Settling the score
None of the mane seven could believe it: all of their efforts to escape had been for naught. The sun had set on them, at last. And with the last rays of light fell any hope of saving Equestria’s magic.
It was over.
And in Twilight’s heart, she knew who was the cause of this. Despair soon began turning to anger, and her expression fell into a feral snarl as she turned to face the towering centaur among them. “This....is all your fault!!!” she yelled, flying up to Tirek in an incredibly threatening manner. “Everything Cozy Glow has done is all thanks to you! Now all of Equestria will suffer, and it’s all because of you!” It was rare to see Twilight so overwhelmed by anger. But when it DID happen, she was quite a fearful pony. Even her friends couldn’t help but look nervous as she heaved angry breaths as she hovered in the air in front of the evil centaur. Unfortunately, he was not all that impressed by her infuriated postulating. All he could think of was how ungrateful she was acting. And frankly, it could hardly be accepted by him.
"How.....DARE YOU?!" Tirek roars, before holding Twilight by her throat in his incredibly large hands, to the horror of her friends. "If it weren't for me, all of you would have remained eternal prisoners of the poor man's version of the Cave of Wonders!' Before any others could react, he tossed her to the ground in a rather rough, and rude way that caused her to roll in a heap. "All of you ignorant ponies: always acting so entitled to all in existence, that you groomed and raised your generations into thinking life owes you everything. So when everything goes wrong in your oh, so perfect lives, who do you blame? Certainly not yourselves for noticing the danger before it could even occur. You all are as much to blame as I am. So in all seriousness, I think a little gratitude is in order." The Centaur crossed his arms, looking at the group with disdain. The others, of course, took a good deal of offense from such a statement.
"Gratitude?" Rarity gasps. "You uncultured ruffian! You dare call us ungrateful after you conspired with somepony to trap us all in that ghastly, gritty dungeon with enough time to drain all of Equestria's magic! You are a ruffian, and a hypocrite, good sir!" She angrily exclaimed, huffing as her nose was raised.
"Rarities right, horn head!" Rainbow challenged. "If anypony should be grateful, it's you to us for not leaving you back there when we had the chance! You deserve so much more time in there than over a thousand years! And if you keep acting all high, and mighty, we'll show you just how ungrateful we can be!"
"Is that right?" Tirek questioned with an eyebrow raised. "And how do you plan to do that? Buck me into next century equestria, or whatever it may be called in the future? I assure you, you couldn't even make me budge a single centimeter across the ground if you actually tried - not that i'd put it past a pride-haired tomboy to be that idiotic, and rash."
Rainbow snarled, "Oh, yeah?!" And attempted to charge at him, only for Applejack to yank her back to earth by her tail. "That's enough, Rainbow! We ain't got time for finagling fights!" Spike flew up beside her, and said to Rainbow, "Yeah. Tirek's just trying to mess with your head. Remember how he messed with Discord, and tricked him into betraying us? The guy knows how to press all the right buttons, but you gotta ignore the jabs he makes."
"Heh. Spoken from a reptilian whelp who does nothing but TAKE jabs, because life doesn't favor you in the slightest." Tirek snidely remarked, earning a glare from the smaller dragon. "You take that back, you big meanie!" Pinkie exclaimed, getting in Tirek's face once again. "Nobody messes with Spikey-Wikey, and gets away with it! So you better say sorry, or-" Once again, the pink party mare found herself in the grip of the larger centaur, who was increasingly annoyed by her mere presence. "I believe I warned you about invading my personal space, you insufferable nag. Now, it's time for the remedial course in Lord Tirek's school of utter misery." His magic ignited between his horns, and allowed him to form an orb of similar magic in his right hand. Pinkie having her eyes turn increasingly wide as saucers as she saw it, before sweatily smiling an apology to the grinning centaur. Before he could, however, Twilight finally got back up with Flutterhy's help, and shouted, "Enough!", garnering everyone's attention. "Tirek, please: put her down, now!" She spoke with as much authority in her tone as she could muster, in order to intimidate her adversary.
Tirek growled in defiance, and even pointed his open hand with the growing magic in it at her, showing he was not intent on obeying a mere alicorn novice. Yet despite the increasing energy he mustered, Twilight remained unperturbed. She was through allowing this evil monster pushing her around, and she was not afraid of him, though her friends concern was extremely high. Tirek could see the resolve in her eyes, and the unwillingness to give in to his intimidation display - and in turn, submit to him. Though he sneered at her stubbornness........he soon found himself chuckling as he allowed his magic to cut out. "Alot of spirit in you, I see, Princess." He then tossed Pinkie over to a nearby tree, where she slammed completely into it, and was reduced to a living accordion. She quickly popped back to normal, and was back beside her friends, who were happy she was okay. Tirek, unconcerned with his enemies wellbeing, said, "And on the older subject, do not forget that it was only thanks to MY magic you were able to open the doors, and in doing so, secure all our freedoms - even when I had no motivation to do so after that pink nuisance attempted to torture me. Without my stored reserves, all of you would indeed remain co-prisoners with me for all time."
"Still doesn' change the fact ya worked with Cozy Glow to make all this happen." Applejack stated indignantly.
Tirek merely sighed as he rubbed his temples. "No, once again, I only provided my protege' ideas for an interesting scheme. I honestly had no idea what it was until you six came along.....though I admit, her requests in learning how to drain magic enlarged my own suspicions, which you six confirmed for me."
"GRR! IT'S SEVEN!" Spike roared while jumping in the air.
"Pets still don't count, dragon."
"AAARGH!"
"Either way, it doesn't matter: we made a legal, binding, and unbreakable contract that got all of us what we wanted. Now we are free of that accursed prison, and in one piece." Before Tirek could say anything else, Rainbow flew up to him, and said, "Who cares? If anything, you still kept all of us busy by wasting time any way possible! So it's your fault we couldn't get out in time!"
"Perhaps if you had agreed to release me from my captivity sooner, then so much time might not have been wasted." Tirek smirked, making Rainbow growl as she backed off. "But enough of the idiocies displayed! You might have the drive to play the blaming game until our hooves are sore, but I don't think your precious students have all that much time with Cozy Glow still in action." The reminder caused Twilight to gasp, as she said, "He's right! We got so caught up in our feelings that we wasted even more time! We have to get back to the school, and keep Starlight and the other students safe!"
"But, Twilight," Fluttershy said gently, "we still don't know what else Cozy Glow might be doing at the school. For all we know, she might have some kind of trap waiting for us, just in case!"
"And we don't have the the magic to aid in avoiding any dastardly moves that wicked little mare may have been plotting." Rarity stated. "Oh, I can't believe we all feel for her goody-goody sweet act! Living with Sweetie Belle, I should have been able to tell she was only attempting to suck up to us."
"Same here, an' involvin' Applebloom." AJ admitted.
"Girls, listen." Twilight said reassuringly. "I know things seem bleak right now, but we can't let that stop us. We might still have a chance to make things right if we make it back before things get worse. As long as we're together, we can overcome whatever comes our way: magic, or no magic."
"But.....how will we get there fast enough?" Rainbow questioned. "If magic is really gone, then my top speed might not be what it used to be, and you and Rarity can't just teleport us there." She cast an angry glare back at Tirek, who was still smiling at them with arrogant mirth as his arms remain crossed. "And there's no way we're asking him for help again."
"I agree with that idea." Fluttershy shuddered a little, with Spike nervously agreeing.
"There's no choice." Twilight said. "Even if we might not be at our best, those of us with wings can still carry those without, and then we soar as fast as we can back to the school. Maybe then we can find a way to fix what's happened."
"Or we can just wait a few minutes for all of those sparkly, glowing wisps flying all over the place to come over, and give us our magic back." Pinkie suggested, with her gaze being turned opposite her friends, who were quite confused by her words, and the absurd randomness of them all. "Uh, no offense, Pinkie.......but are you feeling alright?"Spike asked with concern. "Because I think that tree slam might have given you a concussion, or something. If you're seeing a bunch of lights, that might mean-"
"Concussion?" Pinkie said, before going 'Pfft!' "That's silly! Concussion sounds like the more serious cousin of Percussion. I wonder if they hang out on mondays, and share musical interests while eating minty-chocolate pudding? Mmm......... puuudiiing!" Pinkie said in a goofy smile, and with crossed eyes, before smiling and saying, "But actually, I was talking about those things over there." Though it actually took over 10 seconds, the group managed to overcome their confusion, and observed in the direction Pinkie pointed. And what all of them saw astounded, and amazed each of them.
The night sky had filled entirely in a rainbow of shooting stars, that were not actually shooting stars. Somehow, they could sense them for what they were. And all of the orbs of stolen, equestrian magic were imminently swarming, and flaying across the heavens to return to their own rightful hosts. Some of the multi-colored orbs floated down like snowlflakes, as though they were podlings ready to seed the earth. The rest were of living entities who held magic inside of them. Three primary cases being Twilight, Rarity, and surprisingly Pinkie, though noone noticed. Even Rainbow Dash, and Applejack could feel their natural, elemental connections re-entwining with the flow of Equestria's own magic. The girls and spike were thrilled, because they knew that it meant that somepony, somehow, had released all of the stolen magic taken by Cozy Glow, and returned it to their world. With great haste, Twilight immediately teleported herself, and her friends back to the Friendship School.
And in their excitement, completely forgot about the armored centaur who had only been observing all that happened. At the moment, he could only chuckle in amusement at the idea of the girls getting so excited to have their magic back, that they instantly forgot about him. Not that he could completely blame them, since magic always has an effect like that. Something he knows from personal experience. Even now, as he observed all of the invigorating wisps of magic, and life-energy zipping through the sky like wasps, his own lips were licked in hungry anticipation. He quickly noticed the familiar auras belonging to the creatures in Tartarus phase through the gate, and already knew the hybrids were being restored. He knew only his own magic was left to arrive - and it didn't take long for black, and orange energy of his essence to appear. At the sight of it, TIrek's grin grew wider, and his arms opened to welcome it, like it was his own child. With impressive strength, it actually knocked him on his back as he gripped it, and allowed it to flow back into his own ancient form. The feeling of old strength returning was also invigorating, even though he'd not been parted from it all that long ago. It, nevertheless, was a welcomed sensation........and the proof that his greatest power had returned to him.
Once on his feet, and his gaze turning to the orbs still falling, the demonic centaur decided it would be best to enjoy himself with a late night feast before completing his contract.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pandemonium had all but engulfed the school, as students ran around in a frightened frenzy. The immense explosion, an dispersal of magic sent them running, and it almost seemed like they wouldn't stop. Amidst the chaos of the moment, a familiar aqua light flashed, and saw Starlight Glimmer and the Student Six deposited back to the school grounds. The six were briefly disoriented, but once Yona saw their student councilor, she couldn't hold in her excitement, and jumped towards her to glomp, laughing, "Councilor Pony-" before Starlight quickly caught her in her magic, and gently let her back down. Though briefly startled, Starlight regained her smile as she stood back up, seeing the student six together. "It's good to see you again, Yona."
"I guess this means magic is back." Ocellus stated proudly.
"You ruined everything!"
To the group's shock, standing just behind them was the singed form of the little pegasus mare responsible for all of this trouble, Cozy Glow. Her curly mane was in a frazzle, small scorch marks covered parts of her fur, and her yellow bow had been especially singed. It actually complimented the fillies angered expression, and emotional state rather well. "Now Twilight, and her ridiculous friends can escape from Tartarus!" She screamed as she threateningly walked towards the group, who readied to deal with her. But it was no longer an issue when Twilight, and all her friends appeared right next to all of them. To the hidden worry of Cozy, the seven of them held extremely unhappy looks directed at her. But being the smarmy wretch that she was, Cozy attempted to gain an advantage with her insincere, syrupy sweetness, and gain her 'teacher's' favor. "I...mean....YAAAAY! All my friends are safe!"
"You can drop the act, Cozy Glow!" Applejack was the first to speak, and she was probably angrier than the others for getting manipulated so thoroughly. "Your pen-pal, Tirek, told us all about how he helped you suck up all that magic!"
"But, I still don't understand why!" Twilight asked desperately, the distraught of suffering such a betrayal evident in her tone. She had hope that there was a reason behind Cozies actions, and that maybe, somehow, she could help her out. Perhaps provide leniency for her actions, and give her a chance to redeem herself. Unfortunately, Cozy got robbed of the last vestiges of patience she had, and with a ruthless growl, she angrily and crazily shouted, "Why?! Because friendship is power! You may be the Princess of 'Friendship', but as headmare of this entire school, I can collect more friends than you!" Unfortunately for her, the other pony students had arrived to check on things, and heard her declaration. And now were beginning to realize she had also manipulated them, as well. Twilight, however, just couldn't help but feel pity for the young mare, as she said, "Friendship IS powerful. But power isn't why you make friends. I'm sorry I couldn't teach you that."
"Well, ya taught us!" Gallus proudly said, as he and his friends stood beside their headmare, making her and the other teachers smile proudly. Especially when Silverstream said, "You can't let one bad apple think you failed."
"Andwe never could have stopped her if we hadn't learned what you taught us about friendship!" Sandbar added, with great enthusiasm, and a warm, gentle smile.
"Honesty? Loyalty? Generosity? Blah, blah, blah!" Cozy said in a rude, and dismissive tone, as her mad look mixed with a triumphant one. "I can make more friends without using ANY of them. And if I can't do it here, i'll just do it somewhere else!" She immediately took off into the air, and made a beeline straight to the exit. But before she could get away, several of the pegasi students flew in front of it, and blocked her path while the land based ponies covered the ground. "Yeah, I don't think so!" said a green furred, orange maned pegasus mare with a purple bow. With the main entrance out of reach, much to her annoyance, Cozy went for another route right past the nearby pond bridge. But to her increasing worry, The Princesses and Chancellor Neighsay appeared via teleportation and portalling in respectively. She backed away, and got ready to take to the skies, until she noticed the dozens of Royal Guard flying above, and slowly closing in. But even so, she refused to back down, and kept herself at a distance from the guards that were marching towards her. Her eyes darting everywhere to see if there was at least one way out. A fiendish smile formed when she saw a nearby grate, leading underground. And in her current circumstances, she rather would take her chances with the tree roots, and tunnels than whatever was intended for her. She zipped on over before anypony could catch her, and found herself mere moments away from escape.
But then, to everyone's shock, and incredible fright, a fiery, red portal appeared between Cozy, and the catacomb grate - with a now much bigger Tirek stomping on through, with a commanding presence surrounding him. All of the guards gasped, and backed off in fear. The pony students eyes bulged with terror, with the student six overwhelmed with absolute shock. Dread falling over Celestia, Luna, and even Neighsay as they recognized the figure now before them. Only the mane six seemed surprised, rather than shocked, but more worried about what was about to happen. Sadly, it made no difference, as the cat was slipping out of its bag, and inevitably broke out as soon as the centaur's gaze fell on the shocked filly caught in his massive shadow. Based on her isolation, the presence of Royal Guards, and her rather messy appearance, a smile formed on his muzzle as he deduced who this pony was. "Nice to finally meet you......pen-pal Cozy."
Cozies eyes turned into saucers as she leaned her tiny, little neck as far back as she could to meet the centaur's piercing, yellow eyes. "Wait........YOU'RE Tirek?!"
"Surprised? The gift you gave me worked wonderfully in restoring me to my prime." Tirek explained, flexing a little bit just to boast. "Though it only contributed to the immensity of my greatness, and indomitable might." He quickly stopped as he observed the menagerie surrounding the two of them. And as he placed his hands on his 'hips', his head began nodding, with an impressed smile. "An entire witchhunt, and for one diabolical little filly - and all I got was the average rainbow laser to the face, and a one-way ticket back to Tartarus. Now, if only I had this much attention brought to me when I was on the loose. You truly must be something if you garnered this much attention, eh, Cozy?"
"Uh.....y-yeah." Cozy said, trying to think of how to use Tirek to help her escape.
"Guys.....who is that?" Silverstream asked in a low, nervous voice. "He's even scarier looking than The Storm King...and he feels ten times more evil. I didn't even know that was possible!"
" 'fraid it is, Silverstream." Sandbar answered, with his voice mirroring Silverstream's nervousness. "That's Tirek! The guy our teachers went to talk to about the whole magic-draining craziness."
"Wait: THAT'S Lord TIrek?" Ocellus asked. "The ruthless centaur who escaped Tartarus when Cerberues abandoned his post, eluded Equestria's attention for an entire year, and then tricked the Lord of Chaos himself into helping him steal all of the magic he could drain from any creature with magic?"
"Looks like." Gallus said, trying to hide his nervousness. "Though I have to admit: he looks alot different from the pics our teachers showed of him in history. Must be the armor, or something."
"Who cares how creepy he looks?" Smolder said, keeping her own voice low. "I think the better question is how he even got out again? Unless........." Smolders eyes widen. "No way. I know they can mess up sometimes, but even Headmare Twilight wouldn't do something that crazy?"
"Do what? Yona not understand." Yona said nervously.
"You know," TIrek said, stepping past Cozy, and the guards who were too afraid to act, approaching the six students he had just startled into huddling protectively in a group, with Twilight spreading her wings out defensively in front of them. The centaur humming as he began stroking his white beard. "A pony, yak, griffon, draggon, hippogriff, and changeling - together? Rarely could the though ever occur to any creature in my time. Things really have changed in the new era, haven't they?" Before he could get any closer, a beam of magic struck his arm, and wrapped a familiar sealing chain around it. To Tirek's surprise, it actually began pulling his arm in a single direction: towards the black maned, grey furred unicorn stallion in a red robe, whose horn glowed with magic, and appeared to be straining to pull on the much larger centaur. "You will not take another step towards those students, monster!"
"Ah, so you're the EEA pony Cozy told me about in her letters." Tirek said, sniffing with contempt. "You're even more overblown than I imagined - especially if you think you can actually stop me."
"As head of the EEA, it is my duty to ensure the safety of the students within the education system! That includes the young creatures who saved us all this day! I may have made a grievous error in judgement concerning them....but I WILL ensure nothing happens to them so long as I still stand!"
"Hmph. Admirable." Tirek then grabbed the chain with his right hand, and broke it with ease. Making Neighsay grunt in pain, and the chain dissipate into nothing. "But foolish. In case none of you have noticed, I have business here with a group of six individuals concerning Cozy Glow." Every pony, and creature grunted in fear, and Tirek's gaze upon the gathered Mane Seven and Student Six, who were standing ready to fight, if necessary. Just as Celestia, and Luna were ready along with their guard - even Neighsay was willing to fight to the best of his abilities if need be. Cozy, however, was absolutely elated by Tirek's statement, and with triumphant laughter, flew beside his head to gloat at her enemies. "Yeah, that's right! I told you can make friends easily! And with Tirek helping me, it won't be long before all of Equestria bows down to the future Empress of Friendship! HAHAHAHAHAAAH!"
"Small dilemma with your plan, little pegasus." Tirek said, earning an inquisitive look from the filly. Suddenly, to the shock of everyone present, Tirek immediately drained Cozy Glow of all her magic. Her cutie mark vanished entirely, and her body weakened to the point she fell like a rock. The centaur hummed in delight as he took in the sweet essence he consumed. All while a confused Cozy stared at her pen-pal, and 'friend' with confused, hurt, and grey-filled eyes. "Wha-....why did you do that? I thought we were in this together?"
"We were.......until you thought it was a good idea to send all of Equestria's magic into oblivion instead of sending it to its rightful, and only true master - ME!!!" TIrek roared in rage, almost shaking the area as fear instilled itself into Cozy Glow while she tried to worm her way out of this. "But I.......I was only...following your instructions, Tirek! I made the sigil, and the marks like you said, and used the six artifacts to act as the magnetic pull for magic, just like you said! I did everything you asked!"
"Hmph. You're crafty: me. You're smart: me. You're cunning, and know how to manipulate: me." Tirek checked off each thing with a hint of intrigue, before his tone turned to disdain. "But if there is one thing I NEVER taught you.....it's how to properly lie. That's why you aren't as good at it as you think, and have to rely on your 'insincere syrupy sweetness' to get your way. It may work on ponies.......but I am superior to all of them combined, and can easily smell a traitor when I see one. And just through your letters I could smell your intent to double cross me by leaving me to my eternal torment while you remove my true source of power in this world. Did you think I wouldn't realize?" Tirek hissed, before a guttural growl was sounded out to accompany the menacing glow of his yellow eyes. "Did you think I would forgive?" Cozy actually shook in absolute terror as she found herself lifted off the ground, and in his magical grip. Her eyes meeting the fiery haze of the demonic entities eyes. Eyes filled only with anger, and hate. And lust for endless power, and control. And further in, she saw something she should be far too young to ever consider at her age.
In his eyes, she saw Death, itself, standing in the fiery flames of Hades.
"Release her this instant, Tirek, now!" Celestia's voice cut in, breaking the silence that had fallen over the school, along with the tension between the two figures. Both princesses horns ignited as they were ready to do battle with the centaur, with Luna declaring, "No matter what the fillies crimes, if you harm a single hair on her head......then I promise you will be made to endure an eternity of endless suffering as you rot away in Tartarus." Her voice carried a strong, and heavy air of intimidation, as he aura of intent alerted everyone here that she had every intentions of making good on her threat. Tirek, however, didn't seem all that effected as he gave her a long, uninterested glance, before turning back to Cozy Glow. Breaths held, and the tension in the air only grew as anypony could only guess at what might happen.
Tirek surprised everyone when he immediately, and boisterously laughed. So hard that he wrapped an arm over his stomach, and almost seemed about ready to fall to his side. Needless to say, all were baffled by this sight, and even Pinkie seemed dumbfounded. It was interrupted by Tirek tossing Coy to the ground and into the crowd of guards, wiping his eyes free of tears before he caught his breath, and began speaking. "Now THAT has to be the most hilarious thing i've actually heard in over 5000 years. And they say you aren't the funny one, Princess Luna. Especially if you think," Tirek's tone suddenly turned threatening as he growled, "that the memory of your corrupting the only family I ever had - the very concept of my own brother betraying me was not an eternity of endless suffering for me? That every day, since that moment, I found out just how incredibly alone I truly was when the only being I believed in, trusted in, turned against me? And for what? For the attention, and adoration he briefly absorbed while enjoying your lands? Pathetic!"
"It's not like that, Tirek!" Twilight suddenly spoke up, feeling she knew how suitable she might be for the subject matter. "I'm sure it hurt your brother to turn against you to protect Equestria. But he saw that there was a better way than seizing power! He saw what the magic of friendship had to offer. In fact," she beamed towards her six students, "you could say he was the first non-pony to know friendship, and became part of my inspiration for creating this school. He found that there was a better way than using force, and intimidation to get what you want. If different hearts can open to each other, and understand that there are no differences between us, then our lives will be all the better for it." Though his expression remained neutral, Twilight took Tirek's silence as permission to continue. "And maybe.....if you're willing, even you can learn to do the same, Tirek. Learn from your brother's example, and the example set by my own students who worked together, despite their differences, to save Equestria." The student six, of course, bustled with feelings of accomplishment, and pride, while Tirek's expression seemed to lessen. His head lowered as the shadow of his hair, which was flipping over his forehead, covered his eyes. Twilight felt like maybe she was getting the elder centaur to at least think about a change of heart - and maybe, end this with Equestria gaining a new ally like Discord, and Starlight. "I know deep down that you have similar feelings. Scorpan meant the world to you, didn't he? That's why you kept his medallion after so many centuries, isn't it? That despite what you told Discord, it really was a gift from someone close......and the only happy thing which held that memory alive for so long."
Everyone looked at Tirek, wondering what his response to that would be. The centaur himself almost appeared lost in thought, as he raised a hand to his chest. The bare place where his brother's amulet once hung around his neck. He'd gotten so used to wearing it, that its absence had left phantom impressions of it. The ghostly feeling of a lost piece of weight he no longer bore. After a while, a heavy sigh escaped his maw. "In many respects, you might be right." He spoke in a low voice of melancholy. " A long time ago, that trinket Scorpan gave me did indeed serve that exact purpose. The only reminder of the bond I thought we once had when we were young, and innocent. Even when our father pushed me away with his favoritism of younger Scorpan, I held him with care, and he rarely left my side. And every time I looked into my own reflection, I remembered each, and every one of those good, old fashioned happy-days. It truly was wonderful." A small smile formed on Tirek's face as he spoke. And for a while, it appeared that maybe he was beginning to see things in a better perspective. Twilight, and even Celestia were actually quite hopeful, despite his past misdeeds, in that they could show him a way to reclaim that lost happiness, and steer him down the right path. With just a bit more convincing, maybe he-
"Then you equine peons took him away."
Tirek's voice deepened, and became hard as stone as he began speaking again. All the while, to the growing concern of everyone there, an aura of killing intent began emanating from the armored centaur. His own body beginning to wrap itself in red, and black miasma as his head rose. Gone were the neutral expressions, and the small smile from before. Now, to the horror of all who observed, there stood the furious eyes of an archdemon, whose growing presence was beginning to swallow them all. "Your kind took him away from me! Poisoned his mind, and turned him against me with honeyed words, and meaningless promises! You talk of working together despite having differences.....but I know what your kind is like: spineless, bigoted, prejudice, and greedy things who hold yourselves above all others! And completely isolate those who are different from you - or at the least, tame them into becoming faithful pets who either conform to your ways, or are only enemies meant to be punished!"
"N-no!" Twilight meekly shuddered. "Th-that's n-ot true! We-"
"But look at all of you!" Tirek said in a demonically amused tone as he saw all of the figures (minus the Princesses whose wills matched his own) cowering, and gazing in fright at this unholy beast who merely smiled at them. His huge, fanged teeth glinting in the dark night sky as he looked down on his lessers. "So small, and so frail in the face of your superior. Even as a young centaur, faced with my first pony, I could tell all of you value magic above all else. Magic is power, and your kind uses it for frivolities, and pointless activities.......when it is capable of so much more! Jealously you horde, and hold power until your dying breath, never understanding the true might you wield. I knew that magic is something that must be cultivated! Harnessed from something far grander than parties, and silly idiocies of casting measly spells. One who understands what true power is capable of, and who holds the will to control, and wield it to govern the cosmos itself! With all magic united in the body of one who may master it, that being can become a source of Absolute Power!" His aura of killing intent erupted, and swept through the crowd like a tidal wave. Many ponies crying, and shrieking in fear at this unholy sensation that was beyond anything they could imagine. Most even saw their own ends passing in front of them, at the hands of this God of Evil.
They even swore they could see the shadow of a horned devil in the shroud, glaring down on them all with its crimson eyes, paralyzing them all where they stood.
But to the relief of all present, it went, and was gone as Tirek recomposed himself. Needless to say, there were many teenaged ponies, and a few guards, who were forced to empty their insides one way, or another after such an horrific display of bloodlust, and hate. "As I told the draconnequus before, the medallion was worthless to me - had been ever since Scorpan abandoned me to my fate. I only kept it so that I would never forgive him for what he did. So that one day, I would not only finish what I began all those centuries ago, and claim the power of all the magic of this world.........I would also hunt him down to the dusty domain that is the Netherlands, and raze it to the ground. If he, and my father still lived, both would watch as i end their beloved Kingdom with fire, and stone bringing down the very foundations of their home. Then, I would abandon them in the ruins of their beloved kingdom they cherish so dearly. Just as Scorpan did me, I would leave them with nothing - not even whatever magic flows their them - to comfort them, as their sin forever brands them. There are things far worse than death to be afraid of, little ponies." Tirek grinned, unnerving the crowd deeply. This certainly seemed to satisfy the demonic centaur, because what he said next drew a collective gasp from all but Twilight, and her six friends.
"For now, though, it is no longer of consequence." he said, turning once again to Twilight, "because now that my ex-protege has been dealt with, our bargain is almost complete, Princess Twilight."
All eyes were on the princess of friendship, who was afraid of this moment, even with her friends there to support her. Starlight was the first to ask, "Twilight? What is he talking about? What deal?" Looking nervously to all of her friends, Twilight faced her former student, and the others and sighed remorsefully. "The journey to Tartaurus was a malignant trap set up by Cozy Glow. She left us a magic key that opened the gates, but disappeared as soon as it was opened. Once we were inside, that was it: we had no way of escaping from that place. We learned from Tirek how Cozy Glow somehow shared letters with him to learn the magic spells that let her drain Equestria's magic so that she could take over."
"But it was too late by then, and we were all stuck with him!" Spike spoke up next. "Twilight figured out a way we could actually escape, and it was going great." Then his expression soured. "Unfortunately, we needed Tirek's power to make it work. Thanks to Cozy giving him that magic-storing armor, he had all the magic we needed for Twilight's plan to work. But he refused to help, and even threatened us until we agreed to a deal."
Celestia, and Luna shared worried glances before the former sternly asked, "What sort of deal?"
"The one from which we both benefited: The Unbreakable Oath!" Tirek declared, flashing forth the ethereal, yellow contract which bore his, and Twilight's names on the bottom. Much to the dread of the alicorn sisters. "By the stars! It cannot be!"
"Oh, but it is, dear Luna." Tirek said smugly.
"Your majesties?" Neighsay asked. "What is this "Unbreakable Oath" the demon speaks of?"
Celestia glared at Tirek as she explained. "The Unbreakable Oath is an ancient, forbidden spell that links two souls together in a pact. A pact overseen by the very forces of the universe, itself. Until both sides complete their end, the oath cannot be broken........without ending the lives of those who invoked it in the first place."
"Yet never in all my years could I imagine some-creature as depraved as you would utilize such a risky spell as this, Tirek." Luna said with disdain towards the centaur.
"When you live as long as I have in eternal isolation, you learn to take any manner of chances to get your way." Tirek stated, folding the magical parchment, and flipping it around in his hand like a baton. "And since all the aces were in my deck, I simply waited until I could play my hand. Thanks to my little pen-pal here, it was easier than I imagined - otherwise, I fear I would not be here now."
"Yeah, well are you just gonna keep talking about it, or are you actually gonna explain this so-called deal of yours?" Gallus questioned, finding some of his nerve returning to him. Though his friends, and teachers were quite concerned when Tirek cast his gaze on the young Griffon. But some relief sprayed on them when he merely smirked, and said, "Griffons. Always the most spirited of creatures, which i admire. To answer your question, for the mild amusement offered, it's quite simple: in exchange for Princess Twilight not only releasing me from the confines of imprisonment, and guaranteeing my freedom, I would aid in her escape, deal with the threat of Cozy Glow, and would afterwards refrain from attacking ponykind for an extensive period of time."
"And they just agreed to that?" Smolder questioned.
"Of course not, Smolder darling!" Rarity exclaimed impatiently, before her tone turned to shame. "But....the fiendish brute gave us no alternative."
"If Twilight didn't agree, he would'a turned Pinkie Pie into an ACTUAL Pie!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
"Though....I might actually taste good as a pie." Pinkie said without thinking, absent-mindedly liking her leg to taste, only for Fluttershy to stop her by saying, "Pinkie Pie, please. I really don't think you should try, and find out something like that." Pinkie simply shrugged her shoulders, and returned her attention to Twilight, who was now looking to the approaching Celestia, with Luna and Neighsay following behind. "I'm sorry, Celestia." Twilight said in great shame. "I should have found another way. If I only had more time, then-"
Princess Celestia hushed her gently with a hoof to her lips, and softly said, "Do not blame yourself, Twilight. You did what you needed to protect your friends, and Equestria. You prevented a grievous situation from occurring, and found a means of escape. At least take some comfort in the fact you, and your friends are alright." Twilight smiled after a few moments, and thanked Celestia for once again giving her comfort, and reason when she felt failure.
"Touching as the 'exquisite' moment is, i'm quite certain i've overstayed my welcome." Tirek said with mild annoyance. "Without magic, Cozy Glow will not be so intellectually formidable as she proved herself to be. Nor will she be making any quick getaways without her wings. I have ensured her capture is assured. Now, it is already past time I was on my way, now." Just as soon as Tirek took a step, however, Luna signaled the guards to ready themselves for combat. Though many were still nervous, they were still willing to fight for their leaders. "And what makes you think we will simply allow you to leave unabated, Tirek? You are as guilty as this filly for nearly bringing Equestria to ruin - even moreso, since she learned everything she's done from you! The only destination awaiting you is a new cell in Tartarus where you belong."
Though his glare was brief, Tirek's bout of laughter lasted several moments, to Luna's irritation. "Already forgotten about the contract made by me, and Princess Twilight? The one that gives me assured freedom after fulfilling my obligations? For shame!"
"That contract was made between you, and Princess Twilight Sparkle!" Luna shouted, raising her volume to near RCV (royal canterlot voice) levels. "We are not obligated to give you anything but what you deserve."
Tirek's brow raised. "Really? Even when it means certain death for said princess?" This got Luna to back off, as she suddenly remembered that this was the Unbreakable Oath. "Now you're back on track, princess!" Tirek said, clapping his hands when he saw the recognition on her face. "If it allows you any comfort: I am bound not to harm anypony for a single year, as your princess of friendship is bound to allow me my freedom." His eyes glowed as his features narrowed once again. "So unless you intend for the death of your sisters prodigy, your savior from darkness, and this world's first line of defense, I urge you to honor her decision." Luna's own glare matched his for a long time, making those present quite nervous. Only faltering when she turned around to her sister, and friend who gave her a look that said "let him go", although it was regretful. Sighing wearily, she had the guard stand down, and ordered them to back off as she did.
"Thank you for seeing reason." Tirek said in a mocking tone. "And now, my victory is truly complete. I bid you all adieu', farewell, auf wiedersehen, arrivederci, and goodbye................until next time, when I finally exact my revenge." he chuckled darkly, unnerving some, while making our heroes growl in anger. Turning towards the entrance, Tirek fired a beam of his magic straight ahead. A portal leading to an unknown, forested region appeared in a swirl of flame, and the centaur was already making his way toward it. Just as he was about to get closer, he felt something small tug at his leg. He looked down, and saw the despair-filled eyes of his pony protege' Cozy Glow, wrapping both arms around his front leg. Sniffling as she seemed on the verge of tears while staring up at him. Her voice cracking as she asked, "P-please...... just tell me something: I did good, didn't I? After everything you taught me, did....did any of it matter? Did I have any role to play in any of this?"
"................No."
The pegasus filly only squealed in despair as her tears fell. And her grip on him fell. Many who were watching couldn't help but feel bad for the little filly. It seems, just like Discord, she was only ever a means to an end for the mad centaur. And now, the chest master had just had her entire board tossed aside by the true game master, who left her in the dust to wallow in misery. With a stern glare that merely held contempt, and hate, Tirek marched towards his unknown destination, as all those who were present could only stand, and watch. All of them unable to do anything to stop him - as much as they wished him punished for his role in the recent mayhem he had instigated. In the end, it was he who had the last laugh, and was the other victor of the day. As he stepped through the portal, one thing was clear.
Equestria's future was now uncertain.
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Dark but a great chapter
Knew it, it is in Tirek's nature to betray his "allies." Seeing how this centaur is a lot more devilish, brutal and cunning, I can't help but be reminded of Samael's voice from Darksiders when reading his lines. It was nice how you gave him a touch of melancholy as well, deep down, even he has feelings, even if they are buried deep underneath violence and horror.
9834511
I'm glad you liked that touch, man. Even though he hates Scorpan dearly for turning against him, he doesn't forget all of the good that once went down between them. Only a touch of humanity to display how even one like Tirek can feel something aside from what he does. Unfortunately, it does not redeem him of his obsession with power, and his deep-driven hate. He keeps the good memories where they belong: the past. He focuses on the now - and now, he is an embodiment of wrath, hate, lust for power, and absolute control. Everyone is only ever a means to an end to one like him. I just added to the cunning he's shown before his semi-downgrade, and played on the devil figure trope.
Though i'm surprised Vernon Welles Samael was the imaginary reading voice you picked.........but now, however, it actually does work for his demeanor, and personality.:D
9834908
Question, will he visit his old home? I mean it’s been over 1000 years and I don’t think it will change do to it being a dark land.
9835485
If his old home still does exist, it is any but now. Just a dusty mote of land in a region so desolate that it makes one wish for death rather than enduring the harshness of such terrain. Plus, it's the place where Tirek left everything he used to be behind. It holds no sentimental value to him, and in turn, he has no reason to return - except maybe one day to wipe it off the maps. All while making his little brother watch it happen before sending him to join his people. Remember: death is only ever a release, and never a true punishment.
9836352
Really? I thought he would do to what Scorpan did to him; send him to the deepest depths of Tartarus, the area where they torture their prisoners I mean if it exists
9838317
You forget that Equestria's Tartarus isn't anything other than an 'inescapable' cave housing numerous individuals like a massive prison. Basically, it IS a prison - except noone is tortured for all eternity inside. Besides, why simply lock his little betrayer of a brother away when he can make him suffer first? Make him watch all that he holds dear die by his own brother's hand, and THEN imprison him in the ruins so that he can suffer from the loss of his home, and kingdom. Tirek has no use for thrones, anyway: power is all that matters in the world, and he ensures everyone knows it. Though it won't stop him from taking control of the weak.:D