Lorraine was tired, sore and mentally drained. The silent walk through the facility was broken by the shrill, upbeat ringtone of Angel's phone. The spider hastily dug it out of his jacket, glanced at the caller ID and answered.

"What's up Joy? Yer on speaker by the way."

"Angel, is Lorraine with you?" the princess of Tartarus sounded worried.

"Yeah, she's fine, why?"

"It's Alastor, something's wrong- I've never seen him like this-" Joy was cut by a shriek of static. "I think his personal hell is reacting adversely to her absence!"

"Shit," Angel picked up the pace, waving for the doe to keep up.

"What's going on? Is he ok?" Lorraine asked in concern.

"We've got the port network in the hotel online, can you use the facility's transport bay?" Joy asked.

"Can do princess, be there in five," the spider replied and hung up. He turned back to Loona. "Looks like yer boss will have to wait, Lu."

The hellhound shrugged. "Not my fault, Blitz is the one who has to deal with it."

As the trio reached the end of the hallway, Loona separated from them. "See ya."

"Catch ya later Lu, tell yer dad I said hi." Angel said with a cheeky grin.

Loona rolled her eyes. "Pfft, whatever..."

Angel Dust led Lorraine towards a large room with a large mechanism by the back wall. Angel darted over to a nearby control panel and began inputting commands.

He glanced over at her. "Ya know what Al's personal hell is, the whole goin' into rut? Normally he's just cranky, sure he'll rip apart anyone dumb enough ta try an' control him but his self-control is through the fucking roof," he explained. "A personal hell wears on ya, stresses ya out, breaks ya down until you solve it or ya lose it. Completely let yer magic take ya over to do what it needs to do ta get ya back ta normal, called going feral."

"Smiles never goes feral," he stressed as the contraption whirred to life, a red swirling mass of magic contained in a metal frame. "Must be pretty bad fer Joy to be worried."

"Okay..." was all the doe could say.

"We get you back ta the hotel, it'll probably calm him down, an Overlord goin' feral would be bad news. Al just got his powers back too, he can't afford ta fuck up again," Angel stated. "Let's get movin' before those bozos here try to detain us."

Lorraine nodded and approached the portal.

She stumbled into a spacious red lobby, the polished marble floor and high vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a ballroom. Lorraine barely had time to glance at the mismatched furniture scattered around the room when Princess Joy barrelled into her.

"Oh thank goodness! Can you talk to him? Please?" the alicorn pleaded. "We had to lock him in the library, he's been clawing at the door. I'm just thankful he hasn't used his magic yet-"

The sound of wood shattering was heard in the distance, the lights flickered and the dull roar of static drowned out the ambience of the hotel. Alastor was suddenly just there, long gangly limbs and clawed hands stretched to unnatural proportions, a face-splitting, manic grin, large, sharp antlers like dead tree branches and eyes as blank and empty as the void.

Lorraine could only stare, attempting to rationalize the sight before her. He was certainly frightening, but there wasn't a sense of immediate danger.

Joy stepped away from her, nervously looking between her and the other demon. Lorraine heard Angel Dust move to stand nearby.

"Jeez Al, ya look like shit." the spider commented. Alastor didn't respond, gaze fixated on the doe.

Said doe flattened her ears in a vain attempt to dull noise from the loud static Alastor was emitting. It wasn't helping, but Lorraine had more important things to worry about. "Alastor? You ok?"

Whether he understood her was unclear but the demon leaned forward and carefully began to inspect her, a spindly hand absentmindedly resting on her head as he did. Gradually, the static died down to low buzz, his form shrank down to his normal demonic appearance and Alastor returned to full awareness.

He blinked, cleared his throat and stepped back, putting his hands behind his back.

"...What was I doing?" he asked and shook his head. "On second thought, I don't want to know."

Lorraine looked around and stifled a yawn. "Now what?"

She was too tired to really worry about what the hell she'd gotten herself into.

"It is getting late, I'll show you to your room and we can talk about... That, after we've all had a good nights sleep!" Joy said brightly.

"Okay." Lorraine said bluntly.

Angel walked over to Alastor and slung an arm around his shoulders, dragging the somewhat flustered deer demon out of the room. "C'mon Smiles, yer rooming with me until we get this shit sorted."

"What- Angel! Unhand me this instance!"

"No, yer still in rut, you made it my job ta keep you in check so that's what I'm fuckin' doin'. We'll be just down the hall from her, Joy an' Vaggie'll keep watch, and we'll send her home after we're sure you won't get yerself in trouble again."

"... Very well... I'm still allowed in kitchen at least?"

"You kidding? We missed yer cooking Al, I'm gettin' up just fer breakfast if you're the one making it!"

Joy giggled and led Lorraine towards the exit. "I'll show you to your room."

Sleep was difficult to come by but eventually, Lorraine passed out and joined The Nightmare in a dream.

The dream was a warm, white sitting room with tall glass windows with sunlight pouring in. Lorraine was sitting in a comfy armchair, propped up by pillows, The Nightmare elegantly lying on a matching lounge, but they weren't the only ones in the room.

There were two John’s sitting next to each other. Both looked quite confused. The only way Lorraine could tell the difference was the fact that the chitin, head fin, and left eye were different colors. The one on the right was blue and the one on the left was purple.

There was a moment of silence.

“Ah! Don’t look at me!” The one on the right yelped and covered his face before he was pulled into a hug by the one on the left.

The doe blinked. “Why not?”

It was then that she saw the extent of the damage.

“He’s still adjusting, obviously.” The purple-eyed John spoke up, gently patting the blue-eyed John’s back.

She looked at his wounds, her ears drooped. "...This is my fault, I am so sorry- if I didn't grandstand..."

A wave of dizziness hit her, she grit her teeth and stared down at the marble floor. "Shit."

The blue-eyed John snapped to sit up right. “No! No! I’m pretty sure that was unavoidable!” He said while trying to hide half his face with his overgrown hand.

“Might’ve been a Fate thing.” The purple-eyed John agreed, nodding. “It’s not your fault.”

“Aaaand this is….” The blue-eyed John waved his good arm at the purple-eyed John. “We haven’t come up with a name for him yet.”

“I’m his self-aware self-preservation instinct. So I’m basically a second John.” The purple-eyed John nodded again. “We were bouncing around ideas before we showed up here.”

“First things first when I get home. Get a mask and a cloak from Rarity.” The blue-eyed John sighed, letting his arm thud to the floor while shrugging his shoulder with a visible wince.

“We’re pretty much gonna be the Phantom of the Opera.” The purple-eyed John snickered.

The Nightmare spoke up. "This is a dream John, you are free to change your appearance," she glanced over at the doe. "You had things you wanted to tell him, correct?"

"Not when he's dealing with stuff..." Lorraine argued halfheartedly.

The goddess sighed. "In the span of a day, you have had an existential crisis, had a dear friend all but propose to you twice, and faced one of the most terrifying beings I have had the displeasure to meet... talk to him."

Meanwhile, The blue-eyed John’s face became whole, and his arm shrank.

The purple-eyed John however made his lower left half of his face some cross between an underbite jaw and a spider mandible.

The blue-eyed John blinked at him.

“What? I like my mandible.” The purple-eyed John shrugged.

“Kay.” the-blue eyed John blinked again, before looking back to Lorraine. “What are we dealing with now?”

Lorraine looked up at John, nervousness rolling off her in waves. "...Ok, so you know how the girls have a habit of pressuring me about guys 'n stuff?"

“Yeah?” The two John’s said in unison.

"It turns out I don't... Have certain biological or psychological responses to stuff," Lorraine explained, her brow furrowed as she thought. "Like, you've found randos on the street or certain character designs hot- they do something for you... I don't have those responses...It just doesn't happen."

“Probably comes with being a plant?” The blue-eyed John nodded.

“I mean, you probably reproduce by sporing or something.” The purple-eyed John agreed.

"No...No, I was always like this, I just didn't know it wasn't the norm..." Lorraine sighed. "Ok...I love you, because I got to know you and the relationship we have, the person you are is what I find attractive. I got to know you first, I love safety, trust, more tame physical displays of affection more than the carnal stuff that is the norm. I need that emotional connection to see someone in a romantic capacity- look at my husbando list, all characters I've connected with in some way..."

"Lorraine is demisexual," The Nightmare stated. "In as simple terms as possible, she is asexual until the condition of emotional connection and attachment to a person is met."

“Awwww.” Both John’s cooed. “I love you too!”

They looked at each other, shrugged, then grinned at the Doe Girl. At least Lorraine thought the purple one was grinning.

“I’m surprisingly okay with this.” The purple John said.

“And I’ve ran out of any fucks to give and I’ll need to go home to get more.” The blue John stated. “Either way, doesn’t bother me and it honestly makes sense. I just hope you can get used to loving a buggy Two-Face.”

“Two buggy Two-Faces.” The purple John corrected.

"...Guys I just admitted I'm not normal, I had an hour-long freak-out over it...This is a big deal, there's a word to describe how I function! Isn't that neat?" Lorraine said. "It's a big deal for me... and I wanted to tell you..."

“It’s really neat.” Blue John smiled.

“And It just makes you more special.” The Purple one agreed.

“We’re not down playing it. It just doesn’t bother me.” The blue one nodded.

"Oh, ok..." the doe said, a hoof-turned-paw fiddling with a strand of fur on the side of her head. "I just have these moments where I go Oh yeah, I'm demi, and I wanna do something with that information..." she stopped fidgeting. "It makes sense, the harem bullshit is all characters I'm a huge fan of..."

“But… You are the harem protagonist.” Purple pointed out.

“Now with two boyfriends to deal with, along with a number of other suitors.” John chuckled. “Honestly, I’m just rolling with everything at this point.”

"See the thing is, I want to do the right thing," Lorraine admitted. "But what is the right thing in this situation? Alastor got his powers back, practically confessed his love for me, and he looks like his canon counterpart. Would it even be fair for anyone involved? It's an idealized fantasy, my idealized fantasy made real..."

“I’m perfectly fine with pretty much everything. I don’t expect you to actually have sex with anyone.” Blue John shrugged.

“There’s more to a relationship than sex.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“As you have said.” Purple John nodded. “Still, we’re pretty chill with whatever.”

"...You're okay with the dating? The flirting? The hugs?" Lorraine asked. "He respects us enough to back off, he's told me he has no intention to come between us but I just...I don't like him in the same way I like you but I'm not opposed to the idea..."

“Yeah.” Blue John shrugged. “At this point, it really doesn’t bother me, after everything that’s happened, that is.”

The purple John agreed.

The doe was concerned. "You're not just saying that, are you? This isn't you just giving up because you'll think it'll make me happy?"

“Right now, it doesn’t bother me. I just want to see you happy after that shitshow.” Blue John explained.

“Because you deserve to be happy.” Purple John added.

"Me being happy doesn't mean I actually want to have a herd or harem or whatever..." she sighed. "Me being happy is seeing everyone I care about safe and getting along, spending time with them and shit... I want to do the right thing, I want to be good," in a flash, she was in her dark form attire. She adjusted her mask. "You're mine, Alastor's my friend... All this conflict is bullshit, I'd become a god if it meant we could all just live in peace... But it wouldn't be right."

“I agree. It is bullshit.” Blue John nodded. “Normally I’d say you’re overthinking it, but the past… twenty-four hours…. However long it was... kinda proved your point. I just want some peace and quiet again, at least before the next shitstorm.”

“So maybe we should see about getting us home so we can properly rest. Nothing against Solaire, but home is home.” Purple John added.

"It is certainly a dilemma, At this point in time Alastor needs to be around Lorraine to remain coherent, neither have a desire for sexual intimacy with one another but unlike the people of this reality, the two of you have had monogamy and faithfulness to a single partner instilled in you since childhood... Thus, a conflict of interests," The Nightmare surmised. "To Lorraine, it would be hypocritical of her to accept affection from another male when she herself would heavily scrutinize any female you would wish to join the herd."

Blue John blinked. “You have a point.”

"Herds where the guys outnumber the girls are shunned too," Lorraine added. "We'd need more mares or whatever, but honestly, I can't think of anyone I'd trust enough for that..."

"You are a deer," The Nightmare pointed out. "Deer herds are different from pony ones."

“Eh?” Blue John raised a brow.

“How so?” Purple John asked.

"Males outnumber females, monogamy is freely accepted, as well various other forms of relationships," Nightmare explained. "If two or more bucks wish to pursue the same doe, the doe chooses a Dominant Buck, usually the one she likes the most and he is the leader of the group. The Dominant Buck is the one who has the final say in who does or doesn't join the group, except when it comes to other does," she nodded at Lorraine. "The first doe those bucks sought after decides if the other bucks are allowed to invite more does and whether a doe joins or not. A deer herd is for the safety of females, children, and the community as a whole."

“Honestly that all sounds great.” Blue John admitted.

“Better than the fustercluck that pony herds are like.” Purple John added with a nod.

"So, I decide which girls join, John decides which guys join..." Lorraine mused.

"A deer herd isn't strictly for romantic relationships either," The Nightmare added. "More of a collection of individuals who would benefit banding together or can aid in looking after females, children or anyone else in need."

"But then, who would we add?" Lorraine asked. "I kind of need to hang around Alastor for his safety as much as my own..."

“We can figure that out whenever. I mean, Alastor’s kinda obvious.” Blue John nodded.

“I can start going through your waifu list.” Purple John commented.

“Please don’t.” Blue John deadpanned at his twin.

Lorraine snorted in amusement. "Funny... What about Gilda?"

“Pardon?” The twins said in unison.

"We're friends with her, she has our back, and it doesn't have to imply anything romantic," Lorraine rattled off. "It would also offer her protection from ponies bugging her about herding or being a griffin in pony society until she either finds someone she is interested in or returns to griffin territory. Hell, with the shit Rarity gets for being a coltymare I'd invite her as well."

“I can see both of those actually.” Blue John nodded.

“I can’t argue with it either.” Purple John shook his head.

"At least with them, I know they'll be respectful about it and help out if we're cornered by Spoiled or the other extremists in town." Lorraine added.

“Hey, grouping up to protect against Spoiled. I like it.” Blue John grinned.

"A sound plan," The Nightmare agreed and turned to the doe. "Would you prefer to tell Alastor or do you want me to inform him of your decision?"

"Uh...." Lorraine trailed off.

“Let her tell him, It’d be kinda rude otherwise.” Purple John spoke up.

“But isn’t mentioning it nerve wracking enough?” Blue John looked at his twin.

“Mmmm good point.” Purple John hummed.

"It would also be faster if I spoke to him about it," The Nightmare said. "Now that he has regained his power I have a few choice words for him..." she shook her head and got up. "I will leave you three to spend the remainder of the dream as you wish, King Mourning Star is planning something and I need to make preparations."

“Thanks for this.” Blue John commented.

The Nightmare nodded and disappeared through a portal.

Purple John glanced between his twin and the doe. “So, what now? Cuddles?”

Lorraine was ushered out of her room by Angel Dust, the spider explaining as they walked. "The King's here, said somethin' about makin' a deal with ya to keep Smiles in line."

"Well this is bullshit," Lorraine replied. "You could keep Alastor calm right?"

"Yeah, but he wouldn't be able to do his job, with you though? Youse two would stick together fer the season while Al works an' everything would be fine."

"I'd have to do that every year though..." Lorraine said. "What about my friends? John? My job?"

"Well ask him then!" Angel retorted.

Lorraine was led to an ornate lounge room, Alastor sitting in a red, high backed chair and the familiar form of the King of Tartarus nonchalantly leaning back into his own recliner.

The deer demon looked delighted to see her. "Good morning dear! Sleep well?"

"Well enough," she shrugged, trotted over to a vacant armchair and plopped into it. She looked over at the alicorn watching her. "Your Majesty, I heard you wanted to talk to me?"

Lorraine was somewhat tired, quite hungry and a headache pounded away just above her blind eye. She wanted this done as quickly as possible.

"Indeed, I wanted to thank you for your assistance in dealing with The Serpent, while I do let the committee do as they please, you and John weren't allowed down here for a reason," Mourning Star explained. "However due to recent developments," he looked at Alastor disapprovingly. "I have to ask that, for the duration of your breeding season, you remain with Alastor as his Lady Consort."

Lorraine held up a hoof. "I'll help, but I need sunlight."

"I can ask Princess Celestia to send you an artificial sun, several greenhouses and estates down here already use them," the king agreed. "As amusing as it is watching you fumble about, I take my duties seriously, and I can't risk an Overlord going feral once a year. Tartarus' relationship with the mortal realm is strained enough as it is."

"Being my Lady Consort is just a formality, legal protection while you're here." Alastor added.

"Unions between a demon and a mortal are rare, so I'm more than willing to accommodate you," Mourning Star said. "After you were kidnapped, I've had the Equestrian Royals, The Fae Court, and The Court of Shadows threatening to take action against Tartarus if something isn't done."

"I have to stay here, every winter, every year?" Lorraine clarified.

"Yes, This hotel my daughter established should be fit to house you, or Alastor could have his territory modified to be hospitable to you," the alicorn shrugged. "As long as Alastor does his job and my realm isn't in danger I don't care what you do."

"Can John and our friends come visit?" Lorraine asked.

Mourning Star sat up straight. "Your boyfriend will have to wear magic suppressors if you want him down here, no son of Solaire will be allowed past the entrance otherwise. The balance of elemental magic in Tartarus is delicate, a lot of demons could get ill or worse if it gets disrupted. I've lost too many souls in the past to risk the realm destabilizing just so you can see your boyfriend."

"Okay."

"Your other mortal friends are welcome, as long as they're not idiots and break the local laws or my Golden Rules... I'll send Celestia a few lifetime passes to give to them..." Mourning Star replied offhandedly. "As for your status as Lady Consort, I'll leave that matter between the two of you to discuss. You'll be free to leave on March third, I want to ensure Allie-boy is well and truly back to normal before I let go. For the years following, you'll return on November the twenty-eighth so everyone has time to prepare, agreed?"

"Anything else I should know?" the doe asked.

"Don't be an idiot," Mourning Star deadpanned. "And keep your shadowmancy to yourself, Tartarus' innate magic doesn't work on you- you're not of this reality- but you're powerful enough to break things if you aren't careful. I'm trusting you to be mindful due to your bond with Alastor. Don't make me regret my decision."

The king stood and brushed some nonexistent dust off his jacket with a hoof. "I'll send someone with the paperwork later tonight," he smirked at the doe. "Welcome to Hell Little Doe. I hope you enjoy your stay."

In flash of golden magic, he was gone.

"That went better than expected!" Alastor said brightly. "Now then, what do you want for breakfast?"

Author's Note

Dragonfire2lm: I had several ideas on how the scene with Mourning Star would play out, from the doe girl escaping into the dream realm, breaking out of Tartarus or even becoming a god to get back home. There were a lot of different ways this could of have played out but it would go against Lorraine's character and I didn't want to write something just because it was "cool". So, you got doe girl pulling a Persephone with the condition that John and friends can visit.