(I apologize to everyone if this doesn't seem as good. My mind was in a rut, and i wasn't fully able to concentrate. Also, i'm sorry for any spelling mistakes that appear. Lastly, a slight torture moment for anyone who's a bit squeamish about that sort of thing.)
It had been quite some time since Tirek had made his way into the Throne-room of Canterlot. And discovering that their magic was somehow gone. Needless to say, he was not happy with this development. Right now, he was currently seated in Celestia's own throne. An intimidating glare which was aimed directly at the 3 alicorns sitting before him. Yet despite the situation, none of the princesses seemed threatened by the monstrous centaur. They just returned the glare as he finally addressed them.
"So," he began, "What you mean to say is that you disposed of every last ounce of magic you had, and dispersed it so that it can never be reclaimed?"
"Correct." Celestia said.
"And you were truly willing to cast all your power aside like that? To lower yourselves to mere mortals?"
"Do not try to patronize us, demon." Luna said. "Magic is not what makes a pony, or any living thing special."
"She's right." Cadence added. "Besides, we aren't gods: and we were once "mortal", like you said, before. We wouldn't be lowering ourselves to something we used to be, anyway."
"And it's a sacrifice we all were willing to take, so long as it means keeping our subjects safe from you, Tirek. Better to dispose of our magic than allow you to use it for your own purposes."
While the princesses went on, Tirek listened carefully to everything they said. From where he stood, they sounded quite truthful. That they were truly willing to sacrifice what they had to protect the other ponies. THAT was something he could believe. But he also kept a little something in mind which threw part of their claim out the window. Something he knew which would help turn the tables quickly.
"Maybe so.....but you clearly never considered that i may know enough about magic to know that you might actually be lying."
All 3 princesses suddenly looked confused, as they appeared to not understand what he had meant. But inside, they were worried he may actually know what they also knew. Which was only confirmed when Tirek explained:
"Oh, yes: i have learned enough about Equestrian magic since i escaped from Tartarus. What do you think i spent all this time doing aside from slowly regaining my strength? Now, i have enough knowledge to know that you lie: magic cannot simply disappear. It can only be contained in another vessel if it is removed from its host. I am the proof of that, or have you failed to consider that fact as i tore the magic away from your precious ponies?"
The alicorn trio felt a pang of worry at this revelation, but managed to keep it hidden behind the stern expressions they held as they listened to Tirek gloat about his demented accomplishments.
"Which means that your magic isn't truly gone..........*grin* You've hidden it away somewhere - given it to somePONY. And then sent them away somewhere i couldn't hope to find them. Not too bad of a plan: but it seems you underestimated me. A mistake you may regret once you tell me who this pony is."
"And why, exactly, would we pass our magic onto somepony else?" Celestia questioned, calling Tirek's bluff. "Only another Alicorn would be capable of safely wielding so much power at once. Any other, and the amount would be too much for them: they would burn out almost instantaneously."
"Who knows? Perhaps you were so desperate to keep your precious magic out of my hands, you had no choice. But then again: (looks to Cadence) considering there is a 3rd alicorn where there used to be only two......whose to say there isn't a fourth?"
It was truly startling how Tirek was putting the pieces together. But it shouldn't have been surprising, considering he was able to turn Discord over to his side. But still, the princesses refused to prove him right, and remained as stoic as they possibly could.
"Doesn't really matter, anyway: fourth alicorn, or whatever foolish creature you entrusted it to, you ARE going to tell me who it is that has my property. And you'll do it NOW!"
"Even if you were right" Cadence said, "What makes you think we would EVER tell you where this pony is?"
"Because of what's going to happen if you stay silent."
"Do your worst, monster!" Luna boldly exclaimed. "But no matter what you do to us, we shall never tell you anything! Our own lives mean nothing compared to the safety of our subjects."
Tirek chuckled Darkly: "But whoever said anything about doing anything to YOU?"
Confusion suddenly fell over the alicorns after hearing this. Confusion.....and perhaps a bit of worry.
"You see, i considered the possibility of you attempting something to subvert me, even if i didn't expect it to be This. That's why, right before i came here, i made sure acquire.....incentive."
Tirek suddenly snapped his fingers, and a rather large bubble showed up right next to him. But it was what was inside the bubble that caused the Princesses eyes to widen, but for Cadence especially to gasp lightly: It was Shining Armor, still visibly weak from his encounter with Tirek. But now, he was stripped of his armor, and instead wearing some kind of red collar. Noone save for Tirek knew what this collar was, but it clearly wasn't anything pleasant.
"Shiny!"
"C-cadence? I'm sorry, i-i let you down. I let all of you down."
The princesses were horrified to see him like this. But that swiftly changed to anger, when they turned back to Tirek.
"Say hello to my new....."pet". This one was quite the exemplary fighter, i can assure you. He was the only pony who was actually bold enough to stand against me, where all others fled. True, the pegasi may have done the same, but HE was the only real challenge. With the level of magic he had, he may have been able to best me.......in my weaker state. But as i am, he was simply entertainment. That seems to be what he wanted, so that is what i intend to make him from this moment on. Now tell me: is he of any significance to you?"
"You vile fiend! Release Shining Armor at once! He has nothing to do with any of this, so leave him out of it!" yelled Celestia.
"Perhaps. But he made himself part of this when he challenged me, directly. And when i was told he was royalty, it made his usefulness all the better. Now, all he's good for is to amuse me. And what pet would be whole without a nice, pretty collar to remind others of how he belongs to.....and to keep him obedient?"
The bubble suddenly fell to the side of the throne, leaving Shining to lie on that spot for a few moments. Then Tirek firmly said "Get up" before suddenly, the collar began glowing, and painfully tightening around Shining's neck. It wasn't strangling him, but it caused him a good deal of pain while his body acted against his will. Making him fully stand up before it finally stopped glowing. He had been released, and given a moment to catch his breath, before turning to give a resentful glare to Tirek. The demonic centaur simply smirked at the sight, before turning back to the princesses, who had their own thoughts on what they had just witnessed.
"How dare you use such an accursed spell?" said Luna.
"Quite easily, actually. This simply helps to keep my new toy in line.......and to ensure i have leverage over him-AND you."
"No! Don't tell him anything! Just forget about me-ARGH!" Shining exclaimed, as the collar tightened around his neck once more. A few moments later, and it passed. But Shining was silent once again, as Tirek spoke once again.
"Now, i will ask you as politely as i can: tell me who the pony that has your magic is. Do so, and i'll let your prince go."
But the princesses remained silent, and with saddened expressions. As much as they wanted to tell him, if only to protect Shining Armor, there was too much at stake. So they stood their ground, and stayed silent. Tirek saw this, and his calm demeanor began shrinking away. Before anyone had time to react, he swiftly grabbed Shining by his back, and then brought him to his eye level.
"If there is ONE thing you should know of me, it's that i am NOT a very patient being. And when i begin losing my patience......i take it out on someone else."
Suddenly, Shining felt pressure building around his middle, as he felt Tirek tightening his grip around his body. Intent on slowly crushing him in his hand. This had Shining Armor grunting in pain as he wriggled about in pain. This also earned a worried glance from Cadence, who tried her best to look strong like her aunts: but seeing her husband being hurt like this caused her pain, as well. But the torment Tirek was going to put him through only just begun.
"Have you ever wondered what it was like? To see another pony slowly burn away from a fiery grip?"
To emphasize his point, his horns glowed, and suddenly his hand began to slowly glow. As it did, Shining, added to the physical pressure, felt the hand that wrapped around him slowly began increasing in temperature. His own fur, and skin grew warmer by the minute. But soon enough, it grew hotter, and hotter, until he was no longer able to stand it. His skin began burning, and searing from what felt like an inferno. And he actually yelled in pain from his body being burned alive. All the princesses could do was look away to avoid being effected any further. But Tirek wasn't don yet, as his right finger began glowing, as well.
"The charred, blackened flesh as it crispens from the heat, the altered texture of the skin as it slowly melts away: reduced to a either a charred, roasted heap, or a greasy, bubbling puddle that steams into nothing. But you know what else? While others prefer using a blade for their grim amusement: i actually enjoy the burning, red, hot touch of either a sharpened rod.......or even a personal touch."
He then places his glowing, red finger on the right side of Shining's chest. Making him give an even louder scream when the demonic centaur began trailing his finger down his body in a very slow manner. This allowed for a burnt mark to form as the unicorn's flesh singed from the burning, hot touch.
"True, the sharpness of a blade is enough to bring excruciating pain to the victim: i find that a fiery-hot metal is even better. The one who receives this burning touch begins truly showing who they truly are as their screams echo out. And the slower you go, the more you're able to savor......all the little, emotions. In many ways, this reveals the true nature of something.....or somepony, as it were."
After a while, Tirek's movement ceased, and both of his hands stopped glowing. This gave Shining Armor a sense of relief, but left him wincing in pain, and gasping for air from the torment he was receiving. When he managed to look, he saw that he had been branded with a rather peculiar mark: it was a loop-shaped symbol, almost like a lyre. But upon further inspection, it more resembled a pair of bull-horns taking up his whole chest. Seeing the blackened mark on his body may have been surprising, but he still managed to keep his demeanor calm, and focused. No matter what happened, he had to remain strong for the princesses.....and his sister. His attention was soon drawn back to Tirek, who was actually chuckling for some reason.
"Impressive, boy: even with all that agony i just put you through, it looks like you're tougher than i truly realized. Your heart's too strong for you to be a coward."
The only response the Prince gave to his would-be captor was another hardened glare. One which told him that no matter what he did: he would not yield. Tirek could already see this for himself: the pony was willing to give his life to keep the demon from having his way. This was already clear.....but as for one of the princesses, whom he noticed kept her eyes shut - but tears could be seen falling from her eyes. No doubt from listening to Shining's anguished screams. SHE was the weak link. And fortunately: he had one last idea to break the chain holding everything together.
"Now...let's see if we can reach into that heart, and see what truly lies within?"
Tirek made his right finger glow bright, hot red once again, and touched Shining Armor once again. Only this time, he touched one, single spot: directly where his heart is. Shining groaned in pain once more, and Celestia, and Luna were now more worried about what Tirek was planning.
"They say that if something burns hot enough, the object that touches it will eventually burn its way right through."
To illustrate his point, he began pressing the tip of his finger into Shining's chest, making him groan even louder as he felt the burning point burn into his flesh. But it only grew worse as he could actually feel the finger itself slowly burning his way INTO his body, and nearly penetrating his chest.
"And considering how well toned this pony is, i wonder how long i will take for me to burn through his flesh, and eventually his heart? And once we reach THAT point: then we can see his bodies reaction to his heart slowly burning to a roasted shell, and his blood-stream boil away to steam. By the end of this, his whole body might end up a bright, red, dried-out husk of what it used to be. Let's find out."
He then began pressing harder into Shining's chest. And this time, his finger was actually burning away what it touched. Now, Shining Armor, for all his attempts to hold back, began screaming in sheer agony from his skin, and even muscle burning away. His body began reacting violently to this - thrashing around, and trying to escape from this torturous fate somehow. Celestia, and Luna, were doing their best to weather this atrocity. They knew Shining Armor wouldn't want them to do anything on his behalf if it meant endangering everything. So they tried to hold out for as long as they could. Especially since they were powerless to do anything anyway.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the youngest of them.
Up until now, even though she was silently weeping from having to listen to her beloved suffer, she managed to keep herself quiet. But now that Tirek was on the verge of killing him, she was being torn apart on the inside. His pained screams clutching at her mind, and just thinking of what was going on, even when she tried to keep herself from watching so she wouldn't snap, was too much to bear. Her back was turned as she listened to the torture go on, and she was grasping her head as he tears practically flooded the spot she was sitting in. Eyes darting all around in a frantic, panicking motion. She couldn't take it anymore. No matter what, she couldn't let her love die: she wouldn't lose him so soon. So, in a last desperate move, she did something that would potentially doom all of Equestria: she relented.
*sobbingly* "STOP! PLEASE, STOP HURTING HIM! PLEASE! I BEG YOU!"
The Cadence's outburst surprised everyone in the room, but each had a different feeling once she was done: Celestia, and Luna were now quite fearful. They could already tell what she was about to do, and also seeing the state she was in. While they did sympathize with her, they couldn't help but feel despair that she had given in. They understood why, but it didn't change anything. Tirek, however, had an eyebrow raised in intrigue, while he also halted his advances. Though on the inside, he knew his plan was working, he pretended otherwise to see if this was true.
"Oh? And why should i? He is mine, now. Mine to do with as i please. And if i want to give him a slow, agonizing death, then there's no reason i shouldn't. What is he to you, anyway?"
By now, Cadence had managed to calm herself, she was still distraught. She knew what she was doing was bad, but she had no choice. Shining Armor meant to much to him, and she couldn't bear to go on without him. Or worse yet, to see him suffer so cruelly, and unnecessarily. Even if it meant dooming the world: she would give everything to keep him safe.
"Please....he is my husband. He means so much to me! I can't bare to let this go on any further. Please - don't kill him. I'll.....i'll give you what you want."
"Cadence, no!" exclaimed Celestia.
"Come again?"
*sigh* "If you spare his life.....then i'll tell you who we gave our magic to."
Celestia, and Luna's heads lowered in defeat. Though Cadence did the right thing, her actions would soon bring disaster to everypony alive. Tirek, meanwhile, didn't budge just yet, and he kept his taloned point right where Shining's heart is.
"Tell me who has it first, and i'll release him......for now."
Taking a last, saddened look at Shining, who managed to hear everything, and was shaking his head with a desperate expression, she turned her gaze back to Tirek, and did as he said.
"It's like you said: we gave our magic to a fourth alicorn for safe keeping. We believed that if it had been hidden away with somepony else capable of using it, you would never be able to find it on account of you not knowing there's another alicorn out there."
Listening intently, Tirek briefly stroked his beard in thought before returning his hands to its position, and then addressing the crystal princess again.
"Interesting. And who would this "fourth princess" be, if you would?"
She then lowered her head in shame, as she said in a rather low voice: "Princess Twilight Sparkle."
As low as she spoke, Tirek was still able to hear her words. And once he had the name, his mouth spread into a malicious grin that would send chills down a pony's spine. Now, he was yet another step closer to being an indomitable force, as he always wanted.
"Excellent. Now, you see? That wasn't quite as difficult as you thought, now was it? All it required was some proper persuasion. But anyway: a deal's a deal."
He lifted his hand away from Shining's chest, and in a moment, the burning glow vanished. But was instead replaced with a greenish color that enveloped his whole hand. He then waved it over Shining's chest, and in a few moment's, both the branded mark he left was gone, as was the hole he managed to burn into him. Once he was done, and the apparent healing spell he cast vanished, Shining was lifted up by Tirek's real magic, and placed directly before the princesses.
"Take the time to comfort him for a few moments........while you can."
Cadence didn't waste a single moment. Just as Shining at least managed to sit up straight, his loving wife almost knocked him over as she wrapped her whooves around his neck, holding him as tightly as she could without chocking the life out of him. And then she cried tears of both happiness, and sadness: happy for the fact she had managed to save her husbands life - but also sad because she had not just unintentionally betraying her sister-in-law, but had to watch, then listen to Shining Armor endure something terrible that she would never wish for anypony. But more than anything, she was afraid of how he would now react to her having done what she did. He must've been quite angry with him for her actions. At least, that's what she was thinking. Until he also embraced her, and gently tried to calm her down as best as he could.
"Shh, shh. Please, don't cry, it's okay. I'm alright. I'm still here, and i'm not leaving you."
*sadly* "Oh, Shining, i'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! But...i-i just....i couldn't let him hurt you anymore! It was too much for me to bear anymore! I'm sorry! I'm a horrible pony: i betrayed Twily! I-i....i understand if you hate me, now. Goodness knows i hate myself for-"
"Please, stop. Cadence, listen: I DON'T hate you, alright? You did what you thought was right. It may not have been the best, but i don't hate you for it. Don't forget: i promised to always love you, no matter what. You're the most precious thing i've ever had happen to me, and i wouldn't change that for anything. I'm happy to have someone so caring....and devoted as you, cadence. I love you."
*Sniff* "I-i love you, too, Shining. Thank you."
The two then touched their foreheads together, letting their tears fall as they did. Celestai, and Luna, felt a pang of happiness in their hearts seeing the two like this. Though they knew the consequences that were soon to come, they didn't fault Cadence in the slightest. If anything, they were just happy for her, and Shining Armor. Sadly, the moment was ruined by the fake-applause being delivered by Tirek, who drew their attention as he mocked the display.
"Oh, how touching! You two truly are soulmates, aren't you? A loving display like this is so magnificent, i'm almost....touched." he said, as he pretended to wipe a tear from his eye. "How fortunate for me such pathetic feelings pass quickly....even when i never had any to begin with!"
All the ponies simply glared at the tyrannical monster, as he had the Gaul to ruin the moment with his insults. Before any of them could react, Shining was enveloped in a familiar glow, before he was pulled out of Cadence's embrace, and set to hover beside Tirek, who had a wide grin on his face as he looked to the Princesses. Meanwhile, unnoticed by everyone in the room, Discord suddenly appeared out of thin air. Not using his usual means of appearing in a flash, he wanted to try something else. And when he looked, he could see that Tirek was busy dealing with the princesses. So he decided to just entertain himself by changing the stain-glass windows, and play with them as he waited.
"Now that i have what i need, it appears our business is concluded."
"Indeed." Celestia said. "Now release Shining Armor, and leave!"
"Perhaps i could........but there's a small issue: in all the excitement, i forgot to ask about WHERE "Princess Twilight" is. If you would be so kind as to tell me where she lives, or at least, where she's gone, then i'll be on my way."
"What?!" shouted Luna. "You fiend: that was not part of any agreement! Now release Shining Armor, at once!"
"Mind your tone, you worthless nag. You are in no position to make any commands, here. And i already did what i said....i just didn't say how long i would release your precious prince."
"Tirek, listen to me" pleaded Celestia "We do not know where Princess Twilight is! Once we transferred our magic to her, we sent her on her own so that she could remain hidden. She could be anywhere at this time."
Tirek's grin quickly vanished, and he was now giving a tern look at the 3 alicorns. Displeased by what he had just heard, as his fingers rapidly tapped one of the rests of the throne in agitation.
"How interesting. And i would be inclined to believe you....had your "loving" princess not confessed to your deception. So i would suggest you comply....or this time YOU will be the next ones to suffer."
"NO!" Shining Armor shouted. "Don't you dare hurt them!"
"Hmm? Hurt them? Don't be foolish. I don't have to hurt them to make them suffer.......especially when there are other ways to do so. *turns back to the princesses* So this is my final warning: tell me where the 4th princess is, or so help me, i'll-"
"I can tell you where she is!"
Noone expected to hear that. As Tirek turned to his left, his eyes having widened a bit, he looked at his helpless prisoner, who had a look of desperation, and determination. Even the other princesses, and Discord were surprised that Shining had just said that.
"I know where she lives....and...i can take you there. Just please: leave my wife, and the princesses alone. And don't hurt my sister."
"Sister? You mean-" Tirek started. After he thought it over, he quickly realized what Shining Armor had meant: Princess Twilight was his sister. Suddenly, Tirek let out a boisterous laughter that echoed throughout the chamber, and almost shook the whole structure. Once he was finished, he turned back to Shining, and said, "How amusing! I never imagined a pony could not only be MARRIED to a princess: but have one as a family member! It's incredible! *clears throat* And after all of this trouble to keep her hidden, you would actually lead me right to her?"
"Only if you swear to spare the princesses.........and to not hurt my sister. I couldn't live with myself if she-" Shining cut off. Though he didn't finish, the meaning was quite clear. And after hearing this, Tirek considered the merit, before he asked something of the captive prince.
"So you claim, but why should i do as you ask? What guarantee do i have that you'll do as you claim?"
"Because if you do......i'll give my service to you: both living, and death. I'll serve you willingly, and without any problems. I won't resist, so long as you give me YOUR word you'll spare them."
It was straightforward, and without hesitation. Shining meant every word he said, despite the despairing the princesses gave him. And Tirek was once again intrigued by this little pony, and his willingness to give up everything to protect his loved ones.
"You would willingly sacrifice your life? Your very freedom? Just to save them?"
"Of course. Like any true husband.....and big brother should do. I'd do anything to make sure they're kept safe. Even if i have to die, or worse yet, become the dog of a tyrannical monster like you."
Before he even realized it, something stirred within Tirek. Emotions he thought he had buried long ago briefly resurfaced......along with memories of his younger brother, Scorpan. For just a few moments, he remembered his own dedication, and love for his brother. And his willingness to keep him safe. Even though he didn't always show it, he loved Scorpan with all of his heart, and would've given anything to protect him. At least, until he had betrayed Tirek. Remembering that, Tirek shook off the memories, and recollected himself. However, part of him was actually moved by Shining Armor's dedication. And he decided to show a little leniency.
"Then, i suppose i could agree.....after we make this little "bargain" official."
Before Shining could think of what he meant, Tirek suddenly thrust his right hand downwards, like he was unfolding something. And in a little flash, a bright, glowing, yellow piece of parchment suddenly appeared, and hovered right in front of Shining. It somewhat resembled a scroll, but had no piece that rolled it up. In fact, it looked more like a small check-list. And it was written in a language that Shining had never seen before, with the only words he recognized were "I hereby bequeath unto Lord Tirek..." at the very top of the parchment. A few moments let him understand what this was: a contract. Which was only confirmed when a feathered quill appeared right in front of it. But while Shining didn't see anything too special about it: Celestia, and Luna were horrified by the sight of that parchment, as they recognized it for themselves.
"Sister: Is that what i think it is?" Luna said quietly.
"Yes, Luna. But how could Tirek be able to use THAT kind of magic?"
The only one who didn't know anything was cadence, who quickly asked: "What are you talking about? What is that thing?"
"An ancient, and powerful magic. A phsyical construct of the cosmic force that exists alongside Chaos itself: Order." said Celestia.
"But....that's a good thing, isn't it?"
"I'm afraid not, dear Cadence" said Luna. "While order does indeed work to maintain balance, and keep Chaos in check, it is imperfect: though Order can often bring peace, and balance, it also inevitably restricts free-will, and prevents a sense of individuality as it forces all to abide by its will. And that contract works the same way: any who sign it are bound to follow through with its rules. It is a binding, and unbreakable agreement that is seen through with no choice in the matter - save for however the one who creates it see's fit. Only he who casts the spell can break the contract. And only then can the one who signed it be truly free."
"Then.....that means-"
"Yes: once Shining Armor signs......he is bound to Tirek for all eternity."
While that went on, Shining looked over the contract, to at least try to make sense of it. But since he couldn't read it, he found it quite difficult.
"What kind of writing IS this?"
"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Just think of it as "small print". Inconsequential, at best. Either way, this is initially the agreement between us."
"And.....all i have to do is sign it?"
"That's right. Do so, and i will keep my word."
"You swear?"
"On my own life: All four princesses will be safe, or else the bargain will be considered broken. Now, the question is: do we have a deal?"
Shining then turned from Tirek, and looked over the parchment one last time. Though he had a bad feeling about this, he knew he had no choice: this was the only way to keep those he loved alive. So with no time to waste, he took the quill in his mouth, and signed in his name. To Tirek's delight, it was done: the Bargain had been struck. Without warning, the contract suddenly wrapped itself up, before it began extending into long, glowing chains, which suddenly wrapped themselves around Shining's body, and linked themselves to the collar Tirek forced him to wear. When the chains linked to it, though, the collar changed from red, to black, and a small, yellow jewel formed in the center. The spell soon ended, and Shining was ungracefully dropped to the floor beside Tirek, who turned back to the princesses with a look of triumph in his eyes. And even some amusement from seeing their despaired faces turn to anger as they faced him.
"Now, tell me that wasn't amusing. Though still, not as amusing as you 3 idiotic princesses. Getting rid of your magic so that i cannot take it from you? THAT was your only plan?!"
They didn't say a single word. Only turned their heads to the side, and continued to glare at him. Even as he stood up to his full height.
"How does it feel?" he asked, as he began using his magic to conjure up 3 glowing orbs with 3 different ponies, before he violently smashed them all together. "Knowing that soon every pegasus, unicorn, and earth pony will bow will? And that there is NOTHING you can do to stop it?"
"You will not prevail, Tirek." Celestia said defiantly.
"Hmph. Stubborn till the end. Well, let's hope it serves you well where you're going."
Shining Armor finally got back up after having that strange, but surprisingly tiring spell, cast over him. But what he saw happen next only made his heart shrink, as his eyes widened in fear.
"Give my regards to Cerberus."
Tirek used his magic to open a portal to his former prison of Tartarus. And before any of the Princesses could react, one by one, they were cast into the nightmarish place......with Cadence casting one final glance to Shining Armor before she was thrown in last y Tirek's magic. As the portal closed, Shining frantically ran to it in the hopes of stopping it, or perhaps pass on through before it closed. But he was too late. It sealed just before he reached it, taking his wife away from him.
"NO! CAADEEENCE!"
His hoof reached out to where the portal had been, and he bore a look of sheer misery. Just when he thought he had saved his wife, she had been taken away from him. Banished to a dark domain, and sentenced to a fate worse than death. He had failed once again, and it hurt him worse than before. But despair quickly turned to anger, as he reeled around to see Tirek, with his arms crossed, and a confident/smug look on his face.
"You back-stabbing monster! You said she wouldn't be hurt! YOU GAVE YOUR WORD!!!"
"And i've kept my word, boy: she, and the other princesses ARE safe - safely locked away in the depths of Tartarus. To endure the same endless solitude I was forced to endure for all those centuries. A most fitting fate, if i do say so."
But Shining was now enraged by what just happened. He let out a fierce shout before he charged directly towards the centaur. Attempting to attack him, even without his magic. But right when he almost reached the demonic centaur, the chains around his body restricted, and tightened around him, as well as the collar. He was being strangled, and crushed by these bonds, and had ended up lying on the ground as he struggled to keep the chains from hurting him. Tirek chuckled darkly at the display with immense amusement.
"Now, now, my little "slave": did you actually think i would actually allow you to do something like this without a contingency in mind? The contract you signed is not only legal, binding AND unbreakable: it also prevents you from trying anything hasty. After all, you agreed to serve me for all time. And like it, or not: you WILL fulfill your end of the bargain."
When the enchantment subsided, Shining got a chance to breath again. He gave a harsh look to Tirek once again. His feelings of anger still present. But understanding that anything he tries would be utterly useless, he lowered his head in submission, and clenched his eyes shut as he let anger turn to grief. Grief which he kept hidden from his new master. But Tirek's attention was soon drawn to Discord, who finally made his presence known to his "friend" as he played with a window which had him, and an image of the princesses inside.
"Gotta admit, that is impressive: i didn't think anyone had enough mastery to use that spell, but you pulled it off nicely. *nervously* But....you meant "our" will, didn't you?"
"Of course, my friend. That just just a....spur of the moment. But never mind that. Here: i want you to have something."
As he approached Discord, Tirek reached up to his neck, and plucked off the triangular medallion which he had been wearing all this time. As he explained what it was, he wrapped it around Discord's neck, and fastened it tightly so it wouldn't fall off.
"This was given to me by someone very close to me. Now, i give it to you, as a sign of my gratitude, and loyalty."
"Oh, my~ I DO love a good accessory! I suppose that's Rarity's influence."
After he gave Discord his amulet, Tirek looked to the stain-glass window they had been standing in front of. And what he saw actually made him chuckle at the sight of it: He was standing on hind-legs, while Discord sat on his lower-half, with a sword in his hand, and a large sandwich in Discords.
"Amusing. But we have no time for such things! With the princesses out of the way, we can now-"
Suddenly, he was cut off when he noticed another stain-glass window which stood out from the others: a purple alicorn standing in the center, with literary objects floating around her. Needless to say, Tirek didn't like this in the slightest.
"Is this meant to be HUMOROUS?!"
"Ohoho, no, i haven't even touched that one, yet", Discord said nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Tirek looked to the window once again, and more closely examined it. Upon further inspection, he noticed a purple star surrounded by smaller white stars, on the crown she was wearing. He remembered seeing that star on Shining Armor's suit before his capture. He also remembered that the prince mentioned his sister was the 4th alicorn. So when he thought it over, it didn't take him long to put 2 and 2 together, and realize who this was.
"So THIS is Princess Twilight? Not all too impressive, i have to say."
"Well, i don't really blame you: poor twilight's much more of a bookworm than she is a princess. That makes her suuuch a stick in the mud. Guess i actually do see what Celestia saw in her."
"Which reminds me of something...." Tirek said in a passive-aggressive tone. Which almost made Discord nervous when he knew it was directed at him.
"All this time, you knew there was a fourth. Yet you did not tell me this? Even after we established our friendship?"
"Eh, now, now, Tirek: don't take it personal! I just needed some assurance, that you truly believed this to be a "team" effort. And now, i have it."
Though it didn't fully satisfy him, TIrek accepted Discord's reasoning, and moved.
"Then it's time that we find this "fourth princess". SLAVE: TO ME!" Tirek roared before using his magic to yank Shining Armor off the ground, and bring him to his eye level.
"It's time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain, and tell me where Princess Twilight resides."
Shining took a moment to gather his thoughts, as his mind was in a rudder. He still had a look of displeasure, but he kept his negative thoughts to himself. And instead, he did what he was told, as much as he wished otherwise.
"She's in ponyville. If there's anywhere she'd be right now, it's ponyville."
*Raises eyebrow* "The village below the hill? Really? An alicorn Princess lives among peasantry? That's ridiculous!"
"Oh, but it's true! I can vouch for that. AND i wholeheartedly agree with you:the idea of a princess living with ordinary ponies is just too priceless, heehehahdhah! I think it's to make up for the fact she thinks she's better than everyone else, but won't admit it! Hehehahah!"
Tirek's patience for Discord's humor began to grow thin, as he quickly, and suddenly grapsed him around the neck. A more, or less, angered expression on his face. Which only grew as Discord's nonchalant responses went on.
"And THAT is where her castle is?!"
"Castle?! AHAHAHAHAH, No! Princess Twilight lives above a LIBRARY in ponyville! I mean: castle?! Twilight Sparkle?! AHAHAHAH!"
But his amused laughter ceased when Tirek threw him down to the ground, and even Shining Armor was tossed in his direction. The draconequus actually seemed a bit concerned by what Tirek said next, in a snarling, vicious tone.
"Not for much longer."
Tirek then began moving, as his magic activated once again. But this time, it was the Princess window which suffered from his dark magic's ruthlessness as it melted away into a puddling mess of burning hot glass. A sign of terrible things to come.
to be continued