For once the house was quiet. Futaba had, after further discussion at Akechi's Welcome to Ponyville party led to Lorraine informing the other persona users that her dog also had a persona, appeared on their doorstep and insisted she observe John and Koromaru using their personas. After seeing her boyfriend off with her dog happily bounding out the door after him and Gilda out for the day with Rainbow (something about training for the upcoming Running of the Leaves), Lorraine headed down the hall to check on the other occupants.
She stood in the doorway to Thorax's room and spoke up. "Hey, you ok?"
Thorax was sitting at his desk and had his muzzle buried in a textbook, he glanced up and grinned. "Yep! Thanks for checking on me, I'm great..." the changeling hummed in thought. "...Huh..."
"What?" the doe asked.
"It's just...I think my senses for picking up emotion aren't working properly. You feel kinda... murky? Like, the consideration is there but it's overshadowed by- actually nevermind!" Thorax sheepishly replied. "I'm good, nothing wrong."
"I'm fully aware I'm not as emotive as I should be." Lorraine replied casually. "What is it?"
"Are you doing okay?" Thorax asked. "I can kinda pick up on the fact that you've been worried about... everyone lately. Nothing bad but..." Thorax trailed off as he looked uncertain.
"Like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop?" Lorraine suggested.
"Yeah, that." Thorax agreed.
"I'm used to it," the doe said. "Long story short, I was my mum's primary caretaker before winding up here, I needed to be ready to drop what I was doing to help her at a moment's notice and after a couple of scares with her being rushed to hospital, I have this habit, a subconscious thing, that I have to keep an eye out for something." Lorraine explained. "Like, I have to put the needs of everyone else above myself."
Thorax blinked. "That doesn't sound good."
The doe shrugged. "I find joy in the little things, good food, my friends, my hobbies..."
"That's good?" Thorax suggested.
"I'm just having a bad day is all, I'll be fine," Lorraine replied reassuringly. "You need my help with anything?"
"No I'm brushing up on...Stuff," Thorax replied, glanced at the cover of the book and smiled sheepishly. "I kinda just grabbed whatever I thought looked interesting."
"Kay, Have fun" the doe replied.
Lorraine could hear the sound of classical music drifting out from behind the door to Alastor's room as she approached. The door itself looked old, sturdy and had the image of a deer skull carved into the wood. Lorraine politely knocked and waited.
The music fell silent, the door opened just enough for the radio buck to step out into the hall and close the door behind him.
"Hey, so, I have no plans for today. Need my help with anything?" Lorraine asked.
Alastor’s smile grew just a bit wider. "I could use a second opinion now that I think about it! Let me just go fetch my notes!"
And not long after Lorraine was seated at the dining table with Alastor sitting on her right side as the buck spread a series of notes across the table.
"You see, I had a thought, if I couldn't earn my demonic broadcasting ability back for the time being, then I'll just have to do things the old fashioned way!" Alastor explained cheerfully. "Of course, finding radio equipment that's compatible with my magic in this day and age is an exercise in frustration but I remembered one avenue I have yet to try."
He beamed. "My powers are deeply rooted in Shadowmancy so if I can't earn it or build it then I'll just have to relearn it!"
Lorraine hummed in agreement as she looked over some of his notes, a sketch of an all too familiar microphone cane caught her eye. "You used a microphone as a focus."
"And therein lies the issue, charms, wards and hexes simply won't cut it for my more advanced tricks but finding the necessary tools and materials for a new focus apparatus is... rather vexing actually!" Alastor stated.
"Did you lose your old mic or was it broken when you got booted up here?"
"Sealed away along the rest of my true self I'm afraid." Alastor sighed. "I suppose I will have to make do with whatever scraps of power Mourning Star throws my way."
Lorraine looked concerned. "Is living up here really a bad thing though? Couldn't we just, I dunno, wait? Maybe you'll get your powers back if you keep up your good behavior?"
Alastor shook his head. "As much as I enjoy your company, I have duties to perform in Tartarus..." He looked thoughtful. "Goodness, I haven't given them much thought in centuries, they became something akin to household chores after a while. Keeping Shadows and Shadow Demons in line, hunting the more abhorrent souls that plagued the streets, keeping tabs on all the latest news for my radio broadcasts and of course my work with Joy... It was all so mundane. Now I actually miss being so busy."
"Couldn't you get a job in radio up here?" Lorraine asked. "Maybe see if modern technology could work without magi? Does it need your magic specifically?"
The buck blinked. "I... never thought about that." he admitted. "Hm... I'll need to find something that resonates with my magical signature, attach it to a signal booster and hook that into a broadcasting setup."
"What would resonate with your magical signature?" Lorraine asked. "I can try looking for it when I go out next."
"Attunement crystals and gems are a common component of unicorn enchantments, alchemy and general advanced spellwork," Alastor said. "if not that, then I know a few places that sell demonic artefacts and the like, we'd certainly find something there!"
The doe's brow scrunched up in confusion. "I thought demon stuff was illegal."
"Oh it is terribly illegal!" Alastor said brightly. "It won't be a problem though, I know some folks that owe me a few favors."
"Alastor, no. We'll figure it out without breaking the law." Lorraine stressed.
"But just think dear, with my powers and status reinstated all it takes is one simple deal between us and I could come and go as I please!" Alastor exclaimed. "I could give you and John a tour of my estate - you could stay at Joy's charming little hotel! Did you know that there are rainforests in Tartarus? The views are quite stunning."
"I thought I wasn't allowed in? That's the whole reason you're even up here." Lorraine pointed out.
"That's because your Luck dragon would have disrupted the flow of magic within Tartarus' enclosed ecosystem, only temporarily mind you and most demons do see creatures of Light as a threat!" the buck replied happily. "But you're not a divine creature capable of blasting us all to smithereens! You are mortal and now your appearance reflects that so you should be allowed to get a visitors permit."
"Sounds fun, I wouldn't want you getting into trouble though." Lorraine said.
Alastor laughed. "Trouble? My dear, being up here with you and your merry little band of misfits has made my situation all the more bearable! It really is quite amusing watching how you all pass the time when not dealing with the town's absurdity."
"At least you're happy, is anyone in town giving you any grief?" Lorraine asked.
"Rainbow's coworkers are trying to figure out a way around my shadow step to "talk" to me, as is every other mare in this pastel colored hellscape but that is to be expected with winter around the corner." Alastor said with an eye roll.
"You don't have anywhere to go do you? Otherwise you would've left by now." Lorraine commented and the radio buck hummed in agreement.
"As much as I would enjoy having a Grove to return to for the winter, I'll just make do by camping out in Whitetail Woods for a few months!" Alastor grinned. "I haven't gone camping in years!"
"As long as you'll be ok." Lorraine admitted. "Camping in winter doesn't sound like a good idea to be honest..."
"Ha, you worry too much dear! I quite enjoy "roughing it" as it were. There's nothing more satisfying than supporting oneself with one's own skills and hard work!" Alastor's smile was bright and genuine. "In fact, you should be more worried about yourself!"
"Huh?"
The buck playfully booped her nose as he spoke. "This will be your first winter as a doe."
Lorraine deadpanned. "Alastor, I'm not stupid."
"And what are you supposed to do?" Alastor pressed as if he were teaching a child.
Lorraine huffed. "Stock up on Bucksleaf, have it once a day and stay indoors." she rolled her eyes. "We can talk about it clinically you know."
"I'd rather not if you don't mind." the buck replied. "Some things are just improper to discuss in front of a doe."
Lorraine snorted. "Right..."
"In fact, why don't we see if we can start a stockpile? I met a delightful zebra during one of my excursions into the Everfree and she informed me there's a sizable clearing bursting with it over in Whitetail."
"Now?" Lorraine asked.
"No time like the present! Why, you could start growing it yourself! It will be good practice for you." the buck replied brightly as he gathered up his notes.
"Okay, sure."
The excursion had been… rather uneventful all things considered. They’d gathered more than enough Bucksleaf, mostly in silence. Now the pair were on the way back home, with saddlebags filled with sacks of the leaf.
They passed by the large fenced off construction site, most of the building proper seemed to be under some kind of massive tarp, probably to keep out the rain.
Lorraine paused and peered through the fence at it.
“Ah yes, this place.” Alastor said, sounding almost… irritated.
“Something wrong?” Lorraine asked, as her ear twitched. There seemed to be some kind or loud clattering coming from within the tarp.
“Yes.” Alastor’s ear twitched as he looked at the site. “That.”
Lorraine blinked and looked over to see a black, serpent tailed pony slithering his way towards the gate. He looked somewhat disheveled and seemed to be adjusting his suit jacket and hat with a yellowish aura. He appeared to only be half-paying attention to where he was going, his eyes were on the doe and he was grinning. Turned out he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going, as he slammed face first into the gate.
“Ha!” Alastor barked a laugh as, with a little grumbling, the gate opened and the lamia slithered out to the pair.
“Ah! You must be Lorraine! So happy to meet you!” The lamia was still adjusting his tie as he stopped in front of the doe. “I am Sir Pentious, R and D, pleasure to meet you!” He held out a hoof. “Oh, and hello Alastor.” He commented off-handedly towards the buck.
"Hi..." Lorraine replied warily as her hoof became a clawed paw to accept the lamia's offered handshake.
Pentious shook her paw vigorously. “Oh quite fascinating!” He looked from her paw to her eyes. They seemed to be glowing. “Flora Doe are so rare to see these days. Would you be interested in coming by the site at some point, studying you could benefit Equestria’s magical knowledge.”
“No, thank you though.” Alastor stepped in front of the doe.
“I wasn’t asking you.” Pentious’s snout scrunched up as he glared at the buck.
“A buck always takes care of a doe, regardless if they’re of the same grove or not.” Alastor replied with a smile. “And please, try something different. Charm really doesn’t work on her, she’s a prude.”
Pentious blinked. “Why, I never!” He gasped flamboyantly and slithered away. “I have never been so insulted!” He continued as the gate slammed closed.
The lamia continued to flamboyantly rant as he disappeared into the door that was attached to the tarp.
“Hasn’t changed a bit.” Alastor chuckled.
“God dammit Alastor.” Lorraine sighed. “I could’ve handled that myself.”
“Yes, however I could tell how much you wanted to leave, so I inserted myself.” Alastor replied.
“You could have handled that better at least.” Lorraine said. “I know you’re better than that.”
“Well, you could say that he brings back some memories that I’d rather not remember.” The buck sighed. “Hell wasn’t pleasant, but he just made things irritating.” He turned and started down the path.
“How so?” Lorraine asked, trotting to catch up.
“Apparently he made me his rival, for whatever reason.” Alastor grumbled a little. “He constantly was trying to one-up me, that or take parts of my territory. Honestly, it’s all to prove that he’s worthy of his wife.” He chuckled.
“That’s still no excuse, you could have been the better person by just being diplomatic.” Lorraine chidded.
The buck sighed. “All I can do is say I will try to be more diplomatic, for your sake at least.”
“It can’t hurt, right?” The doe asked.
Alastor rolled his eyes. “With Pentious, that’s debatable.”
“Why are we having a picnic?” Lorraine asked as the smol bug bustled around the blanket setting out various lunch things.
“Because I want to say that we actually did a legit couple date thing.” John replied, setting out a small plate of deviled eggs.
“Okay, we don’t actually need to do that, but okay.” Lorraine blinked.
“Just let your boyfriend pamper you.” John put his hands on his hips as his magic levitated out a container of carrot cake. “That and Thorax and Spike helped me make all this. Miiiight have overdone it a bit.” He shrugged.
“Carrot cake! Yay.” Lorraine cheered quietly as her tail wagged happily.
“I pay attention.” John said, stepping off the blanket so he could shapeshift back to his quadrupedal form. Once on four legs, he became a bug loaf on the blanket.
Lorraine had immediately gotten a piece of carrot cake.
“Well hello you two!” The voice made John pause. Lorraine’s face had a quick look of disappointment roll over it. Both turned their heads to see Spoiled Rich.
“We haven’t talked in so long!” The mare said in an overly sweet tone that made the smol bug frown. “Lorraine it’s been so long, you look wonderful.”
Lorraine proceeded to grunt as she focused on eating her cake.
“Hi Spoiled. What brings you out here, to the park, at lunch time?” John listed off, getting up to stand in front of her.
Spoiled’s smile strained a bit as she glanced between the attentive bug and the doe hummed as she chewed. “O-oh, I was just out, and I saw you two. And I haven’t really seen Lorraine that much since Nightmare Night, and I heard about what happened?”
“Oh, and what did you hear?” John asked.
“Yes, what did you hear?” John blinked as Pentious slithered up from… somewhere.
Spoiled actually yelped. “Snake!”
“Pardon me, that is very rude.” Pentious put a hoof to his chest. “Madam, I am a lamia. I am Sir Albrecht Diamondback Pentious, of the House of Pentious.” He huffed in a very haughty tone.
Spoiled just blinked at him. Then she gasped. “O-oh! I am so terribly sorry, my Lord.” She immediately bowed. “A-a thousand apologies.”
John blinked. He looked between the mare and the lamia, then looked at Lorraine.
Lorraine was ticked, not that she’d ever show it. ‘Sure, she’ll grovel when someone starts throwing titles around.’
‘Yep.’ John nodded at her before looking back at the pair in front of him.
“Now, you know better than to judge based off appearance. At least, I hope you do. Make sure not to act so rashly in the future.” Pentious said, waving a hoof at her. “Now please, leave them to their luncheon.”
“Y-yes. Of course.” Spoiled nodded and trotted off rather quickly.
“Sorry about that.” Pentious said, turning towards the doe and the bug.
“We’ve had weird days, but thanks anyway.” John said with a shrug as he moved to sit back down. “And what brings you out here exactly.”
“Oh, I was trying to find your mare- doefriend.” The lamia replied. “I never did get an answer from her yesterday.”
"Uh, you still want to... study me?" Lorraine asked as she set down her now empty plate. "I'm really sorry about Alastor by the way, his reaction was uncalled-for."
“Oh, it’s perfectly fine. We’ve been at it for years.” Pentious waved away her concern. “And I suppose in my excitement I used the wrong phrasing. Perhaps, work with you to understand your magic would be a better choice of words.”
“Yeah, studying someone sounds creepy.” John nodded with a small glare at the lamia. “But, I kinda get what you’re getting at.”
"I'm a polymorphed Flora Doe so I'm still learning the ropes when it comes to my floramancy." Lorraine explained. "I'm not sure if this is a good idea."
“Ah, of course.” He nodded. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He nodded at each one then slithered off.
“Whelp, he’s not gonna leave us alone.” John rolled his eyes. “We’ve got a demonic, snakey Spoiled on our metaphorical hands.”
"What do we do about it?" Lorraine asked.
“Well,” John started as he levitated a deviled egg, “if he really leaves us alone, awesome. If he doesn’t… guess it’ll depend on how extreme he decides to be with his attempts at courting you for science purposes.”
“Did you have to word it like that?” Lorraine asked.
“I mean, no, but it’s not far off.” John chuckled. “Plus, isn’t he romantically involved with someone already?”
“Yeah, but that wording. Bleh…” She shuddered.
“Sorry.” John said awkwardly.
Suddenly, a furry red form tumbled out of the shadows of the trees.
The buck instantly righted himself, cleared his throat, and adjusted his slightly askew mane. “Ah, wonderful.” He grinned on seeing the pair.
“You good?” John asked through his egg.
“Yes, quite. Sorry to interrupt your little date, but a pegasus mare dive bombed me, and I reacted accordingly.” Alastor explained sitting down in the grass. “I’m just going to sit and gather myself for a moment.”
“You sure you don’t want something to eat or drink?” John asked, tilting his head to the side.
“I’m fine, John.” Alastor nodded. “It’s your date after all, don’t mind me.”
“Kay.” John blinked.
Lorraine got up and reached over to grab another plate. She put a few deviled eggs on it, then trotted over and set the plate in front of the buck. She then returned to her seat.
“Ah, you’re too kind.” Alastor smiled. “I suppose I could eat something.”
“Alastor, I’m curious about something.” John spoke up after nodding at Lorraine. “What exactly are demons like? Or for that matter, what are demons?”
"Hm?" the buck looked over at the bug and gathered his thoughts. "Well... Demons are primarily creatures of impulse and emotion. More so than most other creatures due to the intensity of their state of mind being irreversibly tied to their magic. There are demons born of every kind of magic in existence and most naturally occurring demons have a mindset that embodies their magical affinity." the buck explained. "Of course that only scratches the surface, Self-made Demons or "Sinners" are mortals who either through decisions they willfully made or by exchanging their place in the mortal realm for the "privileges" being a demon offers via a deal with another demon, have thrown away their right to a mortal existence and afterlife and are condemned to Tartarus."
"Sinners are often more mentally unbalanced, their emotions are raw, inhibitions almost nonexistent and many do not adjust to their altered physiology either. With naturally occurring demons, there are rules and societal norms to follow, but only the laws of Tartarus and the sheer divide of power between the two types keeps Sinners in check." Alastor explained seriously and immediately perked up. "So! A sinner like Pentious can't be trusted one bit."
“Uh huh.” John said slowly. “That’s really interesting. Aaaand, which kind are you?”
"I thought that was obvious, I'm a sinner. A particularly powerful one. Well, I was powerful at any rate before most of said power was sealed away but it was worth it in my opinion," Alastor replied cheerfully. "The two of you are the least aggravating individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting in a very long time."
John blinked. “Happy to not be an annoyance.”
“Cool.” Lorraine nodded.
“Funny, I expected a bit more of a reaction.” Alastor glanced between the doe and the bug.
“Takes a lot to get a rise out of me, that or you attack something I like.” John shrugged.
"You respect us for the most part and we all get along well enough," Lorraine added. "That's all I could really ask for."
“Fair enough, I suppose.” Alastor said as the three of them finally focused on their food.
Alastor came in humming a tune. “Hello you two!” He announced happily.
Gilda, John, Lorraine, Koromaru, and all three of the Peacewalkers looked up from their various spots in the living room.
“Which two?” Gilda asked.
“The two most important people here.” Alastor replied. “Besides myself.”
“Sweet, gifts!” Scootaloo cheered, making the other girls giggle.
“Very funny, Cuckoo, however these are for Lorraine and John.” Alastor held out a pair of cloaks with his magic, levitating them to the pair. The cloaks were deep blue and looked to have faux-fur lining on the inside. “I had them commissioned by Rarity.”
“Thanks.” John said, not really sure of what to say as he held the cloak.
“Oooooo fluffy.” Lorraine cooed as she ran a hoof over the ‘fur.’
“And they match.” Alastor nodded. “Because all couples need some kind of matching clothing.”
“Why’s that?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Matching colored things like cloaks indicate that the pair are a couple or in a herd.” Sweetie replied. “Learned that from Rarity.”
“Precisely.” Alastor nodded at the filly.
“Well that’s super sweet.” John smiled as he tried on the cloak.
Lorraine just grinned at the cloak. Her tail wagged madly against the couch. “This is really cool! Thanks!”
Alastor chuckled. “Of course. Consider it an early Hearthswarming present.”
Lorraine was very thankful for Alastor’s present (and she’d definitely have to thank Rarity) because it was a very chilly morning. Koromaru and Alastor seemed fine, in spite of the chilly breeze.
Koromaru was being very good, even though he wanted to wander off and smell some flowers, he stayed right at the doe’s side.
“I’m glad you’re actually wearing it.” Alastor spoke up. “I figured, with your sensitivity to cold, that you might need something to keep you warm.”
"It was really thoughtful of you,” Lorraine replied, "I really do appreciate it. And it's honestly really neat that John and I have something we can wear together. Never really thought about it to be honest."
“Well someone had to.” Alastor chuckled softly. “It looks good on you.”
“If you say so.” Lorraine replied.
Out of the blue Koromaru growled. Then he barked and leapt after something, disappearing into the bushes.
“What in the blazes?” Alastor actually jumped as his eyes narrowed. “I’ll get him.”
The buck then leapt after the shiba, leaving Lorraine alone.
Lorraine blinked, then trotted over to a large, flat rock. A rock which she proceeded to sit on.
“Ah, finally.” The voice made her jump as Pentious slithered out from the trees and readjusted his hat. “They should keep those two busy.” He commented as he looked towards where Alastor and Koromaru had left. His gaze turned towards Lorraine. The lamia did not look happy. “It would have been easier if you just came with me the first time, then I wouldn’t have had to take such measures.” He sighed. “Studying you would have been a bonus honestly. I-”
“Nope. I’m not doing this.” Lorraine cut him off, standing up. “Not doing this today.” She immediately started trotting towards home.
“I wasn’t finished!” Pentious snapped as he slithered after her.
“And from the sounds of it, you want me for something that isn’t exactly all that nice.” Lorraine replied.
“It’s not like you’ll be hurt.” Pentious said with a pout. “You’re just a hostage. A bargaining chip, so to speak. You’ll be treated quite well. Only idiots hurt their hostages.”
“Oh my God, do you even listen to yourself?” Lorraine said with a groan.
“All the time, the egg boys do too. Though Ashira tells me that I talk too mu-”
He was cut off again as Lorraine erupted in blue flames. From the flames, a giant of a unicorn leapt forth. Said unicorn bolted down the path.
“Would you stop that!” Pentious yelled as he slithered faster down the path.
Lorraine suddenly felt one of her legs get yanked out from under her, causing her to tumble. In another flash of blue flames she was back to being a doe. In spite of her aching leg, she got up and hobbled away.
“Really now?” Pentious said with a sigh as he slithered up behind her. “I don’t think you're going to get far with an injured leg. And that blue fire form seems rather fragile, this might need more research.”
“Just leave me alone!” Lorraine snapped, managing a decent pace despite her leg.
“I’m not going to do that, so-”
“Just- please! Leave me be!” She snapped, turning to stare at him as her ears pinned back.
“And I’m not going to do that, you’re an important asset.” Pentious shook his head. “What are you going to do, fight me?”
Lorraine erupted in blue flames again. Once again becoming the Unicorn. She reared onto her hindlegs as her horn shined a bright white.
The world temporarily went white as a dome of bright white light erupted around the Unicorn to expand and encompass Pentious.
Lorraine blinked away her temporary blindness to see Pentious looking slightly ragged. He was slumped over, with his upper half almost touching the ground.
“I… I actually felt that.” The lamia chuckled darkly. A yellow-ish, misty aura rolled off the lamia. He was slowly engulfed until he wasn’t even visible within it. Then the mist grew and billowed out.
A black-scaled tail slid out of the mist. Eyes opened up on said tail. Orbs of red light with slit irises. As the mist rolled away, more eyes opened in the tail. His torso had become something like a black suit-coat. His arms were long and ended in long-fingered hands tipped in bright red claws. In the center of his chest, within the open suit-coat, was a large red eye, like the ones on his tail. At his collar was a black bow-tie. A strangely thin neck led to the face of a snake. His mouth was filled with sharp yellow teeth. A pair of fangs dripped green venom. A black forked tongue flicked out of his maw. His eyes were bright yellow-orange, like burned embers, and bore the same slit-irises. Atop his head sat a top hat that bore a single eye and a maw of yellow teeth like his. Most disconcerting was the massive cobra-like hood that spread out from his head like a massive pair of wings. Four massive red eyes stared out from the yellow scales of the hood.
“Not so tough now, are you?” He said rising up to a height that easily dwarfed the Unicorn.
“Never said I was, I just wanted you to go away.” Lorraine replied.
“Oh, even when you decide to put up a fight, you’re pathetic!” Sir Pentious the Demon Serpent snapped at her. “What you did, that hurt. But it isn’t even meant to kill, if I analyzed it right. You’re just some kind of medic that’s in no way prepared to see live combat. I bet you faint at the sight of blood.” He snorted.
Lorraine replied somewhat calmly, though it was obvious she wanted to be as far away from the demon as possible as she cast Salvation on herself. "I'm just someone that was sick of seeing my friends get hurt... I just wanted everyone to be okay. I wanted to be okay."
Pentious seemed to falter. The anger was still there on his face, but his eyes seemed confused… almost concerned? He shook his head and hissed. He reached into his coat, pulled out a black cylindrical object, and tossed it at her. Whatever it was landed right in front of her.
Lorraine reared back and turned, only for a loud bang, a flash of light, and a physical shockwave to deafen, blind, and knock her to the ground.
She was instantly back to being a doe.
Dazed, she got up and tried to blink the stars out of her eyes. Once she was somewhat more coherent, she noticed that Pentious was gone. The only thing showing that there’d been any kind of conflict was the small blackened patch on the path.
Suddenly Alastor and Koromaru burst from the bushes. Instantly the dog raced over to her, leaping up to her, whining and licking her face.
“We saw, whatever that was. Little egg buffoons lead us on quite the-” Alastor paused as he stepped up to Lorraine. “What happened?”
Lorraine tried to gather her thoughts. Her ears were splayed back and she was breathing somewhat shakily as her voice hitched in visible distress. "Sir Pentious was trying to kidnap me."
The screech of feedback that followed that statement caused Lorraine to flinch as Alastor, grin cold and merciless, snapped to attention.
"He. What?" the buck growled.
"Yeah... I'm just glad it's over." Lorraine admitted weakly as she coaxed Koromaru to sit next to her.
“I am going to-” Alastor cut himself off. He took a deep breath. Then his smile softened. “Let’s get you home. And let’s lockdown the house for a couple days.”
Lorraine nodded. “Okay.”
Lorraine sat on the couch watching EweTube, she was really focused on that. Since the shock from the day before, she’d been a couch potato. Not that anyone else had a problem with that. On the contrary both Koromaru and Socks were cuddled against either side of her.
There was the sound of the front door opening and a trotting of hooves. “Lorraine?” Alastor poked his head around the corner. “Do you like chicken?”
Lorraine paused the video and looked at him. “Yeah, why?”
“Wonderful.” He made to move, paused, then looked at her again. “What’s your favorite chicken dish?”
“Chicken nuggets.” Lorraine replied instantly.
Alastor’s face fell to a look of almost bitter disappointment. “I… will do my best.” He said dejectedly.
“I also like chicken burgers.” Lorraine offered, feeling a little bad.
“That, I can do!” The buck brightened as he trotted towards the kitchen. “I’m going to borrow John’s cutting board.”
A dead cockatrice levitated after him. There was a small brown sack over its head.
“Okay.” Lorraine replied as the soon-to-be-meal and Alastor went into the kitchen.
Koromaru leapt up and raced into the kitchen. There was much whining.
“What?”
“Woof.”
“Yes I’ll give you the scraps.”
“Don’t give him any bones.” Lorraine called out.
“Bork.”
“That depends on what I need for the burgers, of course.”
“Wuff.”
“No.”
“Bark!”
“Shoo! I have food to prepare!”
Alastor and Lorraine were in the front yard. The Peacewalkers were there too, if only to help with the new garden. There were already a few flowers by the front porch but this was going to be a proper garden.
Said proper garden was little more than a large rectangle of dirt. One that Spike and Apple Bloom had no problem digging up. Thus, the six of them were standing by the potential garden with a few potted plants, seed packets, and a few things Alastor and Lorraine picked.
“So, how do we start this?” Sweetie asked.
Apple Bloom stepped into the dirt and dug a small hole with a hoof. She then reached over and took one of the seed packets, tore it open and sprinkled a few seeds into the hole, before scooping some dirt over the seeds and patting it down. She looked around. “Did we forget tha waterin’ can?”
“I’ll get it!” Spike jumped and raced inside.
Scootaloo and Sweetie stepped in and started repeating what Apple Bloom was doing.
“Now make sure ta keep ‘em spaced out.” Apple Bloom nodded.
"A good idea," Alastor agreed and nodded at the young earth pony. "Now, when the young drake returns with the watering can, take care not to drown the seeds. Over watering can kill plants just as efficiently as no water at all."
"When we're done planting I'll speed up the growth rate with a bit of magic." Lorraine added.
“Tha’ sounds useful. Should have ya help at the farm more.” Apple Bloom giggled.
Spike waddled back out, carrying a bright green watering can. It sloshed a little but he made sure not to splash too much out of the can. The dragon plopped the can next to the garden and Bloom trotted over to help direct him in the proper way to water.
“Hey. What’s Bucksleaf?” Scootaloo asked as she squinted at the label on one of the potted plants. In said pot was a cutting from one of the plants from Whitetail. It was a small shrub with leaves that looked like deer antlers.
Alastor looked like a deer caught in headlights and when he tried to speak, the only sound that was heard was garbled radio static.
Lorraine blinked and giggled. "I got this, how about you-"
Alastor had promptly got up and walked back inside the house.
"-head on inside..." Lorraine finished.
“Where’s he going?” Spike asked, lightly watering the spots Bloom indicated.
“He’s embarrassed.” Bloom replied.
“Why’s that?” Scootaloo asked, digging out a hole with a hoof.
“It’s a deer thing, I think.” Sweetie said with a hum.
"It is a deer thing," Lorraine pointed out and explained in a professional manner. "Bucksleaf is a hormone regulator and suppressant with different parts of the plant used to handle the intensity of heat and rut in deer."
“Oooooooh. It keeps ya from fuckin’.” Bloom nodded.
“That’s probably a good thing.” Sweetie agreed.
“For deer yeah.” Scootaloo giggled.
“Ponies are weird. Deer are weird.” Spike said bluntly. “Sex is weird.”
“Any other questions?” Lorraine asked.
“Think we’re good.” Bloom said, making one of Scootaloo’s dug plots a little bigger.
“Thanks though.” Sweetie smiled at the doe.
It had taken quite a bit to convince Pinkie Pie that this wasn’t a party. It was a somewhat formal, private function to promote all the good work that the Tartarus branch of the Conservation Committee were doing.
“This.” Alastor commented. “Is all... “ He paused. “Fake. I’ve been in their facilities, there is very little good in their good work. It is Hell after all.”
“Kinda wish I went with John for the Persona training.” Lorraine said from her spot next to him.
They were at their own table, and both didn’t really feel like mingling.
“That might have been a better choice, but we’re stuck here for the moment.” Alastor sighed.
“We’re both VIPs and Luna kinda insisted.” Lorraine replied, looking at him.
“And you do have a point there, and it’s not like I’d let you go to something like this alone.” Alastor nodded. “Should we get some of the free food?”
“Do we go to one of the tables or do we ask one of the people with the trays?” Lorraine blinked looking around at the various servers walking around with trays.
Speaking of which, one of the tray carrying ponies trotted up and set a glass of something bright red in front of the doe. “Compliments of the House.” The server said with a slight slur.
Alastor immediately scooted the drink over to himself. “She hates alcohol.” He said with a smile. “Would you happen to have water?”
The waiter blinked, shook his head a bit, then nodded. “Oh, water, of course. Sorry about that.”
A glass of ice water was set in front of the doe.
“And are there any horderves?” The buck asked.
“Yes! I will be right back.” The waiter nodded quickly and hurried off.
Lorraine, meanwhile, was looking around at the other ponies and creatures that were around them. She noticed Pentious off in a corner. He… did not look happy. He was scowling at them. She looked back to Alastor. “Well something’s up.”
Alastor was already drinking whatever the liquid was. The buck scowled and shook his head as he set the glass down. “Oooooh.” He took a breath. “Burns on the way down. Reminds me of my younger days.” He pounded his chest with a hoof. “Mmmmm. Yes. That’s definitely Hellfire.” He nodded. “I expect things to get dicey in the next few minutes. I believe that that was meant to kill, or at least incapacitate you.”
“Wut.” Lorraine blinked.
“I believe we’ve been had.” Alastor said, glancing around and noticing more than a few ponies start to file out.
Lorraine looked around, then paused and looked at Alastor. Her ears pinned back for a moment. Then she stood up, exploded into Persona form, and immediately healed Alastor.
“No good.” Alastor coughed and cleared his throat. “Hellfire’s special. It can kill lesser demons, yes, however, I am not just any demon.” He stood up as static filled the air. “While yes, this dose probably wasn’t meant to kill, Hellfire can also be considered a drug to certain individuals.” He chuckled darkly.
“Dammit!” Pentious swore from the back of the room. “What, are you doing?! Get them!” He yelled as a bunch of…. Eggs raced into the room. They looked like massive chicken eggs, only they had spindly, thin arms and legs coming out of the shells. There was a large hole in the front of the shell and a pair of yellow eyes peered out. Each of the eggs held an assortment of crude melee weapons.
“Guys, can’t we just talk about this?” Lorraine called out.
“No!” Pentious snapped.
“Mmmph, you heard the serpent.” Alastor stood tall as a mixture of red and black smoke rolled off the buck.
“Why not?” Lorraine asked.
“Because….” Pentious looked rather steamed. “The only thing I'm going to talk to him about is how much of his territory to hand over!" He sneered. "If you stay out of this, then I'll let two share a containment unit at the new facility."
Lorraine stepped back at the sheer animosity between the two demons and reverted back into her doe form, ears flat against her head.
Alastor looked at her. His almost maniacal grin looked rather strained. He looked back towards the lamia. “You’ve upset my doe… Give me one reason why I shouldn't send you back to your wife... In Pieces.”
That made Pentious pause. His rage seemed to have faded into something resembling fear. “Get- Get them!” He half-yelped.
“You might not want to look.” Alastor said with a static in his voice. “Actually.”
Lorraine found herself stuffed into the fluff of Alastor’s chest. He even made sure to put a foreleg over her ears.
The doe found herself blinded by fur. Her hearing was muffled by more fur. The impromptu embrace actually made her freeze.
The entire thing was so surprising that she wasn’t even thinking about what the buck might have been doing outside of holding her.
Which was probably for the best.
‘Fuck it.’ She thought, nuzzling her face into the fluff a bit. Which only caused her to start sneezing.
There was a chuckle and the foreleg was removed from Lorraine’s ears.
“Lorraine. It’s over.” Alastor said, backing up.
He looked mostly back to normal. There were a few errant wisps of magic here and there. Also, held in a hoof was a cane. A red cane topped with what looked like an old-timey radio microphone.
The room however was a mess. It was also covered in egg yolk, and Pentious was nowhere to be found.
“I think it’s high time we leave.” Alastor commented, glancing around at the mess. “Oh, and I got my microphone back, fancy that!” He said twirling his cane. “I can do the thing again.” He held the microphone up. “Hello Lorraine, I’m Alastor and I’m reporting to you Live from the mess I just made!” He spoke like an over-the-top radio host. "Looks like they cracked under the pressure! Or maybe my performance left them scrambled!"
Lorraine smiled weakly and snorted in amusement.
I am thou, thou art I...
Thy compassion is thine spear rallying against the heavens and thine shield against the demons of the heart.
Thy bonds with thine Companions are the fires that fuel thy dream of salvation.
With thy Kindness towards the Devil arcana, thou hast one more ally to walk with thee down the destined path of thine own making.
Lorraine has unlocked the Devil Companion!
The Devil Companion has reached Rank 5 out of 10.
While the ground level of Ponyville’s branch the Conservation Committee was in the process of being built, below ground was much further along.
Pentious slithered into his personal quarters. He was too drained to even turn on any lights. He slithered over to his bed and simply let his upper half flop onto it. Slowly he dragged himself onto the bed fully and let out a groan.
He froze when he felt a pair of cloven hooves slid around his shoulders.
“Hi darling.” A feminine voice giggled.
“Ashira.” He sighed. “I-”
“Shhh.” Ashira shushed him. “You’ve been busy. I’ve only been gone a week.”
Pentious rolled over.
Ashira, in Kirin form, grinned at him. Her bright pink mane stood out even in the dim light of the room and contrasted her gray fur, and contrasted more with the gold scales of her back. Her shiny gold horn glowed and lit the room with a shimmery purple light. Her bright red eyes stared down at him.
“There we go, now I can see you better.” She grinned toothily.
“I’m sorry. I tried to get the doe-” A hoof pressed into Pentious’s lips.
“Ap. Don’t worry. You tried too hard, like you always do. That’s why you need me to balance you out.” She smiled sweetly at him. “And hey, I’m back now.” She leaned in to kiss his nose.
“I’ve got everything under control.”