"Twilight, things will be alright, just quit squirming," Lavey says as he carries the skittish unicorn and all her luggage in his tail. "It's just a test, nothing more."

"Just a test!?" Twilight explodes, catching the attention of a few bystanders. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna want to give me some kind of exam, and you're trying to tell me to calm down because it's just a test?!"

Lavey doesn't answer the question directly but rolls his eyes and groans in exasperation at the mare's agitation.

Princess Celestia had sent a letter to Twilight earlier today, via Spike, informing the unicorn of a test she is supposed to take in the presence of the diarchs. Unfortunately, being the studious, over-prepared pony she is, Twilight decided to grab a plethora of test-taking paraphernalia and rushed to see the princesses. The second the train car opened, Twilight was ready to dash over to the castle, but Lavey fortunately stopped her before she could hurt anyone in her haste, and now carries her in his tail like luggage.

It would have been quicker, had Lavey carried Twilight or teleported her to the great city, but seeing as how heavy the unicorn’s bags were, he didn’t want to take the chance of breaking his back. Plus, a ride on the train is a good reason to cuddle and talk with her to try and ease her worries. Unfortunately, all Twilight did was study the whole trip.

"You're a bright mare, Twilight," Lavey consoles as they near the castle. "I'm certain that whatever the princesses throw at you, you'll be able to pass it with flying colors."

"I know that but..."

Lavey moves his tail so that he can see Twilight's adorable pouting face. "But nothing. You're Celie's star pupil, remember? You've been taught under the Princess of the Sun for God's sake. You'll do fine, Twilight."

A calm smile spreads across the mare's muzzle as reassurance fills her heart. She swings forward, managing to peck the hybrid on the nose before swinging back and gazing at him with an adoring smile.

"Thank you, Lavey. I don't know what I'd do without you. By the way, is Chrysalis going to be okay on her own?"

"It's alright. I left my smartphone behind and put on a few shows and movies for her to watch to keep her busy. I particularly hope she watches my anime recommendations."

"Which one did you choose?" Twilight inquires with a curiosity and glee. "Did you put on Dr. Stone? Or maybe Gintama?"

"Just some romance stuff," the hybrid replies. "Fruits Basket, Kimi no Na wa, ReLIFE. I'm not a big fan of the genres but I'm sure Chrysie will enjoy it."

Ever since Twilight had found out about the world of anime, she's been diving into the many categories of Japan's animated shows. Although most of Lavey's personal recommendations aren't her cup of tea, most of the scientific shows and comedies he's put on for her are god-tier compared to most of the other genres.

As the couple make their way into the castle, Lavey takes notice of the stout guards standing at attention at every door. They remain as still as statues and don’t bat the visitors an eye, let alone say hello. The hybrid can only wonder how one can be so well-trained to endure such tedious, boring hours of silence.

The duo stop in front of the golden double doors of the royal throne room where Princess Celestia and Luna should be residing to initiate the test. Lavey sets Twilight on the ground along with her paraphernalia and sends her on her way. The little unicorn opens the door to see the diarchs already in the middle of a conversation, but they stop the moment the unicorn peeks her head in. The sisters look over at the mare and prince with serious, stonewalled faces.

As Twilight enters the throne room, Lavey lingers behind the door, ready to close it and give the mares their privacy. However, before he can close the door, Celestia calls him back into their presence.

"Lavey, you shall take part in this test alongside Twilight but shall be given a different task."

Confused, the prince enters the room with Twilight and stands alongside her, waiting patiently for the sisters to assign them their tasks. Twilight, on the other hand, can not seem to wait for her exam. She prances in place, her bags shaking with the assortment of quills, parchment, and books stuffed within them.

"What exactly will this test have, Princess Celestia?" Twilight asks impatiently. "I've brought enough quills, ink, and plenty of paper to show my work!"

As she lists out her equipment, she pulls the aforementioned items from her bags, only for some parchment to roll out onto the carpet, and unveil all the way down to Celestia's hooves. The eager unicorn apologizes profusely as she attempts to pick up the loose paper, but Celestia calmly collects the sheet back into a neatly rolled scroll with magic and places all of the paraphernalia effortlessly back into Twilight's bags.

"This is a different kind of test," the princess says gravely. She takes a brief moment of pause before revealing the big news. "The Crystal Empire has returned."

While Twilight gasps in shock, Lavey looks between the three ponies in confusion. Obviously, it’s something related to Equus’s history so, of course, the hell-spawn would be in the dark about it.

"The Crystal Empire?" Twilight fearfully asks as she hastily plucks an assortment of books from her bag. She looks through each of them, trying to find any reference to the aforementioned kingdom. "I'm sorry, I-I thought I'd studied. Ooh. I don't think there's anything in any of my books th—"

"There wouldn't be," the Princess of the Sun blankly interrupts. Once again, she places all of Twilight's books back into her bags, but this time, moves the heavy luggage off to the side. "Few remember it ever existed at all. Even our knowledge of the Empire is limited. But what we do know is that it contains a powerful magic."

The princess ignites her horn and brings over a small, amethyst crystal before everyone and places it on the floor in the center of the throne room. With her magic, she fires a gentle golden beam at the crystal, summoning a map of an astounding, never before seen city.

"One thousand years ago," Princess Luna begins, taking the limelight from her elder sister, "a kindhearted alicorn king along with his queen used to rule the Crystal Empire with love and wisdom. However, a maleficent presence manifested within the righteous king's heart and manipulated him into a malicious tyrant named King Sombra. With the monster in control of the king, he plunged the Crystal Empire into years of darkness and suffering.”

"Fortunately," Celestia continues, "before he fully succumbed to the demon's control, he was able to cast a spell upon the Empire that caused it to vanish into thin air."

Celestia raises the crystal from the ground, dissipating the map of the ancient empire. "If the Empire is filled with hope and love..." she says as she blasts the crystal with a ray of golden light, causing it to radiate a majestic rainbow, "...those things are reflected across all of Equestria.

"However, if hatred and fear take hold..." Celestia's eyes and horn glow with malicious green, purple, and black energy, and fires a dark spell at the gem, causing a shadow to form around a startled Twilight and Lavey. Sharp, dark crystals emerge from the murky pits, which Celestia easily destroys with a wave of light before they can cause harm. "...King Sombra will reign victorious. This is why I need your help in finding a way to protect the Empire."

"Assuming the Empire returned," Lavey interjects, "that must mean this King Sombra has returned as well?"

The royal sisters look at each other with distress and back at Lavey, who piques a curious eyebrow.

"The king and the malevolent force that corrupted him. I think you are familiar with this being since he is a demon from your realm," Luna states.

"Another rogue demon I can probably take care of, I'm guessing?" Lavey asks casually. However, the princess' worrisome gazes place a damper on his hopes. "It's not a rogue demon is it?"

The diarchs grimly shakes her head, causing a tinge of worry to brew in Lavey's heart.

"When Asmodeus and Beelzebub visited for the first time," Celestia says, "they provided me with a book on Hell's history as a gift. When the Empire reappeared, I looked through the book to see what we are dealing with, immediately speculating the activity of a demon. I'm afraid the entity possessing the king and corrupting his heart is...the Beast."

Lavey's hearts skip a beat at the mention of the ancient name. Even as sweat collects on his face and his stomach is tied up in knots and his throat tightens, he manages to keep his composure.

"Well...that is gonna be quite the pickle," the hybrid mutters. "I don’t know how I’ll fair against something as ancient as that."

"Lavey," Twilight beckons, tapping the hybrid's leg, "who are we dealing with?"

Although he doesn't want to worry his paramour, Lavey sees no other choice but to reveal to her the ancient demon's origin.

"The Beast was created by the Crowns to be the ultimate weapon against God and his power was meant to rival that of even the True Archangels. He would blaspheme the name of God and force others to bow before him and turn away from the Father, gaining power from their heresy and their worship—similar to how the changelings gain strength from love. Unfortunately, his pride and malice were overwhelming, causing him to go on a rampage and slaughter angels and demons alike.

"His power was deemed too great, almost godlike. With no other choice, the Seven Crowns sealed him away, unable to kill him unless he was struck down by a holy sword belonging to a True Archangel. I've heard that even in his imprisonment, he can communicate with demons, angels, and mortals, manipulating them and making them his pawns for his release. I'm assuming that's how he managed to get to the king of the Crystal Empire."

Twilight looks to the princesses for any solace, but even they seem unnerved by the news and unable to provide help or comfort.

"If Lavey can't stop him, then who can?" she asks in desperation. "We'd probably need all of the Crowns again or maybe even an angel to—"

"That can not be possible," Celestia interrupts, "for this is your and your friends' task to complete. We have every hope that you, Lavey, and your friends will be able to stop the oncoming threat and save the Crystal Empire."

Twilight looks over at the uneasy hell-spawn and back up at the princess' anxious, yet confident faces. She swallows the ball of anxiety in her throat and puts on the most stoic face she can muster.

"How do I begin?" she asks.

Celestia's worrisome expression is burned away by a calm smile as the unicorn finally musters some courage. "You shall be joining Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire," she replies. "As I said, your friends and Lavey will stand by your side. I have every confidence you will succeed. And when you do, I'll know you are ready to move on to the next level of your studies."

"But what if we fail?" the unicorn asks, her anxiety resurfacing.

In the midst of her fear, Twilight's mentor places a wing on her and Lavey's shoulders for comfort. They both look to the alicorn's shimmering, peaceful face and feel warmth wash over them, driving out their anxiety.

"You two won't fail," she declares.

"B-but the Beast," Lavey retorts. "I can't face him, no matter—"

"You won't fail." Celestia's tone is much sterner than before but still calming. "But, in the end, it must be you two and you two alone who ultimately assist Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protect the Empire. Do you understand?"

The unicorn and hybrid glance at each other with uncertainty. However, it burns away as they notice the small lick of determination in each other's eyes. They give the princesses affirmed, slightly confident "Mm-hmms", putting a smile on the alicorns' faces.

"Then go. There is no time to lose." With that, Princess Celestia leads the two adventurers outside and shuts the doors, leaving Twilight and Lavey to their tasks.

"I'm sure I can take him," Lavey mutters anxiously. "Never fought a god before but it should be no big deal. Though, I can't properly kill him if I can't bring out my angelic power. Then we're just sitting ducks!"

"Lavey!" Twilight shouts, dragging the prince away from his thoughts and down to his paramour’s worrisome face. "Please, you're making me nervous again. Maybe the Beast is still weak? I mean, being locked away for millennia would make someone pretty worn out, right? Not being able to exert their full power and all? I mean..."

Twilight trails off, not knowing how to reason the ancient demon's power to comfort Lavey's bubbling distress. However, two large arms wrap around her tiny body, pulling her into her mate's soft, warm torso.

"You're right," the hybrid sighs. "Maybe I'm just overreacting a bit. His power can't be fully restored that easily. Being locked away twice can do a number on someone, no matter how powerful they may be."

The unicorn pulls back and peers into Lavey's cool, blazing eyes, and plants a small peck on his lips. "I'm sure we'll have everything under control."

The Friendship Express chugs along the tracks on its way to the ancient Crystal Empire. Everyone, besides Twilight and Lavey, talk and walk around cheerfully, ecstatic to lay eyes upon a never before seen kingdom. Though, with their mission on their minds, Lavey and Twilight can't feel too joyous about entering the spectacular empire.

"Are you excited? Because I'm excited!" Pinkie cheers as she bounces around the car, bringing joy and happiness wherever she treads. However, it doesn't help with lifting or lessening the burden on Twilight and Lavey's shoulders.

"So, this place is supposed to be an empire that was sealed away for a thousand years?" Rainbow Dash inquires.

"And now it's returned," Lavey responds with a shudder. "That and...him."

Everyone besides Twilight look at the hybrid with worry and confusion.

"Who's returned?" Applejack inquires.

Lavey doesn't answer, neither does he turn to look at the ponies. He simply watches the heavy snowfall through the window as the train continues to chug to its destination.

"It's best we don't talk about it in front of him," Twilight replies in Lavey's stead. She places a hoof on her partner's thigh in an act of consoling, but it doesn't seem to do much. "I'll explain everything once we arrive. It's too gut-wrenching for him to even listen to."

Everyone, even Pinkie Pie, remains silent until the train screeches to a halt in front of an old, dilapidated station. As the doors open and everyone exits the car, a gust of freezing wind pierces the ponies' hides. The sheet of white impairs everyone's visions, allowing them to see only a few feet in front of them.

"Hey, how come Lavey isn't freezing his rump off?" Rainbow asks.

The hell-spawn stands in the middle of the numbing blizzard, unfazed; the snow melts away as it makes contact his thick hide. As everyone surrounds him, they can feel an eldritch heat emanating off of him like a heating lamp.

"Hell has way colder temperatures than this," he says. "If you ever go to Helheim or the lowest Circle and survive, not even the worst blizzards can pierce through your skin. Now, normally, I wouldn't consider this but...if you'd like, you can cling onto me for warmth?"

The ponies and Spike don't hesitate to latch onto him like little parasites, nearly toppling him over and sending him crashing into the feeble floorboards. As everyone gets comfortable in the hybrid's warmth, Lavey wraps his arms and draconic wings around them, making sure they stay nice and secure within his grasp. Having multiple furry creatures clinging to his body and brushing their fur on his hide tickles a bit, but he tries his best to keep them secure as he proceeds to move through the hellish storm.

"Twilight!" a familiar voice calls out from the screaming blizzard.

The unicorn's ears perk up at the sound of her name. She manages to turn her head around to see the faint silhouette of another pony traversing through the storm. As the pony comes into focus, it turns out to be a stallion that looks way too familiar. As he pulls the black scarf and goggles off of his face, he reveals his identity to be Shining Armor.

Twilight's face lights up with joy at the sight of her older brother but, as much as she wants to leave Lavey's pleasant hold and leap into her brother's hooves, the peaceful warmth keeps her caged in.

"It's good to see you big brother," she says with a joyous grin. "Sorry I can't come out and greet you; it's just too comfy in here."

Instead of feeling rejected or betrayed, Shining simply chuckles at his sister's adorable state. "It's understandable, Twily. Though, we'd better get moving. If we stay out here for too long, he might find us."

The girls can feel Lavey tense up at just the brief mention of the ancient demon but the hybrid follows Shining, with the ponies and Spike in his clutches.

"Something keeps trying to get in!" Shining shouts through the howling wind. "We think it's the king who originally sealed the place away."

"But Princess Celestia said Lavey and I were being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire!" Twilight shouts back. "If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected!"

From out of nowhere, an unearthly howl echoes from around the traveling group, making everyone's hairs stand on end. They look around, wondering where the chilling howl is originating from, but they can't pinpoint it.

"This stench..." Lavey mutters as he holds a hand to his nose. He does his best not to vomit and manages to swallow the rising contents back into his gut, "...it's unlike anything I've ever picked up! He's coming. He's definitely coming!"

As if given a signal, a plume of smoke emerges from behind the group. A pair of menacing, emerald eyes with ruby pupils and crimson, draconic slits leer at the trembling creatures before them. Purple mist streams from the harlequin orbs, seemingly emanating a sinister, ghostly atmosphere.

Lavey and Shining make a break for it, dashing through the blinding blizzard and icy tundra to the Crystal Empire with the monster in tow. Though his body is merely shadow and smoke, the tyrant manages to keep up with a galloping stallion and a sprinting hell-spawn—who also manages to hold onto a cluster of mares and a dragon in his wings.

"We're almost there!" Shining exclaims. Up ahead, a blue hemisphere is able to be seen through the blinding snow. "The Crystal Empire is just past that force field. Keep going!"

To Lavey surprise, Shining Armor skids to a halt to face the Beast. He knows it’s a foolish attempt, and Shining knows it too, but the stallion is most likely trying to buy some time for his sister and friends. However, Lavey is not willing to lose someone he cares about so easily.

"Damnit, Shining, don't be a fool!" Lavey exclaims.

Before the stallion has a chance to even conjure an offensive spell, Lavey picks him up with his prehensile tail and continues to charge onward to the barrier. He conjures a teleportation spell in his mind and pops inside the forcefield, landing on his back into a patch of fresh, green grass.

Lavey opens up his wings, allowing Spike and the mares to land safely on the springy earth. He unwinds his tail to allow Shining Armor out of his grasp so that he can embrace his sister in a loving hug. Everyone looks around in wonder at the sparkling crystal buildings and the majestic palace in the center of the empire. Despite everything that has happened thus far, a wave of tranquility crashes over everyone, letting them calm down as they take in the majestic scene.

"Everypony—and hybrid," Shining Armor says, "welcome, to the Crystal Empire!"

Author's Note

So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

I had originally written the Beast to be the Antichrist, but after reading Revelation a bit more, it turns out he was originally subservient to the Beast of Sea, thus it was logical that the latter would be the main antagonist here.