An offer nopony can refuse
“Cozy Glow is the one behind all this?!” Twilight shouted in complete disbelief.
“Surprising, isn’t it?” Tirek asked in a rather smug tone. “I’m not usually all too fond of ponies.....but I must admit, even a coal mine produces a lustrous diamond if you dig hard enough. And stealing all of Equestria’s precious magic in order to trap the six of you down here was truly inspiring!” he laughed proudly, and loud enough to echo throughout the cavern. Spike, however, didn’t appreciate part of his statement. “Uh..there’s seven of us?”
Tirek raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? I didn’t know pets counted.”
SPike growled in anger, but before he could respond, or retaliate, Twilight dashed past him in a frantic hurry. All she could think about was how a filly she had so easily trusted because of how nice, and willing to learn about friendship she seemed to be. It hardly seemed possible she could have been playing them all along. But not that she considered it, even though it came from the mouth of a figurative demon, it all made too much sense. Now she knew they HAD to leave at once. “I knew I shouldn’t have left!”
“Starlight’s in charge of the school.” Applejack consoled while running beside Twilight. “If anypony can stop Cozy Glow, it’s her.”
“HA! PLEASE!” Tirek shouted to the running group, who just passed the causeway of his prison peak. “COZY GLOW MANAGED TO OUTSMART THE SIX OF YOU! I DOUBT THIS “STARLIGHT” STANDS A CHANCE!” And he let loose another bout of triumphant laughter, which instilled a sense of dread, and urgency in the ponies and dragon. “We have to get out of here! Her students can’t handle Cozy on their own!” Twilight said.
“Then I guess we’ll just have to bust our way out!” Rainbow exclaimed, right before taking off to the air, and circling around to charge at the gate. Before any of the others could yell at her to stop, she sped towards the door with a rear hoof outstretched. Fully intending to kick down the massive, stone slabs barring escape. What she got instead was a face full of stone when she slammed right into the door. Slowly sliding back down to the ground like an insect after smashing into a window. She lightly groaned in pain as her friends surrounded her, rubbing her head with a hoof. “That didn’t work.” she groaned again.
“Not everything can be solved with brute force, darling.” Rarity said. “We need magic to escape.” And she helped up the tomboyish pony to her hooves.Suddenly, Pinkie got into an excitable mood, and began to spout, “Maybe there's a way to get out without magic. Like a secret lever or a secret button or a secret admirer who knows a secret about you but is all, "Your secret's safe with me because I put it in Tartarus and I have a key!"!”
“I’m afraid not.” Twilight sadly said, turning back to the gate. “The most powerful villains and monsters of all time are trapped here. And without our magic, so are we.” A whine from Cerberus earned Twilight’s attention. And as she observed the massive canine, she began thinking of something: unlike the other monsters in their cages, and aside from Tirek, Cerberus was the only creature who was fit, and had his strength. Maybe it was due to the magical nature of his being, but he was still going strong, even with Cozy Glows’ spell occurring. Thinking about it sparked an idea in the alicorn’s mind, and sparked hope for her, and the others. “Unless... These creatures might be losing their magical powers, but there's still a magic that makes up what they are. Maybe we can borrow some of that.”
Tirek heard everything Twilight said, watching as the other ponies grew more positive. It appears the girls now had a means of escaping this infernal prison. But instead of getting angry at the idea of his apprentice’s plan to trap them failing, he appeared to be......smiling? “Oh, how I love when everything goes according to plan.” he chuckled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A while later, and the girls somehow produced a bouncy ball in order to play with Cerberus. Undoubtedly produced by Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow were busy keeping the 3 headed canine occupied and happy, while she began preparing to set her plan in motion. Fluttershy, however, had some small feeling of doubt surrounding the plan. “Um, are you sure there's magic in Cerberus? Clarissa the pig has two tails, and while her singing voice is lovely, I don't think it's magical.”
“We need to try everything if we want to get out of here.” Twilight said with determination, and resolve.
“I don’t know.” Pinkie said, holding a marshmallow on a stick right next to the Chimera. “Tartarus isn't so bad. I could hang out here for a while!” At least she thought so, before the goat head shot a torrent of flame which almost burned off her head. Instead, her marshmallow ended up roasted - before the goat head promptly chomped it in one gulp. “Eh. Maybe not forever though.”
“Unfortunately for all of you, it appears to be that way.” Tirek said aloud. “If my apprentice has taken my teachings to heart, then by sunset tonight, she will have cast the spell which has drawn in Equestria’s magic, and use it to banish it into the either forever.” The way Tirek spoke surprised the mane six, and Spike. They expected him to sound alot more gloatful, and happy about this plan he keeps mentioning. But for some reason, he remained reserved, and with little enthusiasm. Still, Twilight couldn’t help but be bothered by the plan he, and Cozy Glow had set up, and flew up to his cage to inquire about it. “Have you even thought about losing magic would mean?”
Tirek knew what she was inquiring, but he indulged her, anyway. “Of course: it means Equestria, and who live in it are weak, and powerless with no means of defending themselves from danger. And the six of you will remain trapped in here....just like me.”
“SEVEN!” Spike shouted.
“NOONE CARES, PET!” TIrek screamed back, earning an angered scream from the little drake.
“Exactly: It means you're trapped here. Forever. With us.” Twilight smiled, confident she had gotten one up on him.
Unfortunately, he surprised her yet again when he smiled, and laughed. “And is that supposed to intimidate me, or something? In case you forgot: I HAVE magic, still. And thanks to my armor, it’s not going anywhere. I escaped from this domain once before - and I have the patience to do it again. If it means I have to wait a little longer to do so, and spend some time with you idiots, then so be it.” Twilight couldn’t help but groan in frustration. “But HOW are going to do that while in there? If you have as much magic as you claim, you should have at least been able to teleport out of there by now.”
Tirek’s smile went away, “Don’t patronize me, princess. Or don’t you think it was the first thing I attempted to do so the moment I regained this power? The cage is reinforced with some kind of magical barrier which prevents teleportation, and i’m not at the right level to either break open the bars - or open a portal on my own.”
“In other words, you’re still stuck here with us, Tirek. Just admit that you didn’t think this plan of yours through, already.”
“It’s not my plan, princess: it’s Cozy Glow who thought all of this up. I merely provided her with the knowledge to see it realized, and have been along for the ride.” He grinned again, “But the idea of Equestria’s protectors trapped in eternal imprisonment, while the land and ponies they cherish dearly stands at risk from any number of perils is amusing to me. And i’m sure the very idea is enough to make each of you suffer.......knowing someone you care about will be threatened without any of you there to keep them safe. And that even if you escape from here, you’ll still be powerless to stop Cozy Glow, much less protect Equestria.” Seeing the now distressed looks on the ponies faces instilled a great deal of triumph in the centaur. Just the notion that he’d gotten under their skin, and made them feel helpless was more than he could have asked for. Now that they were in this state, it was time for him to throw out his bait. “But.....perhaps it doesn’t have to be that way, my little ponies.”
“W-what?” Twilight asked in legitimate surprise.
“To put it simply, while I admire Cozy for her devious thinking, and her skilled execution of a dastardly plan......I already find it is NOT to my liking.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked.
“I willingly taught Cozy all about draining magic, and utilizing portal magic in the hopes she would use this knowledge to aid me in escaping this domain. Though one-way, the portal for the spell she casts even now could send the stolen magic anywhere in existence. But instead of sending it all to me in order for me to gain even greater strength, and free myself, she’s sending it all to another realm entirely to disappear for good.” His eyes narrowed in anger. “That power is rightfully mine. And i’ll not see it taken away from me because of a pony who’s clearly allowed megalomania to cloud her judgement, and bite the hand which fed her.”
Twilight hummed in understanding. “So you really DIDN’T consider everything, then.” She smugly smiled.
“Watch your tone, little equine......because your only hope of escaping this infernal prison lies with me.”
The ponies, and Spike, looked rather confused as they eyed each other. “Um, excuse me?” Fluttershy asked. “Are you....offering to help us?”
Once more, Tirek crossed his arms over his chest as he said, “No. I never said any such thing. I would never willingly help you infernal equines - for free, anyway. Like I said: scratch my back.....and i’ll scratch yours.” His smile was met with a scowl from Twilight. “Forget it, Tirek! There is no way any of us are letting you out of that cage. Being locked up is the least you deserve after what you did.”
“Oh, I see: afraid i’ll do worse damage than what I did before? That reminds me: how’s that library of yours? Still a pile of ash?” Tirek laughed wickedly, and caused Twilight to growl in anger. Even after all this time, the loss of her library home was something that still weighed down on her. But she would not give the monster responsible the satisfaction of showing he was getting to her anymore. Sighing heavily, she turned her back on Tirek, and flew back down to her friends. Both of whom were concerned for her. “Are you alright, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Twilight felt a bit calmer, now that she was away from the centaur. “Let’s just get back to focusing on our plan.”
“So what do we do, Twilight?” Spike asked.
“Dash and Applejack nearly have Cerberus tired out. If Rarity pitches in, I think they can get him to sit still long enough to try what I have in mind.”
“I'm sure I can get the other monsters to help.” Fluttershy said, before whispering to Spike, “Besides, I would never call them monsters.” And she flew over to face the other creatures, while Twilight considered all her options. “I just hope it’ll be enough for my idea to work. They probably only have so much magic at the moment, and i’ll only get one shot at this.”
Though he was a little reluctant to ask, Spike still said, “W-well, what about Tirek? He’s got alot of magic to spare, doesn’t he?” That question made Twilight feel a bit uneasy. Especially when she turned to see the centaur in question, turning his back on the group as he seemed to be in a pondering state. “That’s the problem, Spike: Tirek has more than enough magic right now, but......at his current level, we can’t force him to do anything. Without our magic, we’re at a disadvantage. And besides, I don’t want to risk provoking him into doing so-”
“Leave him to me!” Pinkie said absent-mindedly, trotting over to where Tirek’s cage was, to Twilight’s concern. “No, Pinkie! Stay away from him! He might-” But Pinkie’s nonsensical la-la’s blocked out Twilight’s pleas. And she watched as the party pony made her way to the VERY dangerous individual who was barred from harming them directly - unless they got too close. Meanwhile, Cerberus had finally gotten tuckered out from all his playing with AJ and Rainbow Dash. Now Rarity decided to ease him further by making him lay on his belly for a nice, big, juicy bone. The 3 headed hound easily complied, and was rewarded with his treat. All the while, Fluttershy began rallying the monsters in cages, encouraging them to help the ponies, and dragons in their hour of need. “Okay, everyone! Time to show Equestria that you aren't monsters! You're wonderful, mystical creatures!” The creatures understood, and were greatly flattered by the kind ponies complimentary words. They were more than willing to help out the nice pony.
Now all that remained was Tirek, for better or worse. While his back remained turned, Pinkie slunk her way into his cage, and immediately began barraging him with a silly, annoying song to get on his nerves. Even throwing in a him-styled birthday cake to add to the fun-based torture she was attempting to inflict upon him in order to force his cooperation. She was quite confident he’d easily crack under such annoying pressure.
”I know it's not your birthday, so
You get a party, even though
We'll sing and dance from one to ten
And then we'll do it all again!”
Tirek was already getting annoyed with this idiotic, pink blob of an equine. He had no idea how she put a party hat on his head without his notice, nor how she produced a birthday cake -much less made in his image. But the fact she was so close to him, and physically touching him, that was putting her on thin ice. Her blowing a party favor in his ear didn’t help in the slightest. Nor did her moronic play at hosting some kind of child’s tea party. “More tea, Princess Pudding Rock?” She then actually reached her hooves down to his mouth, and pulled them open to make it look like he was speaking. All the while screeching in a horrid, highpitched voice, "Oh! Don't mind if I do!" Which was her bid at mocking him by making it seem like he spoke. Her bubbly laugh making a vein visibly throb on his forehead. He was this. close. to throttling this insolent pony dead.
“I can do this all eternity.” Pinkie all but whispered in his ear in a cute attempt to be threatening.
She backed away with a proud smile on her face. Unaware of the low, beastial growling emanating from his throat. And his body shaking with rage. In her mind, however, it looked like he was completely shaking in fear from being driven crazy by her antics. And the growling? His stomach growling after seeing her delicious cake. A few seconds passed before she said, “Well, big guy? If you want, I can bring out my special party streamers, too. That should get ya in the party moo-EEEGH!!!” The pink pony suddenly gasped as a big, red hand grabbed her neck. Her head bulging in the most exaggerated manner, as if she were a squishy toy. It would have been hilarious were it not for the fact she was in the clutches of an enraged, demonic centaur.
“Pinkie!” The other ponies, and spike exclaimed when they saw the display.
Tirek ignored the others as he continued growling. He brought Pinkie close to his face, with his eyes glowing in full, eerie gold light. Even without pupils, the murderous intent was all too clear. And by now, Pinkie was beginning to understand her situation as Tirek spoke. “It appears you are even dumber than the rainbow maned nag if you willingly came this close to me, pink one. Even moreso if you think i’d fall for your childish attempts at what I assume is torture - that was an irritant at worst. But if I told you once, i’ll tell you a thousand time: Keep YOUR FILTHY HOOVES OFF MEEEEE!!!” He roared ferociously throughout all of Tartarus, frightening some of the creatures, along with Fluttershy. The force of his voice caused Pinkie’s mane to stretch out like taffy, and then fall to the side once he finished. She then squirmed to say, “So is...that a no.....on the party streamers?” The centaur’s eye twitched a few times. He just couldn’t believe how idiotic this pony was. With an even more ferocious growl, he decided to teach this pony a proper lesson: by wrapping her mane around her body like some kind of taffy-based net, and then hang her by the bars on the ceiling of his cage with her tail. In her much more rounded state, Tirek began to box her like she was a little punching bag. She even bounced back and forth with every quick-paced strike he delivered. It’d been a long time since he had any exercise, or a means of venting some anger. The pink pony was just nice enough to volunteer to provide him with both.
The others watched in absolute horror, before Rarity angrily shouted, “Stop that at once, you wicked brute!”
Tirek laughed, “Why-ever would I? I can do this all eternity!”
“Not if we can help it!” Rainbow exclaimed, speeding her way towards the caged centaur, and the entrapped pink ball. Just before she could get closer, he raised a hand and roared “STOP!” The pegasus halted in the air, mere inches from the cage. “If any comes closer to me....” The same hand was then leveled with Pinkie, whose eyes were now poking out of the round mass that was currently her own body, and produced a ball of intense fire. “and we’ll see if this little one melts like candy.” Pinkie was now sweating profusely even in her current state, and began pushing “Help me” signs out of her rounded mass. The ponies, and Spike, looked fearfully at their friend. All of them unsure of what they should do now. If he wanted to, none of them could stop Tirek from seriously hurting Pinkie Pie. He had them at his mercy, and they showed that with their hesitance. And the monstrous villain knew he could finally get his way. “So, Princess, are you finally willing to hear out my proposal? I AM willing to help you leave, but all I want is something in return. I honestly don’t see the problem with hearing me out.”
Applejack grit her teeth, “Not when ya’ll ‘re holdin’ our friend hostage like that!”
“What can I say? I’m merely covering my bases.......and making sure you take me seriously. So what’s it to be, Princess?”
Twilight turned to all of her friends. They all had uncertain looks which made it clear they had no idea what to do. Not to mention that they didn’t trust the centaur in the slightest. But with their friend in a semi-literal sling, she found she had no choice. It was the final key incident all over again, only this time there was no way out of this scenario. They were in HIS hands now. With a regretful sigh, she flew up to Tirek’s cage, and landed right in front to face her adversary. “Alright.” She said somberly. “You win, Tirek: tell us what you want.”
“Heh. I thought you’d see it my way.” Tirek said, giving one more mild punch to the still stuck Pinkie, before he held her firmly in his magic. “What I want, my dear, is obvious and simple: my freedom.” This only made Twilight growl in anger. “But I don’t know HOW! Even if I wanted to, I don’t have the key to your cage, and I don’t have the power to bust through it. So I don’t know how you expect me to help you with that.”
Tirek smirked. “Ah, but you will have the power. Thanks to my armors magic spell, i’ve managed to contain a very good amount of magic within my body. Combined with the magic you’ll draw in from the other abominations here, you will have more than enough strength to open the gate.........and destroy the cage holding me here.”
“And you think it’ll work?”
“It was meant to hold my own powers at bay so I couldn’t blast my way out - doesn’t mean it can withstand an immense output of magic.” Tirek pointed out. “All you have to do is channel as much of your borrowed power into breaking the seal, and destroying this cage. If you are careful, you should have enough to open the doorway, and get us ALL out.” Twilight wasn’t actually sure of this plan of Tirek’s, and was quick to voice it. “That sounds risky. How do you expect me to channel, and focus an offensive spell without completely depleting the reserves?”
“When I transfer my magic, i’ll also add in a focusing charm to aid you.” Tirek said. “It should help give you enough of an aid to prevent any unneeded expenditures.” He then saw the look of suspicion arising on her face, and sighed. “You’ve nothing to worry about from me, afterwards. Although my armor will keep me in peak physical condition, i’ll be no stronger than any of those worthless animals in the cages. I’ll literally be putting everything I am into this transfer, and will be in the same boat as you.”
“That isn’t reassuring.” Twilight said, sounding unconvinced. Tirek himself sighed in indignation, due to how stubborn the equine princess was. She certainly knew better than to trust him after his actions in his last encounter with her. Further convincing was clearly needed. Luckily, an idea sprung to mind - and would ensure he would get what he wanted. “Then allow us to make a binding pact, your highness.” At he snap of his fingers, a brightly glowing, yellow contract appeared in front of him. Unfurling to reveal its contents, which Twilight couldn’t fully read due to it being in a different language she didn’t know. But Tirek was willing to fully explain its context. “This contract, deprived from an ancient, and powerful magic of the Eons Past, will ensure that the deal we make is completely unbreakable - even by the power of your treacherous chaos bringer of a friend. I went to the trouble of crafting it during your time here, and only now got it ready.” Pinkie’s sign said “Is that convenient, or just fishy?”, while Twilight looked it over. Still unsure of this thing, and with no idea how it worked. But she knew Tirek was making an official deal. So she went with it, and said, “Alright: then tell us what the terms of this contract are.”
“Nothing major.” Tirek said. “It’s just a written version of the deal i’m about to offer. If you’re willing to hear what it is.”
“You just said you want to get out of here, and you’d help us to do it.” Rainbow said in a huff. “Did you really need a magical contract to get the point out?” Tirek sighed in annoyance, before flicking her in the nose, and sent her reeling backwards. “If there are no further interruptions, then allow me to make you my official deal: free me from the imprisonment I find myself in, with no intentions of reimprisoning me anywhere, and in return I will not only help you escape from Tartarus........but I will help you dispatch Cozy Glow, and in the aftermath I will make no attempts to kill any of your kind for a large amount of time. The contract will bind us both to our words, and ensure we both follow through on our ends - under pain of death.”
Everyone gasped in shock. “D-d-d-death?!” Spike exclaimed.
“How absolutely ridiculous!” Rarity said angrily. “There is no way Twilight would ever agree to do something that could cost her so dearly! Our freedom is not worth such a heavy price!”
“Is it, though?” Tirek inquired. “By my estimate: you have less than half an hour to get out before the sun sets - and magic disappears forever. Any more delays will only lessen your time, and doom your world.” Again he saw the ponies giving each other questioning looks, and uncertain emotions visible to be seen. Twilight only confirmed this when she said, “Oh, celestia, I think he’s right: it was midday when we arrived. And how long have we been here Spike?”
Spike pulled out a small watch he carried in his satchel. And based on his horrified expression, the time was anything but good. “5 and a half hours! Tirek’s telling the truth! If we don’t leave now, then we’ll lose Equestria’s magic in 21 minutes!” The Mares all gasped in shock. No they understood there really was no choice now. They needed to escape, and do it now. If not, then their mission will have been a failure, and all is lost. Twilight turned to face the grinning centaur, knowing he’d ultimately won. With a defeated sigh, she said, “Looks like w have no choice.”
Tirek then stretched out his hand, as a magical flame enveloped it. “Then let us seal the bargain with a simple shake.” Everyone watched with nervous anticipation, waiting for Twilight to accept the offer. She hesitated for a moment, reaching out, but pulling back a few inches. Deep in her mind, she wondered if she was doing the right thing. Was it really worth it to do this? There was no guarantee Tirek was on the up-and-up, or that he wouldn’t betray them. But as she thunk further, she knew it was their only option left. With great reluctance, she reached her hoof out, and shook the centaur’s hand. The fire enveloping her own hoof in the process. A few moments later, and the flame flew off of their unified appendages, and struck the contract signature line. Directly below the fine print, the names “Lord Tirek” and “Twilight Sparkle” stood plain for all to see. With a triumphant laugh, he called the enchanted parchment back to him, and made it disappear into his hand. A vicious grin etched his features as he said, “Now then......shall we begin?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight hated that she was about to do this. Not the borrowing magic from the magical creatures part - the part where she’d also be releasing the most evil, odious, and diabolical villain Equestria has ever seen. In fact, she was almost considering going back on her word, and only taking the creature’s magic as she originally planned. But the more she though about it, the more she knew they needed Tirek to make this work. So after taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she said aloud, “Okay: is everyone ready?”
“Sit!” Rarity gently called to Cerberus, getting him to do just that. “Good boy!” She said, throwing him the giant bone, while whispering to Twilight, “I can’t say for how much longer.”, as the 3 headed dog broke the bone in 3.
“Oh! Before I completely forget!” Tirek said, before he used his magic to release Pinkie from her ball-like state. As expected, she bounced right back into her usually bubbly mood. “Wow! That was an experience! I don’t know what Spike was talking about: being a ball is super-duper fun - though the punching part could’ve been a little less intense, but what can ya do?” While she bounced around the centaur, he shouted down, “Alright! As soon as you’re ready, my little pony!” When Fluttershy also gave her a nod that she was ready, Twilight stood in the center of the chamber, and got ready to receive the magical output. Just as Tirek was about to speak, Pinkie jumped on his back, and said, “There's your cue, you evil centaur, you.” But immediately backed off when Tirek growled at her in the same, beastial manner. The nuisance removed, Tirek cleared his own throat as he closed his eyes, and began to concentrate. The spell he was about to cast was not simply a transference like magical beings could do: he was about to transfer every ounce of his power in a massive burst through an incantation In the process, he would also be giving some of his own knowledge of his magic to the alicorn princess to ensure she got this right. As he spoke, his body radiated with ethereal flame, and a strong wind seemed to circle around him. Causing his cloak to furl as he raised his arms into the air, and began the transfer.
“Centaurus, Unicus, come forth all the powers in me!
Consumptus magicus et motus fromatus! Transfero to thee!”
From both his hands, and his horns, Tirek unleashed all of the power he had inside of his body, and gave it over to Twilight. She was honestly surprised he had so much magic in him, and it almost caught her off guard. Either way, it was the signal for the other creatures to let Twilight draw on their magic, as well. Multiple streams channeled into her horn, as Tirek’s had done before. And once it was done, Twilight had an immense surplus of magic - while to the surprise of the ponies, the creatures who were hyrbrids, like Cerberus, had actually split apart into separate animals - Cerberus merely being comprised of three dogs. It appears that without magic, the beast reverted to a more ordinary state. But it just proved that Twilight’s trick had fully paid off. “That’s it: I think it’s working!” She happily exclaimed, immediately turning to the door, and getting ready to open it. But just before she could unleash it, she felt something off. A strange force which was preventing her from casting the spell. “Wha-?...What’s happening?” Then, she found herself forcefully turned around to face Tirek’s cage. And with a strained groan, fired a single beam of amalgamated magic at the cage - information she never realized was in her mind flashing through. And it was that which prevented her from using too much of the energy, and cut off the flow. In the end, Spike and the mane six watched as the only thing holding their greatest foe seemed to super-heat, and melt into a steaming pile of slag. Its former occupant stepping forward as he stretched his arms high above his head.
Tirek was free.
“Ah, yes! Finally!” He grunted in glee. Stretching his arms, legs, and upper body after spending many months in that infernal cage. Pinkie hastily darting around him while he was busy. “I assuredly do NOT envy Discord for being encased in stone. Immobility is a cramping experience.” When he was done, he saw the strained, but glaring expression of Twilight trying to burn a hole into his very soul, to the further confusion of the others. Tirek merely gave here an annoyed expression before he said, “Well? What are you waiting for? I’m out now, so you can open the gate! Time’s almost up, you know!” Twilight growled angrily at Tirek’s condescending, but knew it wasn’t the time to call him out. She turned back around to the gate, and finished her task: firing a magical beam anchor into the two doors, and then pulling them open. She had to hold both of them open with her own strength, as well as the borrowed magic, and even then it was proving a difficult task. “Come on!” She exclaimed while visibly straining. “I don’t know how long I can hold it!”
The others wasted no time in running towards the entrance. Though Tirek made a large leap over the chasm, and onto the platform when he followed behind. Before leaving, Rainbow tossed the Cerberus puppies a little boulder while calling them a good boy - minding that they were still 3 haves of the same whole - while Fluttershy bid farewell to the normalized former hybrids, promising to return them to their original states soon before Rainbow ushered her out the door. As they ran, Pinkie even thanked Tirek, although he rolled his eyes at her random obliviousness. The group ran out the door just in time before Twilight’s magic faded away. She managed to dart right through the doors just in time, before it was closed for good. Now the group was free to recuperate from the eventful escape.
“YAY!” Pinkie shouted happily, bouncing up and down. “Twilight did it!”
The alicorn smiled at her friends, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without any of your help.”
“Oh, i’m not sure we did!” Rarity suddenly said urgently, pointing her hoof in a specific direction. Said direction was toward the horizon behind them, where the road back to Canterlot lay. The sight which greeted the groups eyes left the ponies, and Spike mortified: the sun was already setting. “No!” Twilight shouted. Tirek, stroking his bear in though, walked up beside the young princess, and said, “I’m afraid so, Princess. As I said in Tartarus: by sunset tonight, all of Equestria’s magic will disappear forever.”
“Without magic, we’ll never reach the school in time!” Twilight said with fearful dread.
“What does that mean?” Fluttershy nervously asked.
“It means we’ve failed!”
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How dare you.
So the representation of Tirek in this story is pretty drastic compared to the one in the show. This one being more devious, brutal and threatening (even when he's behind bars). While I find it interesting that he somewhat bargained with the Mane Six and Spike for freedom, I'm just wondering where it will lead to next. Because if he was quick to betray Discord in his last conquest, well, Cozy Glow will probably go through the same act. But I'm sure Tirek's true plans don't end here, do they?
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You could say that. As a huge fan of the Xanatos Gambit, and as one who recognized Tirek’s potential for being a manipulative deceiver, you can be sure things aren’t completely what they seem with him. As i’m sure you’ll find out soon enough.:) Still happy you like the depiction. If there’s one thing I stay consistent with, it’s making him a major asshole. As Spike can attest right now.:D
I immediately found a loophole in the contract.
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Oh, really? Then please tell me. I want to see if it’s the same idea as me.:)