//------------------------------//
// Birth of a Dark Emperor 
// Story: My Little Pony: The Light of Equestria History 
// by kahnac 
//------------------------------//

It had been several days since the pony, Firm Hoof, had been exiled from the village of Einhorn, following the return of the young alicorn, Courageous Heart, and the defeat of the Gargoyle lord, Scorpan. It had been revealed that the villages renowned pegasus, Stoutheart, and Courageous' father, had been turned into Scorpan by the dark lord, Tirek, and made to serve as his second in command. And in a bid to gain favor with Lord Tirek, Firm Hoof offered to give Southeart's daughter, Charisma, in exchange for a place in his new world order. But just before such a bargain could be struck: the outcast pony, Courageous returned, became the Champion of Light, and changed Scorpan back into his true self once more. And when he revealed that Firm Hoof had made sure Stoutheart would be captured by Tirek just so Charisma would stay in Einhorn, develop her magic to its full potential, and give her to the dark master to be used as one of his warrior slaves, the rest of the village saw the horrid unicorn for the cowardly wretch he was, and turned against him. Even his own son, who had for the longest time been a timid, and weak unicorn too afraid to stand up for himself. Now, in an ironic twist of fate: the pony who had brought much misery, and pain to Courageous was now an outcast himself. Alone, and with noone to look to for help now. 

All except one, that is.

As he continued walking along through the woods, all Firm Hoof could think about was what had just occurred. Every moment thinking of it burned in the center of his mind. Fueling the anger, and newfound hatred in his heart.

"Those stupid, ignorant fools!" he thought. "I was going to establish a place for us in the future of Tirek's world! We were going to be safe from his terror! Why couldn't they understand?!" 

But he knew he was just fooling himself. He knew the reason why. It was the very same one which had ruined his plans to begin with. He who had defeated Scorpan, and had turned everyone against him: Courageous Heart.

"Of course they would side with HIM! They're too blinded by their soft, and gentle nature to understand anything! And that freak......"

The Unicorn seethed at the thought of the horned pegasus for what he had done. If he had hated Courageous once before, now it was increased a hundred fold by his actions.

"Somehow that freak ruined everything with his "magic". I have no idea where he got such magic: but it's obvious that he used it to turn everpony against me! Even my own son-tainted by his family's vile, and wretched goodness! For years, everypony saw him for the freak he was: then when he comes back, and defeats Scorpan, and even brings back that meddling fool, Stoutheart: everypony is against me! It's his fault! It's all his fault! EVERYTHING IS HIS FAULT!"

The anger was now swelling within. Making his mind race with so many negative emotions, it drove him to activate his magic, and shoot a nearby tree several times until only the stump remained. After a few minutes, he had finally calmed down, and collected his thoughts. Then, a malevolent grin formed on his face as he thought of what he was planning to do.

"Well, they'll all see soon enough what happens when they do what they did to me! Especially that horned freak! "Champion of Light". Hah! We'll see how well that helps you after i'm done with you. Just because the fools were too afraid to embrace the future doesn't mean I'M not. Now, it's time to fulfill my end of the deal......with Lord Tirek." 

And just like that, he was on his way to the one place in all of the world that none wish to see any closer, but was the one place HE was trying to get to: Midnight Mountain.

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Several more days passed as Firm Hoof kept his trek to the domain of Tirek. Though it wasn't difficult to reach: Einhorn Village was far away from that dreadful place, and it would take a good long time to reach. Assuming any sane pony would ever wish to journey to that dark place. And considering Firm Hoof was the only pony who wished to go there: it was possible he had gone mad long ago. But that was a debate to be questioned for another time.

For the blue furred pony was now in the more desolate part of the world. The place where sunlight itself began to lose it's domain, and the sky grew darker the further in one traveled. Even Firm Hoof had to admit that this place was frightening, and as unpleasant as he had heard. But there was no point in thinking about it. Not when he was so close to his destination.

He climbed over the many rocky hills that helped keep Tirek's Kingdom secluded. It wad difficult, but he was able to manage. At least, save for a few occasions when he almost slipped while climbing one of the hills. But it was all worth it. Because there, standing in the center of this desolate land was the place he wished to reach:

Midnight Mountain.

The peek went up as high as the sky, where it touched the storm clouds that surrounded it; thunder and lightning roared and struck the air all around. Dozens of wicked monsters roamed around, guarding this great fortress…and its Master.

A most intimidating sight, to be sure. One that sent shivers down Firm Hoof's spine as he thought of just what horrors might dwell within. But before he could have any second thoughts, he shook himself out of his fear induced stupor. He had come so far already. It was far too late to stop now. With that in mind, Firm Hoof made his trek to the base of the mountain, hoping to reach the top. And the Master who lived within.

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Though it took much time to do so, Firm Hoof finally managed to reach the base of Midnight Mountain. Although reaching had not been easy, as he tried to get here as secretly as possible. He knew very well that ponies would not be welcome in this place. And many of the monsters that guarded the towering place would have doubtlessly killed him on sight. But through stealth, and maneuverability, he managed to evade the monstrous servants of Tirek. Now came the second hardest part of this journey: climbing the mountain itself.

He immediately began searching the base of the Mountain for any possible way of travelling up. Whether by a flight of stairs that may lead up, or maybe a means of climbing the mountain. Yet so far: he had found no means of reaching the top. And it was possible he might never find it.

As he looked, he saw what were apparently a couple of statues which resembled Gargoyles. When he looked at them, he saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just a pair of statues standing around. So with that, he continued searching for a means of reaching the mountaintop. Since his back was turned, he failed to notice one of the Gargoyles eyes opening, and glowing a bright-red color as they looked in his direction.

He continued searching for a way up, determined to reach the top. Though it seemed like it was impossible, he was still going to keep trying. And nothing was going to stop him.

Then suddenly, he heard a loud, flapping sound behind him. He briefly froze in place. Afraid that he had been spotted by something. He tried to see what was behind him, but before he could, he felt something grab him by his back legs. He was then lifted into the sky by some unseen creature. he shouted frantically, as he saw the ground growing smaller, and smaller. He had no idea what was happening, and was too afraid to think about it. All that he could think of was the possibility that he was going to die soon. And there was nothing he could do about it.

Just as the two reached the highest point in the sky: Firm Hoof felt the thing gripping his legs suddenly let go. His fear had been realized, and he was falling to his death. He began screaming loudly as he began plummeting to what was bound to be his end.

Yet such an end never came.

He fell on solid ground faster than he had expected to. Which, considering how high up he was, should have been impossible. At least, until he had opened his eyes up, and looked around to see that he was standing at the summit of Midnight Mountain. He looked over to where he saw the ledge, and saw the whole countryside lay before him. Even a bit past the borders of Tirek's domain. A truly incredible sight that most, save for Pegasi, could only ever dream of seeing.

But the view was cut short when Firm Hoof felt something heavy push him into the ground, forcing him onto his stomach. He was then quickly flipped onto his back, where he saw who his mysterious attacker was: A Gargoyle. Of course, while firm Hoof had seen a few of them in his village before his banishment, this one looked different from the others in a few ways. For example, it had no fur on his body, and was covered in grey skin. He also wore a a dark blue chest plate, with shoulder pads, while the arms and legs had braces on them. His head bore a resemblance to Scorpan, but he had short horns, and long, black hair. Other than that, he resembled a typical, albeit large, Gargoyle: strong build, curved feet, bat-wings, reptilian tails, and four claws. Of course, as Firm Hoof squirmed under the Gargoyle's weight, he also learned that he also had a sharp-looking sword in hand. One which he aimed right at the frightened Unicorn's throat as he spoke in a gravely voice.

"Be still, Pony: Or you'll never be able to walk again!" he said in a threatening tone. "Who are you?"

Firm Hoof began thinking of what to say, and fast. He knew his life hung by a thread right now, and the wrong words could seal his fate. So he quickly cleared his throat, and then spoke in a slightly stammering tone.

"M-my name is F-firm Hoof! I'm f-from Einhorn Village! But i wish to meet with your master, Lord Tirek!"

"And why should i waste my master's time with a filthy equine such as you?"

"Because i wish to join him! To be part of his forces!"

At that remark, the Gargoyle gave him an inquisitive look. Firm Hoof had no idea what the Gargoyle was thinking, but he had hoped it was good. Sadly, the Gargoyle soon showed that he thought the pony was hilarious, as he let loose loud, boisterous laughter.

"BAHAHAHAHAH! How funny! You actually think you're worthy of joining the forces of The Supreme Master? Please, don't make me laugh! What reason should he have for letting you serve him instead of killing you on the spot?"


Now, Firm Hoof was thinking hard for a proper response. If he wanted any chance of survival, he needed to give a good reason to make it happen. Suddenly, one popped into his head. One he's sure would give him a chance.

"Because i have information regarding the loss of Scorpan. And the one who defeated him."

That took the Gargoyle by surprise. He had heard recently that Scorpan had been lost for good. But it was never made completely clear how it happened, and who had done it. As such, he began considering the Unicorn's words. And decided that if he had some information on Scorpan that he was willing to share, then perhaps Tirek would be interested, after all.

So the Gargoyle raised his foot off of Firm Hoof's chest, allowing him to stand back up, and then sheathed his sword on his back.

"Then for your sake, pony: it had better be information worth the Master's time. Follow me, and i will bring you to him."

The Gargoyle then proceed to walk into a cave which stood on the other side of the ledge. From where Firm Hoof stood, it was too dark to see anything in there. But since he had a guide, he figured he would be safe enough. So he soon trotted behind the Gargoyle to where Tirek himself would no doubt be.

After passing through the cavern itself, Firm Hoof began to see dim lights up ahead. They eventually entered what appeared to be castle walls bearing torches with dim lights. This gave the entire place an eerie feeling to it. And a feeling of dread that shook Firm Hoof to the core. This was only made worse when he, and the Gargoyle, began passing by a series of statues in the hallway. All of them varied in appearance, but they were still clearly nothing more than demons encased in stone. Horrific in appearance, and a most frightening display to look at. That's all Firm Hoof could think as he traveled down the hall. He even saw a mural of a monstrous creature that looked like a hyrda, but was far from the kind he was familiar with. He was so intrigued, yet also scared of these statues, that he fell behind, and was almost left by the Gargoyle. He quickly realized his mistake, and ran to catch up. The Gargoyle looked back to see if he still followed, and he saw the Unicorn still looking around. Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him, and he felt like asking something to his Gargoyle guide.

"What sort of place IS this?"

At first, he Gargoyle didn't feel like answering such a question. If only because he felt there might not be much need. But then he decided, just for the sake of it, he could at least indulge the pony with something before anything else. As he might not be around to remember it, anyway.

"The kind which my master found useful for his purposes. When he became The Supreme Master of Darkness, Lord Tirek first sought to establish a place which would be the center of his future kingdom. One which would be a domain for ALL creatures of Darkness, and a place noone  would ever dare to traverse. For fear of death, or a fate far worse than such."

"What could be worse than death?"

The Gargoyle went silent for a few moments, trying to think of some way to describe it to this....newcomer. But when nothing came to mind, he said the only thing which he felt would be suitable for an explanation.

"Pray you won't have to find out, little pony."

That statement sent another chill through Firm Hoof as they continued walking. He knew Tirek was a frightening, and terrible force. But he was not interested in learning about what he did to those he didn't kill. Not through first-hoof experience, anyway.

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After a good while, the Gargoyle soon led Form Hoof to a large chamber that was devoid of any light, or anyone else, for that matter. As he looked in, Firm Hoof could practically feel the evil oozing through this place. There was no question about it: this was Tirek's throne room. Yet it didn't seem like anyone was here. He didn't have time to ponder this, though, as the Gargoyle beckoned him inside before he began closing the door behind him.

"Wait in here."

The door finally shut tight, and Firm Hoof was alone in the Darkness of the chamber. It was so dark in here, he had difficulty seeing anything. And it was taking a while for his eyes to adjust to the dark, so he was basically blind for the moment. Then, he remembered that he knew an illumination spell. His horn soon lit up with magic, and he was no longer stuck in the dark any longer. However, he found that his light couldn't reach out too far from his own position. Every time he tried increasing the light's strength, it just stayed in place. It was like a blanket of shadow continuously covered him, and prevented any light from spreading outward.

With a sigh of annoyance, Firm Hoof accepted this, and decided to simply wander around the room. He swore he could see something in front of him that looked like a large chair of some kind. But he wasn't too eager to see what was over there, so he steered clear of it.

Instead, he ended up moving to the side of the room, looking for anything interesting, or out of the ordinary. And he quickly saw something like that in the form of several statues that seemed grouped together. As he studied them, Firm Hoof could see that these were statues of several different ponies. Pegasus, Unicorn, and Earth Pony alike.

But it wasn't just ponies he saw: there were a few griffons, some Zebra's, a few changelings. Even a couple of Buffalo were mixed. And each of them had varying expressions matching their poses: from angry, determined, or defiant to scared, appalled, or horrified. And while they were indeed simple statues, they were much too detailed to be considered ordinary. Firm Hoof could actually feel that there was something amiss with these stone figures. Like they were alive, but couldn't speak, or move. If what he was thinking of statues was right: then he felt pity for these poor souls who suffered something worse than death. 

Could this be what the Gargoyle was talking about?

"HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM?"  a mysterious voice asked.

That loud, deep echoing voice made Firm Hoof jump out of his skin from how unexpected it was. He quickly turned around to where he heard the voice coming from, but he had trouble seeing who it was. Until a series of torches lit up along the walls of the room, up to the halfway point of where the throne room was. To the left, and right of him, Firm Hoof could see more statues of different creatures in similar poses as the ones he had just encountered. But then he turned is gaze to the far side of the room, where the throne itself was. There, he could see the front hooves of something sitting there, along with a pair of hands that had razor, sharp talons on them. And in the center, he could vaguely make out the visage of a large being sitting there. But because of the shadows concealing him so well, it was impossible to see him fully. Yet there was no denying who it was he was practically staring at. Even when his eyes took on a dark, hazy glow that struck fear into the Unicorn's heart. This was Lord Tirek: the ruler of this mountain, and the Supreme Master of Darkness himself.

"THOSE SCULPTURES YOU SEE ARE SOMETHING OF A BUNCH OF SOUVENIRS TO ME. "MIGHTY WARRIORS" WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD VANQUISH ME. IN MY OWN REALM, NO LESS. NOW, THEY ARE PERMANENT GUESTS HERE, FOR ALL ETERNITY UNTIL I SEE FIT TO RELEASE THEM." 

No denying it: Firm Hoof was rightfully scared now. Especially because he had been proven right about the statues: they had been living beings once before. Now just simple ornaments to decorate Tirek's throne room. A fate worse than death, as he had been warned.

But Firm Hoof was intent to make sure he was on Tirek's good side. He still wasn't sure if he knew who Firm Hoof was, or of the arrangement between him, and Scorpan. All he could do was hope Tirek would be willing to hear him out. Of course, Firm Hoof needed to make sure he could get the Dark Lord to see him in a positive light, and went right away with doing such a thing.

"U-uh...y-y-yes, my lord. A t-truly fitting fate for such f-fools. And most certainly, a fine detail to such a magnificent craft, as well. Hopefully now, if they still have consciousness, they can realize their mistake of opposing the true master of this world, oh mighty lord Tirek."

Tirek's eyes quickly narrowed as he listened to the words of this stupid pony. He could smell the fear coming from Firm Hoof long before he entered this room, and he could see that he was cowering in the face of him. But also: he could tell when someone was trying to worm their way into his favor. Something he never cared for, and didn't appreciate in the slightest. He'd destroy his own minions for doing such a thing. But he was intrigued by this ponies daring to come here. To the very heart of Darkness, where no mortal dared to traverse. So he decided to stay his hand for now. But make sure the equine understood how things would work.

"SPARE ME YOUR POINTLESS SNIVELING, PONY. OR DO YOU THINK SOMETHING AS WORTHLESS AS FLATTERY WILL KEEP YOU ALIVE?"

He wanted to say that perhaps it would, but he knew otherwise. Firm Hoof knew Tirek had no love for ponies anywhere in the black void that was his heart. And if he wanted, he could kill him on the spot, or turn him into a statue like the others. Maybe even worse. So he did the only thing he could do, and let honesty play out.

"No. Of course not." he nervously said.

"NO, INDEED. ......BUT I SUPPOSE THAT SINCE YOU CAME ALL THIS WAY, PERHAPS I COULD SHOW LENIENCY FOR A FEW MINUTES LONGER. STEP FORTH, LITTLE PONY."  

A wave of relief came over Firm Hoof upon hearing this. He was grateful Tirek was giving him a chance, at least. So he did as commanded, and went up to the throne, and tried to speak.

"Thank you, Lord Tirek. I-"

"STOP." Tirek interrupted. "IF YOU'VE ANY WISH TO HAVE AN AUDIENCE WITH ME, YOU BEST SHOW ME THE PROPER RESPECT I DESERVE. BOW BEFORE ME. NOW!"


Realizing the mistake he almost made, Firm Hoof quickly fixed it, and bent down to one knee in respect to his possible master. This seemed to pacify Tirek in a positive way.

"YES. THAT IS BETTER. NOW, TO THE MATTER AT HAND."  

Firm Hoof took that as his signal to speak, and proceeded to do so.

"My Lord. My name is Firm Hoof, and i-

"I ALREADY KNOW WHO YOU ARE: THE LEADER OF A VILLAGE OF PONIES WHO SOUGHT TO JOIN ME AS I CLAIM THE WORLD."  

"Uh....Y-yes. Yes, My Lord. And as i'm sure you already know, i had an arrangement with Scorpan. He, and I, were allies, of a sort."

At the mention of Scorpan, Tirek's eyes once again narrowed into slits. He had been meaning to learn more of that situation, and now he had the proper chance to do so.

"AH, YES. I WAS ACTUALLY RATHER CURIOUS ABOUT THAT. FIRM HOOF: THERE ARE A FEW....QUESTIONS I WISH TO ASK OF YOU. STAND, AND LOOK AT ME SO I MAY DO SO."  

Not suspecting anything serious, Firm Hoof once again did as commanded, and faced Tirek as best he could, considering he was still concealed in the shadows.

"TELL ME: ARE THE MARES OF YOUR VILLAGE PERHAPS.....DEAF?"  

The question took him by surprise for a little. But he was quick to answer it, albeit in a slightly confused manner.

"Um, n-no, my lord."

"AH. AND THE STALLIONS: ARE ALL OF THEM, OR AT LEAST, MOST OF THEM.....UNINTELLIGENT?"  

"Well, not exactly. But then again, all of them could be considered-

"THEN HOW DARE YOU COME BEFORE ME WHEN YOU FAILED TO UPHOLD OUR BARGAIN?!" he roared out in pure rage.

The force of his shout forced Firm Hoof back, and made him cower as he saw Tirek's eyes glow in anger. Before he could possible think of running away, he heard the sound of doors closing behind him again. He didn't even realize someone had come in. Whe he saw who it was, though, his heart began racing.

A whole group of Gargoyles, including the one who brought him here, surrounded the pony, with their weapons -spears, and swords- drawn, and poised to strike. Now, Firm Hoof knew his life was in danger. And he needed to do something, fast.

"M-my lord, please! You don't understand, i-"

"AND AFTER I ASKED SO LITTLE OF YOU."  

"Yes, i know! I-"

"ALL I ASKED FOR IN RETURN FOR BOTH REMOVING THE MEDDLESOME PEGASUS OF YOUR VILLAGE, AND FOR SPARING SAID VILLAGE, WAS FOR YOU TO PROVIDE ME WITH A UNICORN WHOSE MAGIC WAS AT ITS PEAK. ONE WHO COULD SERVE AS AN ASSET TO MY FORCES. A RATHER SIMPLE, AND NOT TOO DIFFICULT TASK, I BELIEVE."  

"A-and i-i assure you, my lord: i had every intention of making sure you did! It's just-"

 "AND INSTEAD, I FIND MYSELF NOT ONLY ROBBED OF WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN MY MOST POWERFUL SERVANT....."  

"B-but i-i-"

"BUT I AM ALSO COST THE EXISTENCE OF MY COMMANDER, SCORPAN, THANKS TO THE INTERFERENCE OF THE ACCURSED LIGHT!"   

"But i swear: it wasn't my fault! I had only-"

"SIIIILLLLEEEEEENNNNNCCCCCCEEEEEE!!!" 

The terrified Unicorn did just that, and was now trembling in his spot. He knew now that Tirek was enraged at the events that had occurred, and he clearly wasn't interested in listening to the puny thoughts, and excuses of a pony.

"AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED: YOU HAVE FAILED AT EVERY STAGE OF THIS.....ARRANGEMENT. UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INCIDENT, AND HOW SCORPAN WAS VANQUISHED, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY REDEEM YOURSELF, THEN I SEE NO REASON WHY I SHOULD NOT EITHER LET MY GARGOYLES TEAR YOU APART, OR DO SOMETHING WHICH WOULD MAKE YOU BEG FOR A SWIFT END!"  

Though he was increasingly worried upon hearing this threat, something he heard Tirek say caused something to snap inside Firm Hoof's mind: Tirek had on idea who destroyed Scorpan. Because his Gargoyles fled, they weren't there to see what happened. But Firm Hoof was-and he knew he could use that knowledge to save himself.

"But i do, my lord! I do have information about Scorpan! I know who it was that defeated him, and used this "light" you mentioned to do so!"

In his throne, Tirek raised a questioning eyebrow as he heard this. Though he believed the pony was just trying to save his own skin: he also knew that he may have had something to tell him that he wasn't aware of. So, against his better judgement, he decided to indulge the cowardly equine.

"THEN TELL ME: WHO WAS IT? WHO WAS IT THAT WAS ABLE TO USE THE LIGHT? WHO BESTED MY SECOND, AND RETURNED HIM TO HIS ORIGINAL FORM?"  

To make sure he answered truthfully, the Gargoyles took a step closer to Firm Hoof, brandishing their weapons in a threatening gesture. This startled him further, and caused him to shout out the name of the perpetrator.

"COURAGEOUS HEART! THE HORNED PEGASUS! HE DID IT!"

That gave Tirek a great feeling of shock, and his expression widened in response. To make sure he wasn't hearing things, he prompted Firm Hoof to emphasize his meaning.

"WHAT. DID YOU. SAY?"

"A pegasus born with a unicorn's horn. He was an outcast for much of his life before you took his father, and he left Einhorn. But he returned several days ago, and fought Scorpan just as he was about to collect the Unicorn you were promised. During the fight, he called on the power you call "the light", and then changed Scorpan back into Stoutheart. After that, the ponies chose to side with them! They banished me from my own village!"

This was most intriguing to Tirek. He was already told about the horned Pegasus by Scorpan a few years ago, but he paid no mind to it, as he cared nothing for some strange pony. Even when the Gargoyles with Scorpan told of the same pony after they came back to the mountain, he dismissed it. It was the Light he sensed reverting Scorpan to his original form. Not some strange, freakish hybrid of a pony. From what he knew, there has never been a single, living being who has been able to wield the power of the Light for an age of an age. What reason was there to believe it so now?

At least: that's what he thought until Firm Hoof brought it up. Now, it seems there was no denying the undisputed fact presented to him: The Light has chosen its Champion. Just as he was the champion of The Darkness. This could mean that the ethereal force which long kept the Darkness in check was finally taking action to restore balance to the world. And no doubt this pony - this "Courageous Heart", would be the catalyst to this change. This, he could not allow. Not when he was so close to his victory. So there was no other options in the matter: The Champion of Light must be dealt with before he can possibly stop him.

Of course, there was still the matter of the blue Unicorn standing before him.

"AND THAT'S WHY YOU CAME HERE? FOR REVENGE?"

Firm Hoof could sense some of the hostility had died down, and he wasn't in much danger anymore. But he still knew to tread lightly. Though he had no reason to lie about his intentions, and was more than eager to explain himself.

"Yes, my lord. For years, that wretched son of Stoutheart has been a thorn in my side since the day he was born. A magicless unicorn with wings has no place among our kind! And i thought everypony in Einhorn understood that as well. But then, after several years of being gone from the village, as he should have been: that freak comes back on the very day i was about to establish a place for us in your future world, and ruins everything! Then he, and his wretched family- including Stoutheart, turned the whole village against me, and cast me out of it! Those fools are too blinded by their soft-hearted nature to understand what i did was for their own good! Now....i just want to see all of them pay for what they did. Most of all that freak! I want him to understand what happens when he stands in the way of the future! And especially you.....Master."

There was little doubt, that this pony was quite intriguing. He already knew ponies were good by nature. but like every living thing: Darkness existed within them, just as Light did. It simply was a matter of what the nature of that individual was like that determined which force was stronger within them. And Tiirek could both hear, and feel the Darkness swelling within him. Anger, hatred, a thirst for power, and revenge: Firm Hoof seemed to have potential in the ways of Darkness. But Tirek was not interested in the petty desires of others unless they suited his own goals. However, there was a chance he could find some use out of this pony....with a little help, that is.

"MOST INTERESTING. YET IT DOESN'T CHANGE THE FACT YOU STILL FAILED TO UPHOLD OUR BARGAIN. SO WHY SHOULD I EVEN CONSIDER HELPING YOU IF YOU CAN'T EVEN ACCOMPLISH A GOAL LIKE THAT?"  

This was the tricky part. Firm Hoof figured Tirek wouldn't be so easily willing to accept him after his own failure. But he soon thought of a loophole that could perhaps establish his place in Tirek's fold.

"Because i can still keep my part of the deal, and give you a Unicorn to serve you, my lord."

"OH? AND WHO MIGHT THIS BE? YOURSELF, PERHAPS?" 

"As a matter of fact: yes!"

Tirek remained silent after he heard Firm Hoof say that. As he decided to listen on, the unicorn took it as a sign to continue talking. And explaining his meaning.

"While i admit: my magic may not be as perfect as Stoutheart's daughter, it could be even greater.....if you granted me power over Darkness. I could become the powerful warrior you wished to have in your forces. And the upside would be that you wouldn't need to spare my village. You could be free to do as you wished with them. And in return, i will serve you faithfully until the end of my days. By my own life, or death."

He then took another bow before the Dark Master, to show how willing he was to fulfill his claim. The other Gargoyles looked to each other, just not knowing what to make of this. Tirek, however, was truly intrigued by all this. Especially with the "alteration" to the deal he was actually able to think up. It would seem that he really could be of use to him, after all. Though still, the idea of a pony being on his side was still something he wasn't thrilled with. 

That is until an idea popped into his head. A fiendish one which could benefit him greatly. And which caused him to grin like a monstrous demon in the shadow of his throne. Afterwards, he quickly addressed Firm Hoof in a firm tone.

"AND YOU ARE CERTAIN THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT? ARE YOU TRULY WILLING TO CAST ASIDE EVERYTHING YOU ONCE KNEW TO JOIN THE SIDE OF DARKNESS?"

"If it means getting back at that lousy freak: then yes i am."

"VERY WELL, THEN. IF THAT IS WHAT YOU DESIRE, THEN IT SHALL BE WHAT YOU RECEIVE. BUT I'M WARNING YOU NOW, PONY: THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPASSION, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, OR ANY TRAITS THAT ARE BORN OF THE LIGHT. TO SERVE ME: YOU MUST BE WILLING TO FORSAKE ALL OF THESE ASPECTS. ANY SMALL PIECES OF GOODNESS THAT DWELL WITHIN YOU MUST BE EXTRACTED, AND FOREVER REMOVED IF YOU WISH TO BECOME ONE WITH THE DARKNESS. ONE YOU AGREE TO THIS: THERE IS NO GOING BACK. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"  

At this point, Firm Hoof hesitated for a moment. If he really agreed to this, he would have no goodness within him. Not even any love he had for his son. Something he did cherish greatly, though he never showed it to anypony. And he wasn't sure if he was willing to give it up.

At least, until he remembered how he had turned against him like the others. Even after all he did to protect him, the ungrateful wretch deserted him. He proved to be no different from any of the others who had turned their backs on him. This was something he had to accept. And in a low, somber tone, he made his choice.

"I....i understand, my lord."

"SO BE IT, THEN. NOW, AND FOREVER: YOU SHALL BE MY GREATEST SERVANT. AS IT IS TO BE WISHED. NOW......"  

Then, almost unexpectedly, Tirek rose up from his throne, stepped out of the shadows, and revealed himself to Firm Hoof: he was a centaur. Firm Hoof had heard tales that Tirek was a centaur, but he hardly believed it to be true. Considering how there were no centaurs anymore save for in books, and tomes. But Tirek was unlike any centaur he had seen: his fur was pitch black, and he had bright-red skin. His entire body was also toned, and had muscles which could make a full grown stallion jealous. He wore a set of armor on his upper body, and on his legs, too. Around his neck was a red jeweled amulet that he seemed to always wear. He also had hair, and a beard the same color as his fur, and a pair of long, fearsome horns like a bulls. His very form spoke volumes in terms of intimidation, strength, and abject fear for those who saw him. Firm Hoof himself couldn't help but feel intimidated by the large, imposing form of the demonic centaur, who simply towered over him like a massive tree. But he was pulled out of his momentary stupor when he saw Tirek's hands glow the same color of his eyes, before he made his declaration.

"BEHOLD THE POWER OF DARKNESS!!!"  

Immediately, he shot two streams of a dark miasma from his hands, which shot straight towards Firm Hoof almost like lightning. He then yelled in fear when the two streams joined together, and began swirling around him like a nightmarish twister.

But as he stood in the center of this swirling mass, he suddenly began to feel something happen to him. He felt his body growing stronger. He could feel power was flowing through him. He was becoming far greater than he ever thought possible. 

This was the power of Darkness.

"Yes! YES! YEESSS! The power! It's incredible! So much greater than i ever thought possible! Hahahahah!"

Yes, he felt absolutely ecstatic as he felt this great change occurring. With this he began feeling invincible. Soon, he would have his revenge: and make Courageous pay for everything he did.

But then, he suddenly felt something else. While he didn't notice it at first, it became more apparent when he felt his body was starting to feel some intense pain. At first, he didn't know what was causing it. Then, he felt his body beginning to change: it was slowly growing in size, and shape. Not only was he growing, but he could also feel his horn receding into his very skull. Quickly followed by the jutting pain of two something's jutting out of his head. When he managed to catch a glimpse, he could swear he saw a pair of horns on the sides of his head. Even his teeth began shifting. From flat, grazing teeth, to razor-sharp, predatory teeth. With two especially large ones protruding from the bottom jaw. By this time, he realized something was wrong. Very wrong.

"No! What....what's happening to me?! What's-"

All of a sudden, he felt something tremendously horrible happen. His insides began feeling like they were on fire. Like something was tearing him apart from the inside. Needless to say, he was in complete agony. And he was unable to stop it. But the worst soon came when he felt himself being torn away from his body. Screaming in agony as he was forced out of his own body.

"AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!"

Out of the swirling Darkness came a dim, grey form which swirled, and circled above the whirlwind below. In a few seconds, it began to take the shape of Firm Hoof himself. His eyes were closed as this happened. But once he was fully formed, his eyes quickly opened to see something so terribly amiss. He still looked the same as he did before, but now he could see through his own limbs. To top it off, he was now hovering in the air several feet above the ground. He grew increasingly worried as he spoke up, with his voice now having a ghostly, echoing effect to it.

"Wh-what is this?! What's happened to me?! What happened to my body?!" 


As if to answer his question, the dark twister began dying down, and shrinking to the ground before it completely dissipated. Revealing what had happened to Firm Hoof ......or rather, his body as it stood up straight after it had been kneeling on the floor during the dark process. And what Firm Hoof saw made him gasp in horror: his whole body had been changed into a mockery of what used to be a unicorn pony. Now, instead of a dark blue Unicorn, there was a large, dark blue ram, with two black, curved horns, and a mysterious, golden bell wrapped around its neck. It slowly opened its eyes to reveal they were now glowing bright red. With so much malice, and evil that it was unnatural. It then took a knee as it looked to its master, bowing in respect before speaking in a deep, gutteral voice.

"What is thy bidding, my master?"

Tirek was most pleased. Everything had gone precisely as he had intended. With the level of evil this creature was radiating with, it was clear that this beast was his crowning achievement. One who could replace Scorpan so very easily.

"ARISE, MY FAITHFUL SERVANT. YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN NEW LIFE TO SERVE AS THE NEW COMMANDER OF MY FORCES. TO REPLACE THE FOOL, SCORPAN, AND SUCCEED WHERE HE FAILED. WELCOME......GROGAR, TO A NEW BODY, NEW MIND, AND ETERNAL ALLEGIANCE TO ME, AND THE DARKNESS!"  

The monstrous ram rose up once more, and bore a fiendish smile upon his face. Grateful for his new existence, and the chance to serve his new master. As he was meant to.

"It is my greatest honor to serve you, Lord Tirek."

"AS I HAVE NO DOUBT YOU WILL."  

"TIREK!!!"

Suddenly, the ghostly visage of Firm Hoof came down from the air, and hovered directly in front of Tirek. His eyes at the same level as the centaur's. And filled with anger, outrage, and a feeling of betrayal matched only by what he had experienced in Einhorn. But Tirek simply looked to him with his cold, hard gaze. Like he was uninterested in the fact Firm Hoof was still around.

"SO: YOU STILL EXIST, DO YOU? THAT'S A SHAME, BUT OF NO REAL CONSEQUENCE."  

"You....you back-stabbing monster! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!"

Tirek: "I DON'T APPRECIATE THE TONE YOU SPEAK TO ME WITH. I GAVE YOU WHAT YOU DESIRED: THE POWER OF DARKNESS."  

Firm Hoof could only look at Tirek with complete shock, and confusion at such a statement.

"This isn't what i wanted! You said nothing about tearing me out of my own body! That....THING isn't me!"

 "OH, BUT HE IS: GROGAR IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU TRULY ARE. EVERY HATEFUL EMOTION, EVERY VILE IMPULSE, EVERY DARK FEELING YOU HAVE IS MANIFESTED WITHIN HIM. HE IS THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE DARKNESS WITHIN ONESELF." 

"But you.....you said I would serve you! I thought you were going to let me serve you! I swore to do so with my own life!"

 "SPARE ME YOUR RIGHTEOUS OUTRAGE, PONY. I WARNED YOU THAT TO GAIN SUCH POWER, YOU WOULD NEED TO HAVE ALL OF THE ASPECTS OF GOODNESS REMOVED FROM YOUR PHYSICAL FORM. AND THE BEST WAY TO DO THAT......IS TO STRIP THE BODY OF THE SOUL ENTIRELY. THUS FREEING IT OF THE FLAWS THAT COME WITH A SOUL THAT STILL POSSESSES LIGHT WITHIN, AND ALLOWING DARKNESS TO TAKE CONTROL. AS IT IS MEANT TO."

"But...i thought-"

 "UNDERSTAND THIS, YOU EQUINE FILTH: IN MY NEW WORLD, THERE IS NO PLACE FOR YOUR KIND. ALL YOU ARE TO ME IS A TOOL TO BE USED AS I SEE FIT. OR SIMPLY TOYS FOR MY AMUSEMENT. YOU COULD NEVER BE MY EQUALS. AND YOU NEVER WILL. PERHAPS IF YOU WERE NOT SO CLOUDED BY YOUR HATRED, YOU COULD HAVE SPARED YOURSELF THIS FATE. NOW, YOU WILL FOREVER REMAIN A LITERAL SHADE OF YOUR FORMER SELF-CONNECTED TO GROGAR, AND BOUND TO HIM FOR ALL TIME. A MOST FITTING FATE, WOULD YOU NOT SAY?"

Then, all of the Gargoyles began laughing demonically at the misfortune of this stupid pony who thought he had a chance of joining Tirek. As for Firm Hoof, he had no response to anything. He didn't have the strength to do anything now. As he lowered himself from Tirek, his expression was that of a defeated one. He had made such a horrible mistake, and it cost him greatly. He was warned something like this would happen, but he didn't listen. Now, he would live with it for the rest of his undying days.

"BUT REST ASSURED: I WILL GRANT YOUR WISH TO DESTROY THE ONE CALLED "COURAGEOUS HEART". IF HE HAS BECOME THE CHAMPION OF LIGHT, THEN HE IS A THREAT TO ME. THE ONLY TRUE THREAT TO MY DOMINION. BUT I SHALL DEAL WITH HIM SWIFTLY, BEFORE HE CAN OPPOSE ME. BUT AS FOR YOU...GROGAR: I HAVE A TASK IN MIND FOR YOU."

The ram raised his head to look up to his master, eagerly awaiting instructions as he turned back to his throne. All the while, Firm Hoof now had a somber look on his face as he now sat on the floor, a few feet away from where Grogar stood.

"Yes, master?"

"THOUGH HE HAS ONLY RECENTLY APPEARED, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WORD WILL HAVE REACHED EVERY CORNER OF THE LAND OF THE CHAMPION'S ARRIVAL. MANY WILL NO DOUBT RALLY TO HIS SIDE TO AID IN THE COMING STRUGGLE. THERE IS ONE AMONG THEM THAT MAY ROVE TO BE THE MOST DANGEROUS AMONG THEM: THE ISLE OF TAMBELON."  

Hearing the mention of this place, Firm Hoof couldn't help but look to Tirek, who was once again facing Grogar as he was inches away from his throne.

"IT IS A SACRED PLACE WHERE THE POWER OF THE LIGHT IS STRONG. BUT NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO REPEL A SECRET INVASION. I WILL SEND YOU, AND AN ARMY OF DARK WARRIORS TO THE ISLAND BY MEANS OF TELEPORTATION. THE INHABITANTS WILL BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD, AND QUICKLY OVERWHELMED. YOU WILL CONQUER THIS KINGDOM IN MY NAME. USE THE POWER I HAVE GIVEN YOU TO TURN ALL WHO LIVE THERE TO STONE. TO KEEP THEM PRISONER IN THEIR OWN DOMAIN FOR ALL TIME. DO NOT HESITATE, AND SHOW NO MERCY. ONLY THEN CAN OUR HOLD OVER THIS WORLD BE CLOSER TO ABSOLUTE. DO THIS, AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED AS THE EMPEROR OF THAT REALM. A RULER OF ABSOLUTE POWER......SECOND ONLY TO ME."  

Once the instruction was complete, Grogar released another feral grin at the thought of what he was commanded to do. The idea of bringing such misery, and pain to a land of light, and hope was just too much to pass up. And the promise of becoming Emperor made it even more delicious.

"As you command, so it shall be, Master. The Island shall fall in the name of Darkness!"

But for a certain Unicorn, it was an absolute nightmare. Though he was angry with Courageous, and the others in his village for what they did: he realized that he didn't want anyone harmed. Especially not an innocent kingdom which didn't deserve what Tirek had intended for it. But now, thanks to his anger, and selfishness: he had just provided the means of condemning them to an eternal torment. Something else he would be forced to live with for all time.

Tirek nodded his head to Grogar, pleased by his servant's dark enthusiasm. He then turned his attention to the Gargoyles in his chamber, who all stood at attention as they saw him looking at them.

"NOW, THERE IS WORK TO DO: PREPARE MY FORCES FOR CONFLICT. I HAVE NO DOUBT THE CHAMPION IS PREPARING AN ARMY OF HIS OWN TO FACE ME. IF IT'S A WAR HE WANTS......THEN IT'S A WAR HE WILL GET!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And so it was, the Lord Tirek rallied the forces of Darkness to face off against Courageous Heart, the champion of light, and his own forces, in a battle which would change the fate of what would one day be the land of Equestria forever. 

As for Grogar: he had done as his master had bid, and as he was instructed to do. With an army of goats, and rams at his command, Grogar invaded the Island of Tambelon after they had teleported there. The inhabitants were taken unawares, and were quickly felled by the unanticipated enemies. In the end, Gorgar's forces had defeated them, and he had used his dark power to turn every last one of them into stone. Condemned to the torment of being neither living, nor dead. And when he heard tell of a sacred bell which protected the kingdom, and could potentially threaten him, Grogar found it, and sealed it away so that noone who sought to defeat him could ever use it against him.

He had succeeded in his mission, and he was now the ruler of the once beautiful, and luscious Island. Now literally nothing more but a darkened, lightless wasteland of death, and decay. 

A realm Grogar was now the undisputed Emperor of.

And all the while, Firm Hoof watched as Grogar committed his atrocious deeds. Never able to interfere in some way. Forced to see as his own unintended creation brought such pain, and misery to all. And it tore his spirit apart. He knew this was all his fault. He allowed his rage, and thirst for vengeance lead him to this road. Perhaps if he had only been kinder to others, and never involved himself with a monster like Tirek, this would not be happening. 

But it was. And there was nothing that could change it.

Even when Tirek himself had been defeated by Courageous, and the elements of harmony, only for the Dark Master to seal the young alicorn within his amulet, and be imprisoned in Tartarus for centuries: resulting in Tambelon itself, now tied to his power, to be locked away in a stasis spell until otherwise necessary, Firm Hoof could only think of one, single thing which drove his guilt to its height. Something that showed just how much regret was in his soul, and would remain for the rest of eternity that burned away at him. Even as he was now being sealed in a prison of time, this was all that he could think of:

"What have i done?" 

The End?.......