The Lost Prince

Young Tirek was standing at the balcony outside of his bedroom chamber. He had been brooding for a while now until his mother, Queen Haydon, came for a visit in the afternoon. Tirek, feeling the presence of a gargoyle behind him, groaned in frustration for he thought that it was his younger brother, Scorpan, the one who would always follow Young Tirek around to make sure he was safe outside the castle.

"Go away!" said Tirek with a serious expression on his face.

"Tirek, it's me. Your mother." Queen Haydon said to her son.

Tirek turned around to see that the gargoyle behind him was actually his mother.

"Mom?" he said. "What are you...?" he tried asking before his mother suddenly spoke to him.

"We need to talk." said Queen Haydon as she walked forward to speak with her firstborn son.

"About what?" Tirek asked.

"About what happened last night...and about how your actions have not only affected the people of this kingdom all around you, but your family as well." Haydon replied.

"I didn't cause that incident at Sendak's den last night, I swear!" Tirek lied.

Although the young prince swore that he didn't cause the explosion, Queen Haydon knew that her firstborn son was only lying because he did not want to face the dire consequences of his actions.

"Tirek, I understand that you want to learn how to control your magical abilities, but you have allowed this hermit to be a bad influence to you and your gift." Queen Haydon said to Tirek.

"Well, what was I supposed to do, mother? Sit around and never have someone to teach me how to use my magic?!? Father never cared about me." Tirek said angrily.

"That's not true, my son. Your father loves you and I love you." Queen Haydon replied.

"Then why?! Why should a father turn his back on his own son because of him being born with uncontrollable magic?" Tirek asked. "He was right about one thing: I am a power-hungry centaur."

"Son, look at me." the queen said to her son. "There is still a chance for you to redeem yourself. By using your powers for good instead of evil. Because we don't have the right to steal the magic from others, especially from the ponies of Equestria." Queen Haydon reassured. "You need to let go of your anger and your lust for power because that will affect your future." she said.

"What future?" Tirek asked. "I know what I can do with this power of mine." he said.

"Tirek, let me tell you a story." Queen Haydon suggested.

"I'm not a little foal anymore, mom." Tirek complained.

"Ah, but you would always ask me for a good story." Queen Haydon replied.

Tirek sighed and then he sat down right next to his mother. "Okay, mom." he said.

"Long ago," Queen Haydon began. "There was a great war between all different kinds of creatures. Creatures that were prey and predator, big and small, young and old, weak and strong. They were creatures that ruled the sky, the land and the seas; The war lasted for many years until the two deities, known as the Alicorn King and Queen, swooped down from the heavens to offer peace and freedom in order to stop the fighting. The creatures who accepted peace from the royal equine deities were blessed with magic. But the creatures who rejected their offer of peace were never blessed with magic. Thus, the magical creatures moved on with their lives while the non-magical creatures decided to depart fromm their former brethren forever. According to the laws of the Creator, magic can be a wonderful gift if one's heart is pure, but it can also be a dangerous curse if one's heart is corrupted. Such is the fate of all beings. The End." Queen Haydon finished the story.

"Is that it?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, son. That's the end of the story." Queen Haydon replied.

"Mom? Why did you come to see me?" Tirek asked his mother.

"Because, my son...your magic is getting stronger and you must learn to control it." said the gargoyle queen.

"I can't control my magic, mother! What if it gets worse every day?!" Tirek protested.

"Then you will need the right magic teacher to help you." Queen Haydon replied.

"I don't need anyone's help!" Tirek argued.

"Don't give me that attitude, son!" Queen Haydon lectured. "The only reason why I came here to have a word with you, is because a mother would do anything to help her children and you're changing into something you're not. You've already had arguments with your father, so don't you dare talk back to your own mother!"

From those words, Tirek knew that he couldn't argue with his mother the same way that he'd argued with his father. Queen Haydon was only trying to reason with Tirek in order to help him see the error of his ways and behave like a good prince for once to his royal family. Tirek did loved his mother because of how much she truly loved and cared for him despite being born with a magical curse. Tirek's heart sank and he began to whimper and cry.

"I'm so sorry, mother." said Tirek. "I just...I just don't know why I was born with magic this way! You and father didn't know what to do to help me and that's why...I do suspicious things outside the castle. I--I don't know what I am anymore...Forgive me!" Tirek begged as he sobbed at his mother's feet.

Queen Haydon, feeling sorry for her son, decides to show some love, compassion and mercy as she knelt down to the floor to comfort Tirek with a motherly warm hug. She wrapped her gargoyle wings around the young centaur as she patted him in the back. Tirek was bursting out into tears for he didn't mean to argue with his own biological mother. Queen Haydon had to use soft and gentle words to comfort him.

"Shhhh. It's alright, son. It's alright. I'm right here." Queen Haydon whispered.

The queen comforted her firstborn son until he cried no longer as he took a deep breath. They embraced each other on the floor with heartwarming love and comfort until it was nighttime. Queen Haydon tucked Tirek into bed and kissed him on the forehead before she was ready to leave the bedroom chamber. But before Tirek would close his eyes, he asked his mother a question.

"Mom?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, dear?" said the queen.

"I can't sleep." Tirek said.

"Why not? Aren't you tired at all?" Queen Haydon asked.

"No, I...I still feel ashamed after what just happened with Sendak." Tirek replied.

"Tirek." Queen Haydon said softly. "We all make bad choices. When your father gets back from Equestria, I'll tell him that you'll change your ways in time. Okay? I love you." she said.

"I love you, too." Tirek whispered. "But I still can't go to sleep." he said.

"Would a mother's lullaby help?" Queen Haydon asked.

Tirek slowly smiled at his mother and nodded to reply 'yes' before the gargoyle began to sing her lullaby in a sweet and beautiful melody. Tirek listened to his mother singing until he felt very relaxed.

That night, Tirek fell into a deep sleep. The castle guards made sure that the prince wouldn't sneak outside to the Neather Lands again. Then suddenly, a long and dark shadow crept its way to the balcony until it surrounded Tirek like a scavenger circling its prey. Tirek tossed and turned in his blankets and then he had a dream. It was daytime and Tirek was still inside the castle when he heard a celebration coming from the throne room. Tirek investigated to find out what was going on and to his surprise, Scorpan was there and the people were praising him. Scorpan was wearing a royal robe and a crown and he held a royal scepter. The people, including King Vorak and Queen Haydon were praising Scorpan as if he were a god. Tirek didn't know what was going on, but he could recognize the scene as the fear that he never knew he had: his younger brother becoming the new king.

The people chanted, "Hail, King Scorpan! Long live the King!"

"What's going on here?! Stop! Stop it!" he yelled. "This cannot be happening! My brother doesn't deserve the throne! I'm the one who deserves power and respect!" Tirek said as he covered his ears.

Tirek ran away from the scene to an empty room where he can be alone in the dark. Then, he started to get angry. The teenage centaur had always hated his younger brother. From the day Scorpan was born, King Vorak and Queen Haydon had paid a lot more attention to him than Tirek. In fact, Scorpan was always the favorite son in the royal family because of how younger, wise, kind and considerate he is. Tirek on the other hand or hoof was always rebellious, impatient, hot-headed and power-hungry. He could never be fit to rule; Tirek then saw a painting of his parents together with Scorpan only, but not with their older son. Enraged, Tirek's eyes reflected with fire before he threw a tantrum just as he immediately tore the painting into a million pieces. When Tirek fell into an emotional meltdown, the room suddenly became filled with fire, darkness and smoke. Then, Tirek heard a deep, booming voice that came out of nowhere.

"Poor little centaur. I can't even imagine how it must've felt like to be replaced because of someone having a lot more fame and attention than you." The voice said.

"Who said that?!!" Tirek said, dramatically standing up.

"I am the voice of your worst nightmares. The answer to your problems. The key to your heart's desire." The voice replied.

"What do you want from me!?!" Tirek demanded.

"Nothing." The voice echoed. "I have simply come here to let you see the future of what might happen when your father returns from his little...trip to Equestria."

"Then tell me, whoever you are!" said Tirek. "What am I to do? How will I prevent my own brother from being chosen over me? How will I be able to take over my father's kingdom and fulfill my destiny?" he asked while looking around.

"Patience, boy!" said the voice. "In time, you will take action and when that happens...you will be blessed with a new mentor."

"I don't understand." Tirek said, feeling confused.

"Don't worry." the voice chuckled evilly. "You will." the voice echoed until there was silence.

"Wait! Come back! Don't leave me!" Tirek cried.

But it was too late. The voice had already ended. It was dark and Tirek couldn't know what to do or where to go. Suddenly, he felt something touch him right beneath his hooves. It felt like spiders and snakes crawling up to his hooves. Tirek looked down before he panic to find shadows clinging onto him. The dark purple smoke grabbed Tirek by his hooves and then it dragged him down into a dark pit. The young centaur was frightened for he felt like he was sinking in dark quicksand. Tirek called out desperately for help as the shadows dragged him down and down to the pit of darkness. Suddenly, there was a heavenly light that came out of nowhere and a hoof reached out for Tirek's hand. Tirek tried to look up, but it was too dark and too bright for him to see the face of his savior. The only thing he could see was the hoof. Suddenly, Tirek woke up from his nightmare and panted for air with sweat on his head. It wasn't long before Queen Haydon opened the door to check on her older son.

"Tirek, what's wrong?" the female gargoyle asked with concern. "Did you had a bad dream?" she asked.

"No, mother. It was only a nightmare." Tirek replied.

"Oh, my son. That sounds awful. What was it about?" Queen Haydon said, comforting her older son.

"I don't know. I was...lost and overwhelmed by darkness...then there was light and...a hoof reached out for me." Tirek explained.

"What kind of hoof?" Queen Haydon asked.

"I don't know. But this dream felt so real." said Tirek.

"Well, it's all over now." Queen Haydon replied. "Just calm your spirit down until you go back to sleep." she suggested.

"Mother?" Tirek said to the female gargoyle.

"Yes, dear?" Queen Haydon said back.

"When father returns from Equestria...what will become of me and my brother?" Tirek asked.

"I do not know, Tirek. Why do you ask?" said Queen Haydon.

"I'm just...a little worried...no, afraid of something." Tirek said, trying to be honest.

"What are you afraid of?" Queen Haydon asked.

"I'm afraid of being lost and alone forever...because nobody wants to see me again." Tirek replied.

"Ohh, Tirek. That's not true. I love you no matter what." Queen Haydon said as she hugged her son closely to her.

"I love you, too, mom." Tirek replied. "I just hope that father won't choose my brother over me." he thought.

The next day, Tirek was still not allowed to leave his room for being a disloyal prince by the order of King Vorak. Despite that, his kindhearted mother would always check on him and even offer him food and water. Tirek didn't feel like a prisoner, but he didn't like being overshadowed by those who would fear him and despise him. He wanted to be free; A few days later, King Vorak and his knights made a promise with Princess Celestia that her subjects won't be abducted again before they finally made it back from Equestria. Tirek was allowed to be outside of his room for now, but he had to prove it to his father that he learned his lesson. King Vorak ordered his Royal Guard to keep an eye on Tirek just to make sure that he doesn't do anything suspicious again. As for Tirek, he couldn't help but feel like his worst dream would later become a reality. His brother, Scorpan, was getting a lot of attention from everyone and he became famous for his kindness, mercy and leadership. Scorpan made so many friends and gained a lot of attention that Tirek soon became jealous and the more jealous he got, the more he began to hate his own sibling. It was even worse when King Vorak and Queen Haydon gave Scorpan more love, approval and attention. Tirek soon became lonely and friendless until he got use to it. He didn't even care about having company anyway, but he did wanted to be loved and worshiped. Then he realized that the people around the kingdom, including his parents, were voting Scorpan to be the rightful heir to the throne. But why? Tirek was the oldest and the strongest while Scorpan was the youngest and the smartest one. Somehow, Tirek knew that Scorpan was the favorite son for he wasn't born with magical abilities. One day, Tirek began to glare at his brother with hatred when he wasn't looking until he and Scorpan were summoned to the throne room. King Vorak had an announcement to make.

"My people! You have all been gathered here to hear this important announcement." said King Vorak. "I have been king for many years and my reign has been excellent. But according to the laws of royalty, the time has come for me to choose only one prince to be my successor." he said before continuing his speech. "Once I have chosen one of my sons to be the rightful heir to the throne, I shall continue to rule until I am ready to step down for my successor's coronation day."

The people agreed and as King Vorak continues to speak, Scorpan tries to pay more attention when he noticed the strange look on Tirek's face.

"Brother? Are you okay?" Scorpan asked his brother.

"I'm fine, Scorpan. There's no need to worry about me." said Tirek.

"Are you sure? You seemed to be in a very bad mood." Scorpan replied.

"Mind your own business." Tirek grumbled.

"Shhh!" Queen Haydon lectured with a hush.

In the midst of the crowd, a dark cloaked figure with red eyes was looking straight at the two princes who had just stopped talking to wait for their father to choose which of them will become the future king. The dark figure could sense Tirek's lust for power, but he could also feel his jealousy and hatred for Scorpan. And then (drum roll please) King Vorak gets ready to choose which of his sons will be his inheritor to the throne.

"From now on, the crown of high authority shall be passed onto..." King Vorak paused. "Scorpan." he decreed.

"WHAT?!!?" Tirek spoke with a shocked expression on his face.

"M-Me?" Scorpan asked. "Father, I...I don't know what to say!" he said.

"Scorpan, my youngest son. Do you accept the responsibility?" King Vorak offered.

Tirek's face darkened with more jealousy and hatred and before Scorpan could answer, the young centaur rudely interrupted in a flash and he confronted his own father.

"No! Scorpan is not fit to rule and he will never be!" he said.

"Tirek, what are you--?" Scorpan tried to ask.

"What is the meaning of this insolence?!" King Vorak demanded.

"Scorpan maybe "wise" and "kind", but I'm a lot older and stronger than he is!" Tirek boasted with pride.

"No, Tirek. Your brother is going to answer me and you will not interfere!" King Vorak lectured his older son. "If you won't behave like a true prince, my son, then I suggest you go back to your chambers immediately!" he ordered.

"I'm done taking orders from you, father!" Tirek snapped.

The crowd gasped in disbelief and King Vorak was more than irritated. He was furious that his own son confronted him with such disrespect and a fit of rebellion all because he didn't want Scorpan to be king. He stood up from his own throne to look down at Tirek. Queen Haydon quickly tried to calm her husband down, but King Vorak warned his wife to keep her distance and let him deal with the conflict.

"Prince Tirek!" King Vorak said in a powerful voice. "You are the one who is not fit to rule as my successor! Scorpan maybe younger than you, but he's more wiser than you think! Because of your disloyalty and your thirst for power...you are no longer welcome inside this castle!" he remarked.

"You can't do this to me!" said Tirek.

"I'm afraid I can, son." King Vorak replied. "The guards will escort you outside and they shall keep an eye on you until you learned your lesson once this very important event with your brother is over. Dismissed!"

"This is the biggest mistake you've ever made as king!" Tirek grumbled. "You never even cared for me from the moment I was born."

"ENOUGH!" King Vorak shouted. "Take him outside the castle!" he ordered.

"Tirek, why are you acting like this?" Scorpan said, trying to reach out to help his brother.

"Leave me alone, Scorpan!" Tirek yelled at his brother.

"No, brother. I won't leave your side." Scorpan replied. "Something's wrong with you and you need help!" he said.

"I don't care!" Tirek replied as his face darkened with fear, anger and sadness. "You were always the favorite one after all!" he grumbled.

"But why? Why must you hate me after all we've been through?!" Scorpan asked.

"Get out of my sight, Scorpan." Tirek said to his brother.

"Please, Tirek! I want to understand what's wrong with you so that I can help you."

"I said...GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!" Tirek shouted.

From the moment Tirek let out an enraged roar in front of everybody, dark energy quickly began to flow through his veins before a flame-colored orb suddenly appeared from the top of the young centaur's head and the magic inside of Tirek began to affect the gargoyle soldiers (including his brother), all around him. Tirek's eyes glowed with an amber colored aura as his magic stroke the guards like lightning as well as draining them of their strength, energy and intelligence. Scorpan was also struck down by Tirek's powerful magic and the effects were painful. Like a Changeling consuming love and emotions from its victims for the first time, Tirek didn't know what he had done when he had unleashed his powers, but he never thought that absorbing the magic from others would feel like tasting sour lemon juice. King Vorak and Queen Haydon couldn't believe their eyes and gasped and all the people that came to witness who'll be the next king were horrified. Scorpan and the gargoyles fell into unconsciousness due to be drained by Tirek's painful magic. Tirek, knowing that he now has the chance to flee from the castle, immediately uses the magical dust from his bag necklace to create large amounts of smoke so that he can 'poof' his way out of the scene. Tirek ran outside the castle before he was ready to gallop across the desert and beyond the Nether Lands to get away as far as he can from home. As for Scorpan, he wasn't drained completely and his mother had to take care of him and the others while his father and his knights set out to find Tirek.