Chapter 6: Demon’s About Canterlot
Overlord Malbreche clenched the arms of his throne tight enough to send hairline cracks racing through the obsidian bones. “Golvenz has failed me. Can any of you worthless maggots go to this nowhere world and retrieve Krichevskoy’s upstart brat?!”
His vassals shuffled uncomfortably looking from one another without speaking. Golvenz was one of their Overlord’s most powerful vassals. If he fell the world must hold formidable warriors. All eyes turned to the sultry empusa who cleared her throat. “Perhaps what is needed my lord, is a lighter touch.”
Grunting softly the Overlord glared at the speaker. “You think you can succeed where my mightiest knight failed?”
The demoness shrugged casually. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. Though it seems there isn’t an overabundance of volunteers.”
“Hrm. Fine. But if you fail me Linette you know what will happen.”
Shifting from foot to foot she bowed smartly and turned on her heel. Boots tak-taking as she made her way to the dimensional gate. “Alright Overlord Laharl. Let’s see what you’ve got…”
***
Flonne and Etna reached the city of Canterlot just as the sun was making its descent. If anyone was paying attention it made a rather erratic and wobbly descent too. Hovering well above the clouds the pair of demoness’ looked down at the city in confusion.
“You’re seeing this too right? It’s not just me?”
Flonne could only nod slowly as she looked down upon the city of ponies. “They’re the cutest things I’ve ever seen!”
Even the caustic Etna was finding it hard to disagree. “W-well whatever! Who cares how cute they are; somewhere down there is the Prince! Only he could be giving off that much mana! These…things must have him hostage!”
Flonne gasped eyes wide as dinner plates. “Do you really think so? They look kind of…adorable.”
“THESE ones sure. But I feel some BIG mana presences in that castle. We need to infiltrate it!”
Flonne let out an excited squeal. “I’ve got the infiltration masks!” She joyfully exclaimed, digging out a pair of black ninja masks.
Etna eyed them skeptically. “Something tells me we need a better disguise then masks this time. In case you didn’t notice there’re no humanoids at all down there. Just…colorful horses. Can you magic us up a real disguise?”
Dejectedly tucking the masks away Flonne stared down harder at the ponies beneath her. Eventually she nodded. “I think so. Ready?”
Taking another look at the cute little horses below Etna sighed. “Ready. Gimme one of the ones with wings!”
Nodding Flonne flew a few feet back from her friend. “Here we go!”
Etna winced as Flonne began to chant in the Celestial language. To a demon’s ears the words sounded a bit…wrong. They were the words of law, order, and creation which were the polar opposite of a demons natural being. Still she clenched her fists and soldiered through as thick runic bands of yellow light formed around her. She felt a warm sensation flow over her body. When the light faded a black furred, red pig tailed pegasus pony flapped her wings in Etna’s place…still dressed in her typical black leather outfit only resized for her equine body.
“…how do I look?”
Almost immediately the demon lord regretted asking. Flonne’s eyes grew huge and shining as she let out a high pitched squeal crushing Etna in a hug. “You’re adorable! Oh I should keep you like this!”
Squawking in protest Etna flailed her forelegs swatting Flonne away. “Don’t even think about it! Just do yourself and let’s get moving!”
Pouting only a little Flonne worked the spell again on herself this time. The now lily white, blonde maned pegasus angled downward to land with Etna at her side. “I feel all small and fuzzy.”
“You ARE small and fuzzy you idiot. Now try and act…horsey I guess.”
Snorting softly at Etna’s rudeness Flonne took a moment to look about at the ponies going about their evening business. They all seemed kinda…snooty. With a small frown she realized it reminded her very much of how the angels behaved in Celestia. A bit cold and aloof. Sure demons routinely greeted one another by punching each other in the face, but then they’d have a laugh and share a drink.
“Let’s not worry about them Etna and just get to the castle.” Etna eyed her friend curiously. Flonne had the sort of stern tone she usually only reserved for reprimanding she or the Prince. With a shrug she fell in beside the other pegasus as the pair headed through the streets of Canterlot toward the castle.
***
Twilight found Rarity wallowing on the ground sobbing loudly. Rolling her eyes the Twilight Princess landed beside her friend. She was momentarily taken aback by her appearance. She was as large as Princess Luna and looked nearly as imposing. “Rarity…what’s wrong now?”
“I’m a mo-ho-honsteeeeeer!” The wailing mare got out mid-sob. “I let Ponyville get destroyed because I sent that DREADFUL demon flying into town! Everypony is hurt and it’s all my faaaaaaault!” She broke down into another hefty wail.
Twilight was feeling a little weird about her suddenly enormous friend wailing like nothing had changed at all. With a soft sigh she climbed down into the small crater Rarity had landed in resting a hoof on her shoulder. “Everypony is fine Rarity. Laharl healed them.”
The waterworks stopped almost instantly. “…really? He did?”
Offering her friend a smile Twilight gave a little nod. “He really did. I removed his manacles and he used the most amazing healing spell I’ve ever seen! He said he summoned the spirit of healing magic herself! Can you imagine? He can call on the spirits who provide the fundamentals of magic! Imagine if he could call on others?!”
Rarity blinked as her friend started to go off on one of her tangents. “Twilight you promise me everypony is alright? I didn’t get half the town killed?”
Blinking out of her magic-lust induced ramble the Princess nodded again. “Yes I promise Rarity. He summoned this giant woman who bathed the whole town in healing magic. He collapsed right after, he’s severely mana drained.”
Now Rarity glanced over her own enhanced form. “Oh dear, I suppose I’d better get back and return this shouldn’t I?”
Helping Rarity stand Twilight nodded. “I think that’s a good idea. Do you uh…feel ok? You’re very big and sort of…” She waved a hoof searching for the words. “Nightmare Moony.”
With a delicate laugh Rarity allowed Twilight to help her back to her hooves. “I feel completely myself darling I promise you.” She glanced back and forth as if searching for eaves droppers before leaning in and lowering her voice. “Though between you and I…that was quite a rush!”
Eyebrows raised Twilight regarded her friend speculatively. “What was?”
“All…that! The fight! You weren’t there to see me but I was quite spectacular if I say so myself. I summoned a horde of diamonds and woosh! Cut him to ribbons casting him into the air! Then I gave chase and bucked him! I bucked him like Applejack would a tree and down he went! I wish you could have seen it.”
With a faint frown Twilight gestured toward town. “Let’s get you to the library so you can return Laharl’s mana. I don’t think it’s good for you.”
Raising a brow Rarity regarded her friend curiously. “Whatever do you mean darling? I’ve never felt better. I feel so…so…ALIVE. You can’t imagine! It’s as if I’ve been seeing the world through a sort of…hazy filter. And now my eyes are clear. Everything just…FEELS stronger than ever before. I…I’m not sure I wish to give it up Twilight.”
Now the young Princess’ eyes widened. “Rarity you can’t mean that! Look at what happened to Ponyville! This mana is…is wrong! It’s not natural and you have to get rid of it! These demons aren’t our friends. They bring destruction everywhere they go.”
It was Rarity’s turn to frown. “Twilight Sparkle I’m surprised at you. Laharl is a little rough around the edges I’ll admit, but his being here is certainly not of his own doing. Not only that but he saved the girls in the forest and healed the town after the demon exploded. Which was my doing, not his.”
Twilight heaved a sigh running a hoof over her eyes. “I know Rarity I know. I’m just…frustrated. And my meeting with the Princess today! She was so rude! I’ve never felt so belittled in my entire life. I just want to get Laharl home and I have no idea what to do.”
Despite not wishing to give up Laharl’s demonic mana Rarity was allowing Twilight to lead her to the library. “Well you have to open the gates of Tartarus to get him home yes? I think the solution to your problem is fairly straightforward.”
Shaking her head Twilight gave an angry snort. “The Princess told me no.”
“Yes well, aren’t you a Princess as well Twilight? You don’t need her permission to act for the good of Equestria.”
Gazing toward the distant city where her former teacher lived her wings flared as she recalled the scathing words Celestia had for her. “Laharl said pretty much the same thing. And you’re both right! I AM a Princess. Laharl needs to get back to his own world and I can do that. We’ll get him his mana back and send him home.”
Resting a hoof on her much smaller friends back Rarity smiled. “That’s the Twilight Sparkle we all know and love. It’s been absolutely dreadful seeing you so down in the dumps and moping about all the time.” She couldn’t hide a deep sigh. “Still I am going to miss this increased stature and magical power. Imagine the fabulous dresses I could wear now! Why I’m as big as the Princess!”
With a little laugh Twilight smiled, feeling her spirits lifting. “Maybe I can find a size increasing spell for you once everything has calmed down a little bit. Now! Let’s go visit our demonic hero. You should have seen his face when everypony started singing…”
***
Creeping to the door of Twilight’s bedroom Laharl put his ear against it. He could hear Fluttershy moving around downstairs. With a frown he sat back on the bed. He was feeling better but if he went out the front door no doubt he’d be mobbed by a dozen crazy ponies.
It was getting late so at least he had the cover of darkness to escape into. Carefully he slid the window open shifting his scarf to a pair of wings and taking to the air. The last thing he wanted was that fake Flonne pony to make him feel all…feely. His mana was seriously strained to the breaking point but he had enough to keep himself aloft as he rose above the town gazing down at it contemplatively.
What was it about this place that was making him so touchy-feely? Was it as simple as their mana affecting him like his was affecting them? With a soft snort he landed on a nearby cloud sitting cross legged, chin in palm as he stared at the town. His ear perked as he heard nearby voices. Curiously he glanced up seeing a pair of pegasus ponies similarly resting on a cloud above.
“I heard she hasn’t left her house all day! She wouldn’t even come out when the big explosion happened!”
“Well it was pretty humiliating what happened. After she was such a hotshot loud mouth and getting showed up like she did. I’d be surprised if Rainbow Dash showed her tail in town for a week.”
There it was again. That annoying pang in his chest. Gritting his teeth he jumped from his cloud hovering before the startled pair of mares. “Where’s Rainbow Butt live anyway!?”
Looking torn between admiration for the towns’ newest hero and intimidated at the strange demon’s yelling both wordlessly pointed off to the left. Squinting the young Overlord could just barely make out a structure in the clouds. Without another word he left the star struck pair, landing before Rainbow’s front door.
Staring at the door he ran through a few different approaches. Flonne would go in all sad and downcast, feeling terrible for hurting the pegasi’s feelings. When Etna wanted to apologize she would just bribe her way to forgiveness. That method was definitely more appealing than Flonne’s but he had no idea what you bribed a pegasus with. In the end he went with his usual method.
Hammering on the door he almost caved it in. “Hey! Rainbow Butt! Get out here!”
He had to strain to hear it, but he definitely heard a mumbled ‘go away’ coming from within. Squaring his shoulders he just kicked the door, sending it flying inward. If he were a more thoughtful sort he’d wonder how someone kicked a door made of cloud off its equally cloudlike hinges but Laharl was anything but a deep thinker.
He found the pegasus lying on a sofa, (also cloud) looking like she’d been crying for a while. She didn’t even look upset that he kicked in her door. “I said go away.” She rolled over facing away from him.
Laharl stared at her for a minute before he spoke. “I kept hearing how you were ‘so cool’ from Scooter-whatever. You were supposed to be the coolest pony in the whole world in fact. Then you stupidly challenged me to a race, which is forgivable since you’ve never heard of me but still a pretty dumb move. And instead of trying to get better when you run into someone stronger or faster what d’you do? You sit in here crying like a whiny baby.”
He turned away with a snort. “You never get stronger by running away crying when you get beaten. That’s when you train harder than ever. When I fought someone stronger than I was I trained my butt off, then went back and kicked his ass the next time! Guess that’s not how ponies do things. They just run away from their problems.”
The Overlord made his way to the door but paused when he heard Rainbow Dash call out. “Hey!”
He looked back, the smug look never leaving his face. “Hey what?”
The mare glared at him wings flared. “…I still think you’re a jerk! …but thanks. You’re right. Next time I’m gonna fly circles around your demon butt!”
This brought a grin to Laharl’s face. “Hmhmhm. Anytime you want another humiliating defeat come and find me! I’m always happy to show how much better I am than everyone else around me!”
Rainbow Dash stood at her doorway watching the demon fly off, unable to hide a smirk at his long, loud, and obnoxious laugh as he went.
***
“Princess Twilight Sparkle. Princess Twilight Sparkle! Well of course she’s a Princess. She was only Princess Celestia personal protégé, then the element of magic. Why not make her a Princess on top of everything else? Oooo I hate her!”
The blue unicorn with the silvery mane balled up the newspaper she’d been reading and hurled it into the brightly burning camp fire. With a soft grunt she pulled her star studded cape tighter around herself gazing into the flames. Eventually she sighed softly.
“No. No she and I reconciled our differences. I’m a new mare!” Standing now she grinned shouting up at the night sky. “The Great and Powerful Trixie has been reborn! And will soon make her triumphant return to the stage!” Smiling genuinely to herself she settled back down stirring the veggie soup she had boiling.
“I’ll do it right this time. None of the bragging or showing everypony up. Grandfather taught me to be a real magician and that’s what I’ll be. Just the magic! Astounding crowds of all ages!”
“But is that really enough for someone as great and powerful as you?”
The alarmed mare whirled toward the sultry female voice. She couldn’t see anypony save a pair of glinting red eyes in the darkness. “Wh-who’s there?”
Trixie gasped aloud as the figure stepped forward. It was like nothing she’d ever seen before. Nearly as tall as Princess Celestia with a pair of long horns growing from her thick fiery red hair. A small pair of bat like wings fluttered at her back, a long tail with a heart shaped spade on the end coiled around her leg. The creature walked on two legs and seemed to have very large…protrusions on its chest.
“Why…I’m a friend. Perhaps the very best friend you’ll ever have.”
Eyes narrowed the travelling performer regarded the strange creature with open suspicion. While she was no student of a Princess magic was her special talent and she could see far more than the average unicorn. Something about this creature’s mana was very wrong.
“I have enough friend’s thank you. Perhaps you should be on your way.” She didn’t phrase it as a question.
The creature affected a hurt look. “Now is that anyway to treat someone who’s come to you in good faith offering to solve your problem?”
Trixie couldn’t help but feel a bit intrigued, despite the warning bells going off in her head. “What problem?”
The mare gasped as the creature produced the newspaper she’d tossed into the flames, whole and unburned. “Your Princess problem of course. It just so happens she’s in the way of my mission. We can work together to deal with both our problems.”
Trixie looked away with a frown. “The only problems I have with Twilight Sparkle are of my own doing. I’ll see to my own affairs thank you. Please be on your way.”
With a soft hiss the creature tossed the paper back into the flames. “I’d hoped to do this the easy way, but I need a way to get close to Overlord Laharl. You’re going to help whether you like it or not!”
Nopony was near enough to hear Trixie’s screams.
***
The disguised demoness’ regarded the bat winged guards flanking the entrance to the castle curiously. They made no move to stop either Flonne or Etna as they moved forward with more confidence. Casting a glance at the guards as they moved forward Etna leaned toward Flonne. “Is it just me or did those guys look kinda…”
Flonne nodded regarding the next pair silently. “Yes, something’s weird on this world. Let’s just find Laharl and get home. I’m getting worried. I sense a lot of big mana presences nearby.”
Not quite as sensitive as her friend Etna accepted her assessment. She knew Flonne was kind of a bubbly idiot but she could get serious when the situation called for it. She allowed Flonne to take the lead as she lead them unerringly toward the nearest big presence. Both stopped short as they nearly smacked into a line of waiting ponies.
Exchanging confused looks with one another, Flonne approached the last in the line. “Um…excuse me?”
The beige coated stallion flashed a smile as he turned to regard Flonne. “Something I can help you with miss?”
Flonne returned his smile at his cheerful politeness. This fellow seemed much nicer than most of the locals outside. Of course he wasn’t dressed all fancy, maybe he was a commoner? “What’s this line for?”
Now it was his turn to look surprised. “Well for Princess Luna’s night court. She holds open court in the evenings for ponies to bring important matters to her attention. Somepony’s think she’s scary but personally I think she’s been amazing for Equestria. Having two Princesses means we get problems solved twice as fast right?”
Flonne shared another confused look with Etna, but smiled back at the stallion. “Uh…right! So have you seen you know…anything weird? Maybe a strange looking boy with blue hair…not a pony! He’s uh…a talking monkey.” She inwardly congratulated herself on her cleverness.
Tilting his head the stallion frowned. “Can’t say I have miss. Is that why you’re here? To ask about your missing pet?”
His confusion grew as the black coated mare guffawed behind her friend. The one he’d been speaking with seemed to be holding in a laugh as well. “Yes! Yes that’s why we’re here. To see the Princess!”
Eyeing the pair oddly now he nodded slowly. “Well good luck. It shouldn’t be too long a wait…”
Thanking him Flonne rejoined Etna at the rear of the line. “Well I guess this is as good a place to start as any. I bet that big presence I sense nearby is the Princess.”
Etna gazed at the closed doors at the head of the line. “How big are we talking here?”
Flonne shrugged a little. “The one just beyond is strong but nothing we can’t handle. A bit further though I sense a presence that’s strong enough to be Laharl, and maybe a couple even stronger than him.”
Giving a low whistle Etna planted her rump on the floor while they waited. “Well let’s hope your sensors are malfunctioning or something. We don’t want to be picking a fight with someone as strong as the Prince.”
Flonne had to agree. Their wait wasn’t very long fortunately. With the impatient Etna at her side Flonne wasn’t sure how long she could keep the demon lord occupied before she snapped and just barreled her way into the throne room. By some miracle they managed to enter without Etna making a scene. Both were a bit surprised by the appearance of Princess Luna.
Misinterpreting their hesitation for nerves the lunar Princess smiled gently. “Please come closer. There is no need to be nervous. I know my reputation is a trifle marred by past misdeeds but I assure you I will not bite.”
Etna had a burning desire to ask what past misdeeds she meant but at a warning look from Flonne she stilled her tongue. The pair approached, Flonne dipping into a courtly bow while Etna did so somewhat reluctantly. “Thank you very much for seeing us Princess. We hope you can help with our problem.”
Luna’a serene smile never faltered. “I will of course do anything in my power to assist you. What troubles you this evening?”
Never one for lying Flonne took a deep breath and removed the disguise spell on herself and Etna. Luna’s wings flared in alarm as their true demonic appearances were revealed. “We’ve come a very long way looking for our missing friend. He landed on your world by mistake and we need to bring him home.”
Wordlessly looking from first one demoness to the other Luna’s smile faded entirely. “What manner of creatures are you? I have never seen anything like you.”
The fallen angel seemed to hesitate before answering; unfortunately this gave Etna the chance to butt in. “We’re demons! What the hell do we look like?! Now where’s the Prince?!”
Luna’s eyes narrowed as she rose to her full height. “As I suspected. Surrender yourselves now and you will be returned to Tartarus unharmed.”
“Ha! Like I’m gonna surrender to some stupid horse! I’ll deal with this. Flonne you go find the Prince.” A swirl of dark energy formed around Etna’s arm as her spear manifested itself. Her cocky grin never faltering as she slipped into a combat ready stance.
Flonne seemed somewhat dismayed the negotiations broke down so quickly, but with Etna around she should be too surprised. “Alright but be careful Etna, she’s strong.” Making a break for the doorway leading upwards behind the throne room Flonne was met with a magical barrier courtesy of Luna. She barely broke her stride as she summoned magic of her own punching through and racing up the stairs.
“Guards!” Etna reacted little as the bat-winged night guards rushed into the room gaping at the now armed demoness. “Not her! Her partner is on her way to my sister’s chambers! Stop her! I will deal with this one myself.”
Still grinning Etna watched the guards’ race after Flonne. “They’re lucky. Flonne has a no killing rule.” Her smile vanished as she returned her focus to Luna. “You though. You’re not so lucky.”
Luna had a distinctly unpleasant feeling welling in the pit of her stomach. A feeling she hadn’t really felt since her sister had been about to use the elements of harmony to banish her to the moon. Luna felt fear.
***
“The master ninja slips from shadow to shadow! Completely unseen and unheard by the hapless guards!” Flonne was flitting from shadow to shadow up around the high ceiling of the corridor leading to Celestia’s chambers, a very confused group of guards clearly tracking her movements.
“Uh…you! Demon…girl…thing! Come down this instant! You can’t just barge into Princess Celestia’s chambers!”
Flonne let out an alarmed shriek and dropped from the ceiling, landing on her head. “Ow ow ow…how’d you see me?! I was practically invisible!”
The guards all shared a ‘she’s kidding right?’ look before turning serious again. “You will surrender n…” He was interrupted by a tremendously loud yawn. One his fellow guards seem to be sharing in. “…ahem…you will surrender…” He trailed off as Flonne’s sleep spell fully took hold, rendering the group unconscious. With a satisfied smile she picked herself up off the ground and plastered herself to the wall creeping along slowly.
“With the inhumanly alert guards rendered unconscious Super Ninja Flonne resumes her stealthy approach…” Her cheer faded as she neared the door at the end of the hall. There was a powerful malevolent presence within. It could be Laharl but his mana usually felt a bit gentler. Unless he was really angry, in which case it was definitely Laharl inside.
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves she pushed the door open. Within was another horse like the dark blue one downstairs, though her coat was purest white and her mane rippled with a pastel rainbow of color. She was stuffing her face from a huge tub of popcorn, watching what appeared to be Laharl being stabbed through the chest over and over again on a mirror. “Ha! I never get tired of it!”
Flonne could only gasp in horror as the pretty horse creature rewound the scrying image to watch Laharl get impaled on the axe again. How could something so beautiful be so cruel? Steeling herself she summoned her staff. “Where’s Laharl?!”
“Eeeee-yah!” The horse leapt from her chair whirling in shock. “What? More of you? How did you get here?!”
Her features set in unusually steely determination Flonne raised her staff. “I won’t ask a third time! Where is Laharl?”
The horse seemed to be overcoming her surprise, though she did raise an eyebrow as an explosion from below rocked the castle. “And you’re not alone? How did I miss you arriving? Well no matter!” She cleared her throat smiling grandly. “Your friend is recovering from his wounds in a little town down the mountain. He should be resting there. The library I’d bet.”
Regarding the horse suspiciously Flonne nodded slowly. “Thank you. What happened there? Who attacked him?”
With a casual shrug the horse went back to her recording. “Oh some demon, who can keep track. Well thanks for stopping by. Ta ta now.”
Lips pursed together Flonne turned to leave. As soon as her back was turned the disguised Discord fired a petrification spell at the fallen angel similar to the one he used on the real Celestia and Vyers. The draconequus was considerably surprised when the seemingly innocent young demon girl turned back to him, an unpleasant glint in her eye. His spell collided with a magical ward and rebounded smacking him square in the chest. Soon two statues of Celestia adorned the Princess’ chambers.
Skipping lightly over to the newly petrified horse Flonne patted her on the head. “You shouldn’t try to curse an angel. We can always feel them coming.” Her gaze settled on the other statues in the room. “Mr. Mid-boss? What kind of trouble are you getting into now?”
With a long suffering sigh she dispelled the curse over the former Overlord. He staggered to his knees groaning weakly. Flonne knelt beside him using a simple healing spell to help get his strength back. He looked just as surprised to see her as the horse did. “F-Flonne? What are you doing in Equestria?”
“Looking for Laharl. The Gatekeeper tracked him here. And then I find you here. You wouldn’t have anything to do with Laharl’s being here would you?” She leveled her best ‘you better not lie to me’ look.
Chuckling nervously the demon hastily averted his gaze. “Well maybe. It was just a bit of harmless fun. He seemed so bored and Celestia’s protégé had just as little to do so we thought getting them together might spark a bit of…activity for both.
Well aware of Laharl’s violent mood swings when he had nothing to occupy himself with, Flonne couldn’t entirely fault him for his idea. “Well it’s not very fun when he gets nearly chopped in half Mr. Mid-boss! How could you put him in that kind of danger?!”
Raising his hands defensively Vyers rapidly shook his head. “No no! That demon knight had nothing to do with us! Demons aren’t even supposed to be able to find Equestria. Celestia keeps it protected by a magical veil! A veil that was pierced by well…him.” He nodded at the new statuary.
Flonne glanced at it with a gentle frown. “So that wasn’t really the Princess’ sister? I guess this other statue is the real…Celestia? That’s a funny coincidence.”
Vyers sighed softly. “Not as big a coincidence as you might think. I’ll let her tell you herself however.”
Staring at him curiously but knowing he was a good fellow at heart, Flonne released the real Celestia from her imprisonment. This time she could just tell she was the real thing. She practically radiated warmth and kindness. The regal alicorn regarded Flonne with a soft sigh. “I suppose it was inevitable someone would find me eventually.”
As the Princess’ form was bathed in golden light, Flonne’s eyes widened and with a soft gasp she keeled over in a dead faint.
***
Fluttershy was waiting on the balcony of the library as Laharl made his descent. Almost immediately the young Overlord regretted returning. She was gazing up at him with large shining eyes, a small smile playing across her muzzle. Doing his best to ignore her he landed with a grunt making his way back to the bed.
She turned silently tracking his progress. Finally he looked back. “What?!”
Fluttershy moved to sit at his bedside. “You went to see Rainbow Dash.”
His antenna twitched almost imperceptibly. “S-so what if I did?”
The pegasi’s smile grew slightly. “You went to make her feel better.”
“Hmph! Of course I didn’t! I just happened to be flying by her stupid cloud house and…and I wanted something to eat! So I kicked in the door and helped myself! She cried and cried for me to stop but I just ate everything she had and left!”
“Oh? I didn’t know demons ate alfalfa.”
“A-all the time! We love it!”
Wings fluttering gently she headed for the door. “Well I’ll fix you a big alfalfa sandwich then. Your stomach was just growling so you must have a big appetite for it.”
Grimacing at being caught in his lie Laharl could only watch her leave in silence. Flopping back with a grunt he shifted his gaze back out the window watching the puffy clouds drift along in the pre-dusk sky. “Stupid ponies. Stupid pony world.”
He jerked upright at a soft knock on the door. “What now?! I don’t want an alfalfa sandwich!”
It wasn’t Fluttershy however, but Twilight and Rarity. He couldn’t help but feel a faint pang of relief that the latter seemed unhurt. “Why would we bring you an alfalfa sandwich? Obviously you don’t eat things like that.”
Grunting in reply he lay back in the bed. “I thought you were the other one. Whaddo you want? I don’t want any more songs!”
Rarity laughed softly at that. “Oh I do wish I could have been here to see that. But no, Twilight thinks it best I return your mana.”
Laharl didn’t miss the hint of disappointment in the mare’s voice. “I don’t need it. Keep it! It’s probably contaminated with…with pony mana now anyway. It’d make me as big a sissy as Flonne!”
Not bothering to contain her squeal of delight Rarity danced on her hooves. “Eee hee hee! Thank you so very much! I shan’t waste anymore of your time then! I need to get to work right away! Oh imagine the gowns I’ll be able to wear!”
Mouth agape Twilight Sparkle didn’t even bother trying to stop her friend as she galloped full tilt from the library, no doubt to lose herself in her work room for days. Snapping her muzzle shut with an audible click she rounded on Laharl. “Why did you do that? Your mana could be negatively affecting her!”
“She seemed fine to me. Is she not acting like her normal self?”
Ears splayed as Twilight considered. Besides her unusual enjoyment of the fight with the demon Rarity was acting exactly like she always had. “I…I suppose not but still. Don’t YOU need your mana?”
Laharl shrugged. “I’ll just absorb more. Even if your goofy pony mana messes with me I can absorb PROPER mana when I get home. Speaking of getting home…”
Nodding firmly Twilight moved toward the door. “Tomorrow we’re going to the gates of Tartarus. Princess Celestia’s blessing or no, I’m opening them and sending you home like I should have done right away.”
Laharl let her leave without another word. It was getting late and he was pretty wiped from the day. Rolling on his side he smirked to himself. “Now she’s talking like an Overlord.”
***
Princess Luna staggered back to her hooves, coat covered in a thin sheen of sweat and breath coming in labored gasps. “What…what ARE you?”
Etna brushed a bit of magical residue from her shoulders, the left over from Luna’s last attack. Contrary to the Equestrian Princess, the Demon Lord barely looked to be slowing down. “I’m the sexiest thing to ever come out of the Netherworld is what I am! Now where’s the Prince!”
Shaking her head in frustration Luna growled. “There is no Prince Laharl in Equestria! The only Prince is Blueblood and you are MORE than welcome to take HIM with you!”
With a growl of her own Etna hurled her spear unerringly for the Princess’ side. Neither pony nor demon expected the sudden rush of wind and rose petals as Vyers made his entrance, snatching the spear from the air and spinning it expertly before resting it against his side. “I’m surprised at you Etna. Attacking so fine a lady as Princess Luna. You should be ashamed.”
All color drained from Etna’s face at the unexpected appearance of her former Overlord. The demon she’d sworn a lifelong oath of loyalty too. “K-King Krichevskoy?! What are YOU doing here?!”
With a flip of his hair he tossed the spear back to Etna. “It’s Vyers now. The Dark Adonis!” He even struck a pose as the rose petals swirled about him. Seeing neither demon nor pony looked impressed with his display he sighed. “Visiting an old friend and making trouble for my son. What are YOU doing here?”
Recovering from her shock Etna frowned. “We’re looking for the Prince of course! You can’t just abduct the Overlord and not expect anybody to notice!”
Chuckling ruefully he shrugged. “I suppose we didn’t think things out very well. Our little game got out of hand when a third party butted his nose in. Thanks to Flonne however he’s taken care of. Now! Apologize to Princess Luna.”
His voice didn’t leave any room for argument. Banishing her spear Etna frowned at the Princess. “Sorry for attacking you. We were just worried about the Prince. Flonne knew there were big mana presences here and we thought you were hiding him.”
The evening’s surprises only grew for Luna. The appearance of her demonic savior and now her attackers’ contrite apology. “I…see. I suppose your distress is understandable as it sounds as if your ruler was abducted from his very world and transported here.” Leveling a no nonsense look Vyers’ way she huffed. “And let me guess. The friend you were visiting is of course Celestia.”
“Of course! And she’s waiting for us upstairs. She’ll explain everything when we get there.” Without waiting for mare or demon he turned on his heel marching back upstairs.
The former combatants eyed one another warily before moving to follow. “You are unusually strong for one so young. Your Netherworld must be a harsh place.”
“Eh it’s not so bad. And I’m not that young. I’ll be fifteen hundred and ten this year. You’re pretty tough for a pretty princess horse. Give it a bit and you’ll catch up.”
With an indelicate snort Luna trotted ahead at a brisker pace. “I am a pony, not a horse.”
A confused Etna followed along. “…what’s the difference?”
***
Unseen by anypony in the sleepy farming town of Ponyville, a familiar wagon rolled into town under cover of darkness. Pulled by a familiar mare. Trixie looked out from beneath the brim of her hat, red eyes glinting in the dark of night. “And let the show begin.”