The battle had taken a serious turn. With the Honor Guard of the United Nations now fighting for Scorpan, and Tirek, the tide had seemingly turned. Having rescued Queen Chrysalis and King Sombra, the other creatures rallied to Scorpan's and Starswirl's side, while the Alicorns led the ponies against King Vorak's gargoyle hordes. Unfortunately, Vorak himself had proven far more difficult to stand against due to the might of their race fueling him: granting him dragon wings and a tail, and enhancing his magical prowess. Minutes ago, he had openly admitted to having ordered the deaths of the Centaur race, not only to steal their magic, but to ensure his power was never challenged again. Sadly for him, the newly empowered Tirek was more than eager to challenge his father.
After several minutes of evading Vorak's magical attacks, Tirek decided to call on a power of his own: The Rainbow of Darkness. Opening the puch around his neck, Tirek willed the Rainbow of Darkness to form a powerful weapon in his hand. It did as commanded, and formed "The Dark Crucible". Now, Tirek was ready to face down his father. Blocking, and deflecting every magical blast thrown at him as he charged Vorak, Tirek engaged the elder centaur in a sword duel. "I see that you've learned nothing, my son!"
"Wrong!" Tirek said, swinging his sword down. "I've learned that you're a miserable, manipulative tyrant who hangs off the coattails of ponies in order to secure what little power he could acquire! But that wasn't enough for you, was it?! Murdering our people so that you could have their power wasn't enough: you had to do the same thing to these ponies!"
"Since when did you care for the fate of these weak-minded equines?"
Tirek snarled, and said, "Who says I care for them? I merely see them as they are: a source of power. Nothing more, and nothing less. You were afraid I would take that power for myself, weren't you?"
"You always were more ambitious than your brother, Tirek." Vorak said, blocking another swing of the Crucible, and firing his magic at Tirek. "There is only one ruler fit to lead this world into the future, and it certainly isn't a youngling whose ambition outweighs my own." Vorak suddenly parried Tirek's lunge, and then slashed him across the chest, before firing a magical beam from his hand and knocking Tirek on his back. "I knew you were tired of living in the ponies shadow, as I was. But I could not let you overshadow me with your potential. Were it not for your mother, I would have taken your magic the day you were born as I did the others. Now I see I was a fool to listen to her." Vorak planted a hoof on Tirek's sore chest, and pointed his sword down. Ready to plunge it into his own son's heart. "Now, I shall take from you your power, and become the indomitable force you so desperately wanted to be."
"You will never be a true king!" Tirek hissed as he tried to pry his father's leg off him.
"No?" Vorak chuckled. "Then prove me wrong......son. Rise up."
Just as Vorak was about to make the plunge, a magical screen suddenly appeared in the sky above, showing him talking to his enemies. "I was foolish to allow that old fool, Sendak, to live for this long. That's why, after I sentenced him to the mines.........I took what power he had for myself."
Seeing this, Vorak removed his leg from his son, and watched the memories Starswirl was broadcasting to all who could see. "What truth? That i've been working my own people to the bone in the mines? That I continuously manipulated the Princesses into believing I was a loyal vassal until I could stage this coup? Or that I had the other centaurs executed after I drained them of their magic to ensure my rule could never be challenged, and I could overthrow the Princesses?"
This message was put on repeat as the Gargoyles observed it. The fighting died down so that every creature could see Vorak for who he was. The King could hear the cries of outrage from his gargoyle subjects as they called him things like "Murderer", and "Deceiver". The Changelings, Griffons, yetis, minotaurs and dragons all stood down as their enemies did, too. All now knew the depths to which Vorak had sunk, and it made Vorak sick.
Yet there was one warrior who was not finished fighting.
Calling his sword back to his hand, Tirek gathered up what strength he could, and charged into his father while his back was turned. Grabbing him by the waist, and hurling them both from the highest tower of the Princesses castle. He repeatedly punched Vorak in the back of the head in a continuous fit of rage. But Vorak managed to change into his flying form to avoid crashing into the ground. Even still, he was unable to fly straight, and the two centaurs ended up crashing near the Everfree forest. When he tried to fly away again, Tirek fired his magic from his hand - blasting part of the castle, but also blowing off Vorak's wings. Now weak, and helpless, Vorak could only crawl away as his own son stomped towards him. Sword still drawn, and ready to deliver a killing blow. Vorak thought up a lie, and quickly said, "My son, we-we've both been impetuous! We can rule this kingdom together! Please don't do this!"
Tirek drew his arm back, and readied to make the plunge. But just before he could, something collided with him, and knocked him over. He was angered to see Scorpan was the one responsible. "What are you doing?!"
"It's over, Tirek." Scorpan calmly said. Everycreature in Equestria knows the truth now."
"So do I!" Tirek said as he got back up. He tried raising his sword again, but Scorpan held down his arm. "He took everything from us! And now he's going to pay for it! I have to do this!"
"No, you don't." Scorpan said, desperately trying to reach his brother. "Rebuilding our home, and our relationship with Equestria cannot begin with an execution."
"He deserves to die! Can't you see that?!"
"NO, brother." Scorpan said. "Don't be like Vorak."
This struck a nerve in Tirek. But one that only stoked the fires of anger, and hatred in his heart. He glared death at his younger brother, and said in a low, threatening voice, "Scorpan: you need to get out of my way, before I move you, myself."
"Tirek, lis-"Tirek suddenly punched Scorpan out of his way. And then kicked him with one leg for extra measure. He then turned back to Vorak, with his Dark Crucible in hand. And like before, he drew it back as he prepared to plunge the blade through his own father. He even charged up the blade's magical power to make this strike count. With a fierce roar, he made the plunge.
But it was Scorpan whom he ran through the moment the young Gargoyle jumped in the way.
Tirek was shocked by this act of sacrifice from his beloved brother. So much so, he barely caught him by the arm after he slid off the blade and fell backwards into the ravine. "No. No, nononono! Why? Why did you do that?! WHY?!" Tirek shouted to his dying brother. As weak as he was, Scorpan could still see the conflict within Tirek. He was desperately trying to understand why Scorpan gave his life for their treacherous father. But all he could feel at that moment was anger, hatred, and betrayal. Scorpan could see it in his brother's eyes, and quietly begged him, "T......no...." But Tirek wouldn't listen, as his mind threatened to snap. All the emotions he was feeling caused him to reel in anguish........before it turned to more bitter hate.
"I'm done saving you."
With that, Tirek released Scorpan, and let him fall to his apparent demise. His pony allies, who were among the other creatures, reached out as Scorpan fell but were too late to catch him and save him. Once his brother was gone, Tirek rose to his feet and turned back to the still crawling Vorak. Despite what he admitted, a few Gargoyles remained loyal and tried to defend him. Tirek rushed them, and cut them all down with a fierce roar. After they were slain, he dispelled the sword, went over to Vorak, and lifted him into the air.......before ripping him in half for the vengeful, cheering masses to see. The Princesses and Starswirl were horrified by such a brutal act of violence, as were the ponies. But all the other creatures praised Tirek for his barbaric act of vengeance. He then picked up the upper body of the dying Vorak, and said to all who could hear him, "The age of Kings, and petty rulers has ended! No more false prophets, and would be leaders! Follow me, and you will never again be deceived! RISE UUUUUUP!!!"
Meanwhile, down in the ravine, Scorpan lay unconscious. The life slowly leaving him as he wished only to stop his brother from making a terrible mistake. But he had no idea that that moment had passed. Now, he would seemingly perish, far from home, in a vain attempt to save the one who betrayed him and Tirek. If asked, he would say he would do it again. Even Vorak deserved a chance to atone for his crimes. But now that time would never come, and Scorpans sacrifice had been for nothing. Or so it seemed, as a bright light suddenly filled the vision of his mind. It was a massive tree of silver crystal that towered over even The Castle of the Two Sisters. From it, came a mysterious voice, and the form of a robed Elk who carried great wisdom as he spoke. "Prince Scorpan. Your noble sacrifice for the greater good has proven you worthy in the eyes of Faust. She entrusts in you, the future of Equestria, and The Rainbow of Light." Suddenly, a rainbow made of pure light fired from the tree, and drove itself into Scorpan's chest. Once that happened, Scorpan's body began to change. His wings grew, as did his tail. His body expanded to become more muscular, but not overly so. His claws, and teeth sharpened, and his mane grew.
Meanwhile, on the surface, Tirek still held his dying father in his hand as the creatures continuously chanted "rise up". "I will lead us all into the future!" He then proceeded to drain the magic, and lifeforce from Vorak. He didn't stop until every last drop of magic was drained from his body. The process left the former king a mummified shell of his former self as Tirek dropped him to the ground. Once that happened, Tirek's body began to change. His body grew bigger, with his muscles more defined. As he tore off his old armor, black fur covered his torso. His hair grew larger, and a beard formed on his chin. What's more is that his horns grew, and curved like a bull's horns, and his face stretched outwards while his teeth became curved and sharp like a predators. His eyes now fully glowed yellow, symbolizing his sheer malice. "I AM LORD....TIREEEEK!"
"Arise..........Courageous Heart."
In both the spiritual, and real world, Scorpan/Courageous Heart opened his eyes. As light enveloped his frame, his wings spread open, and flapped hard to get him airborne.
"Bring it down! All of it!" Tirek commanded, as he fired a beam of magic from his hand, and fired at the castle. Obliterating the entrance with ease. The other creatures who were not ponies cheered as they began attacking the castle, all while declaring, "All hail Lord Tirek!". They then proceeded to either blast the castle with their fire and magic, or just outright attack the ponies they had been fighting alongside. And as Tirek continued his assault, the Princesses and Starswirl attempted to stop him. "Tirek, what are you doing?!" Starswirl demanded, wrapping magic around tirek's arm, and trying to reel him in.
"Destroying all who were complicate in Vorak's crime!" Tirek stated, before yanking his arm and hurling Starswirl to the side. Celestia and Luna attempted to blast him, but their magic had little effect on him. He fired on them via his hands until he struck down Celestia, and grabbed Luna by the rear leg as she passed him by, and slammed her into the ground. He then raised his hand in preparation to obliterate the three ponies.
Suddenly, a golden wave of light was unleashed from a shining light above the ravine. It blew back all the fighting forces, and even knocked Tirek on his side. When the light faded, a lone figure landed before TIrek. It was a maned Gargoyle with deep, brown fur with light skin. And a defined body that was almost as tall as Tirek himself was. Tirek, and the ponies eyes widened as they recognized the angelic gargoyle for who he was. Despite the heart shaped jewel wrapped around his neck. "Impossible." Tirek whispered to himself, before he adopted a fierce scowl, and rose back to his hooves again. "Faust gave you the Rainbow of Light."
Scorpan gave him a mournful expression as he said, "We could have built the future together."
"I'll build it, myself. After i tear down everyone IN MY WAY!!!"
Courageous Heart adopted a fighting pose as Tirek charged him. The centaur raised a fist, ready to strike his brother down. But Courageous dodged to the side, letting Tirek smash the ground beneath him. Courageous delivered a solid uppercut to his chin. This caused Tirek to stagger backwards before Courageous swept his front legs out from under him, and made him fall to his knees. Courageous then delivered several punches to Tirek's face, until his magic, which was ignited between his horns, fired a beam of magic at the gargoyle. He continued firing even as he got back to his feet, and Courageous erected a light barrier to defend himself. After a few moments, Courageous dropped the barrier, ducked under the next beam attack, and tackled Tirek with all his might.
Courageous used his wings to carry Tirek up into the sky, and away from the castle. But he didn't get far, as Tirek slammed both of his fists into Courageous' back, forcing them both to fall from the sky into the forest. Once again, Tirek charged up his magic in his hand, ready to fire. But Courageous channeled the power of the Light to make a strong, blinding beam which threw the centaur off. It only lasted a moment, and Tirek fired on Courageous again, taking down several trees behind him as he dodged to the side. The two briefly exchanged punches before Tirek turned around, and bucked his brother in the chest. While he was on the ground, Tirek leaped onto Courageous and started punching him ruthlessly. But after the fourth punch, Courageous caught it, and fired a beam of light out of his hand. This sent Tirek flying through the air until he was several meters away from Courageous. But once he got back to his hooves, Tirek raised his arms, and slammed them into the ground.
Courageous was left to weave around, and dodge massive spires of rock that erupted from the ground. While this happened, Tirek fired a beam of magic from his horns. His attack cleared several more trees from the forest, and nearly hit the airborne gargoyle. Courageous fired a beam of Light magic into Tirek's chest, momentarily stunning him. He then grabbed a large tree branch, and began pummeling Tirek with it. After several swings, however, Tirek caught the branch, and ripped out of Courageous' grasp. He then swung the branch hard enough to shatter it, and brought Courageous down. He once again stomped on the young gargoyle's chest, and began pounding him into the dirt. From where everycreature stood, it seemed that Tirek was on the verge of winning this fight.
But then, the most extraordinary thing happened: the heart-shaped rubt on his chest began to shine with light, distracting Tirek long enough for Courageous to kick him off, then release a rainbow laced with light to slither around his arm into the palm of his hand before exploding with more light. Once again knocking back Tirek. When he rose back up, he saw a silver blue sword with the symbol of an alicorn at the hilt with a ruby heart in the middle. This was The Sword of Light. Tirek snarled at the sight of the sword, and decided to fight fire with fire. Opening his pouch with the Rainbow of Darkness in it, and summoning The Dark Crucible once more. Both took on a fighting stance before charging one another. As their blades clashed, a field of light and dark magic erupted around them, scorching the very earth around them. At first, the two were evenly matched in terms of strength and skill. But soon enough, Courageous used his lighter bodies speed to his advantage. The next time Tirek swung his sword, the gargoyle ducked and delivered an upward slash which cut clean through Tirek's torso, causing him to yell in anguish. The same thing happened when Courageous quickly slashed downward with the Sword, before using its power to send an energy wave that sent Tirek flying.
Wishing to save their leader, King Sombra and Queen Chrysalis led several of their warriors to overwhelm the gargoyle. But Courageous kept his focus, and began cutting down changelings and umbrum left and right. Sombra tried to impale him on crystal spikes, but he just cut through them like butter. And every blast from her horn Chrysalis sent his way, Courageous easily blocked. Soon enough, he sent another wave of magic at the attackers, and sent them careening away. Tirek saw this, and his anger swelled. With a mighty roar, and while firing his magic, Tirek charged his brother with every intention of skewering Courageous Heart. Sadly, Courageous was done with all of this, and wanted to end it. Channeling all of his power into The Sword of Light, he swung his sword forward.....and shattered the Dark Crucible. Reducing it to a puff of black smoke that returned to Tirek's pouch. With a mighty yell, Courageous channeled the rest of his power into the sword, and fired a single beam of rainbow light which enveloped Tirek. The result was an explosion which cleared away a good portion of the forest, and sent all of the fighting forces down to the ground. When they looked to see what had happened, they were shocked.
In a smoking crater, Tirek lay there, utterly defeated, while a panting Courageous Heart watched him begin to stir with sad eyes. The battle was finally over. And Courageous felt his heart ache over what he had to do next. "We were given the power to save Equestria. But instead, you chose to destroy it.......just like Vorak. You have betrayed the Kingdom of Equestria, and all its citizens. And you betrayed.....me." Tirek finally rose to his feet, holding his chest in pain as he glared at his former brother. But Courageous wasn't finished just yet. "Go. Take your followers, and leave. You are banished from Equestria." He gave TIrek another sad look. "It didn't have to be this way."
All Tirek could do was sneer in hatred at his now mortal enemy, and say, "This isn't over.....Champion of Light." After Courageous moved to the side, Tirek briefly limped past him before shouting, "To me, my loyal warriors!" He then went into a full sprint out of the forest, towards the Netherlands. The Changelings, Umbrum, Dragons, Minotaurs, Gargoyles and Griffons either flew or ran after their leader. He had shown them a better way to live, and they were not about to abandon him now. Courageous watched sadly as his brother left. Memories of the past swirling in his mind as he remembered happier times. When the two of them were as close as brother should be. Now, they were bitter enemies. And Courageous Heart had a feeling that war was soon to come. Still, as he looked around, noticing the Princesses and Starswirl by his side, he felt somewhat at ease.
Whatever the future holds, at least he wouldn't face it alone.
Author's Note
This is based on a comic being made by my good friend, @PaintStroke203 in honor of my recently deceased Grandmother. This is also in tribute to Transformers: One, for those who are curious. More specifically, the climax of the movie which involves the Rise of Megatron, and the birth of Optimus Prime. I took to giving Scorpan a new name to symbolize his change as a Champion of Light. The name Courageous Heart has been used by my other friend, @The-Hellscarred for his OC Alicorn character. But I don't claim ownership to the name: I just thought it would be cool to use. Same with the Sword of Light, which I believe @PaintStroke203 created. Either way, I hope you all enjoy this short story, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
