The Beauty And The Beast - All Magic Comes With A Price

by NightmareDerpy

Rating: teen
Tags: Crossover, Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance, Adventure, Tragedy
Length: 42279

A weak, shy, and helpless pegasus, a daughter of the king Star Swirl, makes a deal with the dark one to save her kingdom.

READ: If you plan on reading this now I don't recommend it as I'm taking a big break to work on next gen and other fan fictions that are taking all my attention at the moment. So I suggest just keeping it in your read later and I will notify through my blog when I'm continuing it. Thank you for reading. Also I might be making a couple changes and fixing errors.

This is a story based off the show series 'Once Upon A Time'. A crossover between that, the original beauty and the beast, and slight phantom of the opera.

A weak, shy, and helpless pegasus, a daughter of a king named Star Swirl, makes a deal with the dark one to save her kingdom. A creature who's heart is black as night, a mix matched creature, mischievous and cruel and finds amusement towards the suffering of others. Can this beauty tame the beast? Can she break the spell of dark magic that surrounds his heart and soul? Join me into the story of the beauty who's life changed from a deal, and how magic…always comes with a price…as well as love.

PS: To let readers know, I am quite new to writing, but I will try my best and I hope you like this story.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-12-14 21:21:42 UTC

Chapter 1 Prologue

Prologue

  The castle shook, it's walls rumbling and glass shattering. Screams could be heard along it's halls. Wounded ponies limped to safety, clutching their wounds and groaning in pain as doctors rushed to take hold of them and care for their injuries. Other soldiers headed towards the entrance of the large castle, it's giant doors cracking and rattling as a powerful force pounded against the strong wood. Mares held their children in the corners as they cried and whimpered in fear that death was coming for them.

  "We need more unicorns! We can't hold them back without more magic!" An older stallion of white, his long beard and golden crown, along with his silken cloak called. His mane stuck to his forehead out of sweat as he helped keep the creatures from breaking in and killing everyone.

  "We have no more! They're all dead or injured! These ogres are too powerful! We can't hold back any longer!" A black bat guard of the night replied to the worried king. Blood tricked down his temple, and blood caked the suit and armor he wore, along with dirt and mud.

  The king growled deep within his throat as he began pacing, his hooves grasping his hair as if he were about to pull it out. The kingdom of ponies and the ogres had been at war for many, many years. The blood-thirsty, greedy, and incredibly large vermin would not stop until they killed every last one of them and used their bones for decoration.

  The city had fallen fast, and despite the ogres rather predictable plans, they were still smart, and took them completely by surprise. Ogres were cruel, they were half blind, but their hearing and smelling was better than any other living creature alive. They would find you, tear down anything in their path to get to you. And once they found you, you wouldn't be able to do anything but watch yourself die in the reflection of their white eyes as they tore you apart, piece by piece. The ogres were a menace that had to be put down, but they were too strong and powerful for them, and should have never been threatened by the kingdom all those years ago. If his great, great, great grand father hadn't made the decree to get rid the ogres - a very dim-witted and foolish plan - the war between the once peaceful ponies and ogres would never had started.

  The king felt a curse fall from his lips for the very pony who started this, but now was not the time to think about who's fault this was. He had to focus, and he had to protect his family.

  "Star Swirl!" A mares voice called, a soft and angelic voice. The king swirled his head around to see his wife, his queen running down a flight of stairs, holding her skirts with her hooves as sweat fell from her brow.

  Star Swirl sighed and grasped the mare's soft and warm hooves in his as he ran to her. "Rose Luck, you shouldn't be here-"

  "I-I know...I...I'm afraid...what are we to do?" She asked, causing the king to frown and look down at the ground. The sound of the ogres pounding on the doors echoed in his ears, sending a shiver of fear down his spine.

  When he didn't reply, his wife continued on. "Star Swirl...it's not going to hold...they'll break through any minute now! We need to get everyone we can to safety, now!..." The Queen exclaimed, her eyes darting from the doors behind him to his face.

  Star Swirl didn't want to retreat, and he hated to give up. He felt like there was still hope, hope that once they broke through, they would be able to slay them and win back the kingdom. But the king knew deep in his heart that they couldn't win this fight, and his best chance was to retreat. His stallions were all too weak and wounded, most killed, he couldn't risk more lives, enough blood had been spilt in this war.

  With a deep sigh of defeat, his eyes filled with the fires of determination. The king looked up into his wife's beautiful eyes and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Alright...you start gathering up all the children and mares, along with the wounded, and take them through the mountain pass, the ogres won't be able to follow us there."

  "What about you my love?" She asked, worry covering her soft features.

  "I will hold them back as long as I can, then I'll gather my stallions and head off to the western gates. We can create a diversion there so the ogres won't learn about the pass, and soon we'll join you...now go...quickly!" He said, his wife nodded, now trying to hide her worry for her beloved husband and king.

  "Please be safe for me!" She said and he smiled and reached out to stroke her cheek.

  The queen couldn't help but lean into his touch, despite their situation and felt a moan of satisfaction escape from her throat as she felt his lips ever so gently capture hers in a kiss of promise.

  "I will my love..." He whispered in a warm voice, love shining in his eyes for the beauty who nodded once more and smiled at him before rushing away.

  He took a deep breath and turned around to face the grand doors of the castle, determination etched across his face as he began to point at different ponies and walk forward as he barked commands.

  "General Spark! Take a few stallions to help the queen escort all the foals and mares to the mountains pass! Commander Dashing! Get as many stallions as you can out of here! And you! Get some bars and bolts to hold the entrance closed! We need more time!" He commanded, the guards nodding and obeying his wishes. "And the rest of you, after we bolt these doors, we will retreat the western gates, I'll tell you the rest after we leave. We should have about less than five minutes to get down there before the ogres break through!"

  "Yes sir!" They all called out, despite the looks of despair, exhaustion, fear, and dread that covered them. They could tell that they were retreating, which felt like a punch to the stomach. They had never lost a war, and they were known to be the strongest kingdom in all the land. So knowing that for the first time they had been defeated, felt as if something was stolen from them.

  Star Swirl watched as his stallions worked, helping with bolting the doors as much as they could as the ponies brought more supplies. After it was well covered, the King took one more deep and calming breath to relax his nerves and shouted a command.

  "Alright! We have less than maybe four minutes to get to the gates! You all need to get there as fast as you can! Leave no one behind!" He called out and the stallions reluctantly obeyed his orders and prepared to bolt.

  "Now! Move!" He ordered and his guards left the doors and began running as fast as their hooves could take them.

  "Fluttershy? Fluttershy, sweetie where are you?" Roseluck called while running up a twist of stairs. She had gotten everyone to the mountains pass and told them to start moving without her. Her daughter Fluttershy wasn't found anywhere, and the longer it took to find the pegasus, the more panic the mare felt fill her stomach.

  "Fluttershy, please! Flutter-" She entered a large room, a library full of hundreds to thousands of books and she felt her worry melt away as she spotted the little yellow filly looking up at her, a book held tightly to her chest, and breathing heavily.

  She let out a sigh and bent down to hug her daughter in relief. "Fluttershy...what are you doing up here? I told you to go with Cheerilee down to the pass."

  Fluttershy looked up into her mothers eyes as she pulled away and blinked away her tears of shame at disobeying her mother and worrying her.

  "I-I-I'm sorry..but I couldn't leave it here.." She whispered and her mother whirled her head around as she could hear the doors breaking...the ogres were in.

  "Couldn't leave what, sweetie?" She asked in a whisper, knowing she had to get out of there.

  "T-this book..." She stuttered, removing the book from her chest and a smile pulled at her lips.

  "Remember you used to read this to me?" She asked and stroked the books cover.

  Her mother smiled and stroked her daughter cheek lovingly. "Of course I do my dear...but we need to go before it's too late!" She said, picking her daughter up and heading to the doors when a loud sound caused her to halt in her tracks.

  Borh mares' blood went cold, and Rose new that this would most likely be the end. The hairs on the back of her neck stood and she shivered in fear as she heard thudding coming closer, and closer, as the seconds ticked by.

  The ogres had broken through, and it was too late for them. Although, they could hear the sound of a battle horn join the sounds of roars and loud thumping. The sound sent a  small string of hope through Rose's heart.

  Reinforcements....they had come.

  Roseluck gave a sigh of relief over the fact that maybe, just maybe, the kingdom could be saved after all. But she felt herself freeze again as she heard loud steps coming up the stairs. She began panting and looking around wildly. They were coming for them, they could smell them in the library. And she needed to protect her daughter! She needed to keep her safe from danger!

  She turned around and scrutinized the room, her gaze settling on a small table against the wall. She ran to it and lowered Fluttershy down, placing her under it. She looked over her shoulder for a second, sweat forming on her brow, as of which she wiped off. She then joined her daughter and hugged her tightly.

  "M-mom...are we gonna d-die?" The filly whispered in a whimper, clutching to her mother in fear.

  "No my little one...I'll keep you safe, just be as quiet as you can and don't scream. Stay under this table and no matter what happens, don't leave from under here." She said, her voice full of determination.

  Fluttershy reluctantly nodded and held her mom tightly, before they knew it, the library doors burst open and flew onto the ground with a loud thud. The sound made Fluttershy jump and whimper, her mother quickly shushing her and holding her closer, if it was possible.

  The loud and terrifying growls and grumbles of an ogre could be heard. They could see it's large feet as it walked around the library, sniffing at the air and it's ears twitching to catch the slightest sound. Rose held her breath and closed her eyes as she saw the ogre bend down and crawl over slowly to where they had hidden.

  Her eyes suddenly flew open as she heard loud battle cries come from the reinforcements, joined by the cries of death as ogres perished from enchanted swords and magic. She felt herself smiling but only for a second as the ogre roared in anger and Fluttershy accidentally let out a gasp as it slammed it's hand on the floor.

  Rose felt herself shivering as the ogre paused his rampage. He sniffed around and he was leaning closer...and closer...and closer...

  Just then, the table they were under flew away from them and they both screamed as the ogre's face appeared in front of them and it let out a roar. Rose had never felt such fear as she looked into those pale eyes, and it's breath stunk so badly it could kill something. She felt herself shaking, and by some unknown and unwanted will, she was starring deep into it's eyes and a if she were under a spell, she couldn't look away.

  But any cold fear in her heart was melted as she heard her daughter's cries of fear, the ogre was reaching out. Rose glanced to the side to see soldiers running into the library, but they wouldn't be fast enough and if she didn't act now, her daughter would die. And she would rather burn in hell than let her daughter die at the hands of such a cruel creature like this. She loved her daughter more than life, and any second thoughts vanished as the ogres hand came rushing down to kill them.

  "Stand behind me Fluttershy! And don't move!" Rose said, and before Fluttershy could reply, she pushed her aside and stood in the path of her daughter, a tear escaping her eye as death was sure to come any minute. "I want you to run Fluttershy, your father will take care of you..."

  "Rose NO!" a familiar voice called and time seemed to stop as she saw her husband run in, tears welling in his eyes as he rushed towards them.

  She new it was too late for her now, at least she would die knowing she saved her daughter and lived a happy life. She smiled at her husband and her lips moved in a motion saying 'I love you'.

  Then the ogres hand finished it's swinging arc, hitting the mare hard, and throwing her across the room. Her body hit the wall and the sound of bones cracking reached their ears as her head collided with such force against it. Two cries of sorrow came from the filly and king. Star Swirl watched with deep dread as his wife fell to the ground, lifeless.

  She was dead...

  A deep feeling of rage filled him and he charged after the ogre, his horn alighting with magic and his sword rising. He leapt into the air and cut off the ogres arm, blood splattering his face, but he didn't care. He used his magic to blast the ogre to the ground before he stood on top of it and dug his now flaming sword into the ogres chest, right in his heart.

  The ogre squealed in pain and tried to wrap it's large hand on whatever was stabbing the sword into him. But after a moment, it gargled and it's hand fell limp on it's side, now dead.

  Fluttershy had been shaking during the whole scene. When her father cut off the ogres arm, and she saw the blood pooling the floor from how large it was, she had felt light headed and the room spun. She glanced at her mothers limp and bloody figure, and that did her in, she felt her eyes roll back in her skull and she fainted.

  As she lay on the ground, her subconscious thoughts plagued her mind. 'This was all my fault...if I hadn't gone after that *stupid book mom would still be alive. If I hadn't been so scared, weak, and helpless, I would have been able to protect mum...but I couldn't....I'm so pathetic...please let all of this be a nightmare!'*

  She came to briefly as she heard the sound of shouts and the feeling of strong wet arms pick her up ever so gently and softly, carrying her to an unknown destination.

  "Mama...." The filly whispered before she completely blacked out from the sudden shock of everything.

  They won the war....they should have been rejoicing, laughing and feasting. But so many lives had been taken, so much blood had been shed, there would be no song, nor celebration. For the life of their dearly beloved queen was gone...

Chapter 2 Fourteen Years Later

  "Mother!" the pegasus mare cried as she shot up from her soft, cushioned bed, her body was covered in sweat and her chest heaved from her rapid breathing. She looked around at her surroundings and sighed before wiping a strand of hair that stuck to her cheek behind her ear. It was just another nightmare. Even if it happened so many years ago, that day continued to haunt her like a never-ending plague.

  It had been fourteen years since her mother died, and today was her twentieth birthday. A day she should be happy about, knowing that she was now considered a full grown mare. But the pegasus couldn't help but feel down, especially since she knew of what to expect later on...

  "Oh good, you're awake!" a mare said, her curly, purple hair bouncing off her shoulders as she peeked through the door. "Morning Your Highness! Did you sleep well?" The unicorn mare asked as she entered fully. She held a tray of food in her hooves as she walked towards a table that stood near Fluttershy's bed. She placed the tray down gently  before leaving to pull open the frilled, silken curtains.

  "I guess...." Fluttershy mumbled, the mare looked at her with a query in her eyes, but chose not to reply. Her name was Rarity, and she was a mare of white with beautiful, purple hair, her eyes the color of the bright morning sky. She was Princess Fluttershy's main servant, she was around all the time to assist the princess whom she knew as more of a sister or a friend, rather than a servant or a princess.

  Fluttershy blinked rapidly as Rarity pulled back the curtains, the sunlight shining brightly against her delicate eyes. Rarity turned and sighed before smiling and walking over to Fluttershy's bed.

  "Today is a big day miss! And I would like to say-" Rarity paused and Fluttershy jumped when the mare embraced her in a hug. Any royalty would see a maid hugging someone of the higher class as disrespectful, but in Fluttershy's family everyone was seen as an equal, and rank didn't matter. "Happy birthday Fluttershy, dear!" Rarity beamed, causing Fluttershy to smile and let out a giggle before embracing the mare back.

  "Thank you Rarity, I hope you slept well." Fluttershy smiled as Rarity pulled away and nodded.

  "Oh yes my dear thank you. I slept just perfectly! But, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't..." She mumbled as she finished speaking, causing Fluttershy to sigh. "Is it those nightmares again?" The mare asked as she pulled back the blanket that covered Fluttershy, folding it back neatly. Afterwards she reached out and scooted Fluttershy's table closer to her.

  The princess sighed quietly and nodded as she swung her legs off the side of her bed and picked up a fork from her tray. She tucked a hoof under her chin and played with the food that adorned the plate of well cooked rice, carrots, and beans. "Well, my dear, you shouldn't focus on such things. I know that day was very...tragic...but I think it's time you tried to forget what happened that day, for your own sake." Rarity said as she continued to make the bed.

  "I know...but I can't control my dreams...I have tried to forget them but...it's always hard to forget someone you love.." Fluttershy mumbled as she stuck a piece of carrot in her mouth.

  Rarity gave her a sympathetic smile, she couldn't understand her position or how she felt. She had a rather large, happy family, and never knew what it was like to lose someone like a father, mother, sister, or brother. "Well my dear! Today is not a day for frowns and bad memories! Today is your birthday!" She said brightly, smacking a pillow to fluff it up before putting it back in it's place. "And I know a certain stallion is eager for tonight!" Rarity squealed with delight and a dreamy gaze washed over her features.

  Fluttershy frowned at Rarity and sighed sadly. Fluttershy was supposed to find an heir to the throne, a king that would take care of the kingdom and it's subjects like family. Although, the only way to find such a stallion was through an arranged marriage...

  "Oh, what's wrong my dear? Aren't you happy that the prince will propose tonight?" Rarity asked, coming over and sitting at her side, a look of curiosity on her face.

  Fluttershy bit her lip and glanced at her maid before looking down at her hooves that dangled off the bedside. "I don't know, Rarity...yes he is indeed handsome. And stallions of his kind are in short supply...but...I don't...I don't-" She groaned and rubbed her eyes.

  Rarity seemed to understand and smiled tenderly, "You don't love him?" she finished.

  "No....no I don't..." Fluttershy whispered.

  "Well...there is a chance you'll grow to love him my dear, I mean...there have been many successful arranged marriages and in the end they always end up falling in love." she rationalized while patting Fluttershy's shoulder.

  "Maybe..." Fluttershy whispered, her friend's words failed at soothing her despair. She had always wanted to get to know the one she married, to fall in love cherish him of her own accord. She didn't want to have to learn to love him.

  "Alright, my dear, like I said: today is not the time for frowns! Come!" Rarity said, standing up, a beaming smile adorning her face. "Finish your breakfast and I'll help you get dressed for tonight, today is a big day! Nopony should be sad on their birthday!" she said as she headed to Fluttershy's grand wardrobe. Vine-like designs stretched across the beautiful, hoof-carved wood and spiraled into intricate knobs. Rarity opened it and began peering at the various gowns.

  Fluttershy told herself that Rarity was right, it was her birthday, and she was sure her father would want her to be happy. Despite how she felt, it was not the time to mourn for her long lost mother. Nor dread the choice she would have to make tonight. Even if she didn't love the prince, she also had a duty to take care of her kingdom. Her father was passing his prime and soon someone else would have to take the throne. She was going to need to be strong, and try to do her best to make her father happy, even if it didn't make her happy...

  Fluttershy shook her head to rid herself from her current thoughts and sat straight as she continued to eat her meal, determined to be her best today and be happy. She felt herself brighten and fill with excitement as she thought of the ball being thrown tonight to celebrate her birthday. That was what she had always loved on her birthday, the ball. She loved dressing up and dancing all night long. She was very talented when it came to dancing, thanks to her mother. When she was just four, her mother had already been teaching her how to dance.

  Fluttershy made sure to keep in mind to think of the positive things, and not the downsides. Yes, she would have fun tonight and dance with all her heart. Even though she was a rather introverted pony, she always came out and partied with the rest, even though she was reluctant sometimes. After she finished her plate, Rarity helped her out of her nightgown and into her corset, chemise, platelets and gown.

  For now she wore a simple, light green gown, and she sat patiently at the table as Rarity pulled her hair into an elaborate bun, letting a few wavy strands hang loosely from her forelock to frame her forehead. Fluttershy didn't necessarily like being pampered and dressed, she usually preferred to dress by herself. But she had soon learned after her maid's employment that Rarity greatly enjoyed dressing her up, so she allowed it for her sake. The thought made her smile and she tilted her head up as Rarity placed a small amount of powdery makeup to her eyelids, the gentle pink brightening her teal eyes.

  "There we go, darling, you look absolutely stunning!" Rarity proclaimed as she helped Fluttershy up onto her hooves.  She was about to lead her to the door just as somepony knocked and peeked in.

  "Excuse me your highness..." A light, blue haired mare said, bowing low as she spoke.

  "There's no need for that Coco, I told you you can call me Fluttershy. We're friends, and I'd like you to address me as one, none of this 'Your highness' business." Fluttershy giggled as the mare blushed.

  "I'm sorry, your high-I-I mean...Fluttershy." Coco stuttered, rising to her hooves and smiling.

  "What was it that you wanted to say, Coco?" Fluttershy asked, smiling as she waited patiently.

  "Oh! Uh...your father requests your presence." Coco replied.

  "Okay, thank you, Coco. Tell him I will see him shortly." Fluttershy said, bowing her head slightly as Coco Pommel gave a curtsy and turned to walk away.

  Star Swirl stood in the royal gardens of the castle. The garden was a very beautiful and relaxing place to sit and think your troubles away. The flowers were bright, glowing in the sunshine, the hedges formed beautiful sculptures, and trees with beautiful flowers or fruits dancing in the soft wind, offering shade. Star Swirl took in a deep breath and felt a smile pull at his lips.

  "Papa?" a soft voice called just from behind the stallion. He turned around and felt his chest swell with pride even at the mere sight of his beautiful daughter in a simple gown.

  "Ah! My dearest girl!" he declared, walking over to her and hugging her lightly. Fluttershy giggled before he pulled away.

  "Look at you, my little filly...so grown up." He whispered and stroked a small strand of her rosy hair behind her ear.

  "I'll always be your little filly, daddy..." Fluttershy whispered, all the while smiling at her father lovingly.

  Her comment caused him to chuckle lightly, turning and offering her his arm to place her hoof upon. Then they began walking down along the garden path. "So, my dear, twenty years old, hmm?" he inquired playfully with a smirk, making her blush. "A fully grown mare now. Your mother would be so proud of you..." He whispered, his smile momentarily faltering before he covered it up. "How does it feel?"

  "Well, I don't know. I feel as I always did, I don't feel older, nor different." she replied with a shrug.

  "Hmm..." Star Swirl hummed and glanced at the ground, his gaze lingering only briefly before he looked up. "And how did you sleep?"

  "Oh, I slept wonderfully!" Fluttershy fibbed without regret, her father had enough to worry about with the war. He didn't need the added burden of worrying about her dreams and health.

  "I'm glad you did, there is no doubt it's going to be a long night. You're going to need you're strength, no doubt there will be many stallions asking to dance with you tonight." he winked, making Fluttershy's cheeks darken yet again.

  "Oh, papa..." She grumbled and pulled her hoof out before playfully swatting his shoulder. She smiled at her father's teasing, he always knew how to make her blush or lose her nerve.

  Star Swirl chuckled before halting and turning to face his daughter. "Alright, darling, time to get to why I really asked you out here." he whispered, causing Fluttershy to tilt her head in curiosity.

  "Yes, papa?" she asked in her softest voice, making him smile as his eyes caught those inquisitive, teal orbs that looked so much like her mother's.

  "I..I know that tonight, you are expected to accept the prince's proposal." he began, noticing her frown despite her effort to cover up her displeasure at the subject.

  "Wh-what about it..." Fluttershy mumbled, suddenly not letting herself meet his gaze. Her eyes flitted to and fro and landed on some nearby flowers.

  Star Swirl sighed and moved forward to envelope his daughter in a tender hug, taking her by surprise, but she welcomed it nonetheless. "I know you don't love him, and you need to know that I don't want it to be this way, but this is needed for our kingdom. He's strong, brave, and very wise. I know he'll take good care of you and our kingdom. And I hate to ask this of you, but you will need to accept his proposal tonight..." he sighed, feeling his daughter flinch under his touch.

  Fluttershy gulped and blinked back the tears in her eyes. She knew that this shouldn't be bothering her, she had known from the beginning that she was going to have to accept the prince, but she still hated the idea of going into a completely loveless marriage. She understood that she couldn't be selfish like this and think of such things, but she couldn't help it.

  Star Swirl pulled away when his daughter didn't reply back to him, and smiled sadly at her, she tried to return it, but failed. The stallion felt his heart break as a tear betrayed her and fell down her perfect cheeks. "Oh, sweetie..." he whispered softly, his old hooves reaching up to wipe away the tear.

  Fluttershy took in a breath and blinked her eyes as she looked up at the sky, "I'm sorry papa. I'm fine, I-I just...I'm a little scared..." she whispered, hating how she had no choice in this.

  "I know...." he murmured, stroking her arms, "I know, like I told you, I don't want to do this, but I need to think of my kingdom and my subjects as well....especially since the war is still going..." he whispered, not hiding the exhaustion in his voice as he brought up the wars.

  "Will it ever end?" Fluttershy asked, momentarily changing the subject of her impending proposal.

  "I don't know, Fluttershy, something tells me the ogre wars will last till my dying days. And I have a feeling it will continue long after I'm gone." Star Swirl sighed.

  Fluttershy sighed and looked around her before biting her lip. "I, when prince Sombra asks me to marry him tonight....I...I will accept, for you...and the kingdom." she said determinedly, attempting to stay brave.

  "I'm sorry-" he began, but she placed a hoof to his lips.

  "Don't be, I know my duty and will do it. I know I can't just think about myself when it comes to being a queen, I need to think of others like I've always done in my past. I love you so much papa, I will gladly marry Sombra to protect our kingdom and sign the treaty between the kingdoms." Fluttershy declared, her voice shaky. She felt she wasn't ready to be queen. She was afraid, by God she was afraid. Afraid of the responsibility, afraid she wouldn't be a good queen or do good for her kingdom. She only hoped that she could learn to be brave, for that's what she would need to do in order to succeed as queen of Canterlot. She also hoped that she would be able to find joy in this loveless marriage.

  She knew that the ponies of the kingdom had doubts about her. They knew her to be a queen of a shy nature, which they feared wouldn't do for their kingdom. Which was why her father had called upon Prince Sombra to marry his daughter, to ensure his subjects that it wouldn't just be his daughter taking over for him, but a wise and brave king to protect them for the rest of his days.

Chapter 3 The Dark One

  Fluttershy smiled and sighed as she felt the soft wind hit her face like a gentle kiss. She laid on her back against the long green grass of a field near the castle. This is exactly what she needed, a moment in piece, to relax and not think about tonight. She purred in delight as she opened her eyes and looked up at the autumn tree that offered as her shade.

  Leaves fell from it's branches and landed on her nose, making her giggle and blow up against it, making it fly up and onto her hair. These peaceful moments are what she cherished most. Not only was she able to be alone and get away from being a princess, but it reminded her of her mother when she would run through these very fields, laughing and playing together.

  Even if the reminder of her mother brought her pain, it also brought joy from the memories they shared when she was still alive and breathing. Fluttershy wanted to be just like her as a filly, she was beautiful, talented, sweet, and a great ruler, and most of all, she was brave, something Fluttershy always wanted to be.

  As she laid there, she gasped lightly at a strange tickling sensation on her nose and looked down to see a blue butterfly on her nose. She held still and bit her lip as to not scare it away, and ever so slowly sat up, her long pink locks tangled in twigs and leaves. It was beautiful, it's wing looked like the shape of a flower, and it's dark shade of blue gradated to a light pink.

  Butterflies were also a fond filly hood memory of her past when her mom was still alive. The fields used to be covered with them when they would be passing by, and they would run across and dance along with them as they flew around them like flocks of birds. After they ran and danced with the butterflies, Fluttershy's mom would sit her by a tree and sing her a song.

  Ever since Fluttershy turned eight, her father gave her singing lessons. Singing was her secret, no one ever heard her sing besides her father, her mom, and herself, it was a gift she kept hidden, do to her shyness. When she sang, it made it feel like she was still here...sitting with her and singing gently to her...only she was singing to her mom, and she could imagine her mother smiling with pride as she sung.

  At this thought, Fluttershy took in a breath and opened her lips as words of a song she never heard of rose from her throat.

There's music in the tree tops! And there's music in the Vail...and all around the music fills the sky! she began, rising from the grass as the butterfly flew from her face and twirled around her as the wind wiped her hair around like a wave.

There's music by the river!- she sung as she could just now hear the sound of water trickling from a fountain like chimes down into a stream.

-And there's music in the grass! She grinned as she ran her hooves along the itchy and wet green strings in the ground.

And the music makes your heart sore in reply she sang in a long note as she rose completely from the ground.

My voice joins in the chorus! It bring me such delight! She smiled, rapping her arms around herself and spinning. And my heart fly's high up into the sky!

Ah-ah-ah-ahh-AAAAAAHHH! Aahh-ah-ah-ah-ahh-ahhh-ah! Ah-ah-ah-ahh-AAAAAHHH! Aahh-ah-ah-ah-ahh-ahhh-ah! she sung in beautiful enchanting notes that echoed across the field and the sky, her angelic voice calling to the beauties of nature and to her mother as she sung. She could feel as if she was watching from heaven, looking down upon her smiling.

  She walked along the grass till she came by a pond near by. I can feel it grow inside of me[\i] She began as she grasped the skirts of her dress and kicked off her shoes and stepped into its cool waters, trickling against her fur making her shiver. *I feel it getting ready to burst! She beamed, twirling her dress and she walked in the water.*

*To fight through it's constricting cage and break free! Fluttershy left the pond and ran across the field, not caring about the stains on her dress or the parts that she wasn't able to keep from getting soaked in water.*

She halted and opened her arms and slowly spun as she sung in long notes once again, each note perfectly pitched. Small animals had heard this beautiful voice and felt entranced, as well as attracted to it like it was a beacon leading them to what made such a sound.

*Ah-ah-ah-ahh-AAAAHHH! Aahh-ah-ah-ah-ahh-ahhh-ah! Ah-ah-ah-ahh-Aaahhhhh! Aahh-ah-ah-ah-ahh-ahhh-ah! Her notes lasted even longer than her last ones, she didn't even have to take deep breaths as she continued on till she was at an edge of a hill, the sun shining on her, making her body glow like a star and the wind making her hair flow along with her notes.*

Animals watched and cautiously pranced forward, noses twitching and heads tilting as her singing died down and she leaned against a tree, her voice that was once booming, was now becoming a mere whisper.

*There's music in the tree tops...and there's music...in the Vail...and all around the music fills the sky! she frowned and started falling against the tree.*

*there's music by the river....and there's music...in the grass...and the music makes your heart soar in reply.... she finished, leaning her head back against the trees trunk and sighing in joy and sorrow.*

Even if her mom was gone, she would still be with her no matter what, she only prayed that she would be happy with her new life...although she doubted it.

She sat there for about a half an hour, the animals that were once surrounding her left many minutes ago and she was once again all alone. The soft wind that was hitting her face was gone, and a storm cloud began to cover the suns bright and warm shine against her face.

Before she new it, rain hit her nose, then her cheek and began to pour down on her like a shower, quickly soaking her beautiful but plain dress.

"Your highness! What are you doing out here!? You'll catch a cold! Your father has been looking for you!" The familiar voice of Rarity called from behind her, and with a sad sigh Fluttershy rose from the grass turning and walked towards Rarity.

"I'm sorry...I was just getting some fresh air...." She mumbled as Rarity rapped her rain coat around her, pulling up the hood.

"Well now isn't the time for fresh air darling, you need to start getting ready in just two hours! All the guests will be arriving soon as well! And the King has given me orders to prepare you tonight." Rarity rambled on as she lead Fluttershy back to the castle.

Flyttershy was only half listening to Rarity as her mind drift to Sombra's proposal and she felt fear engulf her once again.

*Oh mama...wherever you are...please...give me strength... She asked quietly in her head as they got closer to the castle.*

The streets were empty and quiet...not a single soul in the area. The only creatures around were the scurrying rats looking for scraps by digging into trash cans and sneaking through tunnels to find crumbs. The only sign of life was what was inside, a tavern full of laughing and loud stallions who drunk and played around like foolish foals.

Mares in cheap dresses served drinks on trays, slapping stallions as they tried to grab them or pull at the ends of their dresses. One stallion was shaking nervously in a corner, hiding withing the collar of his cape. He glanced among all the stallions in the bar, scanning the ones under hoods carefully.

He was scared...he knew he had disobeyed him and now he would pay the price, it was only a matter of time before he came for him, and he was sure this night would be his last...

"Are you alright good sir? you look like you've seen a ghost!" A mare with curly red hair chuckled as she placed a beer down in front of him.

"I-I-I'm fine...just bad night sleep I guess..." He murmured and the mare shrug before removing his previous cup.

"Alright then...anything else I can get ya?" She asked, her hoof going to her hip as she waited.

"U-um no thank you...." He whispered and the mare turned to walk away. "O-on second thought!" He suddenly called, making the mare turn again and tap her hoof impatiently.

"Yes?" She asked tilting her head slightly.

"Can you bring me a few more of these?" He requested. He thought that maybe, if he drunk enough, he wouldn't be able to remember anything once he found him, for he knew for sure it was going to be painful.

"Pay first sir..." She said walking closer and reaching her worked hoof out to him.

The stallion nodded and fumbled his hooves as he reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a handful of bits before tossing them onto the table. The mare sighed and grabbed all of it from the wooden table and stuffed into her dress pocket.

"Can I get your name sir? I haven't seen you here before?" She asked right before she turned away.

"U-uh...it's Caramel....Caramel Sweetens...." He whispered, glancing around worriedly, fearing someone had heard him.

The mare raised her brow at his strange behavior but shoved it off with a shrug. "Well...hope we see you soon caramel..." She grumbled as she strutted away, slapping a hoof without looking that reached for her.

"I hope so too..." He mumbled and gulped.

"Are you alright deary?" A voice bright, mischievous, and cheerful voice asked, causing the stallion to freeze.

He slowly turned to look to his side...and he was there....right next to him lounging with his arms behind his back and that grin plastered across his face...and those eyes...those eyes bore deep into his soul and seemed to make his heart stop in fear.

"Y-you...h-how did you find me?" He asked in a high pitched voice, backing away as panic began to fill him.

The creature before him chuckled with amusement as the stallion visibly shook in fear right before him. "Oh I can find anyone deary!...if I look hard enough, and you were quite easy! ynah!" He replied in a calm voice, letting out a small laugh and his grin widened as he leaned forward, causing the stallion to back up more on the chair of his table.

"I take it you didn't do what I asked..." He questioned, raising his talon and tapping his chin.

The stallion rose a hoof and tried to show an ounce of bravery. "P-please...f-forgive me...I couldn't bring myself to do it....I couldn't kill someone...I may be a pirate but I've never killed anyone before...please....don't hurt me..." He whimpered like a pathetic foal begging his mom to not punish him for sneaking cookies, causing the creature to fill with amusement.

"Oh don't worry..." He whispered leaning closer till his face was just inches away. "Let's take this outside...I might think of forgiving you...maybe..." He chuckled and the stallion gulped and felt his heart pound faster against his chest.

The stallion opened his mouth to reply, but sudden he was surrounded in a cloud of purple smoke and then he found himself standing in the ally way just outside of the tavern.

"I'm sorry...but I couldn't do what you asked of me..." He quickly said as the dark creature walked around him. It was hard to tell the expression from the cloak that covered the Arabian like face.

"What? you mean you couldn't simply take the knife and stab it into her chest? dig it deep into her flesh and make her scream in for mercy as you slowly cut out her flesh?....how pathetic." He asked, his talon twirling as he talked in a taunting tone with a laugh.

"It's not as easy as it sounds...please...you have to understand-" He tried to explain, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Oh I understand perfectly!" He interrupted, turning to face him completely, his hands now behind his back. "Truth is deary...the only reason I sent you to kill her was to have some fun!" He said with a grin and jumping in the air slightly. "I didn't even want the mare dead..." He whispered as he began to corner the stallion against a corner of a wall.

"Th-then why did you send me to do it?!" He asked, getting angry that this monster was playing with him.

The stallion froze as the creature was suddenly right in front of him, all he did was blink and there he was, his breath hitting his face and those golden eyes making him feel like crumbling to the ground and hide.

"You obviously don't know me deary!" He smirked joyfully. "I'm the Dark One! And if everyone knows if you break the rules...you....pay the price." He whispered in a calm but also very menacing tone.

"But you just said this was just a joke....that you didn't really want me to kill her-"

"It doesn't matter that I was just playing! The point is..." He said as he walked away just momentarily and pointing his talon in the air. Then he turned and poked him in the chest as he growled. "You.broke.our.deal..." He whispered in now deep voice. " And no one...breaks deals with me." He grinned once more as the stallion shivered and his breathing started to quicken.

"My deal was...you kill that mare...I give you all the gold you desire....but my deeds weren't met now were they?"

The stallion rose a hoof and begged. "Please...show mercy...this is all just so silly-AAAHH!" The stallion roared as the Dark ones hand shot into his chest and yanked it out with a rip.

Caramel gasped and gripped his chest in pain and when he looked up, his eyes widened with horror and he felt faint. In the Dark One's talon, he held a glowing red object....his heart....

"I'm sorry it has to end this way deary! You should have known that once you make a deal with the dark one...there is no going back..." And with that he clenched his claw, squeezing the heart making the stallion cry out and pain and collapse to the ground.

The stallion soon fell limp, his body lifeless as he now laid dead on the street ground. The monster opened his claws and dust blew out from his palm and all he did was smirk before he disappeared into shadow....

Chapter 4 The Ball

  Star Swirl paced in a hall just outside the throne room, muttering to himself and looking most distressed. He had just received news that the Ogres were attacking the northern villages, near the great fields, and his daughter had disappeared just recently after saying she was going on a walk but no one had seen her since, and dread was starting to fill Star Swirl at the possibility that she walked to town when the ogres attacked. After word that the Ogres left, he sent Rarity and a few others to look for her, not telling them of the dangers yet, as to not cause panic.

  The guest would be arriving in the carriages soon, and he prayed that they would be safe on they're trip here. He would hate it if anyone got hurt when trying to come to his daughters ball. He had to make sure those savage beasts didn't attack today. He wouldn't have ogres storming through the place on a day as special as this day, Fluttershy's birth-day and expected proposal to the Prince Sombra.

  Thinking of which, Sombra had just arrived minutes ago, saying he wanted to be here early to prepare. Star Swirl had grown fond of Sombra with the time he has spent with him, although he didn't know him long, he could tell from what he saw that he was definitely good for the kingdom, and good for his daughter. He new that Sombra could make his little filly happy, and that's all he wanted in life, was that she was happy and the kingdom was taken care of.

  He was an old stallion now, and there was no doubt he would have to retire soon and give up the crown to Sombra. It was time he started preparing for it. He loved being King, ever since he was young he was wise and his subjects loved him, for he took care of them and loved them as if they were his own children. But he new every pony had their time. He only hoped that Sombra was the right choice...

  Star Swirl was brought out of his thoughts as he heard a soft knock on the throne rooms doors.

  "Enter..." He called and the large doors opened and he could see two guards pushing them and he felt great relief at the sight that greeted him.

  "Papa..." Fluttershy called as she entered, now wearing a simple white dress that she had changed into after Rarity brought her back to the castle.

  "Oh Fluttershy..." He sighed and ran over to her and engulfed her in a loving hug. "I'm so glad your safe...."

  Fluttershy blinked in confusion and pushed him away. "What do you mean papa? Your glad I'm safe?....what's wrong?" She asked, feeling worry fill her at what could possibly be wrong.

  "It's nothing my dear...where were you?" He asked. He knew he should tell her, but he knew his daughter feared the ogres more than anything in the world, and he wanted her to be happy and have a good time instead of worrying every single minute that something would go wrong.

  "I was just out near the fields..." She mumbled as she watched his face carefully as he let out another sigh of relief.

  "Papa...is there something your not telling me?" She whispered and grasped his face in her cheeks. She could tell he was trying hard not to tell her something, and she wasn't letting him get away with it until he told her, she hated it when he kept secrets from her.

  "I told you my dear it's nothing, you were just gone for so long that I got worried. Is it wrong for a father to feel protective of his daughter?" He smirked and stroked her cheek.

  Fluttershy opened her mouth to respond but another knock was heard against the giant doors of the throne room.

  "Enter...." Star Swirl called and the doors opened again.

  Star Swirl felt a smile pull at his lips, but missed his daughters look of fear and dread on her face as the one and only Prince Sombra entered. He was dressed in a fancy and elegant suit and cape, his hair black as night swept back and shining in the light, and his bright smile showed off his bright white teeth and immediately his red eyes caught those of the young pegasus princess.

  Fluttershy gulped as the prince came closer, and unconsciously she took a couple small steps back.

  "Ah! Sombra! it's nice to see you! I missed you when you arrived, please forgive me for my absence. I had many things to tend to." Star Swirl greeted and reached out for him and his hoof met Sombra's in a firm hoof shake.

  "It is no problem my King, It is expected when I decided to come early." He murmured, his voice extremely deep like base making Fluttershy's skin tingle slightly.

  Sombra was indeed handsome, his voice and eyes were...slightly mesmerizing, but that's all he was. She didn't feel an attraction to him cause he wasn't her type, from what she knew about him.

  After Sombra greeted her father he turned to her and a strange gleam entered his eyes and she felt herself stiffen as those eyes ran up and down her body.

  "And greetings to you Fluttershy. I must say my dear, you look absolutely beautiful..." He whispered in a warm voice and came up to her and grabbed her gloved hoof in his as he bent down and placed a slow kiss upon it while his eyes burned in hers. "I look forward to a dance later on this evening..." He smiled as he let go of her hoof and rose.

  "I...I-I would be delighted Prince-" She started when he interrupted her.

  "Sombra...please...call me Sombra." He purred and she felt a blush enter her cheeks, out of embarrassment for sure.

  "Sombra..." She whispered, trying out the name alone. "I'd be delighted to dance with you Sombra." She said and he seemed to beam. She looked for something inside as she said his name...she searched for a spell, for a sign that she could be attracted to him in any romantic way, but she didn't feel anything, only nervousness.

  "I'm glad..." He smiled slightly before turning back to her father.

  "I hope you enjoy your stay here Sombra, would you like to walk with me and my daughter before it's time for us to get ready?" He offered and Sombra smiled and bowed his head slightly.

  "I would enjoy that Star Swirl, I could use a good walk to stretch my legs after the trip." He replied and Star Swirl smiled before walking away and glancing at his daughter as the prince turned to her again.

  "My lady..." He purred and offered his arm to her and she inwardly groaned inside before she gave a polite, and sweet smile before placing her hoof in his arm.

  "Thank you...Sombra." She whispered and he bowed his head as he lead her away and out of the throne room to walk with her father through the gardens.

  Fluttershy sighed in relief and plopped down on her bed in a pout. Her father had walked with her and Sombra for a whole hour, and the whole time she had been uncomfortable and panicky. She felt as if she and Sombra were alone, especially since her father seemed to keep wandering off, saying he had to look at something. She could tell he was trying to get them to talk and have some private time by the glances and the winks, but not much at all was said the whole time they were out there.

  Sombra had talked about his family, and how his great grand father was a great warrior who won many battles, and all sorts of small stories about his family. He asked a couple questions about her but they were small and the rest was directed towards him. Despite his on going about himself, he was a perfect gentelcolt, always being polite and apologizing when he realized that he had been talking about himself the entire time.

  The rest of their walk was okay, since her father decided to stop leaving them and joined in with the talks. Fluttershy enjoyed his company, and was pleased that he enjoyed being around her, but she couldn't help but feel like leaving, to go to her room and be alone for a while, to escape him and his constant attention towards her. And that's what she was doing right now.

  Fluttershy sighed and rose from the bed and walked over to her glass window and peeked outside. She could already see the many carriages entering the castle gates. She watched as coach colts left their positions and opened the doors for their masters. There were many few that she recognized, many she hadn't even heard of before. She new that the reason there was so many ponies than usual was because they were all expecting to know the new King for Canterlot...

  Fluttershy bit her lip and shook her head. This was too much for her to take, she felt like she didn't have a say in this, which she didn't. She kept telling herself all day long that this wasn't about her, and it was for the kingdom, but every single time she tried to tell herself that, she couldn't help but feel angered about it. She hated arranged marriages, even if Rarity said many marriages that were arranged worked fine in the end, she doubted it worked for every single one.

  "What are you doing standing there darling?! Your party with begin soon and every pony will be expecting to greet you at the doors!" Rarity exclaimed as she entered.

  "Oh no! Your not even in your dress!" She groaned and quickly ran like a wild cheetah back and fourth as she gabbed her dress and other material's for Fluttershy to wear.

  "I'm sorry Rarity...I just got distracted." She mumbled and walked over after shutting the curtains of her window.

  "It's fine my dear, but hurry! Your father is waiting!" She ordered, her hooves already spinning Fluttershy and removing her dress.

So much for getting a chance to relax... Fluttershy thought miserably.

  Rarity let her white dress fall to the ground and immediately set to putting on her dress for the ball. She then set her to stand right in front of her mirror as she started adding make up and using a comb and pins to put her hair up. Fluttershy looked at herself as Rarity dressed her and sighed. The dress was very beautiful, it was a golden gown, it had only one strap on one side that was hanging off her shoulder and was shaped like a flower, leaving her shoulders bare, and a simple necklace with a red jewel was placed on her neck that rested against her breasts. Her hair was pinned in a way it came up and around her shoulder hanging off, and a flower pin was gentle placed in her pink hair to keep it in place.

  She felt beautiful, and the gown was one of the most gorgeous dresses she had ever seen...but the neck line seemed extremely low and she felt slightly revealed...exposed by wearing this dress. She had never worn anything like this on her other birth-day parties, they had always been simple and elegant dresses. The main reason she felt uncomfortable from how revealing the dress was, was that Sombra would be by her side most likely all night, and the last thing she wanted was him ogling her skin and chest. She knew he seemed like a gentlecolt, but she felt like there was something he was hiding, she thought it was because she barely new anything about him and it was just nerves, but that feeling of uncertainty, still remained.

  "There you go my darling..." Rarity started as she held some of the dress material in her hooves and admired it after finishing her make up. "You have to be the most beautiful mare in Equestria!" She beamed and giggled before hugging Fluttershy.

  "Thank you Rarity...although...don't you think it's a bit much?" She asked biting her lip and looking down at it.

  "Nonsense darling! This is perfectly fine! and I know for sure Sombra will be delighted at what he see's." Rarity grinned but it immediately disappeared as she remembered her talk with Fluttershy that morning.

  "Oh! I'm sorry my dear I didn't mean-" Rarity started as Fluttershy frowned and gulped before silencing her.

  "N-no...i-it's okay Rarity...I'm supposed to impress him...and I guess this will do..." She whispered sadly.

  Rarity chose not to reply and only shared a glance of pity. With a nod she and Fluttershy began heading out to meet her father, guest...and Sombra.

  As they walked, Fluttershy felt herself taking deep calming breaths to relieve her nerves and prepare for what was ahead. She was going to be around ponies she never heard of before, and they would most likely judge her if she did something wrong during the ball. Usually she would be over joyed to learn that the party was starting, but after learning about all these ponies coming, the excitement she had once felt disappeared.

  She was gonna need to be extremely proper and not stutter or get nervous when guests greeted her, she would have to stand, staying by Sombra's side the entire night dancing, and she would have to accept a proposal that she had no intention of agreeing to, but had no choice. Yes...she could feel herself dancing with joy inside...she thought sarcastically.

  Fluttershy suddenly started to slow her walking till it came to a stop as she heard a few maids talking over in a dark hall taking a break, most likely they had just finished preparing the ball room. Fluttershy was not prone to gossip, or listen to it, for she had no interest in what they gossiped about. But for some reason the words they spoke peeked her interest, she didn't know why but it sounded interesting, but also frightening.

  "Did you here what happened to the stallion Caramel?" A mare asked to another who was drinking a cup of what looked like tea.

  "Oh don't remind me...they said they found him dead in an ally, and when they examined him, they found nothing that could have caused his death..." The mare replied with a shiver.

  "Everyone's saying that it was the Dark One." She whispered back as she took a sip of her tea. "I haven't heard much about this...dark one...although I know he is the most powerful sorcerer alive."

  "He is, I heard he makes deals, and if his part of the deal isn't met, he makes sure to make you pay it whether you want to or not..."

  "That would explain it...most likely the poor stallion didn't get what this 'dark one' wanted...and he paid the price..." She murmured.

  "Fluttershy?" Rarity's voice brought Fluttershy away from the mares and she turned back to her.

  "I'm sorry..." She whispered quickly before she continued to walk with Rarity down the hall.

  They were just near the doors when Fluttershy's thoughts went back to what the maids had been talking about. Who was this dark one they spoke of? why hadn't she heard of him before? She didn't know why she was so curious, but she couldn't help but be interested in this mysterious dark one.

  "Um...Rarity, what was it those maids were just talking about?..." She asked quietly biting her lip and wondering if she should be asking such a thing.

  "What?" Rarity wondered, she had noticed Fluttershy stop and she had heard bits of the conversation as well, but she was more focused on getting Fluttershy to her father then what gossip the maids spoke.

  "They...they were talking about someone called...the dark one..." She whispered back, feeling a strange shiver go down her back as she said the name.

  "Oh! It's just some dark sorcerer." She mumbled waving her hoof as if it were nothing. "I don't believe that he even exist, I believe he's just a made up character to scare mares and small foals." She explained while rolling her eyes.

  "Then what about that stallion Caramel they were just talking about?" She continued.

  "Who now?...why are you interested in knowing about this...dark one..." She asked with a raised eye brow.

  "I don't know...I'm just curious I guess." She shrugged.

  "Well I'm sorry but I'm not the one to ask, unlike those mares I don't talk about such nonsense in gossip." She mumbled as they finally approached  the doors leading to the ball room.

  "Alright! it's time my dear! keep your chin up and try to enjoy yourself." Rarity said offering a sweet smile and a gentle hug to her friends side.

  "I...I will try." She whispered back and turned so she could fully hug her friend.

  "Thank you so much for helping me Rarity...I don't know what I'd do without you." She giggled and Rarity joined her.

  "It's no sweat my dear! Now, go on! or do I have to carry you in there?" She mocked with a small smirk and Fluttershy rolled her eyes.

  Rarity and Fluttershy shared another laugh before Rarity turned to leave and Fluttershy faced the doors and nodded to a couple stallions who opened the doors for her and she took one more deep breath to calm herself before muttering. "It's now or never Fluttershy...."

  Fluttershy smiled politely at the guest who entered the doors, bowing her head as they walked passed her and into the grand ballroom. She let the stallions kiss her hoof and share quick small chats after greeting her father. This seemed to be easier than she thought, but she still felt nervous about how many ponies were in the room.

  As Fluttershy had expected, Sombra was right at her side, his eyes always watching her as she greeted the guests. He barely spoke only when someone commented on how beautiful she looked and he would join in and add in more compliments on her dress and beauty, making her incredibly uncomfortable and her face was flushed like a tomato. She kept praying that he would stop looking at her like he was, she knew that this was a good sign, that she had impressed him, but she couldn't take it any longer.

  "Ah! Fancy Pants! It's been a long time my friend!" Time Turner beamed and walked over to the stallion with swept back blue hair.

  "Indeed King Star Swirl, it has been too long..." The well dressed stallion replied as they connected hooves in a shake.

  "Oh well my dear, look how grown up you are! Why the last time I saw you, you just came up to my knees!" He exclaimed as he stared at the now blooming mare.

  Fluttershy giggled and walked forward to hug him, not caring about the judging eyes. "It's nice to see you Fancy...I've missed you..." She murmured and Fancy Pants chuckled before releasing her. Fancy Pants was an old friends of her father, and used to visit Canterlot all the time and bring gifts and play with Fluttershy as a filly. He was a dear friend to her father, and to her he was like an uncle.

  "You too my dear, you truly have grown into a beautiful mare." He whispered making Fluttershy blush and bite her lip with a small smile.

  "Indeed, the princess is sure to be the most gorgeous of mares." That dark voice whispered, making Fluttershy almost groan.

  "Oh, Prince Sombra, why I don't believe I've ever had the proper chance to meet you in person." Fancy Pants said, catching Fluttershy tense when Sombra took her hoof in his arm and held it tightly.

  "I'm Fancy Pants, I used to work as captain of the royal guard in the castle of Domare. It's nice to finally meet you, I've heard about how my dear friend Star Swirl is very fond of you." Fancy said while bowing, he had received letters daily from Star Swirl, and he had seemed to have a strange liking to this stallion, and he didn't forget that Star Swirl told him of Sombra and Fluttershy having a supposed wedding.

  "I believe I've heard of you before, you were the one who lead the war with the minotaurs?" Sombra asked as he tilted his head as he tried to remember.

  "On no! I didn't lead the war, but I was second commander." Fancy Pants replied with a laugh.

  "Oh that's right, that was your brother wasn't it? It's an honor to meet you Fancy pants, without you and your brother the war between ponies and minotaurs would still be going." Sombra said with a smile.

  "It's an honor to meet you too good Prince. Now! if you don't mind my dear friend." Fancy said, his hooves clapping together. "I would like to dance with your beautiful daughter."

  Star Swirl chuckled and nodded his head. "Yes of course-"

  "I'm sorry Fancy Pants, but the princess Fluttershy has already promised me the first dance." Sombra suddenly interrupted, and he had a slight glare in his eyes.

  "Oh I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Besides! I haven't seen my little flower in years!" Fancy Pants said while taking Fluttershy's hoof from Sombra's, and smirking as Sombra stuttered slightly in protest that he took Fluttershy away from him.

  "Do you mind having this dance with me flower?" Fancy asked and bowed while holding Fluttershy's hoof.

  Fluttershy giggled at him and smiled as he kissed her hoof. "Of course Fancy Pants." She smirked and he winked at her as he took her away from her father and the slightly agitated Prince.

  Star Swirl noticed Sombra's look as Fancy pants stole the first dance with Fluttershy from him and patted the stallions back. "Don't worry my good stallion, be patient. You have all night and I'm sure you'll get many chances." He smirked and Sombra sighed, not looking away as Fancy unfolded Fluttershy in his arms and danced most ridiculously, making the yellow mare laugh at the strange moves he made while dancing.

  "Fancy Pants is sure a very charming friend you have Star Swirl." Sombra muttered, finally turning to face Star Swirl.

  "He has been a friend of the family for many years, even before I was married to Rose Luck." He whispered, his eyes briefly flashing with sadness.

   Fluttershy let out a full laugh and threw her head back as Fancy Pants danced around her like a chicken. Being around Fancy Pants always brought back the good memories, before the day her mom died, the day when the kingdom was bright and cheerful. She felt like a filly again as the stallion who was like an uncle to her swooped her up in his arms and took her across the dance floor.

  "So my dear.." Fancy asked, as he continued to dance with her, taking long strides in his steps almost making her stumble but she giggled anyways. "How have you been? I haven't heard from you much and I want to know what my little flower has been up to."

  Fluttershy blushed at the name he had given her as a nick name and replied with a shrug. "Well...nothing really to be honest. In fact...the castle has been quite dreary lately..." She whispered and he scoffed.

  "Oh come on my dear, after all this time there has to be something that you have done that's interesting to talk of." He said as he twirled her and surprised her by dipping her quickly making her gasp slightly.

  "Well...um...I-" She began but stopped and bit her lip.

  "Oh my poor dear, you've been so stocked up in this castle that you haven't been able to have some fun! How about tomorrow I take you on a ride through town? I bet some time away would do you some good." He suggested.

  "Oh that would be lovely Fancy Pants!" She beamed. "To be honest...it has been quite...boring here lately. I have been taking walks in the gardens and fields just outside the castle, but it would be nice to spend some time with you and catch up with things. I'd love to hear some more of your stories! I've missed them so much!" She beamed and Fancy chuckled.

  "Then it's settled my dear! Tomorrow you shall pack your things, then me and you will go across the world." he smiled and Fluttershy giggled before raising an eye brow.

  "I'm going to need to make sure I pack a lot then..." She smirked and he laughed as they continued to dance.

  Fancy then caught sight of Prince Sombra talking to Star Swirl and he gave a questioning gaze towards the stallion. Fluttershy was like the daughter he never had, and he wasn't very pleased with his friend when he heard that he was arranging a marriage for Fluttershy. Of course, he understood Star Swirl's reasons, but it didn't settle with him well that his flower was going to be getting married to a complete stranger.

  "My dear...so...what do you think of the Prince Sombra?" Fancy asked and Fluttershy's eyes widened before she looked away with a frown.

  "What do you mean?" She asked in a slight quiet and shaky voice.

  "What do you think of him? Do you like him?" He asked again, making his question more clear.

  "Well...he seems to be a perfect gentlecolt from the time I've known him...a-and he is quite handsome. I guess I like him...my father approves of him and so I respect him." She replied honestly.

  "But is he someone you want Fluttershy?" He asked and Fluttershy blinked her eyes and furrowed her brows in thought.

  "U-um...I...I'm not sure..." She muttered, once again not meeting his gaze.

  Fancy Pants sighed as he glanced again at Sombra. "My little flower...I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable, I love you my dear, you've always been like family to me, and all I want to know is if he'll make you happy." He whispered in a soft and tender tone, surprising Fluttershy slightly.

  Fluttershy looked deep into his eyes and bit her lip before her ears lowered and she let out a sad sigh. "I don't know...but...I don't really have a choice..." She said, trying to fight the tears.

  Fancy Pants looked at her with concern and felt slight anger towards her father now. If Fluttershy were his daughter, he would have her marry for love, even if his kingdom needed a king or to unite two kingdoms, he wouldn't curse her to live in a loveless marriage that her father was now putting her in. Even though he understood the sacrifices that were needed to be made as a king, he still didn't like it one bit.

  When the song finished, Fluttershy and Fancy stopped dancing and she curtsied while he bowed low. Suddenly Fancy turned around as he felt a tap on his shoulder and a clearing of a throat.

  "Excuse me sir Fancy Pants, you mind if I have my turn with the lovely lady Fluttershy?" Sombra asked, making Fancy Pants raise an eyebrow.

  "Of course good prince." Fancy replied with a small bow before giving Fluttershy one more hug.

  "It's nice to see you again my darling..." he whispered, and Fluttershy smiled and returned it before he pulled away and winked.

  "If you need anything, just call me flower." He whispered and she blushed making him laugh as he finally turned around and walked away from the two.

  Fluttershy watched him walk off with a smile, but she jumped slightly and turned to look at Sombra as he cleared his throat again.

  "Shall me my lady." He purred and she gave him a nervous smile and slowly curtsied as the next song started.

  The next song was slow and romantic, and couples were entering the dance floor, and Fluttershy felt her heart speed up and she quietly gulped as she glanced around her. She was suddenly pulled forward into a broad chest and she looked up into Sombra's ruby eyes as he rapped one hoof around her waist and the other took her hoof as he slowly took steps in a dance, making sure to hold her gaze and hold her as close to him as possible.

  "You look absolutely beautiful my lady." he whispered and his eyes looked over her face and glancing down at her chest that was pressed against his and he suppressed a groan at the swell of her top.

  "Th-th-thank you Sombra." She whispered quietly. He was definitely more attractive up close, and being held against his strong frame made her knees slightly shake, but there was still no spark, she didn't feel a spell over her as she had read about so many times in her romance novels.

  "Your father is a very kind stallion..." He whispered as he briefly caught the eyes of the very stallion who seemed to be watching Fluttershy carefully with slight concern.

  "He is...he is a very good father to me and the kingdom couldn't have a better king." She said back, slightly surprised that he was talking about her father instead of just talking about her.

  Sombra chuckled and the way he looked in her eyes caused her to flush deeply. She felt as if she would fall over if he looked any harder into her soul. She felt herself jump slightly when his hoof just barely moved lower down her back and he smirked as she gasped.

  "You dance well my lady...you dance often?" He asked, not noticing the look of discomfort on Fluttershy's face at how he was dancing with her.

  "Well yes, my mother...when I was little, she taught me to dance and ever since then I've continued to do it....It's a way of remembering her..." She whispered sadly, but when she glanced around her again she felt a different feeling of discomfort as she saw how ponies were watching them dance.

  "Ah yes, I heard she died during the last attack of the ogres. I also heard that if it wasn't for her, you wouldn't be here right now." He whispered and watched as emotion filled Fluttershy's face, as well as a few tears filling her eyes.

  "yes...she stood in front of me when the ogre attacked...she was so brave, and I loved her dearly." She whispered back, feeling slightly embarrassed as a tear fell from her eye.

  "I'm sorry if I brought back bad memories." he murmured apologetically.

  "No it's fine I-" She stopped and gasped as he release her hoof and wiped away her tear.

  "No, I caused these tears and I'm sorry for bringing up your mother. It must have been very hard for you." He whispered and Fluttershy just stared into his eyes as he continued dancing with her after the small pause.

  They continued to dance silently together, and when the song ended, they took a break and Fluttershy danced with a few other stallions who asked to dance with her as well, although as she had thought, Sombra would always steal her away and take another dance. There were a few group dances that Sombra didn't join, where almost everyone danced and jumped around in joy, twirling, and weaving around each other while talking and laughing amongst themselves.

  Despite Fluttershy's discomfort with Sombra, she felt herself filling with joy and delight. She laughed and clapped her hooves as the song ended along with the others and the band announced they were taking a break and left they're stations. She panted heavily from the dances as she turned to go to her father, but she was surprised when she was met with her father, and Sombra who were already walking towards her.

  "Fluttershy...the night is almost over...and Sombra has something to ask of you." Star Swirl said, a smile pulling at his lips and his chest was swelling with pride.

  Fluttershy felt her heart stop and fear engulfed her and she froze. She couldn't believe it was happening, she knew it was coming but now that it was here...she felt herself shake and butterfly's rose in her stomach. She didn't reply but just nodded and smiled politely as Sombra moved forward with a grin and a heated look in his eyes as he took her hoof in his, and already mares were whispering to themselves and giggling at the pair.

  "My dear ponies! If I can have your attention please." Sombra called out, now every head turned towards him.

  "Tonight has been a wonderful night, and I thank Star Swirl for inviting all of you here to celebrate the twentieth brith-day of his daughter Fluttershy." He said and the ponies applauded slightly with small cheers for the success of the night.

  "And now...in front of all of you...I would now like to ask the beautiful Princess of Canterlot..." He began and looked at his side, and Fluttershy weakly back and felt her heart completely stop at what happened next.

  The crowd gasped and smiled in delight as they watched Sombra kneel down on one knee and pull out a small red case and opening it, revealing a silver ring with a bright white diamond embedded in the middle.

  "Will you...Princess Fluttershy...daughter of the King Star Swirl...take my hoof in marriage and be my wife...for all eternity? And to unite our kingdoms?" He whispered with confidence and Fluttershy just stood there, her mouth agape as she stared down at him before looking around her, not being able to bring out a word.

  "I...I-I..." She stuttered quietly, and Sombra seemed to be getting impatient. Fluttershy glanced at her father who gave her smile, but it was a sad one before he nodded at her, and she gulped, and blinked back her tears that were mistaken for tears of joy.

  "Prince Sombra..." She forced. "I...I accept your proposal...I will marry you." She whispered and Sombra seemed to smile brightly, showing his teeth.

  The crowd cheered for them and whispered to themselves and Fluttershy tried as hard as she could as to not break down and run from the room in tears as Sombra rose and took the ring from it's hold and placed it on her hoof. She hesitantly hugged Sombra as he held her for longer than she would have liked and kissed her cheek.

  Suddenly she and Sombra pulled away in a jump and ponies all turned to the entrance of the ballroom as a stallion burst through it's doors. He looked distressed and his brow was covered in sweat, and there seemed to be small trickle of blood going down the side of his head.

  "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! The ogres....THEY'RE HERE!" He called out, causing everyone to freeze and some gasp in horror at the guard's words.

Chapter 5 The Deal

  Fluttershy felt her skin turn cold and her heart stop before beating rapidly in silent panic as she stared at the guard who just entered, and announced that the ogres were attacking. The ponies in the room had panicked and started running around and asking themselves what they were to do, the only ones who weren't panicking, were a few stallions, Sombra, and Fancy Pants who were trying to calm the crazy crowd down. Star Swirl's fear came true, and the ogres had attacked while they were distracted with the party and other affairs.

  Star Swirl now felt like a fool for not doing something about it earlier, and now he felt bad for the people he had brought into this mess. Even though it wasn't over for them, the ogres had once again took them by surprise, and there was no telling what would happen. Every time they attacked they seemed to get smarter and smarter, and he feared that someday the ogres would win this battle, and he had a feeling that time might be today as a sick feeling entered his stomach at the thought of thousands of lives being taken. It would be his fault for not warning them of the danger or sending them home and not postponing the party next week to make sure things were safe for them. For the first time ever, Star Swirl was beginning to doubt his wisdom.

  "Everyone please calm down!" Sombra's voice boomed over the crowd of ponies, snapping Star Swirl out of his thoughts as the pony stood up to do something. "Now is not the time to panic! Please quiet down, and do as we say! Everything is going to be fine!" He called, the crowd slowly quieting down, but still whispering and whimpering.

  Sombra nodded, satisfied with his work before he turned and went to Star Swirl who was now pacing slightly. "My King, what do you want us to do?" He asked, and Star Swirl glanced at him and felt slight pride for his quick act of taking control and focusing on what needed to be done.

  Star Swirl took in a deep breath and glanced at Fluttershy who was walking towards him and slightly trembling. "Tell my men to form in groups, we need to push the ogres back before they reach the castle." He said lifting his chin, and looking into Sombra's eyes. "We'll send them at all sides, hopefully that will give us some time."

  Sombra nodded and turned to the guard and started repeating the king's words to him and leading the guard out to tell the others. Star Swirl watched as Sombra left but when his eyes caught those of his daughter's, he felt his heart clench in pain at the fear in her eyes. Fluttershy thought he didn't know, but he knew that she still had nightmares about the ogres attacking and her mothers death.

  "Papa...I-I..I'm scared." Fluttershy whimpered as she walked to her father and he quickly held her in his arms and shushed her while petting her mane.

  "It's alright darling, there is nothing to worry about, you'll be safe, me and Sombra will take care of this." He then pulled away and sighed. "Fluttershy, I'm gonna need your help gathering the mares and foals and take them some place safe just in case things go wrong."

  Fluttershy reluctantly nodded her head but she couldn't seem to stop shaking as images of ogres storming through and killing every pony filled her head, making it hard for the mare to focus on the situation.

  "I'll try papa..." She whispered, and tried to relax herself by taking long and deep breaths to calm her nerves.

  Star Swirl smiled and nodded his head before he frowned and turned away. "I will join Sombra in preparing the soldiers, when you're done, I'll meet you in the throne room with Sombra to discuss plans on how to stop the ogres."

  Fluttershy nodded despite that he couldn't see her from being turned away, and gulped down the lump in her throat before she shut her eyes and prayed for strength as she turned and walked over to the mares and stallions who were waiting to know what was going on. She kept asking herself how the ogres got here so quickly, and why they hadn't attacked the villages before the gates.

  Star Swirl had gathered the troops and sent them on their way to meet the ogres, although he was starting to worry as minutes pasted. He was now in the throne room along with Sombra, Fluttershy, and his commanders. He had hoped that this was going to work out okay, and everyone was gonna be alright. But even through the thick walls of the castle, he could hear the sounds of pain and death of his soldiers. One by one he heard them dying, and it had only been an hour since he sent them out.

  Star Swirl was twirling his beard in his hoof as his other arm crossed his stomach. He hummed in thought as he stared down at the map indicating where his soldiers and the ogres were, as well as they're still standing towers. thirty minutes ago, one of his commanders had brought news of the northern tower being destroyed, which was bad news, but at least it could have been worse.

  "Are you alright my king? I-is there anything I can get you?" Rarity asked who was by Fluttershy's side.

  Star Swirl glanced at the mare and thought before shaking his head. "No thank you Rarity...I can't have anything right now." He replied and Rarity nodded.

  "How did they get to the tower so easily? wouldn't they have attacked the village first?" Fluttershy asked and Star Swirl grimaced.

  "They did...earlier today..." He murmured, making his daughters eyes widen.

  "Wh-what do you mean papa? are you saying the ogres attacked the villages...and...a-and you didn't tell me?" She asked, feeling slight anger that her father didn't tell her this long ago when it happened.

  "Sweet heart, I didn't tell you as to not cause you panic. It was your birthday and I couldn't have ogres attacking the villages ruin one of the most important days of your life." He replied, trying to keep her from freaking out.

  "But papa! my birthday isn't as important as the lives of those who came here today! Papa! they could have been hurt! wh-what if the ogres had attacked them on their trip here!?" She squealed.

  "But they weren't Fluttershy." Sombra said dropping into the conversation. "So there is nothing to worry about, your father knew that he couldn't send everyone back because if he did, they would have had a bigger chance at being attacked on the road." He explained, surprising Fluttershy and Star Swirl slightly.

  "This isn't important right now my dear, right now we need to focus on what is important...and that's keeping everyone safe." He said, the others nodding at his words.

  Fluttershy gulped and wrapped her arms around herself tightly. She wasn't really mad at her father for not telling her, just terrified, scared that the ogres would win this time, especially with such a surprise as to attack on the night of her ball.

  "My King!" A voice shouted entering the throne room panting.

  "Yes captain Flash." Star Swirl said.

  "The ogres have destroyed the eastern gates....and our army is quickly falling..." He whispered and deep dread filled Star Swirl and the others at his words.

  "They're more stronger, much quicker than ever before, and their numbers are increasing." He panted and glanced out the window as a flame was seen ahead.

  Star Swirl groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Every time he thought things would start to get better, things got worse, and now he was fearing the worst. But he couldn't give up hope, they still had to get through one more gate, and they still had many troops to go out and fight. He didn't like that he was sending so many lives to their death, but it was a sacrifice he had to make. He would go and help fight himself, but he was too old now, his bones were weak and he wasn't the soldier he was so many years ago.

  "Send more soldiers, take them out from the back so we can try to corner the enemy." He ordered and Flash bowed his head before quickly turning and rushing out to report his orders.

  "I have a feeling this isn't going to end well..." Fluttershy shivered as she approached the large glass window to try and peek at what was happening. She felt herself whimper and her ears fall back as she could barely see the ogres heads as they charged after their stallion troops.

  "It will be alright my dear. We still have a strong chance of winning this." He replied and wrapped an arm around her shoulder with a small smile of reassurance.

  "But papa...what if it doesn't? I know we have strong soldiers, and in large numbers...but I have this terrible feeling in my bones that...that something will go wrong and they'll break through." She whimpered and buried her nose into the shoulder of her father and he sighed and held her.

  "Darling...do not lose faith...the battle has only just begun. There is no telling what will happen." He whispered as he kissed the top of her head.

  Fluttershy bit her lip and sighed before pulling away from her father. She thought that maybe she was worrying too much and her father would take care of everything and within tomorrow, they would have pushed the ogres back and won the fight. But no matter how much Fluttershy tried to reassure herself that things would be okay, something would twist in her stomach and she felt that for sure things 'weren't' going to be okay.

  Then a thought came to her as she looked up at her father with a worried look. "Papa...a while ago...I...I heard some mares talking about a powerful sorcerer called the...the dark one?" She started explaining and her fathers eyes widened and he glared.

  "No...." He suddenly said and she looked at him confused. "I know who you speak of...and I will not ever hear you mention that name again."

  "But papa, what if he can stop all of this, he could probably end the ogre wars for good-" She tried to explain but Star Swirl interrupted her and placed his hooves on her shoulders.

  "Fluttershy...I will never even consider of asking that scorer for help. He is not only powerful...but he is pure evil...and if there is one thing I learned...is that magic always comes with a price." He said with a firm and somewhat harsh tone causing Fluttershy to flinch.

  "Your father is right Fluttershy." Sombra said, once again supporting her father. "This dark one is nothing but a deal making vermin. He has taken many innocent lives just for the fun of it. He is a beast...a monster, and a murderer."

  Fluttershy frowned as Star Swirl nodded at Sombra. "Yes he is right Fluttershy. This sorcerer is a creature who doesn't care about anyone, and even if he could help us, there is no doubt there will be a big price to pay." He said and hugged Fluttershy again. "Don't lose faith so quickly my dear...we can win this." He murmured and Fluttershy sighed before returning his hug.

  Suddenly they jumped as they heard a loud bang and the castle shook.

  "What was that?" Called Star Swirl and everyone went to look outside and they all paled at the sight before them. Somehow, ogres were attacking the castle doors, and soldiers were desperately trying to push them back but one by one, they were being crushed into nothing but dirt as the ogres smashed them.

  "How did they get to the castle!?" Star Swirl asked aloud, feeling panic rise within him as he watched another stallion die from being attacked.

  "My King!" Called another captain who looked beat up and bruised with blood staining his armor. "The ogres! They broke through the wall!"

  "Wh-what!? how is that possible?" He demanded and began pacing.

  "I don't know, I believe that they attacked at the gates to cause a distraction while others snuck inside!" The light blue pegasus panted while clutching his bleeding stomach and groaning before collapsing to the ground.

  "Get him some help!" Star Swirl called and rushed over to help the downed stallion.

  "My king...." A commander whispered as he continued to look out the window. "Our troops are falling quickly...we're being overrun...and fast! What are we supposed to do?"

  Star Swirl glanced at the commander then at Sombra before sighing and pulling at his hair. "I don't know!" He replied with anger. "I've never seen something like this!...and I...I don't know what to do." He groaned and walked over to the table.

  Fluttershy walked over and pet the fur of his cloak and frowned at him. "Papa...I don't think we'll win this one....I know it's dangerous, and I know you don't think its a good idea...but I think we should send to the dark one..." She said, her voice going quieter with each word till it came out almost as a squeak.

  "Fluttershy! I told you-" Star Swirl shouted but Fluttershy found herself interrupting him.

  "No papa, ponies are dying...the ogres planned this out well....I don't think we have a choice..." She murmured and gasped as screams of pain echoed outside.

  Fluttershy turned and looked into her fathers eyes pleadingly and Star Swirl felt himself biting his lip in thought. They could call for reinforcements, but the ogres were blocking off every point, and a message bird would take too long to get to its destination. The ogres had planned good this time, and he had a feeling that...he wasn't going to win this time. There was still hope though that they could do this, but for the sake of his ponies...

  "Alright...we will send for him..."

Many Years Ago....

  Small fillies and colts played and laughed as they bounced a small ball across the street of a small town. Their parents worked hard by farming and working as smiths and butchers. This town was extremely poor, and it was hard to live in, and their king was not by any means kind or a well caring of them. The houses were simple and made out of wood and the roofs had nothing but straw to cover and protect them from the harsh weather of rain and snow in the winter.

  He watched them silently, and he hid within the shadows just outside of his house. Unlike the little foals that played, this creature sat still and only observed them as they played. He wanted to join them, to laugh with them and enjoy the company of friends. But his appearance scared them all away.

  He sighed and lowered his ears as he continued to watch them play, seeing them smile and jump around in joy made him sadden. No matter how much he wanted to play with them, he knew that he couldn't, for if he did they would run in fear, or he could hurt them....

  His father had abandoned him as a child, and his mother died the day he was born. He had been alone for three years before a mare stumbled upon him and took him in, and since then he saw her as his mom. Everyone rejected him and feared him, so he always had to hide and keep his distance in order to not cause trouble for his mother.

  "Hey you..." A voice whispered causing the colt hidden in his cloak gasp and back away.

  "Wh-what?" He asked in a whimper as he cowered into a corner.

  "Hey relax...I just wanted to ask if you want to play with us?" The filly asked, coming into the light. She was a small filly with an orange coat and green eyes, and her blond hair was braided to the side.

  "U-um....n-no thank you..." He replied quickly when a voice called from behind the mare.

  "Get away from that beast Applejack!" A cracked voice called and from behind the filly, was an orange colt with a brown mane that covered his face.

  "Leave him alone Hoop!" Applejack glared at the colt who just smirked at her and pushed her down into the dirt, getting dust all over her simple clothes.

  Discord flinched forward, wanting to help the pony he pushed down, but he knew he couldn't without causing a scene. All thoughts for the little filly disappeared as the colt came and stood over his cowering form. Hoop laughed at the strange creature who lay beneath him and smirked.

  "What's the matter creature?....are you scared?" He asked in a taunting voice and a couple of other colts joined from behind him and snickered.

  "Please just go away...I don't want to hurt you..." He murmured and grunted as Hoop kicked him in the side, causing him to hit against the wall and onto the floor.

  "Ha! you? hurt me? Alright...then show me what you got?" He said, opening his arms out to the side and the others continued to snicker.

  Discord told himself to just ignore him and walk away, that way he couldn't cause trouble or lose control. As he got up, he made sure to not make eye contact and slowly started to walk away.

  This action caused Hoop to laugh and he threw his head back. "Yeah I knew it!...your just like your father! A pathetic cowered!" He yelled and other foals began to come forward to see what was going on.

  "Hoop I said leave him alone!" Applejack demanded as she stomped over but the two colts that were behind hoop grabbed and held her from going forward.

Discord froze at Hoops words and he felt something within him begin to grow, begin to expand. Coward.....

  Slowly, he turned on all fours and glared up at Hoop, his red orbs glowing with anger, and he said in a calm but menacing tone. "Take.That.Back..." he growled.

  Hoop and the two other colts seemed to be surprised by his tone but they just laughed, causing the creature's anger to grow more. "Oh what's the matter? Don't like that you're just like your father!?" He continued to taunt, and the creature dug his claws into the ground and his body seemed to shake.

  "It's no wonder why your own daddy abandoned you! You're a pathetic monster just like him! A freak!" He smirked with his hooves on his hips as he leaned down to speak.

  "I said...Take it back!" He yelled, gritting his teeth and his eyes were swimming with tears and some falling from their brim and down his cheeks.

  "Aww, are you gonna cry? Do you want your mommy?" He mocked and pursed his lips before laughing and kicking him in the face and back into the dirt.

  "Shut up....." He choked and tried his best not to thrash out.

  "You'll always be a coward you freak! You'll never belong anywhere!" He glared at the figure that rose once more.

  "SHUT UP!!" The creature roared and pounced the colt, a bright yellow wave bursting from within him and blasting the others away.

  "I'M NOT MY FATHER! I HATE HIM! HE LEFT ME TO ROT AND I'LL NEVER! BE LIKE HIM!" The mix matched colt yelled in Hoops face, his eagle claw pinning him down on his chest, and he glared down at him with glowing red eyes. His hood had flown back, revealing his long neck and black hair, as well as the two horns peeking from his head.

  "Get off me! Help! he's trying to kill me!" Hoops whimpered and struggled under the animal. The animal ignored his cries and picked him up from his shirt and slammed him against a post. The colt snarled at hoops, his small canines showing and his eyes continued to glow blood red with anger as he pulled his paw back to strike the pathetic pony.

  "DISCORD!" A mares voice called out, sounding distressed and scared. "Discord stop it!"

  Discord's eyes returned to their normal red and yellow as he heard the familiar voice, and he immediately backed away from the colt that was whimpering in pain as he gripped his neck that now bled. He just realized what he had done and his ears fell back as he realized that everyone in town was watching in complete horror as they stared at him.

  "Hoop! a-are you ok?! oh my sweetie!" A mare, a pegasus came rushing to her son and held him tightly while rocking him. "Are you hurt?" She gasped as she saw the blood on his neck that now dripped down his chest.

  "Discord...." A mare of orange came up to Discord and knelt down, and as the other mare had done, she grabbed Discord and held him tightly against her.

  "I-I-I...I'm sorry mom...I....I didn't mean to...." He stuttered and glanced at the colt over his moms shoulder and feeling guilt overwhelm him.

  "It's okay Discord...it's okay....just relax and take deep breaths..." She whispered and lovingly stroked his mane.

  "You little demon!" Hoops mother called and Carrot Top pulled away from Discord to look at her.

  "Please ma'am...he didn't mean no harm-"

  "That little beast hurt my son! He needs to be punished!" She glared at Discord who backed away behind his moms legs.

  "Ma'am please try and understand-" Carrot Top tried to reason but she wasn't having any of it.

  "You need to control that monster of yours Carrot! He could have really hurt hoops!" She accused and held hoops close to her side.

  "I'll take care of it!" Carrot yelled and glared back, not liking how she was being interrupted, and what she called her son.

  "Well you better! Cause if I don't see that...that freak gone by tomorrow? I'm reporting him to the king!" She threatened and quickly grabbed her son and walked away in anger.

  Carrot watched as they walked away and then the other ponies who were glaring and showing looks of fear for the Draconequus that still sat curled behind her legs.

  "Come Discord." She whispered, turning and slowly walking away, making sure to keep an eye on everyone as she went.

  Discord looked up apologetically at the ponies and held back the tears as he took slow and shaky steps following his mother. He could see that everyone feared him, and so did he. He didn't know where it came from, but ever since he could remember, he had a strange magic. He couldn't control it, and he didn't know what type of magic it was, so his adoptive mother Carrot Top had always instructed him to stay away from ponies as to not hurt anyone.

  Apparently he had failed in trying to contain his magic within. He was always good at not being effected by their harsh and cruel words, but whenever they brought up the subject of his father...he seemed to lose control and everything would black out. He never forgave his father for abandoning him to live a life in luxury and peace, not having to take care of his nuisance of a son, who always got in the way of what he wanted.

  Carrot Top stood to the side and waited for Discord to enter before slamming the door shut, making the colt flinch and pull his tail between his legs.

  "Discord..." Carrot Top groaned, rubbing her forehead as it ached. "What have I told you...about talking to other ponies! This is the third time now! I can't afford you doing this! I'll lose everything and the king would have your head for a prize if he learned what you did!" She shouted in anger for him.

  "I...I said I was sorry...they....they said I was a coward-" He tried to explain.

  "It doesn't matter what they said Discord." She groaned. "The point is you keep letting their words get to you! I've told that what they say doesn't matter!"

  Carrot Top left the door and came over to hug Discord tightly in her arms. "I love you Discord...I wouldn't be able to take it if you got hurt..." She whispered and Discord nodded before letting his tears fall.

  "I can't take it anymore mom!....I...I just can't control it....I want it to end..." He choked and snuggled even closer.

  Carrot sighed sadly and stood up with Discord in her arms as she walked over to a small rocking chair and sat in it. "I'm sorry Discord...I didn't mean to yell...I'm not mad...I'm just afraid..." She murmured and kissed his forehead as he quietly cried into her shoulder.

  "A-afraid of me?" He asked biting his lip.

  Carrot Top frowned and gulped. She loved Discord like the son she never had, but she couldn't deny to herself that his magic scared her, and that she was afraid of him as well.

  Carrot Top pulled him back and looked dead in his eye. "No...I'm not afraid of you Discord....I'm afraid someone will hurt you, or you hurt them-" She stopped as she realized she wasn't helping.

  "Mom..." Discord rasped as he looked down at his mix matched hands that lay on her shoulders. "I don't want this anymore...I want it gone!" He growled and buried his face into her shoulder again.

  "You want what gone sweetie?" She asked in confusion.

  "My magic! I-I don't want it!...if I-I'm just gonna keep hurting ponies like this...I don't want it!" He cried, gasping as more tears fell from his eyes.

  "What are you saying Discord?" She asked as she pulled him back again.

  "I want to get rid of my magic..." He whispered and Carrots eyes widened.

  "Discord...no.....that's not safe, it's impossible to take magic away, and only a very powerful sorcerer can take someone else's magic away-"

  "Then we'll find one..." He murmured, his red eyes catching her green ones.

  Carrot top grimaced and began to protest but his small finger rose and touched her lips.

  "Please....I don't ever want to hurt anyone again..." He whispered in the softest of voices.

  Carrot Top was going to refuse, knowing that even though she did fear his magic, it was a part of him, and it was what made him special. But as she stared at the desperate look in his eyes, the pain in them for needing to hide away, to always run and stay secluded in darkness, made her have second thoughts.

  "Discord...are you sure?" She carefully asked.

  Discord took in a deep breath and closed his eyes before reopening them and with a look of determination he answered. "Yes....."

  Star Swirl collapsed in his throne and let out a shaky breath of exhaustion. For seven long hours, the battle continued to go on, and on. At first the ogres seemed like they had the upper hoof, and he was fearing that they would actually lose this time. But afterwards, his stallions had stood up, and they had met them head on, and slowly they started to fall back, and hope began to rise again that this wasn't a loss.

  Their hope was short lasted when more ogres attacked, there seemed to be over hundreds of ogres. The king was at least grateful that his top captain was able to lead his soldiers to them and they were successful at pushing them back to the eastern gates. If they didn't succeed in killing them, then they would have no other choice.....

  "My Lord....." A Commander whispered as he just left from the doors of the throne room. "News has come from the battlefield....Captain Shining Armor has fallen...." He said in despair.

  "My god..." Star Swirl replied in disbelief. He rose from his throne and for the seventh time he began pacing, his distress clearly written across his face.

  "If only he had come....." Sombra whispered who was standing next to Fluttershy. During the whole time, Fluttershy had been scared and shaking, so Sombra had come over and held her to help calm her.

  "Well he didn't did he!?" He suddenly shouted, making Fluttershy flinch against the arm Sombra had around her.

   Fluttershy looked up at Sombra and slowly moved her way out of his hold as she saw Star Swirl fall back onto the throne and grunt. She frowned and gulped before coming over to his side and sitting down on the floor and holding his hooves in hers.

  "It's okay papa.....he could be on his way right now." She said as she kissed the hoof she held.

  "It's too late my dear....he won't come.....I knew he wouldn't....he only does what helps himself.....he doesn't care about the lives of ponies." He said and stroked Fluttershy's cheek, making her lean into it.

  Just then, the entire room jumped as three loud and spaced knocks were heard against the throne doors. Star Swirl looked up surprised and his daughter seemed to brighten slightly with hope.

  "That could be him...." She mumbled.

  "That's impossible...." He grumbled, sitting up again and walking over to the doors to answer himself. "How in the hell did he get passed the castle walls?"

  As Star Swirl approached the door, he nodded to the commanders and they drew their swords out and pointed them in the direction of the door. Star Swirl stopped and did a slight nod to two guards at the door and they held their breaths as the doors creaked open, and they awaited to see who was behind.

  All their faces suddenly were covered in confusion and surprise as the the doors fully opened. They were expecting to see a dark and menacing stallion, someone who looked like they could kill them in a wave of a hoof, but.......there was no one there.........

  "Well that a was a bit of a let down..." A deep voice chuckled in amusement that came from behind them. Making them all jump and some squeal as they turned around to see who had made that sound, and their eyes widened in complete fear as they looked at the creature before them.

  He was nothing like they have ever seen before. He wasn't a pony for sure, his body was long and slithery like a dragon or a snake. His skin was almost black, except it shimmered like specks of gold. His mane was black where two black horns stuck out from his head. He had a eagle claw on his left, and a lion paw on the right. His right leg was that of a raptors, and the left side was that of what looked like a donkey.

  He had two wings as well, on his right it looked like a normal pegasus wing, and the other was a golden bat wing on his right. Then he had a long muscular tail that slithered along the ground with a small black tuft of hair hanging off the end. How was it possible for a creature to have so many different body parts? He also wore black tight pants, half leather boots, and a jacket that looked like scales of a dragon, the sleeves reaching down and wrapping around his middle finger, his clothes made him look all the more terrifying,

  What was the most frightening thing about him were his eyes. The part of his eyes that was supposed to be white, was a black darker than night, and his iris was a bright yellow, perhaps gold, and his pupil was almost transparent as it formed into a very thin slit. The terrifying creature grinned at their expressions, showing his few long canines and a large fang that hung out from his mouth.

  "You should really see the looks on your faces right now....it's priceless!" He laughed softly, covering his smile with a paw. "Oh wait...you can." He said and snapped his fingers, causing a mirror to appear in each of their faces, knocking them out of their trance before he snapped again, making them disappear into thin air.

  "Now I believe you called me asking for help? Lets see how was it...hmmm..." He said while tapping his chin with his talon. "Oh yes....um...Help! help! we're dying! can you save us!?" He suddenly called out, showing fake fear and making his voice higher pitched, practically mocking them.

  The menacing and dark creature rolled his eyes at the blank stares he got, but also still felt amusement at the looks they had.

  "Now my answer is...." He said, rising from the throne and walking towards the grey unicorn who was standing in front of a yellow mare, his sword pointing right at him. "Yes..." He smirked as he slapped the tip of sombra's sword away and turned around while putting his hands behind his back as if admiring the castle.

  "pft! really King Star Swirl, for royalty I expected much better from you. I come here to help and the first thing you do is threaten me with sticks?" He asked with a mocking town.

  "Can we get this over with? I can't let more ponies die!" Star Swirl demanded, feeling anger towards the creature.

  "Patience deary...patience..." He turned to face him and waved a talon at him. He smirked at the glares he got and began walking slowly around them. "Yes...I can help you.....at least that is.....for a price." He murmured and halted once he was next to Star Swirl.

  Star Swirl hated how he had to look up at the creature from how tall he was and he shot a look of anger and confusion. "We sent you a promise of gold!" He declared and Discord just began laughing, a deep and dark laugh that caused Fluttershy to gasp.

  "Oh! I'm sorry I...you see um...oh how do I break this to you..." He whispered, faking his worry about telling him. "You see King Star Swirl..." He whispered, coming up to his face and giving him a dumb look. "I...make gold..." He grumbled, smiling as Star Swirl's eyes widened not only in shock, but fear.

  Fluttershy stared at him in horror, she had never seen such a dark and cruel creature. She could feel herself shrinking every time he got close, and for the first time she was grateful for Sombra's protection. He was for sure menacing, and as those amber eyes focused on her for a second as he stood near her father, she felt a deep shiver go down her spine, not only from fear...but something strange as well.

  "No I don't want gold." Discord said, breaking Fluttershy out of her thoughts. "What I want is something a bit more Spec-cial." He said, moving his hands around.

  Star Swirl watched with wary eyes as the creature circled around him once before stopping. "No...what I want...is her.." He said, his finger pointing behind the King and he turned and felt his heart stop in terror as the finger pointed towards his darling daughter.

  Fluttershy gasped and felt herself whimper and Sombra put an arm in front of her. "The young lady is engaged sir....to me." He hissed in a warning tone and Discord laughed once again.

  "I didn't ask if she was engaged deary...in fact it wouldn't matter if she was married either." He said as he walked up to a window and peeked out at the destruction.

  "I'm not looking for l-.....love..." He seemed to struggle with the word as if it disgusted him or angered him to say it. "I'm only looking for a care taker!" he suddenly smiled as he spun around and rose his hands near his head. "For my rather large estate." He said simply and continued to smile casually.

  "Besides it will be fun ordering someone around all day, don't you think so Star Swirl?" He asked making Star Swirl seethe with anger at how he was planning to treat his daughter.

  "No! GET OUT!" Star Swirl shouted, pointing his hoof towards the open doors and the creature bowed.

  "As you wish..." He smirked as he began to walk slowly out.

  Fluttershy was shaking with dread at the creatures offer in order to help save the kingdom. As her father told him to get out, she felt a strange feeling of need, of duty and even though she was scared to death, she knew she needed to do it. She couldn't live with knowing that just because she didn't go with this monster, that the kingdom would fall.

  "W-wait!" Fluttershy called out, and Discord turned around and crossed his arms over his chest and a knowing smile was on his lips, as if he was expecting for her to say that.

  Fluttershy gulped as those eyes dug into her soul and seemed to have felt a strange shaking in her legs at how intense they were. She looked down at the floor and closed her eyes before taking a long and deep breath to help calm herself down, if just slightly. Then she did the unthinkable as she left from Sombra's hold and walked over the the creature that towered over her, only the end of her head was up to his chest.

  "I...I will....I will go w-with you...." She whispered and everyone gasped, Star Swirl and Sombra immediately stepping forward.

  "Fluttershy no!" Star Swirl called and Fluttershy fought back the tears as she turned around and hugged her father tightly, knowing that it would most likely be the last time she ever see him.

  "Fluttershy..I can't allow you to go with..with this...." He paused as he glanced up at the menace who was smiling and Star Swirl glared daggers at him. "This beast..." He hissed and Discord's mouth dropped open in shock and fake hurt as he placed a paw on his chest.

  "I'm sorry papa...but...I-I have to...if it will save you and the kingdom...then I will." She whispered and held him tightly before leaning up and kissing his cheek. "I love you papa.....I won't forget you." She sniffled.

  "Fluttershy don't be ridiculous! you can't-" Sombra shouted in anger but Fluttershy pulled away from her father slightly and silenced Sombra with a hoof on his chest.

  "Papa....Sombra..." She said in a shaky breath. "It's been decided...I'm sorry...but...but if he wants me...then he'll have me." She whispered, wiping a tear and Star Swirl was about to protest but the creature came up next to Fluttershy ear.

  "You know....the mares right." He pointed towards her and Fluttershy shivered as she felt it's breath on her skin.

  Fluttershy turned around and stared at his chest, not being able to stare into those menacing amber eyes. "If I go with you....my friends-" She said glancing at Rarity who was crying. "My family.....they w-will all live?"

    Discord smiled and did a small bow while waving one of his hands elegantly. "You have my word...."

  Fluttershy sighed and rapped her arms around herself. "T-then...you have mine..." She whispered just barely loud enough for them to hear.

  "It is forever deary...are you sure?" He asked, and Fluttershy was slightly surprised that he was asking her if she really wanted it.

  Fluttershy glanced one more time at her father and whimpered quietly as a tear fell down her cheek before she turned and closed her eyes, her ears falling back. "....yes."

  "Deal! ynha!" He chirped and clapped his hands like an excited filly.

  "Fluttershy...please...don't do this...I can't lose you like your mother." He sadly whispered, trying to hold back his tears.

  "Sorry kingy! I'm afraid you already lost her." He laughed and Fluttershy gasped as she felt a paw on her back and push her forward with strong force.

  "Oh! Congratulations on your little war!" He halted suddenly, almost making Fluttershy trip and he glanced behind him. "I hope your happy with the results...." He grinned brightly and pushed Fluttershy forward, almost shoving her.

  "Fluttershy!" Sombra called and Fluttershy peeked behind her. "Don't g-" He tried to say but the creature twisted his claw and the doors seemed to close suddenly, not letting the stallion finish.

  "Gah! I hate watching goodbyes...so mushy and disgusting." He shivered gagging and Fluttershy just stared beyond, not believing that this was happening. Surely this had to be a dream.

  She didn't know why she accepted this beast's offer, but she felt the need to protect her kingdom, her friends, and her family. As she told herself many times, she couldn't be selfish, she had to do what was best.....she had no say in it....she had no choice. She had to be brave just like her mother was, she had to stay strong and work for this creature for as long as she needed to.

God give me strength...

Chapter 7 Magic

  The Dark One sat at his organ, playing softly on it's ivory keys, the motions creating a beautiful melody that echoed through the room and castle halls. As always, he never slept a single minute of the day, always staying up and playing his organ with great passion. Playing the organ always helped relax him and help him think.

  Whenever he was feeling low or lonely, playing the organ always seemed to sooth the ache in his heart that decided it never wanted to leave. The dark one may have been heartless, cruel, and perhaps even pure evil, but deep down inside his blackening heart, there was the tiniest glow of cherry red, a place where he still possessed care and feelings.

  The Dark One hated feelings. They were a weakness, and he wanted to be rid of them. That's why he had been playing around more often lately, messing with the lives of others and bringing misery to more ponies. He hated how he felt right now, he could feel strings pull at his heart every time he pushed a note, every time a memory came back, it hurt.

  He tried taking deep breaths and to keep himself under control when it came to his emotions. Although it was hard to control the black tears that swam in his eyes, making it hard to see the notes before him as he continued to play. He may have been a very powerful wizard, and with his magic he could rid himself of the memories that haunted him. But some part of him wanted to remember, to always remember his shame and guilt as an eternal punishment for himself.

  The Dark One's hands, that were - at first - playing softly and elegantly, now pounded hard with deep passion as those same memories came back. Why was he such a coward all those years ago? Why did he have to let his only child go because he was too afraid? Even though he had little back then....she would have been enough.

  If only time travel was possible......

  The Dark One tried to focus on something else besides the pain of the past, and his thoughts suddenly thought of the mare which he took from the royal family of Canterlot. He couldn't help but smirk as he remembered the fear in her eyes, along with the suffering he had caused her family.

  In truth, he didn't know why he picked the mare, but he knew that he did it just to have fun with her. Toy with her emotions, pull the strings that always brought such sweet fulfillment when the victim finally broke. And besides, she was a princess, it would be even more fun torturing her with the duties of a lowly peasant. All princesses were the same, snotty and rude, always picky about their clothing and getting dirty.

  The Dark One frowned as he thought of her more. What confused him was how she was willing to sacrifice herself to save her father and friends. The act of a naive, foolish young mare, no doubt. He rolled his eyes and waved the thought off. Sure, she was willing to sacrifice herself for her kingdom, but she was still royalty.

  The Dark One stilled for a moment, he couldn't help but remember her eyes, those oceanic, teal eyes that seemed to sparkle when he saw her, despite the fear inside them, they still radiated a strange beauty. He continued, the tune that was being played suddenly grew soft and gentle again as strange thoughts of the mare filled his mind. He remembered her pink mane, how it looked silky and soft in the light, and her body seemed to be like a soft, creamy shade of butterscotch.

  The dress the mare had been wearing was rather revealing, and he could remember staring at those swells held in her fabric as they rose rapidly from her fearful panting. He didn't have time to look at her, but what he had seen seemed to trigger a strange feeling within him, something he did not like. The Dark One sighed as he remembered coming up behind the mare and smelling the sweet scent of roses. He stopped playing and gripped his head while growling softly to himself. 'What the heck am I thinking?' he inwardly asked himself as he pushed those thoughts of his prisoner out of his mind.

  It didn't matter, she was pretty, yes, but it didn't matter. because no one....no one could ever love him.

  Discord growled louder this time and pushed himself away from his instrument, towards the right corner of his massive room, where a simple spinning wheel sat. He set himself on the stool and picked up some plain straw from a basket next to him, using his paw to gently spin the wheel around.

  When he played his organ, it helped him think over things, and when he spun, it helped him to forget the pain, if only momentarily. The Dark One stared into the abyss as he fell into a trance from watching the wheel as it spun his memories away, leaving his brain and emotions blank.

  Fluttershy jumped awake as the loud sound of iron scraping against a hard surface startled her awake. She whirled around and was met with eyes of gold that stared down at her with a plain, somewhat amused expression.

  "It's time to get up, deary! Rise and shine!" The Dark One chirped, his expression replaced by a smirk.

  Fluttershy groaned and rubbed her eyes with a hoof. She felt awfully sore on the side she slept on, and her left arm was completely numb from sleeping on it. She looked around her, memory hazy as she tried to clear her head a bit. She looked down at her dress and grimaced at the stains that adorned it from being in this cell of a bedroom.

  "It's time to get to work, my castle is very dusty and I expect you to clean every inch of it." he instructed as Fluttershy started to slowly get up.

  Fluttershy didn't care to reply. She didn't care what he thought and she was too angry to look at him. Fluttershy looked past him and simply started to walk by, prepared to do what he asked of her, when her stomach growled.

  The Dark One chuckled, turning to go down the hall, "My, you must be hungry." he continued to chuckle and Fluttershy glared at his back for a moment before he continued "I will at least feed you before you get to work." He whispered and Fluttershy's eyes widened slightly.

  He was going to feed her first? Didn't he want to watch her suffer without food? To see her struggle to keep her strength and see how long a princesses could stand the labor of a servant?

  Fluttershy quelled the questions running through her head and simply followed him until they reached the room she had seen yesterday, before he threw her in her cell for the night. She glanced at the table and felt her mouth water at the food that sat there. On the large table was various salads and other vegetable-related meals that caused her stomach to growl louder in anticipation.

  Fluttershy was about to move to sit, but halted and looked at The Dark One in caution, whom was staring at her with his arms crossed.

  "What are you waiting for, deary?" he asked casually before his hand moved out towards the food. "Dig in...." he murmured in a deep voice that caused her to shiver in a way that she was not familiar with.

  Fluttershy hesitated, then slowly started to move her way to one of the wooden chairs. She sat down and unconsciously licked her lips at the food displayed before her. Her hoof slowly inched forward to grab a carrot topped muffin, before stopping to glance at him once again, making The Dark One chuckle as he sat down at the opposite end of the table.

  "It's not poisonous, if that's what you're worried about." he rolled his eyes and picked up a blood red apple, considering the fruit for a moment before proceeding to slowly take a bite of it, his canines glistening as the juice from the apple fell into his mouth.

  Fluttershy gulped as she stared at those intimidating fangs...or fang. For some reason he only had one fang, but she told herself not to question such a thing, 'Just look at his body!'

  Fluttershy took in a deep breath before she flipped her pink mane over her shoulder and finally took one of the carrot topped muffins. She inched the muffin towards her mouth and carefully took a bite. her eyes widened from the sweet carrot taste that her mouth, and she couldn't help but sigh in delight before devouring the rest.

  The Dark One swallowed the bite he took from his apple, watching her finish the muffin before taking other foods from the table and stuffing herself with them as if she hadn't eaten in days. The Dark One frowned when he felt a wave of strange feelings wash over him, the sight of her behaving so ravenously both somewhat delighting and startling him.

  The Dark One growled inwardly and shook his head. Why is it that he was feeling such...interesting things...ever since he brought this mare here? He glared at the mare, then thought of a way to rid himself of his thoughts.

  "So...did you sleep well?" The Dark One asked, trying to suppress a smirk.

  Fluttershy halted from her eating, her plate completely covered in food. She bit her lip to keep herself under control before she turned her head to look at him.

  "Actually....to be honest, I had a terrible night's sleep." she replied, not able to suppress the small hiss in her voice.

  "Oh? Why is that? Was the stone too hard for your perfect princess head?" he asked with a pout of the lip, faking his worry for her.

  Fluttershy shivered, this time in anger. He knew perfectly well that it would be hard for anyone to sleep on such a hard floor! And when he mocked her discomfort, she felt like getting up and walking over be slapping that grin off his face.

  "No, it's simply hard to sleep on a cold, hard, stone floor!" she hissed, and the dark one momentarily gave her a genuine look of surprise.

  "Well, you'll just have to get used to it my dear." he hissed back, pleased to see her cower at his dark tone, then a light smirk graced his features. "Now, I believe you've had enough..." he whispered, snapping his fingers.

  Fluttershy jumped and squeaked as suddenly - in a flash of black smoke - everything that was on the table vanished.

  "It's time you get to work!" he said, getting up from his chair and twirling over to his window, pulling back the curtain. "You will be dusting each and every inch of the castle today. Later on tonight, I will give you the rest of your chores. Think you can do that, deary?" he asked, turning his head to look at her and raising his black eyebrow.

  Fluttershy sighed and rose before nodding. "Yes...I'll get started right away." she murmured.

  "Good!" He chirped while clapping his hands together. "You'll be needing this." he said, waving his claw, black smoke swirled around her hoof for a second before it disappeared, in her hoof was a duster.

  "Thank you....but um...where do I start?" she asked in a whisper.

  "Speak up, deary!" The Dark One said in a loud voice. "I can't hear you."

  Fluttershy cleared her throat before repeating herself. "I said: wh-where do I start?"

  "Oh...um...I don't care." he smiled, walking over to his spinning wheel and sitting down at it.

  Fluttershy looked at The Dark One, confused as he started to slowly spin the wheel he sat at. She sighed and looked around herself, grimacing at how many places needed to be dusted. "I guess I should get started then..." she whispered sadly, turning away from The Dark One and going to work.

  Discord cowered behind his mother as they walked closer and closer to their destination. He was finally here, he was going to get what he wanted, but he was still afraid, which he couldn't help. Ever since he was younger, he kept asking himself if his magic was good. If it was bad, if it would become a problem for him in the future.

  These same questions were running through his head as they walked towards the front doors of a large house. It wasn't anything he was expecting from a powerful wizard, so was his mother. It was a big house, for certain, but instead of seeing a fancy stone house with hundreds of floors and expensive items and decor, it was just a simple, one story, wood cabin.

  Carrot halted at the door and took a deep breath before glancing down at Discord. "You ready for this?" she asked and Discord looked into her eyes before looking away and nodding.

  "Alright...." Carrot Top sighed, lifting her hoof to knock on the oak wood four times before taking a step back and waiting.

  It was completely silent for a moment, then they heard the sound of shuffling and the sound of hooves coming closer. Discord and Carrot Top held their breaths as they heard the hooves coming closer, wondering who was behind that door, and what they might look like?

  The handle turned to the side and the door creaked as it was pulled open, revealing a purple unicorn. Carrot and Discord both started, up surprised to see that this powerful wizard looked so...normal.

  She had dark blue hair, almost mistakable for purple, with pink and purple strands along it, and was held up into a very messy bun by a frail-looking pin. The unicorn wore a pair of glasses and her nose was buried into a large book she held in her hooves. She wore nothing but a simple, dark red robe with golden sashes, and around her neck was a glowing six pointed star made of colored crystal.

  Discord and Carrot waited as the mare continued to stare into her book intently, and when about a whole minute passed, Carrot spoke up. "Um...miss?" Carrot asked but got no reply. Carrot furrowed her eye brows and looked behind the mare to see if there was anyone else inside, before raising a hoof to her mouth and clearing her throat.

  "One second...." the purple unicorn said, her right hoof raising to silence her.

  Carrot waited impatiently, tapping her hoof slightly in annoyance at having to stand there.

  "Almost there-" The purple mare said, biting her lip. "-aaannndd......okay!" she suddenly exclaimed, slamming the book closed. A bright smile covered her face as she looked up at them, causing them to jump in surprise. "Hello! I'm Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you!" she chirped while reaching out and grabbing Carrot's hoof to give it a good shake.

  "Um...hi, I'm Carrot Top and this is my son, Discord." Carrot said politely, a little shocked at how kind this mare seemed to be.

  "Wait? He's your son?" Twilight asked, pointing towards the colt on all fours.

  "Um...." Carrot started but Twilight was immediately bending down and grabbing Discord's claws and face, examining him.

  "How is that possible? You're a pony and he's a...a.....a creature I've never heard of before!" Twilight said in excitement before her horn lit up with a pink aura and Discord yelped as he was levitated by his leg. "Oh my gosh! He's a Draconequus! I-I thought they were all extinct!" She clapped happily and immediately dragged Discord inside against the floor with her magic and Carrot stood there unable to get in a word.

  Carrot entered into the cabin slowly, turning momentarily to close the door.Twilight was at the table and three books were levitated in front of her, the pages all turning on their own. Twilight adjusted her glasses and read each page that passed with a smile before looking over Discord.

  "I can't believe it! An actual Draconequus!" She said, grabbing his snout and pulling back his lips to look at his teeth. "I've heard about them so much but I thought they were just a myth I-" Twilight kept on going before halting and dropping Discord before turning to face Carrot Top. "Oh! I-I'm so sorry Carrot Top..." Twilight said looking away embarrassed.

  "Um it's okay miss Sparkle." Carrot replied and Twilight smiled.

  "It's just I got excited and...and I tend to ramble when I get excited or learn something new heh!" Twilight blushed while rubbing the back of her neck.

  Discord shook himself and leaped off the table and walked over to his mother, cautiously watching the wizard. Twilight took in a deep breath and walked forward towards carrot Top.

  "I didn't mean to get over excited, I don't get company often. You came to me and the proper thing for me to do is relax and greet you the normal way." She chuckled before clapping her hooves. "So!" She said, swirling around and using her magic to clean up the mess of books, scrolls, and quills on a velvet couch before inviting them over to sit. "What brings you to my home?" She asked as she sat down on a chair opposite from the couch.

  Carrot pet Discord's mane as he leaped into her lap and laid his head down as he stared at Twilight.

  "Well, me and my son have a problem, and we heard that your the most powerful wizard to roam Equestria, so we came to you to see if you could help us." Carrot explained and Twilight laughed.

  "Is that what they think I am? I admit I am a powerful wizard...but not that powerful. That would be my master." Twilight chuckled. "Anyways, what is it that you need help with? I don't know a lot, but I will try my best to help." She asked, folding her hind leg over the other and tilting her head slightly as she waited.

  "Well...first do you promise to keep this a secret? Some know but i prefer no pony else hears this." Carrot said and Twilight looked at her curiously before nodding.

  "Of course, it must be important then." She whispered, her attention fully on them now.

  "Well you see...my son...well my adopted son...he has magic and...he has accidentally hurt a lot of ponies, and for both his and my safety, we came hoping you could help take away his magic." Carrot said and Twilight's mouth dropped.

  "What!? You want to get rid of it!?" She asked in shock and Carrot looked at her confused.

  "Yes, my son told me that is what he wants, and I want to do whatever makes him happy." She replied and Twilight looked at her for a second before looking down at the colt who seemed to be looking away into some unknown abyss and bit her lip.

  "Are you sure you think that's wise?" Twilight asked and Carrot seemed more confused.

  "What do you mean?" Carrot asked, feeling slightly agitated.

  "I'm sorry I just...it's just...magic is unpredictable...I'm not sure that would be safe." Twilight said and looked away. "Discord...are you sure that is what you want?" Twilight asked the colt, surprising him slightly at the concern in her eyes.

  Discord cleared his throat and lifted his head to face the mare fully before closing his eyes and nodding. "Yes....I'm sure of it." He whispered and Twilight frowned. "I can't stop hurting everyone...they fear me for my magic....I want to get rid of it so me and my mom can be happy." He explained and Twilight looked at him with understanding.

  "I see..." Twilight sighed, lowering her ears and raising a hoof to her chin in thought.

  "Well...can you help us?" Carrot Top asked and Twilight grimaced.

  "Yes I can, but it won't be an easy process." Twilight explained. "It will be quick, but it takes a lot of magic, to take magic away."

  "Then do it...I'll pay anything." Carrot said calmly.

  "Alright...wait here please, I'll only be a second." Twilight said before rising and walking away and going inside a door before closing it behind her.

  Twilight gulped and looked behind her before walking over to a box that had a ruby gem that glowed like fire in the middle and waved her hoof over it. Her horn began to glow and a mist began to flow from the box's sides and slowly, a blue fire rose from the middle and levitated in front of her.

  The blue fire kept switching from blue, to green, to pink, and to teal. It wasn't hot, and nothing it touched lit on fire.

  "Master?" Twilight asked and the fire became brighter.

  "Yes Twilight Sparkle." A deep and beautiful mare voice came from the fire and Twilight sighed.

  "I need some advise from you." She started and messed with her hooves before continuing. "A mare and her son came to me just now...and...and she's asking me to take away her sons magic but...I don't know what to do. Is it the right choice?" Twilight asked and bit her lip when the fire was silent for a moment.

  "Does the colt want this as well? Or is it just the mother?" The voice asked.

  "He says he wants it too...and he seems serious about it." Twilight replied softly, glancing back at the door to make sure no pony was peeking in.

  "Then do as they ask Twilight." The voice answered for her and Twilight looked up.

  "But master....what if I can teach-" Twilight began but the voice cut her off.

  "Twilight....I know of the colt you speak of, and though I cannot read the future or predict it...I can sense that this creatures future holds great darkness. I think it would be best to rid him of his magic, and try to stop him from making this future a reality. I can see great suffering for others because of him in his future, and I want you to make the right decision and abide my decision." The voice said firmly and Twilight opened her mouth to speak but bit her lip and sighed, adjusting her glasses.

  "Yes Master...it will be done." Twilight whispered and the voice hummed in approval.

  "Is that all my apprentice?" The voice asked and Twilight slowly nodded her head.

  "Yes...thank you Master." Twilight said and turned to start leaving, waving her hoof, causing the fire to disappear in a flash.

  Carrot Top looked up from petting her sons mane as she heard a door open and close. Twilight met her eyes and smiled softly before approaching them. She had two items in her arms, but it was hard to see them in only the light of the fire.

  "I have what can help you." Twilight said and Carrot Top sighed.

  "Then let's get it over with...I want to end my sons suffering." Carrot replied and Twilight looked away and sadly nodded.

  Twilight knelt down and placed the items down on the floor. In front of her was a small box with gems on around it, and next to it was a large diamond. Twilight hesitated before her horn glowed and the box made a clicking sound before it began unfolding, making Carrot and Discord look at it curiously but also with slight fear.

  Discord and Carrot Top watched as it finished unfolding and looked at it in confusion as it seemed to take the form of a pointed blue hat. It looked like a plain pointed hat, but it seemed to be glowing, and along it looked like a bunch of stars.

  "What is that?" Carrot asked.

  "This is an enchanted hat. It was given to me by my Master. It was made to take and obtain magical beings." She explained and carrot looked at her suspiciously.

  "Your going to put my son into a hat?" She asked and Twilight chuckled slightly in amusement before shaking her head.

  "No, this hat does hold magical beings within it, and is very powerful, but I can use my magic to alter it so I can take your son's magic, and place it into this diamond where I will keep it safe and hidden." Twilight explained and Carrot seemed to relax.

  "Alright...Discord?" Carrot said and Discord looked up at her with slight fear in his eyes.

  "Will you come here Discord...I can't promise that this won't hurt, but I can promise to make it as quick as possible." She said and Discord gulped before slowly nodding and walking off the couch on all fours towards Twilight and closing his eyes.

  "I-I'm ready...." He whispered and Twilight nodded before closing her eyes and grabbing the hat, pointing it at Discord and using her magic to levitate the diamond over it.

  "Now try and hold as still as you can please, it's going to take a lot of magic to do this and I need to be completely focused." Twilight said and Discord nodded.

  Slowly a golden magical aura surrounded Discord and the hat, and a humming sound shook the house slightly. Carrot looked at Discord slightly worried as a wave of white magic left from the hat and went towards Discord, causing him to groan in pain. The color of the magic surrounding him changed into glowing purple and yellow magic and Discord cried out as it started to pull from him in a slight fast pulse.

  Discord clenched his teeth and took deep breaths as a few tears fell from his shut eyes, trying to ignore the stinging pain coming from all over his body. Carrot Top watched as the magic suddenly stopped pulling from Discord and started flowing into the levitating Diamond, and she watched in slight fascination.

  Twilight suddenly gasped as the hat stopped glowing and the diamond fell into her lap. Discord collapsed onto the floor groaning, his eyes looking discolored and somewhat grey, and Carrot was immediately at his side to hold him against her.

  "Are you okay sweetie?" Carrot asked and Discord nodded despite how weak and shaky he felt suddenly.

  "It's done..." Twilight sighed as she watched the hat fold back into a round box before taking the diamond and stuffing it into the pocket of her coat.

  Carrot Top rose with Discord in her arms, rubbing his shoulder as he shivered. "Is he going to be okay?" She asked with worry and Twilight came over and placed a hoof on Discord's forehead and nodding.

  "Yes...he will be weak and will need time to recover. So I do recommend a lot of rest for at least a weak or two." She said as she stroked the colts soft cheek.

  "Thank you...what do you want int return?" Carrot Top asked, fearing slightly at what it might be.

  "Nothing....only that you don't ever mention that hat I used to anyone. No matter the cost." She said in a firm tone and Carrot nodded in slight relief.

  "You have my word." She whispered softly and Twilight nodded. "It's all over my son...you don't have to worry anymore." Carrot softly whispered to Discord as she turned to leave.

Chapter 8 Chipped Cup

  The Dark One relaxed in a chair of the end of the table where he watched the mare work her way in making him some tea. Of course he could just make some appear, but he liked making her doing it of course. He had left earlier to take care of...business...should he call it, and while he was gone, Fluttershy seemed to have done a great job with dusting the entire castle. He couldn't even find one speck of dust.

  The Dark One was slightly surprised that she did so well, and as a princess too. But it was only dusting, an extremely simple and easy task that anyone could do. He couldn't help but get confused when she wasn't fussing over her fancy dress that was now covered in dust, or complaining about getting dirty, but he guessed she just didn't want to get in trouble, after all, everyone feared him.

  "You've done well deary..." He murmured and Fluttershy who was walking over to the table with a tray in her hooves halted and looked at him. "Now you will dust every day, not the whole castle, but large sections to keep it from getting dusty." He started explaining and Fluttershy placed the tray down and began to fix a cup of tea.

  "Now to list the rest of your chores." He grinned and snapped his fingers and a long scroll appeared that began rolling across the room, making Fluttershy's eyes widen.

  "All of this?" She asked after turning around and slowly picking up the scroll in her hooves. It had many complicated and some what dangerous jobs listed on it that caused her to shiver.

  "Of course, is there a problem with that?" He replied with a tilt of the head and a raised eye brow.

  "N-n-no...its fine but...how will I do all of...this-" She referred to the rest of the scroll that reached the organ. "Every single day?!" She asked, already feeling exhausted.

  "You know I actually have no idea." The Dark One chuckled with a wave of his claw. "You'll just have to try your hardest I guess." He shrugged and Fluttershy opened her mouth to reply but shut it. She didn't want to argue and even if she wanted to, she couldn't out of fear of angering the creature.

  Fluttershy tried to focus on what she had to do and started working on finishing the tea she had prepared for him. The Dark One smiled softly and stood up to walk around the table and stretch his legs from sitting down for a while. He kept catching the mare in his eye and he couldn't help but watch as those soft looking hooves handled the glass of the tea pot and cup so gentle, so delicately as if she feared it would break, and he couldn't help but admire it slightly.

  The Dark One shook his head and smiled slightly. "Oh I almost forgot, aside from that list, you will also have to take care of a few personal things for me." He grinned when she looked up at him. "One, wash the sheets of my chambers. Two, polish it's floors. Three, the windows of course, I can't have dirty windows. OH!" He suddenly chirped and turned to face her. "And skin the foals I hunt! For their flanks..."

  Fluttershy's eyes and mouth widened in horror and she gasped before her hoof bumped and knocked over the tea cup that she was filling, but didn't notice from her shock and dread of his comment. Who would ever do such a thing to poor helpless foals? Fluttershy questioned in her head. She could feel bile rising from her throat at the image his words put in her mind.

  "I-I-I...wh-what!!?" She asked, placing a hoof to her heart as it started racing and Discord laughed.

  "Oh I love the look on your face!" He laughed as he sat back down. "Oh my dear your reactions are priceless." He murmured and Fluttershy looked at him in horror, confusion, and disbelief.

  "You can't be serious...." She whispered and Discord smirked.

  "No...I'm not serious..." He replied and Fluttershy blinked at him, fearing he was playing with her. "That one was a quip." He grinned and Fluttershy stood still for a moment before she let out a relieved breath, panting slightly.

  "Oh thank goodness..." She whispered, placing a hoof on her stomach and trying to calm her heart rate.

  The Dark One smiled and crossed his leg over the other, the ends of his fingers coming together in front of him. "Besides, why would I want foals? I may eat meat and I may be a monster but I would never eat something as disgusting as a foal." He gagged with his tongue sticking out.

  Fluttershy glared at him slightly at how much he seemed to hate foals but she forgot about it when she spotted the tea cup on the floor, the rug covered in it's contents.

  "Oh...I-I'm so sorry..." She whispered and bit her lip in worry when she noticed that the cup had been damaged from the small and sharp pieces on the floor. The Dark One furrowed his eyes brows and peeked over to see what she was apologizing about. "I didn't mean to....you startled me and I dropped the cup...." She whispered, scared to meet his gaze in fear he would punish her.

  Fluttershy picked up the cup and Discord again noticed at how much care she put into holding that piece of glass. Her soft hooves gently caressing the broken part, and some strange part of him wanted to walk over and hold those soft looking hooves.

  "Please don't be angry..." she whimpered as she stood up and showed him the cup. "I-it's only chipped..." She whispered and The Dark One felt slight astonishment at how upset she was just over glass.

  "Well it's just a cup..." He replied, with a raise of his eyes brow shaking his head and his hands out, and Fluttershy finally looked up at him confused before with relief.

  "Oh...okay then...um...I'll just clean this all up then." She whispered and The Dark One watched as she walked away to find something to clean it with. He continued to watch as she came back with a rag and a bottle before she continued to clean up her mess. The Dark One felt a strange sense of pity for the mare, she looked so sad in those teal eyes, and he didn't know why but he felt a strange pull at his chest when she hissed as she cut her hoof slightly on a piece of glass she missed.

  The Dark One shook his head and growled before standing up and walking away to go to his chamber. He didn't like what he was feeling around this mare, and he needed a chance to get away longer. He glared at her as he walked by but stopped when his eyes fell on that chipped cup and his eyes widened.

  The Dark One stared at the cup and felt a memory flash back into his mind as he stared at that damaged cup.

"Look see? It's only chipped!"

  The Dark One felt confused when he felt black tears fill his eyes as he stared at that blasted cup. It reminded him of her.....the one who took care of him when he was lost, when he was in pain, when he was alone...she was there to comfort him. He didn't like feeling like this and he growled louder, wiping his eyes and walking away again.

  "M-master? Where are you going?" Fluttershy asked as she finished cleaning up the mess and was now trying to take care of her cut.

  "That's none of your concern...go to bed." He growled and she jumped in fear at his tone.

  "But, what about your tea?" She asked and squeaked when he turned around with glowing gold eyes.

  "I SAID GO TO BED!" He roared and she cowered. The Dark One panted and quickly turned around, storming out of the room leaving Fluttershy shivering on the floor.

  Fluttershy sniffled and got up, quickly obeying him and going down the hall where her prison was, not wanting to anger him. She felt so confused at the moment. He was being his normal cruel self then suddenly he's yelling out in anger. Was he really upset about the cup? She didn't know and didn't care as she entered her cell and jumped, spinning around as the door closed by itself with a slam.

  Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around herself and slid down against the wall before laying her face in her hooves and crying. She missed him so much....her papa...her friends....why did she have to live with this monster? She wanted so badly to go home, but she couldn't.

Past

  Carrot Top sighed in relief as they finally made it to their new home. Of course she had to pay a price of money to buy the small cottage, but she loved it and the gardens that surrounded it. It was slightly secluded from other houses from trees that went around it, which she liked, they would need to privacy to stay comfortable.

  The smile that was on Carrot's face fell as she glanced down at the colt who looked absolutely exhausted. He has been like this for a full week, and it hurt to see him in such a weak and helpless state. He no longer had that small curious or mischievous smile, he wasn't hopping around playing among the flowers, just standing next to her looking miserable.

  Discord's eyes were still the color gray, but thankfully, the color in his eyes seemed to be returning slowly. Carrot Top sighed and knelt down to the colt who seemed to be slightly shaking from fatigue.

  "Come on Discord...lets get you inside." She whispered tenderly and picked him up, holding his small and somewhat delicate form close to her. "I'll come back for our stuff once you get to relax okay?" She murmured while nuzzling his ruffled black mane.

  Discord only nodded his head before closing his eyes and snuggling into his mothers hold. His curse was finally gone, he couldn't hurt anyone with his magic any longer. But he felt so weak, like every bone and muscle in his body weighed more than hundreds of pounds and each step he had struggled with on the way. It has been extremely difficult to keep up with his mother and he often fainted from exhaustion.

  Discord knew that the wizard said that it would go away, but he couldn't stand feeling such a way for such a long time. Discord took in a deep breath of satisfaction as his mother laid him gently on a small bench inside the cottage. He could already feel the spell of sleep fall over him as he snuggled into the hard wood.

  Carrot Top smiled as she stroked a part of his wild mane away from his face and turned to get their stuff from outside. As she walked outside she sighed and looked around her. They were finally at a home where they could be happy and live in peace. Of course there was still matters of taxes but with hard work, she believed they would get through it all right.

  Carrot Top hoped that Discord would stay happy here, and maybe even gain some friends since he no longer had magic to scare anyone off. The thought caused her to frown as she started picking up a cart and pulling it over to the cottage. Even though his magic is now gone, most of the ponies from the other village feared him for both his magic, and his strange appearance.

  Carrot Top only hoped that things would go well for him, for all that mattered to her was that he was happy. Ever since she lost Written Script, she had felt so empty, and the time she learned she wasn't capable of having foals, she had felt such sorrow that she couldn't make a family of her own. That is why Discord was so special to her. His crazy and loving personality always brightened her days, and he seemed to fill that hole in her soul from losing her dear husband.

  As Carrot Top started sorting things out and unpacking, she started thinking how they would make money. She no longer had a job in the other village as a tailor. Maybe perhaps she could work selling wool and blankets. After all she did have a lot of experience with a spinning wheel as a filly, and she still had some money left.

  Carrot Top decided that after she got settled, she would explore town and see if she could find a good spinning wheel, or find someone to make her one. If that didn't work, she was sure she could find something to keep food on their table.

  Carrot Top was lifting a bag from the cart outside to bring in when suddenly she dropped it and held onto the cottage door coughing. Discord awoke from the sound of rapid coughing and used his left over strength to sit up.

  "Mom? mom are you okay?" Discord asked as Carrot Top's coughing started to calm and she cleared her throat with a hoof to her mouth.

  "I'm alright darling..." She murmured with a wave of her hoof. "There was probably something in the air, don't worry." She smiled and Discord returned it before trying to get up.

  "Do you need help?" He asked and Carrot Top looked up at him and widened her eyes.

  "No, I don't need help little one. But even if I did you are too weak to do anything right now." She chuckled and came over after pulling a small blanket out of a bag and forcing him to lay back on the bench.

  "But I don't want to rest..." Discord pouted and Carrot Top smiled.

  "I'm afraid your gonna have to cope with it son." She whispered and kissed his forehead. Discord sighed with annoyance but didn't push it and relaxed back down.

  Carrot Top smiled once more before returning to her work. She halted for a second and held her stomach, coughing for a second before shaking her head and sitting down on a small chair. Ever since this morning she had felt strange, and her throat felt somewhat scratchy. Perhaps after she goes to town, she would relax for a while.

Chapter 9 New Friend

Past

  It felt like only five years ago he was in her place. Holding that wet piece of cloth to his forehead and making him comfortable. Now he was doing it to her, a tender smile on his features as Carrot Top laid in her bed. Her blanket was pulled up and tucked nice and well into her sides keeping her warm. He gently held the wet cloth in his claw, slowly stroking it over her sweaty and hot head before going over her red cheeks.

  Discord felt deep worry for his mother. Ever since they moved to this cottage, she has been having strange coughing fits. At first it started quiet and calm, but over their years staying there, it seemed to get worse. Carrot Top insisted that it was just a bad cold and it would go away, but that didn't calm his nerves one bit.

  Discord didn't like how his mom always tried to hide the weakness inside her, always telling him not to worry. But how could he not worry? She was all he had left in the world, and sicknesses were no joke around here. They had no doctors in this area, even if there was they wouldn't be able to afford one.

  They were able to make money out of selling wool blankets and clothing, but it didn't make much, and no one had the money anymore since the raising of taxes. At least they were still living comfortable and were able to cope with the new arrangements. They were able to buy a few lams and llamas to sheer and spin into yarn, which helped a lot in selling.

  Discord smiled and nuzzled his moms cheek as she groaned in exhaustion. Carrot Top smiled at her sons actions and stroked his cheek with her hoof. He had gotten so much older since the last three years. He was no longer that little colt who was clumsy and crazy. He was a teen colt now, his mane was longer and even messier than before, he had grown to the size of two full grown stallions, and his horns were growing longer by the days, as well as a lone fang.

  "You shouldn't have worked so hard yesterday. It's not good for your health." Discord said, bringing Carrot Top out of her thoughts.

  "Well I couldn't help it, I can't stand being confined in a bed for long." She chuckled before she started coughing. Discord frowned, his ears falling back and he moved up to help her sit up more, slowly petting her back.

  "Your getting worse...." He whispered after feeling her head and Carrot Top waved his worry off with a move of the hoof.

  "I'll be fine sweetie. I told you it's just a cold-"

  "You've had this for three years mom." Discord interrupted, his eyes showing his sadness. "I don't think it's just a common cold..."

  Carrot opened her mouth to reply but sighed and sniffled before grabbing his claw to fold between both her hooves. "It will be alright.....nothing bad is going to happen."

  "How can you promise that?" He asked, not meeting her gaze and Carrot Top looked down before coughing a few times.

  Discord glanced up and felt his heart squeeze at how hard her coughs were. She barely had time to breath between each one. Carrot Top finally stopped coughing and took in a deep breath before squeezing his claw.

  "I-I can't promise that....but we can hope that things will get better." Carrot said and Discord smiled slightly, despite that it was sad.

  Discord leaned forward and hugged his mother tightly, although gently as to not squish her. Ever since he got older it's been hard to give her a proper hug.

  Discord sighed before pulling away, looking at the bedroom window. "I need to head into town today. We're out of food and you need something to eat. Thanks to yesterday's sale we have enough....but our crops aren't doing so well..." He said and Carrot Top nodded.

  "Well then you go ahead and go son. I'll be waiting for your return." She smiled and Discord sighed sadly.

  "I don't want to leave you without being watched." He said and Carrot Top chuckled weakly.

  "Then just hurry back then okay?" She asked and Discord nodded before making sure she was fully tucked in.

  "I'll be quick, I promise. Try and get some sleep." He smiled and kissed her forehead before leaving the room to get his cloak.

  Discord walked on the sides of town, the hood of his cloak covering almost his entire face to hide his features. Thankfully, most of the ponies in the village ignored him. At first they were frightened and concerned about him walking around, but as time went they started to just walk by without a glance.

  Although there were a few foals who would like to tease him still. But he never paid any head to them, they weren't worth his time and ever since he got rid of his magic, it was easier to control his emotions. Also there was the fact that no pony knew about him here, unlike the other town they were staying at.

  Besides he had more important things to think about than the way foals treated him. Even though he had gone through a growth spurt, he still wasn't that big and his change didn't seem to frighten them off. Discord halted as he came to stand of tomato's and cucumbers and glanced up at the stallion standing there with a blank and bored expression

  "Hi, could I get a few cucumbers, and a small batch of carrot's?" He asked and the stallion grumbled before doing as he asked.

  "That's will be ten bits." The stallion said gruffly and Discord looked at him confused.

  "What? I thought it was seven bits?" He said and the stallion rolled his eyes.

  "Well now it's ten bits, so hand it over or no buy." He glared and Discord sighed in annoyance before pulling out a small sacks and pouring out the needed bits before giving it to him. "Thank you..." The stallion said quickly taking the bits and stuffing them in his pocket.

  "Thank you..." Discord replied as he was handed the cucumbers and carrots before he placed them in a saddle bag on his back then continued on his walk down town.

  "Hey look! it's straw spinner!" A slightly high pitched voice said and Discord groaned, ignoring the sounds of hooves coming closer.

  "How's it going splinter?" Another voice asked followed by an amused giggle.

  "Guys I don't have the time right now and I need to hurry and get back so please just leave me alone." He grumbled and the fillies just laughed more and moved to his side.

  "Oh come on spinner!" One filly said and pushing against his side. "Can't take just a few minutes of us?" She asked before giggling and looked at him to get a reaction but he showed no sign of acknowledging her.

  The filly got annoyed and growled. They were never able to get under his skin, and they couldn't stand how he just ignored them.

  "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" She said, suddenly cutting in front of him and Discord glared.

  "Just leave me alone Diamond Tiara." He growled and tried to move by but Diamond pushed at his chest.

  "We're tired of you walking away like this. I thought we were friends." She said in a dramatic voice.

  Discord glared harder and hissed. "We are not...friends."

  "You don't belong here creature!" Diamond Tiara said and Discord flinched at the name, which seemed to make both Diamond and her friend Silver Spoon laugh.

  "Why can't you two just leave him alone!" A voice suddenly called from the side, causing them to look over. She was a young purple unicorn, looking around Diamonds age and her hair was a darker purple, messy and pulled into a messy pony tail to the side. She glared at them and the two fillies laughed.

  "What are you gonna do about it huh?" Diamond asked and the purple filly seemed to be seething with anger.

  "You really are pathetic..." She growled and the two fillies looked at her confused.

  "Excuse me!?" Diamond asked, coming up to the pony face to face.

  "You two think that just because the king buys from your parents means your better than everypony else!" She spat with disgust and Diamond backed up as she advanced. "Well guess what! it doesn't! your just like everyone else!"

  "Back off stranger!" Silver Spoon got in the way of her and the filly glared.

  "You think that just because you think your better, it means you can go around with your noses in the air and order everyone around. But you don't own this town! Everyone is an equal! And You two should start acting like it."

  Diamond seemed to fume and she came over pushing the filly on the chest. "Who do you think you are talking to us that way?" She demanded.

  "I think you two need to grow up!" The filly replied and Diamond pushed her into the dirt before raising her hoof to strike the mares cheek.

  The filly flinched and waited for the contact but it didn't come. She opened her eyes and was surprised to see the strange pony holding Diamond's hoof, keeping it from hitting her.

  "Diamond leave it alone..." He demanded and Diamond looked at him surprised before retching her hoof away in disgust.

  "Keep those dirty things off me you beast!" Diamond hissed while rubbing her hoof off on her dress.

  "Lets go Diamond, we're wasting our time here. Besides dads bringing home a feast!" Silver Spoon said, wrapping her hoof in Diamonds arm and turning her away before glaring at Discord and the filly before sticking her tongue out.

  The purple filly glared back and stuck her tongue back at them before she looked up as a shadow covered her. The mix matched pony offered his paw to her and she looked at him curiously before slowly taking it.

  "You didn't need to do that, I could handle them." He said and the filly sighed before pulling her hoof away and brushing her plain dress off.

  "Well I'm sorry...I couldn't help it. I'm just so tired with how they act." She replied and Discord smiled, causing the mares cheeks to become warm.

  "it's alright...I'm Discord." He said and she felt a small smile pull at her lips before she turned to fully face him and curtsied.

  "I'm Starlight...Starlight Glimmer. It's nice to meet you." She smiled and Discord bowed his head before he frowned as he spotted a small spot of blood on her dress.

  "Your hurt..." He whispered and Starlight furrowed her eye brows.

  "What?" Starlight asked and Discord reached forward to grasp her elbow. "Oh...I must have scratch myself when she pushed me." She mumbled.

  Starlight began to inspect her elbow when Discord stopped her.

  "Allow me..." He mumbled and she blushed as he pulled back her sleeve to reveal her purple skin and his hands ever so softly went across it. "It is just a scratch but it's still bleeding. Here..." He instructed as he reached back into a small pouch and pulled out what looked like a soft piece of wool.

  "Oh don't use that, you'll get blood all over it." She started but Discord shook his head.

  "It's just a scrap, besides it's not worth anything for selling." He mumbled and she closed her mouth and watched in silence as he ripped a piece off and gently began wrapping it around her elbow and pulling her sleeve over it.

  "There..." He whispered and placed the piece of wool back into his pouch. "It should heal soon."

  "Um thanks..." Starlight whispered and Discord shrugged.

  "It was nothing...it was nice meeting you." He bowed his head again before he turned to continue on his journey through town.

  Starlight watched him leave silently and looked down at her arm where she had been cut and frowned. That was the first time anyone has ever been nice to her. Everyone always treated her like a pest, and even her father couldn't stand her. Starlight felt the slightest smile cover her face as she watched Discord walk off.

Present - Two Weeks After Fluttershy Left

  Rarity sighed as she approached the bedroom door with a tray in her hooves. She lifted her leg to rest the tray on as she rose her hoof to gently knock on the wooden door before holding it once more in her hooves. A voice sounded from the other side of the door, allowing her entrance and she slowly entered.

  "My Lord? I brought your meal." Rarity said and came over to Star Swirl who was sitting in an arm chair, staring out the window with a blank expression. He looked unwell, his skin was paler than usual, his mane and beard were unkept, and his eyes looked dim. He had deep dark circles under his eyes and he looked so much more frailer.

  As Rarity placed the tray of food down on a table right next to his chair, Star Swirl glanced at it and sighed deeply.

  "I'm sorry Rarity, but I won't be eating tonight." He said and Rarity looked at him with concern.

  "No disrespect my lord but you need to eat. It's not good for you to be wasting away like this." She replied and Star Swirl looked away from her.

  "Leave me..." He whispered and Rarity was going to protest but closed her mouth and obediently nodded her head before turning to leave his chambers.

  Rarity halted as she came face to face with Prince Sombra who was looking over at the king. He had decided to stay to help clean up the mess and help the King while he had hidden away from his duties, due to the lost of his daughter. "Forgive me Rarity..." He murmured before stepping out of her way and she looked at him for a second before passing by and down the hall.

  Sombra watched Rarity leave and waited till she was out of sight till closing the door to Star Swirls chamber. "How are you my king?" Sombra asked as he approached the down king.

  Star Swirl groaned and leaned forward, holding his face in his hooves and sighing. "I miss her...she was all I had left....and now she's gone." Star Swirl spoke and Sombra watched as a tear fell from the old stallions eye and he sighed sadly.

  "I miss her too my king. I was looking forward to marrying her, and becoming your son in law." Sombra came over to another arm chair and sat down. "Your daughter was a real gem, she will be missed dearly by everyone."

  "I can't believe she agreed to go with that beast!" Star Swirl suddenly said, ignoring Sombra and got up and started pacing the floor.

  Sombra stayed silent as Star Swirl continued to pace and held his chin in his hoof that rested on the arm.

  "My poor child...is cursed to serve a beast for the rest of her life!" He said in despair. Star Swirl sighed as he approached the window and leaned against it. "It's been two weeks...on Rose's grave...I-I promised I would never let anything happen to her, that she would always be happy...." He whispered sadly and Sombra looked at him with understanding.

  Sombra sighed to himself before slowly standing up, walking over to the king and placing a hoof on his shoulder. "I know my king...but her sacrifice was noble, and she was a very brave mare. She gave her life to save the Kingdom, I'm sure her mother would be proud. You don't need to blame yourself, you had no choice." Sombra explained and Star Swirl glanced at him.

  "Yes my darling Fluttershy is very brave, even if she doesn't realize it....just like her mother..." Star Swirl said before sighing and stroking the curtains of the window. "I'm sorry forgive me, why is it that has brought you to me?" He asked and Sombra cleared his throat.

  "My King I don't mean to complain. But ever since the war ended you've been staying in your room. The guards are restless and there is loads of work that needs to be done. But since you've been keeping to yourself, everything is turning into chaos and we need you to return to your duties." Sombra stated and Star Swirl frowned. "I know you miss your daughter, and I know ti must be terribly painful to lose the only family you have left. But your kingdom needs you Star Swirl....they need their King."

  Star Swirl looked at Sombra curiously then sighed and straightened himself up. "Your right....I will forever miss her...and I'll never forgive myself for letting her go, but you are right." He replied and Sombra smiled softly while nodding.

  "I shall fetch your servant to help you clean up. I hope to see you in the throne room soon my king." Sombra said before shaking Star Swirl's shoulder and walking out.

  The Dark One walked into his room, his talon flinging causing the door behind him to close and lock. He walked over to his bed and sat on it's side sighing. No matter how much he tried he could never forget her.

  The Dark One didn't want his new servant to see him in such a state so he made sure she worked on her chores so he could have some time alone, to gather his emotions and thoughts. He glanced at a dresser at the other side of the room and got up, walking slowly over to it.

  Once he approached the dark oaken wood dresser, he hesitantly reached forward and opened one of the well designed drawers. Inside was nothing but a simple, plain scarf. It was ripped in some places and had some small stains.

  The Dark One took a deep breath and gently laid his paw over the cloth, gently stroking it. It was all his fault that she was gone...his only happiness after being betrayed. Every day he tried to push his emotions away, not wanting to still fall over from just a silly scarf. But it was all her had left of her, she had made it for him, and her sweet scent was embedded onto it, always bringing back the good memories when she was happy, when he was happy.

  The Dark One picked the scarf up and rose it to his nose to take a deep breath of it's scent. He sighed as tears fell from his eyes, the black liquid staining his fur black and falling onto the scarf. He growled and wiped the tears off as he realized his mistake and used his magic to remove the black stain he added.

  The Dark One sighed again and stroked the fabric once more whispering, "No matter what....I will find you....I promise...." He had been searching for years, trying to find someway to find her, a way to bring her back, but his faith seemed to be falling as years went by and he was getting tired of it. But even though he lost most of his faith in finding her, he wouldn't stop trying, he wouldn't stop looking....he had to find her to make things right.

  The Dark One placed the scarf gently back into the drawer and closed it. He turned and walked over the window slowly and peeled back the curtains that hid the view of outside. He looked out at the setting sun and the wind blowing the trees that surrounded his castle. Suddenly his eyes caught the yellow mare who was struggling to hold a bucket of water.

  The Dark One couldn't help but smirk amusingly as he watched her stumble and fall over face flat into the dirt, the water spilling and getting her dress wet, as well as covering it in some mud. He rolled his eyes and let go of the curtains, letting them cover the window and he left his room to go spin his wheel.

Chapter 10 Thief

  Fluttershy sobbed into her hooves, longing for the arms of her father around her for comfort, to hear the sound of her friend Rarity's voice. She longed the walks in the garden, the castle that held all the memories of her long gone mother. It was like this every morning and night, she would cry herself to sleep quietly and then wake up in a mess.

  Fluttershy dreaded every day staying in this blasted castle. The Dark One was very cruel, always making her do the impossible and not caring at all if it risked her life. She had wanted so bad to be brave and hold her ground, but now she feared for her life and how things would end up soon began to crumble her.

  Fluttershy hadn't had one good decent meal and could tell that she was loosing weight. Her mane was a complete mess and looked very dull in color, she smelled terribly and had quiet a few bruises. For some reason Fluttershy didn't find herself caring about the dramatic changes in her health, in fact some part of her was wishing for death.

  Fluttershy didn't know it was going to be this bad when she came, she thought she would just have to work for him and do it right and know that she's doing this to save her father, her friends, and her kingdom. But as the passing two weeks went by, any hope of surviving, staying strong and brave were complete gone.

  Fluttershy choked in sorrow and wrapped her arms around herself tightly, imagining the arms of her father, her mother, anyone to take her away from this dark hell hole.

  Fluttershy jumped with a gasp as the now familiar sounds of an iron door opening echoed in the cell. She immediately stood up wiping away her eyes and flipping her hair in her face to hide any sign of crying.

  Coming in from the entrance was the Dark One wearing an annoyed scowl on his face. He entered and stood facing her and crossing his arms.

  "You know...I never knew how much the castle echoed till I brought you to my castle." He said plainly with clear annoyance. "You've been crying so much your gonna create a flood!" He complained and threw up his arms. "It's become impossible for me to spin or play my organ with you crying like a foal!" He continued and finished with a glare.

  Fluttershy felt her cheeks heat up with anger at how he didn't care that the tears she shed were for her lost family. "Well I'm not the one who took someone to work their bones off and rot! you beast!" Fluttershy hissed and The Dark One seemed slightly surprised that she was standing up to him. "I lost my one and only father because of you! I have no friends and I'm all alone!" She yelled and Discord waved his paw.

  "Yes, yes whatever but the crying must stop." He said and held his hands up to his ears. "And need I remind you that it was you who agreed to come with me in the first place?" He replied with a fake sweet smirk.

  Fluttershy opened her mouth to talk back but stopped herself in order to not go too far and do something she would regret, but she doubted things could get any worse than they were right now.

  The Dark One clicked his tongue in annoyance and groaned before sighing and waving his claw in front of her. "Here..." He whispered and in a swirl of black smoke a large, white plush pillow appeared in his hand. "Perhaps this will help you?" He asked and Fluttershy blinked at him confused.

  "Wh-what? that's...for...m-me?" She asked, fearing he was just taunting her.

  "I'm not so beastly now am I deary?" He hissed and threw the pillow in her face.

  Fluttershy stared blankly at the pillow before looking up at him. There was no joke, no prank, no nothing, he was actually giving her a pillow?

  "U-um...th-thank you..." She murmured before sighing in relief as the Dark One turned to leave. "Perhaps now I can get some sleep in this pit..." She grumbled and The Dark One laughed before turning around.

  "No-no-no! it's not to help you sleep my dear! it's to help muffle your loud cries so I can actually get back to work!" He snapped and Fluttershy flinched at his loud voice that made her hair fly back.

  "Well I can't help that! You wouldn't understand what it's like to lose a family! to lose your friends! Your a heartless monster and a freak!" She snapped, once again feeling anger towards the creature.

  The Dark One halted from leaving and his claw seemed to grip the door frame rather hard, enough to cause it to slightly scratch the stone. He slowly turned from his position and glared at her with piercing golden orbs. "Excuse me?" He asked menacingly and Fluttershy walked back as he suddenly started to approach her in a swift move and had her pinned against the wall.

  "Let me make this clear..." He growled and Fluttershy stared up in fear and shook at what he might do to her. "You don't know me...you don't understand me...so don't tell me what I do and don't understand!" He hissed and pushed away from her.

  Fluttershy gasped as he moved away and she cowered into the corner she stood next to. The Dark One glared at her with daggers and was pleased to see her fall in fear of him. She didn't understand nothing! He felt more pain than just losing a parent, and he had no friends, any friends he had were dead.

  The Dark One was about to say something else but suddenly there was a strange sound echoing down the walls of her cell and he looked behind him. Fluttershy heard it too and looked up from the corner at the sound.

  "Wh-wh-what was that?" Fluttershy asked and The Dark One growled before turning around and marching out of the cell and down the hall, leaving her cell open.

  Fluttershy got up cautiously and walked over to the door, looking down the hall and out of curiosity she started walking down the hall where The Dark One left.

  He knew what he was doing was dangerous, and he also knew that none that crossed the great powerful sorcerer lived. He wouldn't have come here if it wasn't the only option he had left. He had to save her, she was everything to him and if he lost her he would never forgive himself.

  It had taken him forever to get here. There was many traps he had trouble getting past undetected. He had broken into a lot of places, and he had to say that this dark one was clever.

  He went through mazes, booby traps and flying pigs with ease, and he was cursing himself for accidentally missing a simple glass vase. It seemed the Dark One wasn't to be seen to which he was grateful for and could now continue on his quest.

  The mysterious stallion crept through the dark corners of the long halls and reached the large doors where he pushed them open slowly, trying to keep quiet. Once the doors were open, he placed his hooves on his bow and arrow, prepared for anything as he entered the room. He looked everywhere carefully, listening for any sounds of hoof steps, or voices.

  Lucky he heard none and began searching around the room. He glanced along the large wooden cupboard, looking for the object he was hunting for. The stallion groaned to himself and sighed in annoyance, wiping the sweat from his brow. He couldn't find it anywhere and was about to search another room but then he caught in the corner of his eye just barely.

  He felt great relief and his muscles relaxed at the sight of the magical wand. It was the only thing that could help her, and after long agonizing nights he found it. He rushed over to it and put his bow and arrow to the side as he slowly put his hooves out to grab the magical item.

  He sighed as no protection spell shot him back as his hoof touched it, picking it up from it's holder and gripping it firmly. Now he finally had it, he had to get out of there now and get to his wife before it was too late.

  "Stop!...right.there." A voice growled and the stallion felt chills of fear go up his spine and with dread he slowly turned to face the voice.

  The sight before him was indeed a fright, but he couldn't let that fear show so he stood his ground. He had to be brave and quickly reached for his bow and arrow.

  "I wouldn't do that if I were you deary!" The Dark One warned and Shining Armor halted from grasping the end of his bow but kept it there. The Dark One smiled sweetly causing Shining Armor to look at him confused, expecting him to be angry than having a kind smile as he did now, but behind that smile held something dark.

  "Now! I know your a good stallion so will you be so kind as to give me back what belongs to me?" The Dark One asked, his hands clapping together. The stallion eyed the sorcerer with caution and his eyes flickered to the side as he spotted a yellow mare. Fluttershy was peeking from the corner and was trying to keep out of sight from the Dark One.

  Shining Armor then smirked as he stroked the bow softly picking it up from it's holder. "No...I don't think I will." He said simply and The Dark One frowned raising an eye brow.

  "Are you sure that is wise?" The Dark One hissed sending a smirk back.

  "Oh no I don't think it is wise at all actually." Shining Armor chuckled while reaching back to grab an arrow and placing it on the string to aim at the Dark One. "But you know...as I'm sure you know that with magic, you can do anything." He whispered and The Dark One laughed, throwing his head back.

  "You have clearly not had any experience in magic before deary! If you don't know how to use magic, it can do very nasty things to you!" The Dark One chirped and Shining Armor glared before aiming right for the chest of The Dark One.

  "Then I'll have to find someone who can help me use it." Shining Armor replied and The Dark One took a step forward, making the stallion step back two steps.

  "How do you know your gonna get away with it hmm? I don't know if your completely stupid or very brave because...no one steals from me." The Dark One growled and the stallion gulped.

  "This bow...is magic...no matter what it always hits it's intended target." He said and pulled back on the string farther. "All I have to do is let go and I'll be on my way." Shining Armor explained and The Dark One laughed again.

  "Then make it good..." He hissed and Shining Armor released the arrow sending it shooting after him only for him to disappear as the arrow came to The Dark One's chest.

  Shining Armor looked everywhere with caution for the sorcerer, waiting for him to pop up and jump him when he noticed the arrow he shot was still flying in the air. Fluttershy gasped when the arrow was shot and was even more surprised that she was actually worried for The Dark One's life. But she was now fascinated with the arrow that seemed to circle the room before it shot behind where The Dark One was and gasped, raising a hoof to her mouth in shock as the arrow impaled his chest.

  Shining Armor felt fear for only a second when the arrow had turned towards him and went forward, but when it went passed him he had spun around to see the Dark One grunt as the arrow was stuck in him. Shining Armor sighed in relief and nodded at the Dark One, quickly making his way to the window.

  "I'm not as dumb as you think. Thank you for the wand." He mocked with a salute and was about to go out the window but it shut closed. Suddenly the Dark One appeared in front of him with a bright grin on his face as he ripped the arrow from his chest, no sign of a wound or any blood as he did.

  "You clearly didn't do your research!" The Dark One said, Shining Armor too surprised to react as the Dark One kicked him onto the ground, keeping his leg on his face. "I'm the Dark One....and everyone knows that all magic comes with a price." He grinned and knelt down to his level. "And in your case....your price....is me." He growled and Shining Armor felt a shiver of dread fill his being as suddenly everything went black.

Past

  Discord held his mothers hoof tightly between his hands, feeling deep sorrow and putting up a hard fight to keep his tears at bay. She had gotten worse over the past few years and now he believed that this was the end for her. They had lived peacefully for three years now, but they still struggled with money and Discord wished they could pay for a physician, but selling wool didn't make a good profit.

  Carrot Top's ragged and struggled breathing was more than Discord could take and he felt himself breaking inside. Carrot Top was smiling at Discord, despite how weak she felt she kept her grin and reached a shaky hoof to wipe away the escaping tear from his face.

  "Discord....I want you to stay strong for me okay?" She said hoarsely and Discord choked on a lump in his throat, looking away.

  "How will I?...your all the family I have left. How will I manage without you? P-please don't go..." Discord replied miserably and Carrot Top felt a few tears of her own drip from her face.

  "Shhh...." Carrot Top hushed with a smile and stroking his cheek again tenderly. "Even when I'm gone Discord, I will always still be in your heart, and when I am gone...just think about me and I will be watching you, I promise." She whispered and Discord leaned in as she wrapped her forelegs around his neck, releasing his sorrows that were muffled by her shoulder.

  "Discord! Discord I came as soon as I could!" A voice suddenly said as the front door to the cottage was pushed open and shut before Starlight Glimmer came running over to where she saw Discord with Carrot Top. Starlight slowed down panting heavily and coming to the left side of the bed, opposite to where Discord was and knelt down.

  "Ah....my dear child, I was afraid you weren't going to make it here." Carrot Top smiled and Starlight smiled back kindly.

  "How could I not? You have been so kind to me, your both the family I never had." Starlight whispered fondly to the sick mare and she smiled at her.

  "I'm glad you are happy with us...just as I hope your happy when you marry my son." Carrot whispered and took Starlight's hoof that had a simple iron band around it. They weren't able to afford a ring, so they were able to spare a few bits for an iron ring after asking the blacksmith to make it for them.

  Starlight blushed and looked down giggling, squeezing the mares hoof. "I'm sure I will be...." Starlight said and Carrot Top gave her a soft smile before looking over at Discord.

  "Discord...ever since the beginning, when I found you alone in that forest I saw you as family. When my husband died, I had something missing inside, and having you around healed my broken heart and I thank you for letting me spend my years with you as your mother. Even though you aren't my son...you will always be so in my heart." Carrot Top said and Discord smiled before nuzzling her gently.

  "You will always be my mother...." Discord murmured and pulled away when Carrot Top suddenly started coughing rapidly, raising a hoof to her mouth and straining as every cough came.

  Starlight immediately helped Discord pull her up and handed her a cup of water to drink, and her coughs began to calm down and Carrot Top took long breaths.

  "Starlight..." Carrot Top said hoarsely before clearing her throat and grabbing her hoof in her right while taking Discord's claw in her left one. "You have been so kind to us, and to my son. You have been so helpful and your such a good young mare, and I thank you for being with us...with my son." Carrot continued after pulling her hoof to Discord's claw where she wrapped them together tightly. "You have no idea how much your kindness meant to us....and I hope you will have a good life with Discord. I love you my dear..." Carrot Top whispered and Starlight felt a few tears fall from her eyes and she smiled.

  Carrot Top started coughing once more and they worked together to help her again and when it calmed down, Carrot Top had sighed in exhaustion and started to fall asleep. Discord and Starlight watched her the entire time patiently for the time to come and not too soon, her breathing came to a stop and she lay completely motionless on the bed. Starlight put a hoof to her mouth and started to release the sobs and Discord reached over the small bed to encase her in his arms for comfort.

  Starlight welcomed his hold and wrapped her hooves around him as well, feeling his tears cover her neck as he cried with her silently. They would never forget Carrot Top, and as they held each other they prayed that things would work out and they would be happy as Carrot Top wished them to be.

  "I'm really gonna miss her...." Starlight cried softly into Discords chest and he nuzzled her mane while rocking her silently in his arms.

   "I know......" Discord whispered back while glancing at his mother before clenching his eyes shut, letting the rest of his tears fall. "I know....."

Chapter 11 Torture

  Fluttershy had dreaded the on going torture of none stop working, her muscles and bones aching with fatigue and her eyes dark and droopy from lack of sleep and stress. Fluttershy had believed she was on the verge of breaking, and every night in her cell, she would walk up to the small window almost of out reach to even see what was outside, wishing she could rip the thick and cold iron bars out and run away from this dreadful place and it's cruel owner. As days went on and nights of crying herself to sleep, Fluttershy prayed that she would see her father again, and that this evil creature would get rid of her, set her free, anything but she doubted that he would ever do such a thing.

  Just a week ago, The Dark One had come into her chambers completely agitated with the noise she made, but soon after they had heard a noise and when she had carefully followed the Dark One out of curiosity, it appeared that a stallion had broken into the castle trying to steal something. Fluttershy didn't know what the stallion was trying to steal or why, but after hearing the pained and torturous cries of the stallion being skinned alive, she had a small idea of why he did what he was trying to do. Sometimes as his screams went down the halls, she would hear him call out a name of someone, saying something about saving her.

  Fluttershy believed that it was wrong for the stallion to steal, even if it was from the Dark One, but he seemed to have a reason, and as Fluttershy tried putting a few pieces together, she believed he had a good purpose for what he was doing. Even if he didn't, no one deserved to be skinned alive. He didn't look like the thieving type, or like any criminal, in fact he was a very tall, muscular, and handsome, and there was also something about him that she couldn't quite get that was on the tip of her tongue. Fluttershy's mother always told her to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, even if said pony did wrong or committed cruel deeds throughout his or her life.

  Fluttershy felt deep pity for the mysterious stallion, and one day when the Dark One had left to attend business as he called it, she had carefully ventured to where the stallion was being kept. She had gotten lost a few times as she didn't know exactly where he had been, only seeing the Dark One heading to see him now and then but eventually she had found the stallion. He was very weak, the cell he was in was just like the one she was sleeping in, but it was covered in stains of blood and there were strange hooks and tools along the walls of the cell.

  Fluttershy felt her stomach churn at what she had seen and wanted to run before her stomach decided to push out what was left in her, but her need to help the stallion won over and she tried her best to help him. He was chained against the wall, his forelegs held by two iron slips keeping them in place, which were also on his hind legs. His shirt was on the floor and his body was stained in his own blood, wounds and cuts covering his body and she felt deep sorrow for what he went through, and she had quickly gone up to him and inspected his still fresh wounds.

  The white stallion was unconscious for most of the time she tried taking care of him, but it was hard since she knew she couldn't do much without the Dark One learning of what she was doing and punishing her for helping this stallion. She wasn't there when he had awoken that day, due to the fact that the Dark One was going to be back very soon and she didn't want to risk him seeing her. A day later when he left, she had gone back and this time the stallion was conscious, and she had brought some food from her breakfast for him to eat as well as some water.

  Even though it wasn't much, it still helped and she soon learned that the stallions name was Shining Armor. Sadly he didn't have the strength then to say anything else and she was able to tend to more of his wounds without the Dark One noticing, or at least she hoped. This continued on for quite a few days and soon she got to get in a whole conversation with him.

  Fluttershy didn't learn why he had been trying to steal the wand, but during one time she promised she would learn how to help him escape. As a couple days past by, Fluttershy decided it was time to make a move when the Dark One headed out one morning. But she would have to be patient and wait for the right moment to do it, and as she peeked down a now familiar hall, a small cloth rolled up into a ball held in her hooves, she made her way to see Shining Armor.

  Fluttershy made her steps quick and inside she was still afraid that the Dark One return any second and learn of what she was doing, but something inside her filled her with determination, with need to help this stallion who was being treated like he wasn't a living being, which is what caused her to keep doing this every day when the Dark One went out. Fluttershy reached Shining Armor's cell and entered it quietly as to not wake him if he were asleep, but found him awake and starring at the floor with a blank expression. Fluttershy moved forward and now at the sound of her hooves, Shining Armor looked up and felt relief at the sight of the yellow mare.

  "Oh thank goodness....I'm glad your here..." Shining Armor whispered, his voice sounding weak.

  Fluttershy smiled and unfolded the ball of cloth that she had in her hooves, revealing a small piece of bread, a carrot, and a few grapes. She had some water with her too and quickly helped the stallion take the cup between his hooves and drink it. Instead of being chained up and being forced to stand all day long and hanging by his wrists, he was now sitting on the ground. It appears that most likely the Dark One wanted to see him struggle to get away when he tortured him.

  "Sorry that I don't have much food to give you. It's hard to sneak anything without the Dark One noticing." Fluttershy apologized and Shining pushed a smile towards her despite the stinging in his lips at the effort.

  "This is fine....thank you." He murmured before stuffing the food into his mouth like there was no tomorrow and Fluttershy kept looking around, feeling a strange shiver crawling up and down her spine.

  "I'm afraid I have to leave, I don't know when he will be back and I need to continue on my chores." Fluttershy explained and Shining Armor didn't reply until the piece of bread he had was completely devoured.

  "That's alright..." Shining Armor replied breathlessly, "Again thank you...for what you've done." The stallion said, now looking into her eyes and Fluttershy smiled.

  Fluttershy got up from her slightly crouched down position and was about to turn when she was struck frozen as that voice echoed in the cell Shining Armor and her were in.

  "Well, so this is what you've been doing while I'm gone!" The Dark One's voice had chirped, and as Fluttershy slowly turned to face him, he was leaning against the entrance of the cell, his arms crossed and that smirk covering his features and Fluttershy found it hard to get out any words.

  "I-I-I...wh-what are you doing here? I thought you were-" Fluttershy stuttered nervously when The Dark One interrupted her, moving himself away from the entrance and walking in.

  "What? That I was on a trip? Yes indeed I was but you know..." The Dark One continued with his hands raising to his face and his thumbs tapping, "After seeing some strange things going on with my prisoner, and finding crumbs on the cell floor, as well as finding my prisoners wounds mysteriously cleaned....I got curious and decided to see what the mouse did when the cat was away." He grinned and came up to Fluttershy, starring down at her. "And now I do know that the mouse does play."

  Fluttershy gulped and could only imagine what horrors were laid out for her. She couldn't help but blame herself for not being careful enough and felt as if that now that he knew she had been helping him, he would treat Shining Armor worse than before. Despite her fear, she tried to do something than just stand there like a helpless fool.

  "Please....he doesn't mean any harm, just let him go..." Fluttershy begged softly, her eyes pleading and The Dark One was slightly taken back by the way those teal eyes of hers seemed to bore into him and shoot down into his chest, but he quickly shook it off and grinned.

  "Doesn't mean any harm? This stallion stole from me dearie, taking a very precious and magical object that could very well cause harm." The Dark One replied back, his tone slightly menacing.

  Fluttershy wanted to say something else but Discord grabbed her arm, making her gasp in surprise  as he brought her close to his face, her arm hurting from being lifted up like that, her feet almost hovering off the floor.

  "The stallion isn't important right now." The Dark One growled and Fluttershy shivered, pleasing the Dark One. "Right now you just disobeyed me and helped a criminal, and I'm afraid I can't let that pass." He hissed coldly and Fluttershy felt herself stiffen and felt something deep in her heart saying that this was no good.

  Without another word or glance at the stallion who called out to him, asking him to let her go, he pulled Fluttershy, practically dragging her down the hall and to her cell. Once he was there, he threw her inside, causing her to fall with a small thump and he stayed there looking at her.

  Fluttershy panted after that quick walk and rubbed her hurting arm as she took shaky breaths, her heart pounding in fear as she slowly turned her head to look at him.

  "A-are you going to kill me?...." Fluttershy had asked just above a whisper. The Dark One continued to stare at the mare, feeling anger for helping that thief, and knowing that he never let anyone who interfered with what he did live to see another day. But something inside him made him hesitate, he wasn't sure what it was, but he felt like he couldn't kill her for helping the stallion.

  "No...no of course not." The Dark One grinned and Fluttershy blinked at him confused.

  "Wh-what?" Fluttershy asked wondering if he was just playing with her, or maybe planning to torture her as well for what she did.

  "Do you know how hard it is to come across a good maid? I can't just kill you cause then I would have to find another one and it's oh so ever boring." The Dark One explained with a grin and Fluttershy just continued to stare at him. "But I am going to punish you for disobeying me." His grin now a straight line and he had a glare in his eyes.

  Fluttershy glared back at the creature and stood up, her hooves brushing the dust off her dress. "I don't recall you telling me that I could not help the stallion." She suddenly said to him, her voice calm with a hint of anger, and the Dark One was slightly surprised. "You never said I couldn't bring him food or tend to the wounds you gave him, so how did I disobey you if you didn't tell me otherwise that I wasn't allowed to be near the stallion." She continued with clipped lips, fear still in her chest but she stood her ground, not wanting to be intimidated by this monster.

  The Dark One starred silent, for the first time almost speechless and without knowing it his mouth was slightly agape. The Dark One sputtered a few things before growling and glaring daggers at Fluttershy.

  "It doesn't matter! The point is you did it without telling me and for that you are to be locked up in here for three straight days!" The Dark One barked and in a swift motion spun around, the iron door slamming. Fluttershy ran to the doors and slammed on the bars.

  "Wait! you can't do that!" Fluttershy protested, but The Dark One ignored her and she groaned before sliding on her back down to the cold floor.

  The fire place warmed his coat with a pleasant heat as he relaxed in a large cushioned armed chair. The day had been rough, and the King had been very distracted and seemed to be very tired so things progressed very slowly. Even though he believed he was overstaying his visit, he believed it would be best for him to stay and help Star Swirl.

  Sombra could tell that the King was indeed broken inside at losing his daughter to a monster, so he had decided to stay and make sure everything was in check before he made his way home. No kingdom was in good shape if the King was down and passing his duties as the leader of the kingdom, so just until this wound healed, Sombra would remain to make sure everything went smoothly.

  At the moment, something was on Sombra's mind, a conversation he had earlier that morning with Star Swirl about his daughter. Star Swirl kept weeping in regret for what he did to his daughter, and even though he told him it wasn't his fault, Star Swirl still insisted on blaming himself for letting her go. Sombra couldn't help but be upset when Fluttershy left, she was quite the beauty and he would have enjoyed very much being her betrothed, and over the dance they had shared, he felt a bond towards her and though it wasn't strong he felt attracted to her for sure.

  Even though he thought it was an impossible task and would take forever to just get started on it, Sombra was considering Star Swirl's request in finding a way to get Fluttershy back. Sombra had pushed the idea away immediately when Star Swirl recommended going to take Fluttershy's place, believing he was in no condition to do that and he doubted the Dark One would trade. But after thinking about it more, Sombra had a small idea form in his head that might work.

  One thing was true, they definitely needed Fluttershy in order to continue the rein of Star Swirl and to keep this Kingdom, but when she gave herself up to save them from the ogres, she was no longer available and couldn't take the crown like she was destined to. Sombra and everyone believed Fluttershy was very brave to sacrifice herself to save them, and he felt a need to repay that sacrifice. Sombra knew a few sorceress, and one in particular came to mind when it came to this subject.

  Indeed the Dark One was very powerful, most likely it was true that he was the most powerful in all the lands, but he wasn't the only sorcerer with great power and wisdom. Sombra hadn't talked to her in years, he had only met her once when she saved his life, and from what he knew was that she was desperate for power. For what reason she wanted so much power he didn't know yet, but he had hope that she could help them in keeping this kingdom growing.

  Sombra had told Star Swirl about this sorcerer, but he didn't know if his plan would actually work. Star Swirl believed it was a bad idea, but it was the only option they had and Star Swirl was desperate to have his daughter back. So he had agreed that Sombra would soon go on a trip to find this sorcerer and possibly, perhaps....destroy the Dark One.

  Sombra sighed as he leaned his chin on the base of his hoof, his elbow leaning on the arm as he thought more deeply into the situation they were in. Indeed it was a very dangerous decision and the trip would be very long, and so Sombra decided he would try and start a trip soon on this quest and inform the king when he will be leaving, that is once he learns when he will be going. Sombra wanted to wait just in case anything else turned up but he doubted it, it would take a miracle to save Fluttershy from the beast, and Sombra was willing to take desperate measures to get her back not only for the kingdom, but for himself as well.

  The thought placed a small smirk at the end of Sombra's mouth and he rose from the comfortable chair, his silken black robe swaying around his body as he called out.

  "Coco Pommel!" Sombra's deep voice echoed through the room and after a few seconds of complete silence, he heard hoof steps coming closer to his door and soon the light mare came in and bowed her head in respect.

  "Yes my lord?" The humble servant asked and Sombra smirked and turned to face the bright fire place.

  "Please fetch my bags and pack my things." He ordered and Coco replied with a 'Yes your highness-' before moving to obey his orders.

  "I'm going on a trip and I need everything ready to go for tomorrow morning." Sombra finished before leaving the large and well decorated room. Even though he thought of waiting, Sombra had a feeling he should start as soon as possible. There was no doubt that this would be hard and long, so he thought it best to get it started and over with. Hopefully with patience and time, Sombra hoped to see Fluttershy back home with her father and her as his wife.

Chapter 12 Pity

Past

  The sorrow Discord felt over Carrot Tops death would forever remain in his heart, and he would never forget her kindness and how she loved and took care of him over all the years. Carrot Top had never seen Discord as a burden, and she always tried her best to keep him happy, to make sure he was never down or upset about anything. Discord and Starlight had buried her in the backyard of their cottage, Carrot Top had given the cottage to them to live in once they were married, they didn't have a grave stone, but they had stuck a long piece of bark into the ground and covered it in vines and beautiful white flowers that had grown around the cottage.

  It was not easy recovering from her death, but over time they were able to cope with the fact that Carrot Top was gone and would never come back. Apparently things had been going well for Discord and Starlight, they made a good team and since winter was coming, more ponies wanted to buy their wool blankets and clothing. Starlight Glimmer was able to speed up the process since she had a great talent in magic, meanwhile Discord would provide the sheep wool and help spin it into yarn with Starlight.

  After two years, Discord and Starlight earned enough money to get married, and properly at that. No one was at the wedding, but a couple of volunteers were witnesses including the priest. Thankfully it all went smoothly without any problems and Discord and Starlight now lived together completely in their cottage, living happily and peacefully depite the struggles. As always taxes were indeed a problem, and secondly some ponies have been traveling to the village they lived in from where Discord used to live as a colt, and soon ponies started talking about Discord quietly whenever they thought he wasn't looking.

  Discord would take walks often into town with Starlight, but slowly started skipping out on them as the ponies began to make him feel uncomfortable. It was no longer a secret to anyone who lived in the town that Discords father was a coward, and rumors about him told everyone that Discord too was a coward, to which no pony cared for a coward.

  Discord's thoughts were on that very subject as his strange hands fiddled mindlessly around on the table, the claws poking into the woods surface and scratching it softly. It seems even after getting rid of his magic and trying to hide his identity, he would always be found out in the end. These ponies were causing great frustration and depression for the growing Draconequus stallion.

  Starlight on the other hand was smiling brightly, the Suns light shining through the window and making her face glow. She hummed as she trotted around in the kitchen, an apron wrapped around her neck as she cooked dinner for her and Discord. Although as Starlight went to place a pot in the sink after placing some food on plates, she noticed her husband who sadly sagged on a chair.

  The purple mare bit her lip and she sighed as she turned around to grab a plate with food and walked over to where Discord was, placing the food with contents of carrots, beans, and fresh baked bread.

  Discord starred at the food in front of him before letting out a groan and pushing the food away.

  "Can you wrap up my food for tomorrow Starlight? I'm not that hungry tonight." Discord asked in a mumble, causing Starlight to roll her eyes at her husbands behavior.

  "Are you seriously still upset about what those ponies say about you?" Starlight questioned him accusingly, making the Draconequus just sigh.

  "Look Discord," Starlight began as she sat next to him and rested her elbow on the table, "What those ponies say doesn't matter, they don't know you and they will never understand. The world is dark, selfish, and cruel. It's hard to live a life in a world where the light is crushed by cruelty of rich kings and snobby ponies. You-" Starlight paused for a second when Discord seemed to ignoring her completely and Starlight growled before reaching over to him.

  "Ow!" Discord yelped as Starlight had leaned over and bit on his ear, making him jump and pull away, rubbing the irritated skin that stung from her strong teeth digging into it.

  "What the hell was that for?" Discord asked while rubbing his ear with his paw.

  "You need to pay attention when I'm talking to you Discord. Whenever I try to help you, you act like your in daydream land and ignore whatever I'm saying." Starlight grumbled while glaring at her husband with scrutiny.

  "Be gentle next time! You could have left a scar!" Discord continued to complain.

  "Gosh it's like you have teeth of an ogre..." Discord mumbled under his breath and Starlight couldn't help but chuckle at her husbands over dramatics.

  "Look Discord...." Starlight sighed and reached forward to grasp away his paw that had laid on his ear. "You don't have to worry about what others think of you because they don't know the real you. I know you and I know one thing...you are not a coward." Starlight smiled and Discords ears fell against his head.

  "But what if I am? What if in the future-"

  "Quiet..." Starlight immediately hushed him, one hoof rising over to his lips. "I love you Discord, and whether your a coward or not I will always love you. It's not what other ponies think of you that matters, it's from those who care for you. They are the true cowards Discord." Starlight finished before giving Discord a hug.

  Discord sighed in defeat and hugged her back, wrapping his arms around her lovingly and chuckling.

  "I'm sorry darling, I guess it's just been something I've continuously been carrying on since I was a colt and it's hard to let it go." Discord whispered against her multicolored hair, breathing in her scent.

  "Mm...I know....but that's the past Discord, you need to let it go." Starlight whispered against him and then pulled away.

  "Now! This plate better be empty by the time I come back, if I see even one crumb left I'll be force feeding you from now on." Starlight smirked as she pushed the bowl into his face and he pouted before taking the bowl and gobbling it down, grubbing here and there.

  Satisfied that she got through to him, Starlight smiled and moved back into the kitchen and away from Discord. When she stopped to stare at the window, she found herself frowning, a deep feeling in her heart causing her to bite her lip and glance back at her husband. Things have indeed been going well for her and Discord, but the past year that they have been together Starlight felt like something wasn't right, as if something was wrong.

  Maybe perhaps it was something she realized. Starlight had believed she married Discord out of love, for she did feel like she loved this creature, for he fascinated her, he was unique and so different form all the other ponies and was someone she could understand. But was that all it was? Fascination? Understanding?

  Starlight didn't know how she felt about Discord, but something was starting to become clear in her heart that caused her dread. Had they moved too fast? Had she been too caught up in things to realize what she really felt? Starlight loved Discord, that was true but this type of love seemed to only be temporary like feeling.

  Starlight began to realize with deep painful regret that this love she believed she felt with Discord to be pity. With a sad sigh and ears flat down, Starlight moved to clean up the mess she made in the kitchen.

  After The Dark One released Fluttershy from her 'room', he had been more cautious about her, making sure to keep a good eye on her in case she decided to try to disobey him again. The Dark One questioned to himself as to why he didn't do worse to punish her for helping his prisoner, but as he began to notice that he found himself hesitating whenever it came to the mare, The Dark One started to feel as if this mare was doing something to him. Of course he had pushed the thought aside, for his heart was darker than night, he was incapable of love in the least.

  The Dark One was surprised himself for even thinking of love. He never thought so deeply about such things until she came here. The mare was indeed beautiful, and even though she appeared to be shy and weak to ones eye, she had a strength and bravery inside her that seemed to impress him somewhat, or to put it more like curious.

  The main reason he found her that way, was because there wasn't one person alive who could hold up the brave act for very long, but with Fluttershy over time she seemed to start standing up to him, even giving off annoyed or rude remarks at him. Any pony who said anything disrespectful to him would be punished immediately, but for some reason with this mare he found himself pulling back and ignoring her words and faces, and any thought of hurting sent a strange sensation down his gut, and he wasn't sure what it was.

  Discord had gone without feelings for a long time, so whatever he was feeling now was a mystery. Discord only had vague memories of what it felt like to be happy, sad, angry, or feel love, so whatever this was he would have to guess. He began to wonder if maybe he was slowly beginning to become soft, but immediately threw that thought out the window, for the last thing he would do is be kind, merciless, or giving.

  No, he was a monster, a monster that he willingly accepted, or was it that his spirit was gone? And the monster had full control of him? It didn't matter anyways, for he didn't care in the least.

  Fluttershy had been out of her 'room' for two days now, and every day it hurt to hear those continuous screams of pain every day and knowing that she couldn't do anything now that the Dark One was being cautious. Fluttershy was sure that within the week, the poor stallion will be completely skinned alive, soon to be thrown out to rot. No matter what the Dark One did, no matter how she saw everything that he did, how cruel and uncaring he was, a small part of her was asking her to give him a chance.

  Fluttershy kept pushing that thought away though, for it was just her kind nature and the fact that her mother always taught her to give someone a chance before you judge them.  But she had given him a chance, a silly part of her had been watching the Dark One, wondering if there was anything more than just a monster. She had seen the true him inside and out, he was a villain, a cruel and evil creature and she wanted nothing to do with him.

  Fluttershy's mind was blank as she starred down at the table in front of her, her scratched and dried hooves rubbing a wet cloth along the tables surface. The Dark One had been spinning some straw when he got up, his ears twitching and a strange look going over his features. When the creature began to get up, Fluttershy diverted her head as to not make any eye contact.

  The Dark One seemed to be heading off to the end of the room, the sound of doors opening reaching Fluttershy's ears. He didn't say anything or do anything, but whispered a couple soft words before heading towards the direction of the castles entrance.

  "I'll be back...."

  Fluttershy then watched in the direction the dark sorcerer disappeared to, listening carefully at his hoof steps. The Dark One hadn't gone out for a while since he learned she was helping the white stallion still locked up in the dungeon, and ever since then, Fluttershy had been determined to get the stallion out. What the mare couldn't figure out was how.

  Now was her chance though, and as she let go of the cloth she had currently had in her hooves fall to the table, she quickly ran over to peek at the window. Fluttershy pulled back the red curtains and saw the creature walking off into a forest of pink trees. When she didn't see any sign of him coming back, she turned form the window and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath to calm herself.

  Fluttershy didn't care what happened to her, but she knew that the stallion down below was innocent and talked about saving 'her'. She did not know who, but she guessed it was someone important. Fluttershy had snuck down to try and see him again yesterday at night, it had been hard with the Dark One still awake, but she managed.

  The cell had been closed up, and the only way to open it was with a key. Fluttershy guessed that maybe the key to open it was either in a room or the Dark One's bed chambers. She had to be swift, and she still didn't know all the castle very well at all due to its very large size. So Without another thought she raced down the halls, her hooves holding up her torn golden dress as she ran up the trails of stairs and passing by stone statues of strange creatures.

  Fluttershy had been told to clean his room a few times before, and she could remember seeing something that looked like keys. It had to be in his room, she knew it and the thought of the Dark One coming back just made her legs move faster.

  Fluttershy halted as she came to the door, her hooves flying out and pulling the door open before walking into the bedroom. She glanced around the room to see if there were any hooks that could hold a ring of keys but found nothing. Fluttershy began searching around the bed, digging beneath covers and into pillow sheets and a large chest at the edge, digging through everything while trying not to mess it around too much.

  When she found nothing Fluttershy groaned in frustration, wishing she could clap her hooves and the keys would be in her hooves immediately. Then Fluttershy caught a drawer at the corner of her eye, hidden in shadows and hidden halfway from sight as a sheet of some sorts was covering it. Fluttershy never saw it before when she came here, in fact there was no dresser any time she had come to clean his room.

  Maybe perhaps he had made it invisible to her sight whenever she went there, but why? With wonder Fluttershy ran over to the dresser, pushing the fabric aside and setting forth to opening each drawer and checking in around every corner. She began to think there was nothing for her to find, but she opened one and dug her good deep inside before she touched something cold and hard.

  Fluttershy slowly wrapped her hoof around the object and pulled it out, feeling relief that it was indeed a key. Fluttershy wasn't sure if this was the right one or not, but she couldn't give up without trying. Fluttershy began to close the drawer when she noticed something about its contents.

  Fluttershy's eyes furrowed as she starred at a shirt, a rather small one and it definitely wouldn't fit the Dark One. Taking a closer look, they seemed to be that of a foals,  but why would the Dark One have foals clothing in his drawers? She had to get out of there and hurry to free the prisoner before 'he' came back, but the curious side of her was drawn to it and her hoof picked up a scarf, old and covered with stains, completely dirty along with all the other clothing.

  Fluttershy shook her head and placed in back in, almost slamming the drawer closed as she picked up the key again and ran out. It didn't matter what the Dark One had, she needed to focus on what she needed to do before anything bad happened.

  Shining Armor was in pain, every muscle ached from being strained as the chains held him up. His head felt heavy and he was constantly tired, his white fur now dull and blood stained the once bright coat. Shining Armor had hoped that he could find a way to escape this hell hole, but as days went by and the torture continued, Shining Armor was coming to accepting the fact that he wasn't ever gonna get out of there.

  Shining Armor hated to give up, for giving up meant he would lose the one thing he held dearest. He didn't know how she would go on, after a while she would most likely think him dead. What hurt most was that in reality she won't live to ever know what happened to him, for her sickness was fatal.

  Shining Armor never cried, but as the thought that he failed to save the one he loved, his barriers began to break and a tear escaped his eye lids, soaking his stained cheek. The blood made the tears a dark red as they fell to the cold floor, and all Shining Armor could do was pray that he would soon see her again in another life.

  Shining Armor's ears suddenly perked as the sound of hoofsteps came, first fearing that the Dark One had come back for another session, but as the door shook slightly and the door clicked from being unlocked, he felt hope fill his being.

  Fluttershy peeked through the cell doors and immediately caught sight of Shining Armor who let out a deep sigh of relief. Fluttershy glanced behind her cautiously before running over to him.

  "What are you doing here?" Shining Armor asked as the yellow mare began undoing his cuffs.

  "I'm getting you out of here....." Fluttershy replied as she focused to unchain him.

  Shining Armor grunted as his forelegs were free, grasping them to his chest and rubbing the sore skin to sooth it.

  "I don't know when he'll be back, so hurry and get out." Fluttershy explained in a whisper, panting as she finally caught her breath.

  "Will you be alright?" The stallion questioned with worry, not wanting to endanger the mare.

  Fluttershy shook her head and helped him gather his things.

  "Yes, don't worry about me, just go." Fluttershy said without a worry, but inside she knew that the Dark One would eventually find out and that would be very soon.

  Once Shining Armor had his things he began to leave before turning momentarily to face the mare.

  "Thank you, for everything." Shining Armor whispered with deep sincerity, causing the mare to smile.

  Fluttershy watched as the stallion then ran out, slightly stumbling on one leg. Fluttershy moved to follow him quietly, hoping to at least distract the Dark One just in case they had any trouble. Just as she left, hoofsteps echoed through the tunnels, soon coming to a stop.

  The dark creature came to a halt as he starred at the open cell doors, his black eye brows furrowing and a growl reaching his throat. The Dark One stomped over to the cell and pulled the doors wide open and when he saw that all that lay there were chains and blood stains, he immediately groaned and turned around on his heel.

Chapter 6 New Home

Fluttershy shivered in fear as she glanced up at the giants halls of his dark castle. Everything she looked at made her feel like cowering in fear and hiding under a blanket. Just a few moment ago, she was walking through the halls of her home...well...used to be home. She didn't know what happened but she just took a step and suddenly she was outside an extremely large and dark castle.

  Fluttershy had screamed in shock at the sudden teleportation, which seemed to amuse the dark one greatly. He hadn't said anything the entire time, not giving her a tour or asking anything, he just continued to walk her through the large castle without a glance. Fluttershy gulped as they passed the strange and creepy stone statues that lined along the giant halls.

  It seemed like an eternity of walking, and then finally, they came upon two large doors. Fluttershy squeaked and jumped back when they suddenly flew open and hit the wall with a loud bang. The Dark One laughed at her and ignored her as he entered, Fluttershy slowly following him inside.

  "Your room is just down this hall here. I made sure to make it close so you can serve me immediately when I need you." He said, finally speaking surprising Fluttershy slightly as he spoke with a slight smirk.

  The room was just like all the other ones she saw, dark and gloomy. Inside was a somewhat medium sized table that went across the room. Curtains of red hung over the windows, blocking the sun light from peeking inside. The walls were bare, except for the few candle holders that were lit, and a few strange cabinets held many interesting looking items, most likely magical.

  On the ceiling, was a very beautiful chandelier, it was covered in crystals, or was it diamonds? She couldn't tell by the lack of light from the very dim candles. At the very end of the room, was a large organ, wind blew from it's pipes and into her face as Fluttershy walked by. Fluttershy had a look of confusion cover her features as she spotted something to her right, something that looked completely different from the fancy and grand room.

  It was nothing but a simple and plain spinning wheel for cotton. Out of everything in the room, this was just a simple clump of wood. Why would this creature have such an object? Then something sparkled next to it and her eyes fell onto a basket and she felt even more confused when she saw strings of what looked like....gold? She lost sight of it as he moved towards the other end of where it stood.

  Fluttershy felt deep fear for this creature, and for this overly dark and gloomy castle, but she couldn't help but feel herself seething with anger at how this creature laughed at her fear and acted like it was no big deal taking her away from her dear family and friends. Fluttershy heard he was cruel, but she didn't think he would be that cruel.

  He had mocked them for calling for help when ponies were dying every minute that passed, he was acting like a foolish filly and seemed excited to bring her father and friends misery even when he stopped the war. What mostly angered her is his reason for taking her.

  He wanted to just order her around all day, as he said himself, and knowing at how powerful he seemed to be, and how he could have anything he wanted, he chose a princess to work as a slave for him. Fluttershy guessed that the reason he didn't choose her maid Rarity or any of the other mares, was probably because it would amuse him to see a princess working her hooves off for him.

  Fluttershy felt a shiver as she wondered if he intended to have her as a slave for something else. No matter if he tried, she wouldn't ever let such a monster who laughed at the pain of others even touch her!

  "I sure hope you like your room!" He chirped, bringing Fluttershy out of her thoughts. The dark one just smiled as he held his hand out towards the hall and Fluttershy looked at him cautiously as she slowly passed him.

  "I worked ever so hard to make it perfect for you!" He chirped again in what sounded like a sarcastic tone.

  Fluttershy chose not to comment back at all as they continued to walk down, feeling her legs ache from standing around all day and then all this walking added to it. Also she was mentally exhausted. She was just taken from her only family, she would most likely never see any other pony or them again. She would be alone forever in the dark one's clutches until her dying day.

  Fluttershy had told herself over and over many times that day that she needed to be strong...but all she could feel was anger and deep sadness, along with the fear that made her body tremble.

  "Ah! Here you are! home sweet home!" He grinned and twisted his eagle looking talon, making the iron gate open.

  Fluttershy stared at the iron door strangely and wondered why her bedroom would have an iron door...in fact it looked like a-

  "Wh-what!?" She asked as she peeked in the room and felt her insides twist. It wasn't a bedroom, there wasn't anything in there. It was a cold and dark cell, and only bars served as her window. The floor had puddles of water and a strange slimy substance covered the walls along with mold that was at a few corners. There was a small hole in the wall where she could see more than two rats scattering around, covered in dirt and mud, chattering around loudly.

  The cell itself stunk terribly and there was no where to sleep, not even a small cushion. The only part that wasn't wet, was a vary dark corner that made her body shiver even more. She knew she wasn't a filly anymore, and she shouldn't be scared of something like the dark, but it seemed to be a fear that was always hard for her to overcome.

  But was she going to rot in this cell, working for the dark sorcerer for all eternity? She already felt dread for what would happen tomorrow. How was she going to get any sleep? How was she supposed to stay warm in such a revealing dress?

  "Th-this is my room!!??" She screeched and the dark one shrugged.

  "Well it does sound a lot better than dungeon. Don't you think?" He smirked before pushing her in on her back, making her gasp as she fell forward onto the hard stone floor with a thud.

  The dark one laughed and before Fluttershy could do anything, the iron door shut, the sound echoing off the walls.

  "Sleep well deary!" He continued to laugh as she heard the sound of his boots become more distant.

  Fluttershy started panting and rushed up to the door and banged on the iron bars on top. "No! Let me out! Please!" She begged and felt tears filling her eyes.

  When there was no reply, Fluttershy started to cry softly as she let go of the bars and fell to the floor and held her face in her hooves.

  "Please....I....I don't want to be alone..." She choked, her body shaking as she sobbed.

  Fluttershy continued to cry, the wetness of the floor staining her dress and causing her bones to ache from the cold. After a whole hour of crying and calling for help and begging, she fell asleep on the dirty floor, shivering and whimpering as the night went by.

Past

  Discord watched as his mom packed their things for the journey. He sat near the door way, wearing a dark brown cloak that covered his face, despite his red eyes that glowed from underneath. Carrot Top glanced over at Discord as she placed some bread into a basket.

  "I've done some research....and apparently there is a powerful sorcerer who will be able to help us." She said and Discord just sat quietly as she talked.

  "People call her Twilight Sparkle. She is known to be one of the lost princesses, and just may have what we need to help you." She continued as she finished filling a basket and closing it. Carrot Top walked near Discord and picked up a tan cloak and throwing it over her shoulder and tying the strings into a knot.

  Carrot sighed as she glanced down at Discord and bent down. "Discord...I know I've asked this before...but...are you really sure this is what you want?" She asked in a soft tone. Even though she feared his magic, and she felt that taking his magic away would be the best for both him and her, she knew she would forever blame herself if Discord ended up regretting his decision later on.

  Discord looked down and lowered his ears. In truth Discord didn't know what he wanted. But he was desperate, and would do anything to not hurt any pony ever again, and this seemed to be the only answer. He had tried learning how to control it, but each time it ended in a big disaster.

  Even though he was scared, and he felt a voice in the back of his head telling him not to do it, he had to. He didn't know who he was, he didn't know what type of creature he was. Right now only fear filled the young colt's heart as he sat there in conflict on what to do.

  "Y-yes.....I want to...." He whispered and Carrot Top smiled softly as his eyes met hers, but she could read the fear in his eyes and felt sadness for him. She would never understand how he felt, hurting others and losing control. So she felt that this was the best answer as well.

  "Alright...I was able to get us a ride on a cart to take us halfway there. It will be a long trip, and it will be cold. Do you have enough to where?" She asked tightening his plain scrap of red cloth that served as a scarf.

  "I think so." He replied back and Carrot looked at him before smiling and holding his chin in her hoof.

  "Discord...I want you to know...that now matter what you choose. I will always love you." She whispered and felt tears fill her eyes.

  "I will too...mom." He smiled and moved forward to hug her.

  Carrot Top giggled and pulled away. "Well then...we best be going." She said, standing up.

  Discord sighed and sat up on all fours, moving to pick up a basket that had everything he needed. He grabbed the end in his mouth and watched his mom as she pushed back a curtain to glance out.

  "He is here, we need to get going." She said and quickly turned to grab two bigger baskets. "Are you sure you have everything?"

  Discord started to mumble as he tried to answer but then just nodded, not being able to speak with a basket in his mouth.

  "Alright then lets go." She said with a smile before opening the wooden door that creaked softly. Carrot waited for Discord to go out first before she followed and they came up to a carriage where a stallion sat on a carriage full of hay.

  "Get on quick lady! I need to get this delivery done by tonight!" He said and Carrot Top nodded at him and handed him a small pouch of bits.

  "Yes sir, that's for your troubles." She said before tossing the two baskets she had into the back and turning to Discord to take his a well.

  After she placed the baskets in, she picked Discord up to hold in her arms as she pushed herself up and leaned against a bail of hay, pulling a blanket from inside one of the baskets to throw over them.

  "Are you warm little one?" She asked as Discord snuggled into her.

  Discord hummed a mm hmm and Carrot smiled as she stroked his cheek as he began to fall asleep.

  "After we get there, we'll be moving to the southern village of the kingdom. We can start a new life there and no pony will know of your magic." She said and Discord just nodded.

  "Thank you mom...you don't know what this means to me..." He looked up and Carrot was surprised to see his eyes full of tears.

  "It's nothing darling, what makes you happy makes me happy. Now why the tears sweetie?" She asked, wiping a tear that escaped his brim.

  "N-nothing...I'm just a little scared....do you think it will hurt?" He asked back.

  "I don't know...I hope it doesn't." She mumbled and kissed his forehead. "Go to sleep Discord..." she whispered lovingly into his ear and he sighed before he let the darkness of sleep cover him as he relaxed in his mothers warm and comfortable embrace.