//------------------------------// // Poor Unfortunate Souls // Story: Daughter of Discord: Of Love and Darkness // by kahnac //------------------------------// Already a few minutes had passed since the disaster at the Grand Galloping Gala. Mothball, and Screwball had finally, truly reunited after 5 years of being apart. And during their short time, Screwball had convinced him to let her see his real form once again. Unfortunately, it was at the same time Discord decided to spy on the two. And he was not happy to see who the stallion really was. But when he tried to deal with Mothball, Screwball attacked him and gave her Changeling friend a chance to get away. To say that everypony was shocked was an understatement: their eyes were as wide as Saucers, and their jaws nearly fell to the ground. And Discord? To put it simply: he was miffed. Now the chaos family was about to deal with the issue at hand. Discord paced around Screwball's bedroom, trying to control his frustration. His daughter sat on the bed, glaring down at her hooves while Fluttershy stood a safe distance away from them both. "I'm a reasonable father!" Discord ranted. "I let you bend reality, I let you stay up late, I let you eat dessert before dinner! I never ask for much! Yet the one rule I make, the one thing I tell you not to do, you go out and break!" "Daddy, you don't understand..." Screwball started to say. "Did you know who that stallion was?" "I..." "Did you?!" She hung her head. "Yes." He crossed his arms. "How long have you been seeing that boy?" Screwball looked away. "How many times do I have to tell you?! Changelings are dangerous! You can't trust them, especially that one!" "You don't even know him!" his daughter spat. "Yeah? Well, like mother, like son! All changelings are the same: heartless, cold, hideous monsters!" "You're the one to talk!" "What?!" Screwball covered her mouth while Fluttershy gasped in horror. Discord narrowed his eyes at his daughter. "Oh," he growled. "Oh! So that's the way you're gonna play it, eh, missy?! Yes! I'm hideous! But at least I have a heart! Changelings are incapable of any..." "Daddy, I love him!" The only sound that could be heard was another gasp from Fluttershy. Discord's eyes grew to the size of frying pans. "No," he uttered. "Have you lost your senses?! He's a changeling!" "I don't care!" Screwball said defiantly. "Can't you see he's bewitched you?! Can't you see he's feeding off your emotions?! He's only using you! A creature like that cannot love!" The young mare could not take it anymore and hopped off the bed. "You're such a hypocrite!" She raced toward the door. "I'm not finished with you, young lady!" Discord bellowed. "Well, I'm finished!" As she threw the door open with her magic, she heard some shouts. Behind the door were the Tri-Pies and Prism. Screwball ignored them and ran sobbing down the hall. "Screwball Fluttershy Draconequus!" Discord shouted. "You come back here this instant!" "Discord!" Fluttershy said sternly, laying her hoof on his shoulder. "I think you might have been too hard on her." "Too hard on her?!" the draconequus repeated. "She deliberately disobeyed me! On top of that, she used her magic against me and called me a heartless monster! A hypocritical one at that!" "But Discord, don't you see?" "Don't I see what?" "This is precisely how I was treated when I fell in love with you!" The draconequus grew silent. He tried to find a proper response, but he found none. "Our daughter's right," Fluttershy declared. "You are a hypocrite! You forbid Screwball from falling in love with a changeling, when the world forbade me from falling in love with you!" "That was different!" Discord insisted. "I loved you back! Changelings are incapable of love! They say they care for you, but once their hunger is satisfied, they stab you in the back!" Fluttershy simply looked at him in silence, as she let him have a moment to cool. Once he did, she spoke in a stern, but still comforting tone to keep things civil. "Because of what happened with Chrysalis?" she asked, trying not to sound too accusing. He just gave her a mildly surprised look, as she didn't expect her to bring up a topic they discussed so long ago. But nevertheless, he was compelled to respond as best as possible, though he didn't say anything as he felt a pang of shame from that distant memory. All he did was lower his head while his eyes were closed, and slowly nodded his head. "Honey, i know you feel terrible about what happened back then......and how it effected you so. But you're letting your feelings cloud your judgement, and influence your actions." "Well, what do you expect from me?" Discord inquired. "Chrysalis is the reason i became the lord of chaos in the first place! She used me for her own benefit! And now i find that my own daughter is no doubt being used by a Changeling that happens to be Chrysalis' own child? It's like history's repeating itself all over again!" "You don't know that. From the way Screwball defends him so, it seems possible that there's something different about this changeling. Don't you think we should at least give him a chance to prove he's not like them?" Discord simply scoffed upon hearing this notion. "A chance to do what? Trick her into giving Equestria over to the Changelings? To lie, and manipulate my little screwy before he drains her dry? I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but there is no way i'll ever let that happen!" "Discord, please! You can't let one bad experience with one changeling mold your perspective on ALL of them! And he hasn't done anything bad to you, so why do you have to hate HIM specifically?" "I DON'T hate him! I just.......*sigh* I'm just afraid, okay?" Hearing this statement managed to silence any words Fluttershy was about to say next. Seeing her so surprised, Discord went ahead, and elaborated. "Chrysalis i can never forgive for what she did. But i do understand that...other changelings just do whatever she says without question. It's all they really know. It's always been that way. Maybe i do act out of anger towards them, because i keep getting reminded of Chrysalis everyime i see them. But i mainly do it because i'm afraid for Screwball. All i want is to protect her from a potential danger. What happened to me........it's something i don't ever want her to experience." Now it made far more sense to Fluttershy. Especially considering that fear is the thing that fuels anger. And given his experience, he had every reason to be weary of other changeling. As such, she placed a gentle hoof on his paw, as he warmly smiled to him in understanding before saying her piece. "And she won't. Have you already forgotten? She's our daughter - and she's the best of both of us. She can see things in others that nopony else could ever imagine was there.............just like i ended up seeing something in you. If she truly does care for the changeling prince, then she see's something good in him that's worth cherishing. And even if i'm concerned for her: i still trust her choice." *Nervously* Yeah, but.....but what if he IS just like her? Can we really-" "Shh. It's okay. Just believe that our screwball knows what's right. Everything will be okay." Discord really wanted to press the issue further. But after taking in everything she said, he had to admit: she had a point. So with a heavy sigh, he conceded, and with a sad smile, took her hoof in both of his paws. "Okay. I'll try for her sake, at least. And for you, my sweet." "Thank you, Discord. That's all i ask." *Chuckle* "Y'know, it's funny: but it always seems like i keep getting reminded of why i fell in love with you in the first place. *wink*" Fulttershy giggled gleefully, as she embraced her dear husband. He still smiled as the warmth of her body warmed his heart. But when he looked out the window, his smile faded as he remembered Screwball. He knew he was going to have to make it up to her somehow: someway. But still, he thought of the changeling, as well. He would at least TRY to trust that screwy was safe with him. But if something happened to her because of him: All bets are off. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Screwball did not know where else to go. She instantly teleported to her sanctuary. Her first instinct was to sob into her hooves. Why could her father not understand? He was always supportive with everything else she did. Even though she knew he would never allow her to see Mothball, it never seemed to matter until now. Now that he had figured out her secret, he was going to make sure she never left his sight again. It would be only a matter of minutes before he found her. "I thought you'd be here." Huh. Sooner than I thought. "Go away!" she shouted. "Huh?" Screwball did a double take and realized it was not her dad's voice. She turned around to see Mothball. She quickly cast a spell to fix her hair and makeup. "Sorry," she apologized. "I thought you were my dad. What are you doing here?" He took a step forth. "I came to see if you were okay." "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just...Daddy and I got into a fight." "Oh. I guess that's my fault." "No. I was the one who told you to change into yourself. I'm also the one who threw my dad into a tree. You know I've never used magic on him before? We've always been so close and never fought." She sighed. "I guess it was bound to happen at some point." She hung her head and was silent for a while. Mothball cautiously approached and sat down beside her. "So how have things been? You know, other than trouble with the parents." Screwball sniffed. "Okay, I guess." She smiled a bit. "I have a baby brother now." The changeling raised his eyebrows. "A brother?" "Yeah, his name is Zany. He's the cutest baby you'll ever see!" "Does he, um...do the things you do? I mean can he do magic?" She nodded. "Though he has trouble controlling it. I can't wait until he's older! That way, we can play catch together and I can show him my wicked curve ball!" "How old is he now?" "Five months." "What about your friends? How are they doing?" "Dinky and Cinnamon Stick got together at the dance, so did Thunder and Apple Blossom. I think..." She scooted closer to him. "A lot of ponies got up the courage tonight to..." She touched his hoof with hers. "Tell the pony they liked that they...well..." She did not need to say anything. Mothball could feel her emotion. Things were going according to plan. All he had to do was pretend he returned her affections and wriggle more information out of her. It is what his mother would want. But it was not what he wanted. He pulled his hoof away. "Screwball, you can't! You can't have feelings for a changeling! You can't love something that has no heart to love you back with!" Screwball looked at him seriously. "Why do you not see what I see?" "See what?" "This!" She took his hoof again and this time placed it over his chest. "Feel that?" Something inside his chest was pumping rapidly. "That's a heartbeat," Screwball stated. Mothball stared at her in disbelief and then shook his head. "That's impossible," he murmured. "I'm not supposed to have a heart! I'm exactly what your father says: cold, unfeeling..." "If you're so cold and unfeeling, then why haven't you sucked me dry yet?" "Because...because..." He could not think of a reason, for there were too many candidates: because I don't want to hurt you, because I'm supposed to keep you alive, because I think you're really pretty... He chose the safest one: "You're the only friend I've ever had." As she smiled, Mothball could have sworn he heard music. He figured it was his imagination until fireflies surrounded them in a heart-shaped pattern. Screwball batted her purple eyes innocently. "Sorry," she said. "When I get emotional, I get a little carried away." Exactly who is the seducer here? Once again, he found himself lost in those hypnotic swirls. He did not know if it was her magic, or if her eyes truly sparkled. He almost did not realize she was leaning in, until her lips were inches away from his. He wrenched himself away and the spell was broken. "Did you not hear my warning?!" he snapped. Screwball pouted. "I don't care!" "You should! Do you think I would be able to live with myself if I hurt...?" He paused, shocked at the words falling from his mouth. Screwball was equally surprised, not by his words, but by his frightened tone. Mothball decided he should get out of here before he gave her the wrong idea and so he could sort out this strange thumping inside him. "You should go home," he said quickly. Screwball blinked. "What?" "Your family's probably worried sick about you." She sighed. "I guess you're right. I'm in enough trouble as it is. Will I see you again?" Mothball looked away. "I wouldn't get your hopes up." "But..." "For your own safety, Screwy, I think it's best you stay away." It pained him to say it even more than it had the first time he had left. This time, it was for real, and Screwball knew he was not lying. He heard a sniff and resisted the urge to look at her, knowing those beautiful eyes were filling up with tears. "Goodbye," he muttered. Mothball took off before he could change his mind. Screwball's ears drooped as she began crying for the second time that evening. She did not want to go back to Canterlot, but she felt she had no choice. Her parents would flip if she did not return soon. In time, Mothball stopped in an area surrounded by large rocks, with seemingly noone in sight. But when Mothball stopped in the middle of this little quarry, his eyes narrowed as he turned his head backwards. "You three might as well come out, now! I noticed you before i even came to this spot!" Upon being called out by the prince, General Mantis, Privates Acari and Bombus changed from 3 birds that were standing on one of the tall stones back to their true forms as they hovered down to the prince. And they each had a shameful expression as they looked Mothball in his eye, meeting his angered gaze. *nervously*"H-how did you know?" Bombus asked. "Let's just say that i learned alot more than how to be a changeling.....like how to tell when there are Changelings following me." Somewhat satisfied with his answer, Bombus said nothing more. "So should i even ask what you three are doing here?" *sigh* "It was the Queen's order." answered Mantis. "Right before she left, she ordered me to send some drones to keep an eye on you. I volunteered myself, and these two so that-" "So that you could spy on me for Mother! And tell her all about my meeting with Screwball, am i right?" "No, you got it all wrong!" claimed Acari. "She just wanted us to make sure you were safe!" "Likely story. I should've known she would try something like this. And like it wasn't bad enough with what happened at the Gala." "Your highness, please!" Mantis exclaimed. "We promised we wouldn't tell the queen about you, and the mare, Screwball. And we've done what we can to keep that a secret." Though he was angry, Mothball was at least able to see some honesty in the General's eye. That was at least enough to quell his anger. But now it had just been replaced by a new feeling of sadness. One centered around something he already knew was inevitable. "Maybe not......but who knows how long it'll take before she finds out. I'm just.....i'm so tired of doing this! But she won't let me stop! She'll just-she'll force me to do something to hurt Screwball. *somber sigh* And i can't. I don't want to." His body began to feel tired. Like all of the emotions he was feeling had drained his energy away. And now he had just flopped down onto one of the rocks in the quarry, tears falling from his eyes as he thought of how it seemed happiness with his closest friend really was impossible. The trio were surprisingly saddened by their princes current state. Even if they were just drones, some part of them really did care for the prince's well-being. Which would explain how they kept his secret for this long. Not wishing to see his protectorate like this, Mantis tried to console him. "Mothball.....I-" "Just go away." It wasn't anger, or even spite he had spoken with: it was despair. Realizing they were never gonna get through to him like this, the changeling trio left, with Bombus being the last as he looked to Mothball with more sadness. Now Mothball was alone to deal with his emotional strain that was not thought possible for changelings. But nevertheless, he let these feelings escape him as he stay in the solitude of this place. Or so he thought. In one of the shaded edges of the quarry, the Qirin's Orpheus and Sisyphus. They had been watching the whole time, and waiting for a moment just like this. Now it was time to make their move. Unfurling the bat-like wings on their backs, the serpentine creatures began making their way towards the distraught prince. "Poor child. Poor, sweet child. He has a VERY serious problem." said Orpheus. "If only there was something we could do." added Sisyphus. "But there IS something." Mothball was quite startled by these strange, creepy creatures. He had never seen anything like them, and their distorted voices didn't help. But obviously, they came here for some reason, and the least he could do was find out what it was. Even if they did freak him out just a little. "Who-......Who are you?" "Don't be scared." They then each began slithering around Mothballs body at least once. Like a pair of winged snakes. "We represent someone who can help you." "Someone who can make all your dreams come true." They then wrapped around each other in a sort of "embrace", which they used as symbolism. (both) "Just imagine: your and your precious mare - together forever." While he might have been tempted by such a proposal, Mothball was far more confused about the meaning behind these creature's claims. "I don't understand. How could you make that happen?" "Lord Tirek....has GREAT powers." And at the mention of that name, Mothball felt a sense of dread. Because while he didn't know the one who bears the name, his mother sometimes told stories of him. And under a title he also possessed. "The Dark Master?" And then he came to his senses. While he was desperate to make a change, he wasn't SO desperate as to go to Tirek himself. "But that's-...i couldn't possibly! NO, FORGET IT! Get out of here, and leave me alone!" He swiftly turned his back on the two Qirin's, refusing to give them another moment of his time. But instead of being angry, or outraged: the two monsters simply smiled to each other, even as they turned to leave. "Suit yourself. It was only a suggestion. Oh, and before we go: here's a little something to remember us by." Orpheus used his magic to conjur up something, and then toss it over to mothball via a tail swipe. Mothball noticed, and to surprise he saw what seemed to be a simple, piece of chocolate: the same kind Screwball herself gave him. Upon seeing this, his thoughts began racing as he had second thoughts. Though he said he wasn't that desperate.........he proved himself wrong as his desires returned. He so desperately wished to be with Screwball. Even if it meant striking a deal with a demon to do it. "W-WAIT!" (both) "Yeeeeesssss?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Several kilometers away from the quarry, Mantis, Acari, and Bombus were discussing the matter with Mothball. Even though he told them to leave, they still had orders, for one thing. For another they refused to leave him alone as he was. Especially with the prospect that it could lead to him doing something.......drastic. "Poor prince mothy." Bombus said sadly. "I feel bad for the kid. Even changelings shouldn't have to put up with this kinda stuff." "Come on: nobody could've expected what happened to happen. It was a freak accident." said Acari. "Even so, we can't let the prince carry on like this. I-" Mantis said, before a passing shadow caught his next words in his throat. All 3 looked up to see Mothball, with a determined look, flying through the air with the two Qirin. In a direction leading AWAY from the hive. "Young highness? Where are you going?" shouted General Mantis, as he and his subordinates flew in front of Mothball as he flew on, following his guides. "Prince Mothball! What do you think you're doing with these creatures?" "Simple: i'm going to see Lord Tirek." Mantis immediately stopped in his tracks, and gasped aloud. Now the prince was putting himself in very REAL danger. And he couldn't just let that happen. "Mothball, NO! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!" "I've never been more serious in my whole life. And nothing you can say, or do is going to stop me." "But.....WHY?!" "Because i can't do this anymore! I want nothing to do with mother's plans! And i never wanted to hurt ANYPONY! But...i know deep down that if i try, and confront her: she'll just make me do something i don't want to - including hurting Screwball. And i don't want to be hated, and feared just because i'm a stupid changeling anymore! I just want to be with Screwball. She's my friend - the ONLY one who cares about me. If Tirek can really help make that happen, then i'll see him." "But you don't know what he really is! He's a demon! A monst-" "Then why don't you jut go tell my mother, huh? I'm sure she'd care sooo much!" And that was the final word before Mothball just pushed past General Mantis, and continued following the Qirin's. Mantis, for lack of a better term, was at a loss for words. He tried to think of a way to convince Mothball to stop. But nothing came to mind. "But-But, i-" Acari, and Bombus flew up beside him, worried for Mothball. But a few moments later, Mantis recollected himself. Even though Mothball didn't believe it: the general did. As did his two privates, evident ally. And he was going to prove it to him. "Both of you: come on!" They wasted no time in following their commander. The trio stood right on the tails of the 3 travelers. Even as they began reaching into territory which seemed to grow darkened skies the more they traveled. And they traveled for several miles, passing through to the edge of the everfree forest, until reaching the edge of what appeared to be the wastelands. And it was blacker than midnight itself. Like the billowing smoke of a fiery mountain was fuming into the sky, creating a cross between pure-black, and fiery red. There was even lightning coursing through these dark clouds like a vile storm. Yet it wasn't this sight alone which that gave Mothball such a fright. It was the nightmarish mountain of a structure which stood in the center of it. To Mothball it was a terrifying sight: like a malicious, mountain which had been shaped into a twisted, gnarled tree. Yet there were also some elements of a castle, as well. Several jagged stones surrounded the mountain, giving it an even more fearsome appearance. Yet what was most striking about it was the numerous holes that seemed to have been mountain. The largest one being at the base, with the imprint of a sharp-toothed skull. This made Mothball nervous enough to halt in midair, momentarily unsure of himself. (both) "This way." Quickly remembering what he was here for, and that he'd already come this far: Mothball swallowed his fear, and followed Orpheus and Sisyphus into the skull-like entrance. Once inside, Mothball quickly noticed how numerous holes continuously changed - opening, and closing like a wound being sealed. Kind of like a changeling hive. But he noticed the lack of things that would make it a hive, such as glowing, green sacks/cocoons of various sizes. The whole interior was shaped like an ancient, yet traditional castle - which also happened to be dark, and foreboding. Pillars stood all around, torches hung upon the walls, and there were also gargoyle statues placed almost everywhere. Plenty of time passed as the 3 traversed the halls of this mysterious castle. Walkways, and stairways were strung all over the place. Many being upside down, sideways, and even slantways. Yet the two Qirin's seemed able to navigate their way through, and surprisingly, Mothball felt a bit familiar with this place. And he wasn't the only one, as the Changeling trio soon arrived. Acari, and Bombus were in complete awe of the place, while Mantis seemed to be somewhat disturbed by this place. "Man, this place is huge!" exclaimed Bombus. "What is this?" "The central hive." Mantis spoke in a low, angered voice which Acari, and Bombus quickly caught on to. But they didn't say a word, and silently urged him to explain. "This was once the central kingdom of the Changelings. The central hive were we ALL resided." "Really?" asked Acari. "Cause, no offense sir: but this place only slightly resembles a changeling hive. If that's true, then what happened to this place?" "........Tirek." Sadly, this only brought confusion to the two privates, as Mantis himself could plainly see. *sigh* "I'll explain later. Right now, we have to stop the prince before it's too late. More than his life is at stake now." Eventually, they reached a long hallway after flying up a spiral staircase, which was devoid of light save for what seemed to be a small, red light. The Qirin's managed to go on ahead, leaving the young prince behind. He followed the dark hallway, following the light. Along the way, however, he was met with the sight of the ghoulish creatures trapped in the floor. To his horror, they all seemed to resemble a number of equine races - including Changelings. And they all seemed to be writhing in agony as they moaned, and groaned in the most horrendous way possible. This display chilled Mothball to the core, and just motivated him to hover just a little higher to stay away from these things. But suddenly, what seemed to be a griffon grabbed him by his front hoof, and tried pulling him back. Mothball struggled for a bit, but managed to free his hoof before the other ghouls could reach him. For a moment, though, he was left to wonder what that was all about. What were those things trying to do? Perhaps they wanted to eat him? Change him into them?.....or perhaps warn him of something? His train of thought, however, was interrupted by the sound of a deep, booming, but mildly aged voice echoed out into the darkness. "Orpheus, Sisyphus, you divine little serpents. Hmm, i see you've brought us a new guest. Good. I always love seeing visitors." Mothball soon realized he was at the entrance of a large room. One which looked like a massive cave, which was glowing with a fiery red aura. The room itself seemed to have some minor decoration with several drapes lining the walls, some pillars here, and there. A worn down, macabre chandelier even hung from the ceiling. There was also what looked to be a strange cauldron sitting in the center of the room. Yet even with all of these things, it was what stood in the back of the room which caught Mothball's eye: a large, obsidian stone with jagged, sharp spikes at the top. There were some holes at the base. But as he squinted at it, he noticed something rather LARGE occupying it like a massive, black throne. He was proven right when a large, red hand extended outward, before making a gesture for the young changeling to approach. He slowly did, while still weary of what he was dealing with. "Well? Come in. Come in, my child. Or have you no manners? After all, we mustn't lurk in doorways." That was when Mothball finally saw who the figure was as he used his magic to hoer down to the floor: a large, red and black furred centaur with pure, white hair, two large bull-horns, wearing a strange satchel around his neck. His eyes were also pitch black, with only his pupils being piercing yellow. With no question about it: Mothball could now be certain that this was the notorious Lord Tirek himself. And he was every bit as intimidating.........and terrifying as he imagined. "It's rude. One might question your upbringing. But then again, who has time to worry about that? Just come closer, boy, and let me get a closer look at you." Nervously, Mothball did as he was told, and flew up to the much larger creature. Mothball wasn't quite sure: but he could swear that this guy might be taller than even Discord. But he didn't have to time to think of that, as Tirek then picked him up under his arms, and held him like some kind of domesticated animal. He then began turning him left to right, much to the changeling's discomfort, and continuously studied his younger guest. "Oh! So you ARE a royal changeling after all. Most intriguing. Though i have to ask: is this REALLY how royal changelings wear their hair back in Equestria nowadays?" Tirek asked as he brushed a hand through Mothball's mane, before letting him go. He hovered in the air just so he could keep himself leveled with the demonic centaur. "Of course I wouldn't know of such things. By all accounts, i've been banished forever by the equestrian princesses. Oh! And let's not forget dear, old Discord. By their presence alone, i'm reduced to living in this wretched hovel for all of eternity. And for what? Because i was a little ambitious? Because 5,000 years ago i made a few pitiful attempts to elevate my station in life?" "You tried to overthrow the princesses." Mothball said matter-of-factually. Tirek looked annoyed at first, but then burst out in a brief fit of laughter. "Well, I think that's blowing it a bit out of proportion. But then: maybe it's that way of thinking that turned Chrysalis against me." Mothballs ears perked when he heard that. "You knew my mother?" "Correction: i know your mother. And i'm still a little sore for what she did 17 years ago." "Huh? What do you mean?" "Well, let's just say that i'm part of the reason she even knew of the canterlot wedding. After escaping from Tartarus, i decided to lay low, and learn about this new decade as much as possible. One instance involved the wedding. I went to the Changelings because i knew we could BOTH benefit from an event such as this: they would get all the love they need, and I would get all of their magic. It was a win-win. But chryssy doesn't like sharing, and is a hopeless paranoid. So she tried to have me killed on the spot. Heh. Quite alot of good that did her when i drained the soldiers she had attack me. I left of my own accord, but promised to return. And let's just say......thanks to another "friend" i met in the frozen north: i kept my promise. Once she came limping back here, i took advantage of her weakness, and evicted her from her house, basically speaking. Imagine how surprised she was when her precious throne did nothing to negate my powers." "Then........this place-" "Was the central changeling hive. Your original kingdom, if you will. But as you've already seen: i made some....adjustments to suit my own needs. Now it serves as my Castle of Midnight. And since i came to this place, and after eventually seeing Discord do it himself: i managed to reform myself. I only do good for others these days. But enough about me: let's talk about you!" He then walked over to some kind of cabinet with numerous items inside, include a pair of wrist bands. The first thing he pulled out, however, was some manner of conditioner which he rubbed into his hair-like mane while levitating a medium-sized mirror in front of him. "Now then, YOU'RE here because you have a thing for this pony - this, uh, Screwball, i believe. Not that i blame you, i suppose. By equine standards: she IS quite a catch, isn't she? *chuckle*" He then used his magic to pull out the two wrist braces, and lock them onto his arms. "Well, "ladies" bug, the solution to your problem is simple." Once they were fastened, he flexed his hands to make sure they fit well. He smiled as he saw they still fit perfectly before turning his attention back to Mothball. "The only way to get what you want......is to become a pony yourself." Mothball grew confused when Tirek said that, because for some reason it made no sense to him. "Become a pony? But....i can already do that. Easily." "No, no, you misunderstand. Not some illusion, not some cheap, simple, mystical disguise: i mean a REAL pony. No longer a changeling that is always starving for love, but a creature that has all the love he needs in his heart. A genuine, official pony." Now Mothball understood, and he gasped in surprise. He though only someone like Discord could do something like that. But the way Tirek simply said it made it seem like it was no real problem. He didn't want to get his hopes up, but he was getting eager from this by the second. "You can do that?" Tirek gave him a wily glance via his mirror. He'd set up the bait perfectly, and now his little fish had been hooked. "My dear, sweet child: that's what i DO! It's what i live for: to help unfortunate creatures - like yourself! Poor souls with noone else to turn to." The demon then walked around Mothball, and slowly hovered in the air while mildly trotting. Like he was doing some kind of slow dance in the air. ~I admit, that in the past i've been a nasty The weren't kidding when they called me kinda strange But you'll find that nowadays, i've mended all my ways Repented, seen the light, and made a change~ "True? yes." He moved away from Mothball, as he slowly walked around the cauldron. And with a wave of his hand, it opened like a round, spikey mouth. In the center was a glowing, yellow liquid. As he continues, he conjurs up the images of an obese mare, and a gangly stallion. Both looking downright miserable, and perfectly wretched. ~And i fortunately know a little magic it's a talent that i always have possessed And here lately - please don't laugh - i've used it on behalf Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed~ Pathetic. ~Poor unfortunate souls! In pain, in need! This one longing to be thinner, that one want so get the girl And do i help them? Yes, indeed.~ With a snap, the ponies changed forms: the stallion was now bigger, and far more well built, and the mare was slimmed down into an absolutely gorgeous creature. Both looked to each other happily, and held each other in a loving embrace.At the same time, General Mantis, Acari, and Bombus had finally reached the hallway leading to the throne room. They each saw the ghouls, and were either appalled, or in Bombus' case, downright spooked out. Nevertheless, they pressed on, avoiding the ghouls, and proceeding to their destination. ~Those Poor unfortunate Souls! So sad, so true! They come trotting to my cauldron crying "Spells, lord tirek, please!" And i help them! yes i do.~ As he went on, he made a gesture with his hand indicating that he wanted something from the astral projections of the ponies. When they indicated they had nothing, he waved his hand, and clenched it into a fist, resulting in the ponies being dragged into a swirling vortex beneath them, and being turned into Ghouls. Now it's happened once, or twice: Someone COULDN'T pay the price And i'm afraid i had to rake 'em across the coals Yes, i've had the odd complaint But on the whole, i've been a saint Bizzarely enough, after the cauldron closed, Tirek grabbed the top of his horn, and bent them downwards. This made it seem like he was wearing a hood on his head, as he hovered up to something resembling a stain-glass window. Until a new pair of horns sprouted from his head, the ones he just pulled off turning into freakish serpents, and his hole body began coursing with fire as his shadow loomed over the frightened ghouls. TO THOSE POOR UNFORTUNATE SO-O-O-O-O-OULS!~ Mothball, for much less terms, was disturbed by the identity of those sad, shambled creatures in the hallway. And he also felt pity for the fate which had befallen them. But a jolt of his body drew him out of his thoughts, as he was pulled towards Tirek. The latter pulling him close, before he pulled an arm over his shoulder, and walked him over to the cauldron. "Now, here's the deal: i will make you a potion which shall turn you into a true pony for at least 3 days. Got that? 3. Days. Now listen, THIS IS IMPORTANT: before the sun sets on the 3rd day, you've got to get dear little screwy to fall in love with you." As Tirek spoke, he conjured up images to emphasize his instructions. Including 3 revolving suns, a propeller hat, and a blueish-green heart sitting under it. "Specifically: she's got to kiss you. Not just any kiss, though. A SPECIAL kiss - what they call the kiss of true love." The heart itself began glowing brightly in demonstration. Meanwhile, the changeling trio finally arrived, but stayed near the doorway so as to not risk making something bad happen. "Now, IF she does kiss you before the sun sets on the 3rd day: you'll remain a pony. Permanently." Seeing himself as a pony in the projection made Mothball smile in happiness, as he thought of what it meant. But his smile faded when Tirek mentioned the downside, while his new pony form reverted to that of a changeling, and was dragged into the cauldron. "But if she doesn't: you turn back into a changeling, and........you belong, TO ME!" "No, Mothball! Don't be stupid, he'-MMPPHPH!" Mantis began shouting, before the Qirins made themselves into winged serpents, and coiled themselves around the 3 changelings. Even managing to muffle the 3 so as to keep them quiet. Mothball glanced at them for a moment before Tirek drew back his attention. "So, have we got a deal?" As this was the end of Tirek's proposition, all that was left was for Mothball to think it over. And he did. At least for a few moments, before he considered what he'd be doing to make this happen. "But, if i become a pony.......then-then i'll never be with my mother, and hivelings again." "Why, that's right!" Tirek stated sarcastically, holding his left arm with the other while keeping it under his chin. Then, a devious smirk formed as he brought up the upside to his deal. "But: you'll have your mare. Mmhmhmh. Life's full of tough choices, Innit? *chuckling* But then again, i doubt it would be that difficult a choice to make." "W-why would you say that?" Mothball asked nervously. "Well, consider: unlike your fellow changelings, you have no desire to force the love out of others. No wish to carry out whatever scheme your queenly mommy wishes for you to take part in. But most of all: you wish to spend your life with your closest, and TRUEST friend without the terrible persecution of ponies, changelings....and even Discord to stand in the way. If you do this, i can guarantee that you'll be free of that. No overbearing parent to force you to harm, no "Siblings" to harass and scorn you, no ponies to hate and fear you for what you are. And best of all? No more feeding. You'll be free of your endless hunger, and can safely be with Screwball. For the rest of your own, natural life." Once again, temptation grew strong within Mothball's mind. Everything Tirek said was true, and he wanted every single piece of what was being offered. Yet still, part of him hesitated. Tirek saw this, and decided that the young prince still needed some persuasion. ~Come on, i know you need a little magic And magic is my speciality dojour. Don't just stand there looking sick! Would i kid you? Play a trick? Like i told you, i don't do that anymore!~ To Mothball's surprise, a series of smokey, black tendrils wrapped around his body, and began pulling on him, as Tirek trotted along the room. Forcing into a sort of "dance" with the dark master. At one point he stopped, and brought Mothball over to him again. He briefly stroked Mothy's mane, to the latter's discomfort, and then released him. ~So i think you ought to take my little bargain Yes, i think you ought to make my little deal Sure, it's hard to leave your life But she could be your precious wife! Why don't you let me take that dream and make it real? He then began conjuring up images of Screwball, and the time Mothball spent playing with her.....and even their moment at the gala before it went wrong. ~Come on, you poor unfortunate soul Poor child, poor "fish"! Aren't you glad you brought your problems to a person you can trust? Won't you let me. Grant your wish? ~You poor unfortunate soul Poor boy, don't fear! Aren't luck that i'm ready with a potion - with a plan? Aren't you glad you came and asked if i can help you, and i can? When a creature comes to Lord Tirek: they always lose their ban! You poor unfortunate so-o-o-o-o-ul!~ Seeing these images, and listening to Tirek, Mothball knew that there was no more debating it. He knew what he wanted, and he was going to get it. So with a fierce, determined look in his eyes, Mothball worked up his confidence, and made his choice. "Okay. I'll do it!" "Atta-boy, Mothy! OH!" Tirek exclaimed. "But there is ONE more thing i forgot to mention: we haven't even discussed the subject of payment. You can't get something for nothing, you know." "Wh-But i don't have any-!" "I'M NOT asking much. Just a token, really. A trifle! Trust me, you'll hardly even miss it! You see, what i want from you is......your voice." While he was afraid of what Tirek was going to ask of him, he was shocked when he heard what his payment was going to have to be, as he raised a hoof to his neck. That feeling of nervousness coming back, once again. "M-My voice?" "You got it, cheesecake. No more talking, singing, zip. *pop* "But i don't understand. What can i do without my voice? How can i even-" "You'll have your looks! Your pretty face! And don't underestimate the importance of "body language", hmm?" he said, flexing his arms in a powerful display. He then let out a deep, menacing chuckle as he made his way to a large gargoyle head which opened to reveal numerous potions, and ingredients which he sorted through, and then began pulling out. ~The mares out there don't like a lot of blabber! They think a colt who chatters is a bore! Yes, out there it's much preferred for stallions not to say a word. And after all, boy: what is idle prattle for? The items, carrying things that may have been alive, hovered over to the cauldron, before being dropped into the vat, and releasing a reaction that had Mothball take a step back. Even as Tirek himself returned to the cauldron. ~Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation the pretty mares avoid it: they don't care But they dote, and swoon, and faun On a stallion who's withdrawn It's he who holds who gets the mare! He even threw in a literal tongue, creating a bright, violet explosive display that stunned Mothball. He then appeared behind Mothball twice, startling him further. Come on! You poor unfortunate soul! Go ahead, make your choice! I'm a very busy Centaur, and i haven't got all day! It won't cost much - just your voice! H circled around the cauldron, and then conjured a visage of Screwball, smiling as she looked at Mothball. Seeing her made him smile, as well, and he got close to the visage, being entranced in the same way he always was. Though he got quite the shock when Tirek himself burst through the visage, scaring him. Suddenly, he grabbed a bat as it flew in front of him, and he threw it into the brew, as well. Resulting in another explosive chain reaction. Tirek then flew around the plume of smoke that had formed, and stetched out his arms as another plume erupted from the cauldron. You poor unfortunate soul It's sad, but true! Tirek returned to Mothball's side, briefly wrapping his arm around his shoulders. Then he conjured out of the ether a bright, golden piece of parchment which looked like a contract. Mothball looked at it, and saw at the top it read "I hereby bestow unto Tirek, the Master of Darkness: one voice". The rest was print so small, he could barely make any of it out. But at the very bottom was the final line which read 'for all eternity, sincerely-". His curiosity grew from seeing this, until a quill pen formed right beside the paper. And at this point, Mothball knew that this was the point of no return. A moments hesitation let him realize that once he did this: there was NO going back. No way to undo any of this. And it made him quite nervous. If you want to cross a bridge, my friend, you've got to pay the toll Take a gulp, and take a breath, and go ahead, and sign the scroll! (whisper) Orpheus, Sisyphus, now i got him, boys. The boss is on a roll! But when he looked to Tirek, who caused a cloud of shadow to swirl around him, before dispersing it in a magnificent display: his eyes furrowed, he took the quill, and much to the changeling trio's horror, he signed the contract, and sealed the deal, much to Tirek's delight. This poor - un-for-tunate - So-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ul!~ Once it had been signed, and as Mothball nervously looked on, Tirek summoned the contract, and caused it to disappear in a shower of sparks as he grabbed it in his hand. He then cast his gaze back on Mothball, his piercing eyes glowed as a triumphant grin formed. Now all that was left was to cast his spell.....and his plans would continue as intended. ~Beluga sefruga, come winds of Equestria's se-e-e-e-a! Larynxis glositos et max laryngitus, la votce to me-e-e-e-e-e-!~ Tirek's hands waved over the cauldron's surface, and as he invoked his spell, a maelstrom of magic arose, and enveloped the whole chamber. A dark, blue illumination overtaking the chamber, and leaving Mothball at a loss for words. At the climax of the spell, Tirek summoned forth a pair of spirual hands that lit the room in a pale, yellow light. His eyes began glowing even brighter as he looked menacingly at Mothball. "Now....SING!" He did as commanded, and began singing a single melody as the tempest continued. As he did so, his throat began glowing almost as brightly as the light. This was the indication that the spell was working. "KEEP SINGING!" At Tirek's beckoning, the now ghastly, skeletal hands began approaching Mothball. But even though the hands intimidated them, he continued singing his melody. Even as one of them hands reached down into his throat, and pulled out the glowing voice, and both holding onto it as the brought it to Tirek. The poor prince was so freaked out by what just happened, that he gripped his neck, unable to make a sound to display how terrified he just was. And in mere moments, the voice which was now in a glowing miasma of magic, was slowly reeled in towards Tirek's satchel, and then placed inside. Right where it would stay for all eternity. Tirek's feeling of triumph reached its peak at this point, and as a stream of glowing, red magic rose out of the cauldron, and viciously wrapped itself around Mothball, Tirek released a deep, maniacal laughter that echoed throughout the castle. For Mothball, the magic was overwhelming, and he could feel it effecting his whole form. His chitin shell of a body was turned into simple black fur. The holes in his legs filled up, and became ordinary equine legs. His mane changed from aqua blue, to a straight, emerald green without any of the holes it once had. Unexpectedly, his horn crumbled into nothing, and quickly vanished. And as for his wings: they recoiled for an instant from feelings of intensity, before sprouting into strong, black, feathered wings. The red spiral miasma soon vanished to reveal Mothball had been changed from a Royal Changeling, to a simple pegasus pony. But the spell seemed to effect him more than he thought, and he fainted so quickly that the 3 changelings almost didn't catch him, with General Mantis carrying him on his back. Now that the spell was finished though, they made it a point to grab the prince, and run away as swiftly as possible. Even so, Tirek's deep, booming laughter kept going, and it seemed to follow them outside even as they exited through a hole in the ceiling. They flew as fast as possible, with Midnight Castle shrinking behind them. And they didn't stop for a really long time. Eventually they grew tired, and they seemed about ready to drop. That soon proved true as the whole group soon fell down into a short free fall. To their fortune, it seemed that they had unknowingly reached a familiar, brown lake that they all fell into. The feeling of sweet, chocolate milk nearly entering his lungs caused Mothball to regain consciousness, and swim to the surface quickly. He breached the surface of the lake, taking in a deep, silent breath of fresh air. But even so, he was still exerted from the spell's effects. Luckily, the changeling soldiers helped him swim to shore. As he was now, they had no intention of leaving his side. Not when he'd need their help now more than ever. to be continued.