Game of Thrones: Equestria

Celestia’s cries were heard throughout the entire castle as she fell to her knees in tears. Marshall held her close while staring at the box of bloodstained feathers that once belonged to his son before ordering the guards to dispose of it discreetly. Luna saw that Selene had fainted from the gruesome sight and ordered the servants to take her to her bed chambers while she helped Marshall calm her sister.

“How could this have happened?!” Celestia wailed.

“I should have never let him go!”

“Sister please…” Luna tried to say.

“I understand this is very tragic, but you must also think about your foal.” Luna placed a hand on her stomach.

“Too much stress isn’t good for it.”

Celestia did her best to calm down as she was lifted up and sat back on the throne while Marshall placed the scroll he received into his vest pocket.

“Guards. Take my wife to her bed chambers. Under no circumstances is she to be disturbed.”

“Yes sir.”

“Come with us your grace.”

Celestia was slowly escorted out of the throne room, leaving only Marshall and Luna. As soon as the doors closed, Marshall’s fists clenched as he roared in anger and shot a blast of smoke at a nearby pillar, demolishing it. He then stomped over to a statue bust of a pony and chucked it through a window, smashing it to pieces.

“RRRAAAAAAHHHH!!! THAT BUCKING SALADIN!!! I’LL TEAR HIS ENTRAILS OUT FROM HIS BUCKING THROAT!!!”

“Husband calm yourself!” Luna begged.

“Calm down? Calm down?!? OUR SON WAS MUTILATED!!”

SLAP!!

Marshall blinked as his lunar wife slapped him across the face. When he turned back to face her, he saw tears pooling from her eyes.

“I am aware…” she choked up as she then hugged him close.

“Our little boy is hurt and alone, and there’s not much we can do. It hurts my very soul just thinking about what he’s going through right now.”

Marshall could only stand there as he hugged his wife close. The two stayed like that for a moment until Marshall heard a chime from his coat pocket. He released Luna to pull out his personal holo crystal to answer it. When he tapped it, a holo projection of Queen Antoinette, her sisters, Queen-mother Elizabeth, Corporal Cherry Top and her platoon, Tarra, and Lock stood there before them. Lock was off to the side as his hair covered his eyes and he was frowning.

“Lord Marshall,” Antoinette spoke with a sad frown.

“I am…so very truly sorry about what had happened, we are to blame for not foreseeing this travesty.”

“Who took my son? WHO?!!” The lord regent demanded as Lock stepped forward.

“…Uba. It was Uba…”

The shock filled Marshall with so much rage that he could barely think but his eyes stayed firmly fixed on Lock.

“So it’s your fault…” he hissed hatefully.

“Because of you…my son was taken and butchered!!” He roared through the crystal.

“Do you know what they sent us? Feathers…bloody feathers RIPPED FROM HIS WING!!”

“Marshall I swear I-!” Lock tried to explain but Marshall would hear none of it.

“If my boy dies or is unable to fly again…I will hold you responsible and place you on the executioner’s block MYSELF!!”

“Hey! He said he was-!”

“TARRA, HUSH!!” Lock bellowed at his mate, making her cower in fear.

“He’s right…it is my fault. I let Uba live that night, now he got away with kidnapping Imperius. There’s nothing left to say, not even apologizing will make up for what I’ve done…”

“Gentlemen, if I may?” Elizabeth interjected.

“While we stand here blaming each other, that poor boy suffers. So we can stand here and bicker like children…or we can go rescue him.”

“How? Saddle Arabia is half a world away.”

“I know a way.” Luna said.

“The Night Witches.”

All but Lock gasped at the mention of the name.

“Who are they?” Lock asked.

“During the great war, a small elite group of my night guard formed a special regiment that dealt with espionage, sabotage, assassinations and all sorts of shadowy warfare. They were the ones that made sure we were a step ahead of the enemy...now it is time to summon them again.”

“But…dear, you know what they are like,” Marshall reminded Luna.

“They’re brash, uncultured, and even though they’re a loyal band, they act mostly of their own accord.”

“I know, but who cares? It’s our son, so I say we use out any means necessary to bring him back,” Luna argued.

“…so be it. Lock, prepare to receive some guests.” Marshall said before ending the transmission and called for a messenger.

“Summon Mistress Rarity to the castle.”

Later at Ponyville

Rarity was sitting in her chair sewing with little Cinder cooing and giggling in her cradle when a knock came at her door.

“Misses Rarity? Message from the castle.” A messenger said.

Rarity sighed as she set her sewing needles aside and went to answer the door.

“Mommy will be right back, my little gemstone~,” she cooed at her daughter. She walked to the front door where a messenger pony waited for her and handed her the letter before leaving. When she opened it and read its contents, she gasped in horror before dropping it.

“Rarity? Was that you?” Spike asked as he descended front the stairs. When he saw his wife’s grim expression, he grew more concerned.

“Woah, hey, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

It was then that he noticed the letter and the seal of Princess Luna on it and immediately knew what it meant.

“So they finally called you back huh?” Spike asked as she hugged him tight.

“I thought I put that life behind me…” Rarity said with a small tear in her eye that was wiped away by her husband.

“No matter what, I’ll always love you. Just make sure to come back to us.” Spike smiled as little Cinder began to whine for her mother.

Rarity sighed as she retreated upstairs to her room. She opened her closet and looked for an old box buried within the confines of her closet. Once she found it, she opened the lid slightly to reveal her old Night Witch armor as weapons. Beside it was a dark blue holo crystal and she picked it up and turned to face the open area of her room. With a deep breath, she tapped the crystal and waited. After about a minute of waiting, the crystal flashed and a group of thestral mares, two thestralcorns and three winged thestrals appeared.

“Misty Night, Lunar Star, Cold Mist, Shadow Claw, and Whisper Wind,” Rarity spoke.

“It’s been some time, girls.”

“Captain.” They said in unison with a customary salute.

“We heard you have a daughter now.” Misty smiled while Rarity began to dress herself.

“Yes, a little Kirin. She’s so cute.”

“So what’s our mission?” Star inquired while cleaning her fingernails with a dagger.

“Locate and rescue.” Rarity said while strapping on her boots.

“Just hours ago, Prince Imperius was kidnapped and taken to Saddle Arabia. Princess Luna wants us to bring him back.” She paused to pull out her old crossbow.

“By any means. We are to rendezvous at the royal palace in Prance. Be ready.”

“Ma’am!” They saluted once more before the transmission ended.

Rarity felt nervous as she slowly went downstairs to confront her husband who was holding their whiney foal. As she stepped out of the shadows, she was dressed in a pitch black cloak and leather armor with the hood covering her mane.

“I’ll be back…I promise.” She said before taking her daughter and calming her down.

“Ohh there there my little Cinder. Mommy loves you so much.” She cooed while nuzzling her and handed her back to Spike.

“Oh…Spikey, before I go, I must ask.” She stopped to move her cloak aside.

“Does this make my butt look big?” She asked while posing for him.

“Umm…if I don’t know if I should say yes.” He smirked before receiving a goodbye kiss.

Rarity giggled as she left for the door. She looked over her shoulder one last time to her family before leaving and making her way to the train station. As she waited for the train, she pulled her hood off and began clearing her thoughts.

“You still fill out that armor quite nicely, Diamond of Shade,” a voice called out from behind her, calling her by her old nickname. Rarity turned to see her old squad approach her from the shadows.

“How did you all get here so quickly?” Rarity wondered as the two thestrals, Lunar Star and Cold Mist, plopped down beside her.

“That old training never goes away.” Star smirked before hugging her captain.

“So where’s that stud dragon of yours? And that little kirin cutie?” Mist asked while looking around.

“Spike and Cinder are at home where they are safe. Besides, Cinder is too young for train stations, the loud noises will scare her.”

“Aw, I wanted to pinch her little cheeks!” Whisper whined.

“Hey captain, you mind answering something for me?” Claw requested.

“Of course, what is it?” Rarity wondered as the mare fished out a photo. It was her, Spike, Rainbow, Applejack, and Dimitri all standing just outside her boutique. It was the day Rainbow and Applejack came to visit.

“I know about these two mares and their kids, but I ain’t never seen this guy,” Claw pointed out.

“He looks weird, but also…mysteriously studly~.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Claw!” Misty snapped.

“Ah kiss my flank, prude!” Claw shot back with a grin.

“Ladies, focus.” Star said sternly.

“Thank you, Star, and that young man is Dimitri Lockdrom; King Beorn’s and Queen Apple Jewel’s Godfather. He is the one we need to speak to.” Rarity said as the next train pulled into the station.

The mares boarded the train which was surprisingly vacant as they went over the details of their mission while inspecting their gear.

“Now let us go over the mission. We are to discuss the events prior to the prince’s kidnapping followed by an investigation into the underground market. Hopefully one of those ruffians will know how we can get into Saladin’s palace undetected.”

“And if they try to stop us?” Claw asked while polishing her dagger.

“Dispatch them. Maim but do not kill.”

The group nodded as the train continued on to Canterlot. Once they arrived, they made their way to the airship ports so that they could depart for Prance. At the ports, they were met with Marshall and Luna who were both looking quite distressed.

“Marshal? Princess Luna?” Rarity called out. When they turned to them, Rarity removed her hood and embraced Luna in a gentle hug.

“I am so sorry, Lady Luna, I promise you we won’t fail in bringing back your precious little boy. As a mother, I will use all of my abilities as the once proud Diamond of Shade.”

“Do whatever you must.” Marshall said with a grim voice as he looked at them with murderous eyes.

“But Uba is mine.”

As the group boarded the airship to Prance, Rarity looked back one last time at Marshall. He was no longer the kind hearted knight she once knew fifteen years ago, now he had become a monster hellbent on revenge.

Later at the castle

Luna retired for the rest of the day while her husband attended to the rest of his duties, starting with the scroll he received moments before his son’s kidnapping. Marshall unfolded the scroll and read its contents again before exhaling.

“Twilight…just what have you done?”

Flashback

Over one month ago

Twilight, Apple Jewel, and Discord had teleported to the outskirts of Equestria to begin their journey to Midnight Palace across the Nether Lands. Their journey had gone on for a few days now and the trio were taking a breather and had camped out for the night. Using his magic, Discord fashioned a tent that looked small on the outside but had the interior of a two story house. The tent had three bedrooms and a bathroom as Twilight and Apple Jewel were bathing together.

“You should really take better care of your mane and coat, Apple Jewel,” Twilight said as she sat behind Jewel and scrubbed her head with some soap.

“It’s important for a young mare your age to look vibrant and healthy.”

“Yes Aunt Twilight.” Apple Jewel smiled while her mane was tended to.

The two mares enjoyed their bath while Discord hovered above the tent on a cotton candy cloud and stared out into the wasteland and beyond.

“My, it’s as dull as I remember.” The Lord of Chaos sighed before taking another chunk out of the cloud.

“Are you ladies done in there?”

“Patience, Discord, and don’t even think about peeking!” Twilight warned.

“I would never! I’ll have you know that I keep scoundrels from peeking in on Fluttershy when she bathes! She’s quite bashful you know.”

“Um…h-hello?”

Discord almost fell out of his cloud and looked down to see a cloaked figure with its hood over his head.

“Wait a moment…i-is that you Discord?”

The draconequus squinted his eyes as he peeled back to hood and gasped after seeing who was under it. A young gargoyle with a cow-like tail with a flattened cow-like face, and a set of bat-like wings with a spike on each.

“Why little Scorpan!” Discord cheered as he poofed from his cloud to the ground.

“My word, you haven’t changed! Look at you! Just as I remember a thousand years ago.” Discord then paused and tapped his chin.

“Say, shouldn’t you be an old geezer by now? No offense.”

“Discord who’s out there?” Twilight called as she stepped out of the tent with Apple Jewel.

“Ah, allow me to introduce you both to Prince Scorpan, son of Vorak.”

Both princesses bowed with friendly smiles but Scorpan began to sweat bullets as he grabbed Discord by the throat with a very audible crunching sound.

“ARE YOU INSANE?!? After all these years, you brought ponies here after my father worked so hard to forge a delicate pact with Celestia?!? Don’t you remember what my brother did?!?”

“Ack! I can explain!” Discord gagged with his entire body twitching.

“Please release him.” Twilight said calmly.

“We are here on a diplomatic mission from Celestia herself, we promise we are not here to cause trouble.”

Scorpan paused and examined Twilight and noticed key features about her that made him go pale.

“Are…a-are you perhaps an a-a-alicorn?” Scorpan asked hesitantly.

“Why yes, I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship,” Twilight smiled, making Scorpan panic more.

“YOU BROUGHT A PRINCESS HERE?!?” Scorpan shouted in Discord’s face.

“ONCE! ONCE WAS ENOUGH! YOU LEFT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS AND DECIDE TO RETURN, BUT WITH AN ALICORN IN TOW?!? ARE YOU TRYING TO START A MAJOR WAR?!? THIS IS YOUR WORST PRANK EVER!!!”

“Will you PLEASE calm down!” Apple Jewel shouted with a stomp of her hoof.

Scorpan immediately released Discord who began gasping for air and hovered to a safe distance.

“Uh…forgive me. It’s just that we don’t usually have, shall we say, guests.” Scorpan apologized.

“It’s understandable, given our nation’s past history with your brother.” Twilight sighed.

“But this is very important, please take us to King Vorak.”

Scorpan froze at the mention of his father’s name and knew he would not be happy to hear of foreign visitors crossing the border without his permission.

“Hmm…I must speak with my family first, give me some time.” Scorpan said before a pair of bat wings appeared from under his cloak and he took to the air with great speed.

“Well that could’ve gone better…” Discord huffed as he rubbed his neck.

“Why did he freak out all of a sudden?” Apple Jewel wondered.

“I mean, I get that Aunt Twilight and my moms fought this guy called Tirek, but did what my uncle say before all this really happened? What was that hermit’s name?”

“That was no hermit.” Discord said while leaning back in midair.

“That was Sendak. Once part of King Vorak’s court but banished for his questionable methods to obtain magic.”

“Questionable?”

“How do you think Tirek discovered how to drain magic from ponies?” He asked the northern princess with one eye looking at her.

“Sendak was the one responsible for Tirek?” Twilight asked and Discord nodded.

“He was only the trigger, and you know the rest of the story of how Tirek and Scorpan came to Equestria. But Tirek was always a troublesome centaur, always disobeying Vorak and wanting more in life than just being heir to the Midnight Palace.”

Before Apple Jewel could speak, a yawn escaped her mouth which caused her to blush.

“It’s late, you two should return to the tent and rest, I’ll keep watch,” Discord said as he snapped his fingers and was dressed in a goofy looking guards outfit.

The princesses obliged and turned in for the evening while at the Midnight Palace, things were getting interesting.

As Scorpan promised, he went to speak to his father and as he expected, he was not happy that Equestrians and Discord were trespassing in his kingdom. A large centaur wearing a royal cloak, a full-bodied grey suit, and armor consisting of a gold sapphire chest plate, and golden hoof coverings and wrist coverings. His red-skinned face, black eyes with yellow irises, with black sideburns mirror that of Tirek, with a grey beard mane and tail showing his age. He sat on the throne as he stroked his beard.

“Hmm…you said Princess Twilight is with them?” Vorak asked his son.

“Yes father, and there was another mare with them. She looked Equestrian but wore northern attire…she seemed to be a princess as well.”

“How interesting…” Vorak hummed as he leaned forward slightly.

“I shall allow them entry upon their arrival. Spread the word of our…guests who are on their way.”

“Yes father.”

Back at the tent, Twilight and Apple Jewel were laying in bed together as Apple Jewel cuddled with her aunt.

“This feels nice,” Jewel smiled as Twilight wrapped her wings around her adopted niece.

“Is it ever hard? Being the princess of friendship?”

“It does have its challenges but I have my friends to help me.” Twilight smiled when she noticed Jewel was frowning.

“I wish daddy was here to help me…”

“I know sweetie. I miss him too, he was a good friend to me and your mothers.”

Jewel shifted in bed until she was eye level with Twilight.

“Aunt Twilight? Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course.”

“Pinkie promise you won’t tell anypony else.”

“Very well. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Twilight chanted, doing the gesture.

“Okay…w-well, recently, I’ve sort of been having these feelings.”

“Feelings? What kind?”

“Feelings…like attraction.”

“Oh! You like somepony? That’s wonderful! I’m sure that-!”

“To mares.”

This news made Twilights ears perk up in surprise as she continued.

“It started when…I saw two shield maids making out…is it weird?”

“No no, it’s perfectly normal. In fact, some of the royal guards are the same.”

“Really?” Jewel asked.

“Yes, besides and don’t tell your mothers this, before they met your father, they might have had a sort of secret relationship of their own,” Twilight whispered, making Jewel’s eyes widen.

“I know, and they were terrible at keeping it a secret, they made it a little too obvious sometimes without even intending to.”

“So…I can date girls?”

“Only if you feel ready. Now get some sleep.”

“Yes Aunt Twilight,” Jewel said as she snuggled back against her aunt.

You sure have a very special daughter, Applejack. Twilight thought as she kissed her niece’s forehead and fell asleep.

The next morning

After packing up the tent and continuing their journey, the trio soon caught sight of their destination: The Midnight Palace. The large structure, towering over the city it loomed over, set an unsettling chill down Twilight’s and Apple Jewel’s spine as they approached.

“That place gives me the creeps,” Apple Jewel muttered.

“I agree, and I’ve seen my fair share of creepy places,” Twilight added.

“You get used to it, though it could use a new coat of paint,” Discord mused.

The trio soon arrived at the front gates of the wall that surrounded the city and were met with two gargoyle guards.

“Halt! Who goes there?” One guard demanded.

“Gentlemen, I believe you are expecting us?” Said Discord in a surprisingly serious tone.

“Oh. Lord Discord,” The second guard said as they signaled for the gatekeepers to open the way. Behind the door stood an entourage of heavily armored centaurs and gargoyles forming an archway of spears for the royal guests and at the end stood King Vorak and his wife Haydon greeting them with friendly smiles.

“Welcome to our kingdom Princess Twilight and to you as well princess of the north.”

“Thank you, your majesties,” Twilight bowed with Apple Jewel following suit.

“I understand this was…unexpected, but we had to come see you since it was of great importance.”

“The honor is ours, Princess Twilight, you already know of my husband, so I would like to introduce myself formally. I am Queen Haydon,” the Queen spoke softly.

“It’s an honor,” Apple Jewel said.

“I assume you are speaking about the army of the undead?” King Vorak said as the two rulers led them through the streets of their city.

“How did you know about the undead army?” Apple Jewel wondered.

“We have had…encounters with the creatures,”Vorak said as he led the way inside.

“For months, we have had fields turning cold, areas that were once scorching hot are now unbearably cold and worst of all we've had villages burned to the ground with no survivors…”

Both princesses gulped nervously after hearing such details until Queen Haydon decided to lighten the mood.

“Forgive me, my child, but I don’t think we got your name,” She spoke to Apple Jewel.

“It’s Apple Jewel, your majesty, I’m the daughter of Applejack and Wulfric Warborn.”

That last part made both rulers stop in their tracks and turn to the young filly. The guards that stood around whispered to each other as they eyed her.

“Um…was it something I said?”

“Are you truly the daughter of the Beast of the North?” Vorak questioned.

“Beast?” Discord repeated.

“Like many warlords, Wulfric was given a name by other nations. Here, he was known as The Beast.”

“Why?” Twilight wondered.

"During the war, we heard tales of a warrior who fought like a beast with incredible strength. When Dainn came to us for aid, we refused."

“Wait, Dainn Stonehoof came to you?” Twilight asked as they continued on through the halls of the palace.

“Indeed, we were also a tad surprised he managed to make his way here. This, of course, was before he had invaded Equestria. He was looking for alliances and tried to use his vile brainwashing magic against us. But we Centaur and Gargoyle would not be deterred, so we sent him packing,” Vorak explained.

“Which begs the question, Discord, how is it, after all these years did you decide to return? Last I remember, you went off on your own to spread your chaotic ways to your heart’s content. Which is why, I had heard, you were first imprisoned in stone. Surely even Celestia wouldn’t have suggested you take such a big risk by coming here, with ponies no less, so who put you three up to it?”

“Oh I assure you, the idea was mine,” Discord replied.

“Little Apple Jewel here chose to go of her own free will.”

“I see. Brave, like her father,” Scorpan complimented as they entered the dining hall.

A small feast had been laid out as servants pulled out chairs for them and poured them some drinks.

"Wine my dear?" Haydon offered Apple Jewel.

“No thank you, I’m under age,” Apple Jewel said politely.

“Now then, onto official business,” Vorak said as a servant poured wine in his goblet.

“Why have you journeyed so far from Canterlot?”

“We have come to seek an alliance,” Twilight spoke up.

“Our kingdom and the allying nations are fighting two fronts form this war. Prince Blueblood has caused almost as much damage as Dainn Stonehoof and is only getting worse. Not only that, but there’s also the looming thread of the undead army. A friend of ours, along with the Lord Regent, are on their way to receive a precious material that would hopefully combat these dark forces. But we feel as though we cannot take any chances, we need all the help we can get, and it looks as though you are also in need of help.”

Vorak was quiet as he listened and took a sip of his wine. He looked to Haydon and Scorpan who nodded to him and he closed his eyes.

“What you say is true, even with my army’s strength, we still are unable to handle the undead army properly. I am willing to consider an alliance, on one possible condition,” he said, holding up a finger.

“And what’s that?” Twilight wondered.

“You return my misguided fool of a son, Tirek, into my custody.”

“FATHER NO!” Scorpan protested.

“I know he is family but you know what he is like!”

“Be silent, Scorpan!” Vorak yelled to his son.

“I said return him but not free him. I know his mana addiction is dangerous.”

“Mana addiction?” Apple Jewel questioned.

“Another word for magic my dear. When Tirek learned how to drain magic from that fiend, Sendak, his body actually became weaker. So weak that not even bread and water could satiate his hunger,” Haydon said as she sipped her wine.

“When I finally learned what had truly happened that day, when Sendak captured that unicorn and tried to drain his magic, I had gone to confront Tirek. However, he and Scorpan already made for Equestria in search of more mana to drain,” Vorak said.

“And that’s when you met Starswirl the bearded,” Twilight guessed, looking over to Scorpan.

“Yes. He was able to stop me from ending up like my brother and though it pained me greatly, I had to stop him or both our kingdoms would be plunged into endless war.”

Twilight nodded in acknowledgement of Scorpan’s selfless deed but was still concerned about Vorak’s offer.

“Vorak, I must know. What will you do once you have Tirek?”

“He will remain in stone, painful as it is. I will have him locked in the deepest part of the dungeons until we can find a cure for his addiction.”

“Does that mean you plan to bring him into this?” Haydon asked her husband who seemed to be dissatisfied with the idea as well.

“Yes...guards! Go to the mines and bring me Sendak.”

The guards saluted and went to fetch their longtime prisoner.

“Sendak? That old coot is still alive?” Discord asked.

“Indeed, though I personally would have preferred to have him executed, he did not technically commit any major crimes against The Midnight Palace. So I sentenced him to work in the mines for the rest of his days,” Vorak said.

“I also still blame him for corrupting Tirek with his malicious teachings about the foreign magic of Equestria. Perhaps if I had kept a closer eye on him, maybe I’d still have both my sons at my side.”

“Do not blame yourself, dear.” Haydon smiled at her husband while gently holding his hand.

“Now we must ask. Where is King Beorn? Should he not be here as well?” Scorpan asked as they continued to dine.

“Unfortunately, he is busy guarding the western borders from Blueblood’s army. Like father, like son, they say.” Discord shrugged before eating his dinner napkin.

The Mines

Deep in the mines beneath Vorak’s palace, a single centaur was mining out a few rocks while his chains rattled with each strike of his pickaxe. The other workers steered clear of him and avoided contact as best they could with guards keeping a close watch on the prisoner.

“Alright, water break!” The mine’s foreman shouted as workers were handed their rations. As the workers waited for their turn, the old centaur was next to receive his ration, but instead the foreman took the water barrel away.

“What’s the meaning of this?” The old centaur croaked.

“Hm? Oh, we’re out,” the gargoyle foreman snorted.

“I beg to differ, I know that there’s plenty in that barrel for me.”

“You gettin’ smart with me?” The foreman snapped.

“Cause maybe you don’t need water at all!”

“Please? For an old soul like me?”

“Hmph! Here you go then,” the foreman scoffed, purposely shoving the ration at the old centaur and making most of the contents spill.

“Be sure to make it last, Sendak.” The foreman and the other guards laughed as the old hermit scuttled away.

As Sendak picked at his moldy crust of bread, the distinct sound of marching boots could be heard echoing in the mine as two centaur royal guards appeared to the foreman.

“Where is Sendak?” The first one asked.

“There in the corner, eating bread.” The foreman pointed his thumb casually at the old hermit.

"Bring him up, the king wants him." The second guard ordered while handing the foreman new shackles to put on him.

"What? Why now?" The foreman asked in confusion as he picked up the chains.

"You're not paid to ask questions so just do it!"

“Alright, alright…” the foreman sighed as he approached Sendak.

“Hey! Get your ass up! The King wants to see you!”

“Am I finally to get executed?” Sendak guessed emotionlessly.

“Here’s hoping, you treasonous dog.”

“If only you people weren’t so thick, you would know that I had no plans of treason,” Sendak lectured as he was escorted towards the guards.

“I would have been able to show this kingdom a new light in the magical arts!”

“Save it old man, move it.”

As Sendak was lead up the stairs, he began to feel a gentle breeze caress his skin before wincing at the first glimpse of sunlight as he stepped out of the tunnel.

“Ahhh freedom.” The old hermit sighed after taking a deep breath.

“Not quite.” Said the guard holding his chains with a smirk as they took him to the throne room.

“My king. We have brought him.”

All but Sendak bowed to Vorak who seemed to shoot daggers at the old centaur who was grinning smugly at him.

“Vorak…you look well.”

“Save your pleasantries, whelp, I have a task for you that might earn you your freedom,” Vorak spat.

“Oh? And what would you have me-”

Sendak was interrupted when his eye caught the sight of Twilight. His eye twitched as a wide and toothy grin spread across his face like a madman.

“Is that…AN ALICORN?!? I CAN SENSE HER MAGIC!! SUCH WONDERFUL RAW MAGIC, RIPE FOR THE TAKING!!”

“GUARDS!!” Haydon shouted before the guards pinned Sendak to the ground after striking him.

“One more outburst like that and it’s back to the mines!” The queen threatened, surprising Twilight and Apple Jewel.

“Urf! Apologies…my queen.” Sendak wheezed as he was forced to his hooves.

“This is our offer. You cure my son of his mana addiction and I will grant you full pardon on the condition that you never use this foul magic again.” Vorak said calmly but Scorpan could see his father gripping the throne to the point of cracking.

“What say you?”

“Bahahahaha!” The old hermit laughed.

“Cure?! CURE?! You honestly think I can cure your power mad son?! Bah, I say. Bah! His condition is far more destructive than my own. True, even I suffer from mana addiction, but you did not see me going about draining those ponies of all their magic! What makes you believe I can help?”

“Are you saying you can’t?” Haydon asked bitterly.

“Oh no no no, my Queen, I most certainly can. However, from what I hear, Tirek is still trapped in stone, yes? I cannot aid a statue, he must be set free in order for me to treat him.”

“Set free?! Are you crazy?! He’d just go and steal everypony’s magic again!” Twilight pointed out.”

“Oh contraire, dear Princess.” Sendak smirked with his finger pointed up.

“Our dungeons cut off magic. It’s how we keep our most unruly prisoners from escaping and with his skeletal body, not even my old protege will be able to escape.”

“I’ll hold you to that Sendak.” Vorak warned before using his own magic to reshape the shackles into something more manageable.

“With these you can conduct your research freely but try to escape and they’ll burn both your hands off.”

“Isn’t that a bit much?” Apple Jewel questioned as the old centaur looked at her.

“How interesting. Equestrian magic runs through this one and yet...she is of northern heritage.”

“She is the daughter of Wulfric Watborn, if you must know,” Haydon said.

“The Beast?” Sendak said, curiously.

“Very intriguing, I had heard great tales of his conquest during the war.”

“If you would all please excuse me, I need to make a private call,” Twilight said as she stepped out of the throne room. She walked until she was by herself in one of the hallways and pulled out her personal holo crystal. After tapping it a few times, it lit up as a miniature projection of Celestia popped up. Only problem was, she was in the middle of showering and was humming to herself, in all her nude glory.

“Hm? Oh Twilight. This is embarrassing.” Celestia said sheepishly while Twilight covered her face.

“I AM SO SORRY!!”

“Oh it’s fine, it’s just us girls.”

After collecting herself, Twilight explained the situation to Celestia while she dressed herself and as expected, her former mentor was not too sure about the arrangement.

“Hmm, this is a very big risk Twilight. You sure you know what you’re doing?” Celestia asked her former pupil.

“I am. I’m sure we can get Vorak’s help if we do this for him. Despite what his son has done to Equestria, he really does still care for him.”

“So you say, but this is Tirek we are talking about.”

“I know, but it is what King Vorak asks of us.”

Celestia rubbed her chin as she crossed her arms over her bloated belly. She closed her eyes and exhaled as she looked to Twilight.

“Very well, my sister and I will send Tirek to you at once. Just send me the coordinates with your holo crystal.”

“Thank you Celestia,” Twilight smiled.

“Oh and Twilight? I just recalled something when you had called me while I was washing.”

“Um…what’s that?”

“When you return, I would like you to join me in the bath as we once did when you were a filly. Would that be alright?” Celestia asked in her trademark motherly tone.

Twilight began to turn red with embarrassment at the offer as she kindly refused.

“Uhh th-thank you Celestia but that’s not necessary and besides you’re pregnant!”

“Oh no need to worry, the tub is big enough for five plus I could really use the help scrubbing my wings since I can’t move much and as a bonus, I’ll let you feel the baby~.”

The princess of friendship felt even more tempted as Celestia rubbed the bump under her towel with a warm smile.

“Uhhhh! Fine.”

“Thank you Twilight. It’ll be nice for us to bond again.”

Twilight nodded and hung up with a bright blush on her face. After sending her the coordinates of where to send Tirek, she returned to inform King Vorak and the others. Soon after, all were escorted to the open courtyard where they patiently waited for Celestia and Luna to send Tirek.

“Aunt Twilight, I don’t know about this,” Apple Jewel said warily.

“My mommas always told Beorn and I about this Tirek guy. He gave you and everyone else a run for their bits, didn’t they?”

“Just trust me Apple Jewel and stay close.”

The group watched as a portal opened in the center of the courtyard before a knight dressed in jet black armor appeared wielding a sword that looked like it was carved from the night sky.

“Marshall?” Twilight asked as the lord regent removed his helmet.

“Sorry, security measures.”

The lord regent soon caught the sight of Vorak and Haydon and politely bowed his head.

“Lord Vorak, Lady Haydon, an honor. I am Marshall, Lord Regent of Equestria.”

“The honor is ours, Sir Marshall,” Vorak nodded.

“Now then, where is my son?”

Reluctantly, Marshall looked back at the portal and whistled as a carriage was pulled through by a few more guards. On it, was the still petrified statue of Tirek himself. Twilight instinctively gulped at the sight as the statue was set down on the ground and the guards went back through the portal, followed by Marshall as he passed by Twilight.

“I truly hope you know what you’re doing, Twilight, this could go either way,” Marshall informed the young alicorn.

Twilight nodded as they vanished through the portal while Haydon placed a hand on the petrified form of her son and could not help but weep at his malnourished figure.

“Tirek…my sweet boy.”

“My love, we must move him to the dungeon,” Vorak spoke gently to his wife as the guards hauled the statue inside.

“If you would allow it, King Vorak, I would like to help.”

“You princess?”

“Yes. I believe I can help cure your son with Sendak’s research.”

Vorak thought carefully as he recalled many of Twilights exploits before taking one last look at Tirek’s statue and his wife who was still wiping away her tears.

"Very well but you will be guarded at all times."

The group soon arrived at the cells and strapped shackles to each of Tirek’s limbs as a precaution. Once everything was set, Twilight stepped forward and closed her eyes. Her horn lit up as she concentrated and her body began to glow. Her wings unfurled out wide as she hovered in mid air and her magic continued to skyrocket. As soon as she opened her now glowing eyes, a blast of powerful magic shot towards the statue. Cracks spread throughout Tirek’s body and soon the evil centaur was free of his petrifaction. He collapsed to the ground, wheezing and coughing as Twilight descended to the ground.

“GASP! Cough! Cough!…Blast it all!” Tirek wheezed as he shakily looked up.

“Who’s there?! Where am I?! Who-!”

His words were cut short when his vision returned to see his own family.

“Mother…? Father?!”

As soon as he saw Scorpan, he glared at the gargoyle prince and lunged at him. Only to be held back effortlessly by the chains.

“YOU!! YOU TRAITOR!! I TRUSTED YOU, YOU STUPID BRAT!!”

“Brother calm yourself!” Scorpan pleaded as his brother thrashed about.

“HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACE TO ME?!! Do you know the torment I endured all these years because of you?!?”

“Tirek! Enough!” Vorak bellowed at his sons.

“You have caused this family enough trouble.”

“As if I have to listen to a washed out old fool like you!” Tirek spat.

“What did you say?!”

“Nothing was ever enough! You think I don’t know how much you despised me?! You think I have forgotten all the outlandish insults you would say about me behind my back?! I deserved better than what I was going through! I was meant to rule over that pathetic land of Equestria!” Tirek’s manic smile formed.

“I had it all, ALL OF IT! I can still remember having all that alicorn magic within me, but I was denied my destiny by six insufferable ponies!” His eye caught Twilight, making him seeth a glare of venomous hate.

“And speaking of the most insufferable of them all…”

“Nice to see you too,” Twilight deadpanned when the shriveled up centaur caught a glimpse of Apple jewel.

“Oh, and who is this?” He asked while taking a sniff in the air.

“Ugh! She stinks of northern blood and that pathetic farm pony. Did those caribou win after all?” Tirek grinned before Apple Jewel landed a punch right in his muzzle.

“ACK!!”

“Watch how you talk about my parents, jerk!!”

"Impressive." Vorak smirked while his son cringed in pain.

“Why am I even back here?” Tirek grumbled.

“I thought you banished me?”

“We did, but circumstances have changed after all these years. I, for one, would rather send you back to Tartarus. However, I do this not for me, but for your mother.”

“And what, darling father, may that be?”

“To cure you of your addiction, Tirek,” Haydon spoke up.

“Look at you, look at what you’ve become! This thirst for magic will be the death of you!”

Tirek scoffed as he turned away from his mother.

“I have no regrets for my past actions and you can't cure what I have father,” He glared spitefully at Vorak.

“One day, I will have power so great that even you will bow before me! My thirst isn’t for magic…it is for POWER! And that will never be quenched!!”

Vorak sighed as he turned away from his sons rambling.

“You disappoint me my son…”

Vorak then motioned with his hand to the guards as some of them, wearing hoods, circled Tirek.

“Since you are so inclined to be this difficult, I suppose you truly are a lost cause. Therefore, you belong back in your old prison: Tartarus.”

“T-Tartarus?!” Tirek yelped.

“There’s no point in petrifying you again, it’s just a lost cause. There’s no hope for you, so all you can do is spend the rest of your days in Tartarus. Sorcerers! Ready the seal!”

“NO!” Haydon pleaded.

“Tirek please. Let us help you, we can be a family again.”

Despite his rage, Tirek could not deny his mothers please since she was the only one he truly cared for.

“Very well...for you mother.”

“Now was that so hard?” Vorak asked with sarcasm in his voice before snapping his fingers to summon Sendak and a few royal alchemists.

“I trust you remember your old master. He will be responsible for your treatment.”

The two centaurs gazed at each other, each filled with spite and hatred as they were silent for several moments.

“You’ve gotten so decrepit, you old goat,” Tirek spat.

“And you are as thick as you are brain dead,” Sendak said as he examined Tirek.

“By the old makers, look at you. Your condition is more serious than anticipated.”

“It’s thanks to her,” Tirek said, nodding towards Twilight.

“You’ve no idea the magic I’ve tasted. I had the magic essence of all four alicorns within me. Your teachings proved useful after all, my old mentor.”

“And look where that’s gotten you, a skinny old walking corpse who can’t go a day without extracting a poor soul’s magic. Had you heed my warnings, neither of us would have ended up imprisoned.”

Tirek only scoffed in response while Sendak began calling for the guards to help set up the lab equipment and to bring him his personal effects, among them a dusty old journal filled with various notes on magic and how to obtain it.

“Amazing.” Twilight said as she looked at the illustrations in the book.

“Indeed. I began my research with magical creatures before moving onto more intelligent beings. Had this brat not betrayed me, he would’ve learned the drawbacks of draining too much magic at once.”

“Can it be reversed?” Twilight asked curiously while the lab was set up.

“In theory, yes. But we’ll need time.”

Soon the lab was set and Tirek was led to the side of the room where he was chained by his neck by a loose chain so he could move about. Sendak then paced around the room and observed his surroundings before nodding and turned to the group.

“Everything is set, I suppose. I shall do my best to treat the boy to the best of my abilities,” Sendak said.

“We shall leave you to it.” Vorak said as he then glared at the old hermit.

“I’d advise you remember the repercussions should you attempt anything unwise, such as betraying me once again.”

“Of course, your majesty.” Sendak bowed with his hand behind his back. Tirek soon caught sight of his hand making a certain gesture that he had seen once or twice before. It almost made him smile evilly, were it not for his family, Twilight, and Discord in the room.

So…that’s your game? Tirek thought maliciously.

One Month Later

An entire month has passed since Sendak was tasked with curing Tirek’s addiction and the process has been slow. Despite Sendak’s efforts, Tirek’s addiction was more advanced which made his job more difficult. Especially when there were some close calls that involved Tirek almost escaping. As Sendak worked tirelessly, Twilight and Apple Jewel were spending time together at all times. Even with Discord, if they allowed it. The two Princesses were enjoying learning about the citizens of the Midnight Kingdom and its history. As expected, there was a rich history from how the centaurs and gargoyles came together and formed their kingdom. Twilight had spent most of her time in the royal library, which Haydon had offered her to use, and she at one point slept in the library a few nights.

Things were going well, despite the circumstances, and Vorak was still keeping an eye on Sendak and Tirek. Though as Tirek’s treatment continued, Vorak couldn’t help but get a gut feeling to keep his guard up whenever he thought about the two. He couldn’t explain it, despite his years of battle and strategy, but he knew he had to be ready for whatever was in store. Today, Sendak had called for the royals and Discord to gather in the old hermit’s lab so that he may present his progress. Along the way, Haydon noticed her husband’s eyes narrowed as he was deep in thought about something as they walked through the halls.

“You alright dear?”

“It’s Tirek. His recovery is too slow, Sendak should’ve been making progress.”

“I’m sure it just takes time.”

Despite Haydon’s optimism, Vorak could not shake his gut feeling as they entered the room where his son and Sendak awaited.

“Your majesties, so glad you could come.” The old hermit smiled with a bow.

“This had better be good old man.” Vorak said as he crossed his arms at the two.

“Oh it is, I have made much progress with my patient,” Sendak said.

“In fact, I believe I can cure his addiction with a spell I invented. All I require is one very special ingredient.”

“And that is?” Haydon wondered.

“Just a touch of Princess Twilight’s magic,” Sendak boldly requested.

Discord was quick to react as he prepared a bolt of magic while the guards in the room readied their weapons much to Sendak's surprise.

“This had better be a joke.” Scorpan warned with the same tone his father had.

“Now I assure you Prince Scorpan, my intentions are true!” Sendak defended with his hands raised.

“I just need one jolt of magic, that should be enough to it fix your brother’s mana flow.”

“And how do we know he won’t just go feral once he gets a taste?” Discord questioned, still holding his magic blast ready.

“Because he hasn’t gotten even a taste of magic for this entire month, that’s why. He’s suffering from magic withdrawal, and with the right amount of pure magic, mixed with my own cobblings, his withdrawal will be cured and he won’t be going feral any time soon.”

The group looked at each other skeptically until Vorak cleared his throat and looked to Twilight.

“I choose to leave the decision to you, Princess Twilight. This past month, I have witnessed you a great deal and how wise you can be despite your young age. So what say you?”

Twilight thought long and hard about this decision and looked at Haydon who seemed desperate for her to say yes but remembered her past experience with Tirek and knew what he was capable of yet her years as the princess of friendship always taught her to give others a second chance.

“I’ll do it.” She finally answered with the room having mixed feelings.

“She insane?” One guard whispered to the other.

“I don’t like this…”

“Just be ready.”

Twilight stepped forward and gulped as she lit up her horn. Sendak raised his hand as he used his own magic and his hands glowed. As promised, a small spark of Twilight’s magic shined and floated from her horn and into Sendak’s open palm. He then closed his palm and raised it to his mouth as he whispered his incantations. His hands glowed bright for a brief moment until a small orb of unknown origin was left in his palm. The old hermit walked over to Tirek and lifted the orb to Tirek as he opened his jaw and swallowed it whole. Tirek gasped as his body began to shake and started to grow more girth and his muscled form. His horns grew out a bit more and he breathed in deep and stretched out his arms. Once the transformation was complete, he opened his eyes and exhaled deeply.

“Did…did it work?” Apple Jewel wondered.

Sendak smiled as he waved his hand in a circle around Tirek’s body.

“As you know, mana addiction affects the mind, body, and soul if abused too harshly. The mind deteriorates, the body withers away, and the soul becomes corroded from all the untapped magic that has been forcefully absorbed.” Sendak explained. The ring of magic Sendak made floated in front of Tirek as his body looked like it was see through. Tirek’s body seemed normal as Sendak pointed to his body.

“Normally, you would see many different discolored splotches all over Tirek’s body. But as you can see, none remain thanks to my spell and Princess Twilight’s assistance. It is safe to say that the operation was a complete success. Tirek’s mana flow has been fully repaired and is no longer suffering from withdrawal.”

“I feel…free, in a sense,” Tirek said slowly as he examined his body. Haydon walked towards Tirek, despite everyone’s hesitation, and smiled at her son.

“Tirek, do you truly no longer crave to drain the magic from others?”

To test his new power, Tirek summoned a small orb of magic and began playing with it like a toy as a very satisfied grin appeared on his face.

“Yes mother…I’m stronger now…more powerful than ever!”

The orb dispersed in a flash of sparks that fell to the ground like snowflakes as Tirek embraced his mother through the bars. Haydon wept tears of joy as she embraced her son while the mages and lab assistance began to applaud their success.

“In fact…I would like to request something from you for this commemorative moment.”

“Anything,” Haydon smiled.

Suddenly, Tirek grabbed Haydon’s wrist, shocking the group as a wide and magic smile stretched across Tirek’s face.

“I shall take…YOUR MAGIC!”

Without warning, Tirek opened his mouth wide as his horns glowed and he began inhaling deeply. Strands of magic flowed from Haydon’s body as she could only gasp and whimper as her magic was being taken.

“HAYDON!” Vorak cried.

“MOTHER!” Scorpan yelped.

“Tirek…why?” Haydon muttered.

Once her magic was taken, her form looked dull and weak as she collapsed to the ground. Tirek laughed as he grasped the bars and ripped them off and he set his sights on Twilight.

“YOU’RE NEXT! TWILIGHT SPARKLE!”

Twilight reacted quickly along with Discord as they combined their magics to hold back Tireks assault while Scorpan and Vorak ran to help Haydon.

“My love!” Vorak cried as he held her up to see her eyes had lost their color as if she was blind.

“Mother hang on!” Scorpan pleaded before his eyes locked onto Tirek.

“…Brother…I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THIS!!”

Consumed by rage, Scorpan blasted his brother with his own magic as he, Twilight and Discord began to overpower him.

"Hmm. It's time to go." Tirek said to his old teacher.

“Indeed.”

SHUNK!!

“AAARRGHH!!”

All heads snapped to Vorak and gasped as they saw the pointed end of a sword pierce through the side of his gut and fell to the ground. From behind, Sendak held a sword with a manic grin as Tirek teleported beside him and used his magic to open a portal.

“YOUR MAJESTY!!” The guards cried.

“FATHER!!”

“We shall meet again, my traitorous family,” Tirek hissed as he and Sendak backed into the portal.

“Now we shall take our leave, for once we return, Midnight Palace shall know it’s true ruler.”

And with that, the portal closed and the two fiends were gone.

“GET MY PARENTS TO THE MEDICAL WARD AT ONCE! THIS IS A ROYAL DECREE!” Scorpan yelled.

As the chaos died down, all eyes were on King Vorak and Queen Haydon as they were carried out on stretchers. Vorak seemed to get the worst of it as the medics quickly patched up his wound.

“W-wait…” the king wheezed as he held his son’s hand.

“Scorpan…it’s up to you now cough! help Princess Twilight…you must win this war and-NNNG!!” Vorak cringed as a sharp burst of pain wracked his side.

“I will father! Please just rest.” Scorpan said while gently holding his fathers hand.

“My youngest son…if only your brother were like you…”

Scorpan could only nod as his parents were carried away. The young gargoyle prince then went to check on Twilight and the others and Twilight was in a state of hysteria.

“H-H-How could this have happened?! I was so stupid! I knew he’d pull something like this!”

“Auntie Twilight, it’s not your fault!” Apple Jewel said.

“I concur, we were too blinded by our expectations to not foresee this inevitable betrayal,” Discord added.

“I also agree with Discord,” Scorpan said.

“My brother was always the conniving and deceitful wretch. My family and I wanted him back so badly, it should’ve been obvious he’d pull a stunt like this.”

Twilight took many deep breaths to calm herself and stood up. She then used her magic to summon a paper and quill pen and began to write.

“I must report what has transpired today, Celestia will need to hear of this.”

Once she was done writing, she tied it in a knot and teleported it away.

“My father said that I must win this war,” Scorpan added.

“So as acting ruler of Midnight Palance, I proclaim to you all that you have our undivided support.”

“Thank you Scorpan.”

Meanwhile in Saddle Arabia

Inside a jail cell, a prisoner with a bandaged wing sat in the darkened corner listening to the rats scurrying around followed by the sounds of cheering coming from the outside. The jails warden soon appeared with the sound of his keys jingling as he twirled them around with a smug grin.

“Up and atom boy! It’s your big day.”

The prisoner was a young colt, dressed in torn clothes, as he looked up at the warden. The prisoner was none other than Imperius and he had a look of pure hatred towards the warden.

“Ooh, he’s got some fight left in ya!” The warden mocked as he unlocked the door. He motioned two guards to hoist him up on his hooves. The young princes cringed from his bandaged wing as he was shoved out of his cell.

“Where are you taking me…?” Imperius croaked.

The guards dragged the prince through a bright tunnel before he was tossed out and found himself surrounded by a massive crowd and was handed a sword and shield.

“Try not to die too quickly.” The warden smirked as he turned back and trumpets began to play.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!” A pony dressed in robes shouted from atop a podium in the stands.

“Our most gracious majesty; Lord Saladin has given us a special treat! Today a new competitor has entered the arena but this is no ordinary gladiator… he is the son of Celestia herself! PRINCE IMPERIUS!!”

The crowd booed and gave a thumbs down to the young prince as he retrieved his gear, looking barely able to stand.

“Today he fights for his freedom as all who have come before him! One hundred fights, one hundred victories to earn the right to leave this glorious arena-BUT…will he survive his first bout?”

The announcer smiled as a portcullis on the opposite end of the arena was raised and a snarling beast could be heard storming out of it.

“Today, the prince must face one of the most ferocious creatures ever to stalk the wilds of Equestria; The manticore! But not just any manticore…Ladies and gentlemen I give you the terror of the sands! OL’ ONE EYE!!”

Out from the gate came a manticore bigger than any the prince had ever seen. Its body was muscular and large, his fangs protruded from its lower jaw and was blind in one eye on its right side no doubt from the last gladiator that tried to kill it. As the prince readied himself, the crowd immediately began taking bets while Sladin looked down from his seat atop the arena with a sadistic smile.

“Let the match...BEGIN!!”

ROAAR!!

“BRING IT OON!!”

End.