I awoke the next morning, I was scared. Something was taking over me. On top of that, two plates on my back were starting to feel cramped and itchy. I kept my mind off it by reading through the day, but last night always resurfaced after 10 minutes. Soon it was nightmare night.

Aaaahh Halloween. The young gallivanting door to door searching for precious treats, whilst hidden in an ensemble of their choosing. Everybody themed to either scare them or make them laugh, at the mockery of their chosen horror. Jack-a-lanterns littered around with that traditional face, a razor edged smile. Such a grin was not too far off my own, originally. From the highest committed costume to the laziest bed sheets, seeing children giggle at their own chosen nightmare always did bring a fanged smirk to my face.

Sapphire hue sometimes joined me on these escapades from Hell. She was always curious about why humans would believe that this past time kept demons at bay. To be fair after 20 years of spooking grown men I was too. Anyway she too enjoyed the screams of truly frightened kids, of course she liked it when they giggled too but the latter was not her preference.

Now as for the arseholes who steal from the kids, the idle who make a mockery of this tradition, those who refuse to even try to humour the kids with one lollipop know this...we come when you least expect it. We intentionality scare you with out having to be seen. When you miss that step and fall, that's us moving your foot of course. Didn't feel anything change? Good. To the bullies who harvest of the weak, you make my night for me. I don't care how many layers of underwear you went through, after the nightmares; if you can rob a kid of their sweets, then I'll rob you of you sweet dreams.

As for Nightmare night it seems such traditions are different and the rules have changed. Yay, a new game to play. The fillies approach in the most adorable of all creepy get ups. The bed sheet is still here, must be universal. At least we don't have to worry about the grown ups refusing to share out of greed or idleness. Twilight didn't have a lot of candy but she didn't need it. Not many ponies actually think she lives in the library. Twilight and spike got into another discussion as to why he should pick a different costume. He stated it was the best looking one, and Twilight emphasised how it looked like a dragon. As a retaliation he stated that she did not look like some 'Star swirl the bearded' but as ' your bedsheets crossed the crazy colt on berry lane.'

The decider was obviously put on the third judge. Me.

"Come on bro, tell her how awesome my costume is."

"Spike why would he even say that?" She smiled knowingly, rolling her eyes before looking right at me. She gave a nod to side with her.

I left the table after finishing the last page of 'Nightmare moon and Nightmare night.' Then thought On these days you choose to be the monster.

"Spike do you want to go as something scary?" I could sense his pride irradiating from him.

"Yeah. I want to be the scariest thing out there."

"Well are dragons scary?" I asked Twilight.

"Well yeah but..."

"Then spike you must be in a scary costume." I turned to face Twilight with a slight 'I just got you' grin. "Twilight just admitted it." She frowned at me. Then pointed to spike.

"But he is already a dragon and..."

"He can't go out with out a costume otherwise he can't get candy. So that is why he had to dress up as a different dragon. Don't worry pal. I got ya back." Spiked smiled, Twilight looked like she was going to rip my horns off and permanently put my eye lights out.

"See I told you Twi. Can we go now?" There was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." I had learned to trot, admittedly it was still a work in progress because hooves are hard to get used to.

I slowly opened the door and heard a small chorus.

"Nightmare night.
What a fright
Give us something sweet to bite!"

"ROAR!" I gave slightly enthusiastically in my normal sounding voice.

"AAAAAAAH! whoa cool costume!" They wanted to run but, after seeing I was not going to eat them they stayed to compliment.

"Wow that's amazing! how did you get fire to come out like that?"

"How did you move your horn and get 2. Wait. Are you a unicorn?"

"Did you shave your tale for that awesome new one?"

"Oh well..." Think damn it! "I work in special effects for mov...plays. Yes I have my cutie mark in special effects..hehe." BRILLIANT!

"Hey could you make mine next year?!"

Demon tentacles. I mentally face palmed. Well I don't plan on staying for a year so I don't have to worry about long term commitments.

What then started was the frenzied pleading of 6 fillies. They all wanted have my natural armour, but some wanted it in a different colours. They really like my eyes. Some wondered if I could give them diamond eyes or if they could have 3 jagged horns. One asked if she could have ice cream instead of fire, jelly fritters instead of plates and see through muffins for eyes. Oh and she stressed that they had to be edible.

"Hey pinkie pie....wait didn't I already give you candy?"

"Nope!" She then clucked in her chicken costume."Twilight did silly filly."

"Uh huh." I gave in when she smiled in such a desperate way. They only got one at a time, she did put effort into her costume, I could tell she was not normally greedy, all in all I gave. All in all a good sport of Halloween and not condemnable.

"Here you go, oh and again thank you for the muffin."

"No problem." She giggled as I handed out the sweets to the Space mare, princess, a zombie, an ant, a were-pony, and of course a bed sheet ghost. "Just wait till later!" she exclaimed pecking at a sweet in my hoof. The slightly disturbing part was the wrapper was still on it.

"Why what's?"

Too late she was gone, Twilight and spike arrived at the door and I began my adventure into ponyville.
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Ponyville was a pleasant sight. Many nostalgic memories that fuelled my mission of returning home, were brought up by these little ponies. They scattered amongst the houses, adults, the carts to purchase more candy and sold themed miscellanea, and games. Eventually, after the long monologue of nopony recognising Star Swirled the bearded, we arrived in the town square.

"He even has a shelf in the Canterlot Library named after him. Maybe I should start a teaching group about history. I bet everypony would love it. Don't you guys?"

"mmmhmm." Spike agreed mouth full of sickly sweet treats. I had a few, but barely put a dent in his mountain pile, comically fitting into a single bowl.

" I'm sure somepony around here would like to know what was what a 100 years a go my dear. Just don't expect them to like to study as much as you do. I don't think they would take too keenly on sleeping with a book instead of a doll." I nudge her.

"Okay that was just because I forgot to sleep." She snorted.

"I could tell, the way spike was shouting I thought you were being attacked."

" nomnomnom... Is that why you ran as quick as you did? I didn't think an earth pony could be that fast."

"I doubt they can. Just one of my natural abilities. It's called..." I lowered down so others couldn't hear me. "Demon speed, but I call it rapid dash. It appears my abilities are returning to me slowly." I did not want anyone to hear I was a demonic entity. Back on earth to many demons got exercised because they got caught, When ever one got out we tried to get the priests to handle it. A lot less paper work, mortals start acting good and well...the return trip hurt like hell. Like falling through a long meat grinder. I doubt they would hurt me to such extent but I prefer to stay on the nice side. No reason to scare them, it would probably take a miracle to convince them I'm not a monster. It wouldn't be easy without royalty.

"TWILIGHT!TWILIGHT LOOK AT OUR HOOVES! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!" That gradually increasing tone could only come from Pinkie Pie.

I was being bombarded by an adventure of how she and the other fillies had collected the candy. Something seemed odd. Not just Pinkie's rambling but something dark, fluffy, airborne and rainbow tailed. Rainbow dash I wonder what she is doing. Lets find out. I embraced for anything.

"Then we had to stop for granny Smith when AHHHHH!"

Congrats pinkie. Your the world first flying chicken. Only you my dear." I thought as she shot up and flew forwards.

Rainbow dash began to crackle. I could she she was wearing an alter ego costume of those 'Wonder bolts' she idolised. She was fast, probably faster than my rapid dash, given that she shot of to her house in the sky and brought back a poster in less than 5 seconds.

"Rainbow dash, that was not very nice!"

She finished laughing her lungs out when she got up to say. "Lighten up you old timer this is the best time of the year for pranks."

"But look at what you did to spike." she pointed to a dragon, in a dragon, on top of his sugary loot. He had his claw on his heart and was either choking, in which case I stood by, or wheezing, in which case I still stood by.

"He'll be fine. It's Night mare night Twilight. Let him have a few scares. Good job Rainbow dash. He looks as scared as you did when you met me. heheh." I think she smiled because she took as a compliment. To be fair that could have gone either way. I spied what appeared to be another group of colts, harassing a group of mares. They didn't seem fully grown, but neither fillies. Must be teens. Lets teach 'em to be proper and respectful.

"Magma Vein! How can you endorse such a thing."

"It's healthy and dash I got you another target." I said nodding towards the troublesome teens.

"Thanks Mags. You're tougher than most but I'll get cha." She took off after she made that promise.

I hoisted Spike up onto my back, right between those uncomfortable plates that twitch, and Twilight starred at me menacingly.

"Really? You like the fact that she almost gave my assistant a heart attack."

"Life gets boring without fear. Besides I think your just jealous that I didn't even flinch."

"You knew she was coming didn't you?"

I shrugged then faked a delayed reaction. She started to smirk and we wound up laughing at her reaction.

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"Howdy Spike, Hey Twilight, Hello Magma Vein." Her eyes shot wide open and her pupils shrunk. "Quick get out a'sight before somepony gets the wrong idea, and gets ya.

"No need miss Apple jack. They think it's a costume." as I said this I waved back a group me and Twilight met on the way. A mare called Colgate, dressed as a dentist and is a dentist. When spike said it was a lame idea to go as yourself me and Twilight shared a quiet snigger to ourselves.

"Oh. Good idea, nice costume." Complemented the scarecrow pony. She had swapped her Stetson for a weaved hat with a sunflower.

"Thanks I'm a dragon." He blurted pointing his 'thumb' claw at his chest.

"She means me Spike."

"Why with that beard I recon ya'll some sort of county music singer."

Me and Spike sniggered. She growled. She shot me a death glance, which I just thought was cute, after whispering "Hey you could teach the history of that. Or better yet old pony retirement homes."

"Well While ya'll are here, do yer feel like bobbing for an apple?"

I saw a funny sight. A ginger maned mare, in a demons outfit, about to bite an apple, when a blonde haired pony with cross eyed golden burst out. It was funny that the concept of having 2 horns and a cape made you a demon. It was funny because the cross eyed pony was in a paper bag costume. The best part was that she had somehow mistaken the plug for an apple.

Shortly afterwards an applause erupted followed by a rainbow wigged pony giving a speech, on a stage back in the town square. She began to ask the ponies to collect their treats and follow a 'Zecora' Not a normal pony name, perhaps an another lost being?

Spike pointed out the poor choice between crackling scarily and dressing up as a clown. Although some humans are scared of clowns, we were not and shared a quiet laugh. A green mist exploded on-stage followed by a pony stepping forth. A Zebra?Of course why not. You should stop being surprised by now.

"Follow me
and very soon,
you'll hear
the tale of nightmare moon."

Oh nice effects, If I'm going to prove I'm any good at special effects I gotta prove I can...wait I'M A BLOODY DEMON YOU NITWIT.

"Hey why don't you come with us." Spike suggested, his eyes widened as he asked directly beneath me.

"Yeah. It'll be both educational and fun."

"Sorry guys, I'm gonna stick around. I can see a scaring competition by the pie stand and I wanna win. Gotta earn my keep somehow and I get to use my dashing good looks." I smiled with pointing out all of my black fangs, slightly leaving a small gap for me to jab the air with my snake tongue. I hissed a bit and lowered into an attacking stance.

"You don't have to work to stay with me but if it's what you want to do then it's what you want to do." She smiled and walked away. Spike looked a little disheartened but wore a smile as he followed twilight.

"Now do we have any volunteers for this years haunted houses; featuring the old postal offices and the 2 shops scheduled for demolition, to make way for the new improved post office and blacksmith. Who would like to be this years monster in the dark? The creature of the new maze? The shadow in the hallway? Well if you wish to apply go back stage and meet me and I can judge for myself."

When I arrived at the back began to recall any tricks to use.

"M.V.R are you there?" I asked my reflection in the dimmed window.

"Where else am I going to be?"

"All right we need tricks and scares, no jokes or gifts got that?"

"Sir yes sir!" He returned to his normal reflective state after a mocking salute.

Hmmm. The shadow trick would allow me to sneak house to house with being spotted, I could pose as a statue to scare the curios, rapid dash would surely scare them if I roared whilst charging at them. I could shadow sink just before hitting them to avoid injury, and move on to the next house and wait. I do love being a Demon at night. The shadow trick will let me win this. I couldn't imagine a life of sneaking with out shadow sink.

"I'm sorry but we had a mummy last year. Next please."

My thoughts were interrupted by the spectrum colours of the clown mayor's costume.

"Ok lets see---SEE--SEE!" she looked petrified. A look that said 'I remember this nightmare' and 'you've got the job'.

"So? Do I fill the criteria you were looking for?"

I turned to my side and emphasised my scary points: Fire, fangs, two demonic horns and my lizard tale.

"You are...PERFECT!" she stood up, balancing herself with the desk in front. "How did you come up with such a design! I could not pass up this opportunity. You must enter, I'm sure you'll win the prize, mister?"

"Magma, Magma Vein but please call me Mags."
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"Ok tonight's monster has been selected and now the gauntlet is OPEN! MWAHAAHAA!" I heard her bellow as I hid in the first stop. She really does sound scary, when your not looking at her. She explained the rules. It was a treasure hunt of terror as in each building somewhere was an insignia of nightmare moon. I knew where. One was on some left over parcels, an other was on a table of the cafe next door, the third was on the top floor of a conjoining old library, the final was at the beginning of the final stretch. It was an alleyway in the dark shadows that had a turn before leading back to the square.

Perfect; the cafe has mirrors, that can be M.V.R.'s job, the alleyway is perfect for dash and sink, the post office will be good for the warm up. I think I'll make a dramatic appearance once in the library. A lovely burning statue near the treasure will surely alert them to my presence.

"I see we have a volunteer what's your name brave one?"

"Thunder lane! I ain't scared of nopony! Those bits are mine!"

"Hahaha. So sure. Lets see if you have what it takes. Everypony we will be able to follow round and keep track, although we won't be able to see what is going on. Don't want spoilers for the next challenger." From the second story window I saw him approaching whilst others surrounded the building. The charcoal pegasus seemed to stride confidently as his blue Mohawk shifted in the breeze. He had white dashes in his mane, that seemed to shine in the light of the pearl moon.

"Piece of cake." we both said in unison.

The post office was uniquely designed. The main door led to a long chamber, on each side was a pair of large double doors. on each side was an arrow leading in opposite direction to its counter part. Both sides had counters leading a conveyor belt, in turn, giving access to the second floor. The upper floor was the sorting room. Stacks of boxes and a few unsent letters were scattered around. I chose to hide in one. When he picked up his goal, I would follow him. His curiosity will get the better of him, and he will look then I will shadow sink. Anyway it became apparent that parcels go in one side, the sorting group place the letters on the correct conveyor belt leading down to the opposite side, and the counter ponies pass it onto the post ponies to send out. Like a well oiled machine.

Before he could reach the door I opened it, and started chuckling evilly. I had years of practice, so before he could see I merged with the shadows. The shadow sink allows demons to move from room to room in the dark. that is why if you lock a door, the humans only trap themselves. We can still get in, all we have to do is imagine a place within a very small range, or we can just enter the shadow and join to other shadows in contact. This is the other natural ability demons have. My speed, sense of smell, strength, armour lock and blood rage are all my species of demons traits. The perfect hunter of the escaped and defender of the gates.

"Okay that was a pretty good trick." He mumbled slightly scared at not catching a glimpse of me in the 2 second act of opening the door. He glanced around, squinting at the shadows, for the pile of parcels he was told to find. Can't make it too hard or we'll be her all night. When he spied the stair case leading upstairs, he hummed and started walking towards it.

"Of course it would be..."

"Up there." I whispered quickly into his ear before yet again sinking.

He yelped and took off to the top floor. From the bottom floor I said "Don't come back dooowwwn." in a crazy way. I started to cackle madly and walk up stairs. I decided to let myself be known as I walked, heavily, up the stairs. I started ignite my flames and still continued to laugh manically. On the final step I vanished into the shadows, light and all. From my form in the shadows I could see him backing away quickly before stopping.

"Oh your good, hey there it is!" He was really too happy to see that insignia. Once he picked it up I sunk back into the shadows and arrived in my large box. I had planted it back at the staircase to force him to the exit set. It was in the only beam of light. Unfortunately for him, he was not. I nudge forward, slowly making jerking movements. I was relying on scent to judge distance. He smelt of fear and energy, a by product of the adrenaline in his veins.

"The hay?"

I heard his hooves get closer, and closer. I made one last spring towards him.

"Celestia! Don't hurt me!"

I didn't move. I chose make my voice echo "Don't looooooook" I swung from a deep to a high voice on the last part.

He moved closer, poked the box, and quickly stepped back. He circled around and face the exit I planned for him to run to. I shadow sunk behind him and waited for him to lift the box.

I waited and as the pegasus lifted the box and saw nothing, he sighed a bit of relief. Short lived I am afraid.

"I told you not to look." He jumped away and turned. I erupted with flame and slammed a hoof down.

"Now your mine." I took a step forward. Spooking to fool into backing up.

"FOREVER! ROOOAR!" I gave my best demonic scream. Purely animal like.

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" It appears our monster has introduced himself. Will our challenger stay or will he run to his mommy?"

"MMMOOOOOOMMMYYY!" thunder lane galloped out, dropping the insignia.

There was a silence as they watched him run like there was no tommorow. I was surprised that I scared him into forgetting he had wings.

"Who's next?"

A couple of stallions looked nervous. Some regretted going out with their mare friend as they encouraged them to take the challenge.

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Over the next hour many ponies attempted the gauntlet with little success, in fact there was non. If they made it to that alley way they dropped the insignias. I played the same routine with post office, mixed it up by glowing upstairs first or just charging down the collection chamber at them. M.V.R. worked his magic in the cafe; nopony looked at he mirrors in the lit room, which even I considered odd. All I had to do was be in the room and pose like at statue. I watched as he poked and shoved, gently, at the ponies who got close to the second Nightmare moon cut out. I like it when he started putting out the lights. I could see they were getting scared, but as it got darker I had to close my eyes. When the lights were out he waited and growled, like a lion. They would turn towards the mirror and they edge closer. In the dark they couldn't see each other, until he lit up. He started attacking the mirror, thrashing and jabbing with his horns. He couldn't breakthrough of course, no reflection could. They ran.

Those that didn't quickly made their way to the old library. It was littered with empty shelves and wooden carvings. Old globes that had collapse in on themselves were often placed on ,thickly, dusted tables. The bookshelves help make an obstacle course, which was perfect for me to grab, and as I found out pinch, passing ponies. I used the old 'ominous glow routine' to lure them upstairs. The top floor was just as dusty, like leaving hoof prints in a similar way to you leave snow prints, dusty. This was perfect, I made a trail leading to a spot where I would pose calmly at the insignia, they would always inspect me first . They eyed then would say the found me. I remained still, not giving away any sign of life. The inspection went similarly to how spike performed his analyses; pokes through the eye, jabs at the armour, one mare even kissed me to see if I flinched. I almost did. When satisfied all had the same thought, or so I imagine. Wait if this is a statue, then where's the pony who's meant to scare me? They would start looking around before grabbing the treasure. When I awoke most of them ran out screaming at the sight of my fangs. I had a soft spot for the blue mare who kissed me and escorted her out, her name was Aloe, also it would help to tell them that I was actually capable of being nice.

Now my favourite bit was the alleyway. I counted that only 5 out of 26 made it. Non had they required items. When they were far enough down the stretch of an alley way, on the far side near the exit, I would roar and dash towards them at blinding speed, it was about 110 meters and it would take me 4 seconds at the minimum giving them time to run. When ever they didn't I sunk just in time and appeared behind them. They turned to face me say "Congratulations, now you die." I would laugh diabolically as they headed to the exit.

Of course there were complications at times, groups required more time, the lost required a good shove, some shoved back and I chose to end hiding there and then. They ran out but, hey, don't hurt the staff! A few times they didn't return the insignias so the mayor entered to return them. The first time I thought she was being a good sport and things got messy. We agreed to a secret code whenever she entered as a heads up.

"I guess nopony survived the gauntlet, not even I. I suppose the monster should claim his bounty. Who agrees with me?"

There was allot of mummers of disappointment under the intense yell of agreement.

"Well step forth today beast AND CLAIM YOUR OFFERING!"

Not the most satanic incantation but I don't want to disappoint.

I chose to arrive in style. I shadow sunk from the old post-office to stage. Slowly I emerged, almost appearing in a liquid like fashion. The hooves would form and reach my charred body containing a raging fire. Slowly the dark armour moved like tainted mercury spreading and forming the shell. The burning orange core followed afterwards, the last to appear was my eye lights. I would wait a second as they gasped, before opening my eye lights and flaring the flames escaping the cracks between plates.

"Whoa." I heard Rainbow dash say in astonishment. They was a pause amongst the crowed as I surveyed. Even the mayor was speechless. I thought of something to say 'I am a professional so no hard feelings.'

"Greetings, I am Magma Vein. I hope I fulfilled your starved craving of the creepy whilst I created the superstitious scenarios as you crept amongst the decrepit and shuddered as I crawled in the shadows. I am Magma Vein, your friend, your nightmare, your shadow, your fear. It has been nice to spook you."

Another silence. I felt that after that little speech I deserved something. Thunder lane came to the front. He was just starring at me, I starred back at him. Then he started patting his hooves in an rythmatic fashion. Soon others joined, before long the entire crowd was cheering and celebrating.

I bowed, took my pay, and mingled with the crowd. Being 300 bits wealthier was a nice start to the night. Eventually the crowd died down and I made a lot of acquaintances. Ditzy doo, the bag pony and previous worker at the post office. Carrot top the 'devil' from before farmer of well...carrots. Aloe seemed shy at first but I asked her I was a it rough and she said I was a perfect gentle colt.

Then the fillies and pinkie pie ran in, followed by a lot of clouds and dark chariot in the sky.
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I gazed up at the clouds. The formed unnatural circles, radiating from a focal point above the town centre. The darkness brought back old scared faces and birthed new ones. This was further proof of an obvious wrong. In the sky arrived a rather Gothic carriage. The silhouette of bat winged pegasi enhanced the threat of dark block hovering above us. Suddenly a hooded figure glided down, the wind flew at slapping anything that got it's path as downward force of it's decent ripped decorations from their fixtures.

Her journey down was silent but her landing was announce with a lighting strike, with a whip of her head her hood slipped off. There stood a slender unicorn with an indigo coat. Between the starlight mane and her horn as small black tiara was recognised. I braced for trouble sinking into the nearest shadow, which was hers...directly underneath her. she looked like she had lost something as she looked around, she must have been looking for me. The crowd made themselves small in her presence, as she removed her cloak. By which I mean it separated into bats and flew away. I saw Twilight from my darkened state and she said something, before spike pulled her down. Clearly this pony I was now attached to was dangerous, whether or not she was a threat was yet to be seen.

She approached the witch themed pony, the unicorn smiled at the quivering wreck, she gasped in return and hid under her hat. I could get a good look at her, she was not a unicorn, but in fact an Alicorn. Great your stuck on the most powerful of all pony species. I could see the glittering faded blue horse shoes and the dark chest attachment on her front. Her flank had what appeared to be either a black birthmark or an ink spill background with a crescent moon stamped on it. Fuck. First your scrubbing with Celestia and now your creeping on her sister. Any more members of royalty to peep on?

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE WE HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH OUR PRESC..."

That was all I heard before my ears started ringing. I could see the blast of her vocal cords nearly ripping ponies off the ground. The wind lost against the outward force of her shout and everything headed in the same direction. Away from where ever she was looking.

HOW DOES SOMETHING SO SMALL CREATE SO MUCH NOISE! WHERE IS THIS COMING FROM?

"FEAST!"

"Did you hear that everpony? Nightmare moon says she's going to feast on us!" There was a small chorus of screams as the fillies and chicken ran away.

"WWHHAT? No children you no longer have reason to fear us. Screams of delight is what your princess desires. Not screams of terror." She stomped her hoof down to prove there was no hostility. At least she stopped shouting.

You just scream misunderstood. You enter threateningly, scare the locals your meant to meet, and actually scream... wait that sounds familiar.

"Madam mayor your princess of the night hath arrived." I imagine she extended her hoof hoping for a greeting rather than more trembling. She took note and then repeated the gesture to another...devil....and she pony copied the mayor.

"What is the matter with you?" She began to rotate, keeping her hoof rigid, and pointed to anypony. They all were looking before she met their gaze and then huddled away to avoid her.

"Fine be that way." She hurumphed before folding her wings. " We won't even bother with the royal traditional farewell." She trotted away I made one last look around for anypony's or any bodies shadow to jump to. Heck I started looking for just anypony. Rainbow dash, AJ, Chicken pie, Fluttershy even Rarity. Finally I looked around for twilight, who was looking right back at the princess.

The princess made a long journey, a long lonesome journey. I recognised the scent of her mood. It reminded me of Limbo. Sadness, she was lost, lonely and seeking hope. This was the first time I had seen it and felt guilty for her. Being a demon you get used to being shunned, hell being an ex human in the underworld is its own hell. This was something I didn't realise could happen. Someone who made mistakes and had been saved, but could not make friends because of their past and who they were. Here it was unexpected, on earth I could count on it.

She slumped down in front of statue on the edge of the forest. I could see a statue, dedicated to her sins. Souls are funny like that. Lets get upset we can cheer ourselves up. I know lets hang around more depressing stuff and play upsetting music. I thought in a mocking voice. Seriously the amount of times humans take their lives whilst listening to the most depressing songs is astronomical. We can hear it too. I had to volunteer to help a group of demons add land to the suicide forest, I spent weeks taking soil from earth.

She let out a deep sigh. "They all fear us, because of our mistakes. For a thousand years we have been the sole point of this insulting night, and now that we are here to end it they will not hear of us nor speak to us." She watched her hoof idly move around the dirt. I chose now to slip from her shadow to that of her statue.

"Princess Luna?" I heard Twilight Sparkle ask cautiously.

I saw the princess look a bit surprised from the sudden interaction.

"Hi my name is..."

"Star Swirled the bearded. Commendable costume, thou even got the bells right."

"Thank you! Finally somepony gets my costume." she chirped. The was a slight silence as the princess looked down heartened again. "er... I just came to welcome you to our celebration. My actual name is..."

"Twilight Sparkle." She started hovering. "It was you thou who released elements of harmony upon us, and took away our dark powers." the sky darkened as clouds once again encircled blocking out the moon. Twilight was pushed back by either the mystical winds or her booming voice. Either one was an acceptable answer.

"And that was a good thing, right?"

"But of course we could not be happier. Is that not clear?" Yet again holding a shouting decibel level.

Ok no threat, I'll make myself known soon enough.

"Yell you kind of sound like your yelling at me."

"But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice. It is tradition to use the royal we, and to use this much volume when addressing our subjects." As a result twilight had to straighten her beard and balance her witch hat.

"You know that might explain why your appearance was met with mixed results." she trotted over to the princess who wore an interested look. " I bet if you changed your results you'll get a warmer reception, much like a certain new arrival I now of."

"CHANGE OUR APPROACH?"

The strain on her eardrums must be getting to her as she croaked "lower the volume."

"Oh. we have been locked away for a thousand years, we are not sure we can."

"Leave that to me. Now if I can introduce you to the new arrival then I'm sure he'll reassure that anypony can fit in." She blinked. "Come to think about it where is Magma Vein? I think you and him would have a lot in common." I slithered up alongside Twilight. I waited for her shadow to be in front of her. She turned around and I chose to strike.

"Boo!"

"AAAAH!" She fell back and collapsed beneath the mistress of the night. Luna looked petrified, I saw her horn quickly glow and dashed to the side before her bolt could hot me.

"Easy madam. Twilight when I heard you wanted me I had no idea it was..." I had to dash again back to my original spot, leaving behind a burnt ditch "target practice."

"MAGMA VEIN! Princess Luna it's okay. He's just an idiot, and the new pony I wanted to introduce you to."

"Truly that thing is a pony? That is one of the most terrifying costumes We have ever laid our eyes upon."

"Oh stop, your entrance to ponyville was much better than mine."

"I highly doubt that Magma Vein. I mean your a..." She stopped talking as I quickly looked at her. Twilight turned to Luna and back to me and nodded.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, noticing the silent agreement.

"No ma'am. Just something I'd prefer nopony to know. Anyway, Twilight where to?"

"Oh we should visit Fluttershy."

"Really? You think she'll come out with me at the door?"

"Why would this Fluttershy be more scared of you than us?" Luna asked. I gave her a dead pan look. "Oh yes, how foalish of us."

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Luna was studying my form as we walked towards the cottage. A few times I flared for effect, made certain plated move to enhance my orange blood underneath, I yawned to flail my snake tongue about a few times. Once or twice I shot her a quick glance and she pretended to study the sky. She was quick to avoid eye contact but her shifting eyes always gave her away.

I gave her one more chance, this time her eye got too close. I shadow sunk to her over side, levelled my eye to meet hers. She was spooked to say the least when she turned around.

"Not fun is it?" I said giving her back her personal.

"Sorry but we are curious. We cannot identify what type of pony you are. Your costume serves well to keep your identity from us." She said complementing me.

"Thanks. Would you like to know?"

"Yes please."

"Tough."

"What?" She said flatly.

"Nopony knows, I plan to keep it that way."

She looked at me with slight annoyance. "Fine, we shall do this the hard way." Oh this ought to be good.

Her horn glowed and her eyes shone brightly. She stared at me, I think she was trying to see through my costume.

"Hey no peeking, I'm not dressed under here. " I turned away trying to cover my already hidden genitals. Bathroom brakes was a completely new experience. Demons are sheathed too, but well...men know how to go to urinals and that particular part is hard with hooves.

She looked even more determined but eventually the glow left her eyes. This time she glared at me. Bloody hell, and she wonders why she is antisocial.

"Strange. We cannot see your true image, neither can we detect any magical aura. Pray tell, how did you accomplish such feats?"

"I thought you were the princess of the night, does that not entail all knowledge of shadow lurking, remaining hidden and vanishing?"

"Although we know of those abilities, these ones are completely new to us. Especially that silent teleportation spell. I wish to know of it."

"Perhaps next time you pay a visit we can discuss my many tricks. Maybe I'll indulge you in who I really am, until then you will never know."

She pouted a bit, and gave me the puppy dog eyes. I swear it's a pony defence mechanism against predators. That would explain the size of the eyes. Fluttershy would be able to walk into Mordor with those eyes.

"Don't even start that, you cannot get it out of me so easily." She pressed on."Twilight! Make her stop, I think I'm getting diabetes just looking at her sweet face." The girls chuckled a bit.

"Princess maybe it is for the best if you don't learn who he is just yet. For now..." She looked at me with an evil smirk. "Although could you please continue to bother him. It is nice to listen to."

"If I sided with you, about spike, I wouldn't be in this situation huh?"

"Nope." she chirped looking over her shoulder.

"Take note Luna, be careful who you align with."

She chuckle "We shall recall those wise words." She blinked " Did you just call us Luna?"

"Huh. Guess I did. Is that a problem?"

I think she spent some time thinking about how she felt about this. She smiled and looked back at me "Not at all Magma Vein. I would prefer you to always call us that...if that is ok with you."

"Of course it is. I hate that formal stuff anyway, although the 'we' and 'us' and archaic language is quite cute, don't expect me to follow ANY protocols." I stressed out the last part.

She blushed a bit. "Cute?" I heard her whisper to herself.

"Hey Twilight? Are you sure I won't scare Fluttershy?"

"Actually you might give her a heart attack, you should wait at the bottom whilst me and the princess visit."

" Fine. If you need me giz a shout." I looked a the trees and spied the weirdest sight. Either the tress here grow pillows and blankets, the universe likes me, or somepony left a sleeping kit up there. I wish the universe liked me but if it did I wouldn't be here. I sunk in into the shadows and moved up the dark side of the tree and reached the blanket and branch. "I mean give a good shout!" I rested a bit before I could hear Luna say to Twilight.

"About your companion Magma Vein, would thou care to tell us who the charming stallion is?"

"I heard that Luna, don't wanna ruin our next date now huh?"

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" Fiind the mortals who sin Demon! Yoooouur purpose is to capture the corrupt and unrepenting! DO NOT DEFY ME! There is no true pain for the wicked here, THEY MUSSSST BE PUNISHED!"

"That is not the way it works here. These ponies are innocent and seek no pain or suffering."

It was a dark room. similar to that of the prison cells that held 'Discord'.There were two seats one emptied one occupied. I was seated on one side and something was the other side of the room. I could see a thin veil of glass, M.V.R seated next to me. We were both chained up.

"You now that they arrrrre capable, thosssse who do must be punished!

"Yes, but the town forgives and forgets, this is not earth, they do not contain human essence."

"Whhat of those dogs of diamond." The thing inhaled. Greeeeeed! The image of a diamond dog faded into picture on the glass. It was a sketch from the book Twilight showed me.

"Yes. They seem fit to punish, given that they are still solely searching for them by using ponies."

"That issss.....acceptable. We must punish, it is our purpose."

"We?"

"Yessss." It approached closer with eerily sliding noise. There was sudden scrape of chains and low growl. Blood rage was behind the glass. He was much smaller, my height and he too was embedded in chains. They were wrapped tightly around his new form. He was limbless this time, but recognisable. Heavily plated and separated into segments. The spines arched out into black spikes that formed mountains on his back. Between each segmented ring his burning blood dripped out endlessly. The head resembled an armoured cobra. His two horns sprouted out at the back of his head,curving to meet. His nose was framed by two ,no doubt venomous, fangs. I'd imagine that, given the size if his head, the true daggers of destruction were about 20 cm long. If this thing got out, He could probably choke hold the entire village.

"I see this has affected you as much as it has for me, you look different from when I last saw you. This is the first time you spoke to me though."

"Yeah I didn't know you could." M.V.R decided to join in.

"I am priiiiimal, you true form. I am your instincts carnated. In my brief release I could feel your guilt about slaying that dog. I apologies but I am bound by duty. I care not for sentimentsssss. " He hissed. I knew he was telling the truth. Emotions are not instincts, but the fog that clouds them. "I am impressssed. You restrained me eeeven during your toughest time and bested other primals. With that you made me stronger. Fear not, I will not bring harm to you, this is not a take oveeerrr. It is just a reminder of your duties.

"Don't worry. I don't plan on staying long. I need you to promise not to harm the ponies."

"Especially Twilight."

I turned to face the empty seat. I glared at thin air.

"What? Just because you don't like her, does not mean I don't too. She has a fantastic horn!"

"True. The female does have sssstable hooves for mounting, and sssuitable birthing hips. Magic would further increassse power in our ssspecies."

"You guys are sick!"

"We are you. That new Alicorn has lovely clothes too. I wonder what she looks like without them...roar"

"SHE IS ALREADY NAKED! IT COVERS HER CHEST AND HOOVES." I tried to face hoof but was met with resistance.

" Yes more preferable to the previoussss. Her geeene code would give a ssssstronger offspring than the one before. Additional abilities and social sssstatusss. She is an attraaactive mate to be chossssen."

"I am not FUCKING A PONY! Blood rage why would you want a child anyway?"

" To continue our sssspecies and provide a stronger generation. Sssurvival...remember I am primal."

"Can we focus on the point of this meeting? I am not looking for anything with these ponies and I am sure that they would not consider me"

"Ssso itssss agreed. If I refrain from being released, you will hunt and correct the wrong. " His slit eye leaned against the glass. I could see fire raging as the background to a endlessly dark stripe." Even if you have to bring harm to the ponies."

"If I refuse the last part?"

"Then I shall...I will not be geeentle."

I thought about the proposal. I have to remain in check, steer clear of trouble to minimize these mission of damnation, and always choose the peaceful option to avoid a riot in ponyville. If a mob tried to kill me I doubt Blood rage would let me surrender if I got caught.

"Those terms are agreeable for now."

"Good. I do not care if you remain here for eternity but I will allow every 2 months 1 redemption act. You can choose to either harm or heal as long as you perform your natural duty I shall not interfere."

The room erupted in a bright light, I felt my chains slack and heard M.V.R's droop too.

"What now?" He asked.

"You leave me to my peace. I shall remain in touch Magma Vein."
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I awoke to the sound of Chicken pie running and screaming. Twilight and Luna tried to follow a bit but gave up under my tree. Surprisingly I was refreshed given my 'meeting' with me, myself and I. Well that solved that mystery, still don't like Blood rage doing that. Why were we shackled anyway? I could feel the plates really starting to itch. What the heck is wrong with my back? It's those two bulging plates again.

"Hey Magma Vein!" Twilight yelled.

"Coming down love."

I leapt down leaving a trail of fire behind me. The princess looked a bit miffed.

"So how did it go? Can you talk without ripping the leaves from the trees?"

"Yes, although our efforts have been useless it seems."

"I doubt that, progress is slow, I had one heck of a misunderstanding when I got here, ask your sister she....mmmm....tell you...aaarch these plates!"

The mares looked at me confused as I danced around attempting to scratch that irritating spot. I pressed my back against the wall and rubbed vigorously. Occasional there was sparks of pain when the plates moved unnaturally.

"Are you okay Magma? Do you need a hoof?" Twilight asked worried about my change in body movements. She watched as I desperately tried to reach that blasted mark which had bothered me since I got here.

"Yes, Magma Vein your clearly in discomfort what is the matter?"

"I've had this spot all morning that I can't reach. I'm embarrassed to say but I may need....uuuh...aid in reaching it."

"It's okay I'll get it." Twilight stepped forth and inspected the back. She gazed between the odd bumps.

"Is it here?" she poked the orange crease. She wouldn't get burnt or any blood on her. It retains it's position, otherwise I would have bled out a long time ago.

"Yeah."

She began massaging the spot. OH SWEET LUCIFER'S TRIDENT. THIS IS GOOD. I smiled and sighed. Luna giggled and Twilight blushed.

"You know these bumps look like..."

The sound of something fabric like unfolded. I felt some part of me hit Twilight and launch her to the side. With a groggy 'uhuhuhmm' she got back up. Both Luna and Twilight just starred at me.

"TWILIGHT! ARE YOU OKAY? I DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT YOU!" I yelled worriedly. I turned and felt the breeze slightly restrain my movement. The weird part was It felt like I was being pushed back from above.

"Yeah..Im...fine...what about y-y-you?" She was really blushing right now. I mean her cheeks were rose coloured.

"I think so but what's?" I followed her sight. "Oh."

Extending from my back were black bones. They were think at first, in fact I could see the original plates at the base, then they became finely tipped. A few separated from the main trunk and branch out. Between the spread out branches a fiery veil was found. It shifted and moved like fire between two planes of glass. I had bat like wing, with Black skeletal fingers and molten skin in between.

"Whoa, that's new."

I tried to flex them but they were completely rigid.

"Hey what gives why can't I fold them?" I looked between Twilight hiding her face and Luna blushing. If I didn't know better I could see her wings slowly creeping open at a snails pace.

"Erm...well...you see Magma vein." Twilight started trying explain, still looking away." When a pegasus is..."

"Yes?" I pressed on. I started grabbing my wings trying to make them budge. I heard Luna gasped and look away.

"Well we have never!.."

"You see magma vein when ever a Pegasus is...Stimulated their wings tends to erect." She blurted the last part out, and I turned back with a mortified expression. Then I had a truly terrifying thought.

If that happens to my wings then ,naturally, my...

I slowly lowered my head to check. My head sunk, slowly, hoping to not have my fears confirmed. When at level with my male hood I had my eyes lights closed. When I opened my eyes. I found out the truth, and almost didn't share it.

"HA! LOOK NO ERECTION!" I blinked. "Well that's both reassuring and scary at the same time." I looked at Twilight who was mortified. I almost didn't share it anyway.

"Oh my I'm so sorry. I didn't know..your thing had..."

"Had? Wait. Nonononononono.NO! I am in fully working order but, I mean come on Twilight, I am not even a pegasus." There was a silence, before both mares let out a loud sigh of relief. Luna was still blushing.

"We are sorry that we misunderstood thou's actions. For a moment we thought thou were completely repulsive and vile. We apologies." She said moving the dirt around.

"Yeah even I was wondering what you were doing." Twilight added, she regained a fully lavender coat on her face.

"Like I say I'm not a pegasus."

"Then how does thou bear wings?...why does thou hath horns too?" Her eyes widened as she studied my horns. "ART THOU AN ALICORN?" She asked shouting in that default voice.

Twilight looked at me inquisitively, I could tell she would like to know too. That and she would like to see how I handle this accusation of monumental perportion.

"Erm...they're.... mechanical?" I suggested. I was slowly moving them; getting used to the basic action of folding, extending, rotating, but flapping seemed to be extremely slow and painful. It was like a massive paralysing cramp.

"Truly? Remarkable! How do thou get it to work? Such a contraption may even be used as medical replacements for the injured. We must acquire this design, with this the ponies would surely understand that we no longer mean any harm." She was now caressing my wings with her hoof. It was actually nice; Not like get a hard-on nice, but message nice.

"The canopy between the pipes is stronger and lighter than the combined weight of the normal wing feathers. It is an improvement on the natural design, as each bone is incredible strong. How did thou create such a device that moves so naturally?"

"I used bedsheets, books and piping."

Twilight caught onto the books part.

"WHAT!" She realised I was lying and sighed. "Just tell her Magma Vein. She needs to know before you make her start making promises she can't keep." She rubbed her temples. She was exhausted.

"Tell us what dear Twilight Sparkle?" Luna asked, stopping that fantastic massage she was giving me.

"I am not what I appear to be Luna." She turned to face me, slightly worried. I folded my wings and looked her in the eyes.

" Why? Pray tell, who art thou stranger?"

"I am Magma Vein... The demon. These are apparently my wings. You may have heard of me at the castle. I was Charged with trespassing and assault. I am the one that put a majority of your guards into your hospital. The same one who appeared in front of princess Celestia, BY ACCIDENT, during her bathing hours."

Twilight started nodding, but froze and her eyes shot open as described my charges. Luna responded the same. I think I broke something because I distinctly heard plates smash. We stopped moving with Ponyville just in sight.

"WHAT?!"