Building To The Nowby AngriestDislestiaChaptersBefore It Even Began p1Before It Even Began p2Before It Even Began p3Look what You Have Started!Before It Even Began p1THE TERATA KINGDOM - NORTH “Hurry up, Tirek!” a high-pitched voice could be heard across a green field. “Come on, I want to visit Grandpapi Skoren already!” Not too far behind the skurrying winged creature, a much bulkier four-legged being plodded behind him, his arms folded. “I don’t see what the rush is,” he grunted with a notably annoyed tone. “Skoren is a boring old coot who just wants to tell us stories from “back in his day”!” These harsh words made the little gargoyle pout. “Grandpapi is amazing! His stories are about him being a soldier! Only a few are about what happened when he was a farmer, Ti -reki!” He stood tall and proud. “I wanna be soldier for Mummy one day! That’s why she calls me a little soldier!” He said in a matter-of-fact tone. Tirek laughed. “I guess...The one about him saving King Kai-Wreck in The Battle of Beasts against the Changelings was pretty impressive…” He chuckled and ruffled Scorpan’s mane. “You’d make a pretty good bodyguard…” He said pretending to consider Scorpan as a personal bodyguard for his royal-self! They both chuckled. “Boys!” They heard their father call them and sprinted as quickly as they could back to the castle. They dashed across the grass, until the moist soil below their feet turned into hard stone. In front of them, they saw their father standing at the frame of the large double door, which was open. The two siblings skidded to a halt, only inches away from bumping into their parent. “Yes, daddy?” Scorpan had to angle his head straight up to look at him. Tirek, while having done the same, didn’t look as interested. “Mhmm?” was all that Tirek said. “I need you both to do something for me,” their father continued, beginning to trot away from them, which prompted them to follow. Scorpan did so in an eagerly manner, while Tirek took his dear time. “What is it, daddy?” Scorpan piped up, putting great effort into keeping at his father’s side. “Is it important?” The large centaur shook his head. “I only needed to ask you both to greet our family,” he explained in his gruff voice. “Ugh… do we have to?” Tirek muttered. Vorak was quite used to such comments from his older son, so handled it respectively. “Yes, Tirek. If you find it too difficult I can get out my violin for you.” Vorak shot a playful smirk in his son’s direction, which Tirek smiled plainly back at. “You play a violin?” Tirek smirked knowing EXACTLY what he was doing. So did Vorak, who gave Tirek a quick grin. “What’s a violin?” the little gargoyle asked curiously. Both centaurs shook their heads in despair. “Never mind…” they spoke in unison. “Vorak! Could yo - Oh! Vorak! You’re all here, lovely!” Duchess Haydn remarked. She leaned down and kissed them both on the head. While Tirek put up with the affection, little Scorpan embraced it held his Mother closer. “Oh, you’re so lovely! My little soldier!” She said giving him one last smooch. “Tirek, my little grump-bucket!” She said playfully. Tirek sighed at his Mother’s impertinence. “Let’s get this over with…” Tirek said. “Well, I’m happy to see you too, young man!” The tall, toned, maned beast spoke with a northern accent and sounded quite unamused. He looked down at Tirek over his small reading specs. “You’ve grown. I grew a wee bit taller at yer age, too, lad.” He still wasn’t smiling. Tirek was unsure of what to say and do. “...Oh,” Tirek then chuckled nervously. His Grandfather Skoren then smiled knowingly. “I was also a touch unsociable!” He winked and elbowed Tirek playfully. “Though my elders made sure I was well occupied by their dull tales of youth.” His smiled widened at the young centaur who was now looking worried. He groaned. “Grandpapi!” Scorpan ran to his Grandfather and wrapped his limbs around the old gargoyle’s leg. “I’m so happy to see you again!” He exclaimed snuggling onto his leg tighter. “Scorpan! You loving little fool!” the older gargoyle mocked warmly with a chuckle. “What do think you’re doin’ on me leg, eh?” “Hugging?” Scorpan asked cautiously. “Well! You’d be the first soldier to do so! Now, before I tell you more stories I think you have a few more of yer folk to greet!” Skoren gestured to the rest of Queen Haydn’s siblings and their families. You had her older brother’s family of miners, her younger sister’s family of bakers, and her younger brother’s family of farmers! Not only that, but there were also Vorak’s side! His parents - The King and Queen! ( Tirek realised the Queen was getting quite a large tummy) - His Brother - The Prince! - and those three were especially keen on formal prolonged greetings. Tirek looked on in despair as his parents greeted Skoren while Scorpan looked on nervously. They sighed together and stepped forward, agonised. ISORROPIA KINGDOM. - THE WEST The old alicorn stroked his tufted chin as he watched his three foals outside pitifully. He knew what was happening. No pony, nor beast, liked it. The West, South, even the East felt they had been done wrong by it all! They were all demanding that The Terata Kingdom be punished for not inviting them to the King and Queen’s Celebration of a new baby. Not only that, but none of the King or Queen’s sons or daughters were offered to the other Kingdoms as a peace treaty of a kind! That Terata Kingdom had promised it for centuries! Never once had they brought up anything to any of the other Kingdoms. Just the thought made King Nova agitated, but whenever he looked at his foals it would change and he would see the two young sons of Kai-Wreck and Phyllis. They were adults now but King Nova could remember them being tiny. As if the two beast children were at all similar to alicorn offspring! Ha! The innocence might still have hid there, though. Was it the right thing? What would happen to all the young of the kingdoms? Surely many would lose a Father or in changeling territory, even a mother...The thought could sicken anyone with sadness. Unfortunately, it was not up for contemplation. The Draconequi Kingdom and The Rodent Land had already signed war documents and without The Isorropia Kingdom by their side, The Terata Kingdom might’ve had a chance. If the draconequi and rodents lost, they would blame the land of the Alicorn. King Nova didn’t want that at all. So he didn’t really have an option. He sighed. What was coming would be the end of a species. Yet who knew which one… DRACONEQUI KINGDOM - THE SOUTH “I think we’re all aware of the situation. Dire times call for dire measures…” Queen Maska said glumly as if war was a sad business that needed to be done, and was nothing personal. The large female changeling looked around the table for a response and was met with a sad stare from a surprisingly petit Alicorn Queen. “Maybe, we could just inform them that we’re not best pleased with their decisions to neglect our authority,” the mare suggested. Maska pouted and broke eye contact with her, lost in her thoughts for a few moments. “Mmm… I suppose,” the changeling responded distantly, staring at her hooves. “But that’s BORING! And their promise of a Prince or Princess is far past overdue!” an elder Draconequi interrupted. “I say that you give them what’s necessary!” The alicorn whipped her head around to face him. “That is something I refuse to do,” she retorted, her eyes narrowing. “Nothing ‘necessary’ needs to be done.” She closed her mouth when she felt a hoof touch her. She turned her head back to meet Maska. “Armonia, just ignore him.” She rolled her eyes and snorted irritably. However, the elder draconequus did not stay silent. “I have agreed with you, Armonia, that our Kingdom’s eldest son, be married to your daughter Celestia! So that our Kingdoms intertwine! The Rodent Kingdom agreed to never cross into out borders EVER and NEVER have and THE TERATA KINGDOM HAS DONE NOTHING FOR US WITH ITS WEALTH OR POWER!” He slammed his mismatched hands on the table in front of him. “They have two sons the age of your Luna and neither have been met with the filly! It is an insult! I say that if we send them a letter, it’s about them choosing a son to meet with you and Nova’s youngest. Then, if they refuse, we will HAVE to use force.” His eyes were now blazing and Maska glanced at Armonia with a pitiful expression. She sighed. “I agree, our people are becoming restless! The members of The Terata Kingdom act as if they are free to mingle, play and live with our folk without sacrificing any means of security. We WILL send them a letter first, but if they meeting of a Terata son and Princess Luna is denied…” She looked sorrowfully upon the small Alicorn Queen. She sighed. “Well...You know what’ll happen…” Armonia’s eyes glistened. She kept her head down, not wanting either of them to see her current facial expression. “...It won’t come to that,” she said firmly, trying to keep her voice from breaking. “I refuse to let such a terrible mishap break out between us.” She then raised her head to glare at them both. “War is not the answer here. Peace is! What would war even achieve?” The changeling and draconequus were silent as the stared at her, then at each other. Maska cleared her throat, before facing Armonia again. “Don’t get me wrong, my dear, I personally don’t think war is the answer here either. It’s just… only if it comes down to no other option…” Armonia’s pupils shrank as she gave her a stare of disbelief and disappointment mixed into one. “Bu… wha…” She leaned towards her, her muzzle scrunched up. Maska had to move back a little, fearing the mare would break. “You can’t just give up and fall back on it like it’s an everyday choice we make! War isn’t a choice when things are at it’s worst. War is the worst!” The draconequus elder remained unfazed at her outburst. In fact, a simper had began to appear on his face. “A perfect match; two of the worst things. I honestly thought that’s what you were all about, Armonia. With all this balance nonsense and what not.” He chuckled, which only added to her enragement. “This is no time for jokes, Puzzle! This is serious - why is that so difficult to get through your thick skull?” The Alicorn Queen was close to the King, Queen, Dukes and Duchesses of the Terata Kingdom and knew very well why they had not made a marriage arrangement...If only these two would understand... “ARMONIA.” A loud, booming voice shook through the Changeling Queen’s Castle and took everyone aback. There stood a large female draconequus. She looked down upon the loud justiced Alicorn Queen. “We don’t need this. Your justice will get our people nowhere! If gargoyles keep feeling they can invite themselves into our lands, think of what they’ll do next! They’ll want to vote, and take liberties! Half of the rotten beasts may even be SPIES!” She paused and forced Armonia to look into her eyes. “Understand?” Puzzle’s wife, Trigger, was the most terrifying creature alive. What’s worse is that she was always right. “...I do.” Armonia said plainly. “Good. Write that letter. Post it. And if they don’t reply by the end of the month….” She turned away. “Make sure your soldiers are ready.” Author's Note Let us know what you think!!! Before It Even Began p2Haydn and Vorak looked at each other nervously. A few days after the Queen’s Birth Ceremony at their home, they had been summoned by the King for an important meeting. They stepped up the steps and walked past the guards into a large office type of room. King Kai-Wreck was sitting at his desk staring expectantly at them. Their eyes lifted and they bowed clumsily at different times, making the pair look like idiots. Kai-Wreck rolled his eyes. “Have a seat.” He plainly. They both sat themselves on a chair whilst the guards and maids left the room and closed the door loudly behind them. He took a deep breath as his features calmed. It wasn’t as formal when the staff of the castle had left. “I-” He began looking worried and anxious. Haydn and Vorak looked at each other with compassion as Haydn leaned over to Kai-Wreck and placed her hand on his shoulder. “What is it, hun?” Haydn asked. “Tell us!” Vorak added curiously. Kai-Wreck calmed. “Son…” Kai-Wreck began. Vorak nodded. “The three other Kingdoms are requesting that we…” He paused and he looked away from his youngest son’s eyes. “Choose a son...around Princess Luna’s age…to...You know! Marry her. As an agreement to, er, never let anything come between us and share what we have and such-like.” He turned back to his sons sorrowfully. “Yes? Are you saying you’d like…” Vorak looked nervously at Haydn. “One of our sons...to marry little Luna?” Haydn finished. Kai-Wreck slowly nodded. “Well...MEET Princess Luna.” He began. “You know how I feel about our laws of freedom! Marry who you love, whether they be a family of farmers or a Prince!” Kai-Wreck winked at the young pair in front of him. Haydn blushed and Vorak looked concerned, still. What came out of his mouth surprised Kai-Wreck and Haydn a great deal. “...Well...If the Alicorns find OUR pair of nincompoops worthy It won’t shock me if Prince Cosmos ends up with Chrysalis…” “You excited, Luna?” Celestia asked, nudging Luna with her elbow. Luna’s hooves were crossed, to match her pout. The two fillied were in their front garden playing, but also waiting. “No.” Celestia blinked. “Why not? We get to meet new friends!” Luna raised a brow at her sister. “Yeah, but they’re boys.” “...So?” The little filly snorted. “They’re just all rough-and-tumble. They have no sense of courtesy or anything like that! And they smell.” “...Dissy’s a boy,” Celestia pointed out. “You’re friends with him.” “Yeah, but Discord’s at least funny!” she retorted. “I bet you these two are gonna be nothing but rough-housing jerks!” “What’s wrong with boys?” an older alicorn asked. Their older brother Cosmos was looking down at them with an offended, curious look. “Hmm, Luna?” Celestia asked with smirk. “Hehe…” Luna giggled guiltily. “You’re right! Nothing, I guess…” She smiled at their older brother who smiled back. Luna paused. “Are you excited Cosmos? They could be YOUR friends, too! Just like Discord!” Cosmos half frowned. “Mmm...They’re a bit younger than me and Discord… They’re more around you and Celly’s age, Luna.” Cosmos smiled teasingly. “So that you can marry!!!” “DON’T REMIND US!!!” The two younger, smaller fillies shouted in unison. Cosmos giggled. Suddenly the three little Alicorn saw a large carriage come toward their HUGE castle. They both gulped nervously, even Cosmos looked a bit shy. They only came around when a foal was born. These weren’t even them! They were different gargoyles and centaur! It was a bit scary… The carriage stopped in front of the front garden. Four large, armoured, male gargoyles were standing around it with amazed expressions. The world around them was so bright…. They were all in their own world. All mumbling to themselves. “...Hello?” Luna said unimpressed. The gargoyles all looked worried and stood straight. Nothing happened. “Excuse me? Wha-” “Duke Vorak and Duchess Haydn of The Terata Kingdom have travelled far with their two sons. They wish to meet with you and your family,” the gargoyle guard interrupted. “...Yeah?” Celestia asked unsure of what to do. “Could you go and fetch your parents, please,” the guard replied. “Oh!” Cosmos ran inside, soon followed out by his Mother and father. “We arranged this to be an informal arrangement, lads.” King Nova stated plainly, rolling his eyes. Queen Armonia smiled. The gargoyles looked at each other anxiously. One knocked on the carriage door and started roaring and growling at it. Luna scrunched her muzzle and stuck out her tongue. Ruffian, she thought. The guard opened the door and out stepped a very irritated looking Vorak. “Well, if it’s to be informal, I suppose that means I can let these two loose right away!” Vorak grumbled. Celestia laughed as Vorak wiped himself clean and growled something she couldn’t understand. “Informal fool.” The guards laughed and so did Tirek, who was stepping out of the carriage with Scorpan on his back for some reason. Luna feltintrigued, yet disgusted at the two little beasts...Tirek was 3 years younger yet larger than Cosmos, though, so she supposed “little” wasn’t the right word. The little rat on Tirek’s back was growling something in the language of the gargoyles. He looked kinda dumb and he looked like a ruffian...yet...Luna decided silently he wouldn’t be as bad as the grouchy centaurs. “Hello!” Celestia called to the young beasts. “Hello!” Haydn hopped out and went straight to hugging the foals in front of her. “Oh, you three are so little! Awwww!” Everyone smiled at Haydn’s simplicity. “Hello Haydn!” Armonia and Nova beamed at her warmly. She did the same - of course! Vorak, however, was not as comfortable and decided to stay silent. Tirek and Scorpan however, were feeling rather confused. They looked upon the little four-legged ponies with confudlement. They had not seen these types of creature in a long while - ones full to the brim with magical properties. Tirek tilted his head at them and Scorpan hopped off of his older brother’s back cautiously. “Tirek,” whispered Scorpan, leaning over into his sibling’s ear, “they look a bit like you!” Tirek gave a dismissive scoff. “Pssh, even if they did, they’re nothing like me. Nowhere near as cool I am.” “How do you know?” The little gargoyle tilted his head. “We don’t know them.” “I know that this is gonna be super boring,” Tirek stated. “How?” Scorpan asked again. “Because girls are boring,” he replied flatly. Scorpan looked at him confused. Then he looked as his Mother all bright and happy. It made no sense. “No they’re not!!!” He cried. “No who aren’t?” A little dark blue filly with a mini horns and a mini set of wings asked curiously. “My brother said that-” A hand covered Scorpan’s mouth swiftly, as the adults went indoors. “We’ll be keeping an eye on you all, so don’t do anything you shouldn’t!” The old alicorn called. “So Tirek, Scorpan, no touching anything or anyone but yourselves!” Vorak warned knowingly as he stepped into the castle and closed the door behind him. The larger white filly approached behind. Tirek gulped. She was even more pretty up-close. I almost made Tirek think he had a ...Nah! Then behind, there was a lilac colt, with a bright white sparkling mane. How queer, Tirek thought. He looked like he could be a little gargirl’s toy. However, this colt looked at Tirek like he could make money from him. Like Tirek had a hidden potential that would be ever-so helpful to this little gargirl’s toy. Tirek looked back with an eerie suspicion. “What are your names?” The pretty pure white one asked. Tirek blushed slightly. “My name’s Tirek!” He began. “And I’m -!” Scorpan cut in. “And this is my little brother Scorpan!” Tirek finished. “You’re brothers?!?” The big lilac one asked in surprise. “Yuhuh!” Scorpan replied. “You look nothing alike!!” Luna exclaimed in shock. “Well, he’s a gargoyle and I’m a centaur, so no: We don’t look very similar.” Tirek said impatient of the small one. “What are your names?!?!” Scorpan asked enthusiastically. This made the white one giggle. Probably at Scorpan’s stupidity, Tirek thought. “I’m Celestia! I’m 10!” The older filly cried. Tirek’s eyes rose. What an amazing name!! She was 10, too! That was his age! “I’m 13 and my name’s Cosmos.” The big one about the same height as Tirek said. 13. That was a teenager...Tirek was aware that teenager were scary and had “hormonal problems” whatever hormonals were. It made him dislike “Cosmos” even more. “And my name’s Luna. I’m 6” She stated proudly. Tirek stopped. That was the one their Mother and Father brought them there to meet? A SIX YEAR OLD BRAT!?!? She seemed to like Scorpan. She walked over and looked closely at him. “How old are you?” “I’m 5 and a half!” “Liar! Your birthday was two months ago!” Tirek was ignored. Luna looked happy. “That’s almost my age!” She said. Cosmos and Celestia exchanged glances. “Snap!” Scorpan cheered. Tirek smirked at the two, thinking they looked nice together. “Let’s go play on my castle, Scorpan!!!” Luna squealed happily. “Ok!” Scorpan giggled. “C’mon, Tirek!!” This made Luna stop. “Huh!?!” She looked at the young but in no means little centaur. “He’s too old to play on me and my sister’s castle.” “But he’s 10! Just like Cewstya.” Scorpan cried. All three alicorns looked shocked at one another. Tirek smirked. “You’re my age!?!?” Celestia went close to him and he smiled. “Heh...Yes.” He replied. Cosmos’ shock dissipated and he smiled. “Are all centaur your age that tall?” Cosmos asked. “Well...I don’t know...I’ve never met a centaur my age before...My Mum calls me “big, strong boy”, though...so I suppose they’re not.” Tirek replied surprisingly saddened by the thought. Celestia came closer. “Aww, don’t worry! I’m sure you’ll meet a pretty lady centaur one day!” Tirek hadn’t thought of that either! Where would he be if he stayed the only centaur of his generation? “I have a good friend who is the only one of his species in his generation, too! Even so, he’s really great!” Celestia’s words chipped any chance of a crush in Tirek’s heart away. He sighed. “Don’t worry Scorpan. You can play without me.” Tirek said glumly as he walked away. Scorpan smiled at Luna as she led him away to their castle. Cosmos and Celestia looked at each other unsure of what to do. “Should we check if he’s ok?” She asked. “I think he just wants to be alone, don’t you?” Cosmos soothed. Celestia nodded and they went to watch Scorpan and Luna play. Tirek sat under a tree. He felt sad...but sadness was the only thing that ever really softened him. Celestia. She was beautiful, but it was clear she was naive and was a fake gradient of kind. Raised by perfection, he was sure. Luna. She seemed bright, particular and direct. She was also a strange type of spoilt brat he’d seen only in himself. A reasonable one. Cosmos. Tirek didn’t like him...But he seemed quite lovely. And gentle. Little gargirl’s toy. He seemed somewhat used to neglect. Used to being ignored. It was strange he sensed this as there was nothing really to suggest it. He sighed. Scorpan. He shouldn’t need to think about what he thought of his little brother. Scorpan was loyal and stupid. Tirek wondered what the adults were up to. He had a feeling his mother was having a great time and his father was bored. It kinda made him smile. The thought of his parents. They were a great couple, he admitted. Then he wondered why they had to meet these ponies. That was a very good point. They had never had to go and meet anyone new for no reason. Why would they? Their parents obviously weren’t friends, but for some reason, the occasion was informal. It just didn’t add up… It was obviously informal for the children. Why did we need to meet, though? Tirek sat up. He looked to the castle across a lighter green field. Lighter green than home - home’s green was deeper. He decided that he would go in and ask… Author's Note Let us know what ya think!!! Before It Even Began p3Celestia and Cosmos laid on the grass next to each other happily. They pointed out the clouds and their individual shapes to each other while Scorpan and Luna played happily nearby. “Scorpan!! What are you doing?” Luna giggled. “I’m up here! You have to save me!” She beamed at him. He adjusted the playing helmet that was too large for his head and giggled. “Oh!” He smiled up her. There was a little play castle with stairs of climbing walls and ladders. He handled his wooden sword clumsily as he stumbled round the side of the climbing frame. He looked at the ladder and let out an airy laugh and hauled himself up. His little, but not so little hands and feet supported his weight sturdily as he managed to clamber up the kid’s ladder. He managed to keep holding the toy sword. He smiled when he saw Luna smiling at him expectantly. “Don’t worry, fair filly! I’m gonna take you back to my safe bedroom!” Scorpan promised the only property he really owned, however unintentionally suggestive it may have sounded. “We can have a sleepover!” Luna cried jumping up and down. “Yeah!” Scorpan giggled as Luna went down the slide. Scorpan followed too soon and he bumped into her. They both giggled as Luna laid back onto the little but not so little gargoyle and nuzzled into Scorpan’s fluffy mane. She put her hooves lovingly on his shoulders for a hug and his arms cuddled Luna in return. With a thud, the pair fell off the slide and smiled at each other. “We’re here!” Scorpan cried. “OOH! THAT ONE LOOKS LIKE DISSY!” Celestia pointed to a cloud. He pushed the door open slowly and walked in. Smaller ponies - the size of himself and Cosmos - with only wings were scattered around wearing golden metal. Like the metal Scorpan wore. They ignored the little not so little centaur. He heard friendly chatting and glasses tapping onto tables. He also heard his father groaning. “Why is it that the younger son - the gargoyle - wears gold and yet the older son - the more powerful and magical centaur - wears silver?” Was something silly he heard them talking about. He opened the door and their heads all turned to him, not suddenly or shocked, but curiously and maybe concerned. “You, OK, hon?” Haydn asked her eldest son with a soft smile. Tirek nodded. “What is that you needed?” Queen Armonia asked softly. “I...I just gotta ask a quick question.” Tirek said politely, but directly. “Ok!” Armonia beamed. Tirek turned to his father and King Nova mostly. “Why am I here?” The little centaur asked. Duchess Haydn and Queen Armonia smiled hysterically at Tirek’s little ways. “Oh...Tirek.” Vorak chuckled. King Nova leaned down to Tirek’s eye level. “10.” He began. “You, young man, are the most direct and...strangely clever little character I’ve ever had the awkwardness of being approached by.” Tirek looked confused. “Dad?” Tirek wanted an answer to his question. “You’re here to meet King Nova and Queen Armonia’s three children.” Vorak said plainly. “Why?” Tirek asked. The adults looked unsure at one another. Vorak looked at Tirek softly in the eye and gave a soft smirk. “You’re a big boy now, aren’t you?” Vorak soothed. Tirek nodded. Armonia was about to stop Vorak, she found it unnecessary to tell him the truth, but was stopped gently by Haydn. “You...Aren’t interested in Luna, are you?” Tirek looked confused, looked around and then shook his head. “Well...because your Grandfather - Kai-Wreck - is King, you and Scorpan are seen as...keys to unlocking the hearts of other kingdoms.” Tirek nodded. “The keys are used by marrying them to a child related to the King of another kingdom. When that has happened, it confirms the safety of the kingdoms.” Tirek looked disgusted. He opened his mouth to say something and stopped. “Ok. So why are we here? You want Scorpan to marry Luna?” Tirek said plainly. They nodded. Tirek’s eyes sparked. He suddenly felt mad. Very mad. “I don’t care...About the other kingdoms...I don’t care...about you and you!” He pointed to the two alicorn. “I don’t care about royalty or tradition! I DON’T CARE ABOUT LUNA AND I DON’T CARE ABOUT WAR!” Tirek glared around the room, his fists clenched and a spark glowing between his horns. “I DON’T CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO ANYONE BUT MY FAMILY! SO WHY DON’T YOU JUST DROP WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE THINKS AND DOES, AND THINK ABOUT WHAT’S BEST FOR US!” Suddenly a beam of magic blasted the dining table and destroyed everything that the Alicorns had the ponies lay out. Smoke rose from the burning ashes of the wood and dining items. The Alicorns looked disgusted and shocked by Tirek’s actions. They stared at him as if he were from Tartarus. His parents however were looking angry and upset. I’m sure you can tell who was who. After a few moments of utter silence, King Nova put his golden embroidered hoof down. “Get out,” he hissed through his teeth. Tirek looked around the room at the adults negative expressions. As soon as he left, he was in for it. He gulped and sighed at the known fact of him getting punished… most likely at its worse.. He’d just started a war. Great. Tirek sat in the carriage, his arms folded as tight as they could fold, and his mouth closed as tight as it could close. He sat as far away from his brother as he could, pressing himself against the door, not caring that each time the carriage bumped it scraped him against the door. As he bounced along with it scraping at his skin, he frowned. He just wanted to go home. Scorpan, on the other hand, was sat on the other side of the carriage. His arms weren’t folded like his brother’s, instead were flopped on his knees. His ears were drooping, as were his wings. He distracted himself from Tirek by trying to fascinate himself with the floor in front of him, but it never lasted long. Any pattern that he found would be forgotten or get repetitive. Scorpan eventually found the strength to lift up his head to look at his mother. She seemed to be staring at… nothing. Not her husband, not her sons… not even outside. She was staring in oblivion. Though, the gargoyle couldn’t bring himself to even glance at his father. He didn’t need to. He could hear the muttering and grumbling of his Father. The only reason that he wasn’t shouting was that Mother had told him “enough”. Otherwise, Vorak would still be roaring insults and disgust at Tirek. Tirek could imagine the beating his Father would discipline him with. He groaned at such a thought, and hit his head against the carriage wall, though not hard enough to actually hurt himself. After all, he didn’t want to make the beating more painful than it was going to be without a reason. Even still, his mind wavered on the idea of Scorpan having to meet Luna JUST to stop a stupid war! Why should Scorpan lose his true love because everyone else wanted him to? Ridiculous. He looked over to Scorpan and narrowed his eyes. “Scorpan?” he whispered. “Mmm?” Scorpan replied gloomily. “...I did it for you, ya know,” Tirek answered. Scorpan rose, confused. “You got Dad mad for me?” he asked, puzzled. “No! They wanted you to marry Luna! And I said that Scorpan should marry whoever he wants!” Tirek whispered firmly. Scorpan blushed. “Why?” Scorpan whispered sweetly. “Because they think if you marry her, everyone will get along FOREVER!” Tirek began whispering louder. Trying to explain ANYTHING to Scorpan was like trying to set fire to a pair of soaked socks. “Well...I wouldn’t mind…” Scorpan tapped his feet together and rubbed the back of his head. Tirek’s eyes widened. “Scorpan!!! Look out for YOURSELF! NO ONE ELSE! If you do stuff only for the benefit of people you DON'T EVEN KNOW, you’ll get taken advantage of! NO BROTHER OF MINE GETS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF!!!” Tirek went off the rail a bit there. “But...what about the peasants…?” Scorpan whimpered slightly. Tirek sighed. “You’re an IDIOT!” Tirek finished the conversation. Scorpan’s ears flattened and he sniffed slightly. He’d miss Luna. He looked at Tirek. Most of all, Scorpan hoped that everything would be better when they got home. Little did he know...They weren’t going home. Dun Dun DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN Author's Note Whoo! Hopefully this will be the last part of "Before It Even Began" XD It's quite long!!! We planned for it to be the prologue!!! XD Look what You Have Started!Cosmos watched through a hole in the floor at his parents. They were arguing. Tirek had smashed their table and that’s all Cosmos knew. He thought there must’ve been a reason for it! Tirek didn’t seem like a bad kid...Although he didn’t seem like a good one… Cosmos winced at every rise in his Father’s voice. They were going to meet up to inform the others of what happened. Cosmos was unsure of what they were going to do, but they seemed to blame something Tirek did on the WHOLE Terata Kingdom! It hardly seemed fair. What did they do to get Tirek so angry? It was obvious Tirek knew something he didn’t and Cosmos was very intrigued, but it was clear that he wouldn’t meet the young centaur again. The young alicorn sighed. He felt something was coming to an end. Armonia paced around in a circle, muttering only to herself. “This has gone just awful…” was all that Maska could hear from the alicorn. The changeling sighed. “No need to repeat what has already happened, Armonia, dear,” she told the mare. Almost immediately after she said that, Armonia stopped in her tracks and glared at the queen. “Don’t you see, Maska?” she growled. “A war has erupted from our different lands, all because of that boy!” “Which boy? There are four of them.” “You know which one,” she hissed with narrowed eyes. “I should have never let this happen - I should have known this would happen! Young Tirek is not at all fit to unite two species together! Even if he wasn’t the one to be wed.” “You don’t think you’re being just a little bit harsh, dear?” Maska tilted her head. “Harsh?” Armonia rasped, before marching over to the changeling until their muzzles were almost touching “Harsh?” she repeated. “Young Tirek is the cause of a war. I am not being harsh, Maska, I am being quite kind to him!” Maska bit her lip as Armonia’s icy blue eyes split right into her green. “That may be so…” Maska began. “But, dear, he’s just a child. He does not know what he has caused.” Armonia blinked. “Y-You’re right, Maska…” she sighed, taking a step away from her. “He is a child as of now, and does not know the consequences of his actions.” Maska smiled as the mare calmed, before nodding her head. Armonia then looked up at her again, this time with a smirk spread across her face. “But one day, he will know the consequences of his actions.” She then turned away from the queen. “And once he does, the guilt will eat him alive. He’ll know that this war will be his fault, and it will swallow him whole.” Maska’s eyes widened and her pupils shrunk. She tried to process what she was hearing from the usually kind and caring mare - she had never expected such words to even consider to be thought up by her. But they were said, and she was not about to let Armonia get off easily. Maska’s ears flattened against her head and her muzzle scrunched up, her fangs now visible. “No, Armonia,” she snarled. Armonia stopped in her tracks and turned her head. “What?” “I said no. You’re wrong. I’ll make sure that child will forgive himself in some way - one mistake does not deserve such hatred!” The alicorn stared at her, before her muzzle also scrunched up. She swung her body around to face the queen again, stalking towards her. “This is not just a mistake, Maska. This is a cause of war!” “He’s a child!” “I don’t care! And you shouldn’t either!” “Well, I do. What are you going to do about it?” “I… I’ll…” Armonia’s eye twitched as she searched for an answer. “You’ll see what he’ll do...To your daughter.” Her tensed up muscles then relaxed. “Then maybe after that, you’ll come to my way of thinking.” She then began to walk away from Maska. “It was nice speaking to you, my dear. Just remember when you lose everything, you’ll look back on your ignorance and die inside.” Maska watched in silence as the mare left her alone, fading into the darkness of the night. Soon enough, she, for the first time, felt utterly alone. “The only thing that’s died here is our friendship,” she hissed, before buzzing her wings and flying off in the opposite direction. The tense feeling spread through the carriage as Tirek watched the rain patter against the window of their carriage. He was counting the drops as was Scorpan, to see who would win. At the moment, Scorpan was winning. Because he couldn’t count. Tirek groaned. “What are you moaning about, boy!?” Vorak questioned hatefully. Tirek scowled in the direction of his Father and opened his mouth to speak of his boredom. Only, suddenly, their windows smashed open from a huge jolt of lightning. Or at least that was what they thought it was. “Leaving so soon?” a confident voice smashed against their carriage, forcing the roof of it off and made even Vorak’s heart race like an over excited dog. “I assume that means the meeting of these Princes didn’t go very well…” Puzzle followed closely behind his wife with a desperate grin, in a weak attempt to please her. Which she dissmissed completely. She leaned in over the carriage, only to be dwarfed slightly by the protective Vorak; who held his arms in front of his family in an effort to keep them safe. “Who are you!?!” he spat aggressively, leaning closer in an attempt to intimidate the draconequus. She turned her head away slightly and tutted. “No way to speak to a Lady…” she mumbled under her breathe. Sparks shot from Vorak’s eyes as he snorted roughly against his nostrils. “I am Queen Trigger of the Draconequi - the most insane and magnificent of all creatures.” She laughed. “And the most magical. Naturally anyway - unlike you centaur who steal from others to achieve power similar to that of a Unicorn!” She hissed back. Behind Vorak’s back, Puzzle had snuck nearby Haydon and was keeping a prowling eye upon her children. Children who, albeit their size, she clutched and held above her feet. Puzzle snickered and poked her side, making her jump away and hiss aggressively at him. This alerted Vorak, who immediately turned to see Puzzle near his family. His instincts kicked in and he bucked the male draconequus through the carriage and into the open. “Are you okay?!” he asked his loved ones. Haydon nodded. “I don't think he is, though…” she added referencing to a limp Puzzle on the ground. Vorak gulped, sensing the anger of Puzzle’s wife behind him. His head shot her direction. “How. DARE. You.?” She asked in a low, hushed and scary tone, looking directly into Vorak’s eyes. His gaze met hers with confidence… And she didn’t like that. “I don’t go messing around with people...But when they mess around with me….” Vorak scowled hard. “They’re asking for whatever I can give them!” Their eyes fell upon each others’ in a poor excuse of battle for intimidation; Vorak had the lead on her and needless to say, she was speechless. “YES, Father!” Tirek boomed from his Mother’s weakening arms. Vorak glared in Tirek’s direction in response, and this disheartened the young centaur slightly. Trigger met Tirek’s gaze in humiliation and her eyes widened and a sick grin grew upon her features. “Young Tirek!” she exclaimed, keeping locked eye contact with the centaur. “You didn’t like little Luna?” She mocked him as if her were three and Tirek scowled. “I didn’t want Scorpan to be forced to waste his life with someone he didn’t love.” Tirek replied. Trigger’s brows raised in surprise that the ten year old could speak with such wit. “You’re a clever one…” she began. “Much like my son...You both cause quite a bit of trouble…” Her voice lowered. “You would’ve caused more for my brother.” “No, Tirek; you’ve started a war…” she spoke. Tirek’s expression fell and his heart sunk...He had assumed his father had over exaggerated the situation and yet...when another adult told him...It finally hit. Vorak couldn’t hold back fully the detest he felt at present toward his son, and his features became heavy and cold. “ A war to end everything...No gargoyle, centaur, changeling, draconequus or even ALICORN will live through this… You, your parents and even your brother WILL DIE! ” Author's Note Hehe...This took us a while an yet not even two hours XD We're continuing this; we promise!
Before It Even Began p1THE TERATA KINGDOM - NORTH “Hurry up, Tirek!” a high-pitched voice could be heard across a green field. “Come on, I want to visit Grandpapi Skoren already!” Not too far behind the skurrying winged creature, a much bulkier four-legged being plodded behind him, his arms folded. “I don’t see what the rush is,” he grunted with a notably annoyed tone. “Skoren is a boring old coot who just wants to tell us stories from “back in his day”!” These harsh words made the little gargoyle pout. “Grandpapi is amazing! His stories are about him being a soldier! Only a few are about what happened when he was a farmer, Ti -reki!” He stood tall and proud. “I wanna be soldier for Mummy one day! That’s why she calls me a little soldier!” He said in a matter-of-fact tone. Tirek laughed. “I guess...The one about him saving King Kai-Wreck in The Battle of Beasts against the Changelings was pretty impressive…” He chuckled and ruffled Scorpan’s mane. “You’d make a pretty good bodyguard…” He said pretending to consider Scorpan as a personal bodyguard for his royal-self! They both chuckled. “Boys!” They heard their father call them and sprinted as quickly as they could back to the castle. They dashed across the grass, until the moist soil below their feet turned into hard stone. In front of them, they saw their father standing at the frame of the large double door, which was open. The two siblings skidded to a halt, only inches away from bumping into their parent. “Yes, daddy?” Scorpan had to angle his head straight up to look at him. Tirek, while having done the same, didn’t look as interested. “Mhmm?” was all that Tirek said. “I need you both to do something for me,” their father continued, beginning to trot away from them, which prompted them to follow. Scorpan did so in an eagerly manner, while Tirek took his dear time. “What is it, daddy?” Scorpan piped up, putting great effort into keeping at his father’s side. “Is it important?” The large centaur shook his head. “I only needed to ask you both to greet our family,” he explained in his gruff voice. “Ugh… do we have to?” Tirek muttered. Vorak was quite used to such comments from his older son, so handled it respectively. “Yes, Tirek. If you find it too difficult I can get out my violin for you.” Vorak shot a playful smirk in his son’s direction, which Tirek smiled plainly back at. “You play a violin?” Tirek smirked knowing EXACTLY what he was doing. So did Vorak, who gave Tirek a quick grin. “What’s a violin?” the little gargoyle asked curiously. Both centaurs shook their heads in despair. “Never mind…” they spoke in unison. “Vorak! Could yo - Oh! Vorak! You’re all here, lovely!” Duchess Haydn remarked. She leaned down and kissed them both on the head. While Tirek put up with the affection, little Scorpan embraced it held his Mother closer. “Oh, you’re so lovely! My little soldier!” She said giving him one last smooch. “Tirek, my little grump-bucket!” She said playfully. Tirek sighed at his Mother’s impertinence. “Let’s get this over with…” Tirek said. “Well, I’m happy to see you too, young man!” The tall, toned, maned beast spoke with a northern accent and sounded quite unamused. He looked down at Tirek over his small reading specs. “You’ve grown. I grew a wee bit taller at yer age, too, lad.” He still wasn’t smiling. Tirek was unsure of what to say and do. “...Oh,” Tirek then chuckled nervously. His Grandfather Skoren then smiled knowingly. “I was also a touch unsociable!” He winked and elbowed Tirek playfully. “Though my elders made sure I was well occupied by their dull tales of youth.” His smiled widened at the young centaur who was now looking worried. He groaned. “Grandpapi!” Scorpan ran to his Grandfather and wrapped his limbs around the old gargoyle’s leg. “I’m so happy to see you again!” He exclaimed snuggling onto his leg tighter. “Scorpan! You loving little fool!” the older gargoyle mocked warmly with a chuckle. “What do think you’re doin’ on me leg, eh?” “Hugging?” Scorpan asked cautiously. “Well! You’d be the first soldier to do so! Now, before I tell you more stories I think you have a few more of yer folk to greet!” Skoren gestured to the rest of Queen Haydn’s siblings and their families. You had her older brother’s family of miners, her younger sister’s family of bakers, and her younger brother’s family of farmers! Not only that, but there were also Vorak’s side! His parents - The King and Queen! ( Tirek realised the Queen was getting quite a large tummy) - His Brother - The Prince! - and those three were especially keen on formal prolonged greetings. Tirek looked on in despair as his parents greeted Skoren while Scorpan looked on nervously. They sighed together and stepped forward, agonised. ISORROPIA KINGDOM. - THE WEST The old alicorn stroked his tufted chin as he watched his three foals outside pitifully. He knew what was happening. No pony, nor beast, liked it. The West, South, even the East felt they had been done wrong by it all! They were all demanding that The Terata Kingdom be punished for not inviting them to the King and Queen’s Celebration of a new baby. Not only that, but none of the King or Queen’s sons or daughters were offered to the other Kingdoms as a peace treaty of a kind! That Terata Kingdom had promised it for centuries! Never once had they brought up anything to any of the other Kingdoms. Just the thought made King Nova agitated, but whenever he looked at his foals it would change and he would see the two young sons of Kai-Wreck and Phyllis. They were adults now but King Nova could remember them being tiny. As if the two beast children were at all similar to alicorn offspring! Ha! The innocence might still have hid there, though. Was it the right thing? What would happen to all the young of the kingdoms? Surely many would lose a Father or in changeling territory, even a mother...The thought could sicken anyone with sadness. Unfortunately, it was not up for contemplation. The Draconequi Kingdom and The Rodent Land had already signed war documents and without The Isorropia Kingdom by their side, The Terata Kingdom might’ve had a chance. If the draconequi and rodents lost, they would blame the land of the Alicorn. King Nova didn’t want that at all. So he didn’t really have an option. He sighed. What was coming would be the end of a species. Yet who knew which one… DRACONEQUI KINGDOM - THE SOUTH “I think we’re all aware of the situation. Dire times call for dire measures…” Queen Maska said glumly as if war was a sad business that needed to be done, and was nothing personal. The large female changeling looked around the table for a response and was met with a sad stare from a surprisingly petit Alicorn Queen. “Maybe, we could just inform them that we’re not best pleased with their decisions to neglect our authority,” the mare suggested. Maska pouted and broke eye contact with her, lost in her thoughts for a few moments. “Mmm… I suppose,” the changeling responded distantly, staring at her hooves. “But that’s BORING! And their promise of a Prince or Princess is far past overdue!” an elder Draconequi interrupted. “I say that you give them what’s necessary!” The alicorn whipped her head around to face him. “That is something I refuse to do,” she retorted, her eyes narrowing. “Nothing ‘necessary’ needs to be done.” She closed her mouth when she felt a hoof touch her. She turned her head back to meet Maska. “Armonia, just ignore him.” She rolled her eyes and snorted irritably. However, the elder draconequus did not stay silent. “I have agreed with you, Armonia, that our Kingdom’s eldest son, be married to your daughter Celestia! So that our Kingdoms intertwine! The Rodent Kingdom agreed to never cross into out borders EVER and NEVER have and THE TERATA KINGDOM HAS DONE NOTHING FOR US WITH ITS WEALTH OR POWER!” He slammed his mismatched hands on the table in front of him. “They have two sons the age of your Luna and neither have been met with the filly! It is an insult! I say that if we send them a letter, it’s about them choosing a son to meet with you and Nova’s youngest. Then, if they refuse, we will HAVE to use force.” His eyes were now blazing and Maska glanced at Armonia with a pitiful expression. She sighed. “I agree, our people are becoming restless! The members of The Terata Kingdom act as if they are free to mingle, play and live with our folk without sacrificing any means of security. We WILL send them a letter first, but if they meeting of a Terata son and Princess Luna is denied…” She looked sorrowfully upon the small Alicorn Queen. She sighed. “Well...You know what’ll happen…” Armonia’s eyes glistened. She kept her head down, not wanting either of them to see her current facial expression. “...It won’t come to that,” she said firmly, trying to keep her voice from breaking. “I refuse to let such a terrible mishap break out between us.” She then raised her head to glare at them both. “War is not the answer here. Peace is! What would war even achieve?” The changeling and draconequus were silent as the stared at her, then at each other. Maska cleared her throat, before facing Armonia again. “Don’t get me wrong, my dear, I personally don’t think war is the answer here either. It’s just… only if it comes down to no other option…” Armonia’s pupils shrank as she gave her a stare of disbelief and disappointment mixed into one. “Bu… wha…” She leaned towards her, her muzzle scrunched up. Maska had to move back a little, fearing the mare would break. “You can’t just give up and fall back on it like it’s an everyday choice we make! War isn’t a choice when things are at it’s worst. War is the worst!” The draconequus elder remained unfazed at her outburst. In fact, a simper had began to appear on his face. “A perfect match; two of the worst things. I honestly thought that’s what you were all about, Armonia. With all this balance nonsense and what not.” He chuckled, which only added to her enragement. “This is no time for jokes, Puzzle! This is serious - why is that so difficult to get through your thick skull?” The Alicorn Queen was close to the King, Queen, Dukes and Duchesses of the Terata Kingdom and knew very well why they had not made a marriage arrangement...If only these two would understand... “ARMONIA.” A loud, booming voice shook through the Changeling Queen’s Castle and took everyone aback. There stood a large female draconequus. She looked down upon the loud justiced Alicorn Queen. “We don’t need this. Your justice will get our people nowhere! If gargoyles keep feeling they can invite themselves into our lands, think of what they’ll do next! They’ll want to vote, and take liberties! Half of the rotten beasts may even be SPIES!” She paused and forced Armonia to look into her eyes. “Understand?” Puzzle’s wife, Trigger, was the most terrifying creature alive. What’s worse is that she was always right. “...I do.” Armonia said plainly. “Good. Write that letter. Post it. And if they don’t reply by the end of the month….” She turned away. “Make sure your soldiers are ready.” Author's Note Let us know what you think!!!
Before It Even Began p2Haydn and Vorak looked at each other nervously. A few days after the Queen’s Birth Ceremony at their home, they had been summoned by the King for an important meeting. They stepped up the steps and walked past the guards into a large office type of room. King Kai-Wreck was sitting at his desk staring expectantly at them. Their eyes lifted and they bowed clumsily at different times, making the pair look like idiots. Kai-Wreck rolled his eyes. “Have a seat.” He plainly. They both sat themselves on a chair whilst the guards and maids left the room and closed the door loudly behind them. He took a deep breath as his features calmed. It wasn’t as formal when the staff of the castle had left. “I-” He began looking worried and anxious. Haydn and Vorak looked at each other with compassion as Haydn leaned over to Kai-Wreck and placed her hand on his shoulder. “What is it, hun?” Haydn asked. “Tell us!” Vorak added curiously. Kai-Wreck calmed. “Son…” Kai-Wreck began. Vorak nodded. “The three other Kingdoms are requesting that we…” He paused and he looked away from his youngest son’s eyes. “Choose a son...around Princess Luna’s age…to...You know! Marry her. As an agreement to, er, never let anything come between us and share what we have and such-like.” He turned back to his sons sorrowfully. “Yes? Are you saying you’d like…” Vorak looked nervously at Haydn. “One of our sons...to marry little Luna?” Haydn finished. Kai-Wreck slowly nodded. “Well...MEET Princess Luna.” He began. “You know how I feel about our laws of freedom! Marry who you love, whether they be a family of farmers or a Prince!” Kai-Wreck winked at the young pair in front of him. Haydn blushed and Vorak looked concerned, still. What came out of his mouth surprised Kai-Wreck and Haydn a great deal. “...Well...If the Alicorns find OUR pair of nincompoops worthy It won’t shock me if Prince Cosmos ends up with Chrysalis…” “You excited, Luna?” Celestia asked, nudging Luna with her elbow. Luna’s hooves were crossed, to match her pout. The two fillied were in their front garden playing, but also waiting. “No.” Celestia blinked. “Why not? We get to meet new friends!” Luna raised a brow at her sister. “Yeah, but they’re boys.” “...So?” The little filly snorted. “They’re just all rough-and-tumble. They have no sense of courtesy or anything like that! And they smell.” “...Dissy’s a boy,” Celestia pointed out. “You’re friends with him.” “Yeah, but Discord’s at least funny!” she retorted. “I bet you these two are gonna be nothing but rough-housing jerks!” “What’s wrong with boys?” an older alicorn asked. Their older brother Cosmos was looking down at them with an offended, curious look. “Hmm, Luna?” Celestia asked with smirk. “Hehe…” Luna giggled guiltily. “You’re right! Nothing, I guess…” She smiled at their older brother who smiled back. Luna paused. “Are you excited Cosmos? They could be YOUR friends, too! Just like Discord!” Cosmos half frowned. “Mmm...They’re a bit younger than me and Discord… They’re more around you and Celly’s age, Luna.” Cosmos smiled teasingly. “So that you can marry!!!” “DON’T REMIND US!!!” The two younger, smaller fillies shouted in unison. Cosmos giggled. Suddenly the three little Alicorn saw a large carriage come toward their HUGE castle. They both gulped nervously, even Cosmos looked a bit shy. They only came around when a foal was born. These weren’t even them! They were different gargoyles and centaur! It was a bit scary… The carriage stopped in front of the front garden. Four large, armoured, male gargoyles were standing around it with amazed expressions. The world around them was so bright…. They were all in their own world. All mumbling to themselves. “...Hello?” Luna said unimpressed. The gargoyles all looked worried and stood straight. Nothing happened. “Excuse me? Wha-” “Duke Vorak and Duchess Haydn of The Terata Kingdom have travelled far with their two sons. They wish to meet with you and your family,” the gargoyle guard interrupted. “...Yeah?” Celestia asked unsure of what to do. “Could you go and fetch your parents, please,” the guard replied. “Oh!” Cosmos ran inside, soon followed out by his Mother and father. “We arranged this to be an informal arrangement, lads.” King Nova stated plainly, rolling his eyes. Queen Armonia smiled. The gargoyles looked at each other anxiously. One knocked on the carriage door and started roaring and growling at it. Luna scrunched her muzzle and stuck out her tongue. Ruffian, she thought. The guard opened the door and out stepped a very irritated looking Vorak. “Well, if it’s to be informal, I suppose that means I can let these two loose right away!” Vorak grumbled. Celestia laughed as Vorak wiped himself clean and growled something she couldn’t understand. “Informal fool.” The guards laughed and so did Tirek, who was stepping out of the carriage with Scorpan on his back for some reason. Luna feltintrigued, yet disgusted at the two little beasts...Tirek was 3 years younger yet larger than Cosmos, though, so she supposed “little” wasn’t the right word. The little rat on Tirek’s back was growling something in the language of the gargoyles. He looked kinda dumb and he looked like a ruffian...yet...Luna decided silently he wouldn’t be as bad as the grouchy centaurs. “Hello!” Celestia called to the young beasts. “Hello!” Haydn hopped out and went straight to hugging the foals in front of her. “Oh, you three are so little! Awwww!” Everyone smiled at Haydn’s simplicity. “Hello Haydn!” Armonia and Nova beamed at her warmly. She did the same - of course! Vorak, however, was not as comfortable and decided to stay silent. Tirek and Scorpan however, were feeling rather confused. They looked upon the little four-legged ponies with confudlement. They had not seen these types of creature in a long while - ones full to the brim with magical properties. Tirek tilted his head at them and Scorpan hopped off of his older brother’s back cautiously. “Tirek,” whispered Scorpan, leaning over into his sibling’s ear, “they look a bit like you!” Tirek gave a dismissive scoff. “Pssh, even if they did, they’re nothing like me. Nowhere near as cool I am.” “How do you know?” The little gargoyle tilted his head. “We don’t know them.” “I know that this is gonna be super boring,” Tirek stated. “How?” Scorpan asked again. “Because girls are boring,” he replied flatly. Scorpan looked at him confused. Then he looked as his Mother all bright and happy. It made no sense. “No they’re not!!!” He cried. “No who aren’t?” A little dark blue filly with a mini horns and a mini set of wings asked curiously. “My brother said that-” A hand covered Scorpan’s mouth swiftly, as the adults went indoors. “We’ll be keeping an eye on you all, so don’t do anything you shouldn’t!” The old alicorn called. “So Tirek, Scorpan, no touching anything or anyone but yourselves!” Vorak warned knowingly as he stepped into the castle and closed the door behind him. The larger white filly approached behind. Tirek gulped. She was even more pretty up-close. I almost made Tirek think he had a ...Nah! Then behind, there was a lilac colt, with a bright white sparkling mane. How queer, Tirek thought. He looked like he could be a little gargirl’s toy. However, this colt looked at Tirek like he could make money from him. Like Tirek had a hidden potential that would be ever-so helpful to this little gargirl’s toy. Tirek looked back with an eerie suspicion. “What are your names?” The pretty pure white one asked. Tirek blushed slightly. “My name’s Tirek!” He began. “And I’m -!” Scorpan cut in. “And this is my little brother Scorpan!” Tirek finished. “You’re brothers?!?” The big lilac one asked in surprise. “Yuhuh!” Scorpan replied. “You look nothing alike!!” Luna exclaimed in shock. “Well, he’s a gargoyle and I’m a centaur, so no: We don’t look very similar.” Tirek said impatient of the small one. “What are your names?!?!” Scorpan asked enthusiastically. This made the white one giggle. Probably at Scorpan’s stupidity, Tirek thought. “I’m Celestia! I’m 10!” The older filly cried. Tirek’s eyes rose. What an amazing name!! She was 10, too! That was his age! “I’m 13 and my name’s Cosmos.” The big one about the same height as Tirek said. 13. That was a teenager...Tirek was aware that teenager were scary and had “hormonal problems” whatever hormonals were. It made him dislike “Cosmos” even more. “And my name’s Luna. I’m 6” She stated proudly. Tirek stopped. That was the one their Mother and Father brought them there to meet? A SIX YEAR OLD BRAT!?!? She seemed to like Scorpan. She walked over and looked closely at him. “How old are you?” “I’m 5 and a half!” “Liar! Your birthday was two months ago!” Tirek was ignored. Luna looked happy. “That’s almost my age!” She said. Cosmos and Celestia exchanged glances. “Snap!” Scorpan cheered. Tirek smirked at the two, thinking they looked nice together. “Let’s go play on my castle, Scorpan!!!” Luna squealed happily. “Ok!” Scorpan giggled. “C’mon, Tirek!!” This made Luna stop. “Huh!?!” She looked at the young but in no means little centaur. “He’s too old to play on me and my sister’s castle.” “But he’s 10! Just like Cewstya.” Scorpan cried. All three alicorns looked shocked at one another. Tirek smirked. “You’re my age!?!?” Celestia went close to him and he smiled. “Heh...Yes.” He replied. Cosmos’ shock dissipated and he smiled. “Are all centaur your age that tall?” Cosmos asked. “Well...I don’t know...I’ve never met a centaur my age before...My Mum calls me “big, strong boy”, though...so I suppose they’re not.” Tirek replied surprisingly saddened by the thought. Celestia came closer. “Aww, don’t worry! I’m sure you’ll meet a pretty lady centaur one day!” Tirek hadn’t thought of that either! Where would he be if he stayed the only centaur of his generation? “I have a good friend who is the only one of his species in his generation, too! Even so, he’s really great!” Celestia’s words chipped any chance of a crush in Tirek’s heart away. He sighed. “Don’t worry Scorpan. You can play without me.” Tirek said glumly as he walked away. Scorpan smiled at Luna as she led him away to their castle. Cosmos and Celestia looked at each other unsure of what to do. “Should we check if he’s ok?” She asked. “I think he just wants to be alone, don’t you?” Cosmos soothed. Celestia nodded and they went to watch Scorpan and Luna play. Tirek sat under a tree. He felt sad...but sadness was the only thing that ever really softened him. Celestia. She was beautiful, but it was clear she was naive and was a fake gradient of kind. Raised by perfection, he was sure. Luna. She seemed bright, particular and direct. She was also a strange type of spoilt brat he’d seen only in himself. A reasonable one. Cosmos. Tirek didn’t like him...But he seemed quite lovely. And gentle. Little gargirl’s toy. He seemed somewhat used to neglect. Used to being ignored. It was strange he sensed this as there was nothing really to suggest it. He sighed. Scorpan. He shouldn’t need to think about what he thought of his little brother. Scorpan was loyal and stupid. Tirek wondered what the adults were up to. He had a feeling his mother was having a great time and his father was bored. It kinda made him smile. The thought of his parents. They were a great couple, he admitted. Then he wondered why they had to meet these ponies. That was a very good point. They had never had to go and meet anyone new for no reason. Why would they? Their parents obviously weren’t friends, but for some reason, the occasion was informal. It just didn’t add up… It was obviously informal for the children. Why did we need to meet, though? Tirek sat up. He looked to the castle across a lighter green field. Lighter green than home - home’s green was deeper. He decided that he would go in and ask… Author's Note Let us know what ya think!!!
Before It Even Began p3Celestia and Cosmos laid on the grass next to each other happily. They pointed out the clouds and their individual shapes to each other while Scorpan and Luna played happily nearby. “Scorpan!! What are you doing?” Luna giggled. “I’m up here! You have to save me!” She beamed at him. He adjusted the playing helmet that was too large for his head and giggled. “Oh!” He smiled up her. There was a little play castle with stairs of climbing walls and ladders. He handled his wooden sword clumsily as he stumbled round the side of the climbing frame. He looked at the ladder and let out an airy laugh and hauled himself up. His little, but not so little hands and feet supported his weight sturdily as he managed to clamber up the kid’s ladder. He managed to keep holding the toy sword. He smiled when he saw Luna smiling at him expectantly. “Don’t worry, fair filly! I’m gonna take you back to my safe bedroom!” Scorpan promised the only property he really owned, however unintentionally suggestive it may have sounded. “We can have a sleepover!” Luna cried jumping up and down. “Yeah!” Scorpan giggled as Luna went down the slide. Scorpan followed too soon and he bumped into her. They both giggled as Luna laid back onto the little but not so little gargoyle and nuzzled into Scorpan’s fluffy mane. She put her hooves lovingly on his shoulders for a hug and his arms cuddled Luna in return. With a thud, the pair fell off the slide and smiled at each other. “We’re here!” Scorpan cried. “OOH! THAT ONE LOOKS LIKE DISSY!” Celestia pointed to a cloud. He pushed the door open slowly and walked in. Smaller ponies - the size of himself and Cosmos - with only wings were scattered around wearing golden metal. Like the metal Scorpan wore. They ignored the little not so little centaur. He heard friendly chatting and glasses tapping onto tables. He also heard his father groaning. “Why is it that the younger son - the gargoyle - wears gold and yet the older son - the more powerful and magical centaur - wears silver?” Was something silly he heard them talking about. He opened the door and their heads all turned to him, not suddenly or shocked, but curiously and maybe concerned. “You, OK, hon?” Haydn asked her eldest son with a soft smile. Tirek nodded. “What is that you needed?” Queen Armonia asked softly. “I...I just gotta ask a quick question.” Tirek said politely, but directly. “Ok!” Armonia beamed. Tirek turned to his father and King Nova mostly. “Why am I here?” The little centaur asked. Duchess Haydn and Queen Armonia smiled hysterically at Tirek’s little ways. “Oh...Tirek.” Vorak chuckled. King Nova leaned down to Tirek’s eye level. “10.” He began. “You, young man, are the most direct and...strangely clever little character I’ve ever had the awkwardness of being approached by.” Tirek looked confused. “Dad?” Tirek wanted an answer to his question. “You’re here to meet King Nova and Queen Armonia’s three children.” Vorak said plainly. “Why?” Tirek asked. The adults looked unsure at one another. Vorak looked at Tirek softly in the eye and gave a soft smirk. “You’re a big boy now, aren’t you?” Vorak soothed. Tirek nodded. Armonia was about to stop Vorak, she found it unnecessary to tell him the truth, but was stopped gently by Haydn. “You...Aren’t interested in Luna, are you?” Tirek looked confused, looked around and then shook his head. “Well...because your Grandfather - Kai-Wreck - is King, you and Scorpan are seen as...keys to unlocking the hearts of other kingdoms.” Tirek nodded. “The keys are used by marrying them to a child related to the King of another kingdom. When that has happened, it confirms the safety of the kingdoms.” Tirek looked disgusted. He opened his mouth to say something and stopped. “Ok. So why are we here? You want Scorpan to marry Luna?” Tirek said plainly. They nodded. Tirek’s eyes sparked. He suddenly felt mad. Very mad. “I don’t care...About the other kingdoms...I don’t care...about you and you!” He pointed to the two alicorn. “I don’t care about royalty or tradition! I DON’T CARE ABOUT LUNA AND I DON’T CARE ABOUT WAR!” Tirek glared around the room, his fists clenched and a spark glowing between his horns. “I DON’T CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO ANYONE BUT MY FAMILY! SO WHY DON’T YOU JUST DROP WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE THINKS AND DOES, AND THINK ABOUT WHAT’S BEST FOR US!” Suddenly a beam of magic blasted the dining table and destroyed everything that the Alicorns had the ponies lay out. Smoke rose from the burning ashes of the wood and dining items. The Alicorns looked disgusted and shocked by Tirek’s actions. They stared at him as if he were from Tartarus. His parents however were looking angry and upset. I’m sure you can tell who was who. After a few moments of utter silence, King Nova put his golden embroidered hoof down. “Get out,” he hissed through his teeth. Tirek looked around the room at the adults negative expressions. As soon as he left, he was in for it. He gulped and sighed at the known fact of him getting punished… most likely at its worse.. He’d just started a war. Great. Tirek sat in the carriage, his arms folded as tight as they could fold, and his mouth closed as tight as it could close. He sat as far away from his brother as he could, pressing himself against the door, not caring that each time the carriage bumped it scraped him against the door. As he bounced along with it scraping at his skin, he frowned. He just wanted to go home. Scorpan, on the other hand, was sat on the other side of the carriage. His arms weren’t folded like his brother’s, instead were flopped on his knees. His ears were drooping, as were his wings. He distracted himself from Tirek by trying to fascinate himself with the floor in front of him, but it never lasted long. Any pattern that he found would be forgotten or get repetitive. Scorpan eventually found the strength to lift up his head to look at his mother. She seemed to be staring at… nothing. Not her husband, not her sons… not even outside. She was staring in oblivion. Though, the gargoyle couldn’t bring himself to even glance at his father. He didn’t need to. He could hear the muttering and grumbling of his Father. The only reason that he wasn’t shouting was that Mother had told him “enough”. Otherwise, Vorak would still be roaring insults and disgust at Tirek. Tirek could imagine the beating his Father would discipline him with. He groaned at such a thought, and hit his head against the carriage wall, though not hard enough to actually hurt himself. After all, he didn’t want to make the beating more painful than it was going to be without a reason. Even still, his mind wavered on the idea of Scorpan having to meet Luna JUST to stop a stupid war! Why should Scorpan lose his true love because everyone else wanted him to? Ridiculous. He looked over to Scorpan and narrowed his eyes. “Scorpan?” he whispered. “Mmm?” Scorpan replied gloomily. “...I did it for you, ya know,” Tirek answered. Scorpan rose, confused. “You got Dad mad for me?” he asked, puzzled. “No! They wanted you to marry Luna! And I said that Scorpan should marry whoever he wants!” Tirek whispered firmly. Scorpan blushed. “Why?” Scorpan whispered sweetly. “Because they think if you marry her, everyone will get along FOREVER!” Tirek began whispering louder. Trying to explain ANYTHING to Scorpan was like trying to set fire to a pair of soaked socks. “Well...I wouldn’t mind…” Scorpan tapped his feet together and rubbed the back of his head. Tirek’s eyes widened. “Scorpan!!! Look out for YOURSELF! NO ONE ELSE! If you do stuff only for the benefit of people you DON'T EVEN KNOW, you’ll get taken advantage of! NO BROTHER OF MINE GETS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF!!!” Tirek went off the rail a bit there. “But...what about the peasants…?” Scorpan whimpered slightly. Tirek sighed. “You’re an IDIOT!” Tirek finished the conversation. Scorpan’s ears flattened and he sniffed slightly. He’d miss Luna. He looked at Tirek. Most of all, Scorpan hoped that everything would be better when they got home. Little did he know...They weren’t going home. Dun Dun DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN Author's Note Whoo! Hopefully this will be the last part of "Before It Even Began" XD It's quite long!!! We planned for it to be the prologue!!! XD
Look what You Have Started!Cosmos watched through a hole in the floor at his parents. They were arguing. Tirek had smashed their table and that’s all Cosmos knew. He thought there must’ve been a reason for it! Tirek didn’t seem like a bad kid...Although he didn’t seem like a good one… Cosmos winced at every rise in his Father’s voice. They were going to meet up to inform the others of what happened. Cosmos was unsure of what they were going to do, but they seemed to blame something Tirek did on the WHOLE Terata Kingdom! It hardly seemed fair. What did they do to get Tirek so angry? It was obvious Tirek knew something he didn’t and Cosmos was very intrigued, but it was clear that he wouldn’t meet the young centaur again. The young alicorn sighed. He felt something was coming to an end. Armonia paced around in a circle, muttering only to herself. “This has gone just awful…” was all that Maska could hear from the alicorn. The changeling sighed. “No need to repeat what has already happened, Armonia, dear,” she told the mare. Almost immediately after she said that, Armonia stopped in her tracks and glared at the queen. “Don’t you see, Maska?” she growled. “A war has erupted from our different lands, all because of that boy!” “Which boy? There are four of them.” “You know which one,” she hissed with narrowed eyes. “I should have never let this happen - I should have known this would happen! Young Tirek is not at all fit to unite two species together! Even if he wasn’t the one to be wed.” “You don’t think you’re being just a little bit harsh, dear?” Maska tilted her head. “Harsh?” Armonia rasped, before marching over to the changeling until their muzzles were almost touching “Harsh?” she repeated. “Young Tirek is the cause of a war. I am not being harsh, Maska, I am being quite kind to him!” Maska bit her lip as Armonia’s icy blue eyes split right into her green. “That may be so…” Maska began. “But, dear, he’s just a child. He does not know what he has caused.” Armonia blinked. “Y-You’re right, Maska…” she sighed, taking a step away from her. “He is a child as of now, and does not know the consequences of his actions.” Maska smiled as the mare calmed, before nodding her head. Armonia then looked up at her again, this time with a smirk spread across her face. “But one day, he will know the consequences of his actions.” She then turned away from the queen. “And once he does, the guilt will eat him alive. He’ll know that this war will be his fault, and it will swallow him whole.” Maska’s eyes widened and her pupils shrunk. She tried to process what she was hearing from the usually kind and caring mare - she had never expected such words to even consider to be thought up by her. But they were said, and she was not about to let Armonia get off easily. Maska’s ears flattened against her head and her muzzle scrunched up, her fangs now visible. “No, Armonia,” she snarled. Armonia stopped in her tracks and turned her head. “What?” “I said no. You’re wrong. I’ll make sure that child will forgive himself in some way - one mistake does not deserve such hatred!” The alicorn stared at her, before her muzzle also scrunched up. She swung her body around to face the queen again, stalking towards her. “This is not just a mistake, Maska. This is a cause of war!” “He’s a child!” “I don’t care! And you shouldn’t either!” “Well, I do. What are you going to do about it?” “I… I’ll…” Armonia’s eye twitched as she searched for an answer. “You’ll see what he’ll do...To your daughter.” Her tensed up muscles then relaxed. “Then maybe after that, you’ll come to my way of thinking.” She then began to walk away from Maska. “It was nice speaking to you, my dear. Just remember when you lose everything, you’ll look back on your ignorance and die inside.” Maska watched in silence as the mare left her alone, fading into the darkness of the night. Soon enough, she, for the first time, felt utterly alone. “The only thing that’s died here is our friendship,” she hissed, before buzzing her wings and flying off in the opposite direction. The tense feeling spread through the carriage as Tirek watched the rain patter against the window of their carriage. He was counting the drops as was Scorpan, to see who would win. At the moment, Scorpan was winning. Because he couldn’t count. Tirek groaned. “What are you moaning about, boy!?” Vorak questioned hatefully. Tirek scowled in the direction of his Father and opened his mouth to speak of his boredom. Only, suddenly, their windows smashed open from a huge jolt of lightning. Or at least that was what they thought it was. “Leaving so soon?” a confident voice smashed against their carriage, forcing the roof of it off and made even Vorak’s heart race like an over excited dog. “I assume that means the meeting of these Princes didn’t go very well…” Puzzle followed closely behind his wife with a desperate grin, in a weak attempt to please her. Which she dissmissed completely. She leaned in over the carriage, only to be dwarfed slightly by the protective Vorak; who held his arms in front of his family in an effort to keep them safe. “Who are you!?!” he spat aggressively, leaning closer in an attempt to intimidate the draconequus. She turned her head away slightly and tutted. “No way to speak to a Lady…” she mumbled under her breathe. Sparks shot from Vorak’s eyes as he snorted roughly against his nostrils. “I am Queen Trigger of the Draconequi - the most insane and magnificent of all creatures.” She laughed. “And the most magical. Naturally anyway - unlike you centaur who steal from others to achieve power similar to that of a Unicorn!” She hissed back. Behind Vorak’s back, Puzzle had snuck nearby Haydon and was keeping a prowling eye upon her children. Children who, albeit their size, she clutched and held above her feet. Puzzle snickered and poked her side, making her jump away and hiss aggressively at him. This alerted Vorak, who immediately turned to see Puzzle near his family. His instincts kicked in and he bucked the male draconequus through the carriage and into the open. “Are you okay?!” he asked his loved ones. Haydon nodded. “I don't think he is, though…” she added referencing to a limp Puzzle on the ground. Vorak gulped, sensing the anger of Puzzle’s wife behind him. His head shot her direction. “How. DARE. You.?” She asked in a low, hushed and scary tone, looking directly into Vorak’s eyes. His gaze met hers with confidence… And she didn’t like that. “I don’t go messing around with people...But when they mess around with me….” Vorak scowled hard. “They’re asking for whatever I can give them!” Their eyes fell upon each others’ in a poor excuse of battle for intimidation; Vorak had the lead on her and needless to say, she was speechless. “YES, Father!” Tirek boomed from his Mother’s weakening arms. Vorak glared in Tirek’s direction in response, and this disheartened the young centaur slightly. Trigger met Tirek’s gaze in humiliation and her eyes widened and a sick grin grew upon her features. “Young Tirek!” she exclaimed, keeping locked eye contact with the centaur. “You didn’t like little Luna?” She mocked him as if her were three and Tirek scowled. “I didn’t want Scorpan to be forced to waste his life with someone he didn’t love.” Tirek replied. Trigger’s brows raised in surprise that the ten year old could speak with such wit. “You’re a clever one…” she began. “Much like my son...You both cause quite a bit of trouble…” Her voice lowered. “You would’ve caused more for my brother.” “No, Tirek; you’ve started a war…” she spoke. Tirek’s expression fell and his heart sunk...He had assumed his father had over exaggerated the situation and yet...when another adult told him...It finally hit. Vorak couldn’t hold back fully the detest he felt at present toward his son, and his features became heavy and cold. “ A war to end everything...No gargoyle, centaur, changeling, draconequus or even ALICORN will live through this… You, your parents and even your brother WILL DIE! ” Author's Note Hehe...This took us a while an yet not even two hours XD We're continuing this; we promise!
