Chapter 2. Tireks Arrival

Tireks POV

Tirek was relieved. He had to hide away from society as a shriveled up husk of his former self, ever since he broke out of Tatarus. But then he heard word of the Crystal Empire returning. Better yet, it was under the control of the alicorn master, King Sombra. For him, it was the jackpot. ''Plenty of alicorn magic, and my most powerful, cunning, and faithful servant, with a kingdom to boot!''

He was walking his way to the empire on foot. He didn't mind the distance. After all, He's literally been to hell and back. A little stroll wouldn't hurt. He could already smell it. Alicorn Magic! It called him, no, it begged him to come on over and absorb it for his sake.

He was aware of the dangers of Alicorn Magic, and how the weak-minded would lose their own identity, and be driven by an unsatisfiable thirst for power. Of course, He and Sombra where not the type to let the Dark Side consume them. The very fact that he retained his identity as Sombra, was a testament to the unicorns strong mind.

However, it was still possible for one with even a strong mind to be stripped of their memories. Psychological trauma! But Sombra was strong, loyal, and fearless. He had little to worry about. Even then, it has been almost one-thousand and three-hundred years since then, so he had a trump card in store, in case Sombra needed to be reminded.

He gradually felt a faint sense of worry, which was strange.

Hours turned to days as he continued toward what would become his castle. Not that he needed one, anyways. He was more of the 'traveling warrior' type. Going from country to country, and draining magic in any form. Kind of like what he was planning on doing now. He missed those days. Day and night, he would progress farther and farther. Not caring about food, water, or sleep.

By the time he arrived at the Crystal Empire, he found the empire itself was a shining example of disappointment. Before Tirek, stood a tower, surrounded by a small collection of buildings with a network of roads that collectively formed a snowflake. The Crystal City-State, as he'd call it from now on, was surrounded by a vast field of dark crystals. Really, to Tirek, it wasn't much to look at. ''Seriously! This is the crystal empire, I've heard so much about! It looks like it's barely even a city-state,'' No. He shouldn't complain. This was his ticket out of his condition. With a huff, he continued onward, ''Lets get this over with.'' despite his worry intensifying.

As he walked towards the vast field of dark crystals, he noticed that the crystals were jagged, positioned randomly throughout the landscape. As he walked through the crystal field, he couldn't help but wonder. Why does he possess these useless rocks? What good are they? Sombra should focus on gaining alicorn magic for him.

Then he heard somepony, causing him to hide away behind one of the crystals. He could hear hoofsteps along with the clanking of armor. A guard? Do they know he's hear? How? ...No matter. He looked to the source of the noise, to find a stallion patrolling the fields. He didn't seem to be looking for anypony in particular.

Tirek was hungry for magic. He stepped out of hiding and slowly walked up to the guard, who heard and turned to him. Upon seeing Tirek, the guards eyes lit green with purple aura trailing behind them. Tirek was all too familiar with those features. Alicorn Magic!

He walked closer to the stallion, who demanded ''Halt, Mongrel! Submit to your fears, and accept King Sombras presence as your fate!

Tirek uttered ''Fears? I have no fears. Do you?''

The guard stallion spat ''All are slaves to fear! And that fear is King Sombra, himself!''

Tirek opened his mouth and started draining the stallions magic, normal then alicorn, leaving the guard paralyzed in the process. The ponies normal magic tasted bland. But oh, how he missed the taste of alicorn magic. It allowed him to relive his past. He grabbed hold of the stallions neck with both of his hands. He dragged him down to the floor, choking him to death. Even in his crippled state, Tirek still had a mean grip, as he only took five seconds to crush the stallions neck with a satisfying snap. He grew a few inches larger now. He stood up, and walked away from the former patrol guards corpse

He gazed at the Crystal City-State, and grinned sinisterly ''In that case, I'm above him!''

On his way towards Sombras Castle, he stared at his hands, then clenched them in determination ''Perfect. Soon I shall regain my original strength!'' He smirked ''And by 'original strength', I mean ALL magic.'' He just hoped all his alicorn magic wasn't being greedily hoarded by Sombra. That was his job! Besides, it'd be a shame to have to off his favorite associate so soon.

Tirek stopped in his tracks. A shadow slithered it's way towards him, and materialized into a dark crystal once in front of him. Unlike the crystals Tirek came across, this one was symmetrical. Then it started to sizzle with purple bubbles.

The elderly centaur walked up to it, commenting ''Interesting! So these crystals contain alicorn magic?'' He opened his mouth and absorbed the magic, but couldn't drain it. Tirek sighed. Of course, he wasn't strong enough.

However, he could at least taste it. Tirek sensed there was something off with the alicorn magic. It left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth. Was there something more to these crystals then simple alicorn magic? Should he worry? He looked to the crystals ahead of him, to find them all having the same symmetrical figure.

Now realizing his most loyal servant was growing crystals full of alicorn magic, Tirek cackled, menacingly ''Excellent!''

This made him wonder, though. Why was his most faithful servant in possession of such raw alicorn magic just laying around? Did Sombra anticipate his return and create them as a 'Welcome back from Hell' gift? That unicorn always had undying loyalty to him. He couldn't think of any other reason.

If Sombra remained loyal, he could have all the alicorn magic he wanted. If Sombra wasn't loyal, he would have support. It was his understanding that Sombra was bitter enemies with the Princesses, Celestia and Luna. Regardless of Sombras intent, Tirek would take what was rightfully his. By force, if necessary.

'Submit,'

The hooded centaur looked around for who ever it was that spoke. When he didn't see anypony, he stroked his beard in thought, before recognizing the voice. ''Sombra?'' He didn't get an answer, only silence. Tirek didn't know how to interpret Sombras word. The unicorn was now aware of his masters presence.

Then he winced, grabbing his noggin. As if something was tearing his mind inside-out. Being a creature who steals his victims magic and powers, he was familiar with all sorts of magic ability's. And he knew exactly what this was. Forced Telepathy!

But why? He was Sombra's master! Then it clicked. While in hiding, he was quite the ease dropper and information gatherer. He recalled how not long before the Crystal Empire appeared, there was a wedding in Canterlot. All over the news. And what else was on the news? A Changeling Invasion! He believed it was his chance, yet the changelings failed. No doubt, Sombra would know as well. No doubt, Sombra would suspect him. He calmed himself, content in knowing he could trust good old loyal Sombra.

Still, what could he have been doing after all these years? Maybe he planned his own ambitions? That would be adorable! Still, whether he liked it or not, Sombra has displayed telepathy. He could see Tireks deepest thoughts and desires. That could very well make his own ambitions far more difficult. If he didn't remember, then Tirek would have to appeal to him.

But as he continued towards Sombras Castle, he found something was holding him back. ''What?,'' Tirek stopped for a sec, to rationalize. It was something he'd never experienced before. For some reason, he felt this emotional wall compelling him to leave Sombras territory, and there was something else. He felt ...endangered!

TIrek laughed ''Fear? That's what this is?'' his laughter died down and he glared at the crystal and proudly declared ''I am Lord Tirek! Fear is nothing compared to me!'' Call it 'warrior pride', but Tirek was immune to fear. But why did he feel it? He thought back to that guards comment about Sombra, and the voice he heard. No, it couldn't be!

At that instant, another shadow appeared. This time, what materialized out of the ground, was unicorn. Unlike the unicorn guard, this female unicorn wore a black cloak with design based off of the formers purple aura. Tirek noted the purple ring around her horn. She spoke, clearly displeased ''Welcome, Tirek. My master, King Sombra, has noted your presence and commands you to come quietly. My names Frostbite, and I'll be escorting you to the castle.''

Tirek was torn. On one hand, he could simple drain her like before. On the other hand, she was proof that Sombra wished to see him. He smirked ''How kind of you to help out an old man like me.''

Frostbite rolled her eyes, and escorted him into the the city. Ever since he experienced that piercing feeling in his head, he'd been feeling a constantly endangered. To any other pony, it would be a crushing pressure that broke any hope or moral. But to Tirek it was just a looming annoyance. He was so sure of his own might, that no amount of fear could ever faze him.

He saw the Crystal Ponies laboring away in mines. A slave driver, huh? Tirek and his tore guide proceeded into the castle, and up the stairs. A few minutes passed until they reached the doors to the throne room, where Sombra was.

The doors opened, with Tirek and Frostbite entering. Tirek observed his surroundings. He was standing on a blood red carpet, which stretched over to the throne. Black crystals decorated the the throne room. Green flames flanked the King who laid on the throne. King Sombra wore steel armor with a crown, as well as a red cape. What confirmed Tireks suspicions however, was Sombras red and curved horn. The stallion wore an aloof expression on his face.

Frostbite walked up to King Sombra and bowed at his hoofs ''Your Majesty!''

Tirek looked to Sombra with eyes glowing. With more curiosity then hostility, he asked ''Have you forgotten were your loyalties lie, Sombra? I can tell you've forgotten, so I'll show you a little something to ring your bells.''

With that said, Tirek brought out his trump card. Green fire erupted from his hooves and enveloped him. Once the fire vanished, Tirek appeared as his original muscular self. But it was just an illusion, with no actual power to back it up. He figured Sombra was aware. But he used it, not to intimidate, but to jog his memories.

He could've just retreated, since he knew he was at a huge disadvantage. But he was Tirek. He never ran. Whether it worked or not, he'd now find out.