There are No Monsters in Canterlot

Demoin had experienced boredom before, but this was different. It had been so long since she had something to look forward to, and it didn't match the wheel. She had seen the innocent hero, but by the time their quests were done and their victory assured, the hero would be broken and beaten. A shell of the hero that started the journey so long ago. But this Twilight girl was different. She still had that spark of innocence, and despite her cutthroat tactics felt regret at Demoin's pain. Such a young mind still uncorrupted by the fell violence and petty cruelty of the universe. It was a rarity she had yet to see, let alone talk to. Demoin picked up a book and flipped it open. With a smooth motion, she opened it and began writing. That is the image Celestia walked in on.

Demoin writing away in her book, barely sparing a glance at Celestia as she walked in. Demoin leaned against the wall in full gear, with her pen gliding across the page in smooth strokes. To any looking over her shoulder, it would seem to be the writings of an asylum patient. Symbols mixed with nonsense letters that occasionally trailed down the page in a nonsense manner. To her, it was the paths the wheel might take. This world was strange, and all her thoughts and theories fought against the proof that stood in the frame of her vault. She glanced up once, noting the princess standing there with a cold look at her. With a snap, the book closed, and Demoin moved to her chair. No words were exchanged as Demoin sat down, leaning back so the chair rested on two legs. "So Celestia, what's on the menu today? I can imagine this is probably going to involve either veiled threats or desperate deals. I can enjoy either option, but the price for the deals will be less than satisfactory."

Celestia took a deep breath for a moment, before nodding. "I wish to know what your compatriots look like."

Demoin rubbed her chin for a moment, mulling over the deal before reaching down and tapping the desk. "Easy enough. The price is simple, a meal with meat. As well as a new pony to speak to, Though I do appreciate Twilight's visits she does not give me the pulse of anywhere besides simple little Ponyville." Demoin smiled, her teeth flashing in flawless white. "And a girl's got to have hobbies after all." She paused for a moment, before adding an addendum. "And no guards as the pony, They stonewall me far to much. Send in a maid, or a gardener. Warp, I'd take a random hobo."

Celestia bit her lip, but Demoin knew she would agree nevertheless. "That can be arranged. As long as you are willing to describe both of your companions in full detail."

Demoin stood. "But of course, I never renege on a deal. As Twilight no doubt told you there are two of them, and I would hazard the survivors are Nareen and Brighteyes." Demoin looked up to the ceiling, staring at the sigil of Luna above her. Both are as immortal as you, with Brighteyes able to shapeshift, however, she is normally approximately four feet tall. Her skin is black and purple, swirling together over her body. She is normally nude, her species forgoing clothing. However, if she did get dressed I can guarantee she is wearing an archaic dress with lots of flowers on it." Demoin glanced at Celestia. "Also, she will ask to ride one of your ponies. I ask you to excuse her now, she's an excitable sort, and social grace is mostly lost on her."

Demoin reached over her table to a small mango sitting in front of her, instantly taking a bite from it. For a moment, the only sound in the room was her thoughtful chewing. After she swallowed she sat up straight. "Now Nareen. He is a bit harder to describe. " She tossed her fruit in the air, catching it a few times. "He's taller than me, with pale grey skin and stark white hair. He normally wears climbing gear of some sort, though I wouldn't dare guess at what awful color choice he'll be making whenever he arrives. He will be attempting to control Brighteyes." Demoin giggled, the sudden sound making Celestia wince, though Demoin ignored the fact as she continued. "And failing. For all the little Undaunted's strengths, he is unable to say no to the girl. I think it's because he arrived late enough to adopt the cool uncle role in my dysfunctional little family."

Celestia stared for a moment longer, parsing the veritable flood of information she was given. These creatures were Demoin's family, and Celestia knew how much the love of family could do. Demoin shrugged. "Though honestly, I expect you'll find this out, and move me to some more secure prison you've been trying to make for the past several years. Failing that you'll hold me here until they arrive, then try to use holding me as some sort of trump card to negotiate an exile." Demoin tossed her mango in the air, catching it and taking another bite. Her voice was muffled through the fruit as she spoke. "Course, we probably wouldn't listen for very long. A bunch of demi-mortals rarely follow mortal laws their whole lives. And true immortals like me follow even less."

Celestia looked to her, chewing on her thoughts for a moment. "Then may we negotiate now? I think it would be more than fair to assume we could reach a compact before this event comes to a head."

Demoin's head jolted up, staring at Celestia with her eyes narrowed. "Negotiate? With you? Never again. I still remember what happened last time. I remember being lost in the caverns beneath your damned castle for a century, the only company being my thoughts." Demoin walked forward, her feet stomping with every step. "I remember my sanity breaking for the millionth time, the walls speaking to me as I wondered if I was truly on a planet with life. My mind shattering memories of my friends. I cannot recall the name of the people who died at my side anymore, and that is on your head."

Demoin stopped directly in front of Celestia, her knees lowering her entire body to eye level. "No Celestia, I will not bargain with one who's word means as little as yours. Send Luna, send Twilight. But never think I will forget the sins of the past, nor will I forgive them. Now if you'll excuse me." Demoin walked back to her table, grabbing a small knife from the table, and jamming it in her throat.

Celestia flinched as a splatter of blood flew into her face, marring her snow-white fur in dark red. She stared as Demoin slumped down to the ground, unable to speak or move until her body repaired itself. Celestia turned slowly, exiting the room with sullen steps. As the vault closed behind her she wiped the blood from her face with a hoof. She stared at it for a moment as her vision blurred. "I promise Demoin, I did not mean to cause such heartache." There was a flash, and the room lay empty, not even a mouse to disturb the silence.

***

Nareen gazed to the mountain that was in the same direction as the demon that had marked the sky earlier. He felt his palms itch as he thought of it, wanting nothing more than to feel his rope as he ascended it. The city perched upon the side was unimportant when compared to his desire to see the world from that oh so distant peak. He pulled a small ration bar from his pack, nibbling at the edge as he watched the sunset over the peak. "Little princess, is the camp good enough?"

A cheery voice called out from behind him. "I made a big old fire, and I managed not to burn the soup this time!" There was a gush of wind as Brighteyes looked at him, her mouth dipping into a frown. "Nary, you shouldn't be eating! I made dinner for both of us!" She balled up her fists, huffing in annoyance as Nareen laughed.

He ruffled her hair, a wide smile on his face. "Of course little princess. I'm sorry, I was just thinking of how that mountain called to me."

Brighteyes turned, her mouth widening as she saw the mountain. "Oh! I bet we could go all the way up to the tippy-top! Then maybe we'd see miss grumpy-pants and go get her!" She bounced in the air as Nareen nodded.

With a shuffle, he pocketed his ration bar and moved to the camp behind them. "Then that will be our plan. If we eat and go to bed early we might make it by tomorrow night." Nareen grabbed a bowl and began making a bowl of soup, stirring it as he added more to the bowl. "So let's have this feast you so generously prepared, and be ready to leave bright and early."

Nareen reached into his chest pocket, only to find it empty. He began patting all the pouches adorning his climbing gear before a bottle rose into his vision with a small purple hand holding it. "Silly Nary, I already added your special spice juice. You were so distracted I got it without you noticing." Nareen lowered his eyes to Brighteyes smiling face, but soon broke into a grin. They both began to laugh, their cries of joy echoing across the land.