"It's so strange. He seemed really nice. I didn't think he could be a monster." I heard a disgruntled Twilight add. I guess I really did shock her.

"Which is why the situation is so confusing. I'm sorry to leave you in the dark about this Twilight, but he did try to reason with the guards back in the Castle. Even when he started to defend himself, he refused to mortally wound the guards." I could see the Princess was sitting on the fence about this. Not whether or not I'll be punished, that I have no doubt, but why I decided to attack. Well she would never know, unless he makes an appearance.

"Maybe something upset him? Perhaps instead of harming us, he chose to find those to, ahem, hurt." Rarity, hurt is an understatement. I edged closer to the stair case, mentally preparing how to approach the situation. It had to appropriate, it had to get to the point, and it needed to be handle it delicately.

So descending down the stairs I said the following as they turned to face me.

"Have I been a bad boy? Did I do something wrong?" I stated calmly. When I arrived to the bottom, I was met with a burning stare from the teacher and the student. I met their fearful glare with my own pained facial expression. Hangovers, apparently, do not help lighten the mood. Scrambled eggs on the other hand.

I doubt I'd be welcome to it.

I walked around, past Twilight, past Spot, and took a seat opposite Celestia. To my left were my intended victim and my ex-hostess, both wearing a hate filled expression. To right, the lovely lady, who will be informing me of what happened last night. Given that she can even look at me; at the moment she refused to even glance at me. Finally, sitting opposite me was my judge, jury and perhaps...executioner.

My my. Magma Vein that was a humorous thought. Should they attempt to attack, she will be the first to be digested.

Don't joke around. This is no time for games.

When have I ever been funny? Little demon, tiny, tiny abomination. I could eviscerate the entire town if I see fit.

You see, this is why we need to work on your people skills.

"This is not the time for your remarks. This is a grave situation, you have committed a crime that is punishable by banishment. Had your intentions not been for this village, you would have woken up beyond the brink of Equestria." chided Celestia. The venom in her words did worry me, I wanted to be sent home not thrown into isolation.

"Forgive me. I may have had a little to drink last night." I admitted, shying away.

"I would not call emptying the entire spirit section 'a little to drink', had you not actually been sampling the cocktails I would have banned you from joining us again." Rarity harrumphed, to which point Twilight face hoofed. The Princess still scolded me from across the table.

"I hope I was not a scoundrel or anything last night." I asked, looking at the back or the fashionista's head.

"Well... actually you were rather polite and civil, for the most part." she mumbled, earning a death glance from Twilight.

"I think we're getting side tracked. Princess he chose to drink away last night, I doubt he's even sorry." The librarian was quick to bring her case back around. I looked over and saw the hatred as her eyes narrowed. Spite, fury, rage, murderous intentions...sorrow, fear and anguish. Betrayal, I guess last night did nothing for me.

I looked at the decorative table cloth before, noticing the lilac hearts. The room was shaded that colour, from dark to faintest tone purple surrounded me. Combined with the sense of betrayal, I soon followed the trend.

Looking up I noticed the Princess' eyes soften as my hue shifted to purple. The others also took a quick glance at my glow.

"What is this?" Celestia added. I could sense no spite in this, only curiosity. I was about to answer when she cut me off.

"Ah I understand. Your flames give away your mood. Let's see, if I recall, yellow is pride, blue must be sadness and despair, what could be purple?" I looked up morbidly, saw the confused glances. Especially from Spot. He took a tentative sniff, before pulling away in disgust.

"Demon pony smells of shame."

"You can sense that?" I asked, genuinely interested.

"Is how we address strangers. We smell for attack and anger. Doesn't work when sleeping." he explained.

"I see." I still hadn't shifted colour, as much as I tried. Occasionally there would be a spark of apricot, but it would be consumed quickly.

"Shame? Magma Vein, if you did not agree with the act, then why would you ever decide to do such a despicable deed?" The Diarch was bewildered, but still retained a judgemental tone. No sympathy for me.

"Shame? Yes. With killing those dogs? No." I paused to allow another frown form, and looked at Twilight, "Betrayal. I lied to her. I convinced her I wasn't a monster. I had no idea about Blood Rage's potential here. He has never spoken to me before. I did pan on being a mod-decent citizen in my time here, but he complicated things." The Librarians tone softened, as did the stare, but I knew she still kept the hatred she had for me.

"Who is Blood Rage? I thought you were the only one who got lost." She commented, eyeing me up scrupulously.

"That's the thing. He is me. Well a part of me. He's what we demons called a Primal. Pure instinct, serving to keep us alive." I explained. My orange glow returned slowly, just as they looked at each other in confusion.

"How do we know you're not lying? You could just be putting the blame on multi-personality disorder to escape your crime." the lavender unicorn responded sceptically. The group seemed to side with her, even the hound leant closer and growled. I had to do something I didn't want to do.

Show him, physically, just a small amount.

"Would you like to speak to him?" I asked professionally.

"What?" they responded in unison, even Rarity turned to face me.

"Would...you...like...me...to...reveal...a....small...part...of...him?" I stated, perhaps a little patronising, but I'm sure I got the message across.

You plan to release me?

Don't be daft. I will partially surrender my jaw to help come to terms.

If you surrender your entire head, I can swap it with mine. That will convince them there is no trickery.

...Deal. You should wait till I summon you.

"How?" Celestia asked, concern in her voice.

"He will become apparent. Trust me. But I warn you. He is not like me. I do try to be a good guy." I turned to face the purple mare and the mutt, just as she snorted in spite. "You will not like him. He has no morals, just my duties in mind. He's the cold, heartless, bloodthirsty killer." She rolled her eyes, still sceptical.

"Fine, show us this, Blood Rage." Rarity interjected.

"Don't say I didn't warn you. Come on out Blood Rage. It's your time to shine." I responded morbidly, already feeling a familiar burrowing in my gut.

I felt my throat tighten and choke me, as I did so I jerked. Twitching and spluttering wasn't exactly a calming movement for them to watch. Moments before I felt the subtle movements of the plates on my face shift, Twilight spoke.

"Oh please, save us the...drama?" she trailed of watching some of my plates slide around.

"Can...we...get on with...this?" I struggled to speak, once again feeling the dark force suppress my will. I saw my horns shrink and move down to my snout. Between them I saw the solar Diarch look back in horror.

After such an introduction? I believe a proper entrance is in order. Hehehe. He continued laughing. Soon my face was sculpted in his image.

I felt two more horns form at the back of my head and sprout out. My face enlarged to make room for the teething fangs. The flames in my eyes, dissipated, and were soon replace by magma orbs. I was temporarily blinded, but I image once the reptilian slit formed, my sight was soon returned to me. They gawked at my new form once it had finished construction.

I had finally finished morphing into a 'normal' stallion body, with the head of a cobra. Demonic-afied of course.

Well that was pleasant. I noted sarcastically.

Rarity screamed so loud one of the glass cups smashed. I'm surprised nopony flinched.

The mutt was frozen to his seat, lip quivering.

“Oh my goodness! What in Tartarus is that?!” Twilight gasped, flinching and edging away. The group shared a similar response.

“Sweet Celestia! What happened to him?” The Princess cursed, although I did temporally ponder if using your own name would count a profanity. Never the less the look of horror on her face intensified, especially after he opened his crocodile eyes.

"Greetings mortals. I am Blood Rage." he spoke, twisting his neck to feel the breeze. He examined his body at the table, bringing his hooves into view. It was weird being in my own mind. Everything was dark, except for an image being played out. The chains had returned and all I could do was watch.

"Pathetic body. Although the wings are a beneficial ability." He added flaring his wings. Admittedly I was jealous of how well he was able to use them. Then again, learning to fly is instinctive and that is his department.

Rarity swooned, just as she was about to pass out, the Mistress of the sun steadied her.

"Who...what are you?" Twilight asked. I knew she realised I was not lying, about bloody time. The fear in her eye was apparent, as was Spot's as he tried to move as far away from me/him (us?) as possible.

"Ah, the purple equine. Yes he did take a shining to you. Friendship, bah! Disgusting thing. Tastes foul." Blood Rage threw his tongue about, as if trying to remove the flavour of a friendship. "He was upset by your disapproval of his methods. He even started hating himself for what he did." He scowled at her. "YOU made him soft. He killed thousands of demons. You made him feel guilty." he chided, causing her the look away in despair.

"And all you did was cast him out. Who do you think he was? A kind soul? Maybe once, but not now. He's a beast with a conscious. Like the rest of you creatures."

"What did he want to gain from killing these Diamond dogs?" Celestia interrogated.

"Hehehe. He wanted to protect you, he wanted to protect this little tiny town," he stopped focusing on the saddened mare and switched to Celestia, already not impressed by his antics, "He wanted to protect the whole of this forsaken land." He began laugh diabolically. He calmed down and glared at the pissed off Princess.

"From what? Diamond dogs? They are little threat, why did he have to kill them?" She glared at, but I could smell as small ping of fear when he grinned. My regular fangs had shrunk, they were the size of the tip of the little finger humans had.

"He wanted to protect all of the innocents from the greatest threat to arrive to your land." He remarked, placing his hooves on the table and leaning forward.

"And what would this threat be?" Princess Celestia asked, a surge of courage coursing through her.

"Why me of course. Do you believe this to be my true form? No. No no no no. This is just for communication purposes. If I were to truly take over, this town would already be littered with corpses."

"Why do you want to hurt us?" Twilight barked.

"I don't wish to, I merely have to feed. Your kind would satisfy both my dietary needs as well as my duty to punish the sinful. "

"That is ghastly! Have you no remorse?" Rarity screeched, disgusted.

"That would be Magma Vein's speciality. He experiences the emotions, has the personality and the morals. Other than the body he provides the rest are tedious little things. He hissed, back at her. She flinched, and Celestia's scowl burrowed.

"Why did you make Magma Vein kill the dogs?" she spoke, irritated by the lack of disrespect she was receiving.

" So you see it was not his intentions. At least your intelligent enough to finally see that. He had to. The dogs were greedy. A deadly sin. They needed to be punished and dark essence extracted, because that is our natural instinct." He was about to gloat when he felt something claw at his vocal cords.

Me.

"But...they...weren't all dark were they? How many were pure?" My voice escaped, scaring the girls.

"Magma Vein?" Now there was some concern in the student's tone. Very little hate.

"So that's what it feels like. Rather irritating when your body is not serpent like Magma Vein. Yes he can breakthrough. Yes, some were redeemable. Such as this one." He turned to face the clean hound, his tanned fir regained its shine.

"Spot? Spot was redeemable? Then why did demon pony try to eat Spot?" he questioned, worry glinting in his eyes.

"Food of course. You are actually pure. Your traditional thinking is just that. Collecting not for wealth, but for pleasure and progress. Not out of greed. I had almost consumed enough pure to be...full. Then you got away. Had the purple equine not intervened, and Magma Vein been so forgiving, I would have made him paint the house red with your blood " He flared his fangs, causing the mutt to quiver before his opened maw. It slammed shut when Celestia's horn encased it in a golden aura.

Still facing the hound, his snake eye shifted to face the Princess. He grinned and, to her amazement, slowly opened his jaw.

"Bravery. Strange emotion, easy to confuse with stupidity." he remarked, slapping his lips. Celestia released her magical grasp.

"What do you want?" She asked sternly, he looked up and pulled another smile.

"To survive of course. I require meat to survive, hence my appetite for canine flambé. I also need to perform our demon duties. Punish the sinners." he barked, he felt another force scuttling in his mouth.

"But...they're not humans. They have little darkness...they have learned to...live this way for a long time. Humans are more...even and balanced. They may be capable, but live differently to resort to... such behaviour." I finished, we were both panting. Me chained behind the looking glass, whilst he resting his head on the table.

"Magma Vein? Are you okay? Is it true? You did not want to hurt them?" Twilight asked, looking back with heart-breaking sympathy.

"Yes. He was not born a demon. He was once human. Probably why he holds onto these...morals. He's soft, weak, fearful, and a disgrace. He is worthless thinking he can save the innocent and still be a hero." He began to chuckle darkly to himself.

"You're wrong." He stopped, dumbfounded and faced Twilight. "He is not worthless. He can still control you. He didn't want to hurt them. He was protecting us from you."

Is she...defending me?

Maybe she's had a change of heart?

Possibly.

She is right. You have held him back a few times. Remember when Diamond tongue went Primal? I felt him trying to escape. You didn't let him.

Blood Rage growled, he despised that little fact. He was tempted to make a snap at her, until I reminded him to try and get us home.

"True, but not like you care. At heart, I can still smell your hatred, the bitter sweet anger and venom I long for. You lie and pretend to care for his wellbeing, you don't care, and you know he can still kill any creature...even YOU. " he added darkly. She quickly looked away, the Princess looked back at her. I could see the face of a heart broken mother figure in her eyes. I guess Twilight was just as guilty as me.

Blood Rage turned to face the Princess, the both met eye to eye.

"You should send Magma Vein home, if you know what's good for your subjects." he warned, once again bearing a sinister smile.

"Why should I not just turn you to stone? An evil entity should be destroyed." she replied harshly.

"But could you? Would you kill Magma Vein to destroy me. We are two souls, two lives. He exists so that I might also and vice versa. Killing me, will destroy him the..." he snarled and looked disgusted," niiiiiicccerr one." He strained. Celestia looked away, I could tell she had no problem destroying evil, it was the collateral damage she couldn't bear.

"What's the matter? Can't stand kindness?" Twilight asked leaning forward.

"Horrid thing. Emotions and kindred spirits; irrational pointless things, I don't know what Magma Vein see's in them."

"It's because he is a good pony!" the purple mare yelled, quick to defend.

"WEAK! DISGUSTING! FREAK! NOTHING BUT A HOST! HE SHOULD REMAIN SILENT AND ALLOW ME TO FULFIL OUR DUTIES!" he roared, flame gushing out and incinerating the chair. The table cloth set ablaze.

"Oh my! That was a gift from Fancy Pants you brute." Rarity chided, hovering a glass pitcher calmly over the fire. She made sure to put it out before 'accidently' spilling some on the demon. Not that he cared.

"I shall find you a way back to your world. On one condition." Celestia added, drawing the attention of everypony and demon-serpent thing.

"I didn't realise we were bargaining. You will obey my commands." he grinned, before yawning. I could tell he was trying to intimidate them. His fangs stood erect, both about a half a foot long, and separated the small flame that escaped his maw.

"Enough. I will send you back to Hell, when you promise to no longer kill any creature under my care." demanded Celestia.

Now here's the scary part. For all of the conversation, I have heard his thoughts, even the things he wanted to do, such as go on a murder spree whilst he had a chance to find that Silver Spoon pony. I have seen his plans if he got out...not pretty, especially for Celestia. For some reason, what troubles me deeply was this.

I can't hear him think.

For a whole minute, whilst I assume he contemplated the offer, it was silent. Only me and M.V.R yelling for his attention, our echoes not leaving the mental prison. Had the girls and hound heard us, they wouldn't be so satisfied with Blood Rage's response.

"That is acceptable. I will give you three months." he stated calmly. He rotated his head, like an office fan, as he said, "This will be the last any of you hear of me. It has been most unpleasant to communicate with all these feelings running amok. Filthy things, pointless tid-bits. Much like your existence. Farewell, I shall resume hibernation." to everypony and dog present.

Before Rarity could speak, no doubt having something to say about the filthy things comment, my chains slackened. Once again, my facial form shifted. Everything started going bright as the plates shifted. Soon I reacquainted with a familiar pain as I underwent the involuntary form of plastic surgery. Or rock formation, which ever seems apt.

The piercing pain of the horns retracting into my scalp made me grunt, followed by a furious roar as my snout horns returned to their normal position on my forehead. As expected, I went blind again, only for my sight to return to me shortly after. I also felt my hangover return, and with a sudden sense of disorientation, my jaw collided with the table.

I couldn’t remain on the seat and shortly collapsed onto the floor. I took note of the well-polished floor, especially when I managed to catch my reflection before impact. Panting and breathing deeply, I heard a scuttle of hooves and paws.

"Demon pony? Is back yes, not murderous snake-pony-monster?" I heard Spot ask, nudging me. I was too tired to respond. My face ached and blood escaped from where I bit my tongue. The sizzling caused him to back up, moments before the rest crowded around.

"Magma Vein? Is that you?" somepony asked, sweetly and angel like. It was as if Sapphire Hue was by my side after my first battle. This voice, blurred, distant, worried, it pained me more than my wounds. My vision faded in and out, but I still struggled for consciousness.

Fighting the effects of drowsiness, I slowly climbed to my hooves. Flinching as somepony rested a hoof on my shoulder, I tried to focus my eyes.

"Magma? Are you okay?" the soothing voice numbed the hangover temporarily. Purple. Taste, smell, sound, blur, didn't matter. Everything was only purple. Finally I opened my eyes and caught an outline of the lavender blob. Slowly it my vision became clear, but the sound echoed. This healing voice repeated my name over and over until a final voice rang out.

"Magma Vein!" The world became crystal clear.

Twilight was finally looking upon me with sorrow and regret.

"That's my name, I think you're actually starting to wear it out." I responded, chuckling before falling into a coughing fit. I looked back, she gave me a sad smile and I returned my purple glow.

"I'm sorry Magma Vein...I didn't know...I couldn't possibly imagine..." she trailed of when I looked away. I didn't like her forgiveness, it seemed undeserving. I moved back, causing her hoof to flop down. I kept moving back until I bumped into another mannequin. The wooden horse toppled and fell amongst its brothers.

I felt better wrecking one of those things.

"I'll get that. S...sor...sorry." That word became the hardest thing I have ever said. I didn't look up, not until Rarity spoke.

"No need to worry Magma Vein dear, take your time...oh my." I'm sure she would have said something else had she not noticed the thick dribble of lava escape my lips. With the sickening splat, I finally stopped panting.

"Are you okay Magma Vein?" Celestia asked. I couldn't hear the motherly tone, but it was trying to become present. I'm not surprised if she didn't trust me; there are two potentially deadly monsters before her, one she likes (so I assume) whilst another she despises.

Sucks to be her.

"I'll live. Not the worst thing I've felt. So what's the plan?" I asked, shaking my head. Celestia looked bamboozled.

"Are you sure you don't want to rest? That looked discomforting." She winced, Spot and Twilight edged closer.

"I felt my skin being torn off and being replaced. My entire mind was taken from me and bound by unbreakable chains, and I watched all of your reactions. Discomforting is possibly the last word I would use," I watched the mares flinch, except Celestia who burned me with her stare. Before she could give me a lecture I continued with, "but your concern is a refreshing welcome. Sorry, but I'm not exactly in a friendly mood." I sighed, looked at my form and noticed the purple flame, and looked back up.

"Thank you for asking." I replied, shortly after I saw a small sympathetic smile emerge on her muzzle.

"Magma Vein?" I jumped as Twilight crept up to me. She looked with worry.

"Yeah? Look Twilight, if you don't want me around I'll," I'm sure I would have mentioned that cave from when we first met, had she not decided to hug me, "Twilight?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you had that...monster in you." she replied, tightening her grasp. I refused to react, as touching as it was, and perhaps as much as I wanted to return the gesture, I had a duty to perform. Leave these ponies until further notice.

"Twilight thank you, but it's probably for the best I leave and never see this town again." I refused to look at her as she leant away, I only stared at Celestia. I have no idea why but she scowled at me.

What the fuck does it take to please this bitch?

Maybe if you stop being such a bloody soldier you might please her.

Oh please tell me how that will help.

Easy. Don't be a dick to Twilight. She's forgiving you, because of that now sleeping arsehole.

Riiiggghhht. Perhaps I should thank him in two months’ time, when he awakes. Why he promised three I have no idea.

He's reserved some food, you know the essence, for when he wakes up. He shouldn't bother us much, or at all. Anyway, you have till then to make things up. Look, I don't know about you, but I heard her say she'll turn us to stone. I don't think I can hold one good looking pose for the rest of my life, I'd hate to not be able to show the rest of.

"Magma Vein. This is not a pleasing turn of events. Should I be worried about your presence here in Ponyville? Even with that thing's promise of not harming these ponies?" she asked.

"He said he wouldn't therefore he won't. He wouldn't lie." I stated, still bearing an emotionless look.

"Then what do you fear? If he is... a monster of his words then we have time. We are safe for three months. It would not matter if I kept you in my dungeon for the first two. You may stay here until the final month, then I shall have you moved back to the castle." I was stunned.

"Why are you offering- I found out why before I finished. I turned to face Twilight, tears on the edge of her eyes.

"I wouldn't want to face this alone. I can't let a friend of mine take this on alone either." she sniffled. Still my orange hue returned, making it easier for me to bear an emotionless mask.

"Monsters." I finally spoke.

"Excuse me?" Both Rarity and Twilight said in confused unison.

"You have to be careful when hunting monsters, lest you become one." I didn't need to finish the rest.

"What?" Twilight responded.

"I've killed enough monsters to recognise when I have become one. It's worse because I have no control over it." I sighed, looked at her and gave in. I returned a hug. I took one last glance at Spot, and closed my eye lights.

"I don't want to hurt you." I whispered. She gripped me as if her life depended on it.

"You won't." she replied.

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Finally after that meeting was over, we all stepped outside. Choosing to empty my mouth of all blood contents, much to everypony’s disapproval, but to the hound’s amusement, I accidently set the grass on fire. Celestia's sun was a horrid sight. Not only did I have to put up with vibrant shades of green, blue and the rest of the colour spectrum, but I had to worry about why I had to stay here. I love being a demon. We walked away from the boutique in silence.

"Rarity, I don't suppose you could fill me in on last night. I can only recall fragments." I finally broke the quite veil, at which point both Celestia and Twilight arched an eyebrow.

"Well back at the tavern, you created a lot of new cocktails. All of which we enjoyed. You were right about your talent in tasting spirits and alcohols. I don't think you incorrectly guessed a single one at that blind tasting game you suggested. That was a pleasant turn of events. I'm surprised that I couldn't recall my favourite Martini." She smiled as we turned off for Celestia carriage.

"It seems if you were a normal pony, then you may have a bottle as your cutie mark." Celestia added, before grinning. "Well perhaps an empty one given the amount you drank." she finished. I tried to give her a smirk, but my face fell heavy and I only managed to glance at her.

"So I'm still invited to the next one?" I commented, receiving an indecisive nod.

"Perhaps, if you promise not to drink so much to be out of pocket. You're lucky kept beating Iron Hoof at wrestling." she added.

"You mean hoof wrestling?" I inquired, following Twilight intrigued look at the fashionista.

"For a while yes...then you two had a playful scrap. Unfortunately, I was outvoted to stop you two. The girls seemed quite content for some strange reason." She looked towards the chariot, meters away, and appeared to be in deep thought. Judging from the quiet tittering by my side, I was sure I was not the only one who knew why they didn't want the sparing to end.

"Oh and you seemed to have startled Sweetie Belle and Spike. Then Sweetie Belle ran out. She hasn't looked at me since. I remember Spike thanking you for something. Thank you for letting her stay at the library for the night Twilight." she added merrily.

"Oh no problem Rarity. It was late anyway."

"You also claimed a mannequin was following you. Before you were indisposed for the night you, kept calling him Lurch and Creeper." she seemed quite offended, as if the mannequin was real.

Damn it. I forgot to follow up on that. Meh, probably just me being paranoid. Wait? Him? Oh never mind.

"So I was a bit of a ruffian." I added, stopping before the chariot.

"Not at all. When it started raining outside, you used your wings to cover my friends as we helped you back to my abode. The girls were," She sighed, "very grateful." Now I had no idea what that meant, but a part of me wish I did.

"I see, well I guess you know I'm not a mean drunk. So what happens now Princess?" I asked looking up to her. She stepped into the chariot, and looked back with a smile.

"Until I can find a suitable measure for dealing with multidimensional travel, you are to continue your duties. With better results." She gave a grim expression before facing Spot.

Before she could continue I turned to face him.

"Spot. I am sorry for attempting to kill you. I hope you understand the circumstance I'm in forced me to do what I did." I asked, holding a morbid tone. I extended a hoof, and he looked at me curiously.

"Demon pony is sorry? Spot may soon forgive it. Thinking about Snake pony," hair standing on the scruff of his neck, he shuddered, "Snake Pony is scary, Spot sorry for you." he shook my hoof, but when he retracted it he wiped his paw on his jacket. "Snake pony is gone yes?" He, and the others, also seemed concerned.

Still dormant?

Ssshhh! Keep it down, yeah he's sleeping.

Last time I checked, hibernation meant a deep sleep. I think I can talk in my own mind.

You're funeral...and theirs. I Ignored the comment and faced Twilight, she hadn't left my side since I recovered.

"Yeah. He'll be out for three months. Celestia, just so you know. If you have to, you can turn me into stone to stop him from-" I was cut off by a dismissive white hoof.

"There won't be a need. I may require your aid soon Twilight, but until then you should continue your study into friendship." she finished. She gave Twilight a quick nuzzle before leaving us. We began to return to Ponyville. The golden chariot's silhouette darted past, blocking the sun, as we came to town center.

Everypony looked up, inquiring if it was a bird or balloon. One said 'No its Celestia' and everyone gave a short bow, before continuing their daily routine. To them it was going to be a normal morning, coming up to a normal day, to end a normal week.

Normal. Trust a demon, a little time bomb of apocalyptic proportions, to have to blend in to society. He also has a sworn duty to protect the Elements of Harmony from any danger.

Yeah...just another FUCKING normal day for the Guardian of Hell. I better get compensation for this.

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Rarity separated from us, as did Spot. Apparently she wanted to treat him to something from Sugar cube corner, as soon as she said Pinkie Pie wanted to meet him I decided to let him go. If he survived her, he's redeemed himself. So it was only me and the quiet librarian walking down the cobbled stone road. Nostalgia flooded my mind, I recalled walking down in a similar fashion. It was dark that night she allowed me to stay, empty, barren and nopony to hear us talk. Now we were in the middle of the day, surrounded by ponies not saying a single word.

Never the less, she struck a conversation as we headed towards the giant oak tree.

"How can you...live with that thing?" she asked, sorrow and curiosity laced in her lips.

I didn't say it was a pleasant topic.

"Normally he doesn't even talk. He is dormant, like he is now. He only arrived when I came here. That's why I want to leave. He's right. I am weak. I won't be able to hold him back if he escapes." I sighed.

"Hey. You're stronger than you think. I know it. We can beat him together. I'm glad you are the nice guy I have to put up with." she reassured, resting her hoof on my shoulder. I couldn't help but smirk.

"Told you I'm what you needed." We both shared a laugh upon entering the Library. Where Sweetie Belle and Spike sat at the table. I inhaled deeply, already preferring the friendly pine scent to the smell of scrambled eggs. Which I still never got. The bookshelf appeared repaired, amateurishly however, but the books covered whatever hole was present. More than I can say for the piles of splinters that used to be the bench.

We stepped in and closed the door, startling the duo before us.

"Ah!" the little marshmallow squeaked, "Oh hi Magma Vein. Can you speak properly know?" Sweetie Belle asked, looking concerned. The fact that she knew so little about the effects of alcohol was adorably innocent. I laughed and replied by confirming I could speak. With an earthen tongue twister: red lorry yellow lolly. Of course they repeated and failed. Miserably. Twilight was the funniest; once she reached a certain annoyance level she began to question what a lorry even was.

Then the little unicorn asked a question.

"Magma, you didn't tell Rarity about..." she whispered pointing to Spike, who in turn gave a sheepish grin.

As Twilight trotted into the kitchen I replied with "I have no idea what you're talking about." content with me not knowing, and her believing that I did not tell her elder, she bid the dragon goodbye. He gave a little wave as she left.

"Thanks for not telling Rarity about last night." he said grinning and twiddling his thumbs.

"No problem, mind telling me what I didn't tell her exactly?" I sat down beside him. He stared at me with a 'you mean you can't remember?' look. To which I nodded.

"Well, I kinda asked her to erm..." he rubbed the back of his neck, his emerald eyes focusing on the empty table before him. "To go out sometime, just us two you know?" he blushed; the rose tinted cheeks quickly became crimson specks as I gave a small chuckle of laughter at his shyness.

"Well done lad!" I finally commented, earning a merry smile from the lizard. "Did my rules help?" He nodded in response.

"I've been doing most of them for ages, guess I'm a natural. I was totally freaking out before I asked her out, I mean I like her. Like like her, but I also like Rarity. It was so confusing. In the end I made my mind up, she's really fun and imaginative." he gave me those creepy heart eyes, before his shook himself from his stupor.

"Shame I gotta break Rarity's heart." he smiled, bulging his chest out.

"Oh? so tell me what do you plan on doing next?" I questioned. He stopped measuring his biceps, face frozen as his eyes widened. He looked like he was going to answer but I cut him off. "Wait no don't tell me, you're the master. I guess I should let you be." I left the table, ignored a few cries for my return, and then turned to face him.

"Lessons will continue tomorrow, don't be late." I responded, causing his eyes to sparkle.

"Lessons? In what?" Twilight asked, levitating a couple of what appeared to be vegetarian sandwiches. She placed the tray on the table, and looked back at me.

"Oh nothing, just some guy talk right bro?" I replied, earning a nod from the reptile. The adoptive sister arched an eyebrow and looked between us. We said nothing as we took a seat, even as she questioned us.

"Come on guys, you can tell me."

"Sorry, it's a secret. I promised not to tell so I won't." I bit into the sandwich, just as she groaned for the umpteenth time, and tried to determine the vegetable inside.

"Huh. This is actually pretty good," the mare recovered from her groan and gave me a scrutinising look, "I mean it not what I expected. What is it? It tastes sweet and has a nice crunch too it. I love it!" I added, avoiding the death trap of offending a woman's sandwich making skills, and taking another delicious bite.

"It's a daffodil sandwich. I added a few rose petals and a sprinkle of ground lilacs. My speciality." she chirped, welcoming my compliment graciously.

I was stunned. Halfway through another bite, the daisy fell out. Unfortunately, it burned upon contact with a flared flame. Not that I'd get it anyway, the thing bounced off my crotch.

"You mean...you're feeding me flowers?"

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Soon they day was slowly coming to an end, Spot returned, smothered in cake and wearing a party hat. The fact his tail was waggling, and had another hat attached to the tip, revealed how much of a good time he had. To Twilights annoyance he also had a colourful party blower, and was happily marching around disturbing the peace.

He gave a happy goodbye, referring to me as 'Magma pony' as he said his goodnight. He marched upstairs and disappeared into one of the rooms. I looked up. The unicorn was studying an ancient looking text. Eyes concentrating, candle light her only ally, tongue protruding out in a cute fashion. As tempted as it was to leave her there, the bags under her eyes said it was time to sleep, just as Spike had instructed an hour ago. I shadow sunk behind her, waiting for the right moment to spook her.

"You know, you're easy to anticipate right?" she remarked, without taking her eyes out of the book.

"And you, Miss Sparkle, are adorable when you're tired." She managed to blush, before she turned to face me.

"I'm not," she couldn't finish due to the loud yawn escaping her maw. The smell of rose petals and lilacs filled my nostrils.

"Sorry." her sanguine cheeks burned through that purple coat.

"Just admit you’re tired and go to bed. That'll do. I and trust me you are." I added, winking before smiling as she also did in embarrassment.

"Okay." She left the table and looked back. Before I could read the text she snatched it with her magic. I gave her a shocked look, attempted to pout a lip, but was met with a chuckle. She kept on going, before stopping at the top of the stairs. I was repositioning my bed sheet on the floor when I heard her voice.

It was encased in worry, sorrow and fear.

"Magma Vein, I think tomorrow we need to talk about him. You know...Blood Rage." she looked back from the edge of the banister.

"Okay Twilight. I will." There was a sombre moment, and not being one to end on a low note I had to change it.

"Now if you excuse me, I have one heck of a beauty sleep ready for me. As you can imagine, alcohol does not help in any way. We can't be all as pretty as you my dear. Go on, get some sleep, I'll be expecting a strange day tomorrow." I began the ritual of getting comfy, no doubt as the unicorn took in the compliment, and I finally slotted my plated together.

"Goodnight Magma."

"Goodnight Twilight."

There was a slow movement of hooves, before the lights went out. Only the glow of eyes were left, leaving a ghostly orange shade on everything I observed. Soon enough I closed my eyes and began to rest beside the still broken bench.

Flowers? Really? I was so close to falling asleep, the voice startled me.

M.V.R? You really know how to pick your timings. I know, I can't believe I enjoyed the butty.

Do you think this body is changing you? Sort of like, altering the way you think and taste. That was another possibility. Everything was starting to seem different; the plant sandwiches, the smells in the air, emotions I was picking up, how often my moods were displayed by my flames.

Possibly.

In either case I have news you're gonna want to here.

What's that?

It is bad news. Really, really bad news.

How screwed?

Fucking, you got a pony pregnant, screwed.

I instantly opened my eyes. "What is it?" I asked out loud.

Blood Rage has kept some of the essence to feed of right?

"Yeah?"

Well he kept the pure essence. Guess how much, Magma we have a big problem.

"I don't know, wait, what type of essence did you say?" I asked worriedly.

That's the problem. It's pure. Now guess how much he has.

"I don't know, stop wasting time!" I flinched, hoping to not alert Twilight. Thankfully I managed to draw attention.

....Enough to release himself and roam free without you.

Magma Vein. He can escape if he wants to.