The Lost Prince

Tirek continued to gallop across the wilderness as fast as he can in the Nether Lands until he was far away from home and as he ran with all the energy that he magically took from the gargoyles that surrounded him, he panted with every breath he took and some sweat dripped down from his forehead like drops of rain and his heart was racing as well. Meanwhile, King Vorak and his knights began to follow the hoofprints that were left behind by Tirek. As time went by, the sky began to change color until after sunset, it was nighttime and it was difficult to see anymore hoofprints. Luckily, one of King Vorak's knights had the ability to see in the dark because they were gargoyles. Unfortunately, they searched and searched across the land until they eventually lost sight of Tirek's hoofprints. That night, Tirek was slowly beginning to feel very exhausted, but he didn't wanna stop running away.

"Must...keep...running..." Tirek said, panting. "Don't...fall..."

Suddenly, Tirek tripped over a rock before he fell to the ground. Tirek's front leg was hurt, but thankfully it didn't bleed at the very least. When Tirek got himself up, he couldn't tell where he was and instead of running, he was limping. Tirek began to search for food, water, medicine and shelter, but he couldn't find anything for he was out in the middle of nowhere. But where was Tirek? Did he get lost in the Nether Lands or did he went too far away from home? Tirek tried not to be afraid, but he couldn't help but feel thirsty and exhausted and then...Tirek had no other choice but to fall asleep. Sleeping in the outside world without any warm shelter or safety was unlike anything that Tirek has ever felt before. For the first time in his life, Tirek felt a lot worse than lonely...he was lost; The next day, Tirek was still fast asleep at the desert and it wasn't long until a flock of vultures began to circle around him. When they flew down to Tirek, they couldn't tell if he was dead or not. When the centaur opened his eyes, he screamed in terror.

"Aaah! Get away! Get away from me!!" Tirek said, shooing the birds away.

Once the scavengers flew away from him, Tirek got up before he decided to continue his search for food and shelter. His front leg still felt sore, but Tirek had the strength to keep moving on. Meanwhile, back at the royal castle, Scorpan slowly opened his eyes and found himself lying in his bed. The King and Queen were so glad to see that he was okay.

"Oh, Scorpan, my baby!" Queen Haydon cried. "We're so glad you're awake."

"Mother? Father? What happened? Where's Tirek?" Scorpan asked.

"Scorpan...your brother...he did something to you and then he vanished." King Vorak explained, feeling very worried and guilty.

"I remembered!" said Scorpan. "Where did my brother ran off to?!" he asked.

"Calm down, Scorpan." Queen Haydon said to her son. "The doctor says that you've been drained of your energy. You need to rest until you're fully recovered."

"Okay, mother." Scorpan replied.

"We tried searching for your brother outside the castle, but..." King Vorak paused.

"But what, father?" Scorpan asked.

"I'm afraid he got himself lost in the Nether Lands." King Vorak answered.

Scorpan couldn't believe his ears before he began to cry. "Ohh, no!" he sobbed.

"I am deeply sorry, Scorpan." said King Vorak. "This is all my fault."

"Vorak, you can't blame yourself for this!" Queen Haydon said to her husband.

"If I only knew how to help Tirek with his gift, maybe he would've known better!" King Vorak cried.

"Vorak, darling. We tried everything we could to support our firstborn son." Queen Haydon replied. "But we were never ready to tell him the truth about his magic."

"The truth?" Scorpan asked. His parents turned to him.

King Vorak sighed. "Scorpan, your mother and I knew that this day would come. The day...that we'd told you about your brother and his magic." he said.

Back at the desert, Tirek was still feeling uncomfortable in his travels. The scorching heat from the sun made Tirek's skin feel warm and itchy, the dust of the earth made his hooves look dirty and it wasn't long until young Tirek went into a canyon where he eventually found a pond right next to a palm tree. Tirek, feeling glad and relieved, went to get a drink. At first glance, he thought that it was just a mirage, but when the lonely centaur took a dip in the puddle, turns out it wasn't an illusion. Tirek drank the water from his hands and then he gave himself a bath. The water was clean, but not too cold and it was enough to give Tirek a little sense of hope that he will survive.

"Water!" Tirek said. "I'm so glad I found you." he said to the puddle. "Wait a minute. Who am I talking to? I'm all alone!" he thought.

"Tirek." a voice echoed through the canyons.

"That voice!" Tirek said, feeling startled.

"Tirek...how are you enjoying the desert spring pool?" the same voice asked.

"It's...refreshing." Tirek replied. "But who are you? Where are you?" he asked.

"I am your guide and I am everywhere." the voice answered.

"Are you the one that spoke to me in my nightmare?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, Tirek. It is I." the voice replied.

"I'm going crazy! You can't be real." said Tirek.

"Oh, but I am real. I showed you the future, did I not? You knew that your brother would have more love and respect than you realized." the voice remarked.

"Look, I don't want to think about it anymore." said Tirek. "Just back off!"

"I know the kind of pain that you feel, Tirek. I once felt that myself."

"Leave me alone! You don't know a thing about me!" Tirek yelled.

"I do know everything about you!" the voice echoed. "I was there from the moment you were born and I know what it feels like to be feared and hated...to be mistreated and overshadowed. I can show you the reason why you were born with such power if you will just listen to me. Follow my voice and you will find sanctuary with me."

"What if I say 'no'?" Tirek asked.

"Then you will be lost in the wilderness forever." the voice replied.

Tirek thought for a moment and then he made a decision. "Wait!" he said.

"Yesss?" said the voice.

"If I follow your voice, will I go to where we can meet face-to-face?" Tirek asked.

"Precisely." the voice replied. "Follow me."

Young Tirek left the desert spring pool behind and followed the voice through the canyons. The voice gave Tirek directions on which way to go as well as warning him about the dangers he might face on his journey. Tirek had no idea where the voice was luring him to, but he wanted to find out who is in person. One night, Tirek was almost out of the canyons and the voice didn't spoke to him again until...

"Stop!" said the voice.

"What?!" Tirek said, irritated. "You asked me to follow you and now you want me to--"

"Be quiet! There's a net right in front of you." the voice warned. "I can sense a group of slave drivers nearby. I suggest that you should run quickly before they see you and capture you."

"Right. But where should I go?" Tirek asked, searching for a way out.

"Don't go that way!" the voice said, but it was too late.

Tirek tripped and fell into a dark pit. The slave drivers heard a loud thud coming from one of their traps and when Tirek got himself up, he realized that he just fell into a pit that was covered by a sandy trap door. Tirek tried to climb back up, but it was no use; The young centaur ran around in circles, searching for a way out and then someone threw a rope down for Tirek to climb up. Tirek assumed that it was the voice coming out of the shadows to rescue him, but when he used the rope to climb out of the pit, turns out that it wasn't the rescuer he was expecting. A group of slave drivers were surprised to see that they had caught a teenage centaur.

"Well, well...what have we here?" said the first slave driver.

"It looks like we've got ourselves a young centaur." said the second slave driver.

"Who are you?" Tirek said, feeling afraid.

"Pull him up!" said one of the slave drivers.

"Hey! Let go of me!" Tirek said as the thugs grabbed him.

The third slave driver analyzed Tirek while grabbing his chin. "Hmmm...He's too skinny, but I think that he's healthy enough." he said.

"Skinny?!" Tirek said, offended.

"Yeah! This is exactly what we need: a creature with hooves and limbs!" the second slave driver said, laughing with delight.

"Tie him up!" the first thug ordered. "He'll be a perfect slave for us." he said.

"What!?! NO! Get your hands off me!" Tirek said, struggling to break free.

The slave drivers threw ropes around Tirek before wrapping them around his wrists, his waist and even his neck. Tirek couldn't help but feel pain and fear as the slave drivers wrapped the ropes tightly around his body. He tried struggling like an angry bull, but his movement only made things worse. Being tied up and captured by a group of kidnappers felt like real torture and abuse. When Tirek unleashed his magic again, it wasn't as powerful as last time. Tirek was all out of gargoyle energy and not only did his magic surprised the slave drivers, but it also made them feel a lot more interested in capturing him. Tirek called for help as the thugs were going to take him down with everything they've got. Suddenly, a giant scorpion came right out of its tunnel and spotted its meal. When the slave drivers saw the monster coming towards them, they immediately grabbed their torches and spears to fend off the giant predator. However, spears couldn't cut through the scorpion's armored skin and the flames couldn't burn through it either. Tirek used his magic to remove the ropes before he galloped though the canyon while the slave drivers struggled to fight against their opponent. However, the giant scorpion moved the kidnappers out of the way before it spotted its next target: a young centaur running for his life. Tirek ran as fast as he could before he stopped at a dead end. The giant scorpion found the young centaur before it was ready to corner its prey. Tirek desperately tried to shoot magic at the predator, but it was no use. Tirek backed away as the creature went closer and closer for the kill.

"Get away from me!" Tirek shouted. "HELP! Somebody! I'm trapped!" he called.

But there was no one here to help Tirek in the canyon(except maybe a trio of slave drivers that the giant scorpion might've killed off). Tirek realized that he shouldn't of run away from home and now he feels like he's going to meet his end. Could this be the end of our runaway prince? The giant scorpion began to attack Tirek by using its poisonous tail to sting him right at his front leg. The burning pain caused the leg to bleed and the venom was so frightening that Tirek let out a painful cry.

"AAAAAAAaaaagh!!!"

Tirek quickly held onto his wound very tightly to try to prevent the infection or the bleeding from killing him. Then the giant scorpion was ready to kill him with its poisonous stinger and its razor sharp pinchers. Tirek was horrified and then he closed his eyes very tightly. But just before the giant scorpion could slaughter the young centaur, a crimson bolt of lightning came down from the top of the canyon before it electrocuted the big desert insect. Not only did the red lightning that came out of nowhere and electrocuted it, but it also caused it to wither and die. Tirek opened his eyes and was surprised to see the giant scorpion cooked in front of him. He did hear lightning, but where did it come from? A dark cloaked figure with red eyes was at the top of the canyon and he was the one who shot the red lightning bolt to save Tirek's life. When lightning flashed behind the hooded creature, Tirek turned and then he saw his mysterious savior.

"What in the world?!" he said. "Who are you?" Tirek asked.

The hooded figure didn't answer. As the lightning flashes in the background again, the mysterious creature vanished. Yet, Tirek wanted to know who saved him.

"Hey, wait!" he said, struggling to get up. "Don't leave without me."

When Tirek got up, he began to pursue the dark hooded figure as he limped his way out of the canyon and into the wilderness. It was then that the venom in Tirek's wound began to slow the body down. Tirek became dizzy, sick and hurt until he stopped trying to trot after the mysterious creature that shot down the scorpion. Everything became dark and blurry and then Tirek fell into unconsciousness. As the wind and sand blew over the young centaur's body, the hooded figure with red eyes came to help. He used his magic to remove the venom from Tirek's wound and then he levitated the unconscious centaur off the earth. The hooded figure then took Tirek somewhere to mend his wounded leg. Three days later, Tirek slowly gained consciousness while at the same time, he felt like waking up from a nightmare.

"Ughnn...Father! I'm so sorry of what I said earlier." Tirek spoke while gaining consciousness. "I know that I ran away...but I'll accept whatever punishment you think is necessary."

"You must've blacked out harder than I thought." a voice said.

Tirek opened his eyes before seeing the cloaked figure in person. "AAah! Wha--who are you? What happened!? Where am I?!" he said before feeling the pain from his wounded leg.

"Easy! Easy, calm down. You've been out cold for over three days." the dark creature said.

"Three days? Wait...it's you! You're the voice that spoke to me." said Tirek.

"Yes, it is I." the hooded figure replied before revealing himself as an elderly ram.

"You're...a ram." Tirek said. The cloaked figure smiled at him.

"Yes, but not just any ram. I am a Tambelonian ram...or at least I was." the elder replied.

"Tambelonian? W-What is your name?" Tirek asked.

"My name is Grogar." the old ram introduced. "I am the voice that spoke to you and I'm also the one who saved you from certain death." he said.

"You mean that...you're the one who electrocuted that giant scorpion?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, my boy." Grogar replied before he explained. "I used my magic to save you and when you passed out, I used my magic to remove the venom before it could reach and destroy your life source. I brought you back to my lair before I did everything I could to mend your leg and nurse you back to health. Now that you're awake, my young lad, I would like you to thank me for saving your life." he said.

"Oh...Well, thank you for mending my leg." Tirek said politely.

"You're welcome, Tirek." Grogar replied.

"How do you know my name?" Tirek asked.

"Didn't you remember what I told you back when you were at the canyon? I was there with your parents since the day you were born and I know everything about you." Grogar said.

"How? When?" Tirek asked as he got up from his bed.

"We'll talk about that later. But first, would you like something to eat?" Grogar offered.

Tirek blushed when he heard his stomach growl. "Umm...yes." he said.

"Then come with me. Be careful when you get out of bed, though. Your leg still needs some time to heal." Grogar said before heading to the dining room.

Tirek carefully got himself out of bed and then found out that his wounds were dressed while he was unconscious. He limped his way out of the bedroom and followed Grogar to the dining room. The cave was dark, yet wonderful. There were candles on most walls, there were some rare artifacts to find, there were some potions and spell scrolls and some curtains made of fabric. The lair was dark, mysterious and spooky as if the place was only meant for dark worship. Tirek made it to the dining room before Grogar invited him to sit down at the round table.

"Come, Tirek. Sit down and be my guest." Grogar said formally.

Tirek sat down before he slowly smiled at his host. "So...what's for dinner?" Tirek asked.

"That's a good question. Here, have this. It'll get your strength back." Grogar said as he handed a nice bowl of soup.

Tirek took a sip of the soup and it tasted like chicken mixed with vegetables. "Mmmmm." Tired savored.

"How are you enjoying your favorite kind of soup?" Grogar asked.

"I'm really enjoying it! It tastes good." Tirek said, his mouth full of juicy meat and herbs.

"Splendid." Grogar approved. "Would you like a drink, my lad?" he asked as he offered a bottle of wine.

Tirek swallowed his food before he gasped. "How'd you know about my favorite diet?" he asked.

"I studied your tastes long enough to know which food or drink you like." Grogar explained, filling a goblet with the wine.

"Right." Tirek said shyly. "What's your name again?" he asked.

"I am Grogar. But you can call me 'sir' or 'my lord' or 'master'. Whichever you prefer it." the old ram replied.

Tirek was feeling confused, strange and uncomfortable, while at the same time...he felt lucky to be saved by someone. However, Tirek wanted to know why an old ram would claim to have magical powers or claim to have known our runaway prince since birth. Tirek couldn't help but feel puzzled and all he could think was: "Who is this ram? Why does he seemed to have such strange magic abilities? How come he knows everything about me? Could he be the answer to why I was born with a curse?" When Tirek finished his meal and drink, he was going to ask Grogar a few questions to hopefully get the answers he needed, when suddenly, he heard three sirens singing.

"What's that?" Tirek asked.

"Ahh, listen to them. The Three Sirens. What music they make." Grogar said.

"Music? But where's it coming from?" Tirek asked.

When the singing grew louder, a trio of beautiful, but dangerous sirens came out of the shadows to greet their lord and master who cannot be hypnotized. Their names were Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze. Grogar was very happy to see his three students return with more 'disharmony fuel' in their singing voices. Tirek have read about sea creatures before and how sirens can use their singing voices to influence others to their will. Grogar greeted the devious creatures that were born from the sea before Adagio and her sisters noticed a male teenage centaur at the dining room. Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were curious about why Grogar would bring Tirek to their hideout and Sonata Dusk couldn't help but swoon and find the teenage centaur attractive with some royal boyfriend-material. Grogar turned and noticed a funny look on Tirek's face as if he was thinking: "Why are these girls staring at me?"

"Oh, don't be so shy, Tirek." said Grogar. "Say 'hello' to my three talented singers."

"Um...hello." Tirek said nervously.

"Why, hello there." Adagio Dazzle greeted. "My name is Adagio Dazzle. These are my sisters: Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk." she introduced.

"Welcome to our home...Prince Tirek, we presume?" Aria Blaze said with a brooding voice.

"You're a prince? Ooh! He's so handsome!" Sonata Dusk squealed. "Can we keep him?" she asked. Tirek blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Now, now, girls." said Grogar. "Let's try to be more respectful towards our guest. He just gained consciousness and he needs a little bit of exposition from me. Do any of you girls understand?" Grogar said to the sirens.

"Yes, father." the three sirens answered.

"Father?" Tirek thought, feeling so confused.

"Tell me, my little sirens, how was your trip?" Grogar asked. "Did you harvest enough negative energy from the outside world to fuel your singing voices?"

"Yes, father. It was easy." Adagio answered.

"Good! Now that you're mission is complete...leave us." Grogar ordered.

Adagio Dazzle and her sisters immediately left their master to have some alone time with Tirek before they returned to their pool. The sinister Grogar went to sit right next to Tirek at the round table when he noticed a bag necklace around the centaur's neck.

"What is that?" Grogar asked as he pointed his hoof at Tirek's satchel.

"Oh, this? This was a gift given to me by the hermit, Sendak." Tirek replied.

"Sendak the Elder? He gave it to you?" Grogar said when he recognized the name.

"Yes, sir. Did you know him?" Tirek asked.

"Know him?" Grogar paused before he remembered. "Oh, yes. I knew him. He was the old centaur that came to the City of Tambelon before he asked me at the court room for some helpful advice." he said.

"And why would he?" Tirek asked.

"Because he was growing old and he wanted to live forever." Grogar replied. "He asked me if he could find a way to gain strength and immortality. So, I brought him to my secret office where I told him...that he can become younger and invincible by stripping ponies and creatures of their magic. He asked me where to start and that's when I influenced him to abduct a unicorn from Equestria so that he can fulfill his heart's desire." he explained.

"And did you taught him how to consume magic?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, I did." Grogar replied. "And I can teach you the ways of magic and how to absorb it. But first, hand over your former mentor's gift." he said.

"Why?" Tirek said defensively as he held onto his precious gift. "Why must I give it away...to you?" he asked.

"Because I know how you were born with magic abilities." Grogar replied. "If you hand over your most precious gift, then the truth will set you free. Trust me, I am your only friend, now." he said in a tempting tone.

Grogar's red eyes glowed as he grinned evilly at such a difficult choice. The satchel was the only thing Tirek would use in order to create illusions and to remember his former master, the one he abandoned. Tirek felt sad and guilty for not listening to Sendak when he was trying to teach him about absorbing unicorn magic. But then, Tirek realized that he had no other choice but to give away his satchel so that he can finally learn the truth. The truth that his parents kept from him for so long. Tirek took a gulp and took a breath before he willingly gave his bag necklace away for Grogar to look at. Then the old ram added the satchel to his collection of magical items where it will be safe.

"That's a good boy." said Grogar as he smiled evilly at Tirek. "Now, sit down right next to me by the fire and brace yourself; This truth will be a bit...shocking." he warned.

"I am ready." Tirek sighed before he sat down right next to his savior by the fire.

"A long time ago, your parents were happy together for they knew that they would be together as king and queen. Until one day, they were ready to start a family. Your mother was with child and you were the first to grow inside her. Your father was worried sick, for he knew that a female gargoyle like your mother would die giving birth to a half-blood centaur; So, he sent for me to prevent your mother's death from ever happening." Grogar explained.

"And then what happened after my father sent for you?" Tirek asked.

"He asked me for a cure; So, I went upstairs where I made a potion that can help your mother survive of childbirth. But not only that, I also added a secret ingredient that can bless the unborn child with magic...powerful magic." Grogar said before he continued. "Your father heard that I was known for helping others know how to cheat death itself and that's why he hired me to help him save the ones he loved. So, I gave your mother the medicine and then she allowed me to feel her womb. Your father thought that I was being perverted and rude towards his wife, but I was just trying to be a good doctor. Your mother was feeling better as time went by until the day came when your mother was ready to give birth to you. Your father was frightened, but I told him to remain calm until we heard crying. Your father and I rushed to the delivery room and there, you were born; It was the most beautiful thing we have ever seen."

"So, you were really there from the moment I was born?" Tirek asked.

"Indeed I was." Grogar replied. "The potion that I made was able to save your mother and it gave you powers beyond imagining. When you were born, your parents were overjoyed to see you for the first time. Unfortunately, when you unleashed your magic, there was chaos around the chamber. Your father asked me what was wrong with you and when I told him that I added deep magic to the potion, he accused me of laying a curse on you. I told him that I was just trying to bless you, but your father was so furious with me that he banished me. That day, your mother and father struggled to raise you without my help. I wanted to be your godfather; But I was fired for the crimes I've committed. Your father told me to never come back, but I couldn't feel the need to forget about you. You and your mother were the subjects to one of my greatest experiments. Every year, I would ask the crystal ball to give me a chance to watch you grow. So you see, Tirek...I made you. If it weren't for me, then your mother would've died along with you and your father would be alone forever." Grogar explained.

Tirek, feeling overwhelmed by the truth, looked at his own hands. "All this time...I was born with this magical curse...because you did everything to help my parents give birth to me!"

"Yes." Grogar replied. "I did not curse you before you were born, Tirek. I blessed you. Your father never wanted me to help you because he was too afraid that you would overthrow him someday and you made a clever decision to learn how to control your magic abilities under the supervision of Sendak" Grogar remarked. "But because of your impatience and your thirst for Equestrian magic, your father has condemned your mentor to work in the mines to rot for his own selfish crimes. You feel lonely, helpless and ashamed of yourself for what you've done. Now, your parents have chosen to replace you with your brother, Scorpan, because of how he wasn't born with magic like you were...and there's nothing you can do." he said.

Tirek's eyes began to water with tears before he sighed. "Yes, it's true. I know what you mean." the young centaur admitted with a sad expression. "Scorpan was always the favorite one."

"You have my sympathy, Tirek." said Grogar. "For I too know what it feels like to be feared, hated and overshadowed by the ones you love. I had a friend once and he was like a brother to me...his name was Starswirl the Bearded. We were partners in magic training, until one day, he betrayed me and exposed me in front of everyone in Tambelon. Then, when Starswirl the Bearded himself informed our mentor, Avalor the Wise, about my "corruption" and my obsession with dark magic and necromancy...he exiled me and I was cast out like a leper ever since. I'm not a monster. I only do the things that are wrong for the greater good."

"It seems we have a lot in common. But what am I to do, now that I know the truth?" Tirek asked.

"Maybe I can help you." Grogar replied.