Seven

Seven

A My Little Pony Tale

By: Damien Darkside

..:: Chapter Two: Bon Vivant  / Good-Living Man::..

Lucifer followed Sugar Petal to the dining room inside Canterlot Castle. Here, he got to see more of the castle and admired the artwork and sculptures that adorned the halls. He noticed a few paintings and figures depicting various pieces of Equestrian time periods that he learned from Sugar last night. He left the slightly burnt jacket in the closet from last night and was just dressed in his shirt and dress pants.

“...he is to help us with our problems that we have in the kingdom.” Celestia's voice could be heard.

Lucifer quickly picked up Sugar and placed a hand over her mouth so only an “eep!” was able to sound through the palm of his hand. He motioned for her to be quiet, and she seemed to understand. He whispered into Sugar Petal's ear as softly as he could. “Sometimes it's what people don't say to you that is more important than what they do say to your face.”

“If it is important, than why would you summon such a creature into our midst? It is compromising security as is! I had to put multiple guards on triple duty to cover for him!” A male voice spoke this turn. He sounded young but authoritative, possibly a noble? “I am also here with Cadance so the guards are stretched thin as it is!”

“We protest against your claims as to our vigilance when it comes down to dangerous matters Shining! We have but every confidence in our ability to handle said situation and thou art insulting us in saying we do not!” That was certainly Luna speaking, the other voice must have been this 'Shining' person. He remembered Sugar saying something about Shining and the military. Shining... what was it again?

“Excuse me Auntie Luna, but you and Aunt Celestia both have claimed that there was a problem that required you to summon a high-ranking creature. Surely such an action raises suspicion onto the problem?” That one was certainly a noble and sounded like a douche-bag.

“For possibly the fifth time Blueblood, his name is Lucifer and he is perfectly fine. If he was to present a threat to our fair Kingdom he had all of last night to do so. The spell we cast was absolutely clear and it worked to the letter! Literally to the exact letter! He will be joining us for breakfast soon and I expect that my own nephew would be on his best behaviour.” Celestia spoke up, again with the commanding yet motherly voice. He surmised that that was her 'shut the fuck up before I actually have to do something' voice.

Lucifer brought Sugar back a bit more from the corridor. “Start to tell me something about the kingdom as we walk to the dining room. Thanks by the way.”

“It's fine, just ask me next time before you gag me alright?” Sugar Petal replied with a wink. “Well have I told you about Sweet Apple Acres?”

Lucifer started to walk slowly towards the dining room, so that their conversation increased in volume and the ponies inside were ready to greet him. He didn't want to walk into an argument and make it awkward for any of them. That always ruined breakfasts. He hated ruined breakfasts.

“I don't believe you did, are they an apple company?” Lucifer didn't know this and was quite happy she wasn't making up an actual fake conversation of something they both knew.

“Sort of, the Apple acres is run by the Apple Family and have been making some of the best apples for generations! Their Zap Apple Jam is some of the finest ever made! In fact there should be a few apples from there on the table when we serve you breakfast!” She said as she opened the door.

Oh, good transition. She was going to get another back rub or something.

“Good morning Celestia, Luna, has the night been well?” Lucifer asked as he nodded to the Princesses.

“The night has indeed fared us well Lucifer, and was it favourable for thou?” Luna said politely.

He bowed slightly out of respect before sitting down in one of the chairs. The table was rectangular with both of the sisters at the head alongside a pink, smaller Alicorn. On the sides were two other white ponies; one had incredible posture and a blue mane whereas the other one looked like he just woke up and was blonde.

“It was quite nice. The stars were absolutely incredible. It is always nice to see one such as yourself show a little bit of pride in her work. It was a sky I will not forget for a long time.” He complimented Luna and turned to Celestia. “Of course the sun is quite nice here as well, we need someone such as yourself in Hell. How are you Princess?” Lucifer finished with a smile.

“Lucifer, it is nice to see you are finding your accommodations favourable. Was Sugar Petal here much help? Luna was telling me how she was... informing you about Equestrian history.” She said with a smirk, which made the pink one giggle.

Lucifer calmly placed his hands on the table. “Well next time I might just invite you to our study sessions to go over things that she might have missed.”

“Oh we doubt thee missed anything with thine hands. They are much bigger than a Minotaur’s” Luna chimed in.

“That is not the only thing I have in common with Minotaurs my dear Princess” Lucifer quickly shot back with a wink.

Then the entire room went silent. The blue-maned pony looked at Lucifer like he was insane. The blonde one looked incredibly distressed and confused. Luna, Celestia and the pink one looked like they were trying to either contain puke or a laugh since they were covering their mouths.

A second later, Lucifer figured it out and fortunately for him it wasn't vomit. “Hahahaha! Oh Luna he is funny! Just as you said he would be! Such wit and to us of all ponies!” Celestia broke down laughing to the point of crying.

Luna seemed only slightly more composed. “We are very amused Lucifer! Thou art quick of tongue and it has been such an age since one spoke to us like that! It is nice to see one of your station not blinded by their duties!”

“Well I usually think the best way to live life as long as I have is with as much childish thoughts and immaturity as possible. The truth is that you never grow up, you just masquerade as an adult because that is what you are expected to do. The only difference in being a child and an adult is to curb it so you can deal with the heavy stuff.”

“I quite agree Lucifer”, the pink pony was finally speaking up. “I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but please call me Cadance. This is my husband Shining Armor and we both govern the Crystal Empire.”

“I greet you as well. I am the head of the Crystal Empire Army as well as ruler. Princess Celestia has told us very little of you.” He spoke with conviction and confidence, he was definitely worthy in Lucifer's eyes.

“Why yes, Auntie Celestia has said very little of where you come from or your standing. I am Prince Blueblood of Canterlot.” Lucifer was still correct in Blueblood being a conceited douche-bag. “I for one think that one of noble reputation at all times should act their station. You have to distinguish yourself from common fare.”

“Oh really Blue?” Lucifer saw two pony maids walk into the room and they started taking orders. “Well indulge me on how one such as you in your station must act.”

Blueblood snorted at his shortened name and went into as much of a regal posture as he possibly could. “One must act dignified! Wise! Fearsome! You should have to respect of all ponies as you walk in the street so they know their place in the world. When you are addressed you have to be spoken to with your proper title as well.”

Lucifer chuckled as he looked down the menu. “Well since you are neither dignified, wise or fearsome I guess you got some shaping up to do.” He turned to the maid pony. “These pancakes are made with eggs and milk right?”

The maid pony had a somewhat shocked face as she heard what Lucifer to Blueblood. “Y-yes sir!”

“Glorious, I'll have that with whatever syrup or jam you have. Strawberries if those things exists here. They exist here right?” Blueblood was sputtering at this point as Lucifer finished his order.

“How dare you speak to me like that, swine.” Lucifer could clearly see a vein on Blueblood's neck.

The room was silent. “I'm sorry you seem to be mistaken for I am not swine.” Lucifer stood up and bowed slightly to the married couple. He spread his wings and adjusted his posture and it was clear what his standing was without needing to have asked. “It is time I properly introduce myself. I am Lucifer, known as Morning Star, Light Bringer, and the King of Hell. It is an honour to meet you Cadance and Shining Armor.” He turned to the pony near him and flipped him off. “Not so much you Blueblood.”

Lucifer didn't care if Blueblood knew the significance of the middle finger.

“P-Prince Blueblood. I return the sentiment.” Blueblood turned to the maid beside him. “I'll take toast and a light salad.”

“You know what?” Shining Armor spoke up as Lucifer sat down. “I think I'll have the same as Lucifer. Pancakes sound pretty darn good.”

“Hmm yes. It's been forever since we have indulged in them right Shiny? I'll have to agree.” Cadance nodded to the pony taking her order.

“I am inclined to agree with our guest too. I think I'll take some as well, extra strawberries please.” Celestia finished up quickly.

Luna clapped happily. “Then we shall join in this party of pancakes as well! Blueblood, whilst thou change thine order to match?”

Blueblood looked betrayed, angry, and must have been contemplating homicide at that point. Nevertheless he excused himself, “I am afraid not, and I will be eating in my study this morning. It appears that I might have some favourable company elsewhere.”

“Oh Dear, Lucifer was just joking with you! You did reject his stance quite rudely I might add. I must ask you to reconsider.” Celestia motioned for him to sit down and stay.

“I am afraid I have to decline.” He sat up and turned out of the room.

After a moment of silence Lucifer broke it with “I can't be the only one who enjoyed that. Have you all be waiting for someone to be here to bust his balls?”

“Yes” Everyone spoke at one.

“I only aim to please.”

Celestia smiled as she winked at him. “That's why I called for you.”

///---///

Lucifer spent more time with the Princesses, who had to excuse him for two reasons. First being that Luna had to sleep and the second being that Celestia had day court. During this time Lucifer asked both of them if they would give both Shining Armor and Cadance a tour of his domain. They both agreed without much discussion. His little maid friend Sugar Petal excused herself and went to sleep since she was a night maid.

He did have access to his portal, which the Princesses hid in the depths of the castle. Shining Armor and Cadance lead Lucifer there themselves. “Want to see my little world? I'm just going to talk to my servants before staying in Equestria for a while. The Princesses both gave their consent.”

“Oh! Uh...” he paused for a moment, probably wondering the risk involved. He nodded to Cadance. “Well if she is fine with it, so am I.”

“I would love to Lucifer, you have been quite friendly so far.” She smiled. “Plus Aunt Celestia has control of the portal and is the only one who can close it, we will be fine Shining.”

Shining Armor certainly seemed like he was really going over the pros and cons of the situation. However it seemed like his desire to make his wife happy trumped everything else. Lucifer mulled over a few seconds on how trusting ponies were, it was quite refreshing over how most humans acted. Not that it was a bad thing that humans weren't quick to trust, it just worked for their world.

Harmony worked for this one.

“Oh one thing I gotta mention. My realm revolves around the indulgence and balance of several key aspects. They are Greed, Wrath, Lust, Pride, Gluttony, Sloth and Envy. Known as the Seven Sins on Earth.” Lucifer told them before they went through the portal.

“That... actually doesn't sound right at all. Why would you have that?” Shining stopped his advance.

“It always sounds bad when you say it the first time, but I'll give you the short version okay?” Lucifer motioned them to sit down beside the portal, which was white on this side. “First thing is that Greed and Envy, while destructive when followed too much they are the basis of ambition and desire. How would you come to your rank if it wasn't for the desire to grow and be great like your peers? You are loved yet I am sure there are ponies in your world who are despised for living only by those virtues.”

“That, actually makes sense. A lot of sense. Filthy Rich is possibly even more disliked by our citizens than Blueblood.” Cadance pointed out to Shining.

“Plus with Blueblood, his pride makes him blind and quite annoying to be around. Whereas Celestia and Luna are both confident and regal without being overbearing and unapproachable. Nor are they overconfident to a fault.”

“Oh that's a good one!” Shining was catching on.

“Plus like I gotta tell you about lust. Cadenza, little miss Princess of Love.” Lucifer winked.

She giggled. “No you need not.”

“Plus you right now are on vacation from your own kingdoms! That is a component of sloth and enjoying the food and such is a part of gluttony since you eat more than your fill. Unless someone wasn't competing with me on how many pancakes they could eat.”

Shining faked a posture of royalty. “I will always deny that accusation, I was simply famished.”

“Plus, taking time off in order to recharge but not too much to cause problems is fine too. As such, I have to return in order to fill my girls in on what's going on,” Lucifer said as he walked to the portal.

“Oh and since it is the domain of souls that have died on Earth, they pretty much can have more freedom over such things. It's really the reason why my realm even still exists. Don't worry about such matters, the realms between spirits and living is easier crossed than what most think. Death is just one of the more direct ways to do so.”

“I'm a unicorn, it's a part of summoning theory. I listened a little in school.” Shining told him.

Looking back and motioning them towards the portal with his hands “I am so happy for smart ponies.”

He popped through the portal with a little less discomfort and landed on the iron disc that was in the portal room. He used his magic to move the door to his halls closer to the portal. Both Shining and Cadance landed easily on the surface of metal. “This isn't all that there is... is it?” Shining still looked amazed.

“No just come with me and I'll take you on a world of pure imagination.” Lucifer smiled as he lead them through the door.

He lead them through the dark halls of wood and polished stone. “I fashion my own castle every hundred years to my whim. It is one of the perks of being the sole owner of your own plane.”

“It is quite cozy, almost as if it was perpetual night.” Cadance complimented.

“Should have seen the Babylon theme I had going a few millennia back. It had such a good light. Almost as radiant as Celestia's. Even with my title as 'Light Bringer', Celestia certainly can make art with such brilliance.”

“Aye, it is always a good day under her rule.” Shining agreed.

They walked up to his main office and saw Jessica writing away on her desk. Luckily for Lucifer, she wasn't bent over his desk with her tail in the air and her body presented to him.

This time at least, and same for his butler Francis and wherever he was at the moment.

“Welcome back Master!” She said happily, flapping her leather wings a few times to help her hop over her desk. “I see you have brought some guests with you! My name is Jessica, I am Lord Lucifer's secretary.”

Now as a being that fed on the sexual energy of others, Jessica was a particularly fine specimen of beauty and charm wrapped up in a demonic parcel. As much as to still give Shining a stuttering second to greet her back. “I-I am Shining Armor and this is my w-wife Princess Cadance!” he seemed to emphasize the word 'wife', which Cadance caught.

“Pleased to meet you two! Sorry if I seem too bubbly towards your husband there Cadance, it is just how I am. I am a Succubus, a demon associated with Lust”, she bowed to them both.

Cadance smiled politely and gave Lucifer a raised eyebrow towards Lucifer. “Pleased to meet you too Jessica, and trust me, Lucifer gave us a little heads up on how things worked around here. Just try not to make my husband faint too many times okay?”

“Oh but I am quite sure I can make you light-headed as well.... sorry! It just comes out! I haven't been around other beings for quite some time!” Jessica became flustered and seemed even more embarrassed for messing up in front of Lucifer, she even covered her mouth.

“It's not a problem! In fact I am sure we can both do a lot of things to make my dear Shiny here fall to the floor unconscious.” Cadance laughed with Jessica.

Lucifer bent down a little and used a finger to close Shining Armor's open awestruck mouth. “I'm just teasing Shiny. You know I am the Princess of Love so I know how males are. I won't mind if you window-shop just don't touch the merchandise okay?” Cadance poked at Shining with a hoof as Jessica mouthed 'I like these two' to Lucifer.

“Now where everything unholy is Francis?” Lucifer asked Jessica as the two ponies looked at the displays in his office.

“Oh my lord!” A very flamboyant voice rang out in the hallways, with 'lord' drawn out and covering a few notes. “Lord Lucy is that you? Are you back from wherever your cutie patootie was?”

Around the corner came an Incubus. Incubi were pretty much the male version of Succubi without the wings and more emphasis on a muscular form. This particular Incubus preferred to be called Francis, and another thing he preferred was cock. Seeing as how Lucifer was the embodiment of all of what was known as the Seven Sins, Francis served Lucifer and fulfilled any and all needs that his Lord required. Sometimes that included his dick whenever Jessica was unavailable, and Lucifer didn't mind at all.

“Francis you giant faggot, there you are!” Lucifer smiled as he hugged his best butler.

Francis was about six feet tall, human-like with red skin like Jessica. His hair was black as well but short and spiked. He too had a tail, but it was longer and it's tip resembled a goat's tip more than a Succubi's spade. He also wore nothing much more than tight dress pants and a bow-tie, showing off his bare and smooth chest.

This time it was Cadance staring. “Now honey, as long as you don't touch the merchandise...” Shining teased in her ear.

“Oh you know me Lucy. I'm out and showing everyone what it's all about!” Francis giggled in a girly manner.

“My dear, I believe that you would be the merchandise that he would be after.” Cadance poked Shining Armor in the side with her hoof. “Though I am quite sure that Jessica wouldn't mind watching you two...”

Lucifer caught that and turned, seeing Shining Armor with such a cherry red face that it was simply impossible to ignore. That was when Francis saw the two ponies. “Oh you to are so cute I just wanna gobble you up!”

Now usually someone who was twice your size in almost every way saying that they wanted to eat you would certainly be terrifying. Francis however probably couldn't sound fearsome at all. Luckily for him his intent was certainly made clear that the ponies were indeed, not on the menu. “Now my name is Francis, and what might your name be you little sexy stallion?”

“Francis, please let off a little. He's taken.” Lucifer warned with a slightly sterner voice to show he was serious.

“Oh my, I certainly wasn’t implying that I wanted a taste of equine delight. No way, Jose!” Francis did an X across his heart.

“Sure, you are a liar as much as I am a saint. Now could you please be presentable, this is royalty and ambassadors from another dimension.” Lucifer put a hand on his shoulder, “for me?”

Francis immediately straightened up while bowing to the ponies. “My most sincerest apologies to you two, I was only being a silly little trickster. My name is Francis Belgarde and I am Lord Lucifer's butler. If someone was to mention to me your station before I was let loose, then I would have addressed you two properly. Even if you are so adorable I just want to snuggle you both up.”

“It's fine Francis, I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Empire, part of the Equestrian Empire itself. You may call me Cadance. I am here along with...” Cadance lead the conversation over to her husband.

“I am Prince Shining Armor, co-ruler of the Crystal Empire and commander of it's armies. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Shining stood up straight as he said his titles, probably hard-wired into him at this point.

Jessica bent down and asked both ponies if they wanted a tour of the main offices before seeing the rest of Hell. Seeing as how Jessica usually took care of the new arrivals that were specifically interesting to Lucifer, she would be a while describing some of the history of his displays. Both Lucifer and Francis were left standing, looking out towards the open door and not looking at each other.

“Lucy” Francis said through closed teeth.

“Yes Francis?” Lucifer sounded amused.

Francis seemed to be containing himself of some emotion. “He is military.”

“I know Francis.”

“He's so hot Lucy.” Francis almost moaned 'hot'.

“I know Francis.”

“Shining Armor literally a prince in shining armor Lucy.”

“I know Francis.”

“He's probably got a giant horse cock.” Francis was almost drooling at this point.

Lucifer turned to Francis, who had a dreamy look upon his face. “Actually considering their size compared to us, I would say he's only about six inches long.”

“Yeah, but horse schlong. Those things flare you know. Quite different from canines.”

“I know Francis.” Lucifer laughed as he walked to the door before turning to his Incubus. “Here I thought I was enough for you.”

“Silly Lucifer.” Francis smiled gently, being professional in his quiet moment with his Master. “You know I'll only 'serve' you. Have a good time.”

“I don't believe I have told you my plans.”

“You don't need to honey. Just come back to us as always.” Francis snapped his fingers and a feather duster appeared as he resumed his duties cleaning the office.

Lucifer walked through his halls and smiled. He was going to help these ponies with the problem that they have been having, it could be fun. Considering how much of a good time his servants were having already, what harm could it be? Plus never let it be said that he didn't have a good bone in his unholy body.

“...his magic keeps us all happy in our home.” Jessica said as she lead her little tourists by an old collection of violins, specifically the Davidoff-Morini, the Colossus and Le Maurien Stradivarius violins.

“He has magic?” Shining sounded shocked. “He never mentioned having some before!”

Lucifer peeked around the corner, seeing Jessica think for a moment. “Why he must have kept that to himself because he hasn't tested it in your dimension. His magic might not work the same. Hell, I bet even fire might work slightly differently with you guys.

Oh don't you know it Jessica.

“Are there any other beings with magic in here?” Cadance was the one speaking this time.

“Oh yes! Apart from the Lord himself, small creatures called imps are in the cities, helping out people wherever they can with whatever wish they can fulfil. They aren't nearly as powerful as our Lord but they certainly are cunning.”

“How is the tour going?” Lucifer asked his favourite succubus as he walked around the corner.

They were standing in front of two large oak wooden doors, as if ripped right out of a medieval castle. “Fine my Lord, I was just leading them to your balconies.”

Grasping the heavy iron handles himself, he pulled back hard and the doors swung open. Doing so revealed a massive cavern that stretched beyond their sight. He explained everything as they looked around and off the balcony. The view they had of Hell could be compared as that of viewing an entire country from the tallest building. The wide and endless stretches of land and water being Lucifer's to enjoy and rule.

Lucifer explained that the ceiling of Hell changed depending on which section of Hell you were in. Looking off the main balcony it had the underground feel of the traditional and stereotypical view on Hell that was held by humans. Red walls, huge spikes of stone hanging from the ceiling and fire occasionally licking the walls from unknown sources.

To the left of them was a massive city that flourished with plant life and gleamed of silvery light. Lucifer told them that it was the city of Atlantis. In their moment of doom from God's Flood, they turned from God to ask Lucifer himself for help and forgiveness. Since God was washing Sin from Earth, Lucifer took them in. In doing so he brought in the first of the largest cities that the humans had ever made into Hell. It was a city almost under complete moonlight the majority of the time. Lust was more or less the dominant theme of the city blanketed in night. Love and celebration of relationships were made prevalent.

A gigantic river separated the left city from the centre. The centre landmass was filled with fields, both trees and vegetables alike. Both the sun and the moon traded dominance over massive fields of wheat and corn were clearly visible to the eye. One could also see a massive building in the distance. Lucifer explained that this was Elysium to most cultures along with Fólkvangr, or even the Garden of Eden to others. The centre building was reserved for those who have died in battle, known as Valhalla but simply named “The Great Halls”. The Fields were home to Sloth for those who had served hard lives; whereas the Great Hall was for those of Wrath and Pride who died as warriors.

Shining Armor seemed to like the fact that the dead soldiers had a good place to call home.

Another river separated that mass from the farthest right, which was covered in gold. It was named El Dorado and was much like Atlantis in look apart from the golden light sparkling in glory. It was the City of Gold, and was also the city of Pride, Greed and Gluttony. Every single day there was celebrations and giant feasts that rivalled those made even in The Great Halls. These lands were mostly sunny to keep the city a shining jewel in Hell.

“The rivers join underground beneath us that leads to what we prefer to call the 'Dream-scape' where you can simply build and create your own realities. While the cities are governed by Imps, Succubus, and Incubus, the Dream-scape is kept organized by the Heavenly Host that came with me to Hell. With these four sections of Hell, we have ruled and kept my subjects happy.” Lucifer finished as the ponies looked out to his lands. “Behind all three of them is a giant ocean that leads souls back to the world of the living if they wish to be reincarnated into a new body to gain more knowledge. They don't remember a thing until they are dead again of course. It is a side pact I have with a being named God.”

“This is simply wonderful! We have to visit again and see the cities for ourselves! However we promised our own Goddesses that we would be back.” Cadance reluctantly stepped back from the balcony and the others started for the portal.

On the way back, Cadance noticed one more display that she hadn't seen before. Looking inside she noticed a single, large white feather. The plaque was old but well-polished and she was slightly confused on what it said. She shrugged knowing that she simply didn't have the context to understand what it meant. She realized that she was lagging behind the small group and sped up to find them.

Running back towards them she neglected to feel a smaller feather break loose from her wing. It sailed across the room to brush up against the glass case that held Lucifer's own feather. It landed just above the plaque and settled until someone would eventually find it, most likely Francis.

"Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."

///---///

“Now Lucifer you probably are really sick of waiting to hear what our problem is.” Celestia spoke as she sat for dinner.

Everyone was in the dining room again, save for Blueblood who didn't even send word at all that he wouldn't be attending. Nobody missed him to say the least and even Sugar Petal was present to serve Luna, Cadance and Lucifer dinner. Lucifer had replaced his jacket at this point, being given a new top and a kiss from Jessica before leaving for Equestria.

“Ah! For this must be ze one who has given unto me ze most delicious of tasks!” A voice came from Lucifer's right.

In came an actual Griffon, to which Lucifer knew from Sugar was a part of a common race in this world. He had a curly moustache and a chef's hat to boot as well. “I am your competent and creative chef for zis evening. For it is my honour and duty to cook to ze best dishes for one who caters to the same flavours as myself!” Lucifer figured that those flavours were consisting of the category 'meat'.

“I am Lord Lucifer, who may you be?” The Dark Angel was most amused at this beast with such an accent. Reminded him of a skunk from a certain cartoon on Earth.

“Ah I have been cooking for royalty non? Zis is most grand for I, Gustave le Grand has been ze one cooking for you last night!” The griffon said with must confidence and gusto.

“It has been quite delicious I can assure you. Tonight I shall have steak again but be creative, you can decide the vegetables and wine, cuisiner”

“As you wish my lord!” The griffon looked like he had just won an award from Gordon Ramsay himself and quickly ran for the kitchens.

“Now as you were saying Princess?”

“I am sure you know, but I want to make sure. Sugar Petal has given you a brief history on the Elements of Harmony?” Celestia asked him.

Lucifer nodded and gave her all he knew of them. They were the main Elements that maintained Harmony in the world. The Elements are all carried by the Bearers and they help maintain Harmony within the Equestrian Empire.

“Right! Now what is a major part of the Elements is that the Bearers also need to be at one with themselves, otherwise there isn't harmony. How could one work without the other agreed?”

“Kind of like how you can't love others until you have learned to love yourself?” Lucifer compared.

“Exactly! Now our problem is that we know that each of the six Elemental Bearers are somehow completely out of tune with themselves in some way. I really wish I could help them, but we have been getting some...” she paused for a second before continuing, “other problems. The kind that need our fullest attention.”

Lucifer figured out what they meant. “The kind that might need the Elements in working order in case of an emergency?”

“Thou art quick and true in thine reasoning. Thou must understand our need of thee.” Luna added.

“Simply put we also don't explicitly know what is wrong with their lives. So we are asking you, one who apparently know a lot about how basic nature works, to help us.” Celestia actually looked like she was going to plead for a second.

“So how would you know that I can help your ponies?”

“From what Cadance and Shining Armor have told us, thou art a king with thine own subjects and friends.” Luna reasoned with him. “Thou would know the mind of a pony is similar to one of a human from our report. Thou has knowledge of the nature of ponies, even if thou think not. Ponies are like humans from what we gather. Though we must say with less of the chaos of humanity.”

So that was why Shining and Cadance went to Hell with him as well as keeping Sugar Petal as his maid. He smiled and reflected upon the action of these ponies. These Princesses knew almost exactly what they were doing when they were presented with a problem, albeit some mistakes. A good example was his 'summoning', but they did get what they wanted. He probably should have gone over what Jessica had told the pony guests but alas, it was past that now.

“You also have magic right?” Celestia waved her hoof at him.

There was no point of lying, Jessica told Cadance and Cadance informed Celestia. “I do, but I am having some difficulty. You magical physics is different enough from my own magic that I cannot do some of the more major feats that you two can do. I may be able to replicate the sun and the moon in my domain but you two posses a power that I do not here. I even burned my suit last night from an errant small flame.”

“Well even if your magic is slightly different, your plane seems to be quite like ours in some respect.”

That certainly got Lucifer's attention. “Oh? How so?”

Celestia smiled as she got her salad. “Why, while we are focused on balancing Harmony, you also have a philosophy that is similar: Balance. Although while to us the word 'sin' usually has a negative meaning to it, you certainly have given it a positive spin. Nevertheless they exist in both worlds.”

“Why thank you Princess, it always makes me happy when another being sees things in another light.” Lucifer complimented.

“Thou art also similar in races too, though obviously not in form. We both have our flying races, the Pegasi and Succubi. The Incubus and Earth ponies are known for their strength and hardiness. Thou also have your Imps and we our Unicorns, a magical side that can bend things to their will. Finally, the ones to look over them are the embodiment of the three, as we are so are you.” Luna compared as she took a sip of wine.

Lucifer blinked, almost dumbfounded at how too similar that seemed. It was almost insane, a plane such as theirs making contact with him. Two complete societies working towards the same goal of happiness, even if their ways of getting there were different and even if his were dead. He realized that this could be exactly what he was looking for in terms of discovery, some more fun never hurt him.

Lucifer sat up in his chair and dropped all lack of formalities. He knew it was business time and he needed all the information he could get.“So you want me to do whatever I can to help out your ponies in order to be prepared for... something. They have something major in their lives that needs to be corrected.” Lucifer clarified. “Do I have a time limit?”

“If everything goes as well as we wish it to be, thou wouldn't even need to finish.” Luna assured.

“You know I'm going to finish no matter what.” Lucifer told them.

“Of course.” Celestia smiled in a way that seemed to be all-knowing. “Do you need anything else?”

Lucifer only requested for two things.

The first was some sort of dwelling in Ponyville with a cover of a new creature arriving in Equestria. He was to have been a creature called through a portal accidentally by some sort of magical experiment from Canterlot. He was to be “stuck” until further notice and that he had to “integrate” into pony society upon “order of the princesses”.

Lucifer figured that even if a human somehow got through, they would probably go this route.

A part of the cover is that he knew some magic and could summon Succubus and Incubus familiars from his “world”. That was his second request as well: knowledge of how exactly the princesses contacted his plane. It was quite simple since Lucifer was bringing his own plane's beings to himself, he just needed a few parts of their summoning in order to bring his subjects exactly to him.

“Of course, you may only summon Jessica and Francis.” Cadance told him. “They are the only beings we were in contact with. Unfortunately we didn't see an imp otherwise we would have allowed it.”

It was no matter since Lucifer already could perform feats of magic.

Just before dinner was served, Lucifer got a handle of it. With a puff of smoke, Jessica came out from it surprised and was quite shocked to appear in front of Shining, Cadance and the two Princesses. She was formally introduced and stood by Lucifer as he ate.

She was quite shocked when she was summoned too. She had just changed into a more business-like attire since she assumed more visitors were eventually coming into Hell. Even though her small black dress was decent enough, she had just felt like being a bit more professional in front of non-demons.

Lucifer complimented her on her choice of clothing. It was a black blazer and dress pants with a simple white blouse underneath. She had two holes in the back of her blazer for her leathery wings and a tiny hole in her pants for her tail. Of course her cleavage was still showing, she was a succubus after all and she still wanted to be beautiful in front of Lucifer. She stood calmly beside her master and listened as she took in as much as she could about what this world was.

After dinner, Luna went to her study in order to inform her sister's student about Lucifer coming to Ponyville. Sugar Petal and Jessica followed Lucifer and Celestia to the Royal Library so that Celestia could inform him of the specific ponies he was looking for.

She first told him of her student Twilight Sparkle and her insatiable desire to learn and how she came to Ponyville. Following that was the other Unicorn, a young fashion designer named Rarity who designed clothes for many ponies. Contrasting Rarity was the down-to-earth Earth pony named Applejack who was the mare who helped run Sweet Apple Acres with her brother Big Macintosh. Where Applejack looked after orchards, her friend Fluttershy looked after animals and was as shy as he name made her to be. The other pegasus in Ponyville was Rainbow Dash, who was head-strong, fast and athletic. As much was Dash was competitive; the last pony named Pinkie Pie was a party animal and was the life of every party and usually the host.

Lucifer spent the last portion of his time with Celestia asking about adventures of the six girls. Celestia would bring out some of the 'friendship reports' that Twilight would write to her often. Lucifer laughed at a few and thought carefully of others. He would offer his own take on a few of the lessons and Celestia would listen, often comparing it to her own views as well.

Lucifer stayed the night again in the same room as before, this time without the guards. Before he went to bed he sent Jessica back to Hell to tell Francis that he might be summoned and to get two imps to cover for them in case either was to be called forth.

Lucifer took off his jacket and shirt, hanging them beside his burnt jacket from the previous night. He stretched his arms and legs before shaking his wings around. He looked at them with a disappointed frown. They needed to be cleaned and preened again with his magic. That was one of the main reason why he made succubi with leathery wings, so they didn't have to put up with feathers. He was going to be flying first thing in the morning and he didn't want to look like a mess. Considering how two of the six ponies he was going to see were pegasi, he figured having a good set of wings was preferable. He couldn't do an all-around spell either, it never looked the same as a personal job.

He set to work adjusting his primaries as he heard a knock on his door. “Come on in," he mentioned to whoever was knocking.

Sugar Petal stepped into his room, pausing for a second as she saw him with his wings all bent around as he went about his business. “Sir, would you like some help?”

He looked up, “you know wing care?”

She giggled as she walked towards him and jumped up on his bed. “My cousin is a Pegasus. She was close and I would help her out when she visited. I also sometimes help the Pegasus guards who are injured care for their wings.”

He extended his right wing to her to mess around with. “Thanks” was all he said.

“Can I ask a question Lucifer?” Sugar Petal asked as silence and a warmth settled in the room.

Lucifer simply nodded to her as he took a broken feather out. “Why are you doing this? You are an all-powerful being of your own plane of existence. Why would you help out six ponies? Why would you listen to Princess Celestia and Luna?”

“Simply because I want to.” Lucifer said matter-of-factually as he licked his thumb to go over a few loose ends. “I have been existing for thousands upon thousands of years and every single day I am shown something new. Every single day I learn something more. Every single day I find just one more thing that makes me happy in some way.”

He sighed as he flicked the tip of his wing. “I'm doing it because if not, I'll miss out on something. My creator spent all his time making a race just for himself. I spend all my time seeing that race reject that ideal and think for themselves. They are complex, paradoxical and infinitely amazing creatures and they show me so much more than their creator intended.”

“Just like ponies?” Sugar asked as she quickly pulled out another broken feather.

“Ow and yes. Just like ponies.” He smiled as he ruffled her mane. “That's enough for now. Thanks a lot.”

She hopped up on his lap and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It is my pleasure,” she said as she jumped off his bed and walked out to his door. “Come back to Canterlot sometime please? I wouldn't mind another massage.”

Lucifer smiled back at her. “As long as you give me a good history lesson.”

The door closed, he settled into his bed and he fell asleep for the first time in a physical plane for over a thousand years.