> The Price of Freedom (Mk. 2)
>  by kahnac
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Meeting in Tartarus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dusk sighed in relief at the sight of the seal imbedded within the frightening, and impressively sized slabs of enchanted iron, created to deflect any form of magic either inside, or outside. Only the vertically slanted keyhole of blue could interact with magic in order to open the doors. And it appeared unharmed by any outside force. "At least we know Tirek hasn't gotten out this way, which is good."

"Um, Dusk?" Spike asked. "You say that like there might be some other way out of this place. That isn't true, though......right?"

"I wish I could say for sure." Dusk honestly answered. "But since we have no idea how Tirek escaped before, anything is possible at the moment. But we can't worry about that now. We just have to get in, and quickly."

"How do ya reckon we do that?" Applejack asked.

"Last time I was here, I used magic to enter. Celestia taught me the unlocking spell in case I ever needed to get in.......or out if I ever got stuck in here."

"How could you get stuck in a place like this?" Rainbow asked in obvious confusion.

"Honestly? You'd be surprised by how anything could happen." He sighed before turning back to the door. "Now we just gotta figure out how to get in. My magic's already weaker than before, and it's gonna go away any moment. Without the unlocking spell, I don't see any other way in. Unless-" he stopped when he suddenly noticed pinkie wearing an incredibly comical Pizza costume, looking ready to deliver the fresh pizzas he could smell in her bags. He gave her a deadpanned expression before asking, "Pinkie, what exactly are you doing?"

"What?" She asked back, clearly not understanding what he meant. "It's a classic trick in the book: nopony can resist the sweet aroma of a freshly baked pizza, so somepony's bound to come on out to get some. When they do, that's when we can make our way inside - right after we enjoy some of the pizza ourselves! It's genius!"

"Except for the fact there are NO ponies here." Dusk quickly remarked. "Cerberus is the only guard of the cavernous prison, and he has no means of opening the door on his own." HIs tone then turned considerate. "It was a nice effort, Pinkie, but.....let's save the random craziness for another situation. Okay?" Pinkie made a sound of disappointment, her pizza-dressed head lowered in brief sadness. Then she remembered she had pizza in her bags, and was already munching on the neightalian dish. Glad to see her happy, and pacified, the group turned back to the door. "Now the only remaining question is how we actually get in."

"I don't suppose any of us brought some kind of magical trinkets that could unlock it?" Fluttershy asked.

"That would most certainly be convenient, darling." Rarity said while looking through her satchel. "Sadly, I hardly have anything worth using for pickpocketing, much less opening a magical door."

Suddenly, Spike gasped as he remembered something. "Hang on a sec! I think I have something in here!" He then got started rummaging through Dusk Shine's bags. Pushing past books, and journals, and notepads, and other things ponies would call 'office supplies' until he found what he was looking for. "Here it is!" he cried out happily, presenting what appeared to be some kind of blue diamond with gold trimmings around it. Dusk himself gasped in shocking recognition. "The Key of Unfettered Entrance! When-....how did you-?"

"Princess Luna hoofed it to me before we left Canterlot!" Spike said proudly as he gave Dusk the key. "Said somepony found it, and they were keeping it under lock for study. But with the circumstances as they are, I guess she thought we needed it more. Glad to see she was right." Dusk himself chuckled pleasantly as he hugged his younger brother. "And it has enough magic in it to work. Great job, Spike. I have no idea what we'd do without you." he said, smiling proudly. Before Dusk headed for the lock, Spike thought of making a statement "what are little brothers for?", but begrudgingly decided against it. Right now, they had alot more important things to worry about now. With Key in hoof, Dusk went up to the imposing gates, and inserted the key into the slanted, square lock. Its essence interacted with the lock, and filled the markings on it with bright blue light. They interacted with the smaller squares, causing all of them to twist, and turn with an unlocking sound.

After a few moments, the gate unlocked. And the doors swung wide open for the ponies. They gave a brief cheer of triumph, before Dusk urged all of them inside. Needless to say, it was alot darker than they thought, even with the open door. With what magic he had left, he illuminated his horn to provide some kind of guiding light. He then made ready to carry the key with him, but something odd happened when he touched the jeweled relic: a touch made it glow brightly, and caused it to make a ticking noise that caught the group off guard. The girls, and Spike looked to Dusk with hope for an explanation. Buthe rubbed the back of his head with confusion, and only had to say, "Maybe it's telling us how much time it has before it runs out of juice?"

"Dusk, no offense......but that implies that the key might close the doors on us at any given time." Spike said.

"Sounds like times when I forget to check the timer on the oven, and accidentally blow up a souffle'." Pinkie said, shuddering shortly afterwards. "I always get the eebie jeebies when that happens. A souffle' is a terrible thing to waste, i tell you! So terrible!" She cried.

"Pinkie's jokes aside, I fear she may have a point, darling." Rarity added. "Should we perhaps be worried of what Spike said, and consider it a possibility?"

"Maybe," Dusk answered, taking a few moments to think it over, before his expression turned serious. "but we can't worry about it right now. We came here for answers, and we're not leaving without them. If it's any consolation, we'll do this as quickly as needed - which is needed, anyway, if we're going to end the magical famine before day number 3."

"So what are we waiting for, then?" Rainbow asked impatiently. Nodding in agreement, Prince Dusk lead his friends into the dark, and foreboding cave of Tartarus. What awaited them now was anyponies guess. But the only thing they truly hoped for was answers. So they entered into the unknown, holding to their mission. There was a brief scare from a random cockatrice, until they realized it had no magic to stone them with. The further in they went, the more mythical beasts they saw. Manticore, Chimera, Malwarth, Cockatrice, Mountain yeti, and many others were cramped into small, uncomfortable cages of iron. And all of them were utterly wretched, and miserable due to the incredible lack of strength all of them shared with their magic gone. A sign that the second day had passed, and the inherent magic of mythical beasts such as these had been drained out of them. For ponies, it seemed like an inconvenience.......but Dusk, much like Fluttershy, couldn't help but imagine how much more painful an experience this might have been for them. Seeing as how they were made from magic, itself.

Spike himself said it best: "I know it's supposed to make me feel better.....but it just makes me feel sad."

Dusk Shine definitely would have a chat with the Princesses about them caging the creatures like this. If Fluttershy could open an animal sanctuary, then perhaps a place could be found for even creatures such as these. Even they didn't deserve to be in an iron-barred cage. But those thoughts were interrupted by the only creature not in a cage, attempting to keep himself entertained by running around in circles. It, of course, was none other than Cerberus, the guardian of Tartarus. Feeling bored from doing nothing, and doing what he can to excite himself. Unfortunately that resulted in him nearly trampling the troupe, who had to take cover. Had Fluttershy not intervened by getting his attention, and talking with him he might have. Thankfully, he remembered her from his brief visit to Ponyville, and gave her a friendly lick of recognition, and appreciation. When asked, he agreed to allow them entry to Tirek's holding cell. Even escorted them to the jagged, stone bridge leading to the peak of the mountain holding his cage.

Now, it was finally time for answers, after all the time it took to arrive.

"Well, well, well." Came the hauntingly familiar voice of their old, and possibly worst enemy. Simply hearing him made their eyes narrow in contempt, and forgotten anger. Though they were surprised by the odd shape that seemed to surround the.........fully maned, and long-horned centaur, who peered through the shadows with wicked, yellow eyes - certainly not the sign of an aged, and withered old centaur. "If it isn't the illustrious Prince of Friendship, descending from on high to mingle with the commoners." The centaur said in a mocking tone, while giving a fake bow. Holding in his hand what they could now see was some kind of enormous cape. They'd question how he got it, but at the moment it didn't matter. "To dow what do I owe the honor of your..........company?"

"We're here for answers, Tirek." Dusk said seriously. "Magic is disappearing all over Equestria, and without any........trace...." his train of thought slipped as he, and the other ponies finally got a full look at the centaur. To say they were surprised was an understatement. None of them could have anticipated the now imposing appearance of the figure standing before them now.



"I know." He hummed, slurping his lips hungrily. "And it is truly such a waste of so much.......Mmm, delicious magic." He chuckled darkly.

"So you ARE behind it!" Rainbow accused. "Stupid, silly filly: if indeed I were in control of all that succulent essence, do you think I would still be locked in a cage, like some common animal?" Tirek questioned, getting questionable looks from the ponies. Especially Rarity, who pointed out, "Then perhaps you would care to explain where you got that barbaric attire of yours...........hmm, which even I have to admit seems to carry a certain flair to it that matches your aesthetic. Somehow, it just screams you, darling."

"Rarity, please no complimenting the bad guy on his choice of regular wear." Dusk said in a mildly annoyed tone, despite his own curiosity on Tirek's armor. Rarity huffed a bit in disappointment, but still complied. However, Dusk was willing to continue talking on the subject. "She does raise a point, however. I can feel the magical aura coming from that suit you're wearing. I don't know how you got it, but anyone can tell it had something to do with you being revitalized, somehow. Do you really expect us not to believe you when you say you aren't behind the magical disappearance when evidence contrary proves otherwise?"

Tirek chuckled once again, "Honestly, I could care less. It may have been a factor in me regaining my youthful disposition. But I assure you I am no stronger than I was when I first gained the ability to steal flight. My power is great, but nowhere at its peak. Therefore, it is impossible for me to have, in any way, directly been responsible for the calamity befalling your world.......especially considering if I were responsible, i would ensure you all knew it was me." Even applejack to sense the truth in his words, and all of them slumped down slightly in disappointment. Seeing that he had already gotten to them, it was time for him to proceed further. "But........I MAY know something about it."

Dusk perked in anticipation when the centaur said that, and demanded, "Then tell us what's going on, Tirek! Why is magic disappearing from Equestria?" He was hoping that Tirek would at least be a little more cooperative. But his insistent chuckling proved otherwise. "I could tell you, yes........but in all honesty, I see no reason why I should."

"Care to explain?"

"It's obvious, isn't it, boy?" Tirek hissed, lowering his head to meet Dusk at eye level. "The only incentive I have for explaining anything is if you offered me something in return. Unfortunately, you would refuse my request, and leave me with nothing. Thus, I have no incentive to tell you filthy ponies anything." His smirk was cut off when Rainbow yanked him by the beard, and got into his face as she threatened. "Well, these 'filthy ponies' kicked your flank last time we met. So unless you want a repeat of that, how about you actually be smart, and tell us what we need so we can go away, and never see you again?" Now Tirek had a sneer to match the ferocious glare the mare was giving him, and his patience had just died. "Actually, I have a better idea." He said darkly, briefly startling the rainbow maned mare. Then she suddenly found herself ensnared in a magical aura of Tirek's own magical essence, and forced to let go of the centaur. Her struggles in his hold proved in vain, and she was powerless to stop him from slamming her into the walls surrounding his cage a total of eight times, before finishing his strike by slamming her into his cage. Leaving her to slowly slide down to the ground, barely conscious. The others cried out to her in concern, and rushed to ensure she was alright. While they checked over her, Tirek made his point clearer by saying, "All of you worthless nags keep your hooves to yourself, and show your superior PROPER respect! I am conqueror of nations! Destroyer of Armies! Famine to entire countries, and the Bane of all that is Equestrian! And I will NOT be shown any form of disrespect by your kind! Understood?!" he snarled in anger as his magic flared.

Seeing this, Dusk stood in front of his friends in a defensive stance, and charged up what little magic he had to protect them. "Stand down, Tirek! Right now!" Several tense moments passed between the two, with the alicorn's friends watching with baited breaths. Even the dazed Rainbow found herself worried for her friend, given the circumstances. The two enemies glaring at each other with such anger it could put even the spartans to shame. But beneath his anger, Tirek felt a small sense of respect for this young alicorn. Even when he was now at his absolute weakest, he was still willing to fight him. Just like he was willing to give up the alicorn magic of equestria to protect his friends, after giving the centaur one of the most intense battles he'd ever experienced. Though he loathed the friendship aspect, he could not help but admire Dusk Shine's bravery and tenacity. Enough so that he powered down the magic inbetween his horns with an amused chuckle, and conceded. "No matter. All of you understand my point, and that's enough for me. Even my little protege knows to give me respect, and thus far she has proven to be quite efficient in her........plans."

The ponies gasped in shock, before AJ stepped forth and asked, "What little protege?"

"Hardly much to say, given we have never truly met in person. We are what you may refer to as "pen-pals". She somehow found a means to commune with me through telepathy. She heard of my immense knowledge, and skill in a certain field, and requested to become my 'apprentice' in exchange for the armor I now wear."

"What?" Spike questioned. "No way! How could anypony give you anything, let alone a freaky suit of armor, when you're locked away in Tartarus? That doesn't make any sense!"

"And yet she found a way." Tirek hummed in intrigue as he slowly scraped his claw against the bar. "Fashioned a one-way portal directly to me, and provided me with an armor that holds enough magic to revitalize me as payment for my knowledge. Naturally, I accepted her request, and she's been secretly learning from me ever since. Such an inquisitive mind, that one. Each question had so many details she wished to learn in the regard......of draining magic."

"And you just answered them?" Pinkie pie exclaim asked while hanging onto the bars so that she could peek her head through and invade Tirek's personal space. The centaur unphased by her, and instead answered back with, "Well, for one thing, I was bored. When an opportunity to find amusement arises, you take it." His eyes then began glowing with eerie light, as he leaned in towards Pinkie while his fanged teeth were on full display. "And all I actually did was set my little apprentice in the right direction to see what would happen." He leaned so far towards her, it made her handle on the bars slip, and for Pinkie to fall on her back. Fluttershy went over to comfort the grateful pony while asking, "Um....couldn't you just tell us your pen-pal's name? I mean, it's not like it could really hurt, right?"

Tirek brushed under his chin with his finger, as if he were actually in thought. Until he finally grunted, and said,"Uh...........no." To the indignatious expressions of the ponies gathered, Tirek had an enormous laughing fit. His very bellowing actually shaking the cavern they were in. Scaring all of the animals locked in their cages. The ponies also felt somewhat unnerved by this display, but Applejack would have none of it. "What in the hay do YOU think's so funny? This some kinda game to you?" "The best kind of game i've had in a long time!" Tirek aloud clapped his hands together. "Between those inbred wretches in their cages, and the giant mongrel, you ponies have been the best source of entertainment i've had in so long." "Well, you won't be laughing after we sock it to ya!" Rainbow proclaimed, actually attempting to charge him again. Only Dusk's magic held her back, and saved her from a possibly worse beating than before. Getting the message with her hooves crossed in a huff, Dusk spoke next. "We didn't come here to entertain you, Tirek! We're here for answers, and we're not leaving without them!"

"Actually...........you won't be leaving here ever again." Tirek smirked.

THis earned a shared look of confusion between the ponies, and Dusk asked, "What are you talking about?"

The centaur just laughed again. "Poor, simple Dusk Shine. All that genius intellect, and yet you remain anything but the brightest star in the sky." The alicorn growled in annoyance at the insult, but continued listening. "Didn't you find it odd how that jeweled key you used to enter began ticking as though it were some manner of clock - precisely AFTER you contacted it?"

Dusk began to grow concerned by the insinuation. "How did you know about that?"

"Maybe i'll explain, but right now you should be more worried about what its actual purpose is. And by estimation, it should evaporate into nothingness, and close the gates of this infernal prison in about ten seconds." Dusk gasped with the others, and jolted his head back to where they came from. True to Tirek's word, the blue, glowing jewel that was the key disintegrated into thousands of tiny, sparkling bits of mystical dust. And the gate began to slide shut at a pace too fast for the others to reach by hoof. "NO!!!" he yelled, making a dash for the gate with his wings. Channeling all his strength into his wings, and making it to the gate just as it got close to shutting. Pitting all his strength into holding it open, and he did as he could to hold them open. But all his alicorn strength was gone, and he was now a mere speck of meat against a giant of enchanted iron. His eyes desperately gazed out past the gate to the outside - to Canterlot, which he could see as a distant blot in the distance. Fear filling his heart for all that he was afraid would suffer because of his mistake. For those who would go through this ordeal alone, because of how he had allowed himself to be deceived. All would suffer because of his mistake, and it hurt him greatly.

With a final cry, the gates sealed shut, and the ponies and dragon within were imprisoned in Tartarus for all time.

Dusk's feelings of despair weighed him down, making him slide to the floor against the doors. His eyes filled with regret, and fear, as the small tears in his eyes that were barely noticeable. The wicked laughter of Lord Tirek echoing behind him. Even though it was a loud, torturous noise that actually mocked his failure, the alicorn payed it little mind. He was simply wallowing in his guilt, and sorrow for his failure - and the many who would end up suffering because of it. Yet he wasn't alone in h ordeal, as he felt a small, scaly paw touch his shoulder. Spike was looking at him, a sad but reassuring smile on his face. Doing his best to assure his older brother that while things seemed bleak, they couldn't just give up hope. If a chance existed, then all of them would find it like they always did.

Together.

Dusk, who only allowed his true feelings to shine around his family, gratefully smiled back with tears in his eyes. The young drake's silent message getting across, and earning him a nod of understanding. The two then embraced in a heart-warming hug that made the ponies, and even the other creatures, make sounds of adoration at such a brotherly display. They hgged until Dusk let all his feelings flow out. And once he had no more tears to shed, he wiped his face of any left. And a new, determined smile appeared as he opened his hoof to Spike. The latter shared the determination, and held his brother's hand as they flew back to Tirek's cage. The other mares quickly gathered around, asking if he was alright while also giving him hugs of comfort - much to Tirek's disgust. Finally, Dusk called off the embrace, and got his friends to calm down. "I'm alrigjht now, girls. Just.......just overwhelemed by unexpected circumstances."

"Unexpected might actually be quite an understatement, darling!" Rarity claimed. "With no magic, or magical key to open the door, i'm not sure how we might find a way out of this ghastly place."

Fluttershy stammered, "You mean we're just as stuck here as Tirek?"

Hearing the fear in the young mare's voice, Tirek held no amount of his amusement back in his wicked chuckles. "What a tragedy for you...........sheer delight to me. It appears my apprentice indeed heeded my advice, and her plan ended up working after all." This got the group once more confused as AJ asked, "What do y'all mean, Tirek? Was this all part of some plan to trap all of us in her with you?"

Tirek shrugged his shoulders, "Not mine, exactly. This was all her ingenious idea. Apparently, she found the key of unfettered entry in the same place she had my armor forged. I simply suggested she find a way to rig the key with a time spell that would activate the moment it had been inserted into any lock. Said lock just so happened to be the gates of Tartarus." He smirked. "Yet Luna had remained unsuspicious."

Dusk's eyes widened in realization. "Your apprentice was the one who gave Luna the key?"

"Indeed. Just as she set you on the trail which led you directly to me - and your unprecedented circumstances." His eyebrow then raised in an inquisitive manner towards the alicorn he considered a worthy enemy. "How about it, highness? Are the pieces beginning to come together, now?"

Though he gave Tirek a glare of disdain, his mind ended up considering all of the facts being presented. He remembered exactly why they were here. Just after a Friendship School field-trip went wrong due to magical loss, and word had come in of this being a natural occurrence, it had been one of his own students who actually insinuated the idea of Tirek's involvement. Dusk gasped. There it was. But....that was impossible. There's no way it could be who he thought it was. There's just no way............was there? Spike, being the inquisitive one, asked, "Dusk? What's he talking about?"

"I'm simply shattering your beloved prince's own perception of reality," he smirked, "and being reminded of how betrayal can come from any source - even his own, beloved students."

"Quit the horseapples, Tirek!" Rainbow exclaimed, finally having enough of Tirek's game. "We're all stuck in here together, now, so there's no reason you can tell us the truth! Who's your little "apprentice"? Why did you say it was a student of Dusk, and how were we betrayed? You got no reason to lie anymore, so just spill!"

"Oh, why not?" Tirek asked jovially. "The irony is just too perfect! You really want to know who my apprentice is? The answer is simple."

The group got closer to hear what he had to say, while a look of genuine betrayal on his muzzle.

"Her name..........is......Cozy Glow."
> An offer they can't refuse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Cozy Glow?!" Dusk angrily exclaimed. "There's no way it could be her, Tirek! You're lying like you always do!"

"Oh?" Tirek inquired. "And what reason would I have to lie of such things? Are all of you so arrogant as to believe that ponies can do no wrong, and are incapable of performing any kind of evil? Pathetic." He then smiled dubiously. "And even though i'm not quite a fan of ponies... ...i've come to learn that even your kind has value aside from fuel to my endless power. Especially when I discover ponies as like-minded as myself. And her willingness to lure the six of you here on a wild-goose chase, and into the jaws of an inescapable trap was truly remarkable!" He laughed proudly.

"Uh....there's six of us?" Spike reminded the centaur.

"Oh." TIrek said in mock apology. "I am so sorry: I had no idea pets qualified as part of this group.' Earning a huff of angry smoke from the young drake, who almost tried to take a swing at Tirek, completely forgetting that the centaur can still harm him. Thankfully, Dusk was able to keep the young dragon at a distance. "Don't listen to him right now! We have to figure out how to get out of this place, and now!" He then began running to the gate, with his friends following behind. "I should never have left based on a hunch! Who knows what could be happening right now!"

"Don't beat yerself up, Dusk!" Applejack tried encouraging. "Nopony could have predicted Cozy would go, and do something like this!"

"Maybe not.....but now i'm only hoping Starlight can handle anything Cozy Glow has planned."

"HAHAA! Already you forget how Cozy Glow outsmarted the six of you, and lured you into a trap! Starlight Glimmer has no chance against her!" The others, desperate to get out, ignored the centaur's taunts, and eventually made it to the door. "So how do we get out of here?" Spike asked.

"Leave that to me, guys!" Rainbow shouted, before shooting through the air at the gates with her backleg outstretched. Her intention had been to break open the gateway to earn their escape. Instead, she found herself splattered against the iron gates like a bug on a windshield. Sliding down in an uncomfortable heap. The group gathered around her while she rubbed her head, with Rarity remarking, "Rainbow, Darling, i hardly think brute force is truly the answer to our problems."

"So....does ANYONE have a plan?" Spike asked, feeling his worries growing by the minute.

"I have no idea, spike!" Dusk admitted, looking around the cavernous realm of Tartarus. "According to Celestia, all of Equestria's most dangerous creatures, and villains are locked up in here. The only way in, and out of this place is through that gate.......and I don't even want to consider the notion of delving into the chasm over there." He moved on over to the edge of the cliffside. "I have no idea what's down there, but.........I get the feeling it's something beyond our understanding. Something beyond evil."

"That doesn't sound too nice." Pinkie said. "Though it can't be any worse than what might qualify as "Beyond Good". I mean, can you imagine being beyond good AND evil? That's silly!" She giggled. "How would anypony know what's good, or bad? Like whether they should increase the temperature of the oven when baking a cake to 500, or lower it to 10 and ruin it. It'd be even worse than-"

"Pinkie!" AJ exclaimed. "Simmer down, if you can, sugarcube. Now's not the time for being random." she said, causing Pinkie to squeak with embarrassment, and gain a sheepish look. Shaking her head, Applejack then said, "Well, ah reckon we oughta think'a somethin', an fast. It might already be close to time for all magic ta disappear."

"I agree." Rarity said, just as Cerberus made a jump over her head. "And I, for one, might not enjoy being trapped with such.........repugnant company any longer than necessary." Then she noticed Fluttershy giving her a bit of a stink eye, which made her look embarrassed, and giggle in the same manner. "N-not that there's anything wrong with our present company - excluding that magic-sucking brute, of course."

Fluttershy sighed, "It's alright, Rarity. We're all under alot of stress right now. But these creatures certainly have less love for being trapped here than we do." She looked to them again with sympathy as she flew over, and pet a cave monster by the snout with gentil care. "Besides, I would never call the poor dears monsters."

"Neither would I." Dusk agreed. "And once we get out of this place, i'll see to it that you and I find them a new home where they can't hurt anypony, and vice-versa." He kept looking around the dark cavern. "Assuming we truly can find a way out." Then an idea began forming in his head. "But.......I MIGHT have an idea on how we can get out, though it might be risky."

"I don't know." Pinkie said, standing next to the Chimera with a marshmallow on a stick. "Being stuck here with all these awesome creatures for all eternity doesn't seem too bad." Suddenly, the Chimera belched out a torrent of fire at the ponies head. The result was both roasted marshmallow, and roasted pinkie, who coughed out a puff of smoke. "Okay, maybe not forever."

"And yet, in the end, it is exactly what WILL come to pass!" Tirek proclaimed in a loud shout. "Cozy Glow has already shared the details of her scheme beforehand. And if she keeps to her own calculations, and careful timing, then by sunset tonight all of Equestria's magic shall be devoured by the dimensional rift she has undoubtedly formed, and eternally banished into the aetherium for all time!" It was at this point something bothered Dusk about this whole evil scheme. And it drove him to take flight back on over to Tirek's cage, and ask him, "Have you even thought about what draining Equestria of all its magic would actually mean for you?"

"From one point, it would mean the six of you would be trapped in here with me - forever."

"SEVEN!" Spike shouted.

"STILL NOT COUNTING PETS!" Tirek shouted back, earning a growl or anger from Spike.

"Exactly! It means you're stuck here. With us. Forever." Dusk smirked, thinking he had Tirek on the ropes, and had thrown his plan back in his face. But his smug sense of triumph turned to dismay as Tirek laughed in amusement. "Speak as if it is unending torment all you want, prince. But the fact is, under ordinary circumstances, I could live with such a thing. Knowing how much agony, and suffering the six of you would undergo at the thought of what either Cozy Glow, or any number of dark influences may arise to take advantage of your worlds newfound weakness." He then smirked. "In fact.........you could say that this may tip the scales of balance in favor of Darkness."

Hearing him say this gave Dusk cause for suspicion that Tirek was up to something. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, nothing much......other than a hint of things to come, i'm sure." His expression then turned coy. "Now, I believe your concern was finding a way to escape this place in order to save your precious world, weren't you?"

"Obviously, horn-head." Dusk remarked rather rudely. "But right now that isn't your concern. And we've been wasting all this time on the wrong person, anyway."

Tirek huffed in near indignation. "How like all of you miserable equine wretches to simply write off your only chance for salvation when he stands right in front of you." Just before Dusk could fly away, he cast a backwards glance at Tirek. The latter smirked at seeing his enemies attention being gained. "Or have you forgotten that I escaped from this cursed prison before? And that I have methods of doing so again?"

Dusks eyes again widened in realization, while the others were surprised to hear that. But Dusk wasn't completely sold on what Tirek had to say, and new there was some ulterior meaning behind it. "You're right, Tirek, we did actually forget that fact at the moment - even though it was a consideration back in canterlot. But how do we know you're even telling the truth in regards to that?"

"That's the thing, my boy - you don't." Tirek spoke with a snide, controlling tone as he stared his enemy in the eye. "But you cannot take that chance, can you? Every minute you spend arguing with me, and wasting every second conceiving of a foalish plan, Equestria suffers more, and more. My apprentice could be doing any number of things to your precious students.......even using them for her own ends. After all: would Celestia, Luna, or that boisterous old Neighsayer endanger the lives of innocent, young ponies willing to follow somepony who inspires loyalty in the youth of Equestria? Cozy Glow orchestrated plans to cripple equestria of its ultimate power, so it should stand to reason she has plans to use your precious school to take your kingdom by force. Ah, such invigorating potential in one so young."

"That isn't going to happen, Tirek!" Dusk declared challengingly. "I'm not gonna let it happen!"

A brief silence passed between the two enemies as they locked eyes. One with a reserved, calculating glance, and the other with a determined, angered glare. A sign of just how deeply the animosity between these two fell. But after a while, Tirek let out a chuckle of amusement, before saying something that made everyone's jaws drop. "Something we can agree on, at last."

"Say WHAAAAAAAA?" Pinkie exclaimed comically.

"And as such, i'm more than willing to aid you all in thwarting that miniscule wretches ambition." Tirek said with open arms, and his cloak blown backwards in dramatic flare. As expected, this caused quite a stir among the ponies. "Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!" Rainbow said. "Time out, and hang on a sec: you actually WANT to help us stop Cozy Glow?" 

"Even though you openly admitted to being her secret mentor, and that y'all were the one who taught her how to drain Equestria of its magic?" Applejack asked

Tirek rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Yes! As though I wouldn't have to go through with explaining a second time."

Stopping with her play with Cerberus, Fluttershy asked, "But...why would you want to do that? Wasn't trapping us in here while Cozy sucks all of the magic of Equestria into another dimension? Why would you want to ruin your own plan?"

"Ah ah ah: you mean Cozy Glows plan - not mine." Tirek corrected. "It is true that I aided her in her ambitious goals, and to have all you sent here. That was my part of the plan." Suddenly, his expression morphed into an angered scowl. "But.........."

"But what?" Dusk asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"But the plan has long since deviated from MY original design!" He almost roared while grippin the bars of his cage with brutal force. They actually thought he might have broken through the bars right then and there. "When I agreed to mentor Cozy Glow, I did so with the intent of using her to initiate my freedom from this infernal prison. I lead her in the direction of the magical syphoning spell that would effect our world. The armor I now wear protects me from the spells influence because it also absorbs essence similar to how a plant consumes sunlight, and stores it in me without risk of it being taken away. This would be beneficial for our plan to cripple equestria. My plan was for my dear apprentice to call upon her spell, and absorb every last drop of magic. Then, using the magical sigils I taught her to utilize, send all of it directly to me. With all of that power flowing in my body, I would easily escape this dungeon of depravity. And together, she and I would rule all of Equestria for all time!"

Dusk crossed his hooves together. "But obviously, that wasn't the case."

Tirek growled deeply. "Indeed not! When she discovered the hidden caves beneath your school, she told me of the crystal roots residing down there. She even surmised that six artifacts related to the six great nations could work as the conduit for her parasitic spell, and the roots essence could be harnessed to power the spell. I applauded her for her creativeness......... .but then she revealed her intention of creating a vortex into the Aetherium, instead of Tartarus. It took all of my strength just to keep from roaring at the presumptuous, double-crossing brat! That was the moment I realized she had ultimately betrayed me! She simply took all that I learned her, and intended to leave me in the dust of eternal imprisonment - prattling on about how "Friendship is Power", and how she would soon become the Empress of Friendship." The centaur actually, visibly gagged when he said those words. "The idea of utilizing friendship is still appalling. Though I WILL admit, it is devious to use your own ideologies against you, Princey." He chuckled.

"She was hardly the first, Tirek." Dusk mentioned.

"I know. Cozy was quite gracious enough to tell me of your friends time-travelling escapade." The centaur rubbed his hands together as he chuckled. "Such a delightful idea for revenge - but wasted on a foolish, petty vendetta. How pathetic."

"Is there an actual rest-stop between now, and an actual point?" Dusk asked rudely, and impatiently, which wore on Tirek after a while. "The POINT, you uncharismatic wretch, and worthless excuse for a pony, is that Equestria, and all of its Essence belongs to me, and me alone! Magic is the vital essence of our universe - of this very world - and I alone hold the might, and will to control such power. It is my birthright to claim it, obtain life eternal, and become the Elder God of our generation! And I will NOT allow a novice child to jeopardize MY ambitions! That is why, when she voiced her concern of you, and your friends jeopardizing her plans, an idea occurred to me. Thus, I gave her the idea to set you all on the trail which would lead you here to me. And ensure that you would end up as imprisoned as I am. Now, here we are."

"Okay, that explains the basics." Spike said, rubbing his chin inquisitively. "But.....why go through all this, then? If you're against what Cozy Glow has planned, then why did you go to all the trouble to lock us down here with you?"

"The answer to that, my dragonian friend, is quite simple: you shall have the means of liberation, and the salvation of all Equestria."

Fluttershy smiled hopefully as she asked, "You mean, you'll really help us?"

But Tirek only laughed in amusement at such an incredulous question. "That's not what I said! None of you allowed me to explain: I am never one who gives anything away." He smirked. "What I do is bargain, and trade."

The others looked to each other in obvious confusion. Tirek merely facepalmed in response. "Must I be so exceedingly specific? If you wish for my help, which I assure you is indeed necessary, then first we must discuss the subject of payment! You can't get something for nothing, you know."

"But we don't any-

"I'm NOT asking much." Tirek interrupted Rarity, as he wrapped his right arm in his cape, and let it hang. "Just a token favor, a trifle matter. You'll never even lose anything of importance." He then looked directly to his alicorn adversary with a knowing smile. "I believe you know what I want from you is." He received an angry glare in turn, as Dusk said, "Just as I thought! Well, guess what, Tirek: we are NOT helping you escape just to take down Cozy Glow! We're alot of things, but we're not THAT desperate!"

"Heh. Please! Do you really think you have a choice? We may be in a mountainous cavern, but sun and moonlight still creep in through the cracks above." He threw back his cloak, and pointed to the jagged ceiling. "I've learned to map, and predict the times of day, and night. And by now, I predict it's already past 5 in the evening. In less than an hour, the sun sets, and your mission is doomed. Already you're out of tricks, out of magic, and out of options."

"That's where you're wrong, Tirek." Dusk said confidently.

"Y'all got a plan, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Like I said: it's risky, but it might work." He then turned to look at the other creatures, before he and his friends made their way over to the cages. "Even with Cozy's spell at work, these creatures might have residual magic left inside of them. Tirek was right about magic being the essence of our world, and all who live on it. Maybe with their help, we could gather the magic we need to-"

"Don't tell me, let me guess!" Tirek raised his voice. "To cast a syphoning spell that will absorb the magic of all the creatures in Tartarus, and channel it into your horn so that you can focus it into the spell that would open the gate. Is that the gist of it?" Dusk, and the others were caught off-guard by how well Tirek somehow deduced Dusks plan. Before they actually had an opportunity to ask, he spoke, "The reason I knew you had such a plan in mind is because it was also my own plan for escape. Unfortunately, the only reason I haven't done so is because, as I mentioned, I am in no true condition to drain living magic so deeply ingrained in the monsters of this prison." He then gave Dusk a knowing expression. "At least, not without one final boost of energy from the only creatures I AM able to consume. Even at such a measly level as you find yourselves in."

All of the ponies, and even Spike, stood defensively against the centaur. "Forget it, Tirek! There's no way we'll let you take our magic again! There's no way I could ever trust any deals you offer after what you did to Discord!" Tirek appeared insulted, but was only playing for laughs. "Moi? I am insulted by such an insinuation! I merely defended myself from a potential threat before he could betray me, as a Lord of Chaos is known to do. Besides: if you recall, I held up my end of our bargain when we last faced each other. I follow my bargains to the letter, I assure you." But his pleasant expression turned into disdain. "And besides: if you want your little spell to work, you need all those capable of transferring magic........including myself. And none of you have the power to force me to surrender my power. Thus, your plan is flawed, and wasted."

Dusk began feeling uncertain as Tirek picked apart his idea. He was right about alot of things, and now the alicorn was unsure of how well his idea could work. Looking around at the other creatures, he knew what the alternative to Tirek's plan was. And he could not allow that monster to take what little essence the creatures had. They didn't deserve such a fate, and there was no guarantee they could be restored. He was at a cross-roads, with no idea what he should do now. "Don't listen to him, bro!" Spike spoke up, pulling Dusk out of his thoughts. "He's just trying to mess with your head. That's how he got Discord to help him before!"

"That's right!" Rainbow said. "We don't need that bull-headed creep's help! We know you got this, Dusk, and we'll do whatever you need us to do to help out!"

Dusk couldn't stop himself from smiling at his friends, and their encouragement. They could always be counted on to help him out of any rut. Now, more than ever, he was thankful to have them at his side. "Thanks, guys. I really needed that."

"That's what best friends are for!" Spike said triumphantly. "So what do you need us to do?"

"Rainbow Dash, and Applejack: we need you two to tire Cerberus out, after Fluttershy convinces him to lend us a paw." He turned to Rarity. "With Rarity pitching in, it shouldn't take too long for that to work, and to make the spell easier to cast." "I'm sure I can convince all the other monsters to help out!" Fluttershy said aloud, before whispering, "Though I would NEVER actually refer to them as monsters."

"Same here, Fluttershy." Dusk smiled. "Just get as many as you can to help out. I'm not sure how much magic I can hold in, but with any luck, it should be enough to open the gate." He suddenly felt a gentle tug on his mane, and saw Spike asking, "Well........I know it's pretty risky, too, but....what about Tirek? He must have a ton of magic stored inside of him. Especially with that armor keeping it held in place." This made Dusk quite weary. "I don't know, Spike. As he is, and as we are now, he holds the physical, and magical advantage over us. It's going to take a long while to figure out how we can get him to-"

"Just leave him to me!" Pinkie confidently said, bounce-prancing over to the evil centaur, much to Dusk, and Spike's concern. And despite both their protests, she ignored them, and approached Tirek's cage, just as Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity began playing with Cerberus non-stop, while Fluttershy convinced the creatures to help them, to which the hybrids agreed. Pinkie slunk her way into his cage while his back had been turned, 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.

Very big mistake.

Before she could even blink, Tirek grabbed her by the throat, and held her in a grip so firm, it would make a megaconda feel gentle in comparison. The others heard her yelp as she was grabbed, and immediately stopped what they were doing. The pink mare, who looked like pink broccoli, was brought before the low, humming, growling face of the centaur she had attempted to psychologically torture. Beads of sweat trailing down her head as she nervously smiled at the realization of her mistake. "Hey........if you don't......like birthday parties..........we could....set up a.....playdate!" This only earned her a ferocious, primal roar from the centaur that shook the very foundations of Tartarus. Startling all of the creatures awake, and even earning Cerberus' attention. Things got really intense when a familiar orb of fiery magic formed inbetween his horns - aimed directly for Pinkie's head.

"Oh, no you don't!" Rainbow cried out, once again charging the centaur at what was as close to her top speed as she could reach. Looking back, a manic grin formed on Tirek's face, and suddenly came a bolt of crimson lightning from his left hand, which struck the pegasus back. Seeing the moments playing out, both Applejack and even Rarity grew angered, and charged Tirek - the latter carrying the large bone she was using for Cerberus as a weapon. An idea struck the centaur's mind. Swinging Pinkie around like a Bolas, he hurled her right into Aj, and Rarity with enough force to make them form a trench of dirt when they slid backwards. Seeing Rarity possibly getting hurt like that ignited a spark of anger in Spike's heart, and mind that caused him to huff smoke through his nostrils, a growl to escape his throat, and for the young drake to fly after the centaur. "Spike, no! Stop!" Dusk cried out, but to no avail. Spike was consumed by his anger, and determined to make Tirek hurt for his actions. Once he was right next to the centaur, he took in the deepest breath he could, and unleashed a stream of green AND purple fire at the centaur in the hopes of burning him alive.

Tirek merely held his cloak over his body, and let the fire wash over him harmlessly. The ponies, and Spike watched in awe at the display. Whatever that cape was made of, not even dragon fire could burn through it - which ultimately made it potentially dangerous. Soon, Spike ran out of breath, and Tirek lowered his cloak with a dismissive body language that showed he was unimpressed by the display. But then he angrily glared at the now frightened dragon, who was about to make a dash for it.........until he felt the familiar sensation of magic grabbing his wings. His arms swung wildly around as he attempted to escape, before grunting in pain from his wings being held in Tirek's strong, muscular hand. The centaur laughing in amusement at the little dragon's pitiful squirming. Seeing his brother in danger, Dusk angrily charged the centaur, with full intent to attack.

But Tirek held up the drake threateningly, and said, "Stay where you are, boy! Another inch forward, and a head will role - his!!!" He charged his index finger, and held it to the drake's neck. A frightened gulp sliding down Spike's neck at the intense heat being held at his throat. Dusk, now worried for his brother's safety, but unwilling to endanger him pleaded, "Please, don't hurt him! Please!"

"That depends on you, your 'majesty'!" Tirek snarled. "I tried to be negotiable. To make you see reason. And yet, each and every time you spurn my offer. So NOW! Now, i am reduced to using force! So tell me: will you hear out my bargain? Or do I need to 'get the ball rolling' by having the head of your little friend do so, instead?"

"Don't listen to him, Dusk! He'll just - aargh!" Spike grunted as his wings were gripped harder, and the energized claw of Tirek gently cut into his skin. The other ponies, and even the other creatures, watched with concern at the display of horrifying confrontation as the innocent young drake's life was being threatened. Dusk kept trying to think of any other way, but in the end he couldn't think of anything. He refused to endanger his adopted brother, for any reason, and wouldn't do anything to harm him. And thus, it was with great regret, and shame fully displayed as his head lowered to the ground he landed on in front of Tirek, that he conceded. "Alright." he said in a defeated voice. "You win." The others gasped in horror, while Tirek grinned in satisfaction. "What are your terms."

"I thought you'd listen to reason." Tirek said, as he held Spike off to the side in his magic. "Seeing as how we want the same thing, I propose we invoke..........The Unbreakable Oath." Dusk looked up to Tirek with a confused expression. "The Unbreakable Oath? What is that?"

"Nothing troublesome. Merely a magical 'contract' in order to keep both parties true to our word. Here is what I offer: in exchange for giving me the means of escaping this cursed dungeon.....with NO intention of attempting to imprison me again, I will aid in both your escape, and in subduing the traitorous Cozy Glow. How does that sound?"

Dusks gaze was stern, and filled with contempt for the monster holding his friend, and family hostage. "If I really agree to this, i'd be giving you complete, and total freedom." Tirek rested his right arm on his left as he placed his fist under his chin. "That's right!" he said in a fake tone of shock, and concern, before his tone turned coy, and his hand slid forward. "But, you'll be free to save your home, AND your precious school." He chuckled smugly, right before he took a breath and placed both fists on his hips. "Life's full of tough choices, innit?" He chuckled again in a much deeper tone. "However, there are a few......precautionary conditions in the contract to ensure your conscience remains somewhat stable."

"........And.....what are they?"

Tirek smirked as he spoke. "Simple: One, no pony will be harmed by me in any way for an extended period of time. Two, once the task is complete, I will return the magic given to me following Cozy Glow's subdual. And finally, a ceasefire will be initiated for a great period of time in which neither me, nor anyone in the service of you ponies, will make any moves to strike against each other."

"How long will any of this last?" Dusk asked.

"Who can say for sure? Peace is always a fleeting, passing experience. But even a small period of peace is worth the price of admission..........don't you think?" Tirek then reached his open right hand to the alicorn, who slightly recoiled when he saw the hand engulfed in black flames with a golden outline. "Only remember this, dear boy: a contract forged of The Unbreakable Oath....is legal, binding, and completely unbreakable - even for the likes of Discord. An eternal agreement held until each side fulfills their end of the contract - under pain of death." The girls, and Spike gasped in horror. All of them beckoning Dusk to decline, saying there must be another way, or something akin to it. Dusk was ignorant to their cries, as he held his gaze - his stare meeting Tireks as a battle of wills was fought between them. Two prodigies of magic, products of their own times. But unfortunately, age and experience would win out this day.

"So.....do we have a deal?"

After what felt like years, Dusk did the only thing he could do that he felt was right.......though it would shame him for the rest of his life: he took Tirek's hand, and accepted the centaur's bargain. As the fire surrounded his own hoof, Dusk winced as he actually felt his very life force being pulled out of him. His vital essence joined with the maniacal centaurs, and swirled around their joined limbs in a swirl of black and golden fire before crafting a glowing, yellow contract that appeared in between Dusk, and Tirek as they broke off their hand/hoof shake. Dusk attempted to read the fine print, but the language was in a tongue even he couldn't recognize. Only his name at the bottom, and Tirek's in the first paragraph, were understandable. Either way, he now felt the weight of his actions come down on him as Tirek dropped Spike to his hooves, and called the contract into his hand. The mystical construct disappearing in a sprinkle of light. Both brothers held each other in a warm, comforting embrace as Spike cried from the fearful experience.

Tirek, however, now had a terrifyingly wide grin on his face, as he cited the incantation he would need for his wicked spell.

Centaurus, Unicus, now shades of the dark one, run free!

Consumptus magicus et motus fromatus! Transfero to me!

And with that, it all fell into place. Tirek's hands clasped together, and a shockwave of his own dark magic swept across the chamber. All who were caught in its field felt the unusual, and alien aura in their bodies. But that soon turned to agony as they felt their own essence being ripped from their bodies. Dusk, and his friends all remembered this sensation as they watched what magic remained in them disappear into the maw of the demonic centaur. Though all of them would rather wish to forget such an experience. The other creatures, unfortunately, were unprepared for such an ordeal, and were shrieking and howling in pain, much to Flutterhy's horror. Pretty soon, even Cerberus was drained of his inherent magic, despite only being half tired. The end result was him, and creatures like the Chimera, Manticore, Cockatrice, and Chimera actually divide into the animals that fused together to make them what they were while all the others felt completely weak, and near death. A saddening sight for all those present.

And while they all grew weaker......Lord Tirek grew far stronger than before. So strong that his size, and power overcame the cage surrounding him. A burst of fiery magic erupted from Tirek's position, and sent Dusk, and Spike flying towards their recovered friends with bits and pieces of debris flying everywhere. Once both got to their feet, All of them gasped at the sight of the now larger centaur towering over them - the same height Cerberus himself once stood at. The sensation of such energy was like a drug to Tirek. And he laughed with such wicked glee, and triumph that it almost caused the cave itself to collapse. "SO MUCH POWEEER!!!"

Tirek bellowed in triumph, flexing his enhanced body, and surging with dark power. "I had almost forgotten what this felt like!" He laughed with malicious glee, terrifying the ponies before him. The sight of their frightened gazes only made him laugh harder before he finally got to the matter at hand. "And now, it is time to take what is ours! FREEDOM TO THE OPPRESSED!"

A beam of his magic shot at the gate, and set the spell to unlock the massive door. And in mere moments, the enormous slabs opened wide, and let in the light of the outside world for the first time in hours. This gave the ponies a feeling of renewed hope. Then Tirek made a huge leap over their heads, across the entirety of Tartarus itself, and landed inbetween the doors with a tremorous thud. And what Spike might describe as a "supervillain landing" were he not afraid of the towering demon. Once he was upright, he cast a backwards glance at the ponies, and dismissively asked, "Well? I thought you wanted to escape as badly as I did. Or do you want to stay here, after all?" The group glared at the centaur angrily, but then turned to Dusk for action. He looked back to all of the creatures, who were now rendered absolutely powerless. His heart went out to the ones who looked as though they were drained of life, itself, and to Fluttershy, who was playing with the cerberus puppy trio with a sad smile. Before they left, Dusk spoke up loud enough for all of the creatures to hear him, and said, "Don't worry, guys! As the Prince of Friendship, I promise that once this is all over, you'll all get your essence back, and your magic restored."

"That's right, friends!" Fluttershy said proudly. "Soon you'll all be back to your wonderful, magical selves in no time!"

"And, as an added bonus.........I promise to find all of you a home where all of you can live happily, and without fear of hurting, or being hurt in kind!" Dusk added. "You're creatures of Equestria, too, and have as much right to live in it as any other. One day, i'll make this happen. Just be patient, and you'll see."

"LET'S GO!" Tirek roared, getting the ponies attention. And reluctantly, they followed Dusk out of the caves of Tartarus, just as it began to close once again. The centaur, staring at them with crossed arms, and a blank expression. Dusk managed to catch his breath, and asked if everypony was alright. Which, of course, they were. "You okay, too, Spike?"

"Yeah, don't worry about me, Dusk." Spike said. "My ego's bruised more than my wings."

"I'm glad to hear." He smiled, before his expression turned to determination. "Now let's get back to the school, and set things right."

"Apologies, your 'majesty'." Tirek rudely remarked once again. "But i'm afraid it's far too late to set things right now. Behold." His cloak was thrown back, and his hand pointed to the evening sky. A sky that was now growing dark as the last bit of sunlight faded away. A sight that filled Dusk Shine with horror, and shame. "No. No, nononono! We're too late!"

"Dusk, darling!" Rarity exclaimed worriedly. "Is everything alright?"

"No, Rarity, it isn't!" Dusk exclaimed in despair. "We were supposed to find the solution before time ran out! Before.....before......"

"Before the sun sets on the third day." Tirek said ominously.

"Now magic is gone. Gone forever, and we can't get it back now." Dusk said.

"W-what does that mean, Dusky?" Pinkie nervously asked, before being met with the distraught face of her best friend. Small tears forming in his eyes as the reality set in.

"It means....we've failed.
> Settling the Score
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the heroes of Equestria watched the dying light of the sun, following Dusk's declaration, all they could think of was what Applejack asked him next. "Dusk, wha-.....what're we gonna do now?" Dusk was lost in thought when he heard his friend's question. If anything, because that's what he himself was wondering the same thing. Before he could answer, booming footsteps began moving past them, as they saw Lord Tirek move past them. "Whatever you decide, that remains your problem." He said. "As I recall, I still have a contract to fulfill...." he suddenly smirked, "and perhaps acquire a simple taste of revenge at the same time."

"What're y'all talkin' about, Tirek?" AJ asked in a defensive tone.

His backwards glance was filed with malicious glee as he said, "Let us simply say that it will be a terrible time to be in school today on account of..........explosive arsonry."

Dusks eyes widened in horror, then turned to anger as he understood exactly what Tirek was implying. "You will leave my school, and my students alone, TIrek! We had a deal!" The centaur merely chuckled. "Indeed we do, your highness. Under the Unbreakable Oath, I cannot directly harm with intent to kill any pony on a whim............but accidents always happen. And you'd be surprised what you can live through." He then dramatically flared his cloak, and continued stomping down the path."You took my power after I took your treehouse - now it's time for history to repeat itself in a new fashion. Only with a differing outcome this time." However, a certain dragon wouldn't have it. "Don't even think about it!" He then charged through the air, and shot fire into the face of the centaur, as he turned around to see the source of the voice talking to him. He growled in pain from the flame's heat getting into his eyes, and began swatting at the purple and green dragon.

This knocked the others out of their stupor, and spurred them into action. "Magic or no, we can't let Tirek get to the school! Come on, girls!" The others cried in agreement, and charged at the centaur. Kicking at him from either the air, or at his legs, the ponies did what they could to hold him off. Stunning the malicious centaur whose sight had begun to return. "You ingrates would dare attack me? Even when you have no magic?" He shot a beam at Fluttershy, who was trying to throw a large rock at his head, and then smacking aside Rainbow Dash with superior speed. "When will any of you infidels understand your rightful place, and stay there!" He then punched the ground with a tremendous shockwave that sent the ground-based ponies flying backwards. Only Spike, and Dusk remained, with the former actually wrapping his legs around Tirek's broad neck, fully intent on strangling him if he had to. "YOu're the one who doesn't understand, Tirek! Magic isn't what make us special! It's the determination, and strength to stand against monsters like you, and protect those who can't protect themselves! And so long as any of us breathe, and no matter how many of us fall, I guarantee that you WILL be stopped!"

"PATHETIC!" Tirek roared, before his body ignited into flames, and burned Dusk off of him. Just as he got only a few inches backwards, Tirek grabbed him by his hind leg, and slammed him three times into the ground before throwing him into his friends, who had recovered and gathered back together. Seeing his older brother hurt like that only angered Spike further, causing his bodies dorsal spines to suddenly glow with jade light. Then, much to the shock of everyone, he fired a stream of green flame that concentrated into a beam of green energy. Tirek actually had to hold his arms up to his face to defend against the attack that pushed him eight feet backwards. "Whoa!" Rainbow exclaimed in excitement. "Spike just got 20 x 20% cooler!"

"Even though he's "smoking hot"?" Pinkie quipped.

"Pinkie, not now!" AJ remarked.

Sadly, Spike finally got tired, and his attack soon cut off for him to catch his breath. He even lowered a few inches toward the ground in his struggle to stay aloft. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Tirek charged the little dragon, and snagged him by the neck. Much to Dusk Shine's horror. "Spike, no!" He cried out, moving to try and help him. Once again, Tirek held him in his grasp in a threatening manner. This time, with his entire hand forming an energy blade of his own dark magic. He maliciously grinned as he raised up the young drake, and mocked, "An impressive display of power that still pales in the face of TRUE power, brat! In the end, you just can't help but be the damsel in distress, can you? Or, should I say, companion animal in distress." He then allowed his laughter to bellow out once again, as he glared at the ponies who remained unsure of what to do. All the while, Tirek kept his blade well near Spike's body, which Dusk reacted to by shouting, "If you hurt him, I swear to Celestia, i'll-"

"Hold your tongue, and keep at bay like a good prince who cares for his pets." Tirek ordered, making Dusk growl in anger. "And if any of you so much as make a pebble roll, the head of your little friend here WILL. I cannot directly kill, but if i am startled, my hand......might....just .....slip. Right over his shoulders."

"You wouldn't!" Fluttershy pleaded with teary eyes.

"That depends on all of you. Will you be as stupid as this welp? Are you going to test me?" The centaur darkly threatened in a tone that unnerved the ponies and strengthened their uncertainty, and fear for Spike's life.

"Maybe they don't have to!" Spoke a voice from out of nowhere, before a bolt of lightning struck Tirek in the back, and almost made him loosen his grip on Spike. He looked to his smoking back in a snarl, and yelled, "Who dares?!" Then, in a bright, white flash appeared a familiar, yet somewhat ragged figure the ponies were delighted to see - Fluttershy especially. "Discord! You came for us!"

"How could I not, dear Fluttershy?" Discord said. "You missing our afternoon tea was cause enough for worry. But add that to my awe-inspiring, phenomenally chaotic powers poofing away bit by bit, and you decide to go sniffing around." He turned into a bloodhound version of himself. Whiffing the air, he said, "Imagine my surprise when I caught the scent of familiar magic out, and about. My gut told me it had something to do with you girls - and boys." He poofed back to normal. "And since my gut belongs to the Lord of Chaos that is me, and i'm always right, I followed it all the way here to this dreary place." He looked around, shivering as his body turned blue, and got covered in frost. "Gives me the creeps, this place does. I'd much rather have to deal with the cramps getting stoned gives you than have to be locked up in he-WHOA!" Discord yelped before raising his right paw to create a shield that reflected Tirek's magic beam into the side of a cliff.

"Discord." TIrek huffed. "I should have known you'd come. It's no wonder you're now good friends with the dragon brat here: good dogs always follow their masters trail, and stand up for them at their own personal risk."

Discord made a huffing sound of his own as he said, "Oh, yes, real original. Dog jokes after i just turned into one. Really, Tirek, as much as I enjoyed our time together before I realized how deranged you are, you really are quite lacking in humor."

"Ohohoho, no, no, no, old friend." Tirek said coyly as he smiled. "I haven't lost my sense of humor!" He then fired another beam of magic - but this was aimed at the rocks above the group. As seemingly the only one with magic left, Discord willed the rockslide to halt into place, though he strained to do so. And then he hurled it away, before glaring at the smiling centaur. "See? I find THAT extremely funny." he said before deeply chuckling.

"Well, you won't be laughing when I do what I should've done when we first met." Discord said, as he formed a magical bolt in his hand. "In fact, you'll be pretty shocked when I put you back in the slammer, myself!" And hurled that bolt straight at Tirek. The latter raised his arm guard, and the bolt reflected off of his armor. In fact, the party noticed how some of the magic seemed to seep into the armor with a purple, and green hue. Growling, DIscord tried calling down several bolts of magic lightning to take down the centaur so that he could get Spike away from him. Tirek's smile never left as a forcefield of his own magic defended against the attack. Much to the horror of the ponies, and spirit of chaos standing before them. Once his field was lowered, Tirek decided to pour salt over the prideful draconequus' wounds by pointing out the obvious. "Clearly Cozy Glow's spell affects you like any other creature in Equestria, Discord. Had that been you at your best, even my armor might have had difficulty withholding, and absorbing so much destructive power." He then sees Discord wobbling where he stood. "You can barely even stand. It's exactly as I told you before: friendship is another form of imprisonment that drives you to suicidal tendencies. If you were truly smart, you would have stayed away where I could never find you."

"Ah, but that's just it, you muscle-bound cretin!" Discord defended, conjuring as much magic as he could for an offensive strike. "I have the wit to know my friends are worth risking my own existence for. What kind of friend would I be if I abandoned them to such a fate again?"

Tirek's smile wiped off, and he appeared unimpressed as he spoke. "First of all, if you wish to insult, at least pronounce 'cretin' correctly. Secondly, as much as I would enjoy teaching you your place, I still have a school to attend to." He turned his back on the group. "And your little friend-pet will get a front-row seat of it's destruction!" he shouted as he began running at incredible speeds. "Tirek! Stop!" Discord tried to lasso his arm in invisible string, but he snapped them like nothing. "No!" Both the chaos spirit, and Dusk shouted. As Tirek ran, they could hear over the centaur's triumphant laughter, "Don't worry, bro! Get back to the school! Save the students!" before Spike was carried off by the demonic warmonger in a tremendous leap that ascended above the rocks, and mountains standing between them, and the rest of Equestria.

"Oh, dear!" Rarity exclaimed fearfully. "The students, and Starlight are doomed if we don't stop Tirek!"

"Well, we can't just sit around here talking about it!" Dash exclaimed. "Let's get moving!"

"An' how do y'all expect us ts outrun THAT?" Applejack questioned. "By the time we get past the moun'n range, Tirek'll already be at the school!"

"So we just sit here, and let him get his way?!" Rainbow shouted.

"Course not! What we need's ta figure out how we're gonna get to the school before he does."

"Guys, hang on a minute!" Pinkie exclaimed, earning everyponies attention. "We've already got the answer right here!" She then pointed to the answer standing literally among them the whole time: Discord. This renewed the ponies hope, and Fluttsehy asked, "Can you get us back to the school, Discord?"

Discord made sounds of uncertainty before finally saying, hesitantly, "Yes.......but Tirek was right about my weakening strength. Whatever's been going on has left me at considerably less than my perfect self. The best I could manage is a number of teleports for a single group, including myself."

"How many we talkin'?" AJ asked.

"Five. Maybe Six at best, but......in my current condition, it's the best I can actually do. And even I can see you're out of all other options, so........." he let the indication hang in the air, and all turned to their alicorn friend to see what he thought. After a thoughtful expression, he grew a face of determination as he gathered together with the others. "Then it's what we'll do to keep our students safe.......and save Spike. So let's go!"

"Alright, everypony!" Discord exclaimed "Remember to keep your hooves, and tails inside the group at all times. And if you all feel a tingling in your gums...........iiiiit's only partly my fault given my condition. Now hold on, and here....we....GO!" With twin snaps, the group disappeared in a flash of light. The race to the school of friendship was on, and it was up to fate on who would win.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the while, Cozy had gathered all of the students around the Student Six, and her parasitic vortex circle, with Starlight still trapped in the orb of equestria's collective magic. And unfortunately, it appeared the ponies would only to whatever the crown-wearing filly was saying. "Golly gee! I never imagined Chancellor Neighsay could be right about you creatures! But it looks like all my suspicions thanks to his prejudice were right: you monsters are responsible for everything that's been going on - including Headstallion Dusk Shine's disappearance, aren't you?"

Gallus grew tired of Cozy's fake sweet act, and flew up to her saying, "Who are you calling monsters, you little goblin? YOU'RE the one whose been sucking up all of Equestria's magic, and got Miss Glimmer trapped in that magic orb!" Cozy pretended to whimper in fright as she said, "M-me? But we're the ones who saw all of YOU with your filthy claws all over those artifacts! Don't you see?" Cozy asked the students. "These creatures are jealous of how much more important, and how much more special equestria is because of our magic! So they worked together with that traitor, Sandbar, to set all of this up!" She pointed at the trapped unicorn, who was desperately shaking her head to every word Cozy spoke, trying to get the younger ponies to not believe her lies to no avail. "Counselor Starlight must have caught them in the act, but got caught herself before she could warn anypony of this evil plot! All of this because ponies have the one thing their kind doesn't have: magic!"

"Uh, actually, changelings shapeshifting is a magical ability." Ocellus corrected.

"Yeah, so does the pearl medallion that lets me go from sea pony to hippogriff." Silverstream added.

"Besides!" Yona said loudly, and with firm confidence. "Headstallion Dusk Shine say Friendship IS Magic!"

"And in return you sent him, and his six friends on a wild goose chase to Tartarus?!" Cozy cried in false distress. "You take everything he's ever taught you, and use it for your own gain? Oh, golly! I can hardly believe just how awful you six are!"

"Shut up!" Sandbar angrily shouted. "Just shut up, you evil witch! You don't get to call my friends any of that, OR accuse them of doing anything like what you've done!" He looks back at them with the most confident, and reassuring expression that warmed his friends heart. "They are the smartest, kindest, bravest, most loyal friends a pony could ask for, and they would never betray our trust like you suggest!" He then tries pleading to the other ponies. "Please, listen to me! Cozy doesn't care about any of you, or us, or even our teachers! All she cares about is using friendship to control Equestria! Without magic, she'll find a way to take control, and use us to do her bidding! Remember the lessons our Headstallion taught us about Friendship! Look inside your hearts, and listen to what they're telling you! This is wrong, and you know it!"

There were actual whispers among the students. Sandbar's words struck a cord with many of them, and it made them begin to doubt the mindset Cozy Glow had set them into. And for a moment, the student six, and Starlight, truly thought they might have actually gotten through, and made the students see reason. But when the malicious filly saw the uncertainty in them, and the doubt directed at her, she decided to play another trick. "Oh, my goodness! I knew those creatures were able to conjure up this magical contraption.......but I never actually thought they'd go so far as to bewitch the only pony in their group who was their first friend!" This got the student six worried, and the rest of the ponies confused until the filly elaborated. "Unless we've forgotten: changelings not only used to feed on the love of others, but also take control of the minds of their victims! Queen Chrysalis did the same thing to Prince Shining Armor during his wedding! Maybe that changeling fiend did the same to poor Sandbar!" She said in an insincerely sorrowful tone, which sadly seemed to convince the students, and get them back on her side.

"That's a lie!" Ocellus cried out. "Changelings can't control others anymore, and even if I could, I would NEVER do that to someone! If Chrysalis couldn't make me, nopony or creature ever will!"

"Enough, already!" Cozy snapped, finally getting tired of the endless debate. "They're just stalling for time until that spell finishes! We have to stop them now before they destroy our beloved school, and take away our magic forever! Are we gonna let that happen?!" The ponies cried in protest, and charged the student six. All the while, Cozy hovered in the air with a triumphant smile on her face. Seeing the oncoming herd, Sandbar tried to block their path. "No! Stop! Please, just listen!" He shouted, but went on being ignored. Many of the ponies purposely knocked into him as they charged the five others. Whether grappling with Yona on the ground, or ganging up on Smolder, Ocellus, and Silverstream, the ponies refused to give them a quarter. Several of the pegasi tried to grapple Gallus one by one, but years on the streets taught him how to defend himself. Though he made sure not to hurt any of the ponies he was holding back. But then one of them grabbed him by the tail, and attempted to drag him down to the ground. He pulled on his own tail in a tug of war against the stallion pulling on him.

The ponies grip slipped, and Gallus was sent crashing into the upper corner of the rotunda, and with a yell, fell into the magic orb. "GALLUS!" Sandbar shouted when he saw his best friend fall in while hold off the ponies. Seeing his friend endangered like that, Sandbar suddenly found himself feeling something he rarely felt before: he was angry. And that anger allowed him to knock, and push aside any, and every pony that got in his way. Any tried to grab him, he punched them hard enough to knock out teeth. And any lunges from behind were what lead to fearsome kicks. His friends were quite shocked, as they had never seen their cool, gentle, and caring friend like this before. This time was different, however, because someone he cared a great deal about was in danger. He wasted no time in bashing his way through the herd, even to Cozy Glow's surprise, and reach the magical orb. He ran up to it, and on his hind legs, reached out his hoof to the orb, as Gallus and Starlight tried to break through.

Unfortunately, in his haste, he had forgotten about how the Mystic Circle's spell works, and the terrifying claws of blue magic reached down, and grabbed him with a yelp. Seeing this, Smolder cried out, "Sandbar! Hang on!", before she freed herself from between two ponies, and flew up to catch Sandbar. Just as he was almost pulled halfway into the orb. But more claws emerged to drag her in, as well. Thankfully, there IS a reason this is a school of friendship. One by one, the other girls got loose from their onslaughts, and formed a chain link of bodies, with Yona as their anchor. "Don't worry! We got you guys!" Silverstream shouted, as the four girls of the group began pulling out Sandbar - who had miraculously also grabbed the claw, and hoof of Gallus, and Starlight respectively. Such a heroic sight caught all of the other ponies off guard, and left them stupified as they observed the six friends trying to save each other.

It ended up being fore naught, sadly, as the spell merely doubled its efforts, and snagged all four of the other creatures with numerous claws. Now, all of them were yanked into the massive orb, and made prisoners much like their counselor. To make matters worse, the center of the circle suddenly cracked. And began to crumble in on itself as the predicted vortex leading to a mysterious realm began to pull in the orb - with the seven creatures inside it. And yet, while Cozy Glow absolutely enjoyed the sight of them getting sucked into her vortex, the other ponies were not as enthusiastic. One mare even went out of her way to point out, "Those creatures just sacrificed themselves to save that griffon, Sandbar and Counselor Starlight. That's the most loyal thing anypony can ever do for one another. Shouldn't we at least try to help them, somehow?"

Cozy sneered at the pony while her legs crossed over her chest, and she dismissively replied, "They all brought this on themselves. There's nothing we can do, now." That answer really didn't seem to sit well with some of the other ponies. "That doesn't sound very kind, or generous." Hearing those words only made Cozy groan in irritation, before she rebuked, "Yeah, yeah: Kindness, Generosity, Honestly, Laughter, and Loyalty. Those are all big parts of what makes friendship magic. But they just aren't accountable in every circumstance." She then began leading the ponies out of the chamber. "Besides, they won't do any good for us unless the elements of Harmony are somehow able to help. And without magic in this world, I doubt even the Tree of Harmony will be as useful as it used to be."

It was only when she had gotten almost everypony out of the room that she noticed something unexpected. Six massive branches that had been forming overarching pillars in the chamber had suddenly began to glow with a bright, and luminous light. Lavender, Pink, Orange, Silver, and Jade light filled each one. Essence flowed out of the branches, and joined in the center of the rotunda above. And all at once, The Rainbow of Light, the sacred power held by the Elements of Harmony, and once in the Mystery Chest of Harmony, struck the orb as it had almost entered into the vortex. Like a magnet, the rainbow slowly pulled the orb back into the air as the returning students observed in wonderment, and shock. Even Cozy Glow let her jaw drop to the floor at this unexpected turn of events.

What amazed the herd of ponies more was when the Student Six emerged from the orb as it remained suspended in the air. When each emerged, they all shined with the light of the roots glowing with the essence of Harmony: Sandbar was Jade, Silverstream pink, Ocellus silver, Yona orange, Smolder blue, and Gallus lavender. They were also shocked by this display, but with wonder and amazement mixed with relief as the orb remained in place. "Look! They're glowing just like the elements!" A mare exclaimed.

"That, my young child, is because they ARE."

Out of the rainbow, at first appeared to be a female version of their headstallion. Only surrounded in glittering lights, and a bright aura of magic. But the Student Six recognized her for who she was. "The Spirit of the Tree of Harmony! She's really here!" Silverstream exclaimed excitedly. But then, to their further shock, the appearance of the alicorn mare began to change. As he wings unfurled, and her eyes shined with white light, shared of the crystal roots broke off from them, and began to swirl around her. They span so fast, and so quickly it formed a rainbow of a ring around the ethereal projection. Her form then seemed to crystalize, and form a crude statue of herself until even her horn, and wing tips were consumed. Once this happened, the shards halted, and a moment of silence passed. Suddenly, the crystal figure cracked in a blinding light. And in its place stood a new creature. A being of such grace, and beauty, filled with such light that it was almost too much to bear.

This was the true spirit of the Tree of Harmony.



"Amazing." Ocellus whispered loud enough to be heard.

"Dude, Sandbar." Gallus asked his pony friend. "Is this a thing alicorns can do? Even magical, tree-illusion-alicorns?"

"How should I know?" Sandbar asked, utterly confused. "I mean, I don't even know if that's even the tree's spirit, or not."

"Rest easy, Faithful Sandbar, for you hold no reason to doubt." The winged figure said to the young stallion. "As I told you once before: as I evolve, so too do my abilities. And I am as much the tree of harmony as it is me. It was your sixes courage, and sacrifice that has given me the strength to reclaim my true form. Though I am known by many names, young ones, know me by my true name as I am, was, and forever shall be."

"And who would that be, exactly?" Silverstream asked meekly.

The entity standing above the raw essence of magic merely looked to the six creatures gathered together, bathed in the light of harmony, and gave only one name. "I am Laurana." Ocellus gasped in recognition at the name. "Laurana? As in the Elder Goddess, Laurana? The one said to embody creation, and light, and heralded in the birth of the world that would become equestria?"

"Once..........long ago." Laurana said in a somewhat somber tone. "I was Bahamut of Creation, and Light who protected all that there ever was. But to this day, I was haunted by many mistakes I made in the past. Mistakes which had cost more lives than any world has suffered in a single lifetime.......and a love extinguished by the harshness of those mistakes. As penance for my failure, I joined my very being with the Sacred Seed of Harmony, in the hopes that six beings who hold the virtues of harmony in their hearts would one day infuse their essence into the seed."

"You mean like The Pillars of Equestria, don't you?" Gallus asked, again surprising his friends at how knowledgeable he was.

"Correct, Brave Gallus." Laurana said. "My purpose was to bond with the seed, and infuse my essence with that of the six to create a beacon of harmony. A monolith that would wield the power to protect this world from those who would seek it harm. In time, that form became The Tree of Harmony, through which my spirit could exist in almost all of its entirety. I took many hosts through the six sacred jewels, whom I believed would one day hold the essence of Harmony strong enough to truly restore my spirit............a belief waylaid by the alicorn princesses ignorant decision to keep my essence separate. Then came the one known as Dusk Shine, and his friends, who reignited the Spark of Harmony, of which I evolved to become one with. Their essence strengthening the sacred jewels to such lengths, that when the time arrived to return them to me.......my spirit, and strength was restored."

"And i'm guessing that box was your way of saying thanks?" Smolder asked.

"By infusing my very being with the Seed of Harmony, and then joining the essence of the six retainers of the past, I created something new. Something seen in countless worlds, but whose nature remained elusive until now: The Rainbow of Light, who holds the power to smite the forces of evil. The sisters were the first who held the aspects of harmony who could utilize The Rainbow of Light, until their great division weakened me. Then Dusk Shine came into being, and awakened The Rainbow of Light once again. However, the elements were essential to my new existence, as I was to theirs. Thus, in turn, continued utilization has only weakened our bond, whether by Dusk Shine's will, or not. Though returning the elements to me restored my strength, it was not enough to truly revitalize me."

"When did that change?" Sandbar asked.

"When I had foreseen the return of the dark herald, Tirek."

"Mean, scary centaur that drain magic?" Yona asked. "One Headstallion Dusk Shine went to check on?"

Laurana suddenly seemed to take on a much darker expression. "Know that it was not mere chance that allowed the insidious tyrant to escape his imprisonment. Just as it was not mere chance that brought him into collaboration with the treacherous filly floating in our midst." Every creature in the room gasped as they turned to Cozy Glow, who was now looking like a deer caught in the headlights. She looked like she wanted to escape, but the shining glare of the Bahamut held her in place, before she continued. "Lord Tirek is herald to an even greater force of evil who wishes to resurrect itself on your world. One who is as ancient as I.....but greater in the ways of darkness, and power. Should this evil rise once more, I will not be able to stop it this time. Your world will face destruction once again."

"Prince Dusk Shine will keep us safe!" Shouted a random pony. "He, and his other friends, and the princesses will protect us like they always do!"

"Yeah! The same as The Pillars!" Another pony added. "All of them, with the Elements of Harmony combined can beat any bad threats that come out way."

"Wrong, child, wrong." Laurana shook her head. "The purpose of the Tree of Harmony was never meant to be that of a sword, to cut down the evils of this world like tinder. It was created to protect the balance of this world. To ensure that Harmony, and Light would counteract, and hold Darkness, and Anarchy at bay.That is why I bestowed the chest unto Dusk Shine: to return balance to Equestria by vanquishing Tirek. For it is not the Elements of Harmony alone that safeguard this world. It is in the unity, and friendship shared between all who live. The bonds that are crafted, and the alliances of love, and respect shared with others that hold the darkness at bay." Laurana smiled brightly. "The simple act of saying hello to a complete stranger, and bidding them a good day. Offering gifts of appreciation, and sharing one's meal with a comrade. Simple, innocent deeds of caring, and compassion that stave off the influences of evil." Laurana sighed heavily. "But even so, to face the coming Darkness, Equestria needs those with the light held inside to safeguard. And sadly, I fear that recent circumstances have weakened my bond to Dusk Shine, and his allies. They can no longer face these dangers alone. And now, more than ever, the act of six different people of different worlds looking beyond their differences, and embracing the bonds of friendship they hold is what is needed to defend your world."

"Do you......really think we have what it takes?" Sandbar asked. "There's still so much we have to learn about friendship. Saving the world is on a whole nother level."

"Perhaps it is, Faithful Sandbar. But like with Love, Friendship takes time, and it takes patience, as well as becoming familiar with the ones you share it with." Her smile brightened as the six shards began to swirl around in a circle as they began moving towards the Student Six, who were still hovering in the air, looking up towards the angelic Bahamut. "The Elements of Harmony were - ARE, merely a conduit for the light inside those worthy of their power, which I alone do not control. And while I fear that Dusk Shine, and his friends have forgotten this fact, and have become too reliant upon the elements.......and Starswirl nearly sacrificed them needlessly, and the prince willingly aiding in their near destruction to defeat their foe, when other actions were required to save this world....and due to the machinations of another poisoning their connection to my vessel............it is in a new generation of friends that Harmony may yet remain when others lose sight of what matters. You six have proven yourselves worthy of carrying the flames of harmony within, and without to defend your world. With the heroes of past, and present at your side, you six will accomplish great things......."

Each shard began to literally join with the hearts, and souls of the student six, as the power of Harmony flowed within them. One by one.

"Sandbar, whose eternal faith in his friends leads him to never abandon nor cast them aside, and instead remain by their side for all time." Sandbar smiled as he saw the jewel now protruding from his chest.

"Gallus, who remains determined, even in the face of certain doom, and his own worst fears, to defend his friends - even from their own self-doubts, and mistrust." Gallus also smiled proudly at the Lavender jewel in his chest, which he gently touched like it were his own heart, which perhaps it now was.

"Ocellus, whose knowledge can guide those led astray down the true path of harmony, and see them through any form of adversity." Ocellus couldn't help but smile at how much the silver jewel in her chest reminded her of King Thorax, whom she also loved as a father.

"Silverstream, who brings the beauty of wonder to the world, as one who is new to this world, and spreads the joyous wonder she feels for all things: her friends, most of all." The hippogriff giggled with glee at the sight of the jewel she now bore.

"Yona, proud, and strong, time and again you demonstrate your ability to be a symbol of integrity, who holds no fear of sharing her love, and care to those around her." Yona beamed as she saw her jem placed upon her chest.

"And Smolder, who may at times favor the pride a dragon holds, but will always ensure that she remains Reliable to those dearest to her, whether they be friends, or family, none will ever be abandoned in their time of need." Indeed, Smolder did feel rather proud as she gazed upon the jewel in her chest. But in the way in which she knows she earned it, just like all her other friends. And like them, she would work hard to prove that she was worthy of this gift until her dying days.

"As the sun sets upon this day, the dawning of great change arises. And you six, as the new Champions of Harmony, shall be integral in the protection of your world. The Pillars of Equestria, and newly dubbed Council of Friendship shall remain to guide you on this journey. But be warned: what you will face is beyond all comprehension in the minds of mortal beings. A force that is not of this world. When the time comes, and you will be called forth to face this evil, trust not what you see - but what you feel. Always believe in yourselves, and in each other, and no darkness can ever extinguish your light. Do you understand?"

The six friends gave each other only a single glance, showing what each thought simultaneous, and gave their agreement in unison to the Spiritual Elder Goddess. "Then go, my young defenders, and show the world what the strength of your friendship can truly accomplish - together!" Her wings, which all who gazed upon her, including the suddenly freed Starlight, saw were comprised of six feathered batwings, spread wide and far as they radiated with pure light. Right before enveloping the Bahamut in equine form, and sending her back to the spiritual realm of The Tree of Harmony.

Now there was only a room full of awe-inspired ponies, and creatures, the orb of magical essence and the vortex, and the glowing roots. Few knew what to say as the Student Six turned to face them with proud looks on their faces. The other students felt humbled in the presence of what they felt was a sacred right of passage they were most fortunate enough to be a part of...........even if it was caused by misguided intentions. "No, nonononononono! This is NOT happening! It's just not possible!" Cozy Glow angrily cried out, being the first to snap out of her stupor, and causing the others to do the same.

"Guess friendship IS in our nature, after all." Gallus remarked smugly to the villainous filly.

"Never mind her!" Sandbar said aloud over the rapidly expanding orb, and raging vortex. "Get to the artifacts, quickly!" The others did as were told, and each went to an artifact belonging to one of their culture. Still covered in their auras of harmony. "Not what we do?" Yona asked with uncertainty.

"I think....." Ocellus began. "The only way to stop the spell is to disrupt the circle - by removing the artifacts."

"Um, Ocellus?" Silverstream asked. "Didn't you say there was a chance that might destroy the school?"

"We gotta take that chance now, or the whole world loses its magic!" Gallus stated. "Besides...." he looked at the ceiling as his senses picked up a dark presence approaching. "I think we can all tell something big's coming - and very, VERY bad." "Gallus, and Ocellus are right." Sandbar said confidently. "It's a risk we have to take, or we lose everything." He then turned to the other students. "Everypony! Get clear of the school! Get as far away as you can, and don't slow down! Quickly!" Not wanting to argue with the pony chosen to be one of the new elements of harmony, and hearing the earlier dialogue, the ponies all ran out screaming, and yelling in fright. Only Cozy Glow stayed behind because she was too busy angrily shouting, "Wait! Where are you going?! STOOOOOOP!!!"

Each of the student Six took hold of an artifact, and prepared to move it, when Sandbar suddenly got an idea. "Guys! I think I know how we can keep the explosion contained: focus all of the magic inside of you, and channel it into the artifact! I think the harmony magic should do the rest!"

"Works well enough for me!" Smolder said. "Let's do it!"

The Student Six were in perfect agreement, and immediately began doing as Sandbar suggested. They could feel their auras, and the harmonic essence in each of them, flowing into the aura surrounding each artifact. They raised them into the air, and allowed that sam essence to flow into the orb. The oceanic sphere filled with multiple colors as it began to compress in on itself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just outside, Tirek had continued making his leaps across the land. Like a grasshopper, he jumped, and bounded easily, and without end. His cloak flowing through the air like a demonic fabric that gave off the illusion of devil wings. Something that did plenty to scare off several ponies beneath him. Eventually, however, he soon saw the familiar sights of ponyville in his path. The sickeningly adorable sight of it threatened to make him gag.

But the two new sights that weren't there before were what caught his eye.

One was Dusk's new castle, which Tirek found even more appalling than the town. Then he saw the structure directly behind it. Built right into the side of the mountain. The Prince's precious School of Friendship. And from what Cozy Glow described, the true pinnacle of Dusk Shine's hopes, and dreams. But it was also where that treacherous little mule was hiding herself. Completely unaware of his arrival, which made what he was going to do all the more perfect. Even with Spike in hand, he allowed his body to super heat with his own dark magic. Hotter, and hotter he grew until he was charged with the kinetic force of a meteor.

He then channelled all of this energy into his right fist, floated high into the sky above cloud levels...............and then charged right for the building.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the sixth teleport made by the draconequus, Discord finally collapsed in exhaustion in a comically wheezing fashion. Despite Fluttershy's brief fussing, he urged them to go on before it was too late. Inconveniently, he was only able to teleport them in front of the castle. No time to waste. Ignoring everything else, Dusk ran his way through that section of the town towards his castle. He almost collided with the side of it due to how fast he was running. But it was worth it to see the school still intact. It seemed as though they made it in time. Perhaps there was still a chance to save everyone before-



BOOOOOOOOOM!!!



A tremendous force sent the seven friends flying backwards, all the way across the moat bridge. Exactly as a huge explosion erupted from within the school. An explosion that surpassed the explosion of the golden oaks library. For most of the structure atop the hill had exploded in some kind of magical chain reaction: Tirek's magic striking the very center of the school, just as the Student Six released the magic. The result was a bright explosion, which tore several of the buildings apart, and unleashed a cloud of magical wisps in the process. Wisps that began flying all over the place as the stolen magic returned to its rightful owners. This included Chancellor Neighsay and the Princesses, along with their guard who could now fly and teleport to the school they just saw go up in smoke. And the other being the denizens of Tartarus, as well.

The last to receive their magic was Dusk, and his group. The feeling of his true strength returning reinvigorated them all, and got them back on their feet. But one look at the now smoldering ruin that had been their school caused Dusk to scream like he'd never screamed before for the lives he feared were now lost. The worst of all being the piece of family that had been stolen from him, and was caught in the middle of this catastrophe.



"SPIIIIIKE!!!"


> The True Price of Freedom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had became utter mayhem at the school. The main building of the School had been utterly decimated, and reduced to rubble, and flames. Some of that debris crashed into the other buildings around, but the most obvious remained. The explosion even blew open the front entrance of the school as it passed through the halls, and the shockwave tore down some of the structures. It was only thanks to some of the unicorns who knew good protection spells that prevented them from being completely burned in the explosions. Now, all of them were running to safety, or to help out those in danger.

Oblivious to the smoldering crater than had been the central facility.

In the courtyard was where Dusk, and his friends reappeared. And all of them were heartbroken to see their beloved school in such a sorry state. Even more so, they feared for the safety of most of their students. Applejack stopped one of the running students, and asked him what happened. "There was some kind of flaming meteor that came out of nowhere! It crashed into the main building just as that magical orb was dispersed! Everypony, so far as I know, managed to get out before the explosion hit......except for that group who stayed to free the stolen magic! I think they're still in the wreckage with Counselor Starlight Glimmer!" And he quickly ran to follow the others to the archway stationed above the front door.

Dusk was devastated to hear such news, with his wings falling to the sides of his body to symbolize his sorrow. "It can't-.......how could I let all of this happen?"

The others were quick to surround the alicorn prince, with Rarity assuring him, "Darling, please don't say such a thing! None of this was your fault! You can't possibly blame-"

"Myself?!" he snapped in both anger and sadness. "Then who else CAN i blame, Rarity? I'm the one who fell for Cozy Glows sweetness act, and let her worm her way into my affections. I'M the one who made her my school assistant. I'M the one who took her suggestion to heart, and followed her breadcrumb trail to Tirek! I left this school, and the students who are under my supervision to go on a wild goose chase! And i'm-!" He choked as he took a breath, showing just how emotional he was becoming as tears began appearing in his eyes. "I'm the one who sold my own soul to a devil worse than Discord to set us free. And now........" He closed his eyes shut as he held in his tears to the best of his ability. His friends all hugging him to try, and comfort him, but to little avail. "Starlight.....Sandbar....Yona, and Ocellus. Gallus, Smolder, Silverstream." His voice began to quiver. "Spike. He's....he's taken all of them away. He's taken so much away from me. And now......I don't know what to do."

AJ hushed him as he struggled to hold back his sobs. "It's alright, sugarcube. It's alright. Starlight, and those kids're tougher than a buffalo's hide. Ah'm sure they made it out alright."

"How can you be so sure?" Dusk asked his friend. His tone being that of one pleading for an answer to the hardest question. Something Applejack didn't have the answer to right now, sadly. But then, daring to look around again, Pinkie gasped in shock when she saw a bright, blue flash eighteen feet opposite of them. "How about because they just made a surprise appearance over yonder!" She pointed her hoof in the specificed direction. And to the joy of the ponies gathered, and even Discord's relief, they all saw the Student Six just regaining their senses after that mystery teleport. Yona was the first, and whooped excitedly as she charged for a hug towards Starlight Glimmer - who was thankfully fast enough to hold her in her magic before she could get accidentally squashed. "Yes! Yes, Yona, i'm okay!" She smiled happily. "Just like i'm happy you're all okay."

A sentiment greatly shared by the main six. With bright smiles, the group prepared to go over, and express their happiness. But then a familiar, young voice snapped aloud for all to hear. "You lousy, miserably freaks! You've ruined everything!" To the anger of the main six, it was Cozy Glow - albeit with her fur singed, along with her ribbons and bows. And right now, she looked about ready to kill somebody as she stomped towards the seven. "Not only is my school a pile of smoking ashes, and the seat of my future empire gone: now Dusk Shine, and his idiotic friends can escape from Tartarus!" No sooner had she said that did the very figures of discussion teleport in front of the surprised group. His five friends may have been glaring at the young filly..... but Dusk was burning a hole into her very soul with his look of anger, and betrayal. Cozy read the room, and attempted to turn things in her favor with her usual performance. "Uh...i--i-i-...i mean....oh, golly! You're all okay! I'm so happy!" she said in a grossly fake tone of concern.

"Cut the act, Cozy Glow!" Applejack said sternly. "Yer penpal teacher, TIrek, told us all about what you've been up to, and what you almost did!"

Brief quiet passed as Dusk steadily walked up to the young filly. His glare remained, and when Cozy saw it, she had grown even more worried than before. "All I want to know is why?" He said in a low, reserved tone which unnerved those around. "We welcomed you into our school. We believed in your honest desire to learn about friendship. We gave you our trust, and friendship. I gave you my trust." He then suddenly shouted, "SO HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO US?!" His anger was now being let loose on the young filly, who was the biggest cause of this calamity. "Do you have any idea how many lives could have been lost because of your actions?! How many innocents might have suffered because you robbed our world of its very essence?! Do you know how many ponies might have been killed today because of you?!" After a while, his anger burned out, and all that was left was the hurt. "I just don't understand, Cozy! We were your teachers - your friends! Why would you do all of this? To me? To us? To all of Equestria?"

Unfortunately, instead of actually being affected by Dusk's emotional plea, Cozy only seemed to have been building up anger, and frustration. All this spieling about "friendship" and caring for others finally got on her nerves, and she finally snapped. "WHY?!" Her outburst actually shocked Dusk into taking a few steps back. "Because friendship is power, you idiot! You don't even get just how much influence you have on Equestria with your status, do you? So many ponies, and now creatures follow your sentimental ideals of a ridiculous concept! But I realized the ridiculous part was the sappy, sentimental stuff you believed it was all about! My REAL teacher, Tirek, taught me that Friendship is the power to bring others to your cause, and bring them under your wing!" She began smiling like a crazed madmare. "And ponies are so easy to control! A few sweet words here, some niceness there and you can get them to do anything for you! How else do you think I was able to use persuasion spells to steal some chunks of Chrysalis' throne for ingredients to make Tirek's armor?" The students, and even Dusk's friends including himself were shocked by this info. The pony students for actually falling for Cozy Glow's manipulations - the older ponies because of the danger they knew that throne presented, even in pieces. It did, however, explain how it worked.....somewhat. But Cozy wasn't finished just yet, and kept ranting. "Not that it'll do him any good still locked up in Tartarus where he belongs! Equestria's mine to rule, and i ain't sharing it with anypony else!" She then smiled maliciously. "And it'll be easy to do with Friendship at my side! You might be the Prince of Friendship, but as Headmare of this School once it's rebuilt, I can get more friends than you EVER could!"

Whatever anger Dusk had in his heart for the filly faded away as he listened to her tyrad. Now that he saw just how warped her perception was on Friendship, and many other things, he couldn't find it in him to hate her. All he could feel was pity for her. Tirek had twisted her to his own way of thinking, and created a very disturbed, and misguided foal. "Cozy," he said in a gentler tone than he'd used before, "please. Friendship is powerful, I admit. But that's not WHY you make friends. I don't completely know what Tirek's told you, but all of it isn't true. Everything he says is a lie, and his views on Friendship are just as eschewed. Friendship isn't meant for controlling others: you make friends because you feel a connection to them, and genuinely care for them. The bonds you make with others is what gives you strength." He pointed his hoof at the deranged filly. "I'm only sorry I failed to teach you that."

"Well, ya didn't faily with us!" Gallus proudly proclaimed as he, and the others grouped around Dusk. He himself smiling brightly at the sight of who he considered his best students, alive and unharmed - though he couldn't help but notice the jewels that looked like they were lodged into their chests. Questions for later. "Yeah! And you can't let one bad apple make you think you failed." Silverstream added.

"And we couldn't have stopped her if we hadn't learned what you taught us about friendship!" Sandbar proudly said.

"Honesty? Loyalty?! Blah, blah, blah blah!" Cozy Glow spouted out in annoyance, much to the other's shared annoyance. "Puh-lease! I can make my own friends without any of that garbage! And if I can't do it here, anymore, then i'll just go somewhere else, and start again!" She said, before taking flight towards the partly balcony. She was surprised when ALL of the students she had turned against The Student Six blocked her path. A random pegasus retoring, "Yeah, i don't think so!" Cozy growled in frustration, and made a dash for another archway. But that just so happened to be near the only remaining pond bridge where the Princesses, and Chancellor Neighsay teleported in. To make matters worse, she saw dozens of pegasi Royal Guards swarming the skies, blocking off her escape from above. She was now frantic, and desperate for a way out. In her desperation, she decided to take the one route nopony would dare follow her: straight into the burning wreck of the school itself. The ponies noticed, and shouted for her to stop. But she ignored them, shouting "So long, losers! See you when i'm Empress of Friendship!"

Right before she could fly over the flames, and into the crater leading underground, another explosion occurred. One which knocked her right back into the hooves of the Dusk Shine. It took a few seconds for her to recover from the shock of the blast. Just as she did, she and every other creature present looked on in shock, and growing fear as the visage of a horned giant, with a ragged cloak flowing in the wind slowly stepped out of the flames of the wreckage he had caused. And everyone who did not meet him yet, was introduced to the unholy centaur of evil who was the true source of all this chaos. Dusk glared daggers into him as he shouted, "TIREK!" and charged his horn to prepare an attack. All those in the royal guard, Neightsay, and even Discord and the Princesses readied to do the same.

"So........" Tirek mused as he observed his surroundings, ignoring the army of ponies looking ready to run him through. "This is where the magic of friendship happens. Quaint." The Student Six were almost petrified at the sight of the massive centaur. Silverstream especially, because of how he reminded her of a larger, and even more evil version of the Storm King. "Guys......please tell me that isn't the guy our professors were after before!" She said in a low, frightened voice.

"I'm afraid so." Ocellus answered nervously. "Though I didn't actually think he'd be this......fearsome."

"Yak think scary works, too." Yona said in a slight shiver. "Not that Yona scared of minotaur-pony!"

"Yona, while I appreciate the tough act........even i'm creeped out by this guy, so there's no need to hide it." Smolder admitted, muffling her intimidation.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you," Gallus said, while the group remained standing behind their headstallion, "but....even I don't think trying to take this guy is a good idea!"

"You have no idea, Gallus!" Sandbar said, trying to hold in his own fear as he recalled the terrifying stories he heard of Tirek's previous rampage. Of a demon who tricked even the Lord of Chaos into becoming an agent of his, and then proceeding to suck the life out of Equestria itself. It probably would be bad to try, and take this guy without heavy-hitting power. But the flash of his element reminded him that they had a weapon that could handle him if a fight was inevitable. So he had faith things would work out.

Dusk, however, didn't seem to be in any sound mind as he shouted, "You've got so much nerve, it's impossible to measure it all! Now give me back my brother, or else!!" Tirek merely raised an eyebrow at the alicorn, who thought he was a threat to him. Then he finally looked to the army of creatures standing against him. The odds hardly seemed to be in his favor at this moment. And yet the centaur didn't seem to be worried in the slightest. In fact, he wa giving the widest, most wicked smile ever seen before laughing aloud. "Brother, you call him?" He chortled in mockery. "You mean this insipped, reptilian slime?" A snap of the fingers later, and Spike appeared in a familiar-looking bubble beside the centaur's head. Panic, and terror evident in his wide, frightened eyes. Dusk even more afraid for his brother as deja vu struck him a this exact moment upon seeing the prison Spike was in. "You certainly have a habit for picking up strays, don't you, prince?" He then eyed the student six with intrigue, and hummed. "A pony, griffon, hippogriff, changeling, yak, and dragon together? A rare sight in these times, I must admit."

"Discord, can't you do something?!" Rainbow shouted.

"Don't you think i've been trying, skittle-head?!" he exclaimed in frustration. "For some reason, my magic's taking longer to reboot. Must be all of that harmony essence in the air, mossing up my chaos magic!" While he continued trying to call on his powers, the princesses ordered their troops to hold back so as not to risk harm to the young drake. Right now, this was between Dusk, and his oversized nemesis, along with the pegasus filly still being held in his grip. "Enough games, Tirek." Dusk said in a low.....almost begging tone. "Just give me back Spike.....and i'll let you take Cozy Glow."

"Exactly as we agreed upon?" TIrek asked.

With a reluctant sigh, Dusk answered, "Yes."

The centaur took a few moments to consider, and almost appeared as if he'd renege on his bargain. But then he chuckled, and released Spike with a snap of his fingers. "So be it, my alicorn friend. That is what I can always depend on you for: your sentiment enforcing your reliability. Now, the child, if you please." With greater reluctance, he released his grip on Cozy, who elbowed him in the chest before flying to Tirek. At the same time as Spike shot past, and embraced his brother in a hug of brotherly affection. The young dragon crying in his brother's legs, the former not caring about the tear stains in his fur. He let his younger brother cry as much as he wanted. With how much his life had been threatened, he had every right to. Dusk just wished it didn't have to happen in the first place. The moment, unfortunately, was ruined by Cozy's crazed laughter as she flew beside her mentor. "See?! It pays to have friends in high places! Especially friends as powerful as Tirek here! And with him, Equestria will be easy pickings!"

"Are you so sure of that?" Tirek asked Cozy in a deep, devilish tone that frightened the young filly, before she found herself locked in his magical grip. "Wait, what are you doing?!" Cozy exclaimed. "I thought we were friends! I followed all your instructions, and did what you wanted! I thought you'd be happy!"

"And you assumed I wanted you to send Equestria's essence into oblivion?!" TIrek snarled in the fillies face. "Equestria's magic, and Equestria itself is MINE! I taught you all that I know in the hopes you would be grateful enough to liberate your master, and ensure our dominion over this world is guaranteed." He then grabbed her by both her wings and raised her to eye level. "But your ambition outgrew your wits, and you betrayed me. You betrayed our contract, little one, and that is NEVER a good thing."

"N-nonono, i didn't! I-i was just-"

"You were a blank flank when I first reached out to you. You wanted a cutie mark that would give you the intellect to stage a coup of Equestria, and utilize magic without the need for a horn - similar to the Zebra race. So once you learned to channel dimensional portals to tartarus, and gave me your essence, I completed the unbreakable oath, and made you the tactical genius you think yourself to be. All you had to do was provide the means of restoring me to my true power. A simple task."

"But I got you that armor made, a-"

"And if you thought that would pacify me, then you are sorely mistaken, whelp!" He then snapped his fingers, and produced a golden parchment Dusk and his friends easily recognized. "It was all in our contract....dear, sweet, lovable, STUPID Cozy!" A rune suddenly appeared next to Cozy's name, and with a wicked smile Tirek said, "And since you failed to keep up your end, now it's time I reclaim what I gave you when we first met - as our bargain decrees!" Cozy whimpered in fright as Tirek's horn ignited, and he prepared to drain her of her magic. Before he could do anything, however, he was suddenly bound in Gold, Azure, and Aqua chains that made him release Cozy out of surprise. He turned, and saw it was The Princesses, and Neighsay who were responsible. "You will not harm that child, monster!" Neighsay shouted. "Not so long as I am Chancellor of the EEA!"

Tirek chuckled, "Even though the brat had you held hostage for a time? And attempted to cripple your world forever?"

"The result of your manipulations, no doubt! But as Chancellor, i am sworn to ensure the safety of our students - even those belonging to an EEA Unaccredited school as  this." He lightly smiled at Dusk Shine, who returned the gesture. Celestia, and Luna then flew next to Dusk Shine, and glared at the centaur in their grasp. "I don't know how you escaped Tartarus yet again, Tirek." Celestia began. ""But I swear it will be the last time!"

"I, myself, will see to it personally that you never see the light of day, again!" Luna threatened.

Yet just before anyone could do anything, something rather startling happened. A golden, lasso-like ring appeared around Dusk's neck, and he cried out in a gasp of pain from the agonizing pain around his neck. A throttling, shocking, burning pain that made him cry out as he tried pulling at the golden, immaterial lasso of magic threatening to choke him to death, much to the horror of his friends, and the princesses. "Dusk Shine!" Celestia cried out, seeing her former student trying desperately to get free of that thing that was killing him. The sight of which made Tirek laugh in amusement, even while shackled. "Now, isn't THAT inconvenient?" His body then shined with a crimson aura, and he drained the chains of every ounce of essence they held, before casually breaking them, and then taking Cozy Glow back in his aura, and draining her of all her magic before any of the ponies could stop him. He tossed her over to a nearby pair of guards who caught her weakened form. "Now the Prince gets the honor of learning what comes of attempting to renege on HIS end of our bargain."

"What have you done, demon?!" Luna demanded, brandishing a divine blade to strike the centaur down. 

"I assure you, Princess, that he chose this fate." Tirek then produced the very same contract he had formed with Dusk Shine, and unfurled it in his hand for the princesses, and even Discord the ever-curious to see. "How else do you think his friends and I escaped Tartarus? We made a deal through the Unbreakable Oath." All three figures eyes widened in shock, as they turned to look to the alicorn stallion being tended to by the Student Six. The ring was still there, but no longer strangling the panting alicorn, who looked to his fellow rulers with an expression of guilt, and said, "I'm so sorry!" in a hoarse, and weak voice. "I didn't want to......but it was the only way we could think of to get out in time!"

"It's alright, Prince Dusk." Celestia said in a reassuring tone, before she, her sister, and even Discord glared at the glowing parchment, and ignited their full powers (Discords magic just came back in full). "Whatever devil's bargain was made, WE will unmake it!" And the three fired a combined beam of unrestrained magical power at the contract. The force was enough to actually make Tirek hit the other end of the crater as the beam tried tearing into the golden projection. Yet no matter how much power was put into it, in the end, the contract remained unharmed. And Tirek was left chortling in hellish delight. "Now do you see? This is the power of The Unbreakable Oath. By the powers of our essence, willfully joined by the power of Harmony itself, the contract forged is thereby legal, binding, and completely unbreakable - even for the likes of you." Tirek remarked as he flew back over to where the trinity stood. "Which means that all who are present here must abide by the terms by our beloved prince of friendship."

"And that would be what, exactly?" Neighsay questioned as he approached.

"Quite simple: In return for my freedom from the accursed caves, and neutralizing the threat of my little apprentice - by any means that included draining every beast in that dungeon dry, the prince here must guarantee my freedom so long as I bring no deathly harm to any living creature. I have fulfilled my end of the contract completely, as no lives have been taken on this day - which i'm sure Discord can attest to. Now all that remains is for my to be on my way so that our contract may be complete, and the terms of separation for an extensive period of time is fulfilled."

"And you think we would simply allow you to leave?!" Princess Luna exclaimed with indignation. "After all you have done, on this day, and in the past?" 

With a blank expression, he looked down at the lavender furred alicorn who still had a look of shame as he lowered his head. The Princesses saw, and began to understand what he meant now. "Unless you wish to find a replacement alicorn to play as your stooge, then you have no choice." He then grinned. "However, should you require a little more......incentive..." The tips of his middle finger, and thumb touched. And as golden sparks of electricity sparked, Dusk was once again subject to Tirek's cursed contract. While the others were panicking, The Princesses had enough, and took a backwards dash through the air before firing at the centaur. He fired his own beam of magic, and met their attacks head on. Unknown to any present, Tirek absorbed as much of the exploding magic as he could before it all returned to Equestria, and returned all those with it to their true selves - even if the rest of the magic of the creatures he drained slipped through his grasp. This put him on equal footing with the princesses, and their beams remained stationary. But then Tirek made a hellish chuckle as his hands sparked with crimson lightning. Before the shocked princesses could break off, they were hit, and thrown backwards. Seeing their Princess downed, the other guards made their attempt to attack him.

He laughed as he sucked every ounce of magic out of the guards, and watched all of them fall to the ground - Discord caught those in the air before they could break anything internal.

This caused Tirek's form to expand even further to the size he took just before he drained Discord. And unfortunately, the draconequus remembered that Tirek might very well have been equal to him in terms of power in this stage. But looking at those around, he knew he still couldn't stand idly by, and do nothing. So, with a single snap, he gathered all of the subdued ponies together near the other students, and put all of the groups in protective bubbles. Neighsay, of course, had opted to fight beside the Draconequus, and teleported to his side. He even had Dusk, and the Student Six grouped up with the mane six and Starlight, and kept a barrier over them as well. The two then readied to face the empowered centaur. The sight of this unlikely duo amusing centaur immensely. "So, a commendable alliance between TWO treacherous worms against a rising god. How amusing."

"You will not be laughing for long, you insidious fiend!" Neighsay challenged. "I admit, i have made many mistakes." He regretfully looked to Dusk, and the student six. "Some far worse than others." But then glared back at the centaur. "But my loyalty remains to the citizens of Equestria, The Princesses who guard it, and the young ponies for whom the EEA, and this school were created to nurture into the finest beings the world has ever known! And I will not allow you to take away their futures, so long as i draw breath!" Needless to say, the others were quite moved by Neighsay's honest change of heart. After all the trouble he caused them, he was still, by no means evil, and he was willing to prove it now. Just as Tirek was willing to take him up on his offer. "Then draw your last breath, fool!" He then pulled out a boulder with his magic and hurled it at the unicorn, who closed his eyes in fear of the deathly impact awaiting him.

But the sound of a snap, and the giant boulder turning into multicolored balloons saved him from such a fate. "Yeah, i'm afraid the good Chancellor's in need of breathing." Discord quipped. "I mean, aside from me, who doesn't need it? Breathing's good: it helps get your head cleared, endorphins fix up chemical imbalances, clear up the mind, and-" He yelped as he, and Neighsay were grabbed by a charging Tirek, and then nearly smashed into the ground in front of the ponies. Thankfully, Tirek forgot Discord could teleport at will, and got himself and Neighsay out in time. The two appeared behind him, and suddenly, Discord turned into Al Capone - complete with a machine gun that fires magic bullets. "SAY 'ELLO TO MAH LI'LE FRIEND!" And barraged the centaur with dozens of magical rounds. Though despite the amount of power put behind those 'bullets', they only seemed to annoy him. The mystic chains holding him by his arms through several magical portals, however, did the trick of preventing him personal protection. Sadly, it didn't last long, and again Tirek fired a beam out of his horns, which split the two up from each other. Taking a page from the unicorn, himself, Tirek ripped Neighsay's medallion off, and then bound him in glowing, iron chains that held him where he stood. "I'll deal with you later, knave. Now, where is-" 

Sploch!

Dozens of cakes, and pies fell from the sky above, and covered Tirek in their product. Many of the recovering ponies actually laughed at the dumbstruck look on the centaur's face. That was the moment Discord appeared with some kind of box in his hands with a handle on top. "Oh, what's wrong, Tirek? Pastries aren't your thing? I'd think you would enjoy a little sweetness in your life with how sour you always are - and because seeing you covered in stains is hilarious." he chuckled. Tirek hardened his gaze at the chaos spirit, and said, "Always with the antics, you misshapen aberration. THen again, all you've ever been is a joke noone can take seriously." He then smirked through the white cake batter covering his face. "Then again, you always were good for a laugh."

Discord actually took some offense to that, and exclaimed, "Oh, yeah?!" Then proceeded to set down the box, which now had the words "ACME Cake #4" written on its side, and then pump the handle down. What resulted was a spark snaking its way to Tirek's leg, much to the centaur's confusion. Once it actually touched the pastry mess covering him, and it started flashing bright, he realized what was going on. And before he could react, he exploded in a dazzling flash of light. Only a smoking crater was seemingly left of him, much to the shock of everycreature watching. The briefly panting Discord suddenly flashed into the form of a buffed up version of himself, heavily resembling the character All-Might. He even added in the heroic laughter of the pro-hero, before changing back to his old, familiar self. "Who's laughing now?"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"

A pillar of fire erupted out of the ground, and Tirek was brought back without even a mark on him. "Why I believe it's me, Dizzy." Now, like before when the centaur had betrayed him ages ago, the lord of chaos grew nervous. He put an immense amount of chaos magic into that attack, and Tirek shrugged it off like nothing? Maybe that armor really was a factor in it.......but whatever dark energy Discord sensed off of him, it was both familiar, and more than he imagined there being. He was interrupted, however, by Tirek suddenly turning him into a marionette to his great shock.In the process, his protective wards died down, and the others were exposed once more. And with random gestures of his fingers, Tirek made the clownish puppet he made the Chaos Spirit into dance a merry jig. "I have to admit that your parlor tricks have been amusing, draconequus. Truly a performance worthy of any Lord, and Master. But you ultimately botched your only chance to get the best of me. You slammed me with what you had, but your double whammy just wasn't up to snuff." He chuckled maliciously, as a ball of scarlet fire formed in his left hand. "But the moment my power reached this point, you were little more than a nuisance against me. A comedic toy whose long out of date." He raised his flame-holding hand up to the chaos spirit, who, despite now being made of wood, was sweating globs from the heat that was far too intense for him to handle. "This may not kill you, Discord, but that's just fine. Because once I deep fry you, and once again feast on your essence.......this time, you will understand that when compared to me, you're only second rate!"

"STOP!" Shouted Prince Dusk, as he fired a beam of his magic at Discord's strings, and cut him loose. Freeing him from Tirek's spell. Something the centaur didn't quite appreciate, and now had an angry expression turned towards the stallion prince. "There's been enough hurting, and enough violence! You can go! I won't try, and stop you, if that'll make you stop!" His ears drooped. "I won't cause any more suffering than I have because I went back on my word, and made so many mistakes." He then looked up to the centaur. "If I agree to take Cozy Glow's place in the terms of our bargain, then I ask that you complete our original deal, and leave in peace." The others gasped in silence. Terrified for their friend who was making another deal with this monster, even after all he'd done. Most thought he was insane, while his friends simply feared for his life. Tirek, however, laughed loudly, and with booming force before he managed to speak again. "This is why I truly find you amusing, Dusk Shine. So eager are you to cast aside your own well-being to protect your dear friends - even though it might mean the end of you. Friendship truly is your greatest weakness, isn't it?"

Dusk stared back firmly into the giant centaur, unafraid to stand up to him. "You're wrong, Tirek! So long as i'm guided by friendship, I'll always do what's right to protect those who matter." TIrek raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Even if it means protecting that little criminal who almost destroyed the balance of this world? You're just going to sacrifice your own life for a little villain who would sooner stab you in the back rather than return the favor?" He indicated towards the now unconscious filly. "Who cares about what she's done?! Regardless of her crimes, she is only a child! A child who must have had a difficult path that YOU took advantage of! Not even she deserves to lose her life..........and i'd gladly give mine to protect others. Perhaps if you knew how to care for others as you do yourself, then you might understand."

This made Tirek gasp in surprise, and his eyes widen. For the first time, he had truly been taken by surprised. But not by any manner of spells, or incantations, or attacks made against him. But by words spoken, that he remembered hearing from so long ago. In that moment, he no longer saw Dusk Shine with his determined look. Now, he was seeing a brown-furred, young Gargoyle who looked up to him with sympathetic, pleading eyes that held so much love for him, it was almost torturous. And when that visage went away, Tirek returned to reality to his mortal enemy. And this time, he did not laugh with any wicked glee........but with hollow sadness. "That's exactly what my brother said all those years ago. For some reason, you remind me of him. Maybe that's why I hate you, especially so. Every time you speak of friendship, and protecting others, you remind me of how he betrayed me. How he chose your kind over his own brother. How Friendship was used to trap him in a collective mindset that made him an unwitting slave. You remind me of him, and how Friendship is another form of imprisonment, to which cold, iron bars is preferable to me."

Dusk's expression, after hearing the hidden emotions of hurt, loss, and pain in TIrek's voice that noone else caught on, turned sympathetic as he tried to reach out to him. "You don't have to keep lying to yourself, TIrek. You know none of what you say about Scorpan is true. Noone used Friendship to control him: he just saw how much better friendship is than the mayhem you were planning to unleash. If he truly betrayed you, then why did he try to convince you to turn away from the evil plans you held onto? Why did he leave you his medallion to remember him by?" His tone then turned more desperate. "He loved you, Tirek. He loved you so much, that the thought of staying in Equestria was too much for him to bear. He did what he thought was right, but it broke his heart all the same." He then smiled sadly at Spike. "I should know something about that." He turned back to TIrek, and said, "And it must be the same for you, too, right? Why else would you have kept his medallion for so long before giving it to Discord? Deep down, you must have still loved him, and held onto some semblance of it by keeping it. That necklace was a symbol of a brother's love - and if your held onto it for so long, then surely that same love still exists in you somewhere. Can't you see that?"

For a moment Tirek said nothing. Noone spoke as the centaur simply stared at the alicorn who had spoken of such a deep, and personal matter. Of a past he had long since buried the day he was locked away. His eyes shut, and a look of melancholy befell him as he reminisced. "Before we came to this land, he and I were inseparable. There was nothing he, and I didn't do together. Playing, eating, and even sharing things we heard around our home. True, there were times we had our squabbles, but nothing ever too serious." His eyes opened, and a somber expression appeared. "And despite my mother, and father's obvious favoritism towards him, I just couldn't find it in me to hate him. He had this...light that always surrounded him that kept him close to my heart. As though he were a part of me. A piece of my soul that I had been waiting ages to finally come into the world. I was brash, arrogant, and challenging.......and he was kind, humble, and always considerate of others. A light to compliment the darkness that I still believe I am." He suddenly turned his back on the group as he walked a few feet towards the dying fires of the school, his head lowered. "And when we abandoned our home after its.......tragic fate, he was always there for me. He didn't fully agree with my idea, but he still stood by my side. All that mattered was us. We were brothers in mind, body, and soul." he chuckled. "I suppose we were as close to being friends as we were brothers. As long as I had him, i could endure anything this world had to offer. Nothing could ever bring me down."

Dusk took a cautious step towards the centaur. From how sentimental he sounded, it almost appeared as if he was reaching the demonic titan. He wanted to say something to him. Perhaps remind him that he could find something like that again, if he were willing to try. Just like with Starlight, Tirek could make new bonds just as strong as what he described. Or close enough, since he knows the bonds of two brothers cannot ever be replaced. He hovered into the air to speak his peace. 

But then, a crimson aura surrounded Tirek's body, and carried malice unlike anything felt before.

"Then you took him away." He growled in an echoing, distorted, and deeper tone of his voice than they'd heard him use. And when he slowly turned around to see the front of the centaur, they were soon gripped by utter fear from what they saw. Rage. Hate, Bloodthirst. Raw malice formed from the darkest of emotions surrounded, and empowered the centaur. As his cape billowed in a non-existent wind, the aura seemed to take on the looming shape of a crescent-horned figure staring down at them. "YOU MISERABLE, WORTHLESS, WRETCHED BLIGHT UPON THIS EARTH TOOK HIM AWAY FROM ME!!!" His roar was so frightening, and monstrous that it shook his audience to their very core. Even Discord at his most intimidating could not compare to the hatred, and rage being exposed to him.

Dusk, now also afraid, but still wanting to keep peace shuddered, "Tirek, no! That's not-" But he was painfully grabbed by his wings, and screamed from the amount of pressure threatening to crack his fragile wing bones. Yet, even with his magic back, the glowing glare sneering at him kept him petrified by fear. Stopping him from making any attempts to escape as Tirek spoke in the same distorted voice he had now adopted. "Our destiny was to be side-by-side forever. To take what belongs to us without any authority to control, or manipulate us! But you manipulated him. Brainwashed him! Poisoned his mind by making him care for a species that is only ever useful as sustenance! His treachery destroyed a bond so deep that there can never be any hope of mending the damage ponykind afflicted. The amulet, as I told Discord, was as worthless as he is. The real reason I kept it was so I could never forget. So I could never...........FORGIVE!" He launched Dusk into the side of the right wall in the courtyard, stunning him. And giving Tirek time to focus all of that dark energy into his hands, and inbetween his horns. This dark essence focusing into what would be a devastating attack. It was here the centaur laughed that arrogant laugh of his once again. "I should certainly thank you, Dusk Shine: you're reminded me of why I hate you, and your kind so much.........but you more than all others. So if you truly wish to die to atone for your sins, then allow me cleanse you." He joined the two orbs together to form an even larger one, and raised above his head to launch his attack at the terrified alicorn. "WITH DARKNESS!"

Seeing their headstallion in danger, it was the young six who actually lept into danger, despite the protests of the other ponies. They ran, and flew as quickly as possible to save their mentor before it was too late. But it seemed as if they might not make it. For just as they were halfway there, Tirek fired his stream of dark energy at the weakened alicorn. His doom had arrived at last.

But then fate intervened as a white light shielded him against the dark energy. He then noticed that he was being held by the Student Six in a protective embrace. Their eyes were also closed as they feared their own demise might come in trying to shield him. But they quickly realized that they were safe. All thanks to the power of their Elements, shining in unison, and coating them in their aura. "Ah, yeah!" Smolder whooped. "I could really get used to this!"

"Assuming you don't eat your gem first, right?" Gallus quipped.

"Oh, yeah? Sure you don't wanna sell yours for some bits?" Smolder retorted.

Gallus grumbled, "Okay, you got me."

"Guys?" Dusk asked in bewilderment, not knowing what was happening. "What is this? How did you-?"

"We'll explain in more detail later." Sandbar answered. "Let's just say Equestria might have picked its new defenders."

Dusk silently gasped in surprise, as he now understood what those jewels - literally infused into their bodies - actually were. But he also knew what this might mean for him, and his friends. And in all honesty, he had no idea what to feel about at the time. But also, he had no time to think on it, because of the threat at hand. "How?! How can this be?! You shine with the light of Harmony, yet you do not wield the Elements?! What sorcery is this?!"

"No sorcery here, Tirek!" Ocellus exclaimed, feeling her confidence grow as her element shined.

"You're just getting another taste of what the power of Friendship can do!" Gallus added with his arms crossed.

"And it's not just limited to ponies, either!" Sandbar said.

"Like Headstallion say: Friendship bring others together, and form bonds that cannot be broke!" Yona proclaimed.

"And it's all we need to take down an oversized bully like you!" Silverstream exclaimed in the same tone she used against the Storm King shades in the crystal caverns.

Tirek only snarled in rage as the crimson aura seemed to hiss at the light. "You are as ignorant, as you are foolish, you insolent whelps! My power is greater than Friendship, and all of Equestria combined! And you will know my wrath!" he roared as he charged up for another attack.

"Let's see if you can back that up, bullhead!" Smolder shouted. "Let's get 'em!"

The six friends gathered together in a small cluster, with all fliers floating above Sandbar, and Yona. But that all changed when their aura's all combined into a single light, and levitated them up to Tirek's chest. Smiling confidently, the teenaged creatures joined claws, and hooves together in the center of their circle, just as Tirek finished charging his attack. With a roar of fury, he unleashed all of the dark, enhanced power at his disposal to destroy the Young Six. And the latter pointed their joined limbs together to unleash a new version of The Rainbow of Light. The beams collided with incredible force, and for a good, long while where held off at a stalemate. Both sides struggling to put everything they had into this clash of power. At first, it appeared Tirek might actually be the one to prevail, due to the fact the Student Six had already used this power previously, and it was now a little weaker. More than enough for the dark power to possibly defeat it.

That is, until the student six saw the desperate, pleading faces of the ponies watching them. The Princesses, and the Guard. Chancellor Neighsay, most surprisingly to them. The other pony students attending the school. Spike, Starlight, and Discord, who chewed his nails nervously. The five mares who had been their teachers since coming to this school. And Dusk, himself, who risked so much, and worked so hard to keep everypony safe - even their enemy, Cozy Glow. All of them were depending on them to stop Tirek. All of them believed in the six young teenagers who hailed from all across Equestria. Who grew to be the closest of friends through trial, and adversity. Just as other ponies had believed in their teachers before them, the Young Six could feel the hopes of the ponies who believed in them. And it was this hope, and belief that gave them newfound strength, and the power to overwhelm Tirek. The Centaur struggled as hard as he could to hold back the swirling stream of magical spectrum light pushing towards him. But in the end, nothing could be done, except roar in defiance as he was swallowed by the beam of Light.

The Rainbow channeled into that single spot, and then exploded in another wave of magical light. The chains holding Chancellor Neighsay disappeared. The magic taken from the Royal Guard was returned to them. And even Dusk Shine felt the hold of the golden lasso of The Unbreakable Oath disappear. Several more wisps of magic flew off into the distance, returning to the creatures of Tartarus that it had been taken from. And with naught but a billowing cloud of smoke where Tirek once towered above, The Young Six returned to the ground as the light faded from their bodies. And all of them felt quite tired from that exasperating experience. Smolder almost fell over before Yona held her up with her horns, for which the dragon was grateful.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, the Main Six, Spike, and Starlight all ran up to the students, and began showering them with praise. Some even giving them pats on the shoulders, and things like that. "Guys, that was so awesome!" Spike exclaimed. "The way you stood up to Tirek, and then blasted him into atoms? Rainbow Lasers really are the best!"

"I'll say!" Pinkie excitedly said, before putting a  magnifying glass to Silvertstream's gem. "Though what do you think we're gonna have to call these things, now? The Neo Elements? Y'know, because they're basically the new, and improved versions of the Elements of Harmony, and awesomely built-in accessories that make them look as if they were aliens that actually ARE gems, but can look like real creatures!" When she stopped, she noticed the group all staring at her with bewilderment. "Er.....I mean.....look at how shiny the pretty gems are!"

"While I must agree with that remark, given how stunning those gems are," Rarity complimented with great admiration, "nopony can deny how much like the Elements of Harmony those jewels acted. Do any of you young ones have an answer for this?"

"Well, like I told Headstallion Dusk," Sandbar said, rubbing the back of his head, "I think the Tree of Harmony basically picked us to be new Element Bearers - like you guys."

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed. "You mean......the Tree of Harmonies replacing us? After all the hard work we put into keeping Equestria safe, and being totally awesome while doing it?! That's so not fair!" She would have complained more had Dusk not closed her mouth shut for a moment with his magic. "Calm down, Rainbow. If the Tree of Harmony did this, there has to be a reason. And we'll discuss it later..........after we finish things up with him."

Before the group could ask what Dusk was talking about, their confusion was replaced by shock when they heard the sound of someone straining, and groaning in pain. The turned to the source of the sound, and found it was coming from Tirek's position. By now, the smoke had cleared away, and revealed a secondary crater. But it was the sight of Tirek still in the size, and form Dusk and his friends found him in when they went to Tartarus, slowly staggering to his feet that had them all speechless. They expected him to have reverted to his old, withered form, and made completely powerless. Yet it appears his armor, and the dark powers he held, kept the essence he had in him beforehand safe, and his form in tact. The only difference was that his body was covered with scorches, and bruises. And even his cloak had been burned halfway. One of his eyes was shut tight. But it didn't stop him from sneering at the ones who had robbed him of the powers he had claimed before. A few moments later, and he staggered out of the hole he had been in. "Impressive." He growled bitterly. "It appears I have far more competition to worry about than I realized."

"Indeed." Dusk replied in response. "And now that you've lost all of the power you stole, and are completely outmatched, will you finally see reason, and leave in peace?"

Tirek's sneer only grew deeper as he eyes the alicorn. Neither breaking from their interlocked stare for even a moment. But then finally, Tirek sighed in defeat, and said, "Very well. I know when I have been bested. And since Cozy Glow, and her accursed spell have been neutralized, and you seem willing to let me leave.......I declare your end of our contract fulfilled, and our bargain complete." The very same contract they had forged appeared above Tirek's hand. And as though it were made of brittle matter, it crumbled into dust, and disappeared for good. "But know this, your 'majesty'," he spat out the word with venom, "this is only the beginning. All that has transpired on this day was to ensure my freedom, and escape - and you played your part completely to the letter. I have bested you numerous times already, and the next time we meet shall be no different! I will return to crush you, and your pathetic "Friends"........whatever race, or species they might be." He glared at the Young SIx, and they back at him. "I shall return, stronger than ever before. An indomitable force not even the power of Harmony alone can defeat. And Equestria's magic WILL. Be mine."

Dusk simply gave out a light 'hmph', and a smirk. "Only in your dreams, Tirek."

The centaur growled, "We will see." Then fired a spell near the left archway that opened a portal out into the everfree forest. With light grunts, he slowly walked over to the portal, passing by the pony guards who stood back in order to let him through. As he did, Discord wormed over next to Dusk, and whispered in his ear, "So......do I get to go after him? I can make up for last time."

"Sorry, but no, Discord." Dusk said quietly, and calmly. "I'd rather not risk his lying about the Oath being fulfilled just to get my head popped off the minute he's caged." Discord quietly whined, but then nodded in agreement, and understanding. Celestia, and Luna overheard, and agreed with that logic, as much as they despised it. However, it wasn't as important as seeing to the safety of their ponies. 

By this time, the fires had begun to die down, and peace had seemingly returned. Tirek remained livid as his magic continued healing his body. He was no longer limping, and his bruises had begun fading. Once in the everfree, he could begin regaining his strength by feeding on whatever he could find with strong magic. This was nothing but a minor inconvenience, and he would treat it exactly as such. However, right as he was about to reach the portal, he felt something small grip onto his left leg. It was the weakened Cozy Glow, who had just regained consciousness, slipped past the guards, and stopped the centaur from leaving. She was quite distraught despite just waking up, given what Tirek had done, and planned to do to her previously. Now, there was just one thing she needed to know, more than anything else. "Please....sir......just tell me! Did-.........did I have........any real part to play.....in any of this?"

Tirek looked down on her like an insect, and with a harsh coldness, simply said, "No." The response broke the little fillies heart, and left her whimpering, and quivering in despair. Tirek paid her no mind, and continued trekking to his portal. A fierce, stoic expression on his face as he passed through to the other side of the region. The solemn pledge of his return fresh on everyone's minds as they saw him disappear into the fiery window, and out of the school. A collective sigh of relief passed over the courtyard, and all who were there could finally relaxed. Ironically, in the aftermath of so much chaos, it was Discord who presented the best idea anyone's had all day.

"So, uh.....would anyone care to exposit over a very large banquet meal breakfast?"
> Whatever the future holds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A single day had passed since that fateful night.

Reconstruction of the School of Friendship had already been going well enough. Thankfully, Dusk had the benefit of Celestia's personal builders, and unicorn architects to aid in the rebuilding. Discord had offered to rebuild the whole school, even with all of the harmonic magic radiating off of the area lessening his power. Dusk politely declined the offer, keeping his handicap in mind, and telling the draconequus that he'd done more than enough for them - he also didn't fully trust Discord not to make a repeat of his temper tantrum with Starlight Glimmer when she ran the school. Even if he was disappointed, Discord respected his friend's wishes .......though he did promise he'd come by more often for a visit to the school.

At this moment, while construction continued in the midday, Dusk was walking down the halls of his own castle with Celestia, and Chancellor Neighsay at both his sides. The chancellor was alot more pleasant, and for the first time was smiling genuinely in the company of the prince he once considered a rival of sorts. "It is good to know that the School of Friendship has its true headstallion back." But then his smile dimmed as he said, "I only wish such a calamity didn't have to occur in order to see it happen. If only I-"

"You don't have to apologize again, Chancellor Neighsay." Dusk said in a gentle, friendly tone. "You put all of your strength into defending my students against Tirek - ALL of my students." Neighsay caught onto the hint, and his smile returned. "I don't even want to think what might have happened if you, and Discord hadn't risked your well-beings despite your old grievances. You did more than I actually did that night...and for that, you have my eternal thanks."

Neighsay chuckled in good  nature. "No need for such things, your highness: It's my duty to protect our youth from the true threats, such as TIrek." He then looked forward, where he saw a familiar gang of teenagers with Spike beside them. "Besides, I owed it to six of your students to do my part. It was the least I could do." The trio soon found themselves standing before The Student Six. All of them feeling a mix of emotions as they saw the three figures. "Here they are, Dusk, just like you asked." Spike said.

"Thank you, Spike." Dusk said to his younger brother. He then asked all of the young six, "Did everyone find their rooms okay?"

"Oh, yes!" Ocellus said happily. "Spike was very nice, and lead us to all the rooms available."

"We got each of our rooms picked out." Smolder added. "Now we're just waiting for whatever's left of our stuff to make it here." She shrugged. "Not that we really had that much stuff to begin with, right?"

"It still strange to be living in new place after Yona so used to School rooms." Yona said with a hint of melancholy, until she proudly said, "But this just remind Yona of Yak way of living: smash, and rebuild! Home from home may be smashed because of evil monster, but now we get to rebuild it better than new! Just need to be patient, and wait while for second home to be ready."

"Fine by me." Gallus admitted, floating in the air with his paws behind his head, and legs crossed, as though he were lying down. "When you live on the streets of Griffonstone all your life, anyplace is a palace in comparison." He then suddenly laughed at the statement he made. "That's funny, cause we're actually LIVING in a palace! Even if it's 'til the school's fixed up."

"It'll be so much fun, too!" Silverstream exclaimed. "I've never even been inside a castle before, much less one that was made of crystal! I bet you there's alot of neat stuff to check out, and explore while we're here!" Sandbar, and the others laughed at how excited, and bubbly the hippogriff was being, before the latter said, "Glad you like it, Silverstream." Before he turned over to his headstallion, and said, "And i'm glad you were willing to do this for them, Prince Dusk Shine. Since i'm the only one of us who lives locally, i'd have a hard time dealing with the fact the others don't have anywhere else to go." he giggled. "If it meant keeping them under a roof, i'd even ask mom and dad if they could live with us as an alternative."

This got everyone to laugh even harder. Both because of how hilarious the scenario appeared in their heads. And because they liked that Sandbar's heart remained in the right place, but his idea might have been a bit..... extreme, given the company he'd be sharing if he actually did what he said. Once they were finally done laughing, Dusk said, "That's very considerate of you, Sandbar, and i'm proud of how willing you are to help out your friends." He turned to the other students, a look of pride beaming out towards them. "Just as i'm proud of all six of you combined. You did more for Equestria than anypony could have asked: and five of you aren't even ponies. Though there's alot to learn about Friendship, the six of you undoubtedly have a greater understanding of it than anypony else might believe." The group appeared humbled, and grateful for their headstallion's praise, and admiration. 

It was here Chancellor Neighsay decided to make his peace with the Student Six. "Your Headstallion is right, young ones. You have most certainly shown to have the qualities of what true Friendship is." His tone then became somber. "And for that, you have my deepest apologies. Based on the gossiping, and reports regarding the actions of the few, I judged you six for the terrible reputation each of your races have held at some point. Aside from that reason, I only ever thought friendship was something ponies were meant to have. It never once crossed my mind that other races could share, and learn it as well as you all do. Perhaps there is truly a lesson to be learned of judging others based on where they come from, instead of who they are." Only a few seconds later, and Neighsay felt the hoof of Dusk Shine on his shoulder, giving him a sentimental, and understanding look. "If friendship were easy to learn, we wouldn't have a school for it."

"Indeed so, Prince Dusk Shine." Celestia spoke next, looking to the young six with her gentle, motherly smile. "I always had faith that what my former student intended for the School of Friendship would be a good thing for all of Equestria. And that it would allow those from 'different worlds' to learn that we are not so different from one another. You six have proven that possibility to be true, and I couldn't feel any more proud. You are the pride of your nations, and you will be honored for your bravery, and strength." She lowered her head in a small bow. "The Tree of Harmony chose its champions most wisely."

The six students felt honored on such a level, it was almost impossible to describe. To be given such praise from the highest ruler of Equestria herself felt truly special. Even to those of who did not live in Equestria entirely. It was still an acknowledgement that they appreciated greatly, and caused them to hug each other while laughing happily because of how good he felt. Dusk himself felt happy for his students, truly. But then, he once again remembered what else he had to say. "That being said.....there's....something else I wanted to talk with you all about."

This killed the mood, and got the students a little worried as they broke off their embrace. Even Spike, and the other two ponies were concerned by the tone he was speaking in now. "Dusk," Spike began, "is something wrong? The students aren't in trouble for something, are they?"

"What? No!" Dusk said in an exaggerated manner. "Why would you think that?"

"Well," Spike rubbed his arm awkwardly, "it's just the way you said that, it kinda seemed like......."

"I only wanted to discuss their futures - both with the school, and regarding their standing with The Tree of Harmony they told us about." And at last, it became clear. Inbetween the school's destruction, and today, which was three days total, the young six had explained everything that had happened down in that cave. How by standing against the fear, and prejudice Cozy Glow had been using to turn the other students against them, they stood together as one, sticking up for each other. Then, when they were endangered, the Tree of Harmony itself intervened, and revealed its true essence in the form of Laurana, before her spirit told the six all about the elements, and how their own elements of harmony shined through when they stood up to Cozy Glow, and risked their lives for each other, before bestowing on them the new elements of harmony.

A symbol of the future of harmony in Equestria.

"When I first came to Ponyville, I had no idea what Friendship was really about. I thought it was out of the way nonsense that kept me from focusing on what I thought was important. But then," He turns to his left, "Princess Celestia sent me here to make some friends, and in no time at all I met the five who would become my closest friends. And together, we discovered the Elements of Harmony, and saved Princess Luna from the Darkness that consumed her. Following that, I was given an official task by my teacher: to learn all that I could about Friendship with the friends I made." He turned back to the students. "Many trials appeared, and many challenges came to almost pull us apart. But in the end, we each remembered how valuable we are to each other, and have never let our friendship dwindle in the slightest. And now........"

The group stayed quiet, yet intrigued by Prince Dusk's speech, growing ever more curious about where he was going with this.

"Now something happens that I never once ever considered." He chuckled. "Six individuals who never knew what friendship was about were chosen to learn all that they could about it. And like us, they embodied the elements of Harmony, as me and my friends do. But unlike us, they were six different creatures from six different lands with no business being friends in the first place, became closest of friends in one day, and throughout their time spent together. And now, the Spirit of The Tree of Harmony herself selected them to represent NEW elements of harmony that represent a new generation of heroes." His eyes closed as he chuckled again. Only now it was in a low, quiet voice. Almost melancholic. "I never once imagined that some day, my friends and I would be succeeded as the wielders of harmony, and yet here we are: the six of you, literally bonded to the representation of your friendship. There is so much more to the Tree of Harmony than any of us, including Starswirl and the Pillars realized, and maybe there's more to learn." He then smiled sadly at his students. "But I think it's quite clear that when it comes to Friendship.......you six have learned all that you need to learn, of which I couldn't be more proud."

"Prince Dusk?" Ocellus asked with concern, sensing his confliction, and the emotions pulling him around on the inside. "What are you trying to say?"

Taking a deep, calming breath to compose himself, Dusk said, in a tone no different from a teacher to his students, "What I mean to say is........you no longer have to attend the School of Friendship any longer, if you don't wish to." The group actually gasped in shock. "I know, I know.....but I really believe you've all proven yourselves ready to move on. Just like it might very well soon be time for me, and my friends, to step down from this "Heroes of Harmony" business we were hoof-picked for. The Tree of Harmony chose you as its new guardians, which means it also believes you've proven yourselves to know what Friendship is truly all about. However, I want the choice to be yours, and only yours, since all of you earned this right. Though you can also choose to return to your homes, and share everything you've learned with your races. I have faith all of you can teach your nations so much more than they could ever imagine." For a moment his smile fell. "But bear in mind, this might make some things difficult for you: as the new Element Bearers, it may fall upon the six of you to stand against whatever threat wishes to harm Equestria. The old elements belong to the Tree of Harmony, and are meant to remain there. That much has been proven. But with new elements under your command, you hold the responsibility of protecting our world.

Dusk took another breath as he continued. "But that doesn't mean you have to stay. Your lives are yours to live as you choose to. If you wish to return home, then by all means feel free. But if you want to stay together here in Ponyville, then perhaps we can speak to your parents, and leaders about it." A warmer smile showed up. "Or, if you want, you can continue attending the School of Friendship where you can strengthen your knowledge of friendship, and grow even closer together. Just know that whatever you decide, i'll support each, and every one of you."

After a brief silence, Celestia proudly said, "Well spoken, Prince Dusk Shine."

"Indeed so, your highnesses." Chancellor Neighsay agreed.

Now all that was left was for the student six to decide their own fate. Tough as it was to admit, there was alot to think about based on what their headstallion told them. However, none of them had any idea on what exactly any of them should say for a while. This was a big step being presented to them, and it was certainly an honor worthy of their respective cultures. But as each of them looked to the other, they slowly began to realize one thing: if they DID decide to leave, they would be split up from each other again. Maybe for good. And while for some of them, it wasn't all that bad, for a certain Griffon, it would mean going back to a life that he wanted to escape from all his life. Heck, he sabotaged the Hearth's Warming Eve tree last year just so they wouldn't have to split up.

Griffonstone was no home to him, and never will be.

These fellow creatures, who all had little to no business even knowing each other, had become the only family he's ever known. The School of Friendship has been the only true home he's ever needed. Despite what they've accomplished, he was unwilling to trade that for being a street rat the likes of Grandpa Gruff would pelt stones at for going near his home. Thus he made his decision first.

"Thanks alot for the offer, Headstallion Dusk." Gallus said. "But even if what counts as a Goddess living as a Tree picked us to be her new players, I think there's still plenty more to learn about friendship that we don't know, already. Besides, i'm in no hurry to go back to a place that isn't my home." He gave his friends on both his right, and left a warm, heartfelt look that spoke volumes of how he felt. "If these guys agree with me, then i'll stay." He then smirked jokingly as he chuckled. "Besides, what'll the school do without us?"

Dusk himself chuckled at the remark, and then said, "Very well spoken, Gallus, and I understand." He then turned to the other Students. "Is that what you all want, as well?" Instead of answering, the other student five just ganged up on Gallus in a group hug that he did his best to take part in. All of them smiling, and laughing as they now got the opportunity to stay together a little longer. The sight of which made Dusk smile warmly, as Spike said to him, "Looks like that's a yes." Suddenly, the moment was interrupted by a closet next to them opening up, and revealing the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Much to the shock of everyone present. Applebloom, oblivious to their bewilderment exclaimed, "We held 'er off as long as we could!"

"But she locked us in a broom closet!" Scotaloo also exclaimed, getting a roll of toilet paper off of her hoof.

Just as soon as the bucket was off her head, Sweetie Belle asked frantically, "Where's Cozy Glow?! Is the school okay?! Wha-?!" She then finally noticed their surroundings, and calmed down a little. But was now in a puzzlement. "Is this Prince Dusk Shine's Castle?"

"Uh.....ah think it is." Applebloom answered, feeling the same.

"Huh." Scootaloo remarked. "That's......interesting."

Sandbar's eyes widened in complete horror. "Oh my Celestia! We forgot you guys were still in the school! How-. .......how are you guys okay?!" But a more important question came to mind. "And how did you get in Headstallion Dusk's castle?"

"We don't really know, either." Applebloom answered. "We were stuck in a broom closet after ah guess Cozy figured us out."

"After that, we tried our hardest to get out of there." Scootaloo said next. "We suggested that if the door's locked, maybe Sweetie could unlock it with her magic."

"It was better than just waiting around doing nothing." Sweetie admitted. "I spent at least over an hour trying to unlock the door with my magic, but nothing worked. Suddenly, this red light came in through the window, followed by a white light."

"Next thing we knew, we were stuck in a different place with no idea where we were." Applebloom said. 

"But we know now!" Scootaloo said cheerfully.

Dusk hummed to himself in thought, until an idea came to mind for him, and Ocellus. "You don't think it was the Tree of Harmony, do you?" the latter asked. "Maybe it was. If the spirit you called Laurana really is active again, then she might have teleported the ponies who might not have gotten away in time when Tirek struck the school at the same time the magic released." He smiled. "She really has been looking out for us," then turned to the CMC, "and saved your sisters a world of worry before they could start to worry about you."

The three fillies just showed an extremely confused look as Applebloom asked, "What's this about Tirek, and the School?", followed by Sweetie asking, "And what happened to Cozy Glow, anyway?"

Celestia stepped forward, and after giving a knowing glance to Dusk in regards to a conversation they had before this moment regarding the filly in question. "I can tell you right now that for the time being, she is being sent where she can cause no more trouble."

"At least until we can maybe get her the help she needs to break away from Tirek's corruption. I also made a promise to the creatures locked up in there," a brief look of guilt crossed Celestia's muzzle, "that i'd follow Fluttershy's example, and sanction a home for them where they can be safe, and cared for - and away from other ponies they could easily hurt. And i'll see it done, someday." He said confidently.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Down in the dimly lit depths of Tartarus, Cerberus sat all alone, sulking next to the shattered remains of the cage that had once housed an evil force too dangerous to ever be released. And yet through craft, and intimidation, that evil force had coerced them into giving him the essence of every, living creature in Tartarus in order for them all to escape. The plan worked all too well, and now Cerberus' most dangerous charge was gone. All three heads worried at how badly they might end up being punished for what happened. The same inmate who had escaped two years ago had once again escaped his confinement - and on the three-headed hounds watch this time. Worse was that he had been reduced to a diminutive state by the very centaur he guarded, and couldn't stop him from escaping. He shouldn't have even been able to escape in the first place. But now he was free again, and Cerberus was left alone with the other imprisoned creatures of magic.

And needless to say, while he was grateful to be himself again, as his pony friends promised, he began to see just how boring things were going to be.

But then the 3 headed hound received a surprise in the form of Princess Luna, emerging from the ever familiar blue portal generated by Chancellor Neighsay, with an escort of pegasus guards. The heads couldn't see at first, but could hear the sound of a cage being locked, before the adult ponies moved out of the way, and into the portal. To the hounds shock, Tartarus had just been delivered a prisoner. Only it wasn't the one who had escaped previously.

It was a pegasus filly with bright pink fur, aqua blue curly hair, with adorable freckles on her face to compliment the little bow in her mane.

"Hey there, doggy!" Cozy Glow said in her insincere, syrupy sweet-laced voice she always used as she grabbed the bars of her cage to face the gigantic beast. "Wanna be friends?" she asked, with an undertone of sinister intent, as her own expression turned to that of a scheming villain already plotting something. The dog/s had absolutely no idea if they should be alarmed, or not, but it wasn't as if they could do anything about it. If this was who they were to guard now, then that's all there is to it. No reason to change that, as far as Cerberus was concerned.

And yet, it appeared that change was about to arrive sooner than imagined when a new portal emerged. This one, opposite of the one  that gave Luna passage, was fiery red. A ring of demonic flame that appeared right in front of Cozy Glow's cage. The filly, for a moment, grew nervous at this unexpected development. But she also felt curiosity at what this was that she was being witness to. When she saw the figure who emerged, she now wished that she didn't feel that was. Even Cerberus grew on edge at the familiar visage of the familiar-looking centaur who had just appeared. Dark fur on the horse-half of the body, bright red skin of muscular distinction, an onyx suit of armor with a cloak split triangular up the middle, and the devilishly horned head of a white-haired, yellow eyed centaur was all the proof either needed.

Lord Tirek had returned to Tartarus.

Cerberus didn't care how he got here, or why he was here. All three heads growled, and snarled in agreement over one fact: he was an escaped prisoner, and needed to be dealt with severely. With a roar, the giant beast jumped at the smaller centaur, fully intent on crushing, and then eviscerating him. Yet before he could even reach him, Cerberus felt an aura of magic envelop his body, and make him lighter than a feather. With a vicious smirk, Tirek was holding the 3 headed dog in his grasp. And with a grunt of maximum effort, he spun in a full circle with Cerberus in his grasp, and then hurled him into the stone wall overlooking the chasm behind the humongous pillar the centaur, and pony stood on. The hound was temporarily stuck in the impression his massive body made, and even stunned from the force of the blow. But as soon as his sense returned, all heads yelped in panic as they jolted.

A big mistake.

With that single motion, the guardian of Tartarus howled in fear as he plummeted into the dark, and mysterious depths of the immense prison realm. No living being actually knew what was down in that frightening abyss of Darkness, to be sure. Some believed it was a direct route to the bowels of the planet, itself. Others even thought it was an actual passageway to a realm realm where evil forces beyond imagination dwelt. A den of demonic entities ready to rip asunder the souls of any, and all who came into their dominion. Noone could ever know for sure. Well.....none except Cerberus, who was now taking a deep dive into the abyss. A boisterous laugh escaped from Tirek as he listened to the fading howls of his captor. Much to the disturbance of his filly audience, who was stunned by the swift brutality of what her 'mentor' had just done. But finally, Tirek caught his breath, and triumphantly said, "Ah, how i dreamed of doing that to the overgrown fleabag! After eons of his endless, threatening growls, intentional shedding of fur into my cage, and.....things i am in no mood to recall, revenge goes sweetly with irony, don't you agree, my little pony?"

"Uh......i-irony?"

"Since this domain was first created, Cerberus had been entrusted to be its eternal guardian. Yet despite his long track-record of holding others prisoner here, the overgrown mutt failed in his duty - twice!" Tirek then grinned in amusement. "The irony here is that the one, true resident of this domain, whose reign as warden has run its course, is now more suitable to be a prisoner himself - in the Abyss of Charybdis, where no soul ever escapes. A fitting end for a witless beast." Suddenly, TIrek's horns ignited his magic in the center, and Cozy's cage was elevated until the two were at eye level. His features now stern, and expressionless as the two met face to face. "Now that the ingrate is out of the picture.......let's get down to business."

Cozy was now shaking with absolute fright as she took in the situation she was in. Completely at the mercy of the wicked demon who only used her as a means of obtaining revenge against Equestria, and with no way to protect herself. Tirek's huge hands began reaching up to her, and her eyes completely shut in fear. Little wings shielding her from the inevitability of whatever horrible fate the centaur wanted to inflict upon her now. She hear, and felt the cage bars bending like foil, and knew her time was up. Or so she thought, until she could feel old strength returning to her that she had not felt in hours. Her wings felt renewed strength, her coat brightened, and to her surprise, her rook cutie mark returned to her. All the while, her entire cage melted in her mentor's hands, just as she took to the air. The feeling of her abilities returning - her own flight, and her cunning intellect - were reclaimed, and she was giggling, and laughing in excitement as she flew around in circles around the smiling centaur, whose arms were held behind his back. After a minute of her moving, he called out, "How are you feeling?"

"Oh, golly-gee!" Cozy exclaimed happily. "I feel a million times better than all the bits in the world! I'm never taking my smarts, OR my wings for granted after this!" But then, her excitement turned to confusion as she lowered to match Tirek's eye-level. "But.......I don't get it: why did you give me my essence back? Don't get me wrong, cause i'm really grateful you did make me my cute, and lovable self again. But you're the one who put me in that state," he tone then turned to one of restrained anger, "AFTER trying to do me in before you were stopped, and who said I contributed nothing to you. So what's your angle, TIrek?"

Tirek's expression turned to annoyance as he said, "It is  LORD Tirek to you, filly. And it appears you have yet to learn the finer details of manipulation." When Cozy demanded to know what he meant, he explained in full detail. "Alright. Allow me to explain in simple detail: all that has happened ever since I contacted you had occurred according to MY design. Our continued communication only ensure all turned to the exact results I desired."

"What do you mean?" Cozy asked. "Wasn't the idea to actually leave Equestria weakened? And weren't you angry about my plans for getting rid of Equestria's magic?"

"And I am angry about your treacherous change of plans." TIrek briefly glared, before he smirked while stroking his beard. "But I will admit myself impressed at your ability to improvise - and your desire to ensure no competition could stand in opposition of you. Even your own mentor, who taught you all the means of casting the Mystical Conjunction spell." Cozy chuckled nervously, with a bit of appreciation, before Tirek continued. "But the thing is, Cozy Glow: heroes always arise to defend all that is good in this world. And even with Dusk, and his dear friends imprisoned with me, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone else prevented your plan from succeeding. In a world where good always seems to triumph over evil, no matter how strong and clever it is, I already anticipated your plan to fail."

Cozy huffed, and pouted in indignation as her front hooves crossed together. "Aren't teacher's supposed to have faith in their student's, or something?"

"Ah, but you misunderstand, my dear pupil: you performed your role most excellently!" Tirek said with pride, with his hands clapping together. Cozy, however, was even more confused than before. "What in the hay does THAT mean?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Tirek's brow raised. "The plan was never to trap Dusk Shine, and his friends in Tartarus, nor crippled Equestria permanently." His eyes narrowed, and made Cozy draw back in fright. "You forgot that the magic of this world is MINE! And MINE, alone! Hence my genuine anger towards your ridiculous plan." Cozy smiled nervously while she sweat profusely. Only making Tirek sigh in annoyance, before continuing. "The end goal was the simplest of all: to ensure I escaped from this accursed domain once again. After your update on your 'project', and your fear of the prince discovering it, I knew I could use it to my advantage by suggesting that you send them to me. Thanks to your little 'gift' to me," Tirek indicated to his armor, " any attempts on their end to intimidate me into simply aiding them were made utterly useless." A malicious grin appeared. "And allowed me to force his majesty into making the Unbreakable Oath with me in order to gain my help. All it took was for my threatening the life of that worthless pet he holds so dear." He rechts in disgust. "That a worthless thing as a dragon would be considered family, or treated as though it were sapient, and deserving of compassion - disgusting.,"

Cozy hovered in the air, impressed by the complexity of her mentor's plan. "And they just agreed to it? They couldn't actually be that dumb, could they?"

Tirek chuckled in amusement, "No......not entirely, anyway. One added term was that of a sort of truce: so long as I do not harm a single hair on the head of any pony for a certain period of time, they cannot make any attempts to confront, and imprison me. I fulfilled my end of the bargain after handing you over to them. Technically, Dusk Shine fulfilled his own end of the deal we made." He smirked. "But the part of the contract regarding my freedom remains, and so does our oath. The contract cannot be completed unless Dusk remains true to his word."

"And how long does he have to leave you alone for?"

Tirek then gave the filly a frightening grin of amusement as he said, "Who in the nine realms of hades ever said I set a time limit for that?"

Cozy Glow was left in hysterics after hearing that. So much so, she was actually coming into tears, and nearly fell down. Even got into a brief coughing fit in the midst of her laughter, before she finally got a hold of herself, and began wiping the tears from her eyes. "THAT is priceless! Does he even know about it?"

"He was in too great a panic from the magical deadline concerning Equestria's magic to even bother reading the fine print." Tirek chuckled in villainous delight. "Not that he could understand the writing, given it's in an older Netherland dialect undoubtedly older than the Kingdom itself is now. Either way, it all came down to my ultimate victory: my freedom."

"Which I guess Dusk Shine, and his nimby friends could consider the price for their freedom." Cozy pointed out. She then grew nervous as she thought about asking something she wasn't sure about. With Tirek's confession, her opinion of him changed immensely, and now she wanted to learn everything she could from the ancient centaur. "So......a-am I still your friend, Tirek?" A glare, and growl were her only answer, until she caught onto her mistake. "Sorry, sorry! LORD Tirek!"

Tirek huffed, "You are still my little protege', Cozy. That is all there is to it." Then, Tirek's features hardened in deep thought. "But it IS now clear that individually, we are no match for the ponies, and their allies. Allies who are now the successors of Dusk Shine, and his friends to The Tree of Harmony." he growled in frustration at the memory of his defeat. "Six inferior creatures from different cultures, and somehow they obtain the mantle of wielding The Rainbow of Light? A ridiculous notion, to be certain."

"Oh, that reminds me!" Cozy perked up. "How did you stand up to that Rainbow Blast without getting sent to the moon, or turned to stone, or whatever The Rainbow of Light's supposed to do? I always thought nopony evil could resist it. Was the armor I made for you that good?"

"Only enough to protect me from its full effects, Cozy Glow." TIrek sighed. "Then again, I had the aid of.....darker powers aiding me, and all I lost was a paltry amount of magic from a pack of worthless beasts. A small price to pay," he then pulled out two objects from beneath his chest plate: one, a crystal shard glowing with a rainbow of colors, and the other? Most shockingly was a crystalized version of the severed horn of King Sombra, the Shadow King. "Wouldn't you agree, old friend?" The Crystal hummed, and glowed with an eerie red light. To Cozy's curiosity, it was a telepathic communication that was going on between Tirek, and what she surmised was whatever now spoke through the crystal dagger of a horn. Who it was that spoke, she had no idea. But whatever it was saying to Tirek as he placed the rainbow shard under his armor while leaving the horn around his neck, he came to a single conclusion. "Either way, it appears the previous night has proven that you had the right idea in obtaining allies, Cozy. If we are to overcome Prince Dusk Shine, and those closest to him...............we must begin searching for others who are of a like-minded persuasion, and also wish to see him brought to his knees in defeat, and all of Equestria at our mercy.

"Oh, goody!" Cozy exclaimed, laughing with equal parts joy, and equal parts malice. "That means we get to look for more friends to join us! You can trust me when I say friendship IS power, Lord Tirek! And once we make the majority of equestria into our friends, we can make ourselves the undisputed Rulers of Friendship, and surpass Prince Dusk Shine! Then use our growing army of friends to overthrow the Princesses, and make us the true rulers of Equestria!" Amidst Cozy's cheerful laughter, Tirek's eyes began glowing with his rising anger, until it finally burst.

"SILENCE!" he roared, smashing one of the stone spikes surrounding the summit, and making Cozy draw back in fear. Tirek then began forcing her back down the stairwell by walking towards her in a threatening manner. All while he said, "I didn't recruit you for such entry-level wickedness. You truly have so much to learn, my dear."



🎵Now I know you've been malicious
Spiteful and a trifle vicious
It's no secret that you cheated and you've lied
And you've done some double dealing
Scheming, swindling, and stealing
You're an amateur, but heaven knows, you've tried🎵

"I answered your call, didn't I? Money, power, stature? 
Only an idiot would ignore such a sweet deal."

"Good foal. And very soon you're efforts will be rewarded." Tirek said, looming above her, while his body peeked out of a new portal. One which he proceeded to drag Cozy through, into an underground, cavernous network that seemed to resemble the crystal-like caves beneath Canterlot. As he went on, Cozy found herself more afraid of Tirek than she thought, and almost began second guessing joining him. Keyword being almost.

🎵You'll develop so much faster
Now you're working with a master
Who will help you cultivate your darker side
You'll discover wicked ways you've never known before
And you'll find that when you're really rotten to the core...

It feels so good to be bad
So delicious to be a despicable cad
It's just so thrilling and so fulfilling
To give somebody the worst time they've ever had
It feels so good to be bad🎵

"Case in point:" Tirek says, showing a bubbled projection of Dusk, reeling in agony as a dark force threatens to throttle him dead - much to TIrek's cruel delight.

🎵Shiney doesn't know it, but he's in my power!
He's gonna wish that he was never born!
I promise you that in his final hour
All he loves, he'll be made to mourn!🎵

"Say, uh.....why can't I try and get rid of him, again?" Cozy asked, earning a brief, dead-panned look from her mentor.

🎵Cause you had your chance and you blew it
I entrusted you to do it
But you BUNGLED it, and threw your chance away
It's a problem you created
If my plans end up mitigated
I'm not naming names, BUT SOMEONE HAS TO PAY!🎵

"Aaaaagh! I really could try again, boss! Honest I could!" Cozy screamed. Terrified of Tirek's unrelenting fury, and demonic killing intent. Tirek, however, rolled his eyes at her insistence, and said, "You'll never get the chance. Now, at this point, Cozy Glow is another in a long line of villainous foes."

"But I'm just a filly!" Cozy hastily said, with a not-so-convincing smile, which only made Tirek grin with glee. "Not anymore! You work for me, now!"

🎵Though you gave me cause to doubt you
There's a loathsomeness about you
That attracts me to you as a protégé
And when you've learned every creepy crummy thing I know
You'll taste the joy that comes when you're the lowest of the low!

He then began turning the entire cavern they soon entered into a raging inferno. With every stomp of his hooves, and wave of his hands, pillars of rock uprooted, and spires of flames erupted. All the while, he engaged little Cozy Glow in a devilish tango amidst the dark chaos that made the scene like something out of Tartarus, itself.

It feels so good to be bad
So delightful to be a deplorable cad
It's so appealing to have the feeling
That what you're doing gets trouble brewing
And drives everybody mad!

At one point, he dropped her on the ground. The impact dazed her for a moment, and only for a moment. She was quickly able to lean back up to face Lord Tirek. Just in time for him to dramatically swing his arms upwards, and then bend towards her. Predatory teeth flashing, and his towering form looming over her like a monolith of evil as flames flared from out of his eyes. He quickly picked her up again to finish the self-made tango.

You've got my guarantee
It feels so good to be bad🎵

Cozy kept exclaiming in Tirek's grasp, as he little body wasn't used to being moved around so roughly. Yet she found it somewhat entertaining after a few moments. Like she was on some kind of ride in an epic amusement park. WIth Tirek, all the while, laughing in sheer delight as he took such enjoyment in his theatrical moment. "So exciting!" He delightfully shouted, tossing Cozy once again, but in a more rehearsed manner that allowed her to flip into the air, and land on her own hooves in  a stylized manner. "Olé, so inviting!"

🎵So good to be bad!🎵

The pair began to reach their climax, as they both danced to the invisible rhythm, back out through the portal leading into the outside world of Equestria. The ponies of Equestria muat now beware. For on this day, the beginning of the end of their reign of friendship was ending. Evil will unite, Darkness will stand together, and bring an end to the era of Harmony. Lord Tirek, and the Legion of Doom that will emerge will prevail!

"Bah-ha!"

The end.