//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Inner Demons // by Spider8ite //------------------------------// Some months after the rescue… I was sitting with Vinyl and the girls on our couch as we watched my father tell stories — telling them about our little adventure, but in a way so that they wouldn’t know what had actually happened. It was cold; it was winter. My parents hadn’t liked the idea of coming back for New Year’s Eve but they’d come anyway. Dante had given up on the idea of forcing me back to hell again and the surprise was: he would soon have another heir. I would have a little brother or sister — I admit I was excited about that. Maybe the solution for everything had always been there. “And so… bang!” My father exclaimed and Fluttershy jumped in surprise, making Pinkie Pie laugh at her. I could understand why Fluttershy hated the story. “I killed the wolf with the help of my daughter — actually a lot of help. Octavia has some skills with a ‘gun’.” He smiled at me, “Who knew that all that could happen in mere days?!” “Y–you really did that? You…” Fluttershy started with her usual low voice. I smiled nervously, trying to not admit that I’d literally killed a giant wolf. Knowing how much she loved animals, she would faint or feel sad for him. I couldn’t say anything — she didn’t know that this ‘wolf’ was a monster. “Well, you see… father is just exaggerating!” I tried to explain. “We never killed the wolf. We just sent him away, shooting at the sky so he was afraid and ran away. That’s all that happened.” “But he said that the wolf was dead! Your father is lying then!” Rainbow Dash said glancing at Dante, who just shrugged from his armchair. “I knew he was! I know when someone is lying,” Applejack added. “No, uh…” I scratched my head for a moment. “He did die. A bear killed him. He had a terrible fight, but unfortunately the bear was stronger than him.” I finished with a little laugh. “Meh, I could do it! And with the bear!” Rainbow said proudly. “Yeah, sure ya’ could. Someone who ran away from a dog could easily take on a huge wild bear without a gun.” Applejack raised an eyebrow giving a little giggle as Rainbow crossed her arms making a pout. “I already told you that the dog was rabid… okay?! I could have taken him on if he wasn’t!” “Oh you wouldn’t hurt a dog or a wolf or even a bear… right, Dash? Even if it was attacking you?” Fluttershy asked. Rainbow’s eyes widened and she laughed nervously. “Eh… Of course not! Animals are friends! My name is Rainbow ‘Naturalist’ Dash!” Rainbow exclaimed receiving a smooch from Fluttershy, making her smile proudly again. Applejack shook her head at Rainbow’s actions. As we went on with our stories and talks, Dante got up to go to the balcony. He seemed much happier since my mother’s news and I could understand why. I followed him with a smile seeing him sitting on the couch there and observing the stars with a smile. “You’ve made me very proud, you know right? Even if you don’t want to be the princess of Hell or whatever,” he said without looking at me as I sat beside him. “It’s your life after all.” I didn’t say anything, I just gave Dante a little hug. He looked at me confused. “You’ve already told me that before, you don’t need to… worship me.” I giggled. Dante blinked for a moment looking at me. “Oh, but… you give me such happiness. You’ve proved that any supernatural creature can have a normal life here. Sometimes, before visiting you, I’d thought of staying here. But a king has his duties — I can’t leave Hell forever — it would be a mess! You know how people there can be mad, crazy and other not so good things,” he said sharing a laugh with me. “You must be really happy now, right? With that amazing news from mother,” I said remembering how he’d arrived here all ‘oh my gosh what I am going to do?’ with a giant smile on face. “Oh, I was! And I am! But it was quite surprising to me and your mother looked so crazy about it.” Dante laughed. “She jumped around the castle and said that we had to see you as soon as possible to tell the news. But I must admit: I’m nervous about it…” He scratched the back of his head blushing. “Why? You were such a good father to me and…” I sighed. “You are awesome, dad. Even with everything that happened in the past, it’s in the past. I bet he or she will love to be a prince or a princess. Just because I didn’t want to, doesn’t mean they won’t!” I exclaimed. He nodded. “But it has been such a long time since I took care of a kid… it’s hard work, you know. Fun of course, but tiring. I’ll have to bring him here to meet you! You’ll need to learn to yourself, after all.” My father smirked. I rose an eyebrow. “Learn to… oh, you!” I gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. “I’m not planning anything like that yet.” “Oh, but I would so love a grandson or granddaughter!” he exclaimed playfully. “I would feel even more proud to have another little demon, but from you.” “Maybe later,” I said between a laugh. Much later… “Father, I-” “Hey, let’s go! Only three minutes until midnight!” we heard Pinkie screaming from inside. She came jumping onto the balcony full of her usual happiness and smiles. The girls, my mom, and Vinyl came outside to wait for the fireworks. “Hey, Buttavia, thinking about life again this time with your father? Neeerd.” Vinyl mocked me and I gave her a punch. As midnight came we watched the fireworks and set off some of our own, wishing everyone a happy new year. But what a year! It’s not every year that you tell your girlfriend that you’re a half-demon half-succubus. Maybe next year it would be time to tell the girls? “You know… remember when I said I’d give you a surprise some day for being so good to me?” I asked Vinyl. She nodded. “Well, you always wanted to see me dressing like a true succubus, right?” I whispered. Her eyes popped open and she flashed me a huge smile. “Guess what’s going to be your new year’s present!” “I’m liking where this is going,” Vinyl said, “but wait!” “What?” “Next year you’ll turn me into a vampire, right? Pleeease!” “Oh, Vinyl…”