a very patient individual, but I am also stubborn. Unlike the rest of my fellow prisoners I kept my wits and spirit live with only one burning desire: revenge. Revenge against Celestia, Luna, and all the little ponies my damn betraying brother sided with rather then his own flesh and blood. I would wish revenge on my brother too, but it’s been so long since my imprisonment that there is no doubt in my mind he is already dead. Fine, let him rest in his grave. I will just have my revenge on the alicorns and their subjects by tasting their sweet magic. Of course, I am no fool. I was as weak as a kitten when I finally felt sunlight on my face for the first time in nearly forever. I needed to regain my strength, learn what had happened to the world in the millennia since my imprisonment, and plan my revenge. The first step was easy. Not too long after leaving Tartarus, I soon saw a small cottage with a family of ponies. I played the old and weak act which made them have pity on me. For two weeks I let them feed me, shelter me, and befriend me. I played the grandfather to their foals and told stories I knew during dinner time. When I was sure I had their complete trust, I took their magic and kill them in their weakened state. After burying the bodies, I now had a base of operations to shelter myself. I traveled to a small village in the distance for food and information. Some were suspicious of me, but they never took me seriously. I learned that my name and deeds had been forgotten in history, another act of fortune in my favor. I slowly began to gather my strength by feeding on the magic of traveling ponies, or children who wandered too far from their homes. Naturally, I had to hide the bodies while various rumors of the disappearances began to spread. During that time, I slowly began to practice my magic. It felt good to unleash my powers again, but I was still too weak. The last time I had faced the Alicorn Sisters, I had been the size of a small mountain and it would take me years to gain the power I once had. However, something interesting also happened. I learned that two more alicorns existed: Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight Sparkle. Although the latter only lasted a year before her own ponies killed her. I had to laugh at that. It seems the Equestrians were not the perfect utopian society that they made themselves out to be. They were just like the rest of us after all. Tensions began to grow during the next few years as the Princesses slowly began to lose influence over a growing number of their subjects who were displeased by the changes they were making. I saw it as an opportunity. I soon left the cottage and began to explore more of Equestria, stealing magic whenever I could. For years I did this. Slowly growing in power. I did my best to keep my actions a secret, until I made a mistake. I tried taking down a blue unicorn with a silver mane, some traveling magician and story teller. I underestimated her abilities and she was able to escape from me. I knew my identity would be exposed to the Princesses, so I did what I could and tried to retreat to the Badlands to hide for some time. However, what I didn’t expect was an ambush of guards waiting for me as well as the Spirit of Chaos himself, Discord. I growled as I saw the golden armored ponies surround me with spears ready to pierce my flesh if I made a single move. In front of me, floating above, was Discord himself. I had never met the draconequus before my imprisonment, but I had heard rumors of him. His attack on Equestria came after mine, but in Tartarus everyone talked about him. When I heard he had switched to the ponies side I didn’t believe it, but now it seemed the rumors were true. “So, you’re the big mighty Tirek that has had Celly and Lunny’s britches all twisted. Can’t say you look like what I’ve seen in the scrolls,” said Discord, arms crossed and looking at me with amusement. “I was expecting a twenty foot tall demon with powers that can destroy mountains, not a shrimp like you.” I growled. “If I was at full strength, your magic would be mine, monster.” “Monster?” asked Discord with raised eyebrow. “I don’t recall killing anypony during my reign of terror.” “Yes, because causing ponies to go insane is so much better,” I snarled back. I tried looking for an escape route but even if I could take on the guards I was no match for Discord. The ability to cause chaos and change reality... one could be a god if they used that power right. His power was even greater than the Royal Sisters, who only defeated him because of the Elements of Harmony and his arrogance. Yet he used it for fun and games when he could have ended them with a snap of his fingers. I wasn’t even strong enough to drain even a little of his magic, I could just barely absorb two ponies at once. I thought perhaps to appeal to his real dark nature. This was Discord, the Spirit of Chaos, would he really bind himself to these ponies like my foolish brother did? “You know, Discord, we are a lot alike.” “Oh?” He replied as he pulled out a mirror and looked at himself. His reflection winked back. “Nope, don’t see anything.” I rolled my eyes. “I meant by something other than our looks. We are both feared for our great power, and with that power we can do many great things. Yet we were denied each time by these ponies who think themselves so much better than the rest of us.” I growled and snarled at the guards who raised their spears a little closer. “They selfishly prosper while my nation has had to suffer for its past sins. I was only taking over for the sake of my people. Nothing more.” A part of that was true. However, now I just wanted revenge. “You were imprisoned in stone by these ponies for a thousand years. I was sent to Tartarus for longer. Why let yourself be ruled by these pathetic creatures? Why not rebel? Become the legend again that was feared and join-” Before I could finish my mouth began to change. A zipper appeared and shut my mouth. Despite my struggles I couldn’t free it. Discord lowered his head and stared at me with a smirk. “You know, if you were to ask me that years ago? I might have believed you and listened.” He then snapped his fingers and I saw a photo in a frame appear before me. It showed Discord with five other ponies, ones I recognized in the papers as the Elements of Harmony. “But since the day I lost a... friend, everything changed. I found those who actually like me for who I am, and are willing to be my friend. I have a mare who is unlike anyone I’ve ever met and I hate seeing her cry. She’s cried for years because we both lost that special friend who affected us both. If I was to betray her now I would never forgive myself.” I tried to say something but the zipper prevented me. “So thanks for the offer, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline,” said Discord as he snapped his fingers and wore an officer's uniform. My hands were suddenly sealed with cuffs as I glared with hatred but was met with only an amused smirk. “Hope you enjoyed your vacation, Tirek, but it’s time to go home to Tartarus again.” *** Discord left me in a pink bubble that I was unable to break out of with my magic before handing me over to the guards. He even put a leash around the bubble as an added insult as if I was some pet! I was left there in chains, cuffs, and my mouth still a zipper as I was forced to walk back towards my prison. It would only remain for a few hours, thankfully. Discord had left, but I was nothing but glad for that. The mere sight of him made me want to lash out and destroy everything in sight. Foolish. Just like my brother. Getting emotional with ponies. I swear, one day, his magic will be mine. Eventually, it got dark and the group made camp for the night. I was forced to sit in my bubble, no food or water, and watch as the guards slept or kept watch. I was left to rot in my prison and stew in my hate. I had failed. I had this one chance to be free and regain my power, but I was now heading back to my living hell. I cursed that unicorn I didn’t kill. Cursed Discord. Cursed all of Equestria and those who lived in it. Even if it took another thousand years, I would be free to reign over them all. While I sat there in the darkness, the sound of hoofsteps from a pathway nearby alerted not just me but the other guards as well who grabbed their weapons. They lowered them when they saw more guards arrive. “Commander Wellsprings,” said the mare in charge, saluting to my guards, “of the sixth platoon. Princess Celestia sent us as back up to make sure that you guys brought the prisoner to Tartarus safely.” My guard commander saluted back. “Good to see a friendly face. Did Discord give you our report?” “No, we were gone not to long after you were deployed. Is Discord still in the area?” asked the commander as she and her troops began to place themselves around. “No.” “Good.” The new commander then pulled out her sword and, before anyone could react, stabbed him straight into the chest. The commander died with a gurgle before falling to the grass motionless. My eyes widened as the traitor guards suddenly attacked my escort guards with their blades, cutting them down before most had a chance to react. Those that did were ready to fight back, but, in another surprise, some of their own suddenly stabbed them in the back or sliced their necks open. In less than a few minutes, most of the guards that had followed Discord into capturing me were dead, their blood spilled across the campsite. I was confused by what was going on, when somepony new entered the area. He was dressed in armor I had never seen before. It was black as obsidian with a dark red cloak trailing behind him. It was like knight armor yet it looked more smooth and durable while covering every part of the unicorn’s body but his head while in the center of the armor was a blue and silver swirling sphere that was shining in the center. Two swords of great length were by his side and I could sense them pulsing with magic. The unicorn himself was yellow in coat color and brown in mane color, looking young, handsome, but there was a vigilant fire in his eyes that looked almost fanatical. The remaining guards all bowed to him as I saw green fire enrapture the new guards, revealing themselves as changelings in royal armor. Those who didn’t change and betrayed their comrades bowed as well. The dark armored knight looked at my bubble prison with some amusement before his horn lit up and he unleashed his blades. I didn't even get a chance to see them before they cut through my shield in a cross formation and were sheathes back in place. That one duel strike split the bubble and it disappeared, freeing me. I stood there with curiosity as the armored unicorn stood in front of me with a smirk. “You know, if you’re this easy to capture, I wonder if even rescuing you is worth it.” I narrowed my eyes while wishing I could talk, but the zipper was still in place. “I wouldn’t worry about your mouth. That should fade away at some point soon.” He began to me as if I was some monkey on display. “I guess you're curious about who I am and what’s going on? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sir Morning Blade; one of the five Royal Knights of Unicornia. The personal bodyguards and agents of the Royal Unicornia Family.” My eyes widened. I had heard of Unicornia in my travels, but as far as I knew the relationship between Equestria and them was bad. This had suddenly become interesting. “Those guards who betrayed their own were bribed. Everypony's got a price. The changelings follow Queen Cicada, an ally of ours who doesn’t like the new Changeling Republic. Neither of us also like Equestria, something I think you share in common with us, right?” asked Sir Morning Blade. I slowly nodded. “Well, my superiors have sent me here to offer you an alliance. We plan on taking you back to Unicornia to help you recover your strength. There is a war coming that we plan on taking advantage of in the future. Your power is great and we can make it greater,” said Sir Morning Blade. “Unlike Equestria, which has just begun to discover the power of magic and technology, we have been doing it far longer than any other nation. We’re more advanced, and have the means of making anyone stronger with drugs, rituals, medicines, advance techniques, and more. We just require two things from you.” Ah, the catch. Always a catch. Still, I listened. “First, we would like to... study your means of absorbing magic. It’s unlike anything we have ever seen before. Agreed?” asked the knight. I quickly nodded. The means of which I use to steal magic was meant for my kind and my kind alone. I was not afraid to have them study it, they couldn’t recreate it even if they tried. “Good. Second, how would you like to regain what was yours that your brother stole from you?” He smiled at me. “How would you like to take over your old home and rule it?” They had my curiosity. Now they had my attention. And my allegiance. *** The Nation of Pride The Tyrant of Hate The Queen of Lies A Dark Alliance is born