Once upon a time there was a special world of humans that had magic powers, wings, both, or neither. The humans who were gifted with magic had special birthmarks that were shaped like a small a four–pointed star on their foreheads. Many good people used their magic to help in their trade or even help their friends and families. But there were those who would use their magic for their own evil and selfish desires.
One such person was an evil wizard who called himself Lord Tirek. He had dark red skin, bright yellow eyes, and white slick back hair and goatee. He started out in life as a common thief on the streets but as time rolled by, Tirek soon learned how to steal the magic of other people and he relished in it. When Tirek came of great age, he secluded himself in a castle hidden in the mountains and he filled his castle with many beautiful treasures that he had stolen over the years. Of all the treasures he owned, Tirek’s most prized possession was a walled garden in his castle. It was a magnificent garden where Tirek would go the ripest of vegetables, the greenest of greens, and the juiciest of fruits.
His servants always consisted of three women, each with the mark of magic on their foreheads. Though they were all beautiful of face but their eyes were glassy and the girl’s expressions were always sad because they were forced to work for the evil wizard. Whenever Tirek wanted to find a new slave for himself, he would look for a beautiful maiden with magical abilities. When he managed to find one Tirek would take the girl to his castle, drain them of the magic, and use a special spell to rid the girls of their free will so they acted more like puppets than people. He would call his slaves his ‘ornaments’. Tirek’s favorite chore for his ornaments to do was to entertain him in his garden by singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments while he ate grapes and sat on a velvet couch under a gazebo in the garden. But every couple of years or so he would grow bored of one of his ornaments and he would send them off to the Everfree Forest to be lost forever.
One day Tirek had just thrown away one of his eldest ornaments to the forest and was getting ready to head out to find a new one. Tirek dressed himself in fine velvet robes that made him look like a gentleman, next he drank a magic elixir to make himself look younger and his eyes sparkling, and finally he put on his magic flying black cloak. This cloak could take him anywhere he wanted, all he would have to do is say;
“Magic cloak, obey my command, take me to the nearest village.”
And the cloak would lift his body into the air and fly him to the nearest village. He also carried a glass jewelry display box that carried rings, ear rings, and a pair of silver bracelets but these were no ordinary bracelets. His plan was simple and diabolical; If he found a maiden that peaked his interest, he would offer her a chance to try on the bracelets. If the girl takes the bracelets willing and slip them on her wrists, Tirek would say the magic words and the bracelets would instantly transform into shackles. The power of the shackles would put the girl in a trance and she would become submissive to Tirek’s will. Once the girl was his, he would take her in his arms and use the cloak to take them both back to his castle. However, if the girl should ignore his advances, then the spell won’t work, for power of the shackles could only effect those who put them on of their own free will and Tirek was too cautious to try and take a screaming victim. The last thing he ever wanted was to get caught.
On one of his flights, he traveled to a village that was a little further than his usual spot.
“That last village didn’t have nearly enough beautiful girls than last time I was there.” Lord Tirek said to himself. “Of course, that was serval years ago. But no matter, hopefully I’ll have better luck with this village up ahead.”
He landed at the edge of the village and began he’s search for his newest slave. To his sinister delight, this village had many pretty girls and some of them had the magic symbol on their foreheads. He felt like a kid in a candy store but he was only allowed one so he calmed down watched the girls carefully and tried to remain inconspicuous. He walked around the village for a while but even though these girls were easy on the eyes he yet to find the one that was worthy of being his next ornament. He was almost about to give up on this village until...
“Sweetie Belle” A feminine voice cried out.
Tirek snaps out of his thought and quickly hides. He then pokes his head out from his hiding place and sees a young woman with a large dark blue sack flung over her back, standing outside the doorway of a house/boutique. The young woman had porcelain white skin, lovely sapphire blue eyes with long black eyelashes, and elegantly curled purple hair. She was wearing a powder blue blouse, a light purple skirt that went down to her ankles, and a pair of black boots. Tirek was instantly taken by her beauty and when he saw mark of magic on her forehead, he felt a great sense of triumph.
‘Yes!’ Tirek thought to himself. ‘She will make a wonderful ornament for years to come.’
“Sweetie Belle” she called out again.
Soon a younger girl with pink and purple curled hair stood in the doorway. This girl was wearing a magenta and yellow dress, a magenta headband, and yellow slippers. She had the same skin color as the older and she had green eyes. Tirek could safely assume they were related.
“Yeah Rarity?” Sweetie Belle said.
“Sweetie Belle, I need to go to the rock fields outside the village for a little while to collect some gems for my next dress design and I need you to look after the shop while I’m gone.” Rarity said.
“Aww can’t I come with you?” Sweetie pleaded. “I don’t want to be stuck here all day.”
“Oh don’t whine Sweetie. It’s not very becoming for a lady.” Rarity said before walking away. “I will be back before gets dark!” she said waving off to her sister, who closed the door to the boutique.
‘I wouldn’t be too sure about that my dear.’ Tirek thought to himself.
Tirek did not approach Rarity right away but instead he waited until he saw the direction she was going and quickly slipped ahead of her. Rarity continued her way to the rock fields, none the wiser about her follower but when she was at the outskirts of her village, a stranger stepped out from behind a building and removed his hood so that she would see his youthful red face. Rarity was startled at first, for she had never seen this man before. At first Tirek was amused by the look on Rarity’s face but he tried not to show it, so he gave her a short bow instead.
“Lovely lady.” He said. He straightens himself up again. “Please forgive me if I have frightened you.”
“Oh I wouldn’t say frightened, just startled that all. My, what a lovely suite you are wearing.” Rarity said.
“Thank you.” Tirek said.
“But who are you if I may ask.” Rarity said.
“Oh yes of course, I am known as Crimson Quartz to my friends.” Tirek lied. He takes one of Rarity’s hands, “And I am delighted to make your acquaintance miss...”
“Rarity” She answered.
Rarity tried to sound as polite as possible but deep down she was nervous. When she saw him attempting to kiss her hand, she quickly pulled it away, and she made a mental note to get away from this man as quickly as possible. She was taught never to talk to strangers (even the handsome ones) by her mother as a child. And this ‘Crimson’ was indeed very handsome but there was something about him that made Rarity feel a sense danger.
“Well it was lovely to meet you Crimson, but I really must be going.” Rarity said trying to walk around him. “Good day to you.”
At first just stood there in surprise. ‘Strange’ Tirek thought. ‘They’re not usually this resistance.’ He just to catch this one. He composed himself and turn around to talk to her directly. “Wait please. If I could just borrow a moment of your time.”
Rarity inwardly cursed her sense of lady like courteousness. She smiled. “Very well. How can I help you?”
“I come from a village just north from here, where I have been studying from my father in the trade of jewelry.” Tirek said.
Rarity’s eyes widen at this. “You’re a Jeweler?” she asked rather excitedly.
‘That’s better’ Tirek thought. “Yes and I have been traveling to your village to see if can find a place to set up my own shop.” He finally reveals the glass box hidden under his cloak. “I have even brought some samples of my own work. There not much but I’m hoping your town officials will at least take an interest.” He presented it to Rarity. “What do you think?”
“Oh” Rarity said admiring the jewelry. “These are beautiful. I love those earing especially and those silver bracelets are... well...”
“Well... what?” Tirek asked.
“Oh please forgive my saying so but these seem rather... simple, compared to rest of your work.” Rarity said politely.
“Oh don’t be afraid to speak your mind my dear and I understand.” Tirek said opening the box. “They may be simple but you must remember that even the simplest of things in life can be beautiful.”
“Hmm... That is true.” Rarity said thoughtfully.
He held one of the bracelets in the palm of his hands. “Would you care to try them on?” he asked.
“Oh no I couldn’t.” Rarity said. “I wouldn’t want to scuff your work before you show them to the town mayor.” Backing away slightly.
“You, scuff them? Oh nonsense.” Tirek said taking a step forward. “I bet they would look lovely on you.”
“Well I couldn’t argue with that but–” Rarity started but was interrupted by the ringing of the clock bell that struck the hour of 6pm. “Oh my goodness the time! I’m so sorry Crimson but I really must be going. Good luck with the mayor.” She said running away.
“Wait!” Tirek shouted but Rarity didn’t stop. He became enraged and grit his teeth. Once he hid himself from any prying eyes he stomped the ground angrily before leaning against the wall of a house and took some deep breathes.
“Calm yourself Tirek.” He said to himself. “Calm down. Anger will gain you nothing.” Once he felt calm enough, he started stroking his goatee and spoke again. “This girl is a little more of challenge than I had originally thought. But no matter, I’ve handled worse, all I need is a different approach but what?” at the corner of his eye he spotted movement. It was a dirty looking grey dog, probably a stray, sniffing the ground. Looking at the mutt, Tirek got an idea.
At the rock fields, Rarity was using her magic to locate any gems that might be under the soil. So far, no such luck.
“It’s alright Rarity.” Rarity said to herself. “You can’t expect to find jewels right away.”
Suddenly she heard... barking? Rarity turned her head and saw large grey dog running towards her, barking, and foaming at the mouth. Rarity screamed at the sight and quickly looked for some safe place. The tall bolder next to her should suffice, she thought, and she quickly climbed up, her blue sack left on the floor. The dog just barely missed her foot as she made it up high enough out of reach of the snarling dog. The dog circled the bolder and continued to bark at the young lady.
“Go away doggie!” Rarity said urgently. “Go away! HELP! SOMEONE HELP!”
A rock was thrown at the dog’s head. Rarity looked ahead and saw Crimson looking at the dog. He had placed his jewelry box on the ground and was now holding a small pile of rocks in one hand and throws another rock with the other.
“Crimson!” Rarity shouted.
The dog growled and ran to Tirek. Tirek quickly made a run for it but then he felt a tug at his neck. The dog had taken a hold of Tirek’s cloak and started tugging at it as Tirek did the same. Suddenly a tearing sound was heard and, much to Tirek’s annoyance, the cloak began to rip at the center. ‘Stupid mutt, that wasn’t part of the plan!’ Tirek thought.
‘Oh no, Crimson!’ Rarity thought. ‘I’ve got to do something!’ she looked around for anything that could help. Then her magic sensed a large rock with jewels inside it. She used her magic to lift the rock midair and sent it straight to the dog’s big head.
The rock hit its target and upon impact the dog releases Tirek’s cloak, causing Tirek to stumble but not fall. The dog shook his head and looked left and right as if not knowing where he was, then the dog saw the death glare on Tirek’s face and ran away yapping in fright. Not paying the dog any mind, Tirek simply dusted himself before he got a sudden attack hug from Rarity. Realizing what she just did, Rarity lets go of Tirek and rubs the back of her head.
“Um... Thank you Crimson.” Rarity said sheepishly. “That was very noble of you. I hope you are not hurt.”
“It was nothing Rarity.” Tirek said. He took a hold of her hand as he spoke. “When I heard you screaming from the skirts of the village, I ran straight over and I certainly wasn’t going to let some dog hurt you.”
Rarity smiled but then she noticed his cloak. “Oh dear your cloak is torn. But don’t worry I can fix it.” she reaches in her pocket and pulls out a spool and a sewing needle. “Oh darn! This spool has no thread!” she was discouraged by this but then she got an idea. She plucks a strand of her own long purple hair. “Hold out your cloak please.” She urged. “If I sew it right, you won’t see the tear and when you get home you can sew it up properly.”
Surprisingly, Tirek was almost tempted to stop her, to tell her it wouldn’t be necessary, but on the other hand this would be an opportunity to see what other skills she possessed. So, Tirek smiles and holds the cloak up to the light so that she may see the rip. Rarity quickly gets to work in fixing it.
“This is incredibly generous of you Rarity.” Tirek said. “Thank you” It felt strange to Tirek just how sincere it was to say that and mean it.
“It may not be my best work mind you.” Rarity said. “But it should hold at least and... there.” She held the cloak out.
He grabs the cloak and proceeds to tying it back on. When looks up again he sees Rarity holding out his jewelry box to him, which he also takes.
“Now I simply must repay you.” Tirek said smiling as he opened his box and pulled out the bracelets.
“Oh no you don’t have to do that.” Rarity said. “You helped me enough already.”
“But I insist. You made the dog leave and even used a lock of your own hair to mend my old cloak.” He said sincerely. “I wouldn’t feel right not giving you something in return. Here” he held the two bracelets to her.
Rarity was touched by the offer. “But what about your presentation to the mayor?”
“Let me worry about that.” Tirek said. “Besides I can’t think of anyone who deserves these more than you.”
“Well... oh all right.” Rarity said. She takes the bracelets and slips one on each wrist. “Oh you were right earlier. They may be simple but they are lovely.”
Placing the box in a secret pocket of his cloak, Tirek watched in great delight as Rarity puts both bracelets. “Oh but my dear Rarity, you haven’t even seen the best part yet.” He said rubbing his hands together.
Rarity looks at him questioningly. “Best... Part?” She asked. “What do you mean?"
Tirek clears his throat and says,
“Magic bracelets, do as I say... Her fears, her thoughts, take away!
A slave you will be... And you shall obey only ME!”
Rarity grew frightful at his word but then she felt a horrible tightening feeling at her wrist. She looks down and sees the bracelets grow thicker and heavier, then a chain sprouted from the right and attached itself to the left. Then the shackles began to pulse with an orange glow. She was about to scream but was silenced as her thoughts started to disappear from her mind and she began to feel dizzy. Her eyes closed her eyes briefly and when they opened again they no longer held her blue eyes but instead a swirl of red and orange. She just stood there with her eyes and mouth open.
“Finally” Tirek let out a deep breath and wiped his brow. “You were a tough one to catch but seeing you like this, makes it worth all the trouble.” He paused as if expecting her to answer but she didn’t of course. He takes a hold of her chin closes her mouth for her. “Now show me that lovely smile of yours.”
Thinking of nothing else but to obey her master, a euphoric smile appeared on Rarity’s face.
“That’s better” he said. “Now tell me, whom do you belong to? Who do you swear your life long service to?”
“To you my lord...” Rarity answered in a dreamlike voice, like she was talking to a sweetheart. “You own me, body and soul. I am yours forever and a day.”
To hear Rarity say all of that, Tirek was practically on cloud nine. He admired her beauty once more.
“You know my dear. If you and I had met in the same way, but in another life, I think I would have fallen in love with you...” Tirek said. “But in this life, however, I find the idea of you being my slave far more appealing. So in light of that.” He takes his other hand to her face and closes her eyes for her. “Sleep my ornament."
Rarity obeyed and fell into an entranced sleep. She would have fallen to the floor had Tirek not picked her up and flung her over his shoulders.
“Now then. Magic cloak, obey my command, take me back to my castle.” Tirek said.
The cloak lifted the wizard into the air but before it could take off... the cloak tugged tightly around his neck causing him to choke. When he looked down he saw... Sweetie Belle hanging by his cloak.
“LET GO OF MY SISTER YOU CREEP!” Sweetie Belle shouted.
“You... brat!” Tirek wheezed. “Let... Go!” he tried to shake the child off.
Sweetie Belle swung from side to side but would not let go.
“RARITY!” Sweetie Belle shouted. “RARITY PLEASE WAKE UP! RARITY!!!”
From inside Rarity’s Mind
She felt content. As if all the troubles of the world had lifted off her shoulders and she all she had to do was to stay in this state of mindless bliss.
There was a soft buzzing in her head, but it was not annoying, it was more like a white noise. But the best thing she heard was the sound of Tirek’s voice. It didn’t matter what he said, she was just so happy to have him be so close to her that she would obey any command he gave her.
But then she heard a different sound, another voice? It wasn’t like her master’s, it was higher in pitch and it spoke her name.
“RARITY!” the voice shouted. “RARITY PLEASE WAKE UP! RARITY!!!”
Rarity knew that voice somehow... perhaps just a peek wouldn’t hurt.
Rarity’s spiraling eyes open slightly and she saw the child clinging to Tirek’s magic cloak. But because of the spell, Rarity didn’t even recognize this little as her sister.
“Let... go you... brat!” Tirek rasped.
Hearing her master say this, even in her state, Rarity got a good idea of what was going on. Wanting only to help her lord, Rarity began to speak very softly.
“Let...” She struggled to say before her eyes closed again, “Go...”
Suddenly the hair that was sewn in the magic cloak began to glow softly. Then, as if it had a free will of its own, the cloak spread open and wrapped itself around Tirek. Soon all three of them fell to the ground in a short distance. Tirek landed on a rock against his head (knocking him out), Rarity on her back with her shackled hands over her head, and Sweetie landed on her feet. With everyone back on the ground, Sweetie lets go of the cloak and runs to her sister’s side.
“Rarity!” Sweetie pleads, “Rarity wake up!” Sweetie shakes Rarity by the shoulders, lightly slapped her cheek and still called out her name but Rarity’s only reaction was a light mumble. “Come on Rarity!” Sweetie tried to think of something else she could do. Then she saw the shackles on Rarity and how they still pulsed in an orange glow. “Those chains.”
Sweetie finally understood what she had to do. She looked around for something that could help, then she saw Rarity’s sack for jewel collecting and she remembered that she had Rarity’s shovel strapped to her belt. Sweetie takes out the small shovel and aims the spade over the chain. With one thrust, the chain broke in two; the magic glow vanished and shackle evaporated into silver dust. Rarity’s eyes shot open, she sat up and gasped for air.
“Rarity!” Sweetie said, now facing her sister.
Rarity blinked a few times, “Sweetie? What happened? And why do my wrist hurt?” Rarity asked. When she saw how they were black and blue, Rarity winced in the pain.
“Rarity we got to get out of here.” Sweetie said standing up, steps behind Rarity, and grabs her sister from under her arms so she could stand. “Before he wakes up.”
“Before who wakes up?” Rarity asked.
“Ugh...” A low groan was then heard.
When Rarity looked in the direction of the noise she saw an unconscious Crimson, swaddled up in his cloak, lying on the floor. Suddenly the events came back to her and she shrilled in fright. Rarity quickly got back on her feet, took Sweetie Belle by the hand, and ran straight back to the village. Not once looking back and they didn’t stop until they reached their home. They locked the doors/windows, closed the drapes, and hid themselves in the basement for the rest of the night.
At some point of the night, when they had finally calmed down and Rarity’s wrist had been bandaged and put in some cold water, Rarity recounted the events of her encounter with Crimson to Sweetie Belle (at least the parts she could remember anyway). Then it was Sweetie’s turn to explain.
“Well I was looking after the boutique like you wanted when I went outside for some air because it stuffy inside.” Sweetie said. “Then I saw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and just went over to say ‘Hi’ really quick and then they left. I was about to go back inside and when I did, I found your jewel–digging shovel on the kitchen table. You must have forgotten it and I know you’d hate dig with your bare hands, then you would wine and then I wouldn’t stop hearing about it for weeks if you broke a nail and...” Sweetie exaggerated.
Rarity cleared her throat. Sweetie looked at Rarity sheepishly.
“Hehe sorry. Anyway, so I strap the shovel under my belt, put up the ‘Be Back Later’ sign on the door before locking it and started walking to the rock fields. On my way there, a grey dog ran pass me and it looked really scared for some reason. I finally reached the outskirts when I heard some guy yelling something. I didn’t get all of it but I heard ‘Away’ and ‘Me’. Then I got closer and I saw you and that guy and you just stood there staring at him and gawking. And I thought that’s not like Rarity, she hates gawking. He was saying some other stuff but I didn’t hear that either because I wasn’t close enough and I didn’t want him to see me. At first, I thought about running back to get help but then I saw him fling you over his shoulder and he started floating and I realized there was no time. So, I ran over and grabbed him by the cloak so he’d probably choke and let you go. But then he tried to shake me off then his cape just wrapped him up.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow at that. “His cape just wrapped him up?” Rarity repeated. “But how... why?”
“I don’t know but I’m glad it did.” Sweetie then hugs Rarity. “I thought I was going to lose you.” The hug grows tighter. “Do you think he’ll come back?”
Rarity thinks it over for a moment. “I... I don’t know.” Then Rarity looks Sweetie in the eye and gives a comforting smile. “But don’t you worry, I’m not going anywhere.” And then hugs Sweetie Belle in a tight embrace once again.
