On the outskirts of Ponyville in Equestria, Lord Tirek, a powerful Centaur with the ability to drain the magic out of creatures, mostly ponies, is released from his stone imprisonment, along with his fellow cohorts Chrysalis, the former shapeshifting Changeling Queen, and Cozy Glow, a psychotic and manipulative filly. He parted ways with Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, at least for the time being. He was now hiding in the Everfree Forest and camping there. He had already received some magic from some unfortunate ponies, therefore he was back in his second, stronger form rather than his weak form.

At Tirek's camp, he heard a ruffling noise while frying fish he had caught earlier. He turned around, his eyes glowing yellow, and a magical orange ball appeared between his two horns on his head. Who goes there?! Tirek shouted. Show yourself!