001 - We ended up Here?!

He wasn’t an Anon. He expected to be an Anon. Wasn’t that supposed to be a thing in a place like this.

On that note….

“Where’d he go!”

“It isn’t every day that a new stallion shows up!”

“Screw you, he’s mine!”

“Why’s he heading to the Everfree! That’s too dangerous!”

John flattened himself against the side of the house. He tried to keep his breathing to a dull roar. So this is what it was like to have normal lungs.

“Come on! He probably doubled back!”

“But what if he went-”

“No stallion is brave enough to go into the Everfree.”

“True…”

He dared to peek out of his not-so-hidden hiding place. It looked like the mares were finally going to leave. Good. Huh. Maybe the Everfree isn’t a bad idea to go and figure things out.

He slumped to his flank, finally taking note of where his blind run had taken him.

It was a hill…
with windows...
and a door...

Wait...

That was…

“Oh my… Are you okay?”

John stiffened. He gulped, then slowly turned towards the source. A familiar butter-yellow pegasus was poking her head out from behind the door in the hill. “I heard the commotion. Are you lost? A poor, defenseless stallion like you shouldn’t be out on your own. What if you got hurt? What if-”

John put on his best smile. “I’ll be fine. Thanks.” With that, he turned and trotted away from the hill.

“Wait! I can’t let you stay out here alone!” She’d followed him.

His eye twitched. “I’m fine. Thanks. I’m just going... this way.” He pointed a white hoof towards the treeline.

“But that’s the Everfree!” The mare gasped.

“Yep.” He nodded. “I’ve heard.”

“But it’s-”

“Dangerous. Yes. Everyone said.” John nodded, trotting towards the forest. “Thank you for being the one rational person who’s not dick-hungry.”

“I can’t let you!” The mare landed in front of him and puffed her chest out. Her teal eyes were wide as she glared at him.

“Excuse you?” He blinked at her.

“I can’t let you potentially get hurt! I-I- I’m-” The mare seemed to be faltering.

“Stay right there.” John walked around the butter pegasus.

“No-” The mare whirled and grabbed onto one of his legs.

“Hey! Stop that!” John yelped and tried to shake her off. He growled at her. “Oi! Leggo! Little- Yellow- Anklebiter- Stahp!”

From not that far away, a simultaneously floofy and scaley form heard the commotion.

Lorraine couldn’t tell what exactly was fighting, or who for that matter. All that mattered at the moment was helping whoever was in trouble.

She emerged from the forest. Pink-scaled legs, slowly plodded towards…

A yellow pegasus with a light pink mane, teal eyes, and a mark of three pink butterflies on her flanks, was clinging for dear life to a flailing stallion. Said stallion was pearl white, with a short gray mane, a long, somewhat spiky gray tail, and bright blue-gray eyes. He was vigorously shaking his back right leg, trying to dislodge the mare.

Neither noticed her approaching. “Ummmm… Hey? Is everything okay?”

John, paused his shaking for a moment. His head turned as he started to speak. “Sorry, I’ve got aaaaaa…….” John’s eyes widened as his eyes met pink scales. He looked up at a face like a wolf. A pink-furred wolf face. With a large lion-like mane of orange hair. And with silver eyes. Errrr…. Silver eye. The left eye was a milky white.

His jaw dropped.

“Luck dragon…” He said dumbly. “Never ending story~” He sang as a grin split his lips.

“What do you me-” The mare seemed to finally let go. “Eep!”

“Finally something that I recognise in a non-aggressive state.” John said with a loud sigh.

Lorraine binked at the stallion. She lowered her head to look at the stallion. While the yellow mare gaped at her. Her head tilted a little. “So, you’re from Earth. You sound familiar. Do I know you?” She blinked. “Oh. Right. Sorry, Hi I’m Lorraine.”

John blinked. He leaned away as his eyes widened. “Lorraine? LORRAINE?!” He gasped out loud. “Oh My God!”

Then he leapt forward and hugged her foreleg.

“IneverexpectedthatI’dbeabletoseeyou.Imean,itkindafeltlikeapipedreamsometimes.Butitneverreallybotheredmethatmuchanyway.ButOhMyGodDarling!” John vomited out words until he ran out of breath.

“Sang-? Wait, shit- What is your real name again?” The dragon asked.

John took a deep breath. “Just John is fine. Or John Smith if you’re feeling Doctor-y.”

She snorted. “Okay. John. That’s gonna take some getting used to.”

She looked over at the mare. “And you are?”

“I-I’m Fluttershy, I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know he was yours. W-well not yours but-” ‘Fluttershy stammered.

Lorraine just smiled. “Oh no, he’s mine.”

“Yup.” Came from her leg.

John hadn’t let go.

“I am so sorry for- You know, I really need to feed the animals.” Fluttershy said with a nervous smile, then raced towards her home, slamming the door behind her.

“Well that happened.” Lorraine said bluntly. “You okay?”

John finally removed himself from her leg. “Yep. Ish. Kinda.” His smiled. “Just trying not to think too hard about anything in particular.”

“Well, at least I don’t have to worry about medical stuff, and I’m a fuckin’ dragon. And I look awesome!” Lorraine puffed out her scaley chest proudly.

“My girlfriend's a pretty dragon.” John said with a dumb grin on his face.

“I mean, ya think so?” She cocked her head to the side. “Mum always said I looked good in pink.”

“Best Pink Dagron Waifu.” John nodded.

She looked at him, confused. “Why am I the waifu?”

He shrugged. “I dunno. You just are.” He paused for a moment. “Oh, shit.” He grinned. “Now that you’re here. The mare’s in town won’t chase me like I’m a hunk of meat.”

“They did what.” She said bluntly.

“Yeah. I… Think this is a R. G. R. E. kinda thing.” John said with a frown and a bit of a hum.

“Okay, so reversed gender roles.” Lorraine nodded, looking thoughtful. “Whelp, first things first, we need to find out how our new bodies work.”

“I prefer not to think about it, but I’m game.” John shrugged.

“Let’s go see if Twilight’s library is still a thing.” Lorraine made to move.

“Can I ride you?” John asked, trotting up next to her foreleg.

“Mmmm… Yeah sure.” She nodded, and he clambered up her leg to sit just above her shoulders.

“Wooo!” He cheered throwing his forelegs in the air.

Lorraine simply chuckled.

They were getting looks.

John didn’t like getting looks.

Lorraine didn’t seem to notice.

“Ummm, excuse me? Is that your stallion on your back?” A voice called out from somewhere near her leg.

“Well, I don’t like objectifying him, but yeah? Why?” She stopped and looked down at… a mint green unicorn.

“Well… See… How do I not be rude here… Eh, buck it. I want him to make me pregnant.” The mare said with a shrug, looking up at John.

Lorraine’s head lowered until she was eye to eye with the mare. “He is a person, not just a dick and balls.” A quite polite smile grew on her face.

The mare blinked. “Well… yeah… but, can’t you two not have foals?”

“Ha! I plan to adopt.” Lorraine responded still smiling.

“And that’s what we’re planning on finding out.” John spoke up.

The mare blinked again. “Oh… kay. Well. Sorry for bothering you then.”

“Library.” John groaned.

Lorraine watched the mare leave. Then her smile dropped from her face. She kept walking.

“It’s just like in the show…” John blinked at the Golden Oaks Library.

“Oh thank God, no gaudy as shit castle.” Lorraine rolled her eyes.

“Buy our toys!” John commented.

Then they came to the door. It was a bit… small for the dragon.

“Shit.” They said in unison.

John slid down her leg made to trot towards the door. Then he paused. “Wait. You knock. I don’t trust any mare at the moment, especially an introverted bookworm like Twilight. It’s always the quiet ones.”

“Do I have to?” She sighed. She paused and thought for a moment. “Yeah. Oaky. I’ll do it. Apparently I’m overprotective as fuck.”

“And I feel all warm and fuzzy outside.” John chuckled.

Lorraine blinked down at him, shrugged, looked at the door, then lifted a claw and knocked.

“Hold on.” A voice called out. There was a moment, then the door opened. A small purple and green dragon froze the moment the door fully opened. Slowly, his green eyes rose to meet the luck dragon’s.

“Hnnnnngh… He’s even cuter in person.” John grunted.

“God dammit.” Lorraine muttered then smiled at the small dragon. “Hello, do you have any books on luck dragons?”

“Uhhh… lemme check?” The small dragon backed away from the door. “Twi? Twilight?”

There was a call from deeper in the library. “What?”

“Do we have any books on luck dragons?” The dragon continued.

“Yea- Wait did you say luck dragons?” Came the reply.

“Yea-” The dragon was cut off as a purple flash announced the arrival of a purple unicorn.

“Where’s the-” The violet-eyed mare looked around, until her eyes locked onto John.

“Noooo.” He pointed a hoof at her. “No. Bad mare. Focusing on the giant pink floof dragon.” He thrust his hoof at Lorraine.

“Don’t be rude.” Lorraine chidded at the stallion.

“Sweetie, should I give you an example of what would happen, should I walk about ten feet to the left?” John asked raising a brow.

“Well, they’re still people, utterly insane people, but still people.” Lorraine replied.

John deadpanned. “I was running for thirty minutes.”

“I reiterate, they’re insane.” Lorraine nodded.

“Are you a luck dragon?” ‘Twilight’ spoke up.

“I don’t know, I think so.” Lorraine looked unsure.

“She looks like one to me.” John nodded. “But, you’re the professional here. Well… professional-ish.”

“I… will be right back. I need to go write a letter.” Twilight backed into the library. “SPIKE!”

“I’m right here Twi.” Came a response from inside.

“Letter. Dear, Princess Celestia-” Twilght began.

John’s ears twitched. There was murmuring. He looked around. A small crowd had started to gather around the pair and the library. There was more than a bit of murmuring.

He turned his head around back to the library only to be met by bright blue eyes inches from his.

“Hi!”

“OHGODFUCKAHHHH!” John snapped as he physically leapt backwards and landed on his flank.

A violently pink mare was grinning at him.

“GoddammitPinkiedon’tkillmeareyoufuckinginsane!” John babbled wide-eyed at the mare.

“Are you okay?” Lorraine asked, glancing between the stallion and the mare.

“Fine. Just recovering from the sapient, walking jump-scare in a pink pony suit.” John nodded, getting back to his hooves.

“Silly pony, my Pinkie suit’s back at Sugarcube Corner.” The mare replied. “Oh, and I’m Pinkie Pie, and here you go.” She held out a sealed letter to Lorraine.

Lorraine took the letter and opened it. She blinked on looking at it. “And somehow I can read ponish. Okay.”

“It’s an invitation.” Pinkie and John said at the same time.

Pinkie looked at the stallion.

John shrugged. “Good guess?”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Lorraine said, and returned the letter to Pinkie.

“Awwww… why?” Pinkie looked a little sad.

“It’s not your fault. We’re just introverted homebodies who don’t go out. Well, homebodies without a home.” John said quickly.

Lorraine looked around at the gathered ponies. “Why are you all here?”

“New creature.”

“New ponies.”

“A stallion.”

“We’re bored.”

“And how many of you are interested in my boyfriend?” She asked, pointing a claw at John.

More than a few hooves raised.

She took a deep breath, gathering herself. A smile, more of a bearing of teeth, twisted her features. “I would be perfectly happy, if this,” she gestured to the crowd, “wasn’t a thing. I would’ve been happy being sent anywhere else. I would take Hazbin Hotel over this. I would take Ni No Kuni over this. But Noooooo…. I finally get to meet my boyfriend, in a world where every single goddamned mare is after his dick. He is a person. A living, breathing, thinking, individual. So until you can learn to respect that, and his own wishes, Piss. Off.”

“Well said.” A voice said from the library.

Lorraine and John both looked to see a bright white alicorn and a dark blue alicorn coming out of the library.

“I’m sorry, wut?” Lorraine said stupidly.

“While perhaps a little crude-” The white alicorn started.

“Sister, I found her speech to be quite wonderful. Piss Off!” The blue alicorn boomed.

“Oh, I’m going to be hearing this for awhile.” The pair actually heard the white alicorn mutter, before her regal bearing returned in full. “This luck dragon is right, my little ponies.”

“She said the thing.” John giggled quietly.

“Did I just get validated by the princesses?” Lorraine asked quietly.

“They are new here, and don’t know the ways of this world.” The white mare continued. “They do not understand the societal norms. Please, leave them be so they may adjust.”

Like puppies caught chewing on furniture, the crowd dispersed.

“I believe we need to have a chat.” The white mare said with a smile at the stallion and luck dragon.

“And this was for you.” The blue mare levitated out what looked like a piece of copy paper.

Lorraine took it. It read.

From: EldRich@Inf-mail.com
Re: Shit this was supposed to go to Lorraine!
Sorry. Give this to the pink luck dragon.
Lorraine! You’re a luck dragon now. Have fun with your boyfriend.
P.S. Oh, and we copied your souls. So there’s a version of you two still in your previous lives, so no worries there.
P.P.S. Sorry, just checked you’re in one of those Equestrias. I am so sorry. We’ll send some stuff your way when we get time just to make some things more bearable. We got you two a house. So… Enjoy and sorry again!

Lorraine blinked. “Okay. Where’s the house.”

“Right this way.” The white mare said gesturing a hoof.

The four sat in a large living room. Well, Loraine did her best ouroboros impression as she had to loop herself around the living room, resting her head on her fluffy tail. She was pressed up against numerous bookshelves, an entertainment center, and large deep blue curtain that covered the doorway outside. John sat on a blue sofa in the center of the room and faced the two lay-z-boy recliners that the Princesses sat in.

“So…. Lemme get this straight. You want to pay us, to simply exist as a couple?” John asked.

“So you can be an example to our ponies, yes.” Celestia nodded.

“The trend that had developed over my time away, I find quite disturbing.” Luna said. “It never would have happened if I ruled. Not saying that you made a poor decision sister!” She quickly added looking at Celestia.

“I am going to have to bring up an argument to that.” Lorraine spoke up. “We spend most of all day, every day inside. How is that an example? Ponies would have to see us.”

“You do have to go out shopping, yes?” Celestia said with a small smile.

“Once a week.” Lorraine grunted.

“Perhaps a date night. Or even going to a different store to purchase more of your video games. Add me, I’m Th3NightPrincess.” Luna added. “You could attempt to make some friends. Perhaps Twilight Sparkle. Do you wish to change size Lorraine? She would have the books for spells, or perhaps the knowledge herself.”

“Counterpoint. We can have date nights at home, and why can’t you just show me how to change size?” Lorraine countered.

“And why would I do that? What would you learn from it?” Luna asked with a smile.

“I’d learn that not everyone is out to get us.” Lorraine continued her dual of words.

“Peace you two.” John spoke up. “Valid points, both sides, but, Luna. Could you provide the spell? I wouldn’t mind actually being able to get my arms around my girlfriend.”

“Are you calling your marefriend fat?” Celstia asked.

“Wut.” John blinked at the alicorn.

Lorriane on the other hand, started laughing.

“Fine, I suppose. As a hoof held out in offering.” Luna sighed and lit her horn. The luck dragon was engulfed in a blue aura, before she quickly shrunk to a smaller, more pony-ish size.

“Okay. Thanks. I’ll try to make some friends.” Lorraine said, getting up to walk over to the couch so she could sit next to John. She muttered. “God I wish we were in Hazbin.”

“I will do my best to go out. I went out daily back home previously, so I hope I can maintain that. Barring, of course, that I don’t get pounced on by all of the mares.” John said with a roll of the eyes.

“Making an effort is all we ask.” Celestia nodded. “We may send some confidants with a bit more control to check on you two every-so-often.”

“So, question, I’m a luck dragon. What does that mean exactly.” Lorraine asked as John leaned against her.

“In ancient days, luck dragons were icons of light and purity. They banished the darkness with their very presence. Sadly not many still live.” Luna shook her head. “They were hunted to near extinction. Their claws, you see, are potent magical foci, usable for any number of spells for both good and ill.”

“Sweetie, you’ve got magic hands.” John commented, nuzzling her cheek.

“Uhhhh….. Didn’t anyone try to talk it out, or was common language not a thing?” Lorraine asked.

“Those were the dark times. Talk rarely happened.” Luna said grimly.

“Okay? Anything about my biology I should know?” Lorraine asked.

“Your first quest, read a book.” Celestia spoke up.

“Okay you got one?” Lorraine asked.

Celestia’s horn lit and there was a ~poof~. A large tome appeared and fell to the floor. “An Equestrian Bestiary, Fifth Edition, by Silent Moon.”

“Dibs!” John pounced on the tome.

“What’s it say about Luck Dragons?” Lorraine asked.

John rapidly flipped through the pages. “Ahem… The luck dragon is an icon of purity and light. Said to be incredibly lucky due to it’s high concentration of positive energy, luck dragons are incredibly long-lived and boast potent magical powers primarily focusing on the Sky, Stars, Sun, Moon, and Light. Luck dragons primarily lair in cliffs or mountain caves, and outfit said homes with finery they purchase with their own scales. Luck dragons are quite charismatic and take to others well. They use their magical powers to protect their friends and those that they consider family.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t call myself charismatic, but okay.” Lorraine interjected.

“I think you are.” John looked back at her, then continued. “Ah, luck dragons can potentially procreate with any species and lay a clutch of a single egg, which will always be another luck dragon. Though there are rare cases where the luck dragon can actually choose the race of the father species instead.” John nodded. “Good to know, for later…. Yeah later. Ahem. Anyway.”

“Does it say anything about luck dragons being prudes? Cause, you know, I am one.” Lorraine asked.

“Ehhhh…..” John looked through the lines. “Noooo… Well…. Luck dragons are highly selective of who they partner with, and in certain circumstances, may procreate magically if the partner is unable to procreate biologically. Oh, huh. One sec. An unusual side-effect of the luck dragon’s magical nature is that potential partners will gravitate towards them once they reach adulthood. Ha! So I’m not alone!” He barked a laugh. “Sorry, but…. Snnrk…”

“Oh, God dammit.” Lorraine groaned.

“So, you will be, what is the term I heard online… you will have to beat them off with sticks.” Luna said with a grin.

“Both of us.” John nodded.

“Pray that they are not into that sort of thing.” Celestia commented.

“Excuse you Princess?!” John snapped staring at her.

“Who would even come after me?” Lorraine said, slightly exasperated.

John raised a hoof. “Me.”

“You don’t count.” Lorraine rolled her eyes.

“Well, shall we leave you two to get settled?” Celestia asked, somehow gracefully getting up from her recliner. Luna, on the other hand, rolled off and flopped to the floor before getting up.

“Uhh… Sure?” John shrugged. “I mean, It’s not like we have any plans.”

“Sister. May we stay for a time?” Luna asked.

Meanwhile, Lorraine walked over and blinked at the shelves of consoles. PonyStation met her eyes. “Huh.” She rolled open a drawer, only to see two rows of PonyStation games. “Cool.”

“I suppose.” Celestia said with a small smile. “I did say it was an emergency. Cadence should be fine.”

“Wait. Wait. Lorraine.” John looked over to her. “Do we have an equivalent to a Switch and Super Smash Brothers?”

Lorraine pulled open a drawer. “Yep.” She nodded.

“Swee-”

~Fwumph~

“Duh fuq?”

Lorraine turned around at the green flash. She blinked and saw…

A small changeling drone. The only noticeable difference was the blue-grey eyes.

“Sweetie…. I’m holey….” John commented shaking his new holey hooves.

“Oh, apologies, we thought you knew.” Luna spoke up.

“Problems for later. Smash Bros. now.” John gestured at the TV with a holey hoof.

Lorraine finally rebooted. “On the plus side, you’re cute.”

“Huh~” John gasped. “I felt that.” He put his hooves to his barrel. “It was a warm, fuzzy feeling.”

Lorraine blinked. “Cool.” She turned around and started setting up the console. “Oh sweet, we have actual controllers.”

“To the games then!” Luna cheered as she leapt onto the couch.

“Make way for small bug.” John joined her.

Lorraine sat next to her boyfriend.

“Well, things could be worse.”

002 - Daily Life and Drama

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John was content. Despite the slight breeze that seemed to cut through the smol bug’s exoskeleton, he was happy to be cuddled into Lorraine’s fluffy fur.

It had been an interesting, and oddly normal few days for the pair. It was mostly spent in front of the TV, with John sneaking out in the morning to get a few things, including exercise. However, due to Lorraine’s curiosity, John documented the details of his luck dragon girlfriend.

She had four paws covered in pink scales. Said scales continued up her legs and cut off at the shoulders, which were covered in fluffy pink fur. Most of her long body was covered in the same fluffy, pink fur, with a few exceptions. The front of her chest and front of her neck were covered in the same pink scales. The tail was slightly fluffier than the rest of her body, and the tip had an orange tuft of fur that matched her lion-like mane.

They quickly found that some things carried over from their previous lives. Lorraine apparently had terrible balance if she tried to do anything on her hind legs. It was quite the scene watching the luck dragon wiggle and wobble like a long noodle. John’s issue was more mental. He tended to just stare off into space for minutes at a time. Fortunately, if he was already doing something, his body seemed to go automatic pilot to keep doing whatever his task was.

Thus, John was sitting quite comfortably on the luck dragon’s back, between her shoulders, as she plodded through town. He looked around. He got stares. Not stares of want, thankfully. Mainly stares of curiosity. As if the town thought. “Where’d that stallion that was with her go?”

He grinned toothily, apparently spooking a trio of mares with his sharp teeth and prominent fangs. He didn’t even try to stop his laugh. “Hey.” He spoke up to the luck dragon. “How are you doing? Lemme know if you need directions.”

“I don’t know how we didn’t get lost on our first day here.” Lorraine commented. “I did make sure to get directions, we should be good.”

“Just making sure.” John said, returning to bug loaf position.

“Ummm hey. I came up to you the other day.” Lorraine stopped and turned her head towards the speaker. It was the mint green unicorn again. “Sorry. Lyra Heartstrings. I was a bit of a dick to your stallion, and on the note of your stallion, where is he?”

“Yo.” A holey, black hoof emerged from the pink fur.

“Gah!” Lyra yelped.

“Turns out he was a changeling.” Lorraine stated rather bluntly.

“Yup. Too lazy to figure out shapeshifting, for now.” Came the reply from the black lump.

“Oh, well.” Lyra blinked. “Huh… That’s actually interesting. Sorry if I’m interrupting you two going somewhere, I just thought to ask ‘cause I was curious.”

“Hey, so long as you’re not looking at me like I’m a piece of meat.” John commented.

“Well, yeah. But- Eh, nevermind, you two are obviously busy.” Lyra shook her head. “I may come by later to hang out or something, and not in the I want to be part of a herd kind of way. Bon Bon kinda let me have it after I kinda just came out and blurted the other day.”

“Cool.” Lorraine said with a small shrug.

“Welp, later. Enjoy… whatever you two are doing.” Lyra gave a small wave and trotted off.

“Oh my God, there’s hope for mare’s yet.” John said with faux sarcasm.

“Yep.” Lorraine nodded and continued on her way.

Lorraine knocked on the library door, and it was immediately opened by Twilight.

“You came!” The unicorn said happily. “But, where’s John?” She blinked.

“One sec.” Came the voice from Lorraine’s back. “Hup.” The smol bug hit the ground. At full height he came up to just above Lorraine’s knees. The drone smiled happily at the unicorn. “Hey-yo.” He waved a holey hoof.

Twilight blinked as she appeared to be processing.

“Turns out I was a changeling.” John started to explain. “In case you don’t know, and as far as I know myself, I run off of emotion, primarily love. I do not know why I am small, but I think it just adds to the cute factor. I am not dangerous despite what the teeth may hint at.”

Twilight shook her head and got a proper look at John. “Huh. fascinating.” Then she paused. “What am I doing, come on in.” She stepped out of the way letting the two in.

“Thanks.” Lorraine said as she walked in.

“And thank you… can I call you Twi?” John asked.

“Uhhh, sure?” Twilight blinked.

“Sweet…” The smol bug cooed as he followed his girlfriend inside.

There were a couple fold out tables full of snack food, a punch bowl, cups and plates off to the side by the stairs. At the back of the room was a CD player quietly playing something that oddly sounded like Weird ‘Al. Rainbow Dash was hovering by the snack food. Rarity was sitting on a couch and seemed to be checking herself in a pocket mirror. Fluttershy sat next to her, looking strangely nervous. The voices of Applejack and Pinkie Pie could be heard from the kitchen.

“I’m honestly surprised you agreed to come.” Twilight admitted as she shut the door. “From what Celestia said, you two aren’t really pony people.”

“Well, it depends.” John shrugged. “I can turn on the extravert.”

“I spent uhhhh…. Several years, looking after my mum, and not really needing or wanting to go out since I didn’t have any friends in the area. But, that’s changed now, I think.” Lorraine added.

“Oh darling it’s fine.” There was a snap as Rarity closed her mirror. “Oh, you are just beautiful- What is that?” She pointed a hoof at John.

“What do you mea- Gah!” Rainbow yelped as she jumped in midair, dropping her plate.

There was a loud eep that had to be Fluttershy.

“That’s a lot tamer than I expected.” John said, somewhat deadpan.

“It’s okay. This is John.” Lorraine explained as she made her way over to the food.

“It… It is?” Rarity blinked.

“That is?” Rainbow added.

“I am? … wait.” John said before snickering a little. “Yes. Hello. I am John. Turns out, I am a bug pony.”

“Oh, that’s… wonderful?” Rarity sounded like she was trying to be polite.

“I mean, I think I’m pretty fuckin’ cute.” John nodded happily.

“John. Language.” Lorraine chidded as she piled a plate full of snacks.

“Right. Sorry. Apologies.” He said with an awkward smile.

“Oh, quite alright, I understand if there’s the errant social faux pas.” Rarity gave a soft titter.

“I’m sorry!” There was a yelp as John’s face was full of yellow.

“Bluuuh!” John leaned away immediately, only to be pulled into a strong hug. “Lorraine, aggressively apologetic pony! Halp!”

However, Lorraine was zonked out as she was focusing on eating. “Huh? You say something?”

“Yellow pony, in face. Hugging pony. Halp.” John managed to get out. “Aggressive apology.”

Lorraine looked over at the yellow mare hugging the bug with both her forelegs and her wings. “Fluttershy, what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry! You were taken and I was so aggressive and I was holding you against your will and you had a mare already and-” Flutteshy started babbling.

“Cover all answer. It’s okay. I understand.” John patted her head. “You were just doing what you thought was right.”

Fluttershy pulled away. “Really.”

“Really really. It’s no big deal. I’m just taken.” He nodded.

Lorraine watched, torn between wanting to comment and wanting to keep eating.

John looked over at her. “We’re good, enjoy your food.”

“Okay.” Lorraine said and returned to enjoying her snacks.

“That was weird.” Rainbow said bluntly.

“Yeah…” Twilight agreed trotting over to the couch opposite Rarity’s as Fluttershy returned to her spot.

“Ummm… Why did you do that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Do what?” John asked, still sitting on the floor.

“You, a stallion, told a mare what to do.” Twilight explained.

“Yeah. So- Oh right. I almost forgot.” John sighed, the lighter blue in his eyes rolled.

“I’m confused. You’re weird.” Rainbow pointed a hoof at the bug as she flew over to hover above Rarity and Fluttershy’s couch.

“And I am proud of my weirdness.” John grinned toothily.

“Oooo! Such sharp fangs.” Fluttershy commented, though the others seemed a bit unnerved by the grin.

“So, darlings, you two are in a relationship, yes?” Rarity asked politely.

“Uh huh.” John nodded, still not moving from his spot on the floor.

Lorraine perked up, glancing between the mare and her boyfriend.

“Well, how did you two meet?” Rarity asked. This seemed to get the attention of the others.

“Well we met online through a fanfiction website.” John did not want to open that can of worms regarding the show, if he could help it. “We both write as a hobby, to varying degrees of success.”

“If I remember correctly, I messaged you about a collab, and then we kinda just kept messaging each other from there for about a year. And then we finally got voice chat figured out aaaaandd….” Lorraine trailed off, looking lost in thought.

“I will fully admit, I was smitten pretty early, but I didn’t want to screw anything up.” John said with a chuckle and a somewhat shy smile towards his girlfriend.

“Oh how romantic!” Rarity said with a gasp. “Lovers, finding each other across the sea of the internet.”

“Blech.” Rainbow made a disgust face.

Lorraine snorted a laugh. “And then there’s me, dense as a rock. It took this guy to slip up before I realized, oh shit. Somebody actually likes me. And the thought wasn’t as terrifying as I thought it would be. So we talked it out like adults, and here we are like a year later.”

“Awwww…” Rarity and Fluttershy cooed. Twilight appeared to be taking notes and Rainbow seemed almost uninterested.

“I heard something about rocks a second ago.” Pinkie Pie announced herself happily, trotting into the room and shifting a steaming plate of nachos. It was quite the pile too.

“Oh my god nachos…” John drooled and trotted over to the table. “Pink pone is best food pony.”

“Why thank you!” Pinkie grinned. “So, cute bug, noodle dragon, would you be interested in adding another pony to your little thing you’ve got going on?”

John paused as he propped himself up on the table like a begging dog. He looked at the mare.

Lorraine blinked for a moment then stared at the pink pony.

“No.” They said in unison.

“Awwww… Well standing offer!” Pinkie grinned and bounced over to the couches.

“Pinkie, that was quite rude.” Rarity chided the mare. “There are politer ways you could have broached the topic.”

“Hey, I was just curious.” Pinkie giggled.

“Don’t mind me, but where’s Applejack?” John asked batting at a plate like a cat. “Ugh, small bug problems.”

“Oh, she’s still working on some drinks.” Pinkie replied. “I got the feeling that you two make her uneasy.”

“Eh?” John asked, craned his head around to look at the small group on the couches. “Why?”

“Her family is very… traditional in regards to stallions, mares, relationships, and courtship.” Twilight replied, looking up from her notes. “So you two, being a mixed race couple, more than likely make her…. Hmmm… Uneasy?”

Lorraine sat there for a second. “How does courtship work in Equestria anyway?”

“Counter question, how does courtship work in your world?” Rarity asked.

“Says the Coltymare.” Rainbow said with a snorting laugh.

“Oh hush, I’m simply interested in finding the right stallion.” Rarity shot a glare at the pegasus.

“To answer your question.” John gave up and sat next to the table. “I have no fuckin’ idea how relationships work on our end. There’s so many conflicting ideas of what’s right that we kinda just narrowed it down to. If there’s issues, we can talk them out. We’re adults. We support each other. That sort of thing.”

“To be fair, the most common portrayal of a relationship is simply guy asking out the girl and sort of just hanging out. Granted that was commonplace when we were younger. Not so much nowadays.” Lorraine chimed in. “Now it’s just, you either find someone attractive and you ask them out using the dates to get to know them, or you end up developing feelings for someone you already care about.” She shrugged. “I don’t know, modern media also kinda screwed us over a little bit.”

“That all sounds delightfully romantic.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“There’s also a bit of an emphasis on having sex. The media kinda just doesn’t shut up about it being part of a healthy relationship.” Lorraine added.

“Yeah, I mean, to be perfectly honest, sex should be an expression of love between two people.” John spoke up. “It, however, really isn’t shown in that light at all really.”

“Fascinating.” Twilight said aloud, returning to her notes.

“To be fair, I’m more of a traditional mindset, but that doesn’t mean that I’m blind to the fact that sex is seen as more of a leisure activity, or a form of enjoyment, nowadays. Everyone’s different after all.” Lorraine added to John’s commentary.

“To be perfectly blunt for Note Pony over there.” John gestured to Twilight. “Lorraine’s more prudish and I am more of a…. What’s a polite term….”

“He has a sex drive, I usually don’t.” Lorraine said bluntly.

“That.” John pointed a holey hoof at the dragon.

“Huh. Well how does that work between the two of you?” Fluttershy spoke up, sounding curious.

“I am perfectly fine with him fantasizing about me or whatever. I just tend to not get in the mood.” Lorraine explained. “Are ponies any different?”

“Too add, she does have a sex drive, it’s just very well hidden. So her doing anything whatsoever is really a once in a blue moon kinda thing.” John added.

“Well ponies have heat cycles.” Twilight explained.

“Pretend we know nothing.” John said flatly.

Fluttershy actually cleared her throat. “Ponies go into heat twice a year, in the middle of summer and in the middle of spring. It can last from four to ten days depending on the mare. During that time, mare’s bodies are ready for reproduction. They can give off pheromones that affect stallions, as well as other mares. This causes the stallions to be more docile and mares to be more aggressive. This can lead to fights between mares at times, but it doesn’t interrupt society as much as it does in erotic fiction. During these times, herds will lock up their stallions indoors, for their safety more than anything else.”

“So, this whole thing is one part societal and one part biological.” Lorraine said aloud.

“What do you mean by thing?” Rainbow asked, cocking a brow.

“Well, imagine a world where the mares act like stallions, and the stallions act like mares.” Lorraine explained.

“That’s weird, you’re weird.” Rainbow pointed a hoof at Lorraine.

“Rainbow, darling, don’t be rude to our guests.” Rarity rolled her eyes.

“I know I’m weird.” Lorraine shrugged. “To be fair, you guys are weird to me.”

“Guys?” Rainbow blinked.

“It’s slang. In general it means everyone.” Lorraine added.

“Hell, I can be aggressive at times. I can keep it in my pants so to speak, but… yeah.” John commented.

“Oh how fascinating.” Rarity commented. “I may be a coltymare outlier, but I find the thought of a more aggressive stallion somewhat thrilling.”

“Rarity is the most normal one here.” Lorraine said, pointing at the white mare. “So, seriously, how does courtship work in Equestria?”

“And should I start worrying now, or later?” John added.

“Well, to be blunt.” Fluttershy spoke up. “When there’s a free stallion, mares tend to gang up on him to convince him to join their herd. They can be pretty aggressive, especially if there are herds who are desperate for a stallion. To counter this, stallions who don’t want to be in a herd, will band together and traditionally live together to protect each others backs.”

“So are herds purely for reproductive purposes, or is there an actual relationship involved.” Lorraine asked.

“Honestly,” Twilight looked up from her notes, “It depends on the herd. Each herd will have a head mare. Said head mare will determine if she wants the herd to be purely for reproduction or if there’s a relationship between two or more of the members. There is an emphasis on reproduction regardless of the relationship status of each herdmate. Colts are actually raised and taught that they will need to enter a herd someday. Fillies are raised to basically get along with other mares and protect colts. Herds are encouraged, if not expected, from a societal standpoint.”

“This is all kinda fascinating, but should I be worried?” John asked.

“Should I be worried?” Lorraine added.

“No actually.” Twilight shook her head. “So far there has been little to no offspring from mixed race couples. In fact, mixed race couples are looked down on. The same for same sex and monogamous relationships. While there may be the more open-minded mare or stallion, you will probably be looked down on, to be honest. You can’t reproduce, as far as we know, so from a societal standpoint, what use are you?”

“Well, we can reproduce, we just don’t want to.” Lorraine said.

“You probably won’t want to say that outloud.” Twilight said with a wince.

“That’s kinda a taboo phrase.” Pinkie said shaking her head.

“Seriously?” Lorraine blinked.

“Why wouldn’t you want to fuck?” Rainbow asked.

“Hey, that’s between us.” John said, buzzing his wings in irritation. “Everyone’s different.”

“You both are still weird.” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

Lorraine rolled her own eyes at the pegasus.

“Wellllll…. This has been interesting, and kinda informative, but…. Does anypony wanna play some games?” Pinkie spoke up. “This is supposed to be a party.”

“Yeah, we can leave the heavy stuff behind.” John nodded.

“Okay, sure.” Lorraine shrugged and set her empty plate on the table.

“Yay!” Pinkie cheered.

John sat on Lorraine’s back as she walked through town. He sat between the dragon’s shoulders and in front of the two pairs of saddlebags that the long dragon wore. He held a pad of paper in his hooves.

“So, we got… whole grain bread, soy milk if they have it, cheese, garlic mayo again if they have it, bananas, snacks, ummmm my side… white bread, I doubt they have ham but it’s on the list, sliced cheese, milk, cereal for the both of us, see if they have any microwave rice, and lastly see if they have anything worth it in any kind of frozen section.” John listed, half-rambling.

“I hope they have pizza, I haven’t had pizza in a year.” Lorraine chimed in.

“Huh… I should see if I could make pizza… Oh fuck…. We need pasta and bread and sauce and garlic salt. I am totally making you pasta with garlic bread.” John said excitedly. “I know what I’m making you for dinner~” He sang.

“Garlic bread for tea, sweet.” Lorraine smiled.

“Holy shit.” John said aloud looking up. “They weren’t kidding.”

Barnyard Bargains, their first destination, was literally a giant barn. At least on the outside. Red walls, white trim, a pair of large painted barn doors masked the actual double doors inside. One of the two smaller doors were open, showing the inside. From what they could tell, it looked like an old fashioned general store.

“Soooo…” John said as Lorraine trotted inside. “Aisle by aisle, that way we don’t miss anything?”

“Sure.” The noodle dragon replied.

John hopped off her back and found a cart. The smol bug looked like a child as he tried to push the cart. “This place isn’t small person friendly.” He complained as he trotted on his back legs back to the dragon.

“You know you have wings, right?” Lorraine raised a brow.

“That’s another thing that I need to figure out.” John grumbled.

“Maybe Luna can help?” Lorraine offered.

“Of all times to not have a cellphone.” John shook his head. “Meh. Want the cart or should I keep pushing?”

“I like pushing the cart.” She replied.

He let go of the bar and stepped aside, only for Lorraine to rest her neck on said bar to start pushing the cart. John followed as they went down the first aisle, which happened to be fruits and vegetables. And the noodle dragon immediately went for the bananas. Of which, she grabbed a bunch of six.

Since they only had so much room in their bags, they were going light-ish on what they were getting. Stock for a week until they could get a cart of their own.

John was sad that there wasn’t enough meat, because ponies, but he was content when he found hummus. Might not have been as protein filled, but it made for good snacks and sandwiches.

They were able to find everything on their respective lists, and went to check out. Only to find a rather bored looking pink mare at the register. A pink mare, with a styled purple mane, a nose that looked like it had a surgery or two, wearing a green apron.

As the pair, mainly Lorraine, unpacked the cart. The mare looked up. She looked from dragon to bug, blinked, then gave a small, “ugh,” as she started to ring up their groceries.

Lorraine didn’t care.

John didn’t want to say anything.

Everything was fine for a moment.

“Can’t believe they allowed you in here.” The mare said under her breath.

“Hmmm, you say something?” John pretended he didn’t hear her.

Lorraine still didn’t care.

“Pfft, nothing.” The mare snarked. “That’ll be… seventy bits.” She had this look on her face like she’d just won some kind of argument.

“Here.” Lorraine replied setting down stacks of bits. The mare blinked in confusion at the bits.

“Huh. Seems a bit much, maybe some things weren’t on sale?” John shrugged. “Then again I’m used to paying, something like a hundred or more for a months worth of food.”

“Thank… you…” The mare seemed somewhat irritated.

“Hey, honey? Thanks for coming to help out again.” A brown-coated, black-maned stallion said walking up behind from some back room.

“Oh, it’s no problem.” Instantly the mare was cheery.

“We good?” Lorraine asked.

“Receipt?” John added.

“Oh, sure thi-” The mare looked back to the register.

“Wait a sec.” The stallion said as he looked at the rung up receipt. “Spoiled, you overcharged them.”

“Huh. Thought so.” John shrugged. “Didn’t want to be rude.”

“It’s not like we’re hurting for bits.” Lorraine commented. “It doesn’t matter. I just want to get the stuff home.”

“Are you sure?” The stallion asked, shooting a glance at Spoiled.

“Want me to just take it home and I’ll meet you at the market?” Lorraine asked.

“Sure.” John shrugged yet again.

Lorraine plodded through the open air farmer’s market. It wasn’t hard to spot smol bug, as a splotch of black stood out from the sea of vibrant colors. Said bug was sitting on a bench, lazing with his back legs hanging off the bench, right between Lyra Heartstrings and Pinkie Pie. Instantly the luck dragon was wary of the pink one.

“Hey.” She called out as she approached the bench.

“Heyyo.” The changeling replied with a wave. “I have a protector.” He gestured to Lyra. “And a… ponk.” He gestured to Pinkie. “They’ve been keeping me company while waiting for you. Apparently, nobody wants to serve the bug.”

“Because ponies are racist by nature.” Lyra said bluntly.

“We’re not all that bad.” Pinkie countered.

John noticed the irritated look in Lorraine’s eyes. “Hey. You good?” He asked, concerned.

“Yeah. Eventually.” She nodded.

“At least we’re not the only one.” John gestured a hoof to his right.

At a stall not far away an irritated griffon was trying to buy some carrots. She had an eagle’s head, forelegs and wings, and a lioness’s hindquarters. She was also wearing a set of blue saddle bags. The yellow-coated, frizzy orange-maned, mare didn’t seem to want to sell to the griffon however.

“Huh…” Lorraine said, blinking. “Should we help?”

“I was going to, but I got a- and there she is.” John replied as a rainbow-maned pegasus landed next to the griffon, bought a bushel of carrots, stuffed them in the griffon’s bags, then pointed a hoof directly towards Lorraine and John.

“And this is going to be fun.” John huffed.

“I wanna watch.” Pinkie grinned.

“Trainwreck incoming.” Lyra rolled her eyes.

“Don’t worry, I got this.” Lorraine replied. John could see the dragon’s gears shifting around in her head. This was going to be interesting.

“See!” Rainbow Dash announced as she landed in front of the luck dragon with the griffon in tow. “They’re in a weird relationship.”

“Hi Dash.” John halfheartedly waved a hoof.

“Hey.” Dash half-acknowledged the bug. “So, see Gilda. It’s a bug and a dragon in a herd. So there are weirder herds.” She said confidently.

“We’re not in a herd.” Lorraine said flatly. “We are in a relationship.”

“Same thing.” Dash waved a hoof dismissively.

“No. No it is not the same thing.” Lorraine countered.

“Dash.” ‘Gilda’ face-taloned. She groaned and let her talon fall. “I’m going to say again, what I said this morning. I do not want to be in a herd. I just want a singular male, or whatever species, to be in a one-to-one relationship.”

“But that’s so weeeiiiirrrrd…” Dash said with a drawn out whine. “And I like you.”

“And I like you too, but not in that way… at all.” Gilda countered. “Hi, by the way, I’m Gilda. Old friend of Dash here.” She gestured to herself and then to Dash, addressing the small “friend group.”

“Hiya!” Pinkie grinned.

“Hi there.” Lyra waved.

“Hello Gilda. I’m John.” The bug put a hoof to his chest. He gestured at the luck dragon. “This is Lorraine.” He then gestured to Lyra and Pinkie. “And these are Lyra and Pinkie. We’re new here too, so we get the general weirdness of ponies. Lorraine, wanna say hi?”

“Hi.” Lorraine said flatly.

“I’ll take it.” John shrugged.

“Hey, ponies aren’t weird. You two are weird.” Dash countered gesturing at Lorraine and John.

“Do you have any idea how rude that is?” Lorraine said, somewhat stunned.

“Dash! Not okay!” Gilda snapped at the pegasus flaring her wings out. “What is your deal?”

“They’re just… weird.” Dash said, sputtering a little.

“Ya know, I might find another place to stay Dash.” Gilda shook her head. “If I knew you’d be this pushy and rude before I left, I wouldn’t have come.”

“Come on, don’t be like that.” Dash groaned. “It’s not my fault if they don’t fit into Ponyville society.”

“Okay.” Lorraine stated to the pegasus. “Quit talking shit about us please.”

“I’m just saying-” Dash started.

“Gilda!” John said in an almost happy tone as he slid off the bench to his hooves. “Wanna come over and play some video games? We got DOOM.”

“Ya know, fuck it. Sure.” Gilda shrugged and walked over to the bug.

“Gilda- Hey!” Dash craned her head around the luck dragon to yell at the griffon.

“Can I come?” Lyra asked. “If it’s just gaming, I think everything would be okay.”

“Sure. Why not.” John shrugged.

“Can I?” Pinkie asked, bouncing up in front of the bug pony.

“You make me nervous. I’m sorry Pinkie. I’d prefer you not, at least at the moment.” John replied honestly.

“Awww playing hard to get.” Pinkie giggled as she bounced back towards Dash.

“Dammit Pinkie.” John sighed.

“Wow… And I thought some mare’s were thirsty enough already.” Gilda blinked then frowned.

Lorraine took a deep breath. “Pinkie. Dash. Get the fuck out of here, before I say something I regret.”

“Alrighty!” Pinkie grinned and bounced off like there wasn’t any problem whatsoever.

“You know what, fine.” Dash snorted and shot off into the sky.

“I’ll be at the library if you need me.” Lorraine announced as she started off.

“Try to find something to relax to.” John called out. He sighed and shook his head. “So, gaming.” He nodded and started off, leading the griffon and unicorn behind him.

A pair of dragons sat on a couch in the library. One was long; the other short. One was pink and orange; the other purple and green.

They both were reading comics.

Lorraine, the luck dragon, was being introduced to the Power Ponies. Which just so happened to be some kind of Justice League / Avengers fusion comic.

Spike, the dragon, was deep into his own Power Ponies comic. “So... what do you think?” He asked glancing over at the luck dragon.

“I’ve never been able to read any of these as a kid, since we didn’t have the money, so this is great.” She turned the page and blinked. “Wait… Is that?”

Spike leaned over and saw what she was looking at. “Oh yeah. That’s Gabriel, Saddle-Arabian pony raised by griffons, fights with hoof claws and various martial arts. This specific issue is a Power Ponies / Teen Titans crossover. Don’t tell Twilight, but I have a collection of more mature comics I have hidden. Gabriel is the colt-friendly version of DC’s Deathstroke. The comic creators didn’t want to have Death in the name, so they used his real name.”

“This mirrors something from my world, so this is both amazing and mind blowing.” Lorraine responded.

“Yeah. Oh, so there’s a rumor that the Power Ponies are real, and they live in Manehatten. Or so the online rumor community says. It’s both awesome to think about but also terrifying, because some of the villains…” He paused. “Can I swear? Twilight doesn’t let me swear.”

“How old are you?” Lorraine asked.

“Seventeen.” He replied. “Twi thinks I’m the right size, but I think I might be stunted, because some dragon books mention some stuff about diet and dragon magic. They’re written by griffons too so I know they’re reliable.”

“Have you not asked Celestia for help?” Lorraine asked.

“That’s… well that feels kinda awkward. I mean, Twi is kinda my sister in a way, and she takes care of me, and raised me. So, maybe I’m just overthinking things. Twi says I do that a lot.” Spike shrugged. “But maybe… Eh. Fuck if I know.” He said. Then he blinked and gasped. “Sorry! That just slipped out!”

“See here’s the thing with swearing, you gotta know when to do it and when not to do it. You have to know if you’re in the right company, and if others are okay with swearing, but never swear at someone as an insult. Basically, learn to filter yourself.” Lorraine explained to the smaller dragon.

“Huh. Okay. Thanks.” Spike said with a smile. “Twilight just tells me to never swear, even though I hear her swear all the time when something goes wrong.”

“Well it’s okay to swear around me, just not at me.” The luck dragon nodded.

“Fuck yeah!” Spike pumped his fist happily.

“If you ever wanna come over and hang out, you can.” Lorraine offered. “Where is Twilight anyway?”

“She’s off helping the Apples with Applebuck Season. I get to watch the house-library-thing. It’s apparently safer here. Whatever that means.” Spike shrugged.

“What’s the legal age in Equestria?” Lorraine asked out of curiosity.

“Eighteen.” Spike replied. “I’ll be eighteen in…” He seemed to think for a moment. “A week. Huh… Weird.”

“So, Twilight left a minor home alone. What the fuck?” Lorraine blinked.

“Hey. The library’s protected. It’s pretty safe.” Spike shrugged. “Colt’s need to be safe and protected, or so the popular opinion says.”

“Do you like this?” She asked, gesturing to the library in general.

“I mean, it can get lonely sometimes. I don’t really have anyone else my age. I don’t really have any friends outside or Twilight and her friends.” Spike shrugged.

“Well wanna come back to my place?” Lorraine asked. “We can write Twilight a note.”

“Yeah that should work. I write her notes all the time if I’m off somewhere else. Then again, that was Canterlot, but it should be fine.” Spike got up, and rummaged around until he found a piece of paper and a quill. He scribbled away at it, rolled it up, and took a deep breath. He let out a stream of purple-blue flames, which quickly consumed the impromptu scroll.

“Okay and now we wait.” He trotted back over to the couch and sat down.

“Let’s just wait for the response.” She said with a nod.

“Oka-” Spike started, only to cough. He then burped out a stream of purple smoke that morphed into another scroll. “And Twilight says. Okay. Just be careful. Have fun with John and Lorraine.” He held out the scroll for her to have a look at.

“Ask her if she wants to join us for dinner.” She asked, then frowned. “It’s so weird to say dinner instead of tea.”

“Sure.” He shrugged, flipped the paper over, scribbled, and sent the letter off.

After a minute. ~burp~ “And she says. I’d love to.” Spike read.

“Okay, feel free to bring what you want with you, and we’ll head out.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“I’m just gonna clean up a little bit.” He said, starting to pack his comics back up, sliding them back in their packaging, and putting the packaged comics back in their box.

The walk home was… interesting for the two dragons.

On more than one occasion, a mare would stop Lorraine and ask why she had a colt, or small dragon in Spike’s case. Her response was basically does it matter, then talk her way out of said conversation.

It was starting to get on her nerves at about the time when she got back home. Even outside she could hear the laughing and yelling.

“Ah! HA! Fuck you!” Came John’s shout.

“Oh come on I landed that hit!” Came a Gilda complaint.

“The AI says no featherbrain!” John’s bark came in response.

Lorraine walked in. “Hey guys, chill.”

The griffon sitting on the floor on her haunches, the unicorn on the couch, and the bug on the floor all looked over at her.

“Sorry for being loud.” John apologised right as the griffon looked back to the screen. A blue pony with an arm cannon shot a long coat wearing pony with a white mask and a knife off of the edge of the stage.

“Hey!” John snapped as he looked back to the screen.

“It’s what you get for not paying attention dweeb.” Gilda snorted, grinning smugly.

“They’ve been going at it for awhile. It’s been more fun just seeing they’re reactions rather than the gameplay. Might need to invest in a decent camera.” Lyra snickered from the couch.

“Well, as long as they’re not angry at each other.” Lorraine said with a shrug. “Also, I brought a friend over.”

Spike slid off Lorraine’s side and waddled into the living room. “Oh sweet, is this Smash?”

“Oh! Hey Spike!” John grinned as he saw him.

“Hey little dude.” Gilda nodded with a smile.

Lyra just waved.

John looked back to Lorraine. “Feeling better?”

“I found more stuff to be pissed at.” She said with a sigh.

“You can vent to me later. Come sit and decompress. Wanna join us, or should we do something like Mario Kart?” John asked glancing around and Spike pulled himself up onto the couch. “Oh, and when should I start dinner?”

“Well it’s like three something.” Gilda shrugged.

“And it doesn’t take all that long, so I’ll start it at maybe four-thirty-ish. Probably four-twenty to get the water started.” John tapped his chin with a hoof.

“Make sure there’s enough for everyone, because Twilight and Spike are staying for dinner.” Lorraine stated.

“Oh, gotcha. A little extra then. No worries.” John nodded. “Hell, I used to just make a massive pot of spaghetti and sauce at the beginning of the week and feed myself off it all week.”

“Sounds like a good idea.” Lyra shrugged.

“So, we can keep gaming for a bit.” Gilda said with a nod.

“Lorraine, Spike, want in to… whatever we end up doing?” John asked the two.

“I’d love to.” Spike grinned.

“Nah, I’ll pass.” The noodle dragon as she plodded over to pick up her PonyStation Vita. “I’ll see if Luna’s on.” She turned it on, while plodding off down the hallway towards her bedroom.

“Right. Have fun.” John called out. “So, more Smash?”

Gilda ended up crashing on their couch that night after dinner, after Twilight, Spike, and Lyra all left. Neither dragon nor bug minded in the least.

John even made breakfast in the morning. Breakfast being scrambled eggs and toast. He found that both Lorraine and Gilda were not morning people. As evidenced by their sleepy demeanors and lack of basic verbal communication.

So, breakfast was had in mostly silence. A quiet, comfortable, relaxed silence.

Which was broken by a knock at the door.

“Got it.” John said getting up.

On opening the door, he got a face full of confetti. He blinked at the overly-peppy pink pony perched on the porch. “Helllllo!~” Pinkie sang. “Gilda, Lorraine, and yourself are cordially invited to a party this afternoon at Sugarcube corner!” She held out an invitation, which the still somewhat stunned bug took.

“Thanks…” John said stupidly as the pink pony bounced away, leaving the porch and the bug, covered in confetti. The bug plodded back in and set the invitation on the table. “Invitation. Pinkie Party.”

“Huh?” Gilda blinked at the invitation.

Lorraine looked up from her plate of food. “Heads up, it’ll probably go to shit.”

“Probably.” John shrugged, then shook himself. There was now confetti all over the floor. “Great.” He grumbled at his mess. “Dammit Pinkie. Now I have to vacuum that.”

“I’ll get the dustpan.” The noodle dragon said, getting up.

Sugarcube Corner was brightly decorated with multi-colored streamers and balloons. There was a large table of food and what looked like party games. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly, all the streamers and balloons were Rainbow Dash colors.

“Oh this is going to end terribly.” John deadpanned as he glanced around. There were a few other ponies, but it seemed that the main people involved were the three of them, and the main six.

“Oh my God!” Lorraine called out. John looked over in time to see Lorraine stare at what looked like small pot pies. “Party Pies!” She immediately piled a bunch on a plate.

“Wow.” Gilda spoke up. “Dash really can’t take a hint.”

“Just so you know, if this ends in a fight, you can still crash at our place.” John commented as the noodle dragon’s tail wagged happily as she ate.

“Thanks.” Gilda nodded. “And knowing Dash, she’s going to take it personally. Let’s just rip the band-aid off quickly.” She said with a groan as Dash made her way over.

“You made it!” Dash said happily. “This is your Welcome to Ponyville Party.”

Gilda took a breath. “Dash. Stop. I know what this is.”

Dash seemed to pale a bit. “What- Ahem. What are you talking about?”

“Dash. Just, say what you want to say.” Gilda said, seeming to steel herself as John put a hoof on her side. Lorraine wandered back over to sit on the other side of the griffon, her food abandoned.

“But- You know what, fine. Gilda. I want to be in a herd with you. You are my best friend and I want you to be part of the herd I’m going to start. We can find ourselves a guy we can share and we can be a happy family.” Rainbow blurted out.

Gilda winced a little. “Dash. I’m sorry. But I’ve already said that I am not into females and I am not interested in a herd. You are one of my best friends, and I would do anything for you, but I do not want to be in a herd with you.”

Dash blushed as she blinked tears out of her eyes. “But. I love you.”

“And I love you too Dash, just not in the same way you love me. I’m sorry.” Gilda said slowly.

Dash looked down at the ground.

“Hey, you guys can still be friends, it’s not all bad.” Lorraine offered as Gilda reached out a talon.

Dash batted it aside with a hoof. “Fuck you!” The pegasus snapped at the griffon, causing the hen to recoil. “I pour out my heart and this is how you treat me?!”

“Dash. Please. Calm down.” Gilda looked shaken.

“So you’re just going to break everything off just like that, when she’s trying to salvage something with you?” Lorraine said and barked a mirthless laugh. “And you call yourself the Element of Loyalty.”

“I don’t remember asking you, you freak!” Dash snapped at the luck dragon, her face red. Lorraine immediately turned and left.

“Don’t. You dare.” The small changeling virtually roared at the pegasus, he was actually glowing. “Talk to my girl. Like that.”

Dash made to snarl at the changeling.

“Dash! Stop!” Gilda snapped. “We’ll leave.”

Dash refocused on the griffon. “Fine! Get out of here!”

Without another word, Gilda got up, picked up the still steaming small bug and set him on her back, and walked out.

“Calm down.” Gilda said when they got outside. “It’s going to be okay.” She sniffled. “I-it’s going to be okay.”

Turned out that Lorraine just walked outside and rounded the corner. She sat, calmly for the most part and got up when she saw them. “I heard that are you guys okay?”

The steaming changeling was passed off to the luck dragon’s back. “No.” Gilda said. “But, I don’t wanna process right now. Let’s just… go home and watch movies or something.”

“You two don’t worry about anything, I’ll have this mess sorted out.” Lorraine said with a nod as the three made their way back home.

The next day found Lorraine looking for the prismatic pegasus. The mare wasn’t hard to find. A rainbow tail hung down from a gray cloud, not too subtly floating near the dragon’s and bug’s home.

“Hey, Rainbow can we talk?” The luck dragon asked.

The cloud turned around with a flap of cyan wings, revealing a quite depressed looking Rainbow Dash. “Sure…”

“I want to apologise about yesterday but… I was right when I said you two could still be friends.” Lorraine said slowly.

“Yeah right. After what I said?” Dash snorted mirthlessly.

“You care. It’s better than what I got.” Lorraine said with a sigh.

“What do you mean?” Dash blinked.

“Well… Let’s just say I’ve lost a lot of friends for no reason. One day people just didn’t like me anymore. Even though I tried reaching out to them.” Lorraine explained. “Gilda still wants to be friends with you. She’s still trying. She’s still trying to reach out.”

“Think she’d forgive me for what I said?” Dash asked.

“Uhhh… It’d take awhile. No offense, but John and I won’t forgive you for awhile yet either.” Lorraine said with a frown.

“I figured.” Dash nodded. “I guess… all I can do for now is apologise and wait.”

“Just take it slow and just be mindful of what you say. I mean, the only reason I decided to help is because Gilda’s my friend, and she still cares about you. And maybe because, heh, I have too much faith in people.” Lorraine chuckled. “Just make sure to apologise to her and John.”

“I will.” Dash nodded. “Just… Not right now… Everything’s… fresh.”

“That’s why we’re having the talk now so we can figure out our actions later.” Lorraine nodded back.

“Thanks…” Dash replied slowly. “Thanks for trying. You’re not a freak. Sorry I said that.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it.” Lorraine shrugged. “Kinda used to it at this point.”

“Well…. Thanks again, for the talk.” Dash turned her cloud around. “I’m just going to… go this way… and think…” The cloud floated away with a slow beat of wings.

“Lorraine?” John called from the front door. “You out here? Your hot chocolate’s getting cold.”

Lorraine turned back to the house.

“Coming.”

003 - Current Events in Ponyville

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“I got the mail.” Gilda announced as the door shut with a slam. “Lorraine, you got mail. Again.” She commented as she strode into the kitchen and held out the letter to the luck dragon, who was in the middle of eating breakfast.

“I’m not used to mail coming in the morning.” John said through a yawn as he sat on the couch with his coffee cup in his hooves. “By the way, is the letter from your secret admirer?”

“That’s my guess.” Gilda shrugged as she set the rest of the mail (clearly junk mail) on the kitchen table.

The noodle dragon blinked at the letter, then opened it up and gave it a quick read. “Yep, another one.”

“Does it have a return address this time?” John asked.

“Probably fake, says it’s from Tartarus.” Gilda snorted a laugh. “And I am going out for a quick fly, stretch my wings. You two behave.” She teased before she walked back to the front door and trotted out, only to slam the door again.

John winced a bit. “This is fine. She’s just forceful.”

“Ow.” The luck dragon said blandly and kept eating.

The house was pleasantly quiet. Peaceful.

Life was-

“Hi!” Pinkie popped up next to the smol bug, making him jostle his coffee.

“Shi- Pinkie! You’re supposed to knock first!” John snapped as he took slow breaths to calm his racing heart.

Lorraine looked over at John. “You okay?”

“Pinkie being Pinkie.” John replied. “Which is only going to last as an excuse for only so long.” He glared at the mare.

“But seriously, are you okay?” The luck dragon asked.

“I’ll be good. No worries.” John glanced over his shoulder and nodded, before returning his attention to the pink nightmare. “Pinkie, why?”

“What, can’t I come see my two best non-pony friends?” Pinkie asked with an ever-so-slightly unnerving smile.

Lorraine focused on eating, she’d hate to say something rude out loud, while they’re standing there.

“But… We barely know you?” John blinked, “and you kinda interrupted breakfast. And aren’t you supposed to be working?”

“I just wanted to say hi.” Pinkie grinned at him.

“Well… hi?” John offered.

“Hi!” Pinkie crowed. “Hi luck dragon!”

“‘Mmmph.” Lorraine grunted through her mouthful food.

And like that, Pinkie was gone.

“You know, this place always seemed so nice in concept and theory.” John said, grabbing a kleenex out of the box to wipe the coffee droplets off his stomach. “Then you actually get here and it’s just, can I have a moment's peace for five minutes?”

“Well, Pinkie might be a little air-headed. Whatever I say is in one ear, out the other.” Lorraine said with a small grumble. “If this shit happens again, I’m doing something about it.”

“And I’d let you.” John nodded. “I really don’t like confrontation, so you can go right ahead and say whatever.”

“I do too, but Pinkie’s backed us into a corner at this point.” Lorraine nodded in agreement. “I don’t feel safe here, wanna go out today?”

“Lorraine? Wants to go outside? Who are you and what have you done with my girlfriend?” John narrowed his blue eyes at her. “Says the shape-shifting bug creature.”

“I don’t like feeling paranoid in my own home. Reminds me too much of high-school.” She frowned at her plate.

“Valid point. Right. And I don’t need to worry about putting clothes on. Cool, might need a sack for a wallet or money container or something.” John thought aloud. “I feel unprepared, just going out without anything, maybe we could stop by Barnyard Bargins and find a bag my size. You know, look in the colts section.” He snorted a chuckle.

John was quite happy with his brand new, bright green backpack. “Some days it’s the little things you gotta enjoy.” He commented from Lorraine’s back, only for him to notice the crowd of ponies ahead of them. “And… That’s a lot of- Wait a sec. I know that cart.”

“Come and see the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Came a cry from the cart.

Lorraine’s ears perked up and she picked up the pace. John felt the immediate flare of excitement from his girlfriend.

“Yeah, a live show sounds great, even if it’s early Trixie.” John shrugged and wrapped his forelegs around her neck to hold on.

Lorriane didn’t barrel into the crowd, but she was still a fair bit taller than the average pony. Thus, the pair had a great view of the illusionist.

“Oh, hey you two, come to see the show?” John looked over to see Twilight, smiling at them. She had Spike on her back and she was followed by Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Rainbow looked a little uncertain when she saw the pair. It looked like Applejack didn’t want to acknowledge their existence.

“Hey. Free magic show.” John nodded. “Why not, though I may toss some coins to my magic user, traveling and entertaining isn’t cheap.”

“Oh, come on, she’s not that impressive, Twilight’s better.” Rainbow huffed.

“Rainbow, I’m not better than anyone.” Twilight frowned at the pegasus.

“Rainbow, yes and no.” John replied, getting the prismatic mare’s attention. “Yes, Twilight may be powerful, with a whole list of spells she knows, but magic like this.” He waved a hoof at the fireworks and illusions. “Magic like this takes years of study and focus. And this is coming from a non-magic native. Show’s like this in our world take years of study and more years to perfect. Each show can take weeks to prepare. It’s like the stunt shows you like so much, only with magic.”

“Yeah… Well…” Rainbow raised a primary feather to retort, paused and let it drop as she seemed to get lost in thought.

“-and the Great and Powerful Trixie defeated the Ursa Major!” John caught Trixie’s line, then heard Applejack snort.

He rolled his eyes as the mare started. “Oh, no way in heck, could a filly like that beat an Ursa Minor, let alone Major!”

Lorraine looked over at the mare. “You know it’s a story right? It’s for the show.”

“But she shouldn’t be lyin’ like that.” Applejack pointed a hoof at the mare on the stage.

“Applejack, this is her job. She’s a storyteller and entertainer.” John frowned at the farm mare. “What would happen if somebody came up to you while you’re farming and told you that you’re doing it wrong?”

“Ah’m not gonna take that from a stallion. Stallion’s shouldn’t act that way around mare’s. It ain’t proper. How can y’all call yerself a mare when ya haven’t corralled your stallion yet and taught him manners?” Applejack shifted her attention to Lorraine.

“Applejack shhhh!” Twilight tried to prevent the oncoming scene.

Lorraine casually craned her neck around to look at the smol bug. “Can I deal with this?”

Smol bug gestured to Applejack before sliding off her back to the ground. “She’s all yours.”

“Cool, you’re in charge.” Lorraine nodded to him then gestured for Applejack to follow her. “Let’s have a chat.”

With a frown the apple mare followed the luck dragon away from the crowd. “So, ya got somethin’ ta say, say it ta my face.”

“Quit treating my boyfriend like he’s an object, and quit treating me like I’ve done something wrong. Because as far as I know I’ve done jack shit, especially to you. Hell, I don’t think we’ve even spoken before this, and that’s the first impression you want to make? Is this really you being honest? Because all I’ve seen so far is you putting down other people for no good reason other than my opinion matters more.” Lorraine rattled off, quite a bit more pissed than she expected to be.

Further away, John could feel Lorraine venting the week’s worth of frustrations at the unfortunate farm mare. He looked over at the pissed looking luck dragon worriedly.

“And Ah think that y’all are in the wrong. Species shouldn’t mix, y’all can’t get foals.” Applejack countered.

“We were the same species before we got here!” Loraine snapped. “And something like changing species isn’t gonna change how I feel!”

There was a flash and Twilight was between the two females. “Whoa! Whoa! Calm down you two, maybe you should separate and take a breath.”

Without a word, Applejack snorted and stormed off.

There was a clatter of hooves and John raced over and clung to his dragon’s leg in a hug. “It’s gonna be okay.” Is all he said.

Lorraine let loose a roar into the air as actual steam rolled out of her nostrils, only causing her bug to hug harder.

Twilight actually shook a little as she stared wide-eyed at the clearly angry luck dragon. “I’m sorry.” She tried to get out. “I should have stopped it before it started. This wasn’t the place for this kind of conversation.”

Rarity trotted over and patted the dragon’s back. “Darling, I can say I understand. I have had issues with Applejack’s beliefs too. I’ve also been on the receiving end of her rather pointed remarks.”

The noodle dragon sniffled. Her chin wobbled as she appeared to be trying her hardest not to cry.

“It’s okay. Getting upset is okay.” John tried to reassure his girlfriend from his position as a clingon.

“Darling, would you like to come for some tea? Both of you in fact?” Rarity offered. “We can chat and forget all about earlier.”

Lorraine nodded as John struggled to climb up her leg. Only to have Twilight levitate him up onto Lorraine’s back.

“Thanks.” Was the bug’s sheepish response.

“Well, I haven’t seen a fight like that in awhile.” Spike said aloud, standing next to Twilight. “Rarity, can I come too, I want to make sure Lorraine’s okay.”

“No Spike, you don’t have to, it’ll be okay.” Lorraine shook her head.

“But I want to.” Spike countered. “Let me worry about you dammit.”

“Spike language!” Twilight gasped.

Lorraine giggled.

“He’s an adult.” John gestured at the dragon. “And he’s in the right company for it.”

“But… it’s rude.” Twilight said with a pout.

“Only if you swear at someone.” Lorraine stated.

“Twilight, it would be like telling you to fuck off instead of saying fuck this.” Rarity supplied in a matter of fact tone.

“Rarity!” Twilight gasped.

The noodle dragon giggled more.

“Exactly, like, I bet Lorraine’s thinking, fuck this whole day.” John said with a nod.

“John!” Twilight whined.

“Twilight!” John said with a flamboyant gasp.

“Spike.” Rarity nodded at Spike.

“M’lady.” Spike snorted.

“Spike, no!” John legitimately gasped.

“Okay, okay, I’m better. I’m calm. Tea does sound nice though.” Lorriane was saying though giggles.

“So, let me get this perfectly clear-” Rarity sighed while rubbing her temples with her hooves, levitating her tea cup down to the saucer on the kitchen table. She opened her eyes and put her hooves on the table.

Around said table was Rarity, Lorraine, Spike, John, and Sweetie Belle. The filly seemed quite interested in the gossip. Lorraine was eyeing the biscuits only for Rarity to push them over to her with a hoof.

“Oh, apologies.” Rarity tittered as she looked at Lorraine. “I always bring these out because tea and biscuits, yet rarely anyone eats them. But, back to what you were saying, so Pinkie Pie has been harassing you both all week?”

“At first it was small, like regular Pinkie stuff.” Lorraine nodded, taking a biscuit. “But then she just started popping up out of nowhere with flimsy as shit excuses, and she won’t stop flirting with my boyfriend!” She paused and looked over at Sweetie Belle, who was calmly sipping her tea and occasionally glancing between Rarity and Lorraine. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have swore in front of Sweetie.”

“Oh it’s fine, Darling.” Rarity waved a hoof.

“I’ve heard fucking everything.” Sweetie shrugged. “This is juicy, please continue.”

Lorraine blinked. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen.” The “filly” commented.

John’s face was on the table and he wheezed, trying to hold in his laughter.

“Oh, okay.” Lorraine blinked. “Sooo… Yeah. Pinkie’s being…”

“A bitch, at least a little.” Rarity nodded. “I’ve wondered about that mare, she worries me sometimes.”

“Eh heh. Hoooo… I’m good. Heh.” John took a slow breath. “Okay. Yes. Pinkie… Pinkie worries me. Sometimes I get serious horror movie vibes off her. Like, her staring unnerves me.”

“I understand completely.” Rarity looked at the bug, nodding again. “I would recommend that, if she continues, you sit her down and have a talk. Not a fight, AJ was a different case-”

“I did. Multiple times.” Lorraine said flatly.

Rarity blinked. “Oh dear. Well then….” She chewed her lip. “Well... fuck.”

“Yep.” The noodle dragon stated.

“Either it’s something we deal with or… Actually, screw it. New Topic!” John said loudly. “Lorraine, tell the mares about the anonymous letters you’ve been getting.”

“Yeah. Someone’s been sending me encouraging letters for like, the past week, or so.” She shrugged.

“Oh, goodness, well do the letters say where they’re from?” Rarity’s eyes widened.

“Tartarus apparently.” Lorraine shrugged.

“Oh… My…” Rarity seemed to process for a moment. “Well… Ahem, so Tartarus is a real place. It was meant to be a prison, but according to the history books ended up turning into a City-State-slash-colony underground.”

“Oh, so like Australia sans the underground part.” John said then looked over to Lorraine. “Sorry, couldn’t resist.”

“If I remember correctly, they have underground homes in South Australia.” Lorriane added. “Saw it on TV ages ago.”

“So, not too far off, especially since everything does want to kill you.” John shrugged. “Anyway, so Tartarus is kinda a weird City-State thing filled with, I’m assuming the descendants of the original occupants, which may or may not be demons, and somebody knows about Lorraine’s existence and is…. Sending encouraging letters?”

“That does sound like the jist of it.” Rarity nodded. “It’s not necessarily bad, simply abnormal. Then again…” She gestured a hoof at the two of them.

“Point.” John shrugged.

“Maybe you should just accept that somebody wants you to be happy?” Sweetie offered.

“They don’t want me to be happy. They want me.” Lorraine corrected. “It’s all part of the magic shenanigans going on around me. Because, luck dragon.”

“Now that I didn’t hear, and now I’m worried.” John mentioned.

“That is definitely more worrying.” Rarity agreed, tapping her chin with a hoof.

“You’re gonna be okay, right?” Spike spoke up. “I can be there for you if you need it.”

“I just wish I could actually talk to them.” Lorraine said. She hummed a moment. “Maybe I should send a letter to the return address?”

“That might be a good idea, and at the same time a bad one.” Rarity chewed her lip. “It might be better just to send a letter yourself, rather than continue receiving multiple letters yourself.”

“I actually agree.” John nodded.

“I can help write it, if you like.” Rarity offered.

“Okay, so where should we start?” Lorraine asked.

They tried to ignore the rumbling, but eventually they got curious. Lorraine, John, and Gilda poked their heads out of the door only to see a rampaging Ursa. They promptly went back inside to wait out whatever hell was going on.

John stood on the porch out front, sipping his coffee while looking up at the line of smoke in the sky. “It’s nice not having to worry about my lungs dealing with smoke anymore, but that doesn’t make me like it any less.” He frowned.

There was a trotting of hooves and he looked to see Twilight coming up the path. “Heyyo, Twi.” He waved.

“John! Is Lorraine in?” Twilight asked, sounding a little panicked.

“Yeah… She is? Want me to get her?” He blinked, frowning a bit.

“Yes please.” Twilight nodded quickly.

John trotted right back inside only to be replaced by Lorraine.

“Lorraine! You’ve gotta help us!” Twilight said the moment she saw her. “There’s a group of dragons causing all this smoke and the girl’s and I are supposed to convince them to leave.”

“Okay? What do you want me to do?” Lorraine asked, quite confused.

“Well, you’re a dragon, could you maybe, talk to them?” Twilight asked weakly.

“That’s racist.” Lorraine said bluntly.

“Sorry! But- Still dragons!” Twilight gestured her hooves at the smoke overhead.

“You are so lucky I give a shit.” Lorraine groaned.

“Hey. Hey Lorraine.” Pinkie chirped, bouncing right next to the luck dragon. “How’s Johnny doing?”

“Pinkie Darling, it’s rude to pry into other people’s lives.” Rarity said not far behind them, wearing a blue vest and a small blue saddle bag.

“But I just wanna know if he’s okay.” Pinkie half-whined.

“He’s fine Pinkie, I saw him this morning. He was going to spend time with Spike and Gilda.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“That’s good.” Fluttershy smiled softly. “He seems nice.”

“They’re not that bad.” Rainbow said, casually flying overhead.

Applejack was dead silent. She’d been dead silent since they’d left.

“Meh.” Lorraine shrugged, not really caring, yet also trying not to be too grumpy about being dragged up a mountain.

“Also, Pinke, you might not want to aggravate the luck dragon who gave up a day with her boyfriend to come with us, just because we asked.” Rarity added. “Oh, how’s everyone doing, anyone need water, trail mix?” Rarity asked, telekinetically rooting around in her saddlebag.

“Coltymare.” Rainbow teased.

“And proud of it. Somebody needs to make sure we have everything we need. No offense Twilight.” Rarity said with a blush.

“Oh, no, that’s okay. You’re right. I’ve been focused on the map mainly.” Twilight said, levitating the map to show it. “We don’t have far to go.”

“Yay. My hooves are killing me.” Pinkie said with a strained smile.

“Pinkie, we could have paused at any point.” Twilight said, sounding worried.

“But I didn’t want to bother anypony.” Pinkie said with a small frown.

“You strange mare.” Twilight shook her head. “The top isn’t too far away. We can pause before we check out the cave.” She gestured to the large cave ahead that had smoke rolling out of it.

As they got closer they could hear some loud complaining. “Sure leave me here when everything’s on fire!” That was clearly a guy. “Somedragon can’t hold his flame in when he sneezes and I’m stuck trying to put out fire with no water and all of the cloth I could smother it with is also on fire!”

There was a collective gasp from the mares. Rarity and Lorraine were left behind as the other mare’s collectively charged into the cave.

“Oh! It’s a dragon!” They heard Fluttershy gasp as Rarity kept pace with the tired and plodding luck dragon.

“Don’t worry! We got this!” There was a rainbow blur that shot out of the cave.

“Hey- Wait a sec! This is fine! I was just complaining- Hey- Put me down!” Twilight, flanked by Applejack, levitated a ruby red dragon, with gold stomach scales and gold eyes. He couldn’t have been more than a teenager, based on the tone of his voice. “Seriously. It’s fine. Thank you, but put me down, this feels very weird.”

“Sorry. I had to make sure you wouldn’t get burned.” Twilight stated.

“Lady, I’m a dragon. The only reason I was complaining was because trying to pat the fire down by claw would suck.” The dragon huffed as Twilight finally put him down.

“Y’all can just let the mares take care of it.” Applejack said with a nod.

Lorraine decided to disregard the apple mare’s statements and walked up to the dragon, quickly followed by a curious Rarity. “Hi, what happened?”

“He-” The dragon turned, looked at Lorraine, and blinked. ”You’re a luck dragon.” He said bluntly, pointing at her. He looked at Twilight, still pointing at Lorraine. “She’s a luck dragon.”

“That she is.” Twilight nodded.

“Really? I didn’t notice.” Lorraine said flatly.

“Sorry.” The dragon snapped his attention back to noodle dragon. “It’s just. There are stories and legends and whelpstales. So, ummm, your majesty. What can I do for you?” He seemed to be going out of his way to be polite. Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity stared at Lorraine.

“Wait- Majesty?” Lorriane asked, then shook her head. “Nevermind, not the point, what happened?”

“Oh! Right! Cave! Yes!” The dragon looked over at the cave, which no longer had smoke coming from it. “Ahem, sorry, your maj- emm Ma’am.” He put a claw to his chest. “I’m Garble. I was staying here with my mates,” he glanced at the ponies. “My friends. Because this place was open and made for a great spot to… well… spend some time. We were out of the nest, and free to do and go wherever. So, why not go to ponyland, right?” He chuckled weakly. “So! Soooo…. My friends and I had gotten our stuff together, and with some money we saved up, made this place halfways liveable. We were considering going to that town nearby for work in case anydragon needed manual labour. However, one of the guys started cooking… aaaand he got into the spices. Which caused him to sneeze. Which set fire to, well everything, save the gems. And everydragon got spooked when smoke started going everywhere, because something might notice, and I guess it was lucky for me because a luck dragon and her pony entourage showed up!” He ended with a nervous smile and chuckle. “Sorry for spooking everyone? Please don’t arrest me or cast any weird spells on me.”

“Pony entourage?” Applejack quirked a brow. “Boy, what in sam-”

“Hush.” Twilight stated, cutting her off. “I’m sorry to hear about that.”

“I don’t have the power to arrest you, but send a missive to Canterlot and we can get in contact with your family.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“Oh, I’d rather not.” Garble said quickly. “I’m trying to be independent, and if anydragon heard that I had to return home, right after I left, I’d be a bit of a laughing stock. So, any other option would be preferable?” Garble smiled weakly. “I mean, I just graduated, and I can’t move back already.”

“Okay, in that case, salvage what you can and follow me.” Lorraine said.

“Yes Ma’am!” Garble snapped a salute, right as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew out.

“Well, the gems are fine.” Flutters said, trying to sound hopeful.

“Fire’s out though.” Dash coughed and tried to rub the ash from her coat.

“Rarity, make sure they drink some water.” Lorraine suggested to Rarity, who trotted over as she opened her saddlebags and levitated out a pair of water bottles. “And where’s Pinkie Pie?”

“Coming…” Pinkie said as the mare emerged from the cave with a bright pink sack bulging with gems. “Got all these packed up- Phew!” She let out a breath. “That took longer than expected. So, yeah, that place is toast.”

“Alright, we’ll wait half an hour to let Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Pinkie rest, then we can head back down.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“So… that was…” John groaned. “Restaurant number what that told us to fuck off?”

“Four. No wait- Five.” Spike said ticking off a list as he sat on Gilda’s back.

“It figures.” Gilda shrugged. “I’m telling you, I can just cook something at home.”

John shook his head. “And I want to treat you two, because that’s what friends do. Pardon the rhyme.”

“Again, nice of you, but I doubt-” Gilda got cut off.

“Hey! John!” There was a happy mare’s voice, only for John to suddenly have green in his vision.

“Bluh!” John tried to step back and ended up just flopping to his haunches.

“Sorry! You three seemed involved in… whatever you were doing.” The mare giggled. “My bad.”

“It’s good Lyra.” John got up. “Ummm, Gilda, Spike. Lyra.”

“Hey Lyra, been awhile.” Spike waved.

“Hey.” Gilda nodded a the mare with a look between John and Lyra

“Oh my goodness! Spike! I totally forgot you were here!” Lyra said with a gasp, bouncing in place a little.

“Yeah, get that a lot.” Spike shrugged.

“So, we need to catch up, however, what are you three doing out?” The mint mare asked, tilting her head a little curiously.

“Well, we were looking for a place to go for lunch but…” Gilda glanced at the restaurant they had been politely booted from. “Ponies.”

“Ah. Ponies.” Lyra nodded sagely. “Sorry.”

“Eh, we’ll find something.” John shrugged. “All else fails, I take Gilda up on cooking. I really wanted to treat them and have a day out for fun, but racism.” He rolled his eyes.

“Well shit.” Lyra said. “I’m sure Bonnie wouldn’t mind.” At Spike and Gilda’s confused looks, she added. “Bon Bon, Bonnie, is my marefriend. She runs a little tea and sweet shop. I’m sure she wouldn’t kick you out.”

“That sounds delightful.” John nodded. “What do you think?” He looked at his companions.

“Sounds good/Sure.” Was the response.

“Great!” Lyra grinned. “You’re gonna love it! She has these great pita sandwiches…”

Lorraine yawned as she walked up the path towards the house. She blinked sleepily as she spied the ajar mailbox. She fished out the mail and three-leg plodded towards the house. The door opened before she got to the porch.

“Sweetie, you look awful, get in here. You need to sit while I bring you something.” John said from the door.

“I’ll be fine.” Lorraine replied.

“Sure you will, come on.” The smol bug shook his head. “How was the day?”

“Good news, we sorted out the smoke. It was Garble. He has a job and lives in Ponyville now. Bad news, Pinkie Pie is annoying as shit.” Lorraine groaned as she walked inside.

John shut the door behind her. “Awww…” He fussed. “I wish I was there to help. Most of my day was experiencing racist ponies not allowing Gilda, Spike, and I into any place for lunch. The good news is, Bonnie’s Tea Tavern is great and I need to take you there. Also, Lyra and Bonnie say hi.”

“Well that’s good.” She noticed another letter from Tartarus. “Huh.” She shifted so John could get a good look at it, and made to open the letter.

“Hey Lovebirds!” Pinkie announced herself.

“Oh My GOD!” John snapped aloud. “Pinkie! Stahp!”

“For fuck’s sake Pinkie.” Lorraine groaned as she opened the letter. Only for there to be a flash of light.

“Finally!” A smooth voice (With a pronounced sound of radio static accompanying it.) said as everyone blinked away the letter equivalent to a flashbang. “The spell worked!”

Their vision cleared and… There was a deer in the living room.

He was slender, despite the fluffiness of his fur. His hooves and legs were jet black. The fur around his barrel and flanks was a deep red, around which was a bright red suit-jacket. The fur of the front of his chest and neck was white His fluffy-looking ears were red with black tips. A pair of small, black, two-pronged antlers could barely be seen protruding from his red mane. His eyes were almost entirely red. The sclera were a dark red, with his irises being a brighter red. His pupils were like slits of black ink. A monocle sat just under his right eye, with a chain attached to his jacket. A smile of yellow, sharp-looking teeth split his face.

“Hello! A pleasure to finally be summoned to the mortal plane! Thank you, my dear!” The deer said with a flamboyant bow.

Pinkie gasped immediately. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! Welcome to Ponyville! What’s your name?!”

The deer kept grinning, as his eyes dropped to half-lidded. “I am Alastor.”

“Jesus, of-fucking-course.” John groaned at the ceiling.

Noodle dragon looked around at the hyperactive pony, the fucking done boyfriend, and the charismatic deer demon.

“You know what, I’ll fucking take it.” She said and walked over to Alastor.

“Hi. Let’s talk.”

004 - The Radio Buck

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“Yes.” Alastor nodded. “Let’s talk.”

“Ooooooo! Hi!” Pinkie immediately was in the deer’s face. “I’m Pinkie Pie, and welcome to Ponyville you hunk of a buck.”

“A pleasure to be here my good mare, but I must apologize, I’m here for her specifically.” He pointed a hoof at Lorraine.

“Huh?” The noodle dragon blinked.

“Awww…” Pinkie wilted a bit. “Could you share?”

“Ha!” Alastor barked a laugh, only to follow it with a somewhat flat. “No.”

“Pinkie, let’s let them talk. I’m going to Twilight's to send a message to Celestia that we accidentally summoned a demon.” John said heading to the door. “Come on, Pinkie.”

“But-” Pinkie pouted.

“Pinkie. Privacy. It exists. Let’s let them talk. Please.” John stated, as he got to the front door.

“But stallions aren’t supposed to order mare’s around.” Pinkie whined.

“Excuse me for a moment.” Lorraine said to the deer before dragging the pink mare out the front door.

John sighed and rolled his eyes, then looked at Alastor. “Sorry.”

“Perfectly fine, my small, insectoid friend.” The deer nodded, maintaining a small smile.

Outside, the luck dragon had dragged the mare a decent ways away from the house. She plopped the mare down and gave her a serious glare. “What is your problem?”

“What do you mean?” Pinkie blinked, looking oblivious.

Lorraine groaned out a sigh. “If a guy says no. They mean no. Hell, if anyone says no, they mean no!”

“But Granny Pie always said that stallion’s aren’t meant to talk back, they’re meant to stay home and take care of the house.” Pinkie explained with a nod and a smile, like that fixed everything.

“But he wasn’t talking back, he was asking you, politely, to leave.” Lorraine countered.

“But, why don’t you wanna share?” Pinkie looked a little downtrodden. She seemed to be switching tactics. “There’s enough Johnny for another mare or two.”

“Because it’s not my decision to make.” Lorraine replied. “He’s not interested, so I support that.”

Pinkie blinked. “What? But… Don’t you… aren’t you, like, head mare of your herd?”

“No. No. It’s not a herd, We’re monogamous. It’s an equal partnership.” Lorraine explained to the confused-looking mare.

“Oooooooohhhh…….” Pinkie gave a long oh of understanding. “Duh!” She clocked her head with a hoof. “That’s so obvious now. So, you ever gonna start a herd?” She asked with a wink.

“I don’t fuckin’ know.” She said with a shrug. “If John’s okay with it, then maybe we could talk about it later. We’re kinda working on a stallion-creature-rights movement sort of thing.”

“Huh. That’s.” Pinkie actually looked thoughtful. “That’s… great?”

“I suggest getting in touch with Princess Luna. She’s the one running the whole thing.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“I might.” Pinkie said with a hum. Then she perked back up. “So, I’ll leave you to talk with your demon buck! Want me to trot Johnny to Twilight’s?” She asked hopefully.

“Only if you make it abundantly clear that you’re going to stop pursuing him.” Lorraine replied.

“Right!” Pinkie gave her a salute as John trotted past.

“I guessed by your feelings that things wrapped up, I’ll go get that letter sorted.” John said.

“Tell Spike I said hi.” Lorraine nodded as Pinkie immediately started bouncing after the smol bug.

“Will do.” John called back only to look over at his pink companion. “Yes, hello Pinkie- No, it’s fine.”

John knocked on the library’s front door. He sat for a moment, humming. Then he blinked. “It’s a library, why am I knocking again.”

Before he could finish his thought, the door swung open. He was greeted by Spike. “Hey John, how’s Lorraine?”

“She’s… good? I’m assuming she’s good at the moment.” John said, trotting by the small dragon into the library. “I’m actually here to see you, to be perfectly honest. Oh, also, Lorraine says hi.”

“Tell her hi back. Need a letter sent?” Spike asked as he shut the door and waddled over to desk to get a quill and parchment.

“Yes actually, sorry to use you like a mailman.” John said with a small chuckle.

“It’s all good.” Spike waddled over to the central table and got himself settled.

John trotted over to him. “Twilight still uses quills and parchment?”

“Yeah, quills are cheap and parchment has a smell to it, and it’s also easier to enchant.” Spike explained. “Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t kill for some pens or mechanical pencils.”

“Know the feeling anyway. So this is going to Celestia.” John said.

“Okay… everything okay?” Spike glanced over at the bug.

“Maybe?” John said nervously. “So…. Dear Princess Celestia, It’s John. Lorraine and I accidentally summoned a deer demon. What do? Please help.”

Spike finished transcribing, stared at the parchment, blinked and looked at John. “Seriously?”

“Yep. Enchanted letter. I think…” John nodded.

“Huh, must be Tuesday.” Spike shrugged as he rolled it up and blew purple-blue flames.

“And now we wait.” John said.

“It might be a little bit, she does have to lower the Sun and finish some paperwork.” Spike nodded. “So, wanna read comics?”

“It’s not all that complicated.” Alastor said with a smile. “I wanted to summon you to me, King Mourning Star took exception to that and arranged for me to be banished from Tartarus for… an indeterminate amount of time.”

“Soooo… Why do you care about me again?” Lorraine asked, quite confused.

“Why? Because you’re interesting of course! Life in Tartarus get’s so unbelievably boring. What better a way to shake things up than bring in an entity that is our polar opposite? Demons are beings of Darkness and Chaos, my Dear, you are a creature of Light and Order. Why, if you wanted to, you could kill me in an instant.” He laughed.

“What- No! I’d never do that!” She snapped in shock.

“Exactly!” The deer pointed a hoof at her. "You, my dear, are different, unique! You're no Luck Dragon. You. Are mortal! So delightfully mortal in everything you do and it's fascinating. All that power, and you refuse to use it."

The noodle dragon blinked. “But I’m nothing special.”

“That’s the entire point.” He said with a wide sharp-toothed grin. “And you’re handling things quite well for a mortal, well done.” He clapped his forehooves together.

“Okay?” Lorraine said. “Soooo, what now?”

Alastor paused. “I don’t follow.”

She gestured at him. “This. You, here. What do you want out of this? What even is this?”

“What do you want it to be?” He asked in return.

“You don’t want me to answer that, you really don’t.” She replied quickly.

“Scandalous.” He chuckled.

“Well, excuse me, you were fictional like fifteen minutes ago!” She said with an exasperated groan. “You weren’t real, and now you are, and you deserve respect, and- AGH! Being a fangirl sucks!”

“Oh dear, was it really that bad?” The deer raised a brow.

“You’re a person and I kinda have to separate all the fangirly stuff from common decency, etiquette, whatever you want to call it.” Lorraine explained with a huff.

“Oh if I knew I’d have this kind of effect, I’d have shown up sooner.” He grinned cheekily.

“Very funny.” She deadpanned.

“Oh staying with you and your small paramour is going to be so much fun.” He said with a chuckle and another toothy grin.

“Say what now?” Lorraine stated.

“I mean, he’s not Donny Cate’s Venom, but he’s still good.” John commented as Spike and he sat on a couch and read comics.

“I wouldn’t know about whoever Cates is, but Venom is a good villain.” Spike nodded.

“Good thing noodle dragon isn’t here.” John snorted.

“She did kinda drool on any copy that had Gabriel in it.” Spike commented.

“Ha, she doesn’t drool.” John countered.

“Are you two still reading comics?” Twilight asked from the balcony.

“Yep. Still waiting for a reply. I’ll be out of your hair soon. I hope.” John said apologetically.

“Oh, no worries. I was just checking on you two.” Twilight replied before turning away and heading back to her room.

John went to continue reading, but the door to the basement opened. A blue unicorn with a silver mane trotted out of the basement and shut the door. John blinked as the mare trotted into the curtain that led to the kitchen. There was the sound of rummaging, then the mare returned with a plate full of crackers, a container of peanut butter, and a knife. She sat herself at the dining table and started to make herself peanut butter crackers.

“Hi Trixie.” Spike said with a wave.

“She’s still here?” John asked the dragon. “I thought she’d already left.”

“Trixie has to wait. Two. Months. Before she receives a new cart.” The mare said from the table. “Twilight Sparkle was kind enough to lend Trixie her basement while the claim goes through.”

“Huh…” John said, blinking again. “What actually happened that day, we were kinda sidetracked and just wanting to decompress after it all.”

“Trixie will explain.” Trixie stated.

“Thanks. Oh, and I’m John. Hi.” He waved.

Trixie finally looked at the smol bug. She blinked. “You’re a Changeling.”

“A little one, but yes.” John nodded.

Her eyes widened for a moment. “Oh! You’re one of the two that arrived out of the blue. Twilight was telling Trixie about you and the luck dragon.”

“Kay?” John said, unsure of how to respond.

“Trixie would love to meet the luck dragon. She has heard stories.” She said, then cleared her throat. “Ahem, but Trixie was going to explain. So, Trixie’s show went well, despite a couple rude interruptions. Trixie did notice that the luck dragon and yourself calmed some… less than agreeable ponies. Ponies will always heckle Trixie’s shows.” She sighed. “Anyway. A pair of colts were asking Trixie about her stories after the show, and Trixie explained that they were just that, stories. They were made to entertain.” She grumbled and rubbed her head as she levitated a cracker slathered in peanut butter up to her mouth, yet didn’t eat it. “Yet, the colts got it into their heads that they had to find an Ursa for Trixie to defeat. In a bout of whimsy, those colts brought an Ursa to Ponyville. Trixie can barely fight off Timberwolves!”

“Snips and Snails got into big trouble for that. They’re grounded for months, they have to do community service, and their families had to pay for the damages to both Ponyville and Trixie’s cart.” Spike helped explain.

“Of which Trixie was grateful, but Trixie has insurance for this sort of thing, the only downside being-”

“Waiting for bureaucracy to finish.” John finished for her.

“Yes.” Trixie nodded. “Thus Trixie is stuck, temporarily jobless, in a farm town, Trixie can’t even trot out the door without getting odd looks. Admittedly, Trixie has had worse shows.”

“Wait, what?” John asked, leaning forward, the comics abandoned. “What’s worse than a giant star bear crushing your mobile home-slash-mobile theater?”

“One word. Three syllables. Manehatten. Ponies there are too obsessed over their heroes and villains to even consider a simple magic show.” Trixie snorted.

“Yeah, sounds about right.” John nodded.

There was a loud belch as purple smoke whirled into a scroll that plopped into Spikes lap. “Mail.” The dragon said as he unrolled the scroll. “Ahem. Dear Johnathan.”

“My name’s just John.” John deadpanned.

Spike continued. “We are aware of Alastor and will be sending along an attached letter from King Mourning Star. Don’t worry. Everything will be just fine my little changeling.” Spike then slid a second paper out from behind the first. “To Princess Celestia, Luna, and our new arrivals. In accordance with the Laws of Tartarus, the Overlord Alastor is hereby exiled until both the Diarchy of Equestria and the Throne of Tartarus believe that he is fit to return to his duties. As such, his powers have been stripped from him while within the mortal realm, and has been placed under the care of Lady Lorraine of the House of Faith and Time. Kindest regards, King Mourning Star. P.S. He’s just like any other pony or deer, if you need to, slap him. In fact, slap him for me.”

“Huh. Fair.” John said. “I’ll take those, but I have no idea where the fuck he got the title from.” He shrugged and got up. Spike rolled up the papers and handed them to the changeling, who slid it through a hole in his leg.

“Trixie.” John nodded at Trixie. “Pleasure to meet you. And Spike, thanks for the reading time.”

“Any time.” Spike held out a fist and John bumped it.

“Evening.” He trotted towards the door. “See ya, Twilight!” He called out.

“Oh, you’re leaving?” Twilight called out in response. “See ya. Thanks for coming by.”

“You’re welcome.” He called back, before nodding and trotting out the door.

On returning home, John was met by a very confused noodle dragon and a grinning deer. “Hey hey, I’m home. Got a reply.” He said trotting towards his girlfriend and holding up the leg with the rolled up scroll in it.

“Kay so what do we do?” She asked as the smol bug waved his paper holding leg, which she grabbed.

As she unrolled it and started reading, the changeling trotted up to Alastor. The deer gave John a curious brow raise, only for the bug to gesture a hoof to come closer. Alastor leaned his head down as the bug reared up onto his haunches.

John stared into the red eyes of the buck. “Alastor, I bring news.”

“Oh?” Alastor asked, sounding quite amused.

“The King of Hell sends his regards.” John said with a dramatic hiss, before swatting the deer across the tip of his nose.

“AH!” Alastor reared back and plopped onto his haunches, clutching his forehooves over his nose. “That- That… That actually hurt.” He almost looked stunned.

“You got nerfed.” John stated.

“Why did they make me his bloody caregiver?” Lorraine asked staring at the paper. “I’m gonna get so much flak for this.”

The front door opened. “Hey, I’m home. Hunting went… great…. Who’s this guy?” Gilda said as she came into the living room and spied the still somewhat stunned deer demon. “Lorraine, why is there a buck in the living room?”

“Apparently he’s our new roommate, or something.” Lorriane said, holding the letters out the the griffon, which Gilda took.

Gilda briefly looked them over. Then she snorted and barked a laugh. “Ha!” She stared at Alastor. “Get fucked!”

“Gilda. Gilda no. He’s still a demon.” Lorraine said patting at the griffon’s shoulder.

“Not now, he’s not.” She said, half-giggling.

“I’d rather not have my friends fighting each other.” Lorraine said simply.

“Oh, fine.” Gilda rolled her eyes. “Heh, he’s gonna get mobbed the moment he leaves the house.”

“I’m going to what now?” Alastor asked, looking genuinely confused.

“Ahem.” Gilda puffed out her feathers. “Deer bucks are known for their virility and passionate love-making. Deer are one of the few races that ponies consider equals, if only for their technological prowess and the… sturdiness… of their bucks.”

“Oh. Oh no.” John snorted and dropped his head into his hooves as he started to giggle.

Lorraine was silent.

“I am quite lost, would the feathered lady kinda explain in simpler terms?” Alastor asked, returning to his “normal” look of curious amusement.

“It means, Studdly McIncubus, that you are going to be drowning in mare pussy the moment you leave the house, whether you like it or not.” Gilda grinned. “Or, you know, you could date her.” She gestured a thumb at Lorraine. “It worked for Bug here, that’ll keep the mares off your back.”

“What- Nonononono! Bad idea!” Lorraine waved her claws furiously.

“Well, so long as Lorraine’s happy, I’ll do my best not to get jealous.” John said, breathing slowly to stop his giggles. “That’s me being honest too.”

“Wait what?” Lorraine stared at John.

“I’m not forcing anything, you don’t want to date him, that’s fine too.” John smiled.

Alastor just grinned at the luck dragon.

“What has my life turned into?” Lorraine thought aloud.

“Sounds like an anime.” Gilda said. “One of those lovey-dovey ones. Not my style but, eh?” She shrugged.

“Suggestions. Please.” Lorraine stated, looking quite frazzled.

John trotted over and hugged the larger dragon. “Gilda could you find Alastor a room, I think Lorraine needs time to process.”

“Sure, come on, lover buck.” Gilda gestured to the deer.

Alastor made to follow, then paused by the pair. “Whatever happens, I feel that this will be anything but boring.” He smiled, nodded, and trotted after the griffon.

Lorraine blinked sleepily as she sat on the couch next to the equally sleepy bug. It had been a stressful, sleepless night, but they had a plan.

Gilda walked in, followed closely by Alastor. Gilda yawned and started towards the coffee maker in the kitchen.

“Good Morning, my fellow roommates!” Alastor announced happily.

John slowly looked over at the deer. “No.” He said flatly. “You’re too happy. Tone it down.”

“But it’s such a lovely day.” Alastor replied, with a smile.

John blinked, flicked an ear, then leaned against Lorraine.

“Good news. We have a plan.” Lorraine announced, trying to stifle a yawn.

“Oh, do tell.” Alastor sat on his haunches, grinning at the pair.

"Okay, so, the main issue is the whole, stallions aren't people mindset and the whole interracial relationship thing, which is dumb," Lorraine explained. "What we're gonna do is what we've always been doing, treat each other like people."

"I've also noticed that people are surprised I defer to John when making decisions as opposed to the other around, so I'll do more of that," the dragon continued. "If you and I are out together, I'll do the same. If people think we're together or something, I don't care."

"I am just so fucking done with all of this," she admitted. "So, as long as you're not hurting anyone or breaking the law, you can do whatever. John is the boss here though, not me."

“I will not hesitate to swat the shit out of your nose again, or I could sic Gilda on you.” John stated. “So you better behave.”

“That I can do.” Gilda called from the kitchen as she stared at the coffee maker.

“I will have to behave then, won’t I?” Alastor chuckled and grinned at the pair. “So, I will defer to you then.” He nodded at the changeling.

“Good. You better.” John sniffed and blinked sleepily.

“So, who wants to go out for breakfast?” Lorraine asked, suddenly pepping up a bit.

“Food. Sure.” Gilda nodded.

“Food then a good nap.” John added.

“And I’ll finally get to see this delightful town.” Alastor grinned happily.

“We’re getting a lot of looks.” Gilda said, glancing around at the ponies they passed.

The four of them paused as Spoiled Rich trotted up with a group of mares at her back. “See, what did I say ladies, she’s hoarding stallions!” There were a few grumbles from the crowd.

“Excuse you, I’m a hen.” Gilda replied. “And the only one’s in a relationship are the dragon and the bug. The buck’s just a new roomie.”

“Oh, and she’s associating with pigeons!” Spoiled thrust a hoof at Gilda.

“What’s wrong with griffons?” Lorraine asked, blinking in surprise at the open hostility.

“Oh fuck off, Spoiled.” John groaned from Lorraine’s back. “I’m too tired for racist bullshit today.”

“And look at how little control she has over her stallion!” Spoiled pointed at John. She then looked at Lorraine. “What did your father teach you?!”

“I was raised by my mum.” Lorraine replied.

Spoiled appeared caught off guard and was momentarily silent.

"Oh that explains everything," Spoiled sniffed in disgust. "You are a disruptive influence and a horrible example of how a mare should act. That poor buck would be better off with some real mares."

"I beg your pardon?" Alastor spoke up, a crackle of static accompanying his head tilting to side in confusion.

"Do you mind? we have somewhere to be." Lorraine stated politely.

“Spoiled, are you stupid?” John asked.

“Quiet, the mares are tal-” Spoiled got cut off.

“No! Shut it!” John hopped off his girlfriend’s back. “I have had no sleep, I’m hungry, and I’m stressed. I just want to go get some breakfast, then go home and pass-the fuck-out. What I do not want is some uppity bitch, and a bunch of mares she’s probably lied to, to block me from that. Now, let’s do some math hmmm? And I suck at math, but I’m gonna try anyway. You’ve got, what, you and about seven, eight mares? We have a griffon hen who easily out classes any of your pegasi, we have a demon in the guise of a buck, we have a fucking demigod, which you are trying to pick a fight with, and we have me, the bug that could probably shoot lazers if he put his mind to it. So tell me, Spoiled Bitch, how do your chances look now? Do you want to fight something that is a living myth, and someone who got kicked out of Hell?”

Alastor took a few steps forward and gave a deep, flamboyant bow. “Greetings ladies, I am Alastor, The Radio Buck.” He gave the group an almost too wide grin as his eyes turned to radio dials and the air filled with a buzz of static.

Spoiled’s ragtag band of discontent mares scattered like cockroaches when the light turns on, leaving Spoiled quite alone.

“Are you going to let us go to breakfast now, or am I going to have to talk to your husband about reducing your fun money pay?” John asked the mare.

Spoiled blushed bright red, glared at the four of them, then promptly stormed off.

“Good. Now let’s go before I breakdown from emotional overextension.” The small bug said only to be picked up and hugged by the noodle dragon.

It was quiet. Gilda had gone out to vent her frustration as she put it. Smol bug was passed out in bed. This left Lorraine alone with Alastor. The dragon was on the couch. The buck was in a cushy chair.

“Well… That was… something. At least the food was nice.” Lorraine said, trying to sound positive.

“I never expected to be approached by so many mares. Their forwardness… Mmmm… does not agree with me.” Alastor’s smile actually seemed strained.

“Well looks like we need to step up our game, people aren’t getting the message, want to help with PR?” She asked the buck.

“Come again?” Alastor asked.

“Well, see, we’re kinda on a mission from the Princesses, to I guess, I don’t know, stop people from treating stallions like objects and to be more accepting in general.” Lorraine explained. “Since people aren’t really getting it from just us doing everyday things, we might have to be more public. Interviews, stunts, whatever.”

“Did you say, interviews?” The radio effect of his voice momentarily increased. “Oh, I would love to interview you and your darling fireball of a changeling.”

“Well, I figure, you’re in the entertainment industry, what with all the radio stuff around you. Thought maybe you could help.” Lorraine shrugged.

“Oh, this is going to be great!” He got up and pranced in place. “I need to write questions! No, I need to do research first! I’ve missed so much!” He started prancing happily towards the door. “If you need me, I will be at the library!”

“Okay.” Lorraine nodded as he trotted out the door and shut it behind him. There was a moment of silence then.

The door opened again.

“Would you care to join me? The mares are quite insistent today.” Alastor asked, shutting the door behind him quickly.

Short - Dragon's Mind: Reflection

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Lorraine stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. There were prominent, dark bags under her eyes, her fur and mane brushed just enough to look presentable, if a bit scruffy and she looked tired. She pulled down a strand of her mane and inspected under the bright daylight that streamed in from the window high above the sink.

Another gray hair. She separated it from the rest of her orange locks, yanked it off her head and tossed it aside. With a slow blink she huffed in tired resignation, ran a clawed paw through her mane and walked out of the bathroom. Her health took a backseat, shoved to some forgotten corner of her mind as she entered the lounge room/dining room at the front of the house. Gilda was already out on her morning hunt and John was over on the couch playing a game.

When he noticed her and offered to make her breakfast, she declined and said she'd have something light.

I'm not very hungry anyway

When he asked if she was okay, she said she'd be fine, eventually.

Your health is more important.

Five minutes later she agreed to help Twilight deal with a group of dragons sending smoke over the town. That evening found her negotiating with a demon. The next day she was protecting said demon from the townsfolk just so he could read in peace. There was a familiar routine to it all, of sitting, waiting for the next time one of her friends or housemates asked for help, of stopping what she was doing to assist, always eager to help, always apologizing if she thought she might've done something wrong.

Always worrying about something in the back of her mind and seeking the next distraction from it, because who else would help them?

She reminded herself, bitterly, it was always just her, there was no one else. That's how it had been with mum and as yet another mare accused of being a whorse and declaring her actions as selfish, Lorraine supposed that, that would always be the case. It wouldn't stop her from helping, maybe she was selfish but she didn't mind.

That's what I'm here for.

Short - Pest Control

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The sun had just crested the horizon and a bug and a buck were already out for their morning walk. It was cool out. (It had to have been near autumn.) The buck was fine, however the bug was in a quite warm looking black hoodie. The pair were taking the back roads, the ones that circled Ponyville and led to the farmsteads and Fluttershy’s cottage.

“I hate having to wear stuff all the time when it’s cold. Old body ran hot so I could wander around in t-shirts and a jacket. But no, I have to have a bloody exoskeleton now. Stupid bugs being weak to cold damage.” John grumbled as he power-trotted to keep up with the buck’s long strides.

“Jonathan, can’t you shapeshift into something more… fluffy?” Alastor asked, glancing down at the smol bug with something close to a smirk.

“Don’t know, haven’t really tried. I mean, I’ve thought about it, but I have a feeling it requires concentration and me and concentration rarely work well together unless I’m really focused on something. Then again, it could also be emotional, because insectoid emotive species…. Mmmm, I’ll think about it later.” John shrugged.

“So what, Johann, you are simply going to panic-shapeshift?” Alastor said with a small chuckle.

“Eh? Probably.” John shrugged again. “Knowing me, I’m probably going to lose it and rage at something, and that is when my changelingness is going to rear its head.”

“Don’t you mean, ugly head, Johnny?”

“Fuck you, I’m adorable, fight me.” John smirked smugly at him.

“Ha! I’d rather not. You are a tiny fireball that is far too accurate with his hooves.” Alastor laughed, yet covered his nose with a hoof.

The pair lapsed into silence, and as they passed a field of wildflowers, they noticed the butter yellow form of Fluttershy picking said flowers. She had a basket sitting on a rock and she seemed to be very selective about what she was picking. She also had a pair of pink saddle bags around her barrel.

“Ah, that is the shy, kinky one, correct?” Alastor asked, looking down at the bug.

John blinked then looked over at Fluttershy. “Well, I guess? One is obvious, the other, not so much.”

“Ah.” He nodded then looked over at Fluttershy. "Excuse me, would you happen to be the author of the Mares Exotic series?" Alastor asked as he walked over to the pegasus.

“Wut?” John asked bluntly.

Fluttershy jumped and whirled around until her eyes fell on Alastor. Her face was already a vibrant hue of pinkish-red. She seemed to take a moment to absorb the fact that there was a deer buck in front of her, then take another moment to process what he’d said. Her eyes widened and she started to shiver.

“Alastor, you broke her, the feck?” John snapped at the buck.

“Well I merely wanted an autograph. I have an acquaintance in Tartarus who wouldn’t shut up about her novels.” He rolled his eyes.

“Wait- What?” John blinked at Alastor. “You weren’t-”

There was a whoosh and Fluttershy was almost face to face with Alastor. “Tell. No one.” The normally sheepish mare hissed at him.

“Not a word.” Alastor replied with a smug smile.

The mare then relaxed with a sigh as she leaned away from the buck. “Sorry, I just worry that word will spread around Ponyville. It’s actually really exciting to meet a fan!”

“Oh, no I’m not a fan. Can’t even stand those things. But I have a coworker who is, and when he found out I was going topside, he was insistent that I get an autograph.” Alastor explained to the mare.

“Oh.” Fluttershy wilted for a moment. “Well, I’d gladly write an autograph.”

“Hey, Fluttershy, where would I go to find any of your work, just out of curiousity.” John said with a cough.

“Oh, I have my own website.” She blushed and quickly said. “You know, I’ll just mail you the first book for free!”

“Thanks?” John asked, tilting his head to the side.

Fluttershy dug in her bags with her wings until she pulled out a pencil and a pad of paper. As she did a small, fluffy, blue, ball-like insect with bright pink eyes hovered out of her bag.

It was immediately snatched out of the air by a bloody red aura. It squeaked as Alastor glared at it, his antlers were glowing the same deep red and they were starting to grow outwards a bit.

Fluttershy gasped. “What are you-”

“Where did you find this?” Alastor’s voice was as sharp as a knife, hovering the insect in front of Fluttershy. “Did you feed it?”

Fluttershy recoiled. “I-it showed up while I was picking flowers. It looked so cute and it seemed hungry-”

“Did. You. Feed. It?” Alastor enunciated every word as the air filled with the buzz of static.

“No!” She yelped. “I didn’t bring anything with me!”

“Alastor, calm down, they can’t be that ba-” John got cut off.

"Good," the buck growled, his grin predatory as he observed the insect squirming in his magic. "Never feed these creatures, kill them on sight, trap them if you must but never give these vermin a single crumb."

"You see, this is a Parasprite," the buck explained. "If it eats a single bite of anything you recognize as food will trigger their ability to self replicate and they will devour anything in sight. A town left in ruins in an afternoon, a kingdom left starving in a matter of weeks, the world destroyed in under a year..."

“They’re… that bad?” John asked, now looking more warily at the insect. Fluttershy looked shocked, her formerly pink face now quite pale.

"Are either of you familiar with the Dark Age?" Alastor asked and after seeing his audience shake their heads, he elaborated. "In those days, chaos and darkness ruled. The parasprites were created to drive populations to eat food tainted with magic so twisted and vile, it made the King of Tartarus look like a saint in comparison."

The buck eyed the parasprite, his gaze cold. "Oh how I despise these creatures."

“What are they doing here?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “We- We should warn Ponyville.”

“But Ponyville would know about them, right?” John asked. “They’re probably from the Everfree, because one just showing up doesn’t seem likely.”

“They wouldn’t know, I thought I had exterminated them eons ago.” Alastor seemed to be close to losing his smile. His eyes definitely didn’t look happy.

“Well, are you going to kill it? It sounds kinda like a locust swarm on steroids.” John said, leaning away from the thing.

“Are… Are you okay?” The meek mare asked Alastor.

“No. I’m not.” There was a flash and the insect was consumed in angry red flames, the ashes blew away in the breeze. There was a moment of silence. Then Alastor perked up. “So! Who wants breakfast?”

“What?” Fluttershy and John asked in unison.

“Waffles sound delightful.” The buck turned around and started to trot away back towards home. “Are you two coming, I will treat, and by I, I mean Johnson will. Oh, why don’t we swing by the house and see if Lorraine would like to join us?”

Fluttershy and John gave each other a look.

“I’m just going to… gather my things and go home.” She said softly.

“Yeah… good idea.” John nodded.

“Oh, of course! I’ll stop by later for that autograph, yes?” Alastor called over his shoulder.

“Th-that’s fine!” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Come Johanna, let’s retrieve Lorraine.” Alastor said, almost prancing as he trotted.

“I’m coming.” John hurried after the buck. He’d have to tell Lorraine about what happened later. For now, he wanted to put it out of his mind and food was the perfect way to do that.

005 - Consequences

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John yawned as he heard a pounding on the front door. “Yeah, yeah. M’comin’.” He bumped into something fluffy. On clearing the sleep from his eyes, he noticed that a equally tired Lorraine was already at the door. Said dragon yawned and opened the door. Both blinked at the bright light, only to see an anxious-looking Spike.

“Hey, is everything okay?” Lorraine slurred sleepily.

“Applejack and Rainbow Dash are being racist again and Twilight’s starting to listen to them, and Pinkie isn’t helping! Fluttershy refuses to talk and Rarity can’t seem to talk sense into them!” Spike blurted out.

“Oh great…” John yawned and trotted into the kitchen. He called out. “Grabbing caffeine, not awake enough for this.”

“I’ll head down now, I’m used to running on little sleep.” Lorraine said stepping out and joining Spike.

“Go ahead, just nuking some coffee real quick.” John replied. “I’ll catch up.”

“Kay.” The dragon replied.

“Darling, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this.” Rarity said from within the cloak that was her fur. She was trying her best to style it so she could see better as she sat on the couch. “Twilight, Fluttershy, and I told you to stop, but no. You three had to rush in, and now look what's happened to us. At least Twilight had the sense to stay back.”

Fluttershy, who’d been silent, leaned over and whispered something in the white unicorn’s ear. “Hmmm, oh right. Fluttershy says it might have something to do with those blue flowers, Zecora did say to beware the flowers, in her own roundabout way.”

“That’s bull and y’all know it!” Applejack snorted angrily. Which was quite comical as the mare was little more than the size of a mouse.

“But Applejack-” Applebloom tried to speak up.

“Hush Applebloom, the adults are talkin’.” Applejack snapped.

That was when Lorraine came out of the kitchen with Spike, the young dragon bearing a platter of refreshments. The noodle dragon immediately went over to Applebloom. “What’s up?”

Applebloom blinked. “What? I can say somethin’?”

“Of course you can, it’s your sister affected by this.” Lorraine nodded.

“She’s just a filly, what does she know?” Applejack fumed from the table she was pacing on.

“Applejack, that’s no way to talk about your sister.” Rarity said with a gasp.

Lorraine frowned and glared at the tiny mare. She snorted. Steam actually came out of her nostrils. “Let’s give a quick run down, shall we? You’re disabled. You had to rely on Applebloom to get here and she’s most likely scared and worried about you.”

It was at that moment that the front door opened and John came in. He gave a once over to everyone in the room. Rainbow was sulking in a corner, her wings looked off. Pinkie looked frustrated that her tongue was swollen out of her mouth as she sat across from Fluttershy and Rarity. A long straw had been slipped into the side of her mouth and she was drinking from some kind of smoothie. Twilight was sitting amid a pile of various books, seemingly scanning through them for something. She looked perfectly fine. As did Fluttershy, yet she wasn’t speaking. The smol bug trotted over to his girlfriend and sat on the other side of Applebloom.

“I am not disabled, you unnatural bitch!” Applejack snapped.

Silently, and apparently calmly, John trotted over to the refreshment tray, picked up a cup, chugged the contents and trotted over to the table. He flipped the cup over and slammed it down over the mare. He then put a book on top of the cup. “Time. Out.” He said then gave a slow breath out. He then returned to Applebloom. “Now, let’s think with clear heads please. What happened, cliff notes please.”

“Well yesterday-” As Rarity began her explanation, Spike went around and looked through the shelves himself. He hummed and pulled out a book, then brought it over to Twilight.

“Supernaturals? Spike, this can’t help, we need books based in facts.” Twilight held the book out to him and immediately returned to looking through books like a machine.

Spike sighed.

“Give it here.” Lorraine said, causing the small dragon to perk up. He waddled over quickly and held out the book, which the luck dragon took. She flipped through it. “This is a book on magical plants.” She said aloud in a slightly monotone voice. She wandered over to Twilight. “Is this it?” She held out the book with a page showing a blue flower.

Twilight paused and looked over at the book. She blinked, seemingly processing. Then she gasped. “That’s it!” She yelled snatching the book out of the dragon’s claw.

“Are the effects of that permanent?” Lorraine asked.

“No.” Twilight shook her head as she read. “Thank Celestia.”

“We cure Applejack last.” Lorraine deadpanned then looked over at Spike. “Good job.”

The small dragon blushed bashfully.

The cure wasn’t all that hard to make, and the girls went off to get things prepped. All except Applejack. She was still in Time Out. Thus Lorraine and John were left to “foalsit” Applebloom and Spike. Spike and John chilled on the couch and read comics, occasionally glancing at the shaking cup on the table. Muffled threats and swears could be heard from said cup.

“So, y’all seem nicer than what AJ says about ya.” Applebloom spoke up.

“What have you heard about us?” Lorraine asked.

“She says y’all are against herds and that yer unnatural.” Applebloom sighed. “That Ah need ta stay away from ya, and that y’alls relationship is, and Ah quote, a crime against nature.”

“What the fuuuu…. Really?” John said, correcting himself mid-sentence.

Lorraine cleared her throat and raised her voice. “Well it’s a good thing I’m giving that talk at the schoolhouse tomorrow.”

“She’s what now?!” Came a muffled shout from the cup.

“Yer comin’ ta school tomorrow?!” Applebloom gasped happily.

“Yep. Since you guys are learning about Cutie Marks and herd dynamics. Your teachers wanted me to come in and share my own experiences as someone who can’t get a Cutie Mark, and showcase other options aside from herds. Not that they’re wrong. They’re just not the only way.” Lorraine explained to the filly.

“Oh!” Applebloom blinked, her mouth agape. “So y’all don’t have to form a herd? Y’all can just find a special somepony? Just one special somepony? Cause bein’ a part of some kinda group kinda sounds complicated.”

“Preach.” John said from the couch. “It’s never good to get shoved into a herd and expect to act as if everything’s fine. Consent and conversation are key to making sure a relationship works, well those and affection, love, some common interests, I could go on.”

“Trust.” Lorraine added.

“That too.” John nodded, looking over at the pair.

“And what about havin’ foals?” Applebloom asked.

“Well, there are people who simply can’t have kids, it happens. And I’d say giving a kid a home is just as noble a pursuit right?” Lorraine replied with a smile.

Spike seemed to perk up at that comment.

“And it’s okay if you don’t even like ponies. Everyone’s different.” Lorraine added.

“What about stallions liking stallions or mares liking mares?” Applebloom asked, looking a little hesitant.

“That’s perfectly fine. I knew someone in high school who was gay. He was fun. I had no problem with it. It was fine.” She smiled at the filly. “If people are happy, that’s what’s important.”

“So, what yer sayin’ is, it’s more about love than anything else?” Applebloom said, chewing her lip in thought.

“Pretty much.” John spoke up. “Baring some exceptions, that’s pretty much right.”

“Yeah. People here don’t seem to understand that though.” Lorraine said with a nod. “God, the amount of times I’ve been called some not so nice things.”

“Ah’m almost an adult, y’all can swear.” Applebloom giggled.

“Your sister’s already mad enough at me as it is.” Lorraine snarked.

“Yeah, Twilight, everything went fine.” Spike said as he slid his comics back into their box. “Applebloom took AJ once we heard the cure had been complete.”

“That’s great.” Twilight smiled as she looked over at the luck dragon. Lorraine was staring intently at a quill sitting on the table. John was sitting in a chair next to her, it looked like he was saying something to her, but she couldn’t hear it.

The front door opened and Rainbow Dash came in with a bag on her back. “Lorraine, Gilda caught me on the way here.” She trotted over to the table and put the bag down.

The noodle dragon opened the bag. “Tuna!” She said happily and pulled out a plastic bag with a couple tuna sandwiches in it. She pulled one out and started to chow down. “Anyone want one?” She asked with her mouth full.

“Isn’t that cat food?” Spike asked, giving the luck dragon a confused look.

“Nah it’s just tuna and springwater. Pegasi have it all the time.” Rainbow replied, taking the other sandwich.

Lorraine then reached into the bag and pulled out another plastic bag of tuna sandwiches, which she held out to the small dragon. John reached in and decided to pull out the other three plastic bags, as well as a note. The note simply read. I know you’re not eating enough. Eat. Or I’ll force feed them to you. - G

“Huh.” John blinked.

“Thanks.” Spike took the sandwich and put it on his comic box. Then he hefted the box and started waddling upstairs.

Twilight watched him go. “Huh, if he likes it I’ll have to buy some. Garble says dragons need to eat meat. Did you know that dragons are part-carnivore, part gemmavore? They need gems and meat in their diet…. Huh.” She blinked and got a worried look. “I hope we haven’t been making him sick by not feeding him meat or enough gems.”

“Does this mean I should start eating gems?” Lorraine asked, moving onto another sandwich.

“You could try.” John offered. “I’m sure Rarity could help you test that theory.”

“AJ’s bathin’ and she’s pissed.” Applebloom announced as she came in followed by Rarity.

“Darlings, you might want an entourage home. I believe Applejack is on a warpath.” Rarity added somewhat darkly.

“I am not surprised.” John rolled his eyes

“Eh.” Lorraine shrugged.

Applebloom trotted up to the table and opened one of the bags. “What’s this?” She asked before taking a bite out of the sandwich.

“Tuna sandwich.” John commented.

Applebloom slowed her chewing for a moment, then shrugged. “Huh.” She took another bite.

“She’s not gonna get sick, is she?” Lorraine asked, pointing at Applebloom.

“No, ponies can eat fish. It’s fowl and red meat that we don’t digest as well.” Twilight commented.

“I overbought cans of tuna for Opalescence and ended up trying one out of curiosity. After some encouragement from Fluttershy. She only got me with the comment that it’ll make my coat shinier.” Rarity giggled. “That’s Sweetie Belle’s lunch normally, as well.”

Lorraine smiled, quite happy that she could bond with friends over food.

This was not to last, as the front door opened with a loud bang. Applejack stormed into the library. “Ah’ve had it up to here with ya, ya long-bodied bitch! Y’all think Ah’ll let ya correct the youth a my family with lies?” She stomped over to Lorraine. “Y’all can’t control yer stallion, and yer givin’ the rest a Ponyville a bad name!”

“Applejack! You can’t say tha-” Rarity tried to cut in.

“No! She’s a blight on the town! Her and her bug!” Applejack snapped, snorting.

“That’s hurtful.” John commented, giggling nervously.

Lorraine had had just about enough of Applejack’s attitude. She put her food down, got up, and took a step towards the angry farm mare. “So? I’m not hurting anyone.”

“Yeah AJ, they might be weird, but they aren’t doing anything wrong. Aren’t they kinda doing their job?” Rainbow countered, getting up herself.

“Y’all are blind!” Applejack snapped at Rainbow then returned to glaring at Lorraine. “Maybe Ah’m not gettin’ my point across.” She turned around, planted her forelegs, and bucked Lorraine right in the nose.

Lorraine’s head snapped back and instantly John was at her side. In a matter of moments: Rainbow slammed into Applejack’s side, sending her sprawling. Only for a blue glow to encompass the farmer. Rarity, quite violently, threw her out the front door. The moment she was clear, a purple aura slammed the door closed and locked it. Seconds later there was a banging on the door.

“Y’all better think hard on what the proper thing ta do is!” Applejack roared from the other side of the door.

Lorraine was dazed. She was hunched close to the ground, shaking like a leaf. John was hugging her head, as the poor noodle dragon looked terrified. Like a puppy that had just been kicked.

“We might need to appeal to a higher authority.” John said, calm despite the fact that he too was shaking.

Suddenly a soft hum started to fill the room as she started to glow with a yellow-white light.

“Oh dear…” Twilight said, igniting her horn and yanking the bug away from the luck dragon.

Lorraine seemed to blank out for a moment, only for her face to twist into a frown. Lorraine was pissed. She was taking slow, steady breaths. Her eyes blinked back tears. She was still glowing. In fact, she was getting brighter. The hum grew louder as well.

“Lorraine. Sweetie. I know you’re pissed. It’s gonna be okay.” John attempted to calm his furious girlfriend.

With a small voice, Lorraine asked. “Twilight, what can I do?”

“Do?” Twilight blinked, then understood. “Oh! Ummm, how to term it… Ah! Your magic is like a sink faucet.”

“You mean a tap?” The noodle dragon asked.

“Sure! A tap. Currently it’s on full blast, you can turn it down. Think about turning the tap off.” Twilight instructed.

“What about doing something with it?” Lorraine replied.

“Doing something? Oh no! That’s a bad idea! You haven’t had any proper training, or reading, or teaching-” Twilight babbled.

“Sweetie, wanna go home?” John asked.

“I wanna give AJ a piece of my fucking mind!” Lorraine snapped. “I just wanna go supervillain for the day!”

“Hon- Lorraine. I know you want to, but that won’t help our reputation in the town, and that’s already not the best.” John warned, speaking slowly.

“I know but it’s My Little-fucking-Pony! Maybe if I got hit with a rainbow laser of friendship the town would treat us like fucking people! Because nothing else has worked at this point! We have interviews scheduled, but what good is that gonna do when half the town thinks I’m a bloody predator, and the other half think I’m a fucking homewrecker!” Lorraine seethed, shining brightly as the hum was more like a subwoofer blasting a deep bass note.

“Well, what would you do?” Twilight asked, sounding oddly calm.

“Well obviously I’d call a town meeting, and basically just take over and implement rules that stated that you can’t force someone to do something. Like, if a stallion didn’t want to be in a herd, they wouldn’t have to be in a herd. And I’d set up a safe space where people can just talk and stuff.” Lorraine replied, sounding more annoyed than angry. “That and I’d chuck AJ in a jail cell for a day.”

“Why was I expecting anything different?” John blinked. “I feel stupid.”

“That’s like, not being a super-villain. At all.” Rainbow said, actually looking disappointed.

“Yes it is, because I won’t be giving them a choice in the matter.” Lorraine nodded at her.

“Ah. There it is.” Rainbow nodded.

“While those are all great ideas, darling.” Rarity said slowly. “And we can start promoting ideas like that, doing it immediately might not be the best idea.”

“Ya. The safe space for stallions sounds great.” Applebloom nodded. “Ah know Mac would love it.”

“It’s not just for stallions though, it’s for everyone.” Lorraine said, starting to calm down.

“Maybe market it as the Safe Space for Stallions but make it for everyone?” Rarity offered. “That name is quite catchy.”

“Oh, okay.” Lorraine said, quieting down as the light and hum started to fade. “I’m sorry.”

John trotted up to her and hugged one of her forelegs. “It’s okay. You’re allowed to be mad at stuff.”

“I sent a letter to the Princesses, is everything okay?” Spike called out from upstairs.

“This cannot stand! Applejack has laid hooves on you and shall be cast to the deepest darkest dungeons of Canterlot!” Luna fumed as she paced in front of the gathered forms of Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, Applebloom, Spike, John, Lorraine, and Celestia. All of them were watching her pace back and forth.

Near the door, a still quite ticked Applejack sat fuming between a pair of Royal Guards.

“I am sure we don’t need to go that far, Luna.” Celestia said calmly. “But attacking somepony that is basically working for the crown can’t just be let off.”

“You could make her an example?” Lorraine offered.

Everyone looked at her.

“An example? Do tell.” Luna said with an almost mad grin.

“What’s the usual punishment for physical assault?” Lorraine asked, looking between Luna and Celestia.

“Normally some jail time and probation once they got out.” Celestia said with a hum. “The severity can vary though.”

“Does anyone know how badly I would’ve been hurt if I wasn’t a luck dragon?” Said luck dragon asked the room.

“A buck like that?” Rainbow asked. “Maybe a broken nose?”

“Y’all woulda been knocked out, probably earned ya a night in the hospital, at the very least.” Applebloom spoke. “She looked ta be sendin’ a message, not kill ya.”

“So broken nose, a splitting headache, and possibly the risk of brain damage.” Lorraine listed. “So, treat this as if I were a pony. AJ gets the jail time equivalent of the injuries I would’ve sustained.”

“Bullshit! Y’all are fine!” Applejack snapped.

“Well of course I’m fine! Because magic! What would’ve happened if you pulled that on someone else? So it’s no excuse.” Lorriane frowned at the earth pony.

“Lorraine does have a point.” Luna nodded, glaring at the apple mare.

“There is the fact that, because you are a luck dragon, additional laws apply. Since you are a luck dragon, you also fall under the laws for assaulting royalty, as well as attacking an endangered species.” Celestia added.

“Okay, fine. Add that onto her punishment.” Lorraine agreed.

“Now hold an apple-pickin’ minute here! If Ah’m gone, who’ll run the farm?!” Applejack snapped loudly. “Granny’s too old, and Applebloom’s not a mare yet!”

“Big Mac will.” John said.

“I’ll help.” Lorraine offered.

“Well, we’re your friends. We can help take care of the farm.” Twilight added with a small, yet pained smile.

“Oh no, she’s not settin’ a claw on mah farm! And Big Mac’s a stallion! Stallion’s aren’t meant ta do hard labor!” Applejack yelled.

“Sister, should we add resisting arrest as well?” Luna asked Celestia.

“At this point, yes.” Celestia nodded, frowning at the farm mare in the same way a mother looks at an unruly child as she announced Applejack’s sentence. “Applejack Apple, you are hereby ordered to serve six months in jail, and on release, serve two years on probation, as well as attending anger management and sensitivity training classes.”

Applejack’s anger seemed to drain out of her. She paled as a look of fear and despair grew on her face. She let her head fall as she was led out of the library.

“Oh now she cares.” Lorraine said bitterly.

006 - Q&A

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Spike was panting as he ran behind the schoolhouse, a notepad and pencil in one claw. The field behind it was already full of ponies, family groups sitting on picnic blankets or sitting in the grass on the sunny autumn day as the teachers stood upfront and used the back of the building as a makeshift stage for the event.

"Spike, over here!" Sweetie Belle waved him over from where she sat on a picnic blanket with Rarity, Applebloom and another filly, a pegasus with smaller than average wings, dark orange fur and a purple colored mane.

"Hey, what did I miss?" the young dragon huffed as he waddled over and plopped down on a vacant spot on the blanket. "Has Lorraine been up yet?"

"Nah, ya just missed Miss Cheerilee's talk about cutie marks." Applebloom replied.

"Shoot! Really? Twilight asked me to take notes about it!" Spike complained.

"We can tell you." The pegasus offered and offered the dragon a hoof. "I'm Scootaloo by the way."

"Why does Twilight want you to take notes anyway? she's a grownup, she should know all this already." Applebloom commented as Spike and Scootaloo shook hands... er hoof.

Spike shrugged. "She wanted to compare what she learned growing up in Canterlot to what the locals learn here."

"Well girls, care to share what we all just learned?" Rarity prompted.

"Well, everypony is born with the ability to do a whole bunch of stuff and as they get older, they figure out what stuff they like doing the most and that's what their cutie mark is?" Scootaloo offered and Spike began taking notes.

"An' it's not something you learn overnight, it takes time and lots of hard work." Applebloom stated.

"And a lot of mistakes," Sweetie added. "But ponies usually figure out what their passion in life is at around our age."

"And don't forget, a cutie mark doesn't define you," Rarity explained warmly. "It is just one facet of who you are as a person."

"Is any of that different from what Twilight learnt?" Applebloom asked curiously as Spike finished writing and read over his work.

"Looks like all the major points are there, then again I never really paid attention to this stuff outside of exams." Spike admitted.

"Hey squirt, here for the show too?" A voice asked and the group looked up to find Gilda and Rainbow Dash walking up to the group.

"Oh Rainbow! I wasn't sure if you were going to make it!" Rarity cooed. "It's good to see you again as well Gilda, would either of you care for a drink?" the unicorn levitated a cooler up from where it was sitting just behind her.

"Thanks." Rainbow replied and accepted a bottle of water from the cooler. "Weather duty was a bit of a rush trying to get the skies clear for today, in the middle of fall..."

Gilda took a seat near the fillies and pointed a talon at Rainbow. "Yeah, you should have seen this dweeb, nearly crashed into me on her way here."

"I almost crashed, there's a difference!" Rainbow replied and puffed out her chest. "I'm just awesome like that."

"Hey, I think Lorraine's about to start her speech!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly and pointed over at the front of the "stage".

The group watched as the noodle dragon herself plodded out of the back door and stood before the crowd of teenaged ponies and their families. She looked nervous but smiled anyway as everyone focused their attention on her.

"Hi everyone, I'm Lorraine, the resident luck dragon," she began nervously. "The teachers that work here in Ponyville asked me to help shed some light on herds, relationships and stuff to hopefully help everyone learn to, I dunno, get along better or something." she said which earned a few chuckles from the crowd.

"Yesterday, a pony asked me a few questions I never would have thought needed to be asked so I'll tell all of you what I told them and hopefully, I can clear up any confusion anyone else may have about a few things..." Lorraine said and began to relay the same information she'd told Applebloom a day prior, though with slightly more professional wording.

“Oh, so they’ll listen to her when she says it’s ok to like other girls but when I say it, everypony thinks I’m going through a phase!” Sweetie Belle grouched.

Rarity leaned over and patted the younger unicorn’s back in sympathy. “Sometimes it takes a grownup to make other grownups understand that there are sometimes children should be seen and heard.”

The group continued to listen to Lorraine as she talked, Spike dutifully taking notes and the fillies quietly mulling over the topics and ideas discussed.

“I think that covers everything, so, does anyone have any questions?” Lorraine asked.

“Are you Spike’s Mom?” Snails called out from the front.

There were hushed whispers from the audience, Spike smiled nervously as a few family groups seated nearby looked over at him.

“Is she?” Applebloom asked the young dragon curiously.

“No! She’s not… everyone just thinks she is because we hang out a lot!” Spike hastily replied.

“Alright, alright! Calm down, no I’m not Spike’s mum.” Lorraine stated with an eye roll.

"So what's sex with a changeling like?" Pinkie called out from just in front of Spike and the girls. The pink mare was sitting with Fluttershy, who elbowed her in the side. “What? I was kidding! Somepony was gonna ask!”

“Not funny Pinkie!” Lorraine chided from onstage.

“Not for lack of trying!” A voice called out from the schoolhouse.

“John’s up there?” Spike asked. “I figured he’d be out here in the crowd.”

“I believe both he and Lorraine are happier with him backstage, as it were, people are probably curious about him after all.” Rarity replied.

“Hey so, speaking of questions!” Lyra spoke up from where she adn the other teachers sat off to the side near the noodle dragon. The rest of the teaching staff groaned as she smirked. “Are you dating the new buck in town?”

“Lyra!” Lorraine huffed. “He’s only been here for a couple of weeks and-”

Said buck poked his head out of the back door. “No, we’re not dating, as you call it.” His ever present smirk turned mischievous. “Not yet anyway!”

“Alastor! This is supposed to be a serious discussion! We are not dating!” Lorraine venonmately replied as the red buck cackled and ducked back into the building. The luck dragon shook her head “The things I let him get away with… Alrighty! Any other questions?”

Spoiled Rich stood up and obnoxiously cleared her throat. A few of the other parents looked at her with interest while others rolled their eyes.

“Oh no…” Scootaloo groaned. “Here we go.”

“It is my understanding that you are in a relationship with the changeling?” the haughty mare asked.

The noodle dragon blinked. “Yeah.”

“So, when do you two plan on starting a herd?” Spoiled asked.

Another blink from the noodle dragon. She looked over to the back entrance. “John! I think we better answer this one together.”

John poked his head out of the school. “To be perfectly frank, I do not know if we will at all. If we do, we will be very selective.”

“I didn’t ask you.” Spoiled sniffed.

“Too bad, that’s your answer.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“Well I never- Have you at least selected potential herdmates?” Spoiled asked.

“Potential what now?’ the noodle dragon asked flatly.

Spoiled rolled her eyes. “Herdmates. Have you considered just who will join your herd?”

John snorted and trotted out, looking a little irritated. His slightly shiny wings buzzed in irritation. He got to the “stage” and stood next to the noodle dragon. He scanned the crowd for a moment. Until. “Hey Gilda, wanna fuck?”

That got a few gasps.

Gilda blinked, raising a brow. “Ya know, fuck it. Why not? Though, a thing first. I’m the bottom. Because I’m a power bottom.”

“And I never actually found out what that means.” John replied with a blink.

“Oh you will, you tiny stud.” Gilda said with a laugh. “Honestly though, maybe when we get to know each other better.”

Lorraine laughed, her tone playful. "Hey Rarity! Wanna be my unofficial sister?"

Rarity giggled, a smirk on her face. "On one condition, you have to ask out the buck."

“Fuck,”Lorraine muttered, much to the amusement of many in the audience. She looked back over to the back door. “So, Al-”

Alastor gleefully trotted out onto the “stage”, a wide smile on his face. "Why of course I'll partake in this tomfoolery!"

There was laughter all around as Spoiled fumed. “How dare you- you cretins make fun of such a serious issue! What sort of example are you setting for the foals?”

“A good one, I hope,” Lorraine said calmly, still smiling. “A herd isn’t the only way for people to find love or start a family, just like how cutie marks aren't the be all, end all of a pony’s personality.”

“Spoiled, the point is that this isn’t a huge issue.” John sighed then looked at the mare. “At least, it shouldn’t be. We’re trying to teach children and adults that it doesn’t matter if you want to be in a herd or not, or if you want to be monogamous or not. Hell, stallions are treated kinda terribly to be honest. That might need to be worked on too.”

“An excellent point my good fellow!” Alastor said, an air of false cheer around him as he stared down at Spoiled Rich. “We’re all friends here, or at least I hope so!” there was a hint of something feral in the bucks gaze. “It would be a shame to have such a pleasant day ruined now, wouldn’t it?”

A faint hum of static was in the air.

Spoiled sat back down with a huff.

“Since we’re all out here and we’ve covered all the important bits, why don’t we answer some less formal questions?” Lorraine suggested with a smile as the static-y hum died down. “Open forum, anything goes! Raise a hoof if you have a question.”

Several of the ponies in attendance, young and old, raised their hooves.

Lorraine pointed at a young unicorn filly with a blue-grey coat and a blonde mane. The filly looked at the dragon and changeling curiously. “Can you two do magic?”

“Uh, well I’m still learning actually,” Lorraine replied. “I can’t really do anything yet but Princess Luna’s helping me so, who knows?”

“Probably?” John said. “Haven’t actively tried yet. Maybe eventually?”

“Hey John, how about you pick someone?”Lorraine suggested. “We’ll take turns.”

“Yes? Lyra.” John asked the mint mare who was waving a hoof.

“Thank you! Ahem. I have one, can love bloom on the battlefield?~ ok, ok, real one this time... and it's to the dear smug bug as I wanna call him, what do you love MOST about your noodle dragon?” Lyra asked almost smugly.

“Shit.” John said bluntly. “To be honest, there’s too many things to list. In short, she’s sweet, she’s kind, and she loves me. Also, we get along really well, and we like a ton of the same things. So, not exactly short.” He said with a chuckle.

“I-uh...I dunno how to handle compliments..” Lorraine admitted meekly and looked over at the smol bug. “I love you too.”

Quite a few ponies “D’awwed” at the flustered noodle dragon before she smiled nervously and recollected herself.

“Right! Uh, Snails, was it? What’s up?” She asked.

“Do you like penguins?” the colt asked.

Lorraine blinked slowly. “Yeah? I mean, who doesn’t?”

“Ya know, sure? I mean, they’re friendly.” John shrugged.

A unicorn mare with a green coat and an orange mane, also holding a pad of paper and a pen in her green magic, raised her hoof and John pointed at her. “You.”

“Thank you, however this is for Lorraine. What is the best, and worst thing about being a luck dragon?” The mare asked.

“Well, the best thing is, I have a tail. I’ve always wanted a tail. Also I’m healthy.” Lorraine replied after a moment of thought. “The worst thing would be, the expectations associated with being a luck dragon. Oh, and the blatant racism of course.”

The mare sat back down as she scribbled away at her pad of paper.

“You?” The noodle dragon pointed at a mare that could give Spoiled a run for haughtiness.

“When are you two going to have foals?” The mare asked. She appeared to be finished, but a younger mare next to her nudged her, causing her to sigh and continue. “If you’d even consider not having foals, what… ugh, birth control do you plan on using?”

“Well, to be honest, kids are a bit of a ways off, if at all.” John began. “Secondly, she might not be healthy enough to have kids. And thirdly, according to the Bestiary, luck dragons have to choose whether they have kids or not.”

“We know ponies have plenty of options, but we kinda don’t.” Lorraine added.

“Can you shapeshift into something infertile?” The young mare asked aloud.

“Ummm, I haven’t even tried to shapeshift yet, sooo…. I don’t know?” John shrugged, smiling weakly. “So, if you have a question about shapeshifting, the answer is no. Anyway, who’s next?” He asked quickly, then he blinked and sighed. He pointed at a quite bouncy Pinkie Pie. “Yes, Pinkie?”

“What do Lorraine’s emotions taste like?!” Pinkie almost yelled.

“Ummm, I don’t know? I haven’t actively fed, I don’t think. So I have no idea. I honestly haven’t been paying attention to it.” John shook his head. “I am a terrible changeling. I couldn’t changeling to save our lives, even if I wanted to.” He chuckled, managing to get a few laughs from the crowd.

“Hey Lorraine? Can you fly?” Scootaloo spoke up.

“Well, according to Luna, nobody knows what sub-type of luck dragon I am yet. So I could fly by self-levitation, or I could grow wings. So, I can’t fly yet, but maybe one day.” Lorraine explained. “God, that’ll be fuckin’ terrifying.”

“Any more questions?” John asked. This was met by silence.

Cheerilee took that moment to walk up on “stage” and join the pair. “Alright, thank you two for coming and answering question-”

“Ahem!” Alastor loudly cleared his throat.

“You three for coming and answering questions.” Cheerilee rolled her eyes. “So, we will take a quick break for lunch then we’ll move on to the next event.”

“Holy shit, I am never doing that again.” Lorraine muttered as she sat in a corner of the schoolhouse, a plastic Tupperware container sat on the desk in front of her, filled with two sandwiches, a brownie and a juice-box. She watched John as he talked animatedly with Lyra nearby as the mint green unicorn unpacked her own food.

“You did very well today.” a voice to her right spoke up and the luck dragon looked over to see Cheerilee trotting towards her with a light brown earth pony stallion in tow.

“Thanks, I spent most of last night writing the speech,” Lorraine admitted. “Public speaking isn’t really my strong suit.”

The stallion, a light brown earth pony with a scruffy looking darker brown mane, brown eyes and wearing a dark blue pinstripe suit smiled warmly as he trotted up to her and shook her claw. “Well I thought you were just brilliant!” he said.

“This is Time Turner, our science and mathematics teacher,” Cheerliee explained sheepishly. “He’s a bit of a fan.”

“Really? I’m nothing special,” Lorraine replied she parted from the enthusiastic pony and sat down. “But ok, if you say so.”

Time Turner’s eyes widened in surprise. “You really don’t know?” he looked flabbergasted. “You’re an inspiration! You’ve single-handedly started a social movement, all just by being you!”

“To be fair, it’s more the princesses movement, I was just the catalyst.” the luck dragon replied with a shrug.

“Oh come on now! You’ve defended your boyfriend how many times exactly?’ Time Turner asked rhetorically. “In fact, if it weren’t for you kicking up a big ol’ fuss about stallions being people, I daresay I wouldn’t have landed this job.”

“He’s right, not many places would hire a married stallion.” Cheerliee commented and looked over at her fellow teacher. “If I remember right, your wife argued with the school board after they tried to deny your application when it was the best they’ve seen in years.”

“I know! Oh Rose was so angry, still it worked out in the end.” he stated and smiled at Lorraine. “She was in the crowd watching you on your first day, you my lucky friend, gave her the push she needed to get us both jobs and a place to stay!”

“I… I didn’t think I had much of an impact,” Lorraine said thoughtfully. “It’s been nothing but name calling, threats, and dumb arguments ever since John and I got here.”

“It might not have changed everyone’s mind overnight but it’s a start,” the stallion replied helpfully. “And the more people start listening, the better things are going to get. You’ve got my support at least, a few of my students agree with you too!”

He frowned. “Mind you, it would probably be easier if Sweetie Belle didn’t keep starting arguments in the classroom. Nearly had to give her detention the other day because she almost started a fight with another student who said some choice words about you.”

“Almost hm?” Cheerilee asked him with a raised eyebrow.

Time Turner shrugged. “Well, Sweetie was defending a friend, nothing wrong with that.”

“I suppose not, hopefully this talk calms down some of the students and their parents.” Cheerliee said.

The noodle dragon nodded and opened up her Tupperware container and began wolfing down the first sandwich.

“You’re welcome to come back and give more talks if you like.” Cheerliee offered. “Harmony knows we could use all the help we could get.”

Lorraine looked confused as she swallowed her mouthful of food. “But I’m not qualified to teach or anything.”

“We’re not exactly a big school, the school board will happily accept any volunteers it can get, in fact I’m the only one with a teaching license,” Cheerilee explained. “Lyra volunteered to fill the position of music teacher because she couldn’t find a job anywhere else in Ponyville, she had the skill so…” the mare waved a hoof for emphasis.

“That doesn’t sound very legal…” Lorraine pointed out and the mare shrugged.

“Ponyville doesn’t have a high enough birth rate to warrant the government building let alone funding a proper school and staffing it,” Cheerliee explained and sighed. “It’s just another reason why herding is such a big deal here.”

“Maybe they’d get the numbers up if everypony wasn’t so stressed about herding all the time.” Lorraine suggested. “Most of the stallions I see are so skittish it's heartbreaking.”

“There’s not much we can do but try to teach the next generation to be better than their predecessors.” Cheerliee stated.

Lorraine made a sound of agreement as she continued eating. Time Turner grinned and looked excited.

“I know!” he exclaimed. “Why don't you and your boyfriend come over to meet the missus and have tea? We could talk strategy! Brainstorm some ideas to really get the ball rolling!”

Lorraine blinked. “You wanna help? Just like that?”

“Course I do, you’d have to be mad to not see how important this is.” he replied with a nod and another beaming grin. “Rose would love to meet you! She’ll give a tour of the shop!”

“Shop?” Lorraine asked.

“She owns a little shop! We live in a flat just above it.” Time Turner explained. “Bad Wolf Baubles, it has all sorts of things!”

“As nice as that sounds, maybe sometime next week?” the luck dragon offered. “This past week has just taken it out of me and I just want some time to relax.”

Time Turner blinked. “Oh! Right, yes. I heard about that…. Sorry, that must’ve been hard for both of you.”

Lorraine looked down at the last of her first sandwich. “Applejack was supposed to be one of the good guys but eh, shit happens, I guess…”

“I can only imagine what it’s like for Applebloom, her family means the world to her.” Cheerliee said. “I can’t comfort her as much as I’d like if I want to keep teaching.”

“What really? But isn’t it your job to look after the kids?” Lorraine asked polished off the remainder of her sandwich while pulling out the other with her free paw.

“Teaching is a stallion dominated profession, almost anything involving foals is,” Cheerliee explained. “A mare working in those fields has to be careful what they say or do around children, I’ve seen coworkers who simply hugged a crying student lose their jobs because the parents jump to the wrong conclusions or the school can’t risk its reputation over a possible scandal.”

“Wow, that’s dumb.” Lorraine replied flatly.

“Yes it is, why don't we move on to some lighter topics?” Cheerilee suggested. “In fact, I have a few questions some of the students wanted me to ask you before you leave.”

“Let me guess, too embarrassed to ask with their families here?” the noodle dragon said.

“Unfortunately, you don’t mind do you? There’s nothing too personal or offensive, I made sure of that. We were going to have the students ask you about them during the talk but most of them were worried about what their parents might think.” the mare replied. “So, I promised my class I’d ask you when I had the chance.

“I’m a bit curious myself, it’s not everyday you get to interview a local celebrity.” Time Turner said playfully

“Eh sure, go ahead, if it helps the kids then i don’t mind.” Lorraine stated casually with a shrug as the teacher walked over to the teachers desk and pulled out a small pile of papers.

The questions were simple, things like favorite color (“Dark blue”), favorite hobby (“reading and writing”) and favorite food (“Oooh, that’s a tough one, I’d have to say it’s a toss up between meat pies and a good chicken burger, I like a lot of foods”) and it bought a smile to the luck dragon’s face at how curious the children really were.

“This is fun.” she stated simply.

Cheerliee laughed. “I’ll be sure to tell my class that! Now I’ve just got one more question, from Sweetie Belle actually.”

“Huh, wonder why she didn’t just ask me herself,” the dragon mused. “What is it?”

“She wanted to know if you had any role models growing up?”

The noodle dragon blinked. ‘Well aside from my mum….nothing really- wait, no hold on, I got something.”

She smiled, a nostalgic look on her face. “When I was in high school there was this TV show called Doctor Who, a sci-fi show about an alien and his human friends travelling through space and time.”

“Human?” Cheerliee asked as Time Turner looked at the luck dragon in fascination and a bit of childlike wonder.

“Yeah, that’s what I was before arriving here, a human, same thing with John,” the noodle dragon explained. “Anyway, I loved that show, got every season on box set and everything and the main character, The Doctor, was my role model come to think of it.”

“Really?” Time Turner asked curiously.

“Yeah… sort of weird when I think about it,” Lorraine admitted. “I was sick a lot as a kid so I always wore big long coats, so did The Doctor and I thought it was cool, still do. I love long coats.”

“And you know that thing I’m always saying? People are people, probably got that from him too,” she continued. “See, he met aliens, good, bad, all sorts, and he never saw them as aliens, he saw them as people. That stuck with me, he never got angry with someone unless they did something wrong or were mean to him. Even the people he’d travel with, he’d bring the best out of them, the entire point of the show was that even the most ordinary person can do amazing things.”

“The show doesn’t exist here, I’ve tried looking, a lot of things I like from back home don’t exist here,” Lorraine said sadly. She put on a brave face with a small smile. “Still, I’ve got good friends, good food and at this point, I’ll take what I can get.”

“That’s the spirit, who knows maybe your show just exists in a different form.” Time Turner suggested.

“Yeah, that'd be nice,” Lorraine replied with a laugh. “John pointed out the other day that I can go a mile a minute when I get really excited about something and it can overwhelm him, so I joke that I really do take after The Doctor cause he can talk a lot too.”

“Hell, The Doctor’s been a better father figure than my own dad, that’s for sure.” she said and smiled. “Maybe the show exists as a different type of media or something?”

“Who knows?” Time Turner replied with a shrug. “Won’t know unless you look.”

“Yeah, sorry, I should probably let you two get back to your own lunches, you guys still have a long day ahead of you don’t ya?” Lorraine asked.

“Just a few more presentations and a meet and greet with the families, we’ll live.” Time Turner replied.

“Oh dear, looks like some of the parents are trying to start the meet and greet a little early, excuse me.” Cheerilee stated and excused herself to trot to a small gaggle of mares trying to corner a large, muscular pegasus stallion as he tried to leave the schoolhouse.

“That’s Snowflake, the P.E teacher, I’d better go help out. Swing by the shop sometime!” Time Turner said and followed his fellow teacher.

John wandered on over. “You doing okay? You seem confused.”

The noodle dragon looked down at the smol bug. “Time Turner sounds like the Tenth Doctor, I’d know that voice anywhere.”

“And do you think it’s him?”

“It’s probably just a coincidence, from the sounds of it Time Turner just moved to town with his wife, so unless the TARDIS crapped out or there’s aliens in the school…” Lorraine replied and snorted in amusement. “Nah, I’m just overthinking things ‘cause of the stress.”

“Well, he seems nice.” John commented.

“...I think I just made some new friends.” Lorraine realized after a moment.

“Yay?” John replied.

Lorraine grinned. “It’s been a while since I’ve made new friends.”

“Oh good!” John said happily and nuzzled her. “I’m glad my dragon is happy.”

Said dragon giggled.

Short - Crusader Talk

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“What about the Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Sweetie Belle asked aloud as Applebloom, Scootaloo, Spike, and herself all walked towards Lorraine and John’s house.

“But… Spike doesn’t have a Cutie Mark.” Scootaloo countered.

“Yeah, not like I’m gonna get some brand on my ass.” Spike shrugged. “Unless some of Garble’s friends have some scale tattoo ideas.” He chuckled.

“Don’t lay a claw on those scales.” Scootaloo snorted, paused, blushed, and finally shook her head. “Not that you… Ummm… fuck.”

“Are ya talkin’?” Applebloom asked, smirking at the pegasus.

“Shut up ‘bloom.” Scootaloo deadpanned at the earth filly.

“In other news, I honestly cannot wait to have ponies freaky collective growth spurt.” Sweetie said, changing the topic.

“What, so mares don’t assume yer a foal forever?” Applebloom asked.

“Well, duh.” Sweetie rolled her eyes as she knocked on the front door of the house.

The door opened, revealing John. “Girls.” He nodded at them. “Spike.” He nodded at the dragon. “Pizza rolls are in the oven.”

“Good, because we’ve come to take over your house.” Spike said with a nod. “And not for gaming this time.”

“Oh no.” John feigned surprise. “Lorraine, we’re being invaded by midgets!” He raced into the living room, leaving the fillies and dragon to walk in and shut the door.

Lorraine poked her head up from where she sat curled up on the two-seater, a headset hanging round her neck. “Oh, hey, you lot doing okay? I saw what Spoiled’s little brat was doing at the end of the meet and greet yesterday.”

“Fuck her.” Spike said flatly as John busied himself around the kitchen.

“Or, you know, don’t.” Scootaloo said with a snicker.

Spike gagged. “Thank you, angry chicken, for that mental image. Ugh…” He shuddered, dropping his bag as he and the girls sat around the central table.

“Ignore us, we’re just coming up with club ideas.” Applebloom waved a hoof at Lorraine.

Lorraine’s eyes lit up in excitement as she innocently asked “Can I help?”

“Eh… How?” Sweetie asked, pulling out a pad of paper. As she did, John trotted in and set a plate on the table. Said plate was piled with pizza rolls.

“Careful they’re hot.” John warned, only for Spike to grab a couple and pop them into his mouth.

“So says you.” The dragon said while chewing.

“So says the fire-breathing reptile.” Applebloom deadpanned.

“I’m good with names, or you can bounce ideas off me, that’s always fun!” Lorraine explained and quickly put her headset back on for a moment. “I’mma go offline for a bit Luna, friends over, tell Celestia I said hi!”

With that the dragon picked up a black controller and after scrolling through a few menu’s turned off the console she was previously using, placed the controller on the nearby coffee table and walked over to a small stand by the TV to place her headset on it. After checking everything was powered off, the noodle dragon wandered on over to the kitchen, came back out with a plate and put three pizza rolls on her plate and sat down near the teens.

“So, let’s see...” Sweetie chewed on the end of her pen. “For names we had Cutie Crew, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Crusaders of the Lost Mark (blame Scootaloo for that one)... Then of course, we, well Scoots and I, had to be reminded that Spike doesn’t get a Cutie Mark.”

“Unless I talk to Garble about dragon tattoos.” Spike added, eating another roll.

“Who says you have to have a cutie mark to be a part of your club, it’s your club,” Lorraine stated. “In highschool, I started a club with a couple of friends, all we did was pick codenames, I was Wolf. So, if you wanna call yourselves The Cutie Mark Crusaders or something, go for it.”

“So, code names.” Applebloom hummed. “Like… Metal Gear?”

“Metal Gear’s a thing here?” John asked, setting cups down along with a few cans of various sodas.

“Button Mash is a fan, he and I hang out sometimes.” Sweetie said with a shrug. “Needless to say, I made a terrible silent assassin.”

“Never took you for a guns blazing type.” John hummed.

“Hey, if it’s worth killing, it’s worth overkilling.” Sweetie giggled. “Huh, that might be why I like Revengeance so much.”

“I think we got off track.” Spike deadpanned.

“I don’t care, I love Metal Gear!” Lorraine replied with a smile on her face and her tail wagging madly. “I’ve played one, two, three, peace walker, four, ground zero and five…. So good!” she paused. “Granted that was on earth… whelp, I know what I’m doing tomorrow!”

John cleared his throat and took a breath. “Commander.” His voice was now gravelly. “My tummy hurts. I need you to pick me up from school.”

The girls snickered.

“John, no.” Spike face-clawed.

“Hrrrm... Colonel, I’m trying to sneak around, but I’m dummy thicc, and the clap of my ass cheeks keeps alerting the guards.” John said, somehow keeping a straight face.

Lorraine burst out laughing. “God damn it John!”

“Jooooohn! Stahp!” Sweetie planted her face into the table with a thump.

“Okay, okay fine.” John chuckled, his voice returning to normal.

“Ok so, names, what you guys think? Like, don't give a shit about who’s who, just pick something all of you can get behind.” Lorraine suggested.

“I vote Spike is Solid Snake.” Scootaloo said flatly.

“Not all the time.” Spike shrugged.

“Ha! Dick joke.” Applebloom giggled.

Lorraine blinked. “Ooooh, now I get it. Lol.”

Sweetie banged her head on the table. “How about… group names first? Just, first thing that comes into your head.”

“Sorry, ehmmm… Knights of Destiny.” Spike suggested.

“Foals of Fate… wait, tha’s too pony. Children a Fate?” Applebloom offered.

“Are you sure this isn’t a cult you’re planning? Because these sound like cult names.” John said, wandering back to the kitchen as Sweetie lifted her head, rubbed her nose and levitated a soda towards her.

“He’s got a point.” Sweetie noted, popping the top.

“So, dumb idea, but you could start a cult and I could be the thing you worship.” Lorraine said jokingly with a grin. “As for club names, what about The Paladins of Peace?”

Sweetie wrote that down. “Good idea. But… Scions of the Luck Dragon.”

“... No.” Scootaloo said flatly.

“Lorraine’s Angels.” Applebloom said with a snort.

“Fuck no.” Lorraine deadpanned and paused. “Are you taking me seriously about the cult?”

“Tartarus no!” Spike gasped. “I mean, have you seen how bad the movies are?”

“Maybe.” Sweetie said to Lorraine, then she looked at Spike. “Unfortunately. Rarity and I decided to watch the old one for a movie night… It hasn’t aged well.”

“I say fuck it, Paladins of Peace. Or, Peacekeeper Paladins.” Applebloom shrugged.

“So P. O. P. or P. P.” Scootaloo hummed. “I’m more for the first one. Second one could be construed as another dick joke.”

“True.” Spike commented.

“Idea, The Peacewalkers!” Lorraine offered helpfully and ate one of her rolls.

“Oooo! Good one!” Applebloom pointed a hoof at her.

“Dumb suggestion. S.S.P.” John said, returning to sit by the table. He popped a pizza roll in his mouth. “Short for Something Search People. Dumb, but kinda fitting?”

“Eeehhh…” Sweetie’s face screwed up in thought.

“I know, dumb.” John shrugged.

“The Peacewalkers is starting to sound better.” Scootaloo nodded.

“I’d suggest The Sunwalkers, but that would only include Celestia. Mmmmm, Lightwalkers?” Spike tapped a claw to his chin.

“You can shorten it to Peacewalkers, plus it was a metal gear reference,” Lorraine admitted. “And it sounds inclusive enough that anyone could join, so long so they’re not a dick. If I’m starting a cult, it’s gonna be done right…Though if it’s a good cult, would that make it a religion?”

“I’m for Peacewalkers.” Sweetie said. “All for it?”

“Aye.” Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Spike said in unison.

“Great. Peacewalkers it is.” Sweetie nodded and put the name at the top of the pad. “Now… What do we do?”

“Figure what you want the club to be, what kind of message you want to show to everyone or what you guys are going to do.” Lorraine said and shrugged. “I dunno, I’m winging it.”

“Well, maybe do things for fun to see if one of us finds something that makes us happy? Who knows maybe we’ll get a Cutie Mark out of it. And maybe Spike will find something he wants to do too.” Sweetie said as Scootaloo and Applebloom nodded.

“Beyond that, maybe just help out around town. Or, heck, help out stallions that are having a rough time.” Scootaloo offered. “Like a program for stallions... thing.”

“Program?” Lorraine asked.

“Yeah, like helpin’ out stallions who are having a rough time if they’re alone. Like, being pressured into joinin’ a herd or somethin'.” Applebloom said.

“So a support group, that’s a good idea,” Lorraine said. “Pinkie and I are planning a little bake sale and fundraiser for The Running of the Leaves to raise some money to buy an old shop to convert into a… thing, a community center of sorts, wanna help with that?”

“Sure/Yeah!” There was a chorus of nods.

“Cool, right now, we need to spread awareness, Alastor and I have something in the works to get word out but until then, we’re on our own, and The Princesses can only pay us so much before someone kicks up a stink about it.” Lorraine explained. “I’ve been learning how to bake. Pinkie’s been teaching me on weekends so we planned on having a bunch of smaller bake sales leading up to The Running of the Leaves. Maybe your folks could pitch in?”

“Rarity would love to help.” Sweetie nodded.

“Ah could see if Big Mac and Granny are available.” Applebloom said with a hum.

“I should be able to get a hold of my aunts, beyond that, it’s just me. Sorry.” Scootaloo shrugged. “Parents are in Zebrica filming a nature documentary.”

“I’ve seen you around town on a scooter, you could hand out flyers?” Lorraine suggested. “Honestly, we just need help advertising and maybe some variety in what we’re selling, everything else is sorted.”

“That I can do.” Scootaloo pointed at Lorraine. “I could also put up flyers on the boards around town.”

“Good idea, oh and Spike, Twilight asked me to remind you to not add gems to whatever you end up donating.” Lorraine said as she looked over the smaller dragon.

“I’d only make some gem cookies for myself and other dragons, that includes you.” Spike said with a chuckle.

“It’s Twilight, I caught her worrying about whether she could borrow books from the library even though she works there,” the noodle dragon replied. “I think she was invested in the latest Daring Doo book or something.”

“It’s Twilight, if she’s ever not worrying about something inconsequential, she’s a changeling. Sorry.” Spike said, looking at John.

“Oh no, no offense taken. I agree, in fact.” John nodded at the dragon. “Though that does remind me that I should probably work on my changelingness at some point.”

“Eh, you can do it later,” Lorraine shrugged. “I don’t mind if Twilight is a worrywort, God knows I worry over the dumbest shit too.”

“This is true. Also, hooray for procrastination. We should celebrate procrastinating later.” John said with a smile.

“Oh, you need to keep him.” Sweetie said with a smirk, pointing at John.

“Of course I’m gonna fuckin’ keep him, have you seen him? He’s awesome!” Lorraine replied.

“I have seen him. Though he’s easy to miss sometimes.” Scootaloo said. “I mean, he’s almost our height.”

“Oh, ha ha. Yes, I know I’m short.” John rolled his eyes.

“Huh. Dumb and inappropriate thought.” Sweetie Belle said aloud.

“Please don’.” Applebloom sighed.

Spike glanced at Sweetie Belle in confusion.

“What?” Lorraine asked. “What is it?”

“Is he packing? I mean, does it scale with his size or is he secretly hung?” Sweetie asked, causing the smol bug to lean away. His slightly sparkly wings buzzed in surprise.

“... Not what I was expecting but I dunno and I wouldn’t tell ya even if I did.” the noodle dragon replied nonchalantly.

“Fair enough.” Sweetie shrugged.

“Dammit Sweetie.” Applebloom groaned, rolling her eyes.

“I was expecting something different, but… I’m actually not surprised at this point.” Spike said blandly.

“So, if we even have a track to get back to at this point, what are we on?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, we kinda got some stuff started, and covered, and we’re gonna be helping Lorraine.” Sweetie said looking at her pad. “I dunno.” She shrugged.

“Lorraine, what were you playing with Luna before we got here?” Spike asked.

“Nothing actually, we were just talking. I was reading Teen Titans fan-fiction.” Lorraine replied.

“Lemme guess, more Gabriel x reader, fix-it fan fiction?” Spike raised a brow.

“Yes.” John answered for her.

“Ah’m so lost.” Applebloom blinked.

“We now need a comic reading day.” Sweetie said, patting Applebloom on the shoulder.

“Heck if ya have any, Ah wouldn’t mind spendin’ the day readin’ with ya.” Applebloom shrugged.

“That sounds nice.” Sweetie smiled at her.

“I’ve got a collection of them that are appropriate for you guys, just don’t damage them,” Lorraine offered happily. “Also, lemme know if any of you want to get into writing fan-fiction or something…”

“I’m putting that down.” Sweetie said, writing on the pad. “A writing day also sounds like fun.”

“Sweetie likes plans almost as much as Twilight does.” Spike said with a nod.

“I like to have things organized, so sue me.” Sweetie rolled her eyes.

“Nothing wrong with a good plan,” Lorraine said and wolfed down the remainder of her pizza rolls. “I’ll dig out my comics and manga collection, Spike, explain the genres to the girls for me would ya? I’ve got superhero, murder mystery, shounen, shojou and a couple of enchanted comics.”

The noodle dragon left her plate on the table and plodded off towards her room. John immediately took the plate into the kitchen and started rinsing it off.

“Absolutely.” Spike cleared his throat. “So, girls. Actually Applebloom, we have the basics like fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thriller, adventure, romance…”

Short - Clothes

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"Rarity, do you just make dresses or other stuff?" Lorraine asked as she helped the fashionista move some ponyquins into Rarity's display window.

"Oh I make all kinds of clothes, dresses, suits, jackets," the mare replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Uh, well, I was wondering what about underwear?" the luck dragon asked nervously. "I sort of miss wearing clothes and... stuff..."

"Stuff?" Rarity repeated.

Lorraine sighed. "Never mind, forget I asked."

The two of them stepped away from the window while Rarity used her magic to adjust the position of the ponyquins. The unicorn glanced at Lorraine. "If you need clothing to feel comfortable dear then all you had to do was ask," Rarity gave the dragon a sly smile. "And it's only natural for a mare to dress up for her stallion."

"Dress up? I just miss wearing socks and comfy clothes." Lorraine said, oblivious.

"Socks? Oh goodness gracious! Lorraine, dear, clothes in Equestria are worn as status symbols, outerwear especially," Rarity gently explained. "Underwear, such as socks, panties and the like are for more, shall we say intimate occasions."

Lorraine blinked and looked annoyed by the information. "Seriously? Fuckin' socks."

"...Yes, I'm more than happy to make you such garments if you want them," Rarity said reassuringly. "Just, make sure to leave the underwear at home, alright?"

"I don't think I'll bother, not even sure if knickers would be feasible for my body shape," Lorraine said with a sigh. "Do you think I could pull of a long coat?"

Rarity finished adjusting the display and took a long look at her friend. "Hmmm, perhaps, why did you ask about undergarments if you weren't sure on buying them?"

"I do miss wearing clothes, it just wasn't a pressing issue because no one cared that I wasn't," Lorraine explained. "And I wanted to surprise John with something cute... I guess..."

"I see, well then! Let's see about drawing up a few designs for a coat," Rarity declared and trotted over to the front counter. "I'll even throw in a few pairs of socks."

“Oh, I’ll probably need some winter wear as well.” Lorraine added. “Because, as fluffy as I look, this isn’t actually a winter coat.”

“Of course, daring.” Rarity replied with a smile. “What do you have in mind?”

“Gloves, boots, and a hat. And a skivvy, if you know what that is.” Lorraine listed. “I think you guys call it a turtleneck.”

“Ah, yes, of course I can work on those for you. Any particular color choice?” Rarity asked, starting to jot down some notes on a nearby pad.

“Well, white turtleneck, and dark blue or black for everything else.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“Nothing too fancy I assume, you have quite simple tastes.” Rarity giggled.

Lorriane shrugged again. “Pretty much, as long as it lasts.”

“Well, I can get started on everything, and while I do, we can chat.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Cool.”

007 - Deer and Dragons

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Lorraine plodded after Applebloom as the teen led her around Sweet Apple Acres. The luck dragon carried a metal bucket filled with vegetable peels and leftover scraps of food with her tail as she followed the filly. Applebloom led her to the pigpen and the dragon lumbered on over, grabbed the bucket in her claws and dumped its contents into the trough by the fence.

“How many animals do you look after on the farm anyway?” the noodle dragon asked as the pigs squealed with joy and rushed towards the food.

“Well, lemme think, that’s the pigs done, we just gotta feed the chickens, check on the cows in the milking shed, clean the rabbit hutch and top up Winona's food an’ water bowl,” Applebloom explained. “We keep the pigs to use their droppin’s for fertilizer, chickens give us a good supply of eggs an’ the rabbits we keep are a special kind, you can spin their fur into yarn!”

“Ooooo angora rabbits, right?” Lorraine asked excitedly as she left the bucket by the fence.

“Eeup, Prench Angoras, I’ll show you them once we check on the chickens.” Applebloom replied.

The pair walked in companionable silence, the sounds of life around the farm filling the quiet morning with a calm ambiance. Soon the sound of clucking hens filled the air as an area fenced off by a tall wire fence came into view. A modest sized chicken coop sat in the middle of the yard while hens of various sizes and colors were milling around outside foraging. A single rooster sat perched on the coop roof.

Applebloom unlocked the door and grabbed the wicker basket that sat by the entrance to the coop. “ I’ll run in and grab the eggs, could ya sprinkle some of that there chicken feed around the yard for me?”

Lorraine looked over at the bag of feed and a metal scoop by the door. “This stuff?”

“Yeah, just dig out a big scoopful of the stuff and sprinkle it around the place.” the filly instructed and the dragon nodded.

Applebloom trotted into the coop while the noodle dragon walked into the enclosure, closed the door behind her and did as she was asked. The birds paid her no mind and followed the movement of the feed, their wings flapping madly as they scrambled to eat their fill. She set the bag and scoop where she found them and slipped back outside to wait for the farm filly. Applebloom trotted out with a basket of eggs carried in one hoof only a minute or so later.

“I’ll take these to the house,” the filly said and pointed at a dirt path that veered to the left to some other section of the farm. “That path there’ll lead to the rabbit hutch, we got three adults and five little ones, go an’ have a look and ah’ll catch up.”

“You sure?” Lorraine asked.

“Yeah! You gotta learn your way around here sooner or later if you wanna keep pitchin’ in right?” applebloom replied.

“Good point, I’ll meet you there.” The noodle dragon said, and plodded on down the path.

She could hear a dog, most likely Winona, barking in the distance and paid it no mind as she walked. It didn’t take her long to reach the rabbit hutch, another fenced in enclosure with a small building for the animals to sleep in. They were a bit larger than, say, the smaller white and brown creatures Fluttershy kept at her cottage, though that could be due to the thick fluffy fur that covered their bodies. They looked like clouds or cotton balls with a head and legs, as their head and forelegs were covered in shorter fur, giving the rabbits a neater look around those areas. Four baby rabbits ran around the enclosure while a fifth one, with brown fur, light brown eyes and smaller than its siblings, watched from a corner.

The oddest thing about the smaller rabbit, was the two short, dark gray nubs on the top of its head, almost like the beginning of horns.

“Oh, y’all lookin’ at Stubbs?” Apple Bloom asked as she strolled up alongside Lorraine. “Yeah, he’s a special rabbit. He’s got horns.”

“So, he’s perfectly fine?” The noodle dragon asked.” He’s not sick or anything?”

“Yeah,” the filly nodded, “his ma’ just got out one night and AJ found her fuckin’ a jackalope. He scurried away right quick.” She giggled. “Then Stubbs was born, at least that’s what we call him. He’s a quiet one, just kinda keeps to himself.”

“I think he’s cute.” Lorraine smiled at the small rabbit hybrid.

“Well, if his fur doesn’t come in as thick as the other rabbit’s we may have to give him away. That won’t be ‘till winter, so y’all can think on it if ya want a rabbit in yer house, or yard. Yard might work better.” Bloom nodded and smiled at the dragon.

“Okay, so what do we have to do here?” The dragon asked in return.

“Well, I’m gonna wrangle all the rabbit’s inta their cage, then all we gotta do is clean the pen. Basically, rake it, clear out the gunk, and put down some fresh hay.” Bloom explained as she trotted over to the door, barely opened it, then squeezed through the gap, before closing it behind her.

Lorraine then got to watch the teenage filly race around the pen in an attempt to catch very hyperactive rabbit babies. In the meantime, the parents had hopped into the cage, as had the small jackalope.

Bloom was gasping for breath, by the time she got all the rabbits into the cage and shut the door. “Their gonna be tha death a’ me.” The filly giggled, opening the door and letting the dragon in. “Sorry ‘bout the smell.”

“I don’t have a sense of smell.” Lorraine replied plodding into the enclosure.

“Lucky.” Bloom huffed while wrinkling her nose.

The pair worked in a content silence, leaving a pile of muck and soiled hay outside the enclosure to be picked up later.

Bloom set down the shovel she’d been using. “And that’s about it. Thanks for all the help. Ya want some lunch?”

A red blur suddenly shot by the pair. It took a moment for Lorraine to register that that had been Alastor. This was swiftly followed by a loud barking, as Winona tore after the deer. Said deer circled the enclosure and hid behind the noodle dragon.

“Darling, fine day we’re having.” Alastor tried to sound nonchalant. “How are you, you’re chores done, can we leave?” He rattled off, with a smile. A nervous smile, but a smile.

Winona raced up to Lorraine and skidded to a halt. Her front was down, her tongue hanging out as her butt was up in the air and her tail was wagging violently.

Alastor’s voice seemed to raise an octave. “No! Keep away!”

“Ah don’t think Ah’ve ever seen someone who was afraid of dogs. Well, ta that degree.” Bloom commented, glancing between the excited and playful dog and the cowering deer demon.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to pass on having lunch here. May as well have lunch in town or something.” Lorraine said with a sigh.

“And tha’s fine.” Bloom nodded. “See ya for the next Peacewalker meeting?”

“Yeah, you guys have it at my house.” Lorraine rolled her eyes.

“Oh right.” Bloom blinked. “Well, y’all have a good rest a yer day and thanks again.”

“Yes, everything was wonderful. Thank you for having us!” Alastor tugged on the dragon’s leg, only to huff and encompass her in a red aura and levitate her behind him as the pair left.

“You know, you didn’t have to come.” Lorraine said, a tinge of concern to her voice.

“Of course I did, we’ve spent almost no time together (entirely my fault) and I wanted to make up for it.” Alastor shook his head with a grin at her. “That farm was delightful, with the exception of the mutt.”

“I guess we’ve both been busy.” Lorraine nodded.

“Which is why we are having a day like this.” The deer replied.

“So what’s for lunch?” The noodle dragon asked, content to just let him carry her.

“I’m not sure. We should take a look around and see what there is. Unless, you have a place in mind?” Alastor glanced over his shoulder at her.

“Well, the only places that’ll serve me are Sugarcube Corner and Bonnie’s Tea Shop. Unless you want to try talking your way into a restaurant?” Lorraine replied.

“The tea shop sounds lovely.” The deer said with a wide grin.

Alastor watched in almost stunned amusement as his table companion decimated a blueberry muffin. “Darling, that is quite impressive. Though, I’d expect a dragon to eat much more than you. You seem far more reserved. And, yes, I’m aware of your previous existence.” He waved a hoof as he shrugged.

Lorraine, for her part, was doing her best to pay attention to the deer. Thus she had paused in her muffin murder. “I’m not really sure how to word it, old habits I guess?”

“Quite.” He nodded. “You are too kind. What with how much you enjoy your food, it’s nice for you to pause for a little conversation now and then.”

“Hey, I’m trying!” Lorraine huffed, pouting a tiny bit.

“Oh, that wasn’t meant to be an insult. Quite the opposite in fact. You’re trying to be an attentive listener. Which I appreciate.” The deer smiled. “So, are you prepared for your chance at stardom?”

“It’s just an interview.” Lorraine said with a groan. “And I’m trying not to stress about it. John’s been helping.”

“I have no doubt he has.” He chuckled. “You’ll simply be answering questions, much in the same way that you did for that lovely school assembly.”

“It’s nationwide TV.” Lorraine said slowly. “I am not going to have a moment of peace after this.”

“And you will do just fine.” Alastor nodded. “And if people come to your door, I’m sure John or that delightful griffon will handle them for you. Then again… you might become a target, but that’s not anything to worry about.” His grin widened.

Lorraine sighed. “Well, shit’s gonna hit the fan sooner or later.” She finished her muffin. “So, you get your equipment from Tartarus yet?”

“No, it’s stuck in Tartarus Customs.” The deer groaned. “Which is a fancy way of saying Mourning Star blocked it. Apparently, I haven’t suffered enough.”

“Can’t you find anything to replace it?” Lorraine asked, curious.

“No, my equipment is thousands of years old and is almost impossible to find.” Alastor’s face looked a little strained. “Honestly, I might have to contact a few acquaintances of mine to see if they can get it here for me.”

“Anything I can do to help, maybe frame it like it’s for the cause or something?” The noodle dragon asked.

“Oh no, unfortunately not. Unless we sneak it out via black market or similar dubious ways, it’ll stay in Tartarus. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mourning Star was doing this on purpose to make me resort to such methods.” The deer tapped a hoof on the table. “He can be quite petty at times. Then again, so can his wife. Strange how far from the tree their daughter fell though. She’s doing good work.”

“Huh, so what’s she do?” Lorraine asked, looking down at where her muffin used to be. “... I’m still hungry… Dammit…”

Alastor’s smile returned. “Heh, Princess Joy runs the Tourism Board for Tartarus. Does a wonderful job of making it look more like Las Pegasus rather than a dark city-scape with the occasional gang war. Oh, you should have seen her when she started. She was hopeless until I came along. She had the spirit, but not much else. I think she just needed the resources and a good backer. Which I provided both of.”

“Oh cool, so what kind of work did you do?” Lorraine asked, looking back to the deer.

“Aside from some resources, and a brand deal for my radio station, I helped kick-start an economic boom by convincing people to move to Tartarus. I can have quite the influential voice when I want to.” He chuckled darkly. “Why, I haven’t done that much work since I came up topside during the twenties.”

“So… is she okay without you?” The noodle dragon tilted her head to the side curiously. “And what about your businesses and stuff?”

“The businesses run themselves at this point. Well… Joy is looking after things for me.” He waved a hoof. “As to Joy, she’s doing just fine, in fact, you’ll probably meet her during All Hallows Eve.”

“Really?” Lorraine blinked.

“Yes. You see, it’s the one night a year where denizens of Tartarus can go topside. It has something to do with the fact that the planar barriers are both closer, in a metaphysical sense, and weaker on that night.” He said then paused. “And… it’s a month away.” He blinked. “I need to prepare.” He got up from his spot. “Darling, I’m sorry, but I have preparations to make, so I must leave you for now. It’s been a joy talking to you. Have a wonderful rest of your day, and I will talk to you….. At some point in the future.”

With that, the deer trotted out of the tea shop.

“I hope he’s going to be okay.” Lorraine said, then got up to go order more food.

It had been a couple days, and while Alastor wasn’t around often, Lorraine noticed that whenever he did show up, he was quite twitchy for lack of a better term.

“Right, so the hexes are in place, as are the curses, the wards…. Drat! I’m missing… Starmoss…” Alastor groaned as he slowly circled the living room.

“He seems… stressed.” John commented.

“Starmoss does grow in the Everfree…” The deer continued his verbal thinking. “And I swore I saw some growing in the ruins of the castle there. The Timberwolves might be a problem in numbers. I never did dabble enough into Destruction and Pyromancy.” He paused. “Mmmmm….”

“It’s gonna be fine. He’s just been warding the house for Nightmare Night.” Gilda shrugged as the three of them watched the deer from the kitchen.

“Lorraine? Would you be interested in a little trip into the Everfree?” Alastor asked, looking over at the group.

“I mean, uhhh, you sure that’s safe?” Lorraine replied.

“I’m sure everything will avoid us because of you.” Alastor nodded.

“Oh right, luck dragon, duh.” Lorraine blinked.

“Yes, and I doubt we’d find anything that could bother something like you. Well, you don’t really know how to be a luck dragon, but presence alone should be fine.” The deer nodded.

“We could go with you, strength in numbers.” John offered.

“Yeah, I mean I hunt, but the Timberwolves have been getting bolder.” Gilda nodded.

“That might be for the best. I was hoping to just have the two of us go, but you two might have a point. What if something happened to one of us? To you.” Alastor said with a nod, looking at the noodle dragon.

“So, everyone just grab some saddlebags and get ready?” Lorraine asked.

Which everyone did.

Alastor had a rather nice pair of dark red-brown saddlebags that were clearly made of leather. Gilda had a single blue bag at her waist. Noodle dragon had equipped her saddlebags, and the smol bug had put on his backpack. Once John and Gilda made sure that everyone had anything they might need for an hour or two in the forest, they were ready to set off.

However on opening the door, they found quite the pile of gifts.

“They don’t give up do they?” Alastor asked.

“Nope.” Gilda shook her head with a sigh.

“Any food? We could take it with us.” Lorraine commented. “Waste not, want not.”

“Let’s just bring it all inside.” John sighed.

After five more minutes of ferrying packages inside, the group was finally ready to go. Again.

The path leading into the forest and the first bit of the trek inside wasn’t bad. The sun shone through the branches and a soft breeze pleasantly blew in from the north.

“We got lucky with the weather.” Lorraine commented.

“I always forget to check the schedule.” John said with a chuckle.

“It’s as simple as… looking out the window.” Gilda snorted and rolled her eyes.

“So, I had a thought.” John spoke up again. “What if we started a garden in the backyard? Maybe have Apple Bloom or Granny Smith help out with some pointers.”

“Well, it’d save on bits, not that you’re hurting for any.” Gilda shrugged.

“Eh? Sounds fun?” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind helping with that, myself.” Alastor spoke up sounding quite happy. “It might even help, what with not needing to go into the Everfree as often. Reminds me of when I was just a calf.”

“Right, you were mortal once.” John nodded.

“And I am again, thanks to Mourning Star.” Alastor’s normally wide smile fell a bit.

“We’ll get that figured out, don’t worry.” John added quickly.

“Do we even know what we’re supposed to do to fix that?” Lorraine asked.

“I believe it was left purposefully ambiguous.” The deer said with a small sigh.

“Well great.” John rolled his eyes, only to pause as the group had made it to a rather large cliff.

“We need to go down that, don’t we?” Lorraine asked, only for her to be unceremoniously picked up in a deep red aura. Alastor started down the protruding rocks like he was a mountain goat, rather than a deer.

Gilda shrugged and picked up the smol bug. She lept off and glided down to the clearing below.

“See, that wasn’t so bad.” Alastor said, setting the luck dragon down as the griffon landed and set down her own passenger. Lorraine simply blinked as the deer set off ahead of them.

“Don’t go too fast man, this place is still dangerous, despite having her here.” Gilda commented.

“I am well aware of that my feathered feline.” Alastor called back over his shoulder.

As they continued, things were almost peaceful. There was the occasional bird call, but beyond that there was little noise. Sans the comfortable breeze.

“This feels much nicer than town to be honest.” John spoke up as they weaved through the slightly overgrown path. “Not that the scheduled weather is bad, it’s just… This feels more real I guess.” He shrugged. “I don’t know, am I making any sense?”

“I get it.” Gilda nodded as the noodle dragon stared at the ground lest she trip over something.

“While this is nice, I personally miss the colder weather from the north.” Alastor said with a wistful sigh.

“So you could say you’re a northerner.” John said.

“Yes.” Alastor craned his head around to look at the bug, giving him a slightly confused look.

“Oh man, it’s cold ou- You don’t know the meaning of cold! Who is you- I’m a Northerner! Where did you come from-” John giggled, as the griffon and the deer gave him a confused look.

“Okay?” Gilda blinked. “You’re doing that quote thing where you just say something whether or not we get it, right?”

“Yep.” The bug nodded.

“To be fair, I don’t get it either.” Lorraine added.

“It was from a Vine that I saw years ago. I was just reminded of it, and I thought it was funny.” John giggled to himself.

“There are times where you’re as random as Pinkie.” Gilda spoke up.

“Hey, I resent that. I’m not as overbearing as her…. I think.” John said, finishing with a hum.

“Trust me, you’re not. You are definitely not.” Lorraine said.

“Yay.” The smol bug cheered softly.

“Slight complication.” Alastor spoke up. “River.” He held a hoof out gesturing at the river in front of them. He kept glancing between the sides.

“Guys, I have wings. I can just carry you all over.” Gilda rolled her eyes.

“No need.” Alastor said as he, once again, levitated the noodle dragon. Only to back up, and take a running start at the river. He lept, and managed to just clear it. A back hoof made a bit of dirt crumble into the water. He then set down the dragon again.

“Holyshittoofast.” Lorraine stated looking a little out of it.

“Gilda.” John said sitting on his haunches and raising his hooves towards her. “Uppies.”

Gilda snorted. “Dweeb.” She shook her head and picked him up, once again, carrying him over the obstacle in their path.

“Wonderful. Continuing on!” Alastor grinned and trotted ahead, again.

“I know you wanna scout, but maybe stay within a range where we could actually react?” John asked as he power-walked to keep up with Gilda.

“And I make a better target.” The deer replied. “And just because I’m weakened, does not mean I’m defenseless.”

“You’ve got a point.” John nodded as the noodle dragon plodded along, bringing up the rear.

“Ah! Look here!” Alastor spoke up, making everyone pause by a tree.

“It’s a tree.” Gilda said, staring at the brown wood of the oak.

“Yes, and no.” Alastor nodded. “This tree, is teaming with Life. Not life as in it’s alive but Life as in the cosmic force. This whole forest is saturated with Life Magic. It’s no wonder that the weather here does not want to bend to ponies ordered wills. This would be a prime place to live for deer, which would keep the life magic in balance throughout the forest. However there aren’t, due to the amount of wild beasts and various elementals in the forest. Maybe someday.” He sighed almost happily as he stared off into the distance for a moment, then perked up. “Right. We should keep going.”

“What would it take to have deer live here?” Lorraine spoke up.

“Hmmm?” Alastor paused and looked at her. “Well, perhaps a few wards to start. Someone to tame some of the beasts in a specific area, if not tamed then killed. An area that would be fit for a Sacred Grove, and lastly, an Alpha to care for that Grove. Again, perhaps someday.” He nodded.

“Couldn’t you find a way to help with that?” The noodle dragon asked.

“I would have to go looking for Groves and I doubt any Life-loving deer would allow one such tainted, like myself, into one of their Groves. And even then, I’d need a Grove Seed from a Sacred Tree. Which, again, is doubtful that I could ever get.” Alastor explained with a small sigh.

Lorraine blinked. “What do deer think about luck dragons?”

“Well beings of Light and beings of Life can get along on occasion, baring that either one isn’t too zealous to their cause or force. More than likely, you’d be honored. Beyond that… would probably depend on the specific Grove in question.” Alastor nodded.

Suddenly one of Alastor’s ears twitched as his head snapped around. He glanced around, standing stock-still. “You can’t smell it yet.” He said quietly. “But there is a Blightwolf nearby.”

“And that is?” John asked, lowering himself to the ground a bit.

“Two kinds.” Alastor stated. “One, a type of golem from ancient times. A Fel-infused wolf-like construct, purpose made to kill non-Fel creatures. The specific purpose, kill off an area’s food supply and corrupt the wildlife via forcing them to eat tainted food.” The other three had lowered themselves a bit out of caution. “The second, and a brief cosmology lesson. Each Cosmic Force has its opposite. Order has Chaos, Light has Shadow (or Void, but that’s a very fuzzy line). Life has Death.”

A scent wafted into the air like a mix of dead leaves, rotting wood, and something close to mildew, but significantly worse.

“We’re dealing with the second type of Blightwolf. An Elemental of Decay.” Alastor sounded grim. “This shouldn’t be here…”

Something crossed the path in front of them. It looked only vaguely like a wolf. Limbs made of dry brown bark, spotted with patches of gray and black mold. A barrel of gnarled, thorny branches contained a pus-yellow thing that seemed to pulse in some mockery of a heartbeat. Atop it’s back, running the length of where a spine would be, were numerous tumor-like growths, mushrooms that glowed an eerie green and pulsed in time with the things heart. The head was only vaguely wolf-like. It bore a maw filled with thorns dripping with some yellow-green substance. Its eye sockets were lit by the same luminescence of the mushrooms on its back. Lastly, a pair of warped, gnarled antlers protruded from the back of its head, like everything else, they were covered in thorns.

“Do. Not. Move.” Alastor hissed quietly.

Gilda froze.

John did his best to not even breathe.

Lorraine did her best not to move as the thing plodded across the path and moved into the treeline.

“Now. Follow me. Slowly.” Alastor said quietly as he began to take slow, careful steps forward. The other three did the same. Lorraine in particular, was aware of where each claw landed.

As they made it to where the thing had been, both Gilda and John did their best not to gag. The prints the Blightwolf left in the ground were black, as if its passing killed the ground itself. There were other small patches, as if it had been dripping other noxious fluids onto the ground as it passed. Those patches of dead ground seemed to be growing.

John blinked. “Blight.” He murmured softly, as he made sure to step over the patches and pawprints.

“Indeed.” Alastor said softly.

Lorraine, instead of trying to step over each spot, just hopped over the entire path that the thing created.

“The castle shouldn’t be too far.” Alastor only spoke up after they were a great deal away from the Blightwolf’s passing. “Ah, in fact, here’s the bridge.” He actually brightened as they came to a massive chasm. On the other side was a ruined castle. The ruined castle. Spanning the gorge was a somewhat shoddy looking rope bridge.

“Oh yeah, that looks stable.” John said dryly.

“I am not walking across that.” Lorraine shook her head. “Nope.”

“Whelp.” Gilda picked up John and flapped her wings. She took to the air with the bug and flew across.

“Pardon, darling.” Alastor said with a chuckle as he once again levitated the noodle dragon. He trotted across the bridge with ease.

Halfway across…

There was the sound of popping wood. Not the sound of a plank breaking either.

Alastor broke into a dead sprint to finish crossing, as Lorraine unintentionally got shifted a little.

The Blightwolf, almost soundlessly, was charging across the bridge. The popping noises were coming from its legs as fluids ran down from the broken gray and black spots.

Lorraine froze, she couldn’t look away.

It made a leap. A claw lashed out. Alastor tried to levitate Lorraine out of the way, but Lorraine yelped as a single claw grazed along her flank. Alastor made a leap to the other side as the wolf hit the bridge and caused the ropes to snap. It, and the two halves of the bridge fell into the chasm below.

“Damn.” Alastor swore as he set Lorraine down, the noodle dragon wincing at the already inflamed slash on her flank.

“Shit, shit. Shitshitshit.” John swore, starting to pace. “Alastor can you do anything about that?”

“I can try.” The deer nodded. “I have enough to make a poultice that can put off the effects and help her own healing process. She’ll be miserable, but alive. Beyond that, she’d need proper medical care.”

“Well let’s get her inside, at least we don’t have to-” John was cut off as a weird scratching noise caught their attention.

Out of the foggy depths of the chasm, a wooden claw slammed into stone. The Blightwolf was climbing up the other side of the chasm.

“That’s bullshit.” Gilda’s beak dropped.

The Blightwolf pulled itself up, plodded over to where the bridge would connect, and simply sat on its haunches. Its head turned and it stared right at them, entirely unmoving.

“And fuck that, we’re going inside.” John announced as Alastor levitated the quiet and deadpan noodle dragon. The only way they could tell anything was wrong with her was that her ears were splayed all the way back.

They’d found a bedroom in the castle, which Alastor immediately plopped the noodle dragon down and shooed the bug and griffon out so he could work in peace. He checked her over fully, paying close attention to the wound, before unpacking the various bottles, vials, and even a full alchemist’s set, in his saddlebags.

Lorraine hissed as he cleaned out the wound with water from a canteen. He cleared some old books off a desk and started working away at some plants with a mortar and pestle. He was silent and appeared very focused on what he was doing.

Lorraine simply sat there quietly. Oddly enough, she was reminded of sitting in a doctor’s office waiting for the doctor to get done with whatever he was doing. Her face contorted. She did not like to be reminded of that.

Alastor pulled out what looked like a bundle of bandages as well as a few other plants from his back. There was a sprig of blue-ish bark with berries that looked like blueberries, only these berries looked to be made out of blue crystal or ice. There was also a sprig of black wood bearing wide flat leaves of pale white tipped in light blue. He plucked a berry and a leaf and started grinding them up.

After a few minutes of grinding, he dripped a few droplets from a vial of milky-white liquid into the mortar, grinded a bit more. He set down the mortar unrolled the bandages and trotted over to the dragon while levitating the mortar and bandages with him. “This is going to feel quite cold. A hot poultice doesn’t work well on naturally hotter creatures such as yourself. Thus, a mixture of colder things, as well as something to boost your immune system.” He started to slather the mixture onto her wound. Her leg twitched at the cold, but the dragon did her best to hold it still.

Once the wound was fully covered, he wrapped her leg in bandages and tied it tight directly over the wound. “Painful, yes, but pressure is needed.” The deer said with a nod.

There was a knock.

“Hey, Gilda flew back to town. She’s getting help.” John spoke up from the other side of the door. “Even knowing her stubbornness, I wouldn’t be surprised if we had to wait till tomorrow morning before anyone show’s up. We’ll have to see. Ummm, how’s Lorraine doing?”

“I’ve done the best I can with what I have. She’ll live. That was a smart idea from the featherhead, perhaps I don’t give her enough credit.” The deer chuckled softly as he started to repack his things.

“I’m sore.” Came the noodle dragon’s response.

“Okay. Let me know if you two need anything.” The bug said.

“Keep an eye on that Blightwolf, would you?” Alastor asked.

“Shit! Good idea!” John gasped. That was quickly followed by the scrambling of hooves.

Alastor finished his packing and set his saddlebags on the desk. “Lorraine.” He turned around and bowed to the noodle dragon. “I apologize.”

“Uhhhh, why?” Lorraine blinked.

“If I had been a little faster, you wouldn’t have been hurt.” The deer replied, straightening.

“But we didn’t even know a Blightwolf was around.” Lorraine countered. “And look on the bright side, you were able to do something for me. Which is pretty impressive.”

Alastor blinked. “Thank… Thank you.” He nodded. “Still…” He sighed. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have had any of you along at all… Though this could have been significantly worse, all things considered.”

“I don’t want to know.” Lorraine grimaced.

“No. You don’t.” Alastor shook his head.

“So, am I supposed to be freezing my arse off?” She asked.

“That is probably both the poultice taking effect, as well as the fever you are no doubt getting.” The deer replied with a hum. “Both are normal, and again, apologies.”

“Am I going to be okay?” Lorraine asked.

“Yes, it’ll be uncomfortable, and probably worrying for you, but you will be fine, especially when reinforcements come and we can get you properly treated.” Alastor replied.

“You sure?” She asked.

“Of course.” He nodded. “Hmmm, what does John say? Is there anything I can do to help?”

She shrugged. “I dunno?”

The deer sighed. “Well, how can I put you at ease, barring what I’ve already done?”

“I can’t really think of anything.” The noodle dragon shook her head.

The deer glanced around the room and spied an old blanket. He levitated it and shook it outside the window, before trotting over and laying it over the dragon. He then gave a single nod. “You should try to rest.”

“I’m fine just lying here.” Lorraine replied.

“That will have to do.” Alastor replied.

“Sorry.” The noodle dragon stated.

“For what?” Alastor asked, blinking at her.

“I shouldn’t have gotten hurt.” Lorraine responded. “I should be stronger than this.”

Alastor blinked again. “Your, supposed, lack of strength has nothing to do with this. You were entirely powerless thanks to both myself and the Blightwolf, do not apologize for something you had no control over.”

“But, I can’t afford to be sick or hurt, I have to be there for you, and John, and Gilda.” She replied.

“You are. However, you must know that we’re there for you too. You might not like being vulnerable, but you’re allowed to be vulnerable from time to time.” The deer nodded.

Lorraine frowned and got quiet.

“You’ll let us in eventually.” He shrugged. “I know John is there for you, regardless. Perhaps you need something to destress one of these days. Perhaps a spa session with Rarity?”

“No way in Hell.” Lorraine snapped her head up to look at him.

“It was merely a suggestion.” Alastor chuckled.

“Sorry.” The noodle dragon apologized again.

“It’s quite alright, nothing to apologize for.” The deer shook his head.

“I still shouldn’t be like this.” Lorraine said.

“Like what?” He asked.

“I’m supposed to take care of you guys.” She replied softly.

“Correction. We’re all supposed to take care of each other.” Alastor responded. “That’s what the original herds were supposed to be for, at least. The herd, the pack, the community, takes care of each other.”

Lorraine huffed and grumbled a bit, causing Alastor to chuckle.

“John’s right, you’re cute when you get like this.” The deer said offhandedly.

Lorraine looked up then blinked at him. “You think I’m cute?”

“Why, yes.” Alastor nodded with a grin.

“I don’t know why you think that, but okay.” The dragon said then shuddered a bit. “I’m fucking freezing.”

“You probably will be for a bit.” The deer said with a nod. “It comes with the territory.”

Lorraine groaned. “Joy…”

It was late. John couldn’t tell what time it was, just that the sun had gone down. The Blightwolf was still on the other side of the chasm.

Despite his worry for his girlfriend, he was determined to keep an eye on that nightmarish decay beast.

“Why didn’t I make the connection earlier?” He grumbled to himself. “The cosmology is the same as-”

A sound made him pause. There was a flapping of wings. Though it was dark, the moon lit things rather well. Thanks to this he could see a host of winged forms flying over the trees. A larger one broke off and landed in front of him.

“What Ho Jonathan! We came as soon as we could muster the forces!” Luna stated proudly. She turned to look at the Blightwolf, which had made no move despite the pegasi and thestrals flying into the ruins. “Tia will have that dealt with momentarily.”

John blinked, only to squint as the surrounding area lit up like there was a small star. Which, in fact there was. A “small” sun hovered over the chasm.

“Please. Take me to your love.” Luna said.

John snapped himself out of it and nodded.

Alastor stepped back as Luna undid the bandages. The wound was now an angry red. The dragon herself was shivering and she looked rather pale.

“This looks well cared for, my thanks demon, but we will finish what you started.” Luna said, smiling at Alastor.

A blue glow surrounded Luna’s horn, only to shift to a silvery-white. A soft hum, almost like a chorus of angelic voices filled the room. The same silver-white light surrounded Lorraine’s whole leg, then spread to encompass the whole dragon. The redness faded, as did the gash, as the dragon visibly relaxed.

The light and sound faded and Lorraine blinked. “I feel like shit.”

“And you shall, we have cured the toxins, yet your body will still need time to recover. Come, let us get you all home so thou mayst rest.” Luna said with a smile. “Ah, and it seems my sister is just about done.”

There was a whooshing, roar, like a raging firestorm as the outside lit up like it was noon. A wave of heat blasted through the room and didn’t fade even as the group got their things together. Only when the four of them, and a pair of flanking Night Guards, left the room did the heat and light fade.

Lorraine had made to get up, only for a mixture of blue and red light to surround her. Luna and Alastor looked at each other, nodded, then together carried the dragon above their heads. The poor dragon was too miserable to even complain.

Short - Practice

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It was early. Lorraine was still sleeping. As was Gilda.

John trotted into the living room. Alastor was in the kitchen standing by the stove, waiting for the kettle to boil. The deer looked over as the smol bug passed. "Enjoy your walk." The deer said quietly with a nod and a slightly tired smile.

"Thanks." John replied with a smile as he trotted towards the front door. He reared up and, after a few attempts, he got the door open. He made sure to shut the door behind him quietly, before he made his way down the small path towards the road proper.

He paused, taking a breath of the cool morning air. He let out a small sigh. Then, instead of taking a left to head into town, he took a right, heading towards the forest. He paused by Fluttershy's cottage. He noted that she was doing her morning animal feeding. He paused to wave at her. She waved back, but couldn't really say anything as she had a basket held in her teeth.

John continued on, leaving the mare to her morning duties. Beyond a faint breeze, and the chirping of morning birds, it was relatively quiet. He honestly missed having a phone to play music on. He hummed. 'Maybe I should get some headphones and a mp3 player or something.' He thought to himself as he walked under the boughs of the trees that marked the entrance to the Everfree Forest.

In the morning light, the forest was downright peaceful. The leaves were starting to finally turn. There were a few already on the ground. There was the occasional bird call and the creaking of branches, but the forest didn't feel too different from Ponyville, if he was being perfectly honest. He paused his walk as a manticore walked across the path in front of him. It glared at him, but he didn't move. The manticore snorted at him, then made a gestured with its head. Three manticore kittens crossed the path and walked into the brush on the other side of the path. The manticore mother gave another snort at John, before she followed her kittens into the brush.

John smiled as he continued down the path. Nature was quite fascinating, especially in Equestria. He kept his pace until he saw a break in the trees. Said break was the cliff that looked over the rest of the forest. It was a gorgeous view. If he squinted, he could just make out the castle in the distance.

He took a breath then looked down at the clearing below. "Okay..." He said to himself as his wings started to buzz. He took a few steps back. His heart started to race. He narrowed his eyes and snorted before he charged towards the cliff.

He leapt.

He hung suspended in the air for a moment, feeling almost weightless. Then his started to slowly fall. The buzzing of his wings were only keeping him from not falling to harm or death. He really didn't want to think about actively flying. Just focusing on not falling was enough.

Thankfully, hovering to the ground was a easy enough process. He just had to wait and concentrate on keeping his wings going.

On reaching the ground he had to and catch his breath for a bit. It felt a little like jogging. At least that's the closest thing he could compare the feeling too. He was also very happy that he had more lung capacity than his previous body had.

Finally rested enough he got up and moved to the center of the clearing. He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. As he kept his slow breathing, his normally jumbled thoughts began to align and focus. He thought of Bon Bon. What she looked like. Her cream coat. Her pink and blue mane.

A warmth welled up inside him. It radiated from his core and spread outwards.

~Fwoosh~

He felt the flames ripple over him. He saw the green light even through his closed eyes. The change took only a moment.

He opened his eyes and looked down at his hooves. They were now slender, more feminine, and cream colored. However, there didn't seem to be any change in height. It was odd but not really anything to worry about. She smiled as she did her best not to think about the fact that he was now female.

She closed her eyes again and started to breath slowly again. She felt herself relax. Her muscles un-tensed. The warmth grew in her chest again.

~Fwoosh~

There was something almost comfortingly warm about changing back to his original form. It felt... familiar. Like every other form was ever so slightly off so he didn't feel quite him when he wasn't in his normal smol bug form.

The practice went well. Testing out changing into a mare body had been a success. Just knowing he could do it was enough for him.

A scent of fallen leaves and dead wood suddenly blew past his nose. As quick as it came, it was gone. Yet something suddenly tickled at the back of his mind.

The Blightwolf.

He closed his eyes and grit his teeth a bit.

Lorraine had be hurt. He did nothing. Yes, he was helpless at the time, but... he could have done something.

A growl escaped his throat.

The Blightwolf had just sat there, waiting. Like it was gloating in its accomplishment of hurting his love.

His face twisted into a snarl as he felt the heat build in his core. He started to pant, breathing in heavy quick breaths.

It wasn't warm.

It was burning. A raging fire of emotion.

It swelled, ripping through him in a blast wave of rage.

He felt a change overtake him.

He was growing.

His mind focused on the decayed creature. He couldn't even get any kind of revenge because Celestia already killed it!

He felt the change finishing in a roaring explosion of flames. His eyes snapped open. The tree tops were now far below him. His claws clenched and un-clenched as he panted in rage.

He threw back his head and roared. The unearthly, shrieking cry echoed across the forest, causing birds to fly from their nests.

'My son, rage like this won't get you anywhere.'

A calm, male voice, that John only vaguely recognized, cut through his rage like a ship through a raging stormy sea.

John blinked. Like that, his rage was gone. He looked around, only seeing the treetops, the fleeing birds, and the castle in the distance. He could honestly get there in a couple minutes if he decided to walk while he was this size. Though he didn't want to damage the forest too much.

'There you go. That's better. Don't worry about what could have been, my boy. Focus on what you can do better in the future.'

John nodded. 'Who are you?' He thought.

'Don't you worry about that. We'll meet eventually. Just know that you're not alone. You have friends to talk with about things that bother you, whether you believe they do or not. May my gloriously incandescent sun shine upon you and always fill your path with warmth and light.'

John looked around again. Nothing. He looked up at the still rising sun. He squinted. The made a hiss and clapped a claw over his eyes. He had seriously just looked at the sun directly.

A rumbling laugh left him as he felt the flames, once again warm and comforting, begin to ripple over him.

As he returned to smol bug form, he laughed at his own derpiness. He sighed, smiling. He felt better, but maybe he should talk with someone about how he actually felt about the whole thing with Lorraine and the Blightwolf.

He looked around again, he was now in a crater. A crater that just so happened to be where one of his feet had been. He chuckled and rolled his eyes as he turned and walked up the crater's incline and back towards the cliff. The trek back up would be a little slower, but with his wings he could Skyrim his way up the cliff with only minimal effort.

As he began his climb, the only thing that bothered him was, who or what had spoken to him?

"John!" Fluttershy rushed up to him as he passed by her house. "Are you okay?!"

"Yeah, I'm alright." John leaned away as the mare got a little closer than he was comfortable with. "Why?"

"Didn't you hear that roar? There was something huge in the Everfree. None of the pegasi could get a good look at it though. And nobody wanted to go into the Everfree either." Fluttershy said, looking quite worried. "It disappeared not long after appearing though. From what Rainbow Dash said, it had to have been massive because she only saw what she thought was it's upper-half. It disappeared before she could even reach the treeline."

Fuck. John thought to himself.

"Oh! Yeah. I kinda hid behind a tree. I have no idea where it came from." He shook his head. Why would he want to worry the town even more? He was sure that letting the town know that he could basically turn into a Kaiju was probably bad and might stain Lorraine and his reputation even more, especially with the mares. "I didn't get any kind of look at it though, just... fuck that."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay." I think the whole town is worried.

'More fuck "Well, I think I'll go check with the friends at home." John said with a nod. "Thanks for worrying about me."

"You're welcome. Be careful anyway John. Tell Lorraine hi." Fluttershy said as the smol bug walked away.

When he got in... Everything was normal. It was still dark in the house, save for the kitchen light. Alastor was sitting at the table with a steaming coffee cup. He looked over at John as the bug came in and sat across from him.

"Have fun out there?" The deer grinned.

"Eh... Ish?" John shrugged.

"Don't worry, I soundproofed the house not long ago, just in case anything tried to wake us up to oearly." The deer chuckled.

"Ooookay?" John blinked. "Thanks for that."

"Of course." Alastor nodded. "How was being a giant monster?"

John blinked, he felt his cheeks heat up. "Oh... It was... different?"

"Don't worry, I won't snitch to Lorraine. Just please let her know that you can do that at some point in the future. If anything, so you don't scare her by snapping at something and destroying the house by turning into some giant radioactive lizard." The deer chuckled at took a sip from his cup.

"Oh I will when she's up." John nodded.

There was suddenly a flash of light. When John blinked the stars from his eyes, Luna was in his face. "Jonathan! Are you alright! We could feel you from Canterlot!"

"I'm okay! I'm okay!" The smol bug squeaked. "Well, kind of."

"Jonathan, it is dangerous to suppress your feelings. Especially when you are capable of turning into a great beast when angered." Luna nodded, taking a step back. "Would you like to talk?"

"I-" John blinked. Then he shook his head and sighed. He smiled at the Princess. "You know, I'd actually love to. Talking sounds great."

"Then we shall go get the coffee!" Luna said happily as she levitated the bug onto her back. "Come Jonathan we shall have coffee and chat."

"Okay!" John yelped, scrambling to hold on to the Princess as she trotted brusquely towards the door.

"If the ladies get up, I'll let them know you're out on a date with a Princess." Alastor called after the two.

"Alastor, don't you da-" The front door shut.

Short - Dying Embers

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Lorraine's room was, for a lack of a better word, Spartan. A bed up against the back wall, an end table on the beds right-hand side next to the empty wardrobe built into the wall and a desktop computer sat on a study, old wooden desk up against the left wall below a window. The view of said window was obscured by the heavy, dark blue curtains that were drawn shut, the bedroom lit by the light in the ceiling.

Pale blue walls and old, worn grey carpeting added to the sense of emptiness that permeated the room as the dragon herself sat at her desk. The time in the lower corner of her computers monitor read 2:00 AM as an article detailing the history of deer held the dragon's attention. She blinked, her mind drifting due the late hour. She closed the web browser, behind was an open document, lists that ranged from Ideas on how to help Luna to How to get people to stop harassing my friends and boyfriend were scattered about the document as she scrolled through it.

Reading it only stirred unpleasant memories, the multiple arguments she had with angry mares, the unfair treatment at shops. Things had only escalated with Applejack's arrest as the townsfolk seemed hellbent on targeting her.

Stress chipped away at her, her mind felt like a coiled a spring, one wound so tightly it could snap at any opportunity. Her eyes fell on the next list she had made and she couldn't help but smile ruefully at it.

How to get Alastor back to Tartarus.
- I have no idea.

Her smile dropped as she realized there would more gifts piled up on her doorstep soon enough. She had read the love letters, nothing more than empty praise, written with the express purpose of- Her face scrunched up in disgust as she struggled to find a civilized way to word it in her own head- proposition him. In public Lorraine simply tuned out whatever those kind of mares said to Alastor.

Or rather at him.

Oh the looks she would get whenever she jumped to his defense. What was worse However, were the words that followed whenever the disgruntled ponies caught the dragon out and about by herself.

"He's not yours! Quit acting liking he is!"

"Well if you're not going to start a herd with him, why bother protecting him?"

She heaved out a breath through her nose. The look of extreme discomfort on Alastor's face whenever he was mobbed rose to the forefront of her mind, the rigid smile and splayed back ears wrenched and twisted her gut. He was her friend and he clearly didn't like the attention. An idea, a stupid, silly, out-of-the-question idea popped into her head.

Would starting a herd even help?

She dismissed the idea, she had no doubt it would in the short-term but long-term? There were expectations, implications to the notion that had been so heavily ingrained into Equestrian society that it went against quite a number of things she believed in and she didn't believe in much.

It was getting harder and harder to stay true to her belief, her faith in others with how they were acting. If it wasn't herding being shoved down her throat it was the fact that she was a luck dragon.

She remembered how Rainbow had shown her and John off to Gilda as weird, Garble's awe filled reaction upon their first meeting and Luna... Lorraine knew Luna meant well when trying to teach her how to use magic but there was something that was always left unsaid.

"The sooner you control your magic, the more you will be able to help."

"Your magic is as fragile as it is powerful, whether that is due to you not being a naturally occurring Luck Dragon I cannot say, but I have no doubt you were given this form for reason."

Was she not doing enough already? Was she doing something wrong? Was there something wrong with her? It wouldn't surprise her if it was the case... It was all so complicated. Maybe everyone would be better off if she was something else or less magical?

But how?

008 - Slumber Party (Part One)

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There was a knock at the door. Moments after, a smol bug and a griffon raced down the hallway towards the door. The bug made it first, but the griffon could reach the doorknob easier. Thus the bug was momentarily squished between fur, feathers, and hardwood.

Gilda opened the door, while scooting the dazed bug to the side. She blinked at the purple-scaled and red-scaled forms of Spike and Garble.

“Hi. Is Lorraine in?” Spike asked.

“Dude, she never leaves, where would she be?” Garble looked down at the smaller dragon.

“The library?” Spike raised a brow at the larger dragon.

“But she wasn’t there sooo…” Garble countered.

“She’s in.” John said with a groan, shaking his head and rubbing his snoot.

“Come on in.” Gilda turned and plodded back into the living room, followed by the bug and the pair of dragons.

The noodle dragon was on the couch, looking a little out of it. She shivered only a little, which was barely noticed due to the amount of blankets she was wrapped up in. There was a steaming cup sitting in front of her on the coffee table. Alastor was standing not far away watching her like a hawk. His fur was poofed out a bit and he seemed rather defensive.

“Hey Lorraine, how are you feeling?” Spike asked crawling up next to her.

“We heard about what happened recently and wanted to check on you.” Garble added, leaning against the back of the couch.

Lorraine blinked. “I’m okay. Really.”

“You don’t look okay.” Spike frowned.

“She’s cold.” Gilda said from the kitchen.

“Alastor’s poultice and Luna’s spell seem to have a lasting effect on her.” John said, cuddling up to her other side.

“Awww.” Spike patted the blankets where he assumed she was.

“That’s rough. Are you going to be okay?” Garble asked. “We were going to invite you out today, but if you’re still tired and miserable we could do something less physical.”

“It’s okay, just gotta wait for the medication to kick in.” Lorraine said slowly.

“I have her on a few things to help her recover. Luna also comes by regularly to see if she needs to do anything else. It normally results in the pair playing games.” Alastor said from his corner.

“Which is actually really fun to watch, especially when Lorraine’s out of it on meds.” Gilda chuckled.

“Screw you.” Lorraine rolled her eyes.

“Hey, Lorraine. So Twilight was planning a sleepover, but everyone was busy (*Cough* and AJ’s still in jail *Cough*), well except for Trixie. A sleepover with just a couple people isn’t as fun, and she’s kinda put out. We were originally going to take you out to learn some dragon things, but would you like to just chill in the library and just hang out with Twilight and… well whoever wants to come?” Spike asked. “I’m sure Twi would like that.”

The noodle dragon blinked. “Sure.”

“Anybody else?” Spike looked around.

“I’m her unofficial doctor, and Lorraine has an irritating habit of pushing herself beyond her limits, so I will be attending.” Alastor stated, stepping forward.

“Sorry.” Lorraine apologized.

“Accepted, I’m used to it at this point.” The deer sighed.

“I’m coming.” John said. “I wouldn’t leave her either.”

“I’ll stay here and watch the house.” Gilda stated from the kitchen. “You all can have fun.”

“Sounds good, thanks G.” John said.

“Sure, I’ll just binge watch the Die Hard movies or something.” Gilda shrugged.

“Let’s let her medicine take effect, then we can be off.” Alastor said with a sagely nod.

“Sorry.” Lorraine apologized again.

“It’s alright.” John and Spike said in unison while patting the blankets at the same time.

“Heh. Jinx.” Garble snorted.

The group had left for the library. It had taken a bit for some things to be packed, especially Alastor’s bag of “just in case” medicines. But eventually, they all left.

Gilda watched them go and closed the door behind them. She then plodded into the kitchen, took down a wine glass, tugged a box of wine out of the fridge and filled her glass. She half-hobbled over to the living room and set her glass on the coffee table. She flicked on the TV and DVD player. She flicked through the DVDs, before selecting something and putting it in. Gilda lounged on the couch. As she took a sip of her wine the menu screen came up.

Maid in Manehatten.

Lorraine was slower than normal, but nobody really cared. Their rather large group kept some of the mares away from them, or Alastor specifically. It was rather funny to see the noodle dragon drift from side to side on occasion. She got readjusted by one of her companions. John was a little too small to do so however.

In due time, they made it to the library. It was the perfect timing too, because it started to get cloudy. Like, oncoming storm, dark clouds, kind of cloudy. Spike mentioned something about a rain being missed last week due to some kind of scheduling conflict, either way, they made it inside right as the first drops started to land.

“Twilight. I brought friends.” Spike announced as everyone piled into the library.

Twilight, for her part, jumped. She’d been sitting on a couch reading, and said reading had been rudely interrupted.

“Twi, we’ve come to invade your home and eat all your snacks.” John said as he and Alastor flanked the slow plodding noodle dragon.

“Hi.” Lorraine said as she was plopped across from the mare.

“Hi.” Twilight blinked. She gave a small glare towards the purple dragon. “Spike, you didn’t have to go and interrupt their day. I was perfectly fine with not doing the slumber party.”

“And yet we came anyway.” Alastor turned his attention to the mare. “Hello, I’m not sure we’ve properly met. I’m-”

“Alastor, the Radio Buck, also called Lord of the Hunt, Red Death, or The Devil of Winter.” Twilight listed. “I’d normally be scared, but I’ve got a feeling those two have you on a bit of a tight leash.” She gestured at Lorraine and John. “That, and you did save Lorraine’s life, or so I’m told.”

Lorraine blinked and looked at the buck. “Why do you have so many titles?”

“Darling, it’s what happens when you live a long time.” Alastor replied with a sly smile.

“What did you do- You know, nevermind.” Lorraine sighed.

“Anybody want anything to eat or drink?” Garble asked.

“Hey, that’s my job.” Spike pouted at the larger dragon. “And I live here, you’re the guest.”

“What, I can like helping people.” Garble raised a scaley brow.

“You know you both can use the kitchen, it’s fine.” Twilight rolled her eyes at the pair. “Seriously it’s like you two are brothers.”

Both dragons chuckled. Spike looked at Lorraine. “Do you need anything? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate?”

“Yeah, hot chocolate would be great.” She said, then looked around. “Imma go find a cushion-” John hopped back up onto the couch and pushed a cushion into her lap, which the noodle dragon hugged to her chest scales.

“Need anything else?” John asked.

“Marshmallows in the hot chocolate?” Lorraine asked, looking quite cute.

“I’ll let ‘em know.” The smol bug hopped down and trotted towards the kitchen. The deer decided to take his seat. He then scooted closer to the noodle dragon.

“Thank you for coming.” Twilight said with a bit of a shy smile. “I know you’re still not feeling well.”

“Better here, than being at home. Ponies are crazy.” Lorraine shrugged.

“The mares still decide to give me gifts. Mainly food. And by food I mean poison. They spike their gifts with love poison.” Alastor rolled his eyes.

“They-” Twilight blinked. “They do what?”

“Well, they were dumb enough to leave their names and addresses on the packaging. So we reported them. Their herd mates weren’t happy.” Lorraine replied as Spike waddled out and set a steaming cup on the end table next to the couch. There were marshmallows bobbing in the hot chocolate.

Spike then returned to the kitchen as John trotted back out. He paused and blinked at the deer. The deer grinned wickedly at the smol bug. The smol bug shrugged and hopped up to curl into a bug loaf in Lorraine’s lap. He stuck his tongue out at the not, slightly irritated deer.

Twilight giggled for a moment, then her concerned look returned. “I may need to write the Princesses about this. This is very concerning. You said you already took action, but trying to poison someone, especially with a love poison, is a very serious crime.”

Noodle dragon slowly leaned over a bit and just as slowly grabbed her drink to hold it in both her claws. The smol bug in her lap started purring. She took a sip, then set the mug back down on the end table. “Well, we’re not sure if it’s actually intentional. I’m pretty sure somebody’s selling love poisons and marketing them as love potions.”

“This isn’t good.” Twilight frowned. “This might need a more thorough investigation. I’ll have Spike make a note of later so I can send a letter.”

“Please do.” John commented, keeping his eyes closed. He looked quite content.

“We brought munchies.” Spike announced, bringing out a plate of nachos. The cheese was still bubbling as he set the plate down on the table between the couches.

Garble followed with a plate of small cookies. They looked like a variety of sugar and chocolate chip cookies. That plate was set next to the first.

“So, do we have any fun slumber party plans?” Garble asked.

“Oh! I have something for this!” Twilight gasped and raced upstairs.

“Of course.” Spike face-clawed.

There was a click and the sound of a door opening. Out of the basement, came a somewhat sleepy-looking Trixie. “Trixie smelled food.” She commented, blinking slowly and looking around.

“Hey Trixie.” John said, not looking up, or even moving.

“Hi.” Lorraine said bluntly.

“Hey Jo-” Trixie’s eyes fell on Lorraine and she paused mid-sentence. She blinked. Her eyes slowly widened. “Well hello there.” She grinned now seemingly very awake. “Well aren’t you the prettiest dragon that Trixie has ever seen. She would love to give you a private show, if the dragon is interested.” She finished with a wink.

The noodle dragon grinned. “Woo! More fireworks! Sure! They’re so pretty!”

There was a dull thud as John’s hoof met his forehead.

“I’m afraid the lady is already taken.” Alastor said, sitting up a little straighter.

“Oh, Trixie knows, but it seems your little group is lacking in females.” Trixie nodded sagely.

“Ummmm group?” Lorriane blinked.

“Me, Lorraine, Alastor, Gilda…. Nope, there’s a balance.” John stated after listing.

“Oh! Friend group. Okay.” The noodle dragon nodded.

“Friend group. Herd. Whatever you like to call it.” Trixie rolled her eyes and trotted over to the table to levitate a cookie into her waiting mouth.

“We’re not a herd.” John opened an eye and looked at her.

“Yet.” Alastor said offhoofedly.

“Not helping, deer boy.” John turned his head to now glare at the deer.

“Herd in a familial sense, not a sexual one.” Alastor corrected.

“Now… That makes more sense.” John nodded. Lorraine snorted a laugh.

“Okay! I have the book- oh hey Trixie -and we can commence with the slumber party!” Twilight said happily as she charged back downstairs. She proceeded to plop herself down next to the small table. Trixie levitated the plate out of the way just in time, before the purple book horse smashed them with the sizable book.

“Good god.” John blinked. “What in the holy mother of fuck is that?”

“Slumber 101: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask. Adult Edition. Twilight said grinning. “I got this from Cadence as a birthday gift when I turned eighteen.”

John, Alastor, and Garble blinked. Spike face-clawed with two claws. The noodle dragon was leaning forward and stretching her legs out to grab the plate of cookies. A violet aura surrounded the plate and levitated it over to the dragon.

“Thanks.” Lorraine said happily as she started munching on the cookies.

“Of course, cutie.” Trixie said with a wink.

Lorraine paused. “Don’t… don’t call me that.”

Trixie shrugged. “Trixie will come up with a better term.”

“Spin the bottle, Twister, Thirty Seconds in Elysium, this has so many ideas!” Twilight bounced in place a little.

“What’s Thirty Seconds in Elysium?” Lorraine asked.

“Two people get chosen, they get shut in a closet together for thirty seconds. Kissing is normally involved. There is a longer variant called Seven Minutes in Heaven, but that really depends on the group.” John said with a shrug as he got up and stretched like a cat before jumping off Lorraine’s lap.

“Oh… I don’t like kissing.” Lorraine stated bluntly.

“I know, love.” John nodded.

“Awww…” Trixie whined.

Lorraine looked at the blue unicorn and blinked at her in confusion.

“I just find it gross.” The noodle dragon explained. “Yeah, I know it’s weird.”

“Oh, I agree. I never saw the appeal of kissing.” Twilight nodded.

“Well maybe you haven’t found the right person?” Garble asked.

“Mmmmm, probably? More than likely not though.” Twilight shook her head.

The red dragon seemed to slump a bit.

“For me, I just see it as unhygienic.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“So nix anything with kissing?” Spike offered.

“We could replace the kissing with something else?” The noodle dragon offered. “No idea what though.”

“Replace kissing with nuzzling or cuddling.” John suggested, batting at a cookie until it fell off the plate and into his mouth. “Oooor… Or. Hugs.”

“Hugs work.” Twilight nodded, continuing to flip through the book. “Ooooo they have excerpts from the Pony Sutra.”

“Twilight. No.” John stated. “This isn’t the group for that kind of party.”

“Hmmm?” Twilight looked up and looked at the bug. “Oh, yes, you’re probably right.”

“How god damn open about sex is pony society?” Lorraine asked aloud, scrunching up her face in pure what.

“Yes.” Trixie said with a nod. “Especially in Ponyville for some reason, then again, greater female population.”

“Darling, have you been paying attention to anything those mares have been saying to me?” Alastor glanced over at the noodle dragon.

“No. I’ve been focusing on you and coming in to save your arse when you get too uncomfortable.” Lorraine said, looking at him. “Or when they get too handsy.”

“Mmmm, you have a point. Then again, deer society is only slightly more conservative than pony society.” Alastor nodded. “Bucks are normally the forward ones though.”

“Dragon’s normally don’t talk about it, at least adults don’t in polite company. I’m still young enough that I honestly don’t care.” Garble shrugged.

“Same, I’m kinda deadened to it, to be honest.” Spike agreed.

“And here I’ve been containing my inner commentary for over two months and only now do I find out that nobody gives a fuck. Great.” John rolled his eyes with a groan. “Then again, I live with Lorraine who is the Prude Queen. No offense, love.”

“Hey, I do talk about that stuff, I’m just more logically minded.” Lorraine countered.

“I know.” John nodded. “I swear I will pull the emotion out of you if I have to…. That sounds a lot worse now that I’m a changeling and I can probably do that. Bleh…” He made a disgusted face.

“Dude, you know exactly how to get me to emote.” Lorraine deadpanned.

John paused. He then smiled, and gave his dragon a half-lidded gaze. His voice became husky. “Darling…”

Lorraine blinked, then giggled as a blush grew on her cheeks. “God dammit…”

“Is… Is that an impression of me?” Alastor blinked at the bug in surprise.

“Yes, weren’t you aware of her fangirlness?” John asked the deer.

“Well, yes, but it’s been on the backburner, so to speak.” The deer nodded.

“I’m trying to separate the two! That is not helping!” Lorraine snapped.

Both bug and buck slowly turned and looked at her. In unison. “Darling…”

“Oh my god…. You two are terrible.” Lorraine covered her face and broke into giggles.

“Trixie must learn. Teach Trixie your ways!” Trixie trotted over… and sat in front of John. “Teach me how to fluster the dragon.”

“God dammit, my life is a visual novel, and I can’t fucking enjoy it.” Lorraine groaned into her claws.

“Lemme kick everybody out of the house one of these nights and I can help you enjoy it.” John said in his sultry voice.

“I honestly didn’t mean it like that.” Lorraine looked at the bug.

“Oh, I know.” The bug smiled smugly at her. “But you really need to destress.”

“Wait, what did you mean?” Twilight asked, looking up from the book and staring at the luck dragon.

“Well, uh, most of the visual novels I read are like fairy tales. So, I like the whole fantasy of being swept off my feet, like…. Fuck.” Lorraine finished looking a little self conscious.

“Note for the record, fuck was not part of the explaination.” John added.

“Oh! Like a coltymare way of thinking.” Twilight nodded. “Like Rarity, to be honest.”

“Yes, that.” Lorraine nodded. “God dammit, I’m a doormat and a coltymare.”

“On that note, you two need to hang out more.” John commented. “Maybe spend a day just sitting and reading her collection of novels.”

“Rarity collects novels?” Twilight blinked, perking up.

“If you like male-dominant, strong stallion sweeps the mare off her hooves, then yes she does.” Spike said with a nod. “I prefer comics myself, but whatever makes her happy.” He shrugged.

“Interesting, I might need to borrow a few for research purposes.” Twilight said with a thoughtful hum.

“Research what?” Lorraine asked.

“Compare that type of relationship to other relationships around the world, or compare it against the more prevalent relationship styles around Ponyville.” Twilight explained.

“Are…. you trying to breakdown how relationships work plainly for research?” John blinked.

“Of course she is. It’s Twilight.” Spike said with a chuckle, stuffing some nachos into his mouth.

Lorraine took another drink from her hot chocolate. “Well, it’s fiction, you wouldn’t really be able to get reliable data. On one end it’s an escapist fantasy, on the other it’s an unattainable ideal. Realism is basically thrown out the window.”

“Hmmm, you do have a point.” Twilight nodded, tapping her chin with a hoof. “A different thesis could be comparing a mare-dominant story to a stallion-dominant story to see how each one is written.”

“And yet that,” the smol bug interjected, “is entirely dependant on each specific writer. It’s like the versus battle concept. You want the sides to be equal. Yet you take one character with a single writer that’s been expanded upon by said single person, and pit them against a character who has had multiple different writers over however many years. Add to that, vastly different degrees of power, different strengths and weaknesses, etcetera. And people want to just mash the second option into one composite version of the character with all the strengths and little, to none of the weaknesses. But, I’ve taken away from the main topic. Apologies, continue.”

“You’d have to take into account that there’s not only different target audiences for the books, but also different tropes and staples of the genres. So it wouldn’t be a clear comparison.” Lorraine spoke up after the bug quieted.

“So it’d basically be too varied and vast to get any reliable or even accurate data.” Twilight said with a nod.

“Trixie is wondering what in the fuck everyone is talking about.” Trixie blinked, glancing around at the others.

“Nerdy, book stuff.” Garble said with a smile. “I’m just happy everybody’s getting along.”

“Also, Twilight, you could just read them out of curiosity.” Lorraine added.

“There’s no shame in being curious.” John nodded. “There’s a downright sad amount of alpha-beta and/or soul-mate AU novels about. Why do people have to overcomplicate everything, just tell a good story dammit. It’s like the abundance of time loop stories.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” The noodle dragon nodded, then paused. “Hey, I like a good time loop fic!”

“That may be true, but there are a lot of them.” John nodded.

“Huh, you have a point, just read for the sake of reading something new.” Twilight smiled. “I’ll have to ask Rarity once she’s not too busy.”

“Soooo, what should we do first?” Spike asked.

“And let’s keep the more spicy stuff till later, or at least until we’ve had a few drinks.” John added.

“Oh right, alcohol.” The noodle dragon commented.

“The basement has a nice variety.” Trixie spoke up.

“What, I wanted to bring some of my favorites from Canterlot.” Twilight said, being oddly defensive. “Also, Trixie, I told you to not touch my booze.”

“And Trixie hasn’t. She has simply looked at them and pined after them.” Trixie replied with a huff. “You rarely even drink them.”

“Because they have a historical meaning! Pinot Grigio made by griffons in the eight hundreds. Mulled wine made by minotaur monks that’s over three hundred years old.” Twilight said waving her hooves. “They’re practically artifacts!”

“And you’re the proud owner of one of the last known bottles of Pre-Dark Age Howlcyon Diamond Dog Mead.” Spike added. “A shot of that might kill a pony.”

“Don’t tempt Trixie.” Trixie whined, pouting at the other unicorn.

“Okaaaay…” Twilight relented. “I can go find a bottle of something.”

“Huh if we’re drinking… I have a copy of Cards against Equestria at my place.” Garble jerked his thumb at the door. “I could go get that.”

~Crack BOOM!~

“Right. Storm. Later.” Garble blinked.

“Is there any apple juice in the fridge?” Lorraine asked.

“No, but we have some sparkling cider.” Spike shook his head.

“That’s non-alcoholic right?” The noodle dragon asked.

“Both kinds actually, what would you prefer?” Spike replied, waddling towards the kitchen.

Lorraine shrugged. “Just set aside some of the non-alcoholic stuff for later. I still have my hot chocolate to go through."

009 - Slumber Party (Part Two)

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“So, what’s the plan then?” Garble asked as he plopped down across from the noodle dragon, and next to the still eating Trixie. The plate of cookies had a line driven through the pile, one side was Trixie’s, the other Lorraine’s. They were both still eating from their respective piles.

“Not to knock it, but I don’t trust the book.” John pointed a hoof at the book now sitting closed on the table. He sat on the floor right next to Lorraine, a glass of wine sat in front of him. Next to that was a glass of water.

“I can understand why.” Spike nodded, sitting on the couch next to the noodle dragon.

“It’s like it was made for college foals.” Trixie said, between bites.

“It probably was.” Garble said with a chuckle. “Though we can probably modify a few of the ideas, nonetheless.”

“What did I hear about modifying?” Twilight asked, returning from the basement with two more “carefully selected” bottles of booze.

“We’re not going to use the book to the letter because that sounds disastrous.” John said bluntly. “Also, you can have my wine Twi, it’s not to my tastes. Then again the only alcohol I actually know is bourbon.”

“I heard something about disaster.” Alastor trotted out of the kitchen with a fresh batch of cookies and a tray of finger foods both held aloft in his aura.

“Why can’t we just skip the ideas we don’t like?” Lorraine asked. “You know, put it to a vote.”

“That’s a great idea.” Was said by John, Alastor, and Trixie all with varying levels of enthusiasm. This only caused the noodle dragon to smile happily, while also causing her tail to wag much like a dog’s.

“That, I will accept.” Twilight said with a nod before she briefly ducked into the kitchen. As she did, Alastor set the plate and plater down on the central table. Took a brief look at Spike, then sat next to the small purple dragon.

“Dude, you left your seat open. I took it.” Spike shrugged at the deer demon.

Lorraine immediately zeroed in on the food. More cookies, always good, and what looked like small finger sandwiches. Some looked like they had cheese slices in them. Those were immediately grabbed and piled onto another paper plate and sat in the noodle dragon’s lap.

Twilight returned with a glass of amber liquid. Said glass was levitated down and set in front of John, as his wine glass was taken by the purple aura. “Try that.” The purple unicorn said as she sat in front of the book.

“I should’ve mentioned that I used to only do shots followed by some kind of soda.” John shrugged, took a swig. His face immediately scrunched up and he coughed.

“You’ll get used to it.” Twilight said brightly. “So,” she opened the book. “What are we starting with?”

“Truth or Dare.” Alastor stated casually. Everyone else just looked at him. “What? It’s the most stereotypical party game I can think of.”

“How do you even know about that?” Spike asked, blinking at the deer.

“Just because I lived in Hell doesn’t mean that we don’t have games like that. Ours are just…. A tad more extreme.” Alastor said with a wicked grin.

“That’s reassuring.” John said flatly.

“Okay. Everyone for Truth or Dare raise their forelimb.” Twilight said, raising a hoof.

It was unanimous as everyone raised their hoof/claw.

“Great.” Twilight smiled. “Who’s going first?”

Alastor raised a hoof. “I can.”

“Well go ahead.” Trixie drawled, finally setting her plate on the table.

“Lorraine.” The deer looked at the noodle dragon. “Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.” Lorraine responded instantly.

“Would you ever be interested in dating me?” He asked.

Everyone blinked at the deer.

“That’s it?” Trixie asked.

“Well, she requested Truth.” The deer didn’t bat an eye at the unicorn.

“Well that’s just not fair.” Lorraine said flatly. “I’d like to get to know you better, and I want you to be happy.”

“And that was such a non-answer.” Trixie looked at the noodle dragon.

“Well it’s not exactly a simple question.” Lorraine replied. “There’s his well-being to think about, there’s my well-being to think about, as well as what we both want out of the relationship. And that’s not even counting the fact that I’m already in a relationship.”

“Okay, fair.” Trixie said with a small huff.

“That wasn’t a no~” Alastor said, almost singing his reply.

“No duh, you keep joking about the damn topic. How else am I going to respond?” Lorraine said dryly.

“Aren’t you bothered by any of this?” Twilight asked, looking over at John.

“I’m honestly used to this by now.” John replied with a shrug.

“Bloody Hell, it’s not like I’m going to actually do anything!” The noodle dragon snorted, her fur puffed up a bit.

“Hey, hey.” The bug got up and put his forelegs on her claws, propping himself up on the couch. “It’s okay. We can let it go.”

“Sorry.” Lorraine said instantly.

“It’s all good.” Garble smiled. “It’s your turn to ask someone, by the way.”

“Oh, right. Spike, Truth or Dare?” The noodle dragon looked at the small dragon next to her.

“Dare.” Spike replied flatly.

“I dare you to write a joke and send it to Celestia.” Lorraine said with a grin.

“Oooookay. Any particular type?” Spike asked getting up and waddling over to a cabinet to retrieve a quill and paper.

“You have to include a pun.” Lorraine said with a nod.

Spike scribbled something then sent it off. “Who knows how long that will be.” He shrugged and returned to his seat. He noticed Alastor trying to scoot over and growled at the deer. Said deer quickly retreated back to his spot. The noodle dragon rolled her eyes, got up off the couch, took two steps, and flopped back onto the couch to sit next to Alastor. Spike now took her previous, and very warm, spot.

“And, it’s my turn, right?” Spike asked.

“Yep.” Twilight nodded happily.

“Okay. Twilight, Truth or Dare?” The small dragon snorted and smirked at the bewildered mare.

“Ummm, Truth?” Twilight blinked at him.

The dragon’s eyes grew cold. “Did you eat my last cupcake?”

“U-uummm w-which one?” A bead of sweat rolled off the mare’s head.

“And that’s a yes.” Lorraine said bluntly.

“Thank you.” Spike nodded at the noodle dragon.

Lorraine nodded back. “No problem. I mean, who eats someone else’s food without asking?”

“Twilight.” Trixie spoke up. “She used up the last of Trixie’s peanut butter.”

“Sounds like you all need a roommate agreement.” John deadpanned at the purple mare.

“Or some house rules.” Lorraine added.

“Something to work on tomorrow.” Trixie said with a nod. “Twilight, you’re turn.”

“Trixie, Truth or Dare?” Twilight asked immediately.

“Dare.” The blue unicorn replied.

“I…. Dare you to stop talking in third person for the rest of the night!” Twilight thrust a hoof at the mare.

Trixie blinked. Her eyes narrowed. “You bitch.”

“Language!” The noodle dragon complained.

“Trixie will- I… will try. That is the best Trix- I can do.” Trixie actually looked uncomfortable.

“You okay?” John asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Trixie- I will be fine. Talking like this just takes a lot of Trix- my concentration.” The blue unicorn pouted a bit. “I do not like losing bets.”

“But it’s not a bet, and we never really made any ground rules for not doing a dare.” Garble shrugged.

That got a gasp from Twilight.

“Easy, you refuse to answer, you take a drink.” John said with a shrug. “Well, that’ll have more of an effect on those of us actually drinking.” He chuckled.

Both Alastor and Lorraine just smirked smugly at that added info.

“Perfect!” Twilight clopped her hooves together happily.

“Fuck it.” Trixie said pounding a swig from her glass. “Trixie feels much better.”

“Yay.” Garble gave a small cheer.

“Trixie’s turn.” Trixie cleared her throat “John,” the smol bug perked up, “Truth or Dare.”

“Dare.” John shrugged.

“Transform into Trixie.” Trixie said with a grin.

John blinked. “Well… I’ve been trying to get some practice in here and there, sooo… Why not?” He shrugged and stood up. He then trotted a few paces away from everyone and closed his eyes. His face screwed up in concentration.

Nothing happened for a moment.

Then.

~Fwoosh~

There was a burst of green fire and… There was Trixie… kind of.

There definitely was a Trixie there, however she was smol bug’s size. Like Trixie had been shrunk in the wash.

“Did I do it right?” The voice that came out sounded like a higher-pitched version of Trixie’s voice. “Wait, that doesn’t sound right.”

“Trixie is adorable when she’s that small!” Trixie gasped.

“I-I shouldn’t laugh, but this is hilarious.” Lorraine managed to get out before bursting into a fit of giggles.

“New dare, if it’s allowed.” Trixie asked.

“So long as John is okay with it.” Twilight nodded.

“John, Trixie dares you to turn into Twilight.” Trixie grinned.

“Okay.” The smol Trixie said as “her” eyes focused on the bewildered looking Twilight. There was another ~fwoosh~ and in smol Trixie’s place, was a smol Twilight.

Spike immediately got up. He was eye to eye with the smol Twilight.

“Spike!” “Twilight” gasped, “her” voice also higher-pitched. “I’ve been shrunk by an evil curse! Quick! Send a letter to Princess Celestia!”

Spike immediately lost it, buckling over and cackling like a madman.

“Curses aren’t real!” Twilight tried to complain.

“Yes they are.” Alastor and Lorraine replied in unison.

“Curses aren’t real!” Smol Twi said then giggled. “He he, curse goes zwoosh.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” Twilight rolled her eyes as Trixie and Garble did their best to contain their giggles.

“Wh-Why don’t we get b-back on track?” Lorraine got out through her giggling.

“Right.” Smol Twi nodded, before ~fwooshing~ back into normal smol bug form. “Couldn’t do anything big, that would’ve been disastrous. Anyway,” He looked at Garble. “Red scales, Truth or Dare?”

Garble took a breath and leaned forward. “Truth.”

“Ooooo, very nice.” John took a moment to think. “What do you like about living in Ponyville?”

Garble blinked. “Huh, wasn’t expecting that.” He paused. “Well, it’s peaceful, mostly. The occasional attention from certain mares isn’t bad. And Spike is pretty cool.”

“Thanks bro.” Spike said, finally able to get his laughter under control, and waddled over to fist bump the other drake.

“No problem.” Garble chuckled, then looked over at Alastor. “Deer, Alastor, Truth or Dare?”

The deer grinned toothily. “Dare.”

“Fuck.” Garble blinked. “Ummm….”

The smol bug got up and wordlessly trotted over and reared up to put his forelegs on the arm of the couch. He batted at Garble’s arm. The dragon leaned over and his eyes widened. He snapped a claw and mimed writing to Spike. The smaller dragon retrieved the quill and paper and gave it to the older dragon. Said older dragon wrote something and the smol bug ferried the note over to the deer.

The deer read the note. There was a moment of silence.

“HA!” Alastor barked a laugh, then turned his head to look at Lorraine. The noodle dragon looked very confused at the whole process.

“Darling, if you don’t stop being that cute, I may just have to take you to bed here and now…” The deer said in a low, sultry voice.

“What…” Lorraine took half a second to process then broke into giggles. “What the fuck?” She looked at John. “You planned this.”

“I, in fact, thought of it just now.” John said happily.

Lorraine, looked back at the deer. “Seriously though, don’t tempt me.”

“Funny as it was, you three drink, team efforts aren’t fair.” Twilight gestured a hoof at Garble, Spike, and John.

“Fair.” John said as all three did so, sans spike who took a drink of his sparkling, non-alcoholic, cider.

“Oh, Twilight…” Alastor announced, smirking at the purple unicorn.

“Eh?” Twilight looked at him.

“Truth or Dare?” He asked in the same sultry voice from before.

Lorraine snorted right as Twilight’s face went pink.

“Dare!” Twilight yelped.

“Oh no.” Spike chuckled.

“I dare you to summon a demon.” The deer said casually.

“What?!” Twilight snapped.

“I believe the book is the Demonomicon ex Infernus, Chapter ten, page four-hundred and fifty-six.” Alastor said off handedly. “You’re going to need a hair from a very happy individual.”

“I-I’m not going to summon a demon.” Twilight sputtered.

“Lorriane did and look how that turned out.” Spike gestured at the smirking deer.

“That was accidental, and Twi that’s what you get for leaving that book out and about.” Lorraine said pointing over to a bookshelf with some… rather suspect... looking grimoires on it. One of them being the aforementioned Demonimicon.

“Twilight the Warlock when?” John snorted.

“You know what- Fine!” Twilight snapped. “But where are we going to find a happy individual,” Twilight’s forehooves made air-quotes, “at this-”

There was a crack of thunder. The lights flickered.

And next to Twilight… was Pinkie Pie.

“I felt a disturbance in The Force. Somepony need me?” The pink mare asked happily, looking around.

“Ah, perfect.” Alastor said with a nod as Twilight groaned and trotted over to retrieve the Tome of Forbidden Knowledge (that just so happened to be on a regular bookshelf.)

“This is what I get for bargain hunting at yard sales.” The mare grumbled to herself as she flipped through the book.

“I thought you were busy, Pinkie.” Spike said as Pinkie helped herself to some cookies.

“Well I was. But the rain kinda put a damper on things.” The pink mare giggled.

“How’d you even get here?” Garble asked.

“Just don’t ask, you’ll stay saner that way.” John mentioned. That just got a giggled from the pink mare and a worried look from the dragon.

“Alright… I don’t know how you knew the right page, but we’re going to need five red candles, salt, and a mirror.” Twilight spoke.

There came a gasp from pinkie. “Are you trying to summon Granny?!”

“WHAT?!” Twilight snapped at the mare.

“Well that makes sense.” Alastor blinked.

“Who are we summon-” Twilight was cut off as Pinkie suddenly appeared with a pile of stuff on her back.

“Okay so we put the candles like so.” Pinkie arranged the five candles, where if you connected them with lines, they’d make a five-point star. “Then we make some lines.” She continued by making a pentagram out of what looked like plain table salt.

Twilight’s eyes snapped between the book, to Pinkie, and back. She made *confused horse noises* as somehow the mare was doing the instructions perfectly.

“We pluck a single hair.” Pinkie yanked a tail hair out with her teeth and set it in the middle of the pentagram. “And then we just put the mirror on top! Like so!” Pinkie grinned as she set a hoof mirror down on top of the hair. “Now we need to light it, but I’m not allowed to use matches.”

“Twilight, it’s still your dare, even though Pinkie is helping.” Alastor spoke up.

Twilight blinked, then jumped. “Right! Right. Ummm weee….” She looked at the book.

“Light all the candles and say unholy joy three times.” Twilight blinked as Pinkie recited it word for word next to her.

“What?” The pink mare smiled.

“My Little Warlock. My Little Warlock. Ahhh...” John sang softly then chuckled.

Twilight trotted up to the pentagram. Her horn lit and all five candles sprung to life in a red flame. She took a breath.

“Unholy joy.”

The room seemed to darken.

“Unholy joy.”

The shadows grew deeper. The wood around started to creak as if it was actively warping.

“Unholy joy.”

Suddenly the whole room was back to normal. The candles were also out.

Twilight blinked. “Did… Did it work?”

There came a clattering from the kitchen.

“Wait! Too early! Give me a sec!” A mare’s voice came from the kitchen. “Sorry! I wasn’t ready.”

“It’s okay, Granny!” Pinkie called out.

“Do you need any help?” Alastor called out.

The noise in the kitchen stopped.

“Al… Did you trick someone into summoning me?”

“Maybe.” The deer said with a grin.

Out of the kitchen strode… an alicorn. A short alicorn. She was about Twilight’s height. Her coat was pearly white. Her mane was blond, like the color of wheat. Her eyes had yellow sclera and black irises and pupils. She wore a red suit-jacket, with holes for her wings, and a black bowtie around her neck. Oddly enough, on her flank was a pair of clouds linked by a rainbow. Also the clouds had smiley faces on them.

“Fillies, gentlecolts, and dragons of all ages. I give you, Princess Joy, The Heir to the Throne of Hell, and head of Tartarus’s Tourism Board.” Alastor announced proudly. “As well as, keeper of many of my estates.”

There was a ~pomph~ as Pinkie hugged the pearly alicorn. “Hi Granny.”

“Hey, Cupcake, how’s my little bundle of sugar?” Joy giggled, wrapping a wing around the mare.

“I’m good! We’re playing party games! Though I was gone for most of it. They needed me to help summon you though!” Pinkie babbled happily.

“Oh, I see.” Joy nodded and looked at Alastor. “Al, thanks, but warn me next time.”

“No promises.” Alastor continued smirking.

Joy’s gaze shifted over slightly. Her eyes fell on Lorraine. “Oh my Gosh!” She gasped, as she rushed over to the noodle dragon (Pinkie still attached the whole time). “You’re the one Al was pining over the whole time!”

“H-he what?” Spike snorted a chuckle.

“Yeah! You’re the girl!” Joy bounced on her hooves in place. “Oh, you should have heard him!”

For once, Alastor looked almost nervous. “Now, now, you don’t need to-”

“Oh no, I think we do need to hear this.” Garble smirked at the deer.

“Trixie demands embarrassing stories!” Trixie slammed her glass on an end table.

“Pining, huh?” Lorraine raised a brow at the deer.

“Oh. My. Gosh. YOU HAVEN’T TOLD HER?!” Joy gasped loudly. “Why not?!” She took a deep breath in. “You were all like, Oh, I will have her, initially. Then you went from that to, Isn’t she so pretty? She’s so graceful. And don’t forget the letters! Every waste bin in the hotel is full of crumpled up letters that you never ended up sending. Why haven’t you told her anything?”

“Ahem.” John cleared his throat. Joy looked at the smol bug. “Did you bring any?”

“Oh, did I?!” Joy grinned, then fished around in her jacket. She retrieved… more than a few crumpled up pieces of paper. “These are for you.” She held them out to Lorraine.

“No!” Alastor downright yelped as the letters were set alight.

Joy and Lorraine blinked at the ashes.

Joy shrugged. “That’s alright. I have the best one memorized.”

Lorraine’s face was screwed up in thought. John was staring at Alastor, no, everyone else was staring at Alastor. The deer was oddly silent, his face was almost stoney, save for the small pink circles on his cheeks.

“Dude.” Spike spoke up.

“Why can’t Trixie find a mare who says words half that romantic?” Trixie whined loudly.

“It sounded like he was taking inspiration from the Neo-Classical stylings of poets like Van Hooven and De’ Ga’at.” Twilight said, scribbling at a sheet of paper.

“I didn’t think Allie could be that romantic.” Pinkie blinked at the deer buck almost in awe.

“Neither did I, until I started reading his thrown away letters.” Joy giggled.

“Don’t be jealous. Don’t be jealous. Don’t be jealous.” John muttered to himself.

“Does this mean I have two boyfriends now?” Lorraine asked aloud, blinking in confusion.

“No!” Both Alastor and John snapped quickly.

“I was just asking… That letter was really sweet.” The noodle dragon said as her fur fluffed up a bit.

“Sorry…” The two said in unison… again.

“That was amazing, but we should get back to doing party things, right?” Garble asked, glancing around.

“Yes!- Ahem.. Yes, please.” Alastor nodded, attempting to look somewhat stoic.

The room was lit by only a few candles. Almost everyone had gone to bed. Almost.

Lorraine, Twilight, Joy, and John all sat around the dinner table (The couches were occupied).

“Hey, thanks for looking after Al. Both of you.” Joy nodded at Lorraine and John. “Lorraine may take care of him, but you reign him in, when needed.” She giggled at the smol bug. “He needs that sometimes. And… sorry for embarrassing... well… everyone.”

“Eh, It’s good.” John shrugged.

“I’m surprised. He’s never given a shit about, well, anyone.” Joy said with a nod. “So, I may have gone a bit too far.”

“That’s an understatement.” Lorraine said bluntly. “So, he actually cares?”

“He might not show it on the outside, that much, but… yes. Yes he does.” Joy nodded. “What you do with that info is up to you.” She paused. “Oh, and if you need to take time to think about it, remember that he’s a hundreds of years old demon. All he really has is time. He can wait.”

“What about, getting him back to Tartarus? Surely he misses his home and stuff, right?” Lorraine asked.

“Well…. I’m not exactly allowed to say anything, cause he needs to figure it out himself. But. I can say that he needs to remember what led him to Tartarus in the first place.” Joy said with a nod. “Might want to wait for things to calm down, between all of you.” She gestured a hoof in a circle. “Before you end up mentioning this.”

“Might be a good idea.” John added with a nod. Twilight was scribbling notes, apparently she’d been documenting the whole conversation.

“I’ll apologise to him tomorrow.” Lorraine said. “I probably should have handled that better.”

“Sweetie, please. You were flustered, and probably more than a bit overwhelmed.” Joy giggled. “You were fine.”

“I still shouldn’t have run my mouth like that.” Lorraine said with a nod.

John patted her leg. “Hey, we’re human… so to speak. We’re allowed to fuck up.”

“That sounds like a friendship letter.” Twilight commented.

John snorted. “Hey. Hey Lorraine. Wanna write a friendship letter to the Princess?”

Joy snorted a giggle.

“No.” Lorraine said flatly.

“Well if you don’t, I can.” Twilight shrugged, and pulled out another piece of paper.

“Twilight no, I’m still confused about all this!” Lorraine groaned. “Ugh, some days I wish I wasn’t a luck dragon.”

“Oh, that could be arranged.” Joy said with a smile.

“Why don’t you want to be a luck dragon?” Twilight asked Lorraine, looking more curious than anything else.

“And you can do that?” John blinked at Joy.

“Well, people look at me and they don’t see me. They see a pink, fluffy noodle dragon.” Lorraine said after a moment of thought. “I mean, just look at Trixie. She saw this.” She gestured at herself.

“Mmmm, did she though?” John wondered aloud.

“So, you would prefer something that feels a bit more you. Something more unique?” Twilight asked.

“I’m used to just being a nobody, and suddenly I’m not. If I were anything a bit more normal, at least normal for here, maybe people would see past whatever the fuck this is and take me seriously. There’s also the fact of all the luck dragon magic bullshit. You know, the whole drawing potential partners to me. Am I brainwashing them, is it something that they can’t help doing?” Lorraine asked, looking a little upset.

“No, it’s more of a Destiny thing.” Joy shook her head. “Though, she can be a bit of a brat at times.”

“I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” John deadpanned. “Probably better for my nerves.”

“That’s the whole thing. It’s like the universe expects me to be a big damn hero, when I’m really not.” The noodle dragon shook her head. “I like helping out Luna and stuff, but it’s just… I feel like if I was something Equestria was used to seeing, I could do a lot more to help.”

“You still do a lot of good now, whether you’re aware of it or not.” Twilight said with a nod. “Starting a Stallion’s Rights movement, however unintentional, is still a good thing for social equality in Equestria.”

“But, could she do more if she didn’t get swamped by mares, jealous or otherwise, whenever she left the house?” John raised a brow at the unicorn.

“You… have a point.” Twilight winced.

“I think it’s because I’m not something they recognise, that they get so worked up.” The noodle dragon explained. “And anyone that does know what I am, only focuses on that. Oh you’re an endangered species. You’re special! Seriously, I’m getting sick of the letter from that damn Conservation Committee.”

“Oh. Them.” Joy for once, looked a little irritated.

“They’re like Peta.” John rolled his eyes. “Only they don’t stop at animals. No, you don’t just lock up the men from whatever endangered species, but the women and children too.” He snorted. “We have to keep everything in a nice sterile bottle.”

“At least it’s fun watching Alastor burn the letters.” Lorraine said with a soft giggle.

“Well, say you had options.” Joy began, returning to her normal happy demeanor. “What would you want to be?”

“How would the whole changing species thing work?” Lorraine asked.

“Well there are two ways to make that happen. There’s the easy-ish way. Which is a Polymorph spell followed by a second spell to make it permanent, both of which technically wear off, in a similar vein to a flu shot. Your body just adapts to that form.” Joy said with a nod. “The second one is rarer. Find yourself a Patron Deity or Higher Power and they can change you into something that more reflects their ideals.”

“So, either Arcane spellwork, or something more like asking a god nicely. Or… Hmmm actually that’s more like a cleric getting a boon from their god.” John hummed, thinking aloud.

“To be perfectly honest, since you’re a luck dragon, the second option is much more viable. You’re quite resistant to hostile magic. Hostile being anything that tries to do something to you that could result in some kind of injury.” Twilight explained. “You’re magic’s not self aware…. Ah! It’s kind of like your immune system, only magical.”

“Okay so we find a god and hope they don’t try to kill me, any ideas?” Lorraine asked.

“Well… let’s see…” Joy hummed and tapped her chin with a hoof. “There’s The Nightmare, Goddess of Shadow and The Night and all that entails; Philia, Goddess of the Mortal Soul; War, he’s rather obvious, not evil though; Thanatos, who’s more of a Grim Reaper than anything else. Ummm there’s Solaire, God of the Primordial Fire and God of the Sun. A’dal, the Entity of Pure Light. There’s Mem, God of Chaos and Deep Waters. Amaterasu, the Sacred Wolf and Goddess of Nature. Oh right, and there’s a couple other Primordial deities. There’s Quetzecoatl, God of the Sky; and A’Tuin The World Turtle, God of Earth. I could really go on, but those are the big ones.”

“Oh! Cadence is a servant of Philia! We could go ask her!” Twilight said happily.

“Twilight you just want to see Cadence and your brother again.” Joy giggled at the purple mare.

“Well, that too.” Twilight blushed.

“So, we have options, have you figured out what you want to be?” John asked, looking over at his girlfriend.

“Well, I’ve done some reading up. It was mostly just a pipe dream, but I was thinking either deer or diamond dog. Unless you guys can come up with something else, because those two seem to fit me the best from what I’ve read.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“Well, The Nightmare is kinda the Patron Deity of deer, fauns, and satyrs, and yes there’s a difference between those two.” Joy said with a nod.

“That’s not worrying at all.” John deadpanned.

“What’s the difference?” The noodle dragon asked.

“Well, fauns are more the good,” Joy imitated air quotes with her hooves, “side of nature. Yes they might be more nature oriented, but they still fall under Nightmare’s domains. Fauns primarily live in forests, and forests, especially wild forests, are Nightmare’s domain as well. And I’ve gotten horribly off track, sorry. So! Fauns. Very kind, nurturing, helpful creatures. They have a knack for nature magic, as well as illusions. They’re basically bipedal deer.” She took a breath. “Satyrs, on the other hoof, represent the bad side of nature. The vicious, deadly side. They are aggressive, territorial, and tend to dabble in shadowmancy, necromancy, demonology, or other dark practices. In fact, quite a few satyrs only exist, because Nightmare cursed them to be that way. They’re also bipedal, only they have long horns, claws, a pair of small tusks, and they’re normally covered in some kind of thick, bright colored hair. More than a few demons in Tartarus started out as normal satyrs. They’re pretty nasty pieces of work.”

“That’s fascinating.” Twilight commented. She was in the midst of scribbling down notes.

“So my choices are either diamond dog, deer, or faun. What do you all think?” Lorraine looked around the table.

“Why not a pony?” Twilight asked, tilting her head to the side curiously.

“After everything that’s been going on, could you really see me as a pony?” Lorraine blinked at the unicorn.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak as she raised her hoof, only for her to pause. Her mouth closed, and she dropped her hoof as her face screwed up in thought.

“Thought so.” John chuckled. “Personally, as cute a deer as you’d be, I’d prefer a diamond dog or a faun. If anything, because then you’d be able to wander around with me in your arms like the bug-cat I am.”

“I have no preference one way or the other.” Joy shrugged with a smile.

“I’ll ask the others tomorrow and see what they think.” Lorraine hummed. “Faun does sound appealing.”

“I’m only imagining Elora from Spyro and that makes me very happy.” John snorted a laugh.

“Twi, what do you think?” Lorraine asked Twilight, who got shaken out of her thoughts.

“Huh? What?” Twilight blinked. “Oh, right, ummm... Do what makes you happy?” She smiled sheepishly.

“Twi, you had one job.” John chuckled.

“Well, I can’t exactly give any solid pros or cons without having enough information on the races in question.” Twilight huffed.

“In any case, we’ve got time. You could contact Nightmare on Nightmare Night anyway.” Joy grinned.

“Wait… The Nightmare is Nightmare Moon?!” Twilight snapped at Joy with a gasp.

“Correction, Nightmare Moon was Nightmare using Luna’s body to do what needed to be done.” Joy said with a nod.

“What’s that mean?” Twilight blinked, looking very confused.

“It’s not my place to say.” Joy shook her head.

“Something to worry about later.” Lorraine said with a shrug. She looked at Joy. “Soooo, what’s the deal between you and Pinkie?”

“Oh, that’s easy. I adopted Pinkie’s mom. Pinkie’s other grandmother, Granny Pie, doesn’t like me all that much.” Joy giggled. “Having me in the family has had… some interesting side effects.”

“Oh, so the source of Pinkie being Pinkie is you.” John said with a nod.

“She’s family.” Joy grinned. “I totally spoil her.”

“No wonder she loves seeing you.” John chuckled.

“Not often enough, I have duties in Tartarus, but I pop up when I can.” Joy nodded, looking a little sad for a moment.

“Cool.” Lorraine said a little flatly.

“And, it’s getting late.” Joy said with a nod. “You all should probably get some sleep.”

“But we’re night owls.” John replied.

“Yeah, not going to be for awhile yet.” Lorraine nodded.

“I can stay up!” Twilight sat bolt upright. “There’s so much I want to know.”

“Oh fine, I suppose I could tell you more.” Joy sighed. “So, what do you want to know?”

010 - Eruption

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Author's Notes:

Dragonfire2lm: Ok folks, voting will continue until we post the next chapter. Thank you for all your support but due to the plethora of comments basically asking if Lorraine could be *insert something other than shadow doggo or flora doe here* or opposing the change entirely we're not only posting the next chapter early but here's the beastiary entries for each option, as written by ponies.

Lucid: I was happy that we got support for the options, but I really didn't know how to respond when people started suggesting options and other things. So, here's the new chapter.

Flora Doe:

An unusual fusion of plant an animal, these deer often sport curved, branching antlers that resemble small trees and often have bark, vines or moss growing from their back and legs. They have been seen growing various plants on these areas of their body and often grow flowers or fruits on their antlers as a form of decoration or adornment as well as for sustenance. They are frighteningly gifted in floramancy, able to immobilize potential threats with a vast array of natural toxins or via vines stronger than steel.
These deer are an all female species, often forming symbiotic relationships with other deer tribes, trading rare herbs or other plants used in traditional medicine or alchemy in exchange for housing, protection and access to mates during the breeding season in early winter. A peaceful race that embraces coexistence and working with nature in a sustainable lifestyle. This innate pacifism and ability to cultivate any known plant on their backs have resulted in the does being sought-after in many industries, from agriculture to pharmaceutical needs to use their abilities to meet demands for otherwise rare or valuable produce.
Because of this, the Grove Collective and the Magic Conservation Committee work tirelessly to rescue Flora Doe sold as slaves or illegally kept by major corporations, as well as establishing protected Groves to house individuals and keep them under surveillance. Flora Doe are often depicted in the company of The Sacred Wolf, Amaterasu, accounts of the goddess aiding and protecting Flora Doe are widespread across the globe.
Their diet consists primarily of meat and eggs with most of the water they need absorbed from their food. Digestion is heavily influenced by access to sunlight as organic material is digested by photosynthesis. A lack of sunlight causes their metabolism to slow down significantly, resulting in sluggishness or fatigue. A prolonged lack of sunlight results in the does entering a catatonic, hibernation-like state until exposed to sunlight or a similar light source.
Flora Does are able to absorb nutrients from the soil via roots grown their hooves. Called "rooting", this is a slow process and leaves the doe vulnerable to predation. Because of this, rooting is only done in the confines of a Sacred Grove or similarly civilian area away from danger. Wild does are ambush predators, using scented flowers to attract small birds and mammals which the doe wil trap and kill. Trapping methods range from the use of vines to toxins that alter the preys behavior and making it compliant. Flora Doe have been observed killing prey quickly with as little pain or stress to the animal as possible. Flora Doe have been seen keeping cockatrice, hens and various other birds to collect their eggs, this practice is encouraged if a Doe lacks a hunting instinct, which is a common condition in the species.
Flora Doe rarely interact with their own kind outside of direct family as family groups form pacts with other local deer tribes and share territory with them. Due to this symbiotic relationship with other deer, males of the species have been bred out of existence and the species relying on males of other species for reproduction.

Shadow Canid:

Shadow canids are Lost Souls (mortals whose mental state has encouraged the generation of Shadows within their body and thus, under the care of The Nightmare) who have found or been given purpose to protect, serve or otherwise assist others by using the Shadows they now generate.
Their true form is that of a canine-like creature with silver eyes and silky fur that can be black, purple or dark blue. They have the body of a wolf, the head of a fox or dog and long, deer-like legs which end in large paws. This true form is sensitive to sunlight as they are susceptible to overheating and Thaumic Dehydration (A lack or not enough of magic in the body often due to overcasting or, in the shadow canids case, their sensitivity to sunlight draining their magic). This sensitivity is overcome by use of a Moonskin or Lunar Pelt, an enchanted item of clothing or a piece of cloth made from starlight or moonlight that looks as if it is made of fur. When worn by a shadow canid, they mimic the appearance of a diamond dog, however they are easily distinguished from them due to being quadrupeds as opposed to diamond dogs which are bipeds.
Shadow Canids are omnivorous and also lack the diamond dogs allergies to certain foods. Indeed it is better to consider Shadow canids a separate race from diamond dogs, more of a magical approximation of a canine due to the friendly but protective traits they exhibit.
They lack the specialized magical talents of deer or fauns, instead the shadow canids magical abilities are reflective of the individual in question with the race as a whole able to tap into any facet of shadow magic to suit their need. This ability is driven by their purpose- the initial role they filled upon their transformation. Said purpose functions much in the same way as a ponys Cutie Mark but is often self-sacrificing in nature to the point where an individual canid need to regularly be in contact with others. They are happy with only a small family or social circle but are eager to please regardless.
Their role in balancing the cosmological forces is a surprising one, so long as it does not go against their Purpose, a shadow canid may instinctively channel any form of shadow magic, to use the power to correct imbalances in their vicinity. They have shown a species-wide immunity to Blight and other all consuming forces. This magical flexibility comes at the cost of wielding it in large quantities as shadow canids are also highly prone to Mana Blowout (wherein the amount of magic pulled into or generated by the body exceeds capacity, causing ethereal wounds that bleed magic as the body forces the excess energy out an exit point, usually at or along leylines or the bodys natural foci) and Stress Casting (uncontrolled bursts of magic or even spells brought on by extreme or prolonged stress.)
Shadow canids, having been former mortals, retain the behavior and mannerisms from their former lives and only display dog or wolf-like behavior when emotional. Because of this, several Tribes or Clans of shadow canids have emerged based on the cultures of the many races of the mortal realm. No accounts of shadow canid courtship, reproduction or even sightings of naturally occurring canids have been documented. All attempts to study their species beyond what is deemed "appropriate" have been met with failure. As have all attempts to capture and contain a shadow canid.

Breakfast was… Breakfast. Nothing out of the ordinary, which probably should have been the first clue that today was going to be a weird day.

Spike and Garble cooked a breakfast consisting of eggs and potatoes. (Which was actually pretty good.) Everyone was sitting around the table. Lorraine was flanked by John and Alastor, and was looking rather tired. Spike sat down next to John and Garble sat next to Alastor. Pinkie had scooted over a bit closer to Garble, because Twilight had taken up a chunk of the table with various books. Trixie had taken her food and sat in the nearest chair to the table.

The noodle dragon sat quietly while the others ate and listened to Twilight drone on about what she’d stayed up all night researching.

“So, back to my main point.” Twilight continued her lecture. “There was a canid species, formerly believed to be a type of Diamond Dog that served The Nightmare, the Primordial God of Darkness. While serving The Nightmare was correct, any species could become this Shadow-infused entity, however the most common form is this previously mentioned canid species.”

It appeared that most everyone was spacing out, or only half-listening at the very least.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but is there a point you’re getting to in some very roundabout way?” John asked with a yawn as he stared at his empty coffee cup.

“-Huh?” Twilight blinked and looked at the smol bug. “Of course. Lorraine could feasibly ask The Nightmare to turn her into one of her servants.”

This got everyone’s attention. A mixture of “What/What now/Huh?” was stated or gasped from the other members of the table who weren’t in on last night’s conversation.

“Lorraine doesn’t want to be a luck dragon?” Trixie asked.

“Why?” Spike looked at Lorraine with more than a hint of concern.

There was the sound of a ~wumph~ which was accompanied by a blue flash of light. When everyone got their sight and hearing back, there was a new pony in the room. Princess Luna rushed over to Lorraine. “Lorraine, my friend, please tell me thou art not planning on using the Nightmare to change yourself!”

“How do you even know that?” Lorraine asked while leaning away a little.

“Thou left your notebooks in plain sight. I was quite perturbed when I went to your house and found Gilda crying while watching The Princess Bride.” Luna said with a frown.

“Lorraine, how long have you been researching this stuff?” Twilight asked.

“A few weeks now. I just haven’t found anything concrete because ponies.” Lorraine looked over at Twilight.

“I for one support her in this, because I just want my girlfriend to be comfortable.” John raised a hoof.

“If I had my powers back, I would gladly help you with this.” Alastor spoke up. “However, I don’t. So we have to rely on her.” He pointed a hoof at Luna.

“Absolutely not!” Luna almost shouted. “The Nightmare is not to be trusted!”

“Why?” John asked while raising a hoof.

The room went quiet for a moment.

Luna slowly turned her head and looked at John. “The Nightmare possessed me.”

“And why’d she do that?” John asked.

“You know what, nevermind. Let’s just forget all of this. I’m sorry to upset everybody.” Lorraine spoke up, trying to calm the situation, while looking almost on the verge of tears.

“No, no, we are going to Canterlot.” Luna looked back to Lorraine. “If anything can fix this problem, it’s Solaire.”

“Oooo!” Twilight perked up. “I need to grab some books for the train. I haven’t seen Solaire since I was a filly.”

“Train?” Luna looked at Twilight while backing away from the noodle dragon. Said noodle dragon was leaning into Alastor and was still looking somewhat afraid and apologetic. “Why would we take the train?”

“Because… Canterlot?” Twilight blinked.

“Twilight Sparkle, how do you think I got here?” Luna’s horn lit. “I can simply teleport all of us.” The light increased and Twilight, John, Lorraine, and the Princess all disappeared in a bright blue flash.

There was a moment of silence as Trixie, Spike, and Garble all blinked at where their friends had just been. Then a buzz of static filled the room. With a loud buzzing noise, Alastor disappeared.

John blinked at the sudden teleport. Only to put his hooves over his eyes at what felt like blinding light coming from a very white room. Once his eyes adjusted, he realised that he was in, quite obviously, the throne room in Canterlot Castle. He was sitting on a violet velvet carpet, the sun was shining through the large windows to his right, which in turn lit the rest of the quite spartanly decorated room. All the white stone made the room feel much brighter than it actually was.

He shook his head and looked up at a small set of stairs, which led to a gold-trimmed red throne. A throne which a surprised looking Celestia was sitting in.

“Luna, I’m sorry. We can forget about this. I can deal.” John looked over to see a trying-not-to-be-panicky Lorraine and a somewhat irritated-looking Luna.

“Obviously not if you are considering going to The Nightmare for help.” Luna frowned.

“Luna, lay off.” John got up and rushed over to lean against the noodle dragon.

“Do not take that tone with me, Changeling.” Luna turned her gaze towards the smol bug.

Lorraine leaned away from the Princess. A low thrum reverberated from the luck dragon, as a soft golden glow started to surround her.

“Luna, whatever you’re doing, calm down.” Celetia had gotten up and trotted over to Luna. “Wait-” She paused, sighed, and sat next to her sister. “Lulu, we can talk about whatever’s happening. Please, just talk to me. Why are you so angry at our new friend?”

“Lorraine seeks to consort with The Nightmare!” Luna looked at Celestia while pointing a hoof at Lorraine. “And she seeks to throw away the form that Fate has given her!”

“Umm, can’t she choose what to do with herself? I mean, she’s not exactly happy right now, what with being harassed by mares almost on a daily basis.” John said, raising a hoof.

“She shouldn’t care about what others think! She’s protected! She has access to magic most ponies couldn’t dream of! She should not be so concerned with the thoughts of other ponies!” Luna was almost shouting at the smol bug.

Lorriane’s fur began to puff out as static started to snap around her body. She stood a little straighter as her claws dug into the carpet. “I don’t care. The fact that they won’t leave me alone is why I want to go through with this.” She started to pace back and forth, as her voice rose a bit. “I feel like I’m an animal in a God damn zoo exhibit! I’m paranoid leaving the house because it feels like everyone is out to get me! And talking it out does jack shit!”

“But Lorraine, you are a luck dragon! A mythical figure! Clearly they should listen to you!” Luna countered.

“I’m human!” Lorraine yelled. As the air around her hummed, static rippled up and down her form. Her body was actually starting to shine with the light she was giving off. “They don’t see that! No one sees that! They don’t see us,” she gestured at John, “as people! They see us as a dragon and a bug! They see what we are not who we are!”

That actually seemed to make Luna pause. She seemed to finally take a moment to stop and think. However, it was too little too late. Gold light flared brilliantly from Lorraine’s chest. With a ~boom~ the light erupted with a jet of flame from her chest. Said flame quickly engulfed the luck dragon, causing Lorraine to immediately hunch over in pain.

Luna looked shocked. Twilight, standing off to the side, looked on in horror. John cried out.

“Solaire!” Celestia called out.

A feeling of warmth filled the room. The light around Lorraine dimmed as the golden flames went out. Lorraine looked pained. Her chest had a wound in it. A crack seeping a soft gold light, surrounded by red, irritated skin.

John rushed over to her and paused just short of her, unsure of what he could do to help.

“My goodness, you’ve been quite stressed haven’t you?” The warm, almost fatherly, voice made John perk up. He craned his neck around.

There was a pony. At least it looked like a pony. It was a stallion shorter than Celestia, or Big Mag for that matter. From what he could see from his flank, the stallion’s fur was a deep brown, with a dark green tail. His forelegs were covered in chainmail. Iron shoes covered all four hooves. A white tabard covered his chest and barrel. A yellow sun was printed on the tabard over his chest. A pair of green fur tufts covered his shoulders. Atop his head was a cylindrical helmet with a single slit for his eyes. It bore a single red feather coming out of the right half on the top of the helm.

Solaire calmly trotted over to the pair. “Oh dear, that would to take some time to heal. Were it to heal naturally.”

Without any warning, the doors to the throne room opened. Beyond was pitch black. Out of the shroud of darkness, stepped Alastor. He was taller and lankier than normal. His antlers had grown a bit and his normally pristine jacket appeared more than a bit tattered. His mouth was twisted into an almost too wide toothy grin, and his eyes looked like the dials on an old radio.

The moment The Radio Buck laid eyes on Solaire, he instantly went back to his normal self. He cleared his throat, causing the room’s occupants (sans Lorraine, who saw him immediately.) to finally notice him. “Ahem, intruding her radiance, The Nightmare.”

The buck stepped aside as, what looked like a tall alicorn made entirely out of a patch of clear night sky stepped in. Stars shifted, and comets shot across her form as she moved. Her eyes appeared to be a pair of slowly swirling galaxies. The colors of her form shifted between a dark blue to the oranges of a nebula cluster, and back.

“Ah Nightmare, it has been too long.” Solaire said happily. “I was wondering if you’d show up, what with what these two have been going through as of late.”

“Alastor has been keeping me in the loop as it were.” The Nightmare nodded her nebulous head. Alastor stood a little straighter and puffed out his chest. She looked at him. “Not a difficult task to do, given his situation.” The buck immediately deflated.

The Nightmare soundlessly trotted over to Lorraine and John as Solaire spoke up. “We normally don’t intervene. In fact, we’re really not supposed to, with the exception of Nightmare and her Dream Realm. However, our former heralds aren’t exactly… Mmmm… performing the duties we assigned them to.” Celestia visibly winced. Luna just glared at The Nightmare.

The Nightmare leaned in to “look” at the wound in Lorraine’s chest. “While the wounds can be healed, the cause will still remain.”

“As vague as always.” Solaire said with a soft chuckle.

“Would you prefer I be blunt?” The Nightmare raised her head to look at Solaire. “She is Falling.”

Both John and Lorraine blinked in confusion at the pair. “Ummm,” John spoke up. “What’s that?”

The Nightmare looked down at the pair. “Your mental state does not fit the mental state required to use the magic associated with luck dragons. Initially you were compatible, but, what with the idiocy of the public, among other factors, that is no longer the case.”

“So she is incompatible too?” Luna said venomously.

“Would you prefer her to live in pain and agony for the rest of her days?” The Nightmare only spared the Night Princess a glance. “This is no longer a simple choice. This is a matter of her safety. I came here because I was asked, not because I had to.”

“Well what do we do then?” John asked the pair of gods.

“At this point, my son, change may be inevitable.” Solaire nodded.

“So, is she on some kind of time limit here?” John was starting to sound more and more panicky.

“No, no.” Solaire shook his head. “This can be easily managed. Simply keep her calm and comfortable. The less stress in her life, the better. Once a god’s High Day comes, a ritual can be performed.”

“It would not be a painless existence, but until I can properly aid you on All Hallow’s Eve, you must do as best you can.” The Nightmare spoke to Lorraine. Lorraine breathed very slowly as she gave the smallest of nods.

“This is all I can do for now.” Solaire said as he took a step forward. His hoof rose and a soft orange light glowed around it. The wound on Lorraine’s chest knit together, as the skin around it turned to a lighter pink. The glow faded and he took a step back. He looked at John. “Should you be in dire need, I would not mind joining you in jolly cooperation. Of a kind of course, the rules of interference and all that. the most I could do is a boon." He chuckled softly. "May my Sun warm both of you.” He gave a nod as he was surrounded by an orange-glowing fog. As the fog began to fade away, so did he.

John blinked, then looked at Lorraine. She looked miserable.

“And you’re going to leave us again, aren’t you?” Luna asked with a huff as she stepped forward.

The Nightmare looked at her. “You are the one keeping me out. I’m almost insulted that you think to use the power I gave you to keep me out of a realm I am supposed to help maintain.”

“This power is mine not yours!” Luna snapped.

The room seemed to darken, even with the sun shining through the windows. “You forget your station. The Priestess thinks herself a goddess. This is the same reason why I had to possess you a millennia ago. You threatened the Balance. Do not make me take away my gifts again.”

“Please.” Celestia stepped forward. “We’re sorry. I’ll talk with her. She’s… still adjusting.”

“Tia, I am not still adjusting!” Luna snapped at her sister.

The Nightmare snorted a laugh. “You, who took more stock in your friend’s usefulness, over what she actually needed. Would you have even started this campaign of yours were she not a luck dragon?”

Luna blinked, looked at Lorraine, then looked back to The Nightmare. “Y- Yes.”

“If that is the case, why are you so adamant about her not seeking aid?” The Nightmare asked.

“Aid from you.” Luna added.

A peal of laughter echoed throughout the room. The Nightmare turned her starry eyes towards Lorraine. “There is no one else that can help her. Light turns to Shadow. Shadow is my domain, lest you forget that. Oh wait, you already have. Talking with you is like talking to a spoiled child.” A dark aura suddenly rippled to life around the noodle dragon. “Regardless of how far this poor girl falls, I can help her. The Darkness is mine and mine alone, as is everyone who is lost within it. I am not asking to help her Luna.” The Nightmare looked back to the Night Princess. “I am telling you I will. The question is, will you still accept her once I do?”

The dark aura faded from the noodle dragon as the room returned to normal light. John leaned against the dragon protectively.

Luna snorted. “Lorraine is my friend, I will do whatever I can to prevent you from taking her.”

There was a sigh as the starry mass that made up The Nightmare’s head shook. “You stubborn child.” The Nightmare simply looked at Luna.

The alicorn’s flowing mane went limp and flat against her back, and lost the sparkling star effect within it. Her coat also became a few shades lighter, as she seemed to shrink a little. With a few thunks, the barding she wore now fell off her smaller frame.

“You’re in time out.” The Nightmare said. “The Night will function fine without you for a time. As it did before I made you it’s guardian.”

“What- What did you just do?” Luna’s voice sounded a little higher than normal.

“You act like a child, so I have made you one. Once you prove to me that you can act responsibly, like an adult and a Princess, then you get your guardianship back.” The Nightmare stated before she turned and soundlessly trotted towards the door. As she passed Alastor, a deep blue-black aura engulfed the buck. He was swiftly levitated and plopped next to Lorraine. “For goodness sake, give that poor girl a hug.”

The Nightmare stepped into the wall of blackness. As the last flick of her starry tail disappeared, the wall simply disappeared. Leaving a small group of very nervous looking guards staring into the throne room. Said guards immediately ran for it like roaches under a lit lightbulb.

“Sister.” Luna looked at Celestia. “Clearly you can do something about this.”

“I’m afraid I can’t Lulu.” Celestia shook her head as she walked towards John and Lorraine. Lorraine was leaning against an awkward-looking Alastor as she used John as a plushie. Twilight… was off to the side furiously writing in a notebook.

“Would you four like to stay in Canterlot for a few days?” Celestia asked the three, plus Twilight. “If anything, you’d get to relax and see some sights while you’re here.”

“You know, I think we need a day or two after the day we’ve had.” John nodded.

“Excellent.” Celestia smiled. “I can’t wait for you to meet Cadence.”

John wasn’t used to this. The room they had gotten was actually a small suite, with four bedrooms, a small common area and a small kitchen.

“This suite is normally reserved for foreign dignitaries.” The white-coated, blond-maned stallion said as the group lounged in the common area. Lorraine had taken all the pillows and propped herself up with a pillow pile on a couch, Alastor and Twilight had taken a pair of chairs, while John just sat on the oddly comfortable carpeted floor.

“Then again, by technicality you are foreign dignitaries, so I guess it counts.” Prince Blueblood said with a chuckle. “And terribly sorry about Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, they will be back from their duties later this evening.”

“It’s okay.” Lorraine said, finally starting to feel a little better. Starting being the key word.

“So… You’re a prince, yet you act like you’re a butler,” John spoke up, “I know that this is a… different Equestria, but should you be, I don’t know, more snooty?”

“Rude.” Lorraine chided the bug.

Blueblood simply laughed. “My dear Sir John, I am a Prince as well as a member of the Court, that means I am to be a servant of the people.” He shook his head. “The only day I allow myself to be rude is during the Gala. I am given permission by Cadence herself to be as boorish as possible as to dissuade any noble mare that seeks to add me to her collection.”

“I can totally see that.” John nodded.

“Now, can I get any of you anything?” Blueblood asked with a small tilt of his head. “Have you had anything for lunch?”

“We never did get to finish breakfast.” Twilight commented as she looked up from whatever notes she was looking over.

“Ah, and the rest of you?” Blueblood glanced between the others.

“I would join you, but something else has my attention, thank you my good stallion.” Alastor said, getting up and heading towards the door.

“Of course my good buck, do you know the way?” Blueblood nodded at the buck.

“Oh, I can find my way just fine.” Alastor said with a grin before he left, shutting the door behind him.

“Ah, well then.” Blueblood started.

Lorraine’s stomach growled. “I could probably have something to eat.”

“Well, lunch it is then.” Blueblood nodded. “Do not worry, I will bring it to you, I have heard that the poor lady covered in pillows has had quite the day.” He trotted towards the door. “Mmm... perhaps something special to help them relax.” He seemed to talk to himself before he too left.

John blinked, before flopping onto the ground. “He’s such a manly gentleman! I can’t even-”

Short - Sorrow

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Why?

What did I do wrong? Why am I like this? Why am I so weak? What do I do?

I can't keep doing this, Luna's my friend and now- I should've just dealt with it, I should've just sucked it up, I've handled harassment before, I can deal with this! I have to, for John, for my friends! I just want to be good, I want to do good. Why can't they just leave me alone? How long do I have to keep trying to get through to them? Why do I even try?

I need to calm down, I'll just start burning again if I don't... God the burning... As long as I've got John and the others, I'll be fine... Eventually...

This is my life now...

What the hell is the point?

I just wanted to be good... I will be. To hell with this luck dragon bullshit! I'm me!

And I don't want to be this! I tried alright? I tried! And look where that got me? Once more in pain and fuckin' useless! I'm done, You want me to use my magic Luna? Fine. You're saying I shouldn't give a shit about the people I'm trying to help?

Well ok then!

011 - Decompression

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“Hey.” John booped the noodle dragon with his nose. She… didn’t look that good if he was being perfectly honest. She was zoned out, probably stuck in her head (again). “Lorraine. Sweetie.” He booped her again. “Dearest Noodle (for the time being.)”

Lorraine blinked and looked at him. “Huh?”

“Yay. You’re alive.” He said. He couldn’t show that he was worried. Thanks to changeling he could feel the bubbling emotional volcano that was brewing. He kept up his smile. “Are you.... Functioning okay? I can’t really ask if you’re okay, because you’re clearly not, but… What can I do to help?”

“Am I doing the right thing?” Lorraine asked quietly. “Was it wrong of me to want to change?”

“Yes and No. In that order.” John said with a nod and a somewhat stern face. “I want you to be happy, and if that involves you turning into something else just as, or somehow even more, cute then do it.” He smiled. “Now, will there be backlash because of this, of course. But this is your choice. Your health, physical and mental, and comfort are key. I’m pretty sure you haven’t been doing well for awhile… aaaand I feel like a bad boyfriend for not talking to you more about how you’re doing.”

“I didn’t want to bother you.” Lorraine replied. “And to be honest... I just want to feel like me again, and this doesn’t feel like me, harassment or not.”

“Of course you didn’t want to bother me.” The smol bug rolled his eyes. “Sweetie, I’m your boyfriend, bothering me comes with the territory.”

“Should I leave?” Twilight spoke up from her chair. “I mean, I don’t want to interrupt your heart to heart.”

“No, I think you should hear this.” Lorraine shook her head.

“Now, I’m worried that we’ll make her uncomfortable.” John frowned a little. “Meh. This is a learning experience for you, Twi.”

“Oh absolutely.” Twilight nodded. “I can compare this to how it’ll be when I have a coltfriend.”

“Twi, no. You shouldn’t compare relationships like that.” John shook his head. “But, anyway,” he looked back at Lorraine. “Seriously, how much of a mess are you feeling right now? I just want to gauge what you say compared to what you’re feeling.”

“Luna’s reaction was a bit of a slap in the face. I guess I should probably elaborate a bit more, huh? At least for Twilight’s sake.” Lorraine looked over at the purple mare.

“I’d appreciate it.” Twilight nodded, though she did set down her notes. John nodded at her when she did that.

Lorraine looked at John, who looked back at her. “I might need some help with this.”

“Of course.” John nodded.

“Okay, shit… Where to start?” Lorraine said with a sigh. “I guess the first thing to cover is, what life was like before I got here.” John took a moment to settle himself against her side. "Remember how I told you that I was looking after my mum?"

"Yes, you've mentioned that you never left the house because of that right?" Twilight replied.

"Yeah... I'm not saying I didn't like being there for mum or helping her but my everything was pushed aside. I couldn't get too expressive because it annoyed her, I couldn't tell her about my problems or my worries, as petty as they were because she was in pain and tired and just couldn't deal with it." Lorraine explained. "So I just got into the mindset of others are more important than me and I just... Fell back into that mindset when things started getting too stressful."

There was a soft ~clunk~ as John face-hoofed. “Sweetie… Lorraine. I love you, but you matter.” He sighed, got up and nuzzled her. “You are just as important and valid as everyone else and you are allowed to feel and express your emotions. No one is going to put you down for that.”

“Luna did.” Lorraine replied.

“Note, now that she’s not a demi-god anymore, remind me to slap the shit out of her for that.” John growled. “Anyway, baring Luna, no one else should put you down for feeling. And if they do… I have a mind to go Godzilla on whoever says anything otherwise.”

“I agree with John. You shouldn’t have to suppress yourself just because you feel other ponies are more important.” Twilight nodded. “Though it sounds to me that you associated Luna as a mother figure and acted accordingly.”

John blinked. “I see it. I’m not happy about it, and I’m not surprised, but I see it.” He looked at Lorraine. “That’s not a dig at you, just… I know the history of you and your mom, and I’d’ve preferred that it didn’t repeat itself, but God dammit Luna. I would have thought someone who has been through x amount of shit would be a bit more humble and understanding.”

“Well, I believe you hit what Pinkie would call, her Nightmare Button.” Twilight said, tapping her chin in thought. “So, to you a modern term, she was triggered. Maybe she’ll come to her senses, in a manner of speaking, when she’s had some time to calm down?”

“I’m still going through with the change, even if it doesn’t change how people see me in Ponyville, fuck ‘em.” Lorraine said bluntly. “I wanna be something I’m happy being, and something I’m happy showing off to others.”

“And more power to you for that fact.” John nodded.

“This sounds a lot like Species Dysmorphia.” Twilight said, getting the other two’s attention. “Basically, it’s when a race does not feel comfortable as a member of said race. It’s why species changes are actually a thing. Were you anything else, a simple Maximized Polymorph would have been something relatively easy.”

"This whole thing feels wrong, I was given this form and had these expectations forced on me by a society that places far more value on what a person is compared to what I'm used to." Lorraine replied. "At least when I'm something I'm happy being I'll have the confidence to stand up for myself more. This isn't something I'm doing on a whim." she paused and ran a paw through her mane. "I've been looking for a... Not a way out, but a way of handling things better for over a month now."

Lorraine sighed. "I'd pretty much given up on anything working and planned to just put up with the harassment and what's expected of me..." she admitted. "Then Princess Joy told me I had options, that I had a choice... I just wanted everyone's opinion, I wanted to try."

“And now you actually do have options.” John nodded. “I’m perfectly fine being a bug. Hell, my superhero fantasy was always a shape-shifter anyway. However you, to quote, I never asked for this.” He said in a gruff voice.

“Very true.” Twilight nodded. “Not that we’d have any idea what any Higher Powers are actually thinking.” She gave a small giggle. “Are you feeling any better Lorraine?”

“A little?” Lorraine replied weakly. “I’m gonna be second guessing myself for the rest of the day.”

“I figured you’d say that.” John sighed and nuzzled her again.

The door to their suite opened and Blueblood, followed by Celestia, came in. The suited stallion magically tugged along a little tray. On which was something that looked like a bowl of green pudding, a little plate with a grilled cheese sandwich, and a plate piled with small brown squares dusted in white powder.

“Terribly sorry for the wait.” Blueblood stated as he trotted over and set the tray on a table.

“Oh my God lamingtons! You guys have to try them!” Lorraine said happily as the small plate of coconut covered chocolate cakes were hovered in front of the noodle dragon. Which was quickly taken. “I haven’t had lamingtons in years!”

“Somebody knows what you like.” As the bowl of the pudding like substance was set in front of John.

“Thanks Blue.” Twilight smiled, taking her grilled cheese.

“Of course. Apologies, my small shelled friend, but our chef wasn’t exactly sure what to serve you.” Blueblood said with a nod.

“I am not surprised.” John shrugged, leaned his head down, and poked the substance with his tongue. His head reared back and his eyes went wide. “Wat. What is that stuff?”

“To my knowledge, some kind of condensed emotion jelly.” Blueblood said with a hum. “We serve it to any changeling hive dignitaries that stay here.”

“Huh.” John blinked. Every time he tried a bit, he made a face. “And I’m gonna file the multiple hives thing away for later.”

“How do you even know how to make this?” Lorraine asked, staring at the plate of cakes.

“It’s actually a Tartarusian recipe.” Celestia spoke up finally. “Our head chef basically just guesses what certain individuals will like.”

“Huh.” Lorraine said, before actually taking a bite out of one of the cakes.

“How are they?” John asked.

“Good, want one?” Lorraine held out the plate. The small bug, batted a cake onto a waiting hoof. He ate it and made a happy humming noise while his wings buzzed.

“I will return shortly.” Blueblood said with a smile as he walked out levitating the tray.

“I know the day has been rather harrowing.” Celestia spoke up. “To some more than others. I just want to make sure that everyone is doing alright, at the very least.”

“I’m fine.” Twilight quickly said, before digging back into her sandwich.

“I feel like I did something wrong, and I don’t know what to do. Well, besides sticking to my guns.” Lorraine replied.

“You didn’t.” John said, looking at her. He looked back towards the Solar Princess. “I’m… eh.” He sighed. “Mostly defensive and pissed for Lorraine’s sake.”

“I’m not surprised.” Celestia shook her head. “I want to apologize for my sister’s behavior.”

“You’re not the one that needs to apologize.” John huffed.

“Well, Luna is still rather emotional.” Celestia said with a sigh. She sat down. “Perhaps a short history lesson. Luna and I were created by our associated deities. Solaire for me and The Nightmare for Luna. Luna has always…” She hummed in thought for a moment. “She’s struggled with her role. The Nightmare was nice and kind at first. However, Luna… almost abused that in a sense. You see, Luna was not content with her role, and The Nightmare accommodated her to a point.” Celestia frowned sadly. “Luna was the one that attempted to create Eternal Night. She was arrogant and did not care for the Balance. She just wanted… more recognition from the populace. If they would not accept her, she would make them accept her. The Nightmare… took exception to that.”

“So, The Nightmare intervened and used her Guardian to set the world right again.” John said with a hum. “And the one thousand years on the moon thing was Luna’s punishment for basically breaking the world, at least temporarily.”

“Yes.” Celestia nodded. “And the other Gods were not pleased with The Nightmare either, with the exception of Solaire. They expected The Nightmare to act sooner than she did.”

John nodded as Twilight hummed then spoke up. “Thinking back on it, Nightmare Moon, or The Nightmare actually, wasn’t really that much of a threat. Everything that happened to us in the Everfree felt more like a test or an obstacle. And her lines on the balcony that Princess Celestia was supposed to appear on were, prove that you’re worthy of the light. I thought that she meant sunlight, but I’m starting to think she meant something more metaphysical.”

“She does love to be subtle… When she’s not showing off.” Celestia said with a small giggle, before her face fell again. “The Nightmare used to be so compassionate.”

“And now I’m depressed.” John spoke up.

“Apologies John, I was just hoping to clarify some things.” Celestia looked at the smol bug.

“Eh.” John shrugged. “Gimme some time to sit and decompress and I’ll be good.”

“So, maybe I shouldn’t have bothered researching this stuff anyway.” Lorraine said with a small sigh. “If I knew Luna would’ve reacted like this, I would’ve just kept my mouth shut.”

“Lorraine, you can’t change the past, well…” Celestia paused. “Ahem. You can’t change the past, but you can change your future.”

“That sounds like it came out of a fortune cookie.” John said flatly.

Celestia glanced at him. “... I may or may not have had Neighponese take out.”

John blinked. “Sorry to get off topic again, but, you have a head chef who can guess what food someone wants because shenanigans, why did you order take out?”

Celestia actually blushed. “I like take out.”

“Nothing wrong with that.” Lorraine nodded. “So, what’s your opinion on the whole changing species thing, and going to The Nightmare to do so.”

“I may be biased, but I would have gone with Solaire, however I can see where you’re coming from. That, and your unstable magic would be safer converted with her over any other God, well sans Mem, but Mem doesn’t really speak with anyone.” Celestia nodded. “It’s The Nightmare’s job to find people in your situation and help them. Personally, I think she still does care and just refuses to show it.”

“Oh God.” John face-hoofed. “Luna turned an entire Goddess into a tsundere.”

“A what?” Celestia blinked at the smol bug.

“I’ll explain later.” Twilight offered.

“Thank you.” Celestia turned her confused gaze towards Twilight, shook her head, then looked back at Lorraine. “Ahem, as to my thoughts on your changing… If you aren’t happy being this,” she gestured a hoof at all of Lorraine, “and you have the ability to change that. Then do it. I want my subjects to be happy, and that does include you two.”

“That’s very kind of you.” John said with a smile.

“Just note that this probably may not change things in Ponyville, it might, in fact make some things worse, but those are consequences you will have to live with.” Celestia added.

“Yeah, I know. But if anyone has a problem with it, then they can take a long walk off a short pier.” Lorraine said with a small huff.

“Very well.” Celestia smiled. “So long as you know.”

Twilight levitated the plates and bowl into a pile as Celestia stood up. “If I may ask, since I’m curious, what do you plan to do with the rest of your day. I would love for you to meet Shining and Cadence this evening.”

“And I’d like to meet them.” John said with a nod. “I want to make sure Lorraine’s okay, beyond that, I might take a look at the castle library. I honestly want to look up stuff on the Gods. Color me intrigued.”

“Well, I was going to visit Applejack when I came up here for the interview on Wednesday. But I could always go do that now.” Lorraine said.

“That sounds like a lovely idea.” Celestia smiled.

“Oh! I can take John to the library!” Twilight jumped up, then immediately deflated. “But I also wanted to spend the day with Princess Celestia.”

“Go be with the Princess.” John waved a hoof at her. “I can just find it via a helpful guard or something.”

“I can just have my guards direct you.” Celestia nodded.

“Cool.” John said. “So we have our plan. Meet… somewhere… at some point… at some point in time.” He shrugged. “I tried.”

“I’ll have the guards send for you before dinner.” Celestia said with a small giggle.

“Sweet.” John nodded.

“Good idea.” Lorraine agreed.

The castle dungeon wasn’t as horrible as Lorraine imagined. It was close, the floor walls and ceiling was gray stone, as opposed to the white stone of the castle proper. Wall sconces bearing torches kept the hallways well lit. There was a rather nice guard at a desk keeping watch over things. The same guard was leading Lorraine into a cell block. She was then led into a small room. There was a seat in front of a small alcove that had a pane of glass with another seat on the other side. The guard left and a moment later, Applejack trotted in and sat down.

Applejack looked well all things considered. She didn’t have her mane and tail in braids, so they were hanging loose. She also appeared to have lost a little weight, but beyond that, she appeared just fine.

The mare looked at her. “Ya look like shit.”

Lorraine did, in fact look like shit, were you to actually get more than a passing glance at her. Her fur was scruffy, she had bags under her eyes, and she also had lost some weight.

“Yeah, well that’s what happens when you get harassed day in and day out.” Lorraine replied.

Applejack winced. “Ah can see that.”

There was a moment of silence. Then.

“Ah’m sorry.”

“For what?” Lorraine asked.

“Fer what. Girl, Ah harassed you and yer changelin’. Ah was a righ’ racist bitch. Ah fuckin’ decked ya because I thought you were gonna… I don’ know corrupt mah family or some dumb shit.” Applejack shook her head. “I was wrong. The girls and Spike come ta see me every weekend. I don’ righ’ deserve it fer been as pigheaded as Ah was, but they still come.”

“Well, I just wanted to hear you say it, and it would be cruel leaving you here to rot.” Lorraine said with a small sigh. “I would’ve come by sooner to try and make things right between us, but… let’s just say I’ve been rather busy.”

“Oh, don’ y’all worry about me none.” Applejack waved a dismissive hoof. “Y’all got bigger problems than me ta worry abou’. Though, I feel that ya kinda deserve an explanation. Fer, ya know, my problematic attitude.”

“I just want to make one thing clear first. I don’t care about you, but we both have friends that do, so I’m here for their sake. I’m willing to try being friends with you again, because they care about you.” Lorraine said sternly, then winced a little. “Sorry if that was harsh.”

“Filly, I’m used to harsh.” Applejack shook her head and sighed. “Reminds me.” She took a breath. “So, when Ah was a filly Ah didn’ want my life ta end up as just some farm mare. Against Granny’s protests, Ah decided ta visit mah aunt and uncle in Manehatten. Aunt and Uncle Orange.” She leaned back in her chair. “Whooee… They were… different. See, they not only were rich due to their fortune in the Orange industry, emphasis on industry. Not only did they think they were nobles because of some earth pony way back in their family tree. They were fuckin’ hard core Traditionalists. More so than most other Traditionalists.”

At the noodle dragon’s somewhat confused look, Applejack sighed. “See, Traditionalists are like this. The mare is the head of the house. The stallion, any stallion, is subservient to the mare. Everypony sticks to their own kind, because the mare is responsible for continuing the family line. See, I might have gotten all prim and proper for a Summer, and I might have gotten homesick after a time. But when that rainbow called me home, and Ah got mah Cutie Mark, those ideals. Those teachin’s from the Orange’s, those stayed. Ah didn’t listen ta Granny as much. Ah figured that Ah was the head a the household now. Big Mac wasn’ mah brother anymore, he was just a stallion that was doin’ a bit too much work on the farm for mah likin’. Apple Bloom was young, she didn’ know what was right yet.” Applejack shook her head. “Ya do a lot of thinkin’ when ya don’ have much else ta do in general. It doesn’t help that Ponyville as a whole only encouraged that kinda thinkin’.”

Applejack sat her chair back down. “Lorraine, I know ya don’ think to highly a me, Ah don’ blame ya, but Ah truly am sorry. Bein’ in here has given’ me some time to rethink mah perspective.”

“Okay.” Lorraine said somewhat awkwardly.

“Aww, Ah’m sorry fer talkin’ yer ear off like that.” Applejack chuckled. “I just… wanted ta clear the air as it were. Anyway, how’s Ponyville? How the farm? Anything change for the better?”

“Well…”

“So… Lemme get this straight. Y’all exploded, met a couple Gods, and Luna is actually as bad as Rainbow thought she was?” Applejack said with a somewhat confused look on her face.

“At least the farm’s doing well and Apple Bloom made some friends.” Lorraine offered.

“Now that is a bright light there.” Applejack nodded, only for a guard to poke her head into the former farm mare’s room. “And it looks like that’s all we’re allowed.” She stood up. “Lorraine, thanks. And, sorry… again.”

“It’s okay.” Lorraine replied. “Want me to pass a message on to Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah.” Applejack nodded. “Tell her ta follow her heart.”

The library… was rather overwhelming. It took a little time, and some help from the librarian, he found a few books and a nice quiet table to read.

His first choice, Solaire. He cracked open a book. One that he wasn’t sure was a history book, a fantasy book, or a religious text.

Solaire. The Golden Sun. The First Star. The Guiding Light.

After Nightmare was birthed from the waters of Chaos, and A’tuin began his rise from the depths of sleep. Solaire walked the benighted world. He was cold, and struck two pieces of stone together. The sparks ignited and created The First Flame. The First Flame warmed him, and brought light to the dark world.

John blinked. “Well… It could really be anything for all I know.” He shrugged and switched over to something that looked a little simpler. This hefty tome seemed to contain information on all the Gods.

“Oooo!” He ooo’d. “It features heralds and servants and stuff.” He bounced a little in his seat as the book opened with a thud.

“Solaire, God of Fire and The Sun.” He said allowed as he flipped through the book. “There we are.” He paused on a page. “Solaire. God of the Sun. I already know this… Herald-slash-Guardian is Princess Celestia.” He mumbled to himself. He flipped a few pages of blocky paragraphs of various info and history/myth. John wasn’t even sure if anything in these books were even first hand accounts.

He paused when he saw something. Underneath a black and white picture of some kind of stone pictograph was a line that caught his eye.

Ancient Pre-Unification Tablet of a Giant of Flame. John blinked and got a proper look at the picture. The pictograph depicted a bunch of tiny four-legged things that he assumed were ponies. At the top was some large winged and clawed creature. What caught his attention was in the center of the pictograph. A biped. Compared to the ponies, if scaling was anything in this image, it was gargantuan. It was a giant biped. It had hands. It’s face was carved to show that the head seemed to be a different material than the rest of the body and bore some kind of mohawk-like crest. It’s eyes were almost almond-shaped. It appeared to be shooting something out of its outstretched hands.

“Eh?!” John yelped. “Da fuq?”

He quickly flipped back a few pages.

Giants of Flame.

Servants of Solaire, these beings helped shape the world alongside the other God’s servants and guardians. Above all other servants, the Giants of Flame protected the various young mortal species against great wild beasts and entities that wished to do them harm.

It is said that Solaire crafted them so they might take a hold of their own destinies.

“Soooo…. Those are a thing.” John said, flipping another page.

With their duties done, and the races no longer needing them, the Giants of Flame became still. Their fires burned out and they became as stone. Nothing more than giant statues.

Ancient soothsayers believed that were they needed, the Giants of Flame could rise again in defense of the mortal races.

“Coooool….” John blinked. “Dammit now I wanna go look for one.”

“Oh my Gods!” A high-pitched voice made him jump.

“Jesus!” John yelped and whirled around in his seat.

A mare in a maid uniform, with a white coat, brown mane, blue eyes, and glasses, was staring at John. “You are the cutest little thing! Where’s your hive little guy?”

“Ummm, what? I don’t have one?” John blinked.

“But you look so healthy!” The mare took a few steps forward. “And your wings are so shiny!”

“Thanks.” John perked up a bit, standing up in his chair and stretching his shiny wings out. “Apparently, and as far as any pony can tell, I am a very healthy, albeit small, changeling.”

“You sure are.” The maid nodded, then seemed to catch herself. “Oh, I’m so sorry! I interrupted your reading and I was very rude. My name’s Starshine.”

“And you’re a maid?” John asked. “I may be new-ish, but isn’t that a stallion thing, you know, serving?”

“Well Canterlot’s a lot more progressive, well, once you get past some… most of the nobles.” Starshine tittered.

“Well, good on Canterlot, I guess.” He smiled and spied a noodly form plodding towards him. “My love! Hello!” He said happily.

Starshine looked over at the approaching noodle dragon and blinked. “That’s a luck dragon.” She looked at John. “She’s a luck dragon.”

“Well, she is for now.” John chuckled and hopped off the chair. “Heyyo, how was it with Applejack?”

“Good.” Lorraine replied.

John just felt warmth coming off Lorraine and it was like sitting next to a fire while also being under a snuggly blanket. “That’s great. What brings you in here, checking in?”

“Kinda, yeah.” Lorraine nodded. “Have you seen Alastor?”

“Nope.” John shook his head. “Haven’t seen him since he went out earlier. I would not be surprised if he’s planning something.” He chuckled. “He’s a grown demon deer thing, and apparently Canterlot’s a lot more progressive, so he should be fine. Unless you want to find him to apologize and hug him.”

“I’ll say it before and I’ll say it again, I was an idiot last night.” Lorraine frowned a little.

“Well, tell him when you see him next, or maybe ask one of the helpful guards if they’ve seen a bright red buck around here somewhere.” John said with a small smile.

“Ummmm, are you two a couple?” Starshine asked.

“Hmmm?” John looked at her.

“Oh, I didn’t see you there, yeah.” Lorraine nodded. “Hi, I’m Lorraine.”

“I’m Starshine.” Starshine nodded. “You two are adorable.”

“Awww thanks.” John grinned and nuzzled Lorriane’s leg like a happy cat. The noodle dragon leaned down to nuzzle him back.

“D’aawwww.” Starshine cooed.

“Gonna go looking for Alastor?” John asked.

“Yeah.” Lorraine nodded.

“Well, good luck. I think I might continue reading for a bit, a least until I get tired of reading.” He replied with a smile and trotted over to hop back up into his claimed chair.

“Okay, have fun.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“And, I should probably get back to work, I’m not being paid to stand here.” Starshine giggled and trotted off.

“See ya.” John said with a wave. “Again, good luck sweetie.”

“Thanks.” Lorraine nodded and plodded off.

“Announcing, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Guard Captain Shining Armor.” A mare at the double doors leading out of the rather large dining room.

John and Lorraine stood off to the side with Celestia and Blueblood as Cadence, the pink pony princess, and her (probably) fiance Shining Armor trotted in, looking very formal.

John waited patiently as the pair trotted over. He glanced at the massive, overly long table that you would normally see in some gaudy, Gothic old movie.

“Caddy!” Celestia actually bounced on her hooves in excitement. John blinked and looked at the Princess in confusion. Lorraine simply sat next to John quietly.

“Auntie, you don’t need to do this every night.” Cadence rolled her eyes.

“But friends!” Celestia pointed at John and Lorraine.

Shining gave the pair a look. He looked strangely stern.

“Awww! Look at you two!” Cadence cooed trotted over to the pair. “Hi, I’m Cadence.”

“Hey.” John said with a smile.

“Hi.” The noodle dragon said bluntly.

“The love coming off the two of you is wonderful.” Cadence said. She suddenly swept the smol bug up in her fore-hooves and held him out to Shining, holding the smol bug under his forelegs. “Shiny! Look it!”

As if planned.

John stuck his tongue out. "Blep."

“Mmmm… hmmmph…” Shining’s jaw locked up as Cadence somehow trotted on two legs and held the changeling mere inches away from Shining’s face.

John reached out a hoof and just started petting the bridge of Shining’s nose.

Shining snorted, dropped his head, and just burst into laughter.

“I knew we could do it.” Cadence set John down. “He has a thing about messing with whoever Auntie Celestia brings to dinner. So, we messed with him back.”

“Fuck yeah, brohoof.” John held out a hoof and Cadence bumped it.

Celestia was shaking, clearly trying not to laugh.

Lorraine sighed. Grinning, she shook her head. “Language.”

“I have a coltfriend in the military, I am fucking used to language that can curdle milk.” Cadence glanced at Lorraine.

“Well shit, okay then.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“You okay dude?” John asked Shining as he caught his breath.

“Oh, shit. I haven’t been gotten that bad in a while.” Shining said through a few slow breaths. “Did you plan this?”

“Man, sometimes you just gotta say fuck it and go along with whatever.” John shrugged.

He heard a noise and looked around to see a couple unicorn stallions trotted in. One was levitating a normal-sized dinner table and the other was levitating a few chairs. Once the table was set down and the chairs arranged, a mare came in and quickly set the table.

“No! Put me down! I do not want to go to dinner! I am a Princess, Twilight Sparkle!” Came a loud complaining.

Everyone turned to see a very exasperated Twilight levitating a struggling Luna.

“Luna! You made it!” Cadence said happily.

“Cadence! Talk to Philia! Reverse this!” Luna demanded.

“Awwww, are you being fussy?” Cadence said in mock baby talk.

“How dare you!?” Luna gasped as she was set in her seat. She went to get up but Cadence gave a small but intense glare.

“Hi.” Lorraine waved at the former Lunar Princess before plodding over to the table with John and Shining.

“Lorraine.” Luna blinked and froze. “We apologize for what we said to you, speak to The Nightmare on our behalf, please.”

“You’re not really sorry are you?” Lorraine asked.

That seemed to shut the small blue alicorn up.

“Thought so.” Lorraine sighed as she sat next to John.

John and Lorraine sat on one side of the table. Celestia was at one end and Shining was at the other. Next to Shining was Cadence, and next to Celestia, was Twilight. Sandwiched between Cadence and Twilight, was Luna.

“Lorraine, sorry, I went looking for Alastor but he’s nowhere to be found.” Twilight apologized.

“It’s fine, I’ll just wait for him to show up next.” Lorraine nodded at the mare.

“Oh, Lorraine, I hope you enjoy our dinner tonight.” Cadence said happily. “We heard about what happened.” She looked over at the pouting Luna. She looked back to Lorraine. “How are you holding up?”

“Mentally and emotionally drained, but can’t complain.” Lorraine said with a small shrug. “Still gonna change species, still gonna ask The Nightmare to do it.”

Luna opened her mouth to say something, then paused. Then her face hardened. “I still cannot believe you’re going through with it.”

“We’ve talked for, how long? I thought you would’ve understood.” Lorraine frowned at the blue mare.

Luna opened her mouth only for a purple hoof to press over her mouth.

“Shut.” Said Twilight.

“Congratulations Luna, I’ve stopped caring, are you happy now?” Lorraine deadpanned.

Luna looked at her, seemed to think for a moment, then looked down.

“Sorry about that.” Lorraine said. “How’s everyone else been?”

“Read a lot. It was fun.” John spoke up.

“Day Court was… Day Court.” Celestia said with a sigh.

“I agree, Day Court was Day Court.” Twilight nodded.

“Hey, can I sit in on Day Court sometime?” Lorraine asked.

“I don’t see why not.” Celestia smiled at her.

“I’m kinda curious and I just wanna watch.” Lorraine said.

“It’s as boring as you’d expect.” Cadence said with a small sigh.

“I don’t care. It’s necessary, right?” Lorraine asked.

“Well, yes it is.” Celestia nodded.

“I prefer paperwork over Day Court, and that’s saying something.” Shining chuckled.

At that moment, servers arrived with platters of various foods. Conversations turned to lighter topics as food and drink was shared and enjoyed.

It turned into quite the nice evening.

Short - Living with determination

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"Sweetie, it's late." John said as he looked over at the luck dragon. Lorraine was sitting at the table in the common room of their suite, an open book in front of her and a pen in her right claw as she jotted down notes onto the pages of a blank notebook. John yawned. "I think I'm going to bed."

Lorraine looked up and gave her boyfriend a soft smile. "Ok, I'll probably be up for bit. night, love you."

"Goodnight, love you too," the smol bug replied happily as he hopped off the couch and made his way to his room. "Don't stay up too late."

"I'll try not to." Lorraine replied.

John disappeared into his room and the dragon took a moment to check the time by way of a nearby clock. She sighed. "Midnight... Damnit Alastor, where the hell are you?"

She was worried and a touch of paranoia due to the lateness of the hour wasn't helping so she did what came naturally to her, found something to distract herself with. The book was one detailing the various tribes of deer scattered across the globe and her notes emphasized the pros and cons of each.

"Flora Doe? Like a dryad?" she mused as she turned the page. "...Part plant, floramancy, an all female species?! Yeesh the conservation committee would have a field day with that..."

The door that led into the castle hallway opened. Alastor trotted in merrily and froze as soon as he saw her and his ever present radio static crackled.

Lorraine set her pen down, got up out of her chair and hurried over to him. "Where have you been? I spent most of the day looking for you! Are you alright?"

Alastor blinked. "You did?"

"Yes!" she replied. "You rock up with a god in tow and then up and leave? I was worried about you!" her ears flattered against her head. "You are ok, right?"

Alastor laughed. "You were worried about me? Oh my dear, I wasn't the one that suffered a magical overload now was I?" he tilted his to one side and looked at her curiously. "How are you feeling?"

"Physically I'm alright... Mentally? I feel worn out." Lorraine admitted, hesitant.

"I believe this is where I ask if you want to talk about it," Alastor mused and gave the dragon a beaming grin. "So! Do you want to talk about it?"

"In a sec," she replied and returned to her seat to close the tome she'd been reading. Alastor trotted over and held he notebook in his magic. Lorraine noticed his curiosity and elaborated. "Princess Joy brought up the fact that I could go to a god to change my species. Nightmare Night is a few weeks away so I planned on asking The Nightmare for help then... I've been trying to find a species that appeals to me... Luna found my original notes on the idea, she obviously didn't take it well."

"You mean your notes on the balance of Light and Shadow? You were simply going to ask The Nightmare for advice regarding your magic correct?" Alastor asked and at her visible confusion, smirked. "I know you keep your things in plain sight due to your vision but you should put your personal research projects somewhere away from prying eyes."

"Really." Lorraine deadpanned.

The buck cackled. "This is why I like you darling, that rough around the edges attitude hiding beneath such a demure creature like yourself is very entertaining."

"Uh-huh." she replied and his smile only grew. She gave in and chuckled at his eccentricity before returning to her calm facade. "Funny, but could you please not go through my stuff, I thought you were better than that."

"I make no promise!" Alastor replied jovially and Lorraine snorted in response.

"Just try." she replied and looked at him curiously. "What're your thoughts? You were there, The Nightmare basically said I need to change for my own health."

"You could remain as you are," Alastor suggested. "It would be quite the miserable existence, as you've no doubt surmised but would it be worth it?"

"Are you kidding me?" Lorraine snapped. "Live in fear of another blowout? Surrender to the demands of those batshit crazy arsehats in Ponyville just to avoid the stress?"

Her gaze was steely. "Become a broodmother for a species I couldn't give a shit about just for the "protection and safety" that committee could offer me? Be treated as subhuman or looked at like I'm some kind of goddess all because I got dumped here and turned into a walking macguffin? Hell. No."

She continued her rant, oblivious to the overjoyed grin the buck was sporting. "I spent a goddamned year battling chronic acid reflux, I lost so much weight and was so frail that even spending the hour or so a week running errands left me fatigued. I'm not going to be that fuckin' weak ever again!" she stopped, the frustration on her face fell. She looked tired as she focused her attention back onto Alastor. "Luna was just the straw that broke the camel's back, she knew I cared about her opinion... I never expected her to dismiss my feelings like that..."

"I noticed," he stated and gave her a reassuring smile. "But that my dear, just goes to show how strong you are! It took not the heckling of selfish fools to break your spirit! Only the sting of betrayal could pierce your armor!"

"... Alastor, I spent the better part of a decade finding emotional validation in fiction, I didn't really have proper friends until five or so years ago and I wasn't..." Lorraine hesitated and started fidgeting with her pen. "I wasn't really ok with showing emotional vulnerability until that point. In some aspects I'm still not So, I just get hyper focused on whatever video game or TV show catches my interest to keep me from being stuck in my own head."

Lorraine paused as she thought about what to say. "... I have to bite back a sarcastic remark or force myself to walk away whenever a mare tries to rile me up and it's reaching a point where I can't keep being considerate about some pissy drama queen that treats guys like their her property."

"I'd say good riddance! Those nattering fools don't deserve your kindness," Alastor replied merrily. "You have far too much faith in others."

"I know, I know," she replied with a wave of her claw. "It's more than that though."

"How so?" The deer asked curiously and took a seat in the chair across from her.

"I'm basically the poster girl for the social movement but my strengths aren't public speaking or even being a public figure," Lorraine explained. "I'll try my best but I feel like I'm doing a better job by offering advice and forming a game plan behind-the-scenes, being one-on-one with someone and doing my best to offer advice and emotional support and not trying to appeal to the masses."

"That little club you've started with the youth of Ponyville is certainly gaining traction," Alastor mused. "If I had my equipment... Why we could go global! Just imagine the headlines! You could draw in support from around the world! From the distant shores of Mobius to the Royal Palace of Nippon!"

"That's... Great..." Lorraine replied awkwardly. "I'm glad you're willing to help with the PR, I'm always worried I'm going to say something dumb that'll tank our chances of doing any real good."

"I'm happy to help you darling, after all, I have nothing else to do!" Alastor replied brightly. "So why not assist you? It may even be the key to regaining my powers."

"Oh!" Lorraine said suddenly. "That reminds me, Princess Joy gave me a hint about that."

The buck's ears perked up. "She did?"

"Yeah, she told me that you have to remember what led you to Tartarus in the first place, any idea what she meant?" Lorraine asked.

Alastor hummed in thought for a moment. "I have no idea!"

The dragon blinked. "... Are you sure? Maybe it has something to do with how you became a demon?"

A laugh track eminated from the buck as he laughed. "Ahahaha! Why that's just ridiculous! Why would such a thing grant me my powers when- well I did some terrible things! I won't bore you with the details but suffice to say I was a right terror!"

"...It was just an idea." Lorraine said somewhat meekly and Alastor smiled sheepishly.

"Terribly sorry darling, I just feel like we're missing something." Alastor said and perked back. "But we seem to have gotten offtrack, you wanted my opinion regarding your plan to change species?"

"If that's ok." Lorraine replied.

Alastor considered her for a moment. "... Lorraine, dearest, I don't care what you are. You could be your original human self or even as something as absurd as a pony! I delight in watching how you react to the world around you! I want to hear your opinion on whatever strikes your fancy! It matters not what you are but what you do, how you react! How you think!"

"Even though I'm just some average run-of-the-mill chick?" Lorraine asked flatly. "You're going to get bored sooner or later."

"Ha!" Alastor laughed. "You underestimate yourself. Your blunt nature is refreshing and your capacity to care about the few that have earned your trust is astounding!"

"It's not exactly hard to earn my trust," Lorraine pointed out. "Just don't be a dick."

"Ah but once that trust is broken, what then?" Alastor asked. "What of Luna's bratty behavior?"

Lorraine leaned back in her chair. "I'll give her another day to calm down, then try talking to her again." she frowned slightly. "I don't like leaving things up in the air like this. I'd prefer to hash things out properly, maybe salvage my friendship with her if I can."

"Does her approval matter that much to you?" Alastor asked curiously.

"She was one of the first people to really try and be there for me an' John when we first got here and I ended up relying on her for guidance on what I was supposed to do," Lorraine explained. "Messaging or chatting with her about anything just became normal after a bit... Even if I can't get through to her, I at least want some closure."

"So you'll be going through with the transformation either way?" Alastor mused.

"Yeah, since my situation isn't normal I'm compiling information so I can make an informed decision by Nightmare Night." Lorraine explained and gestured at her notebook.

"Why deer of all races?" Alastor asked. "Your choices are from any race on the planet and a few native to Tartarus or the Dream Realm since you're gaining help from The Nightmare."

"Deer are resilient, as a species they've survived The Dark Age relatively unscathed barring the extinction of The Northern Boreal Forest Tribe," Lorraine replied and the buck twitched slightly but the luck dragon didn't notice as she flipped through her notes. "I also took into account their positive relations with ponies, while I would still face discrimination for ya know, being female, it wouldn't be nearly as bad as international laws prohibit that kind of behavior towards female deer."

She paused. "Plus deer society is more open-minded in general, sure does are expected to stay home at The Sacred Grove if they can't pass the required tests to gain a Migration Permit but their not ham-fisted into being housewives and there's plenty of job opportunities, creative outlets and a greater emphasis on self-expression." she shrugged. "I could be me and so long as I'm not a arsehole then folks won't bat an eye."

"... I must admit you do exhibit some rather doe-like behavior." Alastor mused and grinned cheekily. "That is, when you're not acting like an excitable puppy."

"Hey, the tail wagging is a subconscious behavior! I can't help it," Lorraine huffed. "... Anyway, you're not gonna try and talk me out of it?"

"My dear, you will be adorable not matter what. You may not like it but you behave in a way that is unfairly cute." Alastor said with a large grin.

The dragon stared at him for a brief moment. "If you say so." she sighed at his antics. "I'll have to be careful over the next few weeks not to strain myself but at least living like that will only be temporary and not... Another year, ya know?"

"Indeed," the buck replied with a nod. "So, what are your plans for tomorrow? Assuming you don't stay up until 3 AM, again."

"Princess Celestia had a guard bring me my bag from Ponyville so, if I was feeling up to it, I was going to browse the shops here. I need to find a place that sells soft toys- oh uh, I guess they'd be called plushies or stuffed animals here right?" she replied.

"A day out on the town? Sounds invigorating," Alastor replied. "Looking to start a collection?"

"Maybe?" Lorraine replied and shrugged. "This is gonna sound dumb, being a grown arse adult and all but, I haven't had a decent nights sleep since I got here... When I was human, I had a toy I'd hug while I'd sleep. I tried looking for a replacement but the stores in Ponyville won't let me in and I'm not going to bug my friends about this when I can just deal."

"Darling, you poor, misguided creature. If you so desired, you could have any worldly want fulfilled at the drop of a hat." Alastor pointed out. "You have a direct line of communication not only to the ruler of Equestria but my own list of contacts from Tartarus are available to you well, provided you summon them yourself, of course."

"Yeah, for more important shit, not because I can't sleep without a plushie," Lorraine grumbled. "Besides, I had a to-do list of stuff I was going to get done on Wednesday but since I'm already up here may as well get a bit of shopping and sightseeing done."

012 - A Day out on the Town

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“Deer boy, you’re great, but I’m her boyfriend.”

Lorraine blinked the sleep out of her eyes as she came into the common room. John and Alastor were a few feet apart just staring at each other.

“Yes, and that’s wonderful, but don’t you think she’d like to spend some time with me?” Alastor countered.

“Yeah, probably. However, I’d love to spend the day just browsing shops with her. It would be really nice to have a proper date for once.” John said with a huff.

“Uh, what?” Lorraine blinked in confusion.

“Lorraine, darling, we are currently deciding which of us should take you out on the town today.” Alastor said, with a smile at the noodle dragon and a smirk at the bug.

“It’s just a shopping trip, can’t both of you come with me?” Lorraine asked.

“Well… yes.” Alastor said, his smile faltering a bit.

Lorraine paused for a moment. “Did you think this was a date?”

“It’s not a date?” John asked, looking at the noodle dragon in confusion. “He was saying it was some kind of date thing.”

“I did not use those exact words.” Alastor quickly glanced between the two of them.

“I just need to run some errands, I don’t care which of you go with me.” Lorraine groaned. “I just don’t want to go by myself.”

“Then why not all three of us go?” John offered. “I mean, if it’s not a date, and just a get things run then we might need more hands, metaphorically, to hold stuff.”

“Fine, fine.” Alastor sighed, but not before shooting the smol bug a look. “I suppose that will have to suffice.”

“Great, now let’s get some food in the poor noodle before she faints.” John said, happily trotting over to the noodle dragon.

The streets of Canterlot were busy. There weren’t any taxi carts that they could see, but the streets were still filled with ponies, oddly enough, a fairly even split of genders. It was weird to see, compared to the virtually mares only Ponyville. Alastor might have gotten a few approving looks, but beyond that no one bothered him. Lorraine got a few looks of confusion or awe, but beyond that, it was much the same as Alastor. John, however, seemed to get the attention of mares simply because he was smol and cute.

“Awwww!” The umpteenth mare said as the three of them paused to check their map.

John thought it was kind of fun and flattering at first. At first. The smol bug deadpanned at the mare as he sat on the noodle dragon’s back.

“How old is he? He’s adorable!” The mare squealed and bounced on her hooves.

“Thirty.” John said bluntly, intentionally deepening his voice.

The mare froze and blinked at him. “Oh.” Then she went pink. “O-oh! I am so sorry!”

“Meh.” John tried to ignore the snickering deer hiding behind Lorraine. “You’re the twenty-something-eth person who’s thought I was either a child or a pet.”

“Oh you poor dear!” The mare gasped.

“It’s fine. It’s fine.” John sighed, shaking his head.

“Excuse me, we need to be going.” Lorraine spoke up.

“Of course, sorry, sorry again.” The mare nodded quickly and trotted off.

“This is going to happen all day.” John grumbled. “Seriously, being small was cute at first. Now it’s just getting on my nerves. Probably need to work on transforming more.”

“That, or evolve into something bigger.” Alastor commented.

Lorraine listened as she refolded the map and started on their way again.

“Ha. What with the well of love I have from my scaly, fluffy (for now) love, I’d probably explode if I tried to actively use more than a little.” John chuckled.

“At least you’re not going hungry.” Lorraine commented.

“Too true. Though… Hmmm…” John hummed. “I wonder if I could learn to condense some love, like that emotion jelly stuff, and donate it to changelings in need or something like that. Feel like a bit of a dick by not doing anything with this, no doubt, excess of love.”

“Good luck in finding any Hiveless.” Alastor added as the pair walked together. “It’s almost a death sentence to be without a Hive.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” John nodded. “And now I’m just curious as to what kind of Hives there are.”

“That, I actually do not know.” Alastor shook his head. “Changelings were never my forte.”

“Well, we are in Canterlot, which has one of the biggest archives in Equestria.” Lorraine spoke up.

“You have a point.” John nodded. “Looks like I’ll be spending more time in the library.”

Suddenly the smol bug gasped and bounced on the noodle dragon’s back. “Plushies and collectables and stuff!” He pointed a hoof at a bright red shop across the street, with balloons hanging above the door. A rack of plushies sat right outside the door. The sign on the front of the building stated Big Bad Wolf Emporium.

“That’s a bit of a weird naming choice, but okay?” John blinked at the shop’s name, then grinned at Lorraine. “Wanna go in?”

“Yeah, let’s see what they have.” Lorraine nodded.

“Lorraine you sound so enthused.” Alastor chuckled. “John’s so delightfully excited.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is, I just want to buy a plushie.” The noodle dragon shrugged.

The pair trotted across the street and walked into the shop. It was brightly lit and had rows and rows of various games, puzzles, and toys. There was a wall entirely made up of shelves that held only plushies. John immediately hopped off Lorraine’s back and quickly trotted to look at pretty much everything.

Alastor however, stayed by the noodle dragon’s side.

“Hello hello!” A happy stallion’s voice called out as a pegasus hovered down from a second level that none of them had noticed on first entering. The stallion had a gray coat, a mop of a dark brown mane. His eyes were bright green and sparkled with barely contained joy. He wore a light brown tweed jacket and a black bowtie. “Welcome to my shop. I run a shop now. Hello there.” He paused between each sentence and seemed to wave his wings about as he spoke. “I am…” He paused and pulled a name tag out of his jacket pocket. “I am Colt Smith. Yes, Colt Smith.” He smiled at the pair as he returned the name tag to his pocket.

“Why hello my fine fellow!” Alastor said happily. “It has been too long since I saw a stallion with a style as dapper as yours. That’s quite a fine bowtie you have.”

“Thank you.” He used his wings to straighten his bowtie. “Bowties are cool.”

“Indeed they are.” Alastor nodded. “Now, my good stallion, I’d ask where to find your plushies but you have a whole wall of them!” He gestured a hoof at said wall of plushies.

“Yes, of course. Who doesn’t like a good plushie, eh?” Colt grinned happily. “Now we have a special on, buy one plush, get one free.”

“That’s not exactly a good business model, but I’m sure the fillies and colts love it!” Alastor laughed.

Lorraine, meanwhile, stared at Colt Smith. She felt like she should recognise him for some reason. However, it didn’t come to her. So, she shrugged and plodded off to look at the plushies.

John trotted up to her happily with a small box on his back. “They have little figures. Like stylized, collectable sci-fi diamond dogs and stuff. I am content. See any plushies you want?”

“Nothing stands out.” Lorraine replied, looking over the shelves.

“I would help, but short, so I will keep looking around.” And the smol bug disappeared into the racks again. He reappeared momentarily climbing up a box that held smaller, more neighponese-styled, plushies. As he got to the top of the box, he lost his balance and fell in. There was a small ~pomph~ as plushies went flying in all directions.

Lorraine giggled as a black hoof emerged from the pile and dragged the bug out of the plush quicksand.

“Do you have anything in particular you’re looking for?” Alastor asked, trotting up next to her. “At least, when it comes to stuffed animals.”

“I don’t really know, it’s not going to be easy replacing the one I had before.” Lorraine shook her head.

“Oh, that does remind me.” Colt popped up on her other side. “We do, do custom orders.” He paused. "... Actually, hold on." He trotted off into a back room behind the register and came out seconds later with a battered cardboard box filled with magazines. He placed the box near Lorraine. "Here you go, every toy catalogue ever printed, you should be able to find what you want in there, probably."

“The box doesn’t look that big” Alastor commented dryly.

“I’m fairly good at packing things.” Colt replied with a grin. “Well, not really, but they’re still all there.”

Lorraine opened the box and flipped through a catalogue.

John was happy with his purchase, he had a sack clenched in his hooves as he sat atop the noodle dragon once again. Lorraine plodded down the street, towards their original destination.

“And you’re not telling us what you ordered, why?” Alastor asked, trotting slowly to keep pace with the dragon.

“It’s something important, that’s why.” Lorraine said with a nod. “Well, important to me anyway.”

“And that comic shop Spike recommended is like a block away.” John commented, looking at the map he’d tugged out of Lorraine’s saddle bags. “Any comics you’re looking f- wait, Teen Titans.” He finished flatly.

“And Power Ponies.” Lorraine added.

“I prefer The Darkness myself.” Alastor commented.

“Of course you would like that.” John rolled his eyes as the bright blue shop came into view. “You like the story or the violence?”

“Both. Why?” Alastor said deadpan.

John just face-hoofed.

The comic shop, by the name of Natural 20, wasn’t anywhere near as overwhelming as the toy store. Everything was organized nicely. The comics were arranged by section. There was even a spot upstairs with tables for people to play games. It even had a few ponies and other races milling around.

John immediately hopped off, but not before stowing his previous purchase in Lorraine’s left saddle bag. He waved at the mare at the counter and trotted towards the back. That seemed to be where they had the graphic novels and manga.

As he trotted back he passed a purple dragon.

“Hey Spike.”

“Hey John”

John paused.

“Spike!” John whirled around.

“John!” Spike yelped, dropping the comic he’d been reading.

“Alastor.” Alastor said, striding up.

Both smol entities blinked at the tall deer.

“What happened?” Spike asked, after returning to look at the bug. Lorraine plodded up and the purple dragon gasped and hugged her leg. “You’re alive!”

“Hi.” Lorraine said awkwardly.

“What happened?” Spike asked, looking up at her. “The girls brought Gilda and me with them ‘cause they’re gonna go see AJ. I couldn’t really come on my own after Twilight left with you. That, and the trainstation won’t sell me a ticket. Is everything okay?”

“Ish?” John spoke up.

“Well, in short, I need to change species.” Lorraine said weakly. “I’ll fill you in more later.”

“What?” Spike blinked. “Okay.”

“Oh there you three are.” Gilda’s half-annoyed grunt spoke up behind John.

John craned his head up. “Hey G.”

“Bug.” Gilda nodded then looked at Lorraine. “Fuck, you look like shit.”

“Gilda, that’s rude!” Spike gasped.

“But it’s true though.” Gilda gestured a talon at the noodle dragon.

“And she’s not wrong.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“Well, now we’ve found you, we can follow you back to the castle, unless you have other plans.” Gilda raised a brow.

“Check out here, then another book store, then probably a little browsing?” John shrugged.

“That sounds right.” Alastor nodded.

“Lemme just go grab the comics I wanted to get, then we can find some place to take a break.” Lorraine said. “I need to sit down for a bit.”

“Go do that.” John nodded.

“Lemme help.” Spike offered, as the pair went off to comic hunt.

The group, now up to five, found themselves at a small cafe. There was a slight cool breeze, but nothing that was too bothersome. They sat at a small metal table, and while having a bit of a snack and some drinks, the two new arrivals got filled in on the past day.

“Shit. Aren’t you dealing with enough already?” Gilda asked bluntly.

“Well, yeah, I was just going to put up with it. I didn’t think I had any other options, now I do.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“But- Wait. Isn’t Shadowmancy like evil?” Spike asked.

“No, though many people believe it is.” Alastor spoke up. “And this is coming from an adept Shadowmancer.”

“Also coming from a demon, but context would still be appreciated.” John added.

“Of course.” Alastor nodded, seemingly not caring about John’s small jab. “Let us see, for the laymen of the group.” He paused a moment. “If Elemental Magic is based around focus and control, and Light Magic is based around belief and conviction, Shadow is based around understanding and self-reflection. Shadowmancy has always been a more cerebral art. The darkness can act as a mirror of sorts. Most do not like what they see reflected in said mirror. This normally causes people to go mad. All the dark sorcerers you read about, more than likely were driven mad by their dark reflection. Or in worse cases, the Reflection taking the place of the conscious mind.” Alastor paused to drink more tea. “Is Shadowmancy dangerous, absolutely, especially if one goes into it expecting it will function like magic they are already used to. However, if you understand what this magic entails, then you will be perfectly fine, so long as you accept your Reflection.”

“Why am I equating Shadowmancy to like, martial arts or something. Not the fighting but, but the, use it as a form of meditation kind.” John spoke up.

“Where do you believe many martial arts came from?” Alastor asked, raising a brow at the bug.

“Point.” John pointed a hoof at him.

“Thoughts, dear Lorraine?” Alastor asked, looking at the noodle dragon.

“Sounds like something I’m already familiar with.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

“Then you should have little problem.” Alastor chuckled.

“Darling, look here! Here’s that wonderful noodle dragon that’s doing all the wonderful things for the stallions.” An overly excited stallion’s voice spoke up.

That caught everyone’s attention and they looked around to see a white unicorn stallion, with a blue mane, tail, and moustache (also wearing a nice pressed suit coat and monocle) trotting swiftly toward their table. Trailing him was a thin, elegant white unicorn mare with a styled pink mane.

“Goodness.” He said, stopping next to Lorraine. “You must be the luck dragon that all the papers are writing about. You’ve been doing quite the work for stallions my lady, and I can say that that is quite the noble endeavor.”

“What?” Lorraine said, blinking at the stallion.

“Well yes, most of said papers are tabloid trash, but still! You defend those wonderful stallions, err, buck and…” He looked at John.

“I dunno what a male bug is called. Call me John.” John shrugged, only to yelp as the stallion vigorously shook the smol bugs extended hoof.

“Yes! John, quite the unique name I must say, my good bug.” The stallion nodded. “Oh and where are my manners! I am Fancy Pants, of the Canterlot Treasury, this is my wife Fluer de Lis.” He gestured at the mare beside him.

“A pleasure.” Fluer nodded. The mare’s voice bore a hint of a French accent, at least from what John could catch. “Miss Lorraine, surely it must be difficult being out in the open like this.”

“How so?” John asked, blinking at the mare in confusion.

“Well she is so exposed, and luck dragons are so rare.” Fluer said. “Surely you must have guards.”

“Yo.” Gilda raised a talon, as the sound of static temporarily filled the air.

“My friends do the job just fine.” Lorraine replied.

“Oh I can see that.” Fancy replied, unconcerned by the threat of Alastor.

“Of course the Radio Buck himself makes an excellent guard.” Fluer commented, batting her eyelashes at the buck.

“My dear, I was sent here to look after our newest arrivals.” Alastor said with a slightly strained grin towards the mare.

“Sure.” Lorraine rolled her eyes.

“Are you in Canterlot for long?” Fluer asked.

“Just another few days.” John replied. “We’re gonna head back on Thursday. Give Lorraine a day to recover depending on how the interview on Wednesday goes.”

“Oh how delightful.” Fancy said with a happy smile. “How would you like having dinner with my wife and I? Not tonight, I’m sure you have plans, but tomorrow night perhaps?”

“We have no plans, but Monday night dinner at a Noble’s House sounds good.” John said with a nod.

“It simply seemed rude to demand that you come the day of.” Fancy chuckled.

Fluer quickly spoke up. “So, Lorraine, have you seen all the popular sites around Canterlot? Such as the Canterlot Botanical Gardens, or the Museum of Equestrian History, or Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns? Perhaps even the Magical Conservation Committee Headquarters?”

“Ummm, no?” Lorraine replied. “Not really.”

“Only other place we were planning on going was a bookstore.” Spike spoke up.

“Well, we shan’t keep you from it.” Fancy said, taking a step back. “Terribly sorry for so rudely interrupting your meal.”

“We will have our invitation sent out the moment we get home.” Fluer said with a smile. “I will make sure the castle receives it. Oh, and I do hope you decide to visit the Headquarters. They have many services to offer someone such as yourself.”

“Uh, thanks?” Lorraine said as the pair left.

“Well, they were certainly pleasant.” John said awkwardly.

“And suddenly, nobleponies.” Gilda snorted.

“Mmmm, I wonder,” Alastor spoke up, “did the tabloids get Lorraine’s name? We never gave it.”

“Knowing how tabloids work. I wouldn’t be surprised.” Spike shrugged. “I lived in Canterlot for years, some companies are like vultures.”

“Hey, that’s an insult to vultures.” Gilda pointed a talon at him.

That got a few snorts from around the table.

“How are you doing, love? Rested up enough?” John asked the noodle dragon.

“I’ll finish eating, then we’ll head out.” Lorraine nodded.

“Take your time.” Alastor waved a dismissive hoof.

That evening, their small suite had gained a couple new residents. However, Lorraine left the group to rest in their own way. She’d found a guard and asked a simple question.

“Where’s Luna?”

Thus the noodle dragon stood outside of Luna’s chambers. Tentatively, the dragon knocked.

“Tia, I do not want to talk anymore. Just leave me be.” Came a disgruntled reply from the other side of the door.

“Uh, It’s Lorraine.” Lorraine said awkwardly.

There was a moment of silence. Then there was the sound of hooves. The door opened and a cranky looking, small blue alicorn scowled at the noodle dragon. “What do you want?”

“Well, I wanted to talk?” Lorraine asked.

Luna poked her head back into the room. “Not in here.” Luna stepped out and shut the door. “You can say whatever you want while we trot.”

Lorraine nodded and followed the alicorn as they trotted down the hallway.

“I take it you are still going to go through with the transformation then?” Luna asked, not looking at her.

“Why shouldn’t I?” Lorraine asked in response.

“You were given this for some purpose and you’re just going to throw it away.” Luna snorted. “And now you’re going to work with The Nightmare, don’t come crying to me when you screw something up and she possesses you to fix it.” There was a moment of silence only broken by the clop of hooves and click of claws on stone. Luna paused in her trotting. “I tried everything. I really did. I even tried to teach you like I would teach a foal, but you couldn’t wrap your head around magic.”

“And I told you, I can’t imagine using my magic against anything.” Lorraine replied.

Luna’s jaw clenched. “You won’t be able to tame the Shadow. You can’t even wield the Light.”

“Well wanna test that?” Lorraine said, a little testily. “Since you’re such an expert and all, walk me through it.”

“...” Luna opened her mouth, closed it, then returned to walking. “Fine.”

The pair walked out to the castle gardens. The moon, for once a crescent and not a full moon, shone down on the pair.

“Huh, I didn’t think you guys had the lunar cycle.” Lorraine commented.

“Pfft.” Luna snorted. “Why wouldn’t you want to see my moon every night?”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t several creatures rely on the phases of the moon, not to mention the tides?” Lorraine frowned a little.

“I thought you wanted to prove me wrong.” Luna countered, glaring at the luck dragon.

“And I just wanted to try being your friend again.” Lorraine replied.

Luna huffed and looked away for a moment. “I may not have my full power, but I can still draw out a reflection.” Her chest puffed out as she smirked at Lorraine. “You must conquer this, only then will you be worthy of the Shadow.”

“Okay.” Lorraine nodded.

Lorraine sat on her haunches across from the alicorn doing the same. Luna’s horn lit a light blue. The luck dragon was swiftly engulfed in that same blue glow. Luna’s face twisted into a look of concentration. Her horn lit brighter. The glow increased around Lorraine’s head.

There was a flash.

When the stars were blinked out of her eyes. Lorraine saw that Luna looked somewhere between shocked and pissed.

“That should have worked.” Luna snorted. “I cast the spell and the first thing you see on getting your vision back is your Reflection. But it’s. Not. Here.” She growled a little. “That shouldn’t be possible. Unless- No.” She shook her head.

Luna’s horn lit again. An amorphous, dark blue mass emerged from Lorraine’s chest. It quietly just floated between the two. It was like a dark blue cloud of smoke.

Luna blinked, looked at the smoke, then looked at Lorraine.

“Oooo, pretty. What is it?” Lorraine asked.

“A. Tamed. Shadow.” Luna said through grit teeth. She seemed to rally herself. “It means nothing, it hasn’t manifested as anything.”

“So how do I do that?” Lorraine asked.

“Well, I am not the Guardian of Shadows anymore. I am not at liberty to tell you.” Luna replied as her horn died and the blue mass disappeared back into the noodle dragon.

“Okay. I’ll ask Alastor, maybe he knows.” Lorraine said with a shrug.

Luna scowled at her. “Fine. Go to him then.” She snorted and glared. “I made the Shadow bend to my will. I refused to sit back and let things happen. No matter what I did, I was never recognized for it.”

“So what did you do?” Lorraine asked.

“I showed them.” Luna looked up at the moon. “They refused to see my works, so I forced them to see them.”

“No, before then.” Lorraine shook her head.

“Ugh.” Luna snorted in disgust. “I raised the moon night after night. I wove the stars into beautiful tapestries. I made new constellations. Of course, I wasn’t allowed. So what if sailors needed my stars to see?” Luna growled. “Thus I requested that I be moved to the Dream Realm. If I wasn't allowed to craft the skies, then surely the Dream had more freedom. There I fought Night Terrors, the beasts that prey on pony's dream. No one cared about that, so I moved on to helping ponies with their fears. The Nightmare said that I should be helping all mortal races, but why should I care for non-ponies? I am a God of ponies first and foremost, shouldn't I be treated as such?" Luna paused and huffed at Lorraine's confused look. "My sister and I took ponidom under our wings to save them during the Dark Age. We became ponykind's new Gods. Even so, ponykind favored my sister." She shook her head. "I did so much, while ruling Equestria. And what happens? Everypony praises my sister for Equestria’s success.” She returned to glaring at Lorraine. “I had power and I wasn’t recognized. Worse, I was shackled by laws that shouldn’t concern one such as I. What hope do you have of doing any better?”

“But don't you have a duty of care? What about the movement?” Lorraine blinked.

“Oh, that can still continue. Don’t expect it to get much further when the luck dragon is no longer it’s face.” Luna snorted again. “Would you believe that I thought of it? I convinced Celestia that it was a good idea. She couldn’t see the source of the problem. Then you two came along. An outside perspective is exactly what was needed. She didn’t believe me until we got back from talking with you and your coltfriend. Even better, you are a luck dragon. The sway you could have...”

“Did… Did you not see me explode?” Lorraine replied.

That got Luna to quiet. She looked at the ground. She looked torn.

“Well this certainly seems like a lively conversation.” Alastor spoke up from a few feet away.

Luna jumped. “How- How long-”

“Oh, ever since you tugged out our cute noodles unmanifested Shadow.” Alastor said with a grin. “Congrats my dear, somehow you tamed your Reflection.”

“I have no idea how, but, cool?” Lorraine smiled at the buck somewhat shyly. ‘Oh thank God.’

‘You’re welcome, my daughter.’

Lorraine blinked. ‘Wasn’t referring to you, but okay. Hi Solaire.’

‘You have more restraint than most, many beings would have… Hmmm smote her with the fire of a thousand suns.’

‘But I don’t want to hurt anyone.’ Lorraine replied. She glanced over at the alicorn and deer. Luna was being pissy while Alastor just had this smug grin on his face.

‘Ah, were you able, you would wield my fire well. But, I must admit, you take to the shadows my fire casts just as easily.’

‘Thanks. So does this telepathy thing work with all the Gods or just you?’ Lorraine asked. ‘Or is this more a prayer thing?’

‘Oh, all the Gods may communicate as such. However I have always been the most… Chatty? I believe that is the correct term. Most Gods do not appreciate when I speak to their followers. Though all I offer is words of encouragement. And, I believe you may want to pull your buck away from Luna before they get violent. Just because I approve of violence when necessary, does not mean it should be sought out.’

Lorraine nodded, then blinked.

“I was a Demi-God millennia before your ancestors took the first steps out of Mem’s waters!” Luna snapped at the buck.

“And your point is?” Alastor raised a brow.

Luna put her hooves to her face and groaned loudly.

“Ah,” Alastor looked at Lorraine. “Done? Wonderful, let’s get you back to some friendlier faces.”

“We are not-” Luna got cut off.

“What are you guys even arguing about?” Lorraine asked as the buck trotted over to her.

“I haven’t the foggiest.” Alastor shrugged. “I was simply critiquing Luna’s Shadowmancy technique.”

Luna looked about ready to explode. Before she could, shadows briefly covered Lorraine’s vision. She felt a momentary coolness, then the shadows receded and they were standing in the common room. Spike was reading comics. Gilda was reading a book. John was intensely staring at the figures he’d set up and occasionally moving one the barest of centimeters.

“I have retrieved the noodle.” Alastor announced.

“Yay.” Came the tired reply entirely in unison.

Lorraine blinked, trying to process the teleportation. She looked at the buck. “Warn me next time.”

As Alastor led Lorraine over to the couch so she could sit down, he chuckled. “No promises. Now, you have yet to reveal what you got at the quaint little toy shop.”

Short - Who are you?

View Online

"So... Do you know why I already have a tame shadow?" Lorraine asked Alastor as the two of them sat up at the table in the common room.

"Hm?" the buck blinked as he looked over at her and set the book he was reading aside. "You don't know?"

"All I know is that Shadowmancy requires understanding and self-reflection." Lorraine replied.

"Well, Shadows themselves are rather varied, from primordial forces of darkness and nature to mortal-borne Shadows like yours," he explained. "I daresay your shadow was tamed back when you were still human."

"That doesn't make any sense." Lorraine pointed out.

"Dearest, look at what it took to finally admit you'd rather be anything but a Luck Dragon," Alastor said. "Verbal abuse that would break lesser individuals, physical assault from a national hero hurt you yes, but... It seemed to me that you were used to such extreme behavior. It took Luna's absolute dismissal of your own feelings to do something about it."

He grinned knowingly. "Why, the way you've handled yourself all this time seems familiar to you."

"Look, I may be an indecisive piece of shit due to stress but I'll always push past it," Lorraine explained. "A decade ago I had so little self worth I'd work myself into a self-loathing depressing train of thought and cry in the middle of the night every three months. Now? I'm stressed because herding and "You should have children" are being shoved down my throat by folks that give zero shits about how I or John feel about it. I'm stressed because until two days ago I couldn't see a way out unless I either caved in to their demands or focused solely on the movement and throw away any shred of sanity or peace for the time being."

She paused and sighed. "I was going to do that too, push myself to get the job done, to get people to listen."

"And will you?" Alastor asked curiously.

"I'll do what I can with the movement, Luna's thrown in the towel so I'll just have to-"

"Darling, Luna aside, did anyone else ask you to be a part of this social reform?" Alastor asked.

"No," Lorraine admitted. "But Celestia asked John and I to be an example by being ourselves..." she facepalmed.

"I believe you've been taken advantage of," the buck commented with a cheery grin. "Let me put it this way, your Light is your belief that as you put it, people are people, and your conviction is your conviction to do right by your friends and betters."

"Alright. So, would my Shadow be the opposite?" Lorraine asked.

"No, it still stems from the same place as your Light, merely overshadowed by it until your belief wavered and conviction faltered, which allowed the strength of your character to properly fuel it." Alastor replied. "You, from day one, have understood that you are no Luck Dragon so you tried to make your form your own to no avail and the doubt caused by the stress of your situation has led to you reflecting back on what others see you as only to realize they do not see you for who you are but what you are."

"Since the two don't align, I'm going to The Nightmare to change the what to match the who." Lorraine concluded.

"Precisely!" Alastor joyfully stated. "So tell me darling, Who are you?"

"I'm Lorraine, I'm me. Just some half blind chick that enjoys video games, cartoons and anime. I'm always willing to help my friends because I'm happy when they're happy and I'd rather people either get along or leave me the fuck alone," Lorraine said plainly. She smiled happily as she continued. "I love John, I never thought romance would be in the cards for me but here we are... I want to be happy with him and with my friends, people who see me for me, swearing, fangirliness, bluntness- all of it. I like sharing my hobbies or offering advice or just being there for the people I care about."

A dark blue aura surrounded her as she spoke. "I'm not a paragon of Light or a God and I don't want to be treated like one. I want to be given the same respect, kindness and trust I try to give others. I want to be treated like a person."

"If people are going to keep pushing me and my friends around? I'll leave them alone, cut ties with them," Lorraine stated with a nod as the blue aura began to flicker like flames. "They wanna keep hounding me after that? Fine, I'll be a snitch. They want to retaliate?" her gaze was steely. "I'll give them one last chance to back off."

"Then what will you do?" Alastor asked.

"Get the fuck out of dodge and ask for help, duh," Lorraine replied with a grin. "I'm no fighter. I'm a coward and proud of it. If I can't talk my way out, I'll find a way out."

Alastor hummed in thought. "... Yet you haven't abandoned myself or John yet."

"That's different, I'm not just gonna up and leave my friends, being cornered alone is a different story." Lorraine stated.

There was a flash of blue light. When the pair regained their sight, ther was a blue envelope sitting on the table.

It was addressed to Lorraine.

"What just happened?" the noodle dragon asked and examined the letter.

"I have a hunch," Alastor mused and gestured at the letter. "What does it say?"

"Hold on," Lorraine replied and opened it. She slowly read it aloud. "Dear Lorraine, Your Reflection was not one of malice nor envy or despair. It was born of a desire for affection and validation. In finding love you have found affection, in friendship, validation. You only needed to see that you are worthy of them, that there is no shame in seeking happiness for yourself. Defend it, for such a benevolent Shadow is resilient but is easily burned by the Light of others."

"Well that answers that question, you've been taking care of your significant other and your little band of misfits ever since you got here!" Alastor stated.

"But I've always looked out for my friends and I've known John for a few years even before we became a couple," Lorraine pointed out. "So, my Shadow is my desire to just... Be happy alongside everyone?"

"You did, quite literally, burn when your emotions weren't given consideration." the buck reminded her.

"I'm still scared that'll happen again," Lorraine admitted. "I'm reactionary, it's just who I am, I know I shouldn't get angry or upset at something but I can't help it. I'm only human." She paused and gave the buck the most deadpan look she could manage. "You know what I mean."

"Oh I know! I said it myself darling, you are mortal! You have no idea how proud I am that you are finally taking your health into consideration." Alastor brightly stated.

"I'm sorry if I worried you and sorry about the two boyfriends comment at the sleepover, you deserved better than that." Lorraine admitted.

The buck tilted his head to one side. "Have you been worried about that this entire time?"

"Yeah... You're my friend and I was worried I upset you... Or something." she replied in a small voice.

"I overreacted to that situation myself, why don't we say we're both sorry about that little fiasco and leave it at that?" the buck suggested. He smiled at her. "Are you busy tomorrow?"

"No, why?" Lorraine asked.

"Well, I am quite interested in the Botanical Gardens and I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me?" He noticed her skepticism and raised a hoof to placate her. "Not a date, just an outing between friends. As fun as it is yanking your chain, so to speak, we need you happy and healthy for Nightmare Night so I shall endeavor to be on my best behavior!"

Lorraine blinked. "Um, ok sure. I wouldn't mind seeing the gardens myself."

Short - One Last Try

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It was late enough that it rolled right back around to being early. Sleep had proven to be a fruitless endeavor for Lorraine, her conversation with Luna bounced around her mind. It niggled at her. Something was left unsaid.

Something didn't feel right.

With a quiet sigh she got out of bed. Her room in the suite was beautiful, if a bit sparse. She walked over to the light switch, flicked it on and plodded over to the writing desk on one side of the room. She found some parchment, and after a bit of scrounging, a pen. She stared at the blank page and after a moment, just decided to start writing.

Dear Princess Luna,

Sorry if I came off as insensitive, I just want to understand. If you jumped from one task to the next for gratitude, why?

Did you enjoy any of the work you did? What happened to the jobs you abandoned? What about the people that relied on you?

I also want to apologize, clearly I either misread your intentions or I just suck at being a Luck Dragon. I'm sorry for being a bad friend and a bad student. You tried so, thanks, even if the fun we did have was all a lie or something, thanks for hanging out and talking with me. I had fun.

Did you have fun? Was any of your Princess duties or Guardianship stuff fun for you?

I'll leave you alone after this and ask everyone to chill with the foal stuff, they've had there fun and this'll allow you to focus on regaining your Guardianship. If you need help, let me know. I'll ask The Nightmare if there's anything specific you need to do.

This whole thing is my fault anyway, I may as well do what I can. If you need anything, let me know. I'll do my best with the movement too.

I hope you'll be ok, sorry again.

From, Lorraine.

The luck dragon put down her pen, rolled up the letter and tied it into a scroll with some string she dug out of the desk draw. She wandered out of her room, past the common room and out into the hallway. She smiled sheepishly at the guard outside the doorway.

"Hi, me again. Could you deliver this to Princess Luna please?"

013 - It's (not) a Date

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“What are you two doing?” Gilda asked as she watched Spike and Twilight peek a crack in the doorway to the hallway.

Twilight whirled around and hissed. “Shhht!”

“Lorraine and Alastor are going off somewhere together.” Spike explained in hushed whispers.

The hen blinked. “So? They do that all the time.”

“But John’s not with them.” Twilight added.

“So? They do that all the time.” Gilda reiterated.

“So sue us, we’re curious.” Spike said with a pout.

“And I want to see what deer courtship rituals are like.” Twilight said with a nod.

Gilda face-taloned. “They’re not-” She groaned and let her talon drop. “You know what, fine, you two snoop on the pair as they spend the day sightseeing, but I’m coming to make sure some guard doesn’t think you’re creeping.”

“Thanks Gilda.” Spike said with a grin. “Ahp! They’re leaving!”

“Go go go!” Twilight hastily, yet quietly opened the door and snuck out.

“Oh, this is going to be my whole day.” Gilda groaned.

“So, we’re being followed.” Alastor commented as him and his noodly companion plodded/trotted down the street towards a large building that looked like a massive glass dome.

“By who?” Lorraine asked.

“Spike and Twilight, with the feather-duster playing chaperone.” Alastor chuckled. “It’s honestly adorable.”

“But why?” Lorraine blinked, tilting her head a bit in confusion.

“Spike is curious and Twilight is curious about deer courtship habits, or rituals as she put it. And both of them forgot I could hear them.” The deer buck explained. “Gilda was quite exasperated.”

The noodle paused for a moment and Alastor stopped next to her, occasionally flicking an ear back and forth. “They know we’re not a couple, right?”

“Gilda, absolutely. Spike, unsure. Twilight… honestly doesn’t care in the slightest.” Alastor listed with a nod.

“But courting implies being a couple.” Lorraine’s face screwed up in a cute look of confusion.

“I do not pretend to know what goes on in the purple mare’s mind. It’s far too orderly for my tastes.” Alastor shook his head. “And I believe Spike is just worried about you. So, my delightfully mortal friend, should we put on a show for them? You see, they can’t hear us, but I can hear them.”

“Oh right, the whole superior senses thing.” Lorraine nodded with a dawning look of understanding. “You know what, fuck it, make it like a date between friends or something. Go nuts.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Alastor said with an almost wicked grin.

“Why’d they stop?” Twilight asked, peering through a pair of binoculars.

“How should I know?” Gilda said blandly, leaning against a wall.

“Oh, he’s kneeling, why’s he kneeling?” Spike asked.

“Just kill me now.” Gilda rubbed her eyes.

“And now Lorraine’s… trying to bow.” Twilight rattled off the play-by-play. “Or was that a curtsy?”

“Awwww. They look so cute.” Spike giggled.

Gilda tugged herself away from the wall and propped herself up behind the pair.

Alastor was giving a very gentlestallionly bow and Lorraine was… doing something. Lorraine was never all that balanced to begin with. Gilda blinked. “Huh.”

Alastor grinned at something and waved his forelegs wildly, causing the noodle dragon to face-claw. Then the pair started off towards the Botanical Gardens.

“‘ight, let’s see where they go.” Gilda sighed.

The inside of the Botanical Garden was humid. It smelled like rain, damp earth, and plants. It seemed the entire dome was a sort of massive greenhouse. A greenhouse that was cordoned off into various sections, but still a greenhouse.

Alastor… actually looked excited. “Oh, I wonder what regions they have on display?” He said, levitating a brochure and opening it. “Ooooo! They have an exhibit on poisonous jungle flora! Darling, could we go see that first?”

“Okay.” Lorraine nodded and plodded after the now prancing deer. “So, deer courtship, what is that exactly?”

“In the most basic of terms. There are two phases. Phase one,” Alastor looked over his shoulder at her. “A buck shows off to a doe. The flashier, the better. In a manner it’s similar to how certain bird species change color or make complex nests for potential mates. It’s all about getting attention. Phase two is a bit different by comparison. Phase two is actually building on the relationship once you have caught the attention of the desired doe.”

“Well that explains a lot.” Lorraine said rather flatly.

“Back in my hayday, I did much flashier things than anything I tried with you.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“You were trying?” Lorraine blinked. “You know I’m dense as a rock right?”

“And failing.” The deer chuckled again. “And I have noticed. John has to be quite blunt with you. From a stallion, or buck in my case, I understand. The bucks are supposed to be straight forward. From mares… It feels rather… Mmmm, this will sound strange coming from me, but such bluntness coming from mares feels unnatural. Still, those are just my tastes, and I wouldn’t step on anyone’s hooves were they attracted to such behavior.”

“So there’s a distinction between my bluntness and romantic bluntness. Got it.” Lorraine nodded.

“Yes, there is a key difference.” Alastor nodded, craning his neck down to smell a bright purple flower. “You’re bluntness is to get your idea across as succinctly as possible. Mare’s bluntness is simply that, but crass.” He looked back over at her.

“So, you don’t like being pursued, romantically speaking.” Lorraine said with a hum.

“No.” He shook his head. “And the amount of pursuing, and I use that term loosely, is quite the turn off.”

“Honestly, I don’t understand their behavior. You’re a person, you have a right to say no.” Lorraine said, frowning.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that Ponyville is backwards, but it seems they care more for the produce more foals, rather than protect the herd, or raise a family. The mares that I have interacted with seem to be all about the making of foals, or worse the collecting of stallions to make more foals, rather than the raising of said foals or the family unit as a whole.” Alastor said with a hum as he trotted into a section that looked like it came out of some Tomb Raider game, sans a giant ancient temple. Though there were a few faux stone walls made to look like ruins.

“Yeah, it seems like they think about the family thing, after they got their guys.” Lorraine nodded. “That’s not healthy.”

“Hmmm, this reminds me, John and I were on one of our morning walks. He told me about the country of China. Well, really he was trying to explain the history of China via something called Dynasty Warriors, but back to my point. China for the longest time had a law in place of only… one, perhaps two children. Ah yes. One child if it is male and two, if the first is a female. Is it wrong to control the population like that, yes. However, I could see something like that happening with the herds in Ponyville. At least, something like, a family unit may only have x number of foals. Then again, that is just a theory. The reason why being, what if the population grows faster than the town?” He paused by a “wall” covered in some kind of green moss with bright purple flowers with white at the edges of the petals. “Ah, this is called a Starflower. It’s not that poisonous, but it can cause great gastro-intestinal distress if enough is imbibed.”

The noodle dragon wrinkled her nose. “Well… it’s pretty at least.”

“This flower is as beautiful as you, my dear Lorraine.” Spike said in a passable Alastor impression.

“Snnrk. Stop, you know he wouldn’t say it like that.” Gilda chuckled and nudged the dragon.

“Huh, so the flowers aren’t the poisonous part. It’s the stems.” Twilight hummed as she read a plaque.

“Twilight!” Spike hissed.

“Oh! Right!” Twilight rushed over to the pair.

“And this is an Earthroot. Called a Root of A’tuin in ancient times, the fibrous roots are not poisonous unless put in water. The water leeches out the toxins, thus it is quite easy to make a poison with one. Said poison causes temporary muscle paralysis depending on the concentration of the poison. On the brightside, they are quite tasty when grilled or dry roasted.” Alastor explained, gesturing a hoof at a wiry brown barked plant with deep brown sprigs coming off it like hairs.

The noodle dragon leaned in and looked at the plant. “You eat these?”

“You can if you want something exotic.” Alastor nodded, trotting along to the next plant. “Ah! Now this, this is Nightshade. Specifically, Deadly Nightshade.” He gestured at a plant with bright green leaves and a purple, bell-shaped flower. “The flower itself is not poisonous. The berries are.” He gestured to some green berries growing off the flower. “These aren’t poisonous, not yet. Once they are black, they are very deadly. The poisons within the berries of the Deadly Nightshade paralyze the involuntary muscles of the body, such as the blood vessels, heart, and lungs. Do keep these away from foals.”

“I really hope no one tries to eat these.” Lorriane raised a brow. “This is actually really interesting.”

Alastor simply gestured around to the various do not touch/eat the plants signs hanging next to each plant. “I am quite glad that you are enjoying it.”

“We live in Ponyville. You know how dumb people can be.” Lorraine rolled her eyes. “And are you kidding me, this is great! It’s so cool that you know all this stuff.”

“I have had more than enough time to gain all this, hopefully helpful knowledge.” He chuckled, trotting along to the next plant. “Now this is Coatls’ Bite.” He gestured at a bright blue stalk with a fluffy dark blue bulb at the top. It appeared to be buzzing and Lorraine swore she saw sparks jumping off it.

“This you don’t normally find in regular jungles. You find these more in the craggy steppes that can be near jungles. You need the perfect mixture of climate and humidity. As you can see, this plant naturally produces static electricity by the movement of the hairs on it’s bulb. If it builds up enough it can shock anyone who touches it. It’s normally recommended that you bleed off any excess build up before attempting to pick it. Coatl’s Bite is very useful in electricity resistance potions.” Alastor explained as the bulb softly sparked. “On a windy day, within some craggy grotto, it’d be like a lightning storm going off around you.”

“This is all just so cool.” Lorraine said with a grin.

“It is, isn’t it?” Alastor nodded.

“So I found a way to ward off anyone who tries to fuck with my friends.” Gilda chuckled, gesturing a talon at the root. “Stick one of these in a super soaker.”

“Well, it’s definitely a less violent way to deal with aggressors.” Twilight nodded with a hum.

“Twilight. This one can light people on fire.” Spike pointed at a bright red-orange flower.

“Well keep away from it!” Twilight chided.

“Aaand. What’s this?” Gilda looked at the plaque. “Causes violent- No thank you.” Gilda’s face crinkled in disgust.

“And, since you wanted to see the butterflies, we’ll pass through the Medicinal Herbalism section. Specifically the sub-section, Medicinal Plants found in Forests.” Alastor nodded as the pair trotted through a section that looked like a cut out from the Whitetail Woods. They passed by a board that had information on various plants. At the top was a small line reading. Most discoveries were made by deer or zebras and their knowledge was passed on to ponies.

“Huh.” Lorraine blinked at it then moved on.

They passed by a few plants with Alastor giving some light commentary on some additional uses that the plaques didn’t provide, before the pair passed through some thick plastic curtains and went into a small dome filled with butterflies of every color.

“This is so pretty.” Lorraine said with a small smile.

“Indeed it is.” Alastor nodded as the pair strolled into the middle of the room.

It wasn’t long before they were swarmed by various butterflies. Lorraine pretended not to notice the glow and hum coming from Alastor’s horns.

“Oh hey a blue one.” Lorraine commented as one with bright blue wings and white spots fluttered around her. “I like the blue ones.”

“Well blue butterflies are associated with dreams, change, and happiness.” Alastor nodded. “Also in ages past blue butterflies were associated with The Nightmare, but times change.” He shrugged. “What with The Nightmare and her penchant for subtle guidance via dreams, it’s not really surprising that they were associated for some time. But, alas, people seem to have forgotten the more benevolent side to her nature and role.”

“What because of Nightmare Moon?” Lorraine asked.

“In truth, Nightmare Moon was the name ponies gave to Luna when she decided to flip the table as it were. Ever since then Shadowmancy has had the stigma of being evil.” He made air-quotes with his forehooves. “In reality, it has quite the number of beneficial applications. Anything from say, espionage to something as simple as mental health.” He said with a nod.

“And I should probably start looking for some herbalist or something.” Gilda commented, as she stared at the medical facts of an aloe plant.

“Me too, I was never into the more natural arts and remedies.” Twilight nodded, reading off a large sign of various plants that could be used in place of certain medicines.

“Guys, Alastor and Lorraine. Remember?” Spike spoke up. The pair blinked at him, blinked at each other, then simultaneously shrugged.

“We can catch up with them later.” Twilight nodded.

“Ooookay. Ooo a butterfly pavilion!” Spike said with a gasp.

“And I had no idea they had their own honey farm here.” Alastor commented as they trotted by a screened off area that buzzed with numerous bees. Ponies in thick white suits were tending to the large white boxes that acted as beehives. He looked ahead. “And they have a gift shop. Should we bring John and Gilda some honey?”

“They have Manuka Honey! Let’s get some Manuka Honey!” Lorraine said happily, her tail swaying back and forth like a dog.

“Yes, yes we’ll get you some Manuka Honey.” Alastor chuckled.

Lorraine blinked. “Oh no, not just for me. This stuff is really good. Everyone’s going to love it!” She nodded. “It’s good for you too.”

“Again. I believe you.” Alastor nodded as they went into the gift shop.

Alastor had spoiled her. It turned out that John have given him some money so they could splurge somewhere if they wanted to. Thus Lorraine came out, not only with the honey, but with a small headband with springs that made her look like a butterfly, and a fluffy bee plushy.

The Botanical Gardens turned out to be a great place to visit. That wasn’t the only place they had planned however.

Before they went anywhere else, they returned to the castle to drop off their stuff, or more accurately, Lorraine’s stuff.

They checked on John, who was quite irritated that ponies knew next to nothing about Changelings, and yet had whole tomes filled with what could have been anything from religious doctrine, myth, or facts and nothing gave a definitive answer as to which each tome was. He’d gotten into quite the giggle fit about them being followed and the whole “date.” He was just happy they had a good time.

The next place on their list, The Magical Conservation Committee - Canterlot Division.

It was about what they expected. It was an office building.

On just walking in the front door they were met by a receptionist. The mare specifically spoke to Lorraine, and seemed to be ignoring Alastor. “Welcome to the MCC. We’re honored that you decided to come give us a visit.” She finally looked at Alastor. “Should we notify the Tartarus Division that you’re here?”

“Oh, I don’t think we intend to stay long, we’re just... Browsing.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“Very well.” The mare nodded then looked back to Lorraine. “Would you be interested in looking at a pamphlet showing everything that the MCC can provide you, or would you prefer a guided tour?”

“What does a tour entail?” Alastor asked, raising a brow.

“I am glad you asked!” The mare said with a grin. “You get a first hoof look at our underground facility. Canterlot’s first gated community for endangered and exotic creatures.”

“And this is not a zoo, how exactly?” Alastor asked, keeping the smile on his face.

The mare’s smile didn’t falter in the slightest. “Everything we do here is with the express consent of our residents. We all must do our part to maintain the delicate sense of Balance in our world. After all, we don’t want another Dark Age, do we?”

“Debatable.” Alastor chuckled softly. “What do you say Lorraine, do you want to see this fancy gated community?” He asked, looking at the noodle dragon.

“There’s also our R&D Division and our exclusive Match-Making System!” The mare said with a wide grin.

“Match-Making System?” Lorraine blinked at the mare.

“Yes! To ensure the survival of certain species, we have a comprehensive, multi-point test that pairs endangered species with genetically viable partners. This includes likes, dislikes, and personality traits.”

“While that does not sound terrible. The Match-Making Program is optional, correct?” Alastor asked.

“It’s optional unless you are on the Critically Endangered List.” The mare nodded. “Which you two are, congratulations.”

“Ummm, wut.” Lorraine blinked.

“The last living Luck Dragon was seen five-hundred years ago, and we cannot confirm their existence in the wild, so you count as an extinct species.” The mare said happily, before turning to Alastor. “And everyone here at the facility knows the story of The Radio Buck. The last of your kind, such a shame.”

“Yes, and I believe this is our queue to leave, if we’re interested, we’ll return.” Alastor said with a nod, turning towards the doors.

“Thanks for the information… and the pamphlet, but we have more plans today.” Lorraine excused herself, and followed the buck out of the building.

“Hope to see you again soon!” The mare called with a wave.

“Well… That didn’t sound ominous at all.” Gilda commented as she sat on a bench outside of the MCC. “They treat people like animals.”

Twilight’s horn died and she had a somewhat concerned look on her face. “I mean, officially they do a lot of amazing work, especially for non-sentient species. However, that whole…”

“Sales pitch?” Spike offered.

“Exactly. That just sounded weird.” Twilight frowned. “Is this what it sounds, err, feels like to you?” She looked at Gilda. “Are ponies really this racist?”

“Yeah.” Gilda said bluntly. “They just normally hide it behind more honeyed words. That,” she gestured at the building. “That wasn’t honeyed.”

“Guys, I’m honestly feeling a little creeped out, can we go back to the castle?” Spike asked, looking back at the building.

“After this, yes.” Twilight nodded, getting up off the bench.

The three set off, unconcerned that the deer and the dragon were heading towards a small cafe across the street.

“Aaaand now they’re gone.” Alastor chuckled. “They aren’t handling the receptionists words well.”

“Yeeeaaaah… That was just all of the nope.” Lorraine shuddered. “Not my thing, no thank you.”

“Well hopefully a proper snack will clear your head.” Alastor nodded. “Did you have fun?”

“I kinda forgot about the whole fake date bit, I was just having fun hanging out with you.” Lorraine smiled and nodded.

“I was rather lost in the plant explanations myself.” Alastor chuckled.

“Soooo, I noticed the Lion King musical is out…” Lorraine said nonchalantly. “Wanna go see it?”

Short - Entertainment or Endearment?

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Alastor was a buck of many talents, indeed in his mortal days he had traveled across the globe from one Sacred Grove to the next to trade information with other newsdeer for such uncertain times one survived with what they knew and what they had on them at any given time. He was a buck of many talents but even he was still wary of what his exile from Tartarus meant.

He was being tested, observed. The king was being purposefully vague on how exactly, he was supposed to regain his abilities yet he now had his ability to Shadow Step returned to him, albeit limited. The Radio Buck knew Lorraine was somehow tied to it, she was the key. At first, he assumed maybe he was exiled to court her, to get his feelings sorted out and more importantly, out of his system. But no, as much as she endured or more often, completely missed his rather, admittedly rusty, attempts at courting, she never did accept his advances, her own sarcastic responses a defense mechanism whenever she wasn't bluntly turning him down.

Alastor was proud he was able to get such sharp-tongued responses out of her, it showed she wasn't as weak as she thought herself to be, there was passion there, a deep-seated sense of justice, wit and compassion hidden beneath years of servitude and self-sacrifice. He could see how this world and her Luck Dragon body made things difficult for her, she had such a dislike of conflict that she had just, accepted him into her home, called him her friend and meant it. She had only a vague idea of what he might've done and this wonderfully mortal creature had just accepted it, accepted him.

Alastor, as much as he hated being mortal, would accept this exile for all eternity. He hoped, he prayed to The Nightmare herself that Lorraine, the first mortal to try and understand him in eons, never learned of his history. His silly infatuation or accursed exile be damned, he couldn't bear to entertain the idea of her finding out what led him to Tartarus, to become a demon.

He feared the day he would have to tell her.

014 - Ponyville Progress and Problems (Part 1)

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It was late. The dinner had been good (though to Gilda and John it seemed more show over flavor.) and they’d had their ears talked off by Fancy Pants and Fleur. Most of the group could only remember bits of certain topics. They’d made it back to the castle with little difficulty, and made it all the way to their suite, however Celestia was waiting outside.

“Lorraine, John, can I have a word?” Celestia asked the pair.

Both nodded, and encouraged the others to go relax before following the white alicorn to a small meeting room.

“What’s up?” John asked.

“I’m sorry.” Celestia replied, bowing her head a little.

“Foooor what?” John blinked.

“I’ve been…” She seemed to be looking for the right words. “Blind. Twilight came to me this afternoon with some very interesting questions regarding pony behavior.”

“This about the racism?” Lorraine asked bluntly.

Celestia winced a bit. “Yes.” She nodded. “It is. Surely it can’t be as bad as Twilight has been saying. I know my little ponies can be a bit insular, but surely they can’t be as aggressive as Twilight said?”

"Celestia," Lorraine began gently. "I am hounded by mares whenever I leave the house, with insults and jabs at me or my relationship hurled at me if I'm not with my friends," the dragon remained calm as she explained. "Quite a few people have gone as far to suggest they should ... have John like he's an object. They don't care about facing repercussions because as long as no one is physically violent, they can get away with this kind of behavior."

Lorraine sighed. "Verbal and sexual harassment are somehow the norm here but I can't expect you to solve every little incident when you're ruling a kingdom and have bigger problems to worry about."

“But I should worry about this.” Celestia replied, looking almost disturbed. “I should know this is even happening.”

Lorraine blinked. “Did… Did Luna not tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Celestia’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“She knows about all of this.” Lorraine stated.

“She told me that she was handling it, in reference to the stallion movement and Night Court.” Celestia shook her head. “I’ve been revising old herding laws, as well as my regular duties. I believed that Luna was handling it.”

“I don’t know about Luna’s effect on other towns or cities, but Ponyville really hasn’t changed that much since we got here.” John shrugged. “Everyone seems really stuck in their ways. I mean, there are exceptions, obviously, but it’s still pretty rough going some days.”

“And it was a town primarily started by the Apple Family and the Rich Family, though there were other families involved.” Celestia nodded. “I can understand holding onto tradition, but… I thought ponies would change over time.”

“Tradition is just another word for peer pressure from dead people.” John said flatly.

Lorraine looked at John. “John… No.” She shook her head. “Just… no.” She looked back to Celestia. “We don’t expect things to change overnight, but it’s hard to see how much good we’re actually doing when the reception is so negative and only getting worse.”

“Ponies, especially earth ponies, are very… hesitant about change. Most tend to be very stubborn. And Ponyville is primarily an earth pony town.” Celestia nodded.

“Well, we’ve thought about moving, but that’d be a hassle and moving in general sucks.” John started. “So, we lock ourselves up in the house and pretend that everything’s fine.”

“To be fair, we have a foothold here.” Lorraine added. “We’re making some progress, albeit slowly, and moving wouldn’t really solve anything. Especially if the rest of Equestria is like Ponyville but only a bit toned down.”

“Any progress is good.” Celestia nodded. “Are you sure you don’t want to move? I could provide you a place to stay in Canterlot.”

“Celestia, Tia, you’ve already done enough.” John shook his head. “You pay for our very existence. We got a house because some Elder God thought we were interesting. I think we can solve this ponies being shitty situation on our own.” John paused. “Well, on our own, plus friends.”

“If you’re sure.” Celestia said slowly.

“If you’re that concerned, maybe send out a statement reminding them that we’re representatives of the Crown. That what we’re doing is our job.” Lorraine stated bluntly.

“I will write something to Mayor Mare, but I don’t know how well it will be received.” Celestia shook her head.

“We’ll have to see.” John nodded.

“So, what are you doing? In regards to the movement?” Celestia asked.

“Raising money to buy a building so we can make a little community center.” Lorraine said.

“But… I could just pay you so you could buy it.” Celestia blinked.

“That defeats the purpose of raising money.” John pointed out. “We want ponies to get actively invested, pardon the pun, in what we’re working on. So far it’s mainly Twilight, The Apples, The Cakes-ish, Rarity, Lyra and Bon Bon, and Vinyl Scratch for some reason. Honestly, the Apples are funding most of it, but we’re still a ways off.”

“We’re doing a bunch of bake sales right up until the Running of the Leaves. Rarity’s working on a new fashion brand, where most of the proceeds are going towards the project. Fluttershy’s even donating some money and Rainbow is trying to get the weather ponies to help out.” Lorraine added.

“Well that sounds wonderful.” Celestia nodded. “So things aren’t all bad.”

“Not all the time, no.” John shook his head.

“I’m mostly dealing with the brunt of it, just to keep the populace off everyone else’s back.” Lorraine sighed.

“I would like to say that changing your race would fix things, but it probably won’t.” Celestia frowned.

“Oh, I know, I want to feel like I’m being useful, and this isn’t being useful. This,” Lorraine gestured a claw at herself, “is a walking plot device that no one knows anything about, and what we do know is nothing more than myths, legends, and speculation. So I, at the very least, want to be something that would allow me to be more helpful in day to day things.” she explained.

“And I wish you luck in your endeavors.” Celestia nodded. “Just know that The Nightmare can be… finicky.”

“I think we got that.” John nodded.

“But she’s a person.” Lorraine blinked. “Yeah, she has a lot of responsibility, but I don’t blame her for how she does things.”

Celestia blinked at her in return, then smiled. “I hope you stay this way. This world needs more beings like you.”

“I mean, on our world there are no Gods, at least no physical ones.” Lorraine replied. “So my gut response to seeing actual divine beings is hey, they’re a person.”

“I think many people, many ponies especially, forget this.” Celestia nodded. She sighed. “I’m not even a God and I have to deal with it.” She shook her head. “I’ve taken up much of your time already, and it’s late, you two should get to bed.”

Lorraine was pissed. Gilda was pissed. Alastor was amused. John was just worried about the two particularly angry females.

Lorraine sat on the couch and stared at the source of her anger, a letter. Gilda was pacing, Alastor sat across from the noodle dragon, and John sat on the floor in front of Lorraine.

“What do you mean complaints?!” Lorraine snapped. “From who?”

Alastor raised a hoof. “Darling, I’ll give you three guesses and the first two don’t count.”

“You can’t be serious! They can’t be that fucking petty.” Lorraine gave an exasperated sigh. “We had this interview planned for weeks!”

“When we get back I am going to… have words with Spoiled and all the mares she’s wrapped around her hoof.” Gilda snorted.

“I don’t understand, why would they do this?” Lorraine asked, reading the letter again.

“We’re a threat?” John offered. “A threat to their… I don’t know, societal norms or some shit.”

“But this is sabotage, legal sabotage, but still.” Lorraine looked at the smol bug. “What the Hell are we supposed to do?”

“That letter Celestia mentioned can’t get done fast enough.” Gilda growled.

“Okay. So, interview’s gone down the fucking toilet. Which means we’re relying on the bake sales and Rarity for publicity.” Lorraine said, setting the letter down. “Cheerilee also asked me to come back to the school and do more talks. So we have that going for us.”

“Yeah, it’s a blow, but it’s not like it was the only thing we had.” John nodded.

“It was the big thing though.” Lorraine countered. “It would have been broadcast all across Equestria.”

“Point.” John wilted.

“I might not have my personal equipment, but if I can find something similar, I might be able to Pirate Radio something.” Alastor said, seemingly now lost in thought.

“Shame you can’t build what you need.” Lorraine sighed, looking at the buck.

“Weeellll…. I could.” Alastor nodded. “In fact, I have most of a set up complete. However I’m missing a few key pieces, they’re what I was looking for in Canterlot, among other things. I doubt I will find anything. Destiny seems to have it out for me.”

John blinked. “Destiny, in a figurative sense or literal sense?”

“Literal.” Alastor stated.

“Of course.” John face-hoofed. “Okay. We’re on the back foot a bit, we’re stressed again, and Ponyvillian mares are being dicks. How about we just try and put off the stress until we get home later? How about a day in Canterlot?”

“But we need to think of something.” Lorraine countered. “We have to do something.”

“Sweetie. What can we do right now?” John asked, looking up at her.

“Ask Princess Celestia if there’s any other avenues.” Lorraine replied.

“Do you want to bring her in after the conversation we had last night?” John responded.

“No, but with the way things are going, either I’m going to have to start throwing my weight around or we’re going to have to drag the Princess into this.” Lorraine stated.

“Wait…” Gilda paused. “Why haven’t you been throwing your weight around, well, not counting your health concerns.”

The noodle dragon blinked. “Because… that’s rude.”

Alastor burst out laughing. “Oh Lorraine, you’re somehow still polite when ponies are treating you so terribly. What happened to the fire when Applejack was treating your small bug like trash?”

“Applejack’s a national hero. She should’ve known better.” Lorraine replied. “And after how the town responded to her being arrested, I didn’t want to push my luck.”

“Yeah, that I get.” John nodded.

“Fuck it, we could just go out to breakfast, try and enjoy the morning, then go home and start trying to salvage this shit.” Gilda said with a huff.

“Sounds good. Lemme just leave a note for Spike and Twilight.” Lorraine nodded, slowly getting up off the couch.

It had taken a bit of a walk to get there, but the four of them found themselves at a small cafe. There was a cool morning breeze, and the sun was a tad bright for John and Lorraine’s eyes, but by and large, the morning was just fine.

The noodle dragon wasn’t paying attention to any of the conversations. She was too busy focusing on her blueberry muffin.

“And they give you shit, why?” John asked, staring at Gilda.

“I’m not a pegasus, thus I shouldn’t be able to work on the weather team. I can’t thank Dash enough for getting me the job, but ponies will be ponies.” Gilda rolled her eyes.

“Do you like it?” Alastor asked, sipping his coffee.

Gilda blinked at him a moment. “Yeah.... Yeah, I do. I work in Cloud Management. Which is basically. moving and towing clouds around. I’m stronger than most pegasi, so I can move and carry more clouds.”

“How many clouds can you lift bro?” John snorted as he warped his voice into something akin to Gym-Bro Chad. “Can you lift a thunderhead bro?”

Gilda face-taloned. “Stop… I hear that on a daily basis.”

John blinked. “Wait seriously?”

“The Weather Team really reminds me of a fraternity or sorority at times.” Gilda nodded. “Only the mares are more bitchy and the stallions are more bros.”

“How can you be more bro?” John squinted at the hen in confusion.

Gilda just shrugged.

“Well this is all very fascinating.” A voice spoke up.

Everyone paused.

Now, sitting between Alastor and Gilda, was a unicorn. A bright, pearl-white unicorn stallion, with a coiffed, blond mane, and bright yellow eyes. He wore a dapper white suit, with a red tie, and wore a white top hat atop his head.

The stallion gave Alastor a small smile. He seemed to flicker for a moment. Said flicker made everyone at the table tense up.

“Alastor.” The stallion said smoothly.

“Mourning Star.” Alastor said with a casual nod. “How’s Joy, the wife?”

“Oh, both are just fine, thank you.” Mourning Star said with a nod. “I must say, you’re putting on quite the show, Bambi. You and your little doe are quite the stars down in Hell.”

“Oh, so you’re still airing that little show of yours.” Alastor replied. “How are the ratings by the way?”

“Quite well.” Mourning Star said with a chuckle. “You always put on a show, even if I have to punish you for it. You have broken one of my laws after all, and the other Overlords are in quite the tizzy about it. You’re one of my top dogs after all, and the others have a bone to pick with you.” He grinned. “So I thought, why not let them have at it? So long as they don’t break any laws topside, then it’s fair game.”

“Well, they’re more than welcome to try.” Alastor smiled.

“Wonderful.” Mourning Star said with a nod. “It’s quite a shame that you’re not taking your punishment seriously, Allie-boy. So I thought I’d be a good sport and let you know… that it’s Hunting Season. Who knows, keep up the good behavior and I may just throw you a bone.” He sighed. “If Destiny didn’t have her hooves in so many pies, I’d give you your powers back right here and now, only to see the reaction. Because these two,” he gestured at John and Lorraine, “are quite the interesting folks. But alas, lessons must be learned.”

“It’s your kingdom, you could simply forgo this punishment.” Alastor commented.

“But where’s the fun in that?” Mourning Star replied. “And you wouldn’t learn anything. In fact, you should be grateful. I made sure you were at least stuck with the object of your affections.”

“Lorraine is no object.” Alastor’s smile strained a little.

“And yet here you are, prancing around her like a love-struck foal.” Mourning Star countered. “And she doesn’t even know you.”

“I’m right here.” Lorraine said bluntly.

Mourning Star’s head turned slowly, and he focused on the noodle dragon. “So you are. Such a strange little thing, harboring emotions for a monster.”

“He’s my friend.” Lorraine replied. “You’re the reason I’m stuck with him.”

“Imagine my surprise, when you decided to be friends with a demon.” Mourning Star said coolly. “You really are too trusting for your own good.”

“Oh, I know.” Lorraine nodded.

Mourning Star looked back to Alastor. “Bambi, it’s been a pleasure.”

“The same, Mourning Star.” Alastor nodded.

“I’d be careful if I were you.” Mourning Star kept his smile. “I won’t be this lenient come All Hallows Eve. You’d best shape up now.”

Without a word, or sound for that matter, King Mourning Star disappeared.

Silence descended on the table.

“Soooo…. We just met pony Satan.” Lorraine spoke up.

“You did.” Alastor nodded.

“I, for one, want to now go home and forget about seeing any of that.” John said bluntly.

“And now we have to deal with, potentially, more demons.” Lorraine stated. “And let’s not forget the fact that we’re part of some reality show.”

“Can we not?” Gilda asked.

“Thank you.” John pointed at Gilda.

“I don’t see what the issue is. He was just coming to pay me a visit.” Alastor said, glancing around the table.

“He threatened you, and by extension, us.” John said bluntly.

“To be fair, most of this is your fault.” Lorraine said to Alastor.

“And I take full responsibility.” Alastor nodded. “I assure you, the other Overlords will not be a problem.”

It was good to be back home. Even if it was Ponyville, and mares hounded them, it was still good to be home. The following few days were actually rather quiet for the most part. Then again only John and Gilda ever really went out. Lorraine only ever really went out when one of her friends needed help with something. On the note of help…

“Thank you again for agreeing.” Rarity said with a smile towards the slow plodding noodle dragon. “I can only carry so much by myself.”

Lorraine shrugged, underneath a few saddlebags worth of fabrics and thread. “It’s fine.”

“Would you be interested in learning how to sew? That way you can fix any damage to that adorable little bee plush you have.” Rarity asked.

“I tried to learn how to sew. I can’t thread a needle all that well.” Lorraine shrugged again.

“Well that could be remedied.” Rarity giggled.

“Not really my thing, I’m more of a writer.” Lorraine nodded. “Although, I can make some really good figurines out of pipe-cleaners.”

“And that sounds adorable.” Rarity grinned at the noodle. “You will have to show me how.”

Neither of the two noticed the approaching group of mares until they were surrounded.

“Um, excuse me? Can we get through please?” Lorraine asked.

"We wanted to talk to you about something." One of the mares, a cream coated, red maned earth pony Lorraine had seen running a flower stall in the marketplace said.

"Okay? Is something wrong?" Lorraine asked and looked around her, her face blank.

"We're a small-town community, you know what that means right?" the mare asked rhetorically. "If we want to keep Ponyville afloat, we need a bigger population. We need foals to secure our future."

Her statement was followed by sounds of agreement from the other mares.

"Roseluck, we're quite aware of that dear, but what does that have to do with us?" Rarity asked cordially.

"It means, coltymare that everypony needs to do their part," Roseluck stated venomously. "It's bad enough we have coltymares and queers in town but if you," Roseluck pointed a hoof at Lorraine, "and your stallion don't do your duty, there'll be consequences."

Lorraine blinked. "I'm sorry, but are you threatening me?"

"What else do you expect us to do?" another mare replied.
"You talk about taking away our stallions and you're keeping Alastor all to yourself! You two aren't in a herd so why do you keep driving mares away like you are?"

"So you think people shouldn't get a choice in who they marry, that I shouldn't protect a friend from sexual harassment just because they're a guy I'm not dating?" Lorraine argued calmly.

“Also darlings, how fast do you expect Ponyville to grow?” Rarity asked aloud. “If every mare continues to pop out foals then we’ll quickly run out of room.”

“But there haven’t been foals for the past two Breeding Seasons!” Another mare called out.

“I know the birth rate here is low, but come on guys.” Lorraine spoke up.

“And what is a single luck dragon, and a buck actually going to do to help?” Rarity added. “Plus, don’t you all have a thing against inter-species breeding?”

“Bucks are fine!” Roseluck snapped. “One buck could make our population boom!”

“So… Let me see if I am understanding you, simply based on your argument.” Rarity actually sounded rather cold. “You want to share this buck around so he can impregnate all of you, just so you can have more foals. Darlings… you are reducing both Alastor, and yourselves down to breeding animals with no thought of family, or the willingness of the buck in question.”

“But still, she’s the only known luck dragon.” A mare called out.

“What, do you expect me to be the mother of a whole species or some shit?” Lorraine asked, looking around.

“Precisely, what do you expect Lorraine to do?” Rarity asked.

“She’s a luck dragon, she can bless us with fertility.” Roseluck said with a confident smirk. “And if there were more luck dragons, there’d be less dangerous things out there, because they’d chase them away.”

Both Rarity and Lorraine blinked.

“So you’re basing all of that… on what exactly?” Lorraine asked.

“The old myths and legends.” Roseluck puffed out her chest fluff. “There used to be a golden age before they all went extinct.”

“Roseluck, darling, they’re myths and legends for a reason. We don’t know if they’re true.” Rarity said, sounding quite exasperated at this point.

“Then why don’t we find out?” A mare called.

“Find out?” Rarity blinked.

“Use your magic.” Roseluck said to Lorraine.

“Ummm… No.” Lorraine said flatly.

“Why not?” A mare asked.

“Roseluck, no.” Rarity stepped between the luck dragon and the mare, her voice raised a little. “She can’t.”

“What. Of course she can.” Roseluck snorted.

“It’s killing her!” Rarity yelled in Roseluck’s face. “Lorraine’s own magic is killing her!”

Roseluck immediately paled. “W-what?”

“Lorraine surged while in Canterlot.” Rarity said, sniffling a little. “She isn’t compatible with her magic. There’s a plan to help her, but things like this,” she waved a hoof around, “are the cause!”

“Why isn’t she compatible?” A mare asked. The mare’s in general seemed to be shocked and confused by this information.

“Oh well, I don’t know, maybe it was because I wasn’t born a luck dragon, I have no training, I have no idea how to use my magic, and no one else knows how to either.” Lorraine responded flatly. “And as soon as you all found out what a luck dragon is, you went from oh, it’s different, to oh, it can help us. Have any of you paid attention to the talks I’ve given, to anything I’ve said when you’ve attempted to harass my friends and boyfriend? No, of course not, because you all seem to think that, since I don’t agree with you, that I’m somehow a threat.” She sighed. “Let me be clear on one thing, I am not against herding, but I am against people being treated like objects and not getting a say in how they live their lives.”

One-by-one the mares left the impromptu rally, ending with a rather confused looking Roseluck.

“I am terribly sorry about that darling.” Rarity put a hoof on Lorraine’s shoulder. “I may have exaggerated a little, but it got the point across.”

“To be fair, I am this close to going fuck it, and willingly vilifying myself just to get this shit sorted.” Lorraine groaned. “If they have to be absolutely terrified of me to leave us alone, then fine. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“I for one, would welcome our pink, fluffy overlord.” Rarity said with a smile.

It was a fine day out. The sun was shining, and the smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. The Peacewalkers were running the bake sale. Spike was keeping inventory, Applebloom was making sure that everything was getting cooked right, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were at the table outside of Sugarcube Corner, selling and keeping a tally of what was sold and for how much.

Lorraine was sitting not far from the table, supervising in name only, mainly just watching.

Spoiled Rich and Diamond Tiara walked up. Spoiled snorted at the cookies then glared over at Lorraine. “Did she, have anything to do with this?”

“Nope.” Sweetie Belle chirped. “We just need adult supervision... for some reason.” She said the last bit under her breath.

“Oh, well, they can’t be that bad.” Spoiled sniffed haughtily.

“Not that I’d expect you three to make anything good.” Diamond spoke up.

“Spike’s involved too.” Scootaloo frowned at Diamond.

“Well then, I don’t want any.” Diamond huffed.

Scootaloo’s eye twitched as Sweetie Belle hastily bagged up some cookies.

Spoiled gave Lorraine a death glare as she and Diamond trotted away.

Thankfully, there weren’t many more incidents, however the Peacewalkers did have to reiterate that Lorraine was simply supervising.

At the end of the day, the Peacewalkers were at Lorraine’s home.

“Well, at least we made a great haul.” Scootaloo said, counting out coins on the coffee table.

“Sorry for lying.” Sweetie frowned at Lorraine.

“Ah hate it. What is ponies problems? So what if Lorraine made some muffins, they still sold, and ponies liked ‘em. What would they not like them, just cause the pink noodle made ‘em?” Applebloom ranted as she paced back and forth, wearing a hole in the carpet.

“It’s fine. I’ll just… let Spike supervise next time.” Lorraine said with a somewhat forced smile. “Or maybe ask someone else. I don’t have to be there.”

“What now?” Spike waddled in, carrying drinks on a tray.

“Lorraine- No, we’re all pissed at ponies at the moment.” Scootaloo spoke up, and took a drink from the tray.

“Guys, look, we made the money. We’re getting the message out there, that’s a good thing.” Lorraine said with a nod. “I don’t mind taking a hit to my reputation.”

“But that’s all ya do.” Applebloom said bluntly.

“Seriously, are you going to have to die and be reborn for ponies to leave you alone?” Spike asked.

The fillies and Lorraine just stared at him.

Spike flushed. “I’ve been reading some of John’s manga collection.”

“I am not Jesus.” Lorraine said flatly.

“What’s a Jesus?” Scootaloo asked.

“That is a long and complicated story.” John spoke up as he trotted into the living room. “Far too long and complicated for a casual sit down. So, did it go as poorly as I thought it would?”

“Well, noooo.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Great!” John grinned. “And that’s why I’m a pessimist in most situations, either you’re right, or you get proven wrong in the best way.”

“Uh huh.” Spike blinked.

“That’s some weird, but oddly satisfyin’ thinking.” Applebloom mused aloud.

“So, Lorraine, gonna do anything about your nose-diving rep?” Scootaloo asked the lounging luck dragon.

“Yeah. Eventually.” Lorraine shrugged. “Depends on how far people are going to take it.”

“Why does this only fill me with dread?” Spike asked, looking at Lorraine with worry.

“I mean, it’s all on them. I’m giving them as many opportunities as possible for them to see I’m not a threat.” Lorraine said with a nod.

John sat in Rarity’s small kitchen, at Rarity’s small table, drinking tea from what felt like a too small tea cup. He stared at the smiling mare.

“Please?” Rarity batted her lashes at him.

The pink noodle reading a book in the corner snorted.

“Why?” John asked. “Why on God’s green Earth would you want this,” He gestured to himself, “to model for you?”

“Simply put, none of the colt’s parents would agree to letting their foals model.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“You know what?” John said blandly. “Fuck it.” He shrugged. “Though, how frilly are we going here?”

“Da-har-harling.” Rarity giggled and waved a hoof dismissively. “Frills were last year.”

“Correction, what kind of over the top clothes am I going to be sporting?” John raised a brow.

Rarity grinned.

“Ha!” John stood on his hind legs and made hoodie kicks with his forelegs. “Whaaaa!” He was also making overly dramatic kung-fu noises.

John was wearing semi-baggy black pants, a white vest, white cuffs, and a red headband. He bounced on his hind legs and bounced his shoulders like he was a boxer.

“Didn’t I mention that they were Nightmare Night costumes?” Rarity asked.

“Wha-ta!” John somehow managed to do a spinning kick as Rarity took a few pictures.

“Wonderful, and the next one is a long black coat.” Rarity said trotting over to a rack of hung up costumes. “This is a highly requested look from a popular Neighponese comic.”

John paused his kung-fu noises and gasped. “I’m gonna need two swords for this heresy.”

Rarity looked over at Lorraine and the pink noodle just shrugged. Lorraine was however grinning at the enthusiastic smol bug.

“Right, well, a few pictures of this one and we’ll move onto the next. That’s a…” She hummed then levitated over a brown duster jacket, with brown pants, a red shirt, and brown hind leg shoes, as well as her list. “Space cowboy.”

“I am going to have way too much fun with this.” John grinned.

“Oh, I’m delighted you are.” Rarity smiled. “I’ll find the best pictures then submit them to the magazine I regularly work with. It’s small, but it does give me business.”

“Lemme go change then.” John trotted over to the rack and Rarity flopped the black coat and accompanying clothes over his back. John then trotted off to the dressing room.

“Thank you again.” Rarity called out.

There was a knock at the front door later that evening. Gilda trotted towards the door and opened it, only to blink at the pair of guardmares that stood on the doorstep.

“Hey, can I help you?” Gilda asked.

“I’m Sergeant Ironwood.” The first mare said. She was a brown-coated, gray-maned earth pony.

“Ma’am, I’m Lieutenant Steel Resolve, does a deer buck named Alastor live here?” Steel, a shorter, blue-coated, white-maned unicorn, asked.

“Yes.” Gilda said, confused. “What did he do?”

“Oh no, we’ve received numerous reports of domestic abuse, yelling, keeping him here against his will.” Ironwood spoke up. “We take these very seriously, may we come in to verify these are true or not?”

“Of course. None of that is true, but, of course.” Gilda stepped out of the way and let the guardmares in.

“Is the mare of the house in?” Ironwood asked as they trotted into the living room. “We’d just like to ask her a few questions.”

John immediately got up from the couch. “Can I help you?”

“No stallion, you can sit back down.” Steel shook her head.

Lorraine plodded into the living room, quickly followed by Alastor.

“Is there something wrong?” Lorraine asked.

“Are you the mare of the house?” Steel asked her.

“Uhhh I guess? What do you guys think?” She looked at the other housemates.

“I’d say she is.” Alastor spoke up and took a step forward. “Can we help you with something ladies?”

“Buck, can I speak with you in private?” Ironwood asked, stepping forward.

“Of course.” Alastor smiled and trotted through the living room to open the back door for her. “Ladies first.”

Alastor and Ironwood disappeared into the backyard.

“Ma’am can we speak in private please?” Steel asked Lorraine.

“Sure.” Lorraine nodded.

John. Was furious.

The smol ball of anger paced around the living room.

Alastor sat by Lorraine. Said noodle dragon looked shocked and more than a little scared.

Gilda was just as pissed, yet she perched on her seat like a cat, with her feathers puffed out.

“We got fucking swatted!” John snapped.

“I don’t know what that is, but I get the intent anyway.” Gilda growled.

“Why?” Lorraine asked aloud. “I’m not a bad person. I just want to be good.”

John paused and looked at Lorraine. “No, you’re not bad.” He shook his head. “The ponies that did this, they’re bad.”

“I know, but why?” Lorraine asked. “I don’t know what to do, aside from calling a town meeting and asking them what the fuck is going on?”

“It’s all sorted now. They know not to take these calls anymore. Guard reports are being looked at. Filing false reports is actually a crime, so there may be more than a few ponies in trouble for this.” Alastor spoke up calmly. “Though, I for one, would like to go see Twilight and her friends in the morning. Perhaps the town saviors could talk some sense into this insanity.”

“It’d be a balancing act though.” Lorraine said. “Just look at us, we have approval from the Crown and yet we’re still being targeted. Still, it can’t hurt to try.”

“Wait…” John’s brow furrowed as he thought. His sparkling wings buzzed softly. “We… We were announced right? Like stuff went out announcing that, hey, we work for the Princesses.”

“Well yeah.” Gilda spoke up. “I read about it. There was a thing not long after you got here. Then there was that new statement a couple days ago.”

“So, they’re still going because there haven’t been any consequences for ignoring it. Maybe…” John hummed. “Maybe we don’t go to Celestia. Maybe we talk to Mayor Mare and hear her thoughts? I know she can’t really do anything either, but… It’s something.”

“Perhaps we try to get some sleep, and figure out our plan tomorrow?” Alastor offered.

“It’s Gilda’s turn to clean up the gift pile tomorrow.” Lorraine commented.

Gilda let out a drawn out sigh. “Dammit.”

015 - Dreams

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Author's Notes:

-Dragonfire2lm: For those of you unaware, my TV broke recently, since I use my PS4 for talking with Sanguine, responding to PM's and yes, writing most of the shorts you've read here, we're up shit creek until I can get back on my console so the next chapter will be delayed. However, that has given me an opportunity to get on the computer and write this little thing.

I basically asked myself "Do I put up with a sore neck from watching YouTube on my Switch all day, or do I tolerate a sore back from hunching over the keyboard all evening?" the back pain was preferable, so I got to just sit and write for hours and when I get the chance to do that, the conversations get away from me, the characters gain a life of their own but goddamn do I enjoy it. Sanguine and I worked together on the last scene and we might be pushing that T rating at the end there but I think we're still good on that.

After writing this and checking the word count, we realized we wrote enough to count as a chapter, holy shit. So, you guys get a chapter early just in case we can't get anything out for a couple of weeks, enjoy.

-Lucid: I helped with the second half of the chapter at 3 in the morning. I'm surprised that this is even halfways coherent. I might've gotten a bit too into the end of the chapter. I regret nothing.

Dreams were weird, more-so than normal for Lorraine. On earth, her dreams had been either pure fan-girl-driven fan-fiction fuel, the rush of power of being something other than her frail human self or mundane domestic snippets of a life she didn't have. Each often followed a pattern of sorts, her subconscious would place her smack dab in the middle of a teen rated romance plot-line with whatever fictional guy she was a fan of and John found it cute, sometimes hilarious when she'd tell him the next day. Her mundane dreams were often her just out shopping, by herself or with her mum, something Lorraine simply didn't have the energy, money or ability to do back then.

The dreams in which she was something else, something other had two reoccurring themes. The first was simple, the calm, warmth and peace of being a slumbering dragon, selfishly guarding her soft, huggable treasure. The second however, followed two distinct settings. In both she was a werewolf, a powerful beast of fur and claws, a monster and it was always night, always dark. In one version of the werewolf dream she was running, relishing in her newfound power and freedom. In the other, she was being chased, hunted though she had done nothing wrong.

Here in Equestria, dreams had far more weight to them as her stress and worries followed her into her rest and twisted her dreams into a dull, repetitive nightmare. It was always the werewolf dream, if she wasn't being chased, she was searching for something and every time, she knew it was a dream. Her attempts to control the dream were proven fruitless, it slipped away from her like mist and this night was no different.

Here she was once more, the lights from flashlights danced over her as she loped through a forest, the night so dark she could barely see the leaf litter under her feet. She was different and it felt more natural, more her than what she was in the waking world. It was familiar from similar dreams over the years but she wished that, for once, she could get a moment's peace.

Through the trees she saw a beam of moonlight, the only source of natural light in the nightmare and Lorraine bolted towards it. She burst out of the trees to find herself in a grassy meadow with the moon and stars above providing ample light for her to see.

Whatever, whoever, was chasing her was gone and someone was waiting for her out in the middle of the meadow. The Nightmare, in all her glory stood calmly as Lorraine slowed down, stood up on her hind legs and walked with a hunched, lumbering gait towards the goddess. Lorraine had no idea what to do and waited for the deity to address her.

"Your dreams are certainly unique for a mortal," The goddess of the shadows commented. "I can see now why Luna gave up attempting to dispel these, not quite terrible enough for a nightmare but not a pleasant dream by any stretch of the imagination. This is no prophecy nor memory either, so a lack of such a distinction makes using conventional dream magic a difficult task indeed."

"What do you mean?" Lorraine asked, confused, "Isn't this all just symbolism generated by my subconscious or something?"

"It is, but the power, the magic that permeates every corner of the Dream Realm, gives the nonsensical ramblings of the subconscious mind the means to express itself freely in a way that the conscious mind can understand and remember upon waking. This is a place where the conscious and subconscious mingle and merge unhindered." The Nightmare explained. "Dreams like this, that are not confined to one type of dream yet share the hallmarks of different types of dreams, are rare."

"So, what does this all mean?" Lorraine asked. "aside from being a mental representation of my day-to-day life."

"It means you must overcome the source of these dreams or take command of your dreams yourself, I am aware doing either is no small feat," The Nightmare stated. "But I will help you as best I can."

"I don't want to be a bother," Lorraine replied. "I'm doing my best with what I have anyway, I'll be-"

"It is affecting your sleep, you are by no means fine," The Nightmare stated flatly and shook her head. "Regardless of what form you take, stress is still bad for you and no, I am not inconvenienced when I am offering to tutor you in Dream Walking for the sole purpose of providing you respite. My Dream Realm was made to provide respite, to inspire. Not to torture innocent souls."

"Granted, I will only teach you enough to master your own dreams, I doubt you would be interested in learning to affect the dreams of others." The alicorn mused and Lorraine.

"Yeah, I'd rather stay in my own head thanks," Lorraine replied and looked thoughtful. "Am I... able to learn Shadowmancy? Do I have to wait until I'm not a Luck Dragon anymore to learn or what?"

"The different schools of Shadowmancy are as versatile and varied as there are stars in my sky," The nightmare explained after a moment. "Were you channeling wild Shadows as Luna does then you would have to wait but you have tamed your own reflection, it is more natural to you than the Light you gained upon arriving in this world, it would be child's play for you once you learn how to draw upon it."

"Oh, I wasn't sure since Light and Shadow are opposites forces and you can't use both, only one or the other... from what I've read anyway."

"Shadowmancy is fueled by Shadows, whether a tamed shadow or wild ones are used varies from caster to caster but new techniques can arise purely from the imagination and mindset of the shadow's master, because of how varied it is by nature, it does not conform to the rigid teachings associated with other schools of magic," The goddess elaborated. "Yours is docile and you yourself do not see it as a tool or a separate entity and many others do, it is you, you and your shadow are one and the same so regardless of what you are, it is a power that reflects who you are and will only prove to be of great benefit to you."

"Huh, okay, should I start with the dream stuff first?" Lorraine asked. "Do you have the time to teach me?"

"I am a God child and this is my realm, I can exist in multiple places within this space at any given time. As long as you are willing to learn, I will teach you." The Nightmare replied curtly.

"Sorry, just asking!" Lorraine hastily apologized.

Time passed and slowly, Lorraine learned the basics of enforcing her will upon her own dream. Her progress was slow, in small amounts, it still felt good to be learning, to show she could do something. As she stared at the small pink flower she made, a question bubbled to the surface of her mind.

"Is Luna going to be okay?"

The Nightmare blinked. "...What?"

"Luna, you took her away her guardianship and stuff, will she get it back? Are you going to talk to her about it?" Lorraine asked.

"...You peculiar thing, that whelp used you, any feelings of camaraderie she had for you came second to her selfish desire to be worshiped. How, in all of creation, can you stand there ask if she will be okay?" The alicorn asked in confusion.

"I dunno! I just do? Something didn't feel right about the whole thing," Lorraine admitted. "She was going on about how I was given this form for a reason and that I should just follow my destiny or something. I don't understand, if my destiny is to be coveted like a rare collectible or forced into dangerous situations to "save the day" then destiny can go to hell..."

"You and your partner were brought here to live with one another, whatever destiny you think you have is just one of many," The Nightmare stated. "and each of your potential fates are all equally valid options. I will not deny that there are gods younger than I that see you and your beloved as toys to act out a grand tale, as entertainment but I, along with Solaire and others among our ranks, simply wish for you and yours to be happy."

"Free will is not blessing, nor a curse, it is a gift the oldest of us bestowed upon mortal kind for we were the first to have it and we felt it should be shared. So long as the universe continues to function as it should, you my do as you please," The Nightmare added. "The only responsibility you had upon arrival was to be there for your partner, something you already wanted," The goddess smirked. "I can see why Alastor is interested in you, I daresay you would be good for him."

"Can we not talk about that? Please?" Lorraine asked timidly. "It's not something I can deal with right now."

"You still struggle with the idea? You like him, do you not?" The Nightmare asked curiously. "Your boyfriend has already given his consent, yes?"

"That is beside the point, I," Lorraine began and pointed at herself. "Have a crush on Alastor's fictional counterpart, The Radio Demon. The deer I'm forced to babysit twenty-four-seven is worthy of my respect and assistance, nothing more and besides! how fuckin' selfish would I be, accepting Alastor's courting when even thinking of another woman being with John makes me feel so damn possessive I may as well be a literal dragon!"

She continued, ranting as a way to vent more than anything. "I've had to have John, wonderful, amazing John, reassure me that my goddamn fictional crushes are perfectly fine to have! Do you know how insecure and stupid that sounds?! I just-" she paused and sighed. "It just goes against a lot of things I was taught, it doesn't matter if having multiple partners is acceptable here or if John is fine with it, I view it as selfish, as me being selfish and I know I'm better than that, that John deserves better than that."

"So... you view the fact that your desire to care for certain individuals and support them beyond what is acceptable on a platonic level... as selfish." Nightmare deadpanned.

"To be fair, my crush is pretty bad... I'm not exactly going to act on those kinds of emotions when that would just be a train wreck waiting to happen, not to mention distasteful," Lorraine commented. "I still care about everyone involved, they're still people and fiction is different from reality anyway it's just... difficult keeping things straight in my head sometimes when I have, what equates to my fictional crush, flirting with me at every opportunity and my boyfriend occasionally getting in on the act for shits and giggles."

"I'm not saying I'm going to run off with another guy, it's simply a matter of this situation really messing with my head," Lorraine added. "For years, I associated romance with fiction, with video games, anime ,cartoons, visual novels and so on. it was something that happened to other people, so I sought those kinds of emotional attachments in fiction."

The world shifted around them, the open plains becoming a library with portraits of various fictional characters hanging from the dark wooden walls. Lorraine gestured at some of them, each one bearing a name plate beneath their portrait and the Nightmare walked over to look at one that looked to be older than the others.

"Shadow The Hedgehog?" the goddess read aloud and Lorraine nodded, smiling.

"My first fictional crush, still adore him even now," Lorraine explained and gestured at the rest of the room. "I still like all of these characters and a lot of the time I go back to their source material and fall in love with them all over again. But at the end of the day, it's all fiction, just escapism and immersion..." she sighed at, sheepishly pointed at a picture on the other side of the room, concealed by a red curtain. "Except that's not the case anymore, I've got an alternate version of The Radio Demon living in my house and flirting with me like any fangirl's dream come true. Just who else is going to show up? Who else is real?"

"How many characters from my favorite things are just now suddenly real people? What about all the pain and suffering they go through in their source material, is that still true?" Lorraine asked. "If so then why? I gravitated towards them because they were interesting, because I wanted to know more about them... I wanted them to be happy and safe or to save them because I cared about them...You can call it a power fantasy but to me, it's horrible. The things some of these characters go through, some even die and that's just- a story is one thing but to translate into reality is just terrifying.

The Nightmare watched her in silence.

"I'm sorry, I don't quite know what to do anymore," Lorraine admitted. "I've just been focusing on trying to improve things for the better in Ponyville and just do the best I can because that's all I've got going for me and I just figured maybe by then, I'd have sorted this out. I'm a bit of a mess and the only thing I'm sure about is that I don't want to be a Luck Dragon, or a demigod or a hero. I just want to be me... Whatever that ends up being."

"Very well, I will guide you when you need it,"The goddess replied calmly. "If you desire my assistance, of course."

"Thanks, I could really do with some help."

Lorraine hesitantly approached John’s bedroom door, the sun was just starting to rise, so pale orange light spilled in through the windows past the hall. The luck dragon checked for any signs of life from the other occupants of the house before she took a breath and quietly slipped into her boyfriend's room.

The room was dominated by a twin bed that sat smack dab in the middle of the room, yet was pushed up against one wall. On either side of the bed, (leaving just enough room to walk by) were bookshelves filled with books, graphic novels, and manga. A table sat to the right of the door. It was a little messy, covered in half-put together models. A desk was against the wall between a bookshelf and the table, forming a rudimentary L. Said desk seemed to just hold journals, mechanical pencils, and pens. There was a box underneath the desk that looked to contain sandwich bags that held different kinds of figures.

On the bed, lit by the dawning light, was a small lump under the blue covers.

Lorraine wrestled with her desire to talk to her boyfriend about what she’d spoken to The Nightmare about while the other, more sensible part of her wanted to just go back to bed and find a way to tell him later. She stood by the closed door, in the early morning light as the chill of the season seeped into her fur. With a silent sigh, she rolled her eyes at her own indecisiveness and approached the sleeping form of her boyfriend.

“John?” she called out softly, mentally wincing, her mind was screaming at herself to not wake him up but this wasn't something that could be left for later.

Not when Alastor could now literally butt in unannounced.

“Snnkt~ Huh?” Came a sleepy snort as John’s head popped out of the lump and blinked sleepily at Lorraine. “Lorraine? You okay?”

The luck dragon fidgeted with a strand of her mane. “This is dumb, I need to talk to you… before Al- everyone else wakes up. It’s important…” She said nervously.

He blinked at her. “Kay.” He shimmied until he was in a sitting position and patted at the bed.

Awkwardly, Lorraine clambered onto the bed and tried to make herself comfortable as she sat down, mindful of her boyfriend. She took a deep breath, ran a paw through her mane and began to explain her recurring dreams and her visit from The Nightmare, as well as what they had discussed.

“Sweetie. I love you, but I will repeat.” John said through a toothy yawn. “I am not bothered by your crushes, and I am fully aware that you want to treat all these crushes as actual people, because at this point they probably are.”

“But- You know how bad my thing is with The Radio Demon, I’ve told you about the dreams! It was just- He’s real now, how is that okay?” Lorraine replied and continued ranting for emphasis. “Two dreams where I’ve been married to the guy, at least one where he’s there and you’re there and…. Come on!”

“They’re dreams. Honestly they might be popping up more because you’re thinking about it so much?” John shrugged.

“Those were back when I was human, Now I have a ponified version of one of my more...intense crushes sharing a living space and he likes me, the fuck do I do?” She asked. “It’s honestly a miracle it took me this long to start actively getting concerned about this because hey, my dumb arse thought I could ignore it and things would sort themselves out!”

“Honey, what are you worried about here?” He asked, tilting his head to the side.

“Being unfaithful to you, especially since I’d probably verbally murder any chick that tried to hit on you.” Lorraine replied bluntly.

“Soooo, are you tempted to start a relationship with Alastor or worried that something might happen out of the blue?” John queried the pink noodle.

“I am a possessive little shit when it comes to you, I’d sooner take over Ponyville than let anyone else have you,” Lorraine began. “.... and I might be developing that same possessiveness whenever a mare flirts with Alastor…. and he’s cute… and seriously that letter was really sweet…. Shit. Crushes suck.”

“I’m sorry.” John said after a pause. “I honestly don’t know what to say to help. You’ve got the crush bad and it’s stressing you the fuck out.”

“Well yeah, why wouldn’t it stress me the fuck out, monogamy and being faithful to one person is kinda what I saw as the social norm and acceptable and I sure as shit don’t want to be like my dad…. Have I told you about my dad?” Lorraine asked.

“I only remember vague pieces.” John said with a shrug. “Might need a refresher.”

“He, in short, cheated on my mum and was not fit to be a parent,” the noodle dragon replied. “Five years old. And he left me unsupervised so he could take a nap, know what I did? I drank dish-washing liquid because I was thirsty and thought it was juice… but yeah, this whole fictional characters being real thing is really messing with me. I can’t compartmentalize as well as I used to.”

“I remember the dish detergent thing.” John nodded. “But as to the former fictional characters thing… I really don’t know. I want you to be happy, yet I feel pretty jealous when Alastor wants to do anything with you.”

“And therein lies the issue, I know for a fact you would always come first, even being shoved into a visual novel doesn’t change that but the fact of the matter is, we grew up with different ideals compared to people here,” Lorraine stated. “And sometimes I feel like the solution is to show these dick hungry morons what a herd should be like but that wouldn’t be fair to either of us.”

“But… Aren’t herds like… family units? Or they’re supposed to be.” John mused. “So what does that make this household?”

“A college dorm,” Lorraine snorted in amusement. “But yeah I see your point, herds seem to have a head mare that everyone is subservient to instead of say, a patriarch and matriarch, or something… I dunno, this whole thing is just dumb, the only reason I’m in this fuckin’ mess is because it’s certain characters being chucked at me like every bloody fanfiction ever, I can’t even….ffffft.” her annoyance overruled her ability to speak and her words fizzled out.

“Nah, this isn’t a college dorm. There’s not enough sex. However, I see your point. Fuck I haven’t really met anyone that has the same reaction for me that Alastor does you.” John shrugged.

“Would there even be anyone that would fit that criteria, or am I just too damn obsessed for my own good?” Lorraine asked curiously.

“I… dunno?” John said weakly.

“Really? Name a fictional chick you wouldn’t mind dating.” Lorraine said calmly.

“Dating or fucking? Because there is a difference. The latter is a much bigger list than the former, however, One that would actually be both is probably Raven from Teen Titans.” John said with a hum.

“Oh yeah.. My date or fuck list kinda overlaps half the time…” Lorraine paused. “Don’t tell Alastor.” she cleared her throat. “Anyway….Yeah that poor girl needs a hug, if she’s real and you two develop a thing, I’m keeping her just so the poor girl gets a hug… and food, i dunno, if the Teen Titans are real, I’d prolly be their emotional support friend or some shit…. But yeah, Raven is definitely welcome.”

“I almost forgot you even had a fuck list, what with your toned down libido.” John chuckled. “Also, agreed, Raven needs all the cuddles.”

“So….the fuck do I do about the deer, because those arsehats in town are only getting worse…” Lorraine stated. “Crush aside, I would like to see him not be an uncomfortable twitchy mess whenever we get mobbed.”

“Fuck it, couldn’t we make some “herd” like thing, at least from a legal standpoint?” John asked. “The four of us and whoever we end up picking up along the way.” He offered with a shrug.

“And how much do you wanna bet Alastor will take advantage of that as a legal loophole to go ham?” Lorraine countered. “It is a good idea but still, Radio Buck…”

“I can still swat the shit out of him.” John waved a hoof. “Plus all of his death and damage things seemed to be the ones that got locked or nerfed or whatever.”

“He is getting his powers back though and we still don’t know how close to his fictional counterpart he is,” Lorraine commented. “He does care about us, or me in some capacity, but what happens when he gets all his powers back? What are we to him aside from maybe some twisted crush on me and entertainment in general?”

“That…. Mmmm point.” John nodded. “We really know nothing about the guy to be honest.”

“Asking him gets us nowhere and it looks like Joy won’t be of any help either, I could try to sit him down and have a proper discussion with him but I don't know how risky that is,” Lorraine suggested. “I do enjoy spending time with him and he has his moments where it looks like he’s trying to understand where I’m coming from but I’m not sure what will happen if I try to get answers from him, he could be anything from a cannibalistic serial killer radio host to, I dunno, the equivalent of Jack the Ripper and I’m worried how he’ll react.”

“We could potentially wait and see if he decides to tell us about himself on his own.” John hummed.

“I hope so because we’ve got other demons gunning after us now, alongside all the bullshit Ponyville puts us through,” Lorraine paused. “It’s weird, this is My Little Pony but it doesn’t quite feel like the show, like say if Capper or Auizotl showed up out of the blue as my… ugh romance candidates or however you want to word it, I’m not sure how I’d react.”

“Well you won’t know until if, or when, that happens.” John replied. “And same with me, though I’m surprised that I haven’t had any kind of reaction to any characters that would normally be on my lists. Flutters was on the lists, but that died pretty quickly.”

“True, it is a reverse gender role world, maybe that’s why? Ponies don’t seem to want things to progress naturally when it comes to romance, or at least, that part comes later which is weird but I’m more worried about the people who feel like they don’t have a say in the matter.” Lorraine sighed. “Honestly, if you and Alastor could work out an agreement or whatever with his whole flirting thing, I’d be cool with whatever decision was reached, I trust you.”

John snorted a laugh then smirked at her. “Threesome?”

“John, sweetie, the most intimate thing I can think of is hugs and you know that.” Lorraine replied with a grin.

“Can you blame me for trying?” John shook his head. “And, on the other point, sex first, relationship after was something that was interesting to read about, but… Theory, that’s fine. Execution, that’s way different. And, I can also say that I don’t want anyone to be forced into a relationship.”

“That’s something that we’ll have to address once we sort out the racism and sexism in this place,” Lorraine said. “So… I was serious about seeing if you and Alastor could talk about his behavior and figure something out, god knows he’ll dance his way around the topic if I try to say anything.”

“I’ll try talking to him today.” John nodded. “See if I can get any further.”

“I don’t care if you two decide to both date me or if you get him to tone it down, doesn’t matter but I’ve tried everything beyond just outright just telling him everything I’ve told you and I don’t want to do that because it took having a conversation with a god to get me to realize I was trying to deal with things by myself, again,” Lorraine grumbled. “He may be my friend but there’s some things I’m only comfortable doing with you, you know?”

“Oh, I understand.” He nodded. “Though....” He smirked evilly. “What sorts of things?”

She blinked and then after a second, grinned stupidly. “Really?”

“It’s early, no one else is awake. Why not?” He shrugged.

“No but really, I’m not keen on doing anything looking like this,” the noodle dragon gestured at herself. “Three months of being this thing and it still feels weird sometimes and you know how long it took me to do anything as a human.”

“I know.” He nodded, frowning. “Sorry. We can wait for whatever until after you’re in a more comfortable form.”

“I’m willing to let you do stuff, I just, I’m a bit scared to be honest, new body, no one knows anything about it… can you blame me?” Lorraine stated.

“.... I’m torn. Want to comfort, yet want to explore.” John grumbled a bit.

Lorraine blinked. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or upset that I disappointed you… or something.”

“Wut.” He blinked at her. “You didn’t disappoint me. I’m just bein' horny buggo.”

“I know, but I feel bad we haven't done anything yet.” She said.

“Weeeellll… Would you like to?” John asked.

“That particular switch hasn’t been flipped yet and... Wait- Is your junk like external or concealed 'cause I’m in logic mode right now.” Lorraine replied with a head tilt.

“Internal, concealed in a chitin sheath thing. Wanna see?” John asked with a grin.

“You know it’s weird, I can handle seeing images of furry characters with dicks but human ones freak me out… so I’d probably be okay with wherever the hell this is headed.” She admitted.

“Okay then.” John gulped, before shimming out of the covers.

Short - Dreams of Ancients

View Online

John lay snuggled in Lorraine's arms. His face was buried in the fluff of her chest. Within her fluff his face scrunched up. His legs gave tiny kicks.

John dreamed.

Ah. Fate seems to have noticed you. I am sorry John... This may not be pleasant.

The world was black. It was as if there were no stars, nor Sun, nor Moon in the sky. The world was lit by multicolored flames. Fire of shifting colors rippled over a barren landscape of black rock and ruddy red clay.

A towering thing was lit by the flames. It's body was dull, gray-ish flesh and thick black fur. It stood on two multi-jointed legs. It's feet were black, chipped cloven hooves. Shaggy fur ran up it's legs up to it's waist. Its bare stomach and chest rippled with muscles. Broad shoulders gave way to forearms covered in more shaggy fur. Said forearms, in turn led to gnarled hands tipped in sharp-nailed claws. A pair of massive black bird wings protruded from the center its back. Its neck was covered in more shaggy fur. Its head was like that of a goat, covered in shaggy and unkempt black fur. It bore eight eyes of solid, fiery red. Three were on either side of it's head and two were on its forehead. Four twisted horns protruded from the back of its head.

Baphomet. Spawn of the Father of Monsters. Scourge of eons past.

Baphomet seemed to notice something. He turned.

John's vision shifted.

A being stood against the demonic beast.

It stood on two legs. It's feet seemed more like boots than humanoid feet. Said "feet" appeared to be some kind of silver metal. The metal ran up to its ankles, beyond that was a bright red substance that looked almost organic, it flexed and shifted like muscle would. That substance ran up to its knees where a diamond-shaped metal plate covered each knee. Beyond the knee was more of the red "skin."

The being seemed to be androgynous, for there was nothing at the crotch except more of the red skin. At it's waist, like a belt was a line of metal. Beyond laid prominent abdominal muscles that flexed under the skin. Starting at it's ribs were bands of thicker metal plates, like armor. These plates ran up and covered its entire chest, connected to a set of plates that covered its shoulders, and ended at its collarbone. Between each plate on its chest was a line of gold. in the center of its chest was a circle that glowed with a solid blue light.

Its arms were covered with the red skin, with two exceptions. A band of silver went around it's elbow and the elbow itself bore a metal plate in the form of a diamond. From the middle of its forearms down, the skin was replaced with the same metal substance. They thickened into something resembling plate gauntlets.

Its neck was the same red skin, though it quickly gave way to a mostly metal head. The being's face was very similar to a death mask. The face was silver, yet small shifts made it appear like skin. The face was in the shape of an oval. A straight line indented the metal at where a nose would be. With in the indentation was a ridge that gave the impressed of lips. A pair of lines angled down to give the impression of a chin. It didn't have a nose. Instead in the middle of the central line, a fin grew and ran up the center of its head, over the top of its head, and around to the back of its neck; where it formed a small dorsal fin that ran the length of its spine. (Said dorsal fin was red when it reached its neck and it bisected the armor on its back.) A white diamond-shaped gem was set within it's forehead, bisecting the fin. Its "eyes" were slightly angled ovals of solid blue light. Yet they too shifted slightly like the metal circling them were like eyelids. Instead of ears, it had a pair of protruding boxes with a smaller indented box inside. The metal of its head ended at the back of its neck, where the neck met the head proper.

John knew this kind of entity. But did not have time to give it more thought.

Azrael. Giant of Flame and one of the mightiest of my children.

'Azrael'

The deep voice chilled John to his very soul. His vision shifted to Baphomet as the demonic goat took a step forward.

John's vision shifted and panned out so he could see both of the probable combatants.

'Only you come to face me? Are you brothers and sisters cowards?'

Azrael's metallic fists balled up with a creaking of metal. His stance widened as his fists raised like those of a boxer.

'You truly think to take me alone?' A bleating, raspy laughed rumbled from the goat's barrel chest. He stomped a hoof and flare his wings as his claws lit up in a painful riot of multi-colored flames. 'Come then...'

"WRRRYAAH!" A deep bellowing war-cry echoed from Azrael as he kicked off into a sprint at the demon. His footfalls cracked the stone and sent shards in every direction. He kicked off the ground and cocked an arm back. His fist lit up in red-orange flames. He swung.

Only for Baphomet to leap back with a beat of his wings. The moment Baphomet landed he raised his claws. Bolts of colorful fire streaked towards Azrael. The Giant raised his arms and covered his face as the bolts smashed into him, leaving black burn marks all over his body.

Azrael roughly flung his arms wide, dispersing the bolts. "WRRRY!" With another war-cry, his fists ignited. He started rapidly punching at the air. Bolts of red-orange flame burst from his fists and shot towards the goat.

With a cackle, Baphomet beat his wings and rose into the air. He shot off, arcing around. Azrael followed, turning and continuing his fiery assault, though every shot seemed to just miss the winged demon.

John noted something. Purple lines, like veins. started to form along the red of Azrael's body.

Baphomet arced around, seemingly made an impossible ninety-degree turn and shot towards Azrael with a beat of his wings. The demon slammed into the Giant and wrapped his arms around him. The Giant was taken off the ground, as Baphomet rose once again. He soared high as Azrael struggled, only for the goat to drop him.

"WRRRY!" Azrael roared as he fell.

He slammed into the ground kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

The Giant shakily rose to a knee. He shook. The veins grew and started to glow.

Mighty does not mean perfect.... Azrael came into contact with the Primordial Waters of Mem. He became... tainted... a failing he struggled with... The taint... changed him.

Azrael's red skin shifted. It dulled and morphed to a purple. The gem in his forehead turned green. The edges of his eyes turned red.

He fell...

"WRRRRY!" Azrael roared as his fists ignited in green flames. He kicked off the ground. His arms outstretched. Tendrils of fire left fro either hand and shot towards Baphomet.

"You dare use the power of my Father against me?!" Baphomet roared. Yet the tendrils reached him and wrapped around him like ropes. Baphomet shrieked.

It was an unearthly howl that rang in John's mind.

Azrael swung his arms down, and the demon was sent hurting into the ground below.

Baphomet smashed into the ground, causing a dust cloud, like Azrael's earlier.

Azrael sent a burst of flame behind him and shot towards his downed enemy. His arms swung forward and another pair of tentacles.

Baphomet growled and rose with an unnatural swiftness. "Enough! I will not be beat by one who stole his power!"

With a claw Baphomet knocked the tendrils aside. He then shot off the ground and tackled the Giant in midair. He took the Giant in a bear hug and shot towards a large outcrop of stone. He smashed the pair of the into, and through the crop of stone, causing Azrael to roar in pain.

Baphomet slammed into the ground, raised Azrael above his head and slammed the Giant into the rock. He then rained blows onto the Giant, before giving him a final punt to the gut, sending the Giant into another out crop of stone.

Azrael hit the stone and laid limp. The purple drained away from his body, returning to the fiery red. His gem returned to white, and his eyes returned to their normal blue state, though they appeared slightly dulled. The circle on his chest changed. It began to blink and angry warning of red.

"You were arrogant enough to come face me alone. In my own lair, no less. You should have brought an army of your kin." Baphomet spat on the ground and turned away.

Yet...

Slowly Azrael's fists clenched. Though battered, he tugged himself out of the indentation he'd made. He staggered forward.

Baphomet turned. "You still live... Pathetic creature."

The further we fall.

Azrael took his fighting stance. He clenched his fists. His gem started glowing. It shifted to a bright gold.

He slammed his fists together.

There was a flash of blinding light.

The further we can rise.

A shockwave of heat and white light blew all the fires out. Baphomet staggered back, shielding his eyes with an arm.

Azrael stood tall. The middle of a shining light. His entire body was covered in shining metal plate armor. White-gold flames rippled from the gaps in his shoulder armor. A pair of fiery wings had erupted from his back.

The bright light illuminated everything.

The pair were in a colossal cavern.

Not that that mattered, because Azrael raised a hand. There was a roar of flames and as sword of white-gold flame burst into existence.

"Impossible!" Baphomet roared as his whole body lit up in multi-colored flames. His claws shot out and a wall of chaotic fire burst forth .

Azrael levitated off the ground. He brought his free arm up and his sword arm back. With a boom of displaced air he rocketed forward. He punched through the raging flames and burst through the other side.

Baphomet stared, stunned for a moment, before Azrael swung his fiery blade around and sliced through the goat.

The Angelic Giant wasn't finished, in swings that were almost too fast to see, he slashed at the demon, then delivered a slash to the demon's neck.

Azrael kicked back as the gold-white lines crisscrossing Baphomet shined brightly.

"Y-you think you've won?" Baphomet managed to roar. "I-I will return! And I will tear down everything you've built! Everything you know- Everything you love will die!"

Baphomet stilled suddenly, the light in his eyes dimmed and he fell backwards.

An explosion of white-gold lit silhouetted the Giant of Flame, who began to glow with a gold-white light. His form seemed to dissipate and dissolve into motes of light.

In his absence, something much smaller stood silhouetted in the flames.

It was the silhouette of a deer with a large set of five pronged antlers. The head turned and glowing gold eyes stared right at John.

John snapped awake with a small shake.

He blinked as all he saw was fluff.

He pushed away gently and looked at the still snoozing noodle dragon.

'What was that?' He thought.

Something you do not need to worry yourself over, John. It is ancient history.

John blinked sleepily. 'If Fate sent me that, then it has to mean something, right?'

Perhaps. Perhaps not. Fate is a spinner and sees all possibilities, past and future alike. So there's no use in worrying about it.

'I suppose you're right.' John sighed and laid back down.

Sleep well John, I'll see if I can convince The Nightmare to send you better dreams.

016 - Ponyville Progress and Problems (Part 2)

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“It’s fiiiine.” Lorraine groaned as she made for the door.

“No, you need a break. Spend the day with someone, try to relax a little.” John countered, stepping in front of the door..

“Quite.” Alastor nodded at the smol bug. “We can do whatever you need to do today, then we can meet later.”

“Dude, you’re supposed to be taking it easy anyway.” Gilda raised a brow.

“I’m fine. I’ve been through worse.” Lorraine countered the three.

“Lorraine, darling, you exploded.” Alastor and John said in unison and in the same voice.

“Huh, stereo.” Gilda commented.

Alastor looked down at the bug. “Stop that.”

John just gave him a shit-eating grin in return.

Lorraine broke into a half-snorting giggle fit.

John looked over at her. “You good?”

“Yeah, you two just broke me for a sec.” Lorraine nodded, calming a bit, but still having the occasional giggle.

“No shit.” Gilda chuckled. “Now shoo, we can do your stuff. You have a list, right?”

“Okay, okay, I’ll go write one.” Lorraine said, plodding back into the living room and wrote down a few things on a pad. She then tore off the small sheet and handed it to the griffon.

“Thank you, now you go enjoy your day.” Gilda gestured at the door, which was opened by Alastor’s red magic.

As she plodded to the door, John nuzzled her leg. “Have a good time.”

Lorraine nuzzled him back. “Thanks, I’ll probably just spend the day with Fluttershy.”

She got a set of smiles as she left.

Then the door closed.

“Okay.” Gilda looked at the list. “I’m gonna do a couple of these while you two talk.”

“Talk?” John blinked.

“About?” Alastor arched a brow.

“Lorraine.” Gilda arched a brow in return. “This whole not-herd, herd, sexual-tension thing.” She gestured a talon at the pair. “Talk, I…” She looked at the list. “I have a farm to help at, I’ll check in with you after that. Then, the three of us can check out what’s needed at the schoolhouse, check what Rarity needs (probably more posing from John), and lastly more research.”

“Well, after our talk, we could split up.” Alastor offered. “I could take notes at the library, John could visit Rarity, and you can go to the schoolhouse.”

“That works too, just worried about you two getting mauled by mares.” Gilda nodded.

“That won’t be a problem, for me.” Alastor said, suddenly appearing behind Gilda and taking a look at the list. Gilda rolled her eyes.

“And I’m a buggo so the worst I’d get is probably mare’s giving me the stink eye.” John shrugged.

“Eh… I suppose you’re right.” Gilda said, folding the paper and sticking it into her saddlebag. “Wait a sec… Should we have allowed Lorraine to walk by herself?”

“What are friends for? I wouldn’t let any mares jump ya, even if Fluttershy’s not too far away.” Rainbow Dash said, casually hovering about the pink noodle.

“Thanks. I still don’t get why they’re so damn persistent.” Lorraine said.

“Well, while you all were up in Canterlot, Spoiled decided to be more of a bitch and started spreading some rumors.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I don’t know what her deal is. You’re cool now. And you’re doin’ some good stuff, or so Twilight says.”

“Oh, so now I’m cool.” Lorraine chuckled.

“You got me to pull my head out of my flank, that’s pretty cool.” Dash replied. “And Gilda and I are trying to patch things up- Well… I’m trying to patch things up.”

“You’re making an effort, that counts for something.” Lorraine nodded.

“So…” John said sitting across from the buck.

“So.” Alastor said, looking at him.

“Ugh. I’m just gonna be blunt.” John rubbed a hoof over his eyes. “I am not comfortable with you courting Lorraine. Some flirting is okay, I really don’t think you can turn that off. But, at the moment, she’s mine. That may sound possessive, but I feel possessive of her. Don’t know if that’s me or a Changeling thing. Now my feelings might change in time, but for now… Lorraine’s mine.” As he lowered his hoof his eyes were glowing a bit.

“I understand entirely John.” Alastor nodded. “I have no intention of coming between you two. And I assure you, my intentions aren’t as crass as what you or Gilda seem to believe.”

“You might be a dick, but you’re a gentlemanly dick.” John chuckled.

“Why sir,” Alastor gasped and put a hoof to his chest. “I take offense. I am anything but a Richard.”

John snorted. “Whatever you say, Rich.”

“So, tell me John, what is your girlfriend’s thoughts on all this?” Alastor asked.

“Conflicted.” John replied bluntly. “You know the whole, fictional characters aren’t fictional anymore and I had a crush on all of them, thing?”

“Ah, yes.” Alastor nodded. “I do have to wonder, am I really so similar to my fictional counterpart?”

“To be honest, and as far as I can tell, you’re pretty damn close. Note, that all we got was a single episode that only had so much time devoted to your character. You’re actually somehow…” John hummed. “How do I put it. Alastor simply wanted to help the Happy Hotel just to see those seeking help fail. Like he was just looking for ways to cure his boredom for the time being.” He paused. “You… You just seem like the kind of guy who hides all his baggage behind humor and a smile.”

“Well that’s the funny thing with being turned back into a mortal, you regain things you thought you lost eons ago. I’m afraid to say, being kicked out of Tartarus threw me for quite the loop.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“Of course deer boy, you can go to the mortal plane, that shouldn’t be any issue at all! Now just sign here and don’t worry about the fine print.” John hammed up his narrator voice.

“Mmmm, to be more accurate, I tried to summon her, the spell got reversed and I got sent here.” The buck said with a hum. “I, of course, can maintain my composure no matter the event.”

“Eeeeehhhh….” John wobbled a hoof. “I can kinda see that. You did seem shaken up by Lorraine being attacked by the blightwolf.”

“Says the bug who turned into a giant lizard.” Alastor raised a brow.

“Touche.” John winced.

“So back to the matter at hoof,” Alastor continued, “Why isn’t dear Lorraine telling me all of this herself?”

“Cause she, quite literally, left the final decision up to me.” John replied. “She doesn’t give two shits what the end result is, so long as we’re happy. And right now, I am very possessive of my noodle.”

"John, by the terms of my exile and the agreement we made after I arrived, I will honor whatever decision we reach today," Alastor stated, eerily calm. "But that won't matter to the denizens of Tartarus. Lorraine is the only individual I've, rather foolishly, showed interest in beyond simple amusement." There was an almost sad look in the buck's eyes. "I merely wish to have her be a part of my life, be that up here or even by my side in Tartarus but I am no fool. The very fates conspire to torment us until the two of you have your little herd, quite distasteful really." Alastor 's grin was almost resigned. "And unfortunately, that makes you and her targets for some of the most heartless monsters the world has ever seen."

“Hey, we’re not alone, and neither are you. Anything that comes after us will find us together… In a manner of speaking, I mean, Gilda’s at the farm. Lorraine’s with Fluttershy- Bah! You know what I mean.” John said with a huff.

Alastor blinked and regained his composure. "Very true, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve," he grinned. "If you want me to cease my attempts for Lorraine's companionship, I can. I wasn't aware she was so conflicted! I wouldn't stop her from spending time with you, or anyone she cares about for that matter. The poor dear needs people."

“Of course she does, why else were we shoving her out to socialize while we do her work?” John chuckled and shook his head. “I have a thought. I think that she still thinks that she can’t just go out and do things. She’s free! She can go do whatever!” He waved his hooves in the air.

“Maybe that’s why she’s so conflicted?” The buck asked.

John blinked. “Huh. Yeah. I can see it.”

“Mixed signals, as it were.” Alastor nodded. “She is more concerned about your opinion as opposed to her own.”

“But... “ John squinted at the buck as his face scrunched up. “She’s allowed to have her own opinion, and have feelings for that matter.”

“And yet, here we are, making a decision for her because she is unable to do it herself.” Alastor raised a brow.

“Well you could also take it as a guy asking another guy to back off his girl.” John snorted a laugh.

“Mmm, you do have a point there, I suppose.” Alastor admitted. “If it will make things easier for the both of you, then I suppose I will admit defeat.”

“Must you be so…. Theatrical?” John asked flatly.

“Me?” Alastor put a hoof to his chest. “Always, James.”

“Fuckin’ dammit.” John snorted and face-hoofed.

Lorraine looked around Fluttershy's backyard in childlike wonder. Woodland animals of every shape and size were out enjoying the sunny autumn day or foraging for food.

Rainbow snickered from somewhere above her.

"I've never seen most of these animals in person before," the noodle dragon said as she cautiously looked around. "and- oh my god that's a bear..."

Fluttershy giggled and trotted over to Lorraine. "I get all sorts of cute creatures coming to see me. I'm a registered vet and the only one pony in Ponyville that's qualified to look after wild animals," Fluttershy explained as a raccoon chittered happily at her as it walked by. Fluttershy smiled. "Despite what most ponies think, animals are very intelligent, as long as you're kind and patient with them you'll find they can be a wonderful new friend."

"How intelligent? Can they understand us?" Lorraine asked.

"Of course they can, it may take them a bit if they're not used to being around ponies but every animal I work with learns to understand and respect me over time," Fluttershy replied. "And once they trust ponies, I can help them find their Forever Home!"

"Fluttershy's great with animals, most ponies even come to her to get pets and stuff." Rainbow added.

"Oh Rainbow, you know I just love helping them all. I'm happy when they're happy," the yellow pegasus said with a smile. She looked over at the luck dragon excitedly. "I could introduce you to all my animal friends! Maybe you'll meet one you could take home with you!"

"What, like a pet?" Lorraine asked. "I'm not allowed."

Fluttershy's excitement gave way to concern. "Oh? Why not?"

Lorraine paused, her almost automatic response dead on her tongue as she thought about it. "Huh..."

"Is John like, allergic or something?" Rainbow asked.

"No, he had a cat back when he was human," Lorraine explained. "I couldn't have a pet back then, we couldn't afford to care for one, we didn't have the room and a few other reasons too."

"Uh, Lorraine? Those aren't a problem anymore," Rainbow pointed out "You have enough bits, your house has new rooms just appear out of thin air and as long as Fluttershy can verify you have a safe environment for the animal and can look after it, then there's nothing stopping you from getting a pet if you want one."

Lorraine looked hopeful but slightly confused. "I don't know what kind of pet I'd want though, plus it's better to look up the dietary needs and overall maintenance and stuff right?"

"I can help you with that!" Fluttershy replied eagerly, full of energy. "There's cats, dogs and plenty of cute little forest animals all ready for their Forever Home."

"Thanks?" Lorraine said awkwardly. "I'd prefer to ask John for permission first, it's a pretty important decision after all."

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. "I'll ask him for you. Be back in a flash!" and with that the blue pegasus was gone leaving a rainbow contrail in her wake.

Lorraine blinked. "Wasn't expecting that." she looked around the backyard and then over at Fluttershy. "So, wanna just show me around?"

"Rarity." John called out as he pushed the door open to the boutique.

"Upstairs darling~" Rarity singsonged from beyond the curtain that led to the upper floor.

Shrugging, the smol bug closed the door behind him and trotted in the main floor, past the curtain, up the stairs, and on the upstairs landing. He heard the humming the moment he hit the upstairs landing. He found the mare looking over something in her idea room.

"Hey Rarity, what'cha doin'?" John trotted up to the mare.

"Oh, just looking over what costumes to do next." The mare gave the bug a glance and a smile. She paused. "Isn't Lorraine supposed to be coming by?"

"She got voluntold to take a day off, since she's supposed to be taking it easy. So she's at Fluttershy's." John said with a smile.

"Oh, so you're taking over for her." Rarity smiled at him.

"Yep!" John chirped.

"Well I have something for Lorraine and something for you. Stay right here." The mare said happily, bouncing a little in excitement before quickly trotting out of the room.

As he waiting, John noted a a few ponyquins had costumes on them, specifically, costumes he'd worn for that photo shoot that he'd done with Rarity. Of course, they were sized up for a "normal-sized" pony.

With a happy hum, Rarity returned levitating a rather hefty sack of bits as well as a magazine. The bag was unceremoniously deposited in John's saddle bag. However he paused while Rarity grinned at him. Her blue aura levitated the magazine into his face.

"Bwaah!" He yelped as the magazine was shoved into his muzzle.

"You made the front cover!" Rarity squealed in excitement.

John blinked at the copy of Xenophilia's Fashionista. In a big box was an image of him in the kung-fu garb. Text above it read. Tiny changeling proves you don't have to have fur to look good!

"Huh." John blinked.

"Take it." Rarity said, shifting the magazine to stuff it into his saddle bag with the bits. "I have an extra copy, or two... or three..." Rarity coughed into a hoof. "I had to, the Newsstand was going to sell out if I didn't buy the extras for you and the shop, and myself."

"It's cool." John shrugged. "Not like me being on the front cover of a magazine is going to blow up or anything." He shrugged. "Thanks again, Rares." He nodded at her.

"Try not to get mobbed on your way home." Rarity tittered.

"Ha ha." John rolled his eyes as he shook his head.

As Gilda approached the school, she was met by Lyra as the green unicorn was waiting just outside.

"Hi G!" Lyra greeted the griffon. "Lorraine couldn't make it today?"

"Nah, she's on doctors and boyfriend orders to not work today." the griffon replied.

"Yeah, Rarity filled me in the other day, she's having it rough huh?" Lyra replied. "So! You here to fill in for her?"

"Pretty much," Gilda replied with a shrug of her wings. "What did you need me to do?"

"Eh, not much. Lorraine was going to help Cheerilee supervise the older students while they practice for the performance showcase at the end of the school year after the Running of the Leaves and collect the money from the donation box Time Turner set up outside the faculty office." Lyra replied.

"I can fill in for her, when's practice start?" Gilda asked.

"After lunch, hey! Wanna sit in on my next art class?" Lyra asked. "The kids are all working on their projects for the final exam so having an extra pair of appendages for the more technical stuff would be great!"

"Sure." Gilda said casually.

Lyra led the griffon to a classroom just the bell rang. Students piled into the classroom, a few looking curiously at Gilda while others ignored her as they took their seats. Gilda got friendly smiles and waves from the three Peacewalker fillies as they rushed past her.

When everyone was seated, Lyra walked over to a large metal cabinet at the back of the room and unlocked it with a key she retrieved from her mane. "You've all got projects to finish, you know the drill." the mare stepped away as the colts and fillies made their way to the cabinet and pulled out everything from half finished clay figures to paintings and rolls of cardboard.

Lyra sat back at the teachers desk while Gilda took a seat nearby. The unicorn looked around the room with a critical eye as she spoke up again. "Remember, ask me if you need to use more advanced supplies or want to use the woodworking equipment. Gilda is here to help if you need something from outside the school."

John normally wasn't paranoid.

...

John normally wasn't that paranoid.

But ever since he got shown that magazine he'd started noticing mares and stallions looking at him. And not in the usual looks of irritation or disgust either. They were actually looks of surprise, and is some cases, interest. Like, the same kind of interest that mares have in Alastor, interest. Well... That might've been his brain going down the anxiety hole, but any interest from the mares in this town worried him.

He made a point to trot faster. "Should've been learning how to use my wings." He grumbled to himself.

"Hey John!"

"Oh thank God." John sighed. As, with a gust of wind, Rainbow Dash landed in front of him.

"Hey! Glad I found you." Rainbow grinned.

"Kay." John nodded. "For what now?"

"Right." Rainbow chuckled. "Can Lorraine have a pet?"

John blinked. "Yeah. Sure. I mean, why not?" He smiled. "I wonder if it'll be a cat." His ears suddenly flattened as his face fell. "And I now miss my cat."

"Awww, uhh, it's okay." Rainbow awkwardly patted the bug's back.

"Hey! Who's being a droopy bug?" Pinkie Pie asked.

John blinked and looked to see Pinkie standing next to him. He blinked at her, then sighed. "Just missing my cat. Rainbow wanna take me to see some pets?"

"Sure thing!" Rainbow flared her wings.

"Wait!" Pinkie called out, thrusting out a hoof dramatically.

The other two stopped.

"Yeah?" John asked.

"It's a great day out! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and we shouldn't waist a day like this!" Pinkie said with a happy grin. "We should have a picnic! Ooooooh! Maybe by the pond!"

John blinked, looked at Rainbow (who shrugged), looked up at the mostly overcast sky, then noted the small breeze and distinct lack of bird song. The smol bug shrugged. "You know sure, maybe a lunch thing would be fun."

"Yay!" Pinkie beamed. "I'll go let the others know!"

John looked at Rainbow.

The mare just shook her head as the bug climbed up onto her back.

"You know it was technically my job." Alastor blinked at the table full of open books and scrawled notes.

"It's fine." Twilight said behind a pile of books.

"She gets that way." Spike commented as he waddled off to re-shelf some books.

Alastor simply shrugged and sipped at his tea. If Twilight and Spike wanted to do the research for Lorraine, he wouldn't stop them.

Rainbow came in for a landing, and allowed the smol bug to slide off to the grass. John blinked. Lorraine was sitting in the middle of the backyard, sitting quite peacefully. She was surrounded by various animals. She had a red fox and a fennec fox in her lap, and a husky was curled up in front of her. A kitten had made a nest out of Lorraine’s mane and was snoozing on top of her head. Occasionally Fluttershy would hover up to her and hold out some cute animal with her fore-hooves.

John and Rainbow trotted toward the pair.

“-and they’re just so soft. And you rarely need to feed them. They can just spend all day hanging in their habitat.” Fluttershy seemed to be rattling on about a three-toed sloth.

“Hey. You look comfy.” John said with a nod as he sat next to the husky and started to pet it, eventually getting a few back leg kicks from the dog.

“Why do they like me? This is cool, but why do they like me?” Lorraine blinked.

“Your calming personality?” John shrugged as Rainbow had a stare-down with an owl.

“I think it’s more likely that they can tell that you’re someone that they can be comfortable around.” Fluttershy said as she hovered away to put the sloth back.

The kitten (A primarily black with white socks, ragdoll cat.) rolled off Lorraine’s head and toddled over to John. It walked over the husky, not that the husky cared, and mewed at John.

The smol bug gave a soundless gasp. Then he picked the kitten up in his fore-hooves. “Hello! Who are you? You are the cutest little floof, yus you are.” John babbled as he nestled the cat into his chest.

A bright white dog, specifically an albino shiba inu (It looked like a walking fluffy cloud.), trotted up to Lorraine. Oddly the dog was wearing a white tank top and what looked like headphones around his neck. It sat in front of her and gave a small bark.

“Oh!” Fluttershy said flying back over. “He’s been waiting for somebody. At least that’s what he said when he got here. Apparently he’s supposed to protect the pony he’s waiting for.”

Lorraine looked at the little shiba, who was sitting in front of her and panting happily. “Koromaru?”

There was a yip of affirmation from the white doggo.

“Ummm why did he call you Leader?” Fluttershy asked.

Lorraine blinked at the Shiba. “Wut.”

Koromaru barked.

“He says, We missed you. We all remember you.” Fluttershy kindly translated.

“But… That was a game.” Lorraine tilted her head to the side a bit.

Another bark.

“We were told that’s how it was for you.” Fluttershy translated.

“I’ve just given up on being surprised what shows up.” John commented, still hugging the purring kitten to his chest. “Though it does make me wonder, if there’s all this good from stuff we recognize, where’s all the bad?” The smol bug hummed. “Nope. Not thinking about it.” He nuzzled his face into the kitten.

“What do you mean bad stuff?” Lorraine asked, looking at him.

“Well say… for example some place was like Persona. Yay, tarot-based punch-ghosts and relationships and fun things!” John started. “That would come with the death, darkness, and depressing stuff, right? How long before we start seeing some of the darker things that just so happen to exist here?”

“Oh no..." Lorraine said, realization dawning on her face as she looked down at the shiba. "Koromaru, is everyone alright? Why are you here exactly?"

The dragon got a series of barks in return, which Fluttershy once again translated. "Everyone is fine. We learned our leader was guided by the spirit of her persona, and that spirit was now in danger." Fluttershy looked confused. "Um, what is he talking about?"

Lorraine looked worried "Persona 3 Portable was a video game I played back as a human," she explained. "From the sounds of it, my actions in the game must have translated as some kind of otherworldly force that affected the actions of the girl Koromaru is talking about, his leader."

Koromaru whined in sympathy.

"He says. You are kind, everyone wants to get to know the Unicorn that healed us in battle, the one that cared for us alongside our leader. We were surprised too, when we were asked to help you."

"So you were sent here?" Lorraine asked as she tried to piece things together.

Koromaru nodded, tail wagging as he barked.

Fluttershy giggled. "He said. I will protect you, I look forward to learning about you Leader." Fluttershy hummed in thought. "It sounds like you two already know each other."

“I have no comments beyond, yay hyper-intelligent doggo.” John said rather flatly.

The noodle dragon reached out and started petting the shiba’s head. “I’m not your leader, not really.”

Koromaru just nuzzled his head into her claw.

017 - Rise and Fall

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Lorraine and John sat next to each other on the picnic blanket Pinkie had set up moments earlier. Rainbow was hovering nearby as she and Fluttershy watched Trixie perform magic tricks for a small crowd by the lake.

Rarity, who sat on Lorraine's other side, helped herself to a sandwich. "How has your day been?"

"Good, Fluttershy's gonna help me get things set up for my new pet after this," Lorraine said and paused. "No sign of Twilight yet?"

Pinkie popped up from inside the nearby picnic basket. "Nope! I checked, she's got the study bug!" the pink mare leapt out and took the empty space next to John and shrugged. "I'll bring her a cupcake later."

"So, anyone else find it weird that John's like, super popular?" Rainbow asked as she landed and snagged a sandwich. "It was all anyone on the weather team could talk about this morning."

Fluttershy looked surprised as she turned to face her friend. "Really? I haven't noticed."

“I’m what now?” John blinked leaning forward to look at the rainbow mare.

“You’re popular.” Rainbow repeated. “Pretty sure half the mares on my team were bitching about how you were taken.”

“Excuse me?” Lorraine looked at Rainbow, looking slightly offended.

“What, it’s true. He is taken.” Rainbow waved a hoof at John.

“Why are they complaining about that? For fuck’s sake.” The noodle groaned.

“But I swore to God, or Gods in this case, that mares weren’t into other species.” John raised a brow. “Because the whole breeding thing.”

“Oh, most of the mares already have stallions in their herds. And I quote, he got pretty all of a sudden.” Rainbow said then mimed gagging. “And, it was either pretty or cute.”

“I have become the equivalent to a small yappy dog that can be carried around in a purse.” John said flatly.

“Well darling, you are small enough.” Rarity commented, glancing at the semi-pouting noodle dragon.

The smol bug decided to crawl into Lorraine’s lap and settle into a smol bug loaf. “Sweetie, it’s kay. I can handle a few mares suddenly realizing that I’d make a good piece of eye candy.”

“First off, they’re objectifying you again. Secondly, how much do you want to bet, this is only going to get worse?” Lorraine asked with a small frown.

“No bet, with you two, It’s probably going to get worse.” Rainbow said, taking a bite out of a sandwich.

“It’ll be fine, you have us and we have some pull.” Pinkie grinned at the pair.

“Even if things do end up getting worse, we’ll be here for you.” Rarity patted Lorraine on the shoulder.

“And I believe that was quite a good show.” Trixie announced her presence by plopped down next to Lorraine and set a sack of bits in front of the noodle dragon. “Donation funds from the show, and that is taking into account my rent and spending money.”

“Do they just throw bits at you?” John asked, opening an eye at the blue mare.

“Why yes.” Trixie nodded. “Haven’t you noticed how much Ponyville is starved for any sort of entertainment?”

“No.” John replied bluntly. “Then again, I leave the house only so much and I never really go looking for entertainment things.”

“Ponyville doesn’t even have a movie theater.” Pinkie complained.

“I mean it has a few restaurants, a single bar (that’s not really that popular for some reason), and… Not much beyond that. Ponyville ponies like to do stuff at home with their families.” Rainbow shrugged. “I hear Vinyl Scratch is trying to buy a lot so she can fund a nightclub.”

“Never really been my scene, but I’d support something like that.” John hummed. “How sweetie, how bad would it be if I was a bit more philanthropic? Like I’m gonna throw money at people to support projects and small businesses and the like?”

“I mean, you’re in charge of the finances, so as long as we have money for food and shit, we’re good.” Lorraine said with a small chuckle.

Every mare blinked.

“He’s what?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m in charge of the house finances, which isn’t that much to be honest. It’s basically just budgeting. And that budget does have a lot of money that’s kinda just there. I mean, it could technically be called saving, but it’s really just not being used.” John looked at the mare.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever known a stallion that controls the house finances.” Rarity blinked. “Well, aside from Filthy Rich. Then again, his family has always been weird, to quote the mares of ponyville. And that includes his wife.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is. I was used to living week by week, so no way I was gonna be in charge of this shit.” Lorraine replied. “Having this much financial freedom is kind of daunting.”

“Which is why I just pretend that a decent chunk of our money doesn’t exist.” John nodded. “Though, now I have a reason to acknowledge it.”

“U-ummm…” The group as one, looked over to see a few mares standing sheepishly together. A blue unicorn levitated a magazine, a magazine they recognized. “Uh, Mister John? Can we have your autograph?”

John blinked. “Sure?”

Lorraine decided to take this moment to start digging into her sandwich.

A green aura sprang to life around John’s horn. He took an offered sharpie from a mare and spent the next few minutes signing copies of magazines.

“So John,” Rarity started as the last of the mares left, “when did you learn levitation?”

“Huh?” John looked over at her.

“You’re horn, darling.” Rarity pointed a hoof at her own horn. “You used it.”

“Huh.” John blinked. “I dunno, just kinda happened at one point. I think I was thinking about grabbing something like I would with my hands and it just happened.”

“But, can changelings actually do that?” Rainbow asked. “I thought the stories just said they could shapeshift and shoot lasers.”

“Rainbow, John’s clearly special.” Pinkie said, nodding sagely. “He can turn into tiny ponies, or giant lizards, and use his horn like a unicorn’s. Maybe his body’s compensating for his size?”

“I’m just happy you can do stuff.” Lorraine commented.

“Thanks. I have been trying to get more training-ish stuff done when I first wake up.” John nodded at the noodle. “And to think I used to sleep in late.” He paused. “Then again, I don’t think my body actually needs much sleep to begin with.” He hummed, then shrugged.

“Unique or not, John dear, would you be interested in doing a little more modeling?” Rarity asked.

“If it’s more costumes, then sure.” John shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

“Can Trixie get in on that?” Trixie asked.

“If we want a group photo shoot, or make a day of it, fine.” Rarity nodded.

John looked up at Lorraine, she seemed to be thinking hard about something. “You good?” He asked, tilting his head to the side a bit.

“Can I say something dumb?” Lorraine asked bluntly.

“Always.” John nodded.

“Of course darling.” Rarity nodded.

“Kinda wanna see you in a suit.” Lorraine said with a toothy grin. “Or a butler outfit.”

“Well John, I know what we’re doing first.” Rarity tittered.

“As do I.” John nodded. “I require your best and smolest suit. I shall be... the Spy Bug!”

Rainbow face-hoofed. Pinkie giggled. Trixie just glanced between the couple.

“What, I like guys in suits.” Lorraine explained with a small shrug.

“It’s because of Persona, isn’t it?” Rarity raised an amused brow. “Darling, you can request a special suit for your little bug any time, you know.”

“Rarity, just because I stuck all the male characters in butler outfits, doesn’t mean I want to stick my boyfriend in one without his permission.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“Wait. Wait. Wanna try a thing.” John got up off of Lorraine’s lap, stretched like a cat on the blanket, then trotted a small ways away. He closed his eyes, stuck out his tongue, and…

~Fwomph~

There was a small white-coated, blue-maned, blue-eyed earth pony stallion… in a butler outfit.

“Hey! It worked!” John, the butler pony, said happily. He dance-trotted in place. “I can manifest clothes!” He paused.

~Fwoomph~

And he was back to the normal smol bug.

“Awww.” He wilted. “Only when I take on a non-bug form I guess.” He paused, blinked, then looked at Lorraine. “Wait- Wait. Thing. Idea.”

~Fwoomph~

He was back to the butler pony form. The smol pony trotted over to Lorraine. He gave her a deep bow. “Is there anything I can do for you, my lady?” He said in a surprisingly deep British accent.

Lorraine snorted and burst into giggles. “I can’t take you seriously when you look like the ponified P3 protagonist. But damn, you clean up nice though.”

“Mmmm, tails aren’t quite long enough, neither are the sleeves.” Rarity said with a hum.

“Gag.” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Shush! It’s cute!” Pinkie shoved a hoof into Rainbow’s face.

“Oh my…” The, since then, quiet Fluttershy squeaked with a bright pink blush.

“Yeah, the suit probably needs a little work.” Trixie agreed with a nod.

“Oh hush, it’s my first time and I did the first thing that came to mind.” John pouted at Rarity and Trixie before shifting back into his bug form.

“Does this mean that I won’t have to make all sorts of small costumes?” Rarity gave the bug a small smirk.

“How dare you!?” John gasped, putting a hoof to his chest. “I love those small costumes!”

“Well, she is paying you in them.” Trixie commented.

“He’s such a cute boy!” John bounced around the shiba like an excited dog.

Ironically, the actual dog just looked at him like he was crazy.

“So, you got the house a dog.” Gilda commented. “He seems well behaved.”

Koromaru gave an affirmative bark and a nod to the griffon.

“If you say so.” Gilda shrugged and moved into the kitchen to start dinner.

“Wait… Wait, wait, wait, you speak dog?” Lorraine asked with a grin.

“Less actual language and more intent.” Gilda called from the kitchen. “It’s a griffon thing.”

“Damn, I have so many questions to ask him.” Lorraine swore.

“That’s why you’d have to go to Flutters.” Gilda added. “Though, that’s where you got him sooo…”

The front door opened and Alastor trotted in. A cardboard box levitated in after him. “Evening everyone, how’s-” His voice died when he got to the living room and saw the dog.

John paused and backed up, feeling the mood in the room shift.

Koromaru glared at Alastor and started to growl.

Alastor stared and narrowed his eyes at Koromaru.

“Anybody else feel that tonal shift, just me, okay.” John trotted towards the kitchen. “I’m just gonna go help with dinner.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Lorraine said to the pair.

Koromaru gave a wary yip.

“He’s a smart one.” Alastor said, raising a brow. “Yes, fleabag, I am a demon.”

Koromaru growled.

“Oh, that’s just rude.” Alastor gasped.

Koromaru yipped.

“Do you lick your mother with that mouth?” Alastor smirked as he trotted past the dog and set the box on the dining room table.

“I don’t know if you’re bullshitting or not and that’s annoying. I wanna speak dog.” Lorraine said with a huff.

Koromaru whined, glared at Alastor, and waddled over to sit in front of Lorraine protectively.

“It’s okay. He’s not going to do anything.” Lorraine said to the dog.

Koromaru looked at her and pinned his ears back, before laying down and just watching the deer.

“I got your… Wait- Twilight got your research done. She insisted. Spike however served me tea, when he wasn’t running books around. It was Earl Grey. It was quite nice.” Alastor said with a nod as he settled into his wing-backed chair.

“Remind me to thank her later.” Lorraine said with a nod. “So this is Koromaru, my new dog-slash-bodyguard. He’s a good boy.”

Alastor blinked at the dog, who was giving him a death glare. Alastor blinked. “Right. Hello Koromaru, I am Alastor.”

Koromaru barked.

“My name precedes me it seems.” Alastor chuckled.

Koromaru yipped.

Alastor blinked and seemed to wilt. “Oh, of course she told you.”

Koromaru nodded.

“Huh?” Lorraine blinked.

“Lorraine, we’re both servants of The Nightmare. We just happen to have different jobs it seems.” Alastor explained.

“Wait, but noooo. No way. Nightmare is Philemon.” Lorraine said with a grin.

Both Alastor and Koromaru blinked at her.

“Come again?” Alastor asked, accompanied by a questioning yip from Koromaru.

“Ok, so! In the Persona games, Philemon is the manifestation of all the good humanity can do, he bestows the power of personas onto to people to save the world from powerful shadows born the human races collective negative emotions, at least it's implied he's the source of the ability held by the main characters in the later games," Lorraine began to explain passionately. "I never played the games that came before Persona 3, only did some basic research out of curiosity."

"Dear, I wouldn't exactly call The Nightmare a force of good." Alastor pointed out.

"I'm not saying it's a one-on-one comparison but, Koromaru works for her, which means the process of awakening to and using a Persona is a valid form of shadowmancy, or translates as such when crossing over to this world," Lorraine continued. "You've also mentioned Nightmare's association with blue butterflies, another trait she shares with Philemon. The point is, I can see the parallels between what's going on here with Koromaru and the games. He was sent here to protect me."

Koromaru barked.

"Ah, your furry friend here was employed to fight Night Terrors after he passed away, it appears he was asked to guard you out of the blue," Alastor commented and looked over at Lorraine. "Is The Nightmare aware of your... fanaticism, surrounding these games?"

"Yeah, I've been talking to her about the stuff I like when we practice controlling my dreams," Lorraine replied. "Do you think she set this all up? My personal copy of the game affected an actual world an' all."

"No, I believe she couldn't make the connection until recently, it seems like she's trying to take steps to prepare you for something," the buck mused. "and given how things have been for you as of late I can see why!"

“I heard Lorraine gushing about something, guessing it was Persona.” John came in and hopped up onto the couch. “What’s up?”

“I have Best Dog as pet.” Lorraine stated with a nod. “Do you have any idea how much I am overthinking the shit out of this right now?”

“Sweetie, it’s you. Of course you’re overthinking.” John said with a chuckle, leaning in to nuzzle her. “Just try not to give yourself a headache.”

“I know.” Lorraine nodded.

“You know, I liked the idea at first.” John called in the small changing area that had been made for the day’s photo shoot. “But I didn’t think we’d be doing it this much.”

“Darling, it’ll be fine.” Rarity called back. “Spike and Garble have offered to keep ponies away for us. Plus, I have some suits that I think Lorraine would like to see.”

John blinked as he unzipped one of the garment bags. “Oh, I see.”

The changeling emerged in a finely tailored black suit with a white button up undershirt, a nice black bowtie, and some rather nice black boots to go along with it. He swore he heard a couple fangirl screams from further away. He rolled his eyes. “Rarity, have you counted how many stalkers I have?”

“Oh Darling, don’t be dramatic.” Rarity said, setting up the camera, and pointing towards the lake.

Seconds later there was the sound of loud barking and a scramble of panicked hooves. Seconds after that Lorraine and Koromaru plodded towards the small spot they’d picked for the photo shoot. The noodle dragon was smirking.

“Scare ‘em good honey?” John chuckled as he fidgeted in his suit.

“I politely asked them to leave. They wouldn’t. Soooo…” Lorraine let the sentence hang.

“I thought that was our job.” Garble said coming in for a landing and setting spike down.

“Looking good.” Spike gave John a thumbs up.

“Spikey. I have one for you too back there.” Rarity smiled as the small dragon gasped and raced into the changing area.

“To be fair, one of them was getting rather huffy. Koro-kun didn’t like that.” Lorraine said matter-of-factly.

“Fair.” Garble shrugged as Spike came back out.

Rarity frowned and lit her horn adjusting a few things on the pair of suits. “There much better.”

“You guys look awesome.” Lorraine grinned.

“Why, thank you.” John bowed dramatically. “Now let’s do the posing thing.”

John hummed to himself (still mentally kicking himself for not getting something to play music) as he trotted through town. Lorraine was busy helping the Peacewalkers with another bake-sale. On that note, since his popularity grew, mares had begun to go a bit easier on Lorraine. Not what they’d expected, but John would rather take getting asked for autographs or pictures, over getting sneered at or his girlfriend getting assaulted.

He had to clamp down on his paranoia. Couldn’t be paranoid when people stared at you all the time.

He rolled his eyes as he passed the flower trio and at least two of them gave the over enthusiastic notice me sigh.

“Oh John.” A recognisable voice made him sigh through his nose as he internally groaned. He stopped and looked over to see an irritatingly too chipper Spoiled Rich trot over to him. “Look at you moving up in the world.”

“I haven’t really done much besides pose and look cute.” John shrugged. “How can I help you, Miss Rich?”

“Now that you’re so popular, do you think you could talk to Lorraine for me?” Spoiled asked with a sweet smile.

“I talk to her all the time anyway, how’d this be different?” John raised a brow.

“Well, you have some influence. You need to be sure you’re sending the right message.” Spoiled replied.

“Define, right message.” John said flatly, frowning a little.

“Now, I know your marefriend means well," Spoiled said sweetly. "But she needs to focus on the benefits of herds alongside all this progressiveness she's trying to spread. After all, herding is a long-standing Equestrian tradition. It deserves to be given the respect and consideration it deserves."

“Hey, we’re both all for herding. Just so long as all participants are willing members and everyone’s equally loved.” John nodded. “Counterpoint however, are monogamous relationships just as valid as herd relationships?”

“Oh- Of.. Of course they are!” Spoiled’s smile looked a little strained.

“Also, why focus on tradition?” John asked, as if thinking aloud. “Can’t tradition lead to stagnation and rejection of new ideas?”

“I’m not asking for much, just a simple word here and there.” Spoiled replied.

“Have… Have you been paying attention?” John blinked. “I know Lorraine’s mentioned herding more than once when she does one of her school seminar things.”

“I have, I was just hoping she’d give it more of a focus.” Spoiled said with a nod.

“Focus as in this is better than that?” John raised a brow at her.

"Well, the poor girl doesn't have proper experience with how we do things in Equestria. She can say she supports herding but all her evidence for advocating other relationships seems... Limited." Spoiled replied. "The two of you being non ponies isn't helping her efforts either. I merely thought that, with the influence you have now, you could aid your marefriend's efforts, perhaps if she put more focus on Equestria's history, more ponies would listen to her."

“And what about Equestria’s history should we focus on?” John asked, deadpanning at the mare. “Would you prefer pre or post unification? Or would you prefer something like the origin of the species?”

"You could do a seminar on the history of herding, how it practically saved ponydom from extinction and how the laws that govern it keep our society afloat," Spoiled sniffed. "Of course, you could gain more supporters if the two of you had experience on how herds work in practice as opposed to using second hoof accounts."

“Uh huh.” John blinked. “And how is herding necessary now?” He paused, and sat on his haunches. “I mean, from everything I’ve been reading, Ponyville is one of the only towns or cities that practice herding to this extreme.”

“Well, we Ponyvillians do keep our traditions more than other towns, and we’re also right by the Everfree Forest. We mares have to keep our stallions safe.” Spoiled replied.

“I understand that.” John nodded. “All I can say is I will let Lorraine know what we talked about.”

“That’s all I ask.” Spoiled smiled sweetly. “Have a wonderful day.”

With that she trotted off.

“Ugh.” John shuddered a bit. “I need a drink.”

“John. You’ve got mail.” Gilda called out from the front door.

“Huh?” John poked his head around the corner.

“Lots of mail.” Gilda turned to look at him.

John’s brow furrowed as he trotted towards the door. “I wasn’t expecting the figures I ordered to arrive for another week.” He paused when he got to the doorway.

“I’ll pause it.” Lorraine called out as there came an annoyed dog whine.

John blinked at the packages next to the door. “You sure these aren’t for Alastor?”

“His are right there.” Gilda pointed a talon at the pile to the left of the door.

“Pardon.” Alastor stepped over John and levitated the pile of his packages. “I need to go burn these.”

John was having a nice morning. He’d convinced Lorraine to take the day off (Resulting in her and the dog binge-watching anime.), he’d done a little more changeling training in the Everfree, and he’d had a nice walk to Bon Bon’s for some coffee. (Or in his case his creamer with some coffee in it.)

So he sat at a table, reading the manga that he brought with him.

“Ummmm, Mister John?” A nervous stallion’s voice spoke up.

John paused, put his bookmark in the manga, and looked up to see a tan-coated stallion, with a short brown mane and light-blue eyes. The stallion had three blue horseshoes on his flank. “Oh, hey there. You’re Caramel right?” John asked. “Don’t you work for the Apples?”

“Uh, yes sir, I do.” Caramel nodded, shifting awkwardly from hoof to hoof.

“Have a seat, you look nervous as hell.” John chuckled while smiling at the poor stallion. “And call me John, Mister John just sounds weird, might need to give myself a surname or something.”

Caramel scooted a chair out and sat down. “Thank you Mis- I mean, John.”

“No problem. Now what’s up?” John asked, tilting his head to the side curiously.

“Well, you’re a successful stallion.” Caramel started.

“Unfortunately, but go on.” John nodded with a small eye roll.

“Well, how do you deal with mares that want you to join a herd?” Caramel asked, seemingly unsure of where to put his forehooves, before settling them on the table.

“I just say no?” John asked, blinking in slight confusion. “Are you okay?”

“Yes! Well… Kinda?” Caramel bit his lip. “See this mare wants me to be in her herd.”

“Okay.” John nodded.

“And I’ve said no.” Caramel continued.

“Alright.” John nodded again.

“So she asked why…” Caramel chewed his lip.

“Gotcha, waiting for the problem.” John said with a small chuckle.

“So I told her I like stallions!” Caramel blurted out.

John blinked. “Okay?”

Caramel blinked back at him. “Okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, do you like stallions?” John asked.

“Well… kinda? I kinda like both... and zebras… and dragons…” Caramel said with a growing blush.

“And there’s nothing wrong with that.” John said with a nod.

Caramel blinked at him in shock. “There’s… not?”

“In my entirely unprofessional opinion, you are a xenophiliac. You are attracted to all species. You’re also probably bi-sexual, meaning you like both genders. Congratulations.” John grinned.

“Huh? Why?” Caramel blinked.

“Because you have the pick of literally anyone you want.” John grinned.

“But… But isn’t that like… a sin or something?” Caramel blinked.

John sighed. “Solaire.”

‘No, my son, it is not.’

“There you go.” John pointed a hoof at him.

“What was that?” Caramel asked.

“God… Well, a God.” John shrugged. He paused for a moment. “Huh. Just hit me how weird my life has become lately.” He shook his head. “Anyway. You’re perfectly fine, maybe not normal but fuck normal anyway. Embrace your weirdness. Maybe you’ll find somebody equally weird and you two can be weird and happy together.” The smol bug smiled.

“I… don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say that.” Caramel blinked. A small smile grew on his face. “Thanks John.”

“Of course. Any time.” John smiled. “Want some coffee or something?”

“I mean, sure?” Caramel shrugged. “Any other words of wisdom you have for me?”

John slid out of his chair. “Lemme see if I can think of something.”

John looked between the frantically apologising Fluttershy and the trying not to panic Lorraine.

“I am so sorry! It was just so good!” Fluttershy squeaked out.

“But my fanfiction is popular! Flutters! What do?!” Lorraine asked, staring bug-eyed at her.

“I don’t know! I just thank the kind people that like my work!” Flutters replied.

“But that’s so many likes!” Lorraine thrust a claw at the screen. “And what about all these comments?! I can’t respond to all of those!”

“They still at it?” Gilda asked, walking past.

“Mmmhmmm.” John nodded.

“Why are there so many letters?” John groaned as he opened the umpteenth request letter. “I swore I did a thing for one of Rarity’s magazine things that I don’t accept brand deals.”

“They still try.” Gilda shrugged.

“Want me to burn them?” Alastor asked as John opened another letter.

“The opened ones, yes.” John nodded. He was looking rather tired, and perhaps a bit stressed.

“I can handle this.” Lorraine spoke up.

“You sure? You don’t have to.” John looked at the noodle dragon.

“You go chill. I go do this.” Lorraine nodded.

“Kay, I’m gonna go throw on PoneTube and crash on the couch.” John slid out of his chair and half-wobbled over to the couch.

“I think the pressure is getting to him.” Gilda said, sweeping letters into a garbage bag.

“Hey John, want me to cancel all your upcoming gigs?” Lorraine asked.

“But I don’t wanna disappoint anybody.” John replied.

“John, when it’s hazardous to your health, you outweigh whatever gigs they want you to do.” Alastor commented.

“So, I can take a break, but you can’t?” Lorraine asked with a small huff.

There was a brief silence from the couch. “Fine. You all have a point. I could use the rest. Think I should quit before this gets worse?”

“John, if this is making you as ill as I think you’re getting, then yes.” Alastor said with a nod.

“Do you find all of this fun, because it’s not like we need the money.” Lorraine added.

“It was at first. Now it’s just stressful.” John called out. “Yeah, it might be time to quit.”

“Cool, I’ll go talk to Rarity after I sort this mess out.” Lorraine said, looking at the rest of the letter pile.

“Darling, you can’t be serious!” Rarity gasped as she stared at Lorraine from across the small kitchen table. “He’s been doing so well! And everypony loves him!”

“He’s not having fun anymore and he’s stressed.” Lorraine replied.

“Lorraine, darling, stress comes with the job, and there are so many gigs- he can’t just quit.” Rarity replied, looking shocked.

“Yeah. He can.” Lorraine replied, upending a sack of letters onto the table.

Rarity blinked. She levitated one of them up. “John I want you to hold me down and- Ugh!” Rarity’s face screwed up in disgust. She looked at Lorraine and gestured at the letters “Are all of these…”

Lorraine grinned, which was more of a bearing of teeth than anything related to a smile. “Oh, they get worse.”

Rarity, already a pale white, somehow managed to get paler. She looked down at the pile.

“That’s just from yesterday.” Lorraine added.

“Yes. I think I see your point.” Rarity nodded. “I… may have let John’s stardom get to me. I might’ve been trying to live vicariously through him, per say.” She cleared her throat. “Lorraine, I’m sorry. I’ll tell John as well later, for now I need to contact a few people.”

John didn’t want to leave the house. Somehow, someone leaked the fact that he was quitting to the tabloids.

Most of Ponyville took exception to that.

John felt trapped.

Even though all the doors were locked, all the lights were off, and all the windows were shut and shuttered, he could still hear them.

He knew his friends out there were trying to defuse the situation.

He just wanted to be left alone.

His eyes snapped open. They glowed green.

He just wanted to be left alone.

Lorraine was on her way back from the Library with Koromaru. She’d needed to send a letter to Celestia. She normally wouldn’t want to bother the princess, but when you have ponies virtually pounding down the doors to their house…

She’d also sent a letter to Luna, but had never gotten a reply back.

She plodded as fast as her legs would carry her, as the shiba beside her kept a close pace.

“Oh Lorraine?” A familiar, and downright unwanted voice called out.

“Sorry, but I have stuff to do.” Lorraine stated as she kept plodding.

“Oh it won’t be long.” Spoiled Rich trotted up beside her, causing Koromaru to growl at her. “And reign in your dog please.”

“He’s a service dog.” Lorraine replied. “Please give us a bit of space.”

“I see.” Spoiled did not, in fact, give them space. “I was just wondering… I talked to John last week. Has he mentioned our chat?”

“Yep.” Lorraine replied bluntly.

“And what do you think about my suggestions?” Spoiled asked as Koromaru growled again.

“The history of herding is an interesting topic, and we’ll be covering that along with inter-species rights, gay-rights and monogomous relationships.” Lorraine rattled off.

“It doesn’t sound like you’re giving herding the respect it deserves.” Spoiled frowned.

“Everything I do is based on my own experiences. Herding is not a thing where I come from, so I do the best I can.” Lorraine replied as she tried to pick up the pace, to little effect.

“See, that’s why you should give herding a try.” Spoiled said with a sweet smile.

“But why?” Lorraine asked.

“Eh- To see what it’s like, of course.” Spoiled said after her momentary slip.

“Why would I do that, when I can just interview the herds around here?” Lorraine asked in response. “All my seminars use data from those interviews.”

“But you’d have a better understanding if you were in a herd yourself.” Spoiled tried once again, only causing Koromaru to growl again. “And can you tell your dog to stop growling.”

“In a min.” She said, glancing at Koromaru. “Do I really need a better understanding when my job is just trying to advocate for other forms of relationships?”

“Ugh, it’s things like you that are trying to destroy centuries of tradition!” Spoiled had finally decided to drop the nice act.

“Lady, I ain’t doing shit. Now if you don’t mind, I have somewhere to be.” Lorraine said with a small head shake, then turned to continue her plodding.

There was a pounding of hooves, followed by a snarl and a dog yelp.

Lorraine whirled to see Koromaru favoring his right foreleg and glaring daggers at the clearly pissed Spoiled Rich.

“Stupid dog!” Spoiled snapped.

In the distance a roar echoed through Ponyville.

Lorraine turned.

Where Lorraine’s house no doubt was, stood a giant dark brown dinosaur. Boney spikes emerged from its elbows. The entire front of it’s torso was covered in dark brown boney ridges. It’s head sported a single horn over its nose as well as a boney beak-like protrusion at the front of its maw. The back of its head was boney crest in the shape of a crescent moon.

It reared its head back and roared, seemingly more of an intimidation tactic rather than a sign of aggression.

“What in Equestria is that?!” Spoiled half-shrieked.

“That’s my boyfriend!” Lorraine snapped at her.

"That's your coltfriend?!" Spoiled shrieked. "You are irresponsible, letting him and that beast," the mare pointed at Koromaru. "run around unchecked!"

Lorraine ignored the vitriolic mare, looking at Koromaru. He was standing but growling softly with his fur on end and ears splayed back in rage despite his injury.

Lorraine looked over at John in the distance. Guards flew overhead, their armor glinting in the sunlight as they headed towards him. She needed to do something now. She felt the phantom sensation of cold metal pressing against her forehead, a fleeting glimpse of a card hovering in front of her and the weight of a mask fitting snugly to her face.

A blue butterfly landed on her nose as she reached a decision.

No more.

"What are you doing?" Spoiled asked, a hint of fear in her voice. Lorraine looked down at hers to see dark blue energy rolling and flickering off her body like flames.

Lorraine ignored the mare. As she stared at the roaring form of her boyfriend, a pillar of blue fire engulfed the luck dragon.

John watched the ponies flee in terror. Part of him felt bad, but he was honestly tired of being harassed.

His head turned, and he growled deeply as a few town guard pegasi kept a safe distance. He wouldn’t hurt anybody, and it’s not like they could actually hurt him like this, but getting snapped by static was still annoying.

He looked down and saw Gilda and Rainbow gaping at him. Alastor looked… unimpressed. Twilight looked shocked. Pinkie seemed to be in the middle of a particularly long gasp. Rarity looked frightened. Fluttershy, out of all of them, looked worried.

Fluttershy seemed to steel herself, then flew up towards his head. The mare landed on his muzzle. “John, it’s okay. They’re gone, you don’t have to be mad anymore.”

John started to calm at Fluttershy’s word, but something caught his eye.

Koromaru was charging down the path towards their house. Following him… was a unicorn.

Not a unicorn like anyone from around town. A unicorn.

It was like it stepped out of Earth myth. It had thick white fur and a wild silver-white mane trailing in the wind. The horn was a long gold spiral. Only a single eye was fully open. The right eye was a blazing red, the left was half-shut. There was a visible scar through the fur of the chest, a pink vertical line running from collarbone to stomach. There were shackles around its neck and ankles. There was a long chain hanging from the neck shackle. Only a couple links of chain rattled from the shackles around its ankles. The air around it seemed to shimmer like a heat haze, and it was accompanied by a faint light blue glow that was barely perceptible in the light of day.

The unicorn skidded to a halt in front of everyone. Now everyone just seemed startled.

“John what happened?! Are you okay?!” Lorraine’s voice emanated from the unicorn.

John blinked his bright green eyes.

‘Lorraine?’ John’s voice seemed to echo into everyone’s mind. ‘You’re a unicorn!’

“Well, yeah, Koromaru got hurt, and you’re this. I had to do something!” Lorraineicorn nodded quickly.

John relaxed. Fluttershy flew off his muzzle as the green flames surrounded him.

John, swiftly returned to smol bug form, wobbled a bit. He shook his head and trotted over to Lorraine. “I’m okay. I’m good now.” He wobbled a bit more when he got to Lorraine and craned his head up. “You okay? You got tall.” His speech seemed to be slurred a tiny bit.

“You are not okay.” Lorraine the unicorn stated with a nod. “I’m popping a heal.”

“A wha-” John blinked as rings of white light surrounded the smol bug.

Only the rings encircled not only John, but Gilda, Alastor, Koromaru, the girls, and the unicorn herself.

John blinked. “Well I feel great.” He commented.

“That was a thing.” Gilda said bluntly, looking tired and generally done with the day.

“Quite.” Alastor nodded.

“What was that?! That was amazing!” Twilight immediately started to babble.

“Salvation, fully restore the party’s HP and remove status ailments.” Lorraine quoted with a nod. “I am very OP.”

“And you look fabulous.” Rarity agreed.

“Ooooo! What are your stats?” Pinkie bounced happily around the significantly taller mare.

“Can you explain just what, the fuck, just happened?” Rainbow blurted out.

“Just now, the past few minutes, today, or life in general?” Alastor asked, raising a brow at the mare.

“Stuff it, Fancy!” Rainbow pointed a hoof at the buck only getting a chuckle in response.

“Guys, come in, let’s chill. We can head inside and we can talk this out.” Lorraine offered.

“Sweetie, two things first. How long can you keep this up, and two, is there gonna be any backlash from turning into this.” John gestured at horned-horse Lorraine.

“For as long as I need to, and I’m probably going to crash when I turn back.” Lorraine replied.

“Well let’s get you inside before somebody has to carry you.” Rarity said, attempting to usher everyone inside.

“So, let’s recap.” Rainbow stated, pacing back and forth (in mid-air) in the living room.

"So, you can turn into a super powerful unicorn from a video game in your world," Rainbow said. "and it's not just the unicorn but your unicorn from your own copy of the game which had maxed out stats and your perfect build?"

"Pretty much, the maxed stats carried over but the abilities seem to be a mix of builds from a couple different games," Lorraine replied and flicked her mane out of her face. "Makes sense, I had planned on recreating and improving the build in the most recent game in the series anyway."

Rainbow turned to the smol bug sitting next to her. “And you snapped, came outside, and turned into a giant, city-wrecking dinosaur from a TV show that made constant reappearances throughout the multiple series iterations because it was a well known and popular kaiju.”

“To be honest, I’m thankful I turned into Gomora and not Godzilla. I’m also thankful I have no idea how to use anything like Super Oscillatory Wave, because that would be bad.” John winced a little.

“I’ll take your word for it.” Rainbow nodded, looking rather tired.

“Ponies aren’t going to be happy, regardless.” Alastor commented. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we got a visit from-”

There was a knock at the front door.

“Speak of the Mourning Star.” Alastor commented dryly. "Girls, you may want to leave."

John blinked at the apologetic looking Mayor and the awkward-looking pair of guards.

"I'm sorry. Legally speaking, my hooves are tied." The Mayor said with a sad sigh.

John gave a quick glance to the others. Gilda looked pissed. Surprisingly, so did Alastor.

John trotted over to the unicorn and gestured for her to lower her head. Once she did he placed his fore-hooves on her cheeks and leaned up to kiss her nose. "I'll be back."

"John no-" Lorraine shook her head as the bug trotted towards the front door.

The guards jumped a little as John trotted right past them.

"John?" The Mayor asked as the bug stopped in the middle of the path towards Ponyville and The Everfree, as well as a decent ways away from the house. "John, if you try to run-"

"Here's the thing." John cut her off.

His wings buzzed and twitched in irritation. "Everyone seems to forget that everything we do as a couple is basically supported by the fucking Crown. We have the Princesses on fucking speed-dial. Yet we don't like bringing that up, that would just be fucking rude."

His eyes started to glow with green light. "We're harassed, Lorraine more so, for simply existing, and you know what. I'm fucking done."

His body ignited in green fire. "If everypony thinks I'm a danger to Ponyville, then I'll just leave for a bit. Celestia will probably have this bygone law sorted in no time."

"John-"

'No.' John's voice echoed in their heads as the fires engulfed him. The flames grew into a pillar that rose high into the sky.

With a shock wave of heat the pillar of fire burst. Standing there was the same gargantuan brown dinosaur that John had become earlier.

John lowered his colossal head, his bright green irises glowed softly, yet lit the mayor and the guards as he stared right at them. 'I'm just gonna leave. Go on a walkabout or something, meditate, probably work on controlling my shape-shifting better.’

The giant dinosaur that was John rose to full height. 'I mean, if the guards want to stop a forty meter tall, twenty-thousand ton dinosaur from walking into one of the most dangerous places on the planet then they're willing to try to stop me.’

John turned, his long tail whooshed over the house with a rush of air. He took a step, displacing dirt and causing the ground to shake. His head turned back towards the house. 'Before I go. Lorraine, I'll try to remember to call you every night, keep you updated. I don't want you to worry too much.'

His head turned back towards the Everfree and the gargantuan dinosaur stomped off towards the forest.
The mayor blinked in shock as Lorraine wandered back into the house, only to come out moments later with saddlebags on.

"That solves that problem, however I suggest you three leave." Alastor said stiffly, his tight-lipped grin dangerously close to a frown. "I don't believe you are welcome here at the moment."

The guards and the mayor quickly left.

“What are you doing?” Gilda turned and looked at the unicorn.

Lorraine shifted the saddlebags a bit, seemingly ready to take on the world.

"I really don't think you should go out," Gilda stressed, worried. "You can't risk it."

"They drove my boyfriend away," Lorraine said in a clipped tone. "I'm doing something about this."

"Do what? What if you get hurt again? After that they're not going to listen to you." Gilda argued.

"I'm afraid Gilda is right dear, the vocal majority are simply stuck in their ways," Alastor stated. "They know you won't stoop to their level."

"Guys, they drove my boyfriend away," Lorraine reiterated. "I'm not letting this go."

"What are you gonna do about it?" Gilda asked.

"Well, we have money, the ear of the princesses and a job to do. I say we move our plans forward and get that Safe Space up and running," Lorraine stated. "After that, maybe try negotiating with Mourning Star to get Alastor's gear back so he can start advertising and put the town on blast. Then I'mma go check on John."

"Darling, while that sounds like a solid plan, you realize that means putting yourself in the line of fire," Alastor commented. “However, how are you feeling, any headaches, chest pain, an unnatural sense of righteous fury?”

"Nope," Lorraine replied. "Just righteously pissed."

"Well, in that case, you'll be just fine! Have fun pursuing vengeance dear, I believe I shall stay in today." the buck replied and trotted off to his room.

Gilda face-taloned. "Lorraine, you're supposed to be relaxing."

"I will, after I do this." Lorraine said, eerily calm.

“I really don’t think you should go out looking like that.” Gilda warned, frowning. “Plus, enough has happened today. Just… come inside. We can try to decompress, start figuring things out tomorrow.”

“You do have a point… Fine.” Lorraine sighed. “I just hope John is going to be okay.”

The unicorn trotted back inside. There was a ~whoosh~ of blue flame and Lorraine was back to being a noodle dragon.

She immediately slumped a bit. Gilda moved up to support her.

“I'mma go chill on the couch.” Lorraine said, sounding exhausted.

“You go lay down. I’ll bring you some hot chocolate.” Gilda said as the noodle dragon plodded into the living room to flop onto the couch. “You’re gonna need it.”

“Thank you.” Lorraine called from the couch as Koromaru hopped up onto the couch and snuggled into her side.

018 - Getting the Ball Rolling

View Online

“It’s not the best looking building.” Rarity admitted as she, Lorraine, and the building contractor, Stone Steps looked at the rather run down two-story office complex, as well as the blueprints for what was going to be changed.

“It’d take a bit of work, but we could do it. Garble’s a good kid.” Stone nodded and brushed some clay-brown mane out of her gray eyes. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind the extra work either.”

“And with the extra funds we managed to make, we can hire some help to get this all done before winter.” Rarity said with a nod.

“So, I was thinking about having a little cafe here....” Lorraine pointed a claw at a spot on the building blueprints.

“Hi Trixie.” Gilda said rather blandly as the bright blue mare waltzed into the house.

“Trixie is here to spend time with her good friend Lorraine.” Trixie said with a nod.

“We barely know each other.” Lorraine deadpanned from her spot at the dinner table. Said dinner table was covered with different papers outlining what she needed to get done, or have her friends do in her stead. Most of said papers seemed to be data, talking points, and research about the topics that she’d be speaking about at her seminars. Seminars she didn’t really want to do, primarily because she was stressed and was also worrying about John.

Trixie looked over some of the papers, picking up a paper or two on occasion. “So, this is what you have been doing.” Trixie commented.

“Yep at the school or at the town hall at least three times a week.” The noodle dragon nodded.

“But… you suck at motivational speeches.” Trixie stated, blinking at the noodle.

“Have you seen any of my speeches? I’m trying, alright?” Lorraine said with a slight frown and a huff.

“Trixie could do these. Trixie could make these flashier.” Trixie nodded. “Motivational speeches need to actually be motivational.”

“Is that an offer?” Gilda asked with a chuckle.

“If you can do it without losing the point of the whole damn message, then go ahead.” Lorraine snarked at the unicorn.

“Trixie will need to borrow some of these.” Trixie nodded. “Is there a particular order?”

“I just pick a theme and work around that.” Lorraine shrugged.

“Trixie can do that.” Trixie grinned and nodded happily.

“And what do you get out of it?” Gilda asked from her spot on the couch.

“Trixie just wants to support her friend.” Trixie nodded at the griffon.

“But you barely know her.” Gilda raised a brow.

“Trixie’s point still stands.” Trixie nodded again.

“Well, here’s the draft for tomorrow’s seminar at town hall.” Lorraine plodded over and held out a stack of papers. “I’ve also included the research notes. It’s about herds and other important societal movements throughout history.”

“And now Trixie needs to read.” Trixie said, levitating the stack out of the noodle dragons grip.

“For the love of God, do not fuck this up.” Lorraine said as the mare plopped into a chair and started reading.

“That went very well. Do ponies normally clap after speeches?” Trixie asked Lorraine as the pair met backstage.

“Not at my speeches, but I know mine suck.” Lorraine shrugged.

“But yours normally get polite clapping.” Spike added, trying to be helpful as he sat on Lorraine’s back. “By the way nice special effects.”

“Some points need to be specially emphasized.” Trixie nodded with a flourish of her cape. “Now, shall Trixie do this more? It was a nice change of pace compared to her usual stage shows.”

“But wouldn’t that be asking too much of you? You’ve already got your stage shows.” Lorraine asked, frowning a little.

“Trixie hasn’t had anything booked for a while.” Trixie shrugged. “Trixie has free time.”

“But this isn’t exactly something you can just pick up and drop on a whim.” Lorraine explained.

“And Trixie isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon either. Trixie happens to like it here and the basement is comfortable.” Trixie nodded.

“But aren’t you getting your wagon back soon?” The noodle dragon asked.

“Trixie may do some work on her wagon once she gets it back.” Trixie said with a hum. “Trixie could take the movement all across Equestria.”

“Couldn’t hurt.” Spike shrugged.

“Well, we do need the publicity.” Lorraine nodded. “How would you feel being hired full time?”

Trixie blinked. “Would Trixie be paid?”

“Why wouldn’t I pay you?” Lorraine deadpanned.

“Yay!” Trixie cheered. “Trixie has not had a steady paycheck in years.”

“We’d better make this official and shit. Time to go bug Rarity.” Lorraine said with a sigh. “She handles all the business stuff.”

“Then we shall go find the provider of capes.” Trixie said with a nod and another cape flourish.

“You’d be surprised how many slightly different capes Trixie owns.” Spike murmured into Lorraine’s ear.

“As nice as the lecture was, especially since it was given by a pony, I can’t help but feel rather cheated that Lorraine wasn’t the one giving it.” Spoiled Rich’s snide voice came from the entrance to backstage.

Lorraine, Trixie, and Spike all looked over at her.

“Do you like it or not?” Lorraine deadpanned.

“It was very informative, I’m just surprised you chose… her.” Spoiled gestured a hoof at Trixie. “There’s some rather disturbing rumors going around about this mare.”

“If we haven’t heard them, then we’re probably in the right company.” Spike commented, getting a glare from Spoiled.

“You haven’t been raised right, talking back to a mare like that.” Spoiled fumed.

“I’m a dragon, so pony rules really don’t apply.” Spike shrugged. “So, to quote John, fuck the fuck off.”

“Spike, no. We don’t swear at people.” Lorraine craned her head around to frown at him. “That was very rude. Apologise.”

“Fine…” Spike said with a groan. “I’m sorry for telling you to fuck off, that was mean.”

“You’re better with foals than I gave you credit for.” Spoiled sniffed and looked down her nose at the noodle dragon. “Still, I would’ve appreciated it if it was you who gave the speech especially since we had our conversation.”

“Well, Trixie had the skills.” Lorraine admitted.

“Wasn’t that talk where you kicked her dog?” Trixie asked bluntly.

Spoiled blinked. “I did no such thing… the- the dog just jumped in front of Lorraine.”

“Oh, so you were actually going to kick Lorraine, got it.” Trixie nodded.

There was a wash of blue flames and Lorraine was in her Persona form. The giant of a unicorn looked down at the earth mare, as said mare paled.

“I- I have to go. Thank you, Trixie, for the lovely seminar.” Spoiled managed to blurt out before speed trotting away.

Spike seemed unphased by being on Lorraine the Unicorn’s back.

Trixie however gaped at the mare, her jaw nearly hitting the floor.

Lorraine looked at the now smaller mare. “What?”

“You’re beautiful.” Trixie blurted out.

“Thanks, I guess?” Lorraine blinked. “I mean, she fucked with my dog. You don’t fuck with my dog.”

“Noted. Don’t fuck with her dog.” Spike said as if notating something.

“This is in surprisingly good condition.” John commented as he walked along the dusty counters of rather large kitchens he found himself in.

The Castle of the Two Pony Sisters made for a decent place to stay, despite the dust and general clutter.

“It could be usable, now where would I find something that would make for a decent rag?” The smol bug hummed as he leapt off to an adjacent island counter. “This whole place is triggering my OCD need to clean things.”

He hopped down to the floor and scrounged around in some cupboards until he popped out with what looked like some ancient towels.

“Hey, I found something. Yay.” He closed his eyes and scrunched up his face as he shook out the towel.

Moments later the bug raced out of the kitchen, coughing at the cloud of dust he kicked up. “Bad idea!” He said, shaking his head and pawing at his face with his hooves.

‘You’re doing much better than I expected. Not to be rude, but I didn’t think you’d stay out here more than a day.’

“Hey!” John thrust a hoof in the air. “I intend to actually get something out of this whole spur-of-the-moment self-exile thing! Was it stupid? Probably but I’d feel like more of an idiot for just coming back the next day. Like I was some tantruming child or something.”

‘But you technically were.’

“Well yes,” John frowned as he trotted back towards the entrance hall. “However I tantrumed because I couldn’t just do nothing while I got taken away somewhere to get forcefully reeducated. I’d prefer not to be powerless anymore.”

‘I understand.’

“And I’m also tired of Lorraine and I just getting dumped on constantly.” John snorted as he trotted into the entrance hall. The sun shone down through the broken room, making the whole hall be cast in bright sunlight and dark shadows. “Because RGRE is fucking stupid but I live here now. Seriously, there are times that I can completely forget it’s a thing, and start to treat ponies like regular people. Then I get famous and lusted after, or Spoiled does pretty much anything, or I get looked at like I’m some second-class citizen. Then the whole illusion breaks. Again.”

‘You’ve had this on your mind a while, haven’t you?’

“Ya think?!” John snapped, his eyes starting to glow. “I just want to live in peace, with my girlfriend, and hang out with the friends we’ve made, but noooo. You’re not allowed to have a normal life because Destiny is a needy, attention-seeking bitch, and throws curveballs at us like, ha ha, Spoiled goes Reee.”

The bug was starting to glow.

‘John.’

John started to pace. “I put on a brave face, or just hey, I need to be the rock for my girl, or say something to release some of the tension in the room. And the last one’s a fucking defense mechanism! I’m really surprised I haven’t blown up at people yet, why, because I don’t want people to see me mad! I’m not me when I get angry! I’m just primal rage or some shit.”

‘John, if Lorraine is allowed to feel in general. You’re allowed to feel angry, or show said anger.’

“But that’s- fucking- AH!” John snapped, plopped onto his haunches, and screamed into his hooves.

There came a woof.

The glow around the bug was instantly gone as John was snapped out of his ranting. He looked over to the open entrance hall doors.

There was Koromaru with a little harness attached to a little cart filled with stuff.

The smol bug blinked. His heart was still racing from his raving, and was little light-headed, but he got to his hooves and trotted over the dog.

“Hey buddy.” John said with a smile.

The dog gave a yip and rose onto his hind legs to start licking the bugs face.

“Gah! Ah! No! No licking, bleh dog breath!” John shook and whipped his head around to avoid the attacking dog tongue. “I get it, you want me to feel better! Stahp!”

Koromaru finally relented, plopping back down to all fours and nodding at the cart.

“What, is Timmy stuck in the well?” John asked.

The dog just gave him a deadpan stare and slowly shook his head.

John winced. “Sorry. So! What’s in the cart?” He asked trotting to tug, what turned out to be a blanket off the cart. Inside were some supplies. Seemingly mostly canned soup. However there were a few books, a small black box, and a few other necessities.

“Oooo! Things!” The smol bug started levitating out the various items as Koromaru just wagged his tail.

John noticed a presence next to him. He paused, and looked to his left.

There was a brown diamond dog… wearing Solaire’s equipment.

“Solaire what are you doing?” John blinked.

“Helping you unpack.” Solaire replied, setting down a crate of soups. “The quicker we do that, the quicker this wonderful little canine can return home.”

Koromaru yipped.

John blinked, then shrugged. “If a God wants to lower himself to unpacking a cart then that’s fine by me.”

“Koromaru reminds me of someone.” Solaire commented as he stacked the various crates together.

“Oh? Who?” John asked as he tugged out a pillow and set it on the crates. “Also, I feel Rarity packed this because this is like playing Tetris in reverse.”

Solaire chuckled. “I am reminded of a companion I had back when I walked the world as a young Godling in ancient days. Her name was Amaterasu. Where she walked, the barren lands sprouted into grasses and trees. I may have expedited the spreading of Life by playing fetch with her on occasion.”

“I suddenly have the mental image of a giant star hurling a small asteroid at a dog made of stars.” John said, blinking.

“Nothing so cosmically grand.” Solaire shook his head. “Just a biped throwing a blackened rock at the goodest of girls.”

“That’s cute, but you using modern slang just sounds weird.” John shrugged.

“My apologies.” Solaire ducked his head a little in a small nod.

“Thank you for bringing- Oooo a letter!” John said disappearing into the cart and reappearing with a small envelope. Which he hopped out of the cart and opened.

“Aaaaand Lorraine’s trying to get everything done now so she can come visit me.” John sighed. “Because of course she is.”

“She does care about you John, quite a bit. It’s not surprising that she worries and wants to see you.” Solaire added, setting all the supplies in a nice pile.

“But I’m still worrying about her health and what the stress is doing to her.” John countered, patting the top of Koromaru’s head.

“I am sure she’s just fine.” Solaire nodded.

“Are you telling me she’s actually fine or just trying to make me worry less?” John asked, glancing at the armored dog.

“Yes.” Solaire said with a chuckle.

“Well… great, actually.” John blinked. “Now, thank you Koromaru.” John scratched at the dog’s ears. “But now we have to haul all this into the room I’ve taken.”

Lorraine casually plodded down the street, saddlebags weighed down with things from her recent shopping trip. It was quiet and as she rounded a corner, she stopped. Sitting by the side of a building was a blue box. A tall, rectangular box with two doors that had frosted glass windows at the top and above said door was a black sign that read 'Public Police Call Box' in bold white letters. The door opened inward and a white coated unicorn stallion with a curly, light gray mane poked his head out and looked at her.

"What happened to you?" he asked, he had a noticeable Scottish brogue, and stepped out of the box, his long black coat swishing behind him. He looked at her confusion. "You're all pink and noodly."

"Doctor?" Lorraine asked hesitantly.

The stallion looked at her oddly. "And why are you calling me Doctor? You haven't called me that in years!"

"I think you might be confusing me with someone else?" Lorraine suggested.

'Doctor' shook his head. "No, no, I haven't. You're Lorraine! You're just... Pink!"

Lorraine paused. "You're The Doctor."

"Finally we're getting somewhere!" the stallion said and rolled his eyes. "Yes, I'm The Doctor and you are Lorraine. Now if we can just figure out why you look all different. Did you eat anything odd?"

"No, I think you have the time wrong." Lorraine pointed out.

"No I don't, I promised you I'd meet up with you while your boyfriend's off on his little adventure and here I am." The Doctor explained and suddenly stopped, eyes wide in realization. "Oooh, you haven't met me yet, not properly." he walked around her as he began to explain. "We're meeting out of sync, there's so many fixed points in your timeline I can't always be here when you need me. The TARDIS compensates by landing in the points of your timeline that have the most flux, tiny little pockets of possibility that are ripe for the taking!"

"Yeah, I can see that but, hang on, what do I call you if I don't call you The Doctor?" Lorraine asked.

The Doctor smiled. "You'll find out soon."

Lorraine and The Doctor sat at a table inside Bon Bon's Tea Shop.

"It's strange, I forgot you were pink." the stallion commented.

"What's wrong with pink?" Lorraine asked, slightly offended.

"Nothing, you don't look right. You're all long and noodly and stressed. You're not happy when you're stressed," he replied and got progressively more animated. "You see everything as something to run from or a problem you can't solve! Stress doesn't do you any good, it just makes you upset! Have you seen yourself when you're upset?! You get too caught up in crying that you can't even admit that you want a hug. You need hugs!"

"Okay." Lorraine said awkwardly and shrunk back slightly.

The Doctor caught himself and cleared his throat just as awkwardly. "I'm not angry at you, just everything else! Your boyfriend is a decent bloke so whoever caused this mess is one hell of an idiot and I should know! I came here to cheer you up and instead scared and confused you."

"It's fine, I'm just getting used to the fact that I'm talking to you," Lorraine said casually. "You're kinda my hero, at least your fictional counterpart."

"I can say, with utmost certainty, that what you know about your show is true for me," The Doctor stated. "Time Lord, TARDIS, Two hearts, regeneration, Bad Wolf, all of it, barring some exceptions."

"I want to ask but I know I shouldn't." the luck dragon admitted.

"I can tell you one thing," The Doctor said. "You and your boyfriend are always welcome on the TARDIS."

"Really? I don't think I'm suited for your kind of life though, sorry." Lorraine apologized.

"You always stay onboard the TARDIS whenever we meet, John and I do some exploring and you come out when it's safe." he assured her. "You know could join me for a quick trip, just a hop to another planet?"

"No thanks, not when John's out in the middle of the Everfree by himself," Lorraine said sincerely and hesitantly added. "Could you take me to see him?"

"I can't, his time there is a fixed point."

"I thought so," Lorraine sighed but looked hopeful. "Could I look around the TARDIS? I don't really have anything to do for the rest of the day and it beats sitting around waiting for stuff to get done and I can’t do anything until tomorrow anyway." Lorraine looked sheepish. "Everyone else is busy with work, or doing my work for me, that all I could think of doing today was a quick grocery run for my snacks. My dog, Koromaru, is sending John some stuff," she smiled nervously. "I feel antsy."

"You're welcome aboard the TARDIS, I could show you the library, or the media room!" The Doctor stated excitedly and hopped out of his seat. "Or we could have a picnic in one of the gardens, you like picnics."

"I could just take a look around the console room, I don't want to be a hassle." Lorraine replied as she got up.

He rounded on her "A hassle? You? Don't be ridiculous. I am giving you the full tour!"

John was reading. For whatever reason, when he was home he never felt like he had the energy to read. Now, the TV might have had something to do with it, but he never made the time to actually do any reading.

Currently he was sitting on a mattress in the little blanket nest he made for himself and reading what equated to a Power Rangers, Power Ponies crossover comic that Spike had lent him. All in all it was pretty decent.

A recognizable barking got his attention. Koromaru had returned!

John sprang up from his nest, dropping the comic, raced down the stairs, and headed towards the entrance hall. On arriving in said hall he not only saw the aforementioned shiba with a small pack on his back. He also saw Lorraine the unicorn, also with her own saddlebags.

“Lorraine? What are you doing here?” John blinked in surprise.

“I mentioned in the letter that I was gonna show up.” Lorraine replied.

“Right, I just didn’t expect you so soon. If I knew, I’d’ve tried to clean up more.” John gestured at the fallen columns.

“Eh, it’s fine.” Lorraine shrugged. “So, how are you, you okay?”

“I’m… processing?” John said with a hum. “Kinda taking this as a decompression and self-reflection trip.” He nodded.

Solaire the diamond dog walked out from the hallway that John emerged from. “Lorraine, welcome. I was just finishing brewing John some tea.”

“I didn’t think he’d stay in a physical form, but I’ve had a Sun God as a butler-slash-therapist for like… a few days now.” John deadpanned. “It’s not bad… just… odd.”

“Huh.” Lorraine nodded. “At least you’re not out here by yourself.”

“Wanna find a spot to dump your stuff off?” John offered.

“Yeah, preferably somewhere warm. It’s fucking freezing out there.” Lorraine nodded with a small shudder.

“Ah, I believe I know a spot.” Solaire nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

As Lorraine started down the hallway and John joined her, John said. “Between you and me, I think he’s enjoying having an actual body.”

“He seems nice enough.” Lorraine commented.

Lorraine got situated in what had once been some noble’s room. Why? It had a nice big fireplace. Which was now crackling merrily.

“So yeah… I’ve been basically getting anger management counseling; some meditation techniques; a little sparing; since I wanna protect you and our friends; and I’ve been getting my shape-shifting under control.” John said with a nod, leaning on the arm of a chair and looking at the noodle sitting next to him. “I have learned that I can give myself hands, among other things.” He giggled.

“I don’t like the idea of you fighting, well- anyone I care about fighting. But it can’t be helped. At least you’re making progress, so that’s good.” Lorraine nodded.

“Yep yep. I mean, being a giant kaiju, or robot, or small pony or other race might come in useful.” John nodded. “Hmmmm… I wonder if I could help with construction as a giant monster?”

“I don’t know, sounds useful though.” Lorraine shrugged.

John leaned over and nuzzled her. “Hey, I missed you.”

The smol bug was picked up out of his chair and hugged to the chest fluff of the noodle dragon. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“Sorry for worrying you.” John apologized. “Kinda just was… fed up.”

“I should’ve done more to help you.” Lorraine said.

“Hey, there are some things we just can’t control. I just took a cheaters way out because I didn’t want to go to a pony boarding school.” The smol bug replied.

“We could’ve worked a way out of that.” The noodle dragon looked down at him.

“Well, yes, that is true. However, how long would it have been before all the bureaucracy got sorted out? I might’ve had to stay there awhile anyway, and that just does not sound appealing.” John’s face scrunched up in disgust.

“Even so, it would’ve been temporary.” Lorraine nodded.

“I know.” John sighed. “I know. I acted a bit too quickly. But I’m okay out here for now. Have we heard anything from Celestia?”

"Well, the Herd Harassment laws she's been trying to pass have hit a roadblock, people are spreading misinformation about what they actually do so it's causing a stir in larger cities," Lorraine explained. "Any charges against you have been dropped thankfully, the local paper spun the whole mess as a tragic ‘celebrity is a real person and acted out of self-defense’ thing. So, your popularity is still a thing, kinda anyway."

“Greeeeaaaat.” John rolled his eyes. “If it’s at least lessened, I’ll be happy.”

“It looks that way.” Lorraine nodded. “We’re making a lot more progress with the town in general. Should have the Safe Space up before Christmas, and Trixie is now our primary speaker. So less work for me to do.”

“Huh. I never would’ve guessed Trixie would be one for public speaking, at least in a more educational format.” John shrugged and nestled into Lorraine’s chest fluff.

“She’s actually fairly good at it.” Lorraine nodded.

John smiled. “That’s great.”

Dinner was stew. Stew made by Solaire, who had apparently got the ingredients himself. Needless to say, it was amazing. There was little talking as the pair sat on one of the few usable balconies and watched the sky turn the colors of evening.

There was a loud ~whoosh~ sound followed by a gust of wind. The pair only shielded their bowls.

“There you are!”

John jumped. Lorraine looked up from her bowl.

Rainbow was hovering in mid-air. “Gilda had to tell me that you were still out here!”

John blinked. “What’s wrong?”

“Giant hydra! Attacking Ponyville! John! Monster mode! Smack it!” Rainbow rattled off.

“Rainbow, he’s a civilian! You have guards for this.” Lorraine stared at her, frowning.

“But it’s a big nasty one! The guards are having trouble!” Rainbow gesticulated wildly.

“Fine, I think I can drag off a hydra!” John groaned as he got up.

“But- But you don’t have to fight.” Lorraine said. “We can evacuate the town and call in the Guard, Hell, the Princesses.”

“Have to, no. Want to, yes. Want to only because I believe I’m capable of actually helping.” John nodded as he trotted back towards the door.

“Fine, but I’m going with you.” Lorraine said, getting up and engulfing herself in blue flames. Lorraine the Unicorn looked at the smol bug as he stopped at the doorway. “I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

“Hey, not that I should get anxious about getting hurt, but I have my kickass white mage to support me in case anything bad happens.” John grinned at her.

“I’m not gonna stand by and do nothing, not when I have the ability to help you.” Lorraine stared at him.

“So, same reasoning for both of us.” John nodded then popped his neck. “I know I have wings but…” He looked at the edge of the balcony. “Fuck it.” He charged towards the edge of the balcony, engulfing himself in a green light that shifted into green flames as he leapt off.

The titanic hydra was rampaging through Ponyville. It had deep green scales and plodded around on a pair of thick legs ending in claws. It’s body was long bearing two tails, each tipped in red, fan-like fins. It had four long necks ending in snake-like heads. In the forehead of each head was a gem. From left to right was, red, light-blue, yellow, then light green. The eyes of the snake heads glowed with an eerie shifting of blue and yellow. A strange dark aura surrounded the beast, a blueish-purple miasma of fog or smoke.

Unicorn guards shot bolts at it, but the shots only deflected off the scaly hide. Other guards raced to evacuate the town.

The red-gemmed head lashed forward and belched out a stream of flame at a pegasus guard that got too close. Meanwhile the light-green head exhaled a gust of wind, blowing away a few unicorn guards.

A mighty roar made all the heads turn.

John, the Gomora stomped down the path of destruction left by the hydra. John’s claws were balled into fists as his steps shook the very ground. Yes, John was quite bigger than the hydra, he could see that even as it turned to properly face him.

The hydra however…

The light-blue head leashed out and shot a stream of cold wind, like it just exhaled a blizzard. The blizzard breath rolled over John’s left leg, causing him to stagger. As the snow fog leftover rolled away, John’s foot was encased in ice.

The hydra charged forward and slammed it’s chest into John’s waist, causing the Gomora to fall backwards, shattering the icy prison that held his foot. The light-green head leashed forward and bit down on John’s shoulder.

John roared and flailed. A fist swung into the light-green head, dislodging it. The hydra backed up as the light-green head shook itself.

John got to his feet. As he did three large rings of white light surrounded the dinosaur, causing the wound on his shoulder to knit together. John growled and stomped towards the hydra, rearing an arm back, he swung it forward and slammed it into the light-green head. The gem on the head shattered on contact, as the glow left the head’s eyes. The head fell limp.

As if in response, the yellow head snapped forward and a bolt of bright yellow lighting arced out and struck John’s right arm. Static arced up and down his arm as it fell limp. John winced but didn’t get much time to do much else as the red head shot forward and unleashed a gout of flame directly into his face.

John’s claw snapped out and grabbed right under the head, cutting off the flames.

The rings engulfed John again as his arm twitched back to life and the blackened flesh of his face melted back to the standard brown. John’s eyes narrowed. His head reared back and snapped forward as he slammed his bony forehead into the red gem. Which summarily broke.

The now very ticked Gomora dropped the limp head as the yellow head blasted John’s chest, point-blank with a bolt of lighting. Lightning arced over his whole body as he let out a pained groan and sank down to a knee.

John let out a deep growl as his frill-like crest lit up bright orange. Bright yellow static built up around his horn as he reared back. His whole body rolled forward as an orange-black beam erupted from his horn and engulfed the hydra. The hydra, for its part was not only thrown backwards, but started to disintegrate mid-flight, only to finally explode into black mist. The beam died as quickly as it started.

John groaned, only for three rings to encircle him yet again. A throaty chuckle left his mouth as he looked over his shoulder. Not far back, was the glowing form of Lorraine.

As one, they were engulfed in flames of blue and green. John was left in a crater of his own making, lying spread-eagled as he stared up at the sky.

There came a slow plodding, then a noodly head looked down at him from the edge of the crater. “You okay?”

“Processing. Gimme a min.” John said, blinking slowly. “Actually, scratch that. Gonna pass out.”

Lorraine made her way down the crater and set the limp bug on her back. She was already on her way back to the house as the cheering started.

“You are in the paper.” Gilda said, setting a paper down on the coffee table in front of the smol bug, who was nestled into a blanket on the couch next to the noodle dragon.

John blinked down at the front page, which showed a picture of Gomora head-butted one of the hydra heads.

“Huh.” John blinked. “This is gonna be a great boost, I can feel it.” His voice dripped sarcasm.

“For what it’s worth, it’s all positive.” Alastor commented from the dining table as he sipped his coffee.

“Yaaaay…” John replied flatly.

“On the bright side, Nightmare Night’s in a few days.” Lorraine said happily.

John blinked tiredly and looked over at her. “And then you’ll get to be a cute doe girl.”

“A useful doe girl.” Lorraine countered.

“I’d come up with a comeback but I’m tired.” John blinked.

“So, what kind of deer are you turning into?” Gilda asked, raising a brow at the soon not to be noodle dragon.

“Flora Doe. Basically a deer-dryad.” Lorraine said with a nod. “The Floramancy is instinctual and it should come in handy.”

“How quickly before you turn our backyard into Harvest Moon in real life?” John asked with a chuckle.

Lorraine deadpanned. “Ha ha, very funny.”

019 - Nightmare Night

View Online

Lorraine sat on the couch. John sat quite comfortably next to her. Both were not focused on the TV for once. Instead the pair watched the bright red blur of Alastor trotting about the house with a checklist floating in his magic, as he seemed to be chatting with himself about things that were a bit far beyond the pairs understanding.

To John it was magic gibberish. Lorraine recognized a phrase here or there for some reason, but it was still mostly a foreign language.

There was a knock at the door and Gilda ducked under the floating checklist. She retrieved the candy bowl from the door and greeted the, quite loud, foals screaming “Nightmare Night; what a fright; give me something sweet to bite!”

Gilda was actually smiling when she came back into the living room. John looked at her and the hen shrugged. “What, I happen to like seeing all the costumes.”

“Have I-” Alastor began for the umpteenth time.

“Yes Al, you have.” John said, rolling his eyes.

There came another knock as Alastor blinked and looked at John. “John, you threw off my planning.”

“I may not speak magic, but I can hear repeating phrases.” John raised a brow. “You were skipping so much I thought you were a record, more of that and I’d have to swat you to get you back on track.”

“I wasn’t that bad.” The deer demon huffed a little.

“You kinda were, I was getting worried.” Lorraine said with a nod.

“I’m fi-” Alastor was cut off.

“Holy fuck, when did you get small and adorable?” John, Lorraine, and Alastor all knew that voice.

Alastor actually rolled his eyes as the pair on the couch looked to see who walked in.

He(?) was tall, almost brushing the ceiling. He was rail thin. His double-jointed legs were clad in black leather, high-heeled, boots that ran all the way up to his thighs. He wore a pink and white striped suit jacket. At least, it looked like a jacket. Parts of it seemed to meld into his white fluff. He had four arms, all ending in bright red, three-fingered, one-thumbed gloves. The jacket was open at his chest, letting fluffy white fur spill out. Said opening was also shaped like a heart. At the collar his neck was a black bow-tie. Around his throat was a black choker.

A sharp toothed grin (with a single gold fang) split the face of the white furry head. Three red dots (that appeared to move) sat under each eye. Speaking of eyes, they were different. The right eye bore yellow sclera, a bright red iris, and a pitch-black pupil. The left eye was just a black void bearing a single red pupil. Around his eyes was pink fur that almost looked like applied mascara. His black eye brows occasionally twitched of their own volition, the feathery, white fur that could be called hair, had spots of pink in it.

This wiry person was staring at Alastor, who seemed to be pretending to ignore him.

“I’m fine.” Alastor stated firmly, looking at Lorraine.

“Don’t make me Salvation your arse.” Lorraine warned, frowning at him.

“Oh, he is not fine. Haven’t seen Smiles this stressed since… Ya know I don’t know if I’ve seen him this stressed, or this fluffy.” The demon blinked. “Ya look cute with hooves. Tell me Smiles are ya packing under there? Because, Solaire’s fiery ass, I know it’ll be an upgrade.”

“Huh. Solaire you mind if people use your name in vain, or swearing, or whatever?” John asked, only half-processing the statement.

‘Why should I care?’

“Huh. Good point.” John shrugged.

“Nice to meet you too Angel Dust.” Lorraine said.

“There you are- Oh Nightmare’s Tits, you are adorable!” Angel Dust actually squealed, covering his cheeks with his upper hands and reaching out for a hug with his lower pair. “You’re so much cuter in person!”

“Should I be worried?” John asked.

Angel looked at John. “Absolutely.”

“I’m sorry!” A familiar voice called out as Princess Joy scrambled into the room. “He kinda pushed past Gilda…. After he kissed her. Don’t worry, she’s not paralyzed anymore!”

“Hi Joy- Wait, what happened?” John blinked.

“What the fuck?” Lorraine blinked, trying to process what was happening.

“Bleeech…” Gilda groaned, half-staggering in. “I’ll make tea.”

John rushed to get up. “You sit the fuck down, I’ll make tea.” John said, shooing the griffon over to the couch before hovering up onto the kitchen counter to start making tea.

“Hey Gilda need a heal?” Lorraine asked.

“More like I need a cigarette.” Gilda muttered, shuddering a bit.

“Sorry Doll, I tend to have that effect on ladies.” Angel winked at her.

“He’s a walking euphemism.” John commented dryly.

“So, Smiles, ya fucked her yet?” Angel asked Alastor.

Said deer whipped his head towards Angel, looking surprisingly surprised. “No!”

“He better not have.” Came a warning growl from the kitchen.

“No. No, no, no. Ewww.” Lorraine shook her head.

“Ewww?” Angel blinked at her, then looked back at Alastor. “Smiles, either you tried too hard or not enough.”

“Yes.” Came a call from the kitchen.

“So a girl can’t like the idea of not having sex? Fuck you.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“Anytime.” Angel grinned at her then returned to looking at Alastor. “But seriously Smiles, she’s cute, but she doesn’t really seem your type… Wait, you have a type, right?”

“Angel Dust, you are this close to getting bucked.” Alastor stated, his grin almost turning into a frown.

“Bucked? Ya’ve gone native already.” Angel giggled at him as Alastor glared.

A green lash of energy shot out of the kitchen and wrapped around Angel’s neck. “Angel! Hi! Come help me make tea!”

Angel was summarily yanked into the kitchen.

“Oh, Harder Daddy!”

“Not as funny the tenth time hearing it.” John replied flatly.

“Cock blocker.” Angel replied.

“I’m an emotivore, I could hypothetically suck you dry.”

“Oh-ho-ho I bet you could!”

Lorraine face-clawed as Joy patted her shoulder with a hoof. “I have never, in my life, wanted to hit someone. Until today.”

“So this is where the ritual will take place.” Alastor explained, standing in the middle of the house’s sizable, backyard.

Everyone else stood on the empty stone porch. The sun was starting to set and the moon (a naturally occurring full moon) started to rise.

“Once the time is right, and Nightmare is prepared (so to speak), Lorraine will stand here and the magic will happen.” Alastor said with a nod. “Until then, honestly, we just wait.”

“Well we could throw a party or something.” Angel suggested.

There was a moment of silence.

“How did you not summon Pinkie?” John asked Angel.

“Nightmare Night screws with her Pinkie Sense and generally messes with her head.” Joy explained with a small frown. “It’s why she wears more elaborate costumes and tends to indulge in more candy than normal.”

“Not sure if depression or demon but either way I want to hug that mare.” Gilda commented. “Baring she didn’t try to hump me. Wait no- Was thinking of Dash.” She finished dryly. “In fact, I bet Dash is up to her pranks by now.”

“I’m sure we could throw a little something together.” John nodded. “If anything, maybe celebrate after Lorraine’s transformation.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Joy nodded, smiling.

“Sure, sounds like fun.” Lorraine nodded along. As the group on the porch made to go inside, a chill ran down the mortal’s spines, the demons took notice of a familiar presence.

Joy froze, then whirled around. “...Dad…”

Alastor didn’t move as a pearl-white alicorn stode up alongside the deer. A long mane of golden blond flowed softly in the breeze. A pristine white suit coat and a pink vest covered his front half and had holes for his massive wings. His eyes, little more than yellow sclera, and black slit pupils, looked down on the deer. “My dear Radio Demon, you’re not taking this seriously.”

“Mourning Star.” Alastor replied somewhat stiffly.

"I did warn you Bambi, but here you are, frolicking around without a care in the world," Mourning Star observed. "Why it's almost as if you don't want to leave but I can't keep you up here forever Allie-boy. You were sent to Tartarus for a reason."

The king smirked. "As amusing as it is watching you and the little doe dance around, I need you to come to your senses. You have a job to do after all."

“Hard to do a job you don’t have instructions for.” Alastor replied, tilting his head a little.

"Oh it's really quite simple Bambi, you are an Overlord, one that has irreversibly changed the very way Tartarus functions," the alicorn explained. "and yet you care so little for your duties you broke one of my golden rules by trying to summon a light bearer into the depths. Regardless of how important or harmless she is, the little doe simply isn't allowed downstairs."

“So then, what happens now?” Alastor asked, seemingly calm.

“I warned you I wouldn’t be merciful this time around.” Mourning Star replied as around the pair green rifts, leaking black smoke popped up.

Beasts pulled themselves from the rifts. They vaguely resembled hounds, in that they had four limbs ending in paw-like claws. The rest… Their bodies were a ruddy crimson, more muscle than fur. Running along their back down to the tip of their tail was thick black fur. Intermingled in the fur were long, black, porcupine-like barbs. Bursting from their shoulders were massive boney spikes that angled forward. Instead of a normal head, a solid plate of bone covered the entire upper half of their heads. Their mouths were maws of jagged, sharp teeth. From just behind their shoulders emerged long tentacle-like tendrils that ended in something resembling a four-petaled flower. The tentacles waved about until, as one, each set focused on Alastor.

A very hound-like growl rumbled from each hunter.

“I’ll give you…” Mourning Star appeared to think. “A minute’s head start.” He smiled at Alastor. “Run.”

Alastor immediately bolted.

Immediately after that, Lorraine burst into blue flames, shifting into her Persona form, and bolted after him.

“Dad wait-” Joy spoke up.

“Dear, I don’t intrude on your business, don’t intrude on mine.” Mourning Star said like a disciplining father. “Stay out of this.” He returned his gaze to the others, and actually focused his gaze on John. “You want to play hero? Have a go at this.”

A vile green portal opened up behind him. Large bipeds of seemingly mostly muscle stomped out of the portal. Their legs and arms were clad in black metal plates. Their shoulders were covered in spiked pauldrons. Their heads seemed a little too small for their large bodies, yet were covered in a helmet that bore a single curved horn. Their chests were bare, save for the straps holding their shoulder-guards on. Their skin was bright red. Clenched in their fists were massive black blades glowing with green light.

“Have fun little princeling.” Mourning Star smiled and vanished in a flash.

The dogs tore the grass to shreds as they charged in the direction that Alastor had went.

The four demons that Mourning Star summoned took steps forward and lined up, blocked the other’s path.

John narrowed his eyes. “Fuck.”

"Dammit Alastor, wait up!" Lorraine called out as she tore across Ponyville after Alastor. She could hear barking behind her.

The voice of Mourning Star reached her as she ran. "You really care about him. I'd find it adorable if it wasn't so pathetic. He's a demon, best you understand that now little doe before you get hurt."

The demonic dogs raced past her and Alastor swerved to the side and made a beeline for the Everfree. Lorraine scrambled to keep up.

"Really now, I'm not going to kill him. Just maul him a little," Mourning Star said flippantly. "He needs to learn to accept his lot in life but alas, meeting you seems to have changed him."

"Why even do this?!" Lorraine snarled. "Wasn't he making progress?"

"Not fast enough I'm afraid," the king replied with a sigh. "If Allie-boy is to return to Tartarus, he needs to prove he can fulfil his duty, his Destiny as an Overlord. Think of it like a kind of rehabilitation."

"Rehabilitation? This is torture." Lorraine stated as trees whipped by her.

Ahead of her the barking turned into angry snarls.

Mourning Star chuckled. "Such is life, it isn't fair now is it? And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Like or not little doe, you and your little princeling are the stars of the show, destined for greatness!"

"We didn't ask for this-" Lorraine argued.

"How many of your beloved characters suffer? How many of them die?" Mourning Star asked.

"Don't you want to save them?"

John narrowed his eyes at the Legion demons. Gilda growled like an angry cat next to him. On his other side Angel Dust… pulled a baseball bat with nails driven through it. Where he pulled it from…

John made a mental note to ask about the bat later, as he stepped forward, frowning and growling.

‘John, this is one of the times of the year where I am at my weakest. Yet, I am still more than willing to aid you. Take my Boon.’

John was suddenly engulfed in bright orange-gold flames.

‘If the old Sun is willing to aid you while he is as weak as he is, then I suppose I shall have to aid you as well. Have my Boon.’

A deep blue aura surrounded the raging flames, shifting the flames from gold to blue.

‘Ah, Nightmare, I did not expect your help.’

‘Mourning Star is making a mockery of my night, as well as interfering with one I have taken an interest in. Of course I will aid her paramore.’

‘Perhaps a mingling of skills, an aid in his transformation.’

‘You provide the fiery transformation, while I turn thought into form.’

‘Precisely.’

‘Call out a name, John.’

“Raphael.”

The flames erupted. Standing in John’s place, was an Angel.

He stood tall almost entirely encased in deep purple plate armor. His shoulder-guards were trimmed in an off-white bone color. The back of each shoulder-guard bore four protruding metal spikes that looked like feathers. A white sash hung from his left shoulder, wrapped around his waist, and hung down like a tabard. Stylized crosses of gold ran down the center of the length of the sash. A gold cross was engraved on the forearm of each gauntlet. A white hood, trimmed in gold, covered his head, yet glowing green eyes shone from within the hood. A pair of “wings” emerged from the feather-spikes on the shoulder-guards. They were like tendrils of translucent white light. There were eight in total. They moved and shifted from mimicking a pair of bird wings to looking like a grand cape of light. Gripped in his right hand was a silver sword, the blade of which was ignited in bright yellow-gold flames.

John the Angel hovered off the ground. He raised his blade. He gripped the hilt in both hands, pointing the blade straight up, as his eyes closed and his head bowed.

His wings flared out as he swung the blade to his side and his eyes snapped open.

“You are not welcome.” John’s voice was deep and commanding as he pointed with his free hand at the demons.

“Begone.”

Lorraine had lost sight of Alastor in the dense undergrowth of the forest but she could still hear the unearthly barks and howls of the dogs in the distance.

King Mourning Star was still taunting her. "Honestly Little Doe, why help him? He's a criminal."

"You sent him to me, what else could I do?" Lorraine snapped as she ran, her hooves dug into the ground and kicked up dirt as she focused on trying to locate Alastor in the dark forest.

"And it's been quite amusing watching you fawn over him but I had expected you two to sort out your little problem by now," Mourning Star replied. "He is one of your destined partners, so I assumed his silly little infatuation with you would have sorted itself out one way or another." The king chuckled. "Alas, you're both stubborn in that regard so it falls to me to help move things along."

"Attacking him still isn't right." Lorraine stated.

Her hoof caught on a root, there was a flash of blue flame as she reverted back into her luck dragon form and stumbled in a bid to stay upright.

"I could call off my hounds, but why should I?" The king said as he appeared in front of her and peered down at her. He smirked. "Ah, I know! I'll leave Allie-boy be, I'll even return his radio powers to him, in return, you my little doe... Have to fight me."

"Fight you?" Lorraine asked, confusion plain as day on her face.

"Yes! A battle, my immeasurable power versus your dainty little shadow," Mourning Star smirked as the luck dragon pulled her foot free of the root and resumed her persona form. "After all, my hounds were expecting a grand old chase and if you want to save your friends that badly, you'll have to prove you can hold your own."

Mourning Star's smirk was triumphant as the hell hounds that were chasing Alastor burst through gaps in the trees to surround Lorraine.

The king of Tartarus looked at her knowingly. "You'll be put through the wringer in the future dearie, Chaos Spirits, Mad Gods, Evil Queens! Oh, the strife that will be sent your way..."

The hounds growled. They seemed wary of Lorraine as she stood her ground. She was paralyzed with indecision, her nonviolent nature clashing with the very real threat the hounds represented. She looked around at her opponents, wary and alert.

A single sound shattered the tense atmosphere.

Click

The hum of radio static filled the air as the hounds were lifted off the ground in a red aura and Alastor appeared before Lorraine in a burst of shadowy magic. He flashed a smile and turned his attention to the monarch.

"You know, I would have accepted your laughable attempt at punishment. I've certainly been through worse!" Alastor said cheerfully. "But no, you- you, chose to twist your game to target one of the few things I value most," The Radio Buck's fur began to puff up, his antlers elongated and the buzz of static grew into a dull roar.

Alastor's grin was almost feral as his pupils warped into radio dials. "I am done being toyed with, I changed the very Laws of Hell once, I can do so again."

Mourning Star heaved out an exasperated sigh and the hounds disappeared. "Fine Alastor, a spoil sport as always."

The buck returned to his usual appearance. "Now why the long face, I was just doing my job! Or did you forget that I am The Nightmare's Huntsman? Devourer of the damned? Protector of innocent souls?"

"I can't tell if you're serious or using that as an excuse," Mourning Star mused. "I'm impressed. Very well Allie-boy, I'll leave you be for the moment but I doubt your fellow Overlords will be as considerate. Rumor has it that darling little Ashira is looking to bring the Tartarus Branch of the Conservation Committee up topside, won't that be interesting?"

With one last smirk sent their way, King Mourning Star vanished. Alastor immediately turned around and began checking Lorraine for injuries.

"Did any of those beasts get at you?" he asked, visibly concerned.

"No, what about you?" Lorraine asked in turn.

He gave her a cocky grin. "If there's one thing I'm grateful for about being a deer again, it is the fact I can still outrun almost anything!"

Alastor stood proudly as Lorraine just looked at him, concern rolling off her in waves. The buck sighed and looked surprisingly sheepish.

"They didn't catch me, I apologize if I frightened you." he said sincerely.

With a flash of blue flames Lorraine was once more a luck dragon. Her ears drooped as she took a shaky breath. "We should get out of here. We need to check on the others."

The luck dragon was picked up in Alastor's magic and deposited on his back. The Radio Buck looked back at her, relief plain as day on his face. "Hold on tight dear, we'll have you back home just in time for the ritual."

Alastor and Lorraine returned to find most of the backyard a charred wreck. That which wasn’t blackened, was on fire. The house and the area just outside of the backyard were entirely untouched. John sat in the middle of the yard, looking a little out of it.

“What the Hell happened here?” Lorraine asked bluntly as she got off Alastor’s back. “Is everyone alright?”

“We didn’t do anything. And we’re fine.” Gilda said, still sitting on the porch.

“Ya shoulda' seen it!” Angel immediately gushed. “So there were these swol boys that Moaning Star summoned-”

“Angel Dust, I’d prefer to hear from a more… level-headed source.” Alastor cut the spider demon off.

“Awww, fine.” Angel pouted.

“From what I gather, Solaire and Nightmare both gave John a Boon when he decided to stand up to the Hellguard. That ended up with them agreeing to aid in a special transformation for John.” Joy spoke up, taking a step into the yard and lighting her horn to douse the flames. “John turned into… something humanoid in armor, with weird white wings and a flaming sword.” She shook her head. “The Armor-John proceeded to raise his sword to the sky. A giant pillar of flame fell from the sky and did this to the backyard.”

She gestured a hoof at the yard. “Three of the Hellguard were just gone. Then the last one managed to stay in one piece just long enough to charge and swing at John. John, didn’t move. The blade bounced off his armor and the on fire demon proceeded to crumble to ash because he was on fire.”

“After that, armor boy just poofed into blue flames and he’s just been sitting there.” Angel gestured a hand at the zonked out bug.

Lorraine plodded over to John, sat behind him, and pulled him into a hug.

“Hi.” John said, sounding tired. “I did a thing. Well, I did a thing with some help.”

“You okay?” Lorraine asked.

John craned his head back to look at her and blinked. “I dunno. Maybe? Feel drained. You okay? You okay to go on with the magic-God-shapeshifting-stuff?”

"Yeah," She replied meekly. "Just... just still a bit... upset, gimme a bit."

He leaned his head up and kissed her nose. “We can rest until the ritual thing. I doubt anything else will want to fuck with us tonight.” John looked over at Alastor. “I’m pretty sure he would disintegrate anything that tries.”

“And you would be absolutely right, John.” Alastor nodded with a happy grin.

“See?” John gestured at the deer. “Everything’s gonna be okay.”

Lorraine was silent as she looked out at the ruined backyard, her ears flat against her skull in worry and her fur puffed up as the noodle dragon sniffed and blinked back tears.

A sigh was heard as The Nightmare appeared unceremoniously in front of the smol bug and noodle dragon.

"Do not let the nonsense of the trickster king sway you. This is my night and no harm would have befallen any of your companions," the Goddess stated but paused as Lorraine only appeared to get more worked up. The Nightmare stepped closer and laid down so she was closer to Lorraine's eye level. "Even if Destiny has you in her sights, you are not constrained to the rules of her game. If you want to save others, you can. You have every right to reject a path of violence for one of peace, a right to care. Selfish or not, you define yourself by who you care for, by what you enjoy in life despite the turmoil thrown at you. If you view such compassion and kindness as a selfish desire then embrace it."

"This world would brand you as a princess to be coveted, as a prize to be won by fictitious souls made real to tempt you. Your beloved is shackled to the warped view of the masses who see him as less than the person he is as a means to end and an object you are not worthy of keeping."

“Thank you.” John stated.

"Indeed, you two are forced into an unjust game that even I cannot break free from, it is beyond my sphere of influence," The Nightmare stated. "But neither of us are so powerless as to let this world toy with us towards a path of ruin. Together we can break the rules of the game and change things for the better." The Nightmare smirked. "That is what you have tried to do, correct?"

"Yeah," Lorraine replied. "Can you blame me for getting upset when people I care about almost got hurt?"

"No, if anything I should have foreseen these events but alas, my time away has unforeseen consequences," The Nightmare replied and stood up. "Now isn't the time to dwell on my inadequacy, you require my assistance with a polymorph yes?"

"Yeah, better get this over and done with." Lorraine said as she untangled herself from her boyfriend and stood up.

"I must warn you, I have no power over the force binding you to certain individuals, in fact this may even strengthen the phenomenon." Nightmare warned her.

Lorraine rolled her eyes as her voice oozed frustration. "I'm not doing this to just escape the harem bullshit or change the town's perception of me. I'm doing this to feel comfortable in my own skin, to have a say in how I present myself, to find some god damn self-confidence in this bullshit that is my life! If Destiny or Fate or whatever wants to be a fuckin' arsehole then fine. I'm dealing with this shit my way."

“You’re doing great sweetie!” Joy called out.

“Preach!” Gilda cheered.

“Fuck yeah!” Angel Dust pumped his fists.

John trotted slowly back to the porch and just smiled at Lorraine as he sat on his haunches.

“I fully appreciate all this positive reinforcement, but should we perhaps get on with the change?” Alastor called out.

"Indeed Huntsman, I would prefer to do so before The Witching Hour strikes," Nightmare replied and looked back at Lorraine, calmly. "Worry not, I will place you under a sleep spell for the duration of your transformation. When you awaken you will be your ideal self."

Lorraine blinked.

She sat in a comfy blue chair. Said blue chair sat on blue carpet. In front of her was a wood table, on which sat a deck of cards. She looked around. Beyond the circular blue carpet was a dark red-brown wood floor. The walls of the room were made up of a lighter brown wood paneling. Pressed up against the walls were numerous bookshelves, filled with various volumes. The volumes however did not have any text on the spines.

Then she looked down at herself.

She had… hooves. Little hooves made of brown wood. The wood looked like tree bark and went up to her knees, where the wood transitioned into orange fur. She craned her head around a bit. With the exception of her back, her deer-like body was covered in the orange fur, and what fluffy fur it was. Her back was almost like semi-flexible bark. She managed to see a ring of what looked like green leaves circling her collar bone.

Something felt odd however. Her tongue ran around her mouth. Those weren’t herbivore teeth. Those were wolf teeth.

She blinked. "New teeth..." She reached a hoof behind her to check her backside. "And I still don't have an arse!"

There was a snickering snort of laughter that made Lorraine jump.

Lorraine looked around to see a unicorn mare trotting in from… somewhere. The mare had white fur, and her orange mane was done up in a pair of braided pigtails. Her eyes were a bright yellow-gold. The mare was wearing a pair of glasses and a long blue coat. A blue fez was atop her head. Held in her bright yellow magic was a book. Said book was bright blue. On the cover in embossed gold lettering, were the words Persona Compendium.

The mare trotted around the table and sat down at a chair that had appeared on the other side of the table. The mare set the book down on the table. “Welcome to the Velvet Room, the place between Dream and Reality, Mind and Matter. My name is Victoria, I will be your attendant throughout your journey.”

She paused for a moment, smiling at Lorraine. "You are a most remarkable guest, you do not possess The Wild Card yet I sense great potential from you."

"Thanks?" Lorraine replied, uncertain. "Do you have an idea of why I'm here?"

"The world is unbalanced, The Nightmare's one thousand year absence has rendered Shadowmancy a dead art outside of Tartarus. Shadows and Night Terrors run amok and control this world in an unyielding grip, only those who have the will to defy the Destiny forced upon them can restore the balance," Victoria explained. "I do not expect you to fight, nor would I ask you to. All you need to do is act as you see fit to nurture the bonds you have with your allies and aid those who are willing to fight alongside you."

"So, just keep doing what I've been doing then?" Lorraine asked. "Be support?"

"If that is what you wish, my role here is to aid those who seek a Destiny of their own choosing. I can offer advice but it is ultimately up to you what you do." the attendant stated and smiled warmly. "This room is a safe haven for you and anyone you wish to bring with you. Even souls like Alastor are welcome, so long as you wish for him to be here."

Victoria looked sheepish for a brief. "Sorry! You're more focused on your appearance! I forgot to add a mirror, I'll be right back!"

Victoria jumped off her seat and scurried off only to return seconds later with a full length mirror floating in her magic. She carefully set it down in front of the doe.

Lorraine could now see herself in full. Her eyes were gray, with the left eye looking a little milky and half-shut. Her ears were also tipped in green leaves. Her chest seemed a little fluffier than the rest of her “standard” fluffiness. On a closer look, she almost looked… wolf-ish. If a doe could look wolf-ish.

“Cool…” She said happily. Her fluffy little orange and white tail wagged back and forth.

"This is the form you will take when you return to the waking world," Victoria explained and looked thoughtful. "You choose a Flora Doe I see, their instinctual floramancy abilities and natural sturdiness will certainly make life more enjoyable for you, at least in regards to the aspects you value most."

"Well yeah, that's why I picked it." Lorraine said casually.

The mare seemed to notice something. "It is time for you to return to the waking world. I hope I can be useful to you as you stand firm on your chosen path."

Lorraine’s eyes opened.

The morning light shone through her window. She shifted her head a bit and noticed that she had been put to bed, even with the covers over her. She looked down and noticed that she was holding her favorite plushie. Her ear flicked as she heard steady breathing.

In a seat, next to her bed, John was curled up like a cat, sleeping like a cat. He even had a hoof over his face.

She looked at him, looked at her door, then looked at her covers. She shifted a tiny bit and the bed decided to squeak. She stopped moving.

However.

“Mmmmphrggl. -Snrk. Huh?” She looked over to see John’s sleepy face blink and look around. He focused on her. “Oh. Haaaaaai… You’re awake.” He blinked. “Yay.”

“Morning.” She said, still mostly asleep herself.

“How do you feel, besides sleepy that is.” John untangled himself from himself and stretched like a cat.

“Fine. I’m hungry.” Lorraine said, moving the covers aside.

“Let me feed the doe girl then.” John hopped off the chair. “... What can you eat? I mean, I’ve seen those teeth.”

There came a knock. “Are you two up yet?” Came Alastor’s voice. “I made pancakes.”

“Oooo pancakes!” Lorraine said happily, her tail wagging madly as she stepped down to the floor.

The pair left Lorraine’s room and went down the hallway. They found Alastor in the kitchen. Gilda was sitting at the dinner table, swigging coffee by the smell of the kitchen.

Alastor turned from the oven and looked at Lorraine. “My goodness you’re short.” He commented on seeing the doe girl. “And adorable.”

“Of course she is, have you seen her?” John said, waving a hoof at all of her.

“She’s pony-sized.” Gilda commented.

“Ummm, okay?” Lorraine blinked.

“All deer are taller, you are basically a dwarf doe.” John said. “I looked it up in the Bestiary.”

"Technically she's a subspecies of Flora Doe, the Southern Flora Doe," Alastor explained. "Such individuals are found only in the southern hemisphere, never met one myself but from what I remember they prefer warm climates."

"Cool," Lorraine said plainly and sat up at the table. "So, you mentioned pancakes?"

"Just plating up now." Alastor replied and Gilda got up to turn the TV on to the morning news.

"- due to the rise in complaints regarding the competence of The National Guard, Canterlot's very own Detective Prince has announced he is investigating both the National and Royal Guard for possible corruption." The news reporter, a particularly well-dressed stallion said.

"Detective Prince?" Lorraine asked as she swiveled in her seat to watch the report.

"When asked to give a statement to the press, Prince Akechi had this to say."

Lorraine went wide-eyed as the screen cut to a white furred pegasus stallion with red eyes and a mop of a brown mane that reached halfway down his neck and neatly combed into a presentable, if boyish style. The pegasus was wearing a long light brown pea coat and a pair of silver-gray saddlebags.

He smiled at the camera, his voice calm and friendly as he spoke. "As you know, stallions like myself often face prejudice in the workplace simply due to being male. As shown with the incident with that changeling model, we have feelings too and it truly worries me when I hear reports of ponies facing abuse and discrimination from those meant to uphold justice and protect the innocent." His gaze hardened into a fierce look of resolve. "I will do everything I can to weed out the unjust and corrupt in our society!"

"That's Akechi..." Lorraine said weakly.

The mare interviewing the Detective Prince spoke up from off camera. "And what of the group exposing corrupt nobleponies and businessmares in Canterlot? What are your thoughts on these so-called Phantom Thieves?"

"Phantom what?" Lorraine deadpanned.

Short - Lovers

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Lorraine and John sat on the couch, an anime playing on the TV. The doe girl and smol bug were sitting cuddled up to one another.

"So, how are you doing?" John asked as he looked over at her.

"Hm?" Lorraine turned her attention to him. "I'm good...Mostly."

"I can tell, wanna talk about it?" John offered.

"Eh, the news this morning threw me for a loop, I can't help but worry about it." she admitted.

John looked at her knowingly. "Another husbando?" he teased with a grin.

"Yes..." Lorraine grumbled and her ears splayed to the side. She sighed. "Mourning Star said some stuff that got me thinking, it's obvious by now that something is... preying on my attachment to certain things. Doctor Who, Hazbin Hotel and now Persona, not to mention MLP. They're also aware of why or how I got attached to them given specific characters are popping up. Attachment aside, if something even remotely similar to Persona 5 is going on in reality then we could be up shit creek without more information."

"Kay, what do you wanna do about it?" John asked.

"I'd like to learn how closely this incarnation of the Persona 5 characters mirror their in-game counterparts, maybe I can even use my knowledge of them to my advantage to help them." Lorraine explained and she perked up. "I could be friends with Akechi! You could meet the Phantom Thieves, we can all be friends!"

"Should I be worried about the new husbando?" John asked half-jokingly.

Lorraine snorted in dry amusement. "Pfft no, sure this universe has chucked me into one of my own damn fantasies where I befriend all the guys but I'm not giving you up for anything," she said sweetly and leaned over to nuzzle. "You're my boyfriend dammit."

"Awww!" John had a goof grin on his face. 'You're cute."

The doe girl giggled as she leaned back into the couch, a similarly silly smile on her own face. "If you say so, I'm just being honest, you'll always come first. Besides, it's more fun being friends with everyone anyway than worrying about herds n' shit."

Author's Notes:

I am thou, thou art I...

Thy compassion is thine spear rallying against the heavens and thine shield against the demons of the heart.

Thy bonds with thine Companions are the fires that fuel thy dream of salvation.

With thy devotion to the Lovers arcana, thou hast one more ally to walk with thee down the destined path of thine own making.

Lorraine has unlocked the Lovers Companion!
The Lovers Companion has reached Rank 8 out of 10.

What is a Companion?

Lorraine's equivalent of a Social Link, while they won't offer any benefits like the Links formed by Wild Card (protagonists/player characters) users from Persona, they are an easily understandable way of quantifying the "Magic" of the relationships Lorraine has with other characters. With the world already running on anime logic and Lorraine equating her understanding of Shadowmancy with her experience with Persona, it maked sense that more than just Personas and some characters would be implemented into this world.

Not every Major Arcana will be represented, only those that our doe girl develops a strong bond with and Companion "Bonds" may start above Rank 1 if Lorraine has an established bond with them.

Every Companion Bond will have Ten Ranks.

Short - Empress

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"Come in darling! Let me get a good look at you." Rarity said excitedly as Lorraine walked into the Carousel Boutique. "Goodness gracious, you look adorable! I just have to get your measurements and make you something!"

"Well I need a new wardrobe anyway, I gave the gloves and boots to Spike and I'm using the coat you made as a blanket but I'm still sensitive to the cold," Lorraine explained. "If it weren't for Alastor casting wards on me and John, we'd be freezing our butts off every time we left the house."

"Do you think Alastor would share his spell work? I could incorporate it into my Hearth's Warming Line." Rarity mused.

"I dunno, try asking him." Lorraine replied with a shrug.

"I believe I will when I see him next, now then, step right this way and I'll take your measurements!"

"I must ask, can you wear anything over your um, plant parts?" Rarity asked somewhat awkwardly. "I know you're looking forward to starting a coat collection but will you have any issues?"

"Right, the whole plant thing," Lorraine realized. "I did some research on that, if I'm not growing anything on my back or legs then I'm fine."

"Hmmm, perhaps enchanted clothing," Rarity suggested. "It's expensive but I know enchanted apparel are used when winged individuals want to keep their wings safe from frostbite in winter without damaging their feathers. Fluttershy has an enchanted turtleneck she has for colder days and I believe Rainbow has a bomber jacket from her flight school days. I've heard such items being described as "bigger on the inside" or something to that effect."

"If it doesn't damage the plants then that should work." Lorraine agreed.

The unicorn beamed. "We can do some in-depth research on the topic later. Now did you want something casual or do you want to dress to impress?"

"Both?" the doe replied, uncertain. "I wouldn't mind having something fancy in case I get invited somewhere nice. The fanciest thing I've ever worn was my Year 12 Formal outfit."

"Really, what was it?" Rarity asked curiously.

"Jeans, a white dress shirt and a leather jacket," Lorraine replied proudly. "I was the only girl there not wearing a dress and I felt fuckin' awesome! I even picked out my own belt!"

"I shall be putting you in something far more suitable for formal occasions and not to worry, it won't be a dress," Rarity reassured her. "I believe a robe or cloak might suit you best, something simple yet easy to add flourish to. If you don't mins something more constrictive-"

"No," Lorraine flatly stated. "Comfort and ease of movement has to come first."

"I suppose you have a point there, are you familiar with Pre Dark Age mage attire? Twilight was showing me some illustrations of some ancient wizard, Shadar something or other, and the loose fitting robe and hooded cape caught my attention..."

Rarity led the doe to the kitchen and the pair discussed clothing ideas over lunch.

Chapter 020 - Girls Day Out

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“So, the plan is… what again?” Gilda asked Lorraine as the pair headed out of the house, leaving John and Alastor to themselves.

"Lyra and Rarity have a day off, so the four of us are going to Canterlot to hang out or something." Lorraine replied with a shrug.

“Well that sounds interesting, but why am I coming?” Gilda raised a brow as she followed the doe.

“‘Cause you’re my friend and I want to hang out with you?” Lorraine replied, looking over her shoulder.

“Fair.” Gilda shrugged. “Is it weird that I only think of myself as a hen when I’m around ponies? Like, when I’m around griffons, or at the house, I’m just me; but when I go out, suddenly I’m a hen and get treated like a hen.”

“No, that’s perfectly understandable.” Lorraine shook her head. "I'm honestly still dealing with how odd the gender norms here are for me. It's... Conflicting."

“What were human gender role things like?” Gilda asked, tilting her head to the side a bit.

"Girls were expected to... Be nice, be pretty, they were viewed as emotional," Lorraine explained after a moment. "I... I swear like a sailor, I don't care about feminine beauty standards or looking pretty or being... A coltymare so to speak. For the longest time, it felt like it was me against the world. Getting mad or upset just got me in trouble or brushed off, getting emotional was something others could use against me as fuel for their cheap shot at entertainment. I never really got comforted or had emotions really validated so I just developed into a passive doormat pretending to be tough and found emotional validation in fiction..."

"Add to the fact I had little to no autonomy for years outside of my hobbies, I never really cared about being girly. Ever since John and I got together I've been trying to... figure out it's not just me against the world anymore," Lorraine continued. "Mares here are like a mix of tomboy and Disney princess and I have no idea where I fit into all that."

Gilda blinked at the doe. “Uhhh… Want a hug? I really don’t know how to respond to that.”

The doe's ears drooped slightly as she winced. "Sorry, too much information right? In short, the ideal human woman was a coltymare. Human guys were tough an' shit."

“It’s fine.” Gilda waved a dismissive talon. “My ideal tom would probably be that, somebody tough. And don’t worry about the feeling dump or whatever, sometimes it’s good to get shit off your chest.”

"It's just, I keep gettin' labelled as a coltymare in tabloids an' stuff, I'm not exactly questioning my femininity just, trying to figure what the fuck that is in a world that places a ridiculous amount of significance on outward appearance and social norms," Lorraine explained. "Feels like I'm being called out or called weak or inadequate or something."

“They’re mares, they probably are.” Gilda deadpanned as she rolled her eyes. “But you know what, fuck them. Today is going to be fun and I am now determined to make it fun for you.” She puffed out her feathers a bit at that.

“You’re gonna have fun too, right?” Lorraine asked.

“Well duh. At least, I’ll try. You and Rarity seem more coltymare, and Lyra… is Lyra,” The hen snorted.

“Lyra’s like the girl equivalent of a bro and that’s awesome.” Lorraine grinned at her.

“Now I’m only imagining Lyra as a Yak and it’s oddly fitting.” Gilda blinked.

The train was relatively quiet, with the exception of the dull clattering thrum from beneath the car. The mare group, consisting of Lorraine, Gilda, Rarity, and Lyra, shared a booth. Gilda was looking out the window, while Lyra was chattering about all the things they could do, while also reading from a pamphlet. Rarity, on the other hoof, was searching through the bags she’d brought.

“Now darling, I know you tend to get cold easily and now that you’re a doe you have less fur and you don’t have a dragon’s internal heat source.” Rarity said as she pulled something from the bag. “So I made you this.”

Rarity retrieved a bright blue hoodie, with what looked like faux-wool as a liner for the inside of the hoodie itself. “Since I had your measurements, I figured you’d need something to wear around when it’s cold.” The mare levitated it over to the doe.

“Ah, thanks. You know I could’ve just waited until you got those robes done.” Lorraine replied, taking the hoodie.

“Well, yes, however those take awhile. That and… another surprise I’m working on for you, but! This was quick and easy to make, so, surprise.” The white mare grinned at her.

“Did you bring enough for the whole class?” Lyra asked, looking at Rarity with a shit eating grin.

Lorraine rolled her eyes at the mint green mare and put on the hoodie. “Awww, thanks.”

“Lyra, now that you mention it.” Rarity smiled happily at the other unicorn as she rummaged through her bags again.

“Rares, I was kidding.” Lyra blinked.

“And I’m not.” Rarity pulled out a black hoodie and levitated it to Lyra. “So you never get cold.”

Lyra immediately put hers on. “Well, it is warm.”

“Don’t tell me-” Gilda was cut off as a green hoodie was tossed onto her face.

Rarity pulled out one last one, a royal purple hoodie, was pulled out and donned by the white mare.

“Yay, hoodie friends.” Lyra giggled.

Gilda sighed and put hers on. She did struggle a bit, and Rarity had to help the hen get her wings through the holes cut for her wings, but eventually all four were in hoodies.

“And Lyra, in case you’re wondering, Twilight knows an excellent Holding spell. It’s why I only need two bags instead of a few dozen.” Rarity tittered.

“Well that explains a few things.” Lyra nodded.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Lorraine asked.

“Well darlings, just in case, I made a list of some things we could do and see once we’re there.” Rarity said, pulling out a pad of paper and flipping it open. “Don’t worry, I have everything planned.”

“So, you’re doing what again?” Alastor asked the smol bug as he trotted towards the door.

“I am going to retrieve Koromaru from Fluttershy’s as well as get that adorable kitten, because I need a cat in my life.” John said with a nod to the much taller buck.

“Would you like some company?” Alastor asked.

“Sure.” John shrugged.

The pair ended up leaving (not before John locked up), and started down the path towards Fluttershy’s.

“So Al, how have you been since Nightmare Night?” John looked up at the buck.

“Just fine, though I must admit James, that I find Lorraine’s new appearance… distracting from time to time.” Alastor said, glancing down at him.

“I know right, she’s adorable.” John nodded. “Though, in all seriousness, I understand. You see a slightly small, attractive member of your own species. I can’t fault you for that.”

“And, I must remind you, Johann, that her appearance bothers me little, well, perhaps a little now. It’s now her personality within that appearance that is so distracting.” Alastor returned his eyes to the path.

“But it’s always been her personality- Wait a sec. When’s your heat thing again?” John scrunched up his face in thought.

“Not for another few weeks at least.” Alastor shook his head. “And when that hits, I will be gone for a couple months, I will sojourn to find a place to camp out, and, in modern terms, deal with it.”

“Huh. Good to know.” John nodded. “And thanks for the info in advance.”

“Of course.” Alastor nodded. “And how are you handling your doe’s appearance?”

“Eh?” John’s face scrunched up again as he looked at the buck. “I mean, I still just see her so a little thing like turning into a smol doe girl is just a bonus on top of her being her. If that makes any sense whatsoever.”

“I believe I can see the appeal.” Alastor nodded.

“Though, thinking back on Nightmare Night.” John continued. “As a bit of a tonal shift, Mourning Star called me princeling, and I’m not sure if that was meant to be taken literally, or if he was just fucking with me. Also he mentioned Destiny, so I’ve basically been trying to chill and not overthink things too much.” The smol bug sighed. “Anxiety sucks. Though a good way to counter that is to go into the forest, turn into a monster, and punch some rotten trees.” He nodded.

“I believe you. On the stress relief part, at least.” Alastor nodded. “As to Mourning Star… I have long since stopped listening. Most of what comes out of his mouth is half-truths at best, and lies at worst.”

“Well, he is pony Satan.” John nodded. “Lying is kind of his deal.”

“Quite.” Alastor nodded as the pair turned to head up to the small path that led to Fluttershy’s front door.

It wasn’t lost on either of them that the birds stopped chirping when Alastor approached.

“Huh, animals can sense demons.” John blinked.

“Obviously.” Alastor chuckled as barking was heard from within the house.

The door opened and Fluttershy peeked out, only for Koromaru to push his way out of the door. On laying his eyes on the pair, the dog gave a small look of annoyance at the buck, then walked over to sit in front of smol bug for pats. Pats were given.

“Hello.” Fluttershy said, smiling at the pair as she opened her door fully. “Here for Koromaru?”

“Yes, however I am also here for something else.” John said, looking at the mare.

“What’s that?” Fluttershy tilted her head to the side, curiously.

From the house came cat meowing. The ragdoll kitten that John had gushed over came running out. It yelled until it saw John, then pranced over to the bug to flop onto its side and demand pets.

“That.” John said pointing at the kitten before petting its head.

“I think she missed you.” Fluttershy giggled. Then she blinked. “Wait, you’re here-”

“For a pet, yes.” John nodded. “This one.” He said, continuing to pet the purring cat.

Fluttershy gasped. “Oh my gosh! Come in! Let me get you everything you need!” The mare said as she rushed back into the house.

John stopped petting, long enough to back up and engulf himself in flames. When the flames receded he was on a pair of squat hooves and had lanky arms ending in rough black digits. He used his new hands to pick up and hold the kitten to his chest, where it immediately started to knead his chitin.

John waddled into the house as Alastor shrugged and followed the strange changeling.

“When I said shopping I wasn’t expecting this.” Rarity sighed as she stood in between racks of comics.

“What? Comics are fun.” Lyra said, glancing up from her copy of FeatherMare.

“I wanted to pick up the newest copy of Power Ponies for Spike and once we do that we can go somewhere you want to go.” Lorraine said, before noticing what Lyra was reading. “Oooo, that looks familiar.”

“It’s a Super Sentai comic series.” Lyra held out the comic.

“The comics are great, but they don’t do the show justice.” A white earth pony interjected, pausing as she passed by the group. She had a long ginger mane with a single hair somehow defying gravity and poking straight up from her bangs. She had brown eyes, half-hidden by thick-rimmed black glasses. Around her neck was a pair of black headphones. She was also wearing a forest green coat with a hood that had thick wool for the inlay of the hood itself.

“Hey, you mentioned somebody called Spike liking Power Ponies, right?” The mare asked. “There’s a special edition copy over here.” She said before dragging Lorraine off.

Said dragging led a few racks away where nopony was around.

“Mwehehe, stage one complete!" the earth pony giggled and it finally clicked for Lorraine why this pony looked familiar.

"Futaba?" the doe asked cautiously.

"The one and only!" the mare gloated and appeared to be scrutinizing the doe. "Huh, Joker wasn't kidding, you really are adorable. Anyway, you know who I am sooo..."

"So what?" Lorraine asked and tilted her head to one side in confusion.

"Who's your favorite character!" Futaba exclaimed with an eye roll. "You know! Out of the Phantom Thieves, you learned about us from a videogame right?"

"I, uh, yeah?" Lorraine replied dumbly as she struggled to process the situation. "So you're actually-"

"Futaba Sakura, Phantom Thieves Navigator," the mare said. "We may all be ponies now but we don't look that different."

"To be fair, I didn't want to get my hopes up," Lorraine stated. "I don't wanna fight a god."

"We don't want to either but we all got dragged here and decided to change people's hearts because hoo boy, ponies are crazy," the earth pony complained. "Joker said you were here too and asked us all to keep an eye out and say hi if we ran into you."

"Ok, why?" Lorraine asked.

Futaba blinked in surprise. "Because you're one of us, duh! You're like our guardian angel or something. Joker had you in his head for over a year so of course he wants to make sure you're okay."

"In his head? Like he could sense my input as the player or something?" Lorraine asked.

"Basically," Futaba replied with a shrug. "He felt your emotions and stuff too, said it was sort of like one-way telepathy. He had full control over himself, he could just tell you were on our side."

"Good to know I wasn't hijacking him," Lorraine said, relieved. "So, what now?"

Futaba shrugged. "You meet the others then we team up? Joker just wanted you to know we're here if you need anything," the mare paused and nonchalantly picked up a comic and gave it the doe. "Here's the comic I told you about, I'll have Mona drop off our contact information later." She paused and looked mischievous. "You gonna spill the beans about who's your favorite?"

The doe sighed and flatly replied. "Akechi."

"What? Seriously? The edgelord?" Futaba exclaimed but grinned and giggled wickedly. "Oh the others are going to freak when I tell them!"

"I figured, it was nice meeting you." Lorraine said and the snickering mare only cackled like a supervillain.

Lorraine smiled as she trotted back to the girls, who were still hanging out and reading. Gilda had found a comic called Murder Falcon of all things. Rarity was starting to gush over the costumes of the Power Ponies.

“What was that about?” Lyra asked as Lorraine returned.

“I’ll explain in a min.” Lorraine said as everyone gathered the things they were going to buy.

"Ok so," Lorraine began to explain as the group walked down the street, purchases stowed away in saddlebags. "Persona 5 revolves around a bunch of highschoolers getting put through shit thanks to some horrible people and they fight back by accepting the fact that people suck and someone has to do something about it. That acceptance manifests as a mythical, historical or literary figure with magic spells or superpowers to beat the crap out of the demonic versions of the people screwing them over."

Gilda burst out laughing.

Rarity looked confused.

Lyra-

“That is so cool!” Lyra gasped as she stared wide-eyed at the doe. “I want one!”

"No, you do not want one..." Lorraine sighed. "Persona in and of themselves are manifestations of the psyche, they were a part of you that you refuse to acknowledge until circumstances or a higher power forces you to confront that part and tame it. That's probably why persona are classed as shadowmancy here, they're shadows that are tamed and trained."

“And yet, can’t you turn into one?” Rarity asked.

“Yep, she can.” Gilda nodded. “That giant unicorn form thing.”

"John gained a persona form too, on Nightmare Night," Lorraine added. "That means we're needed for something, every previous persona user gains their persona as a way to fight against something that would otherwise destroy the world... With the Phantom Thieves and Koromaru here too, it's probably something big," Lorraine smiled bitterly. "Or with Akechi here, maybe whatever it is will make a ‘bullshit trivial threat’ on his life again for shits and giggles. Or maybe I'll meet Shinjiro just to watch him get shot, or, or maybe I end up fighting a god."

“Darling, stop, you’re going to stress yourself out.” Rarity patted her shoulder.

“Even though you’re probably right.” Gilda shrugged.

“I mean, you chat with Nightmare, right? And John has Solaire on speed-dial. So, it’s not like something dealing with gods would be out of the ordinary at this point.” Lyra commented with a shrug.

"They're real people who've been through so much and plopped in front of me as if I'm one of them," Lorraine said. "I don't feel like I've earned that right and yet... It really feels like something is out to get us and we'll need all the help we can get. Nightmare is helping yes but she's lost a lot of the power and influence she had a thousand years ago, an’ gods may be gods but they have rules, a way of doing things so they don't break things even more. So, if something is trying to screw us over, the gods would have their hands tied."

“You… have a point.” Lyra admitted.

“Perhaps that’s why dealing with Nightmare Moon was so strange. Yes, yes, I remember you telling me the whole thing between Luna and The Nightmare, but honestly,” Rarity sighed, “I don’t believe the gods have the kind of power to just snap their claws or digits and affect the world in some way anymore.” She shook her head. “Even then, if they could do so, back in their time, why would they even need all those servants and children?”

“You have a point.” Gilda hummed. “Maybe they aren’t as powerful as we imagine? Like us mortals put them up on some kind of pedestal.”

“Counter argument.” Lyra raised a hoof. “What if all of their power is focused on something that’s incomprehensible to beings like us. Like, what if they have to deal with Cthulhu or something like that?”

"...What if there's a power vacuum in the areas they're not overseeing but everyone thinks something should hold dominion over those areas," Lorraine suggested seriously. "And something else took over because of that shared belief?"

“Eh?” Lyra blinked.

“How so?” Rarity asked, tilting her head a little.

"Destiny, Cutie Marks, ponies as a whole believe in concepts like destiny as a tangible force of nature... Nightmare even stated the rom-com bullshit I had as a luck dragon wouldn't go away when I changed species because it outside her sphere of influence," Lorraine explained. "Ponies are more orderly than other races, they control practically everything... shit, I hope I'm not right."

The doe looked worried as she explained. "There was this thing in Persona 5, a god of control born from humanity's shared apathy, a collective desire to ignore problems in society rather than work to fix them. A life of eternal stagnation, sound familiar?"

“Beyond you mentioning it, no.” Gilda raised a brow.

“That sounds simply horrible.” Rarity frowned at the doe.

“And sounds like something that could happen honestly.” Lyra deadpanned and shrugged. “Then again, my money’s on ancient evils that the Princesses decided to stick in a box rather than permanently deal with.”

"Don't any of you see how weird it is that ponies are so stubborn whenever changing long-standing herd traditions are brought up? That only Canterlot seems to have gotten the memo that people are people?" Lorraine asked. "Canterlot, where the Phantom Thieves are going around exposing corrupt individuals?"

“Ponies are sticklers for tradition, especially earth ponies.” Lyra said after a moment of thought. “They’re followed by unicorns, then pegasi. Even other race generally treats people like people as you would say. So, it might just be a pony problem. The problem with that is that there are a lot of ponies.”

“Even though all these changes are backed by the government?” Lorraine deadpanned.

“Darling, we’re not saying we don’t see the issues, especially now,” Rarity spoke up, “it’s the fact that different cities and towns will adopt the changes differently. Even though the three tribes unified, each town and city nowadays is like it’s own tribe in a manner of speaking.”

“And Ponyville is one town that does not like change.” Gilda nodded, rolling her eyes. “It worked for my granpappy it’ll work for me!” She said, adopting a thick southern drawl.

“How much time have you been spending at Sweetapple Acres?” Rarity raised a brow at the griffon.

“Too much.” The hen deadpanned.

"Then that begs the question, why are the Phantom Thieves here and out changing hearts?" Lorraine asked. "To do so means they'd need access to the cognitive world, the physical manifestation of the subconscious mind. That mare at the comic shop was a member of the Phantom Thieves but she said they all look like ponies now. They're not from this world."

“So, they’re like Koromaru?” Gilda asked. “Or you and John for that matter.”

“Huh, think John could turn into his old form?” Lyra commented.

“Is the fact they’re here that concerning?” Rarity asked, looking at Lorraine.

"I don't know if the Thieves are here to save the world or what... I haven't asked the Nightmare if she had anything to do with them being here," the doe admitted. "I dunno if I want to know..."

“So, maybe relax and focus on enjoying the rest of the day instead of over thinking things?” Lyra suggested.

“Lyra! Too blunt!” Rarity scowled at the mint colored mare.

“She’s not wrong though.” Gilda shrugged.

Lorraine sighed. "Sorry... Forget I said anything."

“Darling, we’re not forgetting anything, we just want you to actually enjoy yourself.” Rarity patted her shoulder.

“Yeah, since you were a living stress ball for awhile there.” Gilda nodded.

“And if you want to vent all your worries, you can do that… later.” Lyra giggled. “Fuck, I’ll buy you dinner sometime and you can vent.”

“So long as you tell Bon Bon first.” Rarity glanced at Lyra.

“What? Of course.” Lyra pouted at the white mare.

"It's not just venting..." Lorraine grumbled.

“No, it’s you thinking out loud and worrying.” Gilda booped the doe’s nose. “And today’s not about worrying.”

"... People died in those games, so I'm sorry if I'm getting worked up over the fact that it was all real and could happen again!" Lorraine snapped. The doe took a deep breath. "I just want to figure this shit out, nuke Yaldabaoth or whatever is pulling the strings in the face and actually feel like I deserve to be in the same room as the characters I respect and care about."

“But… Aren’t they people too?” Lyra asked. “So, shouldn’t you treat people like people?” The unicorn smiled smugly at her.

“Not discounting the fact that you might have to fight a god or two.” Gilda added. “Just thinking about the stuff that won’t make me lie awake at night.”

“Getting worked up is fine, dear, that’s why we should do something like this more often, I think.” Rarity nodded.

"The Phantom Thieves know me. With Koromaru it was fine. I could accept that since the events of P3P weren't as fresh in my mind. That story was over, the world was saved, everyone went on to live their lives and meeting Koromaru was more like reuniting with an old friend," Lorraine stated. "... The game the Phantom Thieves are from- the version I played anyway- impacted me pretty badly, I got pretty emotional over it. So I just... don't feel like I've earned a place alongside them just because my actions in a game affected their world to an extent... I wanna meet them an' have fun with them but I'm worried about what they might think and why they're even here."

“Well, one of them seemed happy. Based on what you said at least.” Gilda nodded. “Would the others be that different?”

“She has a point.” Rarity nodded.

"I think the others would be fine, except one and he's the one I'm worried about," Lorraine said sheepishly. "He's... my favorite character... I don't think he'll like me very much and I wouldn't want to butt in if they're all working together."

“That Akechi guy?” Gilda asked.

“Oh! The Detective Prince?!” Rarity gasped. “Him?! Oh, he’s so handsome! I’ve always ha-” Rarity froze. “You…” She looked at the doe girl. “You like him?” She blinked, seemingly mentally at war with herself.

“He’s nothing like he is on TV.” Lorraine deadpanned. “That is if it is actually him.”

Rarity blinked and calmed down. “Yes… You’re right.”

“Well, why don’t we just find one of these Phantom Thieves and ask them?” Lyra asked bluntly.

"Oh right, Futaba said the whole gang was keeping an eye out for me," Lorraine realized sheepishly. "I could try to think of places where they could be?"

“Such as….” Gilda waved a talon. “Where’d they hang out most in the game?”

“Cafe Leblanc.” Lorraine replied instantly.

“Oh, they have wonderful coffee.” Rarity said with a happy sigh.

“Well, where is it?” Lyra asked.

“Oh, are we going there now?” Rarity blinked.

“Well, if it’s the cafe from the game, then it’s where we’ll find one of them.” The doe nodded.

Cafe Leblanc seemed a little small, but it was quaint. It was almost… homey.

The left wall beyond the front door had a set of three booths. Directly to the left of the booths was a long counter that seemed to be strewn with various magazines. The wall above it had flyers and various notes stuck to it. There was a small walkway between the booths and the bar, said bar had cushy dining table chairs sitting at it instead of the standard bar stools.

The bar itself was covered with jars of what looked like spices. Hanging above the bar were a pair of blackboards, one blackboard seemed to have a list of drinks. The second one had the special of the day. The back of the bar was a clutter of shelves holding jars with various types of coffee beans.

Further into the cafe the walkway split. It split, with one leading to a small kitchen, barely visible behind the bar. Beyond that the main path led to what looked like bathrooms, with what looked like storage further beyond.

A black cat sat on top of the bar. Its muzzle, paws, and tail tip were all white. It wore a gold collar. When the girls came in fully, it perked up. It’s eyes were a vivid, bright blue.

It looked towards the back and gave a meow.

“Yeah, coming, gimme a sec.” A voice called out from the kitchen. From the kitchen, a dark gray bat pony trotted out to the bar. He had gray eyes, and a short and frizzy black mane. His tail was just as short and frizzy as his mane. On his flank was the image of a playing card with a harlequin on it. He wore a green apron, though some of his, seemingly racial, chest fluff popped out from the top of the apron.

“Ladies!” He said, propping himself up on the counter of the bar with his fore-hooves. “Afternoon! What can I get you- Oh! Rarity! Lovely to see you again.” The bat pony winked at Rarity, causing the mare to giggle. “So! Have a seat, I can get you some menus, unless you know what you want already. Oh, and I’m Wild Card. Though you can call me Wild.”

“Wild, please, a lady can only take so much.” Rarity tittered as she led the other three to a booth.

“Oh, I’m sure you can take a little more.” Wild chuckled as he trotted around the bar. Rarity and Lyra took the inner seats, leaving Gilda and Lorraine to sit on the outside across from each other. Some nice black menus were set in front of each of them.

“Now, are you four looking for somethin' hot, are you hungry for somethin', or do you need somethin' to cool down with?” The stallion just oozed charm.

“Yeah, question,” Gilda spoke up. “Do you ever turn it off?”

“Turn what off my fine, feathered feline?” He smiled at her.

There was a faint blush on Gilda’s cheeks. “Ahem. I’ll… have the… dark… roast. Black. Please.” She said grumbled into her menu.

Lorraine snorted a giggle as she looked over the menu.

“Oh, like it dark and hot? I see.” Wild nodded, before scribbling on a notepad. He looked at Lyra. “And what can I get you, my golden eyed filly?”

“A, I’m married.” Lyra spoke up, giving him a deadpan stare. “B, I’m bringing my wife back here with me next time. And C, I’ll have a chocolate mint latte.”

“Spicy.” He chuckled and looked at Rarity. “And, Miss Rarity?”

“I’ll have my regular, thank you Wild.” Rarity smiled, folding her menu and gathering the others menus to stack them.

“Triple-shot espresso…” Wild mumbled as he scribbled. “And how has your heart not exploded yet?” He commented before looking at the doe. “And… Goodness, you don’t see an exotic example of nature’s beauty like you everyday. What can I get you sweetie?”

“A hot chocolate and some banana bread.” Lorraine replied with a smile.

“Absolutely.” He winked at her (to no effect) before turning and trotting towards the kitchen. “Keep an eye on them.” He said as he passed the bar. The cat meowed.

“So, does anyone mind if I go talk to the cat while we wait?” Lorraine asked.

Rarity gave her a look, Lyra shrugged, and chuckled and rolled her eyes.

“Talk… to that cat?” Rarity asked.

“Just let her talk to the cat.” Gilda shook her head. “It’s probably some Destiny thing.”

“I can understand him, video game logic… thing.” Lorraine tried to explain, before getting up and walking over to the cat.

The cat look at her and meowed.

"Hello Morgana. You're a pretty kitty," Lorraine replied happily. "I need to bring John here, he'd love you."

The cat murred and deadpanned.

"You are gorgeous, you'd be a hit at pet shows." the doe said.

Morgana stood up and stretched, flicking his tail back and forth while meowing again

"I'm Lorraine, I'm guessing you know about the whole weird video game... Stuff going on?" Lorraine asked.

The cat nodded and trilled.

"So all of you had perfectly happy lives here in Equestria and then you remembered your lives on Earth... " Lorraine mused. "So, what have you found out so far?"

Morgana paced back and forth on the bar while yowling.

"Distortions caused by emotionally enhanced dreams? Have you tried talking to the shadows of your targets?" Lorraine asked.

The cat sat down and murred.

"A gate blocking entry that I can help with," Lorraine deadpanned. "Okay, yeah the universe is out to get me."

Morgana mewed and headbutted her muzzle.

"I didn't say no, I'll help you guys... Just don't expect me to fight..." Lorraine huffed.

Morgana did a cat’s best impression of a reassuring look, and trilled.

"You guys got an email or something? We can work out a plan later." Lorraine suggested.

The cat trilled and begged for pets.

“So… Is Joker always like that?” She asked, stroking Morgana’s head.

Morgana trilled and rolled his eyes.

“So, I know we don’t normally wear clothes, but these are nice.” Lyra said, looking over the frilly white dress she was wearing.

“Says you, I like wearing clothes.” Lorraine said as she trotted around in black pants a white shirt, and a long black coat. She did a small twirl. “How do I look?”

“To be perfectly honest darling, I’m not sure black is your color.” Rarity said with a hum, tapping her chin as she glanced from Lorraine to other ensembles she’d put together for her doe friend. “Though, it’s strangely refreshing not having to look through dresses. Perhaps I should do a line of clothes for mares based on stallion’s designs?”

“I dunno.” Gilda shrugged, as she sat on a bench. “Won’t catch me trying on anything.”

“But Gilda, I’m sure you’d look great in a dress.” Lyra said with a shit-eating grin.

Gilda deadpanned at the mint mare and crossed her arms over her chest. “No.”

“I’m with Gilda, no dresses.” Lorraine agreed. “You do you though.”

“I will do me, or Bon Bon will do me, either’s fine.” Lyra shrugged before trotting back towards the dressing room.

“Hmmm, I wonder how green or blue would look on you?” Rarity levitated a pair of coats up next to Lorraine to compare.

As they tried on various things, they got a variety of looks from passers by. Mainly looks of confusion from the mares, and more than a few stares from stallions. The doe wasn’t even paying attention, however Rarity drank in every approving look.

Lorraine moved one of her hind legs back and forth experimentally as she tested a pair of tracksuit pants. "I can see why ponies don't wear pants but I for one, am happy to just find a pair that fits me."

“Heh, trying to find something that can show off your lack of a flank?” Gilda chuckled at the doe. “I’m sure John would love something like that.”

“Ha ha.” Lorraine replied flatly. “No, it’s more for comfort.”

“But you can have both comfort and style.” Rarity said with a nod.

“Rares, my style is comfort.” Lorraine replied to the white mare.

Lyra came back out and hung the dress back up. “So, are we actually going to buy anything?”

“Oh, I might.” Rarity nodded. “I’m mainly here for ideas.”

“Oh, I’m getting pants and shirts.” Lorraine nodded. “I found shirts with funny things on them.”

“Hey, cute shirts are fine,” Gilda commented. “It’s a lot better than those mares that wear shirts or dresses that show off their chest fluff or flanks.”

“I’ve provided most of those, sorry about that.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“Don’t apologize for making money.” Gilda shot her a look.

“I mean, if they want to wear that stuff, that’s their call.” Lorraine nodded.

“True. Though I don’t know what the deal is,” Lyra spoke up, “we normally don’t wear clothes, right? So why wear clothes to accent what we already know is there?” She hummed. “Then again… socks are a thing.”

Rarity blushed and gasped.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Lorraine groaned. “Why are socks lingerie, they’re socks.”

Short - the New Pet

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As Lorraine and Gilda came in from their day out, they were met by an enthusiastic Koromaru. The shiba wagged his tail happily as the pair came in, still wearing the hoodies Rarity had made.

“They’re home.” Alastor called out from the living room.

As the pair entered the living room, seeing Alastor sitting at a chair with a newspaper and a cup of tea, Koromaru raced in and ran around in circles, happy for a reason that Lorraine really couldn’t place.

“What’d I miss?” Lorraine asked, looking at Alastor.

“Oh, not much. We retrieved the hound as you can see.” Alastor nodded at the exuberant doggo.

“Yeah, I think we can see that.” Gilda deadpanned. “What else? Something feels off.”

“Eeeeeee!” Came an eee’ing from the hallway.

That definitely sounded like John.

The pair turned to see… Yes, that was definitely John, only it was as if John became the size of Spike and also became bipedal. The anthropomorphic bug waddle/ran down the hallway, holding a kitten in his chitinous claws.

“Lookit!” John cried happily holding up the kitten to their faces.

Said kitten mewed and stretched out a paw to pad at the doe girl’s nose.

“They’ve been like this all day.” Alastor said somewhat flatly.

"Aw, it's so cute!" Lorraine said with a silly grin as she let the kitten bat at her nose. "What's its name?"

“Her name is Socks.” John said, accompanied by another mew from ‘Socks.’

“That is adorable.” Lorraine grinned.

“So you got the cat.” Gilda commented, only for John to waddle/step over and present the cat to Gilda’s face.

Gilda now was face to face with bright green eyes. There came a surprisingly loud purring from the kitten as it stretched a paw out and placed it on Gilda’s beak.

Socks gave a honking squeak.

Gilda blinked. “Okay. I get it. She’s cute.”

Socks seemed to struggle a little bit, so John leaned forward. Sock then proceeded to climb onto Gilda’s face and crawl up on top of her head. She then settled down atop the hen’s head, purring.

“What do I do?” Gilda didn’t dare move, lest she disturb the cat.

There was a ~woosh~ and John was back to his normal quadrupedal state. “Well, she’s made your head her bed, soooo… move slowly.”

The doe took a step over and sat on her haunches. She raised her fore-hooves. Said hooves morphed and unraveled into something like roots. Then the “roots” wrapped together into something resembling paws. Her “paws” picked up the kitten, then deposited the kitten onto Gilda’s back.

The kitten seemed only mildly annoyed, but decided to stay on the hens back.

Gilda plodded over to the couch, where Koromaru had jumped onto to lay down. Before she could sit, Socks jumped off her back and crawled onto Koromaru to lay in a fuzzy black lump.

“Welp, couch is taken.” Gilda said as she moved to sit at one of the dining room seats.

“They’ve got along rather well.” John said, hopping into another arm chair. He looked at the doe girl. “So, how was your day?”

"Got some clothes, they should be here tomorrow," Lorraine replied. "I found out the Persona 5 crew exist here too, got a link to a chat room and everything too."

“Cool.” John smiled. “They would be interesting to meet.”

“Wild Card’s a shameless flirt.” Gilda commented.

“Well that sounds delightful.” Alastor chuckled. “Did his comments go over our doe’s head?”

“Meh.” Lorraine shrugged.

“That could mean anything.” Alastor blinked.

“No, it means meh.” John countered.

“He’s got a point.” Gilda pointed at the bug.

“Fine, spoil my fun.” Alastor went back to his paper.

“And I’ll start dinner.” Gilda got to her feet and plodded into the kitchen.

Short - to the Library

View Online

Ponies, or mares if John was to be more accurate, seemed to have reached a happy medium in terms of their reception of the smol bug. They no longer seemed disgusted by him, yet they also weren't going all fan-girl by his very presence. For once, he just felt like a normal person, minding his own business as he trotted through town.

Yet... There were the occasional outliers.

"John." Spoiled Rich called out, only making the Bug trot faster.

John pretended to not hear her as he half-galloped until he could see the large tree library. Once in sight, he went full tilt and galloped towards it. It might've been his anxiety kicking in, but he felt like he was being chased for some reason. He managed to skid to a halt before he slammed face-first into the door.

He glanced at the window. There was a sign hanging in it stating Open. Thus John pushed the door open and trotted in.

Inside he saw Twilight at the dining table in the back, surrounded by various books. She seemed heavily absorbed into one of them, as it hovered in front of her face. Spike was waddling around with a feather duster. Trixie, still here because bureaucracy, was sitting at a couch reading what looked like a fashion magazine. John shrugged and closed the door behind himself as he fully trotted inside.

"Afternoon." He called out.

"Hey John." Spike waved as he started up a ladder to dust the higher shelves first.

"Hello." Trixie said, glancing over the magazine. "How's your less-noodley doe girl?"

"She's good." John said with a nodded chewing on his lip with his fangs as he looked around at the bookshelves. "She's got a bit of a busy day. She's starting a garden, thanks to her floramancy, which Alastor can help her with. She's also helping the Peacewalkers with some project at Sweet Apple Acres, which I'm pretty sure is just Granny Smith just having the girls do some chores, but either way, Lorraine is supervising."

"That's good." Trixie nodded. "And how are you?"

"Eh?" John shrugged. "I'm decent. Here to look up some myth stuffs."

"Directly to your right, it's the section under the History section." Spike called out.

"Thanks buddy." John nodded and trotted over to start perusing the shelves.

"Why myths?" Trixie asked as she ended up setting her magazine down.

"Because I've always loved Earth mythology, and Equestrian mythology is interesting. It's especially interesting because the myths might just be history that got twisted or distorted by time." John said as he lit his horn and tugged out a few books. Ancient Equus Civilizations, Before Ponykind, and Non-Pony Mythology all seemed like they could be interesting. "Plus, the books I read in the Canterlot Castle Library were somehow both specific and vague at the same time. I asked Solaire about some things but he basically said I want you to find out on your own. So here I am."

John trotted over to Trixie's couch and plopped the books down on it before her hopped up on it himself. "Plus, as much as I love the guy, I don't want to bother him too much. He is one of the entities that keep the machinery of the universe working."

"Huh? The universe isn't run by machines." Twilight spoke up.

"Heh, Hi Twilight." John chuckled. "That was a metaphor."

"Oh, duh. Sorry, kinda focusing on this." Twilight apologized.

"No worries." John shook his head and opened Ancient Equestrian Civilizations. He blinked as he looked at the Table of Contents. "Lanthis? That name sounds familiar."

"Oh yeah. Trixie knows that tale." Trixie commented. "Trixie's mom read it to her when Trixie was a filly."

"Huh?" John looked over at her.

Trixie lit her horn and a hologram of an island with large columned building sprang into existence above the coffee table. She cleared her throat. "Lanthis was a mighty island nation- Well, more of a city-state, but we'll go with mighty nation." The hologram zoomed in to a what looked like a castle on a mountain peak. There stood a beautiful unicorn mare that unsurprisingly looked like Trixie.

"The Queen of Lanthis... The story said she was a pony, but she could really be anything." She paused. "We'll go with pony just for story's sake. Ahem, anyway, the Queen of Lanthis was not only beautiful, but intelligent, and she was a mighty sorceress that was rivaled by few." The hologram mare looked quite haughty as she looked over the city below her. "She received many suitors, and she had quite the harem of stallions, but none were worthy of her." The hologram mare turned her nose up at stallion after stallion.

"But one day, a robed figure brought the mare a tale that intrigued her." A cloaked pony stepped up to the mare. "He fawned over her, telling her how beautiful and talented she was. Then he told her that his master could make her even more powerful and even more beautiful. He was mighty, yet could not reach Lanthis easily. The Master, if the tales were true, seemed like the perfect stallion for her. The Servant could prove it. He made a window to his Master's domain. The Queen was enthralled by him." Trixie paused. "The tale, depending on the version, gives a different description of the Master, we're just gonna make him a demon." A hole appeared in front of the Queen and on the other side was... Alastor.

John snorted a laugh. Spike hung off the ladder, staring at the visual story-telling.

"So, The Master couldn't come to her on his own. So, the Servant gave her an idea. Have her strongest mages and herself make a Great Portal. Make the Portal strong enough, and he can come through with no issue. Then they could be married." Trixie continued. "Thus, the Queen and her Magi set to work on the Portal. Their test portals allowed The Master to send more of his servants through. However, word of what the Queen was doing, worried the people in the city below. Talk of the Queen consorting with demons and other evils."

The hologram shifted out of the castle and down the mountain to the city below. Ponies started to gossip among themselves.

"Word got out of the castle. It was true!" Trixie said with a dramatic gasp, causing the hologram ponies to gasp too. "And thus, a resistance started to form. It did not matter if the Queen was a hostage, or if she consorted willingly, the ponies of the city would storm the castle and find out the truth."

The ponies turned angry eyes to the castle.

"The day came when the Portal was finished. It simply required immense amounts of concentration to cast and maintain." The hologram shifted back to a large room. dozens of Unicorns were casting magic in tandem. "However, this was the day where the city ponies revolted. They would find out the truth. So, the castle was stormed." Ponies assaulted the castle gates and tore them down.

"At a pivotal moment of the casting, ponies burst in. The spell was disrupted. This wasn't a normal spell, disrupting a portal spell has consequences." There was a flash. "The tale goes that, the spell exploded, fracturing the island and sinking it to the bottom of the sea." Trixie finished.

"What happened to the Queen?" Spike asked.

"Probably died." Trixie shrugged. "Trust Trixie, you do not want to fuck up a portal spell."

"She's not wrong." Twilight added.

"You know, that sounds a lot like the story of Atlantis." John said with a hum. "We don't have anything solid, there's tales from all over about it. But basically it was a seaborne civilization that for whatever reason sank below the waves."

"I guess there are some tales that are the same no matter where you go." Trixie chuckled.

"Do you have any myth stories John?" Spike asked as he returned to his dusting.

"A lot." John said leaning back into the couch. "Really depends on the culture. There's Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Nordic, Japanese, Celtic, seriously I could go on. There are stories of Gods and mortals and monsters." John chuckled. "I'm a bit of a myth nerd when I'm not being a anime or gaming nerd."

"Tell Trixie a tale." Trixie said with a grin. "Trixie told one, so now you have to tell one."

"I suppose." John rolled his eyes. "Let me tell you about Thor- and this is about the mythological Thor not the comic book Thor."

John's throat hurt. They'd talked and told stories for awhile. Trixie had finally retreated to the basement. Spike moved on to reading comics after his chores were done. Twilight kept on with her research-slash-reading. John really wasn't surprised to read that quite a few myths and civilizations were similar to ones he'd read about on Earth. Beyond Atlantis, there were stories of Shangri-La, and tales telling that the Dream might be connected to something akin the the Fae Courts. It was all very interesting, at least to the bug.

"Twilight." John said with a bit of a croak. "Does the name Azrael mean anything to you?"

"Huh?" Twilight replied. "No."

"How about Raphael?" John asked.

"That's the name of the thing you turned into on Nightmare Night, right?" Twilight asked back. "Also. No. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious." John yawned. "Know anything about Giants of Flame?"

"Baring the myths about giants helping shape the world, no." Twilight set her book down and looked at him.

"That's about as much as I know. Again, I'm just curious and would love to know more, but Solaire's tight-lipped for the most part." John stretched with a quiet groan.

"Maybe you're not meant to know yet?" Twilight replied. "Sorry I can't help."

"Eh, it's fine." John shrugged. "I'll probably just read for a bit more then head home." He nodded, returning to a tale about Shadar. From what he was reading, this guy was the big stick. "How goes the studying, and what are you studying by the way?"

"I'm helping Princess Celestia and Princess Luna by cataloging old herding laws." Twilight yawned.

"Oh, I am so sorry. That sounds terrible." John winced.

"Eh, some of it is really interesting." Twilight shook her head.

John chuckled. "I'll take your word for it book horse."

Short - Heirophant

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“Wow, everything looks great.” John blinked at the backyard.

The backyard was now no longer blackened ground, nor was it just regular grass. For one, the normal square that the backyard made up was larger. Still within the confines of the larger square, was a small forest clearing. Oak trees made a semicircular ring that took up most of the space, and also provided quite a bit of shade. A small path of flat rocks lead to a small pond of clear water. Sprouting out of the ground just beyond the pond was a much larger tree. A massive weeping willow with deep amber colored leaves.

John watched a rabbit hop across the clearing and enter a burrow under one of the trees. He looked at the somewhat worn out looking doe girl. “You doing okay? In less than a day you made a miniature forest, do you need a nap or something to recover?”

“I’ll be fine. We had an entire afternoon and kinda got carried away.” Lorraine nodded.

“I’m not as adept as I once was.” Alastor said with a nod. “Lorraine did most of the work. She has quite the imagination.”

“I already knew that, but still.” The smol bug waved a hoof at the clearing. “Damn.”

“Indeed.” The buck nodded with a somewhat smug smile.

“I needed the practice.” Lorraine stated, causing John to roll his eyes.

“Congrats, you power-leveled your druidism.” John shook his head. “When can I expect the crash, that had to have taken it out of you.”

“I’m used to being tired.” The doe shrugged.

“But-” The bug blinked, then shook his head. He thrust a hoof towards the living room. “No. You go in and sit your butt down so you can rest. I will bring you food and hot chocolate.”

“A wonderful idea.” Alastor nodded trotting inside.

“I’m kinda mad at you.” John scowled up at the buck as the doe and the bug trotted inside. “It’s not healthy to go all in all the time.”

“Guys, it’s fine. Really.” Lorraine tried to protest.

“Ap- Nah uh.” The smol bug booped her snoot with a hoof. “Sit.” He gestured at the couch where Socks was snoozing on top of Koromaru.

“I’ve had worse.” The doe snorted.

“Not the point.” John replied, trotting into the kitchen. “You don’t have to work yourself to death anymore.” He called out. “You actually have time to sit and relax and do things now. I honestly expected something like a small garden full of, like, vegetables or something, not a bloody micro-forest.” His head popped out of the kitchen. “I’m not mad, I’m just worried about you. I don’t want you to over-exert yourself too much.”

"I've got a bit of a headache, but other than that I'm fine. No fatigue or pain or anything," Lorraine stressed. "You know how bad things used to be and I don't have those problems anymore."

“A, that was when you were still human; B, I’m more worried about magical burnout; and C....” There came a pause, then the bugs head popped out of the kitchen again. “I actually don’t have a C, but you get my point.”

“He does have a point.” Alastor said with a small nod. “Though, if anything, you are probably going to sleep very well tonight.”

“It’s a headache. I can manage headaches.” The doe rolled her eyes as she sat on the couch and gently pet Socks. The cat gave a little trill and stretched out her forelegs a bit before starting to knead the dog beneath her.

“I know…” John returned, waddling in on two legs as he brought a platter holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate and a plate of biscuits. He set it in front of the doe. “Need some Advil or Ibuprofen?” He asked, whooshing back to his quadrupedal form.

"Neither of those actually work for me," Lorraine replied. "I'll see how I go, if the headaches are a regular thing I'll head up to Canterlot for a doctors appointment to get a script."

“Gotcha.” John nodded. “And I assume we can just pick up the prescription at the clinic?”

“Eh, I’ll sort it out.” She shrugged.

“I just wanna know because I can just go pick it up whenever I’m out.” John replied, trotting back into the kitchen.

“I can just get it same day. It’s what I usually do.” The doe shook her head.

Gilda plodded in from her room with a small yawn. The hen stretched like a cat, before opening her eyes to the doe. “Well it sounded like it was an eventful day.” The hen trotted to the backdoor and moved the curtains aside. There was a pause. “Honestly, this really should surprise me, but I think it’ll take more than a forest in the backyard to do that.”

The griffon plodded through the living room and into the kitchen.

“Hey.”

The smol bug returned, levitating his own steaming coffee cup. “So, evening plans?”

“For once in a long time, I have nothing planned.” Alastor shook his head.

“That’s almost shocking.” John deadpanned at the buck. He looked at the doe.

She blinked. “I dunno.”

“Movie, gaming, TV show binge.” John started to suggest as he hopped onto the couch.

“Movie works for me.” Gilda called out.

“That’s one for movie.” John nodded.

“Eh, whatever you guys want to do.” Lorraine replied.

There came a knock at the door.

John levitated his cup to the arm of the couch. “Got it.”

Gilda came out of the kitchen.

“I got it, go back to making whatever.” John waved the griffon away.

Gilda shrugged and went back into the kitchen.

John got to the door and engulfed the doorknob in green light. He opened it.

Only to be faced by a pair of large bat ponies in silver armor.

Both were black-furred stallions with red eyes. Both seemed to blink at the fact that there wasn’t someone at head height.

“Guys.” John waved a hoof. “Down here.”

The pair looked down at him.

“If you’ve come to arrest me, I will state that I can turn into both an angel and a giant dinosaur, so might want a warrant or lawyers first.” John said with a nod. “Now! How can I help you.”

There came a small cough, and the guards stepped aside. Standing on the porch was Luna. She trotted up to him. She looked down at him.

To John it was a little refreshing to not have ponies tower over him during conversation. “Luna. How are you doing?”

“We are- Ahem, I am fine.” Luna replied. “Is Lorraine in?”

“Well she was there when I last checked a minute ago, so I’m gonna say yes.” John said with a nod.

“May I speak with her?” Luna asked.

“I mean, probably?” John shrugged. “I’m pretty sure she’s been worried about you.”

Luna blinked. “Why?”

“She’s been sending you letters.” The smol bug deadpanned.

“Ah. Those... Yes.” The blue alicorn’s cheeks flushed a bit. “I… It felt wrong to reply in letter form.”

“So it took Twilight and Spike sending a letter to Celestia to finally get your ass down here to sort your shit out?” John raised a brow.

During the conversation, the doe girl had trotted into the hallway.

“I’ve been sending you letters for how long now?” Lorraine deadpanned.

Luna’s eyes snapped to Lorraine. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.

“And, avoiding the… whatever that turns into.” John said, trotting back towards the living room so Lorraine could stand in the doorway.

“Lorraine.” Luna managed to get out. “It’s- You-” She blinked. “You’ve become a deer.”

“Yeah, plant doe. It’s fun.” Lorraine stated. “So, what have you been up to?”

“To use some more modern parlance, ahem, getting my shit together.” Luna said a little awkwardly. “As well as, well, actual Princess things.”

“Cool.” Lorraine said.

A slightly awkward pause fell over the two.

The two guards shuffled a little before-

“Hey, you guys want anything?” John asked, poking his head around the corner.

The guards immediately stepped past the pair and trotted into the house, leaving the mare and doe alone on the porch.

“I’m sorry!” Luna blurted out as they left.

“For?” Lorraine asked.

“For…” Luna’s face scrunched up a bit. “Treating you terribly when you needed me most because of my twisted sense of duty?”

“Kay, what got you to realise this?” The doe asked.

“I guess, you could call it soul searching.” Luna replied, sitting on her haunches. “It’s taken returning to my duties as Princess for me to realise that I was… almost forcing myself to… do things, like things.” Her face scrunched up again. “I took too much pride in my work. And you were right, I do have a duty of care to the people of Equestria, not just ponies.”

“Okay. Do you need my help with something?” Lorraine asked. “Because I honestly thought you cut ties with me.”

“I did…” Luna said slowly. “But, I would like to start over, if you’d accept me.”

"Now? After the letters? After Nightmare Night?" Lorraine said flatly. "Sorry, I'm just a bit confused as to why you care now, especially after how things went up in Canterlot."

“I deserve that.” Luna nodded. "I have tried to earn my Guardianship back, but both The Nightmare and Solaire have told me I will not regain it until I know what the role means to me, how I make the role my own... And in truth, I do not know. I thought that you might be willing to make amends and help me find out?"

“How am I supposed to help?” Lorraine asked, blinking in confusion.

"If I am to be Guardian of the Night once more it must be something I can do and do well," Luna explained. "My sister often finds joy and fulfillment in her own duties both as a Princess and in serving Solaire. My plan, so to speak, is to improve myself and be worthy of my station as a Princess of Equestria and to do so, I will need an adviser, or at the very least, someone able to empathize with the general public."

“And you want me.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“I could not think of someone better.” Luna said awkwardly. “You have always treated me as a person first and foremost, not as a Princess or Demi-God, just Luna. I… missed that.”

“And your thoughts on the Nightmare?” Lorraine asked.

“Complicated.” Luna replied. “I understand why she possessed me, as I was throwing the world out of balance. However… Being possessed is not something easily forgotten, even after a thousand years.”

"Ok, I'll mediate between you two," Lorraine suggested and sighed. "Don't quote me on this but, I have a hunch that there's something else going on or something went out of whack while you were gone for all those years."

“You can feel that?” Luna blinked. “The balance of the Shadows?”

“More like, stuff’s repeating itself.” Lorraine said with a small hum. “I’m noticing things, and if I’m right then we’re in for a shit show.”

“Well, roughly a thousand years of peace can’t last.” Luna shook her head. “For every high there must be a low. Not that some of the other Gods agree with that.” She sighed. “Honestly, peace forever only breeds stagnation. Every now and then the world must be tested.” She shook herself a little. “Apologies, we fell into our thoughts for a spell.”

"Remember all those Persona games I told you about ages ago?" Lorraine commented. "It's basically that."

Luna blinked. “I thought the name Akechi sounded familiar.”

“Hey, nothing’s exploded.” John came up next to the doe girl. “That’s a plus. Also, don’t get me started on whatever Eldritch Entity decides to retroactively insert things into the creation of this universe.” He said with a chuckle. “Either of you need anything, I’m just checking.”

“No I’m good.” Lorraine shook her head then looked back to Luna. “So, you want to hire me?”

“Yes.” Luna nodded as the smol bug shrugged and went back inside. “I assure you, you’ll be compensated. Name your price.”

“Pay me whatever you think is appropriate, or whatever?” Lorraine asked. “Just tell me what I’m doing and if there’s anything I need to know.”

“That or those, I actually need to formulate a list for.” Luna said with a hum. “Perhaps Cadence or Twilight could aid on that front.” She shook her head. “No matter, we have time.” She looked at Lorraine. “I will be staying in Ponyville for a few days, so we need not discuss everything now.”

“Okay, so should we meet up tomorrow?” Lorraine asked.

“That might be best.” Luna nodded.

The following morning, Luna met with Lorraine and the pair went to Bon Bon's Tea Shop. The way there was surprisingly uneventful, even with a doe and an alicorn walking though town.

Luna stared somewhat nervously at a pair of bright golden eyes.

Lyra’s stare bore holes into the Night Princess.

“For fuck sake Lyra, stop harrassing the mare.” Bon Bon swore as she physically dragged Lyra back to the kitchen.

“Is she a friend, I assume?” Luna asked, sipping her tea as she looked towards the doe.

“Yup. She’s cool. May have bitched to her about you a bit.” Lorraine replied. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Luna nodded. “Now, I already have an advisor in terms of royal business.” She said siping more tea. “This is very good- Ahem, you would be my advisor to the public. What is the term again… Ah yes, Public Relations. You aid me in dealing with ordinary ponies- er, people.”

“But don’t you need training for that? Or at least a degree? Or something?” Lorraine blinked.

“Nonsense. You know how to talk to people in public. Simply come with me to events or public… things… and coach me on what to say.” Luna nodded with a small smile.

“Are you sure about this?” Lorraine asked, glancing down at her muffin. “I don’t exactly think like the rest of Equestria.”

“And that’s entirely the point.” Luna pointed a hoof at her. “An outside perspective, as it were.”

“Well, I’ve delegated almost all of my responsibilities for the Movement.” Lorraine commented, appearing to think. “Just gotta wait for the Safe Space to be done… so I’ve got time to help out.”

“Good.” Luna nodded. “It can be a start, at least. And I see you have been eyeing your food, please, eat.” She gestured a hoof at Lorraine’s muffin.

“Just a heads up, I won’t be able to hear you once I start eating.” Lorraine said.

Luna blinked in confusion as the doe girl started to eat her muffin. “Al… right?”

Chapter 21 - Sleepovers and New Roomies

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“I really can’t thank you enough.” Rarity said with a relieved sigh as Sweetie Belle came charging down the stairs with her saddlebags. “I’m swamped with orders, Fluttershy is helping Twilight with… something in the forest, and- Basically everyone is busy.”

“This is gonna be great!” Sweetie Belle bounced happily next to Lorraine. “So, getting me first before Scoots and Bloom?”

“Yep.” The doe nodded to the “filly” before looking back to Rarity. “If you need her to stay with us for a few days, we can manage.”

Rarity blinked. “Could you? Please?”

“And I wouldn’t mind in the slightest, Rarity gets testy when she’s stressed and on a deadline.” Sweetie shuddered a little.

“Fine with me.” Lorraine nodded.

“Oh thank you!” Rarity said, before summarily shooing the pair out of the boutique.

Lorraine blinked as the door was shut behind them.

“I know you’re probably used to her being nicer, but she kinda got this dumped on her.” Sweetie rolled her eyes. “She really needs an assistant.”

“Eh, no big deal.” Lorraine shook her head as she trotted away, quickly followed by the filly.

“So, this might sound weird, but what exactly are we supposed to do at a slumber party, I’ve only hung out with the girls during the day.” Sweetie said with a small blush. “Is there like a book or something I could read?”

“Oh, you know, watch movies, watch TV, eat snacks, have fun.” Lorraine rattled off, glancing at her.

“So… It’s just hanging out overnight, but add movies and junk food.” Sweetie blinked. “Now I feel stupid.”

“Well that was how things worked when I was a kid.” Lorraine replied.

“You were a goat- wait, child, right.” Sweetie shook her head. “What is with me today?” She giggled. “Who’s next by the way?”

“It’s okay if you’re nervous. Things’ll be fine.” Lorraine said. “We’re gonna go get Scootaloo next.”

“Sounds great.” Sweetie grinned.

They found Scootaloo leaning against the fence by her house, her saddlebags already ready to go.

“Hey.” Scootaloo nodded at the pair.

“Hey.” Lorraine replied back.

“Have you been waiting here that long?” Sweetie asked, glancing between the pegasus and the front door.

“Couple minutes. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared.” Scootaloo shrugged.

“To Bloom’s next?” Sweetie asked.

“Unless there’s anything else that needs to be done before we head out of town.” Scootaloo shrugged again as she trotted up next to Sweetie. Both looked at Lorraine.

“We’ll get the other stuff done after we pick up Apple Bloom.” Lorraine replied.

“Funny going out of town only to go back into town.” Scootaloo commented.

“Well I thought you’d all like to buy your own snacks.” Lorraine glanced at her as the three started off.

Scootaloo blinked. “And forget I said anything.”

“Seriously Bloom?” Sweetie deadpanned.

“It’ll only take a sec!” Apple Bloom called from upstairs amid the noise coming from upstairs.

Scootaloo face-hoofed as Lorraine toddled over to plant her flank on a chair.

“Y’all okay darlin’?” Granny Smith asked as her amused glance at the stairs turned to one of concern for the doe.

“Yeah, just not used to doing so much walking.” The doe replied. “New body and all that.”

“If y’all say so.” Granny nodded. “Ya think that that buck and yerself could look at a few a the trees sometime, Ah’m a little worried about Apple Blight.”

“The trees are fine Granny.” Big Mac commented from the kitchen. “Checked the fields this morning.”

“It wouldn’t hurt ta check.” Granny scowled towards the kitchen.

“Sorry!” Bloom half-galloped, half-fell down the stairs. Her saddlebags seemed messily packed. “Got sidetracked.”

“By what?” Scootaloo raised a brow.

“Ah’m tryin’ ta work out how ta fix up AJ’s old clubhouse so we don’t have ta use Lorraine’s place all the time.” Bloom replied, looking at the pegasus.

“John and I don’t mind.” Lorraine spoke up.

“But still, it’s rude.” Bloom frowned at the doe.

“No it’s not.” Lorraine countered.

“But-” Bloom was cut off by a white hoof.

“She says it’s fine, now let’s go get some munchies.” Sweetie rolled her eyes.

“What time do you need her back by?” Lorraine asked, looking at Granny Smith.

“Darlin’ there’s a reason they wanted ta do it on a Friday. It’s gonna be Saturday tomorrow, no chores. She can come home whenever.” Granny chuckled.

“Awesome, we’re good.” Scootaloo started towards the door. “Snacks are calling.”

“Mmmph- Did Ah hear snacks?” Bloom asked shoving Sweetie’s hoof off her muzzle.

Sweetie and Bloom were debating over what kind of snacks to buy. Scootaloo just rolled her eyes as she leaned against the Barnyard Bargains shopping cart. Lorraine simply waited for the three to decide, that is, until something caught her eye.

At the end of the aisle, standing in front of the freezer section, was Luna.

Scootaloo looked at Lorraine, scrunched up her face at seeing the doe stare off, then followed her line of sight. She blinked. “Is that… Princess Luna?”

Bloom and Sweetie didn’t respond, they were arguing whether cookies were better junk food than chips.

A leafy ear flicked. “Girls just get whatever, pick your favorites.”

“Huh.” Sweetie paused, blindsided by the comment.

“Gotcha.” Bloom started raiding the shelves.

“I think she’s lost.” Scootaloo nodded towards Luna. “Might want to go help her.”

“Uh, okay.” Lorraine replied and slowly started towards the mare.

She made her way, all the way up to stand next to the blue mare sitting on her flank in front of the freezer, that just so happened to be filled with Hot Pockets.

“There are… so many choices.” Luna said, seemingly thinking aloud. “Perhaps we should have brought the guards to help us decide.”

Luna then blinked and seemingly finally noticed the doe standing next to her. “Ah, Lorraine, perfect timing, could you help me decide which of the frozen bread pockets I should get?”

“Well these are the ones I usually get.” Lorraine pointed a hoof at the Hawaian Pizza type.

“That sounds interesting.” Luna nodded.

“I mean, it’s not actual ham, but it still tastes the same.” The doe added.

“Hey, we couldn’t decide so we got another cart.” Scootaloo rolled the first cart up as she was followed by a second cart pushed by Sweetie.

“You don’t need that many snacks, put the other one back.” Lorraine commented, glancing back to the three.

“Awww.” Sweetie whined.

“Told ya, come on.” Bloom rolled her eyes as the white filly turned the cart around.

“So, what brings you to Ponyville, Princess?” Scootaloo asked Luna.

“Hmmmm? Oh, a filly, yes, ummmm Public Relations. As well as a few royal duties outside of Canterlot... My... Nephew requested my assistance with something.” Luna said with a nod, then looked at Lorraine as if to confirm what she said was right.

“Sounds about right.” Lorraine agreed. “Wait- Nephew?”

“Prince Akechi needs assistance. Being that he is male, he requires that I grant him authority.” Luna nodded at Lorraine. “That is not everything that I am doing, but enough about myself. What brings you to the Barn of Bargains?”

“Snack run for a slumber party.” Scootaloo commented.

Luna blinked at Scootaloo. “What’s a slumber party?”

“John! She followed us home! Can we keep her?”

John jumped as Scootaloo’s yell caught him off guard. He poked his head out of the kitchen to see the Peacewalkers, Lorraine, and Luna plopping down bags of snacks.

“Is all that really necessary?” John asked, as bags of snacks were pulled out of plastic bags and piled onto the dining table.

“They’re for us too. We’re not going to eat all of it.” Lorraine replied. “We needed to restock anyway.”

“It is all absolutely necessary Jonathan.” Alastor said, almost prancing into the living room.

“Ah ha! A deer of culture!” Luna pointed a hoof at him.

“You insulted my ancestors the last time we spoke.” Alastor replied as if it was nothing.

Luna blinked. “Ah, yes. I did.”

“They’re dead now, doesn’t bother me in the slightest.” Alastor grinned before trotting over to look through the snack pile. “Now let’s see…”

“You aren’t gonna have anything once I’m through with them.” Scootaloo chuckled.

“Scoots. Stahp, I’m baking garlic bread. You don’t need to eat all the snacks.” John whined a little before ducking back into the kitchen.

“And these are for later anyways.” Lorraine added.

“No.” Alastor set a bag down, then levitated another. “No.” He repeated the process. “Heavens no.” He levitated another. “You have terrible taste in biscuits.”

“Oi!” The doe girl snapped from her place on the couch.

There came a cat yelling and Socks charged down the hallway and ran into the kitchen.

“Moww.”

“What?” John replied.

“Moww.”

“I fed you already.”

“Roww.”

“What do you want?”

“Mowwroww.”

“I’m not going to turn the sink on for you, go ask Koromaru.”

“Moww.”

“Ugh.” There was a clop of hooves. “See, your food bowl is- Of course you want me to watch you eat.”

Lorraine grinned as she stared towards the kitchen.

“As someone who lives with a cat, this happens to everyone.” Sweetie nodded, settling herself on the floor.

Alastor trotted back into the living room, levitating a bag of cookies. He trotted to his seat… and paused.

Scootaloo blinked up at him from his seat. “S’up.”

“Uh- Child. You’re in my seat.” Alastor stated.

“Well it’s not yours now.” Scootaloo shrugged.

Alastor blinked in confusion.

“Scoots, don’t antagonize the demon.” Sweetie groaned and face-hoofed. “He could kill you.”

“How dare you.” Alastor turned his gaze towards Sweetie. “I have standards.”

“Plus, either way, I win.” Scootaloo added. “I don’t move, I get the seat. I win. He kills me, I don’t care about the seat anymore. I win.”

“I am not going to kill a child!” Alastor groaned.

“There’s a spare seat next to me.” Lorraine commented at the spot between her and Bloom. Said Bloom was snorting into her hoof.

“See young ones, this is not the child-killing kind of demon, everything is safe.” Luna nodded sagely.

“Define safe.” Alastor chuckled as he stepped towards the couch.

“Woof!” Koromaru raced down the hallway and planted his butt firmly next to the doe girl, while giving the buck a smug look.

Alastor blinked.

“Guys, come on.” Lorraine groaned a little.

Koromaru huffed and jumped down so he could settle next to Luna on the floor. Luna only looked at the clothes wearing shiba in confusion.

Alastor took the new seat. “So, how is this evening event going to start?”

“Movie?” Sweetie suggested.

“Movie.” Agreed Bloom and Scootaloo.

“Type?” Sweetie asked.

“Please no rom-coms.” Scootaloo groaned.

“I’m partial to some of the classics. Casamareca. Gone with the Wind. Romancing the Pone.” Alastor commented, taping his chin with a hoof.

“I was going to suggest a Disneigh marathon.” Lorraine suggested.

“Oh I haven’t watched The Lion King in years!” Bloom gasped.

“That sounds good to me.” Sweetie nodded.

“Animated classics count.” Alastor agreed.

“And Beauty and The Beast after Lion King?” Lorraine asked, looking around at the others.

“A wonderful tale.” Luna said with a nod. “Though the true story is much… more grim.”

“I’m not surprised.” John called from the kitchen as Socks ran out and jumped up to cuddle between Lorraine and Alastor.

Sweetie nodded happily. “Well, Disneigh movies it is. Who has the remote?”

John hummed to himself quietly as he trotted out the front door. The slumber party a couple days ago had been a success, though John did decide to disappear into his room near the end of the night. The bug pushed open the door, stepping out, shut it behind him, and inhaled the cool morning air.

“James, where are you off to?” Alastor spoke up, causing him to jump.

The buck was sitting in a chair on the porch, levitating a steaming coffee cup and a newspaper.

“Castle of the Two Sisters. Checking to see if it’s damaged at all. Thinking about asking to have it renovated just in case we, or somebody else, needs it for something.” John said, calming down.

“Good idea. Enjoy the walk.” Alastor went back to his paper.

“It’s gonna be a short walk.” John called over his shoulder as he trotted out to the pathway and engulfed himself in flames.

Moments later a giant dinosaur was striding through the trees.

Being the size of a skyscraper had its benefits. It cut down on travel time, and nothing ever really tried to bother him. As the trees crunched beneath him, he came to the cliff. The moldering ruins were clearly visible. With a nod, the bug turned dinosaur stepped down the cliff and plodded towards the second minor obstacle, the gorge between the castle and himself. Stopping before it, he engulfed himself in flames and returned to his normal smol stature.

He looked across the rope bridge, doubled checking for any visible damage, before he started across it. He hummed happily as he made it to the other side.

As he made for the large front doors, something caught his ear. His brow furrowed as he heard a scrambling, clopping noise coming from inside.

He took a step in and looked around. Nothing was out of the ordinary. His brow furrowed. “Hello?”

No answer.

He knew he heard something.

Trotting inside, he slowed to a walk and slowly looked around the room.

Everything seemed fine.

“If anyone’s there, this place isn’t exactly the most stable.” He called out. “It’s not safe out he- Ah!” He yelped as his hoof hit a rock and he tripped.

“Ah!” Came another yelp.

John settled himself and whirled around. Something had just cried out. His eyes lowered.

There was a rock sticking out of the stone of the floor.

His eyes narrowed at it.

He leaned in.

“Boo!”

“GAH!”

~Fwoosh~

The rock erupted in green flames as a pony-sized changeling tumbled backwards. “Don’t hurt me!” Yelped the changeling.

John blinked at it. It was like looking into a funhouse mirror. One that made you look bigger.

The ‘ling scrambled back against the wall. “I’ll do anything, just don’t take me back to the hive!”

“Eh?” John blinked at him. It was clearly a him by voice alone. “Slow down.”

“I’ll- I’ll- be your servant!” The changeling begged.

“Dude.” John held out a hoof, causing the ‘ling to gasp. “Ugh-” He closed his eyes and took a breath. “Okay.” He opened them and looked at the still cowering ‘ling. “My name’s John.” He put a hoof to his chest then lowered his voice. “I am not going to hurt you. It’s okay. Everything’s fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” He set his hoof down. “What’s your name?”

The changeling seemed to have stopped cowering and was now sitting on his haunches in front of the wall. His solid teal eyes blinked in confusion. “I’m… Thorax.”

“Thorax. That’s a great name.” John smiled, sitting on his haunches himself. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice… to… meet you too?” Thorax blinked.

“Alright, names out of the way, what are you doing out here?” John asked, tilting his head to the side.

“I… deserted the hive.” Thorax looked away.

“Is that bad?” John tilted his head the other direction.

Thorax stared at him with a look somewhere between confusion and shock. “Absolutely! How can you not know?! You’re a changeling! A small one, but still!”

“I wasn’t always.” John shook his head.

Thorax paused and blinked. “Huh?”

“T l d r, my girlfriend and I got transported here by some great cosmic entity because reasons. She started as a cute luck dragon and is now an adorable deer. I thought I was a pony till my shapeshifted form broke and I turned out to be the smol bug you see before you. We live in Ponyville. We have a house. It’s nice.” John smiled toothily at the larger 'ling.

Thorax was silent, staring at him.

“What?”

“I know, it’s ridiculous, owning a house in this economy?” John shook his head with a chuckle. “Crazy right?”

“Wait- So-” Thorax shook himself. “You weren’t a changeling?”

“Nope.” John shook his head.

“And you… live with ponies?” Thorax asked.

“Yep. They can be a little sexist sometimes, but I’ve gotten used to it.” John shrugged. "Mostly."

“And… they don’t chase you out of town?” Thorax blinked in confusion.

“Nope, thankfully.” John chuckled.

“What are you?” Thorax narrowed his eyes at him.

“I prefer the term smol bug, but I’m pretty sure I’m just a small changeling.” John nodded happily.

The air was suddenly filled with the sound of buzzing. Thorax froze as John looked around.

“They found me!” Thorax yelped.

“What? Who?” John snapped his eyes to the changeling.

“The hive really doesn’t like it when 'lings leave. If you leave the hive it’s basically betraying the Queen!” Thorax quickly explained.

“Turn into a rock and I’ll talk with them.” John said gesturing a hoof towards the corner.

“But-”

“I’ll be fine.” John shook his head. “Go.”

Thorax’s fangs chewed his lower lip, then he raced over to the corner and ~fwooshed~ into a small rock.

John nodded as he stared towards the front doors. The buzzing stopped.

“Thorax.” A male voice called out. “I know you’re here. I felt your presence.”

“Ominous.” John mumbled as a few changelings in what looked like chitinous blue armor filed in. Each one seemed to freeze and stare as they saw John.

“Thora-” The voice cut off as the last member of the changeling hunting squad came in.

Larger than the others, his chitin looked thicker and heavier, his armor was a deep sea green. His eyes were a solid red-ish purple. A translucent, dark red, fin-like frill ran up the back of his neck and over the top of his head, giving John the impression of a mohawk.

The large changeling paused on seeing John. He briefly glanced between the other members of his squad and made a few strange clicking noises. As one, the other 'lings took a step back and formed a wall blocking off that exit.

The large 'ling then took a couple, seemingly tentative, steps forward. “What are you doing here, monster?”

“One, rude. Two, I was expecting to look around to see how bad the damage was, but then you guys showed up.” John spoke up. “Hi.” He waved a hoof. “I’m John. Nice to meet you. First time meeting other changelings.”

The large ling’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of trick are you trying to play?”

“Pardon?” John blinked.

“I don’t fear you. I am Pharynx, Queensguard and Hunter of Hiveless. I have faced worse than you, monster.” Pharynx growled out, his surprisingly large violet wings erupting from his back and buzzing in agitation.

“And that’s still just bloody rude.” John said, scrunching up his face at the larger 'ling.

“What are you playing at?” Pharynx growled as a green glow rippled around his body.

“Nothing?” John blinked, leaning away a little. “Seriously, I can just leave.”

“Oh, you think I’ll let you even live? How many hives have you devoured?” Pharynx snapped.

“Dude! What are you talking about?!” John snapped, fed up with not getting any answers.

“Primordial…” Pharynx growled out as his body was engulfed in green flames.

His form grew. Chitinous, purple, scythe-like mantis talons burst from the flames, quickly followed by a wasp-like stinger. Two pairs of insectoid wings burst forth as the flames receded. Four, thin, multi-jointed legs sprouted from the insectoid torso. The face was that of a spider, and all eight eyes stared hatefully at the smol bug.

The wings buzzed, causing a wind to spring up in the hall as the giant insectoid monstrosity lifted into the air.

A high-pitched clicking left it’s maw, and it quickly shifted into a strange whining noise.

Faster than something of its size should move, the mantis-wasp virtually appeared over the bug, raising a massive scything talon.

John’s eyes widened.

‘Welp. Looks like the castle will need renovations after all.’

“Gomora!”

In a flash of green the roof of the hall was gone.

As was the hall…

And a small chunk of the castle proper…

Gomora towered over the ruins.

John glared at the still sizable mantis-wasp. It actually looked shocked. And John took full advantage of that as he roared and swung a meaty claw at it.

Like swatting a particularly large fly, the mantis-wasp sailed out over the forest, only to land with a crunch of trees and a large cloud of dust.

John snorted as he watched the tiny armored lings panic and fly in every direction.

Just to make sure they didn’t come back, he let loose another roar into the sky, before engulfing his massive form in flames.

John, once against the smol bug stood in the open space that had once been the entry hall. He didn’t really have time to worry about that.

“Thorax!” He called out. “You out there? If you’re alive, make a noise!”

A form buzzed up and out of the gorge. Thorax flew towards John and landed in front of him. His eyes were wide in shock. “What was that?!”

“Gomora, the Ancient Monster.” John replied. “Glad you got out of there, I really wouldn’t have wanted to squish you.” He sighed. “And I fucked up the castle too. Dammit.”

“I think they’re gone, if what you did to my brother was any indication.” Thorax nodded, seemingly calmer.

“Brother?” John blinked and looked at him.

“Well, when you’re born in a clutch of eggs, you tend to have a lot of brothers and sisters. He was special though, so he got special treatment.” Thorax glared out towards the slowly falling dust cloud.

“Would that explain why he was treating me like I was Hannibal Lecter?” John raised a brow.

“Well, him and his squad can basically… mmmm… sense changelings and other living things. It’s kinda like a much stronger version of any ordinary changeling’s love senses.” Thorax explained.

“So he had psychic powers?” John blinked.

“Less mind and more… Essence? I don’t really want to say magic, but it’s close.” Thorax nodded.

“And he called me Primordial.” John nodded along. “Any idea what that is?”

“I dunno.” Thorax shrugged. "I was just a worker drone."

“Well, I don’t think they’ll be after you for awhile, what are you going to do now?” John asked, once again looking around at the devastation his change had wrought.

“I don’t know, I probably have enough love for a few more shifts.” Thorax seemed to think as his fangs chewed his bottom lip.

“Well, I’ve got a house. I’m sure Lorraine wouldn’t mind putting you up.” John nodded.

“Really?” Thorax blinked. “Just like that?”

“Why not?” John asked in return.

“Soooo, this is Thorax.” John stood on his hind legs and waved his claws at Thorax. “He was on the run from his hive because changeling hives are terrible apparently.”

Thorax nervously looked between Lorraine, Gilda, Sweetie and Alastor.

“Well I could have told you that.” Alastor looked down at the pair of bugs.

“So, he needs a room?” Gilda asked.

“I mean, I offered.” John replied, wincing a little. “Sorry.”

“Fuck it, what’s one more in here? It’s not like the house isn’t just going to spawn another room.” Gilda snorted a laugh and shook her head.

“Hey, my house.” Lorraine looked at the hen. Said hen just shrugged.

“I don’t mind in the least.” Alastor shook his head. “Also, it’s technically our house, is it not?”

“How Russian of you.” John chuckled, before looking at the doe girl. “Sorry, I know I should have consulted you first.”

"I don't even live here, sooo I have no opinion." Sweetie shrugged.

“I could just leave.” Thorax suggested. “If John’s right, maybe one of your friends could put me up?”

“No it’s fine. If there’s a room for you, you can stay.” Lorraine replied.

Thorax blinked, seemingly lost for words. “Thank… You.”

“No problem.” The doe yawned and wandered off back down the hallway.

John noticed something. He trotted into the hallway.

There was a new door.

“Gilda you’re right.” John said, looking at it.

“You’re saying you haven’t noticed the house just changing to accommodate us?” Gilda asked incredulously.

“Well I didn’t want to sound crazy.” John pouted at her.

“John, you live in a house with a flora doe, formerly luck dragon, a griffon, a demon in the form of a deer, a magic shiba, and a house cat. Crazy went out the window a long time ago.” Alastor said with a nod trotting past and patting the bug on the head.

John, Gilda, Sweetie, and Thorax stood in front of the new door.

John gestured at it and Thorax opened it.

All four blinked.

“Huh.” John hummed. “We have a basement now.”

Chapter 22 - Adjustment

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"Well... it's very... Spartan." John nodded as he looked around the basement room.

The house had evidently given them an area that was slightly smaller than the living room at the bottom of the stairs; a small closet, by the size of it; a small bathroom (that didn’t have much more than a sink, mirror, toilet, and shower with a plain white shower curtain); and a sizable room for Thorax. However... there wasn't much there. The walls looked like concrete painted white and the floor was just flat gray stone.

Thorax's room was very plain as well. There was a single bed with plain white sheets against one wall, a black chest of drawers sitting against the wall across from it, lastly an empty four-shelf bookshelf and a wood desk on the wall across from the door (meaning that you had to walk between the chest of drawers and the bed to get to the desk).

"I didn't stay in any one place for too long." Thorax said a little weakly. "I haven't really had a chance to really settle down and find out what I like as an individual."

"Well, this is your home now. So congrats, you get to find out what that is." John said with a grin. Thorax just smiled back.

"So, what would you like to do?" The smol bug asked the normal bug.

Thorax shrugged.

“Well we could go shopping in town.” John suggested as he headed for the stairs.

“That could work.” Thorax nodded as he followed.

“Wanna just do that tomorrow? And Hell, we could introduce you to people in town while we’re at it. Kinda make a day of it.” John rattled off as he waited for the larger bug to reach the landing before closing the door to the basement.

“That would probably help.” Thorax nodded.

“I mean, we don’t have to, if you want to take time to settle down for a bit to adjust.” John made sure to add as he headed to the kitchen.

Thorax followed him in.

Gilda, Sweetie, and Alastor all watched Thorax follow the smol bug around like a puppy.

“Oh no!” Thorax quickly shook his head. “That sounds great.” He paused as John started pulling things out of cupboards. “What are you doing?”

John blinked at him as he levitated a pot over to the sink and started to fill it. “Starting dinner.”

“Dinner? As in food?” Thorax blinked back.

“You poor thing, you have been away from society for a long while.” John frowned, then brightened. “Wanna help?”

Thorax buzzed his wings happily. “Sure!”

The following morning, Sweetie Belle trotted out of the back door to see a shivering and grumbling doe girl soaking up the morning sunlight.

“Ya want me to get you a blanket?” The “filly asked, trotting up to her.

“No, need to keep the leaves out.” Lorraine said in a slightly grumpy half-grumble.

“Right, because part plant. Right.” Sweetie nodded. “Well want some warmth anyway?”

“I’m good.” The doe girl replied, yet was still shivering.

Sweetie deadpanned, then walked next to the doe. She lowered herself and snuggled into a little ponyloaf, before leaning against the doe. She was very warm.

“Uhhh…” The doe girl glanced at her.

“Just accept my heat dammit.” Sweetie kept the deadpan look. “You might not like contact, but this is better than just watching you freeze in the morning air.”

“Yeah, no. Head back inside, I’ll be fine.” Lorraine replied.

“And if I say no?” The filly raised a challenging brow.

“Then I’ll have to tell Rarity you weren’t listening to me.” Lorraine replied.

“Oh no! Not Rarity!” Sweetie gave a dramatic gasp, then returned to deadpanning. “And you’d also have to explain the circumstances for not listening, right?”

“I don’t run the risk of getting sick, you do.” Lorraine stated.

“Do I look cold to you?” Sweetie asked. “I think you’re more susceptible to the cold than I am at this point.”

The doe gestured at the frost covered grass. "It's not exactly spring out here and I don't want to risk you getting a cold. Inside, now." the doe sternly stated.

“Fine.” Sweetie gave a groan as she got up and walked towards the door. “I’ll just tell Alastor or John that you’re freezing.” She said before sliding the door open.

Lorraine just rolled her eyes at the comment.

“So, do any of you mind hanging out here?” John asked, glancing at Alastor, Lorraine, Gilda, and Sweetie.

“Do you need me to go with you?” Lorraine immediately asked.

“Counter question, do you want to go?” John pointed a hoof at her.

“Not really, it’s fucking freezing out there.” Lorraine replied, snuggling more into the couch. Everyone else just looked at her funny.

“I wouldn’t mind going.” Alastor nodded with a smile as he got up.

“I’ll keep the cold doe company.” Gilda gestured at Lorraine.

“Same.” Sweetie said, gesturing a hoof at the TV. “We can watch bad romance movies or something.”

“Sure.” Lorraine repled bluntly.

“Lovely. A day of the males on the town!” Alastor grinned as he stood next to the pair of bugs.

“It’s not gonna be that fun, we’re just gonna shop and have Thorax meet a few people.” John rolled his eyes.

“But Jimmy, that’s exactly why it should be that fun.” Alastor nodded.

Both bugs just blinked at him as Sweetie giggled and Gilda face-taloned.

Thorax shuddered a little as he walked between John and Alastor.

“It’s gonna be fine.” John said as they crossed the bridge into Ponyville proper, specifically the market.

“You- You sure?” Thorax glanced at the bug.

“Oh my medium-sized friend, you have nothing to worry about.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“Hi John.” A few mares by a stall called in unison.

Thorax’s jaw dropped as he looked between the mares and John.

“Know that giant monster I turned into?” John looked at Thorax as he waved at the mares, to a tumult of giggles.

“Uh huh.” Thorax nodded.

“I fought a giant multi-headed snake thing and kinda became a town hero… Whether I wanted it or not.” John rolled his eyes.

“At least they’re leaving me alone.” Alastor smiled and nodded at a few mares, who also broke down in a fit of giggles. “Somewhat.”

“Is this real?” Thorax blinked as he looked around. “Am I dreaming?”

“Yes and no, in that order.” John said as they made a b-line for Barnyard Bargains.

“I really can just, be this, and absorb love?” Thorax gestured a hoof at himself. “Honestly?”

“I mean, haven’t you been doing that anyway?” John asked, raising a brow at the larger bug.

“Yeah.” Thorax said awkwardly. “Ummm, since I came into your house.”

“Kay.” John nodded.

Thorax blinked. “You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad at you for eating?” John gave him a funny look.

“Lorraine gets mad whenever I eat her biscuits.” Alastor commented.

“Yeah, because those are her biscuits.” John turned to glare at the deer. “And you never ask.”

“Point made.” Alastor just grinned.

“Don’t make me swat that smile off your face.” John deadpanned and Alastor gasped and brought his hooves to his nose.

“I’m just going to stop asking questions, I’ll just get more questions.” Thorax commented.

“Good idea, also, Barnyard.” John gestured at the building. “Let’s outfit the basement.”

“Wonderful.” Alastor said, relaxing.

“I don’t need much, I don’t want you to waste your bits.” Thorax said weakly.

“Thorax, buddy, Lorraine and I could probably buy out the store and still have money to spare.” John deadpanned. “We have money, we just never spend it.”

“Oh.” Thorax blinked.

John nodded sagely, then grinned. “So let’s go splurge.”

“Sorry for interrupting your movie.” Scootaloo apologised as she, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Lorraine all stood in the backyard. Well, Lorraine was a deer loaf in the grass as the Peacewalkers stood near the lake.

“Yeah, we just needed someone to give us an honest opinion of if this is good or not.” Apple Bloom nodded.

“And I’m sorry I forgot.” Sweetie said with a wince.

“Eh, no big deal.” Lorraine commented.

“Okay girls? A one, a two-” Scootaloo stated.

Lorraine’s poor ears were assaulted by sound that was probably supposed to be music. A couple, painful, minutes later the assault ended.

“Ow.” The doe commented as she got the ringing out of her ears.

All three winced.

“I assume that it’s not good?” Sweetie asked.

“I knew something was off. Was our timing off?” Scootaloo’s brow furrowed.

“Are you guys doing this for fun, or what?” Lorraine asked.

“We’re kinda doing it to get our Cutie Marks.” Apple Bloom said. “Ya know, try, at least.”

“Mainly because Diamond talked shit.” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Again.” Sweetie rolled her eyes.

“That was not good.” Lorraine stated. “You three might need to come up with something else.”

“Well, I’m glad that we have time to come up with something else before we actually put any work into the construction.” Sweetie nodded.

“Mind if we hang around and brainstorm?” Scootaloo asked.

“And maybe look around for inspiration?” Apple Bloom added.

“Go for it, just don’t make a mess.” Lorraine said, getting up as her roots retracted into her legs.

“Yay!” The girls cheered and raced for the back door.

“Was all that necessary?” Thorax asked as the three walked through town.

John simply nodded in reply.

“Even two Televisions?” Thorax tilted his head to the side in confusion.

“One for your room and one for the lower living room.” John said with a smile.

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Thorax hummed. “Anything you’d recommend watching?”

“Feel free to browse the living room collection or my personal collection. Borrow whatever catches your eye.” John said with a nod.

“Be careful to avoid the anime, you never know what you might find.” Alastor said with a sage nod.

“Fuck you, you just walked in at the wrong time!” John pointed a hoof at the buck, only getting a smug chuckle in response.

“Hey guys.” The call of Rainbow Dash heralded the mare’s arrival, as the pegasi came in for a landing in front of them.

“Dash.” John nodded.

“Rainy Day.” Alastor nodded, getting a deadpan eye roll from the mare.

“Who’s the bigger bug, or did you give birth?” Dash raised a brow at John.

“Dash.” John blinked, groaned, face-hoofed, then gestured at the other bug. “This is Thorax.”

“Hi.” Thorax waved nervously.

“He seems jittery.” Dash commented, looking at him.

“How’d you feel, being surrounded by things that are supposed to hate you?” John asked.

“You mean my job?” Dash raised a brow at the smol bug.

“Ha!” Alastor barked a laugh.

Thorax actually giggled.

John snorted. “Good point, but seriously.” He shook his head.

“I get it.” Dash nodded and raised a hoof towards the larger bug. “Dash, Rainbow Dash.”

Thorax tentatively bumped it. “Thorax, just Thorax.”

“Welp, see you around Just Thorax.” Dash snorted and took off. “I have work to get back to doing, slackers aren’t gonna get a pass just cause I got distracted for a minute.”

“She seemed nice.” Thorax looked at John.

“She’s better.” John nodded. “Not all the way, but she’s on the right track.”

“So, we were going to see Twilight, yes?” Alastor got the bugs back on track.

“Yes!” John looked around to get his bearings again. “And it’s right there.” He rolled his eyes as the library wasn’t even a block away, and right in front of them. “Dash could’ve just crashed into Twilight’s place if she was that curious.”

“No.” Alastor shook his head. “It’s not Wednesday.”

“Right. Anyway.” John snorted and led the three towards the library.

Thorax seemed confused by the library. He just slowly scanned the shelves as he trotted around the circumference of the library’s main room.

“So, his brother was after him?” Twilight asked from the dinner table, glancing at John who sat next to her.

“Mmmhmmm.” John said. “By the way I might need to borrow Spike, need to send a letter to the Princesses.”

“For what?” Twilight blinked.

Thorax paused as he saw Spike sitting on the couch with a few stacks of comics sitting next to him.

Spike looked up, getting the feeling of being watched. “Hey, Thorax right?”

“Uh huh.” Thorax nodded. “What are those?”

“Uhhhh, comics?” Spike held up his issue of Feathermare.

“Ooooooh! Right. Those are comics.” Thorax blushed a little in embarrassment. “Sorry, still adjusting to… everything.”

Spike patted the couch. “Take a seat, lose yourself for a bit.” He gestured at the stacks of comics.

“Ooookay.” Thorax nodded and reached a hoof out to pull a comic off the top of one of the piles.

Meanwhile Alastor was in the kitchen, brewing tea. He didn’t expect to run into anyone, yet here he was.

“And why are you here again?” Trixie asked, munching on her crackers at the small kitchen table.

“Spending quality time with the two insects of course.” Alastor replied, glancing over at the mare. “So, how goes the new job?”

“Well, technically they’re Arthroequinoids.” Trixie said with a thoughtful look. “And it’s going well. Very well actually. I should be getting my new wagon soon.” She gestured at a letter on the table. “Of course they told Trixie that with the past four letters.”

“Ah, bureaucracy changes no matter where you are.” Alastor chuckled as he poured his hot water into his tea cup and dipped the tea bag into it. “Have you had any pushback?”

“From Ponyville citizenry as a whole? No.” Trixie shook her head. “From a select few mares that consider themselves nobles, yes.”

“Of course.” Alastor walked over to the table and took a seat. “They’ll get sorted in time.”

“True, hopefully sooner rather than later.” Trixie nodded. “You’re quite the gentlebuck when you’re not being an ass.”

“Darling, that could be my title.” Alastor chuckled.

“YOU WHAT?!” Roared from the front of the library.

“Ah, John told her then.” Alastor calmly sipped his tea.

“What did he do?” Trixie blinked and looked at the buck.

“Oh, just dusted a decent portion of the castle in the Everfree.” Alastor commented, glancing at her.

“Oh, no wonder then.” Trixie nodded and returned to eating her crackers.

There came a knock on the front door.

“And that’s interruption number two.” Sweetie said as she sat on the couch with the other two girls.

“Like I give a shit.” Lorraine said, getting up to go answer the door.

“Of course we’re going to be polite!” Came a familiar voice from the other side of the door.

“I didn’t mean anything by it.” Came another familiar voice (to the doe girl). "We are guests here, it would be impolite to just teleport into their home."

“We teleport into our room.”

Lorraine opened the door to see Luna and…

Prince Akechi.

Lorraine blinked.

“Hello Lorraine. We- I hope I’m- we’re not imposing?” Luna said with a slightly awkward smile. She quickly gestured to Akechi. “Our- My dear nephew just wanted to meet you while he was still in town.”

"Aunt Luna spoke so highly of you, I just had to meet you," the pegasus explained with a charming smile. "After all, not many would be willing to be so casual around royalty."

Lorraine glanced between Akechi and Luna, her expression almost wary.

“Why don’t you two go have a chat, maybe in the small forest that we spied on the way here.” Luna said with a nod. “We shall enter your abode and entertain ourselves.” With that Luna trotted inside. “Ah, movies! Awesome!”

“Luna!” Came a cheer from the Peacewalkers.

Lorraine deadpanned, entirely done with the situation.

John, Alastor, and Thorax looked at the construction site. Which so far seemed to be cleared land, construction equipment, and a few prefab buildings that were probably offices, as well as more than a few ponies working away at various jobs. Around the site was a chain link fence. On the front, by the gate inside, was a large sign bearing the logo of the Conservation Committee.

“What’s this?” Thorax blinked.

“Apparently they’re making a facility here. Unsurprising, what with the vicinity to the Everfree.” Alastor nodded then looked at the smol companion. “Feeling better, John?”

“Meh.” John mumbled, looking worn out.

“We can head home after this.” Alastor nodded and turned away only for something to catch his eye.

Something was… slithering towards them.

It’s upper-half was a black-furred stallion, wearing a white button-up shirt, a black suit-coat, and a black tophat. His eyes were gold, and his mane was long, black, and bore a streak of gold through it. His toothy smile showed off a pair of fangs. His lower-half was a black-scaled snake tail with gold under-scales.

“Hello, hello! Welcome!” The snake-pony announced happily. “We’re not exactly open yet, but I can answer any questions you may have. My name is Pentious, Sir Pentious of Ashford, I’m head of Research and Development at this facility, a pleasure to meet you.”

“Hi.” John said bluntly.

“H-hello.” Thorax waved, leaning away from the snake-pony.

“Now Thorax, there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Alastor patted the bug on the head. “This is a Lamia, a sub-race of pony from the deserts south of Equestria. Their magic is incredibly potent, however they tend to be vain, short-sighted, egotistical, overly-flamboyant (and that’s coming from me), and generally rude.” He looked over at Pentious, whose left eye was starting to twitch. “Oh, I’m sorry, that wasn’t an attack, just a few observations.” He paused. “You know, you look familiar. Do I know you?”

Pentious opened his mouth to speak.

“Ah, I can’t remember.” Alastor chuckled. “And if I can’t remember then it’s probably not worth remembering in the first place, and look at the time.” He looked at the sun. “We should get poor John home to recoup from the day out. And Thorax needs time to get his things sorted. So, have a blessed day, Sir Pentious.” He nodded at the lamia and led the pair of bugs off.

“Was that… really necessary?” Thorax asked, glancing back at the clearly steaming Pentious.

“Yes.” Alastor nodded, smirking a little. “Yes it was.”

Short - Justice [Persona 5 Royal Spoilers]

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After putting on her hoodie, Lorraine led Prince Akechi out into the backyard. She sat on the porch and waited and as the polite, princely facade on Akechi's face became a calculating gaze directed solely at her, Lorraine was fairly certain the universe was taking the piss.

"I expected Wild Card's "guardian angel" to be a little less... mortal." Akechi said after a moment.

"I dunno what you expected, I'm just me," Lorraine replied casually. "Are you here to scope me out or what?"

The prince straightened up. "My apologies, there is a matter I'd like to discuss with you," the detective prince reached into his metal saddlebags, pulled out a folder and handed it to her. "As I'm sure you know, there is an imbalance of power within the forces that govern this world and it is steadily growing worse. I've been gathering evidence of this imbalance but, when I present it to the proper authorities, I am ignored."

"What about the princesses?" Lorraine asked as she examined the meticulously detailed notes and a sketch of a wrought iron gate with an image of a full moon decorating the middle of it.

"Not a single person will hear what I have to say, it's as if they're willfully ignoring the problem," Akechi scoffed. "Even The Phantom Thieves haven't grasped the reality of the situation. Dreams aren't just being distorted, people aren't just acting irrationally due those distortions, something is deliberately influencing the way the different realms interact with one another. Even Tartarus is affected."

Akechi looked at Lorraine knowingly. "Don't you find it odd that after a thousand years of absence, the natural lunar cycle has only just now been restored? Or that during all this time, no one even knew Princess Luna or The Nightmare even existed? I believe someone or something wanted them swept under the rug and brainwashed the entire world to make it happen."

Lorraine looked up at him. "...It wouldn't surprise me, I've been looking for similarities between events here and stuff from the persona games."

"Which is why I sought you out," Akechi stated cooly. "After the Phantom Thieves regained their memories, I tried to warn them. But they seem to believe that all they have to do is play hero with you at their side like some sort of guide."

"You got any better ideas?" Lorraine asked. "They're helping, aren't they?"

"Admittedly yes but let's be honest here, they don't need you, it's true that their leader is fond of you but ultimately they already have everything they need to do their job," Akechi said. "I however, cannot simply work from the shadows as I did in my human life, as both a prince of Equestria and a stallion, my options for handling this situation are rather limited."

"What do you expect me to do about it? I'm not sure what you want from me." Lorraine admitted.

"If I had a woman by my side to vouch for me during my investigation into all of this, I'd have a lot more room to maneuver," Akechi explained. "It wouldn't be strange for the charming detective prince to take a sudden interest in a trusted friend of his dear aunt, nor would anyone bat an eye if we were to be seen together under the pretense of working together for the equal rights movement you're pioneering."

"People are going to jump to conclusions you know," Lorraine pointed out. "You're better off finding someone else."

"And just who should I go to? We've only just met and you're taking all of this at face value," the prince mused as he held his chin in one wing and peered at her. "I know you from somewhere, I'm certain of it..."

Lorraine sighed. "Probably a side effect of your human life, I- God knows how- interacted with that world via a video game."

A lull fell between them as Akechi tried to puzzle her out and Lorraine tried to keep her composure and steadfastly ignore the mix of joy and regret that clawing at her mind. Seconds ticked by and Lorraine looked over towards the mini forest in an attempt to distract herself.

It wasn't helping.

"Tell me about this game you played," Akechi said. "Your experience with it may shed some light on our situation."

"You think it'll help figure out who's behind the imbalance?" Lorraine asked, unable to look at him.

"The possibility did cross my mind," the prince agreed. "Wild Card explained the basics of course, snippets of his life as the leader of The Phantom Thieves turned into a game which you became engrossed in. But, I'd like to hear your take on it."

"I'll do my best," Lorraine said and took a moment to gather her thoughts. "It was a turn based JRPG, I got invested in the story and the characters, I cared about them as you do when you immerse yourself in fiction and... got upset when a character died," Lorraine glanced at Akechi, who nodded in a gesture to continue. "That wasn't the end of it, I got to a point in the game where I beat a major boss and suddenly, the character that died came back and then the game's story progressed towards the final boss."

"I had hoped that you would be more specific." Akechi said calmly. "There's no need to be vague on my account."

"How else am I supposed to word it?" Lorraine grumbled as she finally focused on him. "You were fictional character that died, then came back and the game's ending hinged on whether I accept the final boss' ultimatum involving your life or kick his arse! The game made me choose- I didn't wanna choose!" the doe looked torn as she wrestled with her emotions. "So I did both! An' now you're real and here and I'm sorry... I think this might be my fault..."

Akechi looked at her eerily calm for a moment. "So you really did accept that bastards offer..."

"It was fiction, you were my favorite character and I felt like you didn't deserve to die!" Lorraine explained. "I just reset my save and kicked Maruki's arse anyway. Besides, I know you- you fictional counterpart, whatever, didn't die. I maxed out your social link in my first run and you survived... How the hell is this even helpful?"

"Because while we can't know for certain who is pulling the strings, I do know that they are using us as a pawns for their own 'game", a retelling of The Phantom Thieves' exploits with you right in the middle of it," Akechi explained. "I've been observing the way this world reacts to you and your... boyfriend was it? for some time and something seems rather insistent on forcing the two of into dangerous or unwanted situations. You are living alongside a demon, you have the ear of two princesses and already the two of you have sparked change in this society that is sorely needed. Someone or something deems the two of you important so if I can't expose this force to others, then I will jeopardize it at every chance I get and you are going to help me."

"You're okay with wanting my help? After what I just said?" Lorraine asked, confused. "I thought you wouldn't want anything to do with me since I'm, you know, not Joker."

"To be frank, I am confused as to why you would care about me considering how I was and what I did in my former life," Akechi replied. "But times change, I had my memories of my old life for longer than the others and I've had time to adjust. I get the feeling I don't have to worry about how I act around you, your casual demeanor with Aunt Luna is proof you take people at face value and I would appreciate working with someone who doesn't have an ulterior motive for once."

"Does friendship count?" Lorraine asked and looked almost vulnerable as she smiled sheepishly. "This may just be the um, fangirlly-ness but I'd like to be your friend."

The prince contemplated the idea. "I... suppose I can see how we can benefit from such an arrangement. I'm not quite sure how we'll go about things but I don't see any harm in... being your friend."

"Really? Cool!" the doe said, and grinned enthusiastically.

Akechi nodded. "It's a deal then."

023 - A Return to Normal

View Online

“You sure you want to come on the walk?” John asked Lorraine as he headed for the door. Koromaru bounced around his legs. “And you, you don’t need the leash, you’re sapient.”

Koromaru planted his furry butt on the floor and stared at John with the leash in his mouth.

John deadpanned at him.

Koromaru’s tail wagged and he gave out a “Wuff.”

“Fiiiiine.” John groaned, switching into his squat bipedal form so he could kneel and hook up the leash to Koromaru’s collar. As he did he looked at Lorraine. The doe was wearing her hoodie, and she looked quite cute in it, if the bug had anything to say about it.

“You and I both know I need to get back into the swing of things. I’m not all that fit, despite the polymorph.” Lorraine replied. “So I need to get used to moving around again.”

“Well you got a point there. I’m just not used to seeing you up this early, then again, I did wake up being cuddled by a cat, a dog, and a doe.” John chuckled.

“Well you said you didn’t mind.” Lorraine said with a small smile.

“That is very true. And I don’t.” The bug nodded while standing back up. “Okay, wanna walk Koro?” He said with a happy gasp, getting the happy shiba to spin around and race towards the door.

“Sometimes I think he’s more dog, then sentient dog.” John commented as he waddled over to the dog at the door. “Hey, lemme grab the leash first, goof dog.”

Lorraine just followed the two to the door.

“Hey! No tugging!” John scolded as his hand lit with green light and the door opened, only for Koromaru to rush out, half-dragging the bug behind him. Lorraine followed and shut the door behind them.

The pair were already at the split in the path that led to Ponyville, The Everfree, and Sweet Apple Acres. “Okay, which way?” John asked the dog as the shiba sniffed the air and looked around between the different paths.

The three sat there for a moment before John was tugged towards the left path heading towards town.

Thankfully Koromaru finally got past his initial Walk reaction and slowed to walk just in front of the pair. The other two took it slow. John because he was smol with little legs, and Lorraine because she was simply going at her own pace.

“You know I might use the mirror and try to modify this form a bit. If I can. I basically just thought of having two legs and two arms and got this. I was a writer, I can think up better dammit.” John thought aloud as he looped the leash around his wrist.

“You’ll get there, and you can bounce ideas off me if you like.” Lorraine replied.

He glanced at her. “Oh, so like normal?” The bug snickered.

“We’re both writer’s. What did you expect?” Lorraine deadpanned at him.

“Mmmm, point.” John said, pausing as Koromaru sniffed at some weeds by the bridge leading to Ponyville.

"I'm going to start planning my meals," Lorraine casually mentioned. "I don't eat snacks a lot like... fuckin' everyone I know and since I need sunlight to digest anything not loaded with sugar and vegetarian stuff gives me a crook gut, I think it'll be best that I stick to the loose meal plan I had as a human, four meals a day and nothing after midnight."

“Sounds like a plan to me.” John said as the dog marked the bridge and the three started towards Ponyville. “I only really eat when I eat with everyone else. Beyond that I’m not really hungry. Then again… Mmmm might need to ask Thorax about how changeling body chemistry works with food in general. I mean, I’ve had no problems so far. Oh, and let me know if you ever want me to fix you something, like if you’re tired, or feeling lazy, or whatever.”

“If it’s something I can fix up myself, I’d rather do it myself.” Lorraine replied.

“Fair enough.” John nodded. “Just thought I’d offer.”

“Let me know in advance, better off planning ahead.” Lorraine said as they started through the market. Koromaru made himself busy by sniffing at everything they passed by.

“Can you imagine it? We have royalty staying in Ponyville.” Roseluck gushed from her section of the Flower Sisters’ stall.

John glanced over at the three.

“I know! Prince Akechi is… Oh, I wouldn’t mind having him in a herd.” Lily gushed just as much.

John rolled his eyes.

Lorraine slouched a bit, her ears flattening back as Akechi was mentioned.

John paused. He felt like he was being watched. He blinked. Daisy was staring at him from the stall. Not exactly creepy, but just… watching.

He waved a hoof and she started giggling.

“And it was time to leave, John was getting nervous.” John muttered as Koromaru wuffed for them to keep going.

Ponies gossiped and gushed as the trio made their way through the market, conversations halting as ponies caught sight of Lorraine in the corner of their eyes.

It was to be said that although Lorraine looked like a doe, she didn't move like one. She carried herself with a casual, almost lumbering gait more befitting of a larger creature than the dainty deer she appeared to be.

Add on her slouch, flattered ears and resting deadpan expression, she went from unassuming in the eyes of the ponies to something that was best to be avoided.

Human mannerisms didn't translate well to a mostly herbivorous society.

“How am I not the one getting more looks?” John asked. “I’m a fucking biped.” He waved an arm. “I know it’s probably the way you hold yourself or something, but still.” He rolled his eyes. He suddenly snorted. “Oh you should have seen Thorax’s face the first time I turned into this.”

“I bet he was surprised.” Lorraine said.

“Well, he actually hid behind his bed, peaked out and asked if I was okay.” John chuckled. “I had to coax him out. Oh, and now that it’s in my head. I started moving a bunch of those boxes we’ve never opened into storage. I might take a look at ‘em sometime now that we have space for things. And if we run out, I’m sure the house will adjust accordingly.” He nodded.

“TARDIS logic.” Lorraine nodded too.

The three continued through town.

And the gossip continued.

“Why hasn’t Prince Akechi started a herd yet?”

“He's such a hard worker, he shouldn't be pushing himself so much... I bet he'd be happier with a few mares to lighten his workload."

"What sort of Prince doesn't have a few mares looking after him? He has duty to produce a heir doesn't he?"

"I heard the Traditionalist Group in Canterlot are pressuring Princess Celestia to marry Prince Akechi off to some noblemares."

"Just imagine being Prince Akechi's marefriend, the fame, the money... Imagine how cute his foals would be!"

"I read in an interview he's waiting 'for the right people', he's a prince, he can't wait forever!"

John looked as deadpan as Lorraine by the time they walked by Golden Oaks Library.

“Ah! John, Lorraine! Hello!” A loud, yet happy cry made all three jump. The small blue alicorn trotting towards them was surprisingly loud for her size.

“Hey Luna.” John said as Luna grinned at Lorraine and him.

“Hi.” Lorraine said a little awkwardly.

“Are you two heading to the festivities as well?” Luna asked as she stopped in front of them. As she did Koromaru sniffed at her hooves.

“What are you-” John got cut off.

“Wait!” A voice in the distance called out.

Suddenly.

Pinkie Pie.

“Bwah!” John yelped as his face was full of bubblegum-colored fur.

Lorraine blinked, deadpan. “Hi Pinkie.”

“Hey! Sorry, been running late! Here! Take these!” Three invitations were shoved at Lorraine, which a root-claw took.

Then Pinkie zoomed away.

John proceeded to hack and spit the pink fur out of his mouth as Lorraine looked at the invitations. “We’re invited to Prince Akechi’s Welcome to Ponyville Party.”

“That’s today?” John blinked. “Huh.”

“Yes, that is where we- I was headed.” Luna nodded. “Come, let us trot together.”

Koromaru must have liked the idea, because John was tugged after the blue alicorn. Who was then followed by the doe.

“Koro-kun, I know you’re better than that. Slow down.” Lorraine chided the shiba.

Koromaru proceeded to whine the same way he did when he was asking for food.

“He just wants party food.” John readjusted himself and the leash so he could walk properly.

“Party food is good though.” Luna nodded.

Koromaru barked in agreement.

“Not stuff that can get him sick.” Lorraine replied, getting a pout from the dog.

“Thou has a point.” Luna agreed, getting a slightly irritated look from the dog this time.

"Ah, Lorraine. I'm glad you could make it," Akechi said with a friendly smile and nodded politely at John as the couple entered the side room in Sugarcube Corner where the party was in full swing. "And you must be John, I'm sure your girlfriend has already told you about me but my name is Goro Akechi, Celestia's ward and named heir."

“Yep. I heard.” John nodded. “Nice to finally meet you in person.”

It was at that point that, from his vantage point, John noticed the amount of feminine eyes on the three of them. “Mmmm, joy.” He muttered, rolling his eyes.

“You are much cuter than Lorraine and the girls said.” John jumped at the voice behind him. He turned around to see a bat-pony.

“Thank. You?” John said, blinking. He was taken aback at the casual flirting.

Akechi sighed in exasperation. "Wild Card, May I remind you that these two are in a committed relationship."

"Aw, c'mon Gororo, it's not like I want to sleep with them." Wild replied with a smirk.

"I hate you." Akechi said flatly.

"Hi, Wild." Lorraine said politely.

"Hey, so, you two are friends now huh?" Wild Card asked and grinned at the prince who was trying to keep up a mask of polite indifference. "Maybe with these two following you around, the locals will cut you some slack?"

“I doubt it.” John said as he shook himself out of his shock. “It took forever, even after I went giant monster, to get treated something remotely like a normal person. And don’t get me started on how people see Lorraine now.”

"Wild, if you value our friendship, you will drop this conversation," Akechi said calmly with a hint of a warning in his voice.

The bat pony looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his neck. "...Sorry, it just sucks hearing all this stuff being said about you... You deserve better."

"And by better, you mean a herd that won't objectify me yes?" Akechi countered. "You have your role to play as I have mine. I won't be reduced to nothing more than a cog in someone else's machine."

"... I know..." Wild replied.

“Isn’t this supposed to be a party?” John asked. “Shouldn’t we be, I don’t know, partying? So we can forget about all the drama.” The bug shrugged.

"I suppose we should. I'm not too sure what counts as partying around here as I've only ever attended the balls held by Canterlot's elite," Akechi admitted and looked thoughtful. "Either way, this should be an interesting experience."

Wild clapped the prince on the back with a wing. "You three have fun now, I'll keep the ladies off your back."

With a cocky grin, Wild Card sauntered away towards one of the larger groups of ponies watching the prince.

Akechi shook his head and smiled. "He never fails to surprise me," the pegasus turned his attention back to the doe and the bug and looked apologetic. "I apologize for his behavior, he only wants to help but his methods aren't quite as helpful as he thinks they are. He truly does mean well so don't hold it against him."

"It's fine?" Lorraine said and realised something. "... Wait, was he suggesting the three of us… God dammit Joker..."

“He’s exactly like you said, flirting, and euphemisms and all.” John nodded. “So, what do you want to do, Prince?” The bug looked up at the stallion.

John was quite content. He was sitting at a table, people-watching. Koromaru was running around, playing with foals. Akechi and Lorraine were sticking together, the Prince seemed to be using her as a shield for all the mares at the party.

“John. A word.”

John had a moment to recognize Rarity’s voice before he was yanked off into a side room.

“John! Details!” Rarity hissed as she set the smol bug down. “And I should really do more costumes for you when you’re bipedal, you’re adorable!”

“Thanks Rarity.” John sighed. “Now, can I help you?”

“Ah! Right! Yes!” Rarity jumped and quickly nodded. “That-” she thrust a hoof in the generally direction of Akechi and Lorraine, “is Prince Akechi!”

“Yes it is.” John nodded.

“Prince Akechi is in Ponyville!” The mare hissed again.

“Yep, he’s been here for a bit.” John nodded. “What about him?”

“What about him- He’s Prince. Akechi.” Rarity stated.

John blinked at her. “Okay.”

“He’s the suave Detective-Prince! The stallion that every mare swoons over! Every mare from here to Nippon wants him in a herd!” Rarity waved her hooves. “He’s the- the unobtainable stallion! He’s perfect! And he’s here!” She looked out to the party. “And he’s with Lorraine.” She sighed, somewhat sadly.

“But he’s not interested in herds.” John frowned, following her gaze to Akechi leading Lorraine over to some plates of cake. “At all. At least, at the moment.”

Rarity sighed again. “Maybe I’ve just been putting him on a pedestal, just like every other mare. He’d probably not even find me interesting in the least.”

Wild Card trotted by with a plate of cake held in a wing. He paused, looked at Rarity, then to Akechi, then back to Rarity. “You know, he’s not even into ponies.”

Rarity seemed to deflate even further.

Wild Card winced. “Sorry… I thought you should know.” He said awkwardly before trotting away.

“Rarity, you know where you start with someone like that?” John spoke up.

“Hmmm?” Rarity looked at the smol bug.

John patted her side with a claw. “Just go say Hello. Introduce yourself. Everything starts with Friendship.”

“You sound like Twilight.” Rarity gave a small giggle.

“Oh God, I hope not.” John gave a faux-gasp of shock, which only made the mare giggle more.

“Should I, possibly, lower my standards, or maybe stop romanticizing stallions?” Rarity asked the bug.

“Yeahhhh… That might be a good idea.” John chuckled. “First things first, treat them like people. Though I think Akechi’s in full Public-Image-Equestrian-Prince-Mode.”

“You have a point.” Rarity nodded with another giggle. “I’ll do my best not to be star-struck.”

“Lorraine’s there, she’ll be morale support.” John nodded and pointed at the pair. “Now go say hi.”

Rarity took a breath. “Okay.” She nodded and trotted into the party.

John sighed and crawled up onto a chair in the side room so he could go back to people-watching.

“You seem like a nice guy.”

John blinked at the voice. He looked over to see the orange haired mare, wearing a long-sleeve, green coat with faux-fur around the collar, sitting in the corner playing… a Switch?

“I can see why Lorraine likes you.” The mare raised her eyes and adjusted her glasses.

If John had skin, he’d be blushing. That being said, the chitin of his cheeks turned blue. “Yeah. Lorraine’s great. She’s with Akechi, like, over there.” He waved a claw at the party. “You’re Futaba, right? You look like… you.”

"Yup, that's me, Futaba Sakura." The mare replied and looked over at Akechi and Lorraine and whipped out a small camera from her coat and snapped a few pictures. "Mweh heh heh, shipping fuel acquired."

John blinked, looked over to Akechi and Lorriane, then looked back. “You ship them too?” He gestured a claw at the pair.

"Blame my sort-of-brother, he indoctrinated me with an epic tale about a lonely, angry Detective Prince and the stifled, subservient angel that just wanted to help him. He's the captain of the ship," Futaba shrugged. "I mean, if I had an alien in my head that got emotionally invested in my Arch Nemesis and wanted to save him, I'd ship them too."

“Well that’s one way to think about it. And now I’m over thinking every RPG I’ve ever played. Oof, my evil runs in Fable.” John winced. “New topic! What are you playing?” He asked trotting over to the mare.

“X-COM.” Futaba replied. “Specifically, X-COM Two, Iron Man on Hard.”

“That’s…” John blinked as he peeked over to see what she was doing. Only to see a Sniper pop an alien from across the map. “That’s gross.”

“The harder the better.” She glanced at him.

“I prefer power fantasies.” The smol bug commented.

“This is a power fantasy.” She blinked at him. “Or did you mean more story-driven stuff?”

John deadpanned. “I tend to skip cut-scenes, more often than not, especially if it’s something I’ve played before.” He cleared his throat and adopted a Russian accent. “I don’t know who I am... I don’t know why I’m here... All I know is that I must kill.”

Futaba, not missing a beat, adopted a gravelly, convincingly masculine voice. “Why are we here? Just to suffer?”

John snorted. “List of Khornate Massacres. This list is incomplete. You can help by expanding it.”

“For Khorne.” Futaba grinned at him.

John gasped as his eyes widened. “I love you!”

Lorraine looked over, seeing John bonding with Futaba. “I ship it.”

“If you are aware, those two probably ship us.” Akechi commented.

“Probably.” Rarity nodded. “But they’re just as cute.”

“I mean, if everyone agrees to it.” Lorraine commented, glancing at Rarity. "I'm kidding, it's not like any of us takes those ships seriously."

Akechi commented. "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you."

024 - Throw Away Your Mask

View Online

The party was winding down as Prince Akechi led Lorraine over to where Futaba and John were seated, Futaba's Nintendo Switch propped up on a chair in front of them as the duo played a multiplayer game. Wild card was seated casually behind the mare and the bug and highly amused by their antics.

Akechi cleared his throat pointedly and the others looked up at him.

"Hi." John chirped.

Futaba blinked. "Oh, right. We're gonna talk about the thing now." She nodded and began fiddling with her game console to turn it off.

"Thing?" the smol bug as he handed her the joycon he'd been using.

It was Akechi who answered. "Since we're all here, I thought it would be best to discuss the imbalance of forces in more detail. I won't have much free time after today as I'll be starting my investigation on the Ponyville guards so, you two need to be filled in on the off chance another wild shadow makes an appearance."

The Prince scowled. "That hydra you fought was a wild shadow, a mass of naturally occurring shadow magic that achieved conscious thought and took on a form the locals associated with danger." he looked at the group as Lorraine pulled up some extra chairs and Futaba stowed her Switch in the saddlebags beside her seat. "You got lucky John, one mistake and the entire town would have been reduced to ashes."

"And you think we don't know that?" Lorraine retorted. "Do you have any idea what it was like watching the person I love physically fight something? I was terrified! I couldn't even look at his injuries without almost fainting! All I could do was spam heals and hope he'd be okay."

The prince's brow furrowed in clear confusion. Silence descended on the group for a brief moment.

It was Wild Card who spoke first, his voice quiet and calm. "The dream realm is slowly merging with the physical world, wild shadows are escaping their natural habitat and attacking people. People's dreams are also being warped where parts of the real world and dream realm have already merged together."

"It's like the two places occupy the same space when they really shouldn't." Futaba added.

"These areas are called Lairs and have been sealed off from the rest of the dream realm and only accessible from the real world from midnight to sunrise," Akechi explained as he composed himself. "We can access these lairs and the wider dream realm by using mirrors, however, if we do not make it back to the real world before sunrise, we remain trapped there until midnight of the following day."

Wild rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly "We can't enter the lairs but we think you two can."

Futaba grinned as she explained. "It totally has to do with the fact that you guys weren't meant to be here, see the gates keeping us out, work because we were all reincarnated into this reality! Fundamentally, we're the same as everyone else but you two just got poofed into this world so on some magical, spirit mumbo-jumbo level, you guys don't register as something the lairs are meant to keep out... in theory."

"In the past, The Nightmare had willing followers that worked to keep the realms separated and the shadows calm but after a thousand years of absence, there is no one left to perform those duties," Akechi added. "From what Aunt Luna has told me, The Nightmare needs people to perform such tasks due to the interconnected nature of shadows and people. Should The Nightmare attempt to bring balance herself, she would end up harming people simply due to her nature as the goddess of shadows, a raw cosmic force wouldn't exactly have the tools for the supposed "delicate mortal touch" the task requires. So instead, the goddess teaches others how to harness their own shadow as a tool or a weapon."

“So we gotta turn into Persona and clean house, metaphorically speaking.” John asked, raising a brow.

"If it were up to me, I wouldn't involve you two in this," Akechi stated. "You have no combat training and little to no understanding of the societal values that fuel those lairs... But we don't have a choice."

“Well then, do we have much of a choice?” John countered gesturing at Lorraine and himself. “If this is throwing everything out of whack, and we can do something about it, is it really a question of should we do something?” The smol bug cracked his knuckles. (Causing the doe to wince.) “No, we’re gonna do this.” He paused, blinking. “Just as soon as I get proper training, ‘cause I turned into an angel once and that was with the help of a pair of literal gods.”

"You turned into your persona?" Futaba asked excitedly.

"We can turn into our personas in the real world, it's how I awakened mine." Lorraine clarified.

Akechi was surprised. "You did?" The pegasus moved a wing to hold his chin in thought. "I wonder, if the three of us could summon our personas in the real world we wouldn't need to enter the dream realm in order to get you two caught up."

"You're staying in Ponyville for the investigation right? You'd have more opportunities to show them the ropes." Wild said.

"I'll stick around too, if I can use my persona in the real world, I can keep an eye out for shadows," Futaba suggested. "Leave it to me!"

"I'm afraid I'm going to be busy over the next few weeks but I can try to leave my afternoons and evenings free for training purposes. Assuming Aunt Luna doesn't drag me to some event or dinner that is." Akechi said calmly.

“With Luna the way she is now, it’ll be some fancy dinner, or just staying at… wherever she’s staying and vegging out, or crashing at our place for gaming.” John hummed in thought. “All seem valid.” He shrugged.

"At least we'll be able to work on stuff," Lorraine suggested. "Luna will probably drag me out to any public events too so we can use that to talk and stuff."

"A valid point, however, I'm rather concerned about the general public- not for my sake, but yours," Akechi stated as he looked over at the doe. "You already face scrutiny for housing an... unclaimed male as well as your relationship with John, for a mare to be seen in the company of a stallion who isn't related to her by blood nor in her herd, and especially if the mare already has a suitable partner or established herd... Well, I'm afraid to say that not even your act of heroism against the hydra will help you."

The smile Akechi gave was sharp and cruel. "But then again, in the eyes of the townsfolk, you didn't do much of anything, did you? Were it not for the fact that your boyfriend defended the town from attack and has shown to be fiercely protective of you, I daresay you would have been exiled from town already."

"Oh, well excuse me for being a coward." Lorraine scoffed.

“Hey if they kick us out, we’re claiming the castle in the Everfree. Fuck, I wouldn’t be surprised if the house just up and moved with us.” John snorted. “I’ve never been one to be all that dominant, generally speaking. But getting defensive and protective of those I love definitely brings that side out of me. If Ponyville doesn’t like it that I act like a man, from Earth that is, then fuck Ponyville. I, for one, am really only here because of the friends we’ve made.”

"They won't let you leave." Wild Card spoke up, his tone clipped and expression serious. "Ponies keep their heroes on a tight leash."

"They see you as something useful John, something to be appeased now that you've shown you will come to their aid," Akechi said icily. "You won't be able to just throw a tantrum and run off anymore. So, they keep you happy and oblivious until the next crisis rears its ugly head."

“Greeeaaaat….” John groaned, face-palming and rubbing his eyes.

“Told you we didn’t have to fight.” Lorraine commented.

“Hindsight is twenty-twenty.” John shook his head. “At least they’ll work to keep us happy…. Ish.” He leaned against the table. “So, training in the evening then?”

"When I can spare the time, yes. Wild has his own job to do back in Canterlot so he won't have the time to babysit." Akechi explained.

"So, are we just going to ignore the fact that most of Ponyville saw The Detective Prince getting all buddy-buddy with the town's most controversial person?" Futaba spoke up.

John and Lorraine looked at each other, then at Futaba. “Which one?” They asked in unison.

Wild Card snickered.

Akechi rolled his eyes. "Are you trying to get them mobbed? As long as people make a fuss about it, the more trouble it will cause."

"I'm just saying! For a guy who keeps people at arm's length, you just so happen to get along with the one female in town every mare and their mother calls a herd breaker behind her back?" Futaba said. "People are gonna talk."

"A herd breaker?" Lorraine deadpanned.

Futaba shrugged. "From what I can tell, mares who have just one romantic partner all to themselves are characterized as attracting attention from stallions, you know like a forbidden fruit or something because monogamous couples or perfect herds where everyone is treated equally is an unattainable ideal in Equestria."

“Huh.” John hummed. “Is there a legal way to take us off the…” He froze. He blinked. “Wait a sec.” His face scrunched up. He looked at Lorraine. “Why… why haven’t we just went to the town hall and just made a herd out of the household? Like, legally we’d be a herd, but nothing would change with anything else really.”

"So you would be fine with people expecting you to share your significant other? To have children?" Akechi countered. "The formation of herds and the records listing existing herds and families are publicly available, mares often use these records to determine if stallions or other mares would be beneficial to pursue for the purpose of adding on to their own herd."

“But we would be Lorraine’s herd.” John countered his counter. “And Gilda would be a sub-head-mare-thing.”

"The head mare of a herd is often the one people watch the most, her herdmates look to her for guidance, she decides which ponies join the herd. The head mare is responsible for any stallions within the herd and is the one who takes the blame when something goes wrong," Akechi explained curtly. "Furthermore, do you truly want that demon you live with to have any excuse to do as he pleases? I may not know the details but hasn't he been attempting to court Lorraine?"

"Akechi, the herd thing was just an idea." Lorraine tried to smooth things over.

"An ill-advised idea." Akechi stated.

“So, keep doing what we’re doing and maybe things will change?” John sighed, visibly deflating.

"That's all we can do until the legal system has been overhauled to take consent, of all things, into account." Akechi replied with a scowl and glared at Wild Card as the bat pony started to say something.

"Goro, can't you just-"

Akechi cut him off, voice dripping with venom as he rounded on Wild. "Shut up. I won't help them with that. I will not drag these two any further into the herding political bullshit that has seeped into every corner of Equestria."

"You could make it easier for them. Being courted by royalty would have benefits." Wild pointed out.

"He's not wrong," Futaba added helpfully. "You're a public figure, you can solve herd and domestic abuse cases all day but you've made a name for yourself as being one of Equestria's most independent stallions and like it not, mares want in on that."

Akechi snorted in dry amusement. "Mares see only a stallion that they can tame. From a legal standpoint, as Princess Celestia's "son", I am free to do what I want in regards to herds, so keep your shipping nonsense to yourselves."

"You're no fun." Wild said plainly while Futaba pouted.

“So, stick to what’s been working so far. Got it.” John nodded with a sigh.

Another night, another conversation with The Nightmare. Lorraine looked relatively calm in the dreamscape made of stardust as the goddess stared down at her.

"You want me... to talk to Luna?"

"Please?" Lorraine asked hopefully. "I'll mediate."

"What is there to say that hasn't already been said?" The Nightmare countered. "We both made poor decisions and the world bears the brunt of the fallout. If Luna wants nothing to do with me, then so be it."

“It was only because of Lorraine’s insistence that we decided to speak with thee.” Luna stated somewhat stiffly from next to the doe. “We are willing to attempt to mend-” She paused. “Mend would imply that there are remains to mend. Perhaps, a start over?” The former Night Princess seemed to be thinking aloud. She took a breath and looked at the alicorn made of nebulous clouds and stars. “Nightmare, we understand that we were vain and demanded attention for doing the littlest thing. And we also recognize that we took that demand out on the mortal populace, as well as denied the full breadth of mortals there were to tend to. For there are not just ponies in the world, much as we used to believe. Nightmare, we- no. I wish to work with you. I would say like I used to, but I tended to strain against any rules you put in place. I would like to find my purpose… again.” The small blue alicorn looked quite pink in the face after her stream-of-consciousness word vomit.

"...You do not need my assistance with this, if anything, I will only hinder you. Not out of malice, but duty. Do you understand?" The Nightmare said sternly. "I can tell you where to go or what to do but ultimately you will have to choose. Tell me Luna, are you a Princess of Equestria or a Princess of my Shadow Court?"

Luna paused, appearing to think. “I am Luna, Princess of Equestria. But, even saying that, I know little of what that means. What does the Night Princess do that the Day Princess cannot?”

"If I were to give you command of the night sky once more, how would you use it?" The Nightmare asked. "How would that affect your subjects and by extension, the world?"

Lorraine watched carefully, ready to speak up if things got out of hand.

“The Moon affects the tides.” Luna hummed. “And seeing its phases intrigues me. It’s constantly changing, in flux as it were. The stars in the sky are now used by many for navigation among other things.” She paused. “I actually enjoyed relearning how the Night is supposed to work.” She let out a small giggle as she tapped her chin in thought. “The Moon’s phases also affect Shadows, do they not? Perhaps that could be advantageous to the young prince.”

"So Akechi tried to warn you as well? Shadowmancy and its practitioners need to return soon, before it is too late." Nightmare mused and looked relieved. "It is good to see you finding enjoyment from that which drove you to near madness."

Luna blinked. “Were you…” She looked at Lorraine and pointed a hoof at Nightmare. “Was that her being nice?”

"She's trying?" Lorraine offered.

"I am not the same as I was millennia ago and never will be," The Nightmare stated. "My role as a force perceived as good ended a long time ago. All I can do now is ensure that the benign and helpful forms of Shadowmancy do not end as well... And that those who are associated with me know the risk involved."

“You’re not good… You’re… Necessary.” Luna said looking away for a moment. “Was I the cause of your change of thought?”

"In the wake of the peace you and your sister heralded, I sought to ease the scars of the dark age with kindness. So long as the balance between the forces of creation was upheld, we gods could do as we pleased..." the Nightmare explained. "People were scared, the things I had to do to end the worst of the horrors the dark age spawned gave rise to some of my most powerful... and dangerous servants. You, Luna, were not born from those horrors, from desperation, fear, despair or fury against the injustice of it all. You were born from the compassion I had for both the living and dead."

"So imagine my surprise when my youngest daughter, one whom I've given my time, my power and my heart too, threatens the stability of an entire planet," The Nightmare sighed. "I clearly failed in my duty and we both now pay the price."

Luna’s ears flattened. “Before you… possessed me… How… How much did I break?”

"You woke up some of the oldest Night Terrors in existence, weakened the astral barrier between realms and vilified Shadowmancy as forbidden magic in every society pony kind has had contact with in the last thousand years. A jarring, near permanent shift to night time breaks quite a lot of things and leaves a negative impression," the goddess said calmly. "After I possessed you? The other gods have worked to keep things functioning without us, they believe the two of us are no longer needed and other so-called gods have risen to power in our absence."

"My return was not welcome, but by earning back your power and freeing yourself from my influence, you will be safe from those that wish to control me." The Nightmare said.

Luna wilted with every word, until hearing that she was safe made her perk up. “If I’m safe, then perhaps I could be of assistance to those who wish to help mend this world. Such as Lorraine.” She looked at Lorraine. “Every little bit helps, or so John says.”

"One thing at a time Luna. You said you were a Princess of Equestria, work to wear such a title and its responsibilities with pride first." The Nightmare suggested.

"It's not like stuff will get fixed overnight, it's going to take time." Lorraine added.

“Yes. Yes. This is true.” Luna nodded, taking a breath. “You would think that I would learn to be more patient, but that is something that I’m still working on.”

025 - Villain of the Week

View Online

For once the house was quiet. Futaba had, after further discussion at Akechi's Welcome to Ponyville party led to Lorraine informing the other persona users that her dog also had a persona, appeared on their doorstep and insisted she observe John and Koromaru using their personas. After seeing her boyfriend off with her dog happily bounding out the door after him and Gilda out for the day with Rainbow (something about training for the upcoming Running of the Leaves), Lorraine headed down the hall to check on the other occupants.

She stood in the doorway to Thorax's room and spoke up. "Hey, you ok?"

Thorax was sitting at his desk and had his muzzle buried in a textbook, he glanced up and grinned. "Yep! Thanks for checking on me, I'm great..." the changeling hummed in thought. "...Huh..."

"What?" the doe asked.

"It's just...I think my senses for picking up emotion aren't working properly. You feel kinda... murky? Like, the consideration is there but it's overshadowed by- actually nevermind!" Thorax sheepishly replied. "I'm good, nothing wrong."

"I'm fully aware I'm not as emotive as I should be." Lorraine replied casually. "What is it?"

"Are you doing okay?" Thorax asked. "I can kinda pick up on the fact that you've been worried about... everyone lately. Nothing bad but..." Thorax trailed off as he looked uncertain.

"Like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop?" Lorraine suggested.

"Yeah, that." Thorax agreed.

"I'm used to it," the doe said. "Long story short, I was my mum's primary caretaker before winding up here, I needed to be ready to drop what I was doing to help her at a moment's notice and after a couple of scares with her being rushed to hospital, I have this habit, a subconscious thing, that I have to keep an eye out for something." Lorraine explained. "Like, I have to put the needs of everyone else above myself."

Thorax blinked. "That doesn't sound good."

The doe shrugged. "I find joy in the little things, good food, my friends, my hobbies..."

"That's good?" Thorax suggested.

"I'm just having a bad day is all, I'll be fine," Lorraine replied reassuringly. "You need my help with anything?"

"No I'm brushing up on...Stuff," Thorax replied, glanced at the cover of the book and smiled sheepishly. "I kinda just grabbed whatever I thought looked interesting."

"Kay, Have fun" the doe replied.

Lorraine could hear the sound of classical music drifting out from behind the door to Alastor's room as she approached. The door itself looked old, sturdy and had the image of a deer skull carved into the wood. Lorraine politely knocked and waited.

The music fell silent, the door opened just enough for the radio buck to step out into the hall and close the door behind him.

"Hey, so, I have no plans for today. Need my help with anything?" Lorraine asked.

Alastor’s smile grew just a bit wider. "I could use a second opinion now that I think about it! Let me just go fetch my notes!"

And not long after Lorraine was seated at the dining table with Alastor sitting on her right side as the buck spread a series of notes across the table.

"You see, I had a thought, if I couldn't earn my demonic broadcasting ability back for the time being, then I'll just have to do things the old fashioned way!" Alastor explained cheerfully. "Of course, finding radio equipment that's compatible with my magic in this day and age is an exercise in frustration but I remembered one avenue I have yet to try."

He beamed. "My powers are deeply rooted in Shadowmancy so if I can't earn it or build it then I'll just have to relearn it!"

Lorraine hummed in agreement as she looked over some of his notes, a sketch of an all too familiar microphone cane caught her eye. "You used a microphone as a focus."

"And therein lies the issue, charms, wards and hexes simply won't cut it for my more advanced tricks but finding the necessary tools and materials for a new focus apparatus is... rather vexing actually!" Alastor stated.

"Did you lose your old mic or was it broken when you got booted up here?"

"Sealed away along the rest of my true self I'm afraid." Alastor sighed. "I suppose I will have to make do with whatever scraps of power Mourning Star throws my way."

Lorraine looked concerned. "Is living up here really a bad thing though? Couldn't we just, I dunno, wait? Maybe you'll get your powers back if you keep up your good behavior?"

Alastor shook his head. "As much as I enjoy your company, I have duties to perform in Tartarus..." He looked thoughtful. "Goodness, I haven't given them much thought in centuries, they became something akin to household chores after a while. Keeping Shadows and Shadow Demons in line, hunting the more abhorrent souls that plagued the streets, keeping tabs on all the latest news for my radio broadcasts and of course my work with Joy... It was all so mundane. Now I actually miss being so busy."

"Couldn't you get a job in radio up here?" Lorraine asked. "Maybe see if modern technology could work without magi? Does it need your magic specifically?"

The buck blinked. "I... never thought about that." he admitted. "Hm... I'll need to find something that resonates with my magical signature, attach it to a signal booster and hook that into a broadcasting setup."

"What would resonate with your magical signature?" Lorraine asked. "I can try looking for it when I go out next."

"Attunement crystals and gems are a common component of unicorn enchantments, alchemy and general advanced spellwork," Alastor said. "if not that, then I know a few places that sell demonic artefacts and the like, we'd certainly find something there!"

The doe's brow scrunched up in confusion. "I thought demon stuff was illegal."

"Oh it is terribly illegal!" Alastor said brightly. "It won't be a problem though, I know some folks that owe me a few favors."

"Alastor, no. We'll figure it out without breaking the law." Lorraine stressed.

"But just think dear, with my powers and status reinstated all it takes is one simple deal between us and I could come and go as I please!" Alastor exclaimed. "I could give you and John a tour of my estate - you could stay at Joy's charming little hotel! Did you know that there are rainforests in Tartarus? The views are quite stunning."

"I thought I wasn't allowed in? That's the whole reason you're even up here." Lorraine pointed out.

"That's because your Luck dragon would have disrupted the flow of magic within Tartarus' enclosed ecosystem, only temporarily mind you and most demons do see creatures of Light as a threat!" the buck replied happily. "But you're not a divine creature capable of blasting us all to smithereens! You are mortal and now your appearance reflects that so you should be allowed to get a visitors permit."

"Sounds fun, I wouldn't want you getting into trouble though." Lorraine said.

Alastor laughed. "Trouble? My dear, being up here with you and your merry little band of misfits has made my situation all the more bearable! It really is quite amusing watching how you all pass the time when not dealing with the town's absurdity."

"At least you're happy, is anyone in town giving you any grief?" Lorraine asked.

"Rainbow's coworkers are trying to figure out a way around my shadow step to "talk" to me, as is every other mare in this pastel colored hellscape but that is to be expected with winter around the corner." Alastor said with an eye roll.

"You don't have anywhere to go do you? Otherwise you would've left by now." Lorraine commented and the radio buck hummed in agreement.

"As much as I would enjoy having a Grove to return to for the winter, I'll just make do by camping out in Whitetail Woods for a few months!" Alastor grinned. "I haven't gone camping in years!"

"As long as you'll be ok." Lorraine admitted. "Camping in winter doesn't sound like a good idea to be honest..."

"Ha, you worry too much dear! I quite enjoy "roughing it" as it were. There's nothing more satisfying than supporting oneself with one's own skills and hard work!" Alastor's smile was bright and genuine. "In fact, you should be more worried about yourself!"

"Huh?"

The buck playfully booped her nose as he spoke. "This will be your first winter as a doe."

Lorraine deadpanned. "Alastor, I'm not stupid."

"And what are you supposed to do?" Alastor pressed as if he were teaching a child.

Lorraine huffed. "Stock up on Bucksleaf, have it once a day and stay indoors." she rolled her eyes. "We can talk about it clinically you know."

"I'd rather not if you don't mind." the buck replied. "Some things are just improper to discuss in front of a doe."

Lorraine snorted. "Right..."

"In fact, why don't we see if we can start a stockpile? I met a delightful zebra during one of my excursions into the Everfree and she informed me there's a sizable clearing bursting with it over in Whitetail."

"Now?" Lorraine asked.

"No time like the present! Why, you could start growing it yourself! It will be good practice for you." the buck replied brightly as he gathered up his notes.

"Okay, sure."

The excursion had been… rather uneventful all things considered. They’d gathered more than enough Bucksleaf, mostly in silence. Now the pair were on the way back home, with saddlebags filled with sacks of the leaf.

They passed by the large fenced off construction site, most of the building proper seemed to be under some kind of massive tarp, probably to keep out the rain.

Lorraine paused and peered through the fence at it.

“Ah yes, this place.” Alastor said, sounding almost… irritated.

“Something wrong?” Lorraine asked, as her ear twitched. There seemed to be some kind or loud clattering coming from within the tarp.

“Yes.” Alastor’s ear twitched as he looked at the site. “That.”

Lorraine blinked and looked over to see a black, serpent tailed pony slithering his way towards the gate. He looked somewhat disheveled and seemed to be adjusting his suit jacket and hat with a yellowish aura. He appeared to only be half-paying attention to where he was going, his eyes were on the doe and he was grinning. Turned out he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going, as he slammed face first into the gate.

“Ha!” Alastor barked a laugh as, with a little grumbling, the gate opened and the lamia slithered out to the pair.

“Ah! You must be Lorraine! So happy to meet you!” The lamia was still adjusting his tie as he stopped in front of the doe. “I am Sir Pentious, R and D, pleasure to meet you!” He held out a hoof. “Oh, and hello Alastor.” He commented off-handedly towards the buck.

"Hi..." Lorraine replied warily as her hoof became a clawed paw to accept the lamia's offered handshake.

Pentious shook her paw vigorously. “Oh quite fascinating!” He looked from her paw to her eyes. They seemed to be glowing. “Flora Doe are so rare to see these days. Would you be interested in coming by the site at some point, studying you could benefit Equestria’s magical knowledge.”

“No, thank you though.” Alastor stepped in front of the doe.

“I wasn’t asking you.” Pentious’s snout scrunched up as he glared at the buck.

“A buck always takes care of a doe, regardless if they’re of the same grove or not.” Alastor replied with a smile. “And please, try something different. Charm really doesn’t work on her, she’s a prude.”

Pentious blinked. “Why, I never!” He gasped flamboyantly and slithered away. “I have never been so insulted!” He continued as the gate slammed closed.

The lamia continued to flamboyantly rant as he disappeared into the door that was attached to the tarp.

“Hasn’t changed a bit.” Alastor chuckled.

“God dammit Alastor.” Lorraine sighed. “I could’ve handled that myself.”

“Yes, however I could tell how much you wanted to leave, so I inserted myself.” Alastor replied.

“You could have handled that better at least.” Lorraine said. “I know you’re better than that.”

“Well, you could say that he brings back some memories that I’d rather not remember.” The buck sighed. “Hell wasn’t pleasant, but he just made things irritating.” He turned and started down the path.

“How so?” Lorraine asked, trotting to catch up.

“Apparently he made me his rival, for whatever reason.” Alastor grumbled a little. “He constantly was trying to one-up me, that or take parts of my territory. Honestly, it’s all to prove that he’s worthy of his wife.” He chuckled.

“That’s still no excuse, you could have been the better person by just being diplomatic.” Lorraine chidded.

The buck sighed. “All I can do is say I will try to be more diplomatic, for your sake at least.”

“It can’t hurt, right?” The doe asked.

Alastor rolled his eyes. “With Pentious, that’s debatable.”

“Why are we having a picnic?” Lorraine asked as the smol bug bustled around the blanket setting out various lunch things.

“Because I want to say that we actually did a legit couple date thing.” John replied, setting out a small plate of deviled eggs.

“Okay, we don’t actually need to do that, but okay.” Lorraine blinked.

“Just let your boyfriend pamper you.” John put his hands on his hips as his magic levitated out a container of carrot cake. “That and Thorax and Spike helped me make all this. Miiiight have overdone it a bit.” He shrugged.

“Carrot cake! Yay.” Lorraine cheered quietly as her tail wagged happily.

“I pay attention.” John said, stepping off the blanket so he could shapeshift back to his quadrupedal form. Once on four legs, he became a bug loaf on the blanket.

Lorraine had immediately gotten a piece of carrot cake.

“Well hello you two!” The voice made John pause. Lorraine’s face had a quick look of disappointment roll over it. Both turned their heads to see Spoiled Rich.

“We haven’t talked in so long!” The mare said in an overly sweet tone that made the smol bug frown. “Lorraine it’s been so long, you look wonderful.”

Lorraine proceeded to grunt as she focused on eating her cake.

“Hi Spoiled. What brings you out here, to the park, at lunch time?” John listed off, getting up to stand in front of her.

Spoiled’s smile strained a bit as she glanced between the attentive bug and the doe hummed as she chewed. “O-oh, I was just out, and I saw you two. And I haven’t really seen Lorraine that much since Nightmare Night, and I heard about what happened?”

“Oh, and what did you hear?” John asked.

“Yes, what did you hear?” John blinked as Pentious slithered up from… somewhere.

Spoiled actually yelped. “Snake!”

“Pardon me, that is very rude.” Pentious put a hoof to his chest. “Madam, I am a lamia. I am Sir Albrecht Diamondback Pentious, of the House of Pentious.” He huffed in a very haughty tone.

Spoiled just blinked at him. Then she gasped. “O-oh! I am so terribly sorry, my Lord.” She immediately bowed. “A-a thousand apologies.”

John blinked. He looked between the mare and the lamia, then looked at Lorraine.

Lorraine was ticked, not that she’d ever show it. ‘Sure, she’ll grovel when someone starts throwing titles around.’

‘Yep.’ John nodded at her before looking back at the pair in front of him.

“Now, you know better than to judge based off appearance. At least, I hope you do. Make sure not to act so rashly in the future.” Pentious said, waving a hoof at her. “Now please, leave them to their luncheon.”

“Y-yes. Of course.” Spoiled nodded and trotted off rather quickly.

“Sorry about that.” Pentious said, turning towards the doe and the bug.

“We’ve had weird days, but thanks anyway.” John said with a shrug as he moved to sit back down. “And what brings you out here exactly.”

“Oh, I was trying to find your mare- doefriend.” The lamia replied. “I never did get an answer from her yesterday.”

"Uh, you still want to... study me?" Lorraine asked as she set down her now empty plate. "I'm really sorry about Alastor by the way, his reaction was uncalled-for."

“Oh, it’s perfectly fine. We’ve been at it for years.” Pentious waved away her concern. “And I suppose in my excitement I used the wrong phrasing. Perhaps, work with you to understand your magic would be a better choice of words.”

“Yeah, studying someone sounds creepy.” John nodded with a small glare at the lamia. “But, I kinda get what you’re getting at.”

"I'm a polymorphed Flora Doe so I'm still learning the ropes when it comes to my floramancy." Lorraine explained. "I'm not sure if this is a good idea."

“Ah, of course.” He nodded. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.” He nodded at each one then slithered off.

“Whelp, he’s not gonna leave us alone.” John rolled his eyes. “We’ve got a demonic, snakey Spoiled on our metaphorical hands.”

"What do we do about it?" Lorraine asked.

“Well,” John started as he levitated a deviled egg, “if he really leaves us alone, awesome. If he doesn’t… guess it’ll depend on how extreme he decides to be with his attempts at courting you for science purposes.”

“Did you have to word it like that?” Lorraine asked.

“I mean, no, but it’s not far off.” John chuckled. “Plus, isn’t he romantically involved with someone already?”

“Yeah, but that wording. Bleh…” She shuddered.

“Sorry.” John said awkwardly.

Suddenly, a furry red form tumbled out of the shadows of the trees.

The buck instantly righted himself, cleared his throat, and adjusted his slightly askew mane. “Ah, wonderful.” He grinned on seeing the pair.

“You good?” John asked through his egg.

“Yes, quite. Sorry to interrupt your little date, but a pegasus mare dive bombed me, and I reacted accordingly.” Alastor explained sitting down in the grass. “I’m just going to sit and gather myself for a moment.”

“You sure you don’t want something to eat or drink?” John asked, tilting his head to the side.

“I’m fine, John.” Alastor nodded. “It’s your date after all, don’t mind me.”

“Kay.” John blinked.

Lorraine got up and reached over to grab another plate. She put a few deviled eggs on it, then trotted over and set the plate in front of the buck. She then returned to her seat.

“Ah, you’re too kind.” Alastor smiled. “I suppose I could eat something.”

“Alastor, I’m curious about something.” John spoke up after nodding at Lorraine. “What exactly are demons like? Or for that matter, what are demons?”

"Hm?" the buck looked over at the bug and gathered his thoughts. "Well... Demons are primarily creatures of impulse and emotion. More so than most other creatures due to the intensity of their state of mind being irreversibly tied to their magic. There are demons born of every kind of magic in existence and most naturally occurring demons have a mindset that embodies their magical affinity." the buck explained. "Of course that only scratches the surface, Self-made Demons or "Sinners" are mortals who either through decisions they willfully made or by exchanging their place in the mortal realm for the "privileges" being a demon offers via a deal with another demon, have thrown away their right to a mortal existence and afterlife and are condemned to Tartarus."

"Sinners are often more mentally unbalanced, their emotions are raw, inhibitions almost nonexistent and many do not adjust to their altered physiology either. With naturally occurring demons, there are rules and societal norms to follow, but only the laws of Tartarus and the sheer divide of power between the two types keeps Sinners in check." Alastor explained seriously and immediately perked up. "So! A sinner like Pentious can't be trusted one bit."

“Uh huh.” John said slowly. “That’s really interesting. Aaaand, which kind are you?”

"I thought that was obvious, I'm a sinner. A particularly powerful one. Well, I was powerful at any rate before most of said power was sealed away but it was worth it in my opinion," Alastor replied cheerfully. "The two of you are the least aggravating individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting in a very long time."

John blinked. “Happy to not be an annoyance.”

“Cool.” Lorraine nodded.

“Funny, I expected a bit more of a reaction.” Alastor glanced between the doe and the bug.

“Takes a lot to get a rise out of me, that or you attack something I like.” John shrugged.

"You respect us for the most part and we all get along well enough," Lorraine added. "That's all I could really ask for."

“Fair enough, I suppose.” Alastor said as the three of them finally focused on their food.

Alastor came in humming a tune. “Hello you two!” He announced happily.

Gilda, John, Lorraine, Koromaru, and all three of the Peacewalkers looked up from their various spots in the living room.

“Which two?” Gilda asked.

“The two most important people here.” Alastor replied. “Besides myself.”

“Sweet, gifts!” Scootaloo cheered, making the other girls giggle.

“Very funny, Cuckoo, however these are for Lorraine and John.” Alastor held out a pair of cloaks with his magic, levitating them to the pair. The cloaks were deep blue and looked to have faux-fur lining on the inside. “I had them commissioned by Rarity.”

“Thanks.” John said, not really sure of what to say as he held the cloak.

“Oooooo fluffy.” Lorraine cooed as she ran a hoof over the ‘fur.’

“And they match.” Alastor nodded. “Because all couples need some kind of matching clothing.”

“Why’s that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Matching colored things like cloaks indicate that the pair are a couple or in a herd.” Sweetie replied. “Learned that from Rarity.”

“Precisely.” Alastor nodded at the filly.

“Well that’s super sweet.” John smiled as he tried on the cloak.

Lorraine just grinned at the cloak. Her tail wagged madly against the couch. “This is really cool! Thanks!”

Alastor chuckled. “Of course. Consider it an early Hearthswarming present.”

Lorraine was very thankful for Alastor’s present (and she’d definitely have to thank Rarity) because it was a very chilly morning. Koromaru and Alastor seemed fine, in spite of the chilly breeze.

Koromaru was being very good, even though he wanted to wander off and smell some flowers, he stayed right at the doe’s side.

“I’m glad you’re actually wearing it.” Alastor spoke up. “I figured, with your sensitivity to cold, that you might need something to keep you warm.”

"It was really thoughtful of you,” Lorraine replied, "I really do appreciate it. And it's honestly really neat that John and I have something we can wear together. Never really thought about it to be honest."

“Well someone had to.” Alastor chuckled softly. “It looks good on you.”

“If you say so.” Lorraine replied.

Out of the blue Koromaru growled. Then he barked and leapt after something, disappearing into the bushes.

“What in the blazes?” Alastor actually jumped as his eyes narrowed. “I’ll get him.”

The buck then leapt after the shiba, leaving Lorraine alone.

Lorraine blinked, then trotted over to a large, flat rock. A rock which she proceeded to sit on.

“Ah, finally.” The voice made her jump as Pentious slithered out from the trees and readjusted his hat. “They should keep those two busy.” He commented as he looked towards where Alastor and Koromaru had left. His gaze turned towards Lorraine. The lamia did not look happy. “It would have been easier if you just came with me the first time, then I wouldn’t have had to take such measures.” He sighed. “Studying you would have been a bonus honestly. I-”

“Nope. I’m not doing this.” Lorraine cut him off, standing up. “Not doing this today.” She immediately started trotting towards home.

“I wasn’t finished!” Pentious snapped as he slithered after her.

“And from the sounds of it, you want me for something that isn’t exactly all that nice.” Lorraine replied.

“It’s not like you’ll be hurt.” Pentious said with a pout. “You’re just a hostage. A bargaining chip, so to speak. You’ll be treated quite well. Only idiots hurt their hostages.”

“Oh my God, do you even listen to yourself?” Lorraine said with a groan.

“All the time, the egg boys do too. Though Ashira tells me that I talk too mu-”

He was cut off again as Lorraine erupted in blue flames. From the flames, a giant of a unicorn leapt forth. Said unicorn bolted down the path.

“Would you stop that!” Pentious yelled as he slithered faster down the path.

Lorraine suddenly felt one of her legs get yanked out from under her, causing her to tumble. In another flash of blue flames she was back to being a doe. In spite of her aching leg, she got up and hobbled away.

“Really now?” Pentious said with a sigh as he slithered up behind her. “I don’t think you're going to get far with an injured leg. And that blue fire form seems rather fragile, this might need more research.”

“Just leave me alone!” Lorraine snapped, managing a decent pace despite her leg.

“I’m not going to do that, so-”

“Just- please! Leave me be!” She snapped, turning to stare at him as her ears pinned back.

“And I’m not going to do that, you’re an important asset.” Pentious shook his head. “What are you going to do, fight me?”

Lorraine erupted in blue flames again. Once again becoming the Unicorn. She reared onto her hindlegs as her horn shined a bright white.

The world temporarily went white as a dome of bright white light erupted around the Unicorn to expand and encompass Pentious.

Lorraine blinked away her temporary blindness to see Pentious looking slightly ragged. He was slumped over, with his upper half almost touching the ground.

“I… I actually felt that.” The lamia chuckled darkly. A yellow-ish, misty aura rolled off the lamia. He was slowly engulfed until he wasn’t even visible within it. Then the mist grew and billowed out.

A black-scaled tail slid out of the mist. Eyes opened up on said tail. Orbs of red light with slit irises. As the mist rolled away, more eyes opened in the tail. His torso had become something like a black suit-coat. His arms were long and ended in long-fingered hands tipped in bright red claws. In the center of his chest, within the open suit-coat, was a large red eye, like the ones on his tail. At his collar was a black bow-tie. A strangely thin neck led to the face of a snake. His mouth was filled with sharp yellow teeth. A pair of fangs dripped green venom. A black forked tongue flicked out of his maw. His eyes were bright yellow-orange, like burned embers, and bore the same slit-irises. Atop his head sat a top hat that bore a single eye and a maw of yellow teeth like his. Most disconcerting was the massive cobra-like hood that spread out from his head like a massive pair of wings. Four massive red eyes stared out from the yellow scales of the hood.

“Not so tough now, are you?” He said rising up to a height that easily dwarfed the Unicorn.

“Never said I was, I just wanted you to go away.” Lorraine replied.

“Oh, even when you decide to put up a fight, you’re pathetic!” Sir Pentious the Demon Serpent snapped at her. “What you did, that hurt. But it isn’t even meant to kill, if I analyzed it right. You’re just some kind of medic that’s in no way prepared to see live combat. I bet you faint at the sight of blood.” He snorted.

Lorraine replied somewhat calmly, though it was obvious she wanted to be as far away from the demon as possible as she cast Salvation on herself. "I'm just someone that was sick of seeing my friends get hurt... I just wanted everyone to be okay. I wanted to be okay."

Pentious seemed to falter. The anger was still there on his face, but his eyes seemed confused… almost concerned? He shook his head and hissed. He reached into his coat, pulled out a black cylindrical object, and tossed it at her. Whatever it was landed right in front of her.

Lorraine reared back and turned, only for a loud bang, a flash of light, and a physical shockwave to deafen, blind, and knock her to the ground.

She was instantly back to being a doe.

Dazed, she got up and tried to blink the stars out of her eyes. Once she was somewhat more coherent, she noticed that Pentious was gone. The only thing showing that there’d been any kind of conflict was the small blackened patch on the path.

Suddenly Alastor and Koromaru burst from the bushes. Instantly the dog raced over to her, leaping up to her, whining and licking her face.

“We saw, whatever that was. Little egg buffoons lead us on quite the-” Alastor paused as he stepped up to Lorraine. “What happened?”

Lorraine tried to gather her thoughts. Her ears were splayed back and she was breathing somewhat shakily as her voice hitched in visible distress. "Sir Pentious was trying to kidnap me."

The screech of feedback that followed that statement caused Lorraine to flinch as Alastor, grin cold and merciless, snapped to attention.

"He. What?" the buck growled.

"Yeah... I'm just glad it's over." Lorraine admitted weakly as she coaxed Koromaru to sit next to her.

“I am going to-” Alastor cut himself off. He took a deep breath. Then his smile softened. “Let’s get you home. And let’s lockdown the house for a couple days.”

Lorraine nodded. “Okay.”

Lorraine sat on the couch watching EweTube, she was really focused on that. Since the shock from the day before, she’d been a couch potato. Not that anyone else had a problem with that. On the contrary both Koromaru and Socks were cuddled against either side of her.

There was the sound of the front door opening and a trotting of hooves. “Lorraine?” Alastor poked his head around the corner. “Do you like chicken?”

Lorraine paused the video and looked at him. “Yeah, why?”

“Wonderful.” He made to move, paused, then looked at her again. “What’s your favorite chicken dish?”

“Chicken nuggets.” Lorraine replied instantly.

Alastor’s face fell to a look of almost bitter disappointment. “I… will do my best.” He said dejectedly.

“I also like chicken burgers.” Lorraine offered, feeling a little bad.

“That, I can do!” The buck brightened as he trotted towards the kitchen. “I’m going to borrow John’s cutting board.”

A dead cockatrice levitated after him. There was a small brown sack over its head.

“Okay.” Lorraine replied as the soon-to-be-meal and Alastor went into the kitchen.

Koromaru leapt up and raced into the kitchen. There was much whining.

“What?”

“Woof.”

“Yes I’ll give you the scraps.”

“Don’t give him any bones.” Lorraine called out.

“Bork.”

“That depends on what I need for the burgers, of course.”

“Wuff.”

“No.”

“Bark!”

“Shoo! I have food to prepare!”

Alastor and Lorraine were in the front yard. The Peacewalkers were there too, if only to help with the new garden. There were already a few flowers by the front porch but this was going to be a proper garden.

Said proper garden was little more than a large rectangle of dirt. One that Spike and Apple Bloom had no problem digging up. Thus, the six of them were standing by the potential garden with a few potted plants, seed packets, and a few things Alastor and Lorraine picked.

“So, how do we start this?” Sweetie asked.

Apple Bloom stepped into the dirt and dug a small hole with a hoof. She then reached over and took one of the seed packets, tore it open and sprinkled a few seeds into the hole, before scooping some dirt over the seeds and patting it down. She looked around. “Did we forget tha waterin’ can?”

“I’ll get it!” Spike jumped and raced inside.

Scootaloo and Sweetie stepped in and started repeating what Apple Bloom was doing.

“Now make sure ta keep ‘em spaced out.” Apple Bloom nodded.

"A good idea," Alastor agreed and nodded at the young earth pony. "Now, when the young drake returns with the watering can, take care not to drown the seeds. Over watering can kill plants just as efficiently as no water at all."

"When we're done planting I'll speed up the growth rate with a bit of magic." Lorraine added.

“Tha’ sounds useful. Should have ya help at the farm more.” Apple Bloom giggled.

Spike waddled back out, carrying a bright green watering can. It sloshed a little but he made sure not to splash too much out of the can. The dragon plopped the can next to the garden and Bloom trotted over to help direct him in the proper way to water.

“Hey. What’s Bucksleaf?” Scootaloo asked as she squinted at the label on one of the potted plants. In said pot was a cutting from one of the plants from Whitetail. It was a small shrub with leaves that looked like deer antlers.

Alastor looked like a deer caught in headlights and when he tried to speak, the only sound that was heard was garbled radio static.

Lorraine blinked and giggled. "I got this, how about you-"

Alastor had promptly got up and walked back inside the house.

"-head on inside..." Lorraine finished.

“Where’s he going?” Spike asked, lightly watering the spots Bloom indicated.

“He’s embarrassed.” Bloom replied.

“Why’s that?” Scootaloo asked, digging out a hole with a hoof.

“It’s a deer thing, I think.” Sweetie said with a hum.

"It is a deer thing," Lorraine pointed out and explained in a professional manner. "Bucksleaf is a hormone regulator and suppressant with different parts of the plant used to handle the intensity of heat and rut in deer."

“Oooooooh. It keeps ya from fuckin’.” Bloom nodded.

“That’s probably a good thing.” Sweetie agreed.

“For deer yeah.” Scootaloo giggled.

“Ponies are weird. Deer are weird.” Spike said bluntly. “Sex is weird.”

“Any other questions?” Lorraine asked.

“Think we’re good.” Bloom said, making one of Scootaloo’s dug plots a little bigger.

“Thanks though.” Sweetie smiled at the doe.

It had taken quite a bit to convince Pinkie Pie that this wasn’t a party. It was a somewhat formal, private function to promote all the good work that the Tartarus branch of the Conservation Committee were doing.

“This.” Alastor commented. “Is all... “ He paused. “Fake. I’ve been in their facilities, there is very little good in their good work. It is Hell after all.”

“Kinda wish I went with John for the Persona training.” Lorraine said from her spot next to him.

They were at their own table, and both didn’t really feel like mingling.

“That might have been a better choice, but we’re stuck here for the moment.” Alastor sighed.

“We’re both VIPs and Luna kinda insisted.” Lorraine replied, looking at him.

“And you do have a point there, and it’s not like I’d let you go to something like this alone.” Alastor nodded. “Should we get some of the free food?”

“Do we go to one of the tables or do we ask one of the people with the trays?” Lorraine blinked looking around at the various servers walking around with trays.

Speaking of which, one of the tray carrying ponies trotted up and set a glass of something bright red in front of the doe. “Compliments of the House.” The server said with a slight slur.

Alastor immediately scooted the drink over to himself. “She hates alcohol.” He said with a smile. “Would you happen to have water?”

The waiter blinked, shook his head a bit, then nodded. “Oh, water, of course. Sorry about that.”

A glass of ice water was set in front of the doe.

“And are there any horderves?” The buck asked.

“Yes! I will be right back.” The waiter nodded quickly and hurried off.

Lorraine, meanwhile, was looking around at the other ponies and creatures that were around them. She noticed Pentious off in a corner. He… did not look happy. He was scowling at them. She looked back to Alastor. “Well something’s up.”

Alastor was already drinking whatever the liquid was. The buck scowled and shook his head as he set the glass down. “Oooooh.” He took a breath. “Burns on the way down. Reminds me of my younger days.” He pounded his chest with a hoof. “Mmmmm. Yes. That’s definitely Hellfire.” He nodded. “I expect things to get dicey in the next few minutes. I believe that that was meant to kill, or at least incapacitate you.”

“Wut.” Lorraine blinked.

“I believe we’ve been had.” Alastor said, glancing around and noticing more than a few ponies start to file out.

Lorraine looked around, then paused and looked at Alastor. Her ears pinned back for a moment. Then she stood up, exploded into Persona form, and immediately healed Alastor.

“No good.” Alastor coughed and cleared his throat. “Hellfire’s special. It can kill lesser demons, yes, however, I am not just any demon.” He stood up as static filled the air. “While yes, this dose probably wasn’t meant to kill, Hellfire can also be considered a drug to certain individuals.” He chuckled darkly.

“Dammit!” Pentious swore from the back of the room. “What, are you doing?! Get them!” He yelled as a bunch of…. Eggs raced into the room. They looked like massive chicken eggs, only they had spindly, thin arms and legs coming out of the shells. There was a large hole in the front of the shell and a pair of yellow eyes peered out. Each of the eggs held an assortment of crude melee weapons.

“Guys, can’t we just talk about this?” Lorraine called out.

“No!” Pentious snapped.

“Mmmph, you heard the serpent.” Alastor stood tall as a mixture of red and black smoke rolled off the buck.

“Why not?” Lorraine asked.

“Because….” Pentious looked rather steamed. “The only thing I'm going to talk to him about is how much of his territory to hand over!" He sneered. "If you stay out of this, then I'll let two share a containment unit at the new facility."

Lorraine stepped back at the sheer animosity between the two demons and reverted back into her doe form, ears flat against her head.

Alastor looked at her. His almost maniacal grin looked rather strained. He looked back towards the lamia. “You’ve upset my doe… Give me one reason why I shouldn't send you back to your wife... In Pieces.”

That made Pentious pause. His rage seemed to have faded into something resembling fear. “Get- Get them!” He half-yelped.

“You might not want to look.” Alastor said with a static in his voice. “Actually.”

Lorraine found herself stuffed into the fluff of Alastor’s chest. He even made sure to put a foreleg over her ears.

The doe found herself blinded by fur. Her hearing was muffled by more fur. The impromptu embrace actually made her freeze.

The entire thing was so surprising that she wasn’t even thinking about what the buck might have been doing outside of holding her.

Which was probably for the best.

‘Fuck it.’ She thought, nuzzling her face into the fluff a bit. Which only caused her to start sneezing.

There was a chuckle and the foreleg was removed from Lorraine’s ears.

“Lorraine. It’s over.” Alastor said, backing up.

He looked mostly back to normal. There were a few errant wisps of magic here and there. Also, held in a hoof was a cane. A red cane topped with what looked like an old-timey radio microphone.

The room however was a mess. It was also covered in egg yolk, and Pentious was nowhere to be found.

“I think it’s high time we leave.” Alastor commented, glancing around at the mess. “Oh, and I got my microphone back, fancy that!” He said twirling his cane. “I can do the thing again.” He held the microphone up. “Hello Lorraine, I’m Alastor and I’m reporting to you Live from the mess I just made!” He spoke like an over-the-top radio host. "Looks like they cracked under the pressure! Or maybe my performance left them scrambled!"

Lorraine smiled weakly and snorted in amusement.

I am thou, thou art I...
Thy compassion is thine spear rallying against the heavens and thine shield against the demons of the heart.
Thy bonds with thine Companions are the fires that fuel thy dream of salvation.
With thy Kindness towards the Devil arcana, thou hast one more ally to walk with thee down the destined path of thine own making.
Lorraine has unlocked the Devil Companion!
The Devil Companion has reached Rank 5 out of 10.

While the ground level of Ponyville’s branch the Conservation Committee was in the process of being built, below ground was much further along.

Pentious slithered into his personal quarters. He was too drained to even turn on any lights. He slithered over to his bed and simply let his upper half flop onto it. Slowly he dragged himself onto the bed fully and let out a groan.

He froze when he felt a pair of cloven hooves slid around his shoulders.

“Hi darling.” A feminine voice giggled.

“Ashira.” He sighed. “I-”

“Shhh.” Ashira shushed him. “You’ve been busy. I’ve only been gone a week.”

Pentious rolled over.

Ashira, in Kirin form, grinned at him. Her bright pink mane stood out even in the dim light of the room and contrasted her gray fur, and contrasted more with the gold scales of her back. Her shiny gold horn glowed and lit the room with a shimmery purple light. Her bright red eyes stared down at him.

“There we go, now I can see you better.” She grinned toothily.

“I’m sorry. I tried to get the doe-” A hoof pressed into Pentious’s lips.

“Ap. Don’t worry. You tried too hard, like you always do. That’s why you need me to balance you out.” She smiled sweetly at him. “And hey, I’m back now.” She leaned in to kiss his nose.

“I’ve got everything under control.”

Short - Priestess

View Online

That night Lorraine found herself back in the Velvet Room. The silence of the library-like room was unsettling to the already rattled doe. The stress from the fight with Sir Pentious was still fresh in her mind, the sharp pang of terror at the idea of Alastor dying from poison, the horror that she was the one targeted and the desire to run, flee, hide! were still clouding her thoughts in a foggy loop of stressful misery and meekness. Victoria looked almost like a doll as she sat in the chair across from her.

"You faced a frightening opponent but that was merely the beginning of the trials that lay before you," The pony said sadly. "Your bonds with others have truly proven useful to you have they not?"

"Who are you?" Lorraine asked tiredly.

I don't want to hear this

"Where's Igor? Why isn't there any music?"

This place is supposed to be safe, why doesn't it feel safe?

Victoria blinked. "I'm sorry what?"

I can't do this.

No More.

"Okay, I'm done," the doe sighed. "I'm done..."

I can't- I just can't!

The mare stood up and opened her mouth to protest-

She was gone, the "room" shattered like glass and the doe was left standing in a deep blue, misty void filled with glittering stars. The movement of the mist was mesmerizing and the blue expanse soothed the doe's frazzled nerves.

I...I'm really not cut out for this hero bullshit. But I had to try, I had to do something. I'm sick of being powerless, I'm sick of being pulled into the spotlight. I don't want to be special, not in that way- I just want the people I choose to care about to be happy and safe.

I want to be happy and safe with them.

A blue butterfly flew past her as the gentle notes of a piano filled the quiet ambiance with a calming, familiar melody. It was soon joined by a voice, feminine and singing along with wordless, beautiful operatic vocals... along with a second voice that the doe took a second to place.

Her own.

"I am Thou, Thou art I!"

Her own voice spoke to her, filled with a sense of resolve and passion that harkened back to days long gone. Days standing up to schoolyard bullies, the hardships of an uncaring school system, the joy of learning what real friendship and comradery were like after graduation. The simple wonder and curiosity that came with her favorite pieces of media. It brought to mind the quiet vulnerability she'd learnt was perfectly acceptable to have and the comfort and safety that went with it when she and John became a couple. Awkward conversations, fears and worried shared without judgement and the long talks about everything and nothing.

"I am Thy compassion, Thy Heart of Hearts. Thy spear that rallies against the Heavens and Thy shield against the Demons of Hell itself. Thou seeest thy fear as a weakness? Then embrace it. If Thine instinct is to run, then run! Hide! This is Thy life and to Hell with those would try to take what is Thine!"

"Take Thy treasured companions and run wild with them, for if the powers that be wish to control Thee, tame Thee... They must first catch Thee!"

"They Will Never Catch Us!"

Lorraine let the music wash over her as she processed it all. Her Shadow, her inner self continued to speak.

"Thou art not bound to the rules of the game, it is merely... a stepping stone towards Thy true power..."

"The will, the creativity and power of Thy own imagination is within Thine grasp."

"Your will shall be made manifest. This power is Thine and Thine alone. Thou art The Cadmean Vixen..."

"Accept it and realize your dream of salvation!"

The doe blinked and was suddenly face-to-face... with herself. It was like looking in a mirror, except her doppelganger had eyes that gold an otherworldly shade of yellow. Her other self smiled as if reuniting with an old friend.

"From this moment forth, Thou art as Thy should be, whole and unrestrained."

"Thou shalt fall no more."

026 - Burn My Dread

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The Ponyville guardhouse was a sturdy, proud wooden building as old as the town itself., a relic of Ponyville's early days where the dangers present in the nearby Everfree Forest were much more of a pressing concern and weapons or armor were needed at the drop of a hat. Lorraine walked with Alastor to her right around the building to the modest training area that lay behind it, nothing more than a circle of packed dirt with some stone benches scattered around it and racks of wooden practice spears and swords by the guardhouses back entrance.

Clunk.

John was in his bipedal form, a wooden sword in hand and looking frustrated as his opponent blocked his attack and pushed his sword away with practiced ease.

"Are you even trying?" Prince Akechi jeered, a smirk on his as he side stepped John's follow-up attack, his own training sword held in his left wing. "Your girlfriend's dog could do better than that."

The doe girl spoke up as she reached them. "Akechi..." she warned.

The prince scoffed as he glanced at her. "The shadows we're going to face will say worse, or do you like the idea of your boyfriend flying off the handle mid fight?"

"Uh-huh, is he doing anything right?" Lorraine queried as she sat on the bench next to the one Futaba was sprawled out on, the mare lying on her stomach as her hooves danced across the keyboard of her laptop.

"If he can stop telegraphing his movements then I might say he's made progress." Akechi said flippantly, he parried John's attempt at a feint and with a flick of a wing, disarmed the changeling and tapped the flat of his blade on John's neck.

"I almost had it!" John complained as the pegasus retrieved the discarded sword and set both weapons aside.

"Almost, but not quite," Akechi agreed coolly. "Why don't we take a break? There are some things I'd like to discuss now that Lorraine has finally decided to join us."

The sharp look the detective sent her way and his accusatory tone caused Lorraine's ears to snap back slightly in guilt.

"I've been training your boyfriend and the damn dog every evening for a week. Just where the hell have you been?" Akechi spat. "We're supposed to be working together aren't we? Or are you so cowardly that you've gone back on your word?"

Both John and Alastor made to protest but Lorraine raised a hoof, sniffling and took a shaky breath.

"I, was targeted by a demon multiple times this week, yesterday said demon tried to poison me but Alastor got poisoned instead. My persona couldn't do jack shit to help and was so unstable it was dispelled as soon as I took a hit. So, I'm sorry that I wanted to stick my head in the sand and not deal with the idea that my friends, including you would be fighting against stuff that could kill them!" she snarled. "Don't you dare say I'd ditch my friends, or John, or you. You may not give two shits about your life but I do."

John reverted back into his regular smol bug form and leaned up against her, softly coaxing her to calm down. Alastor remained by Lorraine's side, watching events unfold with the only signs of his disapproval towards Akechi being a cold grin and murderous gaze as radio static buzzed around him dangerously.

"Sorry..." Lorraine said meekly as her frustration faded to be replaced by guilt-ridden sadness.

"Holy cow Crow, cool it on the Tsun would ya!" Futaba scolded and leapt off the bench, adjusting her hoodie as she cantered over to the doe. "I know you're itching to go beat up some shadows but cut them some slack! They're still newbs after all."

"... I- you're right." Akechi stated after a moment. "I wasn't aware the situation regarding the other Overlords of Tartarus had escalated to such a degree, I apologize."

Lorraine wiped her teary eyes on the hem of her cloak. She sniffed and asked in a timid voice, "You don't like me very much, do you?"

The detective prince, caught off guard, scrambled to explain. "It's not that, I-"

"It's okay," Lorraine continued. "It took nearly getting kidnapped then watching Alastor get hurt because of me-"

"That was not your fault." the buck interrupted.

"Lemme finish," Lorraine said quietly and continued from where she left off. "It took nearly getting kidnapped and Alastor getting hurt because of me to realize that I'm weak, alright? I can't just rock up to whatever bad guy of week pops up and kick their arse... People are one thing. Put me in the spotlight for dealing with arsehats who wouldn't know common decency if it slapped them in the face. Dealing with people is easy, I can do that but demons? Shadows?"

She took a second to gather her thoughts, choosing her words carefully. "My initial persona was all bark and no bite, a deterrent. Persona are a part of yourself, a part you've previously rejected or locked away as your shadow and accepted, tamed into a persona," she explained. "My shadow started out as the stuff I repressed, from the way I expressed myself to more simple things like wanting to stand up for John and everyone else I care about. I know I equate my attempts at emotional support as being selfish and I always wanted to be able to do more than just that so, that's what the Unicorn was, my desire to see you all safe coupled with my knowledge of the Persona series."

Akechi held his chin in a wing in thought. "And when your intimidation tactics failed, you cracked under pressure."

"Pretty much," the doe admitted. "I did some... not exactly soul-searching but I realized a few things. The Velvet Room I've been seeing is a fake. I can't fight. Like, it goes against everything I am to be physically violent and I realized that I haven't been thinking clearly when it comes to my Shadowmancy."

"Oooo, what'd you figure out?" Futaba asked.

"Uh, well think of Persona like a foundation," Lorraine replied and she looked more sure of herself as she explained. "I got the new form and elemental resistances but aside from that I wouldn't really call it a persona..."

"Is it a Stand?" John asked jokingly with a grin.

"Oh god no," Lorraine replied flatly, smiling despite her exasperation. Both the smol bug and doe girl giggled and Lorraine continued. "Less something that is a part of me and more along the lines of this form is me at my best, doing my best and anymore who says otherwise can go to hell. You know, like a Shadowmancy mage form or something, the most efficient way of actively using it."

Alastor looked absolutely delighted by the news. "You have a Dark Form! I knew you were something special!" He grinned. Seeing a few blank looks, he continued. "Dark Forms are one the purest forms of Shadowmancy techniques as it permanently fuses the Shadow Self and the conscious mind by tapping into the Black Abyss, shadow magic in its purest form! It can create worlds, bridge the gap between realms and define the very laws of reality! Why, it's the stuff dreams are made of!"

"Does that make her like, super op?" Futaba asked.

"No, not in the way you're thinking! Our darling little shadowmancer here is restricted by her own moral fiber, shadow magic unfiltered by the subconscious is greatly influenced by the desires of the conscious mind, a nonviolent individual like Lorraine wouldn't have raw power or magical might unless it was to heal someone." Alastor stated and he looked rather amused at Futaba's suggestion. "Why, if she was blatantly powerful, I can guarantee you she'd be sent straight to Tartarus!"

"Eh? Why?" John asked.

"Because individuals with enough power to destabilize the very workings of reality are guilty of endangering, well, everything! Such individuals are either locked up in the depths of Hell, recruited and trained by The Nightmare to wield their power for a better purpose... or disposed of."

"So, me being a fuckin' pansy is a good thing?" Lorraine suggested.

"You, a pansy? Dearie it takes some incredible nerves to try to talk down a demon not once, but twice!" Alastor pointed out. "Your strengths lie in using words instead of weapons!"

"So what's your new form look like? Can we see it?" Futaba excitedly.

Lorraine blinked. "I dunno but I don't want to just show it off. I'm not exactly comfortable with the idea just yet. I'm still processing everything that's happened and I just, want a break from all that, you know?"

"Yeah, that's fair," Futaba agreed and glared at Akechi. "You better make it up to her for making her upset! Got it?"

"I already apologized what more could I possibly do?" the pegasus retorted and the mare shrugged as she shot him a knowing look.

"Oh I dunno, maybe prove you actually want to get to know her and be her friend?"

The stallion sighed in resignation. "You do have a point, as tactless as it is-"

"Oh like you're one to talk!"

"-Anyway," Akechi continued and turned his attention to the smol bug and doe girl with a quick glance at the setting sun. "It is getting rather late... John, would it be permissible to take Lorraine out to dinner? I know of a few places that can cater to her specialized diet and ensure our privacy." Akechi looked somewhat embarrassed as he continued. "And truth be told, I'd rather resolve this as peacefully and swiftly as possible as I fear waiting for an opportunity to correct my mistake may only add to the issue. We can't afford any infighting if we're to be working together and since it was a grave misjudgment on my part, I'd like to set the record straight sooner rather than later."

Instead of answering, John looked up at Lorraine. "You okay sweetie? Do you want to go talk with Akechi or go home?"

"I don't want to sit around waiting either. I'd like to hash things out too," the doe admitted. "Some food will probably do me good as well."

"Okay, I'll see you when you get back." John nodded and went to go put the training swords away.

"I'll keep an eye on them," Futaba added confidently. "Operation Dinner Date is a go!"

"Not a date." Lorraine deadpanned.

"Do let me know if I need to threaten him, It would be a shame if the lessons didn't stick." Alastor stated.

The restaurant Akechi led Lorraine too was one of the more high-class establishments in Ponyville. With a few words and a smile, Akechi had gotten them a table near the back, away from prying eyes and the duo ordered their food without much fanfare.

Seated across from her, Akechi looked frustrated as he spoke. "...To answer your earlier question about whether I hate you, I don't. Rather, I am confused... You have a clear moral compass and a set of rules you live by and yet you're incapable of violence?"

He continued. "Many would call you a coward but I've heard how quick you are to defend your boyfriend in an argument or how easily you rescue your friends from unwanted attention... Even the kindest person will lash out when cornered but not you."

"To be fair, I cast Megidolaon on Pentious but I wasn't aiming to defeat an enemy, I just wanted to get away." Lorraine explained.

"That's what I'm talking about, you have such a strong aversion to physical altercations that I don't know how to react. By all rights you should be more than capable of holding your own in a fight. So why?" Akechi asked. "If you weren't going to fight then why even try? Trying to act tough will only get you or someone else killed."

"Because I didn't wanna sit there an' do nothing. I can offer as much advice and support that you guys need but it's not enough is it?" Lorraine retorted. "John's gearing up to fight monsters, Gilda faces danger every few days while hunting, Alastor nearly died yesterday and your more than willing to jump into monster-infested dungeons because you don't want to be a pawn in some higher power's plan. How can offering emotional support and healing spells stack up to the real, tangible things everyone else is doing?"

Akechi stared at her. Something akin to understanding dawned on his face. "I see... You believe your skills were inadequate and sought to prove you could handle things yourself. You really are something else..."

"Sorry if I- I dunno, annoyed you or something..." Lorraine said.

"Well, I misjudged you," Akechi replied calmly. "I thought you were merely a passive do-gooder but no, you're outburst at the guardhouse proves you do indeed have a spine, just one that's better suited to domestics," the prince commented and looked thoughtful. "Now that I think about it, that will prove useful. Celestia has been pushing me to be more of a crowd pleaser in response to my popularity among the citizenry."

"I was surprised Celestia took you in, I had no idea until you told me at the party." Lorraine said. "I'd ask how but I don't want to be rude..."

The stallion looked surprised and somewhat touched at the fact she wouldn't pry. He fiddled with a loose strand of his mane and averted his gaze. "It's fine... Even in this life I'm still a throwaway child. My mother passed away when I was a child, overworked by my moneygrubbing father and stressed from the high expectations Neighponese society places on women. My father bled her dry and, unable to handle the stress of his demands, her job and raising a child... She took her own life. That alone was enough to reawaken my Persona and regain my old memories."

"Afterwards, I was shipped off to some distant relatives that lived in a small town out in the countryside. My relatives were cruel to say the least. It was there I met Wild Card, also stifled by the way society coddles stallions and together, we began hatching a plan take down my father," Akechi explained. "We ran away from home and bumped into Celestia when she was in Neighpon for a diplomatic dinner with my father. I not only warned her about the kind of person he was but I earned my special talent taking him down. I was fifteen at the time and after she learned of how Wild and I were treated, she took us in. Though Wild rejected his royal title and is instead, an agent of the crown."

"That's... horrible, losing your mother and all. At least she's in a better place now." Lorraine said after a moment.

Akechi looked back up at her. "I suppose." he agreed quietly.

The conversation was put on hold as their food arrived, some sort of vegetable soup for Akechi and a fish sandwich for Lorraine. The doe's front hooves shifted into clawed paws and she began to eat. The pair ate in silence. The doe had zeroed in on her food that Akechi had to wave a hoof to get her attention.

"Huh?" she said as the prince looked amused.

"I wanted to ask, how are handling your current form?" Akechi asked. "From what I understand, you underwent a polymorph to escape the expectations associated with the form you held previously?"

"It was also because being a Luck Dragon was fuckin' weird," Lorraine replied and backpedalled. "Sorry, didn't mean to swear."

Akechi waved her off "I don't care, I've certainly said worse when fighting shadows," he looked at her curiously. "Was it odd in comparison to being human or was it something else?"

"It was fun at first, dragons are cool and I was healthy but, I could never get used to it," she stated. "The proportions felt off so I could never get comfortable, the fur was an absolute nightmare to deal with and it... felt off, like I was tired yet way too alert at the same time. Not to mention the way I was treated... It didn't feel real some days, you know? I just made do and dealt with it because I thought I didn't have a choice. Didn't bother complaining either."

"And how do you feel now, as a Flora Doe?" Akechi asked.

"I feel more grounded, I know what I am, what I can do and what I want to do." Lorraine replied casually. "Still getting used to having magical abilities and I'm trying to get used to physical activity, but at least I'm not in a hurry to figure out Floramancy and I at least look like something recognizable as normal, even if I don't act like it."

"Oh? I often go on walks to stay in shape, it's not quite the same as cycling but I find it more cathartic than flying everywhere, perhaps you could join me?" Akechi suggested.

"Between you, John and Alastor, I won't be bored at least." Lorraine replied with a grin.

"Ah, I see. I certainly won't intrude on the time you spend with your friends." Akechi said politely.

"I wouldn't mind if you tagged along," Lorraine said brightly. "It'd be great if everyone could get along, to be honest. Hell, bring Futaba along and we'll call it a team building exercise or something."

"She isn't fond of exercise but that does sound like a good idea." Akechi agreed.

"Cool... So, do you play video games?" Lorraine asked.

"Occasionally, usually competitive titles with Wild Card but I do enjoy the odd strategy game. I'm assuming you play regularly?" he replied.

She grinned, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, whenever I'm not writing fanfiction or watching something online. I prefer games with either an interesting story or a good progression system, a gameplay loop with enough busy-work to keep me occupied. Like RPG's or life sims."

"Any you would recommend to a newcomer?" Akechi asked. "I've been meaning to find a new hobby as a way of... dealing with the idiocy I'm forced to witness as part of my job."

Lorraine blinked and looked at the prince in concern. "If you need to talk to someone about it, you can vent to me about it. I don't mind."

"Thank you but, I wouldn't want to bother you given the way I treated you today." Akechi replied stiffly.

"I'm your friend, it's the least I can do," the doe assured him. "I know some good games too, you play any stealth games?"

"No I haven't."

Lorraine's grin widened. "Ok! I think you'll like this. There's this series called Metal Gear Solid..."

027 - Adventure and Advancement

View Online

It was a surprisingly warm autumn day as Lorraine, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle set up a few foldable tables in the park. Nearby, John was with Scootaloo helping the filly set up a portable drink stand using her scooter and wagon. The park was bustling with activity as a starting line was set up and ponies in numbered track tops stretched and prepared. A sound caught Lorraine's attention, a hot air balloon was being inflated as Alastor watched with a critical eye and Pinkie was practically vibrating with excitement beside him. Alastor noticed her looking and grinned. She smiled and moved away from the tables to some boxes strewn about behind them. With her hooves-turned-paws she pulled out a variety of baked goods in containers or wrapped in cellophane packages and began spreading them out on the nearest table.

"Do you think we'll be able to sell all of this?" Sweetie asked as she set up a few foldable chairs. "That's a lot of food."

"Maybe, we got a huge crowd fer the race this year," Apple Bloom commented. "With the prince competin', every mare and their mom want ta watch."

"With all the stallions here, it's a herd smorgasbord," Sweetie said and gestured at the various sporty, athletic stallions getting ready. "The race is a big deal for ponies that like sports as it's the only time they can show off."

"Don't remind me, Big Mac still gets called a janefilly whenever he turns down a herd proposal." Apple Bloom complained as she began helping Lorraine with setting up the food.

"Could you explain? I get the whole, guys who aren't doormats are discriminated against, thing, but what's a janefilly?" Lorraine asked.

Apple Bloom paused. "Oh, right. It's meant to make fun of a stallion that acts more independent, like a mare."

"It's dumb." Sweetie added.

"Yeah, I agree with you there, sounds stupid." Lorraine said.

Something was beeping at the edge of Lorraine's hearing. Amid the hustle and bustle of the slowly gathering crowd, two voices stuck out.

"Are sure that thing is workin'?"

"Of course I'm sure! This is calibrated to track Umbral Radiation and with it, the TARDIS."

A laugh, "You sure about that then? You nearly gave Fluttershy a heart attack pokin' around her chickens."

"Oi! I was calibrating! It... a very delicate piece of equipment... around hens."

Something went ding.

"See Rose, it dinged! That means-"

Time turner walked into view, the stallion dressed in a dark brown pinstripe suit and a light brown trench coat that billowed out behind him as he moved on three legs. A pair of black framed glasses rested on his face and a strange device with various knobs, buttons and a small satellite dish held in one hoof. Trotting beside him was a tan furred pegasus mare with a blonde mane and tail, and brown eyes. She was smiling at Time Turner, her tongue slightly poking out between her teeth.

The stallion was focused on his device and halted right in front of Lorraine. He looked up at her, back down at his device, then looked rather sheepish as Rose smirked at him. "Ah, well..." He paused and peered at the doe, all curiosity and maniac energy. "It should have locked on to the nearest leak, which would be the largest concentration of umbral radiation in the area. But why you-you're brimming with, generating it even!" he walked around her, looking very confused. "How are you doing that?"

"Is something wrong Mister Turner?" Apple Bloom asked as she and Sweetie looked over at him.

"No, no. I was just... looking for something and my tracking device still has a few bugs in it." the eccentric stallion explained. Rose elbowed him with a wing and looked at Lorraine. "Right, sorry. Hello again!"

"Hi," Lorraine replied, her face was calm but her wagging tail betrayed her. "Do you need help?"

"Aren't you busy?" Rose asked and nodded at the bake sale setup.

"The girls can handle it and John's nearby if something comes up," Lorraine replied. "I don't mind."

"I need to get this re-calibrated..." Time Turner said. "Really, how are you generating umbral radiation?"

"Why don't we head somewhere quieter, yeah?" Rose suggested. "Get a better reading?"

"Maybe explain a few things? Like umbral radiation?" Lorraine added.

"It's what people call shadow magic," Time Turner explained as he led the doe and the pegasus away from the park and down a side street, inspecting the defective gadget. "It can change things, create things, reshape entire planets, and is one of the building blocks of the universe. Time was there were civilizations capable of using it to make paradise worlds, planets with everything a species could want or need."

"Is having this stuff bad?" Lorraine asked.

"It can be, wars have been fought over it. People have been driven mad by it, but the radiation in you is stabilized, perfectly harmless."

"Well that's good... I think," Lorraine replied. "So... You're looking for the TARDIS? How did you lose it this time?"

It was an innocent question but the looks of surprise the other two gave her jolted the doe's memory.

"Oh, right," she said dumbly and smiled. "I know you're The Doctor. We meet in your future."

"Well that saves us a bit of time I suppose," The Doctor said as he grimaced. "There are small tears in the fabric of reality, tiny gaps between dimensions that are leaking umbral radiation. The stuff would start impacting the environment, the people, if they aren't closed. So, I landed my ship, the TARDIS near the Everfree and it was a bit too close to a tear and it was pulled in. This," he held up the device. "will locate a similarly sized tear and I'll be able to alter the flow of umbral radiation and use it to track down the TARDIS."

"How can I help?" Lorraine asked.

"I'll need you nearby so I can isolate a leak by... Process of elimination!" The Doctor replied brightly as the tracker beeped and the small dish spun.

The Doctor grinned excitedly as he moved swiftly down the street with Rose and Lorraine rushing after him. They darted through alleys, back roads, and the maze of cramped dirt paths between houses until the Time Lord stopped. His tracker was whirring and beeping like mad.

The trio were behind a house in Ponyville's high end residential area. Propped up against the wall of the two-story home was a large full body mirror that was emitting black, wispy tendrils of energy.

"Well, that's ominous." Lorraine commented as she took a step forward to get a better look.

"Careful." warned The Doctor.

"I know." Lorraine replied and remained where she was.

The umbral radiation went from black, to a deep blue and the tendrils retracted back into the mirror. The Time Lord pocketed his tracker and strode forward.

"It's stabilized," he commented and looked back at the doe. "It resonated with your radiation and copied the frequency. Try moving towards it."

Lorraine moved a bit closer to the mirror. The blue energy rippled out to encompass not only the mirror but expanded, forming a large, swirling mass of energy large enough to walk through.

"That's a portal yeah?" Rose asked. "Think it'll lead to the TARDIS?"

"It might," The Doctor replied and grinned at Lorraine.

"Right, Lorraine. Thank you for the help, which we really do appreciate but Rose and I will handle this next bit. Just, head on back and we'll see you later."

He looked at her expectantly. She looked at the portal, her brow furrowed.

"Mirrors act as doorways to the Dream Realm. Are you two going to be alright in there?" The doe asked.

"Course we will, we do this all the time!" The Doctor reassured her. "Pop in, find the TARDIS, and fly back out."

"Doctor!" Rose called out.

Something was stepping out of the portal. It was a deer. A middle-aged doe with chestnut brown fur and a dark red mane tied back into a bun. An aura of pale moonlight surrounded her and she was somewhat translucent. She smiled.

"Hello, pardon the intrusion dearies but are you going to come on through?" the older doe asked. "There are a few horrid beasties lurking on the other side that we can't risk escaping."

The Doctor trotted over beaming. "Oh, yes! Hello, I'm The Doctor. This is Rose and Lorraine. Sorry we'll pop over for a few minutes, won't be long."

"I'm Dandelion, Grove Keeper for the Boreal Dream Forest," the doe replied and gestured to the portal. "Come along dears, we can't stand around lollygagging."

The Dream realm was a fantastical place with a night sky adorned with splashes of pink or purple stardust and stars of every color imaginable. The grass was dark blue and the leaves on the trees nearby were a dark shade of green. Dandelion led the trio through a dense forest. Deer of all ages, all of whom shared Dandelion's white aura and opaqueness, watched them curiously.

"Don't mind them, visitors to our little corner of creation are few and far between, they're a tad nosy," Dandelion said with a smile. "So, why are you three so keen on opening mysterious portals? Are you Adventurers?"

"Sort of, we're looking for something. A big blue box, says Police." The Doctor explained while Rose and Lorraine took in the sights.

"So that box is yours then is it? We have things, and sometimes people the poor dears, fall through every now and then so we do what we can to keep things from falling into the wrong appendages." the doe replied and led them to a forest clearing filled with vibrant and exotic flowers. The TARDIS was placed on a flat stone and surrounded by blue flowers.

"Oh that's... Not bad actually, very, pretty." The Time Lord mused as he approached his ship.

Rose walked up to Dandelion. "So, you all live here?"

"Hm? Well I wouldn't call it living dear," the doe replied merrily. "We're all dead as doormice!"

"What? But that's impossible!" The Doctor spluttered as he whirled around.

A new voice interrupted the conversation "This is my realm, Time Lord. Nothing is impossible."

From out the shadows, The Nightmare stepped forward in all her glory.

Lorraine perked up. "Hi."

"Greetings," the goddess nodded cordially and focused her attention on the others. "My Lord Doctor, My Lady Rose, welcome to my realm."

The Doctor's jaw was tight as he watched her warily. "Nightmare."

Lorraine's ears drooped and she walked over to stand between the two as Rose trotted over to stand beside The Doctor. Lorraine looked worried. "Guys?"

Both the alicorn and the stallion looked at her.

The Doctor regained his composure first. "So tell me, Your Radiance, was it just a coincidence my ship was pulled into your domain?"

"No," the goddess answered calmly. "I need you to refrain from travelling off world and given that you would never do so of your own volition... I had to resort to other tactics."

"Ok!" Lorraine spoke up, a strained, small smile on her face. "Nightmare, why does he need to be stuck here?"

The Nightmare looked at her apologetically. "You know why, a storm is approaching. By keeping these two on Terran, then Doomsday is prevented."

The mare's words weren't an explanation, they were a hint, a clue that Lorraine picked up on. The doe girl's desperation to defuse the situation vanished and she looked resigned. "Oh..."

"Hey," Rose said gently. "We'll get through it. Just you wait an' see, yeah?"

"A prophecy, Nightmare, really?" The Doctor didn't look impressed. "Never liked prophecies, either they're self-fulfilling or just plain wrong, so! We'll just be on our way. Maybe give us a call if you need me to save the universe?" The Doctor sauntered towards the TARDIS.

"Do you really think I'm going to let you leave?" The Nightmare stated coldly.

"Do you really think you could keep us here?" The Time Lord retorted.

Lorraine looked between the two, took a breath and stomped a hoof to get everyone's attention. "How about we not do this?"

A crowd of onlookers, more ghost deer like Dandelion, watched them, and many of them were visibly concerned.

Dandelion walked up to the goddess, looking displeased. "She's right, you two butting heads won't do any of us any good. And look at the poor girl, she doesn't know what to do with herself."

Lorraine's ears were pinned back and she looked torn. She sighed and looked at The Doctor. She tried to speak but her words caught in her throat.

"A compromise then," the Nightmare suggested. "You may have your ship but I will do nothing to alter the events that await you and your companion or you remain in Ponyville and you will have my assistance whenever you wish, no questions asked."

"Doctor?" Rose looked at him as he thought it over.

Dandelion gently nudged Lorraine away from the clearing and down the path. "Let's get you sorted out. Leave the decision up to them."

"But-" Lorraine protested and the older doe's red eyes became stern.

"Butts are for sitting young lady, and you were working yourself into a tizzy," Dandelion stated. "What they choose to do is their choice. You can't put your health at risk worrying about what-ifs."

Lorraine fell silent. Dandelion's expression softened as she guided the Flora Doe through the woods. They came across other deer, polite yet curious spirits that Dandelion scolded if they stared or lingered for too long. The older doe shook her head. "Honestly... They'll give someone a fright one of these days, I swear..."

The canopy above them gave way to star filled skies as they entered a large village. A large tree that towered over the rest and glowed with a soft green light was in the center of town. The houses and buildings were trees that had been converted into livable spaces similar to Ponyville's library. Flowers and lush greenery were everywhere with dirt paths carefully winding around away from more delicate looking plants.

Lorraine followed Dandelion to a modest house made from a large, bulbous tree with a densely packed canopy with a myriad of herbs growing in the flowerbeds out the front. Once inside, the older doe directed her to a seat and then began to bustle about in the kitchen. Dandelion glanced back at her, a pair of coffee mugs grasped in a red, magical aura. "How do you take your tea?"

"Milk, three sugars," Lorraine replied somewhat stiffly. "Why?"

"You look like you could use a good cup of tea and a sit down." Dandelion replied casually and gestured around at the potted plants and bookshelves dotted around the living room. "Excuse the mess dear, I haven't had time to clean, what with all those Shadows running about."

Lorraine looked around as the other doe busied herself with making tea, the house looked a bit cluttered in a way that screamed organized chaos but wasn't anywhere close to what would be considered messy or untidy. The doe girl simply paid it no mind and sat quietly.

"So, which Grove are you from?" Dandelion asked as the sound of running water added the noise of her busy-work.

It took a second for Lorraine to register the question. "Oh, uh, I'm not from any. Polymorph."

"Welcome to the ranks then!" Dandelion replied cheerfully, the sound of the tap running ceased as the deer spirit moved to another part of the kitchen. "Are you going to join a Grove?"

The doe girl frowned slightly, uncertain. "I don't know?"

"Well a nice girl like you would be welcome anywhere I'm sure."

"Do I have to join one?" Lorraine asked.

"Oh you're a smart cookie, not many folks ask that," Dandelion hummed in thought. "Groves are a bit like pony villages, a community made up of people working together but they're also like small, independent countries. Each Sacred Grove has a leader that determines the law and governs how information or goods are shared with other groves.The deer kingdom isn't a defined place on a map but the collective number of groves and deer scattered across the globe. You don't have to join one."

"But there'd be benefits to doing so." Lorraine commented.

"The same sort of benefits found in any community really. Folks looking out for one another, a say in how things are run, a roof over your head and food in your stomach. There's no law saying you have to join a grove or even live in one, it's just how things are done." Dandelion explained.

"Okay." Lorraine said bluntly.

"You're welcome here anytime you know. You're quite the celebrity around here. It's not every day we get a new shadowmancer in town." the other doe said.

"You can tell?"

"That portal wouldn't have opened otherwise. Still learning the ropes?" Dandelion asked pleasantly over the sharp whistling of a kettle.

"Yeah."

After a few minutes of silence, Dandelion set a cup of tea on the coffee table near Lorraine. "Now you just sit tight." The older doe walked briskly into another room, talking as she did. "My son is a shadowmancer, he kept quite a lot of notes on the subject and left them here with me when he got his new job, in Tartarus of all places. I have them around here somewhere, you can borrow them if you like."

"No it's fine, really." Lorraine declined.

Dandelion trotted back levitating several old tomes. "I insist, in fact, keep them. Nightmare knows my boy won't come get them himself and you need them more than him anyway."

"Are you sure?" Lorraine asked.

Dandelion huffed. "Oh he absolutely refuses to set a hoof in this realm, my idiot of a son makes a name for himself in Hell and doesn't tell his own mother. I found out from the newsie's up in the Ivory City. The least he could do is visit, it's not like I'm going anywhere." the spirit shook her head and smiled. "Nevermind that, drink your tea before it gets cold and I'll look for a bag for these books."

"Okay."

Lorraine walked through the front door of her house looking a bit bewildered, a drawstring sack balanced on her back. Everyone was still out so the doe walked through the lounge room and down in the hall. She stopped by Alastor's room and left the sack of books by his bedroom door and headed back into the lounge. The doe plugged in her game console of choice, grabbed her controller, her headset, and wandered towards the couch. She flopped down onto it and got herself comfortable, ready to spend the rest of her day being a couch potato. After her little adventure, she was very much done with people for the day.

“Sorry.” John apologized as he waddled down to the basement carrying a box. “I’m invading your space.”

“It’s okay.” Thorax looked up, then got up from the couch as he paused the video he was watching. “What’s up?”

“So we’ve had these boxes in our closets since Lorraine and I got here, and we finally have a spot to store things.” John set down a box. “But first, I’m gonna have a look at what’s in them.”

Thorax trotted over to the smaller changeling. “And you haven’t looked at them yet… why?”

“Procrastination followed by just forgetting about them unless we look in our closets.” John chuckled as he scratched then tugged at the duct tape. “And this one’s not all that heavy so…” He opened the flaps…. And blinked.

“What’s Ultraman?” Thorax asked, sticking a hoof in to put out a metal box-set.

“We got copies of our stuff.” John said bluntly. “I mean, that should’ve been kinda obvious.” He started pulling box-set after box-set out of the box. “Ultraman, Ultraseven, Return of Ultraman, Ace, and the modern Ultra series. All five seasons of Digimon, Castlevania seasons one and two, RWBY. Goddam.” He blinked. “Thorax?” He looked at the ‘ling flipping through the DVDs of the Ultraman set.

“Huh?” Thorax blinked at him.

John put everything back in the box and pushed it towards the other changeling. “Just take this and enjoy. I’ll have to find a bookshelf or two anyway.”

“You serious?” Thorax blinked again.

“Absolutely.” John nodded with a grin. “I’ll take ‘em back whenever you’re done with them. Oh and note that the Ultra series can be kinda corny, but the stories are good and the characters are great. Orb and X might be my favorites though, even though they’re modern and other people hated the modern series… for some reason.” He shrugged.

“Oooookay. Should I watch anything in any particular order?” Thorax asked, looking into the box.

John tapped his chin with a finger. “Wellll…. RWBY is easy, it’s seasons are numbered. Digimon is already in order and the boxes say what season. So does Castlevania. Ultraman is finicky. If you’re going old seasons it’s Ultraman, Seven, Return, then Ace. Tiga is kinda a reboot-offshoot-thing from the original series but it’s great. The new series go in order or Ginga, X, Orb, Geed, then R/B. In case you forget, I can write a list.”

“Or I could just ask you again.” Thorax commented.

“Point.” John pointed at him then turned towards the stairs. “And I’m going to go get more boxes.”

“Want some help?” Thorax asked.

“You don’t have to but if you want to?” John shrugged.

“I think this is your box. It’s filled with baggies filled with plastic figures.” Gilda commented as she stared into a freshly opened box.

“OH MY GOD YAY!” John immediately buzzed over to the box.

“Are you sure you’re not a hoarder?” Gilda asked as Thorax came out of the downstairs storage closet, only to pick up another box.

“Noooo….” John looked away. “I just like figures.”

“Sure.” Gilda rolled her eyes. “I’m sure Lorraine’s going to be happy with some of this.”

“Hey, we found her plushie.” John pointed at her as he tugged the tape off another box then tugged the flaps open and peered inside. “Welp, this one’s Lorraine’s.”

“How can you tell?” Gilda asked, raising a brow.

John pulled out a small box. “One sec.” The small ‘ling waddled upstairs.

The hen shrugged as she scooted John’s box aside.

“OH MY GOD!” Came a un-Lorraine-like yell from upstairs.

Gilda jumped and rushed upstairs, quickly followed by Thorax. On reaching the living room, they saw Lorraine grinning giddily.

“We’re going to make everyone watch this.” Lorraine gestured with the box in her wooden paw.

Alastor got up off his chair and magically tugged the box out of her grip. “Lorraine dear, what exactly is,” the buck squinted at the box, “Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go?”

John stood in the backyard with a look of concentration on his face. His eyes were screwed up as his tongue stuck out of his mouth.

“What’s he doing?” Asked Sweetie Belle as she, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Spike, and Thorax all sat on the porch looking at the small bipedal changeling.

“From what he said,” Thorax glanced from the ‘filly’ to the ‘ling in the yard. “He’s metally working on his biped form.”

“An’ wha’s that mean?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Probably imagining what it’ll look like before he actually transforms.” Spike commented.

“It’d be cool to have wings like that.” Scootaloo said with a sigh.

“What, you want bug wings?” Bloom raised a brow at the pegasus.

“Hey, any wings are better than malformed wings.” Scootaloo shrugged.

“And you’ll get to fly eventually.” Spike patted her back.

“Sure.” Scootaloo snorted, rolling her eyes. “And one day you’ll grow wings.”

“Hey, weirder things have happened.” Spike pointed at her.

“Like?” Scootaloo looked smug.

“Shit!” A yelp caught their attention and the four of them looked to see Lorraine standing stock-still. Thorny spikes had erupted from her back and lower legs. After a moment, the thorns sank back into her body. She immediately trotted off. “Nope. Nope. Nope. I’m going back to growing Bucksleaf. Fuck this.”

“Like that.” Spike gestured at the retreating deer. “Don’t see a doe sprout spikes every day.”

“But she’s weird.” Scootaloo countered.

“So are the rest of us.” Sweetie deadpanned at her.

“I think John’s ready to do a thing.” Bloom commented, grabbing the three’s attention.

John ~fwoomphed~

As the flame receded, John looked a little different. He was the same height, but he didn’t look as stocky or squashed. For the most part, he was thin. He didn’t have much of a waist or stomach, though his chest and shoulders were rather wide. His upper arms were long and lanky. However His forearms and hands were bulkier as were the lower half of his legs. Additionally his head sported a green, silk-like mohawk.

John opened his eyes and looked himself over. “Yay it worked.”

“What’d you do?” Bloom called out.

He took a step and immediately face-planted into the grass. He immediately pushed himself into a sitting position. “I redistributed my weight. Made my lower arms and legs, and my chest more dense. However this’ll take some getting used to. I’m thinking more Halfling and less Dwarf.”

“But you are a dwarf.” Scootaloo snorted.

“Yes, but I now don’t have to waddle everywhere.” John nodded at her.

“And the mohawk?” Sweetie called out.

John blinked at her. “Mohawks are cool.”

Lorraine glanced into the backyard as the girls and Spike trash-talked each other while playing Smash. John was in his modified biped form. Solaire, in his diamond dog form, was with him and both seemed to be giving pointers to Thorax, who seemed to be trying to make his own biped form. Solaire had mentioned something about sparring. If she remembered correctly, John equated it to something between boxing and wrestling.

A knock at the front door got her attention. Since she was up she walked towards the front entrance. “I’ll get it.” She made sure to announce so Alastor and Gilda didn’t have to get up. Once she got to the door, she made a paw and opened it.

On the other side was Pentious, looking somewhat embarrassed, and a gray-furred Kirin with a bright pink mane, red eyes, and a golden horn. “Hi there! You’re Lorraine, right? I’m Ashira and I’ve come to make sure my husband here apologizes for how horrible he treated you.” Ashira said with the fakest of happy smiles.

"Hang on for a moment." The doe kept a straight face as she walked back towards the lounge, calling out with a tone that could be summed up not dealing with this. "Alastor, Pentious is at the door!"

“Oh wonderful! Be right there!” Alastor called out.

Pentious immediately yelped. “Please no!”

“Please, your attack dog isn’t called for.” Ashira said, maintaining her fake smile.

Lorraine stopped and turned back around to face the kirin. "I don't care."

“Hey Lorraine I heard-” John’s voice called out as he, Solaire, and Thorax (Thorax now having an awkward waddle due to his squat biped form.) came around the side of the house. At the same time Alastor came up behind Lorraine and just smiled at Pentious. Which caused the snake to shrink back more than a little.

“You.” John growled.

“On second thought, perhaps now isn’t the right time. Maybe a little soon, hmmm?” Ashira turned around, magically tugging Pentious along with her. “We’ll try again later.”

“You could try again never.” Alastor called out. “How are your egg boys doing Penny? They still feeling a little scrambled?”

Pentious seemed to silently fume as he slithered away.

“You okay?” John called out.

“Yah, thanks guys.” Lorraine nodded at the two ‘lings and the goddog.

“Kay.” John nodded.

“Now, Thorax, let’s get back to your transformation practice. While you do that John can spar with me.” Solaire said with a nod. “I believe John needs to work out some stress.”

“I’ll try not to hurt your paw pads this time.” John said as the three retreated behind the house again.

“Lorraine, are you really okay? Seeing them must have been a shock.” Alastor commented, looking down at her.

“Why do you think I went to get you?” Lorraine replied, looking at him.

“I’ll always be there to scare away your demons.” Alastor said with a nod before turning around and returning to the living room.

Lorraine blinked as the deer retreated. She sighed as she shut the front door.

“Don’t you four need to work on your talent show project thing?” Gilda asked as the doe came back to the living room.

“We’ll get back to it.” Sweetie commented.

“We do need to practice it more.” Scootaloo commented. “Bloom can’t get her steps right.”

“Oh sorry that Apples have some junk in tha trunk.” Bloom snarked back.

“It’s perfectly fine. Bloom you’ll get it. And your flank is fine the way it is.” Sweetie said with a nod.

“Ya like looking at my backside?” Bloom smirked at the unicorn, causing said unicorn to blush, stammer, and have her character get punted off the edge of the map.

“And that’s-”

“GAME!” The TV announced.

“Okay. Backyard. Now. Practice your thing.” Gilda got up and shooed the fillies and dragon into the backyard where John was bobbing back and forth with his fists raised, occasionally jabbing into Solaire’s raised paws.

“We’re going!” Spike groaned as he was scooted out.

“No loafing.” Gilda followed after. “Show me what you got.”

“Right, Spike got the music player?” Bloom asked as the door shut behind them.

“I don’t understand why they play those games.” Alastor shook his head with a chuckle.

Lorraine switched channels on the TV to a crime documentary and sat on the couch. "There's a few reasons. Firstly there's the power fantasy, the world of a game often revolves around the player as their actions are really the only things that affect the game. Another reason is immersion, a games world and lore can draw people in, in much the same way a book or TV show can, even more so due to the interactivity inherent in video games as a medium."

"And what about you?" Alastor asked.

"I enjoy a good story, or productive busy-work but there's also the fact that I'm able to do things in games that I wouldn't be able to do normally and playing as a good character is often rewarded and encouraged," the doe explained. "I'm either interested in the gameplay itself, the story and characters or all of the above and the game usually rewards and validates the time and emotional investment I put into it."

“I for one, can’t really see what’s so interesting.” The buck shook his head. “But I’m happy that you can enjoy it… Actually.” He paused, got up and moved to sit next to the doe “Do you mind if I watch whatever you decide to play for a bit?”

The doe shrugged. "I was just going to chill out and watch something but I can play a game if you want me to."

“Well that works too.” Alastor nodded. “I will try to enjoy whatever it is, because you’re interested in it.”

Author's Notes:

Lucid: Happy to get a little more writing done, especially the banter. Writing people just talking to each other is fun.

Dragonfire2lm: I have no idea how good the Doctor Who segment is, even though I wrote all of it, because I haven't sat down and watched the show in a couple of years lol so hopefully The Doctor and Rose were in character.

I have a bit of warning, in a chapter or two (depending on how the next chapter turns out) we will be bumping the rating up to M for exploring more explicit themes in more detail, namely heat/rut in an upcoming arc, We will not be writing smut or explicit sex but using more explicit themes to further the story and the main focus will be on character interaction. We may also include other explicit things, like horror or gore down the line but it won't be the main focus. The story, overall won't be all that different.

Short - Finally some Answers

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John sat on the edge of the pond, sticking his hooves in it as Thorax swam around in it. The bigger bug had returned to his normal quadrupedal for, saying that being on two legs was weird but it could be useful. John was a little sore, his arms and fists were tired. He'd probably have to invest in some padded gear if he was actually going to start sparring regularly. Solaire stood a few feet away, watching Thorax swim around in the pond.

"I've never known changelings to have an affinity to water. Once they left Mem's embrace they rarely, if ever returned to it." Solaire commented. "Then again, there are worse things in the depths then them, and food was easier to find on dry land."

"So, you saw what proto-changelings were like?" John looked back at the god-dog.

The helmet turned towards John "It isn't something you need to worry about John." He shook his head. "They were nothing more than mindless beasts."

"Solaire, buddy, I love you but I think having more information is significantly better than having less." The smol bug frowned a bit. "Especially because I'd rather not be surprised by some instinctual thing popping up at the worst time. Also, I'd like to know ahead of time because I don't want something like Lorraine being incompatible with her form to happen again."

Solaire sighed. "You... You have a point." He shook his head and looked back to the bug. "What do you want to know?"

"What exactly is a Primordial?" John asked bluntly. "Why were the changelings so wary of me, and why did Pharynx think he had the balls to take on something that supposedly could eat hives?"

"Last question first. Probably arrogance, hubris, stupidity, or a mixture of the three." Solaire said with a chuckle. "As to the second..." He paused. "Few Primordials still exist, to my knowledge. Those that still do stay in hiding I would assume. Primordials.... I guess you could call them hunger incarnate." He paused against, noticed John's raised brow and continued. "A history, I suppose. Primordial is just the name we gave to the original changelings. They could change shape into whatever form fit their current habitat. Mmmmm... Perhaps there's a better term." He looking into the water of the pond. "Adapt. Consume. Evolve. Primordials initially ran on a Survival of the Fittest existence. They consumed everything to gain an advantage over their kin. Mortal races were the biggest boon to those beasts, thus they needed to be protected. Some Primordials grew to great sizes and did not die easily. They were a part of the reason why I created the Giants of Flame."

"So, insectoid things that consumed everything like a locust swarm?" John asked.

"Swarm would imply a hive mind." Solaire shook his head. "No, at first each monster was only concerned with its own survival. Thus that made dealing with them easier, so to speak."

"Did something change?" Thorax asked as he swam up to the edge of the pond.

"Yes. The Serpent." Solaire nodded. He saw John's deadpan and Thorax's confusion. "I dare not say his name. We bound him outside of our Plane eons ago. Though that does remind me that I need to check on the durability of his warding stones."

"Ancient evil, not like we haven't heard of that before." John snarked with a snort.

"True." Solaire nodded. "The Serpent... took the Primordials under his wing so to speak. He altered them. They could feed on magic as well as flesh. They worked together to take down prey. A few... A few he gave a fiendish intelligence. These kings and queens could enhance their allies. Worse, they could breed. Kings and queens could make hives, spawn more of the beasts. Though their spawn were nowhere near the might of their parents. The divine spark within the Primordials slowly filtered out with each generation. The changelings fed off magic, they transformed via magic and not physical change, they were connected to the hive's Hive Mind controlled by the King and queen."

"And what happened to the originals once their spawn started reproducing?" John asked, slightly worried about the answer.

"Mmmmm, like the tales of Greek Myth that you told me of, the spawn slayed and consumed their parents. For as mighty as they were, their offspring were numerous. The smartest of the Primordials sired a hive then separated to continue their own evolution individually, perhaps even one would slay the other at a later time, perhaps not." Solaire explained as Thorax propped himself up on the side of the pond.

"Do you know what happened to them?" Thorax asked. "Like how'd so many die out, well not counting being... ugh... eaten." He stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"I swore most, if not all Primordials died with the Winter Queen when she tried to cover the world in ice. As Thorax may know, changelings do not handle the cold well. Frost, Ice, Cold, these are the bane of Primordials and Changelings alike." Solaire gestured between the two bugs. "Perhaps, when certain conditions are met, I could provide a boon or two to aid with that." He chuckled.

"So Primordials were ancient insectoid monstrosities that just ate, and ate, and got stronger with each consumption. They could shape-shift...." John blinked. "How?"

"Do you remember telling me about that movie The Thing?" Solaire asked.

John recoiled. "Jesus! Nope! Nope! Fuck that!" He vigorously shook his head. "Ugh, body horror shapeshifting." He shook himself. "So they just morphed and melted into a different shape, probably to get close to prey."

Solaire nodded again. "Even bestial, they were not stupid, unless their speed or strength greatly dwarfed their prey."

"Makes sense." Thorax nodded. "Stealth would only be needed so much. Honestly Queen Chrysalis's hive only focused on Stealth so much. She's a bit of a warmonger."

"Why haven't I heard this before?" John raised a brow at the other bug.

"Because she focuses her attention mostly to the south of Equestria. I remember one of the Warrior 'lings saying that she's scared of Celestia." Thorax said, tapping his chin in thought.

"That I can believe. I hope I never run into another of your hive." John shook his head then looked back to Solaire. "So, why were you so worried to tell me about... myself." He gestured a hand to himself.

"I feared that you'd use your inherent nature too much. That, if you did, your instinct would override your mind, or even corrupt you mind in a sense." Solaire said with a sigh. "Worse... I feared that, should The Serpent return, he would have influence over you, as he was the one who altered the first Primordials."

"But if he returned and John didn't know any of this, he'd probably have more influence over him because he wouldn't know how to combat it." Thorax pointed out.

"You... you have a point, Thorax." Solaire nodded at the bug.

"And now I know." John nodded. "So, just in case. What was The Serpent like?"

"He was... manipulative. He strove to drown the world in chaos. He repeatedly tried to pit the Gods against one another. On more than one occasion, he was successful. There are... so many Gods that are merely forgotten now." Solaire seemed to slump a little. "He could get inside your head. He would prey on your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Say... Say you wanted to protect someone. He would make it so that was the only thing that mattered. You would do anything, slaughter anyone, just to keep them safe." The god actually shuddered. "There was a time... where Primordials were pitted against my Sons. However... he'd turned many of my children. No father should have to witness his sons slaughter one another."

John got up, sat next to the god, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you." Solaire looked at him. He cleared his throat. "That... ahem. That's probably enough rest. Should we get back to sparring."

"I think you mean turning me into a punching bag, but sure." John smiled as he got up.

Thorax pulled himself from the water and shook himself like a dog before he started for the middle of the yard. Solaire slowly stood, nodded at John, then started after Thorax.

John stood up, but paused. He looked down as his hand. He clenched his hand into a fist. His jaw set as he narrowed his eyes. Slowly the fist... shifted. Carapace grew between the fingers as a strange itching feeling, like pins and needles, filled his arm. He shook it, only to see that his forearm forward had turned into a foreleg. He blinked as a cold, chill ran down his spine.

"John?" Solaire asked.

John jumped. "One sec!"

He looked at his hoof and felt the itching again. Seems grew in his hoof as he watch the chitin shift. His hand unfurled like a flower as the chitin shifted back to merge into his forearm.

"C-coming." John said as he stared at his hand. It looked like nothing had changed at all. He shook his hand and tried to settle himself. He now had an inkling of what Solaire was talking about and he intended to not give into whatever twisted nature was inside him. For everyone's sake.

Short - Devil in the Details

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Lorraine woke up early, after doing her business and noticing the almost permanent bags under her eyes, the doe shuffled out of her room. As she walked out of the hall into the lounge room, she squinted at the bright, early morning light pouring in from every window. She stood in the walkway, staring at the floor to adjust to what was to her, unholy, unwarranted, absolutely despised headache-inducing brightness.

"Good morning dear, sleep well?" came Alastor's voice and Lorraine looked, the buck nothing but a red silhouette against the morning sun.

"Morning." she replied and blinked a few times.

A red glow surrounded the curtains of one of the larger windows and closed them. The assault on the doe girl's senses immediately eased.

"Thanks." she said and followed him into the kitchen.

"Not a problem, what can I get you for breakfast?" the buck asked.

Lorraine stopped by a cupboard, confused. "I was just going to have a brownie..."

"Lorraine..." Alastor began.

"It's quick and light," Lorraine stated curtly as she opened the cupboard with a paw and reached for her painkillers. "I'm not very hungry anyway."

"You can do better than pre-packaged garbage. I can make you something."

The doe walked around him to the fridge and pulled out a sports water bottle filled with apple juice. "I like the brownies, plus you always cook something. You, John and Gilda fight over who makes lunch or tea."

"What if I want to make you something?" Alastor asked. "Even if it's just a poached egg."

"Why is this a big deal?" Lorraine replied as she set her water bottle on the counter by her medication. "The sugar in the brownie is actually beneficial to me and it means I won't have to sit out in the cold photosynthesizing until after I have lunch."

"You, my dear, deserve better than the cheap, mass-produced filth sold to the masses," Alastor stated seriously and his ever present smile became a smug grin. "You are what you eat after all!"

Lorraine, too tired to have the energy to argue, sighed in frustration.

"Can't I just pick what I want?" she huffed before mumbling "...I just want to do stuff myself..." The doe ran a paw through the fur on the back of her head. "Sorry."

Alastor blinked. "I take it your... freedom regarding something as simple as your own meals are a sore spot for you?"

"No-not really-" Lorraine protested and wilted as the buck raised a brow. "...Maybe...I shouldn't care though..."

"Whether you shouldn't care or not is meaningless. You do care so, it's natural you would react the way you do." Alastor replied. "Let me say that I do not mind in the slightest if you'd like me to make you something," Alastor beamed. "We could go out for a change! We could go to that quaint tea shop you like so much. Why with how early it is we'd have first pick of the food and seating!"

"It's cold though..."

Alastor looked amused. "It is up to you dear. What do you want to do?"

"You really don't mind making something for me?"

"In case you haven't noticed, I rather enjoy cooking." the buck replied.

Lorraine blinked slowly as she thought. "... Can I have pikelets?"

"Of course you can, I'll let you know when they're ready so you can take your medication before you eat." Alastor nodded.

The doe girl put her bottle back into the fridge and returned the box of painkillers to the cupboard. "Thanks."

"So, what are your plans for today?" Alastor asked as the two of them sat at the dinner table.

Lorraine pulled her focus away from her small plate of jam covered pikelets. "Huh? Today? I was going to try growing stuff on me..." she scrunched up her brow in thought. "If I can get bucksleaf growing on my legs an' back I'd have a steady supply in case the cutting we planted carks it."

"Unless you neglect it or some oaf tries to kill it, I doubt it will die anytime soon," Alastor pointed out and took a sip of the steaming mug of coffee held in his magic. "How will growing things on you work exactly? Everything I've read about Flora Doe are frustratingly vague on the topic."

"The short answer is floramancy," Lorraine said. "Basically, I pick which part of a plant to replicate, after eating a piece of one to absorb its genetic makeup, and grow that part on a sort of mimic plant with a shallow root system running through the wood bits of me. My magic supplements any environmental and soil conditions or additional nutrients the plant might need. Oh, and the more differences between my environment and what the plant needs means more magic is used and more energy I need to replace."

Alastor stared at her for a moment, then turned towards the kitchen. "Well, I'm making you an extra large lunch then. Have to supplement any magic you use for growing things with plenty of food. Now where did Thorax put the pan..."

028 - Escalation

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As of this chapter the story is going to be tackling more explicit topics periodically. Thus the rating will be bumped up to Mature.

The town hall had been booked by the school for the end of year talent show. Families sat in the chairs provided and large red curtain concealed the makeshift stage in front of them.

Lorraine, now sporting vibrant, green bucksleaf leaves on her lower legs and back, sat next to John in the front row alongside the families of the various students performing that day. Several families gave the pair confused or condescending looks but the couple paid it no mind as the next performance was about to start.

“Spike and the girls are up last,” Lorraine said quietly. “After they’re done, I’ll head backstage to pick them up and you run over to Rarity to tell her to get the party ready.”

“Sounds good to me.” John replied as the curtains opened and Cheerilee walked on stage to announce the next act.

The small area behind the stage was abuzz with activity as props and sets were hauled away, families looked for their children, and the students themselves were buzzing with excitement and beaming with the success of their shows. Lorraine looked around and spotted the backdrop Applebloom had worked on being hoisted into a cart, but no sign of the filly or her friends. As ponies trickled out of the area to head home, the doe wandered around in search of the teenagers. She stopped at the doorway to a small room that had a sign on the wall designating it as a costume and makeup room for the event.

“Oh please. That was a mess. Who even uses black-lights anymore?” Diamond Tiara snorted. “And how could you even call that singing?”

“It sounds like you’re having a hard time even coming up with insults. That’s new.” Spike commented, taking off his sunglasses and putting his guitar away.

Lorraine walked into the room to find the Peacewalkers cornered by Diamond as they were taking off their costumes and putting away their equipment. “Hey guys, almost ready to go?”

“Just a minute.” Sweetie Belle replied, following the doe’s silent cue to ignore Diamond.

Diamond in turn looked over at the doe. “Huh? Oh, you’re the bitch that mom keeps ranting about. I really don’t see what the big deal is. You were prettier before the change, you were the dragon right?” She said dryly. “You’ve got a stud like that buck wrapped around your hoof, and I almost forgot about that bug of yours. Easy to forget, honestly.”

“...And I should care because?” Lorraine replied, her face briefly morphing into something best labeled as absolutely furious before returning to her usual calm expression. The doe paused. “Wait, aren’t you a little young to be talking like that?”

Diamond immediately blushed. “I-I just haven’t had my growth spurt yet.”

“Like the rest of us.” Scootaloo added as the girls and Spike walked around the “filly.” “We know.”

“Aside from Spike, you’re all still minors,” Lorraine said, shifting into a more authoritative tone as she addressed everyone in the room. “This is nowhere near appropriate behavior for a bunch of kids still in high-school and I don’t care if your parents let you get away with it. It’s still not okay.”

“You’re not my mom!” Diamond snapped.

“You wish she was, Spoiled’s a terrible influence.” Spike replied.

“Spike. We don’t stoop to their level.” Lorraine chided. “We can just walk away, besides, We’ve got a party to get to, remember?”

“You’ve got a point. Sorry Lorraine.” Spike said with a sigh then looked at Diamond. “Sorry Diamond.”

“I don’t need your pity!” Diamond snapped before storming out of the room.

“Wow… She’s been harassing you guys daily right?” the doe asked as she made sure everyone had their things.

“Yup, every dang day fer the past year or so,” Apple Bloom replied. “If it ain’t about Scoots not bein’ able to fly, then it’s about Sweetie likin’ mares or about the fact that AJ is still in jail.”

“She’s just… ugh!” Sweetie groaned in frustration. “No-one aside from our families believe us when we tell them because Spoiled has this stupid town wrapped around her stupid hoof!”

“I don’t mind it so much since the blatant racism is sort of the norm for me anyway.” Spike shrugged.

“You kind of have to get used to it,” Scootaloo said as the doe led them out of the room. “Or it just ruins your whole day, you know?”

“Look on the bright side, you’ve only got one more year of school left and there’s no way her behavior would be tolerated once she’s an adult.” Lorraine stated.

Three fillies and one dragon looked at her oddly.

“You have seen her mother right?” Spike deadpanned.

Lorraine sighed. “I was trying not to think about that…”

Lorraine walked into the guardhouse to find Akechi waiting for her. The pegasus was wearing his usual cold weather attire of a long brown coat and black boots, as well as his metal saddlebags,

“What’s up?” Lorraine asked and the prince led her to a side room and motioned for her to take a seat. The room had only a table and two chairs, placed across from one another. The doe took a seat and watched Akechi as he pulled out a thick folder stuffed with papers from his bag and placed it on the table.

He slid into the chair opposite her, expression carefully neutral. “These are the reports the guard has received regarding you and your houseguests over the last few months. The majority of them are from various mares expressing concern about possible acts of domestic violence or abuse happening within the household, a rather alarming issue as I’m sure you know.” Akechi’s tone was serious.

He looked at the doe coolly. “Imagine my surprise when, after a bit of investigating, I deduce that these reports are all fake. Made to slander you specifically but that brings up another concern.”

“Did I do something wrong?” Lorraine asked. “Is there something else wrong?”

“Tell me, how is your home life?” The detective prince asked. “Do you feel safe at home? Is anyone making you uncomfortable or forcing you to do things you don’t want to do?”

“No-one’s forcing me to do anything… Everything’s fine. Everyone’s getting along fine… Why?” the doe answered curiously.

“Are you certain? You are sharing a house with a demon after all, he hasn’t done anything? Perhaps convinced you to keep quiet about it?” Akechi pressed and at the doe’s utterly baffled expression, elaborated. “There are stallions who do take advantage of their status in Equestrian society to do some truly cruel things to the mares they form herds with. Smaller herds or monogamous couples have a history of incidences where stallions think they can get away with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse so many victims often feel as if they have no choice but to accept such behavior as normal because that is how society treats it.” Akechi continued, a cold, detached look sliding into place as he spoke. “After all, what sort of mare just lets a stallion do that to them? Some even find it funny, most write off such actions as a joke or a myth...”

“Akechi, nothing like that is going on,” the doe stated. She looked appalled, uncomfortable. “Nothing even remotely like that is going on…”

“I’m only making sure,” the pegasus said and leaned back in his seat. “There are systems, organizations and laws in place to help people trapped in abusive relationships, if you ever feel like anyone, anyone at all, is forcing you to do things that are outside of your comfort zone, talk to me immediately.”

“Okay.” Lorraine said simply. “... You do know we talk things out right?”

“So I’ve heard yet you continue to allow a demon, who has made it known that he desires you in some fashion, to live alongside you with no thought to the danger you and everyone else could be in.” Akechi drawled.

“I’m not stupid and it’s not like I have a choice,” Lorraine replied. “I know Alastor could do god knows what and I’d be able to do fuck all about it. That’s why I’ve been trying to get to know him, to understand why the hell he’s interested in me in the first place, in the hopes I can talk him down from doing something dumb when he gets all his powers back.”

“And just how is that going for you?”

“Fairly well actually,” she stated. “He’s willing to at least humor me so far, he does care about me and I can see him making an effort to understand where I’m coming from with the whole herding bullshit Ponyville enjoys shoving down my throat and he’s respected me and john when we told him to knock off the flirting… hell he’s been oddly supportive of us after that.”

“And when he does get his powers back and returns to his original demonic self, what then?” Akechi asked.

“He was interested in me when he was still a demon, best case scenario is that I can talk to him and work something out,” the doe shrugged. “Worst case scenario, I get trapped in Tartarus, separated from John and forced to make a deal with Alastor just to get my boyfriend back. I’m sure Princess Joy could help me out.”

"Sorry I'm late, Akechi called to the guardhouse to ask about some old reports." Lorraine said as she approached Rarity, already seated at one of the corner tables in the Tea Shop.

"You're always early to our weekly lunch anyway darling," The mare waved her off and observed the doe as she took off her cloak and draped it over her chair before she sat down. The mare looked concerned. "He wasn't too...intense with his questions was he? I've been privy to a few of John's training sessions with him and his highness has a tongue as sharp as his wit."

"Just some stuff that came out of left field, nothing you need to worry about," the doe replied. "Shy not here yet?"

"She popped out to remind Rainbow and Twilight we actually have these meet ups. Winter preparations are always hectic."

Lorraine nodded. "I've heard, between getting Thorax settled and getting used to being a Flora Deer I haven't really been paying attention to what's going on around town aside from the fact that the weather team is basically on a time crunch to get the town ready for snow an' stuff."

Their conversation halted as a Rainbow Dash darted to their table and slumped into an empty seat.

Twilight wasn't far behind. "We're not late are we?"

"Oh I hope not..." Fluttershy quietly fretted from beside the unicorn.

"Nah, you're fine," Lorraine said. "Who's ordering?"

Rainbow groaned. "I just sat down..."

"I'll go." Twilight offered as Fluttershy took a seat next to Rainbow and rubbed the pegasus' back in sympathy. "Everyone getting their usual?"

With nods and affirmations all-around, Twilight headed towards the register.

"So, Lorraine-" Rarity began.

"Rares, I know that tone. No."

"I have no idea what you mean darling-"

"That's your shipping shenanigans voice," the doe deadpanned. "I get enough of that from Futuba when she comes over to play videogames."

The mare pouted. "Can I ask the question at least?"

"Just one question."

Rarity's face lit up. "I only have one teeny-tiny question," she cleared her throat. "Do you have everything you need for your upcoming season?"

The flat expression the doe sported spoke volumes as Lorraine pointed a wooden hoof at the leaves that covered her lower legs.

"Other than that, dear. This will be your first estrus after all, you need supplies, a plan- you do have a plan don't you?" Rarity asked.

"...What. In hell, would I need a plan for aside from taking suppressants and staying indoors?"

The three ponies shared a look.

Fluttershy broached the subject gently. "Lorraine, does have a um, more intense breeding season than ponies..."

"It's gonna hit you hard." Rainbow added.

The doe girl blinked. She took a moment to compose herself. "I can function perfectly fine while... distracted. Hell, as long I'm not in pain or practically peeing blood afterwards, I don't care."

"-Blood? Wait, you're talking about the cycle you said human females went through." Rarity realized.

"I still call bullshit on that." Rainbow commented.

It was then that Twilight returned. "Bonbon will bring our orders over. What did I miss?"

"Twilight, be a dear and help us explain to Lorraine why she needs to be properly prepared for her first estrus." Rarity said.

"Oh, I forgot that was soon-"

"Why is this such a big deal?" Lorraine groaned as Twilight sat next to Rarity. "I already looked up the affects. Unstable magic, hormone changes and arousal for several hours over a few days every week from December to the end of February. I did take that into consideration when picking the damn form..."

"Traditionally, a pony's first breeding season is a big event," Twilight explained. "Not only is it a biological milestone, but it's often the first major hurdle for new or early relationships. The abrupt changes that happen can often seem scary and it can put a strain on relationships."

"Not to mention mares do dumb shit during their first heat." Rainbow stated, propping her head up on a hoof.

"I am a grown-arse woman." Lorraine deadpanned.

"Why don't we talk about it this after lunch?" Fluttershy suggested politely.

The group of five continued the conversation at Rarity's place, the other mares and one doe ushered into Rarity's bedroom by the fashionista.

Rarity closed her bedroom door and the group took a seat on the mare's rather spacious bed. Rarity sat propped up by pillows and looked at the doe expectantly.

Lorraine, a deer loaf near the middle of the bed, looked somewhat annoyed. "Even if my heat cycle will hit me like a truck, why do you care?"

"Well, as your friend, I'm worried you may... Do something foolish."

Lorraine snorted in dry amusement. "You really think I'm going to do anything, pfft."

"Oh come on!" Rainbow whined. "You have a coltfriend-"

"Boyfriend." Lorraine corrected.

"Whatever, point is, you two have an excuse to finally do something!"

"Wow, gee thanks Dash," the doe snarked. "Way to go, invalidating all the time I've spent with him just because I don't fuck him."

"Why won't you? Wait no, I take it back." the pegasus scrambled to apologize as the doe stared at her, entirely unimpressed. "Sorry! You're just weird."

"I'm telling Gilda when I get home."

"Don't! I'm sorry!"

"Rainbow does bring up an interesting difference between our cultures though," Twilight spoke up. "Intercourse is considered a requirement in Equestrian courtship, it can make-or-break a relationship."

"I wouldn't say it's a difference of cultures," Lorraine argued. "Humans are like that too, to a degree."

"But not you?" Rarity asked.

"I'm only gonna explain it if you swear to keep it to yourselves,' Lorraine stated. "I mean it, this isn't something that's openly discussed normally."

"This is important to you isn't it?" Fluttershy realized.

"I had to do a lot of thinking to understand it so it's not something I'll share lightly." the doe clarified.

"It won't leave this room, promise." Twilight stated.

"It will stay between us." Rarity agreed and Fluttershy nodded.

"I got your back." Rainbow said.

"Thanks. Now how to explain it," Lorraine said. "There's probably some way to describe it, a person's sexual orientation was a big deal back on Earth, there were a whole bunch of labels to help people figure themselves out. I never really thought about it until I got together with John. -there's probably a word for it but I dunno what it is. To sum it up, I can recognize both objectively attractive qualities in someone, as well as what I find aesthetically pleasing but that alone won't do anything, so to speak. Even just sex for the sake of it is unappealing."

"I love John for who is and his support, any time I spend with him, is enough for me. I don't want to fuck him because I'm happy with just his care, affection and being able to be there for him in turn." the doe elaborated. "When I am interested in intimacy, it's the emotional connection in a relationship, the trust and support inherent in the act has my interest more than the act itself, I personally treat sex as act of intimacy and vulnerability built on a healthy relationship." Lorraine shrugged. "I do have a sex drive, I can just not think about it, switch gears so to speak, and I'm only interested in a very small list of intimate things and only with John."

"Weird." Rainbow said blandly and Rarity threw a pillow at her.

"Well, did you talk to John about your upcoming cycle?" Fluttershy asked calmly. "Have you two decided what your going to do?"

"This is about the having kids thing, isn't it?" Lorraine sighed. "For fucks sake... What I'm going to do is stay at home, take my suppressants as scheduled and cuddle the shit out of my boyfriend. What we do in private is our business. We have no plans to have children." Irritated the doe added. "If I wanted a kid, I'd adopt or grow one because plant."

"So to summarize, you don't really feel physical attraction but rather emotional attraction?" Twilight suggested. "How does work with fiction?"

"...I thought it was obvious," Lorraine said. "I get attached to a character and project that attachment onto fanfiction, wherein my emotional investment in said character is rewarded with whatever story catches my interest. I want to see more of them, I want the character to be happy, I'm either curious about them, can relate to them or care about them in some capacity."

"Um...Wouldn't that mean you read erotic fanfiction to fulfil your own fantasy of being emotionally supportive or vulnerable around those characters?" Fluttershy suggested.

"I will admit that yeah," the doe agreed "But fiction is a different matter entirely, sometimes I just find certain things interesting from-" the doe explained but was cut off.

"Can't you just say you find it hot like everypony else?" Rainbow grouched.

"Nope. Plus, romantic situations are easier to envision within the confines of fiction," Lorraine stated. "That reminds me, I can't fantasize for shit. It's kinda funny, I have a boyfriend but anything more intimate than a hug is beyond me, kissing is just gross."

"Well then, it appears I was worried for nothing." Rarity said.

"Rares, even if I'm proven wrong and the next three months are miserable as all hell, I'm not going to just...you know."

"Bang the one guy you'll want to?" Rainbow suggested.

"Yeah, that," Lorraine replied. "Besides, given the fact that the affects of estrus will affect my mental state regardless, we won't be doing anything anyway because that just screams dubious consent. And that's just horrifying in all honestly."

The doe girl looked around at the group. "So, we done? Can we talk about something else now?"

Containment Prologue

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“You sure you don’t want to swim?” Thorax asked as he doggy-paddled around the pond.

“Nah. I’m good. Plus, I can’t actually swim.” John chuckled as he dipped his hind hooves in the water while wearing his warm jacket. “Then again I haven’t really tried since I got here… but… I don’t know, maybe I can now? Water has always given me weird feelings. Not bad, just… weird.” He shrugged. “Hard to put into words.”

“I understand.” Thorax nodded as he floated.

“Thought, it’s Fall. Aren’t you cold at all?” John raised a brow at the other ‘ling.

“Not at all actually. I feel kinda warm.” Thorax shook his head. “Then again, I may be just warming myself with all the love around the house. Seriously, you and Lorraine are like a furnace.”

“Really?” John blinked. “Weird.”

“Not really.” Thorax shook his head again. “I think it’s just your guy’s relationship.”

“If you say so.” John said getting up. “Plans for the evening?”

“Gonna sit down and binge more of Ace.” Thorax said, swimming over and pulling himself from the pond. “You were right. The effects for the most part are cheesy. Story’s not bad though. The costume designs are great. Oh, and even though I really don’t think of myself as violent, I can appreciate that, Ace kinda just murders everything." He chuckled. "If someone decided to remake it, I’m sure it’d be for adults.”

“Yeah, he’s not called Guillotine Prince for nothing.” John snorted. “Yeah, Ultraman is totally for kids.”

The pair started towards the house.

“The old ones have their charms.” Thorax nodded. “When I need a break, I switch to RWBY.”

“The earlier seasons were better.” John commented as the pair stood on the patio.

“One was charming, and has some amazing fights. Two and three were better, through painful at times.” Thorax nodded.

“Yeah.” John agreed, nodding.

“And what are your plans?” Thorax asked, sitting down on his haunches.

“Well... Lorraine’s having her girl’s night, Alastor is out doing his whole winter-heat-prep-thing, Gilda’s staying late relearning guitar with Lyra.... You’re binge-watching stuff.” John paused. “I have no idea.” He shrugged. “I’ll figure something out.”

A twig snapped loudly in the yard, getting both changeling’s attention. Both turned their heads to see what looked like a pony in a black cloak standing in the yard. Their face was hidden under a hood, but the horn protruding out of said hood denoted that they were a unicorn. The horn and hooves were white, beyond that John couldn’t see any definite details.

An eerie chill ran down John’s spine.

“Hi there.” Thorax called out. “Can we help you?”

The figure didn’t move.

“Thorax. Go inside.” John stated, glancing at him.

“Huh?” Thorax looked at him. “Why?”

“I just got a bad feeling.” John glanced back to the unmoving unicorn.

The unicorn’s horn lit up blue.

John vaguely felt something shift as a cracking noise filled his ears and green light lit up the back door. In one motion he grabbed Thorax, whipped the door open, threw the larger changeling inside, and slammed the door shut. As he turned back towards the unicorn, he only had time to notice that he was in his bipedal form as a gust of freezing cold air slammed him into the door.

He slammed his eyes shut as flecks of snow and shards of ice pelted him. His breath was knocked out of him and he felt his muscles lock up for a moment.

The gust died and he managed to shove himself away from the door and stagger out to the grass, which had a thin layer of frost on it.

“What the- the fuck?!” John snapped through chattering teeth at the unicorn.

The unicorn was silent as its horn lit again.

John heard crackling at his feet as the temperature around him dropped.

Breathing suddenly became harder.

With a grunt he leapt to the side, only for a massive spike of ice to burst from the ground. He stared at it for a moment before snapping his eyes to the unicorn. “That could’ve killed me!”

“You’d survive.” The figure spook in an emotionless monotone. It sounded male.

“Ah, so you’re not mute.” John said with a small smile though his heart was pounding in his chest and his mind was running a mile a minute. He took a deep breath and raised his fists defensively.

“Don’t make this more difficult than it has to be.” The figure spoke up.

“Well, I’m not just going to let you fucking kidnap me, so fuck you.” John slowly walked towards the unicorn, remembering to bob a bit so he could dodge wherever he needed to.

The unicorn’s horn lit again.

John grit his teeth and broke into a dead sprint towards the unicorn.

He wasn’t fast enough.

A massive swirling orb of snow and ice burst into existence, right in front of John. He gasped. Searing cold froze the air in his lungs as the orb rolled over him. He was yanked off his hooves. He felt his chitin stiffen and crack. He closed his eyes only to feel them start to freeze over. His joints stiffened even as he tried to curl into a ball.

His spine slammed into something, probably a tree.

Breathing hurt.

He was cold.

So cold.

“Thorax.” He wheezed. “G-get help.”

A blast of cold air threw him back into the tree.

His mind was hazy.

“Alastor.” He rasped out. “H-help m-me.”

He vaguely heard hooves crunch through snow.

“Six-Eight-Two is down. Proceed with retrieval.” The unicorn spoke though for some reason it sounded very far away.

“L-Lorraine…”

He felt the blackness roll over his mind.

“Save me…”

A day ago, Alastor had been scoping out Whitetail Woods for an ideal camping spot. A few hours ago he had been finalizing his preparations in order to spend his rut in said woods. Now the buck was greeted with the nauseatingly familiar sight of his room within Tartarus' Conservation and Preservation Facility.

The furniture, a table and chair, a bookshelf with a pitiful collection of books and a large bed all made from dark wood with soft red material. Replicas of his personal belongings, they were the only splash of colour in the otherwise barren room.

The large metal door that barred entry opened. A metal cart containing all sorts of erotic paraphernalia was wheeled into the room by a demon, one who was if not a friend, then at least a cohort to the deer demon.

"They got you too Smiles?" Angel Dust asked. "Shit... They ain't playing around this time."

"They catch me nearly every year-" Alastor stopped, his eyes narrowed. "I hesitate to ask but... Did they capture someone else?"

The spider demon winced. "They bagged John whilst you were out an' the sickos nabbed Lorraine on her way home not long after."

"I see, can you do anything from here?" the buck motioned a hoof at the supplies the spider brought with him. "I understand this is volunteer work for you but if you can get a message to Joy, to anyone who could get those two out of here...."

Angel pulled out a stool from the cart and sat down. "Take it easy Al, Joy knows, she's workin' on it. I can't do much fer John because he's looked up in R n' D. Somethin' about him bein' different from other changelings. That said, the bozos at the top of the food chain around here already know I'm in cahoots with you an' the princess, all I can do is my job." Angel looked at the buck seriously. "A lotta folks in this shithole are fuckin' terrified Al! Locked up day in, day out until there brainwashed enough to agree to the committee's terms and enter their special Gated Community and pop out a few kids."

"I know, I tried to stop this from happening once Joy actually succeeded in bringing mortals to Tartarus." Alastor stated.

"Which is why people like me gotta work on the inside, if it were anyone else, you can bet your ass I'd have them outta this joint in a heartbeat." Angel replied. "You an' those two lovebirds of yours? I can't do shit except make sure you an' the doe are comfortable down here until Joy pulls some strings to get youse out."

"Do you know what the committee is going to do to her?"

Angel shrugged. "They're just gonna stick in here with you. Thought it was obvious."

Alastor fell silent. Angel Dust waved a hand in front of the buck's face. "Yo Smiles, still with me buddy?"

"They're insane, the lot of them." Alastor mumbled.

"Uh, don't you like her an' shit?" the spider demon looked confused. "Wait, don't tell me- you're scared your gonna fuck something up? Now? Al, sweetcheeks, you're a fuckin' moron."

"I beg your pardon Angel but you of all people should know what this blasted place expects me to do!"

"But you won't." Angel pointed out. "Even if you went full demon with her in the room you wouldn't lay a finger on her," the spider smirked. "Hey there's an idea, try triggering a demonic transformation and bust out like you usually do!"

"I can't."

"...Holy shit Alastor, why the hell haven't you? Don't you want your powers back? Your home? Your fuckin' job?" Angel snapped. "You and your friends are still having your lives aired on TV down here an' everyone is just waiting for you to snap, to get bored and drag Lorraine an' John to Tartarus with ya... So what's stoppin' you?"

Alastor's gaze was sharp. "I simply detest the notion that my return to Tartarus revolves around whether or not Lorraine is made aware of why I became a demon in the first place."

Angel facepalmed. "You dense piece a- look, you like her right? Whatever twisted fuckin' thing you call it doesn't matter, you like her?"

"Yes, I do..."

"That's why Al! You like her an' you don't like anyone, ever. So you got sent up there and put with her to see if you two get along, to see if she can be used to keep ya in line."

"I knew I was being tested," Alastor admitted. "I just wasn't aware the scheme ran so deep."

"Yeah well, luckily there's another option those bastards haven't thought of yet." Angel stated. "You make that doe your Lady Consort and boom, powers reinstated an' you can send her off home with the bug."

"No."

"Why not?"

"A little thing called respect my good man." the buck replied curtly.

"Al," Angel deadpanned. "Did you ferget that you're a demon? Powers or not, you can't live like this forever. You can't keep ignoring the desires that got you into this mess." Angel looked generally concerned. "Come on Smiles, you know what the hotel's motto is..."

"Work with our nature, not against it." The Radio Buck quoted and sighed. "I suppose... I should tell her the full story. The blame lies with me after all."

"Finally, we're gettin' somewhere!" Angel looked exasperated. Alastor just looked nervous. "Hey, no sweat Al, Lorraine likes readin' an' shit right? Write her a list, like Joy's Demon Acclimation Activities or somethin'."

Lorraine's eyes snapped open, she was lying on her left side on a bed, bare white walls and a few pieces of furniture greeted her. Alastor, with more prominent antlers than when she last saw him, sat in a battered old armchair reading a book.

The Nightmare's warning was fresh in her mind.

"You are being transferred to a Committee facility within the depths of Tartarus. John is being studied as we speak. They want to use you, they want to breed you with Alastor as if you were mere beasts. I cannot help you, I will warn Luna and the others but the committee is resourceful, any allies you have in the mortal realm will be slowed down by loopholes and legalities. The Princess of Hell is doing what she can, do not give in to their demands, trust Alastor."

"Trust yourself."

Her world was pain. Her back and lower legs ached with a sharp, consistent pain. Every little twitch of her limbs sent a sharp, brief spike of agony through her legs. She forced herself to sit up, grimacing at her body's protests. She looked down, something dark gold with hints of red dotted her legs in crusted over rivulets.

With mute horror and rising fear, it clicked.

Dried blood, her blood.

"Lorraine?" Alastor's voice was like a raft a midst her spiralling emotions. The doe could only stare as the buck set his book down on the armrest and briskly walked over to her.

"Dear, there's people looking for you. You'll be with John and back home soon," the buck said as he sat on the bed next to her. "I won't let anything else happen to you. Just try to rest. They suppressed your magic, removed your plants, and your body needs to finish healing."

A lump was forming in her throat as she battled her inner turmoil. Despite the pain she was in, Lorraine remained sitting, almost defiantly. She couldn't focus on anything aside from her worry, for herself, for John, and the pain only amplified it.

She was gently guided into Alastor's forelegs, the buck attempting to comfort her with a hug.

She broke.

Containment Doe

View Online

Time passed as Lorraine gradually got herself under control, emotionally drained she simply sat quietly next to Alastor.

With nothing else to do and her friend almost worryingly quiet, she paid closer attention to the room she was in. A tarp covered cart was by the door, a second table had been pushed up against the opposite wall with various portable cooking appliances on it and an icebox shoved beneath it. The dining table in the middle of the room had three mismatched chairs around it and a stack of paper on it. A ceramic mug filled with pens was placed near the paper and a wastepaper bin filled with crumpled up pages was sitting on the floor within reach of one of the chairs.

"What is all this exactly?" Lorraine asked.

"My... Personal cell here at the facility," Alastor replied softly. "I did mention I've been in here before."

"Why though? I get that your a rare type of demon, but..." her brow scrunched up in confusion. "This is wrong on so many levels."

"It's Tartarus, Hell. As much as there are individuals advocating for change, this is the realm of demons and such creatures do not care for the restrictions of the mortal realm," the buck stated. "But Tartarus is by no means lawless, the most powerful demons govern their territory as they see fit and allow weaker demons to reside there. So long as the realm's infrastructure is left intact, the Demon Overlords and Princes may do as they please." he paused and noticing her interest, continued. "Tartarus was created for demons to prevent them from disrupting the mortal realm. The magic woven into every aspect of it adversely affects mortal creatures that enter unprotected, it pulls their deepest desires to the surface and uses those desires as a catalyst for a demonic transformation."

"Then they can't leave because they'd be a threat." the doe summarized.

Alastor nodded. "Very few demons are born from positive emotions or desires, those that do fall into such a category embody a corrupted, twisted form of it that benefits the demon in question."

"Of course, there needs to be a way to ensure the realm itself remains stable," the buck elaborated. "Tartarus sustains itself with the excess magic generated by its inhabitants, the more diverse the populace, the more stable the overall environment... After the mortal kingdoms enforced heavier restrictions on certain schools of magic and their societies shifted to more peaceful states, less and less souls were admitted to Tartarus. Fearing Hell itself could deteriorate and affect other realms in the aftermath, a group of Tartarus' oldest residents reached out to the Conservation Committee in a bid to find a way to ensure magical diversity among demons."

"And they do that by reproduction, ew," Lorraine deadpanned. "A sound idea in theory but they're dealing with people, not animals."

"The people running this place are still demons, demons who are only looking out for their own self interests," Alastor pointed out. "However, we're not alone here. Angel Dust works with an underground rescue organisation to keep the demons in here sane so they can be smuggled out to one of the safer areas of Tartarus. He's already sent word of our, situation. All we have to do is bide our time and wait."

The door opened, the aforementioned spider demon walked in carrying a bucket, a washcloth and a couple of towels. He grinned. "Oh hey toots! finally awake huh, how're ya feelin?"

"Sore."

Angel Dust walked over to the bed, set the bucket on the floor and dragged a chair over. "That'd be yer leylines, yer magic circulatory system, actin' up because having the stuff growin' on ya removed exposed them."

"So painkillers are a no-go?"

"I couldn't get you any even if they would help, but Al says you'll feel a little better once we get you cleaned up. Now, you want help with that or what?"

The doe tried to shift a front hoof into a paw, the pain that lanced up her leg squashed the attempt fairly quickly. Meekly, she spoke up. "I uh, could use some help, please..."

The spider knelt down and dipped the washcloth into the bucket, filled with water and rung it out. "Not a problem dollface, I gotta keep youse two happy if I want to keep being yer inside man. What about you Smiles, you holding up okay?"

"I'm not the one injured." Alastor replied.

"Yer the one in rut though, I've seen how it affects ya an' I need to know where you're at before I start briefing yer friend here." Angel stated as he gently held one of Lorraine's forelegs and wiped the blood off.

"I'm more concerned about Lorraine at the moment."

"So yer head's still on straight, perfect," Angel said and started to explain as he worked. "Ya see Lorraine, bucks have it rough during breeding season, they're the first affected. It's more than bein' horny, their metabolism takes a nosedive, they barely eat, and hardly sleep. All their time and attention is focused on lookin' after their doe, matin' with her, if they have one. If not, if there's no one they recognize as theirs, even subconsciously, it's a bit different. Less stress and more showin' off to the ladies. Those guys are more focused on finding a doe to hook up with, if they want to of course."

"That sounds horrible." Lorraine commented.

"Well they ain't like all the time, it's in bursts, synched to a doe's heat cycle. It's why the migrating bucks return to their families in the winter, bein' with someone eases the affects, makes it less uncomfortable and more pleasurable." Angel added. "Families with calves to look after don't even experience it 'cause as far as their biology is concerned, they got offspring so they don't need another one til the munchkin's old enough ta fend fer themselves."

"Deer are closer to animals, biologically speaking, than other races," Alastor interjected. "Their strong connection to nature and the more mystical forces of creation has left them relatively unchanged from their ancestors."

"As fer you, you'll be goin' into heat soon. You'll be horny as shit, yer magic won't work right and expect ta not really want to do much in general, the phrase weak in the knees is gonna be yer new normal whenever a heat cycle starts." the spider stated as he rung out the washcloth over the bucket and started cleaning the blood off her other foreleg. "S'not really a cycle, more like a phase. After a while yer body goes back ta normal to recover, if you ain't pregnant, it'll start up the affects again. On and off until yer either mated or til spring rolls around."

"I'm not going to be in here for that long, John got captured too, people are looking for us." the doe said.

"Exactly, at most you'll be in here anywhere from a few days to a week, tops," Angel reassured her. "We got folks down here workin' ta get you and yer boyfriend back home, might just take a bit is all. While yer down here, it'll by my job to help ya out, Smiles here might be a bit distant fer a bit. Don't worry 'bout it though, he's a gentleman. Won't do anything without yer say so."

Lorraine looked over at the buck, the deer demon nodded to affirm. "I apologize if I've been quiet, Angel has experience with talking about these sorts of things."

"Experience? I'm a fuckin' professional. I know how to treat this topic and everyone involved with respect. I don't half-ass this shit." the spider huffed. "I don't see you sharing this information with her an' I get it, you're scared. But I'm not gonna sit here watchin' you be a dumbass and leave her in the dark with just a few instructions ta go on."

"Should I apologize-" a gloved hand covered her mouth.

"You toots, don't gotta apologize. They don't exactly put this stuff in textbooks beyond the basics. An' yer a polymorphed adult, it'll be worse fer ya because your body isn't used to it," Angel Dust removed his hand. "Now, if ya can, turn around. I'll get yer back done then finish yer legs."

"How do ya feel, better?" Angel asked as he finished drying her off.

"A bit, still sore," Lorraine admitted. "Now what? We just wait?"

"I'm gonna need you ta answer a few questions, I can feed the higher-ups false intel. The cameras in here don't pick up audio and the video quality's too poor ta lip read, so I'm gonna do my usual song an' dance fer new residents, you give me honest answers and I'll add in a few changes to my report ta make 'em think youse two are gonna eventually fuck."

"Alright. I'll answer as best as I can."

"Ok so, just to be clear, you don't wanna fuck Al? Even if it was safe sex?"

"No I don't want to have sex with him." the doe rolled her eyes.

"Alright, movin' on. What about yer boyfriend? You gotten frisky with him yet?"

"This is inappropriate as shit," the doe commented. "Why do you even need to know that?"

"Cause if I asked ya What's your orientation? you wouldn't give me a straight answer, would ya?"

"I like guys, isn't that enough?"

"Not even close toots. Ok, you ever just see a guy an' picture yourself getting plowed by him? You look at a pic in some magazine and think holy shit he's hot?"

Lorraine blinked dumbly. "No...I never really think about it."

"So looks don't do it fer you?" Angel clarified.

"What do you mean?"

The spider looked at the buck. "And here I thought you were clueless." Angel moved over to the armchair and sat down. "Lorraine, be honest with me, you actually perform any kind of sexual activity with John?"

Lorraine looked annoyed. "I get it, I'm weird. Yes we've done stuff like that in the past."

Angel held up a pair of hands in surrender. "Whoa, back up fer a minute, yer not weird an' anyone who says that deserves getting their ass kicked," he leaned back into his seat once the doe relaxed. "We're not judging ya, just need ta go through the list. So you have a sex drive, bet John likes that."

"...How about I just tell you what I told some friends of mine yesterday?" the doe suggested. "This is awkward enough as it is..."

Angel Dust sat silently, paying close attention as she told him about the conversation her friends in Ponyville had practically pressured her into having and the details she divulged. At the end of it, the spider facepalmed.

"Fuckin' ponies, yer demisexual toots, prolly Demi Asexual too... I swear if I ever go up topside I'm teaching 'dem ignorant fuckwits a new vocabulary..."

"...There's...There's a word for that?" Lorraine looked baffled.

Angel looked at her. "Yeah, ok, look. You're only interested in sex if there's an emotional bond already there right? That's called bein' demisexual, Demi Asexual means yer only willing to get kinky with a partner you've already established a deep, emotional bond with."

The doe looked out of her element. "And that's...Me?"

"Well does it sound right to you?" Angel asked.

"Yeah, I just. Didn't think there was a word for it, just thought I was different... Never thought about it."

"An' how do you feel about that?" the spider carefully asked. "Cause you don't look to good."

"I'm Nervous, why am I nervous? I think I'm panicking a little..." she admitted.

"Are you seriously having an existential crisis over a couple of words? Shit toots, I'm sorry. Down here this sorta thing is well-known. It doesn't change anything other than you being able to explain a part of yourself with a couple of words or even not use the term if you don't wanna, s'not like this comes up in conversations much. Doesn't define ya either." Angel stated.

"You're overwhelmed, information that reflects or impacts one's sense of self can be frightening," Alastor said and leaned against her slightly. "To be comfortable in one's own understanding of the world, only to have it turned on its head... to find you aren't so different after all is terrifying."

"Look I'm just having trouble processing it, alright?" Lorraine said. "I grew up understanding the difference between gay and straight, that sex in a relationship, or starting a relationship based on something as shallow as physical appearance was normal. Anything else was something I didn't bother with because I was fine and just thought I was different. I already looked different bein' born blind in my left eye and a redhead, so it wasn't much of a stretch to think I was... wired differently, so to speak."

"Would it help if I gave ya some articles about it?" Angel offered. "I keep a whole bunch on me fer uh... Situations like this. Tartarus is generally more vocal 'bout this sorta stuff because of how varied demons are an' a lotta mortals movin' down here take a while to, uh, adjust."

"That'd be very helpful, thanks." the doe replied.

An hour later, after reading nearly a dozen articles that repeated what she'd been told, with varying examples, and assurance it was fine, the doe felt comfortable enough to bring up the topic again.

"I'mma just alternate between the two terms, demisexual seems to be the more technical one anyway so I might use that more?" Lorraine looked a bit lost. "If I need to anyway, It explains a hell of a lot though..."

"Well now ya know, I'll save the rest of the questions fer later." Angel stated. "We can skip most of 'em anyway, not like yer gonna be fuckin' anyone any time soon. I can spin a few half-truths and all you two gotta worry about is keeping yer heads on straight over the next few days or so."

"We'll manage, right?" Lorraine asked hopefully. "It's just a biological process, we can do this."

"An optimist, I like that!" the spider grinned. "Hell yeah you got this! I'll be sticking around 'til Smiles here starts getting overprotective of ya, after that, just ignore him. He'll be fine."

Alastor rolled his eyes. "Angel, do shut up. You'll worry her."

By the time the pain faded, a sign the magic suppressants had worn off, other things had made themselves known. Lorraine was both acutely aware and cautious at first, as blood began rushing downwards and a familiar curiosity for more adult reading material blipped into awareness. The phenomena, the warmth that sunk into her bones, how her heart beat loud and steady to the point she could feel her pulse thrumming in her nethers, the warm, slimy slick that was absorbed by the towel she had the foresight to place on the bed beneath her, hit her with rapidly rising intensity. The very air felt heavy and though she was confident her legs could hold her weight, she wasn't keen on finding out with how wobbly they felt even just shifting to sit more comfortably.

Angel Dust had left the room moments earlier, in order to report to the committee and under the guise of letting the two deer adjust ("I'll be back in a few hours, don't do anything I would do, ya hear me Smiles?"), so it was just her and Alastor.

The buck, rather childishly, had hidden himself under the bedsheets, his muzzle the only part of visible. Lorraine was starting to get worried.

"You okay?" She asked. "I can move to the armchair or something if I'm bothering you."

"No." Alastor said and poked his head out to look at her. "I-I'll be fine. I'm just not used to this."

"Alright," she replied. "Would've been nice if they gave us a TV or something. There's nothing to do here."

A slow blink from the buck. "...You're bored." He barked out a laugh. "You are in season and bored, Ha... You never cease to surprise me."

"Well I'm- you know , without wanting to be like this in the first place," she snarked. "Besides, I hate just sitting here and doing nothing. At the very least, I'd like something to read or watch to take my mind off of this."

She kept a straight face, despite the haze of arousal fogging her mind and the way certain muscles twitched and fluttered, demanding attention.

"I'll be fine though, I can sit like this for hours, it'd be nice if I wasn't forced into it..." the doe grumbled. "This is bullshit."

Alastor chuckled. The buck buried himself back under the blankets. "I admit, it is a relief to see your handling it well... I wasn't sure how... intense, it would be for you."

"I'm good at ignoring stuff like this," she said. "You just gonna hide until it's over?"

"I'd like to."

"Fine by me." she said and stared at their only means of escape, the door.

Despite her body screaming at her for to do something, to fan the flames of lust, to scratch an itch, she didn't particularly want to. There was nothing to read to pique her interest in such things, let alone hold said interest and even then, she had no desire to do anything about her current state with Alastor in the room. So, she sat and waited for things to run their course, still very much bored out of her mind.

Time dragged on and whether it was because she wasn't any showing interest in him, or if he'd finally got used to the effects of the season, Alastor emerged from his blanket cave to sit on top of the bed. His fur was messy and he looked like he had no idea what to do with himself.

"Want me to get you anything?" Lorraine asked him and the buck flopped onto his side, head landing on the pillow.

"I should be asking you that..."

"Well I'm bored and you look terrible, I'm worried."

"Don't be, once this wave of rut ends it will be as if it never happened." Alastor explained, voice devoid of usual energy.

"If you're sure. Anything you wanna do or talk about while we wait?"

"This is a new experience for the both of us, I wouldn't want to worry you further or, Nightmare forbid, coerce you into doing something you don't want..."

"Alastor, I may be a dense piece of shit but whatever my feelings are regarding you, I don't want to fuck you," Lorraine clarified. "At most, I want hugs. Also, our consent wasn't given, you have no obligation to do anything down here, okay?"

Lorraine kept talking, reassuring him. "This isn't a porno, we never agreed to this and they removed any options we had to not go into season. So, we have every right to do absolutely nothing."

Alastor rolled back onto his stomach. "It isn't that simple..." the crackle of static grew in volume as he sounded more distressed. He eyed her worriedly. "They could take you away from me."

His fur bristled as he sat up and reached over to pull the startled doe into a hug, nuzzling into the back of her neck. "They could take you away, place you in another cell with some self-centered brute that won't care if you're not interested or already spoken for... I can keep you safe, at least until you are returned to the mortal realm with John."

She could feel him tense with worry and stress. His forelegs wrapped around her shoulders, were trembling.

She was at a loss for what to say, she scrambled to think of something. "Well, not every pair of deer would want to have kids right off the bat, we could just... cuddle, innocent stuff, stuff we'd both be comfortable with?" she suggested catiously.

"We could," he agreed after a moment, chuckling sadly. "I feel as if I'll have to apologize to John when we find him..."

She blinked, looking serious. "Alastor, before the rut hit, were you... Interested in me, uh, sexually?" her face scrunched up as soon as the words left her mouth. "Ugh, that felt wrong to say..."

She was met with a weak chuckle. "Not in the traditional sense dear. I never had an interest in such things as a mortal but, the transformation into a demon always comes with a price," he explained and rested his chin on her head, voice distant. "Self-made demons are cursed upon transformation, as they are ruled by desire, so too will said desire bring them strife and misery. A personal hell of sorts. I became a demon of vengeance, seeking to right the wrongs of a world gone mad."

His next admission was filled with quiet conviction.

"I killed people, people who abused their kin for power, for sport. The kinds of people who did unspeakable things that would have landed them a place in Tartarus regardless... I merely sped up the process." Alastor paused to allow her to process the information.

"Okay..."

"Murder is still a sin, still something that can land you in Tartarus even today so, even though I was justified in my actions, I was eventually cast into Hell itself as punishment," Alastor sounded like he was regaining his composure. "Of course, I was already a servant of Her Radiance, The Nightmare at the time, I even killed with her blessing and with that sort of power on my side, as I fell into The Pitt and saw the scum of the world laid bare before me... I was offered a title and a purpose as I transformed...The Huntsman of The Court of Shadows..."

Red light surrounded the Radio Buck, Lorraine could see it reflecting off the nearest wall. "The Shadows and Shadow Demons in Tartarus were lawless, wild and aimless. I tamed them, they became my servants and I began taking large swaths of territory from older demons," the shadows in the room were growing longer, as if reaching out to the two deer sitting on the bed. "...Imagine my surprise when I discover that those same demons are keeping Shadow Folk as slaves... Shadow Folk are souls blessed by The Nightmare upon death to live in her realm as loyal subjects. I hadn't felt such rage since my mother died."

"So, you killed the demons?" Lorraine guessed.

"Oh my dear, I didn't just kill them, demons have a nasty habit of not staying dead!" he laughed as the red light grew brighter and the shadows started to stretch and warp. "I destroyed their very souls! Ate them actually, it was quite the debut! After that I made a few declarations, established myself as The Overlord of Shadows and began making a few changes to how things worked down here."

"The price I paid for that power was my innate indifference to certain biological processes," Alastor stated. "My first rut as a demon was a bloodbath, I'll spare you the details but I never had anyone to call my doe, This is a curse, an obstacle to overcome... and then I began watching you. So sure of your beliefs, so unquestionably mortal that you shouldn't even have had the amount of power you did when you first appeared."

Lorraine was quiet, listening intently.

"I saw your struggles and it... reminded me of why I kill, of why I sought such drastic measures to write the injustices of the world. That the world is cruel, that being nice and polite won't always save you..."

"But you still have to try." the doe pointed out.

Alastor laughed softly. "That is why I became fascinated by you. You still try until your attempts at common decency are proven to be a waste of time." she could feel the smirk present with his next question. "Tell me dear, have you forgiven Luna for how she treated you?"

"...No, that's no excuse to be an arsehole to her though."

He hummed in acknowledgement. "I believe we got off track, to be perfectly clear, I do not want to have relations with you, our current predicament included. No, I wanted you by my side. I wanted to dote on you, to care for you, to show you the twisted machinations of Tartarus in the hopes you could help change it. I wanted you as my partner in crime, my equal..." Alastor explained. "But, as I got to know you, to truly see you for who you were, I realized I was being, rather inconsiderate, especially after John informed me my behavior was causing you distress..."

"You have no idea... I was genuinely worried my crush on the fictional character I knew was influencing my feelings for you, blowing things out of proportion." Lorraine stated.

"I truly am sorry if I damaged your relationship with John, I know how much means to you..." He said, sincerity plain as day.

"Oh there wasn't any trouble on that front, I was just being a stressed out, nervous noodle dragon back then because I couldn't compartmentalize properly around you. You're similar enough to the character that I kinda just, get my wires crossed," Lorraine shrugged. "So I told John, we talked it out and left the final decision up to him."

"And what, do you think of me now?" Alastor growled, he lifted his chin off her head, his grip on her tightening slightly and she feel his magic buzzing between them.

She looked up at him, his antlers had grown out further, his eyes were round red spheres with pupils resembling the needle of a radio dial. Despite the frightening visage and the sound of radio chatter in the air, the doe only looked unimpressed. "Don't you dare try to scare me Alastor, if you wanted to hurt me you would have done so already." she warned. "We talk this out like adults, I already expected you'd done something like murder to wind up as a demon anyway. I was more worried you'd go on a rampage, or hurt innocent people, or separate me from John in some twisted bid to win me over," she explained. "I had no idea what I was working with and I wasn't sure if your interest in me was temporary, or worth banking on in the event you got your full power back, but I had to at least try and get through to you."

He reverted back to normal. "I assume that as long as I continue to behave around you and keep you and John away from the darker aspects of my work... You'll still want me around?" Alastor asked hesitantly.

"We'll work out the specifics when we all get out of here," she replied and wriggled out of his hold. "For now, You alright? I'm guessing you got more of your powers back?"

He was still radiating red magic. He nodded. "Most of them, actually! My magic is about as useless as yours is I'm afraid. It should settle down once this blasted rut wears off..."

"You look a lot better." she commented.

"Talking helped, I can see why you make a habit of doing so."

Author's Notes:

The Devil Companion has reached Rank 6 out of 10.

Dragonfire2lm: I plugged away at this scene by scene on my PS4 over the course of the week and made sure character interaction came first and foremost. Originally The Containment Arc would have solely focused on RadioGirl shipping, however I asked Sanguine if he wanted to do anything with the more SCP aspects of the Conservation Committee, so now smol bug is captured as well.

When I wrote the chapter Escalation, I wrote doe girl's conversation with Rarity and co with the intention of putting my own thought process into words. I didn't know demisexuality was even a thing until after I wrote the chapter and our friend ponybird21 told me what Demiace means. I promptly started panicking and, more than a bit overwhelmed, did my own research. I couldn't find anything about Demiace specifically but I found plenty of articles about Demisexuality and realized that the term described how I function to a T. It still took a few days to really process that, something I had brushed off as my own weirdness and uniqueness was something that was understood, had a name and could be easily put into words.

I tried to reflect my own experience (yes I had an existential crisis over a word) in learning about it when writing doe girl learning about it and I can only hope I explained things properly. I really do want to thank Ponybird and Lucid for dealing with my nervous panic.

As for doe girl's estrus, it serves as a way to move things forward between her and Alastor and I had this planned for a long time. Heat cycles are a common trope in fanfiction, even in Hazbin Hotel works. I like the trope itself but it always irks me when used on male characters as heat is a female thing and males are affected differently. I wanted to reflect this to a degree but character interaction and characterization were my top priority when writing this, sex isn't the end goal of this, it never was.

Lucid: Dragon wanted to publish this early, because she really wanted to get it done and was nervous about it. I think it's wonderful and I'm very proud of her.

Containment Intermission

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It was hours later, her first cycle behind her. It was early evening if Angel Dust returning with plastic containers filled with omelette was any indication, and a thought crossed Lorraine's mind.

"So, are we gonna get a sunlamp in here or what?" she asked, seated at the table with Angel opposite her.

Angel looked up from scarfing down his food. "Huh?"

"I'm part plant, I need sunlight."

"Oh...Shit...We gotta get you outta here."

She sighed. "God fucking damnit..."

"No toots, ya don't get it," Angel pointed his fork at her. "They're not above using that as leverage ta get youse two to agree to their terms. Either you two fuck- or whatever the fuck needs to be done ta make uh, a permanent union- and startin' a bloodline or ya risk... whatever is supposed ta happen when a flora doe doesn't get sunlight."

Alastor spoke up. "A terrifying re-enactment of Sleeping Beauty," at the rather unimpressed looks he received he grin turned wicked. "Have you not read the traditional tale? A doe in a comatose state, plants overrunning the kingdom, a buck...doing some disgusting things to the princess while she sleeps. Quite distasteful! Flora Doe without sunlight go dormant, their magic surges creating a protective field around them until they detect sufficient amounts of sunlight to awaken her."

"And the thing with the buck?" Angel asked.

"A horrid urban legend among the migrating herds, a doe out in the woods, supposedly willing to lay with any buck she meets. I shan't go into more details. It's the sort of thing to urge young bucks to leave the Grove."

"That sounds really messed up." Lorraine deadpanned.

Alastor smile was a bit more genuine. "Which is why I'm glad the legends surrounding myself replaced it!"

"...I don't wanna know Smiles, you're creepy enough as is," Angel stated and turned back to the doe. "Looks like we can't wait fer that rescue party then, any ideas?"

"Well... What's left for Alastor to go full demon?" Lorraine asked.

"Not much, merely killing whatever shreds of morality I still retain and giving in to my desire to tear this wretched place to the ground for what they've done to my doe." the static that surrounded the buck crackled with his admission, his expression bloodthirsty for a brief moment before he smirked. "A simple agreement made between you and I is all it takes dear."

"...And here's the sales pitch..." Angel Dust muttered under his breath.

"Oh do lighten up you two, what I wish to offer our delightfully docile doe is nothing more than reuniting her with her paramour and sending them on their way!" the buck said brightly.

Lorraine looked skeptical. "And in return?"

"As much as I would simply adore having you as my partner in crime, visitation rights will have to do!" he replied, trotting over to her. "I merely want to enjoy your company whenever I'm not working, to retain our friendly relations. John included, of course! You are a packaged deal after all and it wouldn't be much of a deal if I didn't offer something you wanted."

The does brow furrowed. "But if your end of the deal is just a onetime thing, it wouldn't be worth continued visits, and what would stop you from giving in to an impulse and trick me into something."

Alastor paused and looked somewhat nervous. It was as if the buck realized what he was doing. "Yes, well... That is why I've left the final decision up to you instead of returning to my true form after our earlier conversation."

Angel Dust stared at the two deer for a moment. "Holy shit Al, you like her so much you grew a conscience!"

"Angel, shut up."

Lorraine was quiet for a moment. "If demons are beings of desires and magic, wouldn't that mean your desires are different now? Or at least expanded? You'd still... Kill people..."

Alastor almost looked offended. "I do have standards, though I will admit a massacre in the streets doesn't sound as entertaining as it used to..."

"I feel more focused when it comes to you," Alastor said. "My drive to honor my original deal with The Nightmare was nonexistent, as long as I didn't overstep my bounds and threaten the balance, I was free to do as I wished. You, remind me of why I took that deal. To right wrongs, to serve justice to those the law would never catch. To take matters into my own hands when no one else would. I used to take pride in my kills, the fear I instilled in others, and the lessons I forced them to learn."

Lorraine was at a loss, unsure how to react as Alastor talked.

"I plan to take my duties as Overlord seriously of course. I have land to oversee, demons to check on and a radio show to get back to of course but!" his smile was far more gentle. "I've recently realized it is rather calming, being able to find enjoyment in another's happiness as opposed to their suffering. I suppose it has to do with the fact that I've never understood it until I was forced to confront it, live with it as opposed to acting as I saw fit."

"I am willing to make a deal in your favor- whatever it takes to bring you peace of mind!" Alastor said brightly. "I'd even offer a classic summoning contract if that's what it takes!"

"Uh Smiles, I thought you hated those?" Angel asked. "You hate bein' some mortals servant. That's why ya removed all records on yer own summoning ritual."

"Which should tell you how serious I am about this!" the buck replied cheerfully. "If I have to restrict myself in order to make this work, then so be it!" he smirked. "Besides, I highly doubt she'd be happy with a Binding Ritual when a summoning contract would give her more control."

"What's the difference?" Lorraine asked.

"A summoning contract isn't too different from our current arrangement, I'll be restricted to whatever laws and rules you and John decide on but I will have access to and use my powers to benefit the two of you in some way," Alastor explained. "A Binding Ritual is when a demon shares their power and assests with another, a claim of magical ownership that goes both ways. When performed between a demon and a mortal, said mortal often gains abilities beyond the norm for their people and has a say in the demon's affairs within Tartarus."

Angel Dust burst out laughing, cackling. "Al-you, snrk, ya just told her the demon equivalent of marriage!"

The buck blinked. "Oh, is that what they do with it nowadays? Never mind then."

"...Yeah, no offense, but I you're not the guy I want to marry." Lorraine said plainly.

"Oh?" Alastor smirked mischievously. "Something to discuss with John?"

"No! It's way too soon for that!"

"But that is something you've thought about?"

Lorraine huffed. "Well excuse me for being... twitterpated." she rolled her eyes as Alastor chuckled, the sound almost drowned out by the spider sitting across from her still laughing uproariously. " Anyway- Angel it's not that funny, we couldn't get away with any sort of contract in here could we?"

Angel giggled as he tried to get himself under control. "You two are fuckin' made fer each other...Nah, as soon as we start doin' anything close to bustin' out we'll have guards on our asses before we even open the door. Alastor's still close enough ta bein' a demon that he's valuable but you toots? If they can't use ya fer breeding, they'll use ya fer experimenting."

"Well, I can't really think of another way out..."

The spider leaned back in his chair. "Don't have that other form ya used on Pentious? What about that?"

She sighed. "That got put on TV too? I don't have that anymore. It changed, evolved, so to speak."

"Well? Can ya use it?"

"...I dunno how useful it will be," she admitted and looked at Alastor, the buck having retreated to the armchair. "You called it a Dark Form, right?"

Alastor nodded. "I did, think of it as the ultimate expression of your shadowmancy, the only limitations you'll have are what you define for yourself and the rules The Nightmare sets for you. Which, as long as you don't destroy ecosystems, fonts of magic or otherwise try to break all of creation, you have nothing to worry about."

"I'd also like to not break Tartarus or break the law in general." Lorraine said flatly.

"Then you won't, a Shadowmancers Dark Form pulls from one of the oldest forces of creation, one tied to the very soul itself. Upon the initial activation you'll be aware of what you can and cannot do." Alastor explained. "I've never had such a form myself, being a demon, but Shadow Magic in and of itself mixes with other forces quite well. Try using it!"

"I think we'll need a better plan than just me going mage mode and hoping it all works out," the doe pointed out and looked down at her neglected food. "I don't want to risk eating this without sunlight to help digest it... I'm going to need sunlight sooner rather than later anyway, so, should we come up with a plan?"

"We gotta find yer boyfriend, held in building four- that's their research an' development sector and get the both of ya back up top. Probably by using the transport bay in building one," Angel mused. "Youse two leave the protection of the facility and boom, you're demons then yer really fucked. There's hallways connectin' each sector but they're crawling with guards. Plus... ya know, you'll be about as useful as a wet towel if a wave hits while running fer our lives."

"Well, we get out between waves then." Lorraine stated.

"An' how do we figure that out?"

It was Alastor who replied, rather casually. "It has been four hours since her previous wave subsided. Judging from her scent, we have another two before the next one."

"...Fer a second, I forgot how fuckin' scary ya can be during this time of year..."

"She brings up a valid point of leaving between waves and I physically cannot help it when I get like this, my "breaks" so to speak, are more for physical recovery than changes in mental state." the buck scoffed.

Lorraine looked between the two.

Angel caught on and shot the doe a lecherous grin. "Curious about what Smiles here gets up to?"

"Kinda? I'm not one to pry though." the doe stated.

"Nothin' wrong about that," the spider replied. "I started volunteering ta work here when people, mortals who'd moved down here, went missing. I hooked up with a buncha folks wanting to do some actual good in this shithole an' started smuggling people out. One year, I get given a high profile resident the committee wants me ta work my magic on- there are some folks that actually like it here- an' it turns out they bagged Al on his way home."

"Now, I know a Personal Hell when I see one, every sinner in Tartarus has one, so I make Smiles an offer. I help him keep his head on straight an' he helps me bust a few souls outta here during his own escape."

Alastor chimed in. "By not tearing Angel limb from limb, we falsely give the committee the impression that he can be used to control me. Meanwhile Angel instructs my potential partners to ignore me whenever this disgusting organisation attempts to convince me to cooperate with them," the buck grinned in pride. "After the season passes, I escape, leaving enough carnage and collateral damage it makes those stubborn fools refrain from using me in their schemes for a few years."

"An' I play the part of the guy who was just doin' his job. Sure they know I work with him buuut, since I do actual work fer them, they can't get rid of me." Angel added, also grinning.

"Huh, sucks we can't rely on that," Lorraine mused. "Back on topic though, what do we do?"

"I guess we gotta take a risk," Angel stated. "They're watchin' us like a hawk so we're fucked if we do an' fucked if we don't."

Alastor sighed. "Angel is correct, we don't have time to wait nor can we risk agreeing with their plans to buy time. Doing either would certainly remove any chance you'll see John or the mortal realm ever again."

Lorraine felt her ears flatten themselves against her skull as a spike of pure terror, fas as lighting, shattered the sense of security and hope she had clung to since waking up in the cell. What followed it was a deep-seated desire to run, to seek out John and ensure he was safe, to keep him and her friends close. Her own wants compounded on her loyalty to her friends.

Running was easy but she couldn't fathom the thought of leaving Alastor behind. "Hey Alastor? What about you?" she was surprised she could maintain her composure, her mind felt like it was moving too quickly, emotions shoved to the side as she felt the need to act.

"Dear, we should be focused on ensuring you and John make it back home," his expression became something far gentler than what the doe was used to seeing and she wasn't sure how to feel about that. "I will leave here some other time."

"...But you're my friend, you shouldn't have to deal with this." she said, as if it were obvious.

"He'll be fine, I'll get him out," Angel attempted to reassure her, leaning forward. "Hey, we got this? We'll get you and yer boyfriend out an' Al will be right behind ya."

The doe took a deep breath. "Two hours until my next wave, two hours to get my shit together because I have an idea..." her ears eased up into their normal position, a blue butterfly landed on top of her head but the others didn't appear to have noticed it. "Yeah no, you're my friend, hell both of you are so, we're leaving together."

"We have an hour and forty minutes to create a plan," Alastor said. "We'd best get started."

Containment Bug

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John was groggy. His mind was a haze as he awoke and blinked his eyes blearily. A brick wall painted white came into focus. He was on some kind of green mattress-like thing. He shook his head and rolled over only to fall off of whatever he was on and smack into the freezing cold tile of the floor. He gasped and locked up as he sucked cold air into his lungs.

He started to cough as he weakly got to his hooves. He roughly shook his head as he took shallow breathes of the cold air. He blinked a few times and looked around. White tile floor, white brick walls, a small-ish square room, a metal cot (with that green mattress on it ) bolted to the wall, what looked like a small metal toilet in the corner, a single metal door with a small window too tall for him unless he stood on his hind legs, and what looked like a few cameras on the corners of the ceiling.

He was in prison.

Or jail.

Both were bad.

A cold chill ran down his spine as a feeling of nausea boiled in his stomach.

He felt his magic rise in response to his growing panic- Only for a shock to snap from his horn. He snapped his eyes shut at the immediate headache. He flopped onto his haunches and raised a hoof to his horn. There was some kind of ring around the base of his horn. Probably some kind of anti-magic thing so he couldn't transform.

'John!'

He jumped and snapped his head around. "Solaire?! What happened?! Where am I?!"

'I'm being blocked, Blasted Hellspawn. I don't have much time. You've been taken by the Committee. As has Lorraine and Alastor. Fear not, help is coming. You'll be out of there in no time. I will continue to probe their defenses so I can keep you informed. Stay strong my son.'

A cold ball of anxiety now sat in John's stomach along with the nausea.

His face fell. As he looked at the floor.

His mind began to race.

'What am I going to do?'
'What are they doing to Lorraine?'
'What are they doing to Alastor?'
'I can't stay here.'
'I've got to get out of here!'

A loud buzzing and the metallic clank of a lock being undone made him jump. The door swung open and a pair of large, burly, red-skinned demons in what looked like black riot gear stared at him.

"Come on." One grunted.

John blinked.

"Out." The other said.

John actually scooted away, shaking his head.

One of them sighed as the pair came in and roughly grabbed the smol bug. John yelped as pain lanced into his head from his horn.

He was dragged out into a white metal corridor lit by fluorescent ceiling lights. Not that he saw much because he was dragged from one hallway to another. They all looked the same to him. There was the occasional demon in a lab coat that he managed to glimpse when he decided to look up from staring at the floor.

He looked up in time to see a large metal door slide open.

He was dragged into a large domed chamber with the same white tile flooring.

He immediately saw that robed unicorn he vaguely remembered attacking him, as well as Sir Pentious and a few things that looked like eggs with arms and legs. The serpent demon turned and smiled on seeing him.

"John! Hello, happy you could join us." Pentious smiled as the bug was deposited in front of him.

John just sat there, slumped on his haunches.

"Come now, buck up John, I have so many questions." Pentious said as the bug looked up at the snake.

"Ask." John stated emotionlessly.

"Wonderful." Pentious said with a smile and a nod. "Now, we might use this place for various things in the future. But for now, let's get the paperwork out of the way." Pentious glanced over at the unicorn who levitated out a clipboard.

"Name?" Pentious asked.

"John." The bug replied.

"That's it?" Pentious raised a brow.

"Sure." John nodded.

"Right then. Race?" Pentious said with a nod.

"Primordial Changeling." John replied.

"And do you know what that is?" The snake asked with a hungry look.

"From what I was told, they're a precursor to modern changelings. They change their physical form via biomass as opposed to magic. They were near mindless and fought to survive and evolve stronger than their siblings. They were modified and granted some kind of intelligence by some ancient god called The Serpent." John stated, just decided to go along. He was too drained already. He could panic later when he had to to process. If he had time to process.

"Oooo, The Serpent I like the sound of him already." Pentious snickered. "Now, think you could do some changing for us?"

"You blocked my horn." John replied bluntly.

"Oh, not magically." Pentious shook his head.

"I... haven't really done that much at all. I only just learned about the Primordial thing recently." John said, feeling the blood suck away from his face and his stomach start to feel sick again. And there was the panic coming on.

"Could you try?' Pentious asked with a smirk. "For me? I'd love to watch you change."

John shuddered as he held out a hoof.

Nothing happened.

"Come on now." Pentious said. "It's not hard."

"Don't pressure me." John glanced at him, then looked back to his hoof.

No itching.

Nothing.

"John. Don't test my patience." Pentious frowned.

"It's not working! Something's wrong!" John said as his breaths came in short gasps.

"No, I think you're doing this on purpose just to fuck with me." Pentious growled at him, looming over the smol bug.

John's eyes widened.

'Get mad Johnny. That normally helps, right?'

Anger flared up in the bug's chest.

"You want me to change?!" John snarled back.

"Please." Pentious snapped.

Green flames lit the floor at John's hooves. Magic rushed from his limbs through his chest.

"Fine!" John snapped. "I'll change!"

The raging fires of magic swelled and shot towards his horn.

"Gom-"

Everything went white.

There was a loud bang as John felt himself get thrown back. His ears rang as his brain screamed in pain. He could feel hot blood running down his face as hurl curled up into a ball. He couldn't breathe.

He gasped air into his paralyzed lungs only to wail out in pain.

"Medics! Now!" John heard Pentious scream in both fear and anger. "Get him to medical and don't you dare lose him! You hear me?! He's far too important a subject! And get someone to collect those pieces! We need samples anyway."

John began to fade as he felt cold.

He vaguely felt being lifted and planted onto something soft.

John sat on the couch, lazing against a few pillows. He was watching... something... on EweTube. He yawned and got up. He didn't have any energy today.

The bug plodded into the kitchen, looked at the fridge and blinked at it sleepily. Water was dripping from the freezer for some reason. He shrugged and opened the fridge and pulled out an energy drink. It was brown and he was having a hard time reading the writing on it.

He shrugged and plodded back to the living room with the drink in his hand. Hand?

He blinked. His hoof was now a hand.

He blinked again. Then shrugged.

He plopped back onto the couch.

He yawned again and looked around.

Where'd everyone else go?

'They're fine. They're just out.'

"Oh, hey Solaire." John said with yet another yawn.

'Tired?'

"Yeah. Don't know why." He shook his head as he popped the top of the drink and took a sip. Mmmm chocolate.

'I know the feeling. Say, I'm outside, mind letting me in?'

"Huh?" John blinked. "Just come in like you normally do."

'John! Don't listen!'

'He can't do anything if John doesn't-'

'I'm feeling quirky today, just come open the door.'

A weird buzzing filled John's ears. He shook his head. "Ugh, fine. Weirdo. One sec." The bug got up and plodded towards the back door.

'John, my son, please hear me! That's not me! Nightmare how is he blocking us?!'

'Who knows how he managed to worm himself into our world again. His seals are still intact. Wait... He's using John as a temporary conduit. So long as he does not allow him inside he should be-'

'Just end the dream Nightmare!'

'I've been trying!'

John got to the back door, which was fogged up for some reason.

'Come on. It's cold out here.'

"Cold? But your the fucking Sun God." John frowned.

For some reason the carpet was wet by the back door. He looked down and furrowed his brow.

"That's weird."

'What's taking so long Johnny?'

"Johnny?" John paused. "You've... never called me that before..."

'John that's not me!'

'John. Please.'

John tentatively raised his hand towards the door.

'John! That's not me!'

John froze.

Wait-

That was-

His hoof touched the door.

The door burst open. Purple-black water rushed in. Beyond the door was only darkness. A pair of red pupils stared at the bug from the darkness.

'Thanks Johnny.'

John's eyes snapped open as he gasped and sat up. White light stung his eyes as pain lanced through his forehead. He immediately flopped back down. He groaned out as his hooves went to his face. He rubbed his eyes and he vaguely felt gauze around his head.

His head was fuzzy. Like, on painkillers fuzzy.

He heard a door open, the clop of hooves, and he opened his eyes. Thankfully his eyes adjusted to see white ceiling tiles.

"Everything's white around here." He grumbled as he tried to lift his heavy feeling head.

It wouldn't budge. The soft pillow was too comfortable. It was like a magnet.

So he just stared at the ceiling.

"You're awake!" A feminine voice said with a gasp.

"Unfortunately." John said, rolling his head to the side to see a white unicorn mare, with a white mane, and very light gray eyes looking at him. He could vaguely see the outline of a white snowflake on her flank.

"Hi. I'm Winter. I got sent to check on you." The mare smiled.

"Am I still in jail?" John asked bluntly.

"Jail? Oh! Oh no!" Winter giggled as she shook her head. "You're at the Tartarus branch of the Conservation Committee. My brother and Pentious got a tongue-lashing from Ashira when she heard what happened. Don't worry, you're not gonna have anything like that happening again. We want you in one piece, and we want to work with you as opposed to forcing you to do anything."

"So, what's that mean?" John blinked. "Kinda out of it."

"Well, Pentious, Boreal, Pentious' Egg Boys, and a ton of people under them all got in trouble for how they went about getting you, and where they put you when they got you, and how they treated you." Winter said with a nod. "Which is good."

"What happened?" John asked, his brow furrowing. "Can't... think."

"Well..." Winter winced. "You tried to transform when you had a magic dampener on your horn. You were kinda too strong, but..." She took a breath. "Your horn exploded, taking the ring with it. It was a horrible reaction that should never happened. We want you in once piece and we want you happy so you'll cooperate."

"Cooperate with wha- Wait, my horn's gone?" John crossed his eyes and... couldn't see his horn.

"While we were preforming surgery to implant your replacement, your regeneration kicked in. It took our replacement as we were putting it in and fused it with your body." Winter looked a little green. "It was honestly gross... Anyway, to be perfectly honest, there were a ton of charms and spells on the replacement to make you more complient according to Pentious. And you... You kind of... ate them?"

"Huh?" John blinked.

"You ate the curses, the charms, the enchants, everything. Well, maybe absorbed would be a better term. Now it just functions like a regular horn as far as our scan could say. It seems like your body won't allow certain things to effect it." The mare explained, taking a breath. "Once it was in place, the doctor's had to leave."

"Why." John blinked again. Everything was going over his head at the moment.

"Your body started eating things." Winter said, looking nauseous again.

"Da fuck?" John's face twisted in confusion.

"You grew mouths and- You know, new topic." Winter shook her head.

"Might want to tell me all this when I can actually comprehend it." John said bluntly.

"You have a very good point." The mare nodded quickly.

"How are Alastor and Lorraine, are they okay?" John blinked sleepily. "Where are they?"

"Oh! They're- They're fine." Winter smiled weakly. "They're being cared for in a different part of the complex."

"Oh, that's good." John yawned.

"Maybe you should rest." Winter suggested.

"Yeah... Good idea." John nodded, feeling a haze wash over him.

"I'll be back to check on you later." Winter said, turning away.

"Sounds good." The smol bug said as his eyes closed.

John sat on his haunches in the middle of Ponyville town square. A weird fog seemed to have rolled in, covering the whole square. That'd probably explain why it was devoid of ponies.

He got up and looked around. Something felt... off. This wasn't normal fog. And there had to be a few ponies out even if it was, right?

"Where is everybody?" The bug thought aloud.

'They all left Johnny. You're all alone. But, that's normal for you, right?'

John whirled around. "The fuck?! Who are you?!"

'Who? Oh, Johnny Boy, I've gone by many names over the years.'

John got up and trotted towards the town hall. "Oh yeah?" He tried to sound fearless. The doors to town hall were boarded up and something was leaking from between the boards.

'Yes indeed. The Serpent. The Deceiver. Father of Chaos. The Dream Thief. Anarchy. Lately... And this is all thanks to the delightful world you and your girl come from, I've grown to like a new name.'

"And what's that?" John asked trotted back down to the road.

'Discord'

A chill ran down John's spine. "U-uh huh. That's nice, I guess." He couldn't keep the quaver out of his voice.

Something moving above the fog cast a shadow over the town.

'Isn't it? It's delightful. Oh and I should be thanking you.'

John started down the road, heading towards his house. "Thank me for what?"

'For existing, of course. Without you I couldn't poke a hole big enough for me to get back into the world. At least, for now. Only two of them actually noticed, and they're both so weak compared to last time. The other gods either haven't noticed or don't care. Sure, let an eldritch serpent run free on your world again. It isn't like he turned everything upside down the last time or anything.'

"You sure like to talk." John commented, trying to get his racing heart under control.

'Of course I do! You'd be the same way if you were locked out of reality for eons! Seriously, they lock my son beneath an ocean, they trap my daughter in the stars, and what do they do to me? Oh, just-'

boot me out of existence itself and lock the door behind them!

The ground around John cracked as a terrible weight fell over him. He staggered as everything was bathed in a red light.

Who do they think they are? These so called gods? They think that they can just kick me out?!

A searing lance of pain stabbed into John's brain, right behind the eyes. He fell to his knees.

As you can kind of guess, Johnny, I'm a little stressed. Perhaps I should work some of that out, hmmm?

"Please-" John gasped out. His head felt like it was going to split open.

"Stop!"

John gasped as he snapped his eyes open and sat up. The bright light was painful, but for some reason the sterile white of the room was almost welcoming. He shook his head. He had a bad headache for some reason. That and he felt kind of achey.

He looked down at his arms.

He blinked.

Yes. Arms.

He'd apparently been sleeping as a biped.

However there seemed to be cracks running through the chitin of his arms. He frowned, and as he did he properly felt the gauze (or whatever it was) around his head. His arms started to itch a bit and he looked down to seem the cracks in his chitin sealing themselves shut.

He blinked at it.

"Huh." He hummed before a throb of pain from his head made him wince.

That pain in his head throbbed again.

'Johnny boy... I thought about it.'

Tag in.

John's eyes widened, only to slam shut as the searing pain behind his eyes multiplied tenfold. His breath was driven out in a gasp. Everything went white.

John gasped out only for his lungs to fill with liquid. He choked as he suddenly found himself surrounded by deep purple water. He was pulled under by a wave. He flailed his limbs and managed to get to the surface. He managed to see eerie black clouds before a wave tugged him under again.

He felt water fill his lungs.

His head ached.

He tried to swim for the surface.

Something lashed around his leg.

It yanked, driving what air he had left out in a spray of bubbles.

He was pulled into the cold depths.

'Enough!'

John felt himself yanked back.

He hit soft grass with a thud and immediately started coughing up water as he curled into a ball. He heaved in breaths as his lungs cleared.

'I have you. Fear not, John.'

John rolled onto his back and opened his eyes. Among the purple leaves high in the treetops he saw stars swirling above. His head lolled to the side and he saw the giant, starry form of The Nightmare.

'I pulled you from that horror that The Serpent left you in.

"Did..." John blinked as he sat up and looked at her. "Did you pull my mind, or soul, from my body."

'Yes.' The starry mare nodded. 'To save you from his torment, I pulled your mind from your body.'

"Thank you... Really." John nodded at her as he took a breath. "But..." He looked at her with a frown. "You're an idiot."

The mare looked affronted. 'Excuse-'

"Now there's nothing stopping him!"

Winter hummed happily as she entered John's room. She froze when she saw the bipedal bug standing next to his bed. He stretched and rolled his neck both accompanied by a few loud pops. The door shut behind her, not only causing her to jump, but also drawing the bug's attention.

His eyes...

His eyes were a faded, dull green, almost gray.

An unnaturally big smile split his face. "Evening." John said, even has his voice started to distort.

"J-John?" Winter asked, taking a step back, only to bump into the door. "A-are you o-okay?"

"John" turned to face her. There was an audible cracking as the chitin of his arms and legs split and reformed his limbs started to lengthen. The wings on his back shriveled and shrank into his spine. His hooves cracked and split into claws. A pair of large secondary mandibles grew from his lower jaw making as four more eyes erupted into existence on his face.

"Sorry Honey." "John" chuckled as his fingers lengthened into sharp claws.

"John's not here right now."

The chitin of his thin forearms split open only for a long silvery blade to erupt from the split.

"But I can leave him a message."

Containment Breach

View Online

A day ago, Lorraine had been more worried about her friends not really understanding her stance on, well pretty much everything. A few hours ago she had been in an underground demon research and breeding facility in Hell, locked up in a cell with her friend and planning their escape. Now, the Flora Doe was sitting at a table in an office who-knows-where in Tartarus with said friend sitting across from her and looking very different.

The Radio Demon stared back at her expectantly. Lorraine, to her credit, was only mildly panicking as the line between fiction and reality was so terrifyingly blurred she wanted to remove herself from the situation as quickly as possible. However, it wasn't like she had much of a choice, and she instead focused on the task at hand.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice surprisingly steady.

The humanoid demon before her leaned back in his seat. "I'm afraid to say there's been a change of plans. A rather nasty fellow has possessed poor Johnson and I felt that the best course of action was to ensure your safety!" he looked rather pleased with himself. "No need to worry, Solaire and The Nightmare are working to save him, it will all work out just fine!"

"Then go help." she said.

Alastor chuckled. "I won't or rather, I can't, not until a deal has been made between the two of us."

"Why? Don't you care?" she asked skeptically. She really hoped this wasn't going where she thought it was going.

The demon moved forward to rest his arms on the table. The knowing look and shit-eating grin he gave her spoke volumes. "You know why."

Nope!

"No I really don't." she said.

She remained silent. She was, honestly, scared. Hadn't she already made it clear? She thought for a bit more, no, John had made the decision for her, and she agreed with him. That didn't mean she hadn't thought about it, how her emotions were being toyed with, how things seen as escapist fantasy to her were now real, normalized things in this world, and she had thought about her feelings for Alastor, with what the committee expected her to do why wouldn't she think about it?

She didn't love him, not romantically and as much as she was infatuated with the fictional Alastor, it was the fact the character was just that, a character, that helped keep things compartmentalized and figured out. Her crush on the demon before her had died over time as the distinction between her friend and the character became more apparent. But it was obvious there was something or someone intent on shoving her idealized, fictional fantasies in her face as if that was what she actually wanted.

She was sick of it. Alastor wasn't acting like her friend and she wasn't sure what he'd do if she tried to leave again, she was very much in over her head.

"Alastor, there is a clear difference between fiction and reality, I do not like you like that, okay?"

The demon merely looked amused. "I know dear, but wouldn't it be nice if you stopped caring about that? Live a little! If anything I would be delighted to give you your fairy-tale romance! To treat you as you deserve to be treated!"

"Alastor I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing because you might try to kill me," Lorraine finally admitted. "...Just stop."

It was as if a fog had cleared from the demon's mind. Horror dawned across his features. He wasn't smiling. His ears, the same as his deer form only bigger flattened against his skull.

"No, no dearest- I would never harm you I-" he paused. "I... Am. An idiot."

Lorraine was still uncertain about the situation she was in and waited.

Eventually, Alastor regained his composure, a somewhat shaky smile plastered onto his face. "I should try this again... Something very dangerous has ahold of John, a vile twisted entity that was one of the key forces in causing society to collapse into The Dark Age..." he straightened his monocle, fidgeting with it. "I originally came into my powers, became a demon, during that time period. Outside of the Sacred Groves the world was lawless, monsters and bandits attacked unwary travelers, people spread fear and hate towards those different from them and many a soul used the hardships and struggles of their friends and family as an excuse to be cruel and wicked individuals...A demon’s emotions are tied to their magic, when I sensed that thing taking over John, I was furious and my magic reacted accordingly."

He continued. "Our...Situation with the committee only added onto my instability... My first instinct was, is, to protect you. I remembered you were conflicted about your feelings about me and I-I wanted you to see that I am fine with it, whatever it happens to be..."

Lorraine processed the information, trying to calm herself down. She needed to focus. "You...Um, like me?"

Alastor looked more sure of himself as he hummed in thought. "I've already made it clear I have no interest in more explicit activities with you but, I would like to be more affectionate with you, spend time with you and do... Whatever it is romantic partners do these days. Do people still give their potential partners food and homemade trinkets? Or have things changed in the last three thousand years?" he wondered. "Back to my main point, I wouldn't say I love you, in the... Mortal sense at least, demons experience positive emotions differently, positive emotions in a demon benefit the demon in question."

Lorraine's bafflement at how the fuck do you even like me? must have shown on her face because Alastor elaborated.

"You, are mortal. Yet the powers that be deem you worthy of god-like power and a destiny brimming with conflict. I became invested in your struggle and watching you was satisfying in a way I hadn't experienced in a long time. I wanted more, to see what you would do next, to see how you would deal with the obstacles life threw at you. I admit I got carried away with my obsession but, I'm not anywhere near mentally sound! I kill people for a living. Then of course, I got to know you, that investment into my own amusement became an emotional attachment to you and John, to the point where I don't particularly care what we are or where we end up as long as I don't lose the pair of you or whatever bond we have."

Lorraine took a moment to think. "...This is, something, alright... Can we just negotiate this later? I don't feel comfortable talking about this without John."

"I'm not letting you leave here," Alastor warned her. "We are in no condition to fight, I was only able to bring you here because this building is heavily warded to protect mortals from the environmental magics of Tartarus."

"So we just wait?"

"John will be fine," Alastor replied reassuringly. "If he is killed, I'll bring him back to life myself!"

"You can do that?"

"Well, he'd be revived as a demon but the important thing is that he'd be alive! Now, would you like a tour of this place?"

"Where are we anyway?" Lorraine asked.

Alastor beamed. "My old workplace! The Hazbin Hotel!"

“Nightmare, Send me back!” John insisted with a frown on his face, despite the shivering of every other part of himself.

“I cannot do that.” Nightmare shook her head. “Now that your soul is outside of your vessel I can take the fight to The Serpent without fear of damaging you.”

“Sooo, you’re gonna just leave me here?” John growled while raising a brow. Now that the shock (and fear) had worn off, he was rather pissed.

“Once I deal with The Serpent then I will return you to your body.” Nightmare glanced at John before a starry portal sprang into existence. She made to step through, paused, then looked back to John. “Do not worry.”

With that, the starry alicorn stepped through the portal, which closed behind her.

John took a breath. “Fuck.”

Alastor, at Lorraine's request, had led her to an empty suite in the hotel. She didn't want the tour or the myriad of things the demon was trying to distract her with.

"I’m worried about John, isn't there something I can do?" she asked.

"..." Alastor hesitated. "I haven't heard from The Nightmare...The Shadows speak of something else in the dream realm, something neither of The Nightmare or The Serpent."

Lorraine caught sight of a familiar blue butterfly. The pieces were coming together.

"It's my shadowmancy affecting the dream realm right?" she suggested and he nodded.

He nodded. "As much as I would prefer to keep you here, you hold a significant amount of power over Shadows. At first I thought you were merely gifted, but Shadowmancers do not generate shadow magic. Instead they have a finite amount and draw from other sources," Alastor walked over to a full length mirror and gestured at it. "My dear, if you want to do anything to help, then find that other power encroaching on the dream realm and... Talk to it or something, Gods know we need all the help we can get… If The Serpent escapes the facility, I will have no choice but to kill it and the person it possessed."

The doe walked to the mirror, the butterfly flew through it, the glass surface rippling like water and glowing bright blue.

"...I don't like this," she admitted. "I really don't but I’m not going to sit here and do nothing... John's mine."

She stepped through.

Lorraine felt at ease as soon as the first few notes of the familiar song reached her ears. She was standing on her hind legs without issue, her front legs, more like arms in her new bipedal stance, ended in wooden paws instead of hooves. She was standing at the top of a ramp, dressed in deep blue pants held up by black suspenders, a white T-shirt and a deep blue, two tailed trench coat with feathers covering the cuffs of the sleeves and the collar. Aside from her new attire and surprisingly comfortable shift to walking on two legs, she was still the same Flora Doe.

She held onto the railing as she walked down the ramp. The room she was in was round, with dark blue walls dotted with white, glowing circles. Pillars of ultramarine blue coral supported the room. The floor was glass, an endless black void glittering with stars beneath her hooves and the ceiling above was white nothingness. In the middle of this strange room was a table, an armchair on one side and a couch on the other. Seated on the couch was a balding old man in a black suit with thin, spindly limbs, bulbous eyes, a large, long nose and a wide, welcoming smile.

The strange man noticed her as she sat down in the armchair, his movements doll-like and voice calm and welcoming as he nodded in greeting. "Welcome to The Velvet Room, my name is Igor."

Lorraine relaxed, unaware she'd been tense. This Igor wasn't a fake, manipulative bastard hellbent on brainwashing the masses into complacency.

Igor chuckled. "This a place between dream and reality, mind and matter," he looked at her knowingly. "But of course, you are already familiar with all of this, which is to be expected. You hold this room and the guests I have aided close to your heart. Which has allowed this place to manifest in this reality."

"Do I have the potential to use multiple Personas? Am I a Wild Card?" Lorraine asked.

"Not quite, your past actions aiding those who have such power has given you the power to call upon specific Persona you are already familiar with."

Igor elaborated. "As such, the purpose of this room is to be a safe haven, your power extends beyond that of using a Persona, indeed this reality has many opportunities for you to embrace your imagination and do extraordinary things," he smiled. "But one cannot harness their true potential without support. Just as you have kept others safe in my reality, I will do the same for you in this one."

Igor handed her a key. "Unfortunately, we don't have much time. Your partner is in danger, the entity controlling him cannot be allowed to run free. Your power can sever the link it has to this reality. This key will allow you to return here when this is all over."

Lorraine put the key in a pocket on the inside of her coat and stood up. "I just leave and I'll be where I need to go, yeah?"

Igor nodded. "That is correct, I advise you to be cautious when calling upon your power. The people of this world do not see it in a positive light. You will face opposition if you use it openly."

"Okay... thank you" Lorraine awkwardly said, adjusted her coat, walked up the ramp, and opened the large blue door at the landing.

Every person’s mind was different. Some were bright, some were dark, some were organized, and some were chaotic. More often than not, a person’s mindscape would be little more than mist with thoughts drifting through it at random. Some could create settings within their minds, havens to retreat to in times of stress. Fewer still could craft entire worlds by imagination alone.

The Nightmare’s hooves clicked onto hard white tile. Her starry head turned back and forth. She was in a long dark hallway that extended almost infinitely in either direction. It was only illuminated by her own blue radiance. The floor was white tile. The ceiling was gray and some kind of liquid was dripping off it. The walls appeared to be lined in… lockers?

'Can you really blame me? Schools are creepy at night, I thought it was fitting.'

Nightmare swung her head around, looking for the source of the voice. “Serpent! You have invaded not only my domain, but the sanctity of another’s mind!”

'Well, I saw the opportunity, since, you know, nobody’s been really keeping an eye on me.'

“How did you get free, you were sealed away!” Nightmare stamped a hoof.

'You can find a hole in anything given enough time. That and it helped that Johnny Boy was the perfect point in the mortal plane to latch onto. I don’t have long anyways, relatively speaking. Why do you care anyway, I thought you hated Primordials, what with them always eating your servants.'

“John is the lover of one I have taken under my wing.” Nightmare replied. “And I am here to remove you from him.”

'Good luck. Thanks by the way. You taking Johnny out of here really let me stretch out and get my hooks in.'

“Silence!” Nightmare snapped, her glow intensifying as the world warped like a stone was thrown into water.

There was a strange sound of a siren and the world snapped back into place. There was a squelching noise as something began to creep along the floor under her hooves. The locker’s began to creak as rust rippled over their surfaces. Paint began to crumble off the ceiling, falling like ash to the floor.

'Oh. Oh dear Nightmare, you’ve gotten weaker. Goes to show what a thousand years without servants can do to you.'

“Silence Deceiver!” Nightmare roared as her light shined once again. Only to swiftly flicker and die.

There was the sound of metal screeching against stone. Like something heavy was being dragged along the floor.

'See, sweetie,'

I don’t have that problem.

A pressure bore down on the celestial alicorn.

And I’m not going to let you ruin my fun.

The siren grew louder as the screeching metal drew closer.

A blue butterfly flapped in front of her vision.

A glowing blue door opened up in the wall. Lorraine stepped out, however she was bipedal and was wearing a blue trench coat.

The pressure faded from Nightmare.

‘Oh! Johnny boy’s lover that never puts out. Hi! How are you doing? Welcome to Silent Hill, make yourself at home.’

The doe blinked slowly, giving no response.

‘Wow, tough crowd. You gonna offer yourself up as my new plaything?’

Music suddenly started playing.

The doe strode forward. A white porcelain mask appeared over her eyes in a ripple of blue fire. The left eye was covered by a dark blue lily.

‘Correction, new dance partner and current distraction.’

“Come Messiah.” Lorraine intoned as she tore the mask from her face.

A blue portal sprang to life, making John jump. The Nightmare staggered through. John immediately stood up and trotted over to the, honestly weak looking goddess. “What happened?”

“The Serpent is significantly stronger than I remember.” Nightmare shook her head.

“So, put me back, let me distract the snake-y fucker.” John growled, almost snarling at her.

“Lorraine is providing enough of a distraction. I do not need to send you back. If I did, you would simply be trapped in his nightmare once again, and I will not allow one so close to Lorraine to suffer.” Nightmare shook her head. “The Serpent’s link to this world will soon run out, faster still if the Gods decide to intervene.”

“I don’t give a fuck!” John growled. “I’m not gonna let Lorraine just fight him alone. We can distract him together or something.” The small, spectral, bipedal, insectoid glared at the comic alicorn looking down at him. “Plus I’m not letting him just fucking murder anyone he comes across while he joyrides around in my body! So what if they’re demons and stuck us in the equivalent of SCP Containment Breach?! They don’t deserve whatever the fuck he does to them!”

“You can’t take back your body from him John.” Nightmare shook her head. “Even limited as he is, he not only is maintaining a way into the world, and using your body as a conduit, and hiding himself from the other gods. He still outclasses you by multiple degrees. You cannot win against that.”

“Fucking watch me!” John snarled.

“If I cannot dissuade you… Then... Very well.” Nightmare slowly nodded. “This will not be pleasant.”

John snorted. “At this point, I’m used to unpleasant.”

Nightmare slowly nodded. “As you wish. Good luck John.”

The Serpent was… annoyed. The giant of a man, bearing a massive cleaver and a metal pyramid-like helmet, apparently couldn’t hit anything.

The gargantuan knife cleaved across the hallway, only for the doe to almost casually step backwards.

It’s not hard! Just hit her!

The giant swung in a massive overhead swing.

And the blade seemed to land right next to her... without the doe moving.

‘Mmmmgggggg….. I call hax!’

It didn’t help that the entity floating just behind her wasn’t doing anything. It was like she was going out of her way to keep his attenti-

‘Wait…’

In the moment that The Serpent “looked away” the pyramid headed giant simply stood still. It was at that moment, that Lorraine stepped back, Messiah floated forward, and a cascading dome of white light engulfed the giant… and the rest of the hallway.

John was plunged into freezing cold water. He tried not to gasp and failed as water filled his lungs. He coughed and sputtered as lightning flashed in the sky and thunder deafened him.

‘Johnny! You’re back! Tell your girl to back off, she’s annoying as shit!’

He could barely think as he felt himself start to sink.

He felt tired.

‘Oh, though I’ve had fun with the character creator. Despite your bitch’s cheating- fucking- dodge build- I have been making a mess! Oh Johnny, you should see it. I popped a little imp like a grape! -Fucking- Stop! You made him fucking stab me!’

He was sinking into the cold depths.

He tried to struggle but his arms and legs found no purchase. He’d never learned to swim. That and deep water had always terrified him.

Who knows what lived in the depths?

He couldn’t breath, yet he did not fall unconscious. He just existed in a constant state of drowning and being dreadfully aware of that fact.

He couldn’t think. His mind was fuzzy. And yet it continued to race unheeded, from nightmarish thought to nightmarish thought.

He’s going to kill everyone.
Everyone will think it’s me.
Everyone’s going to hate me.
Lorraine will hate me.
He’s going to kill Lorraine.

‘What did you really think you could do Johnny? I am a’ God. I am a God to other gods. I have existed before time and space. I was alone in the nothingness and it was perfect! I could do whatever I wanted! Then creation happened and filled my nothingness with rules! It’s infuriating! And here’s you… What did you think you could do, hmmm? You’re all alone. Alone in the Darkness. Your doe can’t save you!

He was alone.

No...

‘Leave him alone!’

There was a voice. It was familiar.

‘John! Find me!’

Where?

‘Huh? Did you hear that?’

‘In the depths. The depths of yourself.’

He couldn’t tell where that was. Plus, wasn’t the deep sea scarier?

‘I can’t be your self-preservation if you don’t work with me here! Wait- Ah ha!’

A tiny point of light appeared in the distance.

‘... What’s that?’

John struggled. Though his arms and legs felt heavy, he tried to swim.

Slowly… So slowly. The light grew.

‘John, don’t go towards the light! Don’t you know that that’s a symbol of death?’

‘Don’t listen to him! Wait, let me help, his control’s slipping.’

John felt something shift. The pressure was gone. He took a deep breath in and felt water burst from slits in his neck. He kicked and shot forwards.

‘Hey! Adapting’s cheating!’

‘How am I supposed to torture you if you don’t pay attention?’

'Johnny! Stop!’

The light grew. He felt his eyes adjust. The dark wasn’t as bad, but the “sea” was rather empty.

The light grew further as he got closer to it. It was like a white-gold star. Hovering alone in the depths. It was so warm. There was something familiar about it.

‘That’s yours.’

John blinked. He looked down.

His heart skipped.

It was a massive head wedged into the silt and sand of the “sea floor.” It was covered in black chitin. Six purple eyes stared up at him. A pair of massive mandibles served as it’s mouth. There was a massive crack in its forehead and a purple-black liquid leaked out of it. John also noticed massive red chains popping out of the sand. Whatever it was, it was chained here.

‘Hi.’ It said.

“Hi.” John blinked. “Who are you?”

‘I’m you…. Ish? Kinda?’

“Kinda?” John raised a brow.

‘In short. I’m your self-preservation instinct made self-aware. When you showed up in Equestria I ended up shoving myself into the position of ‘Keep the Primordialness quiet’ so nothing bad would happen.’

“Soooo, you like Hulk?” John asked, narrowing his eyes at the head.

‘Hell no. You’re the one with anger issues. Not me.’

“Fair.” John winced.

‘And you don’t have time to talk to me. We can talk when you’ve got your body back.’

“Don’t you mean our body?” John chuckled.

‘I’ll be happy just to go back to being quiet. It’s peaceful. Now. No time. Touch the light.’

“Huh?” John looked at the star.

‘That’s your magic. Yours, not the changeling magic I put in place to make you happy. We both know how much you love shapeshifters. Anyway. I think it’s time you take it.’

John looked down at the massive head. “How long have I had it?”

‘No idea. I became self-aware when we got here.’ The sand shifted a little like he was shrugging. ‘I’m pretty sure that’ll help you fight Discord Cypher.’

John set his jaw. “I am kinda pissed.”

‘When are you not?’

John glared at the head as the massive head chuckled. He shook his head as a heat built in his chest. He reached out and touched the star.

Instantly he was sucked inside.

The light filled him.

It didn’t burn.

It was…

So warm…

Crimson light filled the halls. He’d made sure to slice the main power to make the building enter lockdown. That way nobody would be allowed to leave.

His blades punched holes in the ceiling as he raced along it. His prey was running. She was surprisingly fast.

The white unicorn made to go down a corridor, only to juke and go down another.

She was good prey. She didn’t make it easy. She was also smart, having booked it the moment he promised her a quick death if she ran.

“Miss Winter!” A few demons stood in the crossroads decked out in swat gear and holding a variety of melee weapons.

Winter went right past them.

He leapt from the ceiling with a cackle.

A tendril from his back punched through the first guard’s chest before he hit the floor. He hit the ground and whirled, claws slicing through another’s body armor like butter.

Suddenly a searing pain erupted in his chest. For a brief moment white-gold light erupted from his chest. In the moment of surprise, the demons took advantage and plunged their weapons into his arms and legs.

He snarled out a hiss as the light burst from his chest and shot down the hallway he’d come from.

The light faded and he dumped more magic into the body, regenerating the damage and forcing the weapons out of his body.

“Regenerator!” One of the guards shouted.

“You’ll pay for that one Johnny.” Discord snarled as he whirled on one of the guards that stabbed him.

John blinked.

He was back in the hospital room. Besides the red emergency lights a soft white light illuminated the room. Looking down he saw that he was in his bipedal form and was made of translucent white light.

“Okay.” He blinked. Then took a rather unnecessary breath. Warmth filled his chest and burned away any growing fear. He frowned and started towards the door. He made to open it, only for it to open with the thought of opening it.

“Hmmm.” He hummed and stepped out into the hallway.

There was a trail of blood heading to his right.

He felt like his stomach should have turned. However seeing the blood only made him more pissed. He started down the hallway, following the trail. He didn’t make it far before he found… remains.

He did his best not to look at the chucks as he followed a decidedly larger trail.

“Discord’s gonna pay when I get my hands on him.” John growled as his light grew.

Every hallway looked the same. If he didn’t have a trail to follow, he’d probably be very lost.

He came upon another one of Discord’s slaughters. He made to move past it, but heard a ragged breath.

His eyes snapped over to the wall where a black-furred hellhound was propped up against it. He was missing an arm and there was a large slash through his chest.

He stepped towards the hellhound, causing the hellhound to weakly look at him. The hound’s eyes widened and he actually struggled to get away from John.

John knelt in front of him. “Shhh.”

The hound froze as he reached out and ran a hand over his head.

Warmth ran down John’s arm and a glow encompassed the hound in a white. The wound in the hounds chest slowly knit together. The wound on his arm however sealed over with raw red flesh.

The aura faded as John stood.

The hound looked at him in shock.

“Find a place to hide until the lockdown ends.” John suggested as he turned back to his trail.

A feminine scream of pain caught his attention and he burst into a sprint.

Winter shrieked as the blade punched through her hind left leg. She tumbled to the floor and writhed on the floor.

“The chase has become boring. Not your fault sweetie.” “John” loomed over the mare as she started to crawl away.

Winter sobbed quietly as her heart pounded in her chest. It was over it. He was going to-

~tick tick tick~

“John” blinked as something rolled between his feet. He squatted down and looked at it.

That…

Was a grenade.

He was momentarily blinded and deafened as it went off and shredded his legs, stomach, and face.

He reeled as his body immediately started to knit back together. His eyes swelled back into place and he whirled around, staggering a little.

“Keep away from my assistant, good assistants are hard to come by.”

“John’s” eyes fell on the serpentine form slithering towards him. A grenade was being juggled in a clawed hand like a baseball. The slit red eyes glared at him as his mouth was curved into an almost furious frown.

“So clearly you’re not John, unless he snapped.” Sir Pentious said roughly, magically pulling the pin then throwing the grenade. The grenade hit “John’s” chest and exploded, filling the hallway with smoke. “So, are you The Serpent he mentioned?”

“That’s me.” “John” slurred as his chest knit back together. “And this form’s been fun, but if you're throwing grenades.” His body started to grow. Chitin split and reformed as muscled bulged and stretched the small frame. The body molded like clay, growing, swelling and filling the hallway. A massive claw slammed into the wall, cracking the concrete.

“Well I can’t properly fight you here.” Pentious said with a sniff even as his stomach turned at the disgusting display. He reached into his jacket and tossed a few more grenades before slithering away.

He thought best not to look back as an unnatural roar ripped from the hallway, accompanied by very heavy sounding thuds.

He shot down the hall hearing concrete crack and split under the footfalls.

The blast door for one of the testing areas was ahead. Unfortunately it was sealed.

A thought occurred as he felt the thing get closer.

He felt displaced air against the tip of his tail and juked and rolled to the side. “John” went right past him and the screech of twisting metal announced that he went right through the blast door.

Pentious immediately righted himself and slithered into the testing chamber.

“John” now filled half the dome. A hulking bipedal brute composed of thick chitin, like an insectoid gorilla with large multi-jointed legs emerging from its back, tipped in long scythe-like blades.

“This feels a bit more fitting.” “John.” rumbled out slamming a hamfist into the floor. “Sometimes it’s just fun to break stuff.”

“Is that what you’re after? Fun?” Pentious snarled as he conjured more grenades.

“Well yeah.” “John” chuckled. “That and stress relief. I’ve only got… eh, I’ve been burning through more magic than I thought. Eh, if it makes me regen faster.” He shrugged. “You’re gonna be fun to break, though it pains me to kill another serpent.”

The air in the room suddenly dropped as a massive ice spike shot from the doorway. It exploded against “John’s” shoulder, causing him to stagger back.

“And it looks like you pissed off Boreal.” Pentious said as the stark white stallion stomped up next to the serpent. The ground beneath his hooves iced over as a cold mist rolled off the stallion.

“And then there were two.” “John” grinned as his lower jaw split open into a large pair of mandibles. “This just keeps getting better.”

John barely heard the whimpering over the explosions and roars. He saw Winter cradling her leg down a hallway to his left and raced over. There was a hole in her leg, but it looked like it was frozen over.

He immediately knelt as the warmth rushed through him. He put a hand on her. The same white aura from earlier surrounded her as the ice melted and her leg knit back together.

Winter gave a gasp then sat up as the aura faded. She blinked and looked at him. “John?”

“Mmmhmmm?” John nodded. “Get somewhere safe.” He then got back up and stormed down the hallway. He felt warmth rush down his arms and legs. Something emerged from his back.

Pentious rolled out of the way as a massive fist smashed into the ground. “I should have come more prepared.” He chided himself as his rather effective grenade exploded against “John’s” face, temporarily blinding the hulking monster.

Pentious slithered back as another fist came down where he’d been standing.

Suddenly a disk of white light smashed into the side of “John’s” head, only to ricochet off, bounce off the wall, and slam into the other side of his head in an explosion of light. “John” roared and staggered back as an ice spike from Boreal punched through his right thigh, causing a second shriek of pain.

“DISCORD!” A voice roared.

Pentious craned his neck around to see.

It was a small spectral biped clad in plate armor like some kind of knight from a bygone age. Four massive dragonfly wings of white light shone from its back. Its arms snapped out to either side. A shield of light appeared in its right hand and a hammer of light appeared in its left.

A lance of fear shot through the serpent demon but he quickly quashed it. He wasn’t as weak-willed as most demons.

“Johnny boy…” “John” ...or Discord... said with a chuckle. “Look at you.”

“Joyride’s over!” John snapped as he hurled both hammer and shield.

Discord made to swat them aside but hissed as his chin burned at the very closeness of the weapons of light. Both smashed into his face in an explosion of light.

“Why the face?!” Discord snapped as his face knit back together. “Is this anyway to treat your father?!”

Pentious made to slither over, and behind, the small shining knight. Boreal did the same. Pentious was surprised that wounds he didn’t feel he had, started to heal. “Interesting.” He murmured.

‘Perhaps I should study John properly when this is all over.’ The serpent looked at the knight as he stepped forwards. Pentious frowned. ‘With his consent.’

John glared up at the abomination that was his body. “You are not my father.”

The temperature in the room suddenly sky-rocketed. A pillar of flame smashed through the ceiling and slammed in between Discord and John.

The pillar erupted.

A vaguely humanoid figure in silver chainmail and silver plate boots stood tall. His shoulders were covered in what looked like green furred spaulders. A white tabard bearing a stylized sun covered his torso. A cylindrical helm was atop his head, bearing a single red feather. In his fist was a silver longsword.

The helm turned. Orange flames burned in the eye slits. He looked back to Discord.

“I am.” Solaire stated, raising his blade to point at the possessed body.

“I was wondering how long it’d be for you to show up in person, Gwyn.” Discord chuckled, taking a few heavy steps forward.

“I gave up that name long ago.” Solaire replied. “Now, leave my son and return to the abyss from whence you came!”

Discord’s mandibles shifted into a frown. “I’m not done yet.”

“Too bad.” John said moving up to stand next to Solaire. “Out.”

“Oh I suppose…” Discord seemed to think before his entire body shifted, collapsing in on itself, before lengthening and splitting open with dozens of legs.

The massive millipede reared back. You want it?! Come take it back!

Solaire broke into a charge as the monstrous millipede shot its head forward. A disk of light smashed the head aside as Solaire rolled to the opposite side. Icicles shot over John’s head and buried themselves into Discord’s back.

He shrieked as they shattered and the wounds knit themselves together.

John rushed forward as the head moved towards Solaire again. A massive two-handed sledgehammer erupted into his fists and he leapt. Mid-air he swung and smashed it into the side of Discord’s head. Discord reeled back and scuttled backwards up the wall of the dome.

“I will be right back!” Pentious announced before disappearing in a puff of yellow smoke.

“Snake!” John snapped at where he’d been then yelped as the strangely serpentine millipede head bore down on him. A shield of flames erupted above him, deflecting the head.

“We need to burn through the magic that he has access to in this plane!” Solaire announced as he cocked an arm back. A lance of lighting burst into existence and the fiery god hurled it into the Serpent’s right eye, causing a shriek of pain and a rough head shake.

“But isn’t that infinite?!” John snapped, summoning another shield.

“It’s like a funnel, he can only put through so much at a time.” Solaire explained as the pair leapt back right as the massive head slammed into the floor. “Plus Nightmare is working with Lorraine on cutting him off. Well more Lorraine than Nightmare.”

“Your love can’t do anything to me!” Discord snarled and snapped at John only for the jaw to close on a massive round shield. John skidded back as the shield of light cracked.

“Don’t you threaten her!” John roared as the cracks in the shield disappeared. A lance of lightning and a lance of ice punched into Discord’s eyes. The Serpent reared back as both lances shattered.

~thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk~

Small cylinders trailing smoke arced over John and exploded violently against the underbelly of the millipede.

“But nothing’s stronger than love.” Pentious announced as he slithered behind John, holding a grenade launcher in his arms. “Well, except for an M32 Grenade Launcher.”

The healing was slowing.

A pair of long multi-jointed scythes burst from right behind the head and shot towards Pentious. Only to be intercepted by a dome of fire and light.

The scythes shattered and the legs started to crumble.

John charged forward as ice lances, lightning lances, and grenades pounded into the millipede, now virtually pinned to the dome wall.

John leapt and summoned his sledgehammer. He cocked back and lashed it forward. It slammed into Discord’s face.

The wall cracked then broke. Discord and John fell through the hole in the wall as both were washed in the bright red light of Hell.

John stood on Discord’s monstrous face. Only now did he note the blue gem in Discord’s forehead. So that was to be his horn replacement.

“You think you’ve won?!” Discord snarled as his form started to shrink.

“It certainly looks like we did.” John stated before smashing his fist into the gem on Discord’s forehead.

John flared with white light.

He illuminated the darkness.

A massive snake made of living darkness glared hatefully at him. ‘You ruined my fun.’

“And you stole my body, so kindly fuck the fuck off back to whatever pit your crawled out of.” John replied.

‘I’m not just going to-’

‘Can I boot him out now?’ Lorraine’s voice popped up.

“Please do.” John nodded.

A bright blue portal opened up behind the Serpent. Bright blue glowing chains lashed out and wrapped around him. Slowly the shadowy snake was dragged back.

'You won't be able to mess with my boyfriend ever again,' the doe explained brightly. 'even if you return some other way, nothing you say or do will work on him.'

He’s not leaving unscathed!

Tendrils of darkness lashed out and latched around John’s right arm and the right side of his face.

It felt like ice was injected into his veins.

As soon as it started, it stopped, as the chains yanked the Serpent through the portal. Which slammed itself closed.

John’s light form evaporated as he fell unconscious.

A blue portal opened up in the courtyard of the facility. Lorraine stepped out, now returned to her normal doe self. She saw Pentious chewing out various staff and security, as well as Solaire, a very human-looking Solaire, kneeling over a dark form. Immediately the doe raced over to John, only for Solaire to hold out a hand.

“No. I’m sorry Lorraine, but I must take care of him myself.” The helm turned and the fiery eyes looked towards the doe.

“Okay.” Lorraine said quietly as her ears pinned back.

“If you are Nightmare’s, John is mine. I will take care of him and have him back to you soon. I have my own healing and seals I must put in place, for precautions sake.” The knight said as he picked up the small form. He looked back to the Doe. “He’s going to be alright.” He nodded before a pillar of flame engulfed the pair and they were gone in an instant.

“Lorraine!” The doe turned to see Angel Dust rushing over to her. “Shit doll, everything went more to hell than usual. Don’t worry, I’ve got some friends who are gonna get you out of here.”

“Okay.” Lorraine replied, while glancing over at Pentious.

“Forget him.” Angel shook his head.

“Hey.” A feminine voice popped up as a white hellhound, not actually looking at her and scrolling through a red cellphone, strolled up next to the spider demon. “I’m here to bring you to my boss or whatever.”

“This is Loona, we go back a bit.” Angel Dust said glancing at the clearly uninterested hellhound.

“I’ve got us a limo and stuff.” Loona commented, finally looking up and laying her bright red eyes on the doe. She blinked. “Huh, no wonder he has a crush on you.”

“Huh?” Lorraine blinked.

“Let’s just… get you someplace safe.” Angel Dust sighed. “Well, safer. And after that, I can tell Al you’re alright. Geeze, first he loses his shit then he lets you come back to this shithole? What kinda magic bullshit did you do to the guy?”

“I talked to him?” Lorraine replied weakly.

“Huh. Fuck it. Let’s get you out of here.” The spider demon and hellhound then escorted the doe out of the facility.

Author's Notes:

Lucid: Jesus this took me forever to write. Depression was being a bitch and made writing hard. But I plowed through a ton of this in like, two days. I'm honestly happy with the result. I hope everyone else is too.

Dragonfire2lm: The Persona stuff was fun to write. Doe girl's Velvet Room and new outfit are inspired by Doctor Who, her mask is inspired by the masks worn Philemon from the Persona series. And no, her Persona isn't Messiah, that is just one of the Persona she has access to thanks to being a pseudo-Wild Card. I plan on showing her actual Persona later. The scene between Lorraine and Alastor was...Difficult to write, not just because of the limitations of writing it on a PS4 but I had to juggle the character development these two have had with the "shit gets real" vibe I was trying to go for so I hope it turned out alright.

Short - Damage

View Online

Even with a fuzzy head from waking up, John felt that something- No, a few things felt off. He squeezed his eye shut to keep the light out. It didn't help much though. His head ached, half his face hurt, and his right arm felt almost swollen. Thankfully he was on a very soft bed.

"Blech..." He groaned out, cracking his eye open. His vision was blurry, but he could see a high, vaulted white ceiling. Out of the corner of his vision he could see the fluttering of white curtains in a window. He lolled his head over and saw it was more of a doorway that lead onto a small balcony with stone railing. The evening sun was pouring directly into his face however so he squeezed his eye shut with a grumble.

Wait...

Eye?

His eye snapped open. His only slightly sore left hand came up from under the sheets and felt around his face. The left half felt fine, though something was still off.

The right...

Nope.

He tugged his hand away as if burned. He wanted to see it first.

He did get a good look at his hand though. It wasn't his normal "cobbled together" biped form. It was almost... sleeker. His hand was more of a hand rather than a claw. The chitin looked more like black skin.

"Finally, you're awake."

Solaire's voice made him jump and his head snapped to the foot of the bed where Solaire himself was was standing. The knight walked around to the side of the bed and sat in a chair that John happened to have missed.

"You don't have to move it's okay." Solaire held out a had.

John, in response, struggled a bit to scoot back and sit up anyway. That made the sheets roll off his chest.

He froze.

In the center of his chest was a solid black circle surrounded by a ring of orange light that made the whole thing look like an eclipsed Sun. That wasn't as shocking as what really caught his eye. Where the left half of his chest looked relatively normal, the right half was swollen with bulges of chitin that seemed to emphasize his ribcage and pectoral muscle. He followed the change to his shoulder which was also swollen. This looked like it was muscle however. The same went for his strangely long arm that had a bulky bicep and tricep. His elbow bore a curved knob of chitin that curved back towards his shoulder. His forearm seem stretched out, almost thin compared to the rest of his arm.

His hand slipped free of the covers. It was wide-palmed and bore two long, thick fingers, and a just as thick thumb. The knuckles and joints of the fingers had thick knobs of chitin, making flexing the hand a little awkward and uncomfortable.

John immediately shoved the thing back under the covers and looked at Solaire.

"I'm... sorry, John. I'm so sorry." Solaire said, bowing his helm. "That was The Serpent- Discord's last gift to you."

John remained silent, trying not to feel the ungainly thing attached to him.

"I should have been faster. I should have done more." The god continued.

"Do... you have a mirror?" John asked quietly.

Solaire paused and nodded. With a gesture of his hand a full-length body mirror rolled over next to the bed. Taking a breath John looked into it.

The right half of his face was almost skeletal. There was no cheek over his sharp teeth. His snout had a hole where the right half of his nose should be. His "eye" was an empty socket. No, not exactly empty, an orb of purple light mirrored the movements of his other eye. Noting his other eye, he saw that it wasn't a solid color anymore. It looked human-ish, with an iris of bright blue, ringed in silver on the outer edge. He also saw what looked like a fin atop his head. He had blue membranous fin on top of his head like a mohawk. The fin itself stopped just about the six-edged blue gem in his forehead.

John tossed the sheets aside and scooted over to the edge of the bed.

"You don't have to get up." Solaire protested.

"I'm getting all this now so I can process!" Just snapped, though his voice shook a bit.

He stood up and looked himself over. He could called himself human, were it not for his pony-ish head, black chitin plates, digitigrade legs ending in hooves, and lack of external genitalia. He felt like he was a little taller than before. He saw that the chitin around his stomach and lower back was the same blue color of his head fin. He had a tail like some kind of blue silk hang off his backside, and he also saw that his massive right arm hung down to his knees. The damned thing also made him feel terribly off-balanced.

Both fists, normal and abnormal, clenched as he let out a shaky breath. His sat back down on the bed with a thump.

A tear rolled out of his eye and dripped onto the sheets.

There came . weird feeling, like ghostly arms wrapping themselves around him. The ghostly arms hugged him softly.

'It's going to be okay.'

John blinked. He knew that voice.

"You're inner conscious, whatever you'd like to call him, has been a great help." Solaire said as he walked around the bed to sit next to John and put an arm over the mutated bugs shoulders.

'I figured that I've graduated from survival and self-preservation, to happiness, contentment, and mental health. You're going to need it.'

John leaned over and rested his head against Solaire's chest. "What do I need to know?" He asked, not processing much but asking anyway.

"Well, Lorraine did a fantastic job sealing up all the physical, mental, and magical gaps Discord could use to use you again. Not to be outdone I placed more than a few of my own seals, as well as the great seal on your chest." Solaire explained.

"You given me the fucking Dark Sign." John monotoned.

"The... What?" Solaire asked, sounding confused.

'I'll remind you to show him Dark Souls when you two have time.'

"Hmmmm." John hummed. "What's that all do?"

"Well Discord can't get to you in any way, shape, or form." Solaire replied. "On the contrary, with the amount of seals on and in you, you might just actually disrupt his presence in general."

'Anti-Chaos-Mage.'

"That do anything else to me?" John sighed, looking out the window and blinking slowly at the unmoving evening sun.

"You regular changeling magic is unaffected. However beyond minor cosmetic changes, your Primordial nature is for the most part sealed. With one exception."

John raised his right arm, which felt rather heavy at the moment. "This thing."

"That it is. You will be able to change that to a point. I do not know how though. It resisted my changes though, your conscious could effect it to a degree." Solaire said, putting a hand on John's outstretched hand hand lowering it to the bed. "I apologize. There's only so much I can know about a species that actually predated myself."

John blinked. "Huh?"

'John, your an original Primordial, Pre-Discord fuckery. That and... You're now a Proto-King.'

"You evolved, but that might be thanks to me." Solaire explained as John shifted his head to look up at him. "See. In a manner of speaking, I adopted you."

"Huh?" The bug repeated.

"To properly create the seals I infused you with my own magic, effectively making you one of my children. Though your Inner Light, changeling magic, and your consciousness's own magic supersedes my own."

John frowned. "Own magic?"

'I can do stuff with water. Since I'm attached to the Primordialness, and they were original water-based, before coming on land that is.'

"So I'm kind of a fucked up demi-god?" John asked, shifting to prop up his right arm better.

"Well... You were already, you just weren't aware of it. Now that you're aware..." Solaire paused then shrugged.

"You gonna make me go fight monsters?" John looked back up at Solaire's helm.

"Of course not." Solaire shook his head. "I am not going to put any kind of onus of destiny upon you. I just want you to live your life, whatever choice you wish to make I will support you... within reason of course."

"Well there goes my plans for making a harem of princesses." John deadpanned, before chuckling tiredly.

'Oh my God, he made a joke.'

"You're going to be alright." Solaire said standing up. "But for now I believe you should rest more."

John blinked. "What about Lorraine, and everyone else for that matter?"

"Time functions differently here. And as to Lorraine she's fine. She safe and with friends. You don't have to worry about her. As to Gilda and Thorax, they're worried but they've been informed by the Thieves and Celestia's son." Solaire replied with a small chuckle. "You can stay here as long as you need."

"Where... are we?" John asked scooting back to get back under the bedsheets.

"My home plane. Astora." Solaire said, almost sounding sad as he walked out of the room.

"Huh." John blinked as he flopped back onto the pillow.

'Definitely need to show him Dark Souls.'

"That just sounds rude." John commented with a yawn.

'Yeah... Probably.'

"Soooo, what are we going to call you?"

029 - Resolution

View Online

Lorraine was tired, sore and mentally drained. The silent walk through the facility was broken by the shrill, upbeat ringtone of Angel's phone. The spider hastily dug it out of his jacket, glanced at the caller ID and answered.

"What's up Joy? Yer on speaker by the way."

"Angel, is Lorraine with you?" the princess of Tartarus sounded worried.

"Yeah, she's fine, why?"

"It's Alastor, something's wrong- I've never seen him like this-" Joy was cut by a shriek of static. "I think his personal hell is reacting adversely to her absence!"

"Shit," Angel picked up the pace, waving for the doe to keep up.

"What's going on? Is he ok?" Lorraine asked in concern.

"We've got the port network in the hotel online, can you use the facility's transport bay?" Joy asked.

"Can do princess, be there in five," the spider replied and hung up. He turned back to Loona. "Looks like yer boss will have to wait, Lu."

The hellhound shrugged. "Not my fault, Blitz is the one who has to deal with it."

As the trio reached the end of the hallway, Loona separated from them. "See ya."

"Catch ya later Lu, tell yer dad I said hi." Angel said with a cheeky grin.

Loona rolled her eyes. "Pfft, whatever..."

Angel Dust led Lorraine towards a large room with a large mechanism by the back wall. Angel darted over to a nearby control panel and began inputting commands.

He glanced over at her. "Ya know what Al's personal hell is, the whole goin' into rut? Normally he's just cranky, sure he'll rip apart anyone dumb enough ta try an' control him but his self-control is through the fucking roof," he explained. "A personal hell wears on ya, stresses ya out, breaks ya down until you solve it or ya lose it. Completely let yer magic take ya over to do what it needs to do ta get ya back ta normal, called going feral."

"Smiles never goes feral," he stressed as the contraption whirred to life, a red swirling mass of magic contained in a metal frame. "Must be pretty bad fer Joy to be worried."

"Okay..." was all the doe could say.

"We get you back ta the hotel, it'll probably calm him down, an Overlord goin' feral would be bad news. Al just got his powers back too, he can't afford ta fuck up again," Angel stated. "Let's get movin' before those bozos here try to detain us."

Lorraine nodded and approached the portal.

She stumbled into a spacious red lobby, the polished marble floor and high vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a ballroom. Lorraine barely had time to glance at the mismatched furniture scattered around the room when Princess Joy barrelled into her.

"Oh thank goodness! Can you talk to him? Please?" the alicorn pleaded. "We had to lock him in the library, he's been clawing at the door. I'm just thankful he hasn't used his magic yet-"

The sound of wood shattering was heard in the distance, the lights flickered and the dull roar of static drowned out the ambience of the hotel. Alastor was suddenly just there, long gangly limbs and clawed hands stretched to unnatural proportions, a face-splitting, manic grin, large, sharp antlers like dead tree branches and eyes as blank and empty as the void.

Lorraine could only stare, attempting to rationalize the sight before her. He was certainly frightening, but there wasn't a sense of immediate danger.

Joy stepped away from her, nervously looking between her and the other demon. Lorraine heard Angel Dust move to stand nearby.

"Jeez Al, ya look like shit." the spider commented. Alastor didn't respond, gaze fixated on the doe.

Said doe flattened her ears in a vain attempt to dull noise from the loud static Alastor was emitting. It wasn't helping, but Lorraine had more important things to worry about. "Alastor? You ok?"

Whether he understood her was unclear but the demon leaned forward and carefully began to inspect her, a spindly hand absentmindedly resting on her head as he did. Gradually, the static died down to low buzz, his form shrank down to his normal demonic appearance and Alastor returned to full awareness.

He blinked, cleared his throat and stepped back, putting his hands behind his back.

"...What was I doing?" he asked and shook his head. "On second thought, I don't want to know."

Lorraine looked around and stifled a yawn. "Now what?"

She was too tired to really worry about what the hell she'd gotten herself into.

"It is getting late, I'll show you to your room and we can talk about... That, after we've all had a good nights sleep!" Joy said brightly.

"Okay." Lorraine said bluntly.

Angel walked over to Alastor and slung an arm around his shoulders, dragging the somewhat flustered deer demon out of the room. "C'mon Smiles, yer rooming with me until we get this shit sorted."

"What- Angel! Unhand me this instance!"

"No, yer still in rut, you made it my job ta keep you in check so that's what I'm fuckin' doin'. We'll be just down the hall from her, Joy an' Vaggie'll keep watch, and we'll send her home after we're sure you won't get yerself in trouble again."

"... Very well... I'm still allowed in kitchen at least?"

"You kidding? We missed yer cooking Al, I'm gettin' up just fer breakfast if you're the one making it!"

Joy giggled and led Lorraine towards the exit. "I'll show you to your room."

Sleep was difficult to come by but eventually, Lorraine passed out and joined The Nightmare in a dream.

The dream was a warm, white sitting room with tall glass windows with sunlight pouring in. Lorraine was sitting in a comfy armchair, propped up by pillows, The Nightmare elegantly lying on a matching lounge, but they weren't the only ones in the room.

There were two John’s sitting next to each other. Both looked quite confused. The only way Lorraine could tell the difference was the fact that the chitin, head fin, and left eye were different colors. The one on the right was blue and the one on the left was purple.

There was a moment of silence.

“Ah! Don’t look at me!” The one on the right yelped and covered his face before he was pulled into a hug by the one on the left.

The doe blinked. “Why not?”

It was then that she saw the extent of the damage.

“He’s still adjusting, obviously.” The purple-eyed John spoke up, gently patting the blue-eyed John’s back.

She looked at his wounds, her ears drooped. "...This is my fault, I am so sorry- if I didn't grandstand..."

A wave of dizziness hit her, she grit her teeth and stared down at the marble floor. "Shit."

The blue-eyed John snapped to sit up right. “No! No! I’m pretty sure that was unavoidable!” He said while trying to hide half his face with his overgrown hand.

“Might’ve been a Fate thing.” The purple-eyed John agreed, nodding. “It’s not your fault.”

“Aaaand this is….” The blue-eyed John waved his good arm at the purple-eyed John. “We haven’t come up with a name for him yet.”

“I’m his self-aware self-preservation instinct. So I’m basically a second John.” The purple-eyed John nodded again. “We were bouncing around ideas before we showed up here.”

“First things first when I get home. Get a mask and a cloak from Rarity.” The blue-eyed John sighed, letting his arm thud to the floor while shrugging his shoulder with a visible wince.

“We’re pretty much gonna be the Phantom of the Opera.” The purple-eyed John snickered.

The Nightmare spoke up. "This is a dream John, you are free to change your appearance," she glanced over at the doe. "You had things you wanted to tell him, correct?"

"Not when he's dealing with stuff..." Lorraine argued halfheartedly.

The goddess sighed. "In the span of a day, you have had an existential crisis, had a dear friend all but propose to you twice, and faced one of the most terrifying beings I have had the displeasure to meet... talk to him."

Meanwhile, The blue-eyed John’s face became whole, and his arm shrank.

The purple-eyed John however made his lower left half of his face some cross between an underbite jaw and a spider mandible.

The blue-eyed John blinked at him.

“What? I like my mandible.” The purple-eyed John shrugged.

“Kay.” the-blue eyed John blinked again, before looking back to Lorraine. “What are we dealing with now?”

Lorraine looked up at John, nervousness rolling off her in waves. "...Ok, so you know how the girls have a habit of pressuring me about guys 'n stuff?"

“Yeah?” The two John’s said in unison.

"It turns out I don't... Have certain biological or psychological responses to stuff," Lorraine explained, her brow furrowed as she thought. "Like, you've found randos on the street or certain character designs hot- they do something for you... I don't have those responses...It just doesn't happen."

“Probably comes with being a plant?” The blue-eyed John nodded.

“I mean, you probably reproduce by sporing or something.” The purple-eyed John agreed.

"No...No, I was always like this, I just didn't know it wasn't the norm..." Lorraine sighed. "Ok...I love you, because I got to know you and the relationship we have, the person you are is what I find attractive. I got to know you first, I love safety, trust, more tame physical displays of affection more than the carnal stuff that is the norm. I need that emotional connection to see someone in a romantic capacity- look at my husbando list, all characters I've connected with in some way..."

"Lorraine is demisexual," The Nightmare stated. "In as simple terms as possible, she is asexual until the condition of emotional connection and attachment to a person is met."

“Awwww.” Both John’s cooed. “I love you too!”

They looked at each other, shrugged, then grinned at the Doe Girl. At least Lorraine thought the purple one was grinning.

“I’m surprisingly okay with this.” The purple John said.

“And I’ve ran out of any fucks to give and I’ll need to go home to get more.” The blue John stated. “Either way, doesn’t bother me and it honestly makes sense. I just hope you can get used to loving a buggy Two-Face.”

“Two buggy Two-Faces.” The purple John corrected.

"...Guys I just admitted I'm not normal, I had an hour-long freak-out over it...This is a big deal, there's a word to describe how I function! Isn't that neat?" Lorraine said. "It's a big deal for me... and I wanted to tell you..."

“It’s really neat.” Blue John smiled.

“And It just makes you more special.” The Purple one agreed.

“We’re not down playing it. It just doesn’t bother me.” The blue one nodded.

"Oh, ok..." the doe said, a hoof-turned-paw fiddling with a strand of fur on the side of her head. "I just have these moments where I go Oh yeah, I'm demi, and I wanna do something with that information..." she stopped fidgeting. "It makes sense, the harem bullshit is all characters I'm a huge fan of..."

“But… You are the harem protagonist.” Purple pointed out.

“Now with two boyfriends to deal with, along with a number of other suitors.” John chuckled. “Honestly, I’m just rolling with everything at this point.”

"See the thing is, I want to do the right thing," Lorraine admitted. "But what is the right thing in this situation? Alastor got his powers back, practically confessed his love for me, and he looks like his canon counterpart. Would it even be fair for anyone involved? It's an idealized fantasy, my idealized fantasy made real..."

“I’m perfectly fine with pretty much everything. I don’t expect you to actually have sex with anyone.” Blue John shrugged.

“There’s more to a relationship than sex.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“As you have said.” Purple John nodded. “Still, we’re pretty chill with whatever.”

"...You're okay with the dating? The flirting? The hugs?" Lorraine asked. "He respects us enough to back off, he's told me he has no intention to come between us but I just...I don't like him in the same way I like you but I'm not opposed to the idea..."

“Yeah.” Blue John shrugged. “At this point, it really doesn’t bother me, after everything that’s happened, that is.”

The purple John agreed.

The doe was concerned. "You're not just saying that, are you? This isn't you just giving up because you'll think it'll make me happy?"

“Right now, it doesn’t bother me. I just want to see you happy after that shitshow.” Blue John explained.

“Because you deserve to be happy.” Purple John added.

"Me being happy doesn't mean I actually want to have a herd or harem or whatever..." she sighed. "Me being happy is seeing everyone I care about safe and getting along, spending time with them and shit... I want to do the right thing, I want to be good," in a flash, she was in her dark form attire. She adjusted her mask. "You're mine, Alastor's my friend... All this conflict is bullshit, I'd become a god if it meant we could all just live in peace... But it wouldn't be right."

“I agree. It is bullshit.” Blue John nodded. “Normally I’d say you’re overthinking it, but the past… twenty-four hours…. However long it was... kinda proved your point. I just want some peace and quiet again, at least before the next shitstorm.”

“So maybe we should see about getting us home so we can properly rest. Nothing against Solaire, but home is home.” Purple John added.

"It is certainly a dilemma, At this point in time Alastor needs to be around Lorraine to remain coherent, neither have a desire for sexual intimacy with one another but unlike the people of this reality, the two of you have had monogamy and faithfulness to a single partner instilled in you since childhood... Thus, a conflict of interests," The Nightmare surmised. "To Lorraine, it would be hypocritical of her to accept affection from another male when she herself would heavily scrutinize any female you would wish to join the herd."

Blue John blinked. “You have a point.”

"Herds where the guys outnumber the girls are shunned too," Lorraine added. "We'd need more mares or whatever, but honestly, I can't think of anyone I'd trust enough for that..."

"You are a deer," The Nightmare pointed out. "Deer herds are different from pony ones."

“Eh?” Blue John raised a brow.

“How so?” Purple John asked.

"Males outnumber females, monogamy is freely accepted, as well various other forms of relationships," Nightmare explained. "If two or more bucks wish to pursue the same doe, the doe chooses a Dominant Buck, usually the one she likes the most and he is the leader of the group. The Dominant Buck is the one who has the final say in who does or doesn't join the group, except when it comes to other does," she nodded at Lorraine. "The first doe those bucks sought after decides if the other bucks are allowed to invite more does and whether a doe joins or not. A deer herd is for the safety of females, children, and the community as a whole."

“Honestly that all sounds great.” Blue John admitted.

“Better than the fustercluck that pony herds are like.” Purple John added with a nod.

"So, I decide which girls join, John decides which guys join..." Lorraine mused.

"A deer herd isn't strictly for romantic relationships either," The Nightmare added. "More of a collection of individuals who would benefit banding together or can aid in looking after females, children or anyone else in need."

"But then, who would we add?" Lorraine asked. "I kind of need to hang around Alastor for his safety as much as my own..."

“We can figure that out whenever. I mean, Alastor’s kinda obvious.” Blue John nodded.

“I can start going through your waifu list.” Purple John commented.

“Please don’t.” Blue John deadpanned at his twin.

Lorraine snorted in amusement. "Funny... What about Gilda?"

“Pardon?” The twins said in unison.

"We're friends with her, she has our back, and it doesn't have to imply anything romantic," Lorraine rattled off. "It would also offer her protection from ponies bugging her about herding or being a griffin in pony society until she either finds someone she is interested in or returns to griffin territory. Hell, with the shit Rarity gets for being a coltymare I'd invite her as well."

“I can see both of those actually.” Blue John nodded.

“I can’t argue with it either.” Purple John shook his head.

"At least with them, I know they'll be respectful about it and help out if we're cornered by Spoiled or the other extremists in town." Lorraine added.

“Hey, grouping up to protect against Spoiled. I like it.” Blue John grinned.

"A sound plan," The Nightmare agreed and turned to the doe. "Would you prefer to tell Alastor or do you want me to inform him of your decision?"

"Uh...." Lorraine trailed off.

“Let her tell him, It’d be kinda rude otherwise.” Purple John spoke up.

“But isn’t mentioning it nerve wracking enough?” Blue John looked at his twin.

“Mmmm good point.” Purple John hummed.

"It would also be faster if I spoke to him about it," The Nightmare said. "Now that he has regained his power I have a few choice words for him..." she shook her head and got up. "I will leave you three to spend the remainder of the dream as you wish, King Mourning Star is planning something and I need to make preparations."

“Thanks for this.” Blue John commented.

The Nightmare nodded and disappeared through a portal.

Purple John glanced between his twin and the doe. “So, what now? Cuddles?”

Lorraine was ushered out of her room by Angel Dust, the spider explaining as they walked. "The King's here, said somethin' about makin' a deal with ya to keep Smiles in line."

"Well this is bullshit," Lorraine replied. "You could keep Alastor calm right?"

"Yeah, but he wouldn't be able to do his job, with you though? Youse two would stick together fer the season while Al works an' everything would be fine."

"I'd have to do that every year though..." Lorraine said. "What about my friends? John? My job?"

"Well ask him then!" Angel retorted.

Lorraine was led to an ornate lounge room, Alastor sitting in a red, high backed chair and the familiar form of the King of Tartarus nonchalantly leaning back into his own recliner.

The deer demon looked delighted to see her. "Good morning dear! Sleep well?"

"Well enough," she shrugged, trotted over to a vacant armchair and plopped into it. She looked over at the alicorn watching her. "Your Majesty, I heard you wanted to talk to me?"

Lorraine was somewhat tired, quite hungry and a headache pounded away just above her blind eye. She wanted this done as quickly as possible.

"Indeed, I wanted to thank you for your assistance in dealing with The Serpent, while I do let the committee do as they please, you and John weren't allowed down here for a reason," Mourning Star explained. "However due to recent developments," he looked at Alastor disapprovingly. "I have to ask that, for the duration of your breeding season, you remain with Alastor as his Lady Consort."

Lorraine held up a hoof. "I'll help, but I need sunlight."

"I can ask Princess Celestia to send you an artificial sun, several greenhouses and estates down here already use them," the king agreed. "As amusing as it is watching you fumble about, I take my duties seriously, and I can't risk an Overlord going feral once a year. Tartarus' relationship with the mortal realm is strained enough as it is."

"Being my Lady Consort is just a formality, legal protection while you're here." Alastor added.

"Unions between a demon and a mortal are rare, so I'm more than willing to accommodate you," Mourning Star said. "After you were kidnapped, I've had the Equestrian Royals, The Fae Court, and The Court of Shadows threatening to take action against Tartarus if something isn't done."

"I have to stay here, every winter, every year?" Lorraine clarified.

"Yes, This hotel my daughter established should be fit to house you, or Alastor could have his territory modified to be hospitable to you," the alicorn shrugged. "As long as Alastor does his job and my realm isn't in danger I don't care what you do."

"Can John and our friends come visit?" Lorraine asked.

Mourning Star sat up straight. "Your boyfriend will have to wear magic suppressors if you want him down here, no son of Solaire will be allowed past the entrance otherwise. The balance of elemental magic in Tartarus is delicate, a lot of demons could get ill or worse if it gets disrupted. I've lost too many souls in the past to risk the realm destabilizing just so you can see your boyfriend."

"Okay."

"Your other mortal friends are welcome, as long as they're not idiots and break the local laws or my Golden Rules... I'll send Celestia a few lifetime passes to give to them..." Mourning Star replied offhandedly. "As for your status as Lady Consort, I'll leave that matter between the two of you to discuss. You'll be free to leave on March third, I want to ensure Allie-boy is well and truly back to normal before I let go. For the years following, you'll return on November the twenty-eighth so everyone has time to prepare, agreed?"

"Anything else I should know?" the doe asked.

"Don't be an idiot," Mourning Star deadpanned. "And keep your shadowmancy to yourself, Tartarus' innate magic doesn't work on you- you're not of this reality- but you're powerful enough to break things if you aren't careful. I'm trusting you to be mindful due to your bond with Alastor. Don't make me regret my decision."

The king stood and brushed some nonexistent dust off his jacket with a hoof. "I'll send someone with the paperwork later tonight," he smirked at the doe. "Welcome to Hell Little Doe. I hope you enjoy your stay."

In flash of golden magic, he was gone.

"That went better than expected!" Alastor said brightly. "Now then, what do you want for breakfast?"

Short - Assistance

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Lorraine sat in Alastor's lap, the two of sitting on her bed in her hotel room. They were both wearing matching sets of silk pajamas, more comfortable than anything the doe had worn before. She was warm, a heady sort of warmth where she was aware of how her heart steadily beat in her chest and her mind wandered to thoughts of warm hugs and tender moments not unlike the one she was in now.

Alastor pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her shoulders and the demon hummed in content. She could feel the heat of his own body through their clothes, it grounded her meandering thoughts, he was real, this was real.

She was safe.

She didn't really mind the heat quietly pooling, pulsing in her privates, how the air felt dense or how still the two of them were, unwilling to ruin the moment or acknowledge what either of them were feeling. This, what they had here and now, basking in their shared torture and pleasure in the warmth, was more than enough.

Alastor broke the silence quietly. "You know dear... If you ever want some assistance, I'd be happy to oblige..."

She was fully aware she was being an idiot when she asked "Like... ?"

He knew as well, chuckling as he leaned closer, his voice lowering. "Whatever you like, darling-"

"You're evil." She squeaked, flustered and giggling.

"Shall I keep talking?" Alastor asked and she looked up to see him smirking. "I could tell you what I'd do with you, if you let me. I'd take good care of you..."

Lorraine stared at him, if anything he was making things worse, and she was tempted to let him continue, curious as to how long she could handle listening to him simply talk about such things, how long before her own desire reached a point that she asked him to stop, too overwhelmed?

"You're evil," she reiterated. "You know my wires still get crossed around you..."

"I don't care dear, I know you like it."

"Shut up please!"

Alastor leaned back, surrendering. "Too much?"

"Let's just sit okay?"

030 - Ponies being Idiots (Part 1)

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It was late into the evening, Lorraine stood in the hotel lobby as, flying above her, Princess Joy adjusted a glowing gold sphere floating near the ceiling.

"Princess Celestia sure was quick with these Sun Orbs," Joy said brightly. "It's a good thing she sent so many, that way you're not restricted to one room."

"Yeah," Lorraine agreed. "I'm guessing everyone is away for the holidays? It's been really quiet here."

"Yes, we're closed until January, Tartarus enters a sort of dormant state at the end of the year that reflects the slowing down of mortal societies during this time. I'm just here for the last bit of cleanup, and to make sure Angel Dust and Alastor don't do anything reckless," Joy replied cheerfully. "I'll be here for a few more days and then you'll have the place to yourselves."

There was a knock at the door, the princess steadied the orb with a hoof and flew down to the front door.

Princess Joy opened the front door.

Five familiar mares were unceremoniously dumped onto the lobby floor by an exasperated Mourning Star.

"Your problem now." the king stated, dumped a thick envelope at his daughter's hooves, and teleported away.

Pinkie Pie was giggling as the ponies untangled themselves. "See girls? I told you it would work!"

"I don't think annoying the king of Tartarus was really the best idea Pinkie..." Twilight said as she sat up.

Lorraine watched her friends sort themselves out, sidestepping a familiar pink blur.

"Lorraine!" Pinkie whined. "You're supposed to accept the glomp, not dodge it!"

"I'd rather not," the doe said politely as the other mares crowded around her. Lorraine held up a hoof to silence the oncoming barrage of concerns. "Just gimme a sec."

Lorraine looked over at Joy, who was reading the contents of the envelope. "That the paperwork?"

Joy looked over at her and smiled. "It is, Al and I want to look over it first before you sign it. Why don't you take the time to fill your friends in on what's happening?"

"Sure." the doe agreed.

Lorraine led the small group to a sitting room off of the main entry room. Pinkie immediately jumped onto the plush couch. Much to the annoyance of Rarity.

“Darling please, be a tad more civil, will you?” The alabaster mare sighed as she sat down next to the pink mare currently gathering all the pillows for some reason.

“But I’m just so happy to see Lorraine!” Pinkie countered.

“We all are Pink.” Rainbow replied, hovering over to her own chair before, landing and kneading the cushion with her hooves so she could assume a proper pony loaf position.

“And I’m certain Lorraine plans to tell us everything.” Twilight nodded, waiting for the doe to find her own spot.

“Only if she’s okay with talking.” Fluttershy added as she sat down on Rarity’s other side.

Lorraine snagged a couple of cushions from Pinkie's hoard as she walked past to take a seat in a tall-backed, red armchair, placing a cushion on either side of her.

"You got the gist of it, yeah?" the doe asked. "Got kidnapped, escaped, fought Magic Cthulhu, and now I'm pulling a Persephone and staying here every winter."

“Perse-what?” Rainbow blinked.

“Magic Cthulhu? Like an evil, eldritch high priest or something?” Pinkie asked with a gasp.

“No, I meant an eldritch abomination. Cthulhu is the one you see most often.” Lorraine shook her head.

“Oooooo! Gotcha.” Pinkie nodded.

“So you’re staying here because of some contract with Mourning Star, right?” Twilight asked from her own chair.

“She is.” Alastor said striding in while holding a tray in his palm. Said tray held various coffee cups as well as a steaming teapot and what looked like a selection of teas and a can that had to contain hot chocolate mix.

The former deer walked over and set a cup of hot chocolate next to the doe, before setting the tray on the table in the center of the room. “For you, ladies.”

Pinkie virtually pounced on the hot chocolate can.

“Why… Thank you darling.” Rarity said with a somewhat strained smile.

“You’re all two-legged now.” Rainbow said bluntly.

Fluttershy stared wide-eyed. Only for her wings to pop straight out. She immediately yelped and tried to force her wings down by hoof.

“No! No! Sweetheart you’re doing it all wrong, yous gonna hurt yourself!” Angel Dust yelled only to rush into the room and picked up the blushing butter mare. Which he immediately plopped into his lap when he sat down, so he could pet the mare to get her to relax.

“Doll, your muscles are too tense.” Angel frowned down at the mare.

“Ladies, Angel Dust. Angel Dust, Ladies.” Alastor gestured to Angel Dust, then the group.

“A pleasure.” Rarity said, scooting over a bit as Fluttershy melted under the spider demon’s four rather talented hands. “However, before the interruptions. You’re going to be staying here for the winter?” She asked, looking towards Lorraine.

"Yeah, have to demon-sit," Lorraine replied, motioning to Alastor as the radio demon conjured up a chair of his own to sit next to her. "Sort of like a vacation, I guess?"

“Well it could be worse, I guess?” Twilight said with a shrug.

“Twi, she has to stay in Tartarus.” Rainbow raised a brow at the purple mare.

“Hey, Tartarus can be civilized.” Angel pointed at the pegasus not in his lap.

“Details dear, you really didn’t tell us much.” Rarity said as Pinkie returned to her seat, squishing the mare between herself and Angel. Much to the white mare’s irritation.

“Well Lorraine got locked up with Alastor in his fancy holding cell in the Committee’s Tartarus division headquarters. The eggheads wanted them to fuck, but they didn’t and ended up busting out. Oh yeah, that was also probably helped by John getting possessed by that Chaos God and running amok, until John and Lorraine here kicked him out of John’s head.” Angel rambled, causing Fluttershy to stiffen and the other mares to stare at him. He gestured between Alastor and Lorraine. “Oh, and these two are also technically married.”

Alastor took off his monocle and rubbed his eyes. “Thank you, Angel…”

“Wut?” Rainbow said slowly.

“John was… possessed?” Pinkie’s mane started to deflate.

“And you were locked up by the Committee? But Celestia said-” Twilight started but was cut off.

“MARRIED?!” Rarity virtually shrieked.

Angel blinked. “Oops.”

"Solaire's looking after John, he got really badly hurt during the fight," Lorraine explained calmly. "I was able to talk to him briefly though."

"But, married!" Rarity spluttered, gesturing at the doe.

Lorraine looked at the group sternly. "Due to a curse Alastor has due to being a demon, he needs to stay around me to remain sane, and after a serious discussion with John, we're forming a Deer Herd specifically for our protection."

“You’re finally making a Herd?” Fluttershy perked up.

“I don’t think they’re the same kind of Herd.” Twilight said with a small frown, looking lost in thought.

“Soooo, are you recruiting?” Rainbow asked with a small smirk.

“I hope so!” Pinkie said with a gasp as she almost spilled her hot chocolate.

“Maaaaybe?” Lorraine said slowly.

“She’d probably be very selective.” Twilight said. “Oh, I remember now, you’re going to be the head doe and John’s going to be the head bug.”

“And I am thankful that he let me in, for my sanity’s sake at least.” Alastor said with a small chuckle.

“Oh that’s so romantic…” Rarity said with a drawn out sigh. “To have such loving males doting on you.”

“Rarity, what are you talking about?” Twilight screwed up her face at the white mare. “Deer Herds aren’t anything like Pony Herds.”

“Is Gilda gonna join?” Rainbow asked casually.

“I don’t know.” Lorraine said with a shrug towards the pegasus.

“I just want her to be happy, ya know? You two aren’t really my type, no offense.” Rainbow said with a small wince.

“That’s fine.” Lorraine replied.

“Ummm, could I join?” Fluttershy spoke up. “John’s kinda… cute.”

"I'm sorry, wut?" the doe deadpanned.

"Well, um... I think he's..." Fluttershy trailed off.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "You can say you think he's hot 'shy."

Twilight let out a long-suffering sigh.

“He’s hot.” Fluttershy squeaked out.

“We don’t have to go there.” Twilight face-hoofed.

“But Twilight, Alastor wouldn’t be in the Herd if she didn’t find him attractive.” Rarity protested.

Alastor burst out laughing.

“Wut.” Lorraine stared at the white mare. “No, seriously, what?”

“Pony Herds are all about the sex.” Angel chuckled.

“They are no-” Rarity cut herself off as she screwed up her face in thought.

“They really are.” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I don’t want a herd, maybe a guy or girl or two so I can really understand how relationships work.” She paused. “Huh, maybe I should ask Caramel and Garble about it, they’ve been borrowing a lot of books lately.”

“Twilight, what if they’re into each other?” Rainbow asked.

“Huh?” Twilight blinked.

“Hey, don’t crush her dreams like that!” Angel frowned at the pegasus.

“Sweet Celestia… Pony Herds are all about sex…” Rarity said, physically slumping into the couch.

“And Rarity’s world has been rocked, and not in the fun way.” Pinkie patted the mare’s shoulder.

"Rarity is kinda right though, you guys wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't like each other." Rainbow pointed out, turning the conversation back to the doe girl.

Alastor had calmed down, almost sneering at the blue mare. "And what exactly, do you mean by that?"

"That Lorraine thinks you're hot or something?" Rainbow said. "She can say she's different but everypony gets crushes or finds people attractive. That's how forming a herd works."

"Actually that is the norm," Twilight pointed out and looked at Lorraine. "About our conversation from before you were taken, do you mind if I bring it up with Alastor and Angel in the room?"

Angel Dust was paying a lot more attention now as Lorraine shrugged.

"Go ahead." she said.

Twilight faced the group. "Do you girls all remember what Lorraine shared with us a couple of days ago?"

“Yeah.” Rainbow replied.

“Mmhmmm.” Fluttershy said, coming out from her shy shell once again.

“Of course.” Rarity nodded.

Pinkie was too busy finishing her chocolate to answer.

"I highly doubt Lorraine finds Alastor attractive in the way you're thinking of," Twilight explained. "I couldn't stop thinking about how Lorraine described her own veiws on sex and attraction, it reminded me of some research I did as a teenager."

“Is this going somewhere?” Rainbow asked.

“Shhh!” Rarity shushed her.

“Go on.” Fluttershy said as Angel returned to kneading at the mare’s back.

"What I'm saying is, there are people out there that function differently in comparison to what's normal in our society," Twilight stated. "You all know there are ponies who like others of the same sex, both sexes, others outside their species. But there are those out there that don't find anyone sexually attractive, or in Lorraine's case, only under specific circumstances."

“Huh?” Rainbow blinked.

“Oh right, I remember now.” Rarity nodded, sitting up properly again.

“Poor girl had one Hell of a freak out when she figured it out.” Angel commented.

“I can confirm.” Alastor agreed with a nod.

“So she might be sexually attracted to John but that might not be the same for Al.” Pinkie spoke up.

Everyone looked at her.

“What? I was paying attention.” Pinkie glanced at everyone else in confusion.

“Pinkie’s right. I think.” Fluttershy added.

"You figured it out?" Twilight asked Lorraine and the doe nodded.

"With help, keep explaining though... I'm still adjusting to the whole idea." the doe admitted sheepishly.

"That's fine," Twilight smiled at her and resumed. "Our friend Lorraine is demisexual, she doesn't feel sexual attraction, or as Dash would say find someone hot, nor want to have sex with someone unless they had a strong emotional bond first."

“I knew she was weird, but not that weird. Not that being weird is a bad thing!” Rainbow quickly added. “Just, different, and makes my head hurt.”

“I think Dash prides herself on her sexuality, and someone basically lacking one threw her for a loop.” Pinkie said with a nod.

“Yeah, that sounds like her.” Fluttershy added.

“Be that as it may, I’m happy that you figured yourself out, dear.” Rarity said with a smile. “But, how does this connect to your Herd?”

“It… doesn’t?” Lorraine replied slowly.

“Rarity, her Herd doesn’t have anything to do with her sexual attraction, or lack thereof, to anyone else.” Twilight said then paused. She looked at Alastor. “Okay, it might have a little to do with it.”

"If you want to be technical, I essentially developed strong emotional attachments to fictional characters, further amplified and validated by romantic fiction and explicit material being commonplace and expected in my society," Lorraine said. "Since I won't find my romance candidates sexually attractive from the get go, the forces that be made my preexisting fictional crushes real, banking on the subconscious and conscious association with those characters to fuel this harem anime bullshit that is my life."

"It's not appearance that serves as the primary factor for her, it's personality," Twilight added. "Though that doesn't stop her from having her own personal tastes."

“So, what’s that mean in less words?” Rainbow asked, scrunching her face up in confusion.

“She preferred people from books, when she came here she got those people from the books.” Pinkie explained.

“Oooooooh. Gotcha. Like Al there.” Rainbow nodded at the demon, who nodded back.

“She finally got it.” Twilight slumped in her chair.

“Took her long enough.” Pinkie giggled.

“Hey!” Rainbow pouted.

There was a faint rumbling from outside, followed by a moment of silence.

“What was that?” Pinkie asked.

~Knock knock knock, knock knock.~

~Thud~

They felt the front door shake.

“Coming!” Joy called out as she raced through the hallway. “Oh, hi! You’re here already?”

“Yeah.” Came John’s voice.

“They’re in the-”

“I can feel where they are, thanks though. Sorry to barge in.” John cut her off.

“It’s fine.”

There came the clopping of hooves then a heavily cloaked and hooded John stepped into the doorway. There was a strange sway to his walk, like he was off balance. He plodded over to the doe girl. Said doe girl grinned. Her tail was wagging like she was an excited puppy.

John stopped and knelt next to the chair, something under the cloak hit the floor with a thud. “Hi.” He said. Not much of his face could be seen under the hood. “It was the best Solaire could find. I’ll need Rarity to make me some proper outdoors stuff when she can.”

“You okay?” Lorraine asked.

“Honestly, kinda iffy. Having ups and downs. I’m okay at the moment. Took a couple days to even get out of bed.” John chuckled.

“John, it’s only been a day.” Alastor commented.

John’s head turned towards the radio demon. “Solaire’s home realm runs on different time. An hour here is a day there.”

“Hyperbolic Time Chamber!” Pinkie called out.

“Hey, somebody gets it!” John’s head turned toward the pink pony.

“Darling, why the… cloak?” Rarity seemed to recoil at the rather ratty brown cloak.

“I told you guys he got hurt.” Lorraine chided.

John’s left hand came out of the cloak and he tugged down the hood.

There were gasps from the mares. Fluttershy squeaked. Angel grimaced. Alastor’s smile actually looked a little strained. Lorraine didn’t even look in his direction.

“The only reason I’m not looking is because I don’t want to faint. It’s an involuntary reaction.” Lorraine explained.

Pinkie got up off the couch and trotted over. She sat in front of him.

John’s different eyes stared at her as his brow raised.

“I’m not sure if I wanna make a batmare joke or a Phantom of the Opera joke.” The mare said with a hum.

“Pinkie! That’s horribly offensive!” Rarity said with a gasp.

“Sing once again with me, our strange duet.” John intoned, getting a grin from the mare. “You have a point though. A mask for the lack of face would be great.”

“Yeah but, Batman.” Lorraine countered.

“You have a point, however I would like to have you look at me without fainting.” John countered her counter.

“You could be Batman.” Lorraine added.

“But I don’t have brain for detectiveness.” John frowned.

“I gotta give it to Lorraine, you make a better Two Face.” Rainbow spoke up.

“Wait. Wait a sec. John needs an eyepatch and a full mask with only one eye hole.” Twilight spoke up. “Preferably with the left side orange and the right side black.”

“Oh right, Lorraine loves Gabriel.” Pinkie commented.

“God dammit.” Lorraine grunted with a small sigh.

“If I get a few things, I can make whatever you need John.” Rarity said with a nod, composing herself somewhat.

“Thanks.” John nodded, and re-hooded himself.

“John, have you been lonely?” Pinkie poked at his right arm under the cloak.

“Hey! I have not, thank you very much!” John said, somewhat flustered.

“Pinkie.” Lorraine said warningly.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. It was a jackin’ it joke.” Pinkie said defensively.

“What do you me- Oh goodness!” Rarity gasped as John stood and shrugged the cloak off his right side.

“Look at the size of it!” Rainbow got up and raced over.

“I know you missed your doe, but slow down man!” Angel called out.

“Thank you Angel, I know it’s a thicc unwieldy length of meat.” John said dryly. “And I could have worded that better.”

“Look at those claws.” Rainbow poked his hand with a hoof and John raised it slowly and flexed his hand before lowering it just as slowly.

John recloaked himself. “Still getting used to the weight. Have to actually work out the rest of me a little just to move easier with it.”

“That’s awesome.” Rainbow said with a nod and a grin.

“I mean, it’s weighty and hard to move sometimes.” John said leaning against Lorraine’s chair. “Sometimes I need to heal myself just to get my breath back.”

“I’m sorry.” Pinkie said, frowning a little.

“As I said, still getting used to it.” John shrugged.

Alastor hopped out of his chair. "How about you all stop treating the man like a roadside attraction and give him some space?" The demon motioned for the bug to take the vacant seat beside the doe girl.

John sat down and suddenly the pair of chairs merged into a small two-seater loveseat. With a wave of his hand, another chair appeared and the radio demon promptly sat in it.

John scooted over and put his good arm around the doe. “Hi.”

“Hi.” The doe said happily.

“Soooooo.” Pinkie started, retaking her seat on the couch. “Cute bug, doe girl, would you be interested in adding another pony to your little thing you’ve got going on?”

031 - Ponies being Idiots (Part 2)

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“Pinkie…” Twilight immediately face-hoofed.

“What?” The pink mare in question looked over at Twilight. “It was an honest question.”

“Pinkie, you’re a great mare, but I honestly don’t like you that way.” John said with a shake of his hooded head.

“Awwww, why not?” Pinkie’s ears flattened back.

“Because, and also being honest, you’re a bit… loud? Over-the-top?” John seemed to struggle for words.

“Pinkie you’re too much.” Rainbow chimed in. “Not trying to hurt your feelings or anything but they seem the… more quiet types.” The mare gestured at John and Lorraine, the bug proceeding to pick up the doe and plop her in his lap.

“They just need to get out more.” Pinkie countered with a small frown.

“Why?” Lorraine asked, looking at the pink mare.

The doe caught the mare off guard. Pinkie blinked. “Why what?”

“Would that be, why do we need to get out more, or why do you want to be part of the herd?” Twilight asked, looking at Lorraine as she actively wrote on a spare piece of paper.

“Both.” The doe replied.

“Because you two stay inside all the time.” Pinkie replied. “And, that’s no fun. Also, I’m lonely.”

“I assume you mean lonely, by wanting someone special lonely?” John asked.

“Yeah.” Pinkie nodded.

“Well first, we’re homebodies. We like the comfort of just sitting around in each other’s company, for the most part that is.” John started. “Secondly, I entirely understand.”

“I don’t understand why you wouldn’t say yes, darling.” Rarity commented. “Pinkie’s sweet.”

“That may be,” John nodded at her, “however, though I might have had some kind of feelings before showing up here, having an extrovert badger you for days on end when you just want to be alone can grate on your nerves.”

“I know that feeling.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Now Fluttershy is a solid maybe.” John pointed his good hand and the buttery mare.

“Really?” Fluttershy perked up.

“Awwww!” Pinkie pouted. “Not fair.”

“Maybe.” John reiterated. “Not sure how Lorraine feels, and I think both of us would need to get to know you better.”

“You guys do remember that this herd is for security and legal reasons, right?” Lorraine drawled, mild irritation evident in her tone.

“That kinda answers the question.” John shrugged.

“And I think, as weird as they are, you gals should stop bothering them.” Rainbow nodded.

Her words fell on deaf ears.

“Might wanna stop calling them weird toots.” Angel Dust commented dryly.

“Hey, it’s an affectionate weird.” Rainbow pointed at him.

“I don’t mind.” John shrugged again.

“I kind of do.” Lorraine added.

“Well then I need something else to call you two.” Rainbow looked at the pair.

“Unique?” Twilight perked up.

“Different?” Fluttershy offered.

“Ehhhh…. I’ll come up with something.” Rainbow shrugged.

“You could just… not? I mean, you don’t have to point it out.” Lorraine spoke up.

“But how will I show off how great you two are?” Rainbow blinked in confusion.

“Wut.” John sputtered through a laugh.

“Rainbow Dash, you have a strange way of… showing affection.” Alastor spoke up.

“For the love of God, just act like it’s normal.” Lorraine sighed, deadpanning at the mare.

“Soooo, just, stop pointing it out?” Rainbow blinked.

“Yes.” John nodded.

“I can try?” Rainbow looked rather confused.

“Back to the original topic!” Rarity said loudly. “Your herd.”

“Oh God.” John face-palmed.

“What Rarity?” Lorraine deadpanned at the unicorn.

"Now, darlings, I know deer herds differ wildly from Equestrian ones, but have you thought about where your herd is headed? Who to invite? How others will react to it? And you will be adding it to the registry yes?" Rarity asked. "You'll be navigating the perilous water of herd culture the moment you return to Ponyville."

“But… why tho?” John asked after the verbal barrage. “Also, registry? What?”

“Rarity…” Twilight sighed.

"Every herd is registered by law John. You and Lorraine are practically celebrities, ponies are going to notice, herds carry a lot of weight in Equestrian society! Trying to go against the grain with a herd will kill your attempts at equality advocacy in a week!" Rarity stressed. "I know you two have avoided the topic, but there will be expectations-"

"Expectations that will be ignored thank-you-very-much," Alastor cut her off. "My good mare, we are in Tartarus and once Lorraine and John sign the paperwork making our agreement legally binding, the only responsibilities they have are the ones the three of us agree on together. Keep your derogatory nonsense to yourself."

“Thank you Alastor. Love you.” John spoke up.

“Love you too.” Alastor nodded at John.

“Now kiss.” Fluttershy commented.

Alastor, Lorraine, and John all deadpanned at the mare.

“Alastor-John slash fiction in your future?” Angel chuckled to the mare in his lap.

“Maybe…” Fluttershy said weakly.

“That’s wildly inappropriate.” Twilight spoke up. “Fiction about real people is just… wrong.”

“Yes! Thank you! Finally someone gets it!” Lorraine said happily looking towards the purple mare.

“Plus she writes better about fantastical relationships anyway.” Twilight added, looking up from her notes.

“Said the unicorn.” John said dryly as Fluttershy’s face turned bright pink. Said mare proceeded to hide her face in Angel’s chest fluff. Angel, in turn, gently patted the mare’s back.

“But- But- There are laws about herds!” Rarity decided to interrupt.

“We’re gonna register, calm the fuck down.” Lorraine looked at the white mare.

“Though those laws are kinda in a whole clusterfuck at the moment.” John added.

“Can confirm the clusterfuck.” Twilight added to his addition.

“Are you going to invite any more mares at least?” Rarity asked.

"Twi, wanna join the herd?" Lorraine asked casually.

Twilight, without missing a beat, looked up from her notes. "Sure, I wouldn't mind having you as an older sister."

Rarity’s jaw dropped. Rarity just looked between Twilight and Lorraine.

“HA!” Rainbow burst out laughing.

Fluttershy removed her head from the fluff and looked at the doe in confusion.

“Ah, I should’ve seen that coming.” Alastor chuckled.

“Oh, Lorraine, while I’m thinking about it, when are you going to adopt Spike?” John spoke up.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Lorraine deadpanned at the bug.

“It’s certainly legally possible.” Twilight commented.

Rarity’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. “What?”

“Pseudo-sibling herds are a thing.” Twilight explained to the other unicorn.

“And I’m just happy that Lorraine’s gonna actually have a proper sister.” John nodded. “Though I’m kinda feeling like I need to add someone to the herd to balance it out… ish.” He shrugged.

The doe shrugged. “You don’t have to.”

“True.” John hummed. “Oh, where would other me fit? And we came up with a name by the way.”

“Other you?” Alastor asked, raising a brow.

There were confused looks all around as the bug looked at the doe.

“He’s you, I don’t see what the problem is.” Lorraine commented.

“Good point.” John shrugged.

“So, what is his name?” Lorraine asked.

“I’ll let him tell you.” John said as he still for a moment.

There was a small hum, then a translucent white John just stood up.

“I can astral project at will now.” John commented as he stepped over and sat next to his body.

“Neat.” The doe said.

“What?” Rainbow asked aloud.

“Hi, I’m Maranas. We were thinking something like the Marianas Trench, or Mariner, but Maranas just fit. You can shorten it to Mara, or Mar if you don’t want to pronounce the whole thing.” John’s body, Maranas, spoke up.

“I am not shortening it to Mara.” Lorraine stated firmly.

“Persona?” John looked at her.

“Yeah.” Lorraine confirmed.

“Bleh, dick monster. Mar, then.” Mar said with a bit of revulsion.

“I am so confused, there are two of you now?” Rainbow spoke up.

“Self-preservation instinct personified.” Mar stated with a nod. “He’s light, I’m water. Also, as we found out, I’m better at Primordial stuff than he is.” The hooded head jerked towards John.

“Prim-What?” Pinkie asked.

“Ancient changeling species.” John commented. “Basically the original changelings before they got modified by an ancient eldritch God.”

“I honestly don’t mind running things in the background.” Mar shrugged.

Princess Joy sat at a somewhat nice desk. Paperwork had been pushed off to the side and a pair of documents sat in front of Alastor, Lorraine, and John (who was now whole once again). Angel Dust leaned against a wall acting, as a witness.

“Signatures?” John asked. “That’s it?”

“Pretty much.” Joy nodded.

“We’ve been over it.” Alastor commented, gesturing to the doe and himself. “It’s airtight, as it were.”

“Good enough for me. Who’s signing first?” The bug asked.

"Lorraine and I must add our signatures first," Alastor explained, a red quill materializing out of thin air for the demon to grab. "You're needed as a witness for the Tartarus Consort Agreement, and then I'll have you and Lorraine sign the contract detailing the agreement between the three of us, it's not necessary mind you, but I thought it might bring you some peace of mind if the herd had documentation of our consent on the matter."

“Sounds simple enough. Ish.” John shrugged. “So, go ahead and do the thing.”

“Very well.” Alastor grinned and wrote his name on the first document with a flourish, before handing the quill to Lorraine.

Lorraine just wordlessly signed both documents, before Alastor and John signed the second.

“Congrats, you’re married.” Angel commented as he walked over to sign as the witness, before Joy signed, stamped, and filed both papers. “Wanna celebrate?”

“Eh?” John shrugged.

“Huh?” The doe blinked.

“Legally speaking, we’re married.” Alastor stated to the doe.

“Yeah, I got that, but why celebrate?” Lorraine blinked.

“No idea.” John shrugged.

“Because… special occasion.” Angel said, trying to sound peppy.

“But it’s for convenience.” John countered.

“Indeed.” Alastor nodded.

“Oh, everyone is gonna be surprised when you don’t want to celebrate.” Joy giggled.

“Celebrate what?” John snorted a laugh.

Lorraine looked at the spider demon. “I mean, if they want to throw a party, I’m not going to stop them.”

John didn’t mind sitting still, he spent most of his days sitting anyway. What he didn’t like was standing in place for an extended period of time. Before “evolving” to Proto-King and being cursed, standing just made his legs tired. Now, he just got sore, And holding up his right arm for more than a minute or two started to cause the rest of his body discomfort to pain the longer he held it up.

“Really, I don’t need anything over the right arm. That’s fine.” John sighed as he stood in place t-posing in front of a mirror. His legs were starting to cramp a bit and holding up his right arm was making his chest feel tight.

“I need to get everything perfect.” Rarity chided. “Plus I’ve never made something like armor before-”

“You don’t need to make armor, the mask and cloak are fine.” John grunted.

“And he shouldn’t be doing this in the first place, he’s not well.” Lorraine commented from her seat on a couch. The doe was in her shadowmancy attire.

“Oh how the turntables.” John chuckled, glancing at the doe.

“Eh?” The doe blinked as rings of light circled herself and the bug for a moment.

“Thank you.” John said, visibly relaxing. “Also, it’s a meme.”

“Darling, I can do so much more than a mask and cloak.” Rarity stated. “You can put your arms down.” She looked over at Lorraine. “I could make yours match hers. At least a matching coat.”

John slouched over with a sigh and there was a thud as the knuckles of his right arm hit the floor. “Rares, if you wanna do anything special, that’s fine. You don’t have to, but if you’re inspired, awesome. Just run the designs by me first.”

“Of course!” Rarity gasped, looking offended. “I’ve learned to trust my friends when it comes to their preferences.”

“Oh have you?” John raised a brow.

“She was persistent.” Rarity waved a hoof at the doe on the couch.

“Of course she is.” John shook his head and stood up straight to walk, somewhat stiffly, over to sit next to Lorraine, who immediately leaned against him. “Ooofff…” He groaned. “How much will I owe you?”

“Oh, this is free, dear.” Rarity commented as she started to sketch on a few spare sheets of paper.

“No it is not.” John countered.

“Oh, yes it is.” Rarity glared at him.

“If someone does you a service, or provides you with something, you pay them.” John frowned.

“He has a point.” Mar added, borrowing John’s mouth for a moment.

“But-”

“No buts!” John hefted his arm to point a sausage finger at her. “Also, no capes. Trench-coats are good though, trench-coats are cool.”

“Yup.” The doe leaning on him agreed, accompanied by the thumping of her tail against the cushion.

“I could eat the end product and magically reproduce it when necessary so you don’t have to worry about putting your arm through any holes.” Mar spoke up.

“You will not eat my hard work!” Rarity glared towards John.

“That sounds cool though.” Lorraine spoke up.

“And helpful.” John added. “Regretting making me something?”

“Mmmmm- No! No, this is fine.” Rarity said, her eye twitching a bit.

“You sure?” The bug asked, raising a brow. “I mean, you don’t have to-”

“I am making you something nice and that’s final!” The mare snapped.

“Kay.” John shrugged.

Lorraine cleared her throat and stared at Rarity.

“Sorry for snapping at you, John.” Rarity nodded at John.

“It’s all good.” John hummed and looked down. “Hey, mind making me some pants first? I kinda feel more awkward being naked now.”

“That I can do.” Rarity smiled with a bit of a giggle.

“Meanwhile. Cuddles.” John hummed as he put his good arm around Lorraine’s shoulders.

The thumping against the couch increased tenfold.

Angel and Alastor (more Angel than Alastor) had decided that they needed a “guys night.” Which meant, junk food, drinking, and bad movies. The three (four?) had absconded to a room for the evening. That left the doe with the group of mares. Unfortunately, Joy had “duties she needed to attend to.” The doe was alone with mares that wanted in on her herd.

Unfortunately for the doe, she was in the midst of another heat cycle.

Tonight was gonna be great.

Tea, coffee, and cocoa had been set out on the table. Lorraine had found herself sat between Twilight and Rainbow Dash, leaving Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy in their own chairs.

“It is tradition for mares to ride out their heats together, of course.” Rarity said politely.

“I hate this tradition.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“I wanted to be part of the guys night.” Rainbow groaned.

“And I wanted to read more grimoires, but no.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“What would Applejack think if she heard that?” Pinkie pouted at the three on the couch.

“This is fuckin’ stupid.” Rainbow drawled in a decent impression of the farm mare.

“She has a point.” Fluttershy spoke up. “AJ never really wanted to be part of this tradition, she was always too busy at the farm.”

“Can we please just try to enjoy this?” Rarity said with a bit of a whine.

“I mean, it’s not so bad.” Pinkie started, looking at the doe.

“Though it’d be better in Ponyville, where things are more comfortable.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“I kind of don’t mind being here.” Lorraine commented. “This is just kind of awkward.”

"Oh psshaw, it's just like a sleepover but ya know, an adult one!" Pinkie cheerfully explained. "Hang out, eat whatever we want, talk about guys or girls, and sex. I know you and Twilight like talking about sex and stuff."

"From a purely logical, biological, cultural, or theoretical perspective." Lorraine and Twilight recited at the same time.

“Right and Lorraine really only likes talking about sex stuff with John.” Rainbow nodded. “Right? I thought that was your thing.” The mare looked at the doe.

"On one hand yeah, but if it's normal for this stuff to be talked about..." the doe said, uncertain.

“Only if you’re comfortable with it.” Twilight reassured. “I can keep them in check… mostly.”

“We’ll see how things go.” Lorraine stated.

“Can I be perfectly honest?” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Ssssure?” Lorraine asked, looking at the mare.

“I think… I think I like John.” Fluttershy half-stammered, trying not to cover herself with her wings.

“Why?” Lorraine asked.

“Uhhh… He’s… cute?” Fluttershy asked, looking a little confused.

"Is this a, a..." Lorraine looked at Twilight. "What's the opposite of asexual?"

"Allosexual." Twilight replied.

"Yeah, that," the doe faced Fluttershy. "...Is this an allo thing? Crushing on my boyfriend's appearance?"

The doe girl just looked like she was trying to make sense of it all.

“Ummm, maybe?” Fluttershy asked.

“Flutters, I think you should probably think long and hard about it before you ask to join their herd.” Rainbow commented somewhat flatly.

“Okay…” Fluttershy wilted a little, yet looked thoughtful.

There was a poof of red smoke and Alastor appeared behind the couch.

“Apologies, ladies, but that picture was terrible.” The radio demon said as he summoned himself a chair.

The doe immediately got up to hop onto his lap.

“Well hello there.” Alastor chuckled at her.

“It can’t be that bad.” Rainbow raised a brow at him.

“That’s Mark Hamill! That sounds exactly like Mark Hamill!” John cackled. “Mark Hamill’s in this movie?! That’s great- wait. No he’s just a cameo isn’t he?”

“Mmmhmmm.” Angel hummed through swallowing his shot.

“This movie is so bad! I love it!” John barked a laugh.

“And that officer there is the author and director of the film.” Angel pointed out.

“I’m not buzzed enough for this.” John gestured at his shot glass.

“Lemme fix a thing, been filtering the alcohol. There, you can get drunk now.” Mar commented.

“Woo!” John and Angel cheered.

“It was terrible.” Alastor nodded. “And I don’t drink as casually as Angel.”

“Whelp.” Rainbow got up. “I’ll see you girls later.” She flapped out of the room.

“Did I miss anything interesting?” Alastor asked.

“Fluttershy said she liked John, the only evidence is that he’s cute, she’s thinking.” Twilight listed off.

“Ah, I see. Anyone else have anything interesting to share?” Alastor asked.

Pinkie opened her mouth.

“I think we know, you want in because you fancy John.” Alastor cut her off. “Well, if memory serves-”

“But I like you to Allie.” Pinkie cut him off in turn.

There was an audible record scratch.

“Pardon?”

“Yeah, you’ve got great legs!” Pinkie grinned. “And I bet you’re-”

“Darling, I thought we agreed to not be so crass?” Rarity pointed at the irritated-looking doe.

“Right! Sorry.” Pinkie winced a little.

Alastor snapped his fingers and a silver badge with the word Ace appeared on his lapel.

“Awwwww…..” Pinkie pouted.

“I mean, he doesn’t even want to do it with me, not that I care anyway.” Lorraine said with a small shrug.

“You do have a point, dear.” Rarity nodded.

“I’ve always preferred more intellectual stimulation.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“I like hugs.” Lorraine spoke up, causing the radio demon to wrap his arms around her. The doe’s tail made a steady beat against the demon’s thigh.

Pinkie was restless. Everyone had gone their separate ways for the rest of the evening. Thus the pink mare was virtually stalking through the house.

That is, until something caught her eye.

She gasped.

John’s meditation was rudely interrupted by the pounding of hooves on the door. He cracked an eye open, only to roll it. His lightform levitated to the floor and rejoined with his body on the bed.

Now whole, he got up and crudely tossed the cloak over his shoulder.

Lorraine poked her head out of the bathroom attached to their rooms. Her fur was puffed up, freshly blow dried.

“I got it.” John commented.

He blinked down at the pink mare as she virtually vibrated in front of him.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Come and see!” Pinkie hissed.

“See what?”

“Just come and see!” Pinkie repeated.

John looked over his shoulder at the doe. “Pinkie found a thing, wants me to come see.”

“I’ll come with you.” Lorraine said, trotting to the door.

The pair followed the energetic mare through the hotel until they came to a library.

Sitting on a love seat was Alastor and Angel Dust. The radio demon appeared to be asleep on Angel. That wouldn’t have been anything of note, were it not for the way the demon was situated.

Angel looked perfectly relaxed, holding up a book with a pair of hands. Alastor however was face-planted directly into Angel’s chest fluff.

“Cute.” John said, before his lightform did an about face (momentarily inside his body) then walked back towards the room.

“Awwwww….” Mar cooed, bouncing a little on his hooves. “Das so cute!” He hissed quietly.

“Leave them alone.” Lorraine frowned at Pinkie.

“But cute!” Pinkie waved a hoof at them.

“And it’s rude to stare.” Mar nodded, before heading for the room himself.

Lorraine reared onto her hind legs as her shadowmancy garb appeared on her body. Her mask rippled onto her face with a flash of blue flame.

Pinkie blinked. “I’m gonna go see what Rainbow’s doing.” The mare trotting off with a hum.

The doe then quietly knocked on the door to the library.

Angel glanced at her a moment, then gave her a polite nod.

“Is he okay?” Lorraine asked, looking at Alastor.

“He does this all the time.” Angel chuckled. “He’ll be out for a while, so don’ worry about it. I’m used to it.”

“Want some company?” The doe asked.

“Knock yerself out.” Angel shrugged.

Lorraine walked over and sat in a chair next to the couch. In a flash of blue fire, a book appeared in her hands. It was a bright blue libram with the words Le Grimoire on the cover.

“So toots, does this bother ya?” Angel gestured at the sleeping Alastor.

Lorraine looked over at the pair. “Nope, why would it?”

“Just thought I’d be polite, haven’t exactly had time to bring up the deal we got.” Angel commented. “Most ladies wanna know if someone they like is involved with someone else.”

“Wait, you guys are like, dating?” Lorraine blinked.

“Eh, technically? We really wouldn’t call it that. Well, he wouldn’t.” Angel gestured at the mop of red hair poking out of the fluff. “But, basically, yeah you could call it that.”

"...But wouldn't that mean he's cheating on you?" Lorraine said, visibly concerned. One could practically see the doubts starting to form in her head.

“Pffft, he asked me to join his herd, and now he’s in your herd. Two separate herds. Plus he needs us for different reasons.” Angel chuckled. “Barring you don’t have a problem with it, there shouldn’t be any issues between herds.”

“Why don’t you just join my herd?” Lorraine asked.

Angel raised a finger and opened his mouth to respond. Only for nothing to come out. His face screwed up in thought as his finger lowered.

“Ya got a point, guess I’m gonna be in yours. That outta fix things.” Angel shook his head.

“I mean, there’s nothing to fix. I just don’t want your feelings getting hurt.” Lorraine countered. “You were here first and Alastor told me jack shit.”

The next morning, a rather irritated doe dragged a somewhat groggy radio demon into John’s room. Angel, curious, decided to follow the pair.

“What’s up?” John asked from his seat on the bed. “Lorraine, you good? You look… upset.”

“I know what’s goin’ on.” Angel commented.

“Please darling, what’s this about?” Alastor asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me you and Angel were a thing?” Lorraine asked.

“Wut?” John blinked.

“Thought so.” Angel nodded.

Alastor blinked. “It was a deal?” He asked, sounding confused.

“Just good business, hmmm?” John raised a brow.

“Angel, what’s your take on it?” Lorraine looked at the spider.

“Uhh, cuddles, sleeping together, mostly wholesome shit to be honest.” Angel shrugged.

“Whenever Angel’s Personal Hell gets too bad I just teleport him to someone that would sleep with him.” Alastor added.

“I can see it.” John commented.

“Okay.” Lorraine sighed. “Angel, what are your thoughts on me and him?” She gestured between Alastor and herself.

“Whaaaat about ‘em?” Angel sounded confused.

The doe blinked and sighed.

“Dude, isn’t Alastor cheating on you with Lorraine?” John waved his good hand at the pair of them.

“But we’re just glorified friends with benefits.” Angel blinked. “Plus, you make him happy. So long as he’s happy, I’m happy.”

The doe trotted over to the bed and plopped onto it. She looked lost in thought.

“Can I go back to bed?” Alastor asked.

“All in favor of Angel joining the herd, say aye.” Lorraine sighed.

“Aye.” John droned.

“Aye.” Alastor yawned.

“Great. Now let’s get you back to bed.” Angel said before leading the radio demon out of the room.

However, Alastor just dragged the spider over to the bed and flopped onto it, taking Angel with him.

John got up, picked up the doe, and plopped her between the two, before starting to tuck them in.

The doe shrugged and nuzzled her face into Angel’s fluff as Alastor hugged her.

John then nodded and trotted out the door, letting them get some sleep.

Fluttershy nervously made her way towards John's hotel room- something was floating in front of the door.

Far larger than a pony, a tall, vaguely humanoid, winged creature in some sort of red suit, heeled boots, a black top hat, and had a black and red horned mask for a face. It hovered elegantly as the pegasus approached.

It peered down at her, a charismatic flair to his voice as he spoke, an otherworldly power underlying his words. "My deepest apologies, but you cannot continue past this door."

Fluttershy cowed before the creature, her timidness battling with the reason she came here in the first place. "I just wanted to see if John was available. Could you ask for me?"

The creature stared at her, bemused. "No matter what you say or do, I will not bow so easily to your whims, not unless she who wields my power demands it of me. And the fair maiden has decreed her dearest companion is to be left alone."

"So um, is that a no?" Fluttershy asked, crestfallen.

The stare she was given was as final as his tone.

"Begone."

“Hi Johnny!” Pinkie called out, grinning at the cloaked bug walking down the hallway.

“Oh fuck.” John groaned, and rolled his eyes. He turned. “Hi Pinkie, how can I help you?”

“What, can’t a mare spend time with her friend?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes at him.

John deadpanned.

“Umm, John?” Fluttershy spoke up behind him.

John’s deadpan turned into a death mask of why. With an exhale through his nose he turned and looked at the yellow mare. “Yes?”

“I was just wondering… ummm… If you wanted to hang out, or spend time together, or something?” The butter mare asked, not meeting his eyes.

“I saw him first ‘shy.” Pinkie pouted from behind him.

“Flutters, I’m not exactly sure what you want to do. I was planning on reading today, mainly to give my arm a rest. It’s not going to be very exciting.” John sighed.

“Oh, but I love reading!” Fluttershy insisted.

“So do I!” Pinkie chirped.

A meaty finger appeared from the cloak and pointed at Pinkie. “You’re full of shit. You can’t take no for an answer.”

“I can try, right?” Pinkie asked.

John blinked at her, then silently walked away, leaving the mares in the hallway.

“I’m going to read. Do what you want.”

Of course the mares followed.

"Rares, I appreciate you wanting to help," Lorraine said, a deer loaf under the artificial sun installed in the lounge she and the fashionista were in. "But I don't want to publicly announce my herd."

"Lorraine, you don't understand how important this is!" Rarity stressed. "With John's reputation in Ponyville and your job with Princess Luna officially starting in the spring, you'll need as much positive press coverage as you can get, you'll be under scrutiny if you don't announce it prior to registering."

"So?" the doe asked. "It's my private life..."

“But you and John are virtually celebrities, are your lives really that private anymore?” The mare asked.

“Yep.” The doe stated.

“But- But- Your public image.” Rarity gasped, somewhat aghast.

“What about it?” Lorraine deadpanned.

Rarity sighed. “Fine. Fine. I’ll drop it for now.” She shook her head. “Anyway, I’m popping back up to Ponyville to pick up a few things, do you want me to get anything?”

Both Lorraine and Alastor were having a particularly rough time of it, thus were sequestered to a room together to cope. Angel and John had taken it upon themselves to guard the door from any intrusive ponies. To keep the pair company, Twilight had levitated up a table and was cross-examining both demon spider and holy bug.

“Toots, all you’re asking is basic shit. Any demon could tell you that.” Angel chuckled, leaning against the door.

“Well it’s not like I can take this research back with me, it’s illegal!” Twilight half-glared at him over her notes. “Now! John.”

“Hmmm?” The bug asked from his chair next to the door.

“When we get back to Ponyville, what can we do to help make you more comfortable?” Twilight asked.

“So long as I don’t move or do too much, I won’t get worn out as quickly.” John said with a hum. “That being said, I can always heal myself, and Lorraine won’t hesitate to top me off as well, so stamina-wise I should be fine. Once Rarity finishes the coat, cloak, and mask, I should be able to go about without scaring people. Eh…. Beyond that, we’ll have to play it by ear when we get home. Oh, though do expect me to start defending Ponyville from stuff, might as well use the training I’ve been getting.”

“What, you wanna join the Guard?” Angel asked with a raised brow.

“Maybe, we’ll have to see how messy the Guard in Ponyville actually is.”

Twilight nodded. "Lorraine and I were wondering if any of her old habits from her human life would be applicable to your situation," she reorganized her notes. "Things like using pillows to support yourself and so on."

“Huh. Point.” John blinked. “I need to get a set of pillows to prop up my arm then.”

“Her pillows came with all the stuff that got dropped off.” Twilight said.

“Might need to steal some pillows. Mmmm, it’s like I’m treating my swol arm like it’s a broken one.” The bug mused.

“I mean, technically it is, to a point.” Twilight nodded. “From what I’ve seen, it’s draining to lug around and it makes you slower.” Her horn lit and her violet glow surrounded his arm. “While you don’t have arthritis (by my unprofessional opinion that is) your joints do seem to respond slower and there’s what looks like permanent swelling.” The glow faded. “How about your face?”

“What about my face?” John asked.

“Yer a scarier version a’ Two-Face.” Angel commented.

“Well yeah.” John pulled his hood down and rolled his eyes.

“Beyond the damage and scarring, there doesn’t appear to be any infections.” Twilight hummed.

“I’m taking care of that.” Mar inserted. “There’s basically a magic-skin layer over all of it. Can’t restore his eye though.”

“Mmmm, are you blind in that eye?” Twilight asked.

“For the most part?” John wiggled his good hand back and forth. “What I can see, see-ish, is blurry and out of focus. Basically, beyond vague shapes, everything’s fuzz. Don’t get me started on trying to see anything detailed.”

“So, your left eye is compensating.” Twilight nodded.

“And it’s doing a great job of it.” The bug nodded.

“Hi Hi.” Pinkie announced herself as she and Fluttershy trotted up to the small group. Fluttershy shrank back a bit when John looked at her.

“Ladies.” Angel nodded at them.

“Hey girls.” Twilight commented as she scribbled on a sheet of paper. Said mare had two piles of notes, what had to stay in Tartarus, and what could come back to Ponyville. One was clearly larger.

“They’re coping.” John jerked his head towards the door. “And both aren’t in the best mood at the moment.”

“Awww, give them our love.” Fluttershy said and made to trot away.

“Why aren’t you in there helping Lorraine?” Pinkie asked.

“And what, exactly, would I be doing to help?” John frowned, staring down the mare.

“Fuck her, duh.” Pinkie rolled her eyes.

“Pinkie!” Twilight snapped.

John closed his eye and took a breath.

“Fuckin’ ponies.” Angel shook his head.

“You know, satisfy her heat and it’ll go away. And Allie’s in there too, so if you can’t do it, he can.” Pinkie grinned happily.

Both of John’s fists clenched as a seam of white light grew between his eyelids.

Angel stepped over and put a hand on the bug, who was taking slow breaths to remain calm. With a free hand, the spider opened the door to the room and poked his head in. “Hey, Pinkie’s curious, anybody in here wanna fuck?”

“No.”

Angel shut the door. “There ya’ go.” He nodded at Pinkie.

“But-” Fluttershy covered Pinkie’s mouth with a wing and dragged the mare off.

Breakfast was normally uneventful. A slew of tired individuals, and Pinkie, filled the dining room. Alastor and Angel had done the cooking, which was wonderful as always, but most were still waking up and couldn’t properly express their appreciation.

“I think there’s a problem.” Twilight announced as she came in. She was levitating more than a few newspapers and tabloids. “Princess Celestia sent me these.”

The newspapers and tabloids were plopped onto the table and John reached out to take one. The Manehatten Times had splashed an image of Lorraine and himself (pre-curse) on the cover. “Equestria’s new up and coming herd.” He blinked. “The fuck?”

“What?” Alastor asked, straining his smile as he looked at one of the tabloids. “Now that is just pathetic.”

“So, somebody leaked that you- we’re a herd.” Angel frowned as he looked at the Ponyville Press.

Lorraine had The Canterlot Daily in front of her as she read out an excerpt. "Our anonymous source is happy to report that Equestria's power couple, the duo working to spread awareness on the flaws inherent in herd culture, have formed a herd of their own with Princess Celestia's personal student Twilight Sparkle. Ponies across the nation are awaiting the herd's return from an extended vacation, perhaps with another announcement, given it is that time of year for the head mare- a doe," she looked disgusted. "I don't-" she cut herself off, tossing the newspaper to John.

John managed to catch it before scowling at it. “Mmm, anyone been up to Ponyville lately?”

“No.” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Wait, did Rarity leave?” Pinkie asked as she piled her plate full of pancakes.

There was a ripple of blue flames as the doe donned her dark form, the mask on her face had a large crack running across it.

"Focus on your food dear, you're stress casting," Alastor pointed out. "You're liable to fully manifest at this rate."

"I know." Lorraine replied flatly, her mask and attire flickering in and out of existence as she forced herself to ignore her surroundings and finish her breakfast.

“So, what now?” John asked, leaning back in his chair. “Wait, before that, who do I have to yell at?”

“Good Morning!” Rarity called out happily as she trotted into the dining room. “Ponyville was quite nice, what with all the fresh snow. Also, John, I got your suit done!~” She sang.

“Rarity. One, awesome. Two, question.” John said as he stood up.

“And what’s that darling?” Rarity beamed at him.

“What the fuck did ya’ say toots?!” Angel snapped as he tossed a tabloid at her.

Rarity yelped and caught it in her magic. She blinked at it. “Oh-oh.”

“Rarity, please tell me you didn’t blab about the herd.” John said, almost pleading.

“Well, I thought I’d help let everypony know, plus by the time that you come back to Ponyville all the excitement will have died down.” Rarity explained nervously.

John’s jaw clenched as his hands balled into fists.

The sound of a chair scraping against the floor caught the group's attention as Lorraine stood upright. Her shadowmancy outfit snapping into place as she pointedly walked towards Rarity. Her hooves became paws, the wood of her lower limbs becoming blackened and charred, the leaves around her neck and on the tips of her ears drying up and falling to the floor. A pair of curved, wooden horns as blackened as her arms and legs grew from the top of her head.

The mask on her face shattered, her fur replaced with orange flames.

Her lone, functioning right eye, red and glowing, stared impassively at the unicorn as the flames took on the shape of a fox. The fire that was her mouth split into a glowing red maw twisted into a silent snarl. Her coat fluttering in the wind stirred up by the transformation.

"You deliberately went against my, our, wishes," Lorraine said. "Why the hell, did you think this would help?"

“Aren’t you going to stop her?” Pinkie yelped to John.

“Why would I?” John asked coldly.

“L-Lorraine! Please! I-It’s not that bad!” Rarity panicked, scrambling backwards.

Fluttershy shrank into her chair. Angel still glared at Rarity. Twilight’s eyes were wide in shock.

Alastor… Alastor just grinned.

"Not that bad? I have people speculating about my love life, did you even try to prevent that?" Lorraine asked and frowned as Rarity was at a loss for words. The transformed doe loomed over the mare. "Don't you get it? I'm not like you, I, am not, a pony. So quit trying to make me conform to your ideals."

The vixen looked around at the shocked and terrified ponies. "I'm insulted you would think I'd hurt her..."

Before anyone could get a word in edgewise, Lorraine stalked out of the room.

032 - Mending Bridges

View Online

The ponies watched Lorraine storm out. Twilight just sighed and face-hoofed. Fluttershy sniffled a little. Pinkie looked lost and confused. Dash looked at the floor. Rarity looked on the verge of tears.

As one, Alastor and John both got up. They looked at each other.

Alastor gave a small bow and gestured towards the door. “By all means, go comfort her.”

John nodded and started towards the door. He paused by the radio demon. “Try not to leave any lasting damage.” The bug commented.

“Well that depends on if they’ll listen or not.” Alastor chuckled.

“Mmmm.” John grunted as he left, following his girlfriend.

Alastor turned towards the ponies. “Now, class, who can tell me why Lorraine got so furious?”

John paused outside of Lorraine’s room. He took a breath before softly knocking. “Lorraine? Sweetie? Can I come in?”

The door opened and the semi-flaming fox face peaked through the crack.

“Ah, you’re still fiery.” He smiled softly. “Care for some company?”

“Yeah.” She replied bluntly.

The fox stepped aside to let the bug in. Said bug immediately took her hand and half-dragged her over to the bed. He then plopped her in his lap so he could wrap his good arm around her in a hug. He rested his chin on her shoulder. “It’s gonna be okay.”

"...Did I overstep?" Lorraine asked softly. "Rarity had a point, but she didn't listen to me, I've been getting paranoid over Pinkie and 'Shy and... I feel bad..."

The vixen stared at her charred wooden hands. "We should be safe, things should be okay now, but it doesn't feel like it."

John shifted his bad arm around to gently take a wooden hand in his massive one. “It’s okay. I’m not surprised you blew up, the ponies really haven’t let up. Even if you went a tad overboard, Rarity still deserved it because she explicitly went against what you said.”

Lorraine bristled, flames crackling. "Pinkie and Fluttershy want to fuck you." she spat as her ears splayed to the side.

“Well, that is true.” John lightly squeezed her with his good arm. “However, I don’t really think of them in that way, if that’s reassuring at all. Really, you’re the only one I wanna fuck at the moment.” He stuck his tongue out at her.

She sighed. "... I-" she cut herself off, struggling to find the words. She spoke up again cautiously. "With everything going on with my biology, I don't trust myself to make sound decisions, I don't feel like I have control over any of this, and I'm starting to feel pressured..."

“Pressured?” John asked, tilting his head a little.

"...Pinkie's comment about letting either you or Alastor sleep with me to sort out my heat struck a nerve..." Lorraine stated. "Add the doubts and worries I have about Fluttershy actually convincing you to... you know... I've been in a pretty bad headspace and I just try to ignore it, like usual."

“Well you don’t have to sleep with anyone, but admittedly the thought is tempting.” He nuzzled her cheek. “Is it that bad at the moment?”

"Remember early on in our relationship when I told you I was worried about being an inadequate girlfriend because wouldn't you better off with someone you could meet in person? Or How I felt bad I don't have a normal sex drive?" she asked.

“Yeah. I remember all of that. And I counter that with, I’m happy just being with you.” John said with a nod. “Plus, now we’re in person. Plus plus, I know all your sex drive triggers, or at least a few of them, darling,” He chuckled “You’re a great girlfriend.”

"...I feel bad though... There's been a few little things I've been hung up about because I'm not thinking straight..."

“I could always make you melt so you don’t have to think about anything.” He hummed with a small smirk.

“Huh?” She blinked.

“To be perfectly blunt. I could quell your heat for the moment. To be more blunt, I could rub you off as you just relax in my arms.” He chuckled softly.

"Oh..." she said, the flames of her body turned pink as she fell silent in embarrassment for a brief moment. "...Um, my uh, next cycle isn't for another hour..."

She cleared her throat, flames snapping back to their orange hue. "I was wondering, what did you mean about Fluttershy being a maybe for the herd?"

“Kinda regretting that honestly.” John winced. “I mean, I was on the same wavelength as her to start. She’s cute, and seems to care, but that’s about it. That and we don’t really know her all that well. Honestly, that might’ve been some of my old flame of attraction slipping through.” He hummed. “However, she and Pinkie have been on the more pushy side lately. Which I don’t appreciate. I don’t like having stuff forced on me, tends to make me shy away and not want to do whatever it is.”

"...I don't like this, you're mine but as soon as they heard we started a herd, purely for legal and security reasons, they think you're fair game... That you'd want to bring more chicks as fuck buddies or something and I've been stuck in a loop of What if that actually happens? I'm torn because you're mine!" she said, her volume growing louder. "I feel like a fuckin' hypocrite because almost everyone here has assumed I'm going to fuck Alastor sooner or later and it pisses me off! Oh thanks girls for impacting my already compromised thought process!"

Her persona form melted away into blue sparkles. Lorraine, now a doe once more, snuggled up to her boyfriend. "I trust you, I love you, sometimes to the point where I have to take a step back because I'm worried I'll scare you off," she explained. "... I'm still worried my fictional crushes will bite me in the arse, or that you'll... want to be intimate with someone else..."

"Sorry," she said almost immediately. "You've been through way worse than me, I shouldn't be like this..."

“Shhhh… It’s okay.” John shushed. “You’re letting it out and that’s good. Listen Lorraine, all I want is you. You’re amazing, and nothing is going to tug me away from that. Also, that’s exactly how I felt about Alastor initially.”

She took a deep breath. "If you were okay with me doing, our usual um, steamy cuddles, with Alastor... I'm not in the headspace to say otherwise. That's how badly this pony peer pressure and harem bullshit has been affecting me, I know I wouldn't be in this situation if I didn't suddenly have a spike in libido every four-five hours."

John’s mouth opened and closed. Half his face screwed up in thought. A grumbling hum rumbled in his chest. “But you’re mine though…”

The doe looked relieved to hear that. "Okay then, I'm just a confused insecure mess because my life is bullshit and hormones... I think I just needed assurance that I don't have to do anything I wouldn't normally do..."

“I’ll always be here.” John nuzzled her again. “It’s gonna be okay. Now, do I need to have a serious talk with the ponies? Well, Pinkie and Fluttershy… and Rarity?”

“Could you? If that’s okay?” Lorraine asked.

“I definitely can.” John nodded. “After I cuddle away your fears.”

"So, toots, feelin' better?" Angel Dust asked as the spider demon led her and John back to the dinning room.

"Mostly." Lorraine admitted.

"Good 'cause Smiles wanted the whole herd present fer the next part of his presentation... I personally think he's wastin' his time but no, we have to give 'em a chance or it could impact the herds reputation..."

“Should I be worried?” John asked, raising his brow despite the fact that he had his hood up.

“With Al… Maybe?” Angel shrugged.

The three reentered the dining room. Twilight had a small pile of papers in front of her, apparently she’d taken notes. Rainbow was sitting next to her and was snickering at whatever note she was reading. Fluttershy was sniffling and was being hugged by an, also sniffling, Pinkie. Rarity just looked rather embarrassed. Alastor was sitting calmly at the head of the table drinking what smelled like tea.

“Yo, brought the love birds.” Angel called out.

“Wonderful.” Alastor’s smile widened as John and Lorraine moved to sit on either side of him, with Angel leaning against Al’s chair.

“Soooo, how’d it go?” John asked, scooting closer to the table a bit.

"I believe they are sufficiently aware of their mistakes, however, I wanted everyone present for this part of the conversation," Alastor explained. His grin was sharp as he addressed the room. "To ensure we're all on the same page, we're going to play a little game of sorts. We will share who we like, romantically or platonically, and why. Do be honest."

"Hey, I know this game!" Angel chimed in. "It's a demon trust exercise, ya gotta be brutally honest, helps get the message across 'cause some of us are just dense like that, right Alastor?"

The spider's knowing grin was met with an eye roll.

Angel snickered. "Alright bitches, whose goin' first?"

Twilight raised a hoof. “I love Lorraine as a sister, though I think I need to get to know John a little more before I can come to a more informed consensus. The same goes for Alastor to be honest.”

“That’s fine. We have time.” John shrugged. “We spend enough time at the library anyway.”

“I think John and Lorraine are cool.” Rainbow spoke up. “No real feelings beyond that, I guess. You guys aren’t all that weird, the more I think about it.”

“Thanks, I guess?” Lorraine said looking slightly confused.

“Ooo! Ooo! Me!” Pinkie bounced up and down.

“Aww, shit.” Angel muttered. “Go ahead.” He said with a sigh.

“I do want to bang John… and Alastor… and maybe Angel.” She took a deep breath in. “But I can’t go and shove myself into somepony else’s relationship, especially if they tell me no.”

“Look, she’s learning.” Alastor chuckled.

“I’m an earth pony, we can be stubborn.” Pinkie frowned at the radio demon.

“Pinkie, if it means anything, I just want you to be happy and I hope you can find someone to make you happy.” John said, gesturing his good hand at her. “Also, preferably somebody that isn’t just there to bang, though knowing you that’s probably going to happen.”

“Probably.” Pinkie giggled, before her smile softened. “But… Thanks. Means a lot.”

"I'm glad I don't need to drag your grandmothers into this mess, they've been rather worried about you young lady," Alastor said sternly and relaxed into his seat. "As for myself, Angel Dust is a dear and valued partner-"

"Aw, love you too Smiles!"

"Don't make this more difficult for me than it already is," the radio demon grumbled. "Ahem, and I hold nothing but respect for Twilight and look forward to talking more with her in the future. As for these two..."

Alastor paused and took a deep breath. "...I absolutely adore Lorraine, her strength of character, her enthusiasm, I wish for nothing more than to treat her properly, with all the care and respect a being of my caliber should," he said and then continued, smile thin and voice deadpan. "I have no desire for sexual intimacy with her whatsoever."

"So your teasing, is just that, teasing?" Twilight asked.

"Of course it is, she likes it, I stop when asked, it is all in good fun," Alastor replied. "And John is a good man, more than worthy of my respect and admiration! I wish nothing but the best for these two!"

“Al, you’re much better than I initially thought. I wish I knew you weren’t some kind of competitor for Lorraine’s affections sooner.” John chuckled as he shook his head. “Either way, you can cuddle her when I’m not able to. In fact, I plan on seeing you pinned between Lorraine and Angel regularly.”

“Wait, no, I have to choose who to get cuddles from?” Lorraine asked, looking between the boys.

“Well, no, you’re gonna be getting them from all of us but in case one of us is missing, you’ll have to make do with one less, I guess.” John paused. “That came out more complicated than I planned.” The hood turned towards Angel. “Angel.”

“Yeah?” Angel looked over at the hooded bug.

“You’re cute.” John stated.

“Bitch, you know it.” Angel smirked at him.

“And while I’m at it.” John continued, looking towards the blue pegasus. “Rainbow, you’re awesome. You’ve gotten much better since we first met.”

“Thanks?” Rainbow tilted her head a little in confusion.

“Fluttershy, you’re cute, but I don’t really see anything beyond that.” John said with a sigh towards the yellow mare. “Sorry.”

“That’s fine…” Fluttershy replied softly. “I think my attraction wasn’t much more than curiosity and a bit of infatuation, I think.” She finished as her cheeks turned pink.

John looked towards the white unicorn. “Rarity, you’ve been a great friend to Lorraine, though your insistence on doing things for free does get on my nerves. And your handling of our herd news was definitely a blow that’ll take a bit to recover from.”

“I… understand.” Rarity replied a little weakly. “I do hope you’ll still accept what I made for you.”

“If you accept being paid for it, of course.” John nodded.

Then the bug looked over at Lorraine. “Lorraine, darling, you are the love of my life and I have no idea what I’d do without you. You’re amazing and adorable, and I am so happy that I ended up here with you.” John was grinning beneath his hood. “I’ll always be here for you, and it’s my mission to protect you and keep you safe.”

There was a chorus of awwwws from the mares and Angel.

Lorraine had a dopey, toothy grin on her face. "Sometimes I feel like love isn't a strong enough word to describe how I feel about you John. I feel safe with you, content to be as weak, as emotional, as vulnerable as I dare to be with you. I take comfort in the two of us just being in the same room doing our own thing. I think you're cute and amazing, and I'm glad to be able to support you as best I can," she grew more serious. "It was a really big deal, starting a relationship with you... You have my heart in your hands..."

There were even more awwws.

“And I don’t know how to respond to that.” John said after a moment. He got up, walked around Alastor and Angel, and knelt next to the doe’s chair so he could hug her. Lorraine accepted the hug somewhat awkwardly.

When she pulled away and John plodded back to his seat, her ears were splayed to the side and she was embarrassed. "Anyway, Twilight's just awesome, it's nice having an honorary sibling again, Dash is cool, Angel Dust is alright I guess? I don't him well enough yet," she added. "I like Alastor, not in the same way I like John, it's like a friendship with romance as opposed to a friendship with benefits. It's different but we're learning and I think he's neat."

"An' I don't wanna fuck him either," she added. "No, just no..."

"A friendship with romance! An excellent way of putting it." Alastor remarked.

“I like that term.” John chuckled. “It’s a cute term.”

“I think somebody’s missin’.” Angel looked over at Rarity.

"No." Lorraine said flatly.

Twilight, ever the voice of reason, spoke up. "At least give Rarity the chance to apologize."

"No, I won't be guilt-tripped," the doe replied calmly. "I'd rather leave things be for now."

“So, we’ll leave that be for now since things are fresh.” John nodded.

“Works for me.” Angel shrugged, pushing away from Alastor’s chair.

“You.” He pointed At Alastor.

“You.” He pointed at Lorraine.

“And you.” He pointed at John.

“You’re all hot in my book.” Angel nodded.

Alastor rolled his eyes.

“Wut.” Lorraine blinked.

“Well I’d fuck ya, if ya’d let me.” Angel chuckled.

“No.” Lorraine said flatly.

“Really?” John tugged his hood down. “Even with this?” He used his bad hand to clumsily gesture at the bad side of his face.

“Are ya kidding? That makes ya hotter.” Angel grinned at him.

“Oh my fucking God, what is this?” Lorraine said through a sigh.

“Wut.” John blinked.

“Ya got that Harvey Dent thing going on.” Angel nodded. “And it’s hot.”

“If you say so.” John commented.

“If yer not down with it, it’s good.” Angel shrugged.

“Just am processing getting complimented by a guy.” John said flatly. “Gimme a few.”

There came a knock at John’s door, rousing the bug from his nap. With a yawn John got up and opened the door. Rarity was on the other side, levitating a box.

“Hello, I have your suit.” Rarity said somewhat awkwardly.

“Oh yay. Cool.” John yawned. “One sec.” He stepped away from the door and rummaged around in a drawer by the bed.

“Are you going to-” Rarity was cut off as John held out a small coin purse.

“For your hard work.” John said, somewhat sleepily.

“Oh you don’t have to-” Rarity was cut off again as John swapped the box out with the coin purse. She blinked, then sighed and shook her head. “Are you going to at least try it on?”

“Later. Sleepy.” John hummed as he set the box on the end table next to the bed.

“But how will you know it fits right?” Rarity was trying to stop herself from whining.

“I’ll fix it.” Mar replied as John flopped back onto the bed.

“Alright.” Rarity sighed again and closed the door, leaving the bug to his nap.

Lorraine had retreated to her room for the day, no one had seen hide nor hair of the doe since her quiet appearance at breakfast. It wasn't helping that Alastor was being possessive (according to Angel Dust anyway), and preventing even the rest of the herd from interacting with her. And John was completely unfazed by the situation when asked.

They could hear music on the other side of the bedroom door. A calming piece that everyone swore they heard somewhere before but couldn't place. It seemed to wind it's way throughout the hotel, creating a calm ambience where tension and stress melted away.

The doe resurfaced at around lunchtime, had her lunch quietly, and returned to her room.

The pattern repeated at dinner, that same, relaxing music still floating in the air.

It was later in the evening that the other members of the herd gathered outside the doe's room.

"You sure she's just having a quiet day?" Angel asked John. "I've never seen her do this before..."

“It’s normal.” John replied. “She just sits and listens to cope, at least that’s as far as I’ve noticed. It’s how she chills and relaxes. Plus, introvert, she’s just introverting more than normal.”

“Eh, if you’re sure.” Angel shrugged.

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Alastor nodded.

“She is, and she’ll come out whenever she’s ready to interact with people.” John said with a nod, only for the door to open, attracting the attention of the group.

Lorraine blinked at the assembly. "Hey."

"Are you alright?" Twilight asked. "Everyone was a bit worried."

"I wasn't." Alastor added.

"Oh, 'm fine." Lorraine replied.

The doe let them in, the music was coming from a bright blue, glowing door open ajar. A door that wasn't supposed to be there. Books lay strewn about her bed. The doe clambered back onto the bed and resumed reading.

“See, she’s nice and cozy.” John nodded.

“Want some company?” Twilight asked, yet clambered up onto the bed anyway to levitate a book.

Angel moved over to plop down next to the bed and relax against it. “Hey, ya needs quiet days every so often.”

“Yeah.” The doe nodded.

“That’s fine.” John sat on the bed between the unicorn and the doe. “Want some company, or should we leave?”

“You can stay, it’s fine.” The doe replied.

“Okay then.” Alastor said before he was dragged down to sit next to Angel. Alastor humphed, before he leaned against the spider.

John just sat and relaxed, closing his eyes and listening to the music. “This is nice.”

The doe nodded again. “Yep.”