“Pinkie…” Twilight immediately face-hoofed.

“What?” The pink mare in question looked over at Twilight. “It was an honest question.”

“Pinkie, you’re a great mare, but I honestly don’t like you that way.” John said with a shake of his hooded head.

“Awwww, why not?” Pinkie’s ears flattened back.

“Because, and also being honest, you’re a bit… loud? Over-the-top?” John seemed to struggle for words.

“Pinkie you’re too much.” Rainbow chimed in. “Not trying to hurt your feelings or anything but they seem the… more quiet types.” The mare gestured at John and Lorraine, the bug proceeding to pick up the doe and plop her in his lap.

“They just need to get out more.” Pinkie countered with a small frown.

“Why?” Lorraine asked, looking at the pink mare.

The doe caught the mare off guard. Pinkie blinked. “Why what?”

“Would that be, why do we need to get out more, or why do you want to be part of the herd?” Twilight asked, looking at Lorraine as she actively wrote on a spare piece of paper.

“Both.” The doe replied.

“Because you two stay inside all the time.” Pinkie replied. “And, that’s no fun. Also, I’m lonely.”

“I assume you mean lonely, by wanting someone special lonely?” John asked.

“Yeah.” Pinkie nodded.

“Well first, we’re homebodies. We like the comfort of just sitting around in each other’s company, for the most part that is.” John started. “Secondly, I entirely understand.”

“I don’t understand why you wouldn’t say yes, darling.” Rarity commented. “Pinkie’s sweet.”

“That may be,” John nodded at her, “however, though I might have had some kind of feelings before showing up here, having an extrovert badger you for days on end when you just want to be alone can grate on your nerves.”

“I know that feeling.” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Now Fluttershy is a solid maybe.” John pointed his good hand and the buttery mare.

“Really?” Fluttershy perked up.

“Awwww!” Pinkie pouted. “Not fair.”

“Maybe.” John reiterated. “Not sure how Lorraine feels, and I think both of us would need to get to know you better.”

“You guys do remember that this herd is for security and legal reasons, right?” Lorraine drawled, mild irritation evident in her tone.

“That kinda answers the question.” John shrugged.

“And I think, as weird as they are, you gals should stop bothering them.” Rainbow nodded.

Her words fell on deaf ears.

“Might wanna stop calling them weird toots.” Angel Dust commented dryly.

“Hey, it’s an affectionate weird.” Rainbow pointed at him.

“I don’t mind.” John shrugged again.

“I kind of do.” Lorraine added.

“Well then I need something else to call you two.” Rainbow looked at the pair.

“Unique?” Twilight perked up.

“Different?” Fluttershy offered.

“Ehhhh…. I’ll come up with something.” Rainbow shrugged.

“You could just… not? I mean, you don’t have to point it out.” Lorraine spoke up.

“But how will I show off how great you two are?” Rainbow blinked in confusion.

“Wut.” John sputtered through a laugh.

“Rainbow Dash, you have a strange way of… showing affection.” Alastor spoke up.

“For the love of God, just act like it’s normal.” Lorraine sighed, deadpanning at the mare.

“Soooo, just, stop pointing it out?” Rainbow blinked.

“Yes.” John nodded.

“I can try?” Rainbow looked rather confused.

“Back to the original topic!” Rarity said loudly. “Your herd.”

“Oh God.” John face-palmed.

“What Rarity?” Lorraine deadpanned at the unicorn.

"Now, darlings, I know deer herds differ wildly from Equestrian ones, but have you thought about where your herd is headed? Who to invite? How others will react to it? And you will be adding it to the registry yes?" Rarity asked. "You'll be navigating the perilous water of herd culture the moment you return to Ponyville."

“But… why tho?” John asked after the verbal barrage. “Also, registry? What?”

“Rarity…” Twilight sighed.

"Every herd is registered by law John. You and Lorraine are practically celebrities, ponies are going to notice, herds carry a lot of weight in Equestrian society! Trying to go against the grain with a herd will kill your attempts at equality advocacy in a week!" Rarity stressed. "I know you two have avoided the topic, but there will be expectations-"

"Expectations that will be ignored thank-you-very-much," Alastor cut her off. "My good mare, we are in Tartarus and once Lorraine and John sign the paperwork making our agreement legally binding, the only responsibilities they have are the ones the three of us agree on together. Keep your derogatory nonsense to yourself."

“Thank you Alastor. Love you.” John spoke up.

“Love you too.” Alastor nodded at John.

“Now kiss.” Fluttershy commented.

Alastor, Lorraine, and John all deadpanned at the mare.

“Alastor-John slash fiction in your future?” Angel chuckled to the mare in his lap.

“Maybe…” Fluttershy said weakly.

“That’s wildly inappropriate.” Twilight spoke up. “Fiction about real people is just… wrong.”

“Yes! Thank you! Finally someone gets it!” Lorraine said happily looking towards the purple mare.

“Plus she writes better about fantastical relationships anyway.” Twilight added, looking up from her notes.

“Said the unicorn.” John said dryly as Fluttershy’s face turned bright pink. Said mare proceeded to hide her face in Angel’s chest fluff. Angel, in turn, gently patted the mare’s back.

“But- But- There are laws about herds!” Rarity decided to interrupt.

“We’re gonna register, calm the fuck down.” Lorraine looked at the white mare.

“Though those laws are kinda in a whole clusterfuck at the moment.” John added.

“Can confirm the clusterfuck.” Twilight added to his addition.

“Are you going to invite any more mares at least?” Rarity asked.

"Twi, wanna join the herd?" Lorraine asked casually.

Twilight, without missing a beat, looked up from her notes. "Sure, I wouldn't mind having you as an older sister."

Rarity’s jaw dropped. Rarity just looked between Twilight and Lorraine.

“HA!” Rainbow burst out laughing.

Fluttershy removed her head from the fluff and looked at the doe in confusion.

“Ah, I should’ve seen that coming.” Alastor chuckled.

“Oh, Lorraine, while I’m thinking about it, when are you going to adopt Spike?” John spoke up.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Lorraine deadpanned at the bug.

“It’s certainly legally possible.” Twilight commented.

Rarity’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. “What?”

“Pseudo-sibling herds are a thing.” Twilight explained to the other unicorn.

“And I’m just happy that Lorraine’s gonna actually have a proper sister.” John nodded. “Though I’m kinda feeling like I need to add someone to the herd to balance it out… ish.” He shrugged.

The doe shrugged. “You don’t have to.”

“True.” John hummed. “Oh, where would other me fit? And we came up with a name by the way.”

“Other you?” Alastor asked, raising a brow.

There were confused looks all around as the bug looked at the doe.

“He’s you, I don’t see what the problem is.” Lorraine commented.

“Good point.” John shrugged.

“So, what is his name?” Lorraine asked.

“I’ll let him tell you.” John said as he still for a moment.

There was a small hum, then a translucent white John just stood up.

“I can astral project at will now.” John commented as he stepped over and sat next to his body.

“Neat.” The doe said.

“What?” Rainbow asked aloud.

“Hi, I’m Maranas. We were thinking something like the Marianas Trench, or Mariner, but Maranas just fit. You can shorten it to Mara, or Mar if you don’t want to pronounce the whole thing.” John’s body, Maranas, spoke up.

“I am not shortening it to Mara.” Lorraine stated firmly.

“Persona?” John looked at her.

“Yeah.” Lorraine confirmed.

“Bleh, dick monster. Mar, then.” Mar said with a bit of revulsion.

“I am so confused, there are two of you now?” Rainbow spoke up.

“Self-preservation instinct personified.” Mar stated with a nod. “He’s light, I’m water. Also, as we found out, I’m better at Primordial stuff than he is.” The hooded head jerked towards John.

“Prim-What?” Pinkie asked.

“Ancient changeling species.” John commented. “Basically the original changelings before they got modified by an ancient eldritch God.”

“I honestly don’t mind running things in the background.” Mar shrugged.

Princess Joy sat at a somewhat nice desk. Paperwork had been pushed off to the side and a pair of documents sat in front of Alastor, Lorraine, and John (who was now whole once again). Angel Dust leaned against a wall acting, as a witness.

“Signatures?” John asked. “That’s it?”

“Pretty much.” Joy nodded.

“We’ve been over it.” Alastor commented, gesturing to the doe and himself. “It’s airtight, as it were.”

“Good enough for me. Who’s signing first?” The bug asked.

"Lorraine and I must add our signatures first," Alastor explained, a red quill materializing out of thin air for the demon to grab. "You're needed as a witness for the Tartarus Consort Agreement, and then I'll have you and Lorraine sign the contract detailing the agreement between the three of us, it's not necessary mind you, but I thought it might bring you some peace of mind if the herd had documentation of our consent on the matter."

“Sounds simple enough. Ish.” John shrugged. “So, go ahead and do the thing.”

“Very well.” Alastor grinned and wrote his name on the first document with a flourish, before handing the quill to Lorraine.

Lorraine just wordlessly signed both documents, before Alastor and John signed the second.

“Congrats, you’re married.” Angel commented as he walked over to sign as the witness, before Joy signed, stamped, and filed both papers. “Wanna celebrate?”

“Eh?” John shrugged.

“Huh?” The doe blinked.

“Legally speaking, we’re married.” Alastor stated to the doe.

“Yeah, I got that, but why celebrate?” Lorraine blinked.

“No idea.” John shrugged.

“Because… special occasion.” Angel said, trying to sound peppy.

“But it’s for convenience.” John countered.

“Indeed.” Alastor nodded.

“Oh, everyone is gonna be surprised when you don’t want to celebrate.” Joy giggled.

“Celebrate what?” John snorted a laugh.

Lorraine looked at the spider demon. “I mean, if they want to throw a party, I’m not going to stop them.”

John didn’t mind sitting still, he spent most of his days sitting anyway. What he didn’t like was standing in place for an extended period of time. Before “evolving” to Proto-King and being cursed, standing just made his legs tired. Now, he just got sore, And holding up his right arm for more than a minute or two started to cause the rest of his body discomfort to pain the longer he held it up.

“Really, I don’t need anything over the right arm. That’s fine.” John sighed as he stood in place t-posing in front of a mirror. His legs were starting to cramp a bit and holding up his right arm was making his chest feel tight.

“I need to get everything perfect.” Rarity chided. “Plus I’ve never made something like armor before-”

“You don’t need to make armor, the mask and cloak are fine.” John grunted.

“And he shouldn’t be doing this in the first place, he’s not well.” Lorraine commented from her seat on a couch. The doe was in her shadowmancy attire.

“Oh how the turntables.” John chuckled, glancing at the doe.

“Eh?” The doe blinked as rings of light circled herself and the bug for a moment.

“Thank you.” John said, visibly relaxing. “Also, it’s a meme.”

“Darling, I can do so much more than a mask and cloak.” Rarity stated. “You can put your arms down.” She looked over at Lorraine. “I could make yours match hers. At least a matching coat.”

John slouched over with a sigh and there was a thud as the knuckles of his right arm hit the floor. “Rares, if you wanna do anything special, that’s fine. You don’t have to, but if you’re inspired, awesome. Just run the designs by me first.”

“Of course!” Rarity gasped, looking offended. “I’ve learned to trust my friends when it comes to their preferences.”

“Oh have you?” John raised a brow.

“She was persistent.” Rarity waved a hoof at the doe on the couch.

“Of course she is.” John shook his head and stood up straight to walk, somewhat stiffly, over to sit next to Lorraine, who immediately leaned against him. “Ooofff…” He groaned. “How much will I owe you?”

“Oh, this is free, dear.” Rarity commented as she started to sketch on a few spare sheets of paper.

“No it is not.” John countered.

“Oh, yes it is.” Rarity glared at him.

“If someone does you a service, or provides you with something, you pay them.” John frowned.

“He has a point.” Mar added, borrowing John’s mouth for a moment.

“But-”

“No buts!” John hefted his arm to point a sausage finger at her. “Also, no capes. Trench-coats are good though, trench-coats are cool.”

“Yup.” The doe leaning on him agreed, accompanied by the thumping of her tail against the cushion.

“I could eat the end product and magically reproduce it when necessary so you don’t have to worry about putting your arm through any holes.” Mar spoke up.

“You will not eat my hard work!” Rarity glared towards John.

“That sounds cool though.” Lorraine spoke up.

“And helpful.” John added. “Regretting making me something?”

“Mmmmm- No! No, this is fine.” Rarity said, her eye twitching a bit.

“You sure?” The bug asked, raising a brow. “I mean, you don’t have to-”

“I am making you something nice and that’s final!” The mare snapped.

“Kay.” John shrugged.

Lorraine cleared her throat and stared at Rarity.

“Sorry for snapping at you, John.” Rarity nodded at John.

“It’s all good.” John hummed and looked down. “Hey, mind making me some pants first? I kinda feel more awkward being naked now.”

“That I can do.” Rarity smiled with a bit of a giggle.

“Meanwhile. Cuddles.” John hummed as he put his good arm around Lorraine’s shoulders.

The thumping against the couch increased tenfold.

Angel and Alastor (more Angel than Alastor) had decided that they needed a “guys night.” Which meant, junk food, drinking, and bad movies. The three (four?) had absconded to a room for the evening. That left the doe with the group of mares. Unfortunately, Joy had “duties she needed to attend to.” The doe was alone with mares that wanted in on her herd.

Unfortunately for the doe, she was in the midst of another heat cycle.

Tonight was gonna be great.

Tea, coffee, and cocoa had been set out on the table. Lorraine had found herself sat between Twilight and Rainbow Dash, leaving Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy in their own chairs.

“It is tradition for mares to ride out their heats together, of course.” Rarity said politely.

“I hate this tradition.” Lorraine deadpanned.

“I wanted to be part of the guys night.” Rainbow groaned.

“And I wanted to read more grimoires, but no.” Twilight rolled her eyes.

“What would Applejack think if she heard that?” Pinkie pouted at the three on the couch.

“This is fuckin’ stupid.” Rainbow drawled in a decent impression of the farm mare.

“She has a point.” Fluttershy spoke up. “AJ never really wanted to be part of this tradition, she was always too busy at the farm.”

“Can we please just try to enjoy this?” Rarity said with a bit of a whine.

“I mean, it’s not so bad.” Pinkie started, looking at the doe.

“Though it’d be better in Ponyville, where things are more comfortable.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“I kind of don’t mind being here.” Lorraine commented. “This is just kind of awkward.”

"Oh psshaw, it's just like a sleepover but ya know, an adult one!" Pinkie cheerfully explained. "Hang out, eat whatever we want, talk about guys or girls, and sex. I know you and Twilight like talking about sex and stuff."

"From a purely logical, biological, cultural, or theoretical perspective." Lorraine and Twilight recited at the same time.

“Right and Lorraine really only likes talking about sex stuff with John.” Rainbow nodded. “Right? I thought that was your thing.” The mare looked at the doe.

"On one hand yeah, but if it's normal for this stuff to be talked about..." the doe said, uncertain.

“Only if you’re comfortable with it.” Twilight reassured. “I can keep them in check… mostly.”

“We’ll see how things go.” Lorraine stated.

“Can I be perfectly honest?” Fluttershy spoke up.

“Ssssure?” Lorraine asked, looking at the mare.

“I think… I think I like John.” Fluttershy half-stammered, trying not to cover herself with her wings.

“Why?” Lorraine asked.

“Uhhh… He’s… cute?” Fluttershy asked, looking a little confused.

"Is this a, a..." Lorraine looked at Twilight. "What's the opposite of asexual?"

"Allosexual." Twilight replied.

"Yeah, that," the doe faced Fluttershy. "...Is this an allo thing? Crushing on my boyfriend's appearance?"

The doe girl just looked like she was trying to make sense of it all.

“Ummm, maybe?” Fluttershy asked.

“Flutters, I think you should probably think long and hard about it before you ask to join their herd.” Rainbow commented somewhat flatly.

“Okay…” Fluttershy wilted a little, yet looked thoughtful.

There was a poof of red smoke and Alastor appeared behind the couch.

“Apologies, ladies, but that picture was terrible.” The radio demon said as he summoned himself a chair.

The doe immediately got up to hop onto his lap.

“Well hello there.” Alastor chuckled at her.

“It can’t be that bad.” Rainbow raised a brow at him.

“That’s Mark Hamill! That sounds exactly like Mark Hamill!” John cackled. “Mark Hamill’s in this movie?! That’s great- wait. No he’s just a cameo isn’t he?”

“Mmmhmmm.” Angel hummed through swallowing his shot.

“This movie is so bad! I love it!” John barked a laugh.

“And that officer there is the author and director of the film.” Angel pointed out.

“I’m not buzzed enough for this.” John gestured at his shot glass.

“Lemme fix a thing, been filtering the alcohol. There, you can get drunk now.” Mar commented.

“Woo!” John and Angel cheered.

“It was terrible.” Alastor nodded. “And I don’t drink as casually as Angel.”

“Whelp.” Rainbow got up. “I’ll see you girls later.” She flapped out of the room.

“Did I miss anything interesting?” Alastor asked.

“Fluttershy said she liked John, the only evidence is that he’s cute, she’s thinking.” Twilight listed off.

“Ah, I see. Anyone else have anything interesting to share?” Alastor asked.

Pinkie opened her mouth.

“I think we know, you want in because you fancy John.” Alastor cut her off. “Well, if memory serves-”

“But I like you to Allie.” Pinkie cut him off in turn.

There was an audible record scratch.

“Pardon?”

“Yeah, you’ve got great legs!” Pinkie grinned. “And I bet you’re-”

“Darling, I thought we agreed to not be so crass?” Rarity pointed at the irritated-looking doe.

“Right! Sorry.” Pinkie winced a little.

Alastor snapped his fingers and a silver badge with the word Ace appeared on his lapel.

“Awwwww…..” Pinkie pouted.

“I mean, he doesn’t even want to do it with me, not that I care anyway.” Lorraine said with a small shrug.

“You do have a point, dear.” Rarity nodded.

“I’ve always preferred more intellectual stimulation.” Alastor said with a chuckle.

“I like hugs.” Lorraine spoke up, causing the radio demon to wrap his arms around her. The doe’s tail made a steady beat against the demon’s thigh.

Pinkie was restless. Everyone had gone their separate ways for the rest of the evening. Thus the pink mare was virtually stalking through the house.

That is, until something caught her eye.

She gasped.

John’s meditation was rudely interrupted by the pounding of hooves on the door. He cracked an eye open, only to roll it. His lightform levitated to the floor and rejoined with his body on the bed.

Now whole, he got up and crudely tossed the cloak over his shoulder.

Lorraine poked her head out of the bathroom attached to their rooms. Her fur was puffed up, freshly blow dried.

“I got it.” John commented.

He blinked down at the pink mare as she virtually vibrated in front of him.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Come and see!” Pinkie hissed.

“See what?”

“Just come and see!” Pinkie repeated.

John looked over his shoulder at the doe. “Pinkie found a thing, wants me to come see.”

“I’ll come with you.” Lorraine said, trotting to the door.

The pair followed the energetic mare through the hotel until they came to a library.

Sitting on a love seat was Alastor and Angel Dust. The radio demon appeared to be asleep on Angel. That wouldn’t have been anything of note, were it not for the way the demon was situated.

Angel looked perfectly relaxed, holding up a book with a pair of hands. Alastor however was face-planted directly into Angel’s chest fluff.

“Cute.” John said, before his lightform did an about face (momentarily inside his body) then walked back towards the room.

“Awwwww….” Mar cooed, bouncing a little on his hooves. “Das so cute!” He hissed quietly.

“Leave them alone.” Lorraine frowned at Pinkie.

“But cute!” Pinkie waved a hoof at them.

“And it’s rude to stare.” Mar nodded, before heading for the room himself.

Lorraine reared onto her hind legs as her shadowmancy garb appeared on her body. Her mask rippled onto her face with a flash of blue flame.

Pinkie blinked. “I’m gonna go see what Rainbow’s doing.” The mare trotting off with a hum.

The doe then quietly knocked on the door to the library.

Angel glanced at her a moment, then gave her a polite nod.

“Is he okay?” Lorraine asked, looking at Alastor.

“He does this all the time.” Angel chuckled. “He’ll be out for a while, so don’ worry about it. I’m used to it.”

“Want some company?” The doe asked.

“Knock yerself out.” Angel shrugged.

Lorraine walked over and sat in a chair next to the couch. In a flash of blue fire, a book appeared in her hands. It was a bright blue libram with the words Le Grimoire on the cover.

“So toots, does this bother ya?” Angel gestured at the sleeping Alastor.

Lorraine looked over at the pair. “Nope, why would it?”

“Just thought I’d be polite, haven’t exactly had time to bring up the deal we got.” Angel commented. “Most ladies wanna know if someone they like is involved with someone else.”

“Wait, you guys are like, dating?” Lorraine blinked.

“Eh, technically? We really wouldn’t call it that. Well, he wouldn’t.” Angel gestured at the mop of red hair poking out of the fluff. “But, basically, yeah you could call it that.”

"...But wouldn't that mean he's cheating on you?" Lorraine said, visibly concerned. One could practically see the doubts starting to form in her head.

“Pffft, he asked me to join his herd, and now he’s in your herd. Two separate herds. Plus he needs us for different reasons.” Angel chuckled. “Barring you don’t have a problem with it, there shouldn’t be any issues between herds.”

“Why don’t you just join my herd?” Lorraine asked.

Angel raised a finger and opened his mouth to respond. Only for nothing to come out. His face screwed up in thought as his finger lowered.

“Ya got a point, guess I’m gonna be in yours. That outta fix things.” Angel shook his head.

“I mean, there’s nothing to fix. I just don’t want your feelings getting hurt.” Lorraine countered. “You were here first and Alastor told me jack shit.”

The next morning, a rather irritated doe dragged a somewhat groggy radio demon into John’s room. Angel, curious, decided to follow the pair.

“What’s up?” John asked from his seat on the bed. “Lorraine, you good? You look… upset.”

“I know what’s goin’ on.” Angel commented.

“Please darling, what’s this about?” Alastor asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me you and Angel were a thing?” Lorraine asked.

“Wut?” John blinked.

“Thought so.” Angel nodded.

Alastor blinked. “It was a deal?” He asked, sounding confused.

“Just good business, hmmm?” John raised a brow.

“Angel, what’s your take on it?” Lorraine looked at the spider.

“Uhh, cuddles, sleeping together, mostly wholesome shit to be honest.” Angel shrugged.

“Whenever Angel’s Personal Hell gets too bad I just teleport him to someone that would sleep with him.” Alastor added.

“I can see it.” John commented.

“Okay.” Lorraine sighed. “Angel, what are your thoughts on me and him?” She gestured between Alastor and herself.

“Whaaaat about ‘em?” Angel sounded confused.

The doe blinked and sighed.

“Dude, isn’t Alastor cheating on you with Lorraine?” John waved his good hand at the pair of them.

“But we’re just glorified friends with benefits.” Angel blinked. “Plus, you make him happy. So long as he’s happy, I’m happy.”

The doe trotted over to the bed and plopped onto it. She looked lost in thought.

“Can I go back to bed?” Alastor asked.

“All in favor of Angel joining the herd, say aye.” Lorraine sighed.

“Aye.” John droned.

“Aye.” Alastor yawned.

“Great. Now let’s get you back to bed.” Angel said before leading the radio demon out of the room.

However, Alastor just dragged the spider over to the bed and flopped onto it, taking Angel with him.

John got up, picked up the doe, and plopped her between the two, before starting to tuck them in.

The doe shrugged and nuzzled her face into Angel’s fluff as Alastor hugged her.

John then nodded and trotted out the door, letting them get some sleep.

Fluttershy nervously made her way towards John's hotel room- something was floating in front of the door.

Far larger than a pony, a tall, vaguely humanoid, winged creature in some sort of red suit, heeled boots, a black top hat, and had a black and red horned mask for a face. It hovered elegantly as the pegasus approached.

It peered down at her, a charismatic flair to his voice as he spoke, an otherworldly power underlying his words. "My deepest apologies, but you cannot continue past this door."

Fluttershy cowed before the creature, her timidness battling with the reason she came here in the first place. "I just wanted to see if John was available. Could you ask for me?"

The creature stared at her, bemused. "No matter what you say or do, I will not bow so easily to your whims, not unless she who wields my power demands it of me. And the fair maiden has decreed her dearest companion is to be left alone."

"So um, is that a no?" Fluttershy asked, crestfallen.

The stare she was given was as final as his tone.

"Begone."

“Hi Johnny!” Pinkie called out, grinning at the cloaked bug walking down the hallway.

“Oh fuck.” John groaned, and rolled his eyes. He turned. “Hi Pinkie, how can I help you?”

“What, can’t a mare spend time with her friend?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes at him.

John deadpanned.

“Umm, John?” Fluttershy spoke up behind him.

John’s deadpan turned into a death mask of why. With an exhale through his nose he turned and looked at the yellow mare. “Yes?”

“I was just wondering… ummm… If you wanted to hang out, or spend time together, or something?” The butter mare asked, not meeting his eyes.

“I saw him first ‘shy.” Pinkie pouted from behind him.

“Flutters, I’m not exactly sure what you want to do. I was planning on reading today, mainly to give my arm a rest. It’s not going to be very exciting.” John sighed.

“Oh, but I love reading!” Fluttershy insisted.

“So do I!” Pinkie chirped.

A meaty finger appeared from the cloak and pointed at Pinkie. “You’re full of shit. You can’t take no for an answer.”

“I can try, right?” Pinkie asked.

John blinked at her, then silently walked away, leaving the mares in the hallway.

“I’m going to read. Do what you want.”

Of course the mares followed.

"Rares, I appreciate you wanting to help," Lorraine said, a deer loaf under the artificial sun installed in the lounge she and the fashionista were in. "But I don't want to publicly announce my herd."

"Lorraine, you don't understand how important this is!" Rarity stressed. "With John's reputation in Ponyville and your job with Princess Luna officially starting in the spring, you'll need as much positive press coverage as you can get, you'll be under scrutiny if you don't announce it prior to registering."

"So?" the doe asked. "It's my private life..."

“But you and John are virtually celebrities, are your lives really that private anymore?” The mare asked.

“Yep.” The doe stated.

“But- But- Your public image.” Rarity gasped, somewhat aghast.

“What about it?” Lorraine deadpanned.

Rarity sighed. “Fine. Fine. I’ll drop it for now.” She shook her head. “Anyway, I’m popping back up to Ponyville to pick up a few things, do you want me to get anything?”

Both Lorraine and Alastor were having a particularly rough time of it, thus were sequestered to a room together to cope. Angel and John had taken it upon themselves to guard the door from any intrusive ponies. To keep the pair company, Twilight had levitated up a table and was cross-examining both demon spider and holy bug.

“Toots, all you’re asking is basic shit. Any demon could tell you that.” Angel chuckled, leaning against the door.

“Well it’s not like I can take this research back with me, it’s illegal!” Twilight half-glared at him over her notes. “Now! John.”

“Hmmm?” The bug asked from his chair next to the door.

“When we get back to Ponyville, what can we do to help make you more comfortable?” Twilight asked.

“So long as I don’t move or do too much, I won’t get worn out as quickly.” John said with a hum. “That being said, I can always heal myself, and Lorraine won’t hesitate to top me off as well, so stamina-wise I should be fine. Once Rarity finishes the coat, cloak, and mask, I should be able to go about without scaring people. Eh…. Beyond that, we’ll have to play it by ear when we get home. Oh, though do expect me to start defending Ponyville from stuff, might as well use the training I’ve been getting.”

“What, you wanna join the Guard?” Angel asked with a raised brow.

“Maybe, we’ll have to see how messy the Guard in Ponyville actually is.”

Twilight nodded. "Lorraine and I were wondering if any of her old habits from her human life would be applicable to your situation," she reorganized her notes. "Things like using pillows to support yourself and so on."

“Huh. Point.” John blinked. “I need to get a set of pillows to prop up my arm then.”

“Her pillows came with all the stuff that got dropped off.” Twilight said.

“Might need to steal some pillows. Mmmm, it’s like I’m treating my swol arm like it’s a broken one.” The bug mused.

“I mean, technically it is, to a point.” Twilight nodded. “From what I’ve seen, it’s draining to lug around and it makes you slower.” Her horn lit and her violet glow surrounded his arm. “While you don’t have arthritis (by my unprofessional opinion that is) your joints do seem to respond slower and there’s what looks like permanent swelling.” The glow faded. “How about your face?”

“What about my face?” John asked.

“Yer a scarier version a’ Two-Face.” Angel commented.

“Well yeah.” John pulled his hood down and rolled his eyes.

“Beyond the damage and scarring, there doesn’t appear to be any infections.” Twilight hummed.

“I’m taking care of that.” Mar inserted. “There’s basically a magic-skin layer over all of it. Can’t restore his eye though.”

“Mmmm, are you blind in that eye?” Twilight asked.

“For the most part?” John wiggled his good hand back and forth. “What I can see, see-ish, is blurry and out of focus. Basically, beyond vague shapes, everything’s fuzz. Don’t get me started on trying to see anything detailed.”

“So, your left eye is compensating.” Twilight nodded.

“And it’s doing a great job of it.” The bug nodded.

“Hi Hi.” Pinkie announced herself as she and Fluttershy trotted up to the small group. Fluttershy shrank back a bit when John looked at her.

“Ladies.” Angel nodded at them.

“Hey girls.” Twilight commented as she scribbled on a sheet of paper. Said mare had two piles of notes, what had to stay in Tartarus, and what could come back to Ponyville. One was clearly larger.

“They’re coping.” John jerked his head towards the door. “And both aren’t in the best mood at the moment.”

“Awww, give them our love.” Fluttershy said and made to trot away.

“Why aren’t you in there helping Lorraine?” Pinkie asked.

“And what, exactly, would I be doing to help?” John frowned, staring down the mare.

“Fuck her, duh.” Pinkie rolled her eyes.

“Pinkie!” Twilight snapped.

John closed his eye and took a breath.

“Fuckin’ ponies.” Angel shook his head.

“You know, satisfy her heat and it’ll go away. And Allie’s in there too, so if you can’t do it, he can.” Pinkie grinned happily.

Both of John’s fists clenched as a seam of white light grew between his eyelids.

Angel stepped over and put a hand on the bug, who was taking slow breaths to remain calm. With a free hand, the spider opened the door to the room and poked his head in. “Hey, Pinkie’s curious, anybody in here wanna fuck?”

“No.”

“No.”

Angel shut the door. “There ya’ go.” He nodded at Pinkie.

“But-” Fluttershy covered Pinkie’s mouth with a wing and dragged the mare off.

Breakfast was normally uneventful. A slew of tired individuals, and Pinkie, filled the dining room. Alastor and Angel had done the cooking, which was wonderful as always, but most were still waking up and couldn’t properly express their appreciation.

“I think there’s a problem.” Twilight announced as she came in. She was levitating more than a few newspapers and tabloids. “Princess Celestia sent me these.”

The newspapers and tabloids were plopped onto the table and John reached out to take one. The Manehatten Times had splashed an image of Lorraine and himself (pre-curse) on the cover. “Equestria’s new up and coming herd.” He blinked. “The fuck?”

“What?” Alastor asked, straining his smile as he looked at one of the tabloids. “Now that is just pathetic.”

“So, somebody leaked that you- we’re a herd.” Angel frowned as he looked at the Ponyville Press.

Lorraine had The Canterlot Daily in front of her as she read out an excerpt. "Our anonymous source is happy to report that Equestria's power couple, the duo working to spread awareness on the flaws inherent in herd culture, have formed a herd of their own with Princess Celestia's personal student Twilight Sparkle. Ponies across the nation are awaiting the herd's return from an extended vacation, perhaps with another announcement, given it is that time of year for the head mare- a doe," she looked disgusted. "I don't-" she cut herself off, tossing the newspaper to John.

John managed to catch it before scowling at it. “Mmm, anyone been up to Ponyville lately?”

“No.” Fluttershy shook her head.

“Wait, did Rarity leave?” Pinkie asked as she piled her plate full of pancakes.

There was a ripple of blue flames as the doe donned her dark form, the mask on her face had a large crack running across it.

"Focus on your food dear, you're stress casting," Alastor pointed out. "You're liable to fully manifest at this rate."

"I know." Lorraine replied flatly, her mask and attire flickering in and out of existence as she forced herself to ignore her surroundings and finish her breakfast.

“So, what now?” John asked, leaning back in his chair. “Wait, before that, who do I have to yell at?”

“Good Morning!” Rarity called out happily as she trotted into the dining room. “Ponyville was quite nice, what with all the fresh snow. Also, John, I got your suit done!~” She sang.

“Rarity. One, awesome. Two, question.” John said as he stood up.

“And what’s that darling?” Rarity beamed at him.

“What the fuck did ya’ say toots?!” Angel snapped as he tossed a tabloid at her.

Rarity yelped and caught it in her magic. She blinked at it. “Oh-oh.”

“Rarity, please tell me you didn’t blab about the herd.” John said, almost pleading.

“Well, I thought I’d help let everypony know, plus by the time that you come back to Ponyville all the excitement will have died down.” Rarity explained nervously.

John’s jaw clenched as his hands balled into fists.

The sound of a chair scraping against the floor caught the group's attention as Lorraine stood upright. Her shadowmancy outfit snapping into place as she pointedly walked towards Rarity. Her hooves became paws, the wood of her lower limbs becoming blackened and charred, the leaves around her neck and on the tips of her ears drying up and falling to the floor. A pair of curved, wooden horns as blackened as her arms and legs grew from the top of her head.

The mask on her face shattered, her fur replaced with orange flames.

Her lone, functioning right eye, red and glowing, stared impassively at the unicorn as the flames took on the shape of a fox. The fire that was her mouth split into a glowing red maw twisted into a silent snarl. Her coat fluttering in the wind stirred up by the transformation.

"You deliberately went against my, our, wishes," Lorraine said. "Why the hell, did you think this would help?"

“Aren’t you going to stop her?” Pinkie yelped to John.

“Why would I?” John asked coldly.

“L-Lorraine! Please! I-It’s not that bad!” Rarity panicked, scrambling backwards.

Fluttershy shrank into her chair. Angel still glared at Rarity. Twilight’s eyes were wide in shock.

Alastor… Alastor just grinned.

"Not that bad? I have people speculating about my love life, did you even try to prevent that?" Lorraine asked and frowned as Rarity was at a loss for words. The transformed doe loomed over the mare. "Don't you get it? I'm not like you, I, am not, a pony. So quit trying to make me conform to your ideals."

The vixen looked around at the shocked and terrified ponies. "I'm insulted you would think I'd hurt her..."

Before anyone could get a word in edgewise, Lorraine stalked out of the room.

Author's Note

Lucid: I haven't been feeling the best lately. We've been pecking away at the chapter when I've had the energy for it. I'm just happy we could get it done.

Dragonfire2lm: Lorraine's new Persona form has been revealed! Her second-tier Persona is The Cadmean Vixen, a monster fox from greek mythology that could never be caught and the legend associated with the constellation Canis Minor.