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The Author Jumps Worlds (MLP)	By : Haunter_Rayne Category: +M through R > My Little Pony Views: 14327 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own MLP or any named characters/creatures/settings. All story is for parody entertainment purposes only, not for profit

Chapter List
- 26
- 27
- 28
**Author's Note** Violence and death warning in this chapter. The scene will not go into too much graphic detail but there will be a murder in this chapter before the ending is over. Reader discretion is advised. If you care to avoid that section then at the end when the ravens are mentioned, simply skip the author's ending note and the recap will summarize what happens.
** ** 10/28/18 New events in season 8 of the show involving Tartarus will not effect this story. If this story lasts to write that far then I will simply write around any developments. ** **
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Author Jumps Worlds (MLP)
By Haunter Rayne
Chapter 27 - Sorrows and Torment

For those riding on the Ponyville Express the usual joyful feeling was now replaced with a somber mood. Several ponies sat around a sobbing mare as other passengers looked on with concern. Piled into a seat corner, a purple alicorn wept as her friends crowded around. The cabin was mostly silent as none of them knew how to console her while they themselves were all sharing a degree of her heartache themselves. “S-sp-spike!” Twilight cried out between her sorrowful wails. Instantly all of her friends looked up hearing the princess say her first word since they boarded the train. They all had been in a state of shock when they approached the station. But as soon as they boarded Twilight had broken down and they had not been able to get a word from her. “I- I left him! I left him! How could I leave him?!”

The others gave a nervous glance to one another but they tried again to help now that she was seeming responsive. Pinkie Pie bent down to look at her crestfallen face. “It's going to be okay Twilight. We'll get Spike back.” Her words were soft, trying not to push too hard because she knew her friend was truly distraught.

“Um, Twilight. I can't say I know how you feel right now… but we're all here for you. Every one of us cares about Spike and if he isn't back by the time we sort out the Crystal Empire, then I know we will all work together to get him back.” Fluttershy said trying to be supportive.

“Yes, but how and when?!” Twilight cried out, still being no less upset as she was a moment ago. “I was there when Spike was born. I raised him. I helped take care of him. He's been with me every day for so long. I never imagined I would ever possibly see the day that I would lose him!”

Now Rainbow Dash leaned over placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Nothing is going to happen to Spike! You aren't going to lose him!” She said confidently.

Twilight looked up though and her eyes were red from crying. “But Dash… they're going to eat him!” As soon as she said it she gasped as if she had scared herself. Her eyes went wide and her hoofs covered her mouth. “They're going to eat my friend!” She whispered sounding terrified, imaging the little silhouette of Spike disappearing into the mouth of Torch’s shadow.

Suddenly Rainbow Dash grabbed Twilights shoulders and yelled, “That! Won't! Happen!” She gave Twilight a stern stare and the princess nodded showing that she had stopped imagining the worse. “Listen Twilight, Rarity and Starlight are right on their heels. Neither of them will let those dragons hurt a single scale on Spike's head. Rarity is all crazy for Spike now and even if she wasn't she still wouldn't have allowed it before. And Starlight knows how to respond under pressure. If it comes to a fight there are few ponies I would trust more than Starlight to be able to handle themselves! With the both of them there, Spike is as good as saved! If it takes us a while to see him, just believe that it's them traveling all the way back here from the Dragon Lands. Okay?”

Twilight huffed with her bottom lip still quivering. But then she nodded and said, “Okay Rainbow. I'll try to keep that in mind. I just... I feel so guilty. I feel like there was so much more that I could have done to save him. I feel like it's my fault he's gone!”

“Now Twilight!” Fluttershy suddenly spoke up in her actual assertive voice. “Do you really think that right now Spike would blame you for anything that happened?!”

Fluttershy sternly stared Twilight down and finally she faltered saying, “...No.”

“That's right!” Fluttershy continued. “And do you think that if Spike could see you right now that it would make him feel any better seeing you so sad like this?!”

“No, it wouldn't.” Twilight answered, sounding like she was getting a little more control over herself now.

“It definitely would not!” Fluttershy said pointedly. “We are all worried about Spike but right now you have a responsibility as a princess! I'm not saying that Spike isn't important. But what I am saying is this; let's get this first task done and out of the way. Once it is, then we can all go to the Dragon Lands together and see if our friends still need our help!” Fluttershy stomped a hoof looking very serious. Twilight actually managed to smile and wipe some of the tears from her face.

“You're right Fluttershy. Thank you everypony. We do have an important job to do and we are already several ponies down from all of us being there for it. Spike is very dear to me but he isn't alone. Starlight and Rarity will be catching up to him soon. They will keep him safe.” She then blew into a tissue and gave a weak smile to her friends. “Thank you all for being here for me. I don't know if I could have handled this situation on my own.” Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy all cheered as they leaned forward to hug Twilight. Once they pulled back the princess looked longingly out at the window again. “I just have to trust that Spike can hold out until then. I want you girls to know that I have reason to believe the heart of that giant dragon he once turned into is still inside of our little friend. I just hope that it is enough to see him through.” The other girls looked to each other curiously, not yet being aware of the previous events which had transpired. But when Twilight remained quiet they simply sat close by and all awaited for the train to pull into the Crystal Empire Station.

- At the Gates of Tartarus-

“So Rayne, do you have any ideas? Because it's about as clear as mud to me what we're supposed to be doing here.” Applejack said a bit apprehensively. As they stood over the entrance to Tartarus, the two ponies looked down over a tremendous gorge.

Rayne knew the underground prison was bigger than the show had let on but he was staggered by just how colossal the cavern actually was. There were individualized platforms just as the show had portrayed, however, the sheer number of them were staggering. As the two of them walked further and further into the pit it seemed as if these platforms would go on forever. Rayne saw the most peculiar creatures down here, several of which had never been seen on the show and the likes of which he could not identify. Meanwhile other platforms had creatures ranging from manticores to bugbears to undead looking creatures and even a few ponies. Rayne even saw the backside of a large black dragon in the distance. As his eyes scanned the different prisoners however, he eventually saw the one inhabitant that he was looking forward to finding the most. “I'm not sure about the map’s intent Applejack, but I think I have an idea.”

As he stepped up to one platform in particular, a dry and raspy voice growled out. “Ponies? What are ponies doing down here in… Is that, Applejack?” The chain around the creatures hoof clinked as his gold eyes squinted in disbelief.

“Oh no! Just wait one darn tootin minute! We are NOT here for him!” Applejack snorted. She stomped a hoof and gave a stern glare to Rayne. “You best be careful now. This here is one of the worst villains that Equestria has ever seen. In my opinion rotting away in Tartarus is too good for him after what he's done!”

“I am well aware of who is is Applejack and I'm certain that this is who we were meant to find.” Rayne said as he stared up at the centaur imprisoned above him.

Applejack stepped up to his side and whispered, “But, how can you be so sure?”

Now finally looking away from the beast staring down at them Rayne said, “Because I think that I am the reason why your map table has been acting so strange. I have a deal for him, which you could say, is like a friendship problem. But without me here the deal doesn't exist so the map can only show the friendship problem if I am going to visit.”

Now Applejack was giving him a very suspicious look. “And you couldn't have mentioned this on the way over here? What is it you want from him anyways?” She asked skeptically.

Rayne just sighed and said, “I'm not hiding anything from you Applejack. I want you here with me as I speak to him. I'd rather not have to repeat myself twice. He is going to reject my offer at first anyways, I already know. But I'm hoping that he will see it is for the best.” Applejack was certainly seeming annoyed and wasn't satisfied with that answer at all. But then Rayne gave her a tender look and said, “I really need your help here Applejack. I need you to trust me. I'm not ashamed to admit that this guy is a little scary, even if he is chained up and weakened. I'm not sure I'd be able to face him in this place if I were on my own.” He gave her a gentle pleading look.

Applejack just sighed and took off her hat. “I do trust you Rayne. You've already shown me that you have a good character. Even though this don't feel right, I really don't want to believe that you are a villain yourself so I'm willing to sit back and hear what you've got to say to him. And don't worry, I'll be right here by your side.” They smiled to one another then she put her hat back on with a confident stare. “Alright well, it's your show from here. Let's get it done and get outta this place. Twilight needs us over in the Crystal Empire.”

Rayne nodded and the two of them walked up a spiral stair to get to the platform above. “Hello. It's nice to meet you… Tirek.” Rayne said but his courteous manner was far from polite. In fact Applejack was shocked seeing just how drastically the sound of Rayne's attitude had just changed.

“That's Lord Tirek to you, pony!” The centaur growled bitterly as he lifted himself to his hooves.

Rayne was quick to respond, lifting his chin and looking away from Tirek disrespectfully. “Oh? And tell me, just what are you lord of? Are you king of your underground lilypad?” He jested. It brought a sneer to Rayne's face as Tirek lashed out at him angrily but was just out of reach.

“Uh, Rayne? Maybe you shouldn't tease him like that.” Applejack said uncomfortably. She was astounded, not being able to believe her eyes that this confident and leering stallion was the same bashful pony that she knew.

Upon hearing the commotion Cerberus stepped over but for now seemed content in just watching what was happening. Tirek turned towards the stallion and grit his teeth. “You dare to mock me?”

“I do. Because there is nothing that you can do about it. Well for now anyways.” All eyes were on Rayne and Tirek stared at him very curiously.

“Who are you? Why have you come here to bother me?!” He scowled, turning away and crossing his arms.

“I'm here for you Tirek. I'm here about your… incarceration.” Rayne was being smug and rubbing it in Tirek’s face that he held all the cards in this situation. “You must just HATE it in here. So… miserable.”

“Yes, yes, what of it?!” The centaur snapped. “It's not like they will ever let me go from this prison.”

Rayne now had a sinisterly joyful tone as he tried to sound like he emphasized with Tirek. “Well I can only imagine how badly you would want to get out of here. But this really isn't a prison you know. You aren't working off a sentence. This is an oubliette! You are here so that ponies can forget about you.” Applejack was shocked seeing Rayne suddenly walk closer, well within the villain's reach. “And think about it… how long were you in here before? A thousand years? You can't actually die in here, can you? You just sit… and wait… for nothing. Forever.”

The two stared at each other eye to eye now. Rayne was grinning but Tirek was grimacing. “What… is… it… that you WANT, pony?!” He growled out angrily, wanting to but not daring to attack the stallion with Cerberus watching.

“Oh come now, surely you know. What did Discord do when he opposed Equestria and lost? I want you to change! To reform! I want to offer you a second chance to have a real life! It might not be the ambitious life you wanted but it has to be better than this!” Rayne said coercingly.

Applejack seemed a little upset but didn't interrupt while Tirek just crossed his arms and gave a grumpy sigh. “Let me guess, you want me to embrace ‘F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P’ with you?” He grumbled mockingly.

Rayne looked to him surprised for moment and then leaned back as he started to laugh. “Wha- Oh, ahahaha no! I don't want to be friends with you! And neither does anypony else. There isn't a soul in Equestria that would trust you! But outside Equestria…?” Rayne hissed as he stretched out a hoof dramatically. “Don't you have a family out there somewhere? A people of your own? You could return as the prodigal son. Enjoy a celebrated return. Maybe you might rule there, you never know. I'm sure you had your issues when you left but it can't be worse than another thousand years or longer in here.”

Tirek started to scratch his chin as he pondered. “You do make a good point. I have few fond memories of home but it's not as miserable as being locked away in this wretched hole! But, how could this happen? What would stop me from just stealing the magic from ponies again?” He asked, starting to come around but still having his doubts.

Rayne was overjoyed to see him starting to sway. “Oh why that's easy! It's because you won't be able to of course.” Now Tirek and Applejack looked to him confused. But Rayne continued saying, “Well I said that this would be a deal, didn't I? I'm here for a trade. Your freedom in exchange for you no longer having the ability to be a threat to anypony. You would have to give up your magic. Permanently.”

“WHAT?!” Tirek yelled and Rayne quickly kept away as the centaur lunged at him. “WHY YOU VILE, MANIPULATIVE,...” Tirek continued a stream of rants and insults until Cerberus leapt forward to intimidate the prisoner back into a compliant attitude. Meanwhile Applejack walked back with Rayne down from the raised platform.

“What in the hay are you thinkin’?! Really? That's your plan?! Set Tirek free if he gives up his magic?!” The earth pony was clearly furious with him. “What makes you think that he would agree to such a cockamamie idea? Also why would you want to do this?! How did it even get into your head?!” She argued, each line sounding as if she were trying to lash at him with her words.

But Rayne wasn't phased having completely expected this. “Because, I want to help build friendships.” Applejack looked like she was about to explode again but this time Rayne stopped her. “There are a whole race of centaur out there. And have any of them ever hurt Equestria except for this one? No. Would they probably be glad to have their prodigal son back? I think so. Could this show of good faith to the centaurs possibly unite them in friendship with ponies? Maybe. Perhaps one day we'll even have little centaurs in Twilight's Friendship School. And we don't even have to be friendly with Tirek himself to do it.” He said pointedly.

Rayne almost laughed at how quiet Applejack suddenly got, having never thought of these things herself. But then she shook her head saying, “But what about his magic?! Don't think that I didn't catch what you mentioned there partner!”

Now Rayne's expression softened. “Heh, well. There's no way that Tirek could be trusted if he is allowed to keep it. But Applejack come here. Feel my pulse. Look me in the eye. Listen to my voice.” He said as he took a breath to steady himself. “I do not want to conquer Equestria.” He said steadily and allowing his words a pause to follow through after his statement.

Applejack scrutinized him a bit but then pulled back. “You don't have to get all serious on me like that sugar cube. I already said, I trust you.” She said with a smile. “Just don't go breaking my trust now or I'll have to buck ya!” She said with wink and they both laughed.

“I AGREE!!!!!” Suddenly a loud raspy voice broke their attention from each other and both of the ponies ran back up to the platform. There Cerberus was growling over Tirek who was trying to wave the dog off. “I'm calm! I've calmed! Get away from me you mutt!” Eventually the guardian backed off and went to sit at the edge of the platform. As soon as Tirek saw the two ponies return he pointed right at Rayne. “You stop your teasing and your meddling! I will give you my magic if you promise to get me out of here! I don't want to live another second around that beast!” He growled as he looked back at Cerberus. But then a moment later he looked to the two ponies and spoke in a soft tone for the first time. “Please, I'm ready to go home.”

Applejack looked astonished that Tirek agreed but Rayne stepped up knowing he wasn't left with any other choice. “That's a smart move on your part Tirek.”

The centaur returned to his hooves and grimaced. “You're a fool if you think things will turn out any different for you.” He said, as if speaking from one villain to another.

“We shall see. Now let's get started.” Rayne declared, standing ready.

Tirek sighed and looked Rayne in the eye. “Focus your magic on me. Levitating your target makes it easier. Then open your mouth and breath in. I will do the rest and the knowledge for the skill will come with it.” Suddenly a dark light shone around Rayne's horn and around Tirek who started floating. Then a fiery orange light seemed to pour out of the centaur and disappear into the unicorn. When it was over they both collapsed feeling a bit dizzy.

“Did it work?” Applejack asked apprehensively.

Rayne chuckled as he closed his eyes concentrating. “Oh it worked. I can feel it.”

Tirek however remained on the ground feeling drained. “Heh heh, why don't you test it to make sure?” He said pointing at Applejack who suddenly looked at Rayne panicked.

But the stallion just smirked at Tirek. “That won't be necessary. I didn't take this power to become you, I took it to keep it from you. You will never again be a threat Tirek.” Applejack looked to Rayne now, feeling as if something inside her grew even closer to him. Rayne looked over and gave her a smile, seeing in her eyes that she now trusted him implicitly.

“You have what you wanted. Now, release me.” Poor Tirek sounded like a withered version of himself and he knew it would take him much time to recover. He looked up to Rayne with hope but was not expecting to see such a cold expression on the face of the stallion.

“I am not your jailer Tirek.” Rayne said simply. On the inside he laughed seeing the centaur’s face fall with despair. He was tempted to leave Tirek like this but Applejack was watching and that would not go along with his plans. “But still, a deal is a deal. Cerberus, you can tell if he still has any magic left or not can't you?” He asked to the guardian beast. The dog looked at him and then stepped back over to Tirek. It sniffed him up and down, even gave a lick to his fur. Then the giant dog gave a bark. “He is magicless then?” Rayne asked to confirm and Cerberus nodded. “Then for the good of Equestria I ask that you let Tirek go. You heard the deal I made and you saw what he did.” He looked to Applejack and gave a head nod in their direction.

She sighed and looked to the overgrown canine. “I can't believe I'm saying this but, I think that letting Tirek go is the right thing to do.” She bit her lip feeling disgusted with herself for saying it.

But sure enough, a moment later Cerberus barked and the chain around Tirek’s hoof released him. All of a sudden there was a flashing of light and Applejack’s cutie mark was starting to glow. “Well would you look at that. That IS what we were here for after all.”

Looking back to Rayne the centaur frowned while saying, “Given the circumstances I am not quite sure if I should thank you or not.” Rayne just shrugged, not caring for his thanks one way or another. Tirek had been right when he said that Rayne had gotten what he wanted. “Regardless, I will not remain here a moment longer!” After that he shuffled down from the platform and made a hurried attempt to limp himself from the depths of Tartarus.

“He probably has the right idea.” Rayne said, looking at Cerberus staring at them now.

“No argument here!” Applejack said as the two ponies quickly ran to safety of sunlight, passing Tirek up along the way. About an hour or two later the ponies were both free from the underdepths and had haggled passage onto a passing train. They sat together in a booth both staring out at the beauty of Equestria and renewing their appreciation for the world they live in. “Whoooeee, it sure is good to be out of there. But Rayne, did we do the right thing? I mean, letting Tirek go like that? We didn't even ask anypony else. What if the others get mad at us for what we done?”

Rayne just sat and smiled like the cat that ate the canary. “Oh don't worry. For better or worse I am sure you will likely never have to worry about Tirek again.” He said, lifting a tea cup to his lips and taking a sip. “How is your tea Applejack?”

She smiled and took a sip of her own cup. “It's good, thank you. Some nice sweet tea was just what I needed to help calm the nerves. But seriously though, even without his magic he could still return with a centaur army. What if other centaurs have magic?” She said taking a sip again.

“Don't worry, that isn't going to happen.” Rayne said. However he was watching Applejack now, not the window.

“That isn't going to happen?” She said but in a softer tone.

Rayne continued, “Tirek won't be a threat anymore. He gave up that part of himself. Remember?”

Then Applejack responded with, “He gave up that part of himself, yes I remember.” She sounded so calm and sure in her tone now.

Rayne's eyes narrowed and he grinned as he levitated the now empty blue glass vial from behind his ear to the floor. He crushed the vial with his hoof quietly and kicked the debris behind the seat. “Tirek gave up his magic and it's gone now. Cerberus confirmed it.”

“Tirek gave up his magic and it's gone now. Cerberus confirmed it.” Applejack repeated.

“I, Rayne, convinced Tirek of the error of his ways and reminded him that his own family was more important. I convinced Tirek that it was better for his magic not to exist. It was very impressive.”

“It sure was. You silver tongued that goat and he didn't know what hit him. You convinced him to return to his own kin and do away with that magic stealing for good so it can't be done again. I ain't never seen fast talking like it before.”

“That's right Applejack. Now the only thing left to focus on is getting to our friends at the Crystal Empire. Until we get to them there isn't a care in the world right now. Just stare out the window and don't you worry about a thing until we get there.”

“Yeah, we do worry too much. There is more bad a comin’ but for right now let's just be happy to be alive.” After that Applejack just continued to stare out the window. She didn't even notice when Rayne stepped up out of his seat and made his way to the end car of the train. Furthermore, not a single soul was there to notice the dark stallion jumping off the end of the train and disappearing into the nearby treeline.

- Not Much Time Later -

A lone figure struggled over the dry and arid land of southern Equestria. The creature trudged through exhaustion, leaving a trail of its withered movement in its wake. “Huuh, huuuh, soon!” Tirek wheezed, looking upwards over the horizon. “I can see… the red mountains… ahead. Then… through the forest to the dark rock… of my homeland.” He groaned to himself, struggling to make the journey.

“CAW!” Suddenly a black raven flew right passed his head startling the centaur greatly.

“Get out of here! Stupid bird.” He spat and continued to push himself through the tiring journey. He had no food or water but motivated himself by remembering how he had once been a prince and ate like royalty. “I only… only have to… make it. Then all… will be well.”

“Caw! CAWWW!” Looking around above him he saw a dried up tree branch with several ravens sitting upon it now.

“Leave me be! You ominous things you, begone!” He shouted, waved at them but they did not stir. Attempting to ignore them he continued his journey. “Silly things. Ravens don't even belong in this part of Equestria. What are they doing here?” But just then they all seemed to take flight as if something had startled them. Tirek looked up and squinted, trying to find the cause. That was until something large and black came into view from the corner of his eye.

“GGYYYIIIAAAAHHHH!!!!” Tirek screamed as pain in his ribs flooded his senses. The next thing he knew he was rolling across the ground with the wind knocked out of him. As soon as he stopped more pain could be felt on his flank as his back legs seemed to go limp. “EEEYYAAAAHH!!! STOP! STOOOPP!!!” He shouted to his attacker. He felt himself being dropped to the ground. Looking down at himself he saw a deep bleeding wound on his side and on his flank.

Standing above him he saw a large black feline creature the likes of which he had never seen. It roared down to him in a deep menacing voice with his own blood dripping from its fangs. “You are Lord Tirek! You will give me your magic! Give it to me or you will die!” It yelled and then bit into his upper shoulder.

“I CAN'T, I DONT HAVE MAGIC ANYMORE I SWEAR! PONIES TOOK IT FROM ME!” He shrieked.

The beast snorted and then growled at him. “Where did you get the ability? Tell me!!!”

“From a wizard in my homeland! In the Arimaspi Territory! There, beyond the red mountains and forest where the stone color turns gray! Now please! Stoooop!” Tirek whimpered on the ground, not thinking clearly from pain and fear as he told the creature whatever it wanted to know.

Just then the most unexpected thing happened. The deep voice of the beast lightened to more of a gentle tone. The claws receded to hooves. The fangs shrank into a snout. Eventually there before Tirek now stood a dark stallion but he was still coated in the centaur’s blood. “Thank you Tirek.” Rayne said. “I had to make sure you didn't keep something for yourself. I had to make sure you weren't holding out on me. And now I know.”

“Yo-y,y,y,y, you?!” Tirek stammered in disbelief which quickly changed into rage. “YOU?!” But now he was too weak and injured to get angry, coughing up more blood from inside. “Why?! I gave you what you wanted!”

“Not everything I wanted yet.” Rayne grinned.

“What more could I give you?!” Tirek said desperately as he waved at his helpless self. “What would Applejack or your pony friends say if they saw you do this?!” He pleaded.

But Rayne only grinned wider. “Applejack doesn't know about this. Nopony does. And no pony is ever going to see you again Tirek. You're never going to make it home, you're never going to make it anywhere actually. You see, the truth is, I'm not really a pony. But in disguising as one there is a simple pleasure that I can't enjoy.” The centaurs gold eyes spread wide as he watched Rayne shift back into his werepanther form. Now his voice was deep and menacing again as he said, “Ponies… don't eat meat!”

“No-NOOOO!!!” Tirek screamed as he turned over trying to crawl away. But then a large paw planted him down in place with sharp claws stabbing into him. Looking over his shoulder he watched as the large fangs sank down again.

Then in the middle of a wilderness there was a string of cries with no one around to hear them…. Until there weren't anymore. Nearby the sound of several black wings fluttered around leaving feathers but the birds were no longer around to be seen. Down below a mighty beast fed uninterrupted, as happens in nature to wounded prey traveling alone through the wild. Little remained once the feeding frenzy had ended. Abandoning the scene of grotesque slaughter, the hunter then stepped back the way he had come. After a quick cleaning spell learned from a princess's assistant, Rayne licked his lips saying to himself, “Now, time to catch back up to a train….”

**Author's Ending Note** So first of all I want to give a little credit to Fluttershy here. Twilight is of course deeply sorrowful. Spike might not be blood related but Twilight still considers him to be family. She feels responsible and guilty which is to be expected. We all know that Fluttershy can be serious when the situation calls for it but she usually backs down afterwards. Here though she stands up for a friend and doesn't back down from her stance because she knows that giving tough love can be the right thing to do. Way to go Fluttershy!
Okay now onto the big event of this chapter. Rayne's master plan is now starting to come into view. Or at least part of it is. He traveled to Tartarus to convince Tirek to give him his magical stealing power. If you remember back to the first chapter, my wife was telling me that in the MLP world I would have his ability. My response was, “Or I'd know how to get it.” Well now Rayne has it. But he isn't done yet. There is more to his schemes that are not revealed yet. Remember, the cutie map was responding to Rayne over half a dozen areas of Equestria. And yes, this was a legitimate friendship issue. Rayne wasn't lying to Applejack. He really was trying to convince Tirek to change his ways and return home. He just didn't say that he had more to his goal and had no intention of letting Tirek make it home.
For those who read this chapter but skipped the death scene, here is the recap… Rayne poisoned Applejack with the memory potion he got from Zecora. Rayne made her forget that he took Tirek's power and distracted her so that he could leave the train. Then he shifted into his panther form and chased Tirek down in the wilderness where no one else was around. He murdered and then ate Tirek so that he could never return. Now there is no one alive who knows that Rayne has Tirek's power.
Also who caught on that the ravens were a death omen? They were called forth as a sign that murder was about to happen, then once the deed was done the ravens disappeared. Were they real? Or just a symbolic manifestation of ill intent? You'll have to keep reading to find out. Thank you for reading!
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