The Prisonbreak

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How long has it been? I don’t know anymore. Time is irrelevant, if you are stuck in stone. After the first few decades you lose all sense of it.

I wished I could just sleep. Just sleep through this nightmare, but I can’t. I’m forced to stay awake. I’m forced to live every single second in this state. I don’t even know how sleep feels anymore. It seems so unreal, like it was all just a dream, like it didn’t exist in the first place.

Yeah, I know this doesn’t make any sense, so shut up.

You can’t really blame me for it. If you spend long enough in this stone prison, you start to slowly lose your mind. My memories are a blur. I remember some things, but I feel, that I somehow forgot a lot of my memories too or that they somehow are mixed together. I can’t say what’s real anymore. Who I am is getting shred to pieces and I can’t do anything to stop it.

This is my torture.

I wished over the time, that someone would just break the statue by accident and I couldn’t care less, if it would free me, or kill me. Death seems like a sweet salvation in my position. Anything was better than this.

But in case, that I would ever break out of this prison, I know exactly, what I would do. I would have my revenge on the two, who did this to me, as well as free the one I trusted the most in this world. The only sane being in this insane world.

But first I have to endure another of these guidance’s. I’m stuck here in a museum. Probably better than standing outside in the rain and with the pigeons, although it doesn’t save me from the disrespectful visitors, who insult me or make fun of me.

Just to think, that I have to get myself insulted by these bipedal abominations, with a muzzle and two hooves instead of feet! Yeah, they look as creepy, as they sound.

I can’t even look away from these freaks! My eyes are forced open to watch those things!

And here is already the next group. This time a school class it seems. There is an adult mare with lavender-coloured coat. God, how I hate these bright colours.

I just sighed. Here I have to go through another guidance. School classes were the worst. Those kids don’t show any respect to me! I mean, I am the great Overlord! I AM LAHARL!!!

My pose wasn’t even a bad one. I was crossing my arms and laughing heartedly, when the rainbow cannon of doom hit me.

“And here we have the statue of the Overlord, who is said to have been one of the strongest demons thousand years ago. He wrecked the land and even stood up against the princesses. He had the power to create demons with his powers and so could even raise a small army. But even with that powers, he couldn’t win against the princesses, so he searched for the help of another, the help of-“

And here our school teacher was interrupted. Can’t those stupid kids just let her speak out, so that they can leave me alone faster?

“But he is so short!” I heard an orange coated pegasus filly say.

So, to specify this, so that you all can follow. My height is smaller than the ones of colts and even most fillies, who are old enough to attend school. I know it, I saw a few classes over the last centuries in my prison. And those punks all seem to think this is an invitation to openly joke about it.

I will say this. Over the years, I have been insulted in the most different ways, but there is one thing, you do NOT joke about. There is a LINE. And this line is my height. Let’s just say I’m not taking to it kindly.

'Oh yeah!? Care to repeat that!? I AM GOING TO TURN YOU INTO A COCKATRICE!!'

And I mean a cockatrice from the Netherworld by the way. Still freaked me out, when I saw this cockatrice abomination they have here. I mean, the three-fourths lizard thing, seriously?

It was still rather useful. I turned it into a real cockatrice and took it as my vassal. It kept its ability to turn ponies into stone. Can’t say how often that ability made life easier. Robbing a village was a piece of cake. And it was rather loyal by the way. I even gave it a name over the time.

But to get back on track. Yeah, this orange chicken is on my list of ponies to get punished, after I break out of here. It is a rather long list, even though I have to admit, that I already forgot a lot of ponies on it. Memory problems and all, but I could recall still a good bunch of them.

There was this stupid bearded mage with bells on his blue hat. Can’t remember his name though. Wanted to study me, but quickly lost interest, as he had problems to analyze my magic through this prison. Used me as his pencil holder afterwards. He found the place between my crossed arms perfect for that.

GOD DAMMIT! I AM LAHARL! WHERE IS HIS RESPECT!?

Meanwhile a yellow farm filly spoke up, while I was ranting. “Ah have ta agree with Scootaloo ‘ere. It’s hard ta imagine, that he could really do any harm.”

'Don’t push your luck.'

“I think, he looks kind of cute and not really dangerous,” chimed a white one in.

'I AM NOT CUTE!!! Ok! Now you have done it, white one! That sets you on THE LIST!'

The other two were giving her stares. “Really, Sweetie Belle?” I heard the orange soon-to-be-chicken ask.

And then two other fillies joined the discussion.

To put it bluntly, they were spoiled brats. I could alone see it on their looks! They were wearing high-quality expensive-looking fashion. And if that wasn’t enough proof, the crown on the head of the pink one would definitely dispel any doubt.

“Well, I didn’t expect any different. Only you can be interested in this shorty,” taunted the pink one.

…

You know what? Scratch the first part of height jokes, being the last thing you should do around me. This nickname pun is the thing you DON’T want to call me. Shorty. To joke about my height and call me a PETTY criminal, this is something that will get punished severe.

I didn’t even care about the argument that those five had, since I concentrated all my hate on one specific pink filly.

'YOU KNOW WHAT LITTLE PRINCESS!? I AM GOING TO SHOVE THAT CROWN STRAIGHT UP YOUR A-'

“That is enough, you five,” interrupted the teacher their little bickering, as she stepped forward, directly in my line of sight. She stood sideward in a for me rather inconvenient way. Her rather generous bust swinging in my field of view.

'Gwaaaaaaahhh!!'

A short parenthesis. I have two weaknesses. Weakness one: People being optimistic. I can’t stand goody two-shoes, who act like they have no care in the world, ‘cause everything is always alright for them, even with sugar on top! But the most nuisance are the love freaks under those goody two-shoes. Don’t want to remember HER. The one female I was together with, then I was somehow dragged in this world.

And the now for this situation important weakness. Weakness two: sexy bodies. I can’t stand to have them around me. Of course you might think, that after an eternity of forced boob staring, you would get used to it…

No, you don’t.

Let’s just say it is one of the things, which accelerated my slip into insanity over the past centuries.

I remember, when they placed this Venus de…something statue right in the opposite of my statue! It didn’t even have clothes on! Damn, nude statues are the worst. It was standing there for DECADES!

I swear, this must have been a prank played by Sunbutt or her sister herself! Who else would even think about aggravating this torture? Another reason, why they are on the list.

But however, seemed like most of the brats as well as their teacher (thank god) have left, while I was letting my thoughts travel. Only the three fillies from before are still there. Or more like, two fillies and one soon-to-be-chicken. I won’t let her off the hook, just like that.

“I can’t really see, why you think, this is cute,” Chicken raised an eyebrow.

'I agree with the chicken here. Isn’t the maniacal laughter pose enough to strike fear in her innocent heart or at least to deter her?'

“But he looks cute! Just like a colt, who is trying to be a poser, but is inwardly just misunderstood by all the others and kind of lost. Like he needs somepony to show him the way,” explained the little filly with a dreamy sigh.

'Don’t tell me this is going, where I think it is going. She definitely needs to get her head examined.'

“You seriously need to get your head examined, Sweetie,” declared Chicken with a raised eyebrow, or should I call her copycat now?

'Seriously! No need to steal my lines, even though they make sense!'

“Ah have ta agree with Scoots ‘ere. Ya are talkin’ ‘bout a demon!” Seems like the bow wearer wants to join the discussion as well. Hopefully she won’t say anything that she will regret later, like the other two.

“A forbidden love. That makes it even more romantic,” she said with another happy sigh, as she stepped closer to me.

'I call it. She is crazy.'

“You can’t be serious! He looks like a hairless monkey!” chipped Chicken in, with disgust in her voice.

“So what about it?” defended the white…let’s call her marshmallow. I don’t know why, but it feels right and I’m kind of hungry. Starving for an eternity will do that to you.

“He’s an ugly monster, fer cryin’ out loud!” hollered the…cowgirl…with a bow? Bowgirl! Yeah, let’s go with that. I can always change that later.

'And also, that sets her on the list. Seriously, getting called UGLY, by such ABOMINATIONS! This just makes me sick.'

“A beauty falling in love with a beast…” She took another step closer. This was really creeping me out now.

“…” The other two just stared dumbfounded at her. Seems like they can’t believe how creepy this situation gets. You don’t fall for a statue!

'Oh god, she is taking another step closer! Begone demon! Wait…I’m the demon, right? Argh!'

I then paled, or would have paled, if I was still out of flesh, because she was laying a hand on my cheek. The feeling got my hackles up and that is saying a LOT, considering me being a statue.

“You know the tale yourself. A young prince transformed into a beast through a curse and the only possibility to break the curse is through a true loves kiss.”

She then laid another hand on my cheek.

'Don’t you DARE! I will END you!'

She gets closer and closer and closer and I started panicking, trashing with all my might, but I couldn’t do anything to stop it. Her face was merely an inch away from me.

I screamed from this madness, but no one heard me. No one could save me.

And then I could feel it. Her soft disgustingly wet and surprisingly sweet marshmallow lips laying on mine.

'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!'

I never felt this humiliated in all my life. She just…USED me for her sick fantasies! And my open mouth pose didn't help this matter, since she saw this as some kind of sick encouragement to stick her tongue in my mouth! Where does this precocious brat learn these things!?

“Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww,” said the two other foals in unison, but this was lost on me, as I pressed against my prison to get away from the mad marshmallow as far and as fast as I could.

*CRACK*

Suddenly I could feel the cage weakening. Encouraged by this and the wetness *shudder* on my lips I pressed further.

Another crack.

The marshmallow stepped back in awe and then started to grin.

“It worked!” she cheered triumphantly, as she turned around to the chicken and the bowgirl.

The other two were dumbfounded by this and who could blame them, but I had other worries. The feeling in my lips was still fresh as I broke out of the stone. My eyes turned red and I had a pained expression on my face, before screaming the first thing, that came to my mind.

“WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!”

These brats need to be taught a lesson!

...

After I throw up.

How The Mighty Have Fallen

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“It worked!” cheered the mad marshmallow again, as she was bouncing happily up and down.

Meanwhile I was panting, lightly bent over, somehow exhausted after this long imprisonment. Also I was still shuddering at the traumatic experience I had to go through. In the end I was spitting furiously on the ground, trying to get her saliva off my tongue.

I definitely had to get her back for this. As Overlord, I needed to teach them some respect. The royal butts wouldn’t take me serious, if I could not even stand my ground against some fillies. So it was time for sweet revenge. I was standing upright and was ready to let them pay for their impudence.

“NOW LISTEN HE-“

But my attempt to show them who the boss is here was cut off, as this white THING jumped me, forcing me to the ground and tackling me in a hug. I was so surprised by this, that even a yelp escaped me, which turned my cheeks red in embarrassment.

'How old am I? 500!? I can’t let such a thing escape my mouth! I AM LAHARL, THE OVERLORD!'

“Did it really work? He’s just as ugly as he was before,” I heard Bowgirl say skeptically.

“I don’t know Apple Bloom, but something has happened,” retorted Chicken.

I ignored these comments, as I was more concerned with the filly, who was snuggling my chest. Just the thought of something like this made me shudder and now, that I could feel something like this… Let’s say a yelp was one of my smallest problems now. I need to put her in her rightful place now, before things get any more out of control.

I shoved her with my hands off me or at least I tried. It was a somehow surprisingly hard task. She just wouldn’t let go.

“Dammit! Let go!” I growled, as I met the resistance in my holy task to save my innocence, or what was left after this *shudder* kiss.

You might think know, that a level 2000 entity could easily push off a filly and I would any time confirm that, but it somehow didn’t work. And there were only two possibilities for this. Either she was strong enough to take on a demon on this level (not just any demon, but an overlord, no less) or… I have grown drastically weaker.

I strongly doubted the first theory, since this would make her powerful enough to face the two pony sisters. I know, that I shouldn’t judge looks, but she was just a filly and these normally weren’t stronger than level 3.

That leaves only the other option. I quickly opened the menu, which only could get seen by me, unless I allowed others to access it too.

There was no time to lose, so I was checking my level and blanched. I stopped struggling against her, as my whole world was crushed by a single bloodcurdling number.

“Level 1…” I muttered quite shocked.

'How could this happen! Did the Elements of Harmony do that!?'

“Yer alright? Ya don’t look so good,” said Bowgirl with a frown.

I just stared blankly at her and checked the levels of the fillies. Bowgirl was level 4, Chicken level 3 and Marshmallow…level 2.

And here I was pinned down by a level 2 filly. How degrading can life get!?

I shook my head to get myself out of my stupor. I can’t just go over to resignation. I WAS LAHARL! Besides, what would Etna say, if she saw me in such a condition? I could never live that down!

With newfound determination, I pushed the Mad Marshmallow quickly off. She didn’t expect that after my struggle had ended and so landed without any resistance and a squeak on her hindquarters.

Chicken glared at me and stepped forward to face me. “What do you think are you doing!?”

“Freeing myself from the Mad Marshmallow, Chicken,” I said with a grin on my face in an amused tone.

“Chicken!?” Steam came out of her nostrils and I could clearly see the pain in her eyes. Seems like I hit a sore spot. Good.

“No pony talks ta ma friends like that!” declared Bowgirl, who also took a step further.

I just grinned wider, as I laid a hand on Chicken’s head, who was glaring at me by now. I opened the class/reincarnation menu and quickly scanned through for the Cockatrice entry. I then found it and of course took the ‘Good-for-nothing’ option. Wouldn’t want to waste any more of my precious Mana than needed, now would we?

But my grin slowly moved to a look of confusion, as I pressed mentally the button to continue over and over again, but nothing happened.

“Why doesn’t it work!?” I shouted frustrated and the three flinched slightly at my outburst.

A look of terror formed on my face, as I took a look at my Mana resources. My suspicion was confirmed and I took hesitantly my hand off the fillies head.

They looked confused at this, while Chicken still glared at me.

“How can this be? 0 Mana left? How could it be effected?” I stared at my hands, as if they would hold the answer to that question.

I tried to relax a little, because I had another escape rope, which I could grab to get me out of this mess.

I opened the menu and looked into my item stock, searching for my sword Yoshitsuna. It was the strongest weapon and would allow me to defeat enemies that are several times stronger than myself.

But no matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t find it.

Frantically, I tried to search for my Testament Emblem. In contrast to the sword, it wasn’t the strongest Emblem, but still gave me a remarkable power boost, which I needed, considering the regalia, crowns and shoes of the pony sisters, which increased their states as remarkably as the Emblem for me.

But back to the search… It was fruitless.

I now came to realize, that I was weaker, than I ever had been, since I came to this strange world. Then I first came here, I was the same level too, but I had at least SOME equipment. But now? I would probably struggle to defeat those fillies!

I was lost. It was hard to form a clear thought, if I probably couldn’t even defeat a guard in my condition. I needed a plan. I needed equipment.

I was so stuck in my daze, that I didn’t hear the nearing hoof steps. And then, I was hugged. Just like that.

AGAIN!

“Don’t worry. Everything is going to be ok,” cooed the Marshmallow, which made me instantly tense up.

“What are you doing, Sweetie Belle!? This thing is obviously nuts!” I heard Chicken yell.

“No. He is obviously confused and needs somepony to comfort him,” answered she softly.

“No, I DON’T!” I yelled, as I freed myself again out of her grasp.

I then took a few steps away from them, never letting them out of my sight. A blush was forming on my cheeks.

'Dammit.'

“Awww… Look at his cheeks! I knew he was just shy!” exclaimed a way too happy Marshmallow.

“I AM NO-“ I began, but was soon drowned out as a loud squeal followed, together with a degrading exclamation.

“I WILL KEEP HIM!”

“You can’t keep him!” hissed Chicken, as it looked me over, “You don’t even know if he is housebroken!”

That let my eye twitch. I never thought that I could get any more insulted today. Such a crime couldn’t go unpunished.

“SCREW THIS!!!” I bellowed, as I used my magic to engage the battle mode.

Dark walls built up around us and Bowgirl looked around her in fear, so did Chicken. Only Marshmallow seemed to be oblivious, as I could hear another ear-splitting squeal from her.

“Where did he go?” asked Bowgirl, as I vanished from their sight and the room was divided in squares.

Then a blue square popped up on the ground and she and Chicken stared at it in wonder and something could be read in the air.

“Stage start?” read Bowgirl out loud in confusion, as she tilted her head.

“I don’t like this one bit,” declared Chicken, as she looked around. “The aisle just stops halfway and turns into nothing. What do you think this means?”

“Ah have no idea. The ceiling is gone too. What do ya think Sweetie Belle?”

Marshmallow meanwhile was still trapped in her own little world, with her hands on her cheeks as she let from time to time a little squeal escape her lips.

'Lips…' I shuddered at the thought and reminded myself to end this quickly.

I stepped out of the blue square and walked towards the three brats, who dared to insult me. You could say that I was livid, but still, the thought of making them suffer made me laugh. I would definitely enjoy this.

My laughter brought me all the attention I needed as I stepped in their little circle. I was now standing in the middle of them. Marshmallow to my right, Bowgirl to my left and Chicken right in front of me.

The perfect formation. I should have done this a lot sooner.

I was now clicking on 'Special' and choose ‘Blazing Knuckle’. This sure would do the job. I ignored the frantic movement of the Bowgirl, as she noticed, that she was glued to her square.

“What are you planning?” I heard Chicken ask and just grinned, as I pressed ‘Execute’.

I then rushed into the air and slammed moments later into the ground in a ball of flames. A huge pillar of fire forming on impact and enveloping the three fillies. I could hear their screams and it sounded like music to my ears. A nice harmonic melody of pain and despair.

“Hmhmhm… Haaahahahaha!!!!! How do you like that!”

Satisfied with my evil deed, I turned around to leave. Surely this would be enough for them. Or that’s what I thought. I couldn’t move and suddenly saw the huge symbols form into the sky, which declared, that it was the enemies turn.

I then slowly faced them again, as the flames slowly lifted themselves, only to see silhouettes in front of me and gulped. This reminded me about what I said earlier. I’m level 1 without any equipment at all. They have a little higher levels, so that victory would be a struggle for me.

“Ow… What was that?” I could see Chicken rise. Not a good sign. Especially since I was in the center of them. The perfect position to receive a beating.

“Ah have no idea.”

This only left Marshmallow to respond. Maybe I got her good? But on the other hand, my EXP didn’t rise, so…

“HAHAHAHAHA!!”

An ear-splitting shrill laugh echoed from beside me, which let my blood ran cold. I slowly turned beside me to see a toothy grinned Marshmallow, with a mad glint in her eyes.

A feeling of unease overcame me and I could tell, that the other two fillies were not off any better.

Chicken turned to her and tried to form a response. “S-Sweetie Belle?”

I realized too late, that I messed with forces, which were far greater than me. The moment I turned this into a game, I released the overzealous soul of a gamer at heart, who didn’t know any mercy. This memory would still haunt my dreams in years to follow, because I felt something that I haven’t felt in thousand years: Fear.

The next things that happened felt like a haze. Marshmallow suddenly moved her friends into the perfect formation for a combo attack. First with the chicken as leader. She moved herself and Bowgirl beside her. I saw that combo attack had a 100 % success rate and gulped. Suddenly they were beating the crap out of me together, as they hurled me up into the air. One hit after another, I had problems to realize what was even going on. Eventually the attack ended and the movement of marshmallow and bowgirl was reversed. Next leader of the attack was Bowgirl. She used a special move. She hurled me up in the air and made some karate chops, as well as a powerful kick, which send me flying two squares to the left, right beside the marshmallow with an explosion. After that attack was finished, she and the chicken were moved for one last combo attack with marshmallow as the leader. I was severely wounded by this point and knew exactly, that my HP would drop to zero if I had to face another attack. There was no stopping it. But that wouldn’t keep me from trying.

I laughed nervously as I was holding my arms up in a soothing manner. “W-Wait! Let’s talk about this!”

She just laughed again at this. It was clear, that she wouldn’t just stop her assaults that easily.

'Dammit! I have no choice. Time to swallow my pride. If I can convince her to end her turn, I could still win this battle.'

“What do you want!? I will do everything, you ask from me!”

At this she stopped for a moment. “Everything?”

I saw a mischievous glint in her eyes, but nodded regardless. 'No one had to know.'

“A second kiss,” was her short response.

“Forget that I said anything!” was my short response. 'I rather put up with losing a battle to fillies, than going through this again!'

The mad glint in her eyes returned as she pressed ‘Execute’.

This would definitely hurt.

After the battle

“What was that!?”

Sweetie Belle rubbed her head sheepishly. “Sorry, I sometimes lose control while playing games.”

“Ya definitely hang out too often with that Button Mash fella!”

“What about this thing?” stated Scootaloo, as she pointed a finger at the unconscious Overlord.

“We should probably call a teacher,” suggested the farm filly.

“NO!”

Both of them turned around to their friend, with confused looks on their faces. But Scootaloos turned soon to anger.

“What do you mean no!? This THING attacked us!”

“It was just a game and he obviously is in his rebellious phase. You can’t really blame him for this.”

“Of course we can blame him for this! He is a demon!”

Sweetie Belle moved closer to her friend, a determined look on her face. “It doesn’t matter! Remember Zecora? She was judged too! Only because she wasn’t a pony!”

“That is different! She is a zebra and not some kind of demon!”

“But he is HARMLESS! If he was really as evil and strong as Cheerilee said, when we wouldn’t have stood a chance against him!”

“Yeah, but-!”

“No buts! I will give him a home and take care of him!”

“Ah think, we can’t win this Scootaloo,” uttered Apple Bloom as she walked over to her side, “But still how are you planning to do this with Cheerilee here, Sweetie Belle?”

She mulled this over for a second, before she had an idea. She undressed her jacket and dressed Laharl with it. After that she took his scarf and wrapped it around his head.

“See? She won’t recognize him now! And if she asks who he is, I just say that he is my cousin and I was ordered by my sister, who I coincidentally met here, to look after him!”

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom shared with each other an incredulous look and then shrugged. It’s not like they could stop her.

Setting The Scene

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Miss Cheerilee sighed. This was supposed to be a normal school excursion. Well, supposed to be until three little fillies went missing.

She didn’t want to think about the problems she would get, if she wouldn’t find them in time.

The train back to Ponyville wouldn’t wait for them and that set her under time pressure. She wanted to avoid the parent’s complaints, when their children would not arrive with the arranged train. Parents were rather protective of their foals and so even a small delay would rile them up.

Not to mention that the ponies of Ponyville are rather jumpy as of lately. The incident with Nightmare Moon was still present in their minds, not to mention the parasprite incident and the stampede… It was a rather delicate time, which changed the minds of the inhabitants. Normally things were more… passive around here. The most what they got was a stampede and even those were rare. Trouble was not that often present. And now in those times… it seems like all that changed. The ponies of Ponyville started to EXPECT catastrophes and got more nervous and also with that a little more aggressive. Best was to avoid another conflict.

She sighed. Hopefully this doesn’t end in another fiasco like that time, when the same three troublemakers decided, they wanted to go and stop the infestation of the parasprites.

The schoolhouse didn’t survive it.

Luckily she made it so, that it could get accounted as part of the parasprite incident. Otherwise they wouldn’t have gotten the money for the reconstruction from the town hall that easily.

Foals could really get on her nerves, just as much as the parents sometimes. But don’t get her wrong. Even if the job has its downsides, the happy faces of the foals always made up for it. This was her dream job and she wouldn’t give it up, not for all the money in the world.

As she took a turn, she was relieved to finally see the three o-. She stopped. Sweetie Belle gave some unknown foal a piggyback ride.

His face was completely covered, by some… bandages? She couldn’t quite make it out. But whatever it was, his blue mane was shimmering through them. He was also wearing Sweeties jacket.

“Who is this?” she asked baffled.

“He is my cousin. I met Rarity and she was in a hurry. That’s why she told me to take him home with me.”

She eyed her suspiciously, but her gaze quickly landed on her watch. There was no time for any further delays.

“I still have to talk to you three later about not running off on your own, but for now we have a train to catch.”

She didn’t question it any further. It’s not like they would just foalnap another pony.

She had to giggle at this.

Yeah, a completely ridiculous thought indeed.

With that they run to the already awaiting class.

“I knew it would work.” cheered Sweetie Belle in a whisper.

They were hurrying to the train station with their class, while keeping an adequate distance between the four of them and the rest of their class.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were on each of Sweetie Belle’s sides as an extra safety measure. They guarded her. None of them wanted to get busted after all.

“Ah’m kind of surprised it did. The lack of fur is obvious enough, even with the disguise!”

Sweetie Belle shooed. “Don’t be too loud! You don’t want the others to hear you, don’t you?”

“I guess, you are right. Why did you drag us into this anyway?” enquired Scootaloo, who was eyeing her surroundings warily. She was in constant expectation, that this could blew up every second, considering the lack of fur, of their little package.

“I couldn’t do this without you.” She then looked each of them in the eye for a second, before continuing. “That’s what friends are here for after all, right?”

“Ya mean, for foalnapping other ponies!?” exclaimed Apple Bloom. It certainly put her under a lot of stress and made her quite jumpy. Not that the other members of the CMC’s fared any better.

“Shhh! Can we discuss this maybe, after we are done!?” whispered Scootaloo sharply, “We are not really on Miss Cheerilees good side, since the parasprite incident! I don’t want things to worsen any further!”

“That’s rather strange. Aren’t ya the daring one from us?”

“I AM!” she shouted indignantly, but quickly calmed, as she noted the stares from some passersby. After the situation calmed down a little further, she continued, “It is just, that I can’t stand the thought to take a risk for a demon. One that attacked us!” She then took a sniff and scrunched up her muzzle. “And one who smells rotten. Do all demons smell like this?”

“Yeah. He really does smell like a bunch of rotten apples,” agreed Apple Bloom.

“Hey! He couldn’t take a bath for a thousand years. It’s not his fault,” Sweetie Belle defended. She then turned her head, to look at Laharl, “I’m going to take care of it,” she smiled, as she said with a strong determination, “I’m going to take care of him.”

Back at the museum

Wrecking Ball was not a happy pony. The buff built brown earth pony lost his job at a demolition contractor a year ago. It was his dream job. He was prone to destruction. It was his special talent after all! What is somepony like him supposed to do in a museum? Janitor was definitely nothing he ever wanted to do, but he has to, until he finds a new job in the demolition business.

It can’t take that long to find one. He said to himself the whole past year, since he started this job. Now, he is more or less trying to console himself that he is going to find a more suitable job for him. Of course he knows, that this is probably not going to happen. It was just a nice thought.

Now, as you might guess, it is not easy to work in a museum, when your cutie mark is telling you to wreck this place. Truth be told, he accidentally wrecked a lot over the past year and his employer was not happy. They gave him one last chance. One chance, otherwise he would lose his job.

He had a family to feed and he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way between his responsibilities.

But of course, things wouldn’t go as smoothly, as he hoped. As he turned the corner, he could see the pieces of stone shattered over the ground. He blanched, as he saw the empty pedestal.

“Oh no! Nonononononono!! I’m going to lose my job! This time for sure!”

Of course he would. I mean, what can he say to his defense? I didn’t do it? Things like this happened before, in the past.

For him it was clear, that some snobby foals of a noble were responsible for this. They always think they could get away with every mischief and to his misfortune they did. He was the far better scapegoat and nopony would just go against the nobles unpunished. He tried that and almost lost his job, if he hadn’t apologized to the very same brat that did it!

He took in a deep calming breath. “Calm down. There is still a way out of this, Wreck. Isn’t the first time something broke.”

He hastily cleaned the floor of the few stones that were lying there. He personally didn’t even notice nor care, that there were way too few of them for such a statue. His mind were focused on the mere thought what would happen, if he couldn’t get out of this mess.

He then placed a sign, with the writing: “In restoration” as he slowly and inconspicuous left the scene. Wouldn’t want anypony to get suspicious now, would we?

“Ok. Only need a replacement now. Stone Carver would probably help me out… again.”

With this he slowly walked down the hall of the museum. Nopony must ever know.

*Waaaaaaaaaank*

The train was just leaving Canterlot. The CMC were huddled together in the edge of the cart, trying their best to shield the demon from curious eyes.

Scootaloo was scrunching up her muzzle. She would rather stand as far away from the demon as possible.

“You owe us big time, Sweetie.”

“Come on! It isn’t that bad!”

“Ah have ta agree with Scoots here,” chimed the yellow farm filly in, which had to mean something. She was used to the smell of manure after all.

“Seriously. The princesses were probably fighting him to get him and his stench out of Equestria.”

Sweetie Belle could only sigh at this. It wasn’t an easy task, but it would be worth it. She would raise him to be her own personal Prince Charming. He would lead her to the balcony and ask her for a dance. She would happily accept and dance with him in the moonlight on floor in the garden. Some lonely candles would dimly lit in the background, as he leaned in to kiss her, but stopped a short distance from her mouth, examining her soft lips, before smiling and closing the gap and she would then melt into his strong hands. Just the thought caused an undeniable urge to squeak like a little lovestruck school filly… which she somehow was.

But she couldn’t dwell any further on this, as the farm filly broke her out of her thoughts.

“By the way. What do you reckon does that whole level up thing mean? And why did it pop up only over yer head?”

“It means just that. My level has increased and I have gotten stronger with this. And to, why you didn’t level up… You probably need more EXP for this, since you have higher levels than me.” A smile then spread across her face. “But that game was really delightful! Alone the moment, when the information about the gameplay system flooded my mind and then I had the full control over the situation, going over different tactics to win this. Maybe we could play it again with…”

She pondered for a moment. “We don’t even know his name.”

“Then name it,” said Scootaloo in an annoyed tone. Cleary not interested in this conversation.

“Or ya could ask him his name, when he wakes up,” suggested Apple Bloom.

“I’m actually worried about that. What if his name is… strange? This could draw some attention to him.”

“Yeah, and his bald form, together with his magic wouldn’t cause an uproar,” scoffed Scootaloo as she rolled her eyes. And she made a valid point there. He isn’t exactly inconspicuous.

“He doesn’t have to use his magic and I can think of an explanation for his bald nature.”

Scootaloo quickly narrowed her eyes at something in the cart and then spoke up. “Then better think quickly, because trouble is coming our way.”

“Well, well. If this aren’t the blank flanks. You got too enthralled by this ugly statue back at the museum, so that you got lost?”

Diamond Tiara. If there was a pony which deserved to get called a spoiled brat, then it’s her. Even though some people would probably go for a different word, which also starts with ‘b’. But they of course wouldn’t speak it out loud, especially since two of these three fillies didn’t even know this word. The sweet naivety and innocence of foals.

Nevertheless the fillies stood their ground. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom took protective stances, before their friend to shield her.

But of course Diamond Tiara was not alone. Silver Spoon was with her and she was ready to put her mouth to use. Not a good use, but still a use. This was definitely going to be a bumpy ride.

“Yeah! You were probably snuggling with it, since you can’t find a coltfriend.”

Scootaloo flinched slightly at that. Good that they didn’t stay and saw Sweetie doing… worse things than snuggling. It was also good, that they didn’t take notice of the flinch. This could get pretty ugly, pretty fast.

Diamand Tiara however was not stupid. She noticed something was off. It wasn’t natural for Sweetie Belle to just stand there in the background. She would normally face them together, with their other friends. And here she was, hiding behind her two friends. It didn’t take her long to figure out, they were shielding more than just Sweetie Belle.

She took a small glimpse through the two bodyguards and her gaze wandered over to the unconscious lump that was slumped in a piggy back ride on Sweetie Belles back. It didn’t take her long, before she could see an uncovered spot of his bald skin.

Diamonds muzzle scrunched up into a disgusted look. “He is bald.”

It was easy to see the gears in her head turning, which tried to click and find a solution to the obvious question at hand.

Sweetie Belle of course knew, that she had to act now. Her future coltfriend was at stake after all. And heck, she would sure as hay not just let Diamond Tiara take him away from her.

“He has an ailment! It’s not his fault!”

It was easy to see, that this excuse was glib. Diamond Tiara was not convinced, if only, it confirmed her, that they were hiding something.

“Really? Then let’s take this scarf off. It is strange, that somepony would wrap around a scarf on their head anyway!”

This hit home. The look of horror on Sweetie Belles face was priceless for her and she knew, that she had to do. She quickly pushed forward, only to get blocked by the other two. But her hand still managed to grab the end of the scarf and she pulled.

*BOOM*

In that moment a loud bang could be heard outside. Diamand ceased what she was doing and looked out of the window. A huge rainbow shockwave erupted from the sky.

She was mesmerized by this. Enough so that she didn’t notice the train slowing down as they reached their destination.

Sweetie Belle quickly tightened the scarf again and ran as fast as she could, leaving her friends behind.

She ignored the stares she was getting at the station and didn’t stop until she entered her home and sighed in relief.

“T-that *pant* was close.”

She quickly went up the stairs into her room and laid the unconscious demon on it. Then she noticed the dirt on his clothes.

Maybe, I should clean them. I’m sure he would be grateful.

Dreamscape

I was laying on the ground, my eyes darting up the sky. I could read the words of my doom in the sky.

Game Over…

How did I end up like this?

Then I heard this ear-splitting shrill laugh again. My blood ran cold. I was far from safe here.

“I win and this means, I get the loot!”

The mad marshmallow was getting closer until she was standing directly over me. The atmosphere was unsettling.

“I don’t have anything of worth on me,” was my simple response.

After an eternity, I couldn’t expect, that my castle would still stand. And the only things I normally had on me, were my equipment.

Suddenly I could see the mad glint in her eyes intensify.

“Oh, I could also go for another kind of loot,” she started, as she circled me. “If you can’t pay with items or bits, I will just go for your body.”

My heart rate quickens, as I suddenly had a collar on my neck.

I found myself in a pink room laying on a bed. Probably the room of a girl and then noticed the marshmallow standing in the doorframe.

She started moving towards me in a seductive manner.

I started to panic and trash around in an attempt to get up, but I couldn’t. I soon noticed, that I was restrained to the bed posts.

My trashing intensified. The memory of the kiss still present in my mind. I had to get out of there. Who knows, what she was going to do!

She came closer and closer, but the restraints didn’t relent.

“No need to worry. I will take good care of you, my pet.”

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!? I AM LAHARL!! THE OVERLORD!!!”

What was meant to be intimidating, but sounded far more desperate. His trashing added to the desperate effect.

It only made the marshmallows grin widen. The toothy grin was so wide, that it was a wonder, that her face was not split in half by it. And this made it a lot creepier. I don’t need to mention, that I had every right to be concerned and… completely freaked out…

It actually shocked me so much, that my body stopped any movement and let me in a paralyzed state.

The marshmallow was now climbing on the bed and kneed directly over my weakened form. Both hands next to my head.

There was no hope. No escape. Only a feeling of helplessness. The same feeling which I had when I first lost against the two royal butts. I felt resignation.

She slowly leaned in and I could still feel a twinge of panic, but it didn’t matter anymore.

Cause this would be my end…

My eyes shot open in fright and I breathed heavily. I was bathed in sweat and slowly tried to regain my senses. I was obviously in a room and felt quite comfortable.

Wait, comfortable?

…

I was in a bed.

After that dream, I would have honestly preferred the floor. But I was at least not restraint. As I had that thought, I just reminisced about the events from now.

Yep, it was all just a dream. Thank god for that!

Then I noticed something strange. It was somehow warm. Too warm.

Next thing I recognized was a weight.

Warm and weight. Connecting these two.

Not good.

I just hoped it was some kind of dog or something.

I slowly looked down to see…

MAD MARSHMALLOW!!!

She was cuddled to my side. An arm draped across my chest.

Not good. In fact, more like a worst case scenario. My heart raced to speed that could rival even Sunbutt, when she was in her mad state.

I tried to calm myself and took a look in the menu, to check my character states. To my disappointment, I was still weak after that battle. It would take some time until I regain my health fully. And before that, I wouldn’t dare to fight her, even if she was alone.

So this means, that I have to sneak out, without her noticing.

I slowly shifted out of the bed, or I started it, but blanched then. It was a little drafty…

And full on panic mode!

I immediately shot out of the bed, grabbing a nearby pillow to hide my shame and looking immediately for my clothes.

My whole mind was occupied with the single thought to find my clothes. Not a single thought was left to wander in the depths of doom, as to what the mad marshmallow has done to me, while I was asleep.

I shuddered at the thoughts of the kiss, so thinking about THAT was out of question, or I would have a mental break down.

To my misfortune, I couldn’t find my clothes, so that I just had to grab a random blanket that was lying on a chair and wrap it around my waist. This had to do, while I searched the house for my clothes, especially my scarf.

I quickly left the room. It was a miracle that I didn’t wake her up, as I jumped out of the bed. However, I surely wouldn’t complain about that.

As I slowly closed the door, I noticed hoofsteps behind me. I quickly turned around. Only to see a white mare, with a curly purple mane stand before me.

“Uh… hi?”

The following scream could still be heard from a few miles away.

You Don't Break Tradition

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Screaming.

You wouldn’t believe how loud this mare could scream. But if I think about it, it was looking pretty awkward. I mean, I’m probably in the marshmallows house and walk out of her room completely naked or only with a blanked wrapped around my hips. The mare is probably a part of her family and I can imagine that she doesn’t appreciate it, if a male just walks out of marshmallows room. Especially one dressed like me. But I personally would have preferred the awkward silence. Even a demon can’t take such an ear assault for long. I mean, yeah, injuries can be healed quickly with my power. But it still hurt.

So as soon as she started screaming, my fight or flight instincts dropped in. Since I couldn’t defend myself against a filly, even less against a full grown mare, I stumbled back into the room and closed the door out of instinct and probably also to dampen the noise of this annoying mare.

In hindsight, I should have just run past the mare.

I was sweating bullets right now. I needed an escape plan.

And then I felt breath on my ear. I didn’t have to be a genius to guess which pony was right behind me.

I quickly turned around and pushed past her. As I did this I noticed the window. It was my best bet, so I jumped.

But I never made contact with it.

The white mare from before finished screaming and took a hold of me with her magic. Under normal circumstances I could have avoided her grasp. But I was weak. If I were still level 2000, things sure would look different. Well, I also would have freed my companion from the royal butts and got my stuff back by now.

I felt helpless. And I hated it to feel like this. Especially to be helpless against these FOUL CREATURES!

Feeling helpless is number two on my hate list. So you can imagine how much hate I felt at the moment.

“DON’T WORRY SWEETIE! I AM GOING TO PROTECT YOU FROM THIS PERVERT BRUTE!”

“WAIT!” I could hear the marshmallow scream. “HE IS MY FRIEND!” She took a short moment to rethink the consequences of that statement.

”This is not what it looks like! We weren’t doing anything inappropriate! I swear!”

At this the mares jaw had dropped in shock. Or that’s what I guessed. I was with my back turned to them after all.

I surely hoped, she wouldn’t come to any rash conclusions.

“He was just sleeping with me!” screamed the marshmallow in an awkward attempt to free this situation of its natural awkwardness. It didn’t help.

You can’t be serious!

And then I blanched. Did she mean, that nothing happened, or did she EXACTLY mean that something happened? I felt my gut twist at this thought.

Then I was turned around to face the mare. I could see a fire in her eyes burning. It was not the fire of determination. It was the fire of ‘I AM GOING TO KICK YOUR SORRY ASS!’. I was understandably worried at this point.

“I didn’t do anything! Why would I even want that!?” I retorted in a vain attempt to save my hide.

“OH! NOW YOU ARE SAYING THAT MY SISTER IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU!”

This got me rather pissed. I mean, she just yelled at me for saying what she wanted to hear! Like, no matter what I say, she is still going to take me down!

“HEY! FUCK O-“

And then I tasted…roses? Sure enough she shoved something in my mouth.

Urgh, rose soap…

“I’M GOING TO TEACH YOU SOME MANNERS! SWEARING TO A LADY LIKE THAT AND IN FRONT OF A FOAL AT THAT MATTER!”

“Um… Rarity?” Mad marshmallow tried to speak up again. I just hoped, that she would just shut up. She only got me in trouble until now and I doubted, that would change.

“What is it, Sweetie? I’m in the middle of something?” she asked in a sweet tone. So sweet and innocent was her change in attitude, that it quite shocked me.

It shocked me enough, so that I thought, that the marshmallow could actually help me out of this mess. I mean, she’s only stupid to a degree…right?

“He…kissed me.”

YOU FUCKING MORON!!!

“H-h-h-he d-d-di-did w-wh-what?” she stuttered.

I’m sure she will snap out of it soon and then snap my neck!

Xenophobic ponies. I HATE them!

But, you know what? I hate her even more! How can a pony be this stupid! Yeah, she is a foal, but COME ON! I survived the royal butts and now a FILLY is going to be my demise!? How can a filly be this stupid! No! This is BEYOND stupid!

Her eye twitched. “O-oh h-how l-lovely. W-why don’t I m-make us some t-tea then? Y-you can then t-tell me, h-how you t-two have met.”

Come again?

Marshmallow nodded, with a smile plastered on her face.

Whiteys right eye was twitching uncontrollably by now.

She then left the room, with me in her aura. We went through a door and were now in a kitchen. She sat me on a stool with a table. But not that softly. She downright used me as a hammer and slammed me on it. I kind of doubted, this was a good sign…

She quickly prepared the water for the tea on the stove, before turning to me.

“I-I guess we have to talk about some things.”

That fake smile she wore betrayed herself, as the edges of her mouth started to tremble.

She took the seat across from me, while the mad marshmallow was sitting right next to me.

“S-so h-how did you two g-get together?”

Wait…what?

“Oh, he saved me from a timberwolf! It was love at first sight!” the mad marshmallow fancied.

I just turned my head and gave her an incredulous look.

I don’t mind her making up a story, to save my hide, but…urgh…love? I want to throw up. But I know better than that. I can’t win against whitey. And that’s why I need to wait for an opening. Then I’m up and gone.

But I have to admit that it is hard to keep myself in check. Just the thought of being…a… NO! I AM NOT GOING TO SAY THAT WORD!

“A-ah Timberwolf?” Her surprised look soon got replaced by skepticism. “When did that happen?”

“Today, actually. I was just back from the trip and was playing with the crusaders. We were at the edge of Everfree Forest and a timberwolf attacked us! But then he came out of nowhere and saved me, like a real prince!” She let out a dreamy sigh and I myself, had a hard time to tell, if she was only playing, or really believing the crap she just said.

Whiteys façade began to crumble. She started to believe it! Way to go marshmallow!

Kind of remarkable, actually. I spent a thousand years in stone and she lets me look as sane as you can be, in comparison to her!

“How did that kiss happen?”

She mouth-raped me!

“Like I said. It was love at first sight. I felt, like I have known him forever. And then…” She trailed off, a sad look on her face.

“What then?” She had suddenly a stern expression on her face again. And of course she started glaring at me again!

She sniffed. “I found out, that he had not any family left! He just lives in the forest, since ponies won’t accept his appearance!”

And the marshmallow started crying. Actually, I would congratulate her for the play. You can’t be more convincing than that!

Whitey came immediately by the side and hugged her. I just looked away. Even though I was impressed by her skills, I was also feeling unsure at the same time. I didn’t like it to get pitied. And the compassionate stare whitey was giving me, while she hugged the marshmallow…

“I-I thought, t-that I s-should help him! He h-hasn’t anypony left!” Marshmallow said this between sobs. If I had a heart left, I probably would have felt something by now. She wasn’t wrong about the loneliness, even though I would never admit it. Especially since ponies are the cause of it. They can’t be trusted!

“Shush. Everything is alright, Sweetie. I understand now. He can stay. I wouldn’t be the Element of Generosity, if I turned him down like this, right?” She smiled. A genuine smile. Or at least one that looked like it. Not that ponies could be genuine, pfffft! A really ridiculous thought.

“HE CAN SLEEP IN MY ROOM!!” Mad marshmallow squeaked out and I shuddered at the thought. And whitey seemed to shudder too.

“NO!”

The marshmallow and I just stared at her.

“Uh…I mean he can stay in my room… I can’t allow you two to…”

My face grew as red as a tomato. A wonder that this blush didn’t come any sooner. Probably because of the shock I had, of being with complete maniacs!

Then I heard a whistle. It was coming from the teakettle, but it might as well have come from my head. You know the thing, when smoke comes out of your ears out of rage or embarrassment? That’s how I felt. A funny mix of the both. And the awkward silence didn’t make it any better.

Whitey walked when to the stove and filled some cups with tea, before setting them in front of us, together with a cup of sugar.

I somehow had enough of this and found it was high time to make some things clear.

“WE DIDN’T DO IT!!!

…Right?”

Yeah, I had no idea if it happened. I just clamped down on this hope, that my innocence wasn’t completely ruined.

Marshmallow let out a sad sigh. “He is right.” I sighed in relief. She then had a sly look on her face. “Not yet.”

Another shudder. After that I tensed up immediately. I shouldn’t stay here too long.

Whitey meanwhile sighed in relieve at this revelation.

“Ok, but why was he… you know…”

“I put his clothes in the washer. They were dirty.”

“OH! Ok. I guess the fight took its…toll.” She glanced then over to me. “By the way, we haven’t introduced ourselves yet. My name is Rarity. But you can also call me Miss Rarity.”

I crossed my arms and hmph’ed at this, before I started my own introduction. Since I can’t kick ass, I might as well play along for now. “My name is L-“

And suddenly I had a hand in my mouth. Ok. A new thing on my hate list. I will make it number twelve. It is not fun, to have a furry hand in your mouth!

And then the marshmallow replied in a cheery tone instead of me. “His name is Prince Charming!”

I yanked her hand out of my mouth. “WHAT THE ACTUAL F-“

And a hand found its way into my mouth again. Against all my protests and struggles. Still can’t believe this filly can overpower me so easily.

“Is that so?”

Marshmallow nodded her head vigorously to which whitey took a sip of her tea.

“Oh! I almost forgot! When do we set the wedding date?”

And whitey took a spit-take in my direction. I wasn’t exactly happy with this, but my priorities were on another subject for that moment.

“OH! My apologies…Charming…” She then turned to the marshmallow, “Isn’t it a bit early for that?”

“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!”

“Well, I accidentally spit my tea-“

“NO! I mean, the *shudder* wedding! What is the meaning of this!”

“Didn’t your parents teach you about unicorn tradition?” She then mulled her words over for a second. “OH! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be rude! Please just ignore my question!”

“Whatever! I want an answer now, regarding this tradition!”

“Well, it is an old tradition among the unicorns to marry the first mare you kiss. It is a real disgrace to break this unwritten rule or to divorce at that matter.”

I laughed. Why, you may ask? Well, I’m technically insane. So I can do that. I don’t need to justify it.

“Bwahahahahahahahahhaha! You can’t be serious!” Ok, maybe I also thought this tradition was stupid and some kind of joke. Boy was I wrong.

She stood up and shot me a stern glaze, as she was towering over me.

“This is no laughing matter! You two are bound by our tradition now! Kissing a mare is something serious you immature brute!”

I stopped laughing and blanched, as realization hit me, like a train at full speed.

“W-WHAT!!! B-But I’m not a UNICORN!! I don’t have to FOLLOW such a STUPID tradition!”

Her glare intensified. “Even so, it is common knowledge that even if you are not a unicorn, kissing one will lead to the same result!” I wilted under these words.

“T-There has to be a way out of this!”

She when yanked my ear and let her eyes wander to the marshmallow. As I followed her gaze, I could clearly see the pleading look in her eyes. Not that I cared, but I was worried about my health at this moment.

I just looked in another direction. I honestly was quite panicked and dumbfounded. I wanted to say how stupid this was, but I couldn’t right at this moment. I was in a great distress. Whitey seemed to have noticed this.

“I understand, that this is quite shocking, if you have not expected it, but you don’t need to worry for now, because Sweetie is still underage. You still have more than enough time to get used to the idea.”

It didn’t really console me. The only thought that consoled me was the one, that I would be gone as soon as I saw an opportunity. So I put up with it, FOR NOW!

“…Fine.”

Whitey…or should I call her now Rarity? Probably should call her that. Wouldn’t want her as an enemy now. However, Rarity was delighted, that I accepted it, although I could swear, I could still see some distress plastered on her face. She probably isn’t so keen to this whole idea either.

“I will watch, if your clothes ar-“

She scrunched up her muzzle.

“Sweet Celestia! What is this…” And realization hit her too.

“You need a bath. Now.”

“Oh! I can bathe with him!”

How did I end up like this?

The Bath Scene (Because Every Good Story Has One!)

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“I already told you! I’m not going to take a bath!” I screamed back at Rarity, who was trying to convince me friendly first. But I refused to give in. She was probably trying to be nice to the ‘new’ family member. But after about ten minutes she seemed rather frustrated with my stubborn attitude. I just crossed my arms to underline my protesting demeanor.

“And I already told you, that you are NOT going to stay here, if you smell like a junkyard!”

“Well, don’t mind me leaving then!”

“B-but you can’t leave! You and Sweetie Belle are bound by tradition!”

I gritted my teeth at this. She wanted to pull this through and didn’t listen to my reasoning. I mean, grooming was point seven on my hate list! Of course I would avoid it! It was a perfectly legit reason!

“When did you even bath the last time!” I heard her ask.

A wide grin appeared on my face as I announced proudly, “It must have been a thousand years, since I can’t even remember my last bath!”

It was a great achievement and I took great pride in it. But Rarity somehow seemed shocked at this. I wonder why?

She gasped dramatically. “Oh my! You haven’t bathed in YEARS!”

I just nodded, still as proud as I could be. Maybe I could up it to 2000 years without bathing? That would be an even greater achievement!

Rarity meanwhile frowned, before she got a determined look on her face that was somehow unsettling.

“YOU! BATH!! NOW!!!”

“AS IF! I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU MAKE ME!”

This was definitely the wrong thing to say, since she accepted the challenge immediately.

I was manhandled or abominationhandled by her magic. She carried me out the door and down the aisle to the bathroom. I meanwhile flailed in her magic, in an attempt to stop this mad mare from ruining my world record.

“STOP ACTING LIKE A FOAL! IT’S JUST A BATH!!”

As I would care about this. She was the one, who was dragging me along with her freaky magic against my will! I was understandably rather indignant due to her behavior and I might have sworn a ‘little’ along our short trip. Rarity visibly flinched at every single swear I made.

“YOU GO FUCK YOURSELF WITH A FUCKING CACTUS!!! YOU FU-MHMHMHHH!!!”

Well, I was silenced with a bar of soap yet again. I wondered at this point where she gets them. I mean, it was the second time and we weren’t even in the bathroom yet! Does she hide soap in all rooms of her house? This really was a great mystery, which I wanted to solve.

Rarity was meanwhile red in her face. It was clear, that she was downright livid.

“I WON’T STAND FOR THIS BRUTISH BEHAVIOUR! IF YOU THINK YOU CAN CORRUPT MY LITTLE SWEETIE WITH YOUR FOUL TONGUE THEN LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT THIS IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!“

I just stood, or floated there dumbfounded. I weighed my options and thought, that I should lay off the swears for now. Wouldn’t be good to piss off the mare, who had me in her irresolvable grip any more than necessary. It’s not like I could swear with that bar of soap in my mouth anyway. But that wouldn’t mean, that I would just play along in this devilish scheme of cleaning myself.

As we entered the bathroom. I was lucky enough to hold on the doorframe for my dear life. Rarity tugged at me, but no matter how hard she pulled, I had a steely resolve of not letting a bath happen to me. I could tell, that she was getting annoyed by this.

“LET GO! YOU NEED THE BATH!!”

“HMHHHMMMMMMMMHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Or translated from Soapish to English: LIKE I CARE!!!

She stopped pulling for a moment to catch her breath.

“Why are you *pant* making this so hard *pant* for me? *pant* It is just *pant* a bath for *pant* Celestias sake!”

I cringed at that name. That stupid cunt. She is probably sipping her tea right now and living in luxury, with cooks tending to her every need, while I’m here clinging for my dear life to avoid one of my greatest foes, hygiene!

Well, maybe it is not so bad. She could have gotten fat over the years and with that weak. I grinned inwardly at this thought.

Yeah, definitely worth all my suffering, if she was in fact a fatty.

Celestia sneezed.

She was sitting on her balcony, drinking a refreshing cup of Lemon Grass tea. There was a fresh breeze of air and she had to shudder a little.

It was a rather rare sight to see HER shudder. As the Alicorn of the sun, she was constantly radiating warmth after all. Maybe one of the reasons, ponies came closer to her in the winter. Of course closer as in bowing-closer NOT bedroom-closer. Get your mind out of the gutter! But to get back on the topic, she was a living heater!

Add to the fact that a millennia of dealing with politicians lead to her controlling every muscle in her body and face perfectly, so that she could send only the signals of her body language, which she WANTED to send. She can’t let ambassadors see her annoyed or angered after all.

And let’s just say this, there are few things that could break her controlled body language. One of them was the feeling of having gained weight.

It was hard for Celestia to know, if her weight was normal. It is not like, there were other ponies as tall as her after all. And that didn’t even consider the wings AND the horn! Pegasi, earth ponies and unicorns had their own weight spreadsheet, due to their different build. It was all about the different factors of the different tribes. Pegasi for example were lighter, due to the magic, which gathered in their wings, while the magic of earth ponies lead to them being heavier, even when they didn’t look like it! Oh, and unicorn magic didn’t have an effect on the weight at all, since they channel their magic outwards and didn’t keep it in them, like the other to tribes! The question was here of course, how you could judge the weight of an Alicorn, who had all three of these characteristics! Would the effects nullify each other and lead to a unicorn weight spreadsheet or would the earth pony strength dominate the other two characteristics and lead to a higher weight and the use of the earth pony weight spreadsheet?

This of course frustrated her and so she used all three spreadsheets, but the result of it was sobering. She was overweight on all three spreadsheets! Maybe Alicorns had a higher frontier, when it came to overweight? It was her only consolation and without the necessary proof it was a pretty poor consolation, if any at all.

A pity she wasn’t up for the research departments request to solve the spreadsheet problems by using her as a test subject. Let’s just say the Alicorn of the sun isn’t prone to a doctor’s visit.

With that gone, her only hope would be to compare herself to the other Alicorns, but Celestia didn’t have much other Alicorns to compare to and not to mention, that she was remarkably taller than the others!

She sighed.

She has the feeling to have gained weight again. She looked at her piece of cake, contemplating, if she should cut the cake short for a while or not. But this sinful delight was so tempting…

In the end she lost the fight against her inner demons and dived straight in. It’s not like a single piece of cake would bring down her demise.

Well, probably a second or third couldn’t hurt too then…

Back to the bathing business

However, I must not dwell on these thoughts of my archnemesis. I need to make an escape plan.

As if the great Laharl would just take a bath, because a stupid pony told him to do so! The chances were higher that an untrained timid pony could intimidate a dragon!

“I didn’t want to do it, but you are leaving me no other choice!”

I quickly turned my head to see, that the mad unicorns horn was glowing, as in glowing more, as it would with just the levitation spell. And then she shoot some freaking spell at me!

Afterwards I couldn’t move a single finger anymore.

A smirk formed on her face. “Stunning spell. Works every time!”

My eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks, as she slowly opened the grasp I had on the doorframe and then slowly floated me over to the bath tube which was huge by the way. Huge enough to hold at least six ponies! It was a jetted tube in square form. Quite luxury, as was the mirrors on the wall with small stools. The sink was an alabaster white, just like the whole room with golden ornaments. As well as the sink and some shelves, with towels and shampoos and god knows what else!

Where was already water in the tub, with a whole lot of bath foam in it. It was technically a bubble bath. They seemed to be somewhat wealthy up to a point. Maybe healthy enough so that I could rebuild my place? Then this marriage wouldn’t be pointl-

I mentally slapped myself. Stop thinking like that! It. Is. Not. Going. To. Happen!

I was shook out of my mental self-loathing as I could feel the blanket getting dragged away from my form, so that I was bare naked. My face turned red, but at least mad whitey had the decency to replace it immediately with a towel, before she was setting me down in the bath tub.

Great. Now it happened! I can forget the 2000-years-without-a-bath-record-try!

She then looked around the room for a while, like she was searching for something, or somepony in this case.

“I’m really wondering, where Sweetie Belle had run off to. She just wanted to prepare the bath for you. I hope she is not planning anything…unladylike. Especially since she was pouting, after I denied her a bath with you.” She then sighed. “I’m going to look after her. You stay here. I will be back and help you with the bathe then, since you obviously have no idea how to clean yourself properly!”

Well, it is kind of hard to do with a stunning spell cast on me, you stuck up jerk!

I had to cringe after this as the humiliating thought of being washed hit home, as she scooted off. One thing was clear, I needed to get out of here, immediately! I am the overlord! Getting washed like a baby was out of the question. This shame would follow me my entire life!

I tried to move with all my might, but it didn’t really help. I even had the feeling that it was easier to break out of the stone prison! Maybe that was because I had an extreme motivation to move? Not that it isn’t a motivation, that she threatened to wash me like a baby, but I had the thought, that I could still convince her otherwise, if she would take the soap out of my mouth.

Then suddenly something purple and pink rose out of the water. It was not much, but the tuft of hair was enough to increase my heartbeat tenfold and I came to a realization, which made my blood boil.

WHY DID SHE EVEN LEAVE ME ALONE, WHEN SHE KNEW, THAT THE MARSHMALLOW IS AFTER ME!!!

But these thoughts didn’t hold long and my blood run cold instantly, as I mulled this situation over. I was alone. Alone in a room with the mad marshmallow. Naked. And she…

God, please tell me she is wearing a swimsuit!

Suddenly the tuft of hair started moving in my direction. I could instantly hear an old movie tune playing inside my head. I was bracing myself for the worst and cursed silently the universe, who seemed to like the idea of providing me the necessary motivation too intense my trashing against my bindings or in this case the stunning spell.

The tuft ever came closer and I trashed, like my life depended on it. I screamed for my dear life, even if only a muffled scream was the result, due to the bar of soap.

Our little shark didn’t really care for it and scooted closer and closer until it was right in front of me.

My heart rate increased even further. I thought, it might jump out of my chest any moment now. Dread overcame me, as this was like a déjà vu. It reminded me of yesterday. All my trashing didn’t help me in the end and I felt like mere prey, to this surprisingly soft furry predator. I was HER prey.

Some of you might wonder, how I know the soft furry part, right? To make it easy, I could feel her HAND on my CHEST, as she slowly surfaced from the water.

Unnecessarily to say, that this TOUCH didn’t put my mind at ease.

Thankfully she had the decency to stop surfacing, as her head was out. I wouldn’t want to see MORE than that.

I then took a look at her. She had a pair of diving googles on, as well as a purple gadget that looked like a small cylinder in her mouth, that probably helped her breath under water.

She took rid of those two items, after she checked if the coast was clear. A smirk was already forming on her face.

She scooted to my left side and leaned against me, as she grabbed my arm.

I wouldn’t have mind it that much, since she could do worse, but the real problem for me was, that I could feel her fur brush against my arm, which meant, that she didn’t wear anything!

Of course I was thoroughly disgusted, since bathing with a strange and naked pony abomination was definitely nothing I would wish my greatest enemy! Ok, I would enjoy this happening to my greatest foe, but seriously, who wouldn’t? Of course if that happens to yourself, that is something different. Add to the fact, that I couldn’t move a muscle, well I could still breath and blink, so let’s say I couldn’t move MOST of my muscles.

Multiple numbers on my hate list were just fulfilled in this situation!

Point 1: Ponies
Point 2: Helplessness
Point 3: Sexy bod- Wait… ok not necessarily sexy, but a naked body can still count, even if it is underag- God, this makes it even worse! Nope! Not going there! Better move on…
Point 7: Grooming

I’m not sure, whether to apply point five to that list of active practiced situations, since lovey-dovey stuff could be a lot worse considering the object of my recent nightmare being naked in the same bathroom with me completely defenseless against her mischievousness.

“You know, maybe we should start to know each other better,” she whispered into my ear. Her hot breath sent chills down my spine. I would have shuddered, were it not for the stunning spell.

“To have a bath is a common thing between family and close friends. Nothing to be worried about,” she said in a low soothing tone.

“In fact, it is common for an engaged couple, when they were bound by a kiss. This way, they can get to know each other on a…different level. More personally. More intimate…”

Nopenopenopenopenopenopenopenopenopenopenope!

“SWEETIE BELLE!”

Thank god for the salvation in the form of whitey!

Mad marshmallow let out a disappointed sigh at the indignant voice of whitey. I on the other hand let out a sigh for a completely different reason. Well, an inner sigh. You know, getting stunned by a spell and not being able to move a muscle?

Mad marshmallow shot out of the water straight as an arrow. I immediately closed my eyes, but not fast enough. The sight will haunt me, I’m sure of it. This is the stuff for my incoming nightmare tonight!

I could hear a towel getting wrapped around, as well as the sound of magic. Whitey probably hid marshmallows indecency.

“W-what is the meaning of this!”

“I was just taking a bath with him! He is my fiancé after all! There is nothing wrong with that!”

“We already discussed that out earlier! You are too young! And you didn’t even WEAR anything in front of him!”

“If he is the one…I don’t mind,” she swooned and I wanted to gag at this point, but I would have drowned myself in my own puke, with the soap still blocking my mouth entrance. And let me tell you this, suffocating on your own puke is not a way to die for an overlord! It is even worse than suffocating on black pretzels!

Hm…chocking on black pretzels? An image of a demon flashed in my mind.

Never mind. I hope he doesn’t get an appearance in this…

“But I DO mind!”

And back to the argument!

“There is nothing wrong with it! I saw him naked too after all! It is only fair!”

I shuddered. Bad thoughts. Just to think, that she had not the decency like her…sister? Probably sister, but why do I care, what relation they have? It’s not like I’m going to stay here in this crazy household that long!

Just think about it! One lovesick filly, with no sense of shame and one mare with decency, but who casually throws spells at me for her own convenience! She has even probably an obsession with cleanliness, if the bath complaint is anything to go by.

...

Well, maybe it is not anything to go by, but she is wearing long gloves! And I saw more than just a few cleaning supplies and disinfectant, while I was here.

Heck, now that I think about it, it was clean enough to eat from the floor! Definitely not a household I want to join. I’m not really known for my cleanliness.

Meanwhile the argument between the two ‘sisters’ got more heated and mad marshmallow got hastily out of the tub, to get in her ‘sisters’ face.

“HMMMHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!”

*Gurgle*

Unfortunately for me, she lightly pushed me inadvertently, as she got out of the tub, which resulted in me falling to my right and in the tub, still paralyzed. My last muffled scream didn’t seem to give me any attention, since I was just laying here on the tub of the ground, without getting any help at all.

Water flooded my mouth to the room in between my mouth and the soap and the air was escaping my mouth. I started panicking and trashing even more, but I couldn’t do anything against the stunning spell. I then knew, that I wouldn’t hold out long and could only pray, that one of the two ponies would notice my plight.

But they didn’t.

I felt my panic slowly subside, as my senses dulled. The light seemed to dim, as I slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

About An Escape Try And Pancakes

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Roses. This was the first thing, that I could sense or to be more accurate taste. I could slowly feel my senses again and was groggy, as my mind tried to process everything that had happened before I fell into a state of unconsciousness.

First was the taste of roses in my mouth. Not real roses though, more like a layer of something that tasted like it on my tongue. This made me want to throw up almost instantly.

I shot up as I started to gag, which soon turned out to a slight coughing fit.

They really screwed me over, I thought, as I slowly remembered, who I was together with.

Nopenopenopenopenope! Not together like that! Bad thoughts! Go in a corner! I throw you in the deepest pit of a corner of my mind! I throw you to be more specific in a lava pit, were you can burn away in an eternal hell! With trap doors and poisened arrow heads!

I slowly breathed in and out, in an attempt to calm myself.

After I calmed myself down, I could clearly see everything what happened to me before my minds eye. The argument, the soap, the spell, the…shark, indecency and the drowning…

I then checked my health points. They were even lower than the last time I checked them.

Yeah, they definitely screwed me over. I started to seethe as I gritted my teeth. HOW DARE THEY!

I glared daggers at…at the door of…in which room was I anyway?

I slowly looked around and noticed, that I laid on a fluffy, soft canopy bed. A purple blanket was draped across my waist.

A bedroom.

An unsettling feeling overcame me. The last time I woke up in a strangers bed, it didn’t end well. And since it happened probably on the same day (can’t really say, how long I was out) my memory was still fresh of the horrors of the mad marshmallow.

But I tried to concentrate on my task at hand. I could see a dresser and a vanity on the right side. I slowly turned around to see the right side.

Yeah, I almost jumped out of the bed, as I got a glimpse of the mad marshmallow, sleeping on a stool, her upper half lying on the bed. So, pretty much the worried ‘watching the hospital bed’ schtick. This just made me sick to my stomach. As if she would care!

Ponies are such a bunch of hypocrites. She was the reason for my lament in the first place! I didn’t drown myself in that bathtub! Would be kind of hard to do anyway. If I was as suicidal as this could imply, I would definitely not use the bathtub. Is it even possible to drown yourself in a bathtub? I heard about one politician doing that, but there were also theories, about a conspiracy.

Whatever.

I just shrugged it off. It didn’t matter. Even though those two would have had a hard time to explain, if I would have drowned back then. On the other hand…the royal butts would confer a decoration on them. Medals for killing… Some people might say, that they were too cute and innocent for that, but I know better.

Reason enough for me to get out of here as fast as humanly - or in this case demonly - possible. Staying here was not an option. I thought, I could at least stay a night, if I’m not in the same room than the marshmallow, but her sister is not any better to be around. Firing a spell at me for her convenience… Not that I could have expected any better from a pony.

Time to get up.

I wrapped the blanket around my waist and slowly left the bed, to the opposite site of course, the one that the marshmallow was not lying on (yeah, I still cling to life). My bare feet made contact with the cold marble floor and I let a low growl escape my lips.

Damn these ponies, for taking my clothes!

I slowly neared the door, contemplating my next moves. I needed my clothes. The blanket won’t do and I wouldn’t want to give up my scarf to this pony abominations! After all, I never lost my clothes in all those years and I want to keep it that way. Especially since they are one of the few things left, from my home.

As I came closer to the door, I could hear faint voices, which indicated, that ponies were on the other side.

Well, so much for an easy escape.

“-be fine. He just needs some rest.” I could heard the unknown voice through the door.

“Are you sure? I can’t just let anything bad happen to him. After all, he is bound to Sweetie…” And that was definitely the voice of whitey.

Wait, I wanted to call her Rarity now. On the other hand, it doesn’t matter, since I’m gone as soon as I have the chance. Best thing was to look for an escape route.

I walked over to a window, but realized fast, that it was locked with a key.

Who the hell does LOCK their WINDOWS! Especially ponies. They are normally leaving their doors wide open! A real miracle, that there are almost no thefts here. Heck, there were ponies, who didn’t even know what thefts were! At least until I raided their towns and villages. I chuckled at this. Good times. I probably introduced them to the idea of locks in the first place.

But that doesn’t matter now. I needed an escape and there was only one option left. This option was listening by the door and waiting till the coast is clear, in the hope, that whitey doesn’t get the idea of entering the room with whoever she has in tow.

“-understand. I won’t tell anypony about him. But you should still let him get a check up at the hospital, because his ‘condition’ is really nothing I have seen before. If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have assumed, that he was a pony even! It is hard to tell how this ‘defect’ influences his body.”

“I don’t think it is such a great deal to him. He seems…normal in a way. He even fought off a timberwolf!”

I heard a faint gasp, before the unknown female voice calmed down and continued.

“Even if that is true, his rather…unique condition could also leave him with a weak heart or anything else troublesome that could cause his…death.” I heard whitey gasp at this. “Be sure to come back to me with this. I can only advise you to do so.”

She sighed. “He probably won’t like to hear this.”

You bet I won’t! Seriously! As if I’m some handicapped demon! I’m better than you ponies! I can level whole towns, if I want to!

“It’s for the best. Just tell me once you have made up your mind and we can make an appointment.”

“Very well…Thanks for your help, darling”

“I’m just trying to help. But you should convince him quickly. I can’t underline the urgency of this case enough.” There was then a short pause. “I’m on my way then.”

“Sure. Take care of yourself.”

“You too.”

I could hear another sigh. “How can I explain this to him. He is probably upset about the bathing…scene.”

There was a short pause. “Pull yourself together, Rarity! You have to convince him, for Sweeties sake!”

I seethed at this. Normally I would have gulped (she was intending to go through the door I was standing after all), but the fact that she is openly saying out her true intentions right behind my back… HOW DARES SHE! Am I just some object to her!? A plaything, a TOY, for the marshmallow to pass her time!? She wants me not to break like a toy for the marshmallows sake!?

Actually I had not really a calm mind, to think rationally. It was clear for me, that I had to get out of here. So I did the only reasonable move I could do at this moment.

I slammed the door in whiteys face and made a run for it and it even worked! The slamming of the door left her puzzled and with a blooding nose on the floor. She was unable to process and act in time. No freaky magic grip for me today!

I hastily stepped on the stairs and readied my hasty descent, only to trip over a basket and tumble down with it. My health decreased further the more hits I took…

*Thump*

*Rumble*

*Smash*

*Thud*

I groaned in pain, as I finally reached the end of the stairs. This definitely brought down my health points a lot. Heck, a light push might be enough to let me slip into consciousness again.

I looked down at the basket and its spilled contents, silently cursing it, before I then recognized the content.

My clothes!

I took them and tried to stay hastily up, but failed miserably and landed on my rump again.

Thankfully this didn’t reduce my health any further. However, this made clear, that I most likely won’t escape. Not that this would stop me from trying.

I slowly dragged me on my foot with the support of the banister. Of course it could only support me so far, before I had to let it go. I could already see the door to my freedom. It was just at the other side of the room. I didn’t even look around. All my senses were focused on this single door.

I took a slow step and then another. I was pretty slow back then. A granny would give me a run for her money! Kind of depressing, but it was not my fault. It was all the ponies fault, just like always.

I then stumbled over a ball of wool. Or at least I thought it was a ball of wool. I could hear screeching and hissing. Of course my whole attention was directed at not falling over.

Fortunately I didn’t. But this didn’t mean, I was able to go on further. While I did not fall flat on my face, I fell on my knees, silently cursing to myself.

I felt exhausted and couldn’t move a single muscle anymore, as I breathed heavily.

I then saw a white cat strutting right in front of me with a grumpy face.

Grumpy cat, is that you?

All jokes aside this thing was readying her claws…

Oh, fuck my life.

I closed my eyes and waited for the inevitable impact…

Which never came.

I opened my eyes to see, that I was floating in the aura of a disgruntled looking Rarity. She had turned me around to face her. A handkerchief was pressed firmly against her muzzle.

“And what are we planning?”

“Uh…Saving my own life?”

She let out an annoyed snort at that. Her stare turned then even icier, as did her voice, which leaked a malicious tone.

“You were trying to ditch Sweetie, weren’t you?”

“So what if I was? It’s not like you could blame me, after almost killing me!”

I was obviously too pissed at this moment, to form a reasonable response. But can you blame me? Things aren’t exactly working in my favour. And this ponies only caring about their own business are certainly upsetting me.

Seems like this was upsetting her, since she pulled me closer to her. I was now merely a few inches away from her equine face, which would be enough to throw up from disgust, if I had anything to throw up that is.

“Listen closely, because I’m not going to go through this again. You are bonded to Sweetie and are not going to ditch that responsibility! What happened back there was an accident!”

“Oh! I understand! So it is completely okay, to kill others by accident!”

“YOU ARE NOT DEAD!”

“SO, THIS MAKES ATTEMPTED MURDER ANY BETTER!”

“IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! AND I LET YOU KNOW, THAT WE WERE BOTH WORRIED ABOUT YOU!!”

I let out a disdainful snort. This was just such a ridiculous lie. It took all my strength to not laugh at her face right there.

“I heard you.”

She blinked, obviously confused by my words.

“What?”

“You were talking to someone and made it quite clear, that you were worried about Sweetie, even though it was my life at risk here. Like I’m just a mean to make her happy. Like a toy, you toss at a five-year-old. The only problem is that you can’t replace me, once I’m broken. Am I right?”

She seemed quite appalled at this and needed a moment to even form a response. Of course this only strengthened my notion.

“I…do care for you…”

“Your loss. You just hesitated and that shows the insincerity of your words.”

Yeah, a demon talking about insincerity. I know. But seriously, I’m more sincere than them!

I’m better than them.

“I-I…this…” Her stare wandered downwards. She sighed and then took a deep breath to calm herself, before looking back at me with…sadness in her eyes? “Listen. I know what it looks like, but I don’t really know you, so I’m of course more worried about my dear sister. But that doesn’t mean, this can’t work out. You just need to give it a chance. To give me a chance.”

I eyed her warily. At least that statement wasn’t sounding as insincere as the last. Not that this would mean, that it was sincere though. In my experience, the ones that sound the most sincere, are the ones you have to look out the most. They can backstab you pretty easily, if you let your guard down.

“I think I will take the door. Seems like the safer option.”

“But what about Sweetie Belle?”

“What about her?”

“She really cares for you.”

I let out a chuckle. “Yeah, sure.”

Rarity scowled and got mad at my mocking.

“She saved you from drowning.”

“…Didn’t she push me in the first place?”

“SHE. REVIVED. YOU!”

I blanched a little at this and wasn’t entirely sure, if I wanted to hear the full story.

“Pray tell.” And in the end curiosity is going to get the best of me.

“She was the one who noticed your drowning and immediately took you out of the tube, and started CPR!”

I slowly touched my lips. A blush forming on my cheeks.

Why did I have to ask?

“You should have seen the desperate look on her face, as she tried her best to save you!”

I clenched my eyes shut. “I don’t even care!”

Rarity was about ready to explode. She seemed frustrated, if the incoherent, frantic rambling was anything to go by.

I just hoped, that she wouldn’t knock me out at this point, as she dragged me up the stairs.

“You are going to be her very special somepony! And you are going to like it, whether you like it or not!”

Yep, seems like logical thought was already lost at this point of the conversation.

She let out a heavy sigh as she stopped upstairs in the aisle. After a couple of calming breaths, she tried to pick up the conversation again.

“I don’t understand why you are even struggling, except for the incident in the bathroom. I mean, you agreed to this. You said, it was ‘fine’ with you. And frankly speaking, life here in this household is certainly a lot better, than living in some filthy, moldy forest. Wouldn’t you agree?”

I ‘hmphed’ in defiance. “I can take care of myself.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. But there has to be more in life, than living alone in a forest. I mean, Sweetie didn’t mention anypony that accompanied you. No family or friends. Don’t you think, this could be a chance for you as well? We could be your new family. We could care for you. Stand up for you, when you need it. Nopony can fend for themselves all the time.”

Great, now she is trying the ‘everyone needs a family’ schtick. As if I would give in just like that. It’s not going to be that easy.

“I refuse and there is no way in the WORLD that you can change my mind!”

I crossed my arms in victory. She couldn’t do anything against this.

*Grumble*

And slowly a smirk formed on Raritys face.

“What was that?”

“Nothing! I’m completely fine!”

*Grumble*

I clutched my hands on my painfully growling stomach, trying to suppress the telltale signs of weakness.

Rarity then proceeded to walk into the kitchen, letting me flow directly behind her.

“Oh, well then. I think I will just have LUNCH then, if you don’t need ANYTHING. I’m feeling generous today and think PANCAKES surely wouldn’t hurt.”

“…With maple sirup?” I asked half in trance, before fighting these emotions back and locking them deep within me. I need to show some strength and willpower.

“Oh, most definitely with maple sirup!” she said in a cheery tone.

She was slowly preparing the pancakes, right in front of my eyes.

I was holding out with all my strength. Sooner the hell freezes, before I give in to such a pony abomination!

I will never give in!

A change of perspective later

I was in the middle of cooking now. It was a welcome change, after the rather…heated discussion I shared with my sisters fiancé.

I finally found his weakness and couldn’t be any happier! He would give in, I could see it in his eyes! My back was turned to him, but that didn’t mean, I couldn’t watch him out of the corner of my eye. And he was already drooling! Stallions are so predictable sometimes. I really should have recognized it sooner!

I slowly readied one pancake after the other, bringing them down onto a plate and slowly levitating them to the table. I levitated Charming near the table, so that he could smell the heavenly scent, that filled the air, but he was still far enough away, so that he couldn’t actually grab them. This plan was simply divine! With a diabolical taint to it.

I guess some ponies are right, when they say, that I have a slight sadistic strand. I just can’t stop enjoying this situation! He is full at my mercy and I just love every second of it! Him trying to restrain his inner instincts, but failing miserably, crouching down directly at my feet and begging for the sweet salvation!

This send a chill down my spine. One of the divine ones.

I sighed in dreamy content, as I finished the pancakes and searched the cupboard for the maple sirup. I quickly found it and set it right next to the enormous mountain of pancakes, which was on one platter.

I quickly levitated another platter out and levitated about a third of the pancakes on it, making sure, I had his full attention with that move. I already saw the hope filling his eyes.

Time to crush it.

“I think Sweetie Belle, will enjoy the stack I laid aside for her on THIS platter.”

And with that his hopeful look crushed. I probably shouldn’t do this. It is simply unladylike, but…I just can’t help it! If he wants some of the lunch, he has to ask. I’m not going to give in to him. He has to give in to ME!

Back to the old perspective

I stared at her with as much hate as I could muster. How dare she to MOCK me! This was no longer a game, this was WAR! And I wouldn’t give in!

*Grumble*

OH, SHUT UP YOU!

This is not going to happen!

Never!

The smell of pancakes and maple sirup filled the room further.

Maybe not never… Argh! Focus!

Rarity slowly started to eat her pancakes, munching loudly and highly unladylike. Provoking me further and deliberately. Hate couldn’t even describe the feelings I had at the moment. I need to create a whole new word for this!

“This is quite the amount of pancakes. I would share them, if SOMEPONY would simply ask.”

I gritted my teeth, but my resolve and anger slowly crumbled and I found myself discussing the positive aspects of giving in, like healing my health points further. I couldn’t flee in this condition anyway.

“Fine…”

Her smirk turned into a toothy grin.

“What was that? I couldn’t quite get what you were saying.”

I grinded my teeth, before replying, “I want some…pancakes.”

A glimmer of mischief formed in Raritys eyes. This won’t end well…

“What do we say?”

One of the most dreaded words in existence! Of course it couldn’t rival etern- No, I’m not going to say it! But however, it was still a dreaded word. How could she even expect me saying it?

I turned my head in the other direction. The last bastion of defiance.

*Grumble*

And it’s already crumbling.

“Please…”

“What was that? Did you say anything?”

“Please.”

“You have to speak a little louder, darling.”

“PLEASE! I’M STARVING HERE!”

Such humiliation… I’m going to get her back for this! Definitely. Just you wait and see.

She smiled and FINALLY got a third platter for me, there she stashed another third of the pancakes.

I was levitated into a chair and released from her magical grip.

I immediately took the maple sirup and dumped a huge amount on the pancakes, before I dove straight in. I didn’t even bother to use silverware. I dug my hands straight into the pancakes and stuffed my face with them.

Rarity meanwhile scrunched her face up in disgust, not that I pay her any heed though. My concentration was full on filling my stomach and flooding the humiliation out of my body, with the simply tasty pancakes.

“I guess they didn’t exactly teach you any manners in the woods…”

A statement which I ignored, even though I thought, she would at least try to stop me. Glad I’m wrong with that.

*Yawn*

I slowly turned around as I heard this sound behind me in the doorframe. I could see the mad marshmallow standing in it.

Her weariness seemed to vanish at seeing me, as she brightened up like a pair of matches.

Pair of matches… Maybe I should burn this place down?

But this thought was interrupted, as she fell around my neck and hugged me like her life depended on it.

“Damn it! What are you doing!”

“I was so worried about you!”

“No, you were not.”

But my mumbling wasn’t heard. And I didn’t really care. I was wasting my time here and still had no plan how to gain my strength back and how to find my companion.

*Snap*

"That's a real keeper! Especially with those red cheeks!"

This snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned around and saw Rarity taking compromising photos of me. I suddenly started trashing against the hug and swearing with all my might.

And I could suddenly taste another bar of soap, but this of course doesn’t go well with a full stomach.

I puked.

What a harmonic family life. And yeah, that was full on sarcasm.

Great. I just had to puke out my newly gained health points again...

The Devil Is A Marshmallow

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Author's Notes:

The rewrite is complete! I cancelled all points which lead to heated discussions. This means, that there are still enough things that stayed the same. After reading it several times, I found enough points, which I wanted to keep. Alone the whole equipment explanation and his 'new equipment', 'cause let's be honest, he looks like a kid and won't get his hands on a sword that easily.

Oh, and this is about 500 words shorter than the original. I tried to fill in the gaps of the cancelled scenes as good as I can and I hope I was successful with it.

Just tell me what you think about this chapter. I'm interested to hear your opinion! And thanks to all the people (especially shinikage and Texus) who try with their comments to help me improve my story! I really appreciate it!

There was I? Oh yeah. Right. Puking.

The whole show lasted only ten seconds.

Marshmallow was smart enough to see the telltale signs of gagging and jumped out of the way, as I emptied my stomach right in the direction of the table and the pony, who rammed the soap into my throat.

Rarity was not amused.

Her eyes widened in panic. She quickly grabbed me in her telekinesis and dragged me out of the kitchen through the aisle, whose white walls were painted a new color along the way.

She ‘ewwed’ the whole way along in a chorus.

Ridiculous. As if it would have helped her.

We arrived the bath quickly, whose floor was also painted in a nice layer of munched pancakes. She eventually let my head hang in the direction of the toilet bowl. But I was already completely emptied.

“OH COME ON!” I could hear her complain.

She then turned around and held her face with both hands and started some incoherent frantic mumbling.

I then heard something fall and turned my head only to discover, that she slipped on my puke and had her back now covered in it.

She twitched heavily. Her face quickly turned green and Rarity had to puke too. I cringed. She did it all over herself, covering almost every clean spot, which brought me an unbelievable amount of satisfaction and a slight tinge of disgust along the way.

Seems like I have gotten my revenge after only a minute or two. A real peak time, probably even world record worthy. Sure, it was nasty as hell, but she deserved it.

But now that I’m thinking about it, this could still use some…extra touch.

I smirked, as I walked over to her, before leaning into her field of vision. “Wow. You really need a bath!”

Her eye twitched. She seemed to have a mental breakdown. It was hard to tell, if it was from being covered in filth from tip to toe or from my cocky remark.

Ok, it was definitely the puke. Let’s be honest. Her whole body was already twitching as I approached her and it was hard to tell, if she even heard a word I was saying. So there goes that.

Then a thought hit me. Why not take some compromising photos while I’m at it? She did the same with me and I could keep her in line with that, if I decide to take this place over as a base or want to blackmail her in any other way. I could think about the specifics another time.

I then turned around to walk out of the room.

And slipped.

I was still shaky on my legs after puking all my health points right back out, so I guess that it was no surprise that I couldn’t hold my balance.

Things seemed to slow down, as I prepared myself for the impact with the tiled floor, which never came.

I blinked slowly, as I felt something soft holding my hand and keeping me from crashing. I looked at the smooth white fur of the hand and followed it slowly over the arm to its proprietor. Light green eyes were staring back at me with worry. And it took me a second to process what had happened.

Marshmallow slowly lifted me with a drag from my tilted standing position to one that was upright.

All the time I stared into her light green eyes.

Those eyes… I had seen eyes like these before.

An image of a gryphon flashed before my mind’s eye.

“Heya there! You look rather messed up. Want to share a drink?”

I slowly shook my head and saw that the image was replaced with one of a pony. A specific annoying pony in fact.

She seemed to have saved me from slipping and I couldn’t help but wonder why she did that. Didn’t she want for me to be helpless? What was she gaining? Did she maybe hope to gain my trust, and why were she looking worried? Were she worried for her toy, that might have broken upon contact with the cold hard ground?

I probably think too much on it. It is not like she saved my life. I only would have fainted after losing my last health point. So I hardly owe her anything. Add to the fact that it probably was just a reflex, which meant, that it was her body who acted and not her mind. This means, that I don’t own her anything, since her mind didn’t do shit!

…Why am I trying to find an excuse for something as minor as this?

Stupid! I shook my head. There was no time for this!

Remember, I had photos to take! I needed leverage to subdue Rarity!

My gaze wandered to the marshmallow. A smile adorned her face and she seemed rather…coy? It didn’t take me long to realize, that I didn’t let go of her hand as she grabbed mine. I immediately corrected my mistake, diverting my gaze from her. The bath cabinet seemed a lot more interesting all of a sudden.

It took me a few moments to realize what I just planned on doing. I still needed photos.

My gaze wandered to the marshmallow again, who squeaked adora-. Scratch that. She was awkwardly standing there with her face in her palms, squeaking like a pig. Yeah, that sounds a lot better. I sighed. I didn’t really want to have anything to do with her, but she might know where cameras were. It’s not like I had the stamina nor the time to look for one, since Rarity won’t stay in her stupor forever. And I could still teach the marshmallow a lesson after I was done with Rarity.

“Say. Do you have a camera?”

She nodded with a smile. “What do you have in mind? Maybe some souvenir photos from the first day of our collective life, while holding hands?” she squeaked again, literally beaming.

I deadpanned ignoring her ridiculous comment. “Just making sure your sister is not using any more soap against me.” This seemed shook her out of her reverie.

She looked unsure to her sisters side and then back to me, her eyes widening in understanding. She slowly contemplated her next moves, as she watched between me and her, as if she was weighing who was more important to her.

I started to frown, as she didn’t move.

“What is it now? Can’t you just move already?”

“I… It is wrong…”

I just rolled my eyes, as I turned sideways. She is trying to force me into marriage and now all of a sudden starts to draw a line at blackmail?

Ponies are such hypocrites. They act like they are an accepting folk, but they are not. They exclude every non-pony. The only reason Rarity wanted me to stay was for the marshmallow and this thing wanted me for some sick fantasy of hers. She was not right in the head.

Come to think of it, why did I even ask her?

I watched her out of the corner in my eyes. It seemed like she was contemplating something. Wonder what that might be? Probably something stupid ponylike. I gulped. Or something creepy. This one was still a threat after all. Maybe I should-

“No.”

“Huh?”

She took a determined stance, but despite that her eyes kept her natural softness. As if she was trying to sooth me. “I said no. That is not the way a prince would behave!”

I scoffed at that. “Listen here, Missy. I’m an Overlord and I’m going to do what I want, then I want!”

She frowned at that, before sighing.

“I guess, I should start the lessons soon.” She said those line under her breath, but being the demon I was I also had a perfectioned hearing sense.

I had to quirk an eyebrow at this line.

Was she trying to educate me? I clenched my fists. Arrogant ponies. Always thinking that they are better than everyone else. Pony-terms like everypony could attest to that.

Suddenly I heard a blood curling scream. I pressed my hands firmly against my ears. I didn’t have to search for the source of the noise, since I could recognize it. I have to admit it was louder and shriller than the first time I heard it, but it was nonetheless the same sound in a way.

I scurried out of the room and closed the door in a vain attempt to protect my ears. It didn’t help much. I hurriedly laid my hands over my ears again, after closing the door and a painful grumble reminded me that I still had an empty stomach.

I needed food. And I needed it now. My gaze fell upon the kitchen door.

Just why was it directly next to the bath…

I wanted nothing more than getting my ears out of the danger zone of this loud voice, but on the same time my stomach kept protesting to enter the kitchen.

The decision made itself as the screaming toned down. Rarity seemingly had used up her breath. Thank heavens for that!

Wait, no. I’m a demon! I can’t thank the heaven! I have to thank the Netherworld! Not some prissy and arrogant Angels! Now that I think about it, they kind of seem alike, ponies and angels. Both praying about how they are the ‘good’, but at least there were some good angels too. No, not good angels. I’m a demon! I can’t say such things! How do I say it then? Hm… Yeah! They weren’t complete arrogant pricks! Have yet to meet a pony, who is like that. But of course such a pony doesn’t exist. They already had their chance.

My grumbling brought myself back to reality and spurred me on to finally move my ass into the kitchen. I did just that. It would not only stop the pain, but also refill my health bar.

I silently chuckled to myself. Then I could start to educate the marshmallow! She needs to be taught a lesson and I might just be the demon for the job.

Back in the bathroom

Sweetie Belle turned around to her sister. She seemed to have woken out of her stupor. Eying herself with disgust and panic, as she frantically approached the bathtub and hopped into it. She desperately turned the shower head on. Warm water runs down her clothes. She didn’t even bother to undress, which effectively showed how desperate she was to clean herself. Not any kind of desperate. It was the worst drama queen kind of desperate. A desperate which would put even Pinkies desperate side, when she was low on sugar to shame! Did I mention she was desperate? Yeah, that was the situation Sweetie Belle had to endure.

She had to sigh at this, as her sister began to shrub the bare areas of her coat. She couldn’t leave her like this. She was her sister after all and she needed help. Soothing help that is.

“Rarity calm down!” Sweetie Belle tried to sooth her big cleanliness-mad sister.

“Ewewewewewewewewewewewewewewewewewew-“

But without success. Rarity didn’t listen. She was sitting in the bath tub, scrubbing her coat for all she was worth.

“You are going to hurt yourself, if you scrub your coat so hard.”

“ewewewewewewewewewew-“

“Listen-”

“ewewew-“

An annoyed look appeared on Sweeties face. This was as pointless as talking to a wall. A cleanliness obsessed and prissy wall…

She looked around and noticed that her fiancé was gone. Now it was her turn to panic.

Her eyes widened and her breath quickened. He was way too fragile in her opinion to be without any supervision. He was her prince. A prince who needed tender care AND education.

Everything that happened until now only seemed to confirm it. He really needed help badly. She scowled, as she remembered his drowning. It really made her heart ache. She thought she had lost him back there!

So helpless, she thought. So uneducated.

She was the one who was going to protect him, who was going to teach him the proper ways. She was just the right pony for the job.

Her gaze turned to a determinant one, as she stormed out of the door.

I just entered the kitchen. Rarity’s wailing could be clearly heard trough the kitchen wall. It somehow made me feel satisfied, even if I couldn’t take photos of it. Kind of a pity, but I had no idea where to find a camera and marshmallow clearly showed how displeased she was with my idea. Not that I cared about that.

I really miss the times, where I commanded whole armies of demons. No one would dare to refuse my orders. All would be crawling right at my feet, especially the ponies.

I had power. A power that I seemed to have lost with my equipment and my levels. I needed it back which required me to level up, as well as find some equipment. Maybe they have a blacksmith in town? But it was too risky to walk among these abominations undisguised, and I doubt the blacksmith would just hand me a weapon. For these things I’m nothing than a mere child. So I have to take less suitable equipment for the moment. The kitchen knife would be at least a start. Unnecessary to mention that this will of course slow down the progress of my plans. But I could still think about that later. Maybe I will find a better solution later. Healing comes first.

My gaze wandered to the table in the middle. The plates with the pancakes were still on it. Not that any of those two had the possibility to clear the table.

My own platter was almost empty, as well as the platter of Rarity. The platter of the marshmallow was of course still untouched.

It was kind of obvious which platter would be devoured.

All three!

I slowly marched to the table, as I heard the door opening and a squeaky sound echoed through the room.

“There you are!”

I instantly began to frown.

Figures.

I turned around just to see that she was already standing in front of me.

I slightly backed away. Not out of fear, mind you. I just wanted to have some safety gap between us. She was capricious. Reason enough to have an eye on her even more than on her prissy relative.

“What do you want now?” I asked slightly annoyed that I don’t even get the time to heal my health points.

“I was only looking for you. I mean, you just disappeared without saying a single word!” She threw her hands dramatically in the air for emphasis. This just made her look like a mere child for me. Well, she was one, but her precocious outbursts are everything other than normal for her age. At least I think they are. I never really took the time to spend it with foals. There was only once a foal and that was an eternity ago.

“What a surprise,” I mutter under my breath, so that she couldn’t hear.

I then clutched my stomach painfully. Marshmallow took that as her cue to step past me to the plates.

She then put all pancakes on one single plate and put the glass of maple syrup beside it and moved the plate for me.

“Here. You should eat this. You are not looking too good.”

My eyes widened a bit.

And here I thought she would disturb me by making a pass at me. Well, not that I’m complaining!

Without a second thought I poured maple syrup over the pancake mountain and dug straight in. She seemed slightly disappointed at this. I mean, what was she expecting? Actually I don’t really want to know what is going on in that head of hers. It might be safer for the sanity that is still left.

“You know, you could have at least thanked me…” came her disappointed voice.

“Fwo whawt? Fow dwoning me ow fwo fowcin me inwo mawwiage?” I responded with my mouth still stuffed full. Little bits and pieces were flying out of my mouth and it certainly wasn’t anything appetizing. But as an Overlord I could have the manners I wanted. I was on the top. I was making the rules. Marshmallow still had to grasp that concept.

“I’m only trying to help you!”

I swallowed the bits in my mouth, before I answered her. I mean, she didn’t seem to have heard me correctly, if she used such a dumb answer.

“You FORCE me into marriage!” And that is quite the crime, if I say so myself. I might seem like a hypocrite here. It is a well-known fact, that demons force others to do a lot of stuff, but even they have limits! Never heard of something like a forced marriage under demons! Heck, you would probably think that these things would have more decency than demons! Another reason why they are unfit to rule.

Alone these thoughts were enough to enrage me slightly. I tried to quell the rage with another handful of pancakes.

“You are too young to know what is good for you.”

I choked. Hard.

To say I was mildly surprised by the ridiculousness of this would be an understatement. It took some time until I got my coughing fit under control.

“Are you alright?”

I shot her a death glare at that. She was the cause of my choking and now she really has the insolence to ask this question?!

“Am I alright? AM I ALRIGHT?!”

The stress was really getting to me. I almost choked on pancakes! That’s not a way for a great Overlord to die! I mean, is my name Mid-Boss?! And hell knows, I had enough harm for a lifetime, or at least for the next one hundred years! And this was all the cause of one specific marshmallow! At this continues, I might even start to hate marshmallows in general! She is just ruining marshmallows for me!

“This whole scene is nothing more than a farce! You are the one who is harming me! Even more so than most of the other creatures of this world! And honestly I’m sick of it!”

I turned around to leave, but she tried to follow me. I just raised my hand in a clear sign to stop her.

“I’m leaving. Alone.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean just what I said. I have enough,” I seethed, hatred clear in my voice. No need to conceal it.

“B-But what about our wedding?” mad marshmallow replied meekly.

“Wedding! WEDDING!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!!!!”

She flinched at this.

“I was here for merely a day and was beaten up, manhandled, bathed, drowned, stuffed with soap and I can only pray, that I wasn’t raped, while I was here!”

“You could still stay, I mean, we can feed you and alike,” offered the marshmallow as a weak attempt to convince me to stay, guilt clearly written all over her face.

My gaze hardened. Alone the word feeding didn’t make her offer any better. What was I for her? A dog? Probably an improvement to toy, but still not a position I would take on, EVER!

“No. I have enough of you ponies.” I turned around leaving.

“Let’s strike a deal then,” she said suddenly in a determined tone, which brought me out of my ranting.

I turned around questioning. “A deal?”

“Yeah. The stakes are high. If you beat me in a duel, you get to go wherever you want, without having to worry, that I or my sis will follow you, because of our bond. I will even make some rations for you and give you anything for the trip you need!”

I contemplated this. It wouldn’t be bad to have some supplies on my way back to my former glory. Maybe I could even get some equipment out of this.

“Interesting. And the other side of the deal?”

“If I win, then you have to stay with me.”

I mulled it over shortly. I knew that my basic stats there higher than hers, even if she was a level higher. With some equipment from the kitchen, I could easily overpower her. She was just a normal, weak filly after all.

I began to smirk. “Deal!”

What could possibly go wrong?

My eyes scanned through the empty spaces of the kitchen. I had sent the marshmallow ahead. Explaining her that I wanted to eat the rest of my meal in peace, as well as mentally get ready for the oncoming fight.

She was eating this excuses right up, without questioning them.

Ponies are really stupid.

Well, but first things first.

I used my magic to see how much health points the vestiges of my meal could regenerate, since I still haven’t filled them up to the max. It was an adequate amount and would suffice for the purpose. I happily shoved more and more bites from the plate into my awaiting maw. It only took me a minute to finish my plate. You could say, that I was mauling the hill of food, like a predator would a wounded fawn. Man, what would I give for a juicy piece of meat. But that is a problem for another day.

I happily patted my stomach and grinned. It was good to be a demon. A normal human couldn’t eat this much. My magic let’s my stomach function like a black hole. There was a reason, why you didn’t find any demons with overweight after all.

And most importantly, this time I would keep the health points all in. Rarity was occupied and wouldn’t interfere.

But better not risk anything and hurry up. I searched the kitchen for equipment.

Searching the kitchen for equipment seems like a joke, but like I said before, I didn’t have any choice in this matter. In default of a soul the devil puts up with a fly.

I quickly grabbed a kitchen knife and put it in my weapon slot. It disappeared, but was still equipped. It would show in battle only, or then I was willing to show it.

What can I say? Convenient demon magic.

I then searched for something I could use as armor, but there wasn’t much I could use. I sighed to myself as I took a pot as a helmet. It was degrading as hell, but only I knew about it, and so it didn’t matter that much. I equipped it quickly and let it disappear.

Good thing I could hide my armor during all times, even in battle. There was a simple reason for it too. Just try to fight some idiots with full on visible armor. Some people tend to blame my strength on armor alone, that I would simply be helpless without it. Insolent fools.

So, I was technically appearing a lot stronger. Just let me get my hand on my Testament and I could smash houses and rocks, like I owned the place. That’s how you leave an impression. All ponies would just quiver at my feet, at my amazing strength and that’s how it is supposed to be. Me on top of the world with my companion, while the ponies are on the bottom, like the mere animals they are.

Time to show this marshmallow her proper place.

I hurried down the stairs, full of energy and confident as I could be.

Time to end this.

I then came to the foyer room. There was a counter by the outside door, as well as some shelves. There was not a wall to separate the foyer from what looked like a presentation room, with a small stage. I could see shelves, with fabric and threads, tables with sewing machines and pony mannequins, or at least an abomination version of it.

I spotted the object of my hate in the middle of the foyer and couldn’t help but to grin condescendingly at her.

“Are you ready for your lecture, fool?”

A devious smirk formed on her face. “We will see about that.”

And so my magic worked and the room was cut off from the outside world.

It didn’t take long and the battlefield was prepared. I spawned quickly and moved closer to her.

A simple ‘Hurricane Slash’ should be enough for her.

I opened my bar and skimmed to ‘Special’ and chose ‘Hurricane Slash’. I quickly let my cursor wander to the abomination right in front of me.

And then I froze. I moved my cursor over her and saw something that busted my confidence. Her stats were not like I remembered them to be.

“Are you fucking kidding me!?” I screamed frustrated.

My chest was tightening, my heart rate as well as my breathing was increasing and I suddenly felt this old feeling again: Fear.

A predatory grin formed on her muzzle.

“W-What are you?” I stammered out, taking a careful step back, ready to bolt. But I couldn’t. The magic was holding me in place.

It was still my turn, but I couldn't move twice. To do that, I had to undo my movement. Not that it would help me in my situation. I was inferior and I knew it, even though I couldn't explain how it happened.

The marshmallow suddenly had a wave of confidence around her, as she smirked.

“I’m your bride.”

Investigating A Strange Filly

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Things went downhill pretty fast. I mean, here I was hunched down by the banister and spying on the mad marshmallow!

“Just what secrets do you hold?” I murmured out, as I watched her from my investigation spot.

She was currently chatting away with the chicken and the bowgirl in the foyer, an apologetic expression on her face.

“Yeah. I hope you feel sorry, for deceiving me like that. Acting like you were a pony abomination, even though you are not,” I took a contemplative pose. “Just what are you?”

A few hours ago

“I’m your bride,” said the marshmallow as she smirked at me.

I was simply dumbfounded and moved my cursor over her again, in hope that my eyes were just playing tricks on me, but they didn’t.

Level 32

“This doesn’t make any sense!” I screamed frustrated, holding my head tightly in both my hands. “This is as worse as the time the royal butts cheated with those gems!”

Well, maybe not as worse, but it came pretty close.

“It’s your turn,” she said amused. “Draw.”

I ignored her words and contemplated my situation. I couldn’t win this and I knew it. This could only end with my loss. There was only one thing I could do.

“…I surrender. You win.”

Her face lit up at that, as the eerie words ‘Game Over’ loomed over the stage.

Game Over indeed.

I couldn’t win, so I at least planned on keeping my health points. And I could still sneak out afterwards to level up and kick her ass later, once I have dealt with the royal butts and freed my companion. So not a real loss then. Especially since I can’t lose my ‘Overlord’ title to ponies, only to demons.

Everything returned to normal and a small smile formed on my face, as I planned my revenge. Taking down some low-level animals would be a good start.

I glanced over at the marshmallow as she smiled at me.

Let her smile, I thought, The tables will turn in time.

Suddenly a familiar tune reached my ears.

A text box opened and what stood there drained the blood from my face as I paled.

‘Sweetie’s title has changed to [Overlord]!!’

I stood there dumbfounded, staring at her in horror.

“Oh! That is quite delightful!” she squeaked.

“You are not a pony,” I blabbered out, with confusion and a hint of fear in my eyes.

“What are you talking about?” She giggled, acting like she didn’t know what I meant.

“Ponies can’t wear demon titles!” I shouted frustrated.

“Oh? Then I’m probably the first. Maybe it is because we are bonded to each other by the power of true love!” she fancied.

Just those words made me feel sick to my stomach and I gritted my teeth in disgust and frustration.

She can’t be serious! What is she planning?

I excused myself shortly after, saying that I wanted to take a break upstairs. She wasn’t that inclined to the idea, but after the doorbell rang, she had another situation to attend to. I was keeping a low profile, because of the unknown visitor, but soon the doorbell rang again and announced its departure. Until then things were rather silent. Well, until five minutes ago. That was then her friends stormed in.

I proceeded to think about my situation. I knew, that I needed to investigate this strange filly and find out what game she is playing.

And I sure as hell won’t leave this place without my title.

But to beat her, I had to understand her and her powers.

“Are you a spawn between one of my old demon generals and a pony?” I mumbled out reminiscing one particular demon. A master thief and master of deception. A Succubus at heart. I was always wary of her, since I expected her to backstab me every minute of my life.

“But why did you not earn my title on the first encounter then?”

I then saw her open a menu as she showed off her title to her friends. No pony could do that.

Her friends stared in awe, excitement clearly written on their faces. Especially the chicken.

“How are you doing that!?”

“That’s the question, where I seek the answer myself, chicken.”

Seriously, how does she do that!

“I can do that since our fight. It is like I have all the knowledge of his magic absorbed.”

I cocked an eyebrow at that.

Did my magic influence her? Did I myself create this problem?

I shook my head. Ridiculous. My magic never influenced another pony before without my consent, so why should it change now?

“She is taking me for a fool. Where is no way in hell she is telling the truth,” I narrowed my eyes, “I’m not falling for your tricks marshmallow.”

“What are you doing there, Charming?”

I jumped at this and turned around. Rarity was standing directly in front of me now, an unamused look on her face.

“Nothing!”

“Oh, is that so?” she said a sly smile on her face. She then proceeded to grab my arm and dragged me along. “Why don’t you just join these three then? I’m sure Sweetie would appreciate it.”

She ignored my protest, as she dragged me to the group of three. Probably a petty try to avenge my earlier payback.

Sweetie was the first of the three to speak up.

“Sis, are you feeling better now?”

“I do. I was taking a refreshing bubblebath after I took care of the…filth. I’m feeling quite refreshed now! I think I needed that.”

She then dragged me directly to her side. I tried to hide behind her, not wanting to confront the marshmallow so fast.

“But let’s get to another topic, dear. I think Charming here needs some company. And since he hasn’t gotten his cutie mark yet, he could participate in your activities.”

Sweetie’s eyes sparkled, while I tried to avoid any eye contact.

“This is a wonderful idea!” she squeaked out.

Maybe I should call her rubber duck? Would also be a fitting name. But that shouldn’t be my concern now. I had other problems.

“Ah don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Yeah. I wouldn’t want to have anything to do with this thing.”

I shot her a glare. “Me neither with you, chicken.”

“What did you call me?”

Her glare intensified, as she butted her head with me. The pure hatred in both of our eyes.

And then the doorbell rang.

Both of us glared at the one who dared to interrupt us.

A pale yellow pegasus shrunk back under our stares and while the chicken abandoned her glare relatively fast after spotting her, I held onto it. Can’t just let her interrupt me after all.

I then felt fingers closing around my ear and dragging on it and Rarity shot me a disapproving look.

“You have to excuse him, dear. I haven’t gotten any time to teach him some proper manners yet.”

The pegasus immediately stood up from her slightly crouching position, with a small smile on her face.

“Oh, it’s alright. He had a bad day and I understand that he lost control there for a moment.”

“I’m glad you take it with stride. I’m telling you, it is not easy to care for him and it has only been a day! He is so…uncouth.”

“I’m standing right here, you know?”

“You shouldn’t worry too much about it,” answered the pegasus, as I was downright ignored by the two grown mares. What do they take me for!? A child!?

...

Yeah, my height probably doesn’t help matters.

She then took a basket in her hand, which was standing on the ground and walked over to Rarity. She then took off the blanket of it, to reveal grumpy cat in it. After taking this thing out, they continued their conversation.

“Opalescence! I completely forgot about her! How did you get her?”

“Sweetie Belle let me in. She said, that you were, um…occupied.”

“Yes, that is quite alright. I had an accident in the bath and needed to clean up.”

Her gaze locked then on the cat. “Oh, she looks great. I just don’t understand how you are able to do it.” She then leaned down to the cat. “I can’t get near her, without getting a swipe from her claws.” And of course, as if demonstrating the truth of that statement, the cat swiped at her with her claws, only missing her by inches.

Man, that is a mean kitten.

In the meantime, Rarity got a worried expression.

“Did you use the stare on her?”

The pegasus was slightly appalled by this.

“Oh no. I wouldn’t. I couldn’t. I don’t really have control over it when it happens. It just happens. No, I’m just good with animals. It’s my special gift you know.”

It seems like this gave the marshmallow some form of enlightment.

“Hey! Maybe we can get our cutie marks for being animal caretakers!”

Chicken and bowgirl seemed to like the idea, as they all together shouted:

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ANIMAL CARETAKERS!!! YAY!!!!”

I only rubbed my ears at this, in an attempt to mend them after this verbal attack. And here I thought only Rarity possessed such a high volume.

Then the marshmallow nudged me.

“This was your cue too.”

I only raised an eyebrow.

“You need to shout too, since you are a cutie mark crusader now.”

Before I could voice my confusion to this whole cutie mark shebang, the chicken immediately began to protest.

“Hold on a second, since when did any of us agree to this?”

“He is my fiancé and won’t leave my side, so that it is obvious, that he has to join!”

“That is just ridiculous. Can he even get a cutie mark?”

I just rolled my eyes at their discussion, not wanting to be any part of it. There are situations a man comes into, where he knows from the beginning that he doesn’t want to be a part of it, even if he doesn’t understand them, just so you understand my reaction. Instead I took my time to see what the other two mares were up to.

They seemed to have recovered from the shouting and were now having a conversation of her own.

And suddenly Rarity’s face formed into a frown, before she paced through the room. She blabbered something about an order, while levitating some of the material through the room.

“-not even giving him a chance!”

Meanwhile the argument between those fillies seemed to get more intense.

“Him! A chance! You can’t be serious! He is ahmmmm-“

And suddenly Sweetie’s hand found her way in Scootalo’s mouth, cutting her off, before she could end that sentence.

Sweetie whispered sharply. “Do you want to ruin this for me!? What do you think Rarity would do, if she knew he wasn’t a pony!?”

Chicken sighed. “Yeah, you are right. But I still am against him joining us.”

“Give him at least a chance. He is still adjusting after being…passive for so long. How about we let him participate in our sleepover! So you two can get to know each other better.”

I let out a snort at that, which was thankfully unheard by the fillies.

Right, like she herself already knew me. She doesn’t even know my name!

Rarity suddenly took steps toward us. Her ears perked up at the mention of the sleepover.

“Oh, I already forgot your sleepover!” She sighed. “I’m going to be honest girls, I have an important order, which I couldn’t work on due to the care, young Charming needed here. And now I’m going to work all night, which means, I’m afraid that I have to cancel your sleepover.”

“WHAT!?” squeaked the marshmallow aghast.

“I just don’t have any time to watch you, if I want to get those robes done in time.”

“But-“

“No buts this time. I’m sorry Sweetie Belle. It’s just the way it has to be.”

The three of them groaned in disappointment, while I cheered on the inside. Personally I preferred not to spend more time than necessary with the annoying chicken.

“I, uh, I suppose I could take them for the night.”

My inner cheers were silenced by this and I started to glare daggers at the pegasus again.

She shrunk back and I smirked, but felt a magic aura soon appear on my ears and drag me to the side. Rarity shot me one of her disapproving looks again and I just turned away from her in silent protest.

“Please go on, darling.”

“I said, that I could take care of them for the night.”

The fillies eyes started to show a ray of hope, as they started to smile. The whole conversation on, they were turning their heads from right to left, always in the direction of the current speaker in a comical way.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all.” An aura full of confidence surrounded her and I wondered, how this wimp could even pull it off. She did seem like the type of pony who would only hide underneath her bed and clearly not the one to show confidence.

“Have you met my sister and her friends? A problem is all it would be.”

“Did I have a problem with Opal? You have seen how well I handle small creatures!”

“I suppose that’s true and I do have a lot of work to do.”

“Come on, it will be fine.”

“I assure you they are quite a handful.”

“These sweet little angels?”

They started to look as innocent as possible, as if to convince them of their harmlessness, but I knew better. They were devils and you had to be a real nitwit, not to see it.

“Alright.”

And apparently these both were such nitwits.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SLEEPOVER AT FLUTTERSHY’S COTTAGE!!! YAY!!!!”

I only rubbed my ears at this.

“Seriously?” I asked, but this question was unheard, as they quickly packed for the upcoming sleepover.

Sleepover With A Demon - Part 1

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Marshmallow and her friends were ecstatic. I myself not that much. While they wanted to run straight out, Rarity had to remind them of my predicament. I needed a disguise.

My so called fiancé (not going to happen) was showing me some clothes of her. Going on about how THIS would FIT my scarf.

It was pink.

And frilly.

My scarf wasn’t pink.

Nor frilly.

It was a color between red and violet, but not pink. Pink is just a brighter version of red. You wouldn’t believe how long I took to teach her that! And the bowgirl didn’t make it any easier, since she was backing up the marshmallow. But at least they ceased their nonsense and complied, even if they probably only did it to end the discussion. Chicken almost begged them to stop it. She was an impatient one. Unfortunately this left the cloth question unanswered and we were back to square one.

Rarity was meanwhile giving advice to the featherbrain. Talking about things like, separating me from Sweetie during the night. Of course I didn’t object to that. I was inferior to her. You wouldn’t believe how much it hurts to actually say that. I needed to gain levels fast to get the upper hand in this predicament AND to get my title back. Don’t get me wrong, many would love to possess the title ‘Demon Prince’, but Overlord held a lot more power. It was the undisputed sovereignty over all demons in the Netherworld! Sure, this wasn’t the Netherworld, but this world has still demons in it, so there goes that.

After a while we at least found some ‘colt clothes’. Don’t ask me why it took so long. She somehow seems more prone to create girly clothes. Heck, you would think they don’t have any males around here! But back to the clothes. It was a simple combination of a jacket with the predominant color blue and some other white lines. The same for the trousers, only reversed colors when it came to the predominant one. Rarity wanted to give me a fitting scarf, but I refused. I would only take one scarf. I couldn’t care less, if it didn’t fit as well as another one. I was more one for practical things, so I naturally concentrated on that, instead of fashion, much to Rarity’s dismay.

I wrapped the scarf around my head and the only thing that was left to cover were my hands. White gloves were found pretty fast and so the attire was completed.

Despite my bad situation I could maybe start to review my situation. Or more like my position. I needed to know where I was and where my enemies were. I had to avoid them in this point of time. Couldn’t really fight them with a pot and a kitchen knife now, could I? I had to level up first, but this would take time without the right equipment. That left only another option that would be faster.

Finding my ally.

Problem was, that they would probably keep him well protected. Or at least I thought of it like that. Ponies can be pretty stupid sometimes. I was kept in a museum. Yet another problem. They are stupid, but not THAT stupid. I give them a week until they notice I’m missing.

So what to do now?

Chances of being captured were quite high at the moment and I had at the moment two options. Problem was that I couldn’t do much for my ally without information, but what I could do was level up. So that one was a priority. I needed to defend myself, at least against guards. I could still search for information as a sideline. But in any case, I need to keep a low profile. The royal butts will search for me, and I can’t let them find me just now.

Slowly things seemed to be settled around the boutique. Can’t believe I didn’t recognize it was one earlier. However, it could come in handy for disguises. It already did with the few clothes they provided for me. Featherbrain said her goodbyes to Rarity and we went out of the boutique.

I looked around, soaking in everything I saw. Thatch rooftops everywhere! If I didn’t know any better I would think that they really want their houses burnt down! Also they looked quite boring. Rarity’s strange boutique at least looked unique, even if it also looked quite ridiculous, like a circus tent. But hey, I probably wouldn’t find my way back to it, if it was like all the other buildings. I could only see a few buildings that weren’t looking like the rest. I really want to kill the architect who designed most of the houses at this point.

One of the unique buildings I could see in the middle of the city seemed like it was made out of sweets, which spiked my curiosity, but I had to keep a low profile, so scouting was something I wanted to avoid at every cost.

I had to follow these ponies around for now.

I was brought out of my thoughts by the call of my alias. You know, the obnoxious one that marshmallow gave me?

“What is it?” I asked slightly annoyed.

“Why don’t you walk with us, instead of behind us?” asked the marshmallow.

She was the only pony in the group who didn’t want to keep me at a distance. The others were content to stay out of my way. Especially the featherbrain seemed still cautious of me. Not a bad thing. I could let her cower with a simple glare and a few harsh words. That was a lot better than Rarity with her freaky magic. It was a plus. But let’s get back to answering the marshmallows question.

“Safety distance.” Yep. I was still cautious of her. Not really a surprise. Of course I want to investigate her, but I want to do that from a safe distance. She is way too clingy for my taste.

However, my answer didn’t seem to sooth her, and she decided curtly to drag me along so that I walked beside them.

I decided to play along for now. There were other things that I was worried about.

The path we walked on was at the outskirts of town, so that we didn’t get much attention, but I still had the feeling I was being watched. Demon hearing can come in handy. As long as I’m not completely distracted not a single pony would get near m-

And suddenly my world was engulfed in pink. I didn’t know how it happened. I didn’t see or hear it coming. It was like a nightmare creature out of my worst nightmares. (The worst nightmares of a demon consist out of cutesy and tacky things. And what could be tackier than…this.)

“Hello! My name is Pinkie Pie and I know everypony in Ponyville! I haven’t seen you here before! Duh! That’s kind of given! I mean my Pinkie Sense was tingling! Not tingling like a lemonade would! That would just be silly! It is more like a tingling sensation through my whole body! Then it tingles like that it means that there is an interesting new non-pony in Ponyville! The new pony tingling is more like a tingling in my tummy. But I sometimes misjudge my growling stomach for a tingle that usually ends up with me wanting to throw a party for a pony that doesn’t even exist! But my friends like to party and since everypony is my friend whole Ponyville usually parties with me regardless! You look funny! Your head is wrapped up like a mummy! Are you preparing your costume for nightmare night? I love nightmare night! All the sweets are so yummy! But you will get a lot of sweets too, if I throw a party just for you! Right now you must feel sooo lonely, since you are new in town! But don’t you worry your mummylike little head! Aunty Pinkie is going to help you make frie-“

Her flow of speech was thankfully interrupted by an orange hand. I, by the end of that sentence, had my head trapped in a pink embrace, completely pressed against her generous assets. She just shamefully used my weakness against me, and my face turned slightly red. She used my immobility to playfully rub my head with her free hand.

How dare she!

Personally I couldn’t get much of her obnoxious blabbering. She was speaking fast and didn’t seem to think about things like breathing at all or at least I didn’t see her breathe. But this was not what disturbed me. The chest hugging didn’t…ok it did, but that was the normal kind of disturbing. The one I mean is the strange kind. It was how she got so close to me. I had jumped as she suddenly appeared out of thin air, and who could blame me. Not the greatest assassins could get near me!

An image of a girl flashed before my mind.

Better not think about it…

I was freed by the marshmallow, since the other two didn’t deem it necessary to help me. Xenophobic jerks.

First thing I did after I was free was bringing some distance between me and the pink demon, who was trying to defeat me with my secret weakness. No, not a demon, even though you could think her unnatural abilities could have something to do with it. But I will better keep an eye on her. Maybe she has demon ancestors?

I then turned my attention back to the pink pony. The three foals are currently trying to persuade the pink pony to postpone any party ideas. Saying things like I’m shy and that I wouldn’t want to meet a huge crowd.

“Duh! How can he make friends, if he doesn’t meet anypony!” was her simple, as well as cheery response. Cheery enough that I wanted to throw up, but I showed enough self-control to relent from such a notion.

It took them some convincing, but in the end they could postpone the…party. I still have no ideas why this thing would want to throw a party anyway. And since they think I’m a foal, there will be no booze anyway. The lord knows, booze would be the only reason I would agree to such a thing. It probably was also the only thing that could help me endure her preposterous chatter.

And hugs.

Or not. I’m not sure at this moment if I can drink enough booze to endure the latter.

They soon said their goodbyes with promises of making plans for a customized party for me.

As we were walking along the road, I could only form one response to this.

“What’s up with her?”

The chicken was quick to respond. “That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie. She throws a party for every new pony here in Ponyville.”

“But we managed to take care of it. So no need to worry!” blurted marshmallow. Ever the enthusiast.

“No, Sweetie. This is a problem. It’s just postponed, not cancelled. And that is not the only problem. Ponies might question his clothing, and didn’t you say that Rarity wants ta press him ta reveal himself sooner or later. The shy excuse, as well as the ‘He doesn’t want to get stared at and judged by his looks, like he has before’ excuse won’t always work on her or everypony else fer that matter. What do ya plan then?”

“We will cross that bridge ones we get to it.”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo blinked in response, clearly not satisfied with the answer. But any argument came to a halt, as our, dare I say it, caretaker spoke up.

“Um, girls…and Charming. We are here,” said the timid pegasus as she opened the door to her cottage. There were quite some animals and birdhouses and the cottage seemed to be rather distanced from the little town, as well as near to a forest. This would definitely be an advantage. I could start my training tonight and level up in no time!

We just made our way inside, as the three fillies run left and right, inspecting the home with excitement and bombarding seemingly nobody with questions. I just shook my head.

Brats.

Featherbrain seemed to be a little nervous. Muttering something about everything is going to be fine. I doubt that she could even convince herself with that weak act. Not that I cared. I just shrugged at her behaviour. It was her problem after all, not mine.

“So, girls. What should we do?”

“I’m gonna get my mark first!” replies the chicken.

“No, I!” replied marshmallow before walking my way and nuzzling my shoulder affectionately. “Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

I could only shudder in response.

“Eww!” I heard the other two say in unison and I could only agree with them.

“Take a room, you two!”

If looks could kill... Let’s just say, that I glared at the chicken with all my might, which resulted in a slight red glow of my eyes.

“You got a problem, chicken?”

“Do you, demon spawn?”

“You really got some guts. Either that or you are even more stupid, than I thought you are.” I slowly mulled this over. “Probably the latter.”

She just scoffed. “I wiped the floor with you the last time. Don’t forget that!”

We looked into each other’s eyes defiantly, as sparks slowly flew between us. That was probably a magical effect of my SP (special points, which I use for magic and combat moves), combined with her inherent pegasus magic. I was never a magic scholar, so that’s the best guess I have. Heck, for all I know this could be just a stupid cartoon effect and we are nothing more than mere pawns of a higher being, getting played to amuse an audience. Kind of a ridiculous thought to be honest. I think I will take the first explanation.

The tension slowly dissipated as soon as marshmallow got between us. She advised her friend to go through the plans for the evening, and that she did, albeit grudgingly.

With our gazes averted, so was the crisis.

I then calmed myself slightly. There wouldn’t be anything to gain from losing control now. I had her on my list and will have my revenge just the next day. All I need to do is gather some Mana tonight.

My gaze then went to the marshmallow, who had a hopeful look on her face.

“Just do what you came here for,” I said slightly annoyed, hoping that they would go to bed soon, so that I could start my training.

“Oh, we will for the night! But more importantly now, aren’t you going to join us?”

“I don’t even know what you are doing.”

“We are finding our cutie marks, of course! And maybe you can get one too, so you should join us!”

“What the he-

I felt a sudden sting in my head, as I clutched it in my hands.

What the hell is a cutie mark?

*GASP* You don’t know what a cutie mark is? said a small green colt shocked.

Do I look like a pony to you? I answered sarcastically, as I crossed my arms.

Good point. So to explain it short, a cutie mark is a mark, which you get, when you find your special talent! The mark will then appear on your flank!

I snorted. A rather strange spot for a mark, since the flank is always covered. Don’t you think?

The colt rubbed the back of his head slightly embarrassed. Well, that is the reason we stitch our cutie marks on our clothes. Would be really embarrassing to run around completely nude.

I snorted. Sounds stupid to me. Is this mark really worth getting turned to stone?

Hey! I was perfectly fine back there!

So you call your back to a rock face, while cornered by a cockatrice fine then? If it was not for me the cockatrice would have stoned your sorry hide.

The colt just glared at me, before changing the topic. Where is it anyway? You just said something about a pocket dimension and then it vanished…

This is my concern, not yours.

Fine! Be that way then! the colt pouted as he turned his back to me. I’m sure she would find it adorably cute and let out an earth-splitting squee, if she were here. I kind of miss her. I sighed. She probably would reprimand me right now, the moralizer. I could already hear her start the lecturing me about how I should behave and be friendly…

Whatever. Might at least try it. If not for the ponies, then for her.

Hey, colt. What’s your name anyway?

The colt turned around seeming slightly surprised by my response, but started smiling nonetheless.

My name i-

“Charming? Are you feeling alright?” asked the concerned voice of the marshmallow, which brought me out of my reverie.

“I’m fine! Just a headache. Go and do your thing. I will sit down for a bit.”

The concern in her eyes didn’t falter, but in the end she relented. “If you say so. I guess we will start our crusading without you...” She seemed pretty downcast at that, as she sighed disappointedly. “Just rest for now, ok?”

I nodded and she then joined her other two friends, who were already waving her over. After that I slumped down on the couch in the living room and started to unwrap the scarf from my head.

Featherbrain then approached me. “I could give you medicine against your headache, um, if that is ok with you.”

I just shook my head at her and gazed over at the three troublemakers. “Don’t you think you should have your eyes on them instead?”

The pegasus quickly left me, after sparing a glance at them and seeing that they were indeed up to nothing good. She tried to calm the minds of these three hyperactive ponies, but failed miserably. They talked about what they could do for the night, but I didn’t pay any attention to them. I was thinking back to the memory flash I just had.

I sighed. These memories. My memories. I had to realize something. They are a mess, since I was an eternity in stone. I knew a few things about my past, but miss most details and probably even some major points. It all seemed like there was a huge jumble in my head. A salad out of information, twirled together, not sorted, like it was supposed to be. Just as if sunbutt thought it might be funny to use a mixer on my brain. I could only hope that it would get sorted out over time. And even though I don’t want to admit it… Even though I want to brush it off as a small nuisance, it is still more. It feels like my identity lies in shatters and it bothers me greatly. Of course I try to keep it to myself. I can’t show any weakness to the ponies. I have to pull through with this.

Alone.

Who needs friends anyways? There are only allies and enemies in this world. Nothing more. No one can be trusted and that is why I have to level up fast.

Suddenly I felt a tap against my leg. I looked down to see the culprit, who dared to tear me out of my thoughts. It was a white little bunny, looking quite displeased.

I just snorted and ignored it. Best thing was to ignore such weird animals. It is kind of creepy, that some of them seem to be as smart as a pony. Really can ruin my appetite and besides I’m not going to have a talk or discussion with my food! Freaked me out when I found out cows could talk! Point twelve on my hate list by the way. Cows don’t freaking talk. They are meant to be grinded into burgers! I mean, how can you eat food, if it whines and begs for his life? You can’t is the simple answer. I’m glad that bunnies and chickens couldn’t talk (with the exception of the orange one). That would have totally ruined my diet.

I felt another tap and looked down. The bunny seemed quite persistent and motioned for me to get off the couch.

Creepy.

But in the end I scoffed at him. I mean, as an Overlord I’m of course not giving up this couch to a bunny. Neither is it necessary for me to form an oral response to a bunny. You know, because bunny. You can’t really have a conversation with it. At least not if you want to keep your dignity. Just picture it, treating a small fluffy bunny as an equal? That is unheard of! Or at least where I came from.

Tap, tap, tap. This was slowly getting annoying. Tap, tap, tap. Ok, VERY annoying. Tap, tap, tap.

I clenched my scarf into a fist with my will power, that’s how annoyed I was. Tap, tap, tap.

And then I leaned over to the bunny and used my hand to tip him on the chest. “Fuck.” Tip. “Off!” Tip.

…and bite.

That’s what the little bugger did as retort. I clenched my teeth and quickly pulled my finger back. He didn't drew any blood, but that didn't matter to me at that point.

“You little piece of…You know what? You want to do this the hard way, fine, let’s do this the hard way!” I said, as I grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and took him to an adjourned room. If he wants a fight, when he shall get one!

Once far enough away from the others, I activated my magic and the battlefield was readied. The little bugger looked a little nervous as I approached him. I just grinned at him. He wanted a fight, so he got one. Winner gets the couch. Simple as that.

I used a simple ‘Hurricane Slash’. Suffice to say that I won against the level 1 bunny.

Seriously though, I wouldn’t have survived another critical hit against my pride. It was already near the bottom. EXP were meager by the way and therefore weren’t enough for me to level up. But I at least was close to a level up because of it. So I certainly won’t complain.

As I gazed down at the unconscious form of the bunny I felt invigorated and quite a lot stronger, even though I was not. Winning a fight did seem to do me some good. It lifted my spirit from the events of the past day, or how long it was since I freed myself. And tonight I would definitely gain some levels in the forest. It wouldn’t be long until I subdued the marshmallow, claim back my title and then kick some more flank!

*Grumble*

But first things first. I needed some dinner, but no salad or other rabbit food. I needed something more…appropriate to my diet. Something more…

My gaze then fell back to the bunny.

There are so many animals in here. Featherbrain probably won’t miss one single bunny. I know I wouldn’t.

Sleepover With A Demon - Part 2

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Author's Notes:

Here it is! Probably took me long enough and I hereby apologize for the wait.

Also of notice is that I'm going to change a few style related things. I will start to write Bowgirl, Chicken, and Marshmallow with big letters at the beginning like normal names. It bugged me the whole time, so I will change it. Other than that, I will stop writing thoughts in cursive and use that for Flashbacks.

So...with that said. Go ahead, read, and give me an opinion. Critique is always welcome!

P.S. If you have read, when please tell me what you think about this new ending style I'm trying at the end. I think about using it in the future and maybe even write one's for the previous chapters.

P.P.S. Special Thanks to Texus for reading through this chapter beforehand and giving me an opinion on it!

I was feeling great, as I was trudging towards the kitchen, with the bunny clenched in my hand.

It probably was an eternity since I had my last proper meal with some fresh meat, and I was certain, that I can’t expect something like that from Rarity. Maybe I should come here more often? I mean, it would lighten Featherbrains work weight, if she has lesser animals, right?

“Wait, we were building a table?” I heard chicken say. I had to cringe as I turned around to look at what they had done. Whatever it was what they had worked on, it was no table. But it would probably count as some kind of art. Heck, I have seen stains that were sold as art! You only need a name to sell your garbage. However, I definitely wouldn’t hire those free to build me a new castle.

But to get back to the topic, I had a meal to prepare.

“Hey, I’m going to use the kitchen.” I called out to Featherbrain.

“Girls!” was all she said, as she was already trying to calm the girls again. She didn’t seem to hear me, or to care about it.

I simply shrugged as I walked to the doorframe inside the kitchen.

I then sighed. First came the preparation, before the cooking, and so that’s what I did. I took a chair to sit on and looked in one of the drawers for a knife that I could use for skinning.

I was just about to start, when I noticed something. The little bugger was still alive, and I was certainly not cruel enough to skin this little feller alive.

With the knife in my hand, I moved it slowly closer to its throat. “Sorry, you little jerk. But that’s just the natural order. Prey and predator, and you have the bad luck to be a prey animal. It might also have to do with your behavior. I mean seriously, which prey deliberately fucks with a predator? You have to be a big fool t-”

I then stopped my ramblings for a moment before I face palmed.

“God dammit. Now I’m talking with my food! That makes me feeling like the big fool!”

“…Charming?”

I turned to my left, which leads to the living room and spotted Featherbrain. “Oh, it’s you.” She was looking slightly nervous.

“W-what are you doing?” she asked cautiously.

“Dinner,” I answered with a neutral expression, before I began to frown.

Right. I’m living in a herbivore society. Point number 9 on my hate list. It was actually one of the first points I added to my list. If you eat meat in Equestria you are pretty much a wild beast to the ponies. It’s no wonder gryphons normally don’t find their way here, not even for vacation. I mean, who would make vacation in a country, where you would have to deal with resentment every single day? The country can be as beautiful as possible, you still have to be pretty brave or stupid to pull through a vacation here. You have to be even crazier or braver for staying here even though that hostility. I’m of course the latter.

Featherbrains gaze hardened, and she stepped closer to me. A new air of confidence suddenly embraced her. It was quite unexpected and left me dumbfounded. She just stood right before me, and was practically towering over me with a scolding look, just like a mother which caught a child with a hand in a cookie jar. Quite ridiculous. Even more ridiculous that I found myself the tiniest bit intimidated by it.

“Now listen here, Mister! We are not killing any animals here!”

I gathered my composure at her outburst and scoffed at that ridiculous statement.

“Don’t tell me all your animals are herbivores,” was my rather short retort. And actually, I was probably even right with that. She was a pony after all. Heaven forbid that there are beings consuming the meat of innocent animals! I face palmed again. No, not heavens… I really need to stop doing that.

She surprised me as she just shook her head. “I am taking care of other animals too. Harry the bear comes to me for his fair share of food too. So you see, if you need something, I can help you. I even meant to! So there is no need for this!”

I raised an eyebrow at that, ushering her to explain herself.

“Well, you see, Sweetie Belle explained me your situation after I asked her about your canines… She told me that she lied to Rarity about you being a pony…”

That set off all alarm bells, as I visibly tensed. That idiot! Was I found out from the very beginning? If yes, then I had no time to lose. I need an escape route. Best thing would be the forest. Just run in there until I lost them and then fly in the shadow of the night as cover. Further thoughts however were cut off by the timid mare.

“She elaborated that you were a rare breed between a gryphon and a minotaur.”

…Seriously? I mean sure, it might be a bit of a relief that she didn’t blur out that she wants to date a demon, but still… Is this really any better? Ponies are not friendly towards those both races either.

“And said that this is the cause of your…condition.”

I groan. Sure. My ‘condition’. That’s just dumb.

“I’m healthy,” I declare to stop her from talking me into any kind of hospital visits. I already expected that this may come up sometime. I just didn’t expect it to come from a timid pegasus.

The pegasus recoils slightly at that. “Oh, um…” And starts stammering and fidgeting in place. Seems like I called her out and now she tries to form a response to prove me wrong.

I just hold up a hand. “Stop right there. I’m not the least bit interested in any doctor talk now. Just say what you have to say.” I was getting slightly irritated now. That’s actually kinda funny, if you think that I was slightly intimidated just a minute ago.

She seems to get more nervous at my commanding tone, but seems to get her composure back as she gazed at the rabbit I still have clenched in my hand by its ears.

“I can help you with your nourishment. Sweetie Belle wants to keep it a secret from Rarity, as well as your parents race, since she probably wouldn’t react…nice to it.”

Thanks for stating the obvious! I totally didn’t expect that from Miss Prim and Proper! I actually had to grin at that as I noticed something. Her statement had an obvious flaw. “You have to keep it a secret from every other pony then too, or do you think others are as open to consuming meat like you, who’s job it is?”

It still is weird to consider that she is ok, with it. Of course it makes sense with her caring for all kinds of animals, but it still is something I didn’t expect. That doesn’t mean that I trust her, but maybe I could use her for my own profit. She said she can help my nourishment after all. A demon can’t live from pancakes alone. Well, he probably can, but it isn’t healthy. I want to have my stats at top, when I face guards or the princesses at one point.

But back to the topic. Her face slightly fell at that, as she hung her head. “I know.”

So she had her fair share of problems with it too? Interesting.

Her gaze then hardened once again, as she lifted her head. “Now hand over Angel, now!”

I recoiled slightly at her light outburst, and gazed at her questioningly, before my gaze drifted to the bunny.

“Wait. You seriously call this devil, Angel?”

Her gaze seemed to harden at that. “Let him go now!”

I grunted in annoyance, before I handed him to her. No need in picking a fight…yet.

She secured him safely in her arms before gazing at me again.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” she then asserted in an authoritative tone. I just turned my head away from her and huffed.

Annoying pony.

“Now get up at your room and think about what you did!” She said in an angered voice as she pointed towards the staircase.

Like I did anything.

“Oh, and don’t worry. I will bring dinner to you then.” The second part was spoken in a much softer voice to my confusion.

Heck, her mood just 180. Is she pregnant or something? But there was another question I had to ask. Something she obviously missed.

“And there exactly is ‘my room’?”

Her eyes widened in realization. “Oh. Just follow me,” she said meekly, as she led the way.

I didn’t complain as I followed her up the stairs. She then opened the second door on the left to show me a rather littered room. Littered mainly with animal food and other animal related things, like bird houses. There was also a bed. It was the only thing that showed that this room was in fact a bedroom. Fluttershy saw me stare at all of her animal equipment and gave me an apologetic look, along with an apology and the information, that this was the only other guestroom she had, since her normal one was meant for the crusaders. It’s good that I was separated, even though the condition of the room was slightly annoying. But it will do. I will train most of the night anyway. And this also gives me the perfect escape chance. I just have to open one of the two windows on the wall.

*Grumble*

Featherbrain giggled. “Don’t worry, I will make some dinner for you now.” And with that she vanished through the door to ‘my room’.

Unfortunately I had to agree with the pegasus about one thing. I needed food. There was no reason to train with an empty stomach. So I will wait for my dinner first. She would also notice me missing, if I left now. And I didn’t want her to arrange search groups to find me.

And undoubtedly Rarity would hear about this.

I want to avoid soap, if I can help it.

But I better go back to cheerier thoughts. Dinner in bed. I smirked at that. Not that bad of a ‘punishment’. Probably be an eternity since I last had dinner in be-

Another sting of pain shot through my skull, pictures of a cockatrice came to my mind, as well as pictures of me sitting on a campfire with a platter of eggs in my hands, along with a colt and a gryphon. The colt eyeing the cockatrice warily, while the gryphon was drinking and laughing, as the cockatrice was cuddling up to me.

“Is everything to your satisfaction, Master?” did it ask.

She was important somehow. One of my generals, yet I remember so little about her and the others. But still, I think she was a good comrade.

Right…

I sighed. I really could use a good companion right about now. This whole situation just annoyed me on no end. I mean, where do I even start?! I had so much to do to reclaim my rightful reign over the ponies! I sighed again. I needed to calm down. First level up, then information, weapons and armor, and maybe I find a comrade along the way. Yes. That sounded like a plan I could follow. After I was prepared, I would then save my loyal comrade and co-ruler. And then it means, bye royal butts!

I let out a sinister laugh at that.

“Dinner is ready,” I heard a squeaky voice say, as the door suddenly swung open, as the marshmallow walked inside with a tray of food in her hand.

I frowned at her entrance. Best thing would be to set some things right with her.

She walked in with a spring in her step, before sitting down on the bed beside me. She took the fork, grabbed a piece, of what seemed to be some cooked fish, and tried to bring it to my mouth.

“Say ahhhhhhhhhhhh!”

My hand came out and hit the fork out of her hand. I wouldn’t stand for any more of this.

The fork clattered ominously on the ground, and marshmallow looked at me with big surprised eyes.

A silence followed shortly afterwards. I broke it before marshmallow could utter a response.

“No more of this,” I said clearly.

“What do you mean?” she asked confused.

“Don’t treat me like a child. Do you have any idea who I am?” My voice dropped into a low menacing tone. Not that the marshmallow had the sense to feel threatened.

“Of course I do! You are my Prince Charming! The one I have to protect with all my might!”

I scoffed at her obliviousness. “I don’t need any protection. Even if I lost my levels, I can regain them on my own and I certainly don’t need you watching over me.”

“But you are weak! A mare has to protect her stallion! Everypony knows that!”

“I am not a stallion, and I don’t need protection! At least not from you! I would go even as far as to say that the only protection I might need is FROM you!”

“Why are you saying things like that? I mean, I know that you like to put on a display of strength, but this is not the way. You can trust me.” She said, getting more confident during the end.

“You killed me almost repeatedly, but that’s not important right know. I will follow along, because I have to, but don’t even think for a split second that I can stand you. My hatred for your kind shines bright, but even brighter does my hatred for you! You come here and try to act like you care about me, even though I know you don’t!”

“I do care!” marshmallow protested.

I snorted at that. “Prove it and answer me one simple question. If you can do that I will never question you again.”

She nodded fervently. “I will.”

“What is my name?”

“…Wait, what? This one is a little too easy, don’t you think? Your name is Prince Charming!”

I shook my head. “No. My real name, not the one you gave me.”

She started to look insecure, while her eyes darted around the room. No doubt she was in deep thought.

“I…”

“You don’t even know the name of the being you supposedly care for?”

“I do! It… It is…”

“The being you say, you are in love with?”

“You see…”

“What does this say about you and your ‘feelings’?” I underlined the last word sarcastically.

“Names are only smoke and mirrors!” she blurted out in a desperate attempt to defend her obliviousness. I only shook my head at this.

“You never tried to learn it to begin with. It’s part of one’s identity, and you didn’t even try to get the name from me. So how can you expect me to believe you?”

This time she didn’t say anything. She just looked at the ground ashamed.

“That’s what I thought. And now get out,” I said with the low menacing tone again.

Her ears flattened on her skull and she hurried out, giving me one last glance, before she closed the door.

I sighed as I picked up the plate and started eating.

She wasn’t going to be the companion I needed.

Back with the marshmallow

I sighed as I got down the stairs meeting my two friends. I didn’t feel so happy anymore. I thought it was a good idea to bring him his food myself, but it wasn’t.

No. That’s not what the bad idea was. I totally neglected him. I never cared to ask his name. Maybe he said it on our first meeting even, and I didn’t listen to him.

I didn’t care.

It was something so basic, and I just neglected it. I don’t know what I can do now to make it up for him. Does he really hate me that much? What can I do to change it, or was everything lost?

My glum mood seemed to be noticed by my friends, as they asked what was bothering me. I just brushed it off and said that I was tired.

Fluttershy then said that it was time for us to head to bed too. My friends protested, but I didn’t. We headed upstairs as they lost the argument against Fluttershy and I glanced at the door of the room my fiancé was occupying. I thought it would be easier to have a coltfriend. Nopony ever told me it would be so hard!

Well, Rarity did, I think. But it was never mentioned in the bedtime stories she read to me!

Nor in Rarity’s private collection that she hides behind the books of her bookshelf. But those were at least useful in gathering knowledge about pair activities at night.

We made our way into the guest bedroom and lied down on the bed. It was big enough to hold all three of us.

Fluttershy sung us a lullaby. I knew it, but didn’t feel like singing along. She soon left the room and I stared at the ceiling.

“What is wrong, Sweetie Belle?” asked Apple Bloom, noticing my mood. “Did that demon say anything mean to ya?”

I shook my head. “It’s not that. Quite the opposite in fact. I was mean to him in a way. Did you notice that we didn’t even know his name? I could have easily found it out during our fights, but I didn’t pay it any heed. I think I’m a horrible fiancé to him.”

Scootaloo scoffed at that. “Please! As if he would care about you! We should just give him over to the town guard! Demons are dangerous after all!”

My determination steeled. “He is not dangerous!”

“Do I really have to remind you about the wild demon attacks on Ponyville? And did these demons look peaceful to you?”

“He is different! I just know it!”

“The first thing he did when he saw us was attack us!”

“This might be, but he is not like the others! He is just misunderstood! And I thought we were already past that topic! You promised me to give him a chance!”

Scootaloo hung her head slightly. “Yeah, we did… Sorry about that Sweetie, but I just can’t trust him like you do.”

“Ah agree with Scoots here. Mah sister always told me that ah have to run inside when the demons come out. Even though he looks not like these tree stump things, or those small flying varmints.”

I sighed. “We are going to spend some more time with him tomorrow. And then you can convince yourself that he is as weak and fragile and harmless as he looks. As for me… I will have to think of something to make it up for him.”

I then stood up and looked out of the window. “I hope it is not too late to apologize.”

Just as I said that I noticed a form walking into the Everfree forest. I could make it out with ease. My eyes somehow had little trouble seeing through the dark night. It didn’t concern me. What concerned me was my fiancé. He was heading straight into the Everfree!

I gasped, as I dragged my two friends out of the bed.

“Hey! What gives?!” I heard Scootaloo complain.

“Charming just walked into the Everfree! We have to save him before he hurts himself!”

“Ah don’t know. Mah sister told me ta stay away from that forest. Especially since a lot of demons attack Ponyville from that point.”

“Maybe we get cutie marks as explorers, or heroes for entering the forest and saving him!” I bursted out.

My friends seemed to consider it, before sporting grins. We all breathed in and were ready to shout, but Apple Bloom stopped us.

“Maybe we should wait until we are in the forest. Fluttershy might hear that!”

“And she didn’t hear our constant yelling?” asked Scootaloo raising an eyebrow.

“We don’t have time for this! Let’s hurry, before it is too late for him!”

Both nodded and I started to smile again.

Don’t worry, my love. We will save you.

Back with our Ex-Overlord

“Achoo!” I rubbed my nose. “I really must be weak, if the temperatures here have an influence on me. Well, it is time to change that!”

I walked into the forest. I was already dressed in my disguise. I did that right after I finished eating. Wouldn’t be so smart if someone would find out that I roamed this land again after all.

The path I was currently on was a good a starting point as any, though I probably won’t find many enemies here, so I quickly strayed from it slightly, but also not too far. I didn’t know these woods, and I didn’t want to take a risk. I needed low level enemies or more preferably, critters.

I found them. Not that the annoying noises of the owls weren’t that hard to spot, but you get my point.

I took quite a few out, together with bats I also found. Featherbrain would probably have a heart attack…or more precisely get authoritative again. Meh, it’s not like she will find out about this anyway.

It didn’t take long for my first level up and I could already feel my power returning. Level 2 was a start, and I was planning to make many more throughout the night. Demons are more durable than ponies and would without a problem survive a night without sleep. Not that ponies wouldn’t survive it, but a demon can go through one without having any signs of missing sleep.

However, my training continued and I made some good progress. I didn’t encounter anything too troublesome, only critters.

Good thing that I wasn’t on the path too. I could then I spotted a critter just activate the battle field. Every other critter I didn’t spot would get visible like that through their health bar. And most importantly, they were trapped and couldn’t run from me. It was no wonder that I made so much progress.

Level after level was farmed and soon I stood at level 5. Also things were now getting slower. Guess I’m ready to go on a fox hunt now. That would make at least more XP, albeit this forest probably can’t provide me with levels forever. I didn’t see anything with a higher level in here, so this could be just another harmless critter forest. Equestria had a few of those.

Oh, hold on a moment! We got something here!

I spotted a small cockatrice. In my opinion a really young one. And an equestrian one, by the way. Not that I expected demons to roam here freely. I was probably the last one left.

It would give me a few levels, so I prepared to jump, only to realize that it was chased by a Manticore, Level 15.

“Well, I better leave him his prey,” I said, not interested in confronting anything I couldn’t take on. But I will admit that I was glad that there were enemies here that there stronger than normal critters. This will help me with my training.

Back with the three fillies in the search of a demon

“Who are you calling, chicken?! I think it is hard enough that the demon does that!”

I could only sigh in exasperation. As if it wasn’t bad enough that we were in this dark forest, and that my fiancé was nowhere in sight, they had to argue.

“Come on, we are not going to save my fiancé by arguing.

“Well, maybe arguing is our special talent!” exclaimed Apple Bloom.

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!

“Is too!” She then lifted her skirt to show her flank to Scootaloo. “Anything yet?”

“No.”

“Darn!”

The two of them then broke out into laughter, and I had to giggle too at their silliness. It certainly relieved some of the tension. I mean, being in the dark and dangerous Everfree Forest at night? This just screamed bad idea all over the place. I only hoped we wouldn’t run into anything we couldn’t take on. Well, with my increased level, that was granted by the power of my love I’m sure everything will be fine.

I failed to see the shadows moving in the dark of the night. But instead I saw was the shape of a pony ahead. It looked like Twilight! She could probably help us! I neared her with a spring in my step, even though I found it strange that she didn’t move.

Back to Laharl’s training session

I was just minding my own business when I heard it.

Screams.

Those screams. It didn’t take a genius to see that the brats followed me into the forest, and I could already bet, who’s stupid idea it was…

Seriously, what was so hard to understand on ‘Fuck off’?

I was immediately flying towards the screams, without even giving my body the command. It just moved on his own, as strange as this sounds.

I squinted my eyes, as I zoomed past the trees. There was a small clearing up ahead and I could already see a few forms ahead. Short before the clearing I stopped and landed on a tree. I approached the clearing carefully and took in the situation.

I saw three stone statues. One of a unicorn mare I have never seen before, while the two others, were the statues of the chicken and the bowgirl. Marshmallow was not far away from them, as she cowered at a tree, on the edge of the clearing, sobbing heavily. A cockatrice was fast approaching her, while three others were standing nearby.

I blinked, after I checked their levels and then facepalmed.

How stupid can she be?!

You have to know at this point that cockatrices are a rather physically weak species. Most of them fully concentrate on their stone stare Special Skill. Other dangers like Timberwolves are avoided through their flying ability. So, to summarize this now short: cockatrices are nothing more than scared chickens, who will only take on prey they are confident to subdue.

See, why I wanted to turn the orange chicken into a cockatrice now? I can be quite witty, if I say so myself.

But to get back on topic, the marshmallow was pathetic. Like you can already guess by now, the level on a cockatrice normally stays very low, since they avoid most fights through her stare, and I didn’t even mention its naturally low DEF state yet. And one other things. Those were not even completely grown yet. One was maybe adolescent, while the others were kids. So now lookie here! The cockatrices sported only levels varying from 4 to 6, and that means mad marshmallow could knock them out with a simple punch!

She is acting like she is completely…new…to…this…powers…God dammit. She is, isn’t she? So she has no demon blood in her naturally, and this means, I somehow affected her after all.

I sighed. That can be partially true. There is the slight possibility that she is part demon and her powers were awoken by my magic. I slowly rubbed my temple. There is Defender then you need him? He was always the one with the analytical mind. I would have an answer to this question already if he was here.

I watched the scene in front of me, as the lizard chicken was now standing on top of her frightened form trying to stare her down, albeit without success. I smirked. They can’t harm her and they won’t do anymore now. It was time to get into action. However, I also want to put on a show. I opened my menu and searched through my items, spotting just what I was looking for. Heck, I always wanted to try out that movie scene!

Back to a terrified marshmallow

This was a horrible idea!

I could do nothing more than tremble, as these monsters approached me. After we discovered Twilight’s statue, we were suddenly surrounded by them. Scootaloo was going in an offensive stance, but turned to stone suddenly! It started slow enough with her hooves, and she panicked instantly as she noticed. Apple Bloom, who tried to help her didn’t far any better, and she followed quickly after her.

I on the other hand didn’t do anything. I just quivered, like the scared foal I was. I didn’t even TRY to help them, as they died before my eyes. I was too paralyzed by it. It was a wonder in itself that my body moved away from them. But that was probably only instinct, and even this just left me, as I broke down sobbing. Pleading for this nightmare to end.

One of the monsters walked onto my hooves and stared into my eyes, and I decided to simply wait for my end.

Nopony would save me.

Suddenly I could hear something. It started quiet enough, but soon turned up in volume and was clearly recognized as…music?

I was confused by this, and the monsters seemed to be confused too. Who would play music in the middle of the night in a forest? Especially such a happy one at that. It was completely contrary to the situation I was in.

All of a sudden Charming stepped out of the underbush, walking along, slightly swinging his hips to the melody.

My eyes lit up at first. ‘He was here to save me!’ was my initial thought, but it was brushed aside pretty fast. Charming was no fighter, even if he acted like one. He was so delicate and fragile. He could only fall to these creatures…

Three of the monsters suddenly stormed towards him, and I just wanted to close my eyes, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t avoid my stare. I was frozen in place!

Then happened the unexpected. He just kicked them, one after another, to the beats of the music! They flew slightly and tumbled to the ground, dazed by his performance.

He then approached me and the last one of these monsters.

I squealed in excitement. He was here. He was trying to save me! ME! Even though our little argument earlier! He cared for me!

Charming stood before me and the monster and then took his neck in his grip, and lifted it from the ground, looking into its deadly red eyes.

The monster seemed intent in staring him down, but Charming didn’t falter. He showed his predatory teeth in a smile, which seemed to frighten the monster. He then began to laugh.

“Hmhmhm… Haaahahahaha!!!!!”

I swooned. Only he could pull off such a hearty and beautiful laugh.

“You fool! There is no thing like a ‘petrification’ status ailment in my game! This renders your little ability completely useless against me!”

The monster squawked in fright, as it seemed to fully understand the meaning of his words.

“How about we make a deal. You will stay alive with your siblings, as long as you free all your victims here out of their stone prison immediately and swear to never touch any sapient beings again, otherwise I have to take the only other route to free them, which ends with your death. And let me tell you, I have no problem with that.” He proceeded to lick his teeth. “I’m rather hungry and would have use for a good piece of meat right know.”

The monster gulped and nodded fervently in understanding, and quickly got to work, after Charming loosened his grip so that it could slump back to the earth.

I on the other hand paid it no heed. I had only eyes for my fiancé. I mean, the way he said that and acted. The authority he emitted. This unseen side of him… So strong and powerful. He was not only my fiancé anymore, he was my hero. I wanted him. I wanted him to love me back. To need me, like I needed him. For real, and not as some kind of ‘fantasy’ of mine, like he called it. But how?

Back to Laharl

I grinned as the lizard chicken ran off to do its job. Its siblings quickly followed suit, as they had watched this whole situation play out. Kind of a pity that I couldn’t just knock them out to get the needed EXP, but to free the ponies was a priority. A stone prison was all other than comfortable. The only ponies I would wish it on, were the royal butts.

And there was another thing that occupied my mind. This line I said, about the status ailment. It kind of gave me a déjà vu. I knew, I had said the same line before, even though I had no idea, why I said game, but that was something I could figure out at a later date. The most important thing was that I just let these fillies get indebted to me. This could build some trust and bring them to keep their mouths shut during my stay here. Maybe they could even help me find a map and get information about the location of my comrade. This would better my situation immensely.

“You saved me.”

After hearing the marshmallows voice, I turned around to her. Her eyes were sparkling, and I had quite a bad feeling about this. Best thing was to set the score right.

“I only did it, because I can’t just let a chicken wear the title of the Overlord. That would have been a pain in the ass to track down! And besides, you and your friends are now indebted to me!”

“If you say so!” she said cheerfully as she hugged me, simply ignoring or not caring for my statement.

I gave an annoyed grunt. “Things will have to change for this to work.”

She blinked owlishly as she released me of her hug. “What do you mean?”

At that exact same moment trudged three ponies in our midst. It were her two friends, closely followed by a purple unicorn.

“You are alright!” exclaimed the marshmallow as she ran towards the girl to glomp them in a group hug.

The unicorn was slightly rubbing her head. “What happened?”

Huh. What to say? I had the need to brag, but this could draw suspicion and unwanted attention to me…

And just in that moment marshmallow turned around with a huge smile on her face. “My fiancé saved us!”

I sighed. The decision made itself it seems.

Purplebutt blinked confused. “Fiancé?”

Just in that moment Featherbrain was closing in on us, a small cockatrice following behind her. I didn’t mind. It was even smaller than the others and wouldn’t cause me any trouble.

“Oh goodness! I’m so glad you are all alright!”

Seems like our party is complete now.

I grunted. “It needs more than a few immature cockatrices to take me down.”

Marshmallow cheered. “That’s right! He beat the four cockatrices with his bare hands!”

Purplebutt blinked confused at me. Probably having a hard time believing it.

“But that is impossible! He is just a foal! How could he avoid getting turned to stone?!”

“He is strong and was living in the forest for quite some time. His vast knowledge about the woods and his inhabitants led to his victory over the four cockatrices.”

I hummed appreciatively. Marshmallows point was completely improvised, but also held some truth in it. I have lived out on my own fighting monsters, as long as I can think.

“But how could he overpower them physically, and how is he not a lawn ornament right now?” And purplebutt tries it again. I could only snort at such ridiculous questions. She didn’t seem to appreciate this notion however, as she raised an eyebrow.

“Is something funny?”

I only smirked. “You don’t know anything about them do you? Well, let me enlighten you about them then! I will make it short, so that even a pony like you can grasp it!”

She seemed downright indignant at this and I could already tell that her rage was building, but I didn’t give her a chance to interrupt me.

“Cockatrices defense state is relatively small. They may have a lizard hide, but it is designed to withstand weather and temperatures, not brutal force. Additionally, they almost never fight and completely trust their stare in fight or their in fleeing from stronger opponents. They are physically weak. Those ones especially, since they were not even fully grown. All I had to do was avoid looking them directly in the eyes. Get it?” I finished abruptly.

Purplebutt made an annoyed huff, before readying herself to retaliate my mental onslaught.

But was halted by Featherbrain who loomed over me. “That’s not very nice!”

I took a step back at this. “Excuse me?!”

“You shouldn’t hurt small innocent creatures like that!”

“They were the ones attacking!”

Stupid animal lover.

“They were only aggressive because they lost their youngest.” She then gestured to the smallest cockatrice who was following her and who was currently having something stupid like a sappy family reunion with the others. “Even though I can’t really approve of their behavior, it doesn’t mean you can just do the same!”

“Listen here, Missy. I was living in the wilderness far longer than you can imagine. I know how it is if everything around you is trying to kill you! It’s either fight or get killed, and I sure as hell had no intention to die or let them die for that matter. That’s the life I had been living! And it’s not like I killed them or something,” I defended, thoroughly annoyed with her.

The look on her face seemed to soften at this. As did on everybody else.

What did I say?

“You poor little thing,” came from Featherbrain, as she closed in to hug me. Just what is it with her mood swings?! I luckily halted her with a hand, before she could come too close to me. Heaven knows I don’t want her to hug me to her generous assets. I wouldn’t survive such an onslaught, even if they are rather well hidden under her casual clothes. Not that the clothes could fool me. I had more than enough experience to evaluate such a threat.

“No touching. I had quite enough of that, and I think I will hit the hay now. So let’s get back.”

I made a step back towards the cottage, but was halted by Featherbrain. “Wait. What were you all even doing outside? I was worried about you!”

I sighed. “I can’t just get soft. I need the exercise, and I doubt Rarity would let me get it. She seemed to be obsessed in keeping everything clean.” I then turned to the three plagues. “As for the other ones, they probably followed me against their better judgement.”

“Can somepony tell me what’s going on here?!” yelled a frustrated purplebutt.

“It’s like they say, the ones with the smaller packages are the most venomous.”

It took her a moment to catch on. She didn’t seem to be the brightest. “WHAT?!”

Fluttershy tried to calm her as we walked back and explained the situation as good as she could. I personally didn’t care. Marshmallow walked up to me, but I stopped her before she could get started.

“I will elaborate the ground rules soon enough, so don’t get any funny ideas!”

She looked to the other two mares walking ahead of us, making sure they wouldn’t hear her. I was wondering at that point what she had planned. “I just wanted to ask you your real name.

I blinked at her incredulously. “Seriously? And why would I want to tell you that? So that you feel better and corroborated in your pursuit of your fake love?”

“Hey, ya give her a break. She was going inta the forest for ya.”

“It was a bust, though. We didn’t get any cutie marks in being heroes,” added chicken to the conversation.

I only smirked. “Maybe your cutie mark is for being damsels in distress!” I exclaimed with as much sarcasm as I could muster. They didn’t hear it.

Almost immediately, they all lifted their skirts to take a look at their flank.

“Goddammit! Stop that!”

This was so disturbing. Featherbrain seemed to have the same thought too.

“Girls, I think you shouldn’t lift your skirts in public.”

Thank you! Although a little too late for that. God, I don’t want to think about the nightmares this will bring to me. Well, I saw worse things in the bathtub…

Goddammit! Know this image will haunt me in my sleep!

The girls just nodded with a blush on their faces. Well, all except the marshmallow. She only grinned at me, like a wolf would at its prey. I better set the ground rules fast.

We resumed walking and soon reached the cottage. Featherbrain said her goodbyes to purplebutt who looked at me with pity. What is up with that?

Before we slit up into our rooms, I wanted to make one thing clear to the three brats.

“There is one thing I have to say, mainly because marshmallow here probably forgot about it.”

“We are already on a nickname base?” gushed said marshmallow. I ignored her. It would be better for the rest of my sanity.

“I only did save you for one simple reason.”

“And what reason would that be?” asked the chicken with suspicion in her voice.

“So you owe me. And do you know what it means to owe their life to a demon?” I started to smirk at that point. It seemed to unnerve bowgirl.

“No,” told me chicken flatly. Or at least she tried to be as emotionless as possible, but I could see that it unnerved her too.

I now had a toothy grin on my face. This is going to be good.

“This makes you my vassals.”

Next Episode Preview

Scootaloo and Applebloom are appalled. Being vassals is not what they dreamed of!

What are you doing?

They concoct a devious scheme to end their life as vassals, before it even begins!

Should we be worried ‘bout her?

That’s right! They try to overthrow him with the help of a whole pallet of soap! A merciless battle begins!

Soap?! I hate that stuff!

Charming gets cornered, but don’t you fear, your darling wife Sweetie Belle is here!

Wait. Since when are we married?

With the power of love we defeat them together, and he finally realizes what he missed his entire life!

Yeah, a bullshit detector to stay away from you as far as possible!

Getting dragged by the two delinquents in a romantic carriage they start their honeymoon!

Ugh. As if we would drag you in a carriage with him!

Next time on: Love Angel Sweetie
Episode 11: Crusading With A Demon

Let the love guide us in finding our cutie marks!

Maybe my magic affected her more than I thought?

Meeting the Number One Assistant

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“But what about our crusading?!” exclaimed an exasperated Marshmallow to her sister.

We were currently standing in the Carousel Boutique, after Rarity fetched us from Featherbrain. She didn’t tell her about the incident last night. Would be stupid if she had honestly. I mean, she missed to watch us, so that we walk off into a dangerous forest at night? Yeah, not such a good thing to say.

Worse would have been that I was walking into the forest first and that the three fillies followed me. Go figure who Rarity would have punished the hardest if that came out. And I know her punishment methods.

Ugh, soap. I will try to avoid that one. At least until I can subdue her.

But let’s get back to the discussion. Seems like Marshmallow wants me to spend her day with her while they do some ‘crusading’. I personally couldn’t care less normally, but I rather wanted to join her when the alternative came up.

“I told you that I need to do some shopping for his first day of school and his new room. And after that we have to meet up with Cheerilee. It won’t take the whole day. So you should just start without him.”

Yeah. Not gonna happen.

“How about no?” I answer her with as much disdain as I could muster. “I’m not going to school! I think my knowledge is more than sufficient to manage things here for the rest of my life.”

“Oh, really? Then what can you tell me about the history of the three pony tribes?”

I scoffed. “I don’t need to know such crap!”

“Careful, Charming. You are treading on thin ice,” she warns me in a scolding motherly tone.

I just scoff again, but don’t reiterate. I’m not eager for another mouth full of soap.

Rarity meanwhile rubs her temples in an attempt to calm down.

“Please lend me an ear, Charming. You may see it differently, but education is of utmost importance. Especially in a world as dangerous as this. You don’t want to ‘turn’ now, do you?”

I just cocked an eyebrow at that.

‘What exactly does she mean?’

She continued before I could question her further.

“Especially the lessons in Demon Lore are important to help you live through the day and have a better understanding of this country and its workings.”

‘Interesting,’ I think. ‘Can I get information that easily? It would help catch up with everything what happened in the past, what was it, thousand years? I had honestly no idea what happened to the demons I left behind. This could be useful after all!’

“Fine,” I relented. I might as well try this ‘school’ out, if only for the sake of gathering intel.

“I still don’t think this is a good idea!” complains Marshmallow.

I could only cock an eyebrow at that, not understanding why she would protest, since it would lead me to spend more time with her. You know, going to the same school since this backwater town seems to only have one?

“How about we make a compromise then? I will take him to Cheerilee first, and he can after that join you directly. I will just do the shopping myself after I escort him to Sweet Apple Anchors.”

Marshmallow nodded, but she still looked queasy.

I didn’t really ponder on it, as my vassals were going ahead. Chicken and Bowgirl didn’t seem to mind. I will still have to show them their rightful place later on.

We were walking through Ponyville. I was getting eyed by a whole lot of ponies as soon as we drew closer to the inner village.

Unnecessary to say that I didn’t like the attention. I’d rather have them groveling at my feet.

“Are we there yet?” I asked annoyed.

“Not yet.”

“Now?” I asked again after a few steps.

“No, Charming.”

“Yet?”

I could see her gritting her teeth. “No. And we will still take a bit!”

“Why does she have to live in the middle of this village?!” I asked annoyed, as another pony eyed me. I felt like an animal being watched in a zoo. I guess that is the disadvantage of the disguise. But better then without one. It is also mention worthy that they have a lot of guards stationed here. I didn’t see that the day before, since we travelled only at the edge of it and not in the middle like now. I wonder if this is a strategically important village?

‘Ugh! Are we still not there?!’

“…”

“Are we finally there yet?!” I groaned frustrated.

“NO! NO! NO! WE ARE NOT THERE YET!”

“And now?”

“I swear by Celestia, Charming, if you don’t stop asking this question this instant, I will give you a makeover and dress you in the most frilly ensemble I have in my boutique!”

“Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try!”

An unladylike smirk suddenly appeared on her face. “Oh, I have no problems with that~”

I suddenly froze as the color drained from my face. I knew very well that she had the muscle, or in this case cheater magic, to back it up. I only grumbled at that. “Fine.”

This seemed to lift her mood a little.

Well until someone run her over and she stumbled to the ground with said pony.

A smirk of my own appeared on my face at that.

‘Justice!’

The cream colored pony meanwhile stood up. She had a pair of glasses on and a red mane with purple streaks to it. She wore a black sweater which did a good job at hiding the form her curves and bust, which I was quite thankful for. The jeans in contrast was more tight fitting. I’m not thankful for that.

Suddenly a cold shiver run up my spine as I eyed the mare further. Call it instinct, call it self-preservation drive, but this mare gave me a bad vibe. I immediately was behind Rarity, just as a safety measure of course! There is nothing wrong with using her as a living meat shield. It’s what demons do.

“I’m sorry!” said the new mare hastily in what seemed more like panic than nervousness. “I just got distracted!”

“It’s alright dear,” Rarity groaned out as she stood up, helping the other mare shortly afterwards. “But I must admit that I’m quite curious. Why are you in such a hurry, Moondancer?”

“It is Twilight! Sheshesheshe-!”

Rarity lay a comforting hand on the strange named mares shoulder. Actually they are all strange named. This was a real issue with this place. Even after being trapped here for so long I could never really get accustomed to it. I mean, Moondancer? What comes next? Rainbow Dash? Yeah, I snorted at that. Twilight Sparkle was just as ridiculous. Wait, didn’t she just talk about her?

“What happened?”

“Well, it was like this-“

POV: Moondancer

Last Night

‘Where is she?!” I thought in panic as I paced around the room. ‘She said she only wanted to take a walk. That she would be back in an hour. That she didn’t need me looking out for her, but of course she needed me! I should have never agreed to stay behind!’

My ear flicked back as I could hear the distinct creaking of a door.

“I’m back,” I heard Twilight say with a tired yawn.

I instantly zipped in front of her and she flinched at my worry-filled face.

“Where were you?! I was worried sick!”

She lifted her hands in a comforting gesture. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I know it is late, but I just met a friend on my walk and we forgot the time!”

Then she smiled. THAT smile. I know that smile. It is fake. She is hiding something from me.

“Oh? That late in the night?” I asked with a raised eyebrow, clearly indicating that I’m not buying it.

“Yeah, seems like I’m not the only one who had the same idea about a late night walk!” she said with a nervous laugh.

I eyed her suspiciously and she knew it, if the sweat forming on her brow was any indication. After closer examination something peeked my interest.

I reached with my hand out and took some debris from her shoulder.

“What is this?” I asked raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, I just helped my friend around the house! She had some chores to do!”

“Chores with stones?”

“Eh…yeah, her family…owns a…rock farm?”

I snorted derisively. She couldn’t be any worse at lying, even if she tried to. I was just about to take her down a peg for such a ridiculous lie, as I noticed something else.

My magic levitated a few blue flower petals from her shirt.

“And you coincidentally walked into the Everfree Forest, maybe? Since this is Poison Joke. And Poison Joke can only be found around these parts in the Everfree Forest.”

“I need to get the remedy!” she said as she tried to get to the door.

“Oh no you don’t!” I said as I cut off her escape, blocking her from the entrance. “How could you walk all alone inside the Everfree Forest?! It’s dangerous!”

“It was nothing! I just had to ask Zecora something! You should stop worrying all the time!”

I gritted my teeth at that. “I’m your number one assistant! Of course I’m worried! It means I failed! I failed the princess! I failed you! I failed as a friend!” I said with growing frustration and sadness. My voice was straining at the end.

Twilight was visibly taken back and neared to comfort me. She held her arms to her side, before wrapping me in a warm hug.

“I’m sorry. If anything, I failed you. You are my assistant, and I shouldn’t have lied to you. I was just trying to show you that I could handle myself, so that you would finally stop worrying about me. I’m not a foal after all.”

I sighed contently as I took in her faint scent of lavender.

“Maybe you are right. I’m rather clingy, aren’t I?” I let a dry chuckle escape my lips.

“Oh, that you are!” replied Twilight chipperly with clear amusement, “And since nothing happened to me in the Everfree you can stop worrying so much. Agreed?”

I was just about to give my consent, but then I eyed the debris more closely. That texture… I scanned it with my horn to get further intel. Suffice to say, the results weren’t pretty.

I parted with her and held the debris out in front of her, eying her suspiciously.

“So you say, nothing happened?”

She started sweating again. “Yes! Nothing at all!”

“When how come that this debris is a clear manifestation of a cockatrices magic?”

There was it. Her eyes widened in shock at being found out. I was right, and nothing she could say would convince me otherwise now. I had the undeniable proof.

“I…uh…Fluttershy had a cockatrice as a house guest?”

I slammed my fists frustrated on the nearby table. “You were stoned!”

“It isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds!” she pleaded.

“It isn’t? IT ISN’T?! You were falling prey to a dangerous demon! How could things have been any worse?!”

“Fluttershy helped me, so there is nothing to worry about. Everything worked out in the end!”

“And what if she wasn’t there?! Do you have any idea what would have happened then?! You can’t go and walk into the Everfree alone! Nopony is supposed to walk these woods alone! I’m sure your other friends won’t approve of this either!”

“I…You are right. Maybe this wasn’t one of my brightest ideas.”

“You think?” I asked sarcastically. She flinched at that.

“Ok. How about this. I promise never to enter the Everfree Forest alone again. Would that appease you?”

I made a short thinking pose. This was definitely too little for such dire circumstances. Maybe if…

“…Maybe if you would lend me your first edition of the ‘Starswirl the Bearded Biography’, I might overlook it this time. But ONLY this time.”

She giggled. “Agreed. Now I’m starving. Do you have still something left from dinner. I could do with a midnight snack.”

“You do remember that it isn’t recommended to eat so shortly after being stoned, do you?”

“You are not letting me get away with anything, are you?”

I smiled. “Nope! Bed rest is just what the doctor has ordered after such an experience, so that’s what you are going to do, no matter if you want to or not!”

“Fine. I will relent this time, because it’s you. A good night’s sleep is probably what I need. But I will still need to get the poison joke cure in the morning.”

“I will do that. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

“Thanks, Moondancer.”

“No problem. Goodnight, Twilight.

“Goodnight, Moondancer.”

POV: Laharl

“I see, so you are in such a hurry to bring her the cure for the poison joke?” asked Rarity sweetly.

“Not exactly. I was more interested in making her a soup. Twilight is not going to leave the bed today, if I have anything to say about it! The Poison Joke was in fact rather helpful to ensure she wouldn’t loosen the straps I used to pin her down with while she was sleeping with her magic.”

Rarity reeled back in surprise.

“Oh my. Don’t you think you were going a little too far with that?”

“Nah. You know Twilight, she wouldn’t have taken the time to rest if you don’t force her. She is always so fixated on her studies.”

‘And you are fixated on her,’ I thought silently.

“I guess that she is. Also a good thing you scolded her properly. The Everfree Forest is not a simple jest. She can’t risk her life so careless over a simple task she could have performed in the morning. I know that if Sweetie Belle would actually venture in there alone, without any of us, I would ground her for months to come!”

“I’m glad you are seeing it like this. Twilight is probably only overreacting then she said I’m exaggerating. She just needs an iron hoof to lead her sometimes.”

“My sentiments exactly! Tough love is never outdated!”

“L-l-l-love?! I-I wouldn’t go as far as that! She is just a good friend! My childhood friend, with which I spent every free minute of my life! Nothing more!” she quickly denied with flushed cheeks and a goofy smile as she rubbed said glowing cheeks with both of her hands. It made Rarity titter, while I felt sick. Or even sicker than the presence of this clearly sickening mare is making me.

Luckily it was then the mare snapped out of it, remembering her errand.

“I have to go now! I will see you tomorrow!” she simply stated running off.

Rarity said her own quick goodbyes, but this Moondancer was already off. It was then that she looked around until she spotted me.

“…Charming, why in Celestia’s mane are you hiding behind my legs?”

“This pony gave me a Creepy Belle vibe.”

Her white-furred hand immediately found her way to her face, as she sighed.

“Don’t you think you are exaggerating a little? Sweetie might be a little…enthusiastic about your engagement, but which mare wouldn’t be?”

I snorted. “A little enthusiastic is a little downplayed in my opinion. I mean, sure she didn’t strap me down on the bed while I was sleeping…yet.”

Rarity sighed yet again, “You should know that she isn’t that bad. She is just a…clingy personality. Seriously Charming. She is quite the catch if you only would just give her a chance.”

“And I already told you that I am not that approving of being forced into a marriage. Anyway, can we get moving again? I’m kind of sick of getting stared by every single pony in this town!”

“It will get better soon Charming. Trust me on this. They will get used to you. Until then I hope you can endure it. We are almost there anyway,” she said pointing to a thatched roof house.

I simply nodded as we walked towards it. Let’s just hope we can get this out of the way quickly.

Also let’s hope this teacher isn’t as insufferable as her students.

New Faces, Old Faces, and an Old Home

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The teacher…where do I even start?

Turns out she is not as unknown as I thought she was. I met her before. Especially with her hardly to overlook…assets.

“What are you doing, staring at her breasts like that?! What about Sweetie?!”

Of course Rarity was still there and had to misinterpret my painful staring.

“First off, I hate sexy bodies like that, second it’s not like I have anything to look at on your sister,” I complained as we were sitting down on a couch inside this teacher’s home. Said teacher being the mare from the first chapter. You know, the one that had her chest in my field of vision as I was a stone statue, practically torturing me? Yes, her.

Luckily I could tear my gaze away this time. I already felt weaker…

Hate List Number 3, and one of my only weaknesses: Sexy bodies.

Anyway, despite my inner turmoil Rarity simply coughed after she took a few breaths to calm down, trying to get over this situation, “Excuse him Cheerilee. He can be quite the ruffian. Especially the situation with Sweetie Belle is still a bit of a tense one.

The mare nodded, “I understand. Family can be complicated, and cousins while being not too closely related certainly can get in a conflict every now and then.”

‘Oh boy.’

“Wait. What are you talking about? He isn’t her cousin.”

Busty adopted a confused look. “He isn’t?”

“No! He is her fiancé!” She then eyed me warily. I didn’t like the attention. “Where did you meet him first?”

“Oh, uh, Sweetie Belle carried him on her back, back then in Canterlot after I…”

Suddenly the situation seemed to tense up considerably, and Rarity fixed the mare with an intense glare.

“I’m waiting.”

Her tone was cold and threatening. Enough so that I could feel a shudder run down my spine. I honestly wasn’t prepared for it, so you can’t really blame me!

“I might have lost sight of her for a teensy little second?” Busty said this quite unsure of herself, as she gestured with her two fingers a tiny amount, probably to emphasize her statement.

Not that it helped.

“I told you to look after her! You Pinkie Promised to watch her!” Rarity inched closer and closer to her.

“I did!” she protested.

“It sure doesn’t look like it!”

“It’s not my fault! The class is big, as is Canterlot! I really only lost sight of her for a minute!” She paused for a second. “Or two.”

Rarity send something that I could only describe as death glare in her direction. The meaning on everything what happened was completely lost on me. And I also couldn’t dwell on it as their argument continued.

“Well, now see what it has done to her! She is engaged now!”

So it is all about the k- No! Don’t think about it. Bad memories. This is probably one of the few memories which I would like to forget.

Busty sighed. “Listen, Rarity. We both knew this would happen sooner or later. You couldn’t always watch her every step, and neither could I.”

Rarity seems downtrodden at this, averting her gaze to the ground. “But I have to protect her.”

“I understand, but there are things you can’t protect her from. She now found a fiancé and you just can’t break it. You can only support her along the way.”

Cheerilee put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. They stayed like that for a while, at least until I couldn’t bear it anymore.

“Are you finally done? This is too sappy for my taste!”

Rarity’s mood seemed to harden as she glared at me, before breaking it and huffing.

“Well, we still have to talk about your integration in school tomorrow,” she mentioned, which made Cheerilee perk up.

“Right. That is why you were here. He can come to school tomorrow. I can give him some tests by then to see how he is schooled and what areas need special attention and work,” she offered giving me a friendly smile that made me purse my lips in clear displeasure. Not that the mare seemed to mind. She probably saw it as a normal reaction to school. I personally saw it as annoying that she would give me tests. This would complicate things.

Luckily the other boring stuff was talked about fast enough and we finally got out.

At least I thought that before Cheerilee pressed a flyer in my hand, “Before I forget this. Here.”

I simply raised my brow as I looked at the flyer, “Talent show?”

The mare nodded with a smile, “Yes. There'll be all sorts of awards. Best dramatic performance, best comedy act, best magic act...“ she said before obviously noting my missing horn.

Bet she would be surprised if I sent a fireball in her direction!

…Not that it would do that. At least not while I need to keep a low profile.

I sighed, waving her off, “Yeah, yeah. Though that is not really my sort of thing.”

“I am sure you will enjoy it if you just give it a try. Maybe you could even invite Sweetie Belle and her friends to create a group performance! I know how excited they would be, considering it is the perfect opportunity for them to find their special talents!”

‘Riiiiiiiiiiight…butt tattoo stuff.’

Rarity nodded in approval. “That is a splendid idea! Best we get going, so you can tell them about it!”

I groaned but did as she told. No need to dwell near Busty.

So with that we were off after some annoying goodbyes were shared and I was led towards the others.

Led towards the others turned out to be a farm. Well, they mentioned something like that, now that I thought about it. At least it was on the edge of town, so that I could cut the stares short.

Soon enough we were even meeting up with another mare, in her plain jeans and red plaid shirt and a hat.

“And this is Charming,” Rarity finished up her retelling of events as well as the introduction.

I yawned, bored. I did the demonly thing and did not even put a hand in front of my mouth while doing it! Ha! That shows what a great demon I am!

Rarity did seem a bit disgruntled as she crossed her arms under her chest, making me avoid her eyes. But also her breasts. Huh. Seems like I didn’t notice her sexy body yet. But then again it didn’t affect me all that much. Did I get used to it that fast? Not that it mattered as there was still an introduction going on.

In any case, this Applejack character like she was introduced by Rarity was raising an eyebrow at first at my outfit too, in case you wondered, but she soon enough got over it and her staring at least, as she slightly leaned down with a friendly smile.

“Hey there, little fella! Pleasure to make yer acquaintance!” she said offering her hand for a shake.

“I’m not little!” I growled, making her pull her hand back and raise a brow at Rarity.

“Going through puberty?” she guessed with an amused smile, making me growl even more, to which Rarity sighed dramatically.

“It seems so sadly. I hope you don’t mind staying near them. He can be quite the rascal. Not to mention…I don’t want to risk Sweetie doing something…unsavory.”

“You realize that I am standing right here, hearing everything you say. And what you just said is not really wanting me to meet up with them any more,” I voiced my complaints which Rarity waved off.

Applejack meanwhile nodded confidently, before spitting in her furry hand, offering it to a face-scrunching Rarity, “No need to worry! I promise to keep them safe!”

As prissy as she is she didn’t really want to take the handshake, making me grin as I stepped forward spitting into my own and shaking it with hers, making Rarity blanch and hold a hand to her mouth, much to my amusement.

“We haven’t shook hands, so I thought I might as well get it over with,” was my simple explanation, followed by a shrug.

Applejack grinned smugly at that, looking to her friend, “Ah like ‘im.”

“Ugh! Of course you do!” Rarity complained in a whining tone, before sighing, “Anyway, I will be off then. Make sure to bring them back for dinner.”

With those few last parting words she left thankfully. Stuck-up prissy soap mouth stuffing unicorn bitch is something I don’t need.

And if I ever said that out loud I probably would get a weeks worth of soap shoved down my throat.

Alone the thought is making me shudder.

A hand then touched my shoulder, “Are ya alright?” Applejack asked, to which I nodded.

“Sure. Let’s just get this over with. Where are they?”

“Just follow me. It’s not that far from ‘ere.”

With that the mare led the way deeper into the acres of apple trees.

A bit too much green scenery in my opinion. As a demon I like stuff like magma or dark rocks. Green stuff, that is more angel stuff. Not that I remember angels existing. But then again, maybe alicorns count as them? Would certainly explain why they are so judgmental and unjust. I always thought that angels in the Disgaea Games were the real demons.

‘Wait…games? What am I thinking about?’ I wondered before bumping into the orange mare before me.

“We are here!” she exclaimed, not minding that I walked into her. She seems more chill than Rarity. So that is an improvement.

Not that this means that I would trust her. Ponies are Number 1 on my Hatelist for a reason.

…Even if I have trouble remembering all of it.

I first noticed a tree house… Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Foals do have those. Ugh…

But then again it could be a second base aside from Rarity’s home. A plan B for emergencies.

Applejack anyway led me up a ramp. I could smell the freshly dried paint on the walls as we made it up here. So it was renovated not all that long ago.

That was when I bumped into her again as she had stopped at a window. I moved around her and to the window too, hearing some familiar voices.

“They all say that you will get your mark
When the time is really right~” sang Marshmallow’s voice, followed by Bowgirl’s.

“And you know just what you're supposed to do~”

It was quite melodious which of course made me sick to my stomach because of its corniness. Though a loud and off-key note quickly seemed to change that.

“And your talent comes to light!”

Also yeah. That was Chicken. Applejack cringed visibly, but I couldn’t really blame her since this unexpected shrill tone made me cringe as well. Though cringing from this unexpected tone was far better than the corniness.

Applejack was shaking herself out of her stupor entering the treehouse with a smile, “Well, uh... I'll be, Cutie Mark Crusaders. You've done one fine job with this place. So, what's next?”

“Well, now that we have a real life clubhouse...” Bowgirl replied.
“...and a map of Ponyville...” followed by Chicken.
“...and a Cutie Mark Crusaders theme song...” Marshmallow.
“Theme song?” Applejack.
“We're gonna go out in the world and discover our talents,” Bowgirl.
“A new adventure!” Chicken.
“And earn our cutie marks,” Marshmallow.
“We'll leave no stone unturned!” Bowgirl.
“No mountain unclimbed!” Chicken.
“No meal uncooked!” Marshmallow.
“No sock unworn!” Bowgirl.

And finally Applejack again breaking this rapidfire conversation off with a loud note, “Well okay then! Sounds like you have a plan. I gotta, uh... Leave no apple unpicked!” she started before almost stumbling over me and remembering just why she was here, “Oh yeah. Rarity asked me to lead Charming here. Anyway, I will stay close if ya need anything,” the mare said, quickly leaving.

I turned my head to the three, with an especially happy looking Marshmallow…

Can I still turn back?

“Charming!” she cheered storming towards me, making me groan, but thankfully remembered not to touch me. Albeit she was short before hugging me. I guess she remembered the ‘No Touching’ rule. Something that made her ears fold on the top of her head.

I grimaced at that. Honestly I don’t know if I prefer her mopey, so I carefully patted her shoulder a few times, while avoiding eye contact. Though in my peripheral vision I could see her eyes sparkling and her tail wagging happily.

Ponies are weird.

I coughed, “Yeah. I’m here now for whatever.”

Marshmallow nodded at that, “Right! We sure are going to get our cutie marks together!”

I glanced to the other two, with slightly less enthusiastic looks at my presence, albeit Bowgirl seemed a bit more uncertain. Not that I minded as I tried to pick up what this was about. Though the term cutie mark certainly jogged my memory enough to deduce they would try some pointless activities for some boring talent.

“So…what are your plans?” I wondered out loud and Marshmallow was all too happy with explaining it to me.

“First we are feeding the pigs!”

I actually had to raise a brow at that, “While being filthy certainly would be an amusing thing to be to annoy your sister, I don’t think I am quite ready for another bath yet. Besides, Overlord’s don’t feed pigs! That is some stupid and pointless hillbilly thing!” I complained.

Bowgirl didn’t seem all too happy with that, “Yer not an Overlord anymore,” she grumbled, but I ignored her in favor to hear their other plans.

“What else?” I practically demanded crossing my arms.

“We are going to make bubblegum, hairdressers, psychics, mountain climbing on that small hill, marine biologist and lastly if all fails trying to be librarians!” Marshmallow explained proudly showing me a rudimentary map and showing me that artist is certainly not a talent they should go for.

“Yeah, no. Count me out for all of these,” I complained, making clear this wouldn’t work out for me.

Bowgirl took that moment to voice her own suggestion.

“Well, maybe we should set a new disguise to our list of activities, like dressmaking. Or at least a plan for emergencies in school now that Ah’m thinking about it. Ah mean, sure. Stuff with yer look worked out until now, but who says it will stay that way? Especially with Diamond Tiara!” she warned.

“I don’t think this disguise won’t work. While these are not my first choice, as they don’t seem to give off an intimidating look, they will do for the purpose of living here for this moment.”

“And we are sure it won’t. At least not permanently. Cheerilee is not dumb.”

“I have to agree with Apple Bloom here,” Chicken said as she scrunched up her face.

It was then that Marshmallow poked her fingers together, “Well… This was honestly the reason I didn’t want you to go to school,” she said, not meeting my eyes before her gaze turned to me all of a sudden as it hardened in determination, “But if you really want to spend the entire day with me… I will do my best to fulfill your wish and protect you from anypony that dares come too close to you!” Marshmallow Terror replied with a vow making me recoil a bit.

“Yeah… That is totally not why I want to go to school.”

Though she simply ignored me turning to her friends, “We just need to keep an eye on him and make sure no one touches him. That seems easy enough!” Marshmallow explained, to which Chicken scoffed.

“As if I want to stay by HIS side the whole day!” she complained.

Bowgirl was about to say something as well but I quickly covered her mouth in a rude demonly manner.

“Listen up vassals! I say this only once again! You are all wrong! This disguise is enough! Not that I expected anything other from you ponies,” I declared with annoyance, pulling my hand away from her mouth and wiping it on her clothes for obvious reasons before crossing my arms over my strangely clothed chest.

Go for over 1000 years with your chest bared and having it covered feels strange in case you wonder. Though a clothed chest might be a good thing considering in which house I am living currently…

Oh, and Bowgirl and Chicken also glared at me now. Though I didn’t mind their glares. It was an obvious response to an obvious truth.

“Um, girls…and Charming?” Marshmallow asked cautiously, but was ignored by us all.

Revenge!

“And why do you think, our classmates won’t press?” Chicken retorted.

“Oh, they will, without a doubt!” came my smug answer, which only seemed to anger the two abominations.

“But then you’re wrong!”

“I’m not. They might press, but ponies are as dumb as the night is dark. They can be easily distracted and deceived.”

The glares from the two intensified at this and I recognized, that they probably won’t believe me without a proper demonstration. Not that I would, mind you. I had to be careful. Would be pretty DUMB to do something now. And I’m not a PONY. Besides, there was not much ponies around for a demonstration anyway.

“Ponies aren’t dumb! And you can’t prove the opposite!”

I sighed. These ponies were so easy to read sometimes.

“I don’t need to prove anything. That’s just the way it is.”

“Pfft. If you can’t prove it, then it is not true.”

“You are a pony. I don’t need to prove anything to PONIES!”

“How about we continue to discuss our plans!” proposed the marshmallow in an attempt to soothe our minds. Not that any of us would listen to her.

“No, Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo is right! And we won’t stand for it! Listen ‘ere demon. Ya are only sayin’ this because ya don’t like ponies! So ya can’t really expect anypony ta believe ya!”

“I’m just going to ignore you, since I’m not a fool who will get himself into trouble over the opinion of some dumb kids.”

“Fine with me.”

“So sto- What?” I blinked confusedly at them, before I eyed them with suspicion. “Huh. I somehow expected more resistance.”

“No need for that. We both understand that you are to chicken to prove it.”

I snorted, since this response came from the chicken itself. “I’m not acting big. I know that I am and that suffices me.”

“Big?” She snorted likewise. She really is a copycat. “It’s not like you could act big with your height,” Chicken retorts with a cheeky grin, that adorned her face.

The ends of my scarf clenched into a fist, as I tried to suppress the urge to rearrange her facial bones.

I barely managed it, but that probably doesn’t mean much, if you consider how bad my anger management is. The only thing that really restrained me was my still rather low level. I also knew, that I would most probably be done, if I get discovered now throwing fireballs around or doing anything other equally dangerous just to somehow prove a point that was so clear.

*Fistbump*

And now Bowgirl seemed to encourage Chicken with a…fistbump.

Fistbump…

I suddenly clutched my head again, as I felt another headache incoming and the picture of a green colt found itself inside my mind’s eye.

”I’m not doing it,” I deadpanned.

“Please!” Begged a small green colt. “There is nothing embarrassing about a fistbump!”

I snorted. “Do I look like the kind to endulge in such undemonly things?”

“Though who exactly made rules for fistbumps beind undemonly? For all you know they could be the most demonly thing possible!”

I just groaned at that. How annoying could this colt get?

“Come on!” he whined, “We are friends, right?”

I suddenly shook my head. This again. These memories. They are annoying and only cause a headache.

And friends? Who needs friends anyways? There are only allies and enemies in this world. Nothing more. Ugh… Better concentrate on steering these dumb ponies to Overlord worthy activities.

…Which would also prove how dumb they are! I am genius!

“Anyway, stop straying from the topic. The way I see it there are two things we can do. Either we do these embarrassing things, or we can actually do something useful and find out where my castle is!”

Right. That would be useful. Just to see if there are any useful things still left there. Not to mention it would probably help to jog my memory a bit, seeing as this was my home here in Equestria. A place I once could call home after I conquered this dump. I would also be glad if I just find a weapon that is better than a kitchen knife. It would really help in leveling up. Currently I managed to get to level 5. But that was hardly satisfying.

“Castle?” Bowgirl inquired, while Marshmallow’s eyes sparkled.

“Of course!” she exclaimed, “Prince Charming has a castle! Just for the two of us…and maybe you vassals,” Marshmallow couldn’t help but mention with a sly grin.

I couldn’t help but snort in amusement. I will admit…that one wasn’t bad. Maybe I am having an influence on her?

Certainly wouldn’t mind that. Her normal attitude is barely bearable.

Chicken instantly started to bicker with Marshmallow, while Bowgirl pouted, but soon enough pondered.

“WE ARE NOT VASSALS!” Chicken meanwhile droned on as Bowgirl turned to me inquisitive.

“So, what’s this castle look like? Or where did ya last see it?”

“If I knew where it was I wouldn’t say that we had to search for it. And it was of marvelous black obsidian.”

Bowgirl scrunched up her face, before facepalming for some reason, “I meant what landmarks yer remember!”

Oh…

Oh well, she should have been more specific.

Anyway I pressed my chest out in pride, crossing my arms and smirking in satisfaction. Not that the smirk might be seen all too well with my scarf bandaged head.

“My marvelous and truly demonly castle was built on, and don’t try to hide your amazement, the side of a mountain!” I exclaimed, before adding, “I even had a high path leading down from the gate! It was supported by pillars that had some archway look to them! It was truly a place fit for the OVERLORD MUAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAA!” I laughed haughtily, just waiting for this dumb ponies amazement, but strangely enough she only seemed befuddled.

I was about to ask, but a derisive snort from Chicken drew my attention to her. She had her arms crossed and frowned at me, “Please. You are just a liar. Or did you really think we would fall for you claiming the city of Canterlot as your castle?”

This made my brow furrow, “Canterlot?” I wondered, not really getting it, though…wasn’t that this town I was shipped off too in a crate and landed in a museum?

Bowgirl however seemed more observant, seeming inquisitive in her befuddlement, “Canterlot. The capital of Equestria. Hanging on the side of a mountain?”

She then pointed out of the window, and as I walked towards it…this made my eyes bulge.

“WHAT THE HELL?! WHAT IS THIS ABOMINATION?! WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY GLORIOUS CASTLE?!” I raged on as confusion was replaced by indignation as I just found out what blasphemy was done to my place! Couldn’t they have simply let it become a ruin for me to build up again?! Not to mention that this mountain idea was genius! And they stole it! These fucking cake-stuffing…

Bowgirl and Chicken kept their distance at my ranting, only Marshmallow came closer, fidgeting a bit nervously, “Um…it’s okay?”

I turned around, glaring at her, “It is not! They just-! Ugh! I’m going to show them! I will take Equestria back, just as my castle! Who ever did get the idea to paint it white anyway?! This just looks corny and stupid as hell!” I growled in lamentation.

“But at least you now know where your castle is…right?” she started up again, making me groan.

“…I guess. But still! It just makes things worse for me! If it is populated, actually walking around there is dangerous. Especially so if the Royal Butts have decided to live there, just so they could mock me!”

“Geeze. Who cares about your stupid castle?” Chicken complained, “Let’s just start with our activities, seeing as the castle search is over already.”

I glared at her, “You know, I could transform you into a chicken. I gathered more than enough Mana for that,” I growled flexing my fingers as Marshmallow stepped in front of me, while Bowgirl did the same to Chicken.

“What did you call me, Shorty?!”

That made me storm towards her…at least I tried as Marshmallow held me back, Bowgirl did the same for Chicken, albeit she had more of a struggle than Marshmallow had with me.

“Let me go!” I complained, but Marshmallow held on strongly, while Chicken was trying to reach me with her fists.

“At least one thing we can agree on!” she growled back, taking some more wild swings in my general direction.

*Magical Sound*

“Just calm down darling!” Marshmallow tried to comfort me.

*Magical Sound*

“As if!”

*Magical Sound*

“Dammit Apple Bloom!”

*Magical Sound*

It was at that moment that Bowgirl’s ears perked up and around, “Did ya guys here this here sound?” she wondered, making me snort.

“What soun-“

*Magical Sound*

“-d?” I asked before halting.

*Flapping Wings*

Interestingly enough a sound then changed. I heard this magical sound…somewhere. Not that I can’t remember, but flapping wings were easy enough to identify.

Marshmallow and Bowgirl let us go at this moment, as well all looked to the window nearest to the sound. Bowgirl hereby stepping directly in front of it, trying to see what this sound makes.

*Thud*

Suddenly a winged form flew against the glass pane of the window creating said dull sound. The jumpscare moment made Bowgirl fall flat on her butt, before she scrambled away. Marshmallow meanwhile got behind me, clamoring onto my arm. Normally I would have voiced my displeasure, but my attention was held by what was just before my eyes… Another winged creature quickly joined the first. Their dull eyes locking directly onto us.

‘These are…’

“Demons!” Chicken hissed in clear disdain.

And she was right. This here was a Winged. Not one of the strongest demons, but they could still be rather annoying because they could give you status ailments. But those weren’t the only. As I looked out of the other window I could see some Treants walking around and about.

Seems like I get to level up today.

The great Laharl - The tale of a displaced Overlord

by Hoppa_21

The Prisonbreak

How The Mighty Have Fallen

Setting The Scene

You Don't Break Tradition

The Bath Scene (Because Every Good Story Has One!)

About An Escape Try And Pancakes

The Devil Is A Marshmallow

Investigating A Strange Filly

Sleepover With A Demon - Part 1

Sleepover With A Demon - Part 2

Meeting the Number One Assistant

New Faces, Old Faces, and an Old Home