From Oaths to Vows

by Partizanne

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Tirek, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, Princess Cadance, Adventure
Length: 16385

Many ponies believe that Tirek was only a story, the last of his kind. They're wrong. There is only two centaurs left, trapped right next to each other in Tartarus. If his magic is the cost of freedom, he's willing to sacrifice it to Tirek.

Set just before Tirek's debut.

Many stories of old tell of a centaur named Tirek who stole the magic of others in an attempt to take over all of Equus. Tirek and Scorpan were so close, they were in many ways more like brothers. Such stories tell that Tirek was so strong, that it took Tirek's dear friend, Scorpan, betraying him and telling Celestia and Luna of his plans. Tirek vowed that eventually he would escape his prison in Tartarus and finish what he started.

However, the stories tell that Tirek is the last of his kind, yet right beside him in the darkest part of Tartarus is another centaur. Asmund was imprisoned alongside Tirek, for fear of him following in the older centaur's hoof prints. The two lived beside one another, silently waiting for and opportunityof escape after Asmund willingly sacrifices his magic to Tirek in exchange for Asmund escaping with him. With their deal bound by blood, Tirek escapes with Asmund in tow. Perhaps with so much time spent beside each other, their little oath could turn into something more.

Published 2019-06-14 18:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-03-06 23:15:11 UTC

Long Ago

Author's Note

WARNING!!! While blood and gore do not play a major role in this story, this chapter does contain mentions of a blood oath. Any mention of blood will be marked in red text so those who wish to avoid it can do so easily.

Long Ago

Long ago in a place far far away from the land of Equestria, there lived a dying race known as the Centaurs. The Centaurs were neither benign or malignant. They were only what they chose to be. Their race fell victim to a terrible plague, which killed them in droves, as their kind slowly returned to the elements one by one.

One Centaur refused to be a victim of the terrible disease, and so he fled from his home in search of place to take residence. Soon, this centaur came across a gargoyle, who also fled from the plague which afflicted their homelands. The two traveled together, bonding with each other as they overcame all the obstacles which stood in their way. Soon, they considered each other not friends, but brothers.

The two brothers soon came across Equestria. They saw potential in the land before them, a place to call home, but a certain race stood in the way. In the eyes of the centaur, the resident ponies were but obstacle, something that was to be exterminated as one would to any other pest.

The gargoyle however, was bewitched by the beauty of the lands, he could not bring himself to eradicate the ponies. He begged his brother to reconsider and at least give the ponies a chance, but the brother would not have any of it. Unwilling to let the ponies fall victim to his brother, the gargoyle told the two rulers of Equestria of his brothers plans and left for his homeland.

The two rulers cast the centaur into the darkest parts of Tartarus for his crimes against their kingdom, and Equestria was saved. However, the same could not be said for one of Equestria's newest residents.

A second centaur, much younger than the first, had also fled from his home. He too was enchanted by Equestria's beauty, how he wished to make this place his new home. But news of his existence within the Equestrian borders frightened the ruler's. They tracked him down and cast him into Tartarus, right beside the first. There were no questions, no chances, only fear as they cast the innocent centaur into what many considered a fate worse than death. Unbeknownst to them, they would eventually reap the hate they've sown

"You can't do this to me! I've done nothing wrong!" A young centaur was cast through a portal onto the rocky ground of Tartarus. The stones dug into his back as a cage slammed down around him, the portal closing with the fizzly sound of magic. The young centaur was so scared, so confused, what had he done to end up here? He stood up on shaky hooves, lacking strength from the one sided battle he had just endured. He grasped the bars of his cage in his dusty blue hands, steadying himself as he attempted to gain the strength to stand unassisted.

He looked out past his prison bars, gazing out onto the monsters and villains who had been cast away, and he shuddered in fear, stepping away form the edge of his cage before collapsing from fatigue. How he tried to stay strong, he tried to keep himself together, but it was all to much for him. The tears began to flow and all those around him heard the cries of a centaur who was far too overwhelmed. However, what this Centaur didn't know was that his cries of anguish would awaken his new neighbor.

"Why would someone so young be here in Tartarus?" A deep gravelly voice resonated through the bars. The young centaur's eyes snapped open as he scurried away from the source. He hadn't noticed the cage beside his own, too overtaken by his sorrow to notice. From the shadows of the cage roof emerged another centaur. Dusty red in color with yellow eyes, much like his own. However this centaurs horn curved upwards much like a bulls, while the younger ones curled around the side of his head like a rams. The younger one panted as he gripped the bars behind him and pulled himself back up.

"H-Hello. I-I'm Asmund."

"Lord Tirek"

"Lord? L-Lord of what? I-If I may ask of course."

"It is rude to avoid one's question. Why are you here?"

"I-I mean no offense but aren't you also avoiding the question b-by asking me the question I avoid-"

"Answer the question!" Tirek growled. Asmund quickly cowered away from the older centaur, covering his face with his arms and pressing himself against the far wall, quivering. Tirek gazed upon the dusty blue centaur who whimpered in fear. He let out an aggravated sigh.

"Well answer." Tirek said in lower tone. The younger one had lowered one of his arms, so only one of his eyes peeked through.

"I-I don't know... I hadn't done anything wrong, b-but two ponies showed up and attacked me." Tirek instantly knew the rest of the story. He hadn't spent much time in Equestria, but it was enough time to see how flighty ponies could be. Sure they were a prey species and thus evolved to be fearful, but not even the minotaurs, cows, donkeys,and zebras combined were as absolutely insane as the ponies.

"Well child, I am truly sorry for your plight, but I'm afraid that there's nothing I or anyone here can do. Not a single person whose been imprisoned here has ever escaped." Asmund had stopped cowering and was now simply contemplating what he had done to get himself locked up. He approached Tirek's cage on shaky legs, grabbing the bars that separated the two of them before he fell down again.

"But why? What have I done?"

"My child, so naive." Tirek said as he reached through the bars and booped Asmund's nose. The dusty blue centaur recoiled slightly before crossing his arms and huffing in annoyance.

"I am hundred seventy-six years old. I haven't been a child for a hundred twenty-six years."

"Really? with such a baby face like yours, I'm surprised you aren't twenty-five." Tirek reached for Asmund's face and pinched his cheeks. Asmund pulled his hands away from his face as he stepped back.

"Listen child, because I will only say this once." Tirek continued. "Do you want to know why they imprisoned you?" Asmund nodded, rubbing one of his wrists with the opposite hand nervously. "It's not because of something you did, it's not because of the way you act. It's because they were scared."

"What?"

"Those ponies only care for themselves, haven't you heard about how they were at each other's throats because they didn't even trust each other. If they are so willing to freeze each other just so they can win an argument, what makes you think they would treat us with any kindness what so ever?" Asmund looked down the ground. He couldn't help but wonder if Tirek was right.

"B-But, I didn't do anything wrong."

"Child, don't you see? Ponies hate anything different, I fell victim to that hatred as well." Tirek said as he held a hand up to his heart. "The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can move on... In fact why don't we make a little arrangement?" Tirek asked as he stroked his beard.

"What are you g-getting at?" Asmund questioned.

"Well, surely you want to get back at those ponies, right? I'm sure that if we worked together, we could easily make those ponies pay for what they've done. Come on, what do you say?" An orb of orange magic appeared above Tirek's head as he extended his hand through the bars of his cage towards the dusty blue centaur. Asmund looked at the hand before turning his back towards Tirek.

"Um, t-that agreement a little too vague for my t-taste." The orb above Tirek's head dissipated.

"Well credit where credit is due, I can't tell you how many ponies would have fallen for that." Tirek said as he turned away from Asmund and walked back into the shadows.

"W-wait." Asmund said. Tirek stopped and turned back around. The younger centaur had turned back towards him with determination in his eyes.

"I'm... I'm willing to make a deal, but I have my own terms."

"Fine, present them." Tirek crossed his arms over his strong chest.

"O-one: I will only take my revenge on the ponies who attacked me. I don't care what you do, but I-I won't help you with anyone else besides those two. Two: You have too take me with you w-when you escape. Three: After I get revenge on those two ponies, I am not going to h-help you anymore. I'm going out on my own."

"Pretty demanding for such a young centaur. What exactly do I get out of this?" Asmund gives it a moments thought.

"My... my magic." Tirek took on a look of shock. All centaurs had the potential to absorb magic, but very few actually put the skill into practice, and even fewer bothered to master it.

"You're really willing to part with your magic for a chance at revenge?" As much as Asmund hated to admit it, being imprisoned without any other reason besides fear had left him with hate in his heart, so he solemnly nodded to Tirek.

"Such an offer is tempting, but I'm not sure." Tirek once again stroked his beard.

"How about, i-if your plan fails and I manage to escape, I-I'll... I'll... I'll enact my own plan! So you know that even if you fail, the ponies will still suffer." Tirek thought it over. A plan was only as good as it's plan B after all, and this centaur did leave plenty of grey area in his terms.

"Fine, you have a deal." Again, Tirek extended his hand and again Asmund refused.

"No, I-I know better than to agree to a magical contract." Tirek lowered his hand and his other clenched around the bars of his cage.

"You irk me child. What more could you possibly want?" He growled, causing Asmund to flinch.

Asmund looked down at his hand. He quickly brought it up to his mouth before sinking his sharp teeth into his palm. He whimpered in pain as the crimson liquid began to seep out of his new wound. Pulling his hand out of his mouth, he extended it out to Tirek. Tirek pulled his hand back, surprised at the gesture. Blood oaths were sacred amongst centaurs, their version of a "Pinkie Promise".

Tirek looked down at his own hand, and quickly bit into it, his own blood staining his teeth and hand. He released it from his maw and grabbed Asmund's hand. As they shook, both of their eyes briefly changed from yellow to green before returning back to yellow. They quickly wiped off their hands on their black furred torsos.

"T-There, you will get my m-magic and a back up plan, a-and I'll get my revenge." Asmund said.

"Excellent, now all we must do is wait for an opportunity of escape to present it self." Tirek said as he rubbed his hands together.

"It's going to be a long wait, isn't it?" Asmund asked as he looked downwards.

"No one said it would happened instantly. In the meantime, let's hear this plan of yours, then we'll be able to work out the kinks and make it fool proof." Tirek laid down along with Asmund as they conjured up the perfect plan.

It's About Time to Escape

Fifteen hundred years of imprisonment can take it's toll on the body and the mind. Asmund, with only Tirek for company, had festered in his hate. Now at the age of sixteen hundred seventy-six, he was much more aggressive than the meek and lanky centaur that had first been cast into Tartarus, and his body grew to be taller with a slightly muscular build. Such growth required him to be transferred to a bigger cage, the same size as Tirek's. His new cage was not as close as his old one, but he could still speak with Tirek without having to raise his now deeper voice. His once dusty blue and grey fur now replaced by a vibrant light blue and a deep black.

Tirek on the other hand had not fared so well. While he still long for Equestria's down fall, he no longer had the strength he once possessed. When he was imprisoned, he managed to hang on to much of the magic he stole before hand. However, the magic which flowed through Tartarus drained the stolen magic from Tirek through the years to return it to Equestria. Without the magic he stole, his body returned to it's natural state, revealing his true age. After fifteen hundred years, Tirek was probably about eighteen hundred years old or so. His once deep red fur was now much more dusty from age and lack of washing, his once black fur now grey in color, his ribs visible through his hide.

"Why don't we go over the plan again?" Asmund said as he paced the perimeter of his new cage, hands tucked behind his back.

"We already looked over it last week, and the week before that, and the week before that." Tirek said. The two having spent so much time together had made Asmund numb to Tirek's presence, having matured and gained confidence over the years.

"We might have missed something. If we want revenge, we need to make sure that this is fool proof."

"Alright," Tirek approached Asmund's cage before the bars of his own stopped his advance.

"So we operate under the radar for as long as we can, try to get some powerful ally like Sombra or Discord and use him to get to the princesses, steal their magic, and trow them into Tartarus for what they did to you. Then you'll leave me to do what ever while I steal all the magic of Equestria, stab my ally in the back, and make Equestria my new home."

"I still don't think you're plan will work out." Asmund said. "It's far to vague and has far to many holes."

"Alright 'Mr. Master Mind,' why don't you present your plan so I may pick away at it."

"Well if your plan fails, then-" A howl pierces the air as Cerberus runs through Tartarus like a mad man. The canines sheer size caused the ground to shake as it ran out of control, causing the two centaurs to look away from each other and towards the rabid dog.

Cerberus ran rampant through Tartarus, knocking over cages and causing mayhem. He seemed to be possessed, his movement unnatural and twitchy, but as he barreled towards the door, Asmund knew that their wait was finally over.

Cerberus crashed through the gates, stone falling from the doorway as he ran away towards a small village where a magical disturbance in the form of a time spell was present.

"Now! This is our chance!" Asmund said as he turned back towards Tirek.

"What? I'm out of practice! You can't ju-"

"You're the one who constantly speaks of revenge! This is our chance, and we may not ever get another!" Asmund shouted, not that it scared the older centaur. Tirek knew he was right, if they wanted to get out, they had to do it now before it was to late.

Tirek's maw opened as an orb of green magic appeared between the tips of Asmund's horns. Small sparks flew from the orb into Tirek's mouth before a steady stream of magic formed. Tirek's dusty red and grey fur returned to it's bright red and deep black as his strength and muscular build were reclaimed. His horns grew once again, reaching upwards and scraping the top of his cage.

Asmund's strength left him, his body becoming slim as his hide became more monotone. His horns shrank down to nubs on his head as his legs began to fail him. As the last of the orb dissipated, Asmund fell to the ground. His vision became blurry as he tried to stand up again.

Tirek gazed at his body, the younger centaur held more magic than he thought. He could feel the magic coursing through him, fueling his now massive physique. He reached out and grasped the bars of his cage, the metal groaning and squealing from the force. The bars bent and broke from their positions, creating an opening. Tirek stepped out and began to run for the exit when something stopped him in his tracks.

His eyes glowed green briefly, as he turned around. He saw Asmund still disorientated from having so much magic drained and attempting to stand up. Tirek raised his hand to his face, the mark of their oath still there. His hands clenched as he growled under his breath, running back to Asmund's cage.

He bent the bars before reaching in an grabbing Asmund by his barrel and throwing him across his back, causing Asmund to groan as he made impact. Again Tirek ran for the exit, Asmund weak and bouncing slightly on his back. Keeping under the dense greenery of the trees outside the cave in which the entrance was hidden.

Asmund and Tirek both hide away from the world as Tirek regained his dark powers. While he had already proved that he didn't need to wait when he took Asmund's magic, they both decided it would be best to wait and practice. They didn't need to be caught while Tirek was failing to drain someones magic.

Slowly but surely, Tirek regained his powers, and Asmund finally revealed his plans. Tirek couldn't be more impressed, never had he heard of such an ingenious idea, but time would keep ticking by. Soon enough, Tirek regained his powers and began to set their plans in motion.

One by one, unicorns lost their magic. In spite of Asmund's weakened state, Tirek found use in him in the form of an advisor. Asmund provided a unique perspective on his plans, suggesting solutions to problems Tirek hadn't even thought about. However, this had also cause discourse between the two. For example, currently in a cave below Mineighapolis...

"NO!!!" Tirek slammed his fist into the wall of the cave, rocks falling from the impact. "I will not give you my magic! We made an oath and I will not let you trick me!"

"Tirek, listen to me, if you go out at the size you're at now, Celestia and Luna will be here so fast, it'll make your head spin. We need to be cautious or we'll both be sent back." Asmund laid on the ground as he tried to reason with the older centaur.

"And how do I know you won't just get rid of me after you have all my magic?" Tirek crossed his arms.

"Because we made and oath." Asmund presented his palm as he stood up, the scar upon it a mark of the trust they shared with each other. Asmund's other had grasped Tirek's own scarred hand, bringing it up so that both damaged limbs interlocked with the others. He raised both hands in front of Tirek's face, shaking them slightly for emphasis.

"These scars are what remain of a sacred gesture. Something that no centaur has ever broken. That is a trend I do not intend to break." Tirek gazed at their interlocked hands. It gave him a strange feeling, one he wasn't so sure he liked, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He pulled his hand free from Asmund's, jabbing a finger accusingly at the younger one's chest.

"If you aren't here when I return-"

"You don't need to give me all your magic, just enough so that you can go out without drawing to much attention." Asmund clasped his hands together. "Please Tirek, I have spent too long in the darkness, I don't want to be sent back so soon."

Tirek face-palmed, in spite of the time he spent down in Tartarus, Asmund still showed signs of the kind centaur he used to be. Tirek thought he might now know what that feeling in his chest was. Affection. The very notion sickened him. He rationalized it as merely a by product of having only Asmund for company for so long.

"Fine, you will stay here and hold my magic while I go out to harvest more. Do you remember the arrangement?" Tirek questioned.

"If you are not back in six hours, I go to the next place and wait for 3 days. If you still aren't back then that means you've been captured and I can exact my plan." Asmund relayed. Tirek nodded as his maw opened. Magic poured out, collecting in a green orb between the small horns on Asmund's head. Slowly Tirek lost his build and color while the opposite happened to Asmund. As Tirek's lower half reached the same size as a ponies torso, he stopped the magical transfer.

Asmund grabbed and hourglass and cloak, passing the latter to Tirek as he exited. Asmund laid down again and flipped the hourglass, the sand pouring into the lower chamber as Asmund thought to himself. Six hours... Then I need to leave...

Loved for Your Lies or Free and Alone?

Asmund stared at the hourglass with contempt, the last of the sand spilling from the top to the bottom. Six hours and Tirek still hadn't returned, he had never actually stayed out past the arranged time before. This set Asmund on edge. Should I wait for a bit?

Considering his options shortly, Asmund decided it would be best to stick to the arrangement. If Tirek was captured, then you would at least be free to exact your own plan. However, there was a problem. Since he held most of Tirek's magic, he now faced the same issue he had confronted Tirek about. His cloak wouldn't fit so well now, and even though he consisted of mostly dark colors, he knew it would be best to stay hidden. Taking his cloak and throwing it over his blue fur, his black hide already made for nighttime stealth, he grabbed the hour glass and made for the caves exit.

Las Pegasus was a few days away, and he needed to make as much ground as he could since he could only travel under cover of darkness. The sooner he got there, the sooner he could steal some food and prepare for Tirek's return. If he returns that is...

Asmund shook the thought from his head as he left the cave. Having spent so much time with Tirek, he couldn't help but feel uneasy without him around. Asmund pulled out and looked down at a small rusty compass, one of the few things he still had from when he had first came to Equestria, and by extension, when he was banished to Tartarus. A momento from his family with an engraving on the back. May you always find what your looking for.

Asmund felt his hate well up inside him, memories of his imprisonment, his long dead family, igniting with intense heat. Asmund had always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, but being jailed for the simple fact that he was a centaur? His grip on the compass tightened.

He took a deep breath before looking back down at the compass, Las Pegasus would be directly North-East from here. Besides, my time will come soon enough.

He lined himself up with the compass and started walking, the moon his only source of light.

"...Help me to grow strong and be rewarded with something far greater than friendship." Tirek's chains rattled as he clenched his fists. "Freedom." His eyes glowed a sinister yellow and Discord was taken aback.

"Once I've stripped these ponies of their magic, nothing would bring me greater pleasure than to see their world turned upside down. Who better to do so than the 'Master of Chaos' himself?" Tirek gave a slight bow to Discord as a false show of respect. Discord raised his talon to his chin, was he really going to throw away his friendships for a chance to be who he once was?

"Join me Discord," Tirek pulled him from his thoughts. "And reclaim your greatness. Unless of course, 'Pony Errand Boy' is the role you've always wanted to play in this world." Discord looked over as a dresser with a Discord lamp and framed photo of him and Fluttershy poofed into existence.

The more he thought of it, the more the big picture became clear. Most of his so called friends weren't his friends at all, they simply tolerate his existence. The only pony who could be considered a friend was Fluttershy, but is she really his friend? He's had to change who he was just to be friends with her, surely a true friend would accept him the way he once was. Some one like... Tirek.

Tirek wanted Discord to be chaotic, he wanted Discord to be the real him. Maybe... Just maybe...

"Alright Tirek, you have a deal." Discord extended his hand which Tirek grasped and shook, a small orb of orange magic glowing between Tirek's horns.

"So what'll be our plan?" Discord said, unaware of the orb which had by then disappeared.

"I already have a plan, but before I can explain, we must collect my associate,"

"Associate?"

"I will introduce the two of you when the time is right, but for now just know that he has been very gracious to me. I expect you treat him the same." And with that Discord snapped his fingers as the two disappeared.

With the power of Discord now on their side now on their side, Tirek and Asmund could now move on to the second phase of their plan. However, they hadn't realized just how quickly their enemies had found out of Discord's betrayal. However, their newest ally was making decisions that one centaur did not approve of. For example...

"I cannot believe this! We had a whole plan, it was fool proof! Then this bastard had to go and mess it up!" Asmund jabbed a finger at Discord accusingly.

"Aww, is that anyway to treat a new friend?" Discord said, fluttering his eyes in innocence.

"You are most certainly not my friend! You little-" Tirek covered Asmund's mouth easily now that he possessed all the magic Asmund held for him.

"This is my plan Asmund, I can change it as I please whenever I please." Asmund pulled at Tirek's finger, attempting to speak through the large hand. Tirek eventually took pity on Asmund and simply removed it for him. Asmund crossed his arms and closed his eyes, taking a moment before speaking up.

"Tirek, I need to have a serious descussion with you. Alone." His looked over at Discord, who made no motion lo leave as he drank the glass from around a cylinder of chocolate milk.

"Discord," Tirek spoke, which drew the draconequus' attention. "I need a moment alone to speak with my associate."

"Of course!" Discord threw the glass behind him, causing a small explosion upon impact. "I'll make myself scarce." And with that, he disappeared in a flash of light.

"I'm going to kill him..." Asmund said quietly, before quickly getting louder. "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL HIM!!!"Asmund said as he threw his arms in the air in rage.

"You said it yourself, we needed someone powerful on our side. Someone like Sombra or Discord." Tirek said, trying to be the voice of reason.

"Well I was hoping for Sombra! Discord is the most insufferable egotistical person I have ever met!"

"We need him, you know that. Yes, he drew attention to us by capturing large numbers of ponies all at once, but he also gave me large amounts of magic." Tirek raise one arm and flexed as he kissed it in adoration, causing Asmund cheeks briefly turn purple. "We don't need to be careful anymore.

"Listen Tirek, I know Discord means well," Asmund said calmly. "And true, we no longer have the same limitations we once did thanks to his unique powers, but I waNT TO PUNCH HIM IN THE FUCKING FACE!!!"

"Why do I try with you, you only look out for you own self interest." Tirek said as he gave Asmund a dismissive wave and began to walk away from him. Asmund however refused to be dismissed in such a manner, having to trot to keep up with the larger centaur.

"Believe it or not, I actually care about you. Your the only person I had to speak with back in Tartarus, and I'd like to think of you as a friend."

"Friend?" Tirek stopped in his tracks, which let Asmund move in front of him.

"Are you seriously telling me that after everything we've been through, you don't think of us as anything more than acquaintances?"

"Why would I consider you a friend?"

"Oh gee, fifteen hundred years spent together? Hours upon hours spent talking to each other, planning the revenge we'd take on those who wronged us? Any of this ring a bell?" Asmund said as his made circles in the air with his finger.

"The time we were together was due to circumstances beyond our control. I hardly call that a friendship." Tirek pushed Asmund away, continuing down that cave. Asmund stared after him, hurt but not surprised. Tirek never seemed like the kind to make friends, but that didn't stop the stinging he felt.

"Fine, so we aren't friends. Just tell me when we're ready to attack Canterlot." Asmund turn away from the other centaur, walking back to the far end silently.

Tirek let out a disappointing sigh, a weight appearing in his chest. Another emotion he hated to admit was there, guilt. Another byproduct of their time in Tartarus for sure. Tirek recalled how Asmund would always ask how he was doing, somehow being able to pick up on how he felt. He actually asked Asmund how he always knew how he felt at one point, and the answer was very strange.

It's your eyes. If you ever want to know how people truly feel, just look in their eyes.

The weight in his chest wasn't leaving anytime soon, so he figure he may as well humor the young centaur. Well younger centaur, with Asmund at one thousand six hundred seventy-six years old and Tirek at one thousand eight hundred and eight years, they were both pretty old at that point.

"I'm sorry Asmund." Tirek said without much effort. "After all that time, I admit that we have a relationship that extends past just acquaintances."

"Well... apology accepted." Asmund said simply. "Now go do whatever with that bastard." Tirek snorted, he didn't like the tone Asmund took with him but he had to admire his bravery.

"We'll be back soon enough, then we go after the princesses." Amund felt a small spark of excitement at that, a moment he had patiently waited for so long was finally coming around. The sound of Tirek's heavy steps echo through the cave as Asmund lays down. The time was at hand.

Attack on Canterlot

"It's so quiet around here." Asmund said to no one in particular. Tirek had long since fallen asleep along with all of the other creature's within Tartarus' walls. Asmund hated it here, the magic of this place made to bring forth punishment to those who took residence. Every thing in this place, no matter how evil or vile, had the same air of hopelessness around them.

He looked over at Tirek, fast asleep on the floor. Everything was so quiet, so lonely. Asmund feared isolation, it made him feel as though he was losing his mind. He found silence deafening, making him feel as though everything around him had suddenly died. The doctor's called it autophobia.

After five years in Tartarus, one would assume he would've become numb to such things, but he always had Tirek. Even during the previous nights, there was always Tirek's soft breathing to bring him peace. Tonight, he fell silent, only the rise and fall of his chest to assure him that he had not suddenly passed.

I wish I still had my music box.

Asmund looked down at his compass, shown to a sheen with bright brass casing. He had brought many things with him to Equestria, but only the compass accompanied him to his prison. It served no purpose though, especially not now. It was far to dark in the cave to see properly, and even if he could, it's not like he could go anywhere.

How he longed for the freedom that was stolen from him. This was meant to be a fresh start in a new land, and eventually he would send a letter and his family who wasn't infected could follow him here. The plague was certainly moving quicker than anyone thought.

Is anyone still alive? Am I... alone?

The thought sent unease shooting through his being. Such a thought scared him beyond belief.

"Tirek? Are you awake?" There was only silence.

"Tirek?" Asmund looked over to the spot Tirek once was, where nothing now sat.

"Tirek? Tirek?!" Asmund began to panic, his eyes darting everywhere. Cages once stacked upon each other had simply vanished. Not even Cerberus could be spotted anywhere in the cavern. Tartarus was the void of life. He shook the bars of his cage in desparation.

"Someone?! Anyone?!" Asmund screamed. "Please! Don't leave me!"

Asmund gasped as he woke up, his yellow pupils small specks in his dark sclera. His heart pounded in his chest, shaking his ribs just as he shook his cage. His hand clenched over his chest in a futile attempt to control his emotions. He had never experienced such fear in all his life. He had felt so helpless.

"What's wrong?" He looked over his shoulder see Tirek with his arms crossed and an expression of annoyance on his face and an orb of magic between his horns to illuminate the dark cave. Asmund quickly rose to his hooves, dusting himself off.

"Nothing, it was just a nightmare."

"Then it wasn't nothing was it?"

"Nothing important." He corrected. Tirek looked over Asmund, noting the bags under his eyes. He had noticed the blue centaur was avoiding sleep like the plague. Yes, there was a very real threat that they could be found and captured in their sleep, but Tirek and Discord had made sure to get enough when they could, so why hadn't he?

"We're ready to launch our attack and capture the princesses." Tirek turned around and began heading towards a larger part of the cave to meet Discord. "I hope your lack of sleep is not a major obstacle."

"I am fine Tirek." Asmund trotted beside the larger centaur.

"In any case, our plan will stay the same. We will first go after the guards, then the residence, then the princesses."

"Then?"

"Once I steal all the alicorn magic, I will give you enough so that you can personally send them to Tartarus yourself."

"Really? You'd do that?"

"Yes, but I'd probably have you wait outside the door to make it a dramatic reveal. They would expect something like that from me, but just imagine the looks on their face when that innocent little centaur they wrongfully imprisoned so very long ago shows up to give them a taste of their own snake oil." Tirek rubbed his hands together, picturing the image in his head. Asmund also imagined the scene. Expressions of shock then fear, they plead for mercy as he opens the portal, all so they could feel the same feeling of helplessness he felt.

Tirek didn't notice the sinister smile on Asmund's face as he walked ahead. Still Asmund had something he wished to speak about.

"Tirek?"

"Hmm?"

"I know our agreement states that I'll go out on my own after the princesses are dealt with, but I want to get an opinion on something?" Asmund said as he caught back up with Tirek.

"Oh? What is it?" Tirek said, making no attempt to hide the suspicion in his voice.

"Would you perhaps be apposed to me staying by your side?" Tirek certainly didn't expect that, though it admittedly wasn't an unwelcome surprise. While Tirek's opinions on friendships with ponies hadn't changed, Asmund wasn't a pony. He had the same motivation as Tirek's own, and all his pestering had all been for Tirek's best interest in the long run. Perhaps this was something he would be willing to invest his time.

"If that is what you wish, then I wouldn't push you away."

"I'd like that."

The sun and moon moved shakily through the sky, as two unicorn guards were lifted into the air.

"Shining Armor, why whatever are you doing here?" Discord said as he took Shining's helmet for himself.

"Back off traitor." Shining shoved Discord off him, his horn pointed at the Draconequus' chest, who had his paw and claw up in surrender.

"The only one Discord betrayed is himself." The ground shook as Tirek drained the magic of a unicorn guard and let him go.

"Abandoning his true nature to make friends with weak-minded equines who offer him nothing." Shining had had enough, shooting a laser straight at Tirek's heart. Tirek simply caught the pitiful blast, Shining had always been more defensive than offensive. He squeezed the magic into a ball before tossing it into his mouth, eating it before grabbing Shining by his muzzle. His maw opened as magic streamed from the ivory horn into Tirek's mouth.

Tirek dropped Shining onto the ground, leaving him weak and vulnerable. With the little strength he had left, he turned towards Discord.

"How c-could you do this?" Shining asked as his head fell back to the floor.

Tirek threw his arm around Discord. "Asmund and I have plans, so why don't you go out and have a little fun? I won't stand in your way." Discord laughed as Tirek left him to his own devices.

"Come along Asmund, it is rude to leave royalty waiting." Shining eyes opened to see a (now) large blue centaur approaching, already in possession of the magic he needed for his plans.

"W-who are you?"

"That's none of your concern." The mysterious Centaur passed by the unicorn, leaving him to wonder.

Tirek noticed the look on Asmund's face. "What's wrong, I figured you would be more excited."

Asmund didn't respond right away, thinking over what Shining had asked him. Was his identity really kept hidden from the public, or was he simply forgotten.

"That unicorn asked me who I was. Do you know what that means?" Asmund said, looking Tirek straight in the eyes.

"Of course I do. Not only did the princesses wrongfully imprison you, they knew it was wrong. They didn't tell anyone because then the kingdom would see how heartless they truly are. Did you honestly expect anything else?" Tirek raised an eyebrow.

"No, your right. For all the things the princesses are willing to do, lying isn't the worst thing they've done."

"If it brings you any peace of mind, our bond isn't something I would so easily forget."

"Thank you Tirek."

"Of course, what are friends for?"

"We are friends?" Asmund turned to look at Tirek, who had stopped.

"Well... after fifteen hundred years together, I wouldn't exactly call us acquaintances." Tirek said as he scratched the back of his head. "Now do you remember the signal?"

"Three stomps of your hoof, then I reveal myself."

"Good, because we're here." Tirek said as he gestured to the large door.

"Getting rid of your magic so that I can not take it from you? That was your plan?" Tirek said from atop the throne, looking down at the once powerful alicorns. The royals refused to dignify him with an answer as he stood up from the throne.

"How does it feel knowing that soon every pegasus, unicorn, and earth pony will bow to my will, and THAT THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP IT?!?!" Tirek said as he summoned forth three orbs only to smash them between his palms.

"You will not prevail Tirek." Celestia said wearily.

"Perhaps not on my own, but I have more allies than you know. One of them would actually like a word with you." Tirek said as he slammed his hoof down three times.

Another set of hoof steps were heard behind the trio of royals, prompting them to turn their head. Their eyes widened as they saw a large blue and black centaur with ram horns entering the throne room. They turned their whole bodies toward the new threat.

Cadance was appalled, she had never seen such raw unbridled hatred before.

"Wha- but how..." Luna started.

"It's you..." Celestia said silently.

Cadance looked at her aunts. "You know him?"

The centaur snorted in disdain. "Figures you two wouldn't tell anyone of your darkest deed. Not even one of your own blood." Tirek reclined in the throne, thoroughly enjoying the show.

"Who are you?" Cadance asked.

"Who am I?" The centaur began to circle the small ponies in smooth motions, head lowered like a predator ready to pounce. "I'm what your aunts are most ashamed of, I'm what haunts the darkest part of their memories, I'm the truth that these princesses wished stayed locked away in Tartarus."

"Tartarus?"

"Cadance, please stop." Celestia begged. A ball of green magic manifested between the tips of the centaur's horns and the three princesses were wrapped in and aura of green.

"If you want your answers child, feel free to ask your beloved aunts. You lot will have plenty of time to discuss, especially where your going." A beam of magic was shot from the ball, opening a green portal with black bolts of lightning coursing around the edges. The two sisters' eyes widened as the familiar sight if cages came from beyond the portal.

"You two princesses wronged me." The centaur said, forcing the royal sisters to look at him as Cadance was set down in a cage beyond the portal. "I'm merely returning the favor." The centaur threw the royal pair through the portal, causing them to slam into a rocky wall with a sickening crack of stone and groans of pain. They slid down the wall and onto the ground as a cage fell from above and trapped the two together. Cadance had her hoof up to her mouth in shock as she looked at Celestia and Luna before turning back to the expression of hatred on the mysterious centaur's face as the portal closed.

Past Memories, Present Concerns, and Future Plans

Author's Note

To the two people who have been waiting for a new chapter for two years or something, her you go!

Past Memories, Present Concerns, and Future Plans

Cadance looked out beyond the bars of her cage, beast, and villains confined within their own set of bars. This alone would be enough to frighten the alicorn, but without her magic, she was completely helpless. However, she wasn't sure if this place scared her worse than the centaur that had locked her up.

Tall, blue, strong, ram horns, and with such a seething hatred in his eyes. She tried to think if he mentioned his name, but if he did, she couldn't remember. He did give himself many titles though.

I'm what your aunts are most ashamed of, I'm what haunts the darkest part of their memories, I'm the truth that these princesses wished stayed locked away in Tartarus.

Her Aunts. The centaur had set her down in her cage, but he threw Aunt Celly and Aunt Lulu against a wall. This centaur clearly knows them, and they obviously had more than a small dispute.

Cadance turned to look at her aunts. They had their own cage, close enough for her to touch their hooves if she reached, but nothing else. The two seemed to either be sleeping or very tired. Their heads were down on the ground, eyes closed with weary expressions on their face. Things that the centaur said echo in her memory, making questions surface in her once calm pool of a mind. She wanted to believe everything was a lie, but as the Princess of Love, the truth important to building a bond. Sooner or later she would have to confront them, and she had always been a 'rip the bandage off' kinda gal, so...

"Aunt Celly?" Celestia didn't acknowledge the pink alicorn. "Who was that centaur?" Again, no answer.

"Celestia please, nopony just comes out of nowhere claiming to be 'what your aunts are most ashamed of' without having some kind of reason, however misguided it is." Celestia sighed as she raised her head and looked at Cadance.

"It's nothing important."

"A centaur that nopony has ever heard of showed up out of thin air, said something about being locked away in Tartarus, locked us in the same prison, and is apparently working with Tirek. You honestly have the nerve to tell me that it's nothing important?" Luna spoke from the floor.

"Cadance, if we believed that this centaur was of any importance to you, we would have spoken to you before."

"We're family, aren't we? Families shouldn't keep secrets from each other."

"We aren't keeping secrets from you." Luna rubbed her temples with her tired hooves.

"Then why won't you tell me about him? Did you forget that I can sense people's emotions? I can tell you're keeping something from me." Celestia looked at the pink alicorn with desperation in her eyes, silently asking her to drop the subject. Cadance wasn't one to back down so quickly, she would be the Princess of Stubbornness if she was of the Princess of Love.

Eventually, Celestia relented, preparing herself to reveal the secret that Luna and herself had worked so hard to keep hidden.

"Long ago Tirek had come to Equestria with the purpose of stealing our magic. If his brother, Scorpan, hadn't told us about his plans, we would have surely fallen to him."

"I don't care about Tirek, I care about the other one." Celestia continued as though she hadn't even spoken.

"After Tirek was defeated, our kingdom went into a golden age. For five hundred years, before the age of Sombra or Discord, our country was at peace. Six months after Tirek was locked away, another centaur came to Equestria and threaten that peace. Luna and I did what was best for our subjects."

"What did he do? He said he was locked away here, and ponies aren't just thrown here for no reason."

"He was no pony, he was a threat."

"But what did he do?"

"WE DID WHAT WE HAD TO DO!!!" Luna's guilt finally broke her as she jumped up from the floor and shouted at her niece. Cadance recoiled in fear, never had Luna treated her in such a way. Luna soon broke into tears, her head falling onto Celestia's shoulder as the elder of the two stroked the younger's mane.

Cadance was certainly scared, but not stupid. Twilight had told her about what had happened with a zebra named Zecora. If a whole town, with no prior experiences with zebra, was willing to treat a harmless potion brewer like an Everfree beast. A whole nation, who had their entire way of life threatened by a centaur before, would certainly want to make a second centaur more than just an outcast.

"He didn't do anything, did he?"

"We were scared," Celestia said silently.

"Celestia, we don't lock away ponies because we think they committed a crime. We don't jail them because there's a chance that they might have done something illegal."

"Cadance listen-"

"No, you listen! You took an innocent centaur's freedom because you thought that there was a chance that he might want our magic! He did nothing wrong and you threw him in jail!" Cadance was fuming. "I'm the Princess of Love for buck's sake, do you realize how this goes against everything I've worked for?"

"That centaur-"

"Stop calling him that! Just tell me his name!" Celestia stopped before looking away from the younger regent, choosing instead to bury her face into Luna's mane. Cadance just stared in disbelief.

"You put him into the worst prison in all of Equestria, and you didn't even know his name?"

"Cadance-"

"Don't talk to me. I can't even look at you two anymore." She turned her back on her aunts, resting her head between hooves as she laid down.

Celestia flapped her wings as she surveyed the land below her. Luna was flying just behind her, making sure that Celestia hadn't missed anything. Half a year had passed since Tirek's downfall and the ponies of Equestria were happy, but rumors had begun to float around. Another centaur was spotted near a town on Equestria's western border.

Luna and Celestia had put much thought into why another centaur would be in their country, all they knew was that the last centaur had only one thing on mind. Stealing magic. So far, neither sister had caught sight of their target. Perhaps the rumors were merely rumors and the threat was only their overactive imagination. Still, they had this unshakable sense of dread, as though something terrible was here.

"Celestia, perhaps we should return. We've been looking for this knave for two fortnight. It is most certain that he hath either left or was simply a thing of lies."

"One more night Luna. If we don't find him by then, then we can return. I simply can not rest knowing that somewhere out there is another of those awful beasts."

"We share thy sentiments sister. If we can dispose of this abomination with haste, we would certainly have much better temperament for the next few moons."

"He's only been in Equestria for a few weeks, there's no way he could've-" Celestial spotted something moving through the brush.

"Over there!" Celestial dove into the foliage, no noticing or caring if her sister had managed to keep up. She landed, the dust around her being thrown into the air. Everything was still, nothing moved and not a sound was made. Luna landed next to her sister, looking around for the centaur that was meant to be there. The darkness of night, limiting their vision.

"It's very silent, something knows we're here," Luna whispered. Still, not a sound. Celestia's horn illuminated as she prepared a scrying spell. She knew for a fact that she had seen a centaur in the forest below. If it didn't want to show itself willingly, she would simply have to smoke it out. A dome of energy expelled from the alicorn's horn, and like echolocation, she felt a pulse return from her target. A hundred yards and moving slowly and carefully, North by Northeast.

"Found you." All at once, the three took off in a mad dash. The centaur raced through the woods as fast as it could, not caring for the cuts and nicks from the branches as they ran for their life. For days, the two diarchs were hot on his tail and talked of 'banishment.' Lost in adrenaline-fueled thought, he didn't have time to react to a blast from the princess of the moon.

The blast sent him sidelong into the trunk of a tree, a huge bruise forming under his fur. Knowing he only had a few seconds to recover, he stumbled to his hooves. Such a heavy blow had slowed him down, the two rulers closing in at a rapid pace. The forest before them opened up to a clearing, giving the elder sister a clean shot.

Pain. His back burned from where his lower and upper half met. He tripped on his own hooves, tumbling across the ground and skidding to a stop. He tried to stand again as a sweeping darkness took his hooved out from underneath him. Celestia had taken this opportunity to attack from above, her gold-plated horseshoes poised for his skull. The spiral horns of the centaur glowed green, and an orb appearing between their tips as a bright green beam shot through the air. Celestia was stuck directly in her chest. Her regalia had protected her but had failed to withstand the attack itself. She fell from the sky, her regalia split clean in half and landing near the downed princess.

"Vile creature, thou shalt pay for your transgressions!" She seemed to weaponize a piece of the night sky itself, a dark tendril lashing out from thin air. A second beam from the centaur severed the mass before striking at Luna. Before a second attack could be launched, the centaur was surrounded by a golden aura.

"Now, Sister!" Celestia called out. Luna summoned a portal to Tartarus, violently ripping through reality.

"You can't do this to me! I've done nothing wrong!" The centaur was thrown through the portal, reality mending itself as he passed through. His words hung heavy in the air as Luna checked on the wellbeing of her sister.

"You meant 'our will,' didn't you?" Discord's voice cut through the silence of the throne room as he tampered with the stained glass windows. His glass likeness mimicked his movements.

"Of course," Tirek said, leaving the throne to approach the draconequus. "Here, I want you to have something. This was given to me by someone very close to me." Tirek roughly pulled the amulet from around his neck, before tying it around Discord's own. "I give it to you as a sign of my gratitude and loyalty." Tirek held one hand to his heart, as though silently swearing he was being honest.

"Oh my, I do love a good accessory." Discord examined the piece he'd been gifted before continuing. "I suppose that's Rarity's influence." Discord looked across the grand hall, his eyes landing on the younger centaur. With a snap, he appeared before the grumpy Gus.

"What? No gift from you Asmund?" The centaur turned away from him.

"I have very few worldly possessions, each one very dear to my heart. I would never bestow one onto you, of all people."

"Aw, please? There must be something your willing to part with. An old blanket, some jewelry, your blessing."

"Well..." Asmund stroked his chin. "There is something I'm willing to part with."

"Ooooooh, what? Tell me." Discord wrapped himself around the centaur's upper half.

"You." Discord flopped to the ground.

"Why must you wound me so?"

"Would you two stop bickering?" Tirek's voice cut through the air. "Somewhere out there is the magic of three alicorns, waiting to be absorbed. The sun and moon still rise and set, so it must be in the possession of some other pony."

Asmund looked behind the taller centaur before answering. "My guess is that it's with that new princess, whoever she is."

"What?" Tirek turned around, the stained glass catching his eye. The visage of a fourth alicorn was plain as day, purple coat, purple mane, and a tiara with a six-point purple star as the crown jewel. "Is this meant to be humorous?"

"Oh, no. I haven't touched that one yet." Discord said, waving it off nonchalantly.

"There's a fourth, and you did not tell me this!" Tirek pointed an accusing finger at the draconequus.

"I just needed some assurance that you truly considered this a team effort," Discord held up the amulet. "And now I have it."

"And where can we find this fourth princess." Tirek grabbed Discord by the throat. "Where is her castle?" At this point, Asmund had tuned out the others. He had wanted to stay with Tirek, but something felt wrong. A conflict was approaching, and if Tirek fell, he would have to carry out the second part of their oath. He would need to be far away so he wouldn't get caught, no matter how much he wanted to stay and help.

"Asmund!" The blue centaur snapped out of his stupor. He turned to face the voice, Tirek standing there, arms folded and an annoyed look on his face. "I believe you have something of mine."

"Just take your magic already."

"My, feeling rather feisty today. What has your horns in a twist?"

"A thought has occurred to me, one that is very... troubling." Asmund looked away from Tirek as the last word slipped from his mouth. Tirek raised a brow, his friend didn't usually get like this, so it must've been important to him. Something that he wouldn't want to be discussed in front of a certain Lord of Chaos.

"Discord, I need a moment alone with my associate." Discord's eyebrows raised, but he simply shrugged a poofed away to cause some more chaos.

"So, what big bad boogieman is plaguing your mind this time?" Tirek said half-joking as he put an arm around Asmund's shoulder. Asmund shrugged it off.

"Since we're going after the last alicorn, that means that there's going to be a final confrontation. Right?"

"Naturally." Tirek crossed his arms. "What of it."

"Well, if it's going to be happening so soon, I should start my escape. You remember the second part of our oath."

"That would only be necessary if I fail." Tirek sounded insulted. "Do you truly think so little of my, to lose to some pony?"

"I never said that, don't put words in my mouth. It's just... I want to go with you, but if I need to fulfill the oath, I need to be somewhere safe." Asmund turned his whole body to face Tirek. "If you do fall, anyone who's seen me will start a hunt. I cannot drain magiclike you do, I'll be vulnerable. I need to leave. Now."

Tirek didn't know what to do. He was hoping to have Asmund by his side, but the younger centaur was speaking reason. Blood oaths were never broken, even if those involved both agreed to end it. It was a superstition that was as old as their species. They both heard tales of those who had broken their oaths, none of them ever survived through the next week.

"I... Hadn't thought of that." Tirek said. Neither one spoke for a few seconds, but it seemed to last much longer than that. Neither one wanted to be the one to say goodbye, but it would come regardless.

"You should probably take your magic back before I go." Again, no one said anything. It was simply routine at this point. They face each other, Tirek takes magic, Asmund staggers, Tirek catches him, maybe berates him, then Tirek leaves to steal magic. It was the same in Mineighapolis, it was the same in Las Pegasus, it was the same wherever they went together. And just like all the times before, there was no guarantee that they'd see each other again. There were no goodbyes, no last words, just silent sorrows as the two went their separate ways. Discord poofed back into, sombrero and maracas at the ready.

"I'm all set for our capture of the elements." Discord said in a singsong voice, maracas shaking with the vigor of a rabbit on cocaine. Looking around the throne room, he only saw Tirek staring up at Twilight's image on the window. "So... where's the blue one?"

"My associate and I made an agreement. He would only help us until the fall of the two eldest alicorns."

"Why?"

"A personal grudge. Regardless, he is making his leave as we speak." Tirek turned to face the draconequus. "I trust you have a plan to capture the bearers of the elements."

"Of course, what do you think I am, some disorganized hooligan who's constantly winging it?" Discord threw his maracas down in indignation while Tirek just stared at him.

First Frost

Asmund scratched the scar he earned from his oath. To you or I, this would simply be an itch that we would scratch in turn. But centaurs were somewhat superstitious, especially when it came to scars. An itchy scar always meant there was unfinished business somewhere. If it is a battle wound, it meant the one who caused it wanted to finish the job. If it was an injury, it was a warning about further pain from foolish decisions. A scar left from an oath meant that you'd better keep your end of the deal. Asmund scratched the scar he'd earned from his oath.

Again, to you or I, it would simply be an itch. Asmund knew it meant that Tirek had fallen. He didn't know what his friend's fate was, but he was certain it was bad. He felt a wave of powerful magic come from Equestria, turning him from his frail pale form to his original adult form. Slightly muscular, mostly slim body, jet black coat with blue skin. It was exactly how he looked before he and Tirek escaped.

By the time his magic had returned to him, he was already on his way south. His magic was enough to keep him warm as well as light the way, but he had to be careful not to use it too much. Not until he got to his destination. Discord could sense magical disturbances, but light and heat spells were rather small, easily blending in with the rest of the magical residue across Equus. That being said, he was in the middle of a winter wasteland, so any magic detected would be suspect.

His destination was very far south, in a sort of magical dead zone. No magic from outside could get in, and no magic within can get out. Don't get it twisted, this was here on purpose, it wasn't a curse or spell. It was an unintended side effect of something before the age of Equestria. The Fires of Friendship were created by the friendship of ponies and were responsible for dispelling the windigos.

Windigos were actually quite similar to changelings in terms of diet. They fed on things like hate, fear, distrust. They hated happiness, love, excitement. Touching such emotions gave them burning pain, and prolonged exposure leads to their demise. The Fires of Friendship unintentionally created this dead zone to contain the windigos, but if the flame was snuffed, the windigos could again run rampant. The only true magic that could enter and leave the area was black magic, fueled by hate and anger.

Asmund's plan required a little preparation before it could be realized. The relations between all creatures of Equestria's neighboring countries were very tense. It wouldn't take much to start an argument, a fight, hate, a threat, all leading up to the war. Once the neighboring nations were dealt with, it would be time to face the elements of harmony. But that is a story for another time. For now, Griffinstone and the Dragon lands seemed like good candidates to start farming for hatred. For now, Asmund had a lot more walking to do.

"Cadance. Are you ok?" The Alicorn hadn't answered. In the days after Tirek's defeat, all she could think about was Asmund. How long ago was that? Long enough for her mind to return to her husband, and her kingdom. The Crystal Empire was a quiet place compared to her sister nation, Equestria. This isn't to say they didn't have problems, but it was a simple kingdom, filled with simple ponies, from a simpler time. The only true villain they had was their prior regent, King Sombra. Their only other threat was a giant ball of ice. It was simple.

"I just... I keep thinking about him." Cadance looked out at her subjects. They knew trauma well, but they were strong. Strong enough to move past it at least.

"You never did tell me his name." Shining moved closer to the alicorn. He looked out over his kingdom too, wondering what she was looking at, assuming that's what she was doing.

"Discord said his name was Asmund." Cadance sounded like she was going to continue, but she either forgot what she was gonna say or simply chose not to say it.

"You're stressing yourself too much. The empire is in a golden age, our subjects are making great progress to recovery, and..." Shining pulled her closer with a hoof. "We have a bundle of joy on the way." Shining nuzzled Cadance who finally traded her serious contemplative expression for a warm smile.

"I know. Just think, the pitter-patter of little hooves,"

"The laughter of a newborn foal,"

"And all the sleepless nights." Cadance chuckled.

"Whatchu talkin' 'bout mare?" Shining playfully nudges the alicorn. "I don't know how you were as a foal, but I was an angel."

"Not according to your mom's scrapbook.~" Cadance booped the Captain, his nose scrunching in an attempt to stop the strange tingle.

"Yeah yeah, keep talking. Tomorrow I'm gonna make pancake and bacon strip." Shining started walking back to into their palace with Cadance hot on his tail.

"Well then, I hope you find the couch comfortable."

"You evil, evil mare"

"Still nothing." Discord said as he used a jelly-filled donut as a yo-yo, the filling sticking to his finger as the pastry went up and down and up again.

"Promise?" Fluttershy said, raising a brow.

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Fluttershy sighed. "Thank you Discord. Please keep an eye out for him."

"Anything for you, Fluttershy." Discord booped the pegasus before disappearing. The rest of the council of friendship was frustrated. They managed to get Starlight onto their side and were now working to expose her to the magic of friendship. That being said, it was hard to do that when they had something else on their minds. Discord had informed the council about Tirek's associate.

"So who is this guy you're all so concerned about?" Starlight asked. Twilight jumped, having forgotten that she was even there. Luckily Rarity filled in for her.

"Discord said that Tirek had an associate of sorts. A second centaur was helping him towards the conquering of Equestria." She flipped her mane dramatically. "Unfortunately, all he ever learned was his name."

"Also," Fluttershy chimed. "Apparently Tirek asked him to leave once or twice so they could talk privately."

"And what did they talk about?" Starlight asked.

"He doesn't know. Back then, he really did believe Tirek wanted to be his friend. He let them have their privacy, and even though he is the Lord of Chaos, he can't listen to conversations he isn't there to hear." Twilight explained, followed by a giant gasp from Pinkie.

"Does, that mean that if he takes off his ears and leaves them somewhere, he can listen to whatever's going on after he leaves."

"Uh... I don't know." Twilight said dismissively, " The only thing we know for sure is that his name is Asmund, he helped Tirek with his plan to destroy Equestria, and he has an agenda against Celestia and Luna."

"Speaking of, I heard their relationship with Princess Cadance got a little... Icy..." Starlight's words hung in the air for a moment before Twilight responded.

"I know. I'm really worried about them. I tried asking Cadance, but she just told me to ask Celestia and Luna. I asked them about it, and they just told me not to worry and that it's something between the three of them." Twilight gave an exasperated sigh as she let her head flop down onto the table.

"Aw, don' be so glum Twi, Ah'm sure that sooner or later, they'll smooth it out." Applejack said, getting up from her seat and rubbing the princess withers.

"You're right Applejack, I guess I'm just upset that three ponies I care bout hate each other."

"Hate is a strong word darling," Rarity said. "If it is something between the three, I think it would be best to simply let them work it out. It must be pretty serious if they haven't spoken for half a year or so."

"Helloooo. Second centaur. Plans for defense. Any of this ringing a bell?" Rainbow Dash said, trying to get the conversation back on track.

"Right, thanks Rainbow," Twilight said.

"Mhm"

"So..." Shining said. It was now dinner time in the Crystal Empire, and the happily married monarch and her most magnanimous marital mate were munching meals most mouthwatering. A simple dish from the Crystal Empire past, a sort of vegetable stew.

"So what?" Cadence asked. The two lovers had been enjoying their meal in relative silence, only the occasional maid or butler checking in on them.

"So..."

"So... You gonna say something?" She dabbed herself clean with a napkin.

"So... How are things with your aunts?" Her eyes fell to her stew.

"I can look them in the eyes again, so it's getting better." She started stirring her spoon through her stew. " I-I just can't look at them the same way. You know what I mean?" She used the spoon to point to her husband, flicking some broth onto the table. Nothing the maids couldn't handle.

"Yeah. I still can't believe that they actually did that."

"Honestly, that's the part that stings the most. They didn't tell anyone, not even me." She begins stirring again. "I just... I feel like if I had known, I would've done something. Set him free, helped him recover. Who knows what kind of monster we've created."

"They've created. You weren't there when he was sent to Tartarus, and you didn't even know he existed until the whole Canterlot attack." Shining Armor had stood and walked over to his wife, hugging her in an attempt to comfort her.

"Still, I wished I could've done something."

"I know," Shining gave her a peck on her forehead. "That's because you're a good pony. That's what makes you a good leader." Shining released his wife, using his magic to bring his cushion and bowl over to eat next to each other rather than across from each other.

"Would you've stopped me from helping him?" She asked.

"Before the whole Tirek thing, no. Right now, well... You said he didn't hurt you, right?"

"No, just Celestia and Luna."

"Ok. In that case, I'd trust your judgment and support your actions." Shining shoved some stew in his muzzle.

"But?..." Shining swallowed.

"But I would feel more comfortable with some guards being there too."

"Figured." She said with a sigh.

"Oh no. A stallion wants to protect his mare, what a bad bad pony." He said sarcastically. She couldn't help but chuckle. "Come on, let's get you two to bed," Shining said to Cadance, pulling her up onto her hooved.

"Woah, you are so..." Shining trailed off as the mare glared at him. "Beautiful?" He gave a massive grin and she chuckled.

"Nice save."

"Hey lizard! Read the sign!" The griffin bouncer pointed to a small plaque next to the door.

Absolutely no dragons

"What the heck is this?" Smoke started billowing from the dragon's mouth. "You saying all dragons are the same?"

"The ones who come to this bar are."

"Quit holding up the line!" A voice from farther back in the line called out.

"Come on, Firecracker. This place isn't worth the effort." A second dragon said. The first let off a puff of smoke before flying off, the bouncer grumbling. The scene was being watched by a black and blue centaur through a telescope. He smiled as he retracted his spyglass. It was a small start, but like a seed, it would grow given time. His deal with the windigos required strategy from him, while the windigos provided the muscle. However, they were weak and needed to feed first.

If he was of sound mind, he would've realized how many lives would be lost from his actions, but he wasn't of sound mind. He was angry, his only friend for over fifteen hundred years was a villain, and revenge had been his obsession for just as long. He wanted those two to pay, to suffer. What better torture would there be besides forcing them to watch their little ponies freeze. It was all just so perfect.

Author's Note

Let the record show that I had this evil plan in mind BEFORE the mean 3 started their attack.
Also, we fast-forwarded to just after round 2 with Starlight.

Snow Fall

Luna looked out at the sky as she finished moving the moon into its place. With her namesake perfectly positioned in the sky, she began moving the stars into their formations. Ursa Major and Minor, the various Zodiacs, the Seven Sisters which ironically weren't seven stars, can't forget the Northstar for those traveling types. Soon enough, she was finished with all her stars and constellations, but there was still a blank spot in the sky.

She always left an area of the sky blank, she would use it to be a little creative, maybe make a new constellation that could be a permanent addition to her sky. She closed her eyes as she allowed her subconscious mind to take over. Stars move into place, creating a vague visage of something. When she opened her eyes, she tilted her head in confusion. Like most constellations, it was more of a stick figure representation of what it was meant to be. She first thought it was a pony, but if it was, it had two extra limbs on its neck.

She gasped. She knew this figure all too well. It appeared in her dreams all too often, not able to protect herself from her own fears when she slept. A centaur occupied the empty space in the sky. Only a single star represented its head, but she swore she could feel it staring at her. Promising something... terrible. The princess shivered, the night air nipping at her skin even through her coat.

The nights had gotten chillier, but when she had asked the guards if it was, they had told her that it was no colder than any other night. Was she imagining things, was it all in her head? Maybe she was losing it, her guilty conscious working against her and making her delusional. She shook the thoughts from her head, her second duty was calling her. Nightmares wouldn't fight themselves. Unless the nightmare was about two ponies fighting.

"What a perfect day! The sun is as radiant as ever, the skies are clear as a diamond, what else could a lady ask for?" Rarity brushed her mane as she looked out the window. She had woken up later than usual, having stayed up to see what new constellation the lunar princess had thought up. She was hoping to find some inspiration, but sadly it wasn't so. Still, perhaps she could find some in the bright day instead.

"Sweetie Belle! I'll be over at Fluttershy's cottage for tea, feel free to go play with your friends!"

"Ok Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called from her room. Rarity looked through her closet trying to find the dress she had finished yesterday, a gorgeous sundress that was perfect for the day ahead.

"Aha! Here it is. Oh, I just can't wait for the girls to see such a fine piece." She pranced behind the changing screen, despite nobody being there to see her. She exited the other side, dressed to impress. "Oh, and I know the perfect sunhat to go with this dress." She went downstairs, grabbing a hat from the coat rack before opening the door only to stop when a slight chill ran up her spine.

"A chill? In the middle of Spring?" She looked up at the sky, not finding a single cloud. There was no wind either, it was a perfect day, why was it chilly? She pulled a pink scarf off the coat rack, wrapping herself as she called upstairs. "Sweetie Belle, be sure to take a scarf with you if you go out!"

"Ok Rarity!" The older unicorn closed the door behind her as she set off on her way. Another shiver ran up her spine.

"Ugh, why does there have to be a chill today, of all days? This scarf completely throws off the ensemble." She grumbled. She was hoping to make a bit of a show of her new dress on her way to Fluttershy's, but now she was hoping that everypony had slept in later than her.

Soon enough, she had made it to Fluttershy's cottage without drawing too much attention to herself. She knocked three times while waiting for her friend to answer. Sure enough, the little clip-clop of hooves was heard on the other side of the door before it opened with a small squeak.

"Hello Rarity, why don't you step in? Kinda chilly out there, huh?" The pegasus stepped aside to left her friend in.

"Tell me about it," Rarity pulled off her hat and scarf, leaving both on a small table Fluttershy kept near the door. "I was going to show you this lovely hat and dress combo. If it weren't for the scarf, it would've looked positively glorious." She closed the door behind her as she stepped in, making her way to the kitchen.

"Well, I think you still look gorgeous, Rarity." Fluttershy took the kettle of her stove, the small whistling becoming silent. She poured them both some tea, steam rising from the small cup. "One lump, or two?"

"One, please." The unicorn tossed her mane back. "I can't imagine why there would ever be a chill on such a lovely day. No clouds, no wind, the bright sun shining. All ruined by the air nipping at your muzzle."

"Maybe a snow cloud floated in from the Everfree?" Fluttershy dropped a sugar cube in Rarity's cup. "You know how those clouds can get. It's why our weather team is bigger than other towns our size."

"I didn't see a single cloud on my way here." The unicorn stirred her tea while Fluttershy sipped hers, she always preferred no sugar. "It's just so... unnatural."

"Do you think it's magic?"

"I don't know, but who or whatever is responsible. They must not like the warmth very much."

Applejack shivered as Big Mac helped her into the harness. The cakes had just ordered a whole wagon of apples since Mrs. Cake had forgotten to get some the last time she went shopping. Now they were running low and needed a fresh supply.

"Mighty brisk out 'ere, huh Big Mac?"

"Eyup." He pulled on a harness tightening it.

"Good thing there ain't no frost. Wouldn't do us no good to lose all them apples."

"Nope." Big make gave the harness a once over. "All set."

"I best get trekkin'." She gave a small heave to get the wagon rolling as Big Mac gave his one-word affirmation. Her walk through the orchard was silent if a bit slow. It was a rather large orchard, especially since only four ponies ran it. It was even more impressive considering that all four rarely ever worked at the same time. Usually, just the two eldest siblings, while Applebloom went to school and Granny Smith kept the books for their business. Eventually, she made it into town, spotting a certain daredevil flitting about.

"Ay Rainbow!" The cowpony called. "What's with the cold out?" She never stopped pulling her cart, prompting the pegasus to fly by her side as she moved.

"Sorry AJ, the whole weather team's on the case. We don't know what's going on." Applejack raised a brow.

"No runaway snow clouds?"

"Nope."

"No rogue blizzards from the Everfree?"

"Uh-uh."

"No pegasi whipping up the wind?"

"You tell me." Rainbow Dash finally decided to land, a small poof of dust coming from her hooves. "It's so frustrating! There's, like, twenty ponies on the weather team and no one knows why it's cold!"

"Not a-one of them?"

"From Derpy to Thunderlane, this cool air's got all of them stumped."

"Ya think it might be something else? A spell or somethin',"

"Maybe, but why would anypony cast a spell that just makes everypony else just shiver every once in a while?"

"Ah dunno. Some ponies are just weird. Hay, were friends with Pinkie Pie for land's sake."

"Yeah, Pinkie Pie is weird." The two were approaching Sugarcube Corner. They could hear a strange clattering sound from inside. It was normal to hear the sound of metal on metal coming from the bakery, but this was clattering, not clanging. The two went around the back of the shop to drop off the apples and collect Applejack's pay. Rainbow Dash knocked on the door for the earth pony, which slowly opened slowly to reveal their pink friend dressed head to hoof in the thickest winter clothing they had ever seen.

"H-h-h-hey g-g-g-guys-s-s-s. P-p-p-prett-t-t-t-y c-c-c-cold-d-d-d out-t-t-t." Pinkie Pie could barely be heard through her scarf. The clattering now clearly coming from her teeth as she shivered.

"It ain't that cold out Pinkie Pie." Applejack said. "Ah got the apples the Cake's ordered." Pinkie Pie threw off her winter gear in a single swipe.

"Great! Mrs. Cake forgot to pick some up last time, so we had to order a whoooooole wagon just to make it up!" Pinkie bounced over and grabbed a basket, swinging it up onto her back. "Hey Rainbow, mind helping me move the baskets inside?"

"Sure, but I gotta get going soon. Need to help figure out why it's chilly." Rainbow grabbed a basket, flying just behind Pinkie.

"I was wondering about that. Mr. Cake wanted to make some bread by hoof, but it needs to be hot so the dough can rise while he kneads it. He was so excited too." Pinkie places the basket down, turning to go back outside with Rainbow right behind her.

"Applejack thinks maybe some unicorn decided to make it colder with a spell."

"Why?" Pinkie and Rainbow both grabbed another basket.

"Well, why else would it be like this?" Applejack answered, "'Parrantly none of the weather team knows what's goin' on."

"Not even the weather team?" Pinkie was taken aback.

"Not a single one," Rainbow said.

"Spooky..." Pinkie Pie whispered.

"You're tellin' me." Applejack said.

"Thank you for suggesting this day off Spike, a warm relaxing bath is just what I needed." Twilight slumped further down into her tub as Spike relaxed across from her. Since she was a princess, she was granted a very large tub. The rest of the bathroom was just as decadent, giving the feel of an entire spa right at home. Stressing over a potential centaur attack had fried her nerves and a day of self-pampering was just what she needed.

"I knew you were burning yourself out. It also helps that the girls were sick of showing up here every day." Spike chuckled.

"Yeah, I did get... kinda carried away." Twilight blushed.

"At least you didn't have another freakout, especially with that alicorn magic." Twilight got even redder, sinking into the water until it covered her cheeks. Spike only laughed harder. Constantly worrying about Asmund had caused a bit of a strain in her friendships, but taking a day just to themselves was sure to help. Since she had gotten in the bath, she had even decided to cut their meetings down to just two hours on weekdays.

It was at this point that Spike looked like he was going to retch. Before Twilight could say anything, Spike burped as a scroll manifested before him. It fell for a small bit before Twilight caught it in her magic. She unraveled it before reading it aloud.

Dearest Twilight,

It has been a while since I've written to you. Sadly, this is not an informal letter. A certain delicate situation has arisen, and as you are the Princess of Friendship, I trust you to handle it. You see, an ambassador from Griffinstone was meant to arrive a week ago today. The absence of the griffon ambassador isn't surprising, but the lack of explanation is.

We would have received a written letter explaining why they failed to make an appearance, but no such letter has surfaced. We believe this may be a political issue. As you are closest to the Griffon border and hold the title of Princess of Friendship, I believe you are in the best position to handle the situation.
Signed,

Princess Celestia, Diarch of the Sun

"Aw man, I have to go with you don't I?"

"Yes Spike, but don't worry. It's only about an hour flight to Griffonstone and we can teleport part of the way to shave of fifteen minutes." Twilight said, more to herself than Spike. She was hoping to have the whole day to herself, but something this important shouldn't be put off. She had stepped out of the bath before shaking herself dry, using a mane drying spell for good measure.

"Fine. Can't believe I have to give up a nice bath for dusty old Griffonstone." Spike grumbled. He followed her out onto the balcony. She had lowered a wing to let him climb onto her back. She felt Spike grab hold of her mane and slightly nudge her to signal he was ready. The princess took off into the sky with her eyes looking out toward the griffon settlement.

After a while, the two had begun to notice something odd. Was it... was it getting colder? It was the middle of spring, why was cold.

"Twilight... Is that snow?" Twilight looked up and sure enough, a few flakes of snow floated by.

"I have a very bad feeling about this Spike."

White Out

Celestia sighed. Yet another noble was trying to pull the wool over her eyes, the legislation they proposed meant to help them monopolized the icecream industry. Usually, the nobility did a pretty good job of making legislation, especially Blueblood surprisingly. Every once in a while though, they'd try to pull a fast one on the solar princess. Except for Blueblood, again, surprisingly. Maybe since he was Celestia's last living blood relative, he held himself to a higher standard. Still didn't make him any less of a brat, but brat was better than parasite anyway.

"As such," The noble continued, "I'm sure you'll find that this legislature will help stimulate the economy and increase the growth of the frozen desserts industry."

"Thank you, Upper Crust, I will take this into deep consideration." The noble bowed before leaving the throne room. After the stallion left, she immediately stamped the document 'Denied.' Just as the guards were about to let in the next pony, one of the stained glass windows shattered. A ball of purple flew crashed through the glass, prompting the guards to prepare themselves for battle. Once they saw what flew in, they weren't really sure what to do.

Before them lay the Element of Magic and Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. Her mane was a mess, her chest heaving from the long flight from Griffinstone, or what was left of it. Twilight could barely stand now, and she certainly couldn't speak. Not that she would be heard over the panicking dragon beside her.

"Centaur, Wendigo, no magic, Griffinstone!" Spike tried to explain in his most clear words, but after what the centaur had done to the mare he considered an older sister, he couldn't articulate well enough to make a coherent sentence. Luckily, he didn't have to. Celestia's pale face showed she knew all too well what was going on.

"Fetch Princess Luna!"

"Come on everypony!" Rainbow Dash shouted over the howling wind. "We have to keep this blizzard back!" She bucked a cloud, that only seemed to slow it down. The entire weather team, all the pegasi in Ponyville really, were trying to battle the ice storm which rolled in from the Everfree. It was a losing battle, nothing they could do was stopping the slow march of the storm.

"We're trying everything!" Derpy shouted.

"Try harder!" Every attempt to calm the weather only seemed to make it angry. It was like it was alive and had a thirst for blood. It was determined to freeze them and turn Ponyville into an ice sculpture garden.

"Rainbow Dash, we should evacuate!" Thunderlane said.

"We need to save the town!"

"We're only making it angry!"

"Storms don't have feelings!"

"Wendigo!" Derpy's voice cut through the shouting of pegasi and howling of the wind. Every pegasi looked up above the clouds, six sets of glowing eyes looked down over the town. Derpy was the first to take off, shouting to everypony she met to evacuate as quickly as they could. The creatures looked down over the settlement, not caring about the ponies below them that could only gawk. Creatures that most believed were only things of fiction were now right here in front of them.

"W-w-w-wuh..." Rainbow Dash only stuttered.

"Run!" Thunderlane managed to knock everyone out of their stupors. Pegasi flew back towards Ponyville. The wendigo let their distorted whinny ring throughout the town. They flew over the roofs with the blizzard rolling in behind them, as though they were normal ponies pulling a cart. Visibility down in the streets dropped to only about six feet in any direction, snow filling the roads. Everything would be covered in a blanket of snow. Everything would freeze. Everything would die.

"Sweet merciful mayhem," Luna said. Three of four alicorns looked out onto Equestria from a balcony. Dark clouds were spreading over the land. Asmund had enlisted the help of the wendigos and had frozen all of Griffinstone. He has even managed to seal Twilight's magic, meaning she had to fly all the way to Canterlot from the griffin border.

Not being able to use magic was new to Twilight. The other princesses had experienced it when Tirek attacked, but Twilight can't recall a time when she was unable to use magic. Now she felt exposed.

"I... never would've imagined..." Celestia could find the words. The guard had already sounded the alarm, the Canterlot populace was in the process of evacuating, every train to make a oneway trip to the Crystal Empire. Even Spike had been sent on the first train out.

"He has magic we don't fully understand, he has frozen one of our allies, potentially more, and is on the march to Canterlot," Twilight said. She was looking out into Equestria, but not truly seeing what was happening before her. The centaur had gotten the drop on her even when she was fully prepared for a trap. He countered every spell she threw at him and sealed her magic. The two may have worked together, but he wasn't anything like Tirek.

"Your highness," A royal guard called from behind the trio. "All the citizens have been evacuated and a state of emergency has been declared all over Equestria."

"Thank you Blazing Blade. Prepare all members of the guard for battle." Celestia said, still looking out over her kingdom.

"Twilight," Luna spoke, "My sister and I shall confront the centaur, you must go to Ponyville and gather the elements."

"Ponyville?" Twilight's eyes finally focused on the reality before her. She looked out at her home. Dark clouds swirled over it as the blizzard reached out like the roots of a tree. "My friends, my home!" She took to the air, not even remembering Luna's orders. The well-being of her friend the only thing on her mind.

"Pinkie Pie! Rarity! Anypony?!" An orange cowpony called out blindly into the storm. Her face stung as snow lashed at her face. It was so cold, the vapor from her breath near-instantly became snow.

"Over here!" A voice rang out. Applejack turned to see a glow of light blue, she knew what it was. She ran to the glow of Rarity's horn, seeing Fluttershy by her side.

"Have any of ya'll seen Pinkie?! She ran off into the blizzard!"

"We thought she was with you!" Rarity shouted.

"She must be at Sugarcube Corner!" Fluttershy said, only understood by the other two through lip reading.

"Guys!" Pinkie Pie's voice could barely be heard through the howling wind. "I don't see them!"

"I see them, over there!" The three turned towards the voices as Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash immerged from the darkness. The three had managed to convene at the center of town, in front of the town hall.

"Where's Twilight?!" Rainbow cried.

"We already checked the castle! Starlight said she left before the storm hit!"

"Where could she be?!" Suddenly, the wind stopped. The snowflakes fell gently to the ground and the only evidence that the storm raged on was the swirling clouds above. It was as though, in a small radius around them, the blizzard just disappeared. They could finally hear each other without needing to shout, but the next voice they heard didn't belong to any of them.

"It is so... good to finally put a face to a name, isn't it?" The voice seemed to be circling the mares, coming from just beyond view.

"What did you do to Twilight?!" Rainbow Dash's eyes darted around, trying to find where the voice came from.

"It is such an honor to finally meet the Elements of Harmony." The voice echoes through the air, it seemed to be coming from everywhere.

"Answer my question or else I'll knock your teeth out." Rainbow Dash flew out into the storm but didn't get too far. There was a flash of green and the sound of magic. The pegasus was thrown back onto the ground, glowing red chains wrapped around her wings, keeping them tight against her body. Rainbow Dash quickly got to her hooves, backing up to her friends. Each attempt to open her wings only made the chains glow brighter, accompanied by a red 'X' appearing over her cutiemark.

"Show your face coward!" Rarity charged her magic, only to be directly struck in her horn. Her magic dissipated. In its place was a sensation of pressure surrounding her horn, the spiral pattern shown red.

"M-my horn! I can't-" She tried again to cast something but only felt pressure, "I can't use my magic."

"A magical seal, the very same your princess succumbed to." The sound of magic, unlike that of a unicorn's, accompanied something immerging from the snow. No one could muster the words to respond to what was in front of them. The figure of an alicorn encased in ice, a look of hatred visible on her face.

"What did ya do?" Applejack's eyes welled up, only the warmth of her body keeping her tears from freezing.

"I threatened to end everything she loves or cares about, and her hate got the better of her." The voice moved from out beyond their view to right next to all of their ears. "Just as it will get the better of you." The air around the mares grew colder, their small bubble that kept the storm at bay disappearing. They weren't safe, not anymore.

"We're all friends!" Pinkie Pie said defiantly. "Just like every Hearths Warming, our friendship will keep the wendigos away and save our friend!" Pinkie's sentiment was meant with a resounding 'yeah!' from every mare in the group.

The sound of heavy hoof steps approached them as an orb of green formed in the darkness. "There is nothing left to save." The voice emerged from the storm, revealing the centaur that they had only heard about. "She is ice, as cold as her heart in her final moments."

"We've already heard that 'There is no hope!' speech from every other villain," Pinkie stated.

"Then perhaps this is the first time those words have carried actual weight. If you don't believe me..." The centaur raised a hand, lifting Twilight into the air in front of him. "I'll simply have to show you." The centaur reared up and everything went silent. The howling of the wind was still there, but the mares could only focus on the sound of shattering ice. If there was a chance of saving their friend, it was dashed when the centaur crushed her icy form.

"What... have you done?" Rarity's hoof covered her mouth. No one else said a word, the sudden loss of their friend freezing them in place. It had gotten colder, as though any love had been sucked out of air. None of the mares noticed though, perhaps due to the burning in their chests. This wasn't the warmth of friendship, it was white-hot. It was hate.

"I'll leave you to grieve," The centaur backed away, the ice and snow hiding him as his green orb of light went out. The saviors of Equestria couldn't think straight. Not anymore. They only felt hate. Hate for the one who took the life of their friend. Their hate burnt their very soul.

Their bodies were a different matter. Frost crept up from the ground covering their bodies. They had unknowingly played right into the centaur hands. They hated him, and that was exactly what he wanted. Hate froze your heart, and when the heart freezes, the body isn't far behind.

Asmund heard their insult, their death threats, but he wasn't listening. He knew their fate was sealed, they would be lost to the winter wasteland. The same as their ancestor, the griffins, the dragons. The ice would take them soon enough. He had prior arrangements. It was rude to keep royalty waiting.

Not long after, a lavender hoof ran down the block of ice as Twilight silently sobbed. She was too late. A layer of ice about two inches thick was all that separated her from her friend. She couldn't tell which one it was, lack of light and the thickness of the ice kept their identity hidden. She felt a burning in her soul. How could she have let something like this happen? Her teeth clenched as frost began to climb her hooves.

When I find that centaur, I'll make him pay...

And the ice took her.

Author's Note

It's amazing how far little lies can go.