Today’s been a far better day so far, for me anyway, in comparison to the last five days. Luna still hasn't shown up, something about royal court sessions, but I believe that it was simply both sisters squabbling. Training had finally kicked in, leaving me more determined than ever before to win this blasted competition. The town has been very, very curious about that night under that stars.

Most of them asked her what I actually looked like, what my cutie mark was, and my personal favourite; was I any good? I got the last one a few times about my alleged partner and simply growled at them in response.

On a side note, a certain weather pegasus had been laughing her flank of every time I tried to intimidate her.

I have, unfortunately, met the rest of the Cutie mark crusaders a couple of days back and boy was that fun. I’m still recovering from the fact that they actually tried to attack me, pouncing like ninjas and telling Applejack to get some rope. Save for Sweetie Belle who calmed them down, after an earth pony and a tomboyish pegasus tried desperately to ‘banish’ me and my wicked ways.

It was both adorable and pathetic.

Anyway, the last I heard of the one called Applebloom was when Big Mac dropped off the last of the apples barrels for me to drag; apparently she has finally found one of those talent stamps on everyone’s backside, and hers is something related to hoola hooping. Her talent, somehow, allows her to perform tricks with the metal ring that goes around a barrel, which then gives her the ability to turn her tail and the ring into a helicopter rotor.

Mine’s an upside down crucifix, from what I’ve gathered, and I have absolutely no idea what that means. Also I have wings and still can’t fly, and she basically drifted off the farm without wings, if I were to believe the stallion.

It’s around eight o’clock here at south side of apple farm, the quiet surroundings were only disturbed by my running with a small train of carts behind me, stuffed with the barrelled bounty found hanging from the trees of the orchard. The jangle of the broken shackles was slightly aggravating, but I had long learned to tune it out.

The approaching night didn’t help me spot the twists and turns on the beaten path, and all I had was my glow to light to way. I had to put more effort into my flames, which was draining considering I had been training for around three and a half hours.

Often, towards the end I would use Rapid Dash to cheat my way through the last stretch, giving a small show for those who stopped by to evaluate my performance.

I say cheat because, well, I’m surprised to say that I’m not much of a long distance runner. I fight, and chasing isn’t so difficult when an escapee or challenger is maimed. Running around an orchard, pulling weights, is not exactly in my job description.

You are out of shape? Wow, that’s kind of… unexpected. M.V.R, my other coach, said as I continued running along the road. The yoke around my chest was starting to chaff with every breath.

In my defence, I fight and kill, I don’t do cross country sprinting, so I’m doing pretty well considering that I’m racing around the farm. I mentally retorted, bounding around the last corner. The apples are all in barrels, each one strapped down and sealed tight, so my only worry is toppling the two carts. The varying shades of green and brown soon opened up to a picturesque sight of an American western barn and a small farm house as the stars came out.

True, but you know dashing requires no effort on your behalf you cheating sod. Just because you want to impress HER doesn’t mean it’s a good excuse you fat sod.

“I’M NOT TRYING TO IMPRESS HER!” I bellowed, forgetting my inside voice. I’m not fat either.

But you’re trying to impress them, but why does that matter? Because there is only one time when you do it, when she’s there.

I do it when I want to finish quicker, and when my competition shows up. So unless you want to say that I fancy a bit of stallion, you can stop right there. I continued, coming down the last stretch. My hooves were on fire, and I mean in the sense that they were throbbing.

Hey, I can’t judge; it’s all about the pleasure. he remarked slyly, chuckling to himself. I honestly have no idea where he gets it from, but for the love of Satan, God, and every abused orphan I wish I knew so I could wipe it off the face of the Earth, Hell, and Equestria.

But on a more serious note, he added nonchalantly, You need to work on your running, so using your ability to cut corners will definitely be noticed. Last thing we need is for you to get disqualified. Once again, I was at one of those moments when he was the voice of reason.

I’ll do it at the start of the real thing, that way it looks like a sprint start. I replied, entering a clearing. Fence panels to my right whizzed by, as did the colourful coats of a few regulars to the farm, whilst there was bit more of clearing to my left; a small patch of green leading towards the hundreds of trees.

“Come on you lazy good for nothing, get your flank moving!” ‘motivated’ my coach from down the road, needless to say his efforts have not been in vain. I have improved; then again it has only been five days of practice, well four seeing as I had to miss a day for something called the ‘Sisterhooves Social.’

Using my ungodly gift, I sped up tremendously, summoning a small dust storm in my wake. My legs moved automatically, numbing in the process. For a few seconds it was as if I hadn’t been running all week, in fact it was as if I didn’t have legs at all. After covering a fair distance I slid to a halt. When the dust settled, as did a few coughing fits from nearby, the first thing I saw was Iron Hoof holding a stop watch.

“Not bad, twenty minutes and twenty three seconds with nearly two hundred and fifty kilos. Were you born part machine?” he asked, pocketing the stopwatch. “Because if you were then you need some repairs, you gotta do better than that.” I collapsed to the floor, panting and glaring at him. The gel on my underside wobbled with every deep breath.

“What do you mean I got to do better? What’s the best time?”

“Nineteen minutes.” He stated, heading over towards a small crate. It had a few bottles of pure, ice cold, refreshing water on its wooden surface as well as a few apples courtesy of the owners of the farm.

“To beat?” I asked, tiredly removing the yoke. Once it came off, after wincing and grimacing due to spent muscles complaining, I rolled onto my back and rested my hoof over my eyes.

“No, to gain entry.” I heard my coach say, walking towards me.

“WHAT?!” I bellowed, flinging my hooves in the air. Groaning I returned to my resting position, only to be further disturbed by a freezing slap. I blinked as steam already began to evaporate off my body. “Thanks?” I stated, with mild irritation.

“Don’t mention it, and don't forget this ain't no amateur competition; it's a big league beast. Come on, I think you’re done for the day. You need some rest.” the cream colt said, hoisting me up. He handed me a bottle, and we moved towards the exit. Under an arch way, titling the plot of land as Sweet Apple Acres, were three familiar figures.

“So I hear you and, err, Miss Sparkle had something a while back.” I choked on my drink, spluttering as I tried to burn a stare into him. “Out on a path as well, guess you’re more of a nature boy eh?” He nudged my shoulder, giving me a playful grin. I swear if I had any energy left in me I would put him through a tree.

“Not you too Iron Hoof.” I sighed, looking ahead. I spotted a familiar librarian, the Element of Honesty, and what I believed to be the little filly who tried to clamp my maw shut when Sweetie Belle introduced us.

“I’m just messing with yer, mate. You say you wouldn’t do anything like that then I guess I believe you. You’re a nice fella, can’t see you doing something like that to hurt her or at all if you didn’t put your heart into it.”

“It’s nice to know that the ponies think I was a Casanova and wooed her into a night of passionate lovemaking under the stars,” I remarked sarcastically, before taking another sip of water, “but that was not the case. I still can’t believe Dash got news out that fast.” We both continued walking, me recalling the amount of times that I was either given a dirty look, congratulation, or simply a giggle from the folks of this town.

“Is Miss Cheerilee still giving you the stink eye?” he asked, restraining a smirk. I instinctively rubbed my cheek, looking back at him.

“Beats the slap she gave me for swearing near her school. Apparently, once Sweetie Belle said it was me, she stormed out of the classroom and hunted me down.”

“I even heard that, pal. After word got around this small town that it was you, a lot of colts started thinking you got her pregnant.” He laughed, and I had to admit it was a funny enough thought to earn an amused sigh.

“Howdy fellas, how did the training go?” Looking up, I saw that Applejack was close by and wore the largest grin on her face. Beside her I spotted an unusual sight, and not just the way that Twilight had styled her mane similar to how Rarity had hers.

Ooooh, she can role play. Dye her white and you can have the other unicorn as well. Ignoring his comment, I stretched out.

“Hey girls; I’m knackered and in dire need of rest.” I replied, glancing over to Twilight and Applebloom. The little yellow filly had a pale lemon coat, but her personality was far from sour. Her red mane was the nest of a rather large bow, but I noticed that she was now balancing two spinning disks on the top of her head.

“New trick? Get bored of the hoop already?” I asked the little filly.

“No, ah’m just…err,” Apple Bloom paused to yawn, but afterwards gave a large smile, “really talented like. I’ve got TWO cutie marks.” She showed me her flank, right after shimmying the spinning hoop along her tail and up her neck. It did strike me as odd that she had two whereas everyone else had one, but then again, what do I know?

“Wow, see I told you being patient was worth it.” I remarked, earning a slightly uneasy smile. I was too tired to investigate the matter further, but I gathered that something wasn’t right. Whilst her smile said she was pleased, to say the least by what she told me a few days ago, the way her eyes shifted slightly told a different story entirely.

“Yeah, that’s it. You were all right.” She rolled her eyes and flashed another innocent smile. I turned to see Twilight beaming a smile at the little filly, before catching my curious stare.

“Hello Magma, hey Hoof, so has he improved?” she asked, looking past me. I knew that she spotted me staring at her mane; I found that, for some reason, it was rather… alien on her. Not necessarily bad, she did pull it off very nicely, but it wasn't her.

“I've turned this costumed moron into a decent runner, but he’s still got a lot of work to do; I’ve got a feeling that after this it will get easier with the more strength orientated challenges.” he replied, giving me another dig into my shoulder.

“Why exactly am I a moron?” I replied defensively, arching a plated brow.

“Well, you melted your zipper.” He pointed out. I nodded, supporting the lie that I was indeed trapped within this horrific creation of my own. When I opened my eyes, I still found the Apple Bloom spinning those disks and that hoop.

“You going to go all night?” I asked.

“Of course not.” She giggled and smiled back at me. “In fact I was about to hit the hay, goodnight Mr Magma Vein.” The little filly then bounced off, still miraculously displaying her new found talents. Applejack soon followed, bidding us farewell as we departed the orchard. Iron Hoof remained behind, deciding to be a gentlecolt and pack the cart away in the barn for the mare. Of course he unloaded a few barrels first.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soon it was once again me and Twilight strolling the streets of Ponyville, making idle chatter about the day events. The soft clatters of our hooves were drowned by the laughter we sometimes shared, or by the greetings a few ponies gave us. What followed was the recurring awkward silence when a few ponies came to bestow their blessing upon our ‘relationship’, endorsed by the speedy newsflash that was Rainbow Dash. Thankfully she was now telling others that she had it all wrong, however she was doing it at a considerably slower rate. Given that this was the faster flyer in Equestria, I could only assume she was doing it out of amusement.

“I blame you for this,” she said breaking another silence. This one was the after the worst questions somepony could ask, right as I’m standing next to her.

“Me?” I responded, slightly offended. She gave me a harsh glare, but I did not falter. “You keep saying these suggestive comments!”

“I thought she meant your actual height, not the size of your-“

“So you say that I am ‘bigger’ than most of the guards you’ve met in Canterlot?” I replied, receiving, yet, another burning stare.

“I was trying to give Aloe a height reference!” That comment was the last one for a while, sealing off any attempt at pleasant conversation for a while. “It’s your fault for getting me to sleep ALONG SIDE you,” she finally added.

“Excuse me, I was being polite and stopping you from waking up with a cold.” I retorted, slightly annoyed. “I never stopped you from going home, and you did want to see that stars with me, so…” To show how much of a mature adult I was about the situation, to prove that my logic and reason was undoubtable, I stuck my tongue out.

She huffed, and started using her magic to use my tongue as a lead to drag me for couple of meters. I held my ground for a while, drawing out the last of my energy reserves stored in my hooves, but soon gave under the unrelenting force of her magic. My tongue whipped back in, feeling as if it had actually been stretched a couple of inches.

I was determined to strike a decent topic to restore my orange glow, instead of the slightly pink tinge I was emanating, as we approached the tree house.

“You know, don’t tell Rarity this but,” I said, walking faster to reach the Library door before her. She cocked an eyebrow, still holding a slightly unimpressed look. Holding the door open, I welcomed her in as she kept her head high, and said “you pull that mane style off better than she does.” I spied a smile grin sprout on her face as she look over her shoulder slightly.

“But then again, your last style was just as good. Mind telling me why you changed?” Stepping in, I noticed Spike bounding around. He appeared to be moving books from the center of the table to what I assumed was their rightful position amongst the shelves.

Such an act was not uncommon during my stay here, but the newest feature was the hound stepping out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist and a frilly bath cap covering his ears. His jacket was by the center table, hung over a chair along with his collar.

“Thanks, Apple Bloom did for me, somehow, with that hoop of hers.” She glanced back whilst blinking. “It’s strange that she has two cutie marks, normally a pony only gets one. This is extremely rare. I might do a bit of research on the phenomenon.”

“Oh hey guys, how was your training session, Mags?” Spike chimed as he whizzed passed with a stack of books.

“Sparkle Pony looks like Whining Pony- err, looks like Rare Pony, yes. Pretty Purple Pony.” complemented Spot, walking across the landing whilst waving to us. He shared a room with Twilight, occupying the spare bed she reserved for sleep overs. I guess she didn’t offer it me as my spikes would turn it into a pin cushion.

“Awww, thanks Spot,” Twilight said, beaming happily. I was little disappointed, seeing as I made that sort of comment first, with much more class and appeal I might add.

“I am exhausted, mate. I could collapse on the floor and sleep tomorrow away.” I replied to Spike as he scurried back, giving him a quick bro hoof/claw on the way past.

“I know how you feel; I’m always racing up ladders and stairs keeping this library in great shape.” He collected another compilation of books as Twilight headed upstairs towards her room, but paused at the top.

“That’s why you’re my number one assistant, Spike.” Once the reptile finished putting more books on the top shelf, he turned around and gave a salute whilst still standing on the ladder. She continued heading towards her room, me still watching her, as she slowly closed the door giving me a smile before it shut.

Looking away from her door, I noticed that both pairs of eyes were on me. Closing the front door, I headed towards the centre table, feeling their glances study me. There were a few remaining books so I figured I’d help out if it led to me being able to sleep here early.

The other option was the basement, but there were a surprising number of flammable chemicals housed at the bottom of the Library.

“Magma Pony like what he sees?” Spot remarked, coming down the stairs whilst removing his bathing cap.

“Her mane? Yeah it’s alright, she looked better before but she kind of pulls it off.” I replied casually, trying to avoid any pitfalls.

“You saying it makes her look bad?” Spike asked, summoning a surprising amount of gusto. Guess brotherly love was strong as ever.

“Never, she always been…well, you know...” I found myself pausing, earning a slight grin from the hound as he sat at the table.

“Well, I heard what you did to her, shame one you!”

“Dash told you didn’t she? Spike, that never happened. Miss Sparkle was cold so I used my natural heat to keep her warm by using my wing. I guess she must have thought it was her duvet whilst sleeping and wound up being rolled up like the scrolls she makes you send to Celestia.” I explained. It seemed to be deemed a worthy response, if not a plausible one.

“Alright, but if you hurt Twi, I’ll-”

“Fight a demon who can manage to put a few guards into the infirmary?” I asked, pointing out the flaw in his threat.

“You… what?”

I had to explain my crimes, barring the Diamond Dog incident, and remind him that I was in fact a demonic entity. I probably didn’t need to, but I had to reassure at least one of us that I was. Last time I didn’t, Spot lost a lot of colleagues and I couldn’t look Twilight in the eye for a while.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night came swiftly upon us, and our combined efforts helped get Spike into bed quicker, much to his delight. Spot had been offering beverages a lot recently, a by-product of working in a tavern and serving many a thirsty pony. Sadly, all were non-alcoholic here, but the tea he was making wasn’t refused.

Sitting back, finally unwinding with a warm beverage between my hooves, I released a merry sigh. Nostalgic moments filled my mind, the drinks were different in Hell, but a hot drink after work often did hit the spot. Pleasant company, much like Sapphire Hue, was greatly appreciated as well.

“Magma Pony did not say what Sparkle Pony has always been.”
His, however, was welcomed like a flesh eating virus, or in my case: Plate rot.

“What do you mean? Didn’t think I had to say it.” I replied, giving him a scrutinising glance over my mug of tea.

“Well, Spot knows, Spot won’t say.” he reassured, believing in something he fabricated.

Really, it’s a lie? M.V.R added.

Of course it is; I don’t have feeling for a… Twilight.

Oh? Gone past ‘pony’ and now actually accepting the possibility? But just not with her, right?

“There’s nothing going on between us. There CAN’T be anything between me and a pony.” I replied sternly, answering both questions. I lowered my blue mug, moments before his hit the table. He returned a glare of his own, before wiping his lips.

“Demon Pony can’t, but Magma Pony could.” he replied, earning a roll of the eyes from me. He stood up, collected his jacket and collar and faced me. “You want to try, but cannot because you are killer pony.” He slipped into his jacket and began to put on his collar.

“Well, Snake Pony is Killer Pony, you are,” he paused to spin his paw around, “Good Pony?”

“Thanks, I guess, but look,” I said before sighing. “Even if, hypothetically, I wanted to ask her out, I don’t see how it could work out; I would out live her, I am a monster by your standards, compelled to bring about the apocalypse, and have a psychotic serpent trying to break free.” At that moment, my flames shifted to navy sea colour, briefly thankfully.

“But if it was only Magma Pony, never to be Demon Pony again, would you?” He walked towards the front door, still staring at me over his shoulder.

I thought about it, I actually did. Normally it was open and shut topic, but this scenario, this alternate universe, actually made me consider if me and her could be. Any time I did persuade myself it might possibly I was reminded of the real world situation.

This is so BORING now. Just admit it, you would.

I’ll ask this because YOU said that: I would what, exactly?

Bang her until her horn drilled through the head board.

Typical.

Stay with her for the rest of your life, because you simply want to see her in the mornings and nights. Live each day to simply prove your worth to her, even in the smallest of ways. Give her your once beating heart so that she can breathe life into it once more.

Needless to say, I was completely flabbergasted. Thankfully when I dropped the mug it landed neatly on the table, contents intact. That was a rather mushy, non-sexually intended, speech that came from M.V.R.

You know, that pile of horse crap. Well, it was a miracle whilst it lasted.

“Spot leaves Magma Pony to think carefully. Sparkle Pony is really nice to Spot,” the aged hound commented opened the door, letting in a slithering, icy breeze.

“Where you going?” I asked, moments from drinking out of my mug.

“Spot working late tonight; Berry Pony needs help so Spot helps. Earning extra bits for over time.” Shortly after he left the library. I found myself victim to my own, and unfortunately M.V.R’s, thoughts as I began to prepare for sleeping. The fatigue of running for a couple of hours was taking its toll, so I often found myself lazily snuffing candles, yawning as I prepared my sleeping mat, and wincing as aching muscles began to scream in pain.

I’ll be incredibly happy when I’m armoured plated again; muscles and flesh wear easily. I thought staring at my hooves. I was in my resting position, lying on my stomach, hind legs tucked in, but had my fore hooves outstretched. They were muscular, a dreary cloud grey, and baffled me completely.

It’s a bit weird that you’re not completely a demon pony.

It’s like I was meant to be completely from the underworld, but something stopped the change.

Could be that Discord; a god can, practically, do whatever they please. Still doesn’t make sense though.

Well, he is meant to be the Spirit of Chaos, not a god per se. Still, sending me was bad enough. The hooves seem a bit like overkill. Maybe that’s the reason. I thought, tucking them back in. My plates slotted together neatly, the traces of orange disappearing as each crack was sealed. The room began to darken, leaving a subtle orange hint on objects I gazed at.

Might give the upper hand though; if you have to do a blood test do you think you’ll have, like, normal mortal blood? It was an interesting thought, one that made me study my fore hoof a second time. After a while, I reverted back to being a lumpy rock, resting on a blanket, and drifting off into a blissful night’s sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Well, well. Looksss like somebody is getting rather comfffortable.” He hissed, half of his face peering through that reflective barrier. I made out two ghostly images; I could see me and M.V.R on my side, still chained up as it seems, and half of Blood Rages sinister serpent smile fading into existence on the other.

“I thought you were meant to be taking a nap.” M.V.R pointed out, rustling his chains.

“To them I am dormant, that isss what they wished. I don’t rest in that traditional sense; hibernation is sssimply a term to say I won’t interfere for ssspecific time period.” The beast’s grin grew larger as his reptilian eye shifted to focus on me. “Three months, is what they wanted from me. Not you.”

“You’ve got a point to this board meeting?” I asked, glaring at my alter ego.

“Don’t get complacent, little demon, I have been listening to you,” his eye once again shifted, this time to the empty seat next to me, “both. I do not agree with this. So I have another proposition.”

“Why, last time we met like this you were eager for a kid. What’s the matter, got cold feet?” I retorted, chuckling at his expense with a harsh frown.

“I do not have feet in thisss form.” he deadpanned, earning a small snigger from M.V.R.

“You get my point, what’s made you change your mind?”

“You’re getting distracted from our firssst agreement; I can tell you are not searching for sinsss any longer.”

“I didn’t think I had to, besides, it’s not as if you don’t have enough essence to survive. Both pure and dark somewhere hidden over there, right?” I said accusatively. His eye widened, leaving a brief pause. I gathered he had formulated a plot, nothing beneficial for me judging by the diabolic smirk.

“Well, that does put thingsss into perspective.” He started laughing darkly, backing away from the barrier. I heard a rustle of chains before I saw a small shimmer of light.

Magma Vein, wake up! a feminine voice cried out, echoing around the chamber.

“It seemsss our time is short,” he said returning to the barrier, “I’ll be quick, at the end of the second month, you will not return to the home of the goddess. Instead, you will disappear from the habitants.”

“Is that an order or a bargain? How will that help us get home?” M.V.R quickly sniped. I couldn’t help but agree with him, wincing as the bright light illuminated the entire prison cell. It was intense enough to cause a glare form the reflective barrier, but not so much that I couldn’t see around my half of the room.

“Why would I ever choose to do that?” I asked, leaning forward in my seat.

“Both command and the better option for you.” He suddenly crackled madly, hissing between breathes. “Because if you don’t, that little equine is all mine.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TAPPA TAP TAPPATETEY TAP…

It was an unusual sound to wake up to, that of the rather rhythmic strikes of hooves. Or so I assumed, last I checked there were no tap dancers present nor were there any Morris dancers.

Then, squinting incredibly hard, Apple Bloom came into view, dancing a four hooved jig.

“Err, Twilight?” I asked out loud, watching the purple mare stroll by.

“Sorry for waking you Magma, but we have a little problem.” She gestured to the still dancing filly, who was admittedly rather talented when you consider how she was still spinning plates and that hoop on her tail.

“What, you jealous of her having more than one talent or something? Seems a bit petty don’t you think?” I asked, slightly annoyed. My meeting with Rage resurfaced, like a repressed memory breaching through and bearing its terrible knowledge along with it.

“No,” she said slightly offended. I guess she got the gist that I don’t like being disturbed, especially after meeting my partner in heinous crimes. “Something’s wrong, she can’t’ stop.”

“I guess that is an issue, but why am I awake?” By now I noticed her mane had returned to its regular, Twilight patented style.

“Cause you were fussing up a storm right there, partner. Bad dream?” I turned to face my right, standing up as my plated noisily slid out.

“Hey Applejack; it kind of was. It was one of those ‘it looks bad but hadn’t reached it yet’ nightmares.” I replied, rubbing the back of my head. Applejack gave me a slightly worried look, as she walked closer to her sister.

“I know the type, right know I’m kind of feelin’ like this is a bad dream.” she replied, the look of concern on her face was directed at her little sister this time. Apple Bloom continued dancing away, helpless to what was apparently her body’s will rather than her own.

It’s like she possessed.M.V.R commented, earning a silent nod in agreement from me. After releasing a yawn, I spied Twilight searching amongst the books nearby.

“Three cutie marks. Three talents. I've never seen anything like it! I was just reading something about unusual equine illnesses. What was it?” Twilight said, levitating a book, giving it a quick study before re-shelving it.

Upon repeating the process with another tome, Spike chipped in from atop a ladder, saying “Perplexing Pony Plagues, perhaps?” He hopped of the top, landing upon Twilight as she chose to heighten her backside to smooth the landing. I may have… glanced at the motion, but chose to quickly set aside any thoughts before M.V.R could have his way with them. He slid along her back, resting before the back of her neck with a book in one claw.

“Yes, Spike, you're amazing!” she chimed, to which he replied with a slight sense of modesty.

“Yes, well, I do have my talents.”

Whilst she started looking up plagues, which did not bring a single ray of sunshine to my otherwise dreary day, I decided to hold a debate with my mental colleague. By mental, I mean in both sense of the word.

I think I should tell her about our meeting. I put forward, absent mindedly looking at the mares and reptile.

Oh yeah, let’s not just cause alarm to the student of the goddess of the sun, but let’s also piss off the bastard who can escape and fuck with this world. And not in the sense that I would prefer.

I’m going to tell her, I don’t think he has been awake long enough. He must sleep, you said so yourself. I’ll tell her then, we need to work around his sleeping patterns.

That’s actually a good idea, oh, and heads up. Before I could react, I saw a small purple projectile hurdle towards me. It stopped, inches away, hovering on its own.

“Huh?” Spike asked, floating in mid-air. He fell to the ground, abruptly, still looking up to me at with a quizzative stare.

“You’re welcome.” said an unknown voice, pulling both mine and Spike’s attention to a mirror left against a desk. I believe it belonged to Spot so he could double check himself before he left for work. It leant against the wall, my mirror image giving a small wave. I grinned and looked back at the assistant, winking back at his perplexed expression.

“Random cutie marks appeared all over the ponies' bodies, causing them to perform all the talents that came with them!” Twilight said with worry laced in her tone of voice. We all turned out attention to Apple Bloom, still parading around as her own talent show.

“Just like me!” she cried.

“Yes, but what's the cure? What's the cure?!” questioned her sister, fidgeting slightly in anxiety. Twilight returned to reading the books, and after a quick a glance over, she made a silent gasp.

“It says here there is no known cure,” she commented with her ears flattening.

In one voice, the others responded with a terrified “No known cure?!” I was remaining silent, occasionally returning to my mental debate about my brief dream sequence.

“The cause of the breakout was never discovered,” she said before glancing over her shoulder, “and the cutie pox disappears as mysteriously as they arrived!”

I heard a wind chime emanating opposite me. I gave Apple Bloom curious look as she studied her flank. Only then did I notice these, apparently all important, cutie marks she had been receiving by some unknown force. There was a silver ring, similar to the one spinning on her tail; two dishes, supported by what appeared to be brown sticks, and a tap dancing shoe. That one stumped me completely, so much so I didn’t see the last mark.

Not that it didn’t make sense that it would be her talent, given that she was still putting on a good show, but it was the fact it was a human tap dancing shoe. Why do ponies have human tap dancing shoes rather than horseshoes? For that matter, why do they have taps or door knobs? I have opened a few jars of mayonnaise whilst I’ve been staying here, and the thought only just struck me.

You know what? Fuck it, this world was somehow forged by the insanity of Discord, or Pinkie Pie, with humans in mind. I just know it. My musing was brought short when I heard an odd sound.

“Sacrebleu ! Plus de marques de cutie!” My eyes light expanded, I guess that’s what happens when I go wide eyed. She puckered her lips as if she eaten something dreadfully sour, before gasping. “Qu'est-ce c'est?! Je parle français?!”

“My sister's speakin' in fancy!” panicked Applejack. Thinking that Apple Bloom might be having translation difficulties, I stepped in.

Hell isn’t just for English speaking mortals, and well, haunting both America and England can get boring after a while. It’s nice to travel to other areas celebrating Halloween, besides I’ve done a few retrievals of demons in Paris.

“Oui, vous êtes en mesure de toujours comprendre l'anglais, Apple Bloom?” I asked, worried about if she could still understand English. I earned a rapid nod from the filly, who looked completely horrified. I guess suddenly understanding French is terrifying on its own.

“Quel est l'anglais?” she replied, temporally confused before panicking once more. I suppose I should have said ‘do you still understand Equestrian’, rather than ‘English’. Trouble is that the closest thing I could think of would be ‘do you still understand horse?’.

“It’s spreadin’!” I heard Applejack yell. Turning around I faced her small grin.

“No, I just have a decent level of French under my belt. I was just checking if she needed a translator for her.”

“She needs help!” said Twilight, glancing between us.

“Ah know she needs help!” she replied, slightly agitated. Twilight and Spike flinched as the apple farmer shot them an angry glance. She returned worried look to Apple Bloom as she said, “We can't just wait for this to go away! We gotta find somepony to mix up a cure! And fast!”

Apple Bloom yelled something I didn’t quite pick up on, whilst attempting to retrace it, I heard Twilight say “…Some Zebra.”

“Zecora.” Applejack said in revelation.

“Alright, let’s go see if she can help Apple Bloom.” I added, slightly entranced by the filly’s movements. A thought interrupted my focus, or more precisely a question.

“Hey, where’s Spot?”

“I don’t know, I think he might still be working. I’d ask you to check, but I thought that since this is an emergency you could help us out.” Twilight responded, already heading out of the door with Spike on her back. Applejack shortly followed, nudging the dancing younger sister out.

“Could you please check up on him when we are done here?” she pleaded, the morning light captured in her sparkling eyes. I sighed, thinking that I was going to be immune to the normal hysterics this town had to offer.

“Point the way and I’ll follow.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Possessed: spurred or moved by a strong feeling, madness, or a supernatural power.

One thing’s for sure, if this is what teens had to go through here then I’m glad I grew up as a human. This force was actually starting to scare me a little. We bound around the town, disturbing a few of the residents, all the while my legs complained. However one of us was failing to keep up. Apple Bloom was trailing behind, going as fast as her dancing hooves would let her.

“Hurry, hurry!” said Applejack, the love of her sister still expressed through mortal concern.

Applebloom replied with the French translation of hurry, begging to her hooves to allow her the mercy of running to Zecora’s. What happened next, however, left me speechless.

I gawked as out of nowhere, another mark flashed on her flank. Out of the blue, much like the stone column she headed for. Suddenly she transformed it into a beautiful stature of a mare in a clam shell. I thought it seemed familiar, but my knowledge of human art seemed to have disintegrated, as did a few of the pictures in my memory banks. Another quirk I found out of place was the way she used her tail to block her genitals; from what I’ve gathered everpony is sheathed.

After another brilliant flash on her rump, she shot off to a roof top and started scrubbing the chimney. Do cutie marks give you the tools you need to perform you talent? Is that their brand of magic? She didn’t stop there either; every mark that was printed into her compelled her to perform new feats.

Onlookers were simply captured by the performance, whilst my mind was simply trying to comprehend where the accordion came from. Then, suddenly, Apple Bloom was taming lions, whip and stool included. Instantly I charged in, rescuing her from the beasts, but before I could get away, the hoop around her slapped me and she bounced off into the distance. Meanwhile, the lions were looking very upset and rather hungry.

One leapt towards me, earning a terrified shriek from a mare close by. Instinctively I bucked out, but the sound of a gong going off caused me to look back with a bewildered expression. All I saw was a lion flying into the wall of a cottage before the other two pounced.

A violet light blinded me, and before I knew it, I was next to Twilight. She gave me a terrified glance, before turning to face the charging lions. Applejack and Twilight stepped back, whereas I came between the beasts and the girls. Growling, I eyed both predators, my mind buzzing in a disoriented state, bumping into different ideas.

Then, after my mind finished fumbling about, I expanded my wings and flared a tremendous amount of fire. The cats skidded to the halt, attempting to back up as the inertia continued pushing them closer.

Twilight stepped forward and shot two bolts purple energy towards them. Upon impact they appeared dazed, their heads and eyes visibly spinning before they collapsed into each other, bumping heads with conk.

“Thanks, Twi. Thought I was going to have test the nine lives rumour.” I commented.

“Thanks for stepping in to save Apple Bloom, Mags, come on lets go find her!” Applejack said hurriedly, galloping down the street after her sister.

“Thanks for trying to defend us just then, it was smart thinking to seem bigger and more intimidating.” Twilight added, following the farmer. I kept up and noticed how my flames dyed to a glorious yellow.

When we caught up to Apple Bloom, the fun didn’t stop. She was fencing one minute, then somepony referred to her being cursed. Next she was tight rope walking between two houses at least three stories up by the time someone else claimed she was hexed. Now the next one ‘talent’ she picked up on was perhaps the most irritating of the lot; hang gliding.

Wow, she doesn’t even have wings and yet she is still flying. You’ve been out done by a kid. mocked M.V.R, adding to the minor frustration I had with operating my wings.

Tell me about it. I thought it was complete rubbish when Big Mac said she could fly like a helicopter. Or a ‘do the Hoopla’ as he actually said.

You know, with wings, you could be look for sins a lot easier. Try not to eat the poor sods this time, alright?

Believe me that’s the last thing on my mind; after this tournament I’ll get back to my duties I guess.
It made sense to try and stay on Blood Rage’s good side, for the moment at least. I don’t want to trigger him in some way by not performing my duties. Problem is, finding out where how to full fill them without resorting to murder.

Perhaps give that racist a taste of his own medicine? You could track him right? M.V.R put forward, earning a small smile on my maw. I was glad he was of some use, besides being able to catch Spike and make lewd comments about potential partners.

“CUTIE POX?! AAAAARRRGH!” My mind was returned to the world, as every single pony screeched and ran in separate directions, a large majority seemed to bolt out of town towards the hills in a flurry of wings and dust. Doors slammed, shutters were sealed tightly, and then a deathly silence. Spike had disappeared, probably dragged away from this deadly plague by a ‘good citizen’ of Ponyville, so Twilight, Applejack, and I stood on the cobble stone floor speechless.

I was startled when a voice spoke behind us.

“I thought I had removed their fear the last time that I visited here. But, doors are barred and shutters shut, guess I should've stayed inside my hut.” the zebra said, her disappointment shown by how she pointed her snout to the sky.

“Zecora!” exclaimed Twilight, “Apple Bloom has cutie pox! We were just on our way to see if you had a cure!”
Applejack then stepped beside the zebra in question, saying “But magically you're here! Was your zebra sense a-tinglin'?” She waggled her eyebrows for emphasis.

“My 'zebra sense' did not bring me round, it was a special flower that I needed found. I thought I picked enough to fix all the potions I had to mix, but after my visit from Apple Bloom, some had mysteriously left my room.” Zecora replied, walking over to the filly. Once again I found myself perplexed by this world as she was lifting a thousand kilogram dumb bell with her tail.
I think I’ve got my work cut out for me in this Steel Pony competition.

”Apple Bloom! What do you say? Did this flower just walk away?” interrogated Zecora. She earned a small murmur form the littlest Apple.

I was interested to see how they dealt with the petty theft here in Ponyville, but once again they seemed forgiving as Zecora offered cure, hidden in a cryptic message. The cure was, not so surprisingly, a magical flower that only grows when the truth is revealed. Apparently it’s very, very picky, seeing as Pinkie admitted to eating three times more corn cakes that she was supposed to.

The sheer audacity of such a diabolic deed, right?

My gaze never left Apple Bloom; I was compelled to watch as she suddenly starting spinning like a red and yellow Twister. Amazingly, the dishes and hoop was still spinning. The Pink wailing mare cried for the chaotic event to cease and rest, however, the force behind the cutie pox had other ideas. As did the plant that was mean to sprout, apparently.

Apple Bloom, having dropped the foreign vocabulary, said “Wah, I can't stand it anymore! It's me! I admit it! I didn't earn my cutie mark! They're all fake!” she stopped spinning, the rest of us focusing on the dirt mound where the seeds were planted.

“I figured the Heart's Desire would help me get what I wanted most! So when Zecora left her hut, I mixed up a special potion and put the rest of the Heart's Desire in it!”

Then, right before my burning eye flames, a small green tendril reached out of the ground. The sprouting plant reached its maximum height, right before blossoming into a dove white flower, with rosy sepals underneath the pure white petals.

There was a chorus of “Oooohs” from the slowly emerging townsfolk, right before an audible chomp.

Apple Bloom gulped heavily before releasing a deep sigh. Collapsing to the floor, I recognised a familiar expression of exhaustion on her face, a few sparkles shimmered across her body as mark by mark the talent stamps disappeared.

“Really, she just needed something to eat? There were plenty of weeds on the way over here.” I pointed out, earning a scowl from the owner of the garden I was gesturing towards.

“It is not a simple as small meal; the magic from the plant of truth is to heal. No matter the injury, how small or severe, this plant can even quell any mortal fear.” The rhyming alchemist added, turning to face me. She eyed my form, with a small look of terror, before glancing between me and Twilight with a sly smile.

Before she could speak, Apple Bloom gained her attention with an apology. From the heart as I guessed, it was sweet, this whole ordeal I was dragged through, but bloody hell it made my head hurt. Magic is incomprehensible when you’ve lived on life as a human.

I now hate it with a burning passion… better not tell my land mare that.

Wow, this is different. Remember that soul who was stole from a noble man, the one who was caught eating his dinner in the kitchen.

I’ve been a demon for only thirty years, which case are you referring to? The one who was brought up a level, or the one I tore in half?

The second, I bet he could have done with this sort of happy ending. By the way, did you see that zebra.

Really, her too?

Well obviously, I’d make those rings jangle till they shook lose. But I think she just found out about that rumour you wish was true.

It’s not- YOU want it to be true, I want to get home!

“With each mistake you learn something new, growing up to a better you.” I wish I had been paying more attention, honestly. This herbalist must have drunk something, because she had vanished in the blink of an eye. Maybe she knows a few invisibility potions, seemed like a far fetch at first, but after this morning it seems logical. We each took a glance around, looking for Zecora, but Twilight decided to speak up.

“Apple Bloom, would you mind writing to Princess Celestia and telling her what you've learned?”
Apple Bloom, sitting on her haunches, wore a merry smile plastered on her muzzle. “I'd be happy to, Twilight! Spike?” As if on cue, bolting from out of thin air, the little reptile arrived with a red quill in his claw and a scroll in the other.

“Ready.” He said, a tiny hint of determination in his jade eyes.

“Dear Princess Celestia, waiting for what your heart desires can be really hard. So, you may try to take a shortcut. But this dishonesty never works, because you didn't earn what your heart desired. The only cure is being honest with yourself, and others. And that's something every heart desires.”

Heart’s desire, huh? Being honest with yourself and others? Seems a bit over board don’t you think? I asked myself, a smirk on my lips due to the sentiment.

Think about it, Maggy boy, heart’s desire and being honest with yourself. Sound familiar, Mr Denial? I glanced over to Twilight, holding a feigned smile this time as she beamed back. That’s right, now tell me you wouldn’t if you could. I could imagine the smug grin plastered on his face.

Hey I can see these images too, I am not that ugly. Oh, wait, I’m you, HA!

“Hey Twi, I’m going to go off and find Spot. I don’t think Berry’s gonna work him for this long, and I’m getting a bit worried about him.” I said, nodding towards the end of the street.

“Okay, but if I even sense alcohol on you, you’re sleeping outside tonight.” she warned, earning a small chuckle from Spike and Applejack. That lovely tint of crimson returned to her cheeks as her ears flattened briefly. “What? I can’t have him being drunk!”

“Of course not, but you two are at it like an old married couple. Let me guess, she steals the covers right?” she said with a cheeky wink. I groaned and face palmed, before storming off, leaving small cracks with each step.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a long walk, mostly because the pub was on the same road that led out of town, meaning that a lot of returning ponies blocked my path a couple of times. Navigating the crowd gave me time to think, unfortunately, not enough time to clear up my thoughts on a particular subject.

Her; she had been nothing short of understanding, although I guess she doesn’t know the entire story yet, even so I’d probably be getting a hard time without her. Compassionate, and surprisingly fun for a bookworm.

Sapphire Hue was similar, although she was more outgoing and surprisingly secretive. There were things she never told me; strange trivial things such as where she was trained, who her parents were; often she would avoid coming with me any events involving the really important demons of Hell.

With my mind buzzing about Twilight, I forgot to look up as I bumped into a familiar pony.

“Ouch,” cried the xenophobe, “hey I’m walking here, freak!” If it wasn’t for that last part I probably would have been much nicer, despite my mood. Probably.

“Congratulations, I’ll give you your medal when you learn to watch where you going, knob head.” I declared, passing the orange unicorn.

“Hey you walked into me pal; you’re just as bad as that filthy mongrel.” His look of disgust shifted into a vile grin. “Good luck finding him.” He held that dark smile, halting me in my tracks.

“What did you say?” I asked, reverting to my authoritive tone I used on undisciplined guards. In fact, I was considering punishing him the same way, seeing how he reeked of hate. It was disgusting, and abundant, similar to the stench of manure.

“You going to pick up your fuck buddy too? That piece of flank looked hardly satisfied whenever anypony asked her about you. That slut needs a real stallion, might introduce myself and find a bush somewhere.” In response I froze on the spot, my fangs slowly creeping out along with a animalistic growl.

Nothing would save him know.

Fuck Celestia and her rules.

Dude, cook him.M.V.R commented, as I readied myself, prone to tearing him a new arsehole with that horn of his. It felt good knowing he was on my side when it came to upholding Twilight’s image.

“Say that one more time, come on, I dare you.”

=================================================================================================

Here it is my viewers, the update I have been waiting to... update! Sorry if I have been neglecting you guys, been rather busy. For those that care, yeah college is going well and is a lot less stressful. For those that don't, well, the more you know right?

Hope you enjoyed it.