The Princess Marks

by JaydexTheShadowKnight

The Princess Marks, Part 2

It looked like the end for the two princesses as the energy balls whisked towards them. At the last moment two errant bolts of lightning dispersed the two projectiles. Grelgin looked upward searching for the source of the lightning. “What the…” He gasped.

Aloft in the air soared two alicorns the king and queen of Canterlot. The king’s long white mane and tail fluttered in the breeze made by his wings. He his deep purple almost blue eyes leered at the gargoyle. “Mother! Father!” Called Celestia in delight.

Her father glanced at her disapprovingly. Then he set his sights back on the gargoyle. “So we missed one of Ghastaloom’s minions it would seem,” announced the king boldly.

“Ah the rulers of Canterlot. This is perfect! My master will be most pleased when I kill you all!” He roared with evil delight.

“Good luck trying!” Replied the king valiantly.

Grelgin prepared another attack, but before he could launch it, the queen unleashed a powerful blast of energy that nailed the vile minion. “Take that! How dare you threaten my daughters!” Yelled the queen bitterly, her fiery orange mane and tail almost appeared to burn against the contrast of her soft white fur.

The gargoyle whimpered and grunted in pain. Unlike the young princess, her mother’s attack was immensely powerful. “Rarrrrghh! Bellowed Grelgin fully enraged. “This ends now!” He placed his hands together thrusting them upward. He powered up a larger sphere of energy and hurled it at the queen. The king gallantly flew in front of the queen and with a quick swat of his right hoof deflected it back at Grelgin. “Nooooo!” Cried the evildoer as his own attack smashed into him.

“And for good measures,” uttered the king. His horn illuminated a brilliant white light. The kingly alicorn unleashed a beam of light that collided with Grelgin. Shrieks of pain filled the air as the villain dropped to the ground.

Celestia looked on curiously and asked, “Is he…dead?”

Her father landed before her and shook his head. “No he is merely unconscious. Guards!” He called. A team of six guards landed before their ruler awaiting instructions. “Bind this beast and throw him in the castle dungeon. He’s just some weakling who could never be a real henchmen of Ghastaloom.”

“Yes sir,” replied the guard captain. The guards bound the gargoyle in chains and prepared to take him away.

Meanwhile the king and queen saw to their daughters. The king was not pleased at all. “What in Equestria were you two doing in this horrid place?” He inquired in a demanding tone.

Luna hid behind Celestia. “I’m sorry daddy,” she whimpered starting to cry. Her father’s voice was always scary when he got angry. Though he was usually quite loving, it was horrible when he got mad.

Celestia stood her ground, though her legs felt like jelly before her father. “We…were bored daddy, we just wanted to go exploring…I never meant any trouble,” she whimpered as tears formed in her magenta eyes.

“If it wouldn’t have been for Starswirl the Bearded’s viewing orb, we might not have found you in time. How many times must I tell you two to stay in the castle where it is safe? Believe me, I’d love to let you go exploring…but it’s dangerous out here! Do you think I want my only daughters to get hurt or worse killed?” He shook his head and looked at their mother. She nodded solemnly. He let out a deep sigh then said, “Come on, let’s get back to the castle. I will determine a suitable punishment for you two when we get back.”

Luna walked over to her mother. Tears were already pouring from her face. “Mommy!” she cried. Her mother placed her elegant shoe-covered hooves loving around the little princess. “I’m so sorry mommy. I didn’t want to go, but I couldn’t let big sis go alone!”

“There, there Luna. It will be all right child. Now let’s go home.”

“Come along Luna,” called her father trying so stifle his anger. She spread her wings and joined her father in the air.

The queen walked over to Celestia. She too was crying. Her mother hugged her closely and the elder princess’s water gates broke open. Tears rapidly streamed down her face. “Mother…I’m so sorry!” Sniffled Celestia.

Hugging her daughter tighter, the queen replied, “Calm yourself my child. It will be all right. Now come we must go home.”

Celestia wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Okay mom,” she whimpered. The two joined the king and Luna and then were accompanied by the guards and their prisoner. The group made their way back to Canterlot.

________________________________________________________________________

Grelgin was locked away in the dungeon and the assigned guards kept a silent vigil. While in the throne room the king was saddled with the difficult burden of administering a suitable punishment for his two daughters.

Luna was trembling as she and Celestia stood before their father. He looked at them both and sighed. “What am I going to do with you two?” He asked rhetorically.

Celestia opened her mouth and said, “Father I…”

Her father promptly interrupted her. “Silence!” He bellowed. His voice resounding throughout the room. “Nothing and I mean nothing gives you the right to up and disobey the rules I’ve set for you. Though we’ve been through this many times it seems. So I’ll save you two the lecture this time. Hopefully the punishment will get through those thick heads of yours.” He shook his head before continuing, “You are both grounded for two months. You may only leave your rooms if your mother, a guard, a servant or myself personally escorts you. Is that clear?”

Celestia looked at her father’s stern face filled with dread from what she’d done. Quickly she glanced over at her mother and asked, “Mother aren’t you going to do something?”

Her mother joined their father. She let out a deep sigh and said, “No Celestia I am not. This time I can’t circumvent your father. Too many times now I’ve begged him for leniency and look where that’s gotten us.” The queen walked over to her daughter. “In a short while you’ll begin your adolescence. It’s time you learned the consequences of your actions.”

Celestia lowered her head and sighed. She knew her mother was right. “Yes, I understand mother. I accept this punishment,” the elder princess stated.

The king smiled at Celestia’s words. “Good. Now I hope you two know I’m only doing this because I love you both so dearly. It may seem cruel, but one day you’ll both understand,” their father spoke in a milder tone.

Celestia turned to her sister and said, “Luna I’m sorry I got you in trouble…again.” The pearl white alicorn was stunned when she saw Luna’s face. Her little sister had a look of disgust on her face. It was a very unsettling sight for her to behold. “Luna…what’s wrong?”

Luna was notably upset. Her fears had been brought to light. Once again she got in trouble thanks to another of her sister’s bright ideas. “What’s wrong is that I got in trouble again thanks to you! Gosh I am so stupid!” She bellowed angrily.

“I said I was sorry little sister. Won’t you forgive me…please?” Celestia asked an earnest look in her eyes.

She sneered at her elder sister. “Humph. Not this time! I…I hate you!” Shouted Luna her normally chipper voice now full of bitterness. Celestia’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe her ears.

“Luna!” Scolded the queen.

“I’m going to my room! Guard!” She called.

“Hold it right there!” An older distinguished voice called from the doorway. Everyone looked up and there standing was Starswirl the Bearded. He entered the room clad in his robe and hat. The bells on the brim jingled with each step he took.

Celestia momentarily forgot what Luna had said, totally surprised by the unicorn wizard’s presence. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

“Well before they went to rescue you, I asked your parents if I might have a word with you two. And I am also here to take you both to your rooms, so sadly your punishment may begin. If you two would please follow me,” he replied.

Luna snubbed Celestia, turning her face up at her as she stormed over to Starswirl. Celestia dropped her head as she lightly walked after them.

The three strolled down the corridor on the way to their rooms. Celestia was still torn up by what Luna said. Though she was still curious as to what the wizard wanted to speak about. “So master Starswirl, what did you wish to speak about?” Celestia asked respectfully.

“While you parents raced to your aid, I observed you little battle with Grelgin. You two did amazingly well against such a staunch foe. In fact your little energy bolt was most impressive. Your magic is far more evolved than I originally thought. The same is true of you Princess Luna. When you came to your sister’s aid and pushed her out of the path of the energy beam, you two were using magic.” He paused to fluff his long beard with his right hoof. “I’d dare say you two are well on your way to unlocking your unique talents. I can’t help but wonder if you may follow in the path of the great unicorns of old,” he remarked still scratching his beard.

“Unicorns of old?” Questioned Celestia.

“Why yes. They were keepers of some of the most powerful magic in all of Equestria,” the wizard noted smiling at the princess.

“Wait, you mean Luan and I might be gifted like them?” Celestia asked.

“Exactly. Right now there’s no telling what the future holds for you two.” He remarked proudly.

“Wow, did you hear that Luna?” Celestia asked. Her sister just ignored her. They arrived at the doors to the chambers of the two princesses. Luna promptly entered her room and kicked the door shut with her rear right hoof. “Luna…” The elder sister’s pink hair drooped around her face from her sagging head.

Starswirl placed a supportive hoof on her shoulder. “Now, now princess. Luna will come around. She’s just upset right now. Give her time,” he said opening Celestia’s door.

“I will. Thank you master,” she replied walking half-heartedly into her room. Celestia gently closed the door behind her. She moved over to her bed and dropped down onto it displacing her stuffed animals and pillows. Grabbing a nearby pillow she buried her face in it and cried. Starswirl could hear her sobs. He shook his head and departed for his study.

A short time passed. Celestia opened the door to her room. There was no one outside, which she found puzzling. Though it didn’t matter, she walked over to see her sister. Knocking on the door, she asked, “Luna are you there?”

Luna promptly replied, “Go away I still don’t want to talk to you! I hate you remember.”

Celestia sighed as she returned to her room. She noticed how tired she felt from the day’s excitement. So she decided to lie down and get some rest.

______________________________________________________________________

The castle dungeon was dank and eerily quiet. A series of spaced out torches illuminated the corridor. Each cell also had a wall sconce with three burning candles to provide some light to the prisoners.

Grelgin had awoken. He saw that only two guards were patrolling the hall of his cell. The devious gargoyle grinned with glee as he used his strength to effortlessly break his shackles. “Heh, heh, heh! They though they could bind me. The fools! I’ll show them who the weakling is! How dare the king call me a wannabe henchman of Ghastaloom.” He grunted bitterly. Grelgin stretched his wings and contently swayed his tail. “Now for the main event! First however these cumbersome bars must go!” The fiend faced his cell bars. Unfolding his wings he shouted, “Gargoyle Curse!” Small orange circles of light appeared at the center both wings. A pair of small bright orange beams emerged from his wings and struck the cell bars. In mere moments the bars had turned to stone. Grelgin grinned and chuckled menacingly as he turned around and swatted the bars with a mighty swipe of his tail. They shattered and the pieces crackled to the stone floor. Wasting no time he promptly exited his cell still snickering under his breath.

The noise alerted the two guards who rapidly galloped to the scene of the disturbance. They both spotted Grelgin and quickly recovered their spears knowing a conflict would be imminent. “Halt!” Called one of the guards.

Again Grelgin laughed with glee. “Oh no I won’t be doing that!” He grinned.

“Then become shish-kabob!” Bellowed the other guard hurling his spear at the beast. The golden-tip long metal pole spear sailed toward its target. With amazing agility Grelgin jumped into the air and the projectile past by below. It clanged to rest on the corridor floor.

“You’ll have to do better than that to stop me. But why bother!” Laughed Grelgin unfolding his wings. “Gargoyle Curse!” He growled.

The guard looked around frantically as he noticed his body rapidly changing to stone. “What are you…ahhhh!” He cried as his body fully morphed to stone.

“What have you done?!” Roared the other guard angrily gripping his spear. “You shall pay for that demon!”

“Come and collect!” Taunted the gargoyle still snickering.

“Yahhhhhh!” Yelled the guard charging Grelgin. The loyal Canterlot soldier built up to a full gallop determined to fulfill his sworn duty and protect the inhabitants. The evil henchman stood his ground and drew back his right arm. Charging power in it, Grelgin unleashed a blast of bright purple energy. It slammed into the floor barely a few inches from the guard. The resulting explosion sent the sentry sailing into the air. He crashed with a loud thud onto the solid stone floor. Grunting in pain the soldier did his best to return to his hooves. Sadly he was too badly injured and collapsed falling unconscious.

“Well so much for them. Now for the royals! Ha-ha-ha!” Grelgin made his way out of the dungeon and to the throne room.

The king and queen were seated in their thrones. They had been speaking about their daughters and how grateful they were that Grelgin was locked up in the dungeon. After giving the matter due consideration the king said, “I wonder if I should go speak to the girls. Maybe I was too hard on them.”

The queen placed a loving hoof on his shoulder. “Dearest you did what you thought was best. Being a parent is never easy. In time Luna and Celestia will come to know that. Though it never hurts to talk. I’m sure they’d enjoy a visit. They both seemed very broken up,” she remarked hanging her head. “Especially Luna. I’ve never seen her so angry before. Perhaps it was due to the level of danger this time. It must have really frightened her.”

“You may be right honey. Well thankfully the tantrum Luna had isn’t uncommon for fillies her age. Besides siblings fight all the time. I’m sure she’ll come around,” the king stated rising to his feet. “Well at any rate I’m going to go check on them. Do you want to come with?”

“Sure,” replied the queen standing to join him.

A solitary sound of sarcastic clapping filled the throne room. “Bravo! Bravo on being such great parental figures for your daughters!” Declared a sinister voice.

“Who’s there?” Asked the king in a puzzled tone.

“ME!” Growled Grelgin stepping into the light.

“You!” The king replied incredulously. “But you were shackled and locked in a fortified dungeon cell!”

“I got out!” Grelgin replied blatantly.

“GUARDS!” Bellowed the king. In seconds a group of six guards stormed into the throne room answering the call of their monarch. They looked at the interloper and then to the king. “Seize him at ONCE!” Commanded the king.

“Sire!” Replied the guards as they rushed to subdue the beast.

“Oh goodie more target practice!” Declared Grelgin forming orbs of energy in his vile claws. He fired three shots at the group of guards. The guards did their best to dodge the attack but two were hit and render unconscious. The other four galloped onward showing no signs of ebbing. The fiendish Grelgin rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Yes come…come to your doom!” He roared unfurling his mighty wings. “Gargoyle Curse!” Two more guards were put out of commission and were now stone statues adorning the throne room floor.

The remaining guards gasped as they looked back at their comrades. This only fueled their determination. The lone pair charged on. “Come on we’ll take him together!” Shouted the one soldier pony.

“Right!” Called out his cohort.

The gargoyle just shook his head and chuckled. “You just don’t learn do you!” Grelgin clenched both his fists tightly and held his arms out. Quickly he began running to intercept the castle guards. They moved closer and closer toward each other. Then finally they collided. Grelgin’s fists struck the tuft of both guards from below. He used his amazing strength and lifted them both upward flipping them onto their back with a violent crash. The gargoyle skidded to a halt some twenty paces past them. The guards endeavored to move but fell back to the ground silently. “Two more have bit the dust. Now for you my not so royal rulers!”

The king was beside himself. Six of his best guards had just been picked apart like they were rookies fresh from the Canterlot Academy at Gallop Point. The king’s face quickly filled with anger as he glowered bitterly at Grelgin. “This ends now!” He asserted dauntlessly.

“Ooh the king is made a me! Bwah-ha-ha-ha! Then come and get me!” The fiend spoke in a singsong voice. The king opened his wings and took to the air. He sailed toward Grelgin. His horn glowing furiously with white magical energy. “Ha!” Bellowed the king unleashing a series of lightning bolts. The bolts struck the foul gargoyle in succession. He grunted momentarily but quickly came to. “No way! How could you just shrug that off?” Questioned the king in disbelief.

“Simple! I…am…not…a…WEAKLING!” He roared at the monarch. Grelgin leapt up and sank his claws into a nearby pillar. Quickly the beast climbed. Then once he was high enough he jumped and spread his wings. The king’s eyes widened as Grelgin glided over to him. “So long your highness!” Exclaimed the gargoyle. Placing his hands together, he firmly struck the king knocking him out of the air. The dark blue alicorn flapped his wings furiously to hamper the speed of his descent. Unfortunately he still struck the floor with a considerable amount of force.

Not wasting a moment the queen sprang into action taking to the air. She wasn’t about to let Grelgin get chance to strike her husband while he was down. Her hair flicked bright almost like it was burning. This foul demon was really getting on her nerves. Her long white horn flared up with fiery light. The queen aimed and unleashed a volley of three sizable fireballs. Grelgin whisked them away like they were nothing. The queen’s moth dropped unable to fathom how he could so easily dismiss one of her more powerful attacks. “Blast you!” She groused in annoyance.

“Boo-hoo! Looks like we see, which of us is the weakling now! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!” Cackled the mighty gargoyle.

The king wasn’t finished. He rose up on all fours shaking his head. The fierce look of determination still burned across his face. This battle was hardly over yet. “You underestimate me!” Shouted the king standing in defiantly.

“Bring it on you majesty!” Snickered Grelgin. The king focused power in his horn and unleashed a massive bean of golden light. The beast grinned as he countered with a pink beam of dark energy. The two beams met vigorously trying to push back the other. Focusing all of his might the king began forcing Grelgin’s attack back toward him. But the loyal follower of Ghastaloom wasn’t about to lose. He channeled more of his dark power into his beam. The attack doubled in size and began plowing back the king’s attack. Even with all of his strength and more the king was no match for Grelgin. Before the gargoyle’s attack could reach him, the alicorn made a desperate move. He broke his beam and darted out of the way. Grelgin’s beam missed the king and smashed into the ground stirring up a wave of dust and debris. An arrant piece of stone flew toward the monarch. Just before it could strike, the rock vaporized into a falling veil of sparkling dust. The king looked across the room and saw his loyal friend and advisor, Starswirl the Bearded.

“Oh thank goodness,” The king huffed regaining his breath.

Grelgin looked back and turned to face the wizard. “So we have an old washed-up stallion who thinks he can turn the tide!” The beast announced showing an annoyed face.

“That’s right you foul demon! You rebellion ends here!” Declared Starswirl standing proudly.

“Oh yeah! Take this!” Bellowed the beast unleashing two energy orbs.

Starswirl stood his ground and erected a magical shield. The two orbs struck it and were dispersed harmlessly. “You’ll have to do better than that! Now it’s my turn!” The wizard pony announced. He closed his eyes. His horn crackled with lightning and rumbled with thunder. Light erupted from his eyes as the royal blue unicorn opened them. “Cry of the Celestial Heavens!” Shouted Starswirl a distinctly dominant echo in his voice. A dark gray storm cloud formed over Grelgin and struck him with a series of massive blue lighting bolts.

“Yarrrgh!” The gargoyle shrieked in pain. Residual bolts of lighting zapped across his body as they tapered off concluded Starswirl’s attack. “Not bad old man! Your reputation is most deserved. But I am no amateur!” Once again the gargoyle spread his leathery wings. He snickered as he bellowed, “Gargoyle Curse!” Orange beams charged out from his wings and streaked toward the magical unicorn.

“You never learn do you!” Remarked Starswirl re-raising his magic shield. The wizard’s purple eyes widened as the beams struck the shield and penetrated it. The attack impacted quickly turning Starswirl to stone.

“No! Starswirl!” Cried the king in terror.

“Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! There is no one to save you now!” Cackled Grelgin triumphantly. He walked over to the king. The queen was standing in front of him ready lay down her life for her beloved.

“No my love, get back,” grunted the king.

Grelgin continued to snicker. “Oh please spare me the drama. I’m not going to kill either of you. In fact you have a choice to make. You can either be thrown in your own dungeon…or turned to stone. The choice for the moment…is yours!” Declared the vile fiend chuckling in the back of his throat.

The king considered the two options very carefully. Turned to stone would leave no hope of escape, but if he elected to be imprisoned, there could always be a chance to break out. Struggling he rose to his feet. “Grelgin, I have decided,” he replied.

“And…”

“We’ll take the dungeon,” the king concluded.

The gargoyle placed a hand to his chin. “I rather like it. The idea of you rotting in your own dungeon is priceless. Oh the irony,” Grelgin remarked with glee. He promptly took his prisoners to the dungeon. After hustling the king and queen and the injured guards into the cell, the gargoyle slammed the door shut behind them and locked it. “Now why you two rot in here…I’m going to search for those brats of yours. Once I eliminate you all, I can rummage through that old unicorn’s study. He most certainly will have some spell, potion or trinket, which I can use to revive my master. Enjoy your stay! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Grelgin rolled with evil laughter as he left the rulers of Canterlot locked in their own dungeon.