> There are No Monsters in Canterlot
>  by Nobodyslament
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The lone human sat on the bridge of her ship. Its course through the wheel had been disrupted and now it and the crew were lost. The human sighed, checking the cryo pods. Everyone was still alive, and the course of action was hers alone. There was a crystal sphere nearby. The only issue was it was wreathed in warp energy. She knew the a.i. could force the ship through it, but doubted they could leave again. But they were on the run. They couldn't hide out in Sigil, not with the gangs onto them. They also couldn't keep running, the Imperium had long fingers. No matter where they ran life would never be safe again. Or at least as safe as life in the wheel could be.

She realized quickly that she had no choice. She keyed in the course and let the A.I. do its thing. She stared out the viewport as the dark miasma of the warp folded and rolled outside. Having nothing else to do; she walked out of the bridge. Making her way through the cramped confines of the warp-ship. She made her way into her room and strapped on a standard black body-glove, followed by some light-weight combat webbing. A single las-pistol was shoved roughly into her holster as she sat on her bunk. She then did the most dangerous thing she could. She thought. She began thinking over her life, making conclusions based on her own storied past. The ship would obviously crash, which meant she would probably get locked out. She would also probably be captured by whatever force was on whatever planet they were unfortunate enough to crash on. This was the way of the wheel. Cycles could be seen easily after being stuck in them long enough, and she had been stuck in her cycles more times than she could count.

She began formulating, planning, and at times, crying. This journey was going to be hard, the wheel never shows mercy. She also knew she would survive, which was worse than damnation. She made the proper preparations. Sealing the cryo bay and setting up as many back up power sources as she could. They would have a long time safely sealed away before the releases cracked and they were freed. Hopefully long enough for her to free herself and mount a rescue operation. She knew it would take her a long time. An intelligence operative was not made for combat, but she had a long time, and she was good at waiting.

She made her way back to the bridge. She watched as the crystal sphere appeared in her viewport. Sure enough, a fire caught as soon as she broke through the warp. She watched in an almost bored expression as a planet quickly got bigger and bigger in the viewport. She raised an eyebrow at the fact that the blast shield successfully went down. That was rare but saved her the pain of burning to death again. She had done it before, it never took. She grabbed the straps and tied herself in. She made whooshing noises as the ship cracked and buckled when it hit the atmosphere. She calmly unhooked herself and began fighting fires as the ship began to burn up. And she sailed through the air and busted through a hole in the bulkhead about a mile before landing. As she groggily sailed through the air to her inevitable death she said a lone sentence. "Well, this was unexpected." And when she hit the ground, she died. Now if only it managed to stick.
> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia, the raiser of the sun, sat in the entryway of the dungeons. They were currently empty, as always. But today was a bad day. Today was the day Twilight would meet her pet monster. Long had it been said that there were no monsters in Canterlot. That Celestia wouldn't tolerate a creature of death and fear in her capital. That was a lie. She kept the monsters hidden. Luna fought them off now, but Celestia never had the killing intent of her sister, or the vicious ruthlessness of Lord Emerald. That was in addition to being unable to kill this monster, even if she had those traits. Faust know's Luna tried, and all the creature did was laugh. So Celestia sat, awaiting her former student.

It was not a long wait. Twilight Sparkle came running within the hour, turning the corner with the sound of skidding hooves. Celestia wanted to smile as the youngest princess ran up beside her, but found herself unable. Life for both princesses was about to get much more difficult, though hopefully no more dangerous. "Twilight, I have some bad news today."

Twilight let out a pant, and her face seized in panic. "What's the matter, princess? Is there another threat to Equestria? Is Sombra back? Did Discord relapse into villainhood again? Did Tirek escape again?"

Celestia shook her head as Twilight began a delve into madness. She was disappointed that it seemed like a short journey for her student to descend into blind fear, but such was life. "No this a much more serious issue. It is also an older, and quieter issue. Before I even begin talking about it you must swear to never let the events of today go outside these walls. No notes, no hints, and never telling somepony who isn't a princess. Your friends cannot know about this." Twilight nodded and flinched back as Celestia lunged closer. "SAY IT!"

"I swear to never talk about this." Celestia retreated a step but kept up her glare. "and no notes."

Celestia nodded and began walking away, with Twilight caught in her wake. "What I am about to show you Twilight is the most dangerous being in Equestria. It is also the smartest. It is an undying force, unable to be slain by any methods. Even imprisoning it in Tartarus doesn't work. It simply leaves."

Twilight ground to a halt. "It just leaves? It simply walks out of a pocket dimension that rips the soul out of anything trying to leave unless they can orchestrate a self-summoning to happen, at the minimum, fifteen-hundred years after their imprisonment?"

Celestia nodded. "Indeed. It will walk out and disintegrate into a cloud of fine dust, then reawaken a few days later outside. It is unable to be contained by most mundane means. In fact, I think the only reason we still have it contained is that it finds us amusing."

Twilight started moving again, breaking into a quick trot to catch up. "It allows itself to be locked up because it thinks we're funny?"

Celestia shook her head. "No, it finds our efforts to contain it funny. It also craves social interaction. A pony must talk to it once a week, or it will leave. But if that was it we would probably let it be. It is mostly peaceful." Twilight looked shocked. She couldn't fathom a reason that the princess would imprison a mostly peaceful creature. Celestia let the pause hang for a moment before speaking. "It is imprisoned because of its knowledge."

Twilight blew a mental fuse. It was unthinkable. Something that knew so much that the princesses had to imprison it? How much could it know? How much could it do? She tried to put this all into words, but they faded into one simple question. "Why?" She barely got it out.

Celestia sighed as she reached the first checkpoint, waving away the wards with a wing. "Did you know I thought the elements permanently banished Luna? Or that Discord would return within a few years after sealing him? This creature can predict the future with alarming clarity. It seems to be able to tease the future from a simple summation of any event." Celestia paused. "As long as the event is large. It appears to have trouble with simpler events."

Twilight had been hit with so many revelations this one seemed to barely phase her. Celestia knew in the days to come she would have to rationalize it all. But there was no time for that now. It was sink or swim for the young princess. The second and final checkpoint loomed in front of them. Celestia dismissed the wards. "And now you must continue alone my friend. It will not speak to you if any others follow. Be careful, and whatever you do, remember one thing. It does not lie, and you must keep your word."

With that, Celestia left the confused young princess. The door open and waiting. She took a moment to take a few breathes, before walking through the doors. She found herself in a small room. A simple bed lay in the corner, with a table in the center. A bookshelf was beside the bed, and it was filled with various foal books. Half were opened and scribbled in. Twilights inner librarian let out a twitch as she saw them until she noticed the scribbling were in a different language. One she had never seen. Then she noticed the creature. It sat in a chair beside the table, wearing a skintight outfit. A small web of fabric holding various tools in pouches over her chest. It only had hair at the crest of its head, which was a long red curtain that trailed down her back all the way to its hips. It was also staring at her.

They sat in silence for a moment, before the creature shrugged and cut a slice off of an apple and popped it into its mouth. It then pointed the knife at her, causing her to jump back. "Stories. Seen a lot of them." It said, in a smooth feminine voice. "And I've seen you before. Twilight Sparkle. The former student of Celestia, got caught up in some time travel mumbo-jumbo. Became a goddess. Not in that order of course, but I'm proud to say I knew you would ascend the second Celestia took you in." Twilight stared as the creature slowly stood up and looked her over. "Yes, she was much to wild. No control. You, however, had control, at least most of the time. That whole doll thing showed you can crack if a self-professed rule might be broken. I can respect that. It's stupid, but I can respect it." It began to slowly circle her. "Hm, I'll be honest. The story in my head had you swarming me with questions. Fear was my third choice. But little things like a base reaction are much easier to mess up without direct contact. If I actually wasted the time to watch you I might have gotten closer."

She finally stopped moving and walked back to her chair. Twilight found her voice a few seconds later. "What are you?"

The creature let out a chuckle. "Oh, Celestia doesn't know my name. Nopony does. None of them wanted to ask. But I'll tell you. For a cheap price too. One question and one spell. You have right of refusal on the spell of course, so if you think it's to sketch then you can tell me to frack off."

Twilight got excited at the simple thought of knowledge nopony had ever gotten. Why would nopony ask her name? It was also apparently a cheap price. Despite its odd vocabulary, she couldn't refuse the offer. She nodded. "Of course."

The woman nodded. "If you don't mind I'd like my part first. I don't want to be burned on a deal again. Literally." Twilight pushed that sentence to the back of her head and nodded. The creature smiled. "Curious and naive. A beautiful combo. For my question. Can you sense friendships?"

Twilight thought on that. She had seen it before. A string of thin blue lines, seemingly in every direction from a pony that she focused on. She nodded. "Yes, I can." And she knew the creatures next question as well. It wanted to know if it had any friends. And she smiled. It didn't lie, so it couldn't get an answer without another deal. And she was ever so curious. 

When the creature spoke Twilight smiled wide. "Cast whatever spell that will let you see my friends. None of the other princesses could tell me what I want."

Twilight did so and faltered. Two lines came from the creature. The thickness of the lines denoted how strong the friendship was. The greatest friendship she had ever seen was about the thickness of her hoof. And it was between her friends, who had banded together to fight everything that Equestria could send. But these two bands were as thick as her barrel. And she heard the most disturbing thing that ever ran through her ears. She heard the creature let out a soft chuckle.

The creature was calmly leaned back, propping her feet up on the table. "Thank you. By your reaction alone they're still alive. Or at least one. And as the ancients said, a promise made, a promise kept. Demoin."

Twilight paused. She did have the creatures name now. And she had info that Demoin wanted. She just had to push her advantage. Against a dangerous creature that was only contained because it wanted to be. That should be easy. She let out another breath. "I'll tell you how many." Demoin let out a half-smile. "If you tell me how you got here."

Demoin's smile dropped. Followed by her as her chair went backward. She hit the floor, and the knife cleanly went through her hand. She glared at it as if annoyed before ripping it out. Blood splattered over the table, and Twilight could see the white shine of bone under the blood. Twilight watched in horror as Demoin calmly wiped off the knife and put it back on the table. "That was unexpected. You were supposed to ask about my friends. I was almost sure of it honestly. Ah well, this just makes you interesting. But for that, I want to know if they're moving or not. That is if you can tell."

Twilight smiled wide. "I believe I can. Just tell me your story first."

Demoin chewed on that for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I was on a ship, traveling through a realm you've never heard of and I don't know enough to explain. Me and my friends crashed. I secured them before I was jettisoned from the ship a few miles above the ground. I died, got back up, and was captured by several interested parties. Now I'm stuck here. At least until rescue comes."

Twilight was nearly giddy. She had let slip she was securely contained here, and that they had an entirely new method of travel. Even if the creature couldn't explain it future deals might give her enough insight to explore the idea herself. But she had a promise to keep. She focused on Demoin, staring at the lines. One twitched upwards a few times, before settling again. The other slowly moved to the left. She stopped there. "Yes, they'removing. There are two, and they're either moving slowly, or they are far away."

Demoin sat the chair back up and sat down. She stared at her hand before Twilight was struck with a metaphysical force. She had the sudden feeling of a rock looking at a mountain. Like she was seeing something that had been alive far longer than any sane being should be. That even with her immortality, she would last for an eyeblink compared to the thing in front of her. And she saw the wound close. No magic, no spells. Just the wound rushing over itself, and the hand being fully closed.

Twilight was dumbstruck as the feeling passed. The feeling had passed, but the shock was still there. Something was wrong with this creature. This thing was an immovable object against the rushing water of time. Demoin looked at her with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, forgot you demi-mortals aren't used to that kind of thing. Anyways I'll give you a small tidbit for free. My friends will be coming for me. If they ask, just hand me over. If you don't, then your kingdom will fall. Your cities will burn, and your people will die." Demoin delivered this without a trace of emotion, barely seeming to care. "But if you do release me, we'll be peaceful. Might even try to trade sometimes. Either way, If they're up and about I'll be out of your hair soon. Now get on out. I have to check over the entire world and a dragon ate half my nodes. Being stuck here really lowers my ability to scry."

And with that curt dismissal Twilight left, unsure of who used who more in their encounter. But she was sure of one thing. This wasn't going to be their last talk. With the room now vacant except for Demoin, the immortal moved to her bed. From underneath it, she pulled a small glass pane. With a swipe of her hand, the glass exploded into colors. Videos and pictures dancing across the screen. Her hand paused on one, expanding the picture to fill her entire view. Eight figures smiling in front of a ship. She could see herself, crouched in the back. She had been hesitant to take a picture, and only joined at their insistence. But the other seven... Five were dead now. She tapped each one, thinking of them fondly. Her thoughts finalized on the two that were left, and she swiftly moved photos. The nest one was older, with five figures in it. Crouched behind cover as flames scorched around them. A skeletal figure wearing a simple robe, lightning arching from his fingers as ethereal dragon wings sprouted from behind him. A goblin, his hair on end as he tinkered with a broken explosive, lightning arcing between his fingers. A Githzerai, the minute green creature screaming in joy as silver tattoos were captured with fur growing out of them, his normally small teeth expanding as massive canines erupted from his mouth. An Aasimer, heavy armor covering his body as he simply sat low, two large fangs glistening as he smiled. And finally an elf, her hair long and flowing, with her chest cavity open as a massive orb of light shone from it, mechanical servos mid-spin showing through her skin.

With a soft sound, Demoin collapsed onto her bed. Nothing was there with her, and all alone she wept for the dead.
> Chapter 2
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Demoin sat in her room thinking over the past week's events. It had been her longest time in solitary yet. Normally she had a guest once a week, so this drawback probably had something to do with her talk to Twilight. They probably didn't know she was securely locked up. Now that they did, they didn't need to entertain her. Of course, that let her have all the time she needed to prepare. The wards around her little home stopped most outside magic from getting in unless they were linked with some particularly old magic. Like blood. She had used plenty of blood in her scrying nodes. The fact that it was all hers only helped.

A spark came from her skull, sending a blue arc around her head in a crude halo. She closed her eyes as the loop finished, allowing her to see out of her various nodes. She began looking through all of them. A fair few were nothing but dragon intestines, which was not something you wanted to see from the inside, but the rest had various views in Equestria. She stopped briefly to watch the orange pony work her farm. It was a simple life, one that failed to betray the fact she was an element of harmony. She let herself imagine a life like that for a moment. One where she could enjoy the simple things again. At least, enjoy them without giving in to incredible boredom. After you've lived a totally average life for a few centuries you get bored of it. A perpetual like her had one golden rule. Never stay bored. Down that road lies madness and hate.

She shifted her view quickly, moving to a small garden with a house beside it. She then sent a sliver of energy through it, causing it to slightly pulse in a blue light. With her message sent she sat back down. She supposed she should feel bad. She told the pony she couldn't escape, and that was true. But someone else breaking her out? That was so easy it made her laugh.

She never lied, but against a rookie with no clue how she worked? Well, if a lie could circle the world before the truth got its boots on then a half-truth would have finished twice and begun a calm vacation. She had a few hours before her message was received, and Twilight would most certainly be back soon. She thought about that for a moment. Twilight would definitely arrive first. That was the way of the wheel, a final confrontation before a quick retreat in defeat. Today was not the day she would be reunited. That came later. Today would be a phyric victory.

She took a few preparations, taking out her laspistol and placing it on the table. She then moved to her bed and made it neatly. She firmly believed that one shouldn't leave a mess if they're coming back. Then she sat at her table and began counting. 

She barely reached two-hundred. Before the door to her cell was opened. Sure enough, The purple princess walked in, calmly shutting the door behind her. Demoin waved to her. "Ah, I assume spilling I was safely locked up here has been the reason for my lack of a visit?"

Twilight seemed to flinch at that, which Demoin found odd. She had been deserving of a life sentence, the poor ponies just didn't realize what that meant at the time. She shrugged it off as Twilight spoke. "Yes, it seemed the easiest way to test the theory. You never stay in your cell if you're left alone for more than a week."

Demoin nodded and plucked an apple from a burlap sack beside her. "Of course. Unless I had something to work on idle time is wasted. Though I suppose I have the time to spare."

Twilight moved closer. "I got that feeling last time. I had a few questions if you don't mind. Nothing prophetic, just stuff about you."

Demoin laughed. "Cheap questions equal cheap prices princess. My price is simple. In thirty minutes your gone, and right of refusal to answer a question you ask. I have things I must attend to here shortly. So many irons in the fire and whatnot."

Twilight stared at Demoin in confusion for a moment, before shaking her head. "Fine. I accept your terms." She pulled a few papers from a bag on her side and shuffled them onto the table. "First question, exactly how old are you?"

Demoin couldn't help it. She laughed. "I honestly have no answer. What are years to a being that has seen a planet rise and fall? What's a century to seeing the lifespan of a galaxy? I am older than your race by eons and older than your very sphere. I have seen time bow before me like water under a ship. I have no age, not one that even a little demi-mortal like you could understand."

Twilight stared Demoin with hard eyes. "You can't be serious."

Demoin looked at her calmly. "I do not lie little one. Lying takes effort that you aren't worth.  But I have some measure of proof." Demoin calmly stood and reached into her combat web. She pulled out a single picture and looked at it for a moment. At that moment Twilight felt the anger emanating from her. There was the feeling of a pure unbridled rage that would have destroyed the room if it could only find a foothold in Demoin's mind. Twilight saw her fist clench, and it was gone. 

Then the feeling returned, only stronger. Twilight no longer felt like a rock seeing a mountain. She felt as if she was looking at the night sky itself. There longer than any being had any right, and uncaring about the fact. She felt like she was looking at the universe itself, and it was looking right back at her. And like last time, it just disappeared. Leaving Twilight and Demoin, the latter of which calmly placed the picture back inside her web and nodded. "Proof enough?"

Twilight nodded dumbly and wrote down a small note. "Yes. I think that w-will do." For a second Demoin almost felt bad, but brushed it aside. She would be gone soon anyway, no reason to feel bad for mentally scarring her yet. Twilight finished her note and continued. "So then, how exactly did you get captured in the first place?"

Demoin didn't laugh at this one. If anything she looked embarrassed. "Well, you see. I had just landed here and knew I was going to get captured. It's just the natural order. So I walked around until I found a town. Once I did that I walked into the local bar, and drank their entire reserve of alcohol. When the guard showed up I challenged their leader to trial by combat. Then I died a few times before some bigass pony locked me away in his murder-dungeon."

Twilight stared. "A pony had a Murder Dungeon?"

Demoin nodded her head, her long hair rolling behind her. "Yep, some absolute prick by the name of Emerald. Think he was a king or some such nonsense, but I never paid attention. He was really bad at torture though. Thought beatings were the be all end all."

Twilight stared. King Emerald had been known as a bad king. If it wasn't for the fact that Princess Platinum had managed to save the kingdom so quickly after his death a coup would have been the next chapter in pony history. But finding out he had been the one to imprison her? That was a shock. "So how did you escape?"

Demoin smiled at that. "Which time? I wandered more in those days, plus they didn't have a way to put me in lockdown then. No none of you ponies even tried until Emerald annoyed me. Apparently slicing a kings throat with your own femur after a beating put me in a more secure cell."

Twilight stared at Demoin as if Demoin had just said something impossible, and began rapidly writing down notes. King Emerald's death had long been a talking point in historical circles. Every theory from assassination to an embarrassing accident had been passed around in scholarly meetings. Several more had led to the type of brawls that can only be held between academics who had never been in a true street fight. She paused in her musings and looked to Demoin again. "Did you say with your own femur?"

Demoin nodded as she slid her chair under the table. "Yes, he had managed to bludgeon my leg off after I refused to tell him how I became what I am. I wrenched the bone from it and sharpened it overnight. When he walked in the next day I slit his throat and sat down. After a pony came in to check on him I was left alone for a few days, then I got moved to a more normal cell. I didn't get a visitor after that for almost a hundred years." Demoin smiled at that. "Oh, the adventures I had then. But they'll pale in comparison to what will come."

Twilight paused again. She stared at Demoin, a tremor of fear in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Demoin smiled, stretching. "The cycle I've been waiting for is coming to an end. My friends have woken up and will begin hunting me down as we speak. I simply have to make a message that they'll see. I'm certain Brighteyes is already jumping around about our game of hide and seek, and Nareen has already polished his hook." Demoin reached the latch of her combat web, unhooking it and stripping into just her bodysuit. "In fact, I am very much excited to see them again. It's been what? Two thousand years? Maybe three? This worlds cycles didn't really start looping until recently, so its hard to keep up."

Twilight stared. "Thousands of years?" The question wasn't intentional, just the shock of seeing such an ancient being seeming so lax about its imprisonment seemed unreasonable.

Demoin nodded, folding her web up and placing it on the table. "Yes, awful short compared to some of the worst. The Lady of Pain herself locked me in a solitary sphere for a million years. That one was horrible. Only thing I ate that entire time was coconuts." Demoin finally seemed to have the web set up the way she wanted. "Now hurry along, please. I'd like to get this finished before long. Did you bring food?"

Twilight jumped back, before remembering the small food tray on her back. "Uhm, yes. I assumed you might want something fresher than your usual fare. I hope you don't mind salads..."

Demoin smiled easily. "Ah, by Luna your sweeter than you seem." Demoin grabbed the tray, and removed a single plate, before sitting on the ground and nodding. 

Demoin began munching on the plate, with a simple smile on her face as Twilight stared. Demoin had sworn by Luna. But she was older than everything here. This demanded an answer, but who knew if that could be the straw that closed her off from any other questions. Demoin smiled and took a small break from eating. "I don't mind if you ask you know. Seeing a demi-mortal come to terms with something unfamiliar lost its interest long ago."

Twilight opened her mouth a few times before finally controlling herself. "Why'd you swear by Luna? You said you were the oldest thing here, and Luna is Celestia's younger sister."

Demoin's easy smile never faltered as she inspected a single plant in her salad. "This is Nightshade, just so you know. Its poisonous to me. Had I no plans I might eat it just to see you react to my painful death, but such petty cruelty wouldn't win me any favors." Demoin sat the poisonous plant on the floor beside her before nodding. "But yes, I am older than Princess Luna, ruler of Night. However, Luna herself has no titles. Luna is my Goddess. She heralds change. Good, bad, any and all change is her domain. I have gotten to see her, once."

Demoin grabbed at a piece of lettuce and nibbled the edge. "It was long ago, shortly after I ate the damned fruit of the tree of life. Luna herself was there, and her ever-shifting form looked to me. A million faces in a second, and a million thoughts in half that. She saw my masked face and walked up, slowly removing it. And all her faces smiled at my uncovered visage before my mask melted in her grasp. And like that I was free. No more mask to hide behind, leaving only me to face the wheel, and that is how it has been since. No fake names, no acting for others." Demoin slid the plate back to Twilight, before leaning back to look at the ceiling. "Luna saw my fate. To wander until madness plants its claws in my mind and I lose myself to its darkness. She saw that, and gave me a reason to live." Demoin raised a hand, and Twilight followed Demoins eyes.

There, painted in black and silver, was a sigil. Twilight saw it's intricate design, almost similar to Zebrican war tattoos. And as she looked, it changed slightly, one of the ends looping over itself, altering its look ever so slightly. Demoin chuckled, causing Twilight to jump. "Beautiful isn't it. Not many have looked up to see my sigil of Luna written above my head. It's everchanging essence letting me know that I am not alone. Luna has guided me well, and through her, I will get my due justice."

Twilight continued staring at the sigil as the center expanded, opening a hole in the center. "What justice is that?"

There was another laugh. "And that shall be your final question today Twilight. You'll want some rest. But my justice is what I deserve for my life." The sounds of boots shuffling over concrete sounded behind Twilight, but she never turned to look. Demoin's voice was conversational, or maybe even happy as she spoke her final line. "Death young Princess. I will die for my crimes with a smile on my face. And if Luna allows it, I will finally rest."

Twilight looked at Demoin, but she was laying on her bed. Twilight sighed and realized her interview was over for the day. She grabbed the plate from the floor and levitated it onto her tray and made her exit. As soon as the vault door closed Demoin smiled wide. "Coast is clear Discord."

With a snap, Demoin was looking at the closest thing to an ally she had in this world. Discord, local lord of chaos. Demoin smiled at him and bowed slightly. "Greetings vassal of my Lady, I have asked you here to even the scales from our last encounter."

Discord spun in place, his serpentine body coiling around himself. "Really now? Your calling on  a debt from before both of my little vacations?"

Demoin nodded. "Yes, I simply wish you to transport me to a nearby field, and gift me a small knife."

Discords body uncoiled like a spring, causing him to bounce forward. "That's all? I was hoping for mass chaos! Something like that time you set fire to that forest, or your brief foray into necromancy."

Demoin groaned. "No Discord. A knife and a quick teleport to an empty field are all I need. And don't worry, it will definitely cause a scene for you to enjoy."

Discord sighed but nodded. "Fine, but I'm only doing this because I owe you one, then we're even."

With a single snap, Demoin was in a field, standing still beside a small stretch of road. Demoin looked at her feet, and a small leaf blade knife sat at her feet. She picked it up, inspecting the blade. With a steady hand, she cut a long gash across her forearm and began chanting. Nopony noticed the slight glow coming from the field, but every unicorn felt it when a magical surge spilled from over the field and coated the land. And everything saw the large demon rise from the field, flying upwards and letting loose a scream that could be heard around the world. The guards found Demoin's dead body an hour later, and she woke up back in her cell.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the distant mountains of Equestria, a small black and purple biped was happily skipping through the rocky ridgelines. She was singing a tune while looking over the rocks as if looking for a lost item. "Hello?" Her voice squeaked through the mountain range, echoing across the stone. Her purple and black skin lit up in child-like glee. "HELLO!"

Her voice seemed to argue with itself as it echoed, thundering across the pass while still being high enough to crack any glass unfortunate enough to be in its path. A heavy hand dropped over the shoulder of the small figure, and a deep voice of gravel and steel seemed to come from the ground itself as it spoke. "Brighteyes, we're looking for Demoin, remember?"

Brighteyes seemed to pause, staring out at the pass while the hand rested lightly, before jumping up, her nubby legs racing in place. "Up, up. We gotta go up Nary!"

The figure looked at Brighteyes as the small biped began its climb. He couldn't stop the smile as he slowly followed, the nubby horns under a bright orange flash of hair, the way purple and black seemed to swirl around the minute little creature. It was such an opposite to his dull pale gray skin and his tall figure. His name was Nareen, and he knew better than to judge his tiny companion. Instead, he reached to his hip, pulling a small grappling hook from his hip. He began spinning it slowly. "Well little one, I believe I can get us up there faster."

Brighteyes jumped from her small lead on the wall, instantly raising her arms and leaping in front of him. "Oh, oh, carry me!"

Nareen let out a chuckle. "Of course little princess, hop up." He lowered his arm, and Brighteyes lept up, crawling from his arm over to his back. With a flick of his wrist, the hook went flying, soaring through the air with unerring precision. It found a home on one of the high rocks of the mountain pass. With it securely locked in, his legs tensed. There was a moment where a casual observer might have seen a shift. The area around his legs seeming to vibrate for a moment, before with a massive jump he scaled the wall. The wind whipped his hair over skin colored like ash as he reached out a hand, grabbing a jutting rock. With a spin, he landed firmly on the rock, not pausing before pulling the rope tight, and pulling himself up at a running pace.

Climbing is an art that most creatures never fully appreciate. They think it is simply a manner of upwards locomotion. Nareen was of a different sort. Nareen saw climbing as the holiest of movements. Demoin had Luna, Brighteyes had Vectron, though he was loath to bring it up. He had something simpler, he had the climb. There may have been a god involved, but if so Nareen never bothered to care. It was the simple joy of gravity bending knee to his might. Plotting routes, moving exactly, jumps with no safety rigging to catch him if he fell. Just a lone rope, and the strength of his body. His single-minded love shone through, as the sheer cliff they had started at the bottom of shrank under his arms, and upon reaching his hook he barely paused. Unhooking it with his left arm, he used his other three limbs to jump upwards. With the final leap, he scampered up the ledge, waiting to roll over until Brighteyes got off his back.

The Duskling was jumping, pointing in the distance as Nareen smiled softly. He followed the excited digit of his comrade pointing towards the horizon. With a flash his smile faded, his mouth forming a thin line. A red demon rising from the air, looking minuscule in the distance. However, Nareen knew exactly what it was. That was Demoin giving them a sign. With all the subtlety one expected from an eternal. Brighteyes jumped up and down in the air, arms exploding outward. "I knew it! I was thinking of what it would be like to see Demmy again and I thought a clifftop meeting would be PERFECT! And she did too, so now we've met on this cliff!"

Nareen nodded, long since used to the antics of the living fable. "Yes, little one. You did it. But now I think we have a heading." He began looping the rope of his grapple, checking it for any damage. "I'll remember this spot, so let's head back to our ship. We'll gear up and head out at first light."

Brighteyes sighed. "Can't we just go Nary, I wanna see Demoin!"

Nareen reached down, ruffling the orange hair of the Duskling. "Sorry little princess, but I won't go that long without proper food, and I'm sure little crack-crack will want to tag along."

Brighteyes nodded, though with hesitation. "Fine, but you have to carry the food!" She stomped a foot, pointing an incriminating finger at Nareen. With a laugh, he nodded.


***


Twilight Sparkle paced recklessly in a small rut inside the vault door of Demoin. The woman herself was still unconscious, though her slashed arms had long ago healed. Twilight looked between Demoin and the vault, her wings twitching as she moved her sight up to the large symbol of Luna on the ceiling. She watched it slowly shift, trying to figure out the events of the previous night. Demoin had told her much, though she doubted the second Luna she knew was a relevant detail. Though, several hints were dropped of her imminent departure. Celestia seemed adamant that Demoin wouldn't lie, though the why of the matter eluded Twilight, but did leave her with a dirty job. Finding out how Demoin had escaped.

A groan snapped Twilight out of her thoughts, as Demoin rolled over. She sat up, rubbing her head. "Mental note. Bleeding to death still hurts. Quite a little bit in fact." Twilight found herself staring yet again, this time at the cat-like way Demoin seemed to stretch, her back arching as the faded black bodyglove she wore accentuated her curves. As she watched the alien move, she saw something new. Her eyes had a glint in them, a sign of life she hadn't seen before. Demoin moved to her vest and pistol, donning the vest and sliding the pistol into its little pocket off to the side. "Now, to try and figure out..." Demoin turned to see Twilight in the room with her, and instantly the small glint Twilight had seen in her eyes seemed to die. "Oh. I assumed Celestia would have me on lockdown after that, the wheel normally states I would be alone until rescue arrived. Unless your here to torture me."

Twilight flinched back. "No, of course not!" She stomped a hoof, nearly shivering at the memory of Demoin's arms. If she would do that to herself, no torturer could break her. Not that Twilight could ever torture anything.

Demoin simply nodded, before turning her back to the young princess. "Ah, I see. Celestia knows I do not lie, and she also knows I dislike her. She sent you to try and squeeze how I left out of me, didn't she?"

Twilight nodded, feeling next to no shame from the backhanded nature of her assignment. Partly because she already guessed it would be seen through in an instant. "Yes, she did. Though you have to understand, you said you couldn't escape and just left. Either you've actually left, or something happened."

Demoin shrugged, moving to the small bookshelf filled with books. She pulled one loose, opening it and placing it on the table. "Of course something changed, but you surely know how this works." Demoin walked to her bed, pulling a pen out of a pocket in her vest. "What deal do you propose? I'm feeling particularly fair today, so you may name the terms."

Twilight nodded. "Uhhm, I don't really know what you want, but maybe you could tell me how you got out, and I'd promise to visit you every week from now on?"

Demoin paused, nodding her head back and forth as she thought over the deal. After a few seconds where Twilight worried about offending the creature in the room with her, Demoin smiled. "Ah, now there is the unintentional ruthlessness I was hoping for. You stopped giving me a privilege to see if I'll behave with less, then only offer it back when you need something." Demoin nodded a few times as Twilight froze, now almost sure she had offended the immortal. Instead, Demoin's smile widened. "Yes, I agree."

Twilight stumbled back, reeling as if struck with a closed fist. "You mean it?"

Demoin nodded. "Yes, if only for a glimpse into that innocent little mind of yours." Demoin sat in front of the opened book, picking it up before leaning the chair back on two legs. With a smirk, she began writing in the book. "Of course, if only because the answer is so simple. I had help."

Twilight stared. It all fit, she had to admit that. Demoin had stated very simply that she couldn't escape alone, and Celestia had agreed that she probably had help. Unfortunately, it didn't actually answer any questions. Twilight realized almost instantly that she was played, but found herself smiling at the fact instead of getting annoyed. It was a game, and though she realized she probably wouldn't win it did seem fun. She moved a bit closer, testing the waters. "Well, that's hardly all the information."

Demoin shrugged, finishing the page before starting the next one. "It is the way of the wheel. I give what you ask for, nothing more and nothing less."

Twilight smiled. "So maybe for my weekly visit, I don't stay for longer than a minute."

Demoin paused in her musings, her head slowly turning to the young princess. "Really now?" Demoin stood, her book snapping shut with a loud crack. "You think you can use my own tricks against me?" Twilight faltered, as if reality reasserted itself, reminding her that she was talking to a being with powers beyond her knowledge. Even with this knowledge in mind, she stood firm, not backing down as Demoin walked up, crouching down in front of her. She froze as Demoin raised one hand in front of her face, worried of just what this creature could do to her, but whether through fear or bravery she couldn't bring herself to move. "Boop." Demoin tapped her open palm to Twilight's nose, before moving back to her chair. 

Twilight stood still for a moment, flabbergasted at the singular snapshot of physical contact that was a first for Demoin. She was roused from her frozen state by Demoin herself, beginning to speak as she reopened her book. "Well, I can't give you a name, but bravery should be commended. I called in a marker from a fellow follower of the goddess Luna, but I do not wish to expose them to whatever justice your world would give."

Twilight paused, trying to figure out if this was another part of the game. Was she using this to ensure Twilight would stay longer than a minute or was she actually extending an olive branch? So many questions whirled around in her head, but in the end, only one question spilled from her lips. "So I should stay for more than a minute, huh?'

Demoin shrugged. "Do as you will, though you are certainly much more interesting than Celestia or Luna in their heyday." Demoin paused, tapping the pen to her chin. "Actually, towards the end, Luna was certainly more interesting, though she did try to kill me once or twice." Demoin shrugged. "But that was when the madness took her, so I can hardly blame her."

Demoin lapsed into silence as Twilight digested this, letting her words sink in. "So, you want me to visit again?"

Demoin smiled, and Twilight noticed the glint in her eyes reappeared, if only for a moment. "Do as you will, though I will be happy if you only visit for a minute. You interest me Twilight Sparkle, which is a great compliment. In your past, you have taken some absolutely cutthroat actions, and yet you still hold that childlike innocence many creatures in your position lose." Demoin tossed her book back onto the table.  "But you are surely tired after I have caused such a stir, go back to your quarters, rest your head, and sleep. I will be here for at least another week." Demoin stretched, letting out a yawn of her own. "Be warned though, my friends are coming. They will not rest until I am returned to them, and I would suggest not giving them a reason to turn their ire on you."

Twilight paused, looking over Demoin. She looked... different. Where before, such a threat was delivered coldly and with a vague threat, now it seemed softer somehow. If Twilight were forced to put words to it, she would say that instead of threatening her, Demoin was warning her, trying to keep unnecessary violence to a minimum. With that thought in her head, she nodded. Neither said anything as Twilight turned to left, and the room was silent as the vault door slammed shut.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Demoin had experienced boredom before, but this was different. It had been so long since she had something to look forward to, and it didn't match the wheel. She had seen the innocent hero, but by the time their quests were done and their victory assured, the hero would be broken and beaten. A shell of the hero that started the journey so long ago. But this Twilight girl was different. She still had that spark of innocence, and despite her cutthroat tactics felt regret at Demoin's pain. Such a young mind still uncorrupted by the fell violence and petty cruelty of the universe. It was a rarity she had yet to see, let alone talk to. Demoin picked up a book and flipped it open. With a smooth motion, she opened it and began writing. That is the image Celestia walked in on.

Demoin writing away in her book, barely sparing a glance at Celestia as she walked in. Demoin leaned against the wall in full gear, with her pen gliding across the page in smooth strokes. To any looking over her shoulder, it would seem to be the writings of an asylum patient. Symbols mixed with nonsense letters that occasionally trailed down the page in a nonsense manner. To her, it was the paths the wheel might take. This world was strange, and all her thoughts and theories fought against the proof that stood in the frame of her vault. She glanced up once, noting the princess standing there with a cold look at her. With a snap, the book closed, and Demoin moved to her chair. No words were exchanged as Demoin sat down, leaning back so the chair rested on two legs. "So Celestia, what's on the menu today? I can imagine this is probably going to involve either veiled threats or desperate deals. I can enjoy either option, but the price for the deals will be less than satisfactory."

Celestia took a deep breath for a moment, before nodding. "I wish to know what your compatriots look like."

Demoin rubbed her chin for a moment, mulling over the deal before reaching down and tapping the desk. "Easy enough. The price is simple, a meal with meat. As well as a new pony to speak to, Though I do appreciate Twilight's visits she does not give me the pulse of anywhere besides simple little Ponyville." Demoin smiled, her teeth flashing in flawless white. "And a girl's got to have hobbies after all." She paused for a moment, before adding an addendum. "And no guards as the pony, They stonewall me far to much. Send in a maid, or a gardener. Warp, I'd take a random hobo."

Celestia bit her lip, but Demoin knew she would agree nevertheless. "That can be arranged. As long as you are willing to describe both of your companions in full detail."

Demoin stood. "But of course, I never renege on a deal. As Twilight no doubt told you there are two of them, and I would hazard the survivors are Nareen and Brighteyes." Demoin looked up to the ceiling, staring at the sigil of Luna above her. Both are as immortal as you, with Brighteyes able to shapeshift, however, she is normally approximately four feet tall. Her skin is black and purple, swirling together over her body. She is normally nude, her species forgoing clothing. However, if she did get dressed I can guarantee she is wearing an archaic dress with lots of flowers on it." Demoin glanced at Celestia. "Also, she will ask to ride one of your ponies. I ask you to excuse her now, she's an excitable sort, and social grace is mostly lost on her."

Demoin reached over her table to a small mango sitting in front of her, instantly taking a bite from it. For a moment, the only sound in the room was her thoughtful chewing. After she swallowed she sat up straight. "Now Nareen. He is a bit harder to describe. " She tossed her fruit in the air, catching it a few times. "He's taller than me, with pale grey skin and stark white hair. He normally wears climbing gear of some sort, though I wouldn't dare guess at what awful color choice he'll be making whenever he arrives. He will be attempting to control Brighteyes." Demoin giggled, the sudden sound making Celestia wince, though Demoin ignored the fact as she continued. "And failing. For all the little Undaunted's strengths, he is unable to say no to the girl. I think it's because he arrived late enough to adopt the cool uncle role in my dysfunctional little family."

Celestia stared for a moment longer, parsing the veritable flood of information she was given. These creatures were Demoin's family, and Celestia knew how much the love of family could do. Demoin shrugged. "Though honestly, I expect you'll find this out, and move me to some more secure prison you've been trying to make for the past several years. Failing that you'll hold me here until they arrive, then try to use holding me as some sort of trump card to negotiate an exile." Demoin tossed her mango in the air, catching it and taking another bite. Her voice was muffled through the fruit as she spoke. "Course, we probably wouldn't listen for very long. A bunch of demi-mortals rarely follow mortal laws their whole lives. And true immortals like me follow even less."

Celestia looked to her, chewing on her thoughts for a moment. "Then may we negotiate now? I think it would be more than fair to assume we could reach a compact before this event comes to a head."

Demoin's head jolted up, staring at Celestia with her eyes narrowed. "Negotiate? With you? Never again. I still remember what happened last time. I remember being lost in the caverns beneath your damned castle for a century, the only company being my thoughts." Demoin walked forward, her feet stomping with every step. "I remember my sanity breaking for the millionth time, the walls speaking to me as I wondered if I was truly on a planet with life. My mind shattering memories of my friends. I cannot recall the name of the people who died at my side anymore, and that is on your head."

Demoin stopped directly in front of Celestia, her knees lowering her entire body to eye level. "No Celestia, I will not bargain with one who's word means as little as yours. Send Luna, send Twilight. But never think I will forget the sins of the past, nor will I forgive them. Now if you'll excuse me." Demoin walked back to her table, grabbing a small knife from the table, and jamming it in her throat.

Celestia flinched as a splatter of blood flew into her face, marring her snow-white fur in dark red. She stared as Demoin slumped down to the ground, unable to speak or move until her body repaired itself. Celestia turned slowly, exiting the room with sullen steps. As the vault closed behind her she wiped the blood from her face with a hoof. She stared at it for a moment as her vision blurred. "I promise Demoin, I did not mean to cause such heartache." There was a flash, and the room lay empty, not even a mouse to disturb the silence.


***


Nareen gazed to the mountain that was in the same direction as the demon that had marked the sky earlier. He felt his palms itch as he thought of it, wanting nothing more than to feel his rope as he ascended it. The city perched upon the side was unimportant when compared to his desire to see the world from that oh so distant peak. He pulled a small ration bar from his pack, nibbling at the edge as he watched the sunset over the peak. "Little princess, is the camp good enough?"

A cheery voice called out from behind him. "I made a big old fire, and I managed not to burn the soup this time!" There was a gush of wind as Brighteyes looked at him, her mouth dipping into a frown. "Nary, you shouldn't be eating! I made dinner for both of us!" She balled up her fists, huffing in annoyance as Nareen laughed.

He ruffled her hair, a wide smile on his face. "Of course little princess. I'm sorry, I was just thinking of how that mountain called to me."

Brighteyes turned, her mouth widening as she saw the mountain. "Oh! I bet we could go all the way up to the tippy-top! Then maybe we'd see miss grumpy-pants and go get her!" She bounced in the air as Nareen nodded. 

With a shuffle, he pocketed his ration bar and moved to the camp behind them. "Then that will be our plan. If we eat and go to bed early we might make it by tomorrow night." Nareen grabbed a bowl and began making a bowl of soup, stirring it as he added more to the bowl. "So let's have this feast you so generously prepared, and be ready to leave bright and early." 

Nareen reached into his chest pocket, only to find it empty. He began patting all the pouches adorning his climbing gear before a bottle rose into his vision with a small purple hand holding it. "Silly Nary, I already added your special spice juice. You were so distracted I got it without you noticing." Nareen lowered his eyes to Brighteyes smiling face, but soon broke into a grin. They both began to laugh, their cries of joy echoing across the land.