The Roses Curse

Chapters

The Beginning
The Capture
The Painful Exchange
The Dinner

The Beginning

Angelic Wing strolled through Ponyville, glancing around at the beauty of the day. I stepped in something cold and looked down. I groaned at my reflection in a clear puddle. I looked nothing like my father, and my mother was my exact copy, except for my eyes. They were both pegasi and loving parents, although they worried for me too much at times. My eyes were golden, uncommon for pony kind, but I knew a few who had them as well, but not many. I looked away from the sun beamed reminders of my eyes. I kept walking, not looking away from my book. I read the last page of the book then closed it with a content sigh.

"A tragic, but lovely story!"

I soon saw, to my annoyance, Blueblood, holding flowers in his hooves at the front of Twilights castle. I rolled my eyes and sighed in disdain that my good mood had been dampened. He smiled widely at me, and I politely smiled back. He was a great pain in my side in Canterlot, now my favourate, tranquil place in Ponyville? I remembered the first time he tried to court me in Canterlot.....

I had my eyes glued to the book that was in front of me, when a shadow cast over it. I looked up and held back a groan of annoyance at Blueblood, who was smiling at me, flirtatiously.

"Angelic Wing! What a pleasant surprise to see you here!"

I raised an eyebrow at him. And looked behind me to look at my home.

"You mean in front of my house?"

His eyes widened in embarrassment for a moment before returning to their usual flirting state.

"Well I mean it's good to see you, my dear"

I tensed. He wasn't allowed to say "my dear" to me, because I wasn't his. He smirked at me.

"I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to the local bar? I hear they have wonderful margaritas!"

I scowled at him and looked back to my book, trying to forget his presence.

"No thank you,Prince Blueblood, I don't drink"

He looked at me in shock.

"Everypony drinks! You must have been in your house all your life as to not drink!"

My eyebrow raised at him again, wondering why he was so persistent. I looked back at my book as I spoke.

"Maybe it's because I don't want to show up at the orphanage and frighten the day lights out of the children because I have a bad hangover"

He grabbed my book and I looked up at him in more annoyance.

"Blueblood... Give me my book back..."

He smirked mischievously.

"You have to come with me to the bar and go on a date with me"

I nearly yelled in fury. A date with the most obnoxious, self centred stallion in Canterlot? That is my nightmare.... I smiled when a plan came to me. I sauntered over to him, trying to look seductive.

"Oh Blueblood, of course I'll go on a date with you, or are you looking for something more?"

Reluctantly, I wrapped my hooves around his neck, trying to look innocent and cute. He seemed to buy it and leaned down for my lips.

"Maybe I can show you right here..."

Right when he was about to kiss me, I punched him in the groin and grabbed my book. He groaned, but got up quickly and grabbed my leg.

"Oh no, Angelic Wing, we are just beginning the fun"

Panic lay claim to my mind. The only thing I could think of was to call out. Wait a second.... I grinned.

"FATHER!!!!!"

Bluebloods eyes widened at my scream. My father came out of the house and his eyes widened when he saw me. His eyes saw Blueblood, I swear I could see the flames of Tartarus in his eyes.

"GET YOUR FILTHY NO GOOD HOOVES OF MY DAUGHTER!!!!"

He immediantly let go and ran as fast as he could. Father didn't bother to go after him, more concerned for me. I ran to him and hugged him tightly. He whispered in my ear that it was alright now. And I believed him. I whispered something that he didn't expect.

"Forget this afternoon ever happened, father, he got what he deserved"

For once, my father nodded in approval and walked back into the house with me.

That was just when he was a little younger and a little more foolish then now. He had layed off of me for the next few months, but he soon came crawling back to try and win me over. Still hadn't worked, and never would. He handed me the flowers, red roses, which I accepted, and I waited for the sweet talk to burst from his mouth. Unfortunately, I didn't have to wait long.

"Miss Angelic Wing, how is your day going along? Well I hope for the most beautiful mare?"

He said with honey glazing every word.

"It was fine until you showed up and ruined it....."

I thought cruelly. I don't usually show anything, but care and patience to ponies and creatures, but for this obnoxious stallion, I'll gladly make an exception.

"It's going fine, Prince Blueblood, I'm just heading to the library to give this book back"

I held the book up with my hoof. He, impolitely, snatched the precious book from my hoof. I reached for it, but he pulled it from my grasp. He scrunched his nose up in distaste at the page he had turned to.

"How can you read something so.... vulgar and tragic? A mare like you shouldn't be reading books at all, especially if this is the product you're reading!"

He tossed it away, making it slide in the dirt. I gasped. I went to retrieve it, but he blocked my path. I growled in anger under my breath. He smirked flirtatiously.

"Why don't you read something.... sweeter?"

He handed me a piece of folded parchment, and I took it with my eyebrow raised. I gazed at the open page, my eyes, dully, scimming the page.

My dearest, Angelic Wing, words cannot express your beauty, but I have a very promising proposition for you. Ever since I first saw you, I knew you would be perfect by my side. Just think, you could have everything, especially the stallion of your dreams. And the best part, our children would be just perfect, they would be just like m-.....

I couldn't read any further, a sickly feeling coming to me at the very thought he was implying. I looked up, and almost gaped in horror. Blueblood was levitating a velvet box, kneeling down on his foreleg. I watched, paralyzed, as the box slowly opened to reveal an aqua ring. It looked to be very expensive and it was beautiful, but that didn't make the awful feeling disappear.

"Angelic Wing, honestly, who would deny marrying me? This is not only a gain for you, but it would be such a great gain for us....."

He mumbled under his breath thinking I couldn't hear the words that made a tiny flame of anger start in me.

"Mostly for me..."

The flame was growing larger the more time I looked at him.

"So, what is your answer..... Angel?"

I tensed. No one had ever shortened my name to "Angel", and hearing it come from him, I nearly cried out in terror. He smirked at me with confidence, probably thinking I couldn't refuse such an offer..... He was wrong. I glared at him, grinding my teeth.

"Blueblood, I say this with nothing, but the truth.... I would rather marry a timber wolf, then marry you! And I wouldn't taint my children with your genes even if my life depended on it! That would honestly be the worst thing I could do to an innocent foal! The likes of you as their father? Ha, in your dreams alone!"

I stomped past him, picked up my book and walked into the library. I snuck a peek at him to see he was glaring at me in rage at being insulted, and I silently laughed. When I got inside I was met with six ponies and a friendly dragons eyes on me. I blushed and started to walk back out.

"Oh....Twilight, I'm sorry if I interrupted your visit with your friends. I was just coming to return your book, but I'll come back later..."

I turned around to leave, when she got up and smiled.

"No Angelic Wing it's fine, would you like to join us?"

"I wouldn't want to intrude, Twilight...."

She shook her head in a laughing manner.

"Your always welcome here anytime"

I walked forward and Twilight looked over to, her friends as it seemed, looking proud.

"Everypony, this is Angelic Wing, she used to come to the library everyday and is almost as much a vivid reader as I am!"

I chuckled. Everyone else laughed at bit at the statement.

"Twilight, don't flatter me. I'm not even close to being such a constant reader as you!"

She smiled and indicated the book.

"Did you enjoy "Phantom of the Opera"? You seemed so interested in it"

I giggled.

"A tale that makes me wish the author wrote a sequel, a little sad, but enjoyable none the less!"

Twilight laughed, along with the others whom I didn't know the names to. I realized I'd forgotten my manners.

"I'm sorry, I didn't ask for your names?"

The orange earth pony stepped forward and tipped her hat.

"I'm Applejack, it's a pleasure to meet ya'll"

Suddenly the pink one bounced in front of Applejack with confetti surrounding her. I jumped away as she got her eyes inches from mine.

"Hiya, I'm Pinkie Pie, but you can just call me Pinkie! Everypony does!"

I shook her hoof nervously.

"Hello Pinkie, and Applejack"

Next came the sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane, grinning smugly.

"And I'm Rainbow Dash, the greatest flyer in Ponyville! But you can call me Rainbow"

I nodded at her, amusement on my face. The next pony was a white unicorn with a wavy purple main.

"And I am Rarity, it's such a delight to meet you, Angelic Wing!"

The last one, a yellow Pegasus with rose pink mane and tail, seemed a little skiddish and hid behind Applejack. I smiled and inched forward a little towards her. Twilight stepped in front of me.

"That's Fluttershy, she..... isn't very social with ponies"

I put my hoof up and smiled.

"Twilight, you know I worked at the Canterlot orphanage before moving here, if one of the children were skiddish, you would have to be gentle and kind to them. This situation is no different."

Twilight sighed and stepped aside. I walked slowly over to Fluttershy, and she looked up at me, a tinge of fear evident in her ocean eyes.

"Fluttershy.... Don't be afraid.... I'm Angelic Wing.....I'm not going to hurt you"

She seemed to come out of her shell, quicker then the children at the orphanage. She slightly smiled and I smiled back, as she got up.

"N-N-Nice to m-meet you, Angelic Wing"

I smiled at making some new friends, then turned to Twilight.

"I think you'll probably want your book back"

She smiled kindly and I gave her the book. She gave me a silent thank you as she took the book. I bit my lip, hoping she wouldn't notice the small amount of dirt on it. Unfortunately, she did.

"Why is there dirt on my book!?!!?!!!!?"

I looked down in regret and shame. She looked at me expectantly.

"I'm so sorry, Twilight, I-It was...... Blueblood. He was waiting for me at your door, gave me flowers, and he.... through the book in the dirt after reading one page...... He proposed right after with a note of introduction for it.....and.... I think you should just read it yourself...."

Everyone had a shocked face, looking at me intently. I grabbed the note and held it out to them. Rarity was the one who grabbed the note, glaring at it. She shredded it after she was done reading, and looked at me in pity.

"I'm so sorry that arrogant, no-good, Prince Blueblood wrote those very.... vulgar things to you, darling.... What did you say?"

I grinned. I looked at them with amusement.

"I told him something that I think any mare would rather do then be his wife.... I told him that I would rather marry a timber wolf then be his fiancé"

Rainbow Dash looked at me blankly for a second, then burst out laughing, along with Applejack and Pinkie, all laughing whole-heartily. Rarity giggled, along with Fluttershy and Twilight. I smiled at their laughter, joining in. I looked at the time and quickly gave everyone a hug goodbye.

"I'm sorry, girls, but I have to get back to my parents, they don't like it when I'm late coming home."

They all smiled and said they understood. They waved goodbye as I ran to my home, smiling back at them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blueblood fumed as Angelic Wing disappeared behind the castle doors. He had hoped that she would agree to such a forward and romantic gesture. He grinded his teeth and went to his carriage. The stallions saluted him, and he gave a silent nod. When he got in, his anger was still apparent on his features. How could she have refused him? He had been romantic, and he was a prince for his aunts sake! She should be begging him to take her as his wife! She even went as far as to say something that made his blood boil! A timberwolf for a husband instead of him? Proposterous! And what did she mean that she wouldn't "taint" her children's genes with his own? He knew she loved children more then anything, but why not him as the father? All these questions frustrated him, but he was sure of one thing; she would be his even if he had to drag her to the alter and use his magic for the vows! But that would be a last resort. Even though he needed a wife, because his aunt Celestia had cut him off and he needed to have one to, shall he say, "release stress", and he would not stoop so low as to "hire". He needed someone who was beautiful, fiery, and fresh and that was it. Angelic Wing fit that description perfectly. He growled and glared at his pegasi.

"Can't you fools go any faster? I need to relax and this constant wind and noise isn't helping!"

They went much faster then before, fearing Bluebloods anger. He looked behind at Ponyville, directly at the library. He grit his teeth again, and looked ahead at his home.

"Soon Angelic Wing, soon you'll be mine, and when you are, I'll make sure you never leave our room..."

He groaned at that thought, and just glared at his aunts lowering sun in the distance, forgetting the afternoon to save his sanity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angelic Wing opened the door abruptly to her home, to see two pairs of eyes looking at her in worry. My mother, Melody, was my exact copy; A dark cyan blue coat and mane and tail were a mix of light and dark brown. Her eyes were a beautiful green, unlike mine. Father on the other hand, looked nothing like me. He had a light grey coat, a black mane and tail, and his eyes were ocean blue. Mother rushed over to me and held my face, worry evident in her eyes.

"Angelic Wing, where have you been! We have been waiting for an hour later then we should!"

I was about to reassure them, when father interrupted.

"Your mother has mostly been worried, my daughter, but an explanation might calm her nerves"

I hugged my mother and smiled amusingly at father.

"I'm sorry, I.... just had a run in with Blueblood, and it took longer then I expected to return my book to Twilight after him showing up"

My father rolled his eyes in annoyance at the mention of Blueblood. Mother just looked more calm and less stressed out now. Father spoke with no hint of real interest in his words.

"What did that fool of a prince want from you this time?"

I groaned at the very memory of this afternoon. I sighed and looked at my father, barely looking like he was paying attention.

"Today he asked for my hoof in marriage, father"

The cup of tea he was sipping was spewed out of his mouth as the words hit him. He looked at me, rage radiating from his being.

"HE DID WHAT?!?!!?!?!"

I backed away from him as his fury seemed to grow.

"HE HAS NO RIGHT TO ASK YOU SUCH A THING WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?!?!!??! DOES THAT PANSY OF A STALLION THINK HE CAN JUST TAKE YOU?!?!?!?!!?!!!"

My mother, thankfully, came towards father and attempted to calm him. The two things you should know about my mother, she can calm my father with a clap of her hooves, and you do not wish to ever see my mother while angry.

"Dear, calm down, your frightening our little filly to death!"

He turned to his wife, and he calmed down quiet a bit. He turned to me, less anger in his eyes.

"What.... did you say to him?"

I knew what he was thinking, and it shook me to the core. I came foreward and put my hoof on his shoulder.

"Father, I would never agree to marry such a pitiful excuse of a stallion. Especially without your approval. I wish to marry for love, not for reward and power. And I would never torture your grandchildren with him being their father"

He sighed in relief, hugging me with one hoof around my neck.

"Alright you two, let's put this "Blueblood proposal" business behind us, and eat dinner."

I grinned at my mother. Always ready to liven the mood. I helped father get up off his chair and helped set the table. I looked at my parents, so happy, so cheerful. I realized that they meant everything to me, and I would always love and cherish them. My family.... was all I needed for now. I smiled to myself as I finished setting up. They brought forth dinner and hugged me from behind, making me chuckle a little. Nothing could make me happier then my families joy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sat in his chambers looking at the scene before him. His eyes glanced over the two elder ponies before his eyes widened at the young mare. His long forgotten heart gave a traitorous beat. He turned away from the vision and went to his balcony. He looked over his ominous realm. It wasn't the best place to build a home but it was sucluded and hidden. No one would go this deep into the Everfree Forest so it was the perfect place for his castle to be built. He glanced back at the image and saw it had zoomed in on the mare. He turned away quickly, turning back to his area. He soon heard hoof steps behind him. He turned swiftly towards whoever dared to enter unannounced, and growled in annoyance. His maid, Luta, a peach coloured unicorn with a tangerine coloured mane and tail, came in nervously.

"My lord, dinner is ready"

He grumbled under his breath but nodded.

"Thank you, Luta, I'll be down in a minute"

She looked at her master, but didn't argue and left. He gazed back to the mare in the image. He felt.... nervous? He growled.

"I will not be weakened by a mares beauty. It's just a mare..... and she would react to me like all the rest.... with fear, disgust, or anger"

He thought as he tenderly held his torture, his cruelty, and his fate: the accursed rose. He put it back in its place on the mantle, and turned once again to the picture before him. The mare looked to be smiling brightly and the corners of his lips seemed to twitch up with her. He shook his head and growled in frustration. He couldn't handle this anymore.

"FIREBIRD!!!!!"

He heard scuffing and clangs in the hall and soon saw a crimson red Pegasus with a reddish-orange mane and tail, looking frightened. He saluted and tried but failed to ask in a calm voice,

"W-What is i-it, my lord?"

He glared at his servant and stepped forward, just to be right in front of him. He pointed to the mare in the image as he spoke.

"I need you to find this mare for me, bring her here by any means nessesary. She may be the one we need to be rid of this atrocious curse."

Firebird looked at the vision of the mare, laughing and smiling. He turned to his master and saluted again.

"Of course, my lord, it will be done"

He nodded and indicated Firebird to leave. He did, and the lord was left alone once again. He turned to the image one last time before heading out the door.

"Soon, my dear, you shall no longer be a free mare... But one that will belong to me...."

With that, he left the room, slamming the door with a bang that could be heard all across the castle.

The Capture

I heard a loud bang coming from beyond my door. I flinched as I heard a scream. My mothers scream. I rushed out of bed and slammed open the door to my parents room. Their vanity had been flipped, a sign of a struggle happening. The whole room was a sign of a tussle. I saw something shine in the corner of my eye. I went over to see what it was, and nearly burst into tears. I, delicately, picked up the precious object. Mothers necklace that father gave her on their wedding night. The chain, broken, but the golden heart at the centre was unharmed. She would never take it off unless really needed. I looked at their window, wide open with the wind blowing hard on the panes. I, weakly, shut the window, holding my mothers most treasured object close to my heart.

I grew angry quickly and yelled in fury. I stomped out of the house and took off as fast as I could to Twilights. I tried to ignore my tears that were begging to lay claim to my eyes. But I couldn't. I let my tears run free, and they slowed me down a little. How could I have let this happen? They were my parents, I'm supposed to protect them if I can. If only I had gotten up as soon as I heard the noise, then I wouldn't be rushing to Twilight for help. I just hope she can forgive me for interrupting her sleep.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He heard panting and hurting groans coming from the entrance. He left his room and went to see what had happened. He looked at Firebird, with two of his guards with him, each one holding the two ponies he'd seen with the young mare. They had a few bruises on them but the elderly ponies were worse. The stallion had a few cuts and big bruises, while the mare had almost the same, but in smaller amounts. He looked annoyingly at Firebird.

"Firebird, did I not say two days ago that I wanted the mare? Not her parents?"

Firebird looked down, not brave enough to look his terrifying master in the eye.

"Well, my lord, you know I have been watching her for a few days, so when I saw how dear her parents were to her, I thought that if we lured her here to us with them, then it would be a little easier then dragging a screaming angry mare here"

Firebird remembered yesterday when he had watched the mare and her parents together. He had to hold back a laugh at the scene he saw....

Firebird sat in the tree, waiting for the mare to appear.

He soon saw the door open and he held his head up to see better. The mare stepped out, followed by her parents. She laughed and took off into the bushes. Her parents followed and laughed as they looked for her. Her father found her soon later, as she was laughing. He picked her up and she screamed playfully to put her down. He flew up and dropped her, giving her enough height to catch herself. She growled joyfully. Racing after her father, while her mother watched from the ground, laughing so hard she fell over. She soon joined in after her laughter slowed. She soon, along with her husband, caught the mare in between them. They tackled her to the ground, laughing as they did so. She soon was laying on the ground, both her parents on top of her, laughing like maniacs. She soon got up and hugged her parents lovingly.

Firebird had seen enough and, while they were hugging, he took off.

Firebird waited to be yelled at, when he heard a small chuckle from his lord.

"Very well done Firebird. Your right, it's better to lure her here and have two fairly quiet elderly ponies then have a screaming mare. Did any pony see you?"

Firebird let out a breath of relief.

"I made sure a few ponies saw which direction we went my lord. They did also see us carrying the mares parents, so hopefully they'll inform the mare"

His master nodded and went to leave before Firebird spoke up.

"My lord, where do you wish us to put her parents?"

He looked at Firebird, then his new prisoners.

"The east tower, where the jail cells are will be fine"

With that, he left, back to his dark chambers, leaving Firebird to care for the young mares parents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angelic Wing, tiredly, knocked on Twilights door, hoping she would hear the weak sound of my hoof. She, thankfully did, and looked at me with tired eyes.

"Angelic Wing? What are you doing here this late?"

I sniffed and closed my hoof tightly against my mothers necklace. I collapsed, crying with all the tears I had left in me. Twilight, worriedly, picked me up and brought me into a large room, when I heard a familiar, but quiet voice question her.

"Oh dear, Twilight what happened to Angelic Wing?"

I whimpered at Fluttershy. I looked at her with all pain and sadness that were tearing at my heart. She gasped at my eyes, red and puffy from the tears. She helped Twilight hold me up, when I heard a large amount of gasps from around me. All of my friends were here. They started to ask questions franticly.

"What happened to yah, sugar cube?

"Darling, what's wrong?"

"Yeah, where's your smile, Angelic Wing?"

"Come on, you can tell us, we're friends"

I looked at them with a weak smile. Pinkie seemed to cheer up a bit at the smile, but I soon returned to my somber look. I let go of Twilight and Fluttershy and sat on the cold floor, with my head bent downwards. A single tear strained out of my eye. I choked out the words that caused me so much pain.

"My parents.... Gone...."

Fluttershy came foreward and hugged my neck, and I swiftly turned around and hugged her, staining her coat with my tortured tears. She patted my back, trying to calm me. I soon let go and smiled at her.

"Thank you, Fluttershy I needed that"

She nodded a slight smile on her face. Twilight put her hoof on my shoulder, looking really worried now.

"What do you mean your parents are gone? You don't mean...."

I stopped her, not wanting to think of that now.

"No, Twilight, I mean somepony took them....."

Rarity gasped and fainted on the spot. My eyes widened at this, and I looked to everypony else.

"Is that normal for you?"

Applejack rolled her eyes at the unconscious unicorn and nodded to me.

"Yep, pretty regular for Rarity"

I shook my head, and opened my hoof to look at the necklace. I whimpered once again, causing them to look at me again.

"What's that?"

I looked at them and showed them the golden trinket.

"It's my mothers, I found it in their room after I heard whoever took them in there."

I closed it in my hoof again and pressed it to my chest. I closed my eyes and remembered yesterday, when we had had so much fun. I smiled. I soon grew angrier then before because of them being gone. I stood up and fixed the chain on my neck. I looked at all of them and walked to the doors.

"Will you all help me find them?"

They nodded, and I turned to leave, when Fluttershy intervened.

"Maybe I should.... get Discord to help us?"

I raised an eyebrow at her. Seeing her look at me, all pleadingly and innocently, I relented.

"Any pony who is willing to help would be great, thank you. Now I want you to split into groups: Applejack and Pinkie, I want you to look around town, see if they're anywhere in ally's or something."

They both nodded and headed out quickly.

"Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow I need you look on the edge of the Everfree Forest, see if they hid close by to my home."

They got Rarity up and Rainbow and her headed outside to wait for Twilight, who we needed to summon Discord.

"Fluttershy, I'm guessing you'll be going with Discord so I would like you to search the air with him, if that's ok?"

Fluttershy looked a little frightened but nodded and turned to Twilight. She nodded and used the spell she was taught to summon the Lord of Chaos. He was in a nightgown and a night cap, with a teddy in his claw.

"Now why would you pesky ponies summon me in the middle of the night?"

Fluttershy walked over to him and smiled.

"Hello Discord, I'm sorry we woke you up, but we urgently need you to help us"

His eyes lit up at Fluttershy and I smirked knowingly.

"Anything for you, Fluttershy. What is it you need?"

I walked in front of Fluttershy, and stood straight up in front of Discord.

"Somepony has taken my parents, and I need your help finding them. You'll be going with Fluttershy, to search the skies."

He looked at me, boredom etched on his face. He yawned for effect.

"On second thought, maybe I'll go back to bed..."

My fury burst out of its cage. My eyes turned a fiery orange instead if their usual gold. I grit my teeth and growled. Fluttershy saw it and tried to stop me, but my rage refused to leave me.

"WELL I'M SO SORRY THAT MY PARENTS AREN'T WORTHY OF YOUR ATTENTION, OH LORD OF CHAOS!!! Instead of thinking that you should disregard everypony, leave them to their fate, why don't you care for somepony else's needs ahead of your own!"

He shrunk a bit at my eyes, glowing with all the rage that I had tried for years to keep inside. I sighed and stomped out.

"If you don't want to help, then leave. I'll be searching the skies over the Everfree, so if you decide to help, scope the skies over Ponyville..."

I slammed the door, leaving a shocked Twilight and Fluttershy, plus a slightly scared Discord to look where I had left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He looked through the bars to see the two ponies still unconscious. He groaned in annoyance.

"How long does it take for two ponies to wake up after being knocked out?"

He turned away when he heard a groan coming from the cell. Soon he heard a voice, deep and pained, most likely the stallion.

"Melody? Melody! Are you alright?

His ears picked up a faint whisper, from the mare most likely.

"I'm fine, love.... Just a few bruises.....Where... Where are we?"

Before the stallion could answer, he stepped up to the prison cell.

"Your in my domain."

They both jumped at his voice, then the stallion got up, standing in front of his wife.

"Who are you and why are we here?"

He smiled, amused at the stallions confused and angry features.

"Your only here because you possess something I want.... Or rather somepony"

His eyes widened as his brow furrowed and his jaw set in an angry line.

"If you ever try to touch my daughter, you will regret it!"

He smirked evilly at the stallions empty threat.

"I wouldn't dream of touching your daughter..... Not yet anyway"

The stallion grinded his teeth, when his wife suddenly spoke.

"Then what do you need us for if all you want is my little filly?"

He had to hold back a laugh at her calling the mare "my little filly". They both hadn't seen his face yet, other then his frightening, pearly white teeth. And as he drew closer to the bars, the mare seemed to shrink a little.

"You both are merely bait, meant to bring your daughter here.... To be mine!"

She paled at this and hid her face in her hooves, silently crying. Her husband came over and hugged her tightly, glaring at the creature before him. He backed away from the bars.

"You should be at least happy.... She will soon be a queen.... My queen....."

The stallion glared harder at the creature.

"Not even with Angelic Wings gentle soul, would she consent to be your wife or queen!"

"Black Flame.... Don't anger him.... I don't want you hurt...."

He turned back to his wife, looking more gentle and concerned, then angry. He turned away from the scene of affection and left to his chambers once more. The thing the stallion, Black Flame, said came back to him.

"Not even with Angelic Wings gentle soul, would she consent to be your wife or queen!"

He growled at the voice that spoke in his head.

"No.... She will be mine.... Whether she be willing or not.... She will be my wife and queen...."

With that he left down the stairway, faintly hearing sobs and gentle reassurances from the cell behind him.....

The Painful Exchange

I was still a little angry from earlier, but my worry was growing by the minute. I'd been searching the skies all day and still no sign if them. It was like my heart had plummeted into a dark hole, full of worry. I was told by Mr. Rose Bush that he saw my parents being carried away in the direction I was heading.... three hours ago. I had looked around when I saw things move in the brush, only to have my hope squished when I saw it was only an animal or my eyes playing tricks. I was starting to become tired when I saw something.... grey and hazy in the distance. I flew over to it with the last of my strength, and nearly collapsed as I drifted to the ground.

I gazed up at the castle before me, in wonderment and confusion. I walked to the gate and cringed at the loud creaking sound it made as I opened it. When I got inside the enormous castle, I marvelled at the inside of it. It was all made of pure black obsidian, polished to perfection. I heard my hoof steps echo through the halls. I saw a faint light enlighten the east stairway, leading into a seemingly dark hall.

I followed it quietly, as to avoid whomever held the light turning around and attacking. The light began to fade as I came to a swirling stairway. I started to hasten my pace and held the wall for support. When I got to the top, the light had been put on a mantle, leaving a faint glow in the dreary place. My eyes widened when I saw that this was a dungeon. I heard whispers and faint whimpers coming from a cell. I, cautiously, went to the door, seeing two huddled figures in a shivering embrace. I looked closer and saw something familiar about the smaller figure, a mare by the looks of it. I nearly gasped in surprise when I heard the mare speak... the sound of my mother trying to hold back her tears as she spoke rattling me.

"My little filly..... Please be alright..."

I let tears streaked down my face, as I smiled. I reached through the bars and managed to speak through the lump in my throat.

"Mother... I'm right here..."

She gasped and shot up like a parasprite at an all you can eat buffet. She slowly turned around and slightly smiled at me for a moment. But, as soon as it had appeared, her smile turned into a thin line, her eyes widening in fear. She grabbed my hoof and started to cry out loudly.

"You can't be here, Angelic Wing! You need to leave now!"

I looked at her, confused at her statement. I held her hoof closely.

"Mother, why would I leave you and father here? Tell me who put you in here"

My father pushed my mother gently aside. I could see frustration and anger in his eyes, waiting to be let loose.

"Angelic Wing.... As your father... I am ordering you to LEAVE NOW!"

I was slightly taken aback by him yelling at me, but stood straight and scowled, determinedly.

"I will not leave you to rot in this cell! Now tell me wh-"

I didn't get to finish my sentence, because I was grabbed by a claw from behind. I whirled around to face whomever had grabbed me, but saw only a tall figure, concealed in darkness. I backed away, only to have my back against my parents prison door. The creature encircled me in a preying motion. I turned to the door and saw my mother, shaking in fear, while father was trying to calm her down. I faced the shadow, with a look of fury on my face.

"Who are you and why have you locked up my parents?"

His mouth came into view, sharp teeth slightly showing out of his upper lip. He seemed to chuckle maliciously, as I glared daggers at him.

"Lets just say you will know me quiet well after tonight. And your parents are here because I wished to see you...."

I glared more fiercely at him, but widened my eyes a little. He was a coward and a monster to kidnap and lock up my parents merely to see me.

"A formal invite would have been more polite then kidnapping my parents, don't you think?"

He laughed loudly at my little poison-filled joke.

"Yes, it might have, but then how would I get you to agree to my proposition?"

My eyebrow raised at the mention of a proposition. My interest and worry growing with each passing second.

"What sort of proposition?"

He smiled evilly, and stepped forward a little, revealing his wolf-like leg. I stood up to face him, fear and courage filling my mind. His face came close to mine and I had to hold back a scream. His face, exactly like a wolves, but with eyes like a ponies, seemingly gentle, but cruel in my eyes.

"Its rather something of a trade, my dear-"

I grimaced at him saying "my dear", reminding me of Blueblood.

"Your parents freedom, for your hoof in marriage to me"

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open in shock.

"Marriage!?!?!??!?!"

I thought in horror. I didn't even know this... Monsters name or ways..... But I had a basic idea.... This... this was like Bluebloods proposal, only with my parents lives on the line! I looked up at the creature, who was looking at me impatiently. I gazed back to my parents, both of their faces filled with fear. I stood, defiantly looking at this... devious monster.

"Why do you want me to be your wife?"

He looked a little shocked at my calm-toned question, but he regained his composure quickly.

"Life gets quiet predictable and boring out here, so I need somepony to... occupy me. And of course I need a queen to show my subjects. Now, what is your answer? Will you accept my proposal? Or will you leave your parents here to die slowly in that cell?"

I almost shook in anger. How dare he purposely blackmail me into marrying him with my parents lives! I looked back to my parents, who were silently telling me to decline, but seeing them like this, full of fear and in a cell.... I stood up and glared hatefully at the creature.

"I accept, if you set them free immediately"

He grinned.

"Very well, my dear fiancé..."

I collapsed, a new weight bound to my soul itself. My parents rushed to me and looked at me in frantic worry. I couldn't look at them. I could face a monster who could easily kill me, but I couldn't face my parents in this state? I felt guilt and sorrow fill my heart.

"Angelic Wing, what have you done!?!!??!"

My mother cried as she held me close, probably for the last time. My father continued to look at me, worry and angry confusion etched on his face. I barely was able to answer him, with something a little above a whisper.

"I've given you your freedom father..... That's all the reassurance I need.... to keep me going.... at the wedding..."

He was about to argue, when he was ripped from my embrace by the being of darkness. My mother cried out and reached for me, but I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything. I simply reached out as well, and managed to whisper out to her.

"Goodbye.... Mother"

She gave up trying to reach me and solemnly followed the creature, my father still yelling at him to let me go, when I knew that this was my fate. I went to the cell window and looked out to see the beast, who I could only see as a tall, wolf-like creature, carrying my father, while my mother had her head down, simply following them. They were put in a stone carriage and the stone stallions came to life, running down the bridge, taking my heart with my parents.

I sobbed into the window sill, and swore I could hear the faint sound of something shattering. I realized what it was, and sobbed harder. In a single act, my heart had turned into jagged shards of what it was. I heard some pony coming up the stairway, but gave no signs that I was listening. The shadow loomed over me, but I simply stayed where I was.

"Follow me, my dear, I will show you to your chambers for the night.... until tomorrow that is..."

I said nothing, and went past him blankly. I turned when he did not follow me immediately, and saw his face full of shock.

"Well? What were you expecting from me afterwards? A loving embrace, perhaps? Well, I will tell you right now, the pony before you, is not going to be the obedient and entertaining wife you wish to have, but one who will only be as she feels; with despair and heartbreak!"

I walked down the stairs, not hearing a sound for a moment before hearing the tick of his clawed paws coming down the stairs, angrily. He soon got to the bottom and grabbed me from behind. He turned me to face him, only for his eyes to widen slightly at the single tear that had escaped. He sneered at me, trying to make me feel fear.

"You will learn to respect me, my dear.... I have no patience for disrespect and spite from you"

I pushed his paws off me, and glared hatefully at him.

"Well, disrespect and spite should have been your first expectation from me, my future husband! So your patience and tolerance should be brought up just to be around me!"

His grip returned onto my forelegs, tighter this time.

"I am soon to be your husband, so you are to do as I say, whenever I say...."

I struggled under his grip, but gave up and snarled at him furiously.

"You have what you wanted! You wanted me, and I gave myself to you! You forced me to make the choice, but I'm yours now! But I am not an item you can control with a wave of your paw! The only thing that I will do most unwillingly is marry you when you wish!"

I grinded my teeth and glared harder at him. He looked at me, the flame that was in my own eyes, evident in his own.

"So? If we are to be married, then a date for it would be less agonizing for me, wouldn't it?"

He looked at me, an evil smirk, that I did not approve of, spreading upon his face.

"Very well, if you insist that I choose a date here and now..... then I choose.... tomorrow!"

I paled. I looked up at him in pure horror. He smirked, satisfied at my reaction.

"FIREBIRD!"

I heard somepony coming from down the hall, but I was too shocked to move.

"You called, my lord?"

He walked past the stallion, Firebird, and smiled back at me.

"Take my fiancé to her room, and bring her down to meet me for dinner, with something.... nice on"

He left, concealing himself in shadow once more. Firebird looked at me, pity shining in his eyes. I gazed at him, pain pouring into my own eyes. He helped me up, trying to steady me.

"This way to your room, my lady..."

I had no strength to tell him not to call me that, so I merely followed him. I turned back to the cell once more, and nearly cried.

"Rotting in that cell would have been a better than this...."

I thought, as I sombrely followed Firebird to my room, letting tears trail behind me. I realized in that moment, that my life, my dream....had become a nightmare.....

The Dinner

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