Few things have scared me in the last couple of years. Sure after the first decade I was still changing figurative underwear whenever I saw my co-workers and fellow guards, they are truly fearsome even when they say 'Hi Magma Vein how's your morning?' It took me longer to figure out how they knew the sun was even out. Now it is true what they say you know. No joke....

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

I think even blood rage went into a retreating stance.

"Thou witnessed my sister bathing?!" Luna glared daggers at me. She must have thought I had intentionally violated her sister’s privacy.

"Technically yes, I didn't do it on purpose." I stated flatly. No need to aggravate them further by yelling. I turned to face Twilight who was fuming, steam shot out her nose, her eyes narrowed and teeth revealed to her intended victim. That's right; I've seen that stance before. Admittedly not as adorable but still I was seconds away from an attack. Looking back at Luna it would appear I had two to deal with.

Isn't this just dandy. I wish I had armour lock. Bloody pony form is hard to configure.

"YOU PERVERT!" Twilight yelled, horn aglow. The lavender unicorn held her stance firm whilst Luna crept just out of my peripheral vision. I hated pack tactics, too much hassle. I was waiting for the student to make her move. Still seething she raised moss covered rocks to my left. I could hear Luna stop. From what I gathered she was about 4 meters behind me. The purple aura around the rocks dragged them behind Twilight, although the faint sound of a few more signalled that they lingered to the sides. Something was happening behind me, something big. If I turned I knew Twilight would attack, if I didn't those large creeping shadows would attack.

What is it? It's not a boulder and it's not a tree. Too thin and they're moving in such away like snakes, but I can see holes in the bodies. Oh. My sudden realisation made me protests my innocence.

"Look Twilight you now about what I am. You know I didn't choose to come here. Why the hell would I want to land in a princess’ bath tub?"

"Then inform us, demon, why should we believe you? How did you get here?" Luna questioned. I was starting to get pissed.

"The one you call Discord sent me here. After being encased in stone he was banished to my world. He sent me across for whatever reason." I knew why. He wanted me to release Blood rage. Given the guards I ruined, the ponies would not survive.

"So he sent you to weaken our defences. First you go after the princess, when that fails you attack the guards. You had no chance against the princess when she was alert, so you convinced her to let you go to the Elements of Harmony. Without us Equestria would be vulnerable to Discords return!" her rage was building up as Twilight caused the rocks to orbit at high speeds. Her false beard shot off along with her hat.

"Clever ruse beast, now what does thou say for itself?" I heard the Alicorn asked. I didn't need to face her to see that smug smile.

"You’re wrong. I will not hurt you, but I will not be harmed. Do. Not. Challenge. Me." I stressed each word to avoid confusion. Unfortunately it appeared to be taken as an offer. Before the ghostly chains encased me, I dashed to the side and bound for the rocks.

Unfortunately Twilights stony missiles had no problem battering plated body. I grunted and yelped as fist sized chunk of rock pounded my side. I had enough by the 6th collision, but it didn't stop the next five. I could see Twilight grinning as Luna re-prepared her magical chain netting.

I used one as a step and leapt towards Twilight. The brave bitch didn't budge. Through determination and loyalty her powers were magnified, more stones rose and all darted at me. I chose to linger as close as I could to her, doubting that she would threaten herself.

As luck would have I was right. As Luck would also have it, their plan unfolded and revealed she didn't need to run. Those steel serpents lunged for my hooves. A sudden hop as I was half a meter away resulted in a purple mare ensnared in chains. She lost concentration and peered down at her hooves. The miniature meteorites collided with the cold dirt path.

Facing Luna I grinned baring me teeth. I was going to enjoy her next action. Played like a violin a beautiful chorus of profanity was sung out by a purple and blue blur. The princess of the night yanked her sister's pupil into the air whilst I made my way over, slowly. I made each step known like thunder, each crack glowed with the suppressed fury in my veins. As Twilight was released the princess backed up in fear of the blazing fire in my eyes. The world disappeared into a black void. Just a scared indigo pony with a faint sapphire hue around her. Didn't matter. I shadow sunk underneath a prompted barrier and appeared inches away.

Face to face, no fighting, no more miscommunication, and no more anger. Just pony to mistakenly evil entity. I slammed my fore hooves beside her head. The tree would be scarred but my hooves gave her about half a foot moving space on either side. Perhaps no the best way to apologise in hindsight.

"I am sorry." I spoke focusing on the shivering wreck. "I don't want to hurt you Luna. Please just look at me." She slowly peeked at my form merely 5 inches away. The frenzied glow of my body died down into a more soft lighting level. The world returned back to its natural way.

From the soft illumination of my otherworldly being she must have deciphered the sincere look on my face. “Thou doth not wish to hurt us? Then why did you act aggressively?"

"Self-defence. As was the case back in the castle. I chose not to hurt you because I knew you were judging me upon what I am." looking up we made eye contact. " I know you see me as evil. It is true am capable of evil your kind has not seen for centuries. It is my job to punish the wicked." she slowly moved her head away. I could tell I was starting to scare her again when her horn started glowing again. I had one last chance to fix this. "but I would never hurt the innocent, the ponies, Twilight or even you Luna. Especially you Luna. I know what it’s like to be judged on appearance. In my time I have come to understand the thought process of most mortals." She opened her eyes and just stared at me.

I retracted my hooves from the bark, and walked backwards into an open space. The Star Swirl the bearded imposter was getting up. Her eyes clearly displayed the dizziness fogging her vision and toppling her balance. She looked at me and froze. I think she heard it all. I stopped and returned a stare at the royal equine. Her ethereal mane stopped moving. She land back on her hooves and was still staring at me. I wore no expression. Just a morbid, demonic, stature. The light from her horn was still flaring.

"If you feel it is best to remove me by any means fit then just do it. Banish me. Chain me and cast me to the depths." I sighed deeply, but remained emotion less "Kill me. Or don't do anything at all. I know you think I'm a threat. Chances are I am, so get rid of me. Kill me."

Whaaat are you doing? Do wish for me to slaughter these creatures?

We'll see. Just wait. I don't want to hand over the reins just yet.

"Well? I am offering myself on a plate. Kill me and send me back to the depths of hell!"

The glowing stopped. She headed towards me gingerly. I didn't let up. I wanted to see if she was capable of murder. I honestly don't not know why.

"Just obliterate me. I do not belong here. You know it." my reasoning fell on deaf ears, she still advanced towards me. I did falter in neither stance nor gaze as she finally stopped before me. She seemed to inspect me in detail.

"Truly, thou would have me destroy you because you wish it. What manner of madness is this Magma Vein?" The fact she addressed me by my name signalled the beginning of regaining her trust.

"It is not madness for me, but a daily choice back home. I am needed there because that is where I belong Luna. I am the only thing protecting the innocent, the longer I am here the more time more demons have to escape. Some a not as nice as me." That was an understatement. Some didn't really care about heaven, they just wanted to cause pain and misery. She looked at me with pity, a sight not seen since Sapphire hue first befriended me.

"You have to stop evil, and you have to..." she paused, gulping and mentally preparing to finish with "kill these creatures."

"There is no alternative sometime." Twilight was shocked.

"How can you kill another creature?" I could tell she was about to rant on and lecture me on the ethics I was already aware of.

"Stop. Just stop. I know twilight, but it is the lesser evil to stop these things than to let them kill a thousand more. They will Twilight. They never stop, they never sleep, and they can go a loooooong time without eating. The choice to face the guardian is never an easy one to make. The mad, desperate, determined or all of the above fight me. They don't rest." I faced back to Luna and said "I am a monster here, the same rules apply. I am evil and must be purged."

"No." I was confused by her answer to say the least.

"No?" Another stubborn bitch. "What do you mean no?"

"I will...remove monsters. You are not a monster."

"Are you delusional? I'm a fucking demon!" I emphasised my ungodly form with a smooth, crescent gesture to my burning body as I flared my falmes.

"My powers of observation do not deny that you are intimidating, but you have a duty which carries a deep burden. You choose to harm because you have to, not because you want to. You keep the monsters from the innocent by any cost. You are a guardian." She smiled warmly then it faded to a shameful look. "I am sorry that I attacked you."

"Me too." Twilight made her way over and put the beard back on.

"Think nothing of it. I am glad this came to a peaceful end."

Wasss this to prove their innocence? What a waste of time. We have a deal.

No it was to put things back on track.

"As am I." Luna said smiling.

I turned to face Ponyville. I was slightly tired and wished to get some shut eye lights.

"I think if you’re still struggling to make friends, you’re going to have either catch Pinkie Pie, good luck with that, or talk with Apple Jack. She seems to be friendly with everypony. If anypony can help you make more friends she could."

"More friends?" Luna asked intrigued by my statement. The combination of words seemed foreign to her.

"Yes. More friends. I consider you a friend and I am pretty sure Twilight does too." The purple mare decided to nod, beaming a with joy in response.

She seemed to have a tear in her eye as she gave the smallest of smiles. "Thank you." she choked.

Resting a hoof on her shoulder I said "No, thank you." She didn't seem as disturbed by the physical act as Twilight was. She just looked up and smiled. "Come on lets go." I jerked my head and pointed towards the village. I walked off without them nut they soon caught up. Upon arriving at the village I turned to face Luna and Twilight, bid them good night and left. As guilty as I felt for leaving Luna alone with Twilight I felt a sense of stupidity for doubting Apple Jack's abilities. Soon enough I arrived at my temporal home walked past the bed sheet on the floor and instinctively flopped onto the bench. After hearing it groan I slowly let my exhaustion wash over me. I waited for the dreams to come, which took a few minutes.

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The morning hue slowly lit up the timber toned library. I realise by now that it should be odd to wake up to the scent of pine in an old oak tree, never the less I was more than happy to welcome the refreshing smell. I could hear the odd groans from a young dragon on a table nearby.

This is why greed is often let off on Halloween because the greedy simply suffer the following morning.

"So did you have fun last night?" I asked, I was yet to open my eye lights and see if he had a shade of green that matched his eye colour. The following groan seemed to translate as 'yep, but I wish I hadn't.'

I opened my eyes and turned to face a small purple lizard; he was clutching his gut in one hand and some fizzing water in another. Downing the gaseous beverage, he turned and looked at me with painful eyes.

"Dude, remind me not to follow Pinkie Pie." he paused to press his claw against his mouth whilst his cheeks inflated. After confirming he was not going to puke he carried on "she didn't stop till 3 in the morning. That's like six hours past nap time."

"You had fun right?" I pointed out.

"Yeah, but still this is not worth it."

"Then next time, don't be greedy. It might cost you in the future more than your lunch." I blinked. "Or breakfast, speaking of which where is Twilight?" I was curious not to see the mare wondering about looking for a quick cure for spike condition.

"She's gone to Zecora's to get a potion to fix my gut." he winced as another audible groan came from his stomach.

"Who?" I was rattling my empty skull around for that familiar name. By the time I had remembered it Spike had already began to explain it.

"She was the one on stage next to the mayor, you know the zebra, spiders in her mane, talks in rhyme..." He was cycling through all of the distinctive features by rotating his free claw. He was giving me a look to say 'Dude, she was hard to miss. Are your eye -ball -fire-things working OK?'. That was probably an accurate impersonation of his thought process.

"Oh yeah. She was in a nice get up. Didn't think I see a Zebra." I rummaged through my picture book for a zebra. Comparing both memories of Zecora and a normal zebra didn't seem to flatter her.

"Don't they have them where you come from?" He asked inquisitively. The green shade on his cheeks subsided but was still noticeable.

"That's a tricky question my scaly friend. Not where I work in the prison, but back on Earth yeah they roam about."

"Are they like Zecora? Do they speak in rhymes too?"

"No, in fact most animals don't speak like in this world." he looked a bit stunned by my words. "That's just the way my world works Spike. Like it or not that's how the wind blows." Looking back at the empty glass cup he sighed then faced me.

"That's alright bro. You don't see us a dumb animals do you?" I believe that at the time he was preparing for me to insult his world.

"How can I? Not only can you talk but you have built a working civilisation. You have an economy, fine dining, literature and many others. Through your emotions you have culture enriched with art and tradition. You all feel Love and hate, loneliness and sadness and joy and happiness. Especially the latter." by the point of mentioning love he started twiddling his thumbs.

"Not the answer you expected?" I was thinking he had misjudged me, again an easy mistake to make. Turns out I was completely wrong.

"Look you’re a stallion, right?"

I arched an eyebrow still lying on the bench. My glowing belly faced the ceiling as snickered at the comment.

"Well my bathroom breaks tell me so. Why do you ask young one?"

"Well, could you not tell Twi about the next thing I say?"

"That depends. Do you plan on going on a spree of mass destruction, ransack many riches and escape with a fare maiden whilst being hunted by the local authorities?" Needless to say he gave me a flat look. "In that case no, your secret is safe with me."

"It's not a secret, just some guy talk."

"I see."

I swear if this is a puberty thing...

"It’s about... girls."

It’s a puberty thing. Great, I piss off one princess then another. I finally get a decent day planned out and now I have a hormonal dragon, looking to me for male guidance. I miss Hell.

"So you've spied another dragon who has taken your heart. How old are you anyway?"

"Fourteen. She's," he paused and began to twiddle his thumbs, "not a dragon."

I was slightly taken back before remembering the case with Rarity. "Is that generally accepted around here?" I was concerned because the last thing I want is to encourage tabooed love. Seeing the way humans treated homosexuals, let alone inter-racial couples at one point, made me become slightly nervous at how I should handle the situation. Ever since divorce became popular we stopped judging humans on being gay. I could see why, they tend to have happier lives than those who desecrate their sacred vows. After updating the way hell works a century ago we took special care of those who hated the love.

"Don't tell Twi but I've looked into it. It is common on the edges of Equestria." He pointed to the romance section of the library. He didn't strike me as the type to read so this must have meant allot to him. "It is allowed, nopony would stop it, but I'm scared she doesn't feel the same way." His spikes deflated a little bit.

"So give her good reason to."

"Are you sure?"

"Do I look like an expert on relationships?" I asked, giving him a dead panned expression.

"Oh. Sorry to ask then. Thanks anyway." I couldn't handle the broken hearted look he gave.

"Sorry that came out wrong. I am not an expert in PONY relationships, but the mechanics must be the same. I think I can still help you." needless to say he brightened up a bit.

"Really? yes!" he hissed fisting the air. "So what do I do?" he was lost as his claw tapped the bottom of his lip.

"Look. The way I know it is this." I cleared my throat and positioned myself so my whole front faced the ceiling.

"Rule one: never be too nice, be heroic but never be a goody 4 hooves. Now don't be a total jerk but try to be a good guy without overdoing."

"Rule two: Don't be too clingy, unless it is requested do not constantly bother her. You can show commitment without being there twenty-four-seven. If there is a serious accident you get your backside over there and help no questions asked. Again be heroic not a goody four hooves"

"Rule three: Don't be a doormat. If she does not learn to respect your decisions then do not stay. You can say no."

"Rule four: Don't be dominating, remember rule three. How would you like it if someone bossed you around?"

"It wouldn't bother me one bit." The heart shaped eyes were slightly creepy but I got his attention shortly afterwards.

"Rule three." he immediately got what I was on about.

"Rule five err..." I had to ponder over this. "complement them. Now for Pete's sake don't overdo it, no one likes to drown in adjectives. No sappy mushy cr-stuff." I almost let slip then. "Now be careful how you do this. Appeal to her attributes. If she is sporty, notice her performance, challenge her from time to time. If she is more delicate and lady like focus on her work. Especially if she is aware she is deemed attractive. If you don't want to be another bloke talking about her looks then focus on what makes her HER." I emphasised.

His head seemed to bobble as he mentally documented the rules.

"I think that will do for now, my student. As for now let's see how the day goes about." I already had a plan. I was going to hunt down the Diamond dogs and 'redeem' them. Whether or not they wound up digested did not matter. "Suppose it's time to stop lounging around. I might take Rarity up on her offer and get some clothes fitted. I might need to move around now and then."

I was starting to roll of when I noticed something different. I was expecting little resistance when trying to leave the bench and yet I was stuck. "Hey what gives?" Struggling to get my shoulders of the bench I was tempted to simply break it there and then, due to a build of rage.

Spike on the other hand was starting to chuckle at my misfortune.

"Hehehe. You got your spike stuck in the bench.... Hahaha... I can see why you sleep in such a weird way." Shifting my head to the side I spied a mirror. I also saw M.V.R having his own struggle before mouthing 'Well done dipshit.'

"Tell Twilight I am sorry about this." He looked puzzled before I tore one half of the bench off. Removing the debris from my shoulder spikes I grabbed my bits and started heading to the door.

"Whoa. Dude how do you do that." I shrugged and said I worked out. He looked at his arms and I simply nodded. He got the point. Girls can like a guy with a bit of muscle, not always, but it never hurts to stay fit.

Admittedly arriving at the door seemed to be a daunting journey. The golden doorknob struck tied my gut and my throat went dry just looking at the thing. Outside was a normal town. A normal village no longer celebrating the fantasies and horrors. Outside I would be an outcast.

Well, if they don't like me they can jog on. I won't change and I have no reason to lie to them.

I could tell Spike was interested as I stopped a couple of feet away from the polished brown door. I could feel the curious stare gave my buzz saw mane. Inhaling a deep breathe I decided to make my presence known to anypony on the other side.

"I am Magma Vein the Demon. Not a stallion in a costume. Like me or loathe me your mortal opinions are irrelevant." The door swung open as I began to adventure into daytime Ponyville.

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"Yeah so the zipper and hooks have melted and I'm stuck like this for a long time. It could be about a month before I get out." I lied

The crowd was laughing it up. I joined in but there were two who were complete utter arseholes. There was always a few who spoiled a good time. I was making my through the market place, trying to avoid the odd glances from many ponies, when these 2 showed. I had convinced everypony of my dilemma and asked about the nature of the problem. It was touching how many offered to help but I had to convince them why they couldn't.

"We have the best quality shears and can cut you right out." they said.

"Can't. The plates are made of actual rocks, the orange bedding underneath is fire proof. If you cut that I'll get a nasty burn. Even if I try to put it out it will just relight." I replied

"What about if you’re under water?"

"I might drown." I was quick to point out.

"No silly. We could cut you out whilst you’re in the water."

"I would prefer to keep the suit intact. A testament to my skill in special effects."

"How about you slip out in the hot tub?"

"How would I do that? Wait what hot tub?" I turned to face Aloe in the crowd. She had a small smirk on her face, similar to the one Sapphire hue would give me.

"You could come down to mine and Lotus' spar and we could...help get you out." That pause was both subtly provocative and made me question whether or not I should accept the offer.

"I don't wish to lose any of the oil. Once it burns out, if I add another chemical, the sticky mixture can burn again. It is expensive stuff so I don't want to lose it." The slightly disappointed mare nodded in agreement and rolled her eyes. "But don't worry once I'm out the suit I'll come find you my dear." That brought back the coy smile on her lips.

Any way back to the current situation. After seeing me 'handle' the previous situation, an earth pony and a pegasus were eager to put me down.

"How do we know you’re not a buck ugly pony." The green shaded earth pony combed his dark moss mane. The comb running through the small twirl only emphasised what these guys cared about. The pegasus simply refused to look at me and brought a mirror to his face. The baby blue coat amplified the azure mane with the slight navy blue streak.

"It would be creatures like you who prevent us from achieving the level of beauty and grace that flows from Princess Celestia. The pegasus commented.

"True, very true my handsome friend. I believe that he keeps the costume on to prevent us from seeing his true form. Atleast he has the decency to cover his horrid looks. Although he should just stay in the cave he dwells from. He is destroying all things graceful and respectable. Filthy freak."

I could already smell what sin that was and so could blood rage.

Vaaanity. Delicious vanity. Seal our contract by cleansing their sins.

I am not going to torture them. I don't need to harm them. They will go away.

I don't care how you rectify, just fix thissss. Allow me to deal with the diamond dogssss.

we'll see.

"Grace? Respectable? I do believe you are forgetting who you are talking to," grinning I pressed onto my next point "and what I made you do." I finished. I was planning on destroying this façade of two brave and, I suppose if I look at it from a mare’s point of view, handsome ponies. I could tell they act tough and believe they were close to the pinnacle of beauty.

What they forget to realise was that last night they had lost whatever dignity they had when they pissed themselves in the old library. As the yellow puddles merged by their hooves they screamed like banshees as they fled. Best part was that all I did was trip over a knocked over hat stand.

Their eyes widened in horror at first before burning with rage. I dyed my flame, unintentionally, a yellow as a symbol of my pride. "You two did show grace last night. Never seen a pony leave a building so fast without so much as either destroying the place, or tumbling over. Oh and your singing voices. They were divine. I am certain pre-pubescent colts would love to know they too can have a future in opera singing." I smiled, pointed my charred chin at them. They looked like they were ready to launch. The steam escaping with every snort of anger was a big give away.

"One thing though you forgot to teach the crowd about beauty and grace." I paused to let them simmer a bit; the earth pony seemed to register what I was about to say whilst the pegasus decided to let me finish. He wished he hadn't.

"Pray tell. What could some ugly unicorn teach us?"

As tempted as I was to flair my wings, my next sentence would silence them, rather than if I revealed I had functioning wings. Well, at least I thought they could function.

"It is not what I am going to teach you but what you taught me. You see," I turned and started walking along the edge of the crowd, "they think it is perfectly acceptable to urinate themselves when they think nopony is looking."

A sudden gasp escaped the audience, another growl came from the green wannabe-model.

"LIAR!"

I simply sat down, pointed a hoof in the direction the old library, and stated "If the crowd does not believe me, they can visit for themselves. Past the second bookshelf should be a stained floor, reeking with discarded bodily fluid, courtesy of our elegant, classy, role models there." I pointed my hoof at them. The crowd gave both of them looks of disgust and walked away from them. I think I recall a carrot vendor pack up and set up on the next street. A few stayed to see how the situation was resolved. I couldn't see how the solution had started, but I certainly felt it.

"Ouch." was all I mumbled, head against the pavement. I heard an eruption of laughter as my chest throbbed.

Well this is a new development. Lower pain tolerance? No. Must be this body. That was a bloody good...

Suddenly two hooves slammed into side. Still on the ground I looked up to see my blue assaulter fly off. Landing by his comrade they both dusted hooves before shaking.

"That will teach such a monster proper respect for the pinnacle of each species." The green one stated, satisfied with the combined team effort.

"I hope you can do better than that." I steadily climbed to by hooves, keeping eye contact.

"Now hold up this ain't no way to settle no argument." Another voice claimed. Me and my sparring buddies glanced over to a cream pegasus colt. The flat cap on his head was pointed to the floor, along with his head. I saw he had a pair of boxing gloves for his...cutie mark.

Those words made me want either fight or fuck something to keep my testosterone levels in check.

Anyway he lifted his head and revealed a small cigar branching underneath his left eye. Which seemed to have a dark ring around it. The snout seemed to point slightly to the right. He looked at me and confirmed the minor shift in his muzzle.

"I think we should even the odds a bit." He smiled. I had already made the connection. The demon and the pony whose talent was fighting were about to go up against two pretty boys. I'd say they needed the help.

"Definitely. So boys, which one of use would you like?" I asked politely. The pegasus was out the question, the earth pony on the other hand.

"We will not resort to such brutish ways." the hypocrite spoke.

"NO. You'd prefer to wet your hooves." My partner pointed out. I was starting to like this guy.

"We have no time for this." The pegasus insisted. From the side I saw his comb cutie mark. I guess he was a hair stylist, his green friend must be client.

"Don't worry," My new friend started.

"We'll be quick." I finished. I didn't need to see him to know he grinned as wide as I did.

The trouble makers backed off slowly. It was tense as we crept up to them. Slowly edging closer. Waiting for something to set off this upcoming battle. Something to break this un-written peace treaty.

Snap

It came in the form of a carrot the vendor dropped.

The earth pony bound away from me. I chuckle as I dashed in front of him. He slid close enough to bump into my chest and began to quickly return back to his companion; who was currently being quarantined by my companion. We both made them come back to back. Then the fun began.

I threw a punch at the emerald one and landed it in his gut. I whipped my tail right across his jaw, slightly peeling a bit of skin. The fluid motion landed me in the bucking position. What better way to break that move in than breaking some vain ponies jaw? Then again that would be harsh, but his chest on the other hand might leave him in a respirator. Not cruel, but sick; perfect choice.

Now from the swaying hooves that pounded the pegasus I can say I was being merciful to the earth pony. When the left hook came in the cigar shifted to the right and vice versa. He stopped and backed up to allow a nearly unconscious body flop on the floor.

Not wanting to end the fight without a bang I grabbed the hooves of my practice dummy and threw him across the street towards the barbers. I showed a wicked grin towards my friend, and he caught on.

"I like the way you think friend." He grabbed his pony like a child clutches a bag when leaving for school. We both made our way into the store. I scared the owner to death, but the bits brought a smile to his face. We even got to cut the hair ourselves. What a generous store keep, only in Ponyville.

"Hehehe. I'm leaving half on and I'll get Quick Snip to dye it oh...Orange and black as a reminder." I crackled as My mysterious friend explained his devious plot.

"Watch and learn. All off, but glued back on. The next time he showers, he malts. That'll be likely when this guy gets a date hehe."

We had finished our work and both 'victims' were unconscious. Turning to face the cream colt I extended my hoof. He took note of where the hoof began and the 'costume' began.

"Normally I'd say I was Magma Vein, but I think you can call me Mags from now on." I smiled, he rolled his half-finished cigar to the other side of his mouth.

"Name's Iron Hoof mate. Gotta say it felt good putting' these foals in proper order. Been total snobs since they showed up from Trottingham."

"I know the type, maybe this will fix 'em if not," I looked back to the half shaven one having hair dye applied to his mane, " can I call on you again?"

"Heck yeah buddy. I'm in the Broken cart when I ain't workin' or in the gym. Come by sometime Mags." He seemed delighted to meet somepony with similar ideals.

"Sure, actually I after I go to where I was meant to be, I'll drop by in soon. See you then," I walked out and left a tip of twenty bits on the counter, "First couple of pints are on me!" I yelled back. He nodded and tipped the ash off his cigar.

I should have been in hisss body.

Don't be like that, admit it the hair cut thing was a touch of finesse.

If they learn their lessssson then yesss, otherwise aaaall you have done is dissssrupted any mating signal involving their mane.

Dude, get your head out of the gutter. Not everything is about sex.

If it was not then why do species continue? You know the natural rhythm; birth, live, breed, die. The bits in between are often quite tedious.

Thank you mister personality.

Next time I at least expect more bloodshed. hhhmmmm I want to taste some blood.

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Finally I had made my way to Carousel boutique. The different shades of pink complemented each other, whether they were painted on the first floor or second. The cone shaped building was littered with decorative stripes and was, primarily, painted in a chequered pattern. The few mannequins seemed foreign to me. I was wondering there purpose down the path to the door. They obviously seemed to inform ponies of the store's purpose, but they had been scattered around in a gargoyle like fashion. Jut perched there, waiting for something. Just. Watching.

Besides the slight eerily creepy blank stares, I had marched onto the door. Rapping 3 times I was greeted by a well-polished female voice. The gentle and yet high pitched welcome of Rarity did seem to brighten my day.

"Just a minute darling, I am just finishing a piece. I shall be with you shortly. Oh dear." she did seem to be preoccupied. I could hear faint whispering before complete silence. I imagined that sweetie belle was giving her some bother until that thought was quickly ripped out of my mindless skull.

"Hello Magma Vein. How come you're here?" A curious voice chirped by my side. I turned to face sweetie belle next to me. She seemed to be glancing around for other ponies. "Aren't you worried somepony might see you?"

"No need Sweetie, they think it's a Nightmare Night costume that can't come off."

"Good thinking, but won't they expect you out of it soon?" She asked cocking her head to the side.

"It's likely squirt. So I might need something to hide my features a bit." Needless to say she gave me a dead panned look. I suppose she was right. I mean honestly; 2 horns, blazing wings, broken shackles and burning skin. Not really an easy thing to mask.

I rolled my eyes. "Can't you at least pretend it’s a good idea. Besides I need to get out the library. I think I starting the smell like old books.

Sweetie belle gave a quick sniff and shrugged. "More like pine cones to me."

The door opened with a violent crack as an Arctic white Unicorn stood before me. She wore a distinctively large smile to which started to make me, and no doubt her, feel uncomfortable.

"AH, hello Mr Magma Vein, it is lovely to see you." she said still guarding the doorway.

"Lady Rarity," I gave her a slight bow "It is lovely to meet you too. I have come to take you upon your offer of giving me some clothing. I hope I am not interrupting anything." I didn't want to come off as demanding, but to stop I really wanted to stop most of those terrified glances.

Rarity twisted her neck around and paused. I think she was observing some mess with the worried look on her face.

"Err, that is," she paused for bit before turning back and smiling, naturally, again " Fine my dear. In fact I was hoping you would stop by." She ushered us in and I gazed upon a strange sight. Suspiciously so.

The room was clean, spotless even.

Now I could tell she was professional just from the way she was poised; if that did not tell you the vibrant clothes would. So many forms of fashion. Tens of coloured coats, blending into a categorised rainbow spectrum. Each mannequin standing proper and true, all except one.

Rather than having a hoof raised he had one pointing to the window. Towards the path I was walking along seconds ago.

I dismissed this as some sort of special case of elaborate designs on the hoofs. It must have just been pointed at the window by pure chance. She must have just finished an elaborate piece, I couldn't even see the wood. A mask to define a smiling colt, elongated tuxedo and what appeared to be socks. The sort that would hook onto the suspenders beneath said tuxedo.

Never been scared of mannequins before, you do tend to get on edge after fights though.

Now back to the room. Organised so that no speck of dust was aloud rest, no thread to long or short, and dye of cloth out of place. So why was she so worried?

I think she picked up on my curiosity when I was still looking at the mannequin.

"Can I help Magma Vein? I believe you said you wanted some attire for your...form?" Now there was the hint of Rarity I had met. At least she was kind enough to not insult me. Still, what she had said quickly but that thought aside.

I see, changing subject. Now what are you hiding?

"Yes. Something to at least hide my plates on my chest. I'm thinking black its quite slimming." I pointed out, displaying what little knowledge I had of the fashion world. Guaranteed to be different from home; Demons 'fashion', if you can call it that, was relatively new. It was also in the form of wearable armour, for casual wear too.

Tapping her pouting lower lip, she explained that it would not simply be case of one colour. Oh no, heaven forbid I wanted a simple jacket or hood. Why on Earth would anything be so simple?

She started taking measurements to three centimetres , courtesy the slightly move tectile plates. Ribbons in different shades of evil and burning rage moved across me. Streams of ribbon flowed together to replicate the fire escaping my physical form. I was bamboozled completely as was sweetie belle; whose head simply followed the orbiting ribbon. Before I lost my sense of sight, to the bombarding colours, I saw her go cross eyed and she started wobbling on the spot.

I think I was succumbing to colour because I could not see a damn thing. Instinctively I relied on my heightened sense of smell. At least then I could tell where every pony was. Sweetie belle was easiest to figure out. Innocence, all children carried this scent, if you wanted an individual you would have to look further.

She was still at the left by, if I recall correctly, the staircase. Now there was an overpowering essence of generosity to her right. Where the dove white unicorn stood, the scent radiated of her. I suppose the easiest way to explain why this is significant is because err...It's like wine tasting, Different brands, different flavours, different mixtures summed up in a bottle.

Now to find this much exquisite flavour in one bottle, comes from years of storage. The smell of her generous spirit overwhelmed my nose.

But then there was another.

Honesty. That brand was more like cider. Delicious, sweet, cider.

It was close to one of the mannequins. I knew which one.

After the frenzied fire storm, created by nothing more than 3 shades of orange and 2 shades of grey, it was a relief to see the world again.

The proud unicorn looked on raising her chin, and a mirror in front of me.

"Oh darling you do look quite dapper. I admit the bumps on your back were quite troublesome, and so were the spikes on your shoulders, but I do believe that this is a marvellous outfit for you."

It was impressive. Grey cloak, trimmed with a darker shade; a lovely incorporation of orange flames were both stitched and sewn and arced out towards my tail. Now the jewels. They were unexpected; attached to a magma orange under coat were five rubies to form buttons for me to fiddle with in the future. Door handles where tricky enough, now we have buttons. Above was the coat was a cloud grey jacket which, when you consider the lively evening sun shaded rivers, mimicked my stony body.

"Well isn't this something? Beautiful and talented. It's a first time I have felt the need to give somepony a round of applause."

"Oh, you don't have to...but if you want to." She fluttered her eyelashes at me. I had to give it to her. Her sense of modesty was one I could get used to. I more than happily gave her a slight applause before returning to my original investigation.

"You look great Magma!" squealed Sweetie belle. After thanking her she made her way to the top of the stairs.

"Yes, now, I am sorry Magma Vein but I must really get back to work. It has been nice to meet you again." She began to usher me out. "I must apologies for before my dear. I am terribly sorry for reacting the way I did." I wasn't paying attention. I was focused on that peculiar dress up dummy.

Stepping to the side I began to make Idle talk of payment as I crept to the oversized dress up doll. I sniffed around and since the boxes to the left where completely out of the question I stood by the mannequin.

"Oh but I do insist, the least I could do for revealing your secret."

She looked perplexed. Then her face instantly changed to pure horror.

"What secret? I don't have a secret." she was sweating under the pressure.

"Don't lie I know this mannequin is not just any old dummy." Again she looked incredibly worried. All that was needed was some tense music. I think she actually contemplating stepping between me and it.

"AH HA!" I yelled tearing the mask of to find a face I didn't think I would see.

A wooden face.

"What? There's no pony here. Impossible they must-" I heard some breathing close by. I sniffed the air and followed that cider scent, past the mannequin, past the boxes. To one big box.

I pressed my ear against it whilst keeping the fashionista in view. I heard breathing, and the ruffle of paper. What bothered me was the way the Ponyville's number one tailor kept looking at the mannequin with slight relief. I would understand if the mask was damaged or she was angry for almost breaking the mask, but neither was the case. It was like I had found a lesser secret. A nicer one compared to the dark, unholy, secret someone might keep.

I had to come back to that later, now for what was in the box. Slowly I got closer and whispered for them to get out. No answer. Rarity wanted me out of the shop, I wanted to know who was in the box. Flipping open the panels and staring at the contents I was met with a brown Stetson and a blonde mane. Recovering from the crack to the head I notice the box tumble forward and an orange pony to fall out. Along with a lot of pink letters.

"Ah apple fritters." Apple Jack spoke defeated by gravity. Walking over, I was about to offer her a hoof when she was already up. I looked at Rarity and winked, she chuckled nervously.

"Hey Apple Jack." I remarked. Instead of helping an already walking pony, I picked one of those letters and inspected it.

SSSSHHHHHH. Pinkie Pie's Secret; 'Sorry we thought you were a Meany' and 'Sorry I couldn't throw you a part sooner' party! and you’re invited!

The day's Special theme: CHOCOLATE! everything must be chocolate! All the sweets, all the drinks, all the clothes, wait...no chocolate clothes that would be too messy, silly filly. Actually chocolate hats are fine.

When: Today

Who's the special pony? M-

The letter was yanked out by an orange hoof.

"This here letter ain't for you. It's for Rarity. Sorry Magma Vein but you can't have it." Sternly, Apple Jack looked at me, before glancing back at Rarity. "Ah told you to let me stay in the other room, why the hay did you put me in that box?"

I was about to continue reading of another letter when a spat between the ponies broke out. It started off being relevant. rarity explained the time lapse and my visual perspective of things. Adorably, AJ emphasised her speed with words like 'lickety split'. Eventually things escalated whether or not things said made sense. Now if they had asked me if things made sense, I could lecture them why things NEVER make sense here. Especially around Pinkie pie.

But I digressed and smirked as clothes and 'froo froo' styles came become topics. I had enough fun at their expense.

"It's funny, you don't act like friends. Either you guys hate each other," they turned to face me with a slightly shocked look. Maybe I hit a few nerves, like I fell on nettles and they wanted to let me know I was in dangerous territory, "or you two are the best of friends." That angered look dropped. The farmer and the glamour girl just looked at each other, before hugging. The combination of orange and white almost made my heart stop. I don't think my sugar levels could take this much sweetness.

"Hey AJ, need a hand delivering these letters? I promise not to peek." I asked, I couldn't see her reaction because I had a creeping suspicion somepony was watching me. I was looking out towards the window. Nothing weird, then I noticed the mask less doll was looking at me. I don't remember anypony moving it.

Again I moved that thought to the back of my mind, I guess I really hated mannequins, I looked back at Apple jack who was in deep thought.

"Ah suppose I could get these delivered by the time the p-" looking at me seemed to change her words, "sun sets." she finished. "Now Promise me ya'll won’t look at these here invitations."

"I promise."

"No glancing."

"No."

"No peaking."

"Nope"

"No askin' 'bout what they are."

"AJ."

"Alright, Alright. Now you take care now Rarity, bye." She chirped walking out. I had been told, nay, commanded to pick the letters. Still I attempted to pay for my new attire and still the Element of Generosity lived up to her name.

I walked out, all of the letters in the box in tow, and headed for Apple jack. I gave a quick glance around, right after I left the door, and looked into the window.

It was still looking at me. That is until a blue aura brought 2 curtains together.
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