The demon's life in Ponyville

Chapters

A rare gem
Friendship never dies
The mare and the demon
A buggy situation

A rare gem

It was a beautiful morning when Princess Celestia rose the sun, the rays spreading across the peaceful town called Ponyville, signaling the start of a fresh new day. Ponies everywhere begin to go through their morning routines. Some began cooking breakfast after showering and others read the morning paper before getting ready for work. All except one pony anyway, who isn't even a pony in the first place. Its the human-like demon known as RidleyX…

Here, we see him still asleep in his custom made bed he got just yesterday. He couldn't wait to try it out as other beds were too small on account of the difference in size between a human-sized demon and ponies. Its not his fault the ponies' heads only came up to his waist and everything else was pony sized.

Anyway, we lost track of our original focus. RidleyX is still asleep, having pulled the covers up over his head to block out the sun's rays.

"… Mumble, mumble… -oying sun… Zzz." were the only words to escape from his mouth before dozing back off.

Somewhere else, a princess who raises the sun has a feeling a certain non-pony is refusing to wake up and insulted her sun. Feeling a smirk come over her face, Celestia peers from her balcony at the castle and her gaze focuses on the direction of Ponyville and where RidleyX's house resides. With horn aglow, she directs a few potent sun rays through his window onto his sleeping form.

At first, all is well. Its not until the blanket starts to become unbearably warm that the sleeping demon finally begins to stir.

"… Why? Five more minut-zzz… " Ridley mumbles. The rays continue their shine and a few minutes later, they literally catch his blanket on fire. Snapping awake, he jumps out of bed and points a green glowing hand to the bed. A small flash forms in front of his hand and swirls of water are directed to the bed, vanquishing the flames.

Staring at the bed and coughing from the steam as he waves a hand in front of his face, he can only sign in annoyance. "Damn it Celestia."

Walking over to his window, he opens it up and gazes to Canterlot. "Celestia!! You owe me a new bed now!" Ridley bellows loudly and then proceeds to shut the window (Gently. He does have a delicate touch).

Back at Canterlot castle, Celestia is in the middle of her morning clean-up, currently relaxing in her Olympic sized pool. Her ears flick after picking up what she could have swore was somepony or rather SOMETHING yelling in mock anger just now. She merely giggles to herself, having a good idea who it was. "Should of woke up sooner then." she quietly says.

Walking to his bathroom, Ridley grumbles under his breath. Taking his clothes off, he turns the shower knobs until it hits the right temp and jumps in. A smile forms across his face, the warm water helping him relax. He begins whistling a tune (Unbeknownst to him, the tune sounds an awful like something a fictional blue-overall clad plumber would whistle), grabbing a bottle of body wash and scrubbing the filth off his body. Feeling somewhat clean, he then grabs a bottle of lavender smelling shampoo. Squirting some in his hands he begins to lather it all through his long white hair that stops somewhere above his upper back.

Unbeknownst to him, a pony has dropped by to see what he's up to. Seeing no sign of Ridley anywhere, the pony heads to where she hears the whistling and trots to the door its coming from. "My word, what is with that awful whistling?" the white coated unicorn, purple curly mane pony thought to herself. She pushes the door open and her eyes widen slightly.

It was at this moment Ridley finished his cleaning. He begins to step out after turning the knobs off. Dripping wet, he walks over to the sink counter and opens the bottom cabinet, unaware the door to the bathroom is now opened with a certain fashion pony staring.

Standing at the doorway, Rarity is unable to take her eyes away as a blush works its way across her face. "So that's what he looks like underneath those clothes he's always wearing. Very different from a pony's body." She thinks.

Having brushed his teeth, Ridley puts the toothpaste and brush away before looking to his right and seeing Rarity standing there, her cheeks red. He blinks and she blinks back. Signing, Ridley slowly looks down at the cabinet door that's luckily only just covering his waist and privates and then back to her again.

Raising a hand, he instead lowers it after a few seconds and sighs more heavily. "Seriously? Do you ponies not know the meaning of privacy?"

“Oh, of course we do, dear,” Rarity replied, trotting into the bathroom. She's stopped by a small wall of ice Ridley conjured up. “but you have to understand that we're still getting used to a pony that wears clothes all the time.”

Grabbing a towel, he wraps it around his waist, shuts the cabinet door and dispels the ice wall. “Yeah, and all you ponies walk around non-clothed. You ponies are as weird to me as I'm weird to y'all in your eyes. … And I ain't a pony, damnit!”

Looking into the mirror, Ridley sees a young looking, fair-skinned face peer back with long white hair that's clean with side bangs framing his face along with elven-looking pointy ears and golden-yellow irises with serpentine black slits for pupils. Tilting his head left and right, he lets out a grunt of approval. “Good, no facial hair. Wonder if my father even had some?” He muses to himself.

Shrugging, he gives one last look at the mirror and walks away to the door. He smiles wide to Rarity and chuckles as he ruffles her mane a bit.

“Hey!” She baps his hand away and re-adjusts her curl. “It takes a good while to get my mane like this. A proper lady must keep up with her looks!”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, gem-butt… or would it be called gem-flank since flank means…?” Pondering on that, he misses out on a slightly fuming Rarity that called out to him.

“RidleyX!” She whined before galloping after him. “That was a rude thing to call a lady.”

“Is it to you or to me? I dunno since I ain't a pony.” Having grabbed his clothes from his closet, he mutters out a spell word. In a flash, he ditches the towel at the same moment his clothes are teleported on.

“Tsk, tsk, you have a rude way of talking sometimes, darling, but at least you know how to dress up right.” Casting a gaze, she sees him wearing a fashionable black jacket with white shirt and black tie along with black trousers, but oddly missing any form of footwear.

Noticing, he chuckles and walks to the kitchen. “Never really liked shoes. Got in the way most of the time. Then again, being a full-demon warrior that looks like a human does make you tough and render it moot.”

Pulling his tea kettle from a cabinet, he grabs a few teabags and begins to boil some on his stove as the sound of hooves clopping stop behind him.

“What is this? Is the fearsome RidleyX, demon-warrior who fights for peace, deciding to make moi some tea?” She says in a sarcastic tone while pointing to herself.

“Yeah, yeah, its just good manners, y'know?”

“I know, dear. I'm only messing with you.” She whips her tail at his legs before giggling and taking a seat at the table.

“Anyway! I-” He's interrupted as the kettle begins to whistle. Turning the stove off, he grabs the kettle and two mugs before setting them down at the table.

“Your tea, madam?” Speaking in a servant tone and with a bow, he smirks to her.

“Just one sugar cube please. A lady must keep her looks up.” Smirking back, she sees him drop a sugar cube into her mug. He slips a wedge of lemon onto his.

“This coming from the one who looks like a talking marshmallow?” Laughing, he dodges a book she grabbed from one of his shelves and thrown at him with telekinesis.

“In all seriousness, wha-” He's interrupted again as he hears a few knocks. “Hold on a tec, Rarerare.”

Getting up and missing the slight blush she wore from the nickname he gave her, he walks to his door and opens it up, seeing a Grey coated, blond-maned pegasus mare hold a few letters in her mouth.

“Mail call for a mister,” The mare reads the name on the letters and scrunches her face up. Looking back up to him, one eye stares at him deeply as if to read his soul and the other takes note of a flower vase Ridley has on a table against a wall. “RidleyX. Weird, there's a pony living here in town with that same name.”

Trying not to d'aww at the sight of a scrunched Derpy face and her adorable eyes (Seriously, that could be a weapon!), he smiles and grabs the mail. “Yeah, its a weird story. Anyway, you take care now, Derpy! Also muffin-blueberry!” He adds quickly.

She laughs at his wrong wording, a smile stretching across her muzzle. Ridley pats her head a few times and sees her grin grow even wider. She begins to fly away clumsily, only just barely avoiding the tree in his yard.

Closing the door, Ridley is happy that he can cheer up Derpy any way he can since he knows a friend back on his Earth that had the same 'problems' as herself. He shakes his head and walks back to the kitchen, sitting down at his chair across from Rarity.

“Sorry. Mail call was all, Rarity. A nice pegasus mare doing her job. On to other matte-

*CRASH*

“… There better not be anything broke in there.” Trying to hold back his annoyance, he walks to his living room and surprise, surprise, he sees a rainbow-maned cyan pegasus has crashed through his door, which now lies in splinters (Let us hold a moment of silence for the door that's protected Ridley from these ponies as long as it did).

“Hey RidleyX! Um, heheh. Sorry about your door.” Rainbow chuckles uneasily.

Ridley resists the urge to face palm and lets out a melodramtic sigh that'd impress even Rarity. “At least it was only the door. Good thing nothing else broke.” He says with annoyance.

On cue as if to taunt him, his sofa collapses in on itself and SOMEHOW flips over. He can only stare flabbergasted, mouth opened but no words emerging.

“… W-WHAT?!? Th-That doesn't even make sense or follow the rules of physics!” Groaning in despair, he slams his head against his wall (Facewalls?). “I swear I hate this place sometimes!”

At this point, Rainbow has recovered and Rarity trotted out the kitchen to see what happened. “Oh dear,” Rarity muttered. “It seems you're not having the best of luck right now, darling.

“Yeah, ya think?” Ridley deadpans.

“Don't worry about it, Ridley. You can always get another sofa as this one was sorta worn out anyway. Not to mention lacking coolness.” Rainbow stated.

“True, but this one… It was… Um… Huh. Why am I being a drama queen right now over a sofa? I can just replace it when I get the bits.” He wises up at the end and removes his face from the wall.

“Rainbow is right. Get yourself another and your home will be even more spruced up. No need to over-dramatize this.” Rarity responded, missing the hypocritical point she just made.

Cocking an eyebrow up, Ridley walks back to the kitchen. “Er, I'm sure you would know all about over-dramatizing things wouldn't you, Rares?” This time, a book does connect with the back of his head and he chuckles.

Sitting down, he offers a mug of tea and chair to Rainbow. She smiles in return and sits down, sipping her tea.

“No more interruptions? … Good. Rarity,” He looks over to her as she sits down and he sips his tea. “Mmm, love lemon tea. Anyway, I presume you had good reason for barging in earlier?” He asks.

“Why yes I did, darling.” Reaching into a saddle-bag she had, she pulls out a small map and spreads it on the table. “I've heard rumors of a magic gem that is said to have the power to be able to make new gems every 72-hours. Why, with such a thing, I could cut back on gem hunting and spend more time on my work and therefore be able to have everyponies dresses even more magnificent!” She exclaims with sparkles in her eyes.

“But I thought you already have enough time as it is. Its not like you do much more than Rainbow here. Hell, she sleeps half the day away most of the time.” He jerked a thumb to Rainbow, confused.

“I most certainly don't sleep the day away! I rest for the next time I have to get called into the weather factory is all. Not my fault I can finish my job in under nine seconds.” Rainbow replied, sulking.

“And I don't have as much time as one might think. Between watching Sweetie Belle, hunting for gems and my daily spa trips, I could use a little more time to work on dresses. A magic gem that makes new gems will certainly prove a good help.” Rarity responded, adjusting her mane a bit.

“Hmm, okay. Still doesn't explain why you want to tell me this though.” Setting his mug down, he stares at Rarity.

“Isn't it obvious? She wants you to help look for it, Ridley!” Leaping from her chair, Rainbow begins flying beside him.

Nodding, Rarity has a look of content on her face. “Rainbow has said it best. Now would you be a gentle-colt and help this lady find it? You wouldn't want me to get dirty or hurt, would you?” Smiling smugly to herself, Rarity awaits his response.

“Psst! You know, this is a prefect time for you and her to bond, Ridley. Just save her from some dirt or something and she may just… 'repay' you.” Rainbow Dash whispered in his ear.

Feeling his face turn slightly red, he coughs and clears his throat. “… You drive a hard bargain, Rarity.” Cupping his chin with a hand, he thinks for a few seconds and sighs. “Very well. I'll help you look for this gem… and not for the reason Rainbow stated either!”

“And that would be?” Looking at the two, she sees Rainbow begin to whistle innocently and Ridley look away in shame. “Hmph. I see its a secret then. I'll let it slide this time.”

Heaving a sigh of relief, he looks the map over on the table with a raised brow. “This place… Dragonslair.” Looking up at Rarity with a face of deadpan, he says, “… There's a dragon that lives in a lair there… please tell me I'm wrong.”

Seeing only a smile, he faceplants the table. “This land and all these pun-based names are annoying.” He muffles out.

“Well, anyway. I wanted to let you know I need your help when you get back. There's some clouds we need to infuse with lightning and I know you can help with that, dude.” Rainbow says while doing a flip in the air.

“Great, now I can deal with my fear of lightning.” Giving a thumbs up, he keeps his head face-planted on the table and hears Rainbow say goodbye and leave. “… Maybe if I stay like this, Rarity won't notice me.” He thinks to himself.

“Chop, chop, Ridley. We have work to do and the day isn't getting any younger.” Getting up from her chair, she begins tugging on his jacket with her magic, causing him to fall sideways off the chair.

“I'm so sorry, darling! I didn't mean to make you f-fall.” She trots over next to him and tries to not laugh.

“Sure you didn't, Squiggle Tail.” He muttered sarcastically before raising up onto his feet.

“Meet me at my house in 30 minutes, okay?” Standing onto her hindhooves, she plants a kiss on his cheek. “You're such a dear, Ridley. Ta ta for now!”

Blushing slightly and wiping his cheek off, he sees her leave and blink-blinks. “Just go with it, Ridley. This morning couldn't get any weirder or worse.” Hearing a creaking noise behind him, he hears the sound of a table collapsing. Dreading turning around, he sees his kitchen table has just broke down and his right eye twitches.

“I hate this place.”

[30 minutes later]

Standing in front of Carousel Boutique, Ridley turns and looks at the town clock. “Its time, but she doesn't seem to be ready yet. Guess I should knock?”

Raising a hand, he is about to knock, but the door is opened up rather harshly into his face, slamming him into the ground.

“RidleyX! Now isn't the time to be resting. Get your lazy flank up!” Having trotted out and seeing him sprawled on the ground, she weakly tries to lift him with magic.

“Don't say anything, Ridley. Remember your karma and this land.” He thought in his head. He raises himself up and brushes his jacket off.

“That's better.” Grabbing a pink-scarf, she ties it around her neck. “The place we're going to is going to be quite cold. Are you ready, dear?” Rarity asks.

“Ready to leave, yes.” He mutters before smiling and giving a mock salute. “Yep! Lead the way your highness.”

Holding her head high, she began to trot away with Ridley in tow. “Seems you do know how to treat a lady with respect sometimes after all.”

Rolling his eyes, he sees the outskirts of Ponyville as the two leave the boundaries and trots north from there, watching Rarity glance at the map. “Are you sure its wise to let you lead me while reading that damn map?”

Giving a quick nod to him, she resumes looking at it. “Yes. I'm choosing the best route we can go.”

“… You do know I could just fly us there right?” He questions her.

“Yes, but where is the fun of that? There is also the chance you'll attract the attention of other dragons since you lack subtlety while doing so.” Rarity smirked to him.

Wincing, he nods and sighs. “Yeah, you have a point about that, b-but I can't help it!”

Going quiet, he glances his head about, eyes alert as the land begins to get more rocky and the air becomes a little more frigid. As he looks back to the white marshmallow pone, his eyes travel to her swaying flanks.

“Is she… swaying her flanks more than usual? … Nah. Just my mind not used to this land still after all this time.” Forcing himself to look away, he can't help but again glance every few seconds and become lost in her beautiful snow-white coat.

Continuing to gaze, he begins to think, “Yep, I've done lost it. Calling her beautiful. The hell is wrong with me?! Maybe I'm getting sick?”

He's so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn't see her turn her head and stare at him, noting his eyes are glazed but also gazing at her flanks. Its not until a slap rings across his face that he snaps back.

“Uh, er… I was looking for uh… gems?” He meekly says, voice getting quiet.

“Hmph. To think I once thought better of you, RidleyX.” Trotting once more, she keeps her head held high, face showing annoyance at Ridley's action.

“… Its not a total lie at least. I mean, your flanks do show gems, ha ha.” He chuckles softly, hoping to cheer her up. It fails and he knows he done screwed up.

She gives a look back and hmphs once more before gazing at the map. Seeing that they're halfway there, she begins trotting as a cold breeze wafts by, causing her to shiver briefly.

Seeing himself and Rarity begin to pass by a cliff that towers over them, he darts his gaze around, eyeing the somewhat unstable-looking cliff. “Hey, you don't think…?” He begins to say.

“RidleyX! Don't say anything!!” She replies quickly, standing up on her hindhooves to cover his mouth with a forehoof. “You have a knack for making bad things happen by saying stuff.”

Frowning, he removes her hoof and glares at her. “Well, excuse me your highness, but its not my fault your land does that to me sometime. You think I want it to?”

Eyeing him strangely, she stares before trotting on. “Yes, I do in fact think so. You almost make it seem like you want to make it happen by testing your luck.”

“That's only 'cause I like a challenge since its hard to find one here barring a sparring match between your princesses.” He answers before adding quietly “And to get away from y'all once in a while.”

Rarity keeps her head held high, but lowers it a few inches as she heard what he muttered and feels a little hurt. “Why must everything be a challenge to you? Rainbow Dash likes the same, but you almost have the stubbornness of Applejack combined with that sometimes, darling.”

“Hey, don't compare me to that stubborn-headed mare!” He shouts quickly. “She's too stubborn most of the time unlike me.”

Elsewhere, an orange-coated, farmpony mare with three apples as a Cutie Mark has just got done bucking another tree. Taking a small breather, the mare wipes her brow off as a weird feeling pops up.

“Ya know, ah feel like bucking that RidleyX fella when he gets back fer some reason.” She talks to herself and gets back to her work.

Going back to the two, the air is cold but gradually growing heated from the heated arguments they're having, this time about something else.

“Sure, sure, coming from the pastel-colored pony.” Ridley growls through clenched teeth.

Turning her head to respond back, Rarity doesn't notice the mud puddle until she falls into it. “RidleyX!” She shrieks. “Now look at what you made me do!”

“Me? You're the one not paying attention to where you're walking you klutz!” He shouts back at her, seeing her climb out.

Wiping the mud as best as she can from her body, she starts to climb up the base of the mountain where the gem lies from a trail. “Now I'll have to get another spa treatment to get this icky mud out of my coat and mane.”

Facepalming, he follows after her. “… Like you really need it. You already go there like every other day. Damn, let other ponies have a chance, sheesh.” He states, frowning.

“But I can't stand having my coat so dirty!” She whines loudly. “It positively ruins my lady-image.”

“Fine, fine. Whatever.” He replies, wanting to end the talk. “Element of Generosity my ass…” He adds quietly.

Suddenly he gets a face full of white. Not impressed, he stares back into her sapphire colored eyes. “Yes?”

Grinding her teeth, Rarity's cheeks are a blazing red from anger. “You… you,” She starts to reply. “ You are insufferable! I am the Element for a reason.”

“And why are you?” He questions dryly.

“Because I will give ponies what they need for no charge and help them out when I can.” She states matter-of-factly.

“Oh really? Huh,” He replies as he walks past her. “I was under the impression it was 'cause you can have others indebted to you. Well, that and 'special' favors you might pass under the table… if you catch my drift if your mind is even that smart to understand.”

Continuing to walk ahead, he doesn't see the tears that gather in the corners of her eyes or her eye twitching. Shrieking, she gallops and leaps onto his back slamming him down face first into the dirt. “YOU THINK I WOULD DO SUCH A DIRTY THING?!?”

Groaning as he feels a few hoofpunches fly into his back, he reaches a hand back and flicks her off with a finger, unaware that the irises have changed to red, signifying he's transformed into his first form already.

Yelping loudly, Rarity is sent flying off his back, tumbling and rolling about 30 feet across the cliff of the mountain they're climbing. Looking up, he curses as he sees her heading for the ledge as she tries to dig her hooves into the dirt to stop.

“Shitshitshit!!” Dashing forward using his immense speed, he sees her fly off the side. “Rarity!!” He shouts panicky as he thrusts a hand out and attempts to grab her. He misses and quickly mumbles a spell as a flash goes off from his hand.

Rarity's screams are cut off as she lands on a small square area of magic, lightly bouncing up before landing still. Catching her breath, she looks up ten feet to see him stare back over the cliff side in worry.

“Y-you jerk! You almost knocked me off!” She shrieks at him, moaning in pain from his flick.

“Sorry, I didn't know I was transfor-” Being picked up and lifted into the air suddenly, Ridley tries to look around. He's slammed face first into the side of the mountain before he can, causing his spell to flicker a little under Rarity's body.

Growling, he pushes himself out, looking around. “Okay, who the hell took that cheap shot? Show yourself!” He shouts. A loud thud behind him gives his answer.

Having a feeling what it is, he quickly gathers his aura energy and turns around, conforming his guess as it was the dragon that guards the lair. He releases a beam of energy at the huge purple dragon as a claw that dwarfs his body slams him into the ground. His beam goes wide and shoots off into the sky.

“Ack! Damnit!” Using magic, he teleports away from a claw that was ready to pummel him, jacket torn to shreds as he gets a good look at the dragon.

It has a purple body with yellowish eyes and the belly is coated with a lighter shade of purple scales lining it, unable to determine its gender. It roars and he can see the sharp white teeth inside its mouth.

“This thing is huge. Power is one thing, but when you're big enough to make beams and blasts only pinpricks…!” He's stopped from his thinking as he dodges a quick claw slash followed by a blast of flame.

Gathering energy in his right hand and magic in his left, he brings them forward. Swirls of green magic shoot out and circle around the equally green beam of aura energy, heading for the dragon.

Flying quickly, the dragon dodges the beam and misses the smirk on Ridley's face.

“Always keep your guard up!” Teleporting in front of his beam, Ridley mumbles a spell that reflects it back twice as fast to the dragon, grinning as he sees an explosion spring forth and a loud roar is heard.

Wiping his head of sweat and tearing his jacket off, he heads back to the cliff and sees his spell is close to ending that Rarity is still on. “Hey, Rare? You okay?” He asks her.

“Y-yes I am. Can you please help me up now? I don't like hanging hundreds of feet above the ground on a flickering platform of magic.” She states with a hint of panic.

Pointing a finger, he activates a spell that surrounds Rarity with a light-green bubble. ”Okay, now I'm gonna lift you up here with telekinesis, alright? Brace yourself.”

Nodding, she holds her breath as she experiences a feeling of falling before a feeling of weightlessness kicks in. She closes her eyes and waits.

Lifting her up, he sets her down beside him and sighs with relief. “Whew… Good thing nothing happened. Sorry for flicking you off the mountain.” He says with a voice full of regret.

“No need to hang onto the past. What's done is done and we're no worse for wear, right darling?” She grins wide to him.

Feeling a smile form, its promptly taken away as something snatches her away and into the air. “Rarity!” Looking up, he sees its another dragon, this one smaller with a green body and duller shade on the belly with orange eyes.

“Hang on Rarity!” Using his energy, he quickly begins to fly up to the dragon. He didn't count on a claw that smacks him away into the side of the mountain.

Dashing out the small hole, he stares at what smacked him, “… Crap.” seeing its the dragon from earlier and it looks -pissed.-

The purple dragon breaths a jet of flame at Ridley and flies away. Ridley's then hit in the back by a jet of flames from the smaller dragon, causing him to gasp slightly.

“Damnit, I got to rescue Rarity from him, her, whatever it is. Hmm…” He thinks for a couple seconds. Teleporting close to the green dragon, he kicks against the claw holding Rarity.

The dragon roars in pain and lets her go. Ridley takes his chance and he grabs Rarity, flying away. “Um, you okay again?” He asks her softly.

“Yes, I am. Now please get rid of these dragons.” She replies back quietly, her head darting back and forth in fear.

“I'm trying to, but its not-” He's promptly cut off as the purple dragon rushes into his body, causing him to release Rarity.

“Not again!” He shouts, flying to the flailing form of Rarity that's falling. A tail smack from the green dragon followed by a powerful jet of flame from the purple dragon causes him to slam into a cave opening on the side of the mountain. He is unaware of a mysterious gem landing in the pockets of his pants.

Standing up, he doesn't notice the dragon that follows him as he flies out and sees Rarity still falling. “Hold on-” He can only say and is interrupted by the smaller green dragon rushing into him, flying to the side of the mountain.

“RARITY!” Ridley screams out, reaching his arms out in desperation. He's slammed into the mountain as a pummel of clawed fists followed by a series of slashes from claws scrap across his chest.

Bleeding lightly from the chest, he looks up and can only think of Rarity. He's snapped out of it seeing the purple dragon torch the ground where she was headed for. It feels as if someone had stopped his heart seeing that.

“Crap, shit, hell! RARITY!! I-I can't!-” A green tail gores through his gut. He clenches his teeth to stop blood from spewing forth and fails, painting a small spot on the cave floor red with it.

Grinning savagely, the green dragon removes its tail from Ridley's gut and backs away from him. Its mate, the purple dragon from earlier, flies next to it after having made sure it dealt with the pony.

Looking at one another, they nod and both release a gout of flames to Ridley, causing his eyes to widen.

“… Fuck! I'm so sorry… Rarity!” Is the last thing he can say before being pushed further into the mountain and blacking out.

[6 hours later.]

Slowly waking up, Ridley comes back to his senses. Opening his eyes, he sees a small pin-prick of light at the other side of the cave opening.

Groaning, he feels around his gut and notices the wound is a lot smaller now. “At least my entrails didn't get hurt this time.” Putting a hand against a side of the cave, he lifts himself up and wobbles a bit.

Walking quickly, he reaches the exit and steps out, seeing the sky is overcast and a light rain begins to fall down. “Hmph, what a cliché setting.” is what he thinks as he's reminded of Rarity. Reaching the edge of the cliff, he sees the forest at the base is scorched, all the trees blackened and bare of leaves.

Gritting his teeth and clenching his palms, he looks down at the ground. “Stupid Ridley. You had two more transformations to use. If you weren't so high and mighty over your base strength, you would have saved her. Now she… she's dead and its all your fault.” He talks to himself.

Looking up and letting the rain cascade down his face, he can only think and not act right now. “What will you tell the other five? That she died in pursuit of a gem? That you were the main reason she perished for the sake of a challenge? You'd be a disgrace and hated by every one of them, even Celestia. … Damnit!!” He yells, slamming his fist into the ground.

“Rarity, I'm so sorry!!” Slamming his fist again, he feels tears of anger spew forth, angry at himself for being so dumb. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!”

Raising back up, he glances around and sees the two dragons from earlier flying back to the mountain from wherever they went. Staring at them, his irises change once more to red and black facial markings begin to form around his eyes as he flies into the air and heads for the dragons, face showing vengeance and nothing else, not noting the irony that's related to someone he knows.

The dragons spot him and both breath fire at him and grin as they see him rush into it. It quickly fades away as Ridley emerges forth unharmed and barges into the green dragon, turning around and slamming it into the mountain side.

The purple dragon roars angrily in response and swings a clawed arm at him but its blocked by the hand of Ridley as he turns around quickly. Lifting the dragon up over his head from the arm he held onto, he slams the purple dragon down on top of the green and follows it with a ball of aura-energy at the two, frying off a few scales and their wings partially.

Hovering in the air a few feet away from them, he begins gathering energy in his hands, intent on ending them. The dragons stare at him fearfully, resigned to their fate as they can barely move. Knowing its the end, the purple dragon nuzzles the smaller green dragon, the two purring at one another.

Feeling a good amount gathered, Ridley lifts his arms up and a ball of energy begins growing from between the two as it begins to crackle with electricity, face now void of expression.

A minute passes and the dragons stare back at him, wondering why he's not yet ended them. “Why do you n-not end us, weird one?” The purple dragon speaks in a rough-yet-deep masculine tone.

Looking into the purple dragon's eyes, Ridley continues to hold the energy above him. He doesn't move or even so much as blink.

“Go ahead. We killed your lover and are ready to deal with the end.” Purple speaks once more, making Ridley flash a glare at the two.

“She's not my lover!!” Ridley suddenly snaps and his face now shows surprise, wondering why he got so angry when just a second ago he was feeling void of everything.

“Seems you are catching on. Anything that would go to this length no matter how wrong shows the bond you've developed with her.” The dragon speaks again.

Staring at the two for a few more seconds, Ridley lowers his arms and lets the energy vanish from between his hands. “… I can't. Its not right to take vengeance because one I cared for has died.” He says while signing.

The purple dragon shakes his head. “Why? We killed your loved one. I know if something happened to my mate here, I would do everything to avenge her.”

“Yeah, but violence begets more violence. If I were to take you two out, then your family, friends or possibly clan-members would seek me out in revenge and if something happened to me, then my friends would fight back and bam, it would become a cycle until one of us is gone.” RidleyX speaks wisely.

“Is it really fair that we should have others die or get hurt from a simple act of vengeance 'cause one of us lost their cool? I don't think so at all. Plus… I believe every creature should have a chance to live and not have to die from senseless acts like this.” He continued on, dropping down and landing beside the two dragons.

“Your words speak the truth, young one. I have never thought of it that way before.” The purple dragon says while stroking its chin in thought. “If it means anything, I am very sorry that we killed your lover.”

“She's not- oh, who am I kidding?” Ridley groans, facepalming and chuckling. “We even had a small argument. Shame I was too stupid to notice until now as its too late.”

Seeing Ridley raise a hand, the dragon expects him to go back on his word and closes his eyes. Its not until he feels a warm feeling that he's proved wrong and opens them. “What are you doing?” He questions, confused as he feels his injuries vanishing.

“Healing you two. I'm sorry for losing my cool for a second there.” After making sure their wings are fixed, he lowers his arm. “There, that should do.” Ridley says as he watches the two lift themselves back up.

“You healed us even after what we did? Your soul is certainly one of pureness to not take revenge and wish for every creature to live.” Giving his wings a few flaps, the purple dragon is satisfied with the feel.

Turning his back to the two, Ridley walks away to the cliff side and looks down, thinking of Rarity. “You're not the first to say that to me.” He chuckles out softly.

“Then may your soul always stay pure as I can tell you're not from this land.” Flapping and flying into the air with his mate, the purple dragon eyes Ridley. “We must go for now. Hopefully we'll meet again under better terms next time.”

Nodding, Ridley gives a half smile back. “Sure thing. See you two later.” He waves to the two as they fly away into the distance.

Seeing the sky grow darker, Ridley figures it must be turning to night and sighs. He takes off into the air and heads back for Ponyville. “This trip was a disaster. Just why? … Rarity…” He mutters and gazes into the sky as he continues flying.

Making an oath to always remember her, he soon sees Ponyville in the distance and arrives, touching down in front of the crystal palace where Twilight Sparkle resides.

“Its best not to sugar coat this and get it over with.” Lifting a hand, he rapps his hand against the door a few times. “Twilight will be the most level-headed of the bunch. I'll take whatever they blame me for…”

Hearing hoofsteps on the other side, the door opens up and a lavender-coated pony with a horn and wings on her side is reveled. A purple six-pointed star surrounded by smaller white stars is her cutie mark, her tail and mane colored blue with a streak of violet and rose. She stares at Ridley with violet eyes, face full of surprise. “RidleyX? What brings you here at this time?” She questions.

“Listen, can we talk about something? Its important and bad news.” Ridley states, voice causing Twilight to be on edge a little.

“Uh, sure thing. Come on inside.” She gestures with a hoof and he steps inside with a nod and fake smile.

The air is silent as Twilight leads him to the Friendship court room and sits down in her throne. She pulls a chair out for RidleyX and speaks as he sits down. “What is it you need to tell me? I have a feeling I'm not going to like it very much, am I?”

Sighing, Ridley looks her dead in the eye. “Rarity came to my house this morning and showed me a map of where a gem lies that has the power to make more gems every 72-hours. We prepped ourselves and set out. We arrived at the base of the place called Dragonslair without trouble. …” He pauses at the end.

“Interesting. Continue on.” She replies.

“Well that's when everything started to fall apart. We soon had a small argument after I kept,” he blushes slightly red. “gazing at her flanks. It was tame at first, but then we started bickering back and forth and I upset her to the point she tackled me to the ground.”

Ignoring Twilight's shocked face, he continues. “I wasn't aware, but I transformed into my first form and flicked her with a finger. I didn't mean to have her tumble off the cliff, but I managed to catch and bring her back up.” He says, noticing first Twilight stare at him with anger that changes to relief.

“We soon had trouble as the short of it is… two dragons started to attack us. Long story even shorter…” He gazes at Twilight, then looks away in sorrow, pain and anger. “… She fell from near the top to the ground and the dragon toasted the area below. It was completely destroyed. I-I didn't and still can't feel the slightest amount of her life force anymore. She's… she's dead and its all my fault!” He states angrily.

Twilight is stunned beyond words at what she just heard. Getting up from her throne, she trots over to Ridley and lays a hoof on his body. “I-Is that true, Ridley? Are you really saying…?” The words come out quietly as small tears form in her eyes.

“Yes, it is. I could have stopped it if I transformed more, but I wanted to rely on my base power instead like a dumbass!” Sighing once more, he raises his head and keeps his gaze from meeting Twilight's. “I… I accept everything that's gonna come to me.”

He tries to ignore the weeping and the hoof that smacked softly into his shoulder. “Why did you have to do that? You could have saved her!”

“I know! Don't take any pity on me as its all my fault! I-I should have…!” He can't continue and clenches his eyes shut. “Rarity!”

Feeling Twilight hug him in sorrow, he sits there as she cries softly. “I want to be mad at you, but what if you end up being driven away? Is it worth losing yet another friend?” She quietly asks.

“Normally, no. But this time I say yes. Being the cause of death of an Element, I will most likely be shunned by other ponies. Sorry Twilight… That's all I can say…” He mutters softly before getting up and hugging her back, knowing tomorrow he'll have to leave.

Author's Note

Woo, sorry for the wait to everyone who takes the chance to read this! After many setbacks, I have finally gotten the first chapter posted. Future chapters won't be as long as this one as this was done to get the story set. The length will vary somewhat. Bear with me and know that I am only a single person, so it will take a bit to post later chapters as I have to write, edit, write, proofread and edit one last time and that's not going into the times when I'm busy. The current cover art is to give an idea what he looks like, but will be replaced by a more accurate art once I get the money and have it done.

Let me know what you think about this story and the OC used. He is made to be powerful, but I wish not to have him be a generic OC that's invincible and will try to limit what he can and can't do, though feedback will help. There's actually quite a bit of depth and story behind him, but that's for another day!

Friendship never dies

Neither the demon nicknamed RidleyX nor Twilight notice the last remnant of green magic evaporate from his body that came from something else casted on him earlier.

Releasing her from his grip, Ridley gives a shaky smile before sitting back down. “I know everyone won't like me, but try to make them honor Rarity's life, okay Twilight?”

She wipes her tears away and tries to smile back, but Ridley can tell its forced. “I'll try, but we both know how the rest will take it, Ridley. To think I thought today was perfect too.” She says, hanging her head in sadness.

Before Ridley can say anything though, there comes the sound of knocking. “Who…?” He says confused as he turns to Twilight. She simply shrugs in response to his gaze. Turning to the door at the end of the hallway, he heads over there.

Not even halfway there, the door opens up with a green hue of magic and in trots a white stallion unicorn with black mane and tail, green eyes and green X for a cutie mark carrying, to both Ridley's and Twilight's surprise, a fatigued but still very much alive Rarity on his back.

Stopping in front of them, the pony gives a nod to the two before letting Rarity off his back. “Ridley, Ridley, Ridley… You should know better than to hold back against threats if there is somepony you should be protecting.” The unicorn says while facehooving and shaking his head in disappointment.

“R-Rarity, you're alive!!” Ridley shouts running to her and hugging her tightly, Twilight there beside him joining in the hug.

“We thought you perished from what Ridley told me!” Twilight lets out between sobs.

“Well yes, I may have almost perished if it wasn't for RidleyX here… er, the pony one.” She chuckles, backing out the hug and pointing to the pony.

“To think somepony with my name would end up saving you…” Turning to the pony, Ridley smiles. “Thank you. I guess I owe you one now, don't I?”

Laughing, the pony smirks to him. “You best believe you do, 'Ridley.' I'm just glad I was around in the area when I heard the roars and Rarity's shrieks. Not sure how I could miss that.” He chuckles, earning a swat from Rarity.

“But yeah. I rushed to the area and managed to catch her. The fire part proved tricky as I had to sacrifice my fire-cloak to protect us both. Then I galloped away till the dragons left and had to rest here and there as she isn't exactly light.” He says chuckling again.

Puffing her face, Rarity tail-smacks RidleyX. “How rude! You shouldn't say such a thing about a lady.” She states simply.

“Yeah, yeah, Rarity. Anyway, that's the short of it.” The pony says before turning around to leave.

Seeing Twilight begin to talk with Rarity, Ridley walks after the leaving pony. “Hey man, I really do owe you one. You sorta saved my ass here, y'know?”

“I know and rest assured I will make the best of the favor.” RidleyX says while smiling devilishly.

“… Why do I have a feeling I won't like that much?” Ridley replies worriedly. “Also, you know my real name. Stop calling me Ridley as that's you and I'm even getting a tad confused.”

“I thought you had smarts to wrap your head around this, Seltzer.” The demon now known as Seltzer winces at his real name as the pony opens up the castle entrance doors. “Well, I should be going now. Don't want Midnight Star to be worried about me again. Also don't forget you owe me -big- time now, heheh.”

“Of course my pony universal counterpart would have me owe him.” Signing as he smiles, Seltzer reaches a hand and the pony bump hand-to-hoof. “Thanks again. See you later, RidleyX!” Seltzer the demon says to the pony.

RidleyX gives a smirk and trots away into town, soon vanishing from sight.

“Still very weird how there's a pony that has my name here. Hmm, nickname anyway,” Shrugging, Seltzer closes the door from the outside and begins to walk away from the crystal-castle. “Then again, I'm not from this land. I like it here and all, but this isn't my homeland. Hell, its not even my home universe. … I wonder when I can go back?” He mused to himself out loud.

“And leave me here by myself?” A refined voice says behind him, causing Seltzer to jump in fright.

Turning around, he sees its Rarity and glares at her. “Rarity! The hell is the matter with you scaring me like that?!” Releasing a breath, he sighs deeply.

“To get you from thinking silly thoughts is why, darling.” She responds back, giggling to herself. “You always like to think and never clue anypony in on your thoughts. Have you ever thought that maybe… somepony might want to… hear them sometime?” She says quietly at the end.

“Hmm, not really. I mean, just look at me! I'm a freaking demon for crying out loud! Except for the humans I freed from a tyrannical king, the rest are scared of me 'cause of what the rest of my kind does.” He states, frowning at his race. “I'm used to being alone and reading tons of books. Plus, my brother… nah, that's a headache I'd rather not think about.”

Having decided to sit at a bench, Seltzer sees Rarity hop up beside him. “You have a brother?” She says astonished.

“Sworn-brother to be correct, but yeah. He was a human and despite being a different race from us demons, we had a sworn-oath to always protect every being. He… He was a good brother.” Seltzer signs as bad memories spring forth.

“Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, dear.”

“Hmm? Er, he's not dead or anything, Rarity. Long story short, he became obsessed with power and turned against our plan to protect others. He was recently freed and I did banish some evil from him, but he despises me now.”

“Ohhh. So you never really had anypony to talk or spend time with?”

“Hit the nail in the coffin right there. Between trying to save my planet and form relationships which fail, I'm still feared by humans. Having your family sealed away by your own race or a brother-turned-evil doesn't help.”

“Well, you certainly have made friends here, darling. Maybe you could open up more to them?” Rarity asks hopefully, dropping subtle hints.

Turning to the snobbish mare, he stares at her for a few seconds and a smile creeps onto his face. “You ponies do have good points sometime.” He states, grinning.

“Barring the time I arrived here when it was just a day after y'all dealt with Discord and everypony panicked when they caught site of me, you ponies grew to trust me and don't run away anymore or give me the fearful-eye despite me being capable of fighting your princesses and winning easily.”

Out of nowhere, a small frozen chunk of rock crashes into his head from the sky, startling him and Rarity. “Ow! I was only saying! Sheesh…”

“Where did-” Rarity starts to ask before Seltzer replies.

“Princess moonbut- er, moonflank. Your highness's sure love to observe me at times.” He says simply, dodging another chunk of rock that flew at him again from the night sky.

“Anyway, you ponies trust me and are not fearful of me anymore.” He starts saying while looking at Rarity, seeing her face show hopefulness. “I… suppose I can open up now to you all-” Is all he can say as he gets a face full of white.

“Oh, thankyouthankyouthankyou, darling!” Rarity squees hugging and nuzzling his cheek, making him blush.

“How did I ever end up like this? I only managed to be liked by ponies of all things… my brother would call me out on this for disgracing warriors! Even more so for being friends with ponies!!” Seltzer thinks to himself, hugging the mare back after a couple seconds. “Wealp. Gonna go with the flow now and see where the waterfall takes me now.” He thinks again, deciding to scratch behind her ears.

She coos happily and leans more into his embrace. “Your hands are simply divine.” She dreamily says.

“Why? Why me?” He thinks before saying, “Oh really? Next thing I know you'd be wanting me to help you with your work.” He replies matter-of-factly.

“Keep this up and I'll have to hire you for sure.” She says in that delicate voice he finds charming.

“Heheh. If you do… I wouldn't mind helping the lovely Rarity.” He chuckles and kisses her muzzle lightly. “After all, this pony is the Element of Generosity.” He says after leaning back onto the bench.

“Hmph. You do seem to know. Guess there's some hope for your mind after all.” She replies in her typical slightly-snobbish way.

Signing with a smile, he ruffles her mane and laughs. “Keep it up. See where it gets you.” He growls and sees only a wide smirk on her face. “… Oh who am I kidding. We both know I won't do anything to you!” He grabs her into a hug and nuzzles her face.

“Is the great Ridley falling for this lady? My word, I must be doing something right!” She squees into his embrace.

“Since I've decided to open up, I should tell you my name isn't RidleyX as that's my nickname. My actual name… is Seltzer, Rarerare.” The demon happily smiles to her.

Rarity returns his smile with a smirk. “I had a hunch it wasn't Ridley. It didn't suit you well.”

“Now you know. I have told no one this besides my trusted adviser back home. Not even my brother knows my name!” Smirking, Seltzer focuses his gaze on her. “You better not spread word of my name out to everyone. Only tell your trusted friends and no one else!”

She waves a hoof dismissively. “You shall not worry about that Rid- I mean, Seltzer. I will keep your secret safe with me.”

“Good. Thank you.”

They sit there and watch the night sky together for a while. He has a warm-smile on his face and soon notices after a hour that she has fallen asleep in his lap. Shaking his head, he lifts her up into his arms and begins to walk to her home. Opening the door, he heads inside and walks up the stairs. He reaches the top and heads to where her room is, walking inside and lying her down under the covers.

Chuckling softly, he places a kiss on her head. “Goodnight, Rarity.” He says quietly. Turning around, he walks and heads out her home. “Guess I should head home as well. Shame we never found the gem that we were supposed to find.” He states. A strange weight is noticed inside his pants pocket that is currently rubbing against his thigh.

Reaching into it, he pulls out a green gem in the shape of a diamond. He is about to question how such a thing came into his being before he sees a flash and a pile of random gems measuring two-feet by three is summoned in front of him. “Is this…?” He says as a smile forms on his face.

“The gem we went to find. Seems it turned out to be a good end to this day after all.” He finishes happily, scooping up the gems into his arm and heading home. He forms a new idea and rushes inside his house, grabbing a sack that he drops the gems into.

“Hmm, lets see how much for these…” he walks out and heads to the local Ponyville bank, seeing they're still opened. Walking inside, he takes note its fairly empty this time of night, only a few ponies still working and two others most likely storing their hard earned bits. He heads over to the exchange desk to convert the gems into bits, knowing he won't get much since gems are common but any amount helps.

“Hello, Ridley. What can I help you with today?” A gray-coated Earth pony mare with tired-but-happy blue eyes and matching mane color asks him.

“Just seeing how much I'd get for these, Cerulean Gem.” He replies, lifting the sack onto her desk. Her eyes widen slightly as she stares at the sack and then at him as he takes a seat in the chair in front of her desk.

“I swear Cerulean, if you think I stole these or something…” Seltzer starts to say. She suddenly starts laughing as she opens the sack up and dumps the gems onto her desk.

“I was only testing you, ya goof! I know you wouldn't ever do anything of the sort.” She giggles and makes him groan as she digs through the pile. He is amused at her squees that come from seeing a few choice gems into the mix. Looking around, he sees the two ponies that trotted in with him stare with wide eyes. He gives a shrug to the two when Cerulean taps his hand with a hoof.

“My word, I would almost think these were stolen, Ridley. They are in such pristine condition! How on Equestria did you get these?!?” She exclaims, using one of those small eye magnifier things to check for any dents and scratches.

Seltzer signs and places a hand over his face, not wanting to remember what happened. “Long story.” He tiredly responds with, rubbing his hand down his face.

The mare giggles, holding a hoof over her mouth. “That bad, huh? Anyway, your total comes to 18890 bits. Will that be fine?”

A peculiar sound is heard as Seltzer falls out of his chair, crashing into the floor from the amount she just said. He zips back up quickly with an ecstatic grin on his face. “E-Eight- yes! You have yourself a deal!!” he shouts, attracting the attention of the two ponies who were leaving.

Cerulean Gem holds her hoof out and he shakes it excitedly. “The bits will be deposited into your account. Pleasure doing business with you, Ridley!” she happily says to him.

“And it was all mine. See you later, Cerulean Gem!” With that, he runs through the lobby and out the entrance doors, rushing past the same two ponies who are now outside, once again staring at him as he runs down through the street, jumping in happiness.

“What a weird being.” The stallion mutters.

“But he's happy, so that's good.” The mare next to the stallion adds. The two ponies shake their heads and share a laugh.

As Seltzer rushes back home, his mind is filled with thoughts on surprising Rarity and what he should get for her. Now with a grand total of 20000 bits after adding up what was already in his account, he is among one of the richest in Ponyville and could possibly get her anything she desires. Seems life is starting to get good for the demon-warrior known as Seltzer as he arrives home and stows the special gem away in one of his dressers…

The mare and the demon

Grabbing a purple roll of cloth, Seltzer hands it over to Rarity. She begins to sew various gems into the fabric, whistling, to which the demon nods and smiles.

As Seltzer thinks about yesterday and how it almost ended badly, he jumps ahead to this morning and thinks on how he has decided to help Rarity out on the idea he should open up to these ponies now.

“Hmm, don't think that this really, er, means anything. I'm only doing this since you're a good friend, Rarity!” He huffed out with a visible blush after she was curious about his visit earlier.

Now back to the present, he is enjoying his time with the seamstress pony. So far, work has been rather good with Rarity and him asking each other things, getting to know one another better.

“Mhmm, that's why I started wearing this type of clothing. It helps slightly in getting humans to trust me better… somehow.” He says with a slight snicker.

“These humans sure sound gullible, darling.” Rarity replies and begins to sew the next dress project she's working on.

“Tell me about it. Some still don't even know of the existence of us demons!”

“You make me want to see these humans one time. You did say they vary in looks, right? Perhaps there's a charming specimen there?” She teases him.

Seltzer instantly slumps down, feeling depressed hearing that. “Yeah, maybe you would. I-It might even be a good thing!” He says with a fake-smile.

Rarity momentarily pauses her sewing to lay a hoof on his knee. “Seltzer, dear. Relax. Don't be sad. I was only teasing you.”

“How can I be sure?” He glumly states.

Rarity huffs in annoyance and stands on her hindhooves. Supporting herself on his shoulders, she leans in and to his utter surprise she kisses him.

“Rarity…” Is all that goes through his thoughts. He blushes lightly and begins kissing her back. His hands begin to rub all through her mane and she responds by moaning into his mouth, prompting him to press closer.

Pulling away reluctantly, Selzter stares at her and she stares back, both of their faces flushed red. “Now have I persuaded you that I won't do that?” She says softly with a warm smile etched on her muzzle.

“Dunno,” He says with a smirk. “Maybe if I heard you say it?”

“Fine!” She pouts briefly. “I shan't leave my special demon's side.” Now she gives a look at him to continue.

“E-Er, I won't leave my precious Rarity's side either!” He manages to say, face feeling like its burning hot in embarrassment.

“That's better. Now come on darling. We have much work yet to do.”

“As you wish, Rares.” He replies which has her giggling.

Following her orders, the two soon have her work done. “Look at that. We appear to have some free time now.”

“We do? … Hmph, finally.” Seltzer grumbles.

“Now, now, darling, it wasn't that bad.”

“Says the pony who's used to this stuff. My poor hands hurt like a bitch!”

“Ah, ah, ah. Language, dear.”

Seltzer gasps and looks away as his face turns red. “… Sorry.”

“That's better. Now Come along. We shall take a break.” She says with a sway in her step, heading out the room.

Seltzer watches her leave and shakes his head. “Buck, why is it always women that scare me? I can go toe-to-toe against horrifying demons yet females scare me? To make it worse, this time its a freakin' pony for Christ's sake!! I swear it makes me feel like I'm in some kind of… what's that stuff humans watch on TV? … Aha! Anime! Yeah, I really feel like I'm in one sometime.” He thinks and realizes what he just thought. “Great, now I'm starting to use their words. Bucking fantastic.” He says after a pause, signing.

Rarity has already packed up their lunch by the time he came down. “You sure took your sweet time, dear.” She states with a scowl.

“Yeah, yeah. I was thinking… 'bout things as usual.”

“You spend too much time inside that head of yours, darling.”

“Its to be expected when I have to deal with y'all.” He thinks before chuckling and speaking. “May I ask why you packed up a picnic lunch?” He questions her with a raised brow.

Opening her door to outside, she turns to look at him with a 'seriously?' gaze. “Isn't it obvious? We're going to a picnic with my friends!” She cheerfully states.

On the outside, Seltzer nods and smiles, but inside he groans. “Yay, I can spend time with Butter Silent, Skittles (Wouldn't mind having some of those. Note to self; ask around for that), Hyper Active pone, Stubbornjack, and the one nerd to rival myself in reading, princess Purple Smart. Bucking lovely…”

Its not until he sees the look on Rarity's face that he realizes that he just said all that out loud. “Um… They'reallgreatfriends?! … Rarity?” He replies very quickly, nervously taking a step backwards.

She only humphs in response and he relaxes. “Whew! That was close.” Wiping his head free of sweat, he walks out and closes the door. Giving a few waves to a few ponies out and about, he smiles when he sees them wave back and he soon catches up with Rarity.

“Well at least you picked a good day for this.” Gazing at the sky, he sees no clouds in sight and a few pegasus ponies fly around.

“Maybe… I am destined to be here. Humans can defend for themselves now. It won't be long till I'm not needed anymore.” He begins thinking. “Then again, I know there is at least one demon lord still around. If I can, I should let my adviser know I plan on staying here, at least for a while. I'll also need to build a device to bridge these two universes so I can freely warp between the two. My birthworld and a world I truly feel at home in. Maybe this demon was destined for a peaceful life for once. Am I… allowed that? Just this once, can't I be a little selfish by asking for a personal wish?”

The two have already arrived at the picnic site and the mane six are staring at Seltzer with various looks etched on their faces since he's still stuck thinking about his life, which is freaking them out.

As he was walking around in circles, FlutterShy tried to get his attention. “U-Um, excuse me. Mr. Ridley- Eeep!” She squeaks out because he ended up tripping over her body.

Slamming face first into the ground, Seltzer is snapped out of his thoughts. “H-Huh?” Giving a look around at the ponies, he sheepishly smiles and rubs his head. “Oops. Sorry about that. Got caught up thinking again, heheh.”

“Darling, really,” Rarity begins. “You need to stop with that. You'll end up hurting somepony soon!”

“She's right. The odds of bumping into another pony is fairly high when you're deep in thought. Given your stature it could indeed hurt somepony.” Twilight adds.

He begins to ponder on that which makes Rarity clear her throat. He blushes seeing he did it again. “I'm… sorry?” He meekly says to her.

A few minutes have passed and the mane six have been discussing their day along with Rarity finally telling them of Ridley's actual name, whereupon a certain demon is shivering in fright.

“I don't think my ears will ever recover.” He thinks back to a few minutes ago where Rarity begin screaming in her prissy high-pitched voice and promptly shivers once more.

“Women… er, mares.” He finishes the thought and bites into his sandwich. He gives a few chews and finds whatever was between the bread isn't giving way between bites.

Opening his mouth, he pulls out a few strands of hay and rubs it between his fingers. He stares and then gives a deadpan stare at Rarity.

“What's wrong, dear? Don't you like hay?” She asks between her delicate bites of her own sandwich.

Doing an aside glance, Seltzer pulls all the hay out and is left with lettuce between two slabs of bread. “No.” Is all he says. Taking a bite, he shrugs from the bland taste. It could always be worse he supposes.

“Excuse a lady for not knowing what your kind eats.” She replies with head held high.

“Er, Rarity?” The Butter Ball says. “Do you not s-see his large canines or his fangs? They are kind of a dead-giveaway that he can't process stuff like grass or hay.”

Taking another bite, a few seconds pass before he notices its quiet and got dark all of a sudden. Risking a glance upwards he sees six set of eyes that are close to his own peering at him. Blinking twice rapidly, he says with a slight edge to his voice, “… Why are y'all staring at me like that?” and sets his meal down.

“By Celestia, you're right, Fluttershy! Those are different from our teeth.” Purple Smart says.

“Ohohoh, I know! He's a vampony!” Pinkie Pie responds with after opening his mouth up wide to observe his teeth better, eliciting a “Hey!” from him.

“Darling there's no such thing as vamponies. Don't be ridiculous.” Squiggle Tail responds.

“He does like to wear all black with cloaks or capes like vamponies though.” Rainbow Dash says, making everypony share a collective 'ohhhh' save for Fluttershy for obvious reasons and he knows why. Thoughts about Flutterbat briefly surface and her annoying tendency to bother him that night.

Seltzer frowns. “Can y'all stop staring? You're making me nervous.”

“But how do we know you're not a vampony then?” Rainbow urges him to continue.

“Because vampires or as you call them here vamponies, don't exist. We demons have fangs and large canines for a reason.” He states simply, keeping a part of his diet secret.

“… Y-You… eat meat. Don't y-y-you?” Yellow Quiet says. He tilts his head and his eyes widen in fear as he stares at her, making her hide behind her mane.

Nothing is said for a bit and it makes him uneasy. “This isn't good. They're all gonna freak out! Urgh, goddamnit Flutters!!” He angrily thinks.

“You d-don't eat ponies… do you d-dear?” Rarity nervously asks with a gulp.

“Wha- no!! I don't eat ponies or anything that can speak and think for itself!!” He shouts disgusted and furious at them.

The mane six all let out a sigh of relief though remain a little wary of him, except for Rarity. She has finished her meal and takes a seat beside the demon.

“Don't you worry none, my sweet Seltzy. I know you wouldn't ever hurt or eat any of us!” She lightly taps his cheek with a hoof, a coy smile present on her muzzle.

“Rarity~! Don't s-say that in front of the others.” He whines, feeling his face burn red which prompts everypony to laugh.

“Interesting. We need to have study sessions soon Rid-, I mean Seltzer. It'd be fascinating to learn about your eating habits now!” Twilight Sparkle says, rearing back and clopping her forehooves together once.

“Just as long as you return my darling Seltzer back to me afterwards, Twilight. You can have your meetings with him.” Rarity then squeezes his cheeks together.

“Hey! That looks like fun!” Pinkie Pie joins in with the face squeezing, both oblivious to his suffering.

“Why? Why me?” His thoughts bounce between that and wondering if Celestia would come for his head if he froze her personal student in a block of ice.

The rest of the picnic passes in relative peace, the six ponies and demon spending time talking about their upcoming plans.

Helping the six pack up, Seltzer cheerfully smiles to them. “Barring the face squeezing and horrible hay-sandwich,” which ears him a jab from Rarity. “I would say this was an enjoyable time.”

“Hay yeah!” The prismatic, cyan pony does a flip in the air and lays a hoof on his shoulder while flying. “You're pretty cool to hang out with after all. Also, thanks for helping me with the clouds this morning.”

“Don't mention it.” He states with a far-off gaze in his eyes. He felt good helping Dash but wished his near-phobia of lightning didn't affect him sometimes.

The area is cleaned up and the six begin to say their goodbyes for now. Eyes widening, Seltzer whirls around with a scowl on his face. “What… was that? I know I sensed multiple energy signatures just now. They felt normal, but why'd they just vanish?! … Hrmm. I don't like this.” He thinks to himself.

Hearing a rustle, he snaps his head to his left and gazes at a tree, noticing a few leaves dropping down. Gathering energy in his right palm and magic in his left, he advances forward slowly, ignoring the calls the mane six are shouting after him.

Something leaps out and he raises both hands. He almost releases the beams and barely manages to stop after seeing it was only a few birds that fly away.

“Huh? What are you doing, Seltzer?” Twilight says after catching up to him.

“… Nothing, Twilight. Just thought I seen something.” He states with a shrug.

Trotting back with him, Rarity joins the two as Flutters, Rainbow and Pinkie headed off their separate ways.

“So Seltzer and Rarity,” Twilight beguns, catching their attention. “I did say I wanted to study his eating habits, but would you be able to be at his side, Rarity?”

“Why yes, of course dear. But why would you even ask?” She ponders.

“To also observe the love you two share with one another. I would also like to see the compatibility between you two during a rutting session.” She says, which ends up making Seltzer facevault.

“…”

“TWILIGHT!!” He gets up quickly, fuming. “That's not something you should watch us do or e-even talk a-about! Rarity may be my lover and I wouldn't mind doing that, but not if you… are… there…” He finishes slowly seeing Rarity raise a frying pan she magicked from her home because he just said that out loud and a few other ponies in the area happened to hear.

“Oh crap.”

*Kwang!!*

One frying pan with a human-like face dented into it later, the three arrive at Carousel Boutique with a slightly dazed demon. “Here's our stop. I would love to chat more, but work must be done!” Rarity tells Twilight and gives her a hug.

“No biggie, Rarity. You two stop by tomorrow and we can work from there.” Twilight says. She's released from the hug and begins to trot to her palace.

“Later, princess Twilight. Take care.” Seltzer shouts after her.

Turning to the white pony, he scratches behind her ear. “So what now, Rares?”

“Ooh, right there.” She moans and leans into his hand more. “We have more work to do and as much as I love those hands of yours, we really shouldn't put it off until later.”

“Wait, who said I was gonna be helping? I already did so earlier!”

“Fine,” she says while adjusting her mane and a smirk forms. “You can go back home if you wish. I won't keep you here, dear.”

The two stare at each other until he signs. “Damnit, Rarity. You're lucky I don't want to leave your side.”

“Just as I thought.”

“Shut it.” He then chuckles and strokes her mane as the two head inside. “Besides, your little sister is simply adorable. Her voice cracks only add extra adorableness. Shame she burns your food though.” He snickers out.

“You think that's funny? Then guess what?” A devilish smile forms on her face and Ridley feels uneasy.

“What?”

“Sweetie Belle and I will have a sleepover at your house in a couple days. She'll be doing the cooking since all I have to do is say the word.”

“That's harsh, Rarity.”

“You're a demon. You'll live.”

“No, I mean you'll order your sister to cook?” He then facepalms and groans. “What am I saying? Of course she'll gladly do so! You -are- sisters after all…”

“Now you see it my way darling.” She then giggles from his torment.

“Easy for you to say. Like I want my food burnt beyond extra crispy. I tested a cupcake she made before and well… I think it might just make for some decent armor. … I don't even wanna know how that's possible.” He replies to her and laughs.

Prepping himself, Seltzer starts helping Rarity with her work. At one point he decided to give it a try and ended up having his shirt start getting dragged into the sowing machine. Needless to say, Rarity was lightly blushing from then on since he was shirtless and didn't have time to grab another from his house.

But things were going dire elsewhere in the village. Specific ponies were being ponynapped from their homes and replaced. The Changelings have infiltrated the peaceful village and nabbed Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Flutters and AppleJack. Rarity was the only one spared. They couldn't risk taking her while the demon was around.

As he was finishing up a dress with Rarity, a Changeling disguised as Twilight knocked on the door. Holding a finger up to let her know he's gonna check the door, he sees the fake-Twilight ask if he could come with her for a second to look over this spell inside one of her books.

“Sure, why not? I could use a break.”

Telling Rarity he won't be gone long, he left with the Changeling and never saw the two that crept inside Carousel Boutique.

They captured Rarity with ease and her final thought before she passed out was to hope Seltzer would find her.

The Twilight-Changeling kept Seltzer busy. It kept grabbing more of the real Twilight's books and talking about what spells were in them. While he gladly helped, Seltzer couldn't help but think she should have no trouble knowing these spells being the Element of Magic and all. It was also weird how she keeps calling him Ridley. Didn't he tell her and the rest his real name a few hours ago?

30 minutes later, the Changeling lets him free and he heads back to Carousel Boutique. As suspected, Seltzer never caught on to their plan. He remained blissfully unaware his friends have been replaced.

After finishing the work he had left, Seltzer asked to spend the night with the Rarity-Changeling. Nodding yes, the two retreated to bed and begin to fall asleep.

Until the fake-Rarity suddenly opened its eyes and gazed at the sleeping and helpless form of Seltzer.

“This would almost be perfect but our queen warned us about him. He'll awaken if I try anything funny and our plan will unravel in minutes.” The Rarity-changeling thinks. His horn lights softly and he sends a message to his queen, letting her know stage one of her plan is completed.

Shutting his eyes, the Rarity-Changeling soon relaxes into a slumber for the big day tomorrow.

A buggy situation

Awakening the next morning at 8 AM, Seltzer yawns and notices he is alone in the bed. Shrugging it off, he heads for the bathroom to freshen up with a shower.

10 minutes later, he emerges feeling cleaner and smelling nice. “Nothing quite like a warm shower to make a demon feel new! Just wished she had different shampoo. What the hell does fresh-mountain-spring-rain-grass-lotus even smell like?” He muses out. “Damn Equestria and its weird names.” Heading downstairs, he sees the Rarity-Changeling standing at the bottom. ”Oh hey, Rares. You're up early today!”

“You would say that. I awoke before you.” The fake Rarity states in a tone unlike the one he's grown used to.

“Jeez, sorry. Someone woke up on the wrong side of bed this morning.” Seltzer mutters under his breath. He stands around while he watches the fake Rarity trot off to the kitchen. Seeing he may as well try to help, he begins to clean the house up starting with the living room.

As he was dusting a table off, he is unaware of the fake Rarity who has snuck up behind him since his gaze was focused on the table. Her horn is aglow and a green substance begins to materialize.

Just as the fake Rarity is about to launch it, Seltzer whirls around and barges into her, running and pinning her to a wall that leaves a pony-like indent, causing him to wince since he knows who's going to have to fix that for Rarity.

“Speak up! What have you done with Rarity?” Seltzer speaks in a low tone, brow furrowing.

“How d-”

“How'd I know? Simple.” Seltzer smirks. “It wasn't hard feeling your kind yesterday. There was simply no way I could warn the others since there would have been wide-spread panic and once you morphed you gave off normal aura signatures. It made it downright impossible to search for you. I do have to admit that you had me fooled for the real Rarity for a while there, at least until you spoke in a tone unlike hers this morning.” He finishes and gives off a glare that makes the Changeling shake.

“Answer me. What did you do to Rarity?” He asks the Changeling. The bug only shakes his head in response and doesn't say anything.

Wrapping a hand around the bug's horn, Seltzer begins to lightly bend it backwards, causing the Changeling to hiss in pain and revert back to its normal self.

“Tell me! What have you done with her?!” Seltzer shouts into its face.

“W-We will never t-tell you anything!” The Changeling hisses out.

“Damnit!” Seeing no option, Seltzer shoots a spell off into its head. The Changeling shakes once and passes out.

Using a spell to restrain the bug on the floor, he dashes out the house and through the streets of Ponyville. A few ponies glance at him oddly though he ignores it. Not wasting time, he arrives at his house and gets himself ready.

Slipping his clothes off, he grabs a simple black shirt and black pants. He then grabs his enchanted silver demon-mail and clips the armor over his chest. Afterwards he grabs a black cape with green trim and slips it over his head. Walking out his home, he is about to search for them when he suddenly notices that he can't sense their auras.

“Oh no… I-I can't feel them. I have no idea where they're even being held. I could ask the princesses but its very likely they've already been replaced. What if…” He talks to himself to try and form some kind of idea. It fails since nothing forms and he slumps to his knees. “Damnit!! I promised I wouldn't leave her side! If only I acted yesterday when I felt them!” He pounds a fist into the ground in anger.

As he begins to think of his friends, his mind drifts to Fluttershy. Something it wants to remind him about her. “There's something… I'm not seeing. What is it? …” Standing up, he snaps his fingers in realization. “Discord! He should know where those Changelings and their queen live at.”

Running to Fluttershy's cottage, he arrives after a couple minutes. Seeing Starlight Glimmer and Trixie there, he hides behind a bush, wary of the two who may be fakes themselves.

“(Hmm, what are those two doing here? Surely they aren't here to capture Discord are they?)” He thinks. “(If they do, my only hope of finding Rarity and the others will vanish. I can't allow that!)”

The two knock on the door and he creeps closer with the bush, now only a few feet away. Discord appears in front of the two mares in a flash of light.

“What do you two want? I'm trying to relax.” He asks them, annoyance in his tone.

“Discord, we have a problem and came to ask for your help.” Starlight replies.

“My help? Why not ask for Ridley's? He's following you two.” He answers back, earning a confused look from the two.

The two mares jump in fright hearing Seltzer suddenly shout, “Discord! Get away from there!!” and the demon tackles Trixie to the ground.

“Let go of me, you ruffian! The great and powerful Trixie demands it!” The showmare angrily demands.

Starlight has snapped out of her fright and bucks Seltzer off Trixie with her back hooves. “Leave her alone! She hasn't done anything wrong.” Starlight then stands between her and Seltzer.

Seltzer on the other hand stands between the two and Discord. “Nice try, but you ain't fooling me. I won't allow you changelings to trick Discord. He's my only shot at finding Rarity!” He then starts prepping a spell to freeze the two impostors in blocks of ice.

“What was that I heard? Did Rarity get herself ponynapped?” Discord asks Seltzer. Sliding his body around Seltzer's like a snake, Discord gazes into his face. “Do tell us what happened, demon.”

“… Creepy.” Seltzer mutters and rips Discord away from him. “Don't ever do that again.”

Ignoring the guffaw from the chaos lord, he looks at the three. “Changelings have snuck inside the village and a few ponies are now missing. As you heard me say, Rarity is one of them, but I'm not sure who else is missing.”

Starlight clears her throat and catches his attention, seeing he doesn't plan to attack again. “That's why we're here. We already know and came to enlist the help of whoever is left.” She calmly states, keeping a level head.

Trixie meanwhile is the opposite. “Trixie doesn't like our odds. All the princesses have been taken along with the royal family. What hope do we got?”

“All of them? … Shit, I knew it.” Seltzer says. “Wait, even Flurry Heart?!”

The two mares nod and Seltzer clenches his fists. “They shouldn't have done that. Ponynapping adults is one thing, but to take a foal?! Despicable.” He mutters angrily.

“Discord,” Starlight Glimmer manages to get him to listen. “You heard what happened. Can we count on you to help us out?”

“And what's in it for me?” He answers back, reclining on his arms in the air.

“Don't you care about everypony?”

“Not really. I'm sure you three can make do on your own.”

“Alright, but just know they have Fluttershy as well.” She responds with a smirk.

On cue, Discord's face furrows and he leans in close to Starlight. “Then count me in. Nothing better lay a claw on her.” He states in a dangerous tone, eyes flashing.

“Then its decided. I presume its up to us four to save them?” Seltzer asks the other three. They nod and he signs, “Lovely. We have a group that consists of a showmare that's more talk than bite,” Trixie frowns. “A mare that used to be obsessed with everypony being equal and was borderline crazy,” Starlight scowls. “A creature of chaos that used to be evil and might still be,” Discord only grins in return. “And a demon not of this realm that has questionable tactics. What couldn't possibly go wrong?” starting to laugh in worry afterwards.

“A lot, my fellow chaos maker,” Discord replies and tickles the under-side of his chin with the tuft of his tail. “But that only makes more chaos and thus more fun to be had.”

Smacking the tail aside, Seltzer frowns. “Discord, be serious. Fluttershy is still trapped and so is Rarity.” He replies and Discord's face again turns back serious.

Seeing everyone is ready, Seltzer looks at the group. “Okay, here's the plan. Discord will teleport us to their location and we'll bust everypony free.”

“Do you really think it'll be that easy?” Starlight questions.

“Nope. But we must remain optimistic and not think about failure!” Ridley replies.

“What about Thorax? Surely we can trust him since he knows the place.”

“I don't know. He genuinely seems like a good changeling, but I don't want to take chances.”

“Trixie has a wonderful idea.” The showmare interrupts, “Show of hooves: Who think his idea is crazy and we should leave?” and raises a hoof.

“Ah Trixie, Trixie, Trixie,” Seltzer smiles softly and pats her head. “We still need to give it a shot. If not us, then who? Sadly its only us now.”

Knelling down, Seltzer cups her chin with a hand. “Would you rather changelings take Equestria over?” She shakes her head no. “And that's why we have to do this. Just believe in yourself oh great and powerful Trixie!” He says with a knowing smirk.

“Yes, you are right. The great and powerful Trixie will do her best! She wouldn't be great if she didn't give it a try!” The showmare states with a flourish of her cape.

Leaning close to Starlight, Seltzer whispers, “Its too easy to appeal to her ego.” and stands up.

But before any of them can do anything, a green flash of fire forms behind the four. A black chitin hoof smacks into Discord who had his back to the sudden assailant, smashing him into the ground that leaves him unconscious and a sickly-green colored beam of magic is fired at Starlight and Trixie.

Without wasting a single thought, Seltzer jumps into the beam's path and shields the two mares with his body. As the beam collides with him, he sees its none other than queen Chrysalis who somehow arrived.

“Gah!! You two hurry! Barriers up now!!” The two mares follow his order, translucent spheres around the two. Seltzer tries to keep his voice steady as pain assaults and almost overwhelms him. This is new to him as it feels as though the beam is targeting every cell of his being.

“Ha, foolish demon. Do you really think you're a match for me?” Queen Chrysalis smugly says, her voice missing the echo he once heard from her.

“Yes, I am!” With that, Seltzer rushes forward through the beam and grits his teeth in pain. Before she can react, he yells and slugs her across the face, sending her skidding across the ground a few feet.

Panting, Seltzer notices his vision start to blur. His body joins as he starts to feel queasy. “The hell? What's going on?!”

Chrysalis begins laughing and it echos around the landscape. He can just make out seeing her stand up no worse for wear, her body starting to appear fuzzy to him. “Do you like it? After hearing reports about your battles here protecting these puny ponies, I came to the conclusion that you have an inverse-tolerance to dark-based spells. Naturally that wouldn't have fazed you since your power is beyond the scope of everything in this land, but what if there was a spell to mess with the flow of magic in a ponies body?” She begins to say.

“There was such a thing, but it wouldn't work against you since you're not a pony. It took a bit of time but I managed to make a new spell, one that targets the very essence of power in your body. Not only that, the spell is dark-based and is made to combat evil-beings such as those from Tartarus. You may be a noble and pure soul, but your body is still that of a demon. In short, its your perfect weakness since a little bit of spell tinkering has allowed me to trick the spell into thinking you're evil, foolish demon!”

Seltzer only smirks and chuckles in response. “So that's it? You can do better than that, can't you?” He taunts her, flipping the bird for added insult.

Chrysalis growls, baring her fangs. She teleports behind Seltzer and bucks him to the ground.

“Argh!” Feeling his left arm has became numb, Seltzer swiftly dodges a set of dual hooves that splinters the ground and flips onto his feet, launching a blast of energy from his good arm.

It vanishes a few inches from her face and leaves him shocked, “What? No way!” and she lifts him into the air with magic.

Grinning savagely, Chrysalis begins to slam him into the ground over and over again. Each slam harder than the last, earning horrified looks from Starlight and Trixie who stand behind knowing they can't do anything against her. “Give up, demon. My forces have already won. Canterlot and the Frozen Empire are ours and Ponyville is next!”

Grinning, Seltzer is only able to keep his right eye open, face bruised and a few cuts that are leaking blood opened up. “Heh, heh, heh, you'd love that wouldn't you, buggy? Well guess what? I NEVER GIVE UP!!”

With a shout, Seltzer's irises change to red and he breaks free from her telekinesis. Landing on all-fours, he pounces forward and spears her to the ground before she can react. He's able to land a few decent blows across her face before she kicks him away, blood trickling down from her now slightly-crooked muzzle.

Both beginning to now pant, they stare at one another. “Tis a shame you're against me, demon. You'd be a nice help to take over Equestria and a wonderful mate in bed.” She says with a glaring-smirk.

“And its a shame you're evil. You make for a good sparring partner. The fact you even managed to find a weakness of mine is both surprising and shows you're worthy of being a potential spouse if I wasn't already with somepony.” He smirk-glares back to her.

Staring each other down, Seltzer coughs and blood flies out. He wobbles a bit and falls to one knee.

“Urgh, not good. You really have me in quite the pickle, Chrysalis.” Lifting a hand, he only manages a weak beam of magic that pings off a barrier she summoned. “Damn…”

Chrysalis is about to speak when Seltzer suddenly pops in front of her after another short yell and a whirlwind of punches and kicks that are almost impossible to see begin to lash out at her. She cries out in pain from the sudden assault and is knocked into the air from a nasty uppercut. Landing on her back, she kicks a leg out and luckily strikes him in the head.

Digging his feet into the ground as he slides, Seltzer stumbles trying to keep himself standing and manages to stop sliding. Huffing deeply, he raises his head and Chrysalis sees what appears to be thin black markings around his eyes.

Gasping and stumbling forward, Seltzer falls to both knees and coughs violently, spewing forth more blood. Her spell is starting to do a number on his body.

“Damn… Not even my second form is helping!” Looking at Starlight and Trixie who are staying back with looks of fear, he then glances at Chrysalis. “I have to say 'queen,' I'm impressed. You aren't even close to my power let alone most weak things in my universe, but you still worked around that. You're a worthy opponent, Chrysalis.” He congratulates her sincerely.

“Thank you, demon.” She gallops and tackles him to the ground. She opens her mouth and bites his shoulder.

Groaning in pain, Seltzer's irises change to a bright green coloration and the markings around his eyes spread out, becoming thicker and now framing the side of his face. Feeling renewed vigor once more, he lays a hand on her neck and effortlessly rips her away. She is surprised at his sudden strength and screams as he tosses her like she was a simple stick high into the sky until she's no bigger than a dot.

Chrysalis growls and readies a spell to teleport back down but doesn't have time as she sees him take off from the ground, leaving behind a green trail of aura. Her eyes widen in fear as he catches up to her in the blink of an eye and imprisons her within a magic green sphere.

Seltzer clenches his hand and makes it explode, following it with a tackle that sends the two tumbling in the air. He follows it up with jutting one hand into her chest. Using his other, he slashes her neck and deep claw-marks open up on Chrysalis's neck, spewing forth green blood.

She screams in pain and rears her head back. Horn glowing, she hastily rams her horn through Seltzer's chest and out his back, smirking wide since she thinks he's finished from his sudden gasp as the two continue to fall.

“So much for the mighty demon being the protector of ponies.” She revels in her victory over him as his body spews blood around her horn that drips onto her muzzle.

“T-That's all, 'queen?'” Until Seltzer suddenly speaks up. Chrysalis's face is replaced with one of terror when he wraps his hand that he pulled out of her chest around her neck tightly. “Come on then, BUGGY!!”

Digging up the last reserves of his rapidly fading energy, Seltzer begins to fly downwards, picking up speed and aiming to slam into the ground with her after materializing a group of explosive magic mines around themselves. “This is for EQUESTRIA AND RARITY!!!” He shouts as the ground rushes up to them.

“AHHH! L-Let me go! You're hurt yourself too, foolish Ridley!” Chrysalis screams and squirms trying to break away. Its proven futile since he keeps a tight lock on her.

“Worth it to stop you.” He calmly says. Before she can respond, the two smack into the ground and a series of explosions ring out. A crater 30-feet deep and 5 meters wide is formed as a huge cloud of dust is kicked up.

Starlight Glimmer and Trixie are pushed back a few inches from the shock wave that formed. Keeping their barriers up, the two cautiously trot to the crater's rim.

“Did he do it?” Trixie asks trying to peer through the dust.

“I hope so. Such a slam should at least have knocked her out.” Starlight answers back.

A shadow flies in the middle of the dust cloud and the two breathe out easy.

“Ridley, you did it! Is Chrysalis…?” Starlight hopefully asks.

Her hope turns to fear along with Trixie's quickly when the dust clears and Chrysalis is seen floating in the air, hole in her chest dripping blood along with her left eye, horn cracked along the surface.

“Surprise~” Landing in front of the two mares, she begins closing her chest wound with magic. “Happy to see me?” She asks while taking a step towards them.

Starlight glances at Trixie who is now cowering behind her. Gulping, she returns her gaze back to the bug queen.

“How? How did you survive that?” She just manages to keep her cool and not freak out.

“You think I wouldn't be without a plan? He forgot to neutralize my magic. My barrier prevented me from being harmed too much.” She begins to laugh at the end but quickly turns into a coughing spasm, wincing at her wounds. She couldn't heal her chest all the way.

Starlight gathers her magic and fires a beam at Chrysalis. She only smiles and casually magic's up a barrier to defend against it.

“Oh please, little pony. You don't have a hope left now. I am far more powerful than back then after draining the love from your captured friends.” Chrysalis grins wide and her horn begins to glow. “Sorry to say, but this is the end. You'll be joining your captured friends soon enough.” A ball of magic is formed in front of her horn, “nighty night, little ponies.” and launched to the two mares.

Trixie and Starlight grimace and await their fate knowing they're outmatched, “Don't think I'm finished yet!” until a voice boldly shouts and they open their eyes.

Gasping, they see a bloodied and battered Seltzer dash in front of them. His armor is falling apart and his shirt is torn to shreds. One arm is bent unnaturally along with deep wounds in both shoulders. He raises his arm that isn't bent, hissing with pain as he does so and forms a sphere around Chrysalis's magic ball. He then clenches his fist and both explode harmlessly away.

The bug queen has a growl rumble through her throat. “You, how did you recover? I sensed no magic from you.” She glares at the demon.

Seltzer chuckles and a smirk is seen. “You have no idea how tough I am. Don't underestimate your opponent lest it could prove to be your downfall. My sworn-brother learned the hard way.” It turns into a pained expression as he collapses forward onto the ground, panting deeply. Lifting his head, he eyes Starlight Glimmer and Trixie.

“Starlight, Trixie. Take Discord and… run a-away. You don't have… much time.” He manages to speak between pants.

“The great and powerful Trixie will not allow such a thing to happen. We'll stay here with you!” The boastful mare answers back.

“Its not about being here, its-” His eyes widen and he has to quickly cast a spell to halt the charging queen Chrysalis at the two. She begins to thrash against his magic hold and he grits his teeth in concentration.

“Go! I c-can't hold her much… longer!” He yells.

“B-But Ridley!” Starlight starts to interject.

“I'm finished.” He says with a small smile. “Her spell from e-earlier has weakened me to the… brink of exhaustion. I'll be… fine-!” A cough happens and blood oozes from his mouth. “Urgh, don't w-w-worry about me. Escape now!!” He gurgles out and moans in pain.

“We won't leave you! We'll fight until the last breath ourselves!” Starlight says with confidence and her horn glowing.

Feeling Chrysalis about to break free, Ridley smiles sadly in response. “I knew you would… say that. Y-You're kind creatures a-and… refuse to leave someone that needs he-elp. Just like myself.” He lifts his hand and points at the two mares and the still unconscious Discord.

Green swirling lights form around the three and both mares know what he's doing. Banging against the spell that's holding them, they scream at him not to send them away.

“So-orry ladies, but because of that I know you won't leave. Head dropping in weakness, he gives a light smile. “Just… make sure… Rarity… is safe and you three… as well.” The two mares yell one last time and the three vanish away just as Chrysalis breaks free and misses them from her charging leap.

“Noooo!! I almost had it won! Those three were the only ones left. Had I captured them, I would had ruled all of Equestria!!”

Whirling around angrily, she trots over to Seltzer and stomps on his head, pushing it into the dirt. “You, I won't forgive you for this! I have something special in mind,” She lowers her face next to his and an idea forms. Smiling devilishly, she runs her tongue across his cheek that leaves him shivering in disgust. “Something that will have you to never go against me, demon scum.”

Seltzer grunts in pain and manages to stare at her with his right eye that's slowly changing from green to red and then back to his usual yellow-gold color. “Heh. I told you I never give up and never will. Even if I'm up against impossible odds, Bug Queen.”

Chrysalis lets her horn glow and a sickly-green substance starts to form around his body. “We'll see.” The bug queen answers back, malice etched in her words.

Not liking his odds, Seltzer can only mutter two words, “… Crap baskets.”

As he begins to fall unconscious the demon wishes that Starlight Glimmer, Trixie and Discord stay safe. Its up to those three to rescue the others and prevent Queen Chrysalis from taking over Equestria fully. Everyponies freedom is now in their hooves is the last thing he thinks as blackness overtakes him.