The Friendship Express chugs along the tracks steadily, providing the passengers with a comforting, restful ride. However, Lavey is finding it rather difficult to enjoy the journey, especially in his new body. As much as he'd rather have a bipedal form, the little purple mare he had met, named Twilight, suggested taking on the form of a pony so as to not arouse suspicion or fear.

He appears as a normal pegasus stallion with a smooth, maroon coat, a red and black-streaked mane and tail, and an upright pentagram Cutie Mark on his flank. It takes some time to adjust his wings, morphing them into a more avian appearance, but he gets it down eventually.

"Honestly, I don't know how quadrupeds like you ponies sit like this," he gripes as he shifts his rear on his seat, occasionally snatching some strands of his tail between his buns and the pile cushion. "Walking on four hooves is going to be like trying to walk as an infant. At least as a biped I'd be able to use the full extent of my powers."

"And use them for what exactly?" Twilight questions with a suspecting glare.

"Just in case some more angels or demons arrive unexpectedly,” the creature replies, putting his forehooves up in defense. "I wouldn't dare try to bring harm on any of you."

"If that’s the case, if you want to use your powers, why not just grow a horn?" Twilight asks.

Taking the suggestion, Lavey conjures a small bony horn atop his temple. His head tingles as the protrusion emerges and suddenly surges with mana. Looking to Twilight for approval, he notices that she's surprised by his appearance.

“What?” he inquires.

"I've never heard of a male alicorn before," the unicorn says. She cocks her head as she studies his appearance and smiles warmly. "It kinda looks good on you."

Lavey takes a quick minute to look into the window to see his form and smiles. He’s not familiar with pony biology but he must say, he is looking rather dashing.

"You said alicorns are practically royalty, correct? So, technically, I'm a prince in this case."

"There have been cases where some alicorns ruled as empresses or queens instead of princesses," Twilight informs. "Having a male alicorn would definitely be a sight to behold. I'm certain no records mention anything of the sort, though."

The hell-spawn chuckles as the horn on his head dissipates back into nothingness and the parting in his mane closes up. "Alicorn or not, I'm still technically a prince where I come from."

Twilight’s eyes are suddenly filled to the brim with astonishment. "Really?" she asks.

"Indeed. Though, I’d rather not dive on into the subject of royalty and such. I am merely a guest in your world, not someone to be revered and worshipped.”

Twilight leans forward in her seat, intent on hearing more of the prince’s heritage. "Tell me more, Lavey! In case you didn't already know, I'm a rather studious mare. If there's something new in the world, I want to learn as much as I can about it—scientific or otherwise."

"Well, while we have some time, go ahead and interview me to your heart's content," the hybrid permits.

"Shoot! I should have brought a notebook and something to write with! It's fine, it's fine. I can just try and remember until I get home. Anyway, I heard you and those angels talking about gods or something. How many are there, exactly?"

"Far too many to count, honestly," Lavey calmly sighs as he tries to remember them all. "There is one God who stands at the pinnacle of all creation, along with His Wife, Asherah. They are the God and Goddess among all other deities, and the progenitors of said deities that watch over the universe. God goes by many names: Yahweh, Jehovah, Heavenly Father, just to name a few; though we just call Him God.

"He and Asherah were the ones who wove Creation into being and formed the very fabric of the universe from nothingness. Asherah created the Primordials, the ancestors of what would be the Pagan Gods—the guardians and overseers of the universe. Together they created the angels—even the two bastards I slaughtered.

"Each of these gods, the Pagan Gods, are separated into different pantheons, or groups based on who worshipped them. You have the Norse, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Japanese, Chinese, Abrahamic, and far more pantheons with their own gods that govern different concepts and parts of the universe. Some watch over the movement of the stars, while others provide blessings for weddings, and others provide help in war. Some even have the power to inspire ecstasy and parties.

“I’m not certain which one created this world but, according to my studies, the one that created your species is Epona, the goddess of equines. As for the other creatures that make up this world, I assume it’s through the interjection of other gods.”

"Who would you say is by far the most powerful?" Twilight asks. "I'm assuming God—er—Jehovah is by far the most powerful since He's the Creator and all, but..."

"It's unknown as to who's the mightiest Pagan God of them all and it's best they don't try to hold any competition for the title. Each pantheon has an All-Father or All-Mother who rules over a pantheon of gods and makes sure their subordinates are kept in line.

“A battle between lesser gods like Ares and Mars, both of whom personifying war, would just cause reality to tremble a bit. But a battle between All-Fathers and All-Mothers would no doubt leave a trail of unfathomable destruction in their wake, and possibly destroy a portion of Creation in the process."

Twilight gulps as such a scenario is most likely running through her mind. It even terrifies Lavey, knowing how powerful the gods can be if they are left to their own devices. Luckily, they have more common sense than that of most mortals—especially the humans.

"Are there such things as evil gods?" Twilight wonders. "If the gods are meant to watch over and tend to the universe, what about one that wants to see everything collapse?"

Lavey leans back and stares up at the ceiling as he thinks up a few entities that scour the universe in search of destruction and chaos, though transcend the level of godhood.

"There are some mischievous gods in the pantheons but they don't seek out the destruction of the universe. However, there are some rather chaotic beings that are evil incarnate and can rival even the most powerful angels and gods, considering them to be specks compared to their unfathomable might. These are beings that are neither god nor monster, yet both at the same time.

“The Outer Gods, beings that were birthed from the primordial waters of Chaos and Azathoth, God's Shadow, roam the cosmos in search of destruction and/or mortals to amuse them. They are the embodiments of nothingness, and are impossible to destroy, even by a being as omnipotent as God. No one knows where exactly they are now, but most of them are locked away outside of reality, away from the safety of mortals."

Twilight's eyes shimmer with astonishment in the face of profound knowledge. Even with the discussion of the Ogdru Jahad and Chaos, Lavey was sure Twilight would be trembling in terror; instead, it seems that she's absolutely infatuated by the information she's being exposed to.

"This is so exciting!" she quietly squeals. "I never knew how big our universe really is! To know that there are other worlds, being of unimaginable might, and creatures beyond mortal comprehension is amazing! I need to know more, Lavey!"

The creature smiles at the unicorn's thirst for knowledge and looks out the window to enjoy the passing scenery for a brief moment. However, his eyes catch a glimpse of a station coming up and points it out to the unicorn. His heart cracks a bit as the little mare's excited face melts with heart-shattering disappointment.

"Well, it was fun while it lasted," the unicorn laments. "You know, for a demon, you're a pretty decent guy; but didn’t those angels call you a hybrid or something?"

"A hybrid, mongrel, crossbreed...yes. But I will explain everything in due time, Twilight," Lavey comforts. "For now, I want to meet this ruler of yours and have a little conversation, from one royal to another."

The royal capitol is splendid and far more vibrant than Lavey had imagined. Strong, scented flora and perfume bless the castle's atmosphere with heavenly aromas, soothing the hybrid's writhing soul. The windows are comprised of stained glass that depict certain events in Equestria’s history, most likely the most recent ones since some have Twilight Sparkle in them.

Stepping into the throne room, Lavey's eyes immediately lock onto an angelic figure sitting upon a golden throne. Her mane flows like a celestial stream and her coat is a creamy white. Golden royal armor adorns her bosom and hooves while a tiara rests upon her head. As Twilight had previously informed him, the monarch has the powerful legs of an earth-pony, the horn and phenomenal mana of a unicorn, and the wings of a pegasus—hers being far more elegant and angelic.

Even from far away, Lavey can feel her calming aura envelop him, which sparks a small memory in his mind. As the recollection is brought to light, a sharp pain strikes the prince in the heart, though he tries his best not to show it before Twilight or the other regal.

As soon as Twilight and the hybrid reach an appropriate distance from her, they both instinctively bow before the mighty monarch.

"It is good to see you again, my faithful student," the princess greets in a calm, yet powerful tone. Her eyes travel over to the unicorn's companion and looks at him with interest. "Who have you brought with you, Twilight? A new friend perhaps?"

The duo rise from their respecting positions, allowing the majestic mare to get a good look at them, especially the newcomer.

"Princess Celestia, this is Lavey, a..." Twilight hesitates on the final word of the introduction, most likely unsure of how her mentor would accept him.

Fortunately, she doesn't have to finish as her guest takes the stage from her. "My name is Lavey, your highness, a...I guess you could say, demon/angel crossbreed."

Celestia's intrigued expression morphs into one of horror and scorn. "What?" she ask coldly. She turns her cold gaze upon Twilight, who seems to cower in fear and shame. "Twilight, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought a demon into my court?"

Lavey raises a hoof in defense, already knowing the interaction would steer this way. "I understand your skepticism and fear, your highness, though, as I stated, I am a crossbreed between an angel and a demon. I know the infamous reputation one side of my family may bear, but I assure you, they have forgone the path of conquest and destruction after some centuries after I was born.”

Celestia's contemptuous gaze is unwavering, despite the hybrid's explanation. "And why should we believe you?" the monarch questions. "Why should a demon be trusted, in my court? At all in general? Especially with what happened with my sister?"

"Because he saved me and Rainbow Dash!" Twilight blurts out of turn. Without waiting for reprimand from the princess, Twilight continues her explanation. "Lavey ended up in Equestria because he was being hunted down by rogue angels. He...got rid of them but he also risked his life to save us. He obviously has enough power to conquer Equestria and beyond, but he hasn't so far. I think he really is a good being."

The room falls silent as Celestia ponders this possibility. Before she could go any further, however, Lavey steps forward out of turn.

"Your highness, I do not know what happened to your sister and I give you my condolences from the bottom of my heart. But I assure you, I am here to serve and help in any way possible."

Celestia rises from her throne and stands above Twilight and her guest with powerful authority. The ice-cold gaze in her eyes intensifies, tarnishing her peaceful aura.

"My sister harnessed the power of a demon a thousand years ago and nearly plunged Equestria and all of Equus into eternal night and terror," she informs. "She has been returned to me and the demon was cast out and destroyed after Twilight and her friends saved her. How are you any different?"

"Because that was a thousand years ago," Lavey responds. "After I was born almost two hundred years ago, there was no need for demons to conquer, kill, or cause havoc. Like I said, we live in union with each other and other mortals.” The hell-spawn bows once more until his face nearly makes contact with the plush carpet. "Just give me one chance and you shall see if there is any wickedness in me, your highness."

Everyone remains silent, plunging the room in a chilling, still atmosphere. Celestia looks between Twilight and Lavey with a more calmed expression, yet her gaze remains callous. As she takes her seat on her glorious throne, she releases a frustrated sigh and ponders the hybrid's words.

“Of course, throughout any universe or any world, the idea that demons are creatures born from darkness and chaos, created for the sole purpose of spreading destruction and sin, is quite common in many, if not all cultures,” she mumbles. “However, the prospect of demons being somewhat benevolent creatures seems too ludicrous...but intriguing.

"I do firmly believe every pony and every creature deserves a chance.” Her skeptical gaze brightens up into a compassionate smile. “If Twilight’s testimony and your heritage is indeed true, ‘hybrid’, I will gladly accept you with open hooves.”

"I thank you for your grace, your highness," Lavey says as he performs a small bow out of benignity.

"BUT!" Celestia booms, forcing Lavey's jovial smile to wipe away. "If I find out you are plotting anything or bring harm to any of my subjects in any shape or form, I will personally hunt you down to the ends of Equus and execute you. Do you understand?"

"Of course, your highness," Lavey coolly replies, her tone simply bouncing off of him.

The hybrid looks over at Twilight to see her almost trembling in fear. She's probably never heard her beloved monarch and mentor speak in such a crude, authoritative manner before—and who would? Celestia looks so beautiful and angelic, and is perhaps the most peaceful creature in this world. And yet, she has that authoritative leader inside her that comes out in almost a snap, startling everyone around her and destroying the calm aura around her and in the room.

The princess rises from her throne and steps down to approach the hybrid. Now that they are leveled, Lavey can tell she's almost as tall as him if he were at full size. With Twilight's head reaching just an inch above his hip, Celestia's head would reach almost up to his neck; her horn adds just another foot to her height.

The monarch extends a hoof to the creature with a warm smile—a complete one-eighty from her original demeanor—which Lavey accepts gratefully. He clasps her hoof with his and shakes, sealing their friendship, alliance, and trust all in one agreement.

"Also, I don't believe I am in any condition to ask a favor of you," Lavey says anxiously, "but shall I call you Celestia or Celie?"

The princess's eyes widen in surprise and Twilight's jaw drops to the ground in shock. However, the thing that seems to bewilder Twilight even more is the fact that Celestia is giggling like a child.

"What brought this up all of a sudden?" the monarch asks.

"Considering we're both royalty, do I really have to address you so formally?" Lavey questions.

"Demon royalty?” she asks with intrigue. Though it’s not a card Lavey would like to play, if it’s something that can earn the trust of regals, it’s meeting another regal. “Since that is the case, perhaps we may—"

"Strike up some kind of deal between kingdoms?" Lavey finishes. "I'm afraid not. I am merely a prince, so you'd have to ask the actual leaders of Hell for something that grand."

The princess nods with understanding. "Very well then. You may call me Celestia, given you are simply a guest in our land. Celie is a nickname I allow others to call me when I trust them. So far, I trust you, not one hundred percent, but just enough to provide you with that privilege."

"It's a pleasure to be here, Celestia," the hybrid says with another respectful bow. "I suppose now I can reveal my true form? I've been using this disguise to seem as innocent and non-threatening as possible, especially in front of your nobles. Walking as a quadruped isn't as easy as you all make it out be."

"Of course," the princess replies. "It's been a while since I've seen a demon in the flesh, though I had hoped I’d never have to again.”

In just a matter of seconds, the hell-spawn is back on his own two feet once again. All of his pony features have disappeared and his demonic traits resurface. His body continues to tingle a bit as everything readjusts, from the tip of his tail to the tallest strand of hair on his head. He looks down at the regal, who seems to be taken aback by his imposing figure, as expected.

"Oh my," the princess gasps as she takes in his figure. "I do not mean to sound repulsed but you're..." She can't find the words as she continues to look the beast up and down in awe and fear.

"Far more menacing than you had expected?" Lavey completes, raising an amused brow. "It's understandable, considering how most creatures view me."

He glances back at Twilight, who still seems flabbergasted by his informality. "Twilight, you said you wanted to learn more about my people, correct?" the hybrid asks. The unicorn only glances over at him and nods slowly. "Well, what are you just waiting around for? Come along."

As both royals walk through the large double doors and out of the throne room, Twilight slowly follows behind.

Lunch-fast is served for the afternoon; fresh, fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with boysenberry or maple syrup and decorative fruit faces line the extravagant table. It's an odd meal to have in the middle of the day, but to Lavey, the sweet scents persuade him to eviscerate the towers of flapjacks.

He can feel Twilight scowl repulsively at his voracious eating habits, while Celestia giggles indifferently at her guest's mannerisms.

"For royalty, you don't have a lot of manners, do you?" the alicorn asks with a chuckle.

Lavey looks up from his meal with an entire pancake still hanging from his maw. He slurps the batter disk into his mouth, where it slides easily down his expanded gullet, and plops into his awaiting stomach.

"My apologies," he says. "It's just been so long since I've had a decent meal. Although I have no need to eat since I don’t starve like mortals, it feels too good stuffing my face with delicacies.” He plucks another stack of pancakes, decorates it with syrup and fruits, and devours it with ease, making sure to lap up the sweet syrup staining his lips.

"It's alright, Lavey," Celestia assures him. "Now, I do wish to learn more about your kind. Seven rulers for seven kingdoms, all in one realm? How vast is Hell?"

The prince swallows the entire stack of pancakes stuffed within his gob and addresses the monarch's question.

"Hell isn't a world but more of another plane of existence. All anyone knows is that Hell is seemingly endless, considering it used to house the tortured souls of the damned. The Crowns rule Hell altogether while other gods of different pantheons rule other realms within it. It has nine rings or levels where sinners were tormented according to their sins”

"These Crowns...what exactly are they?" Celestia inquires. "I’m assuming they are the rulers for each kingdoms?"

Lavey nods in affirmation. "The Seven Crowns were seven angels cast out of Heaven for their rebellion against God—the Father of Creation. They used to be named the Seven Cardinal Sins after Lucifer and his legions of angels were banished from Heaven.

"On Earth, humans were the only species capable of having free will and sin, so they were the main targets of demons to torment and enhance their sinful pleasures. After I was born, demon-kind changed for the better. They were no longer permitted to inhabit Earth, so we just established order and civilization in Hell. Although, there are some demons who may travel to other worlds and galaxies outside of God's creation to mingle with other beings. Of course, with good intentions."

"Interesting," Celestia says. "What exactly are these ‘Cardinal Sins’?"

Lavey numbers off every sin on his claws as he names them. "Wrath, greed, pride, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. They aren’t sins, per say. They were just things God didn’t like within his followers. I mean, sure, gluttony and sloth is detrimental but that doesn't make it a sin, it's just an unhealthy habit. Everything else is just some mental problem like a porn addiction—lust. Maybe you've never been told no as a child—greed or envy. You just despise someone or want to get revenge—wrath. Demons don't inspire those actions, that's just a silly misconception; they just give you a choice.

"With galaxies and worlds like this most likely out of God's jurisdiction, we just call these seven things 'vices'. In fact, demon and angel eyes are specialized to read the amount of each vice manifested within a creature's soul."

He squints at the monarch as he peers into her, viewing a misty, ethereal form of the equine. Seven colors for each of the seven vices stir around within her. Not surprisingly, wrath, greed, sloth, and envy are mere specks compared to the remaining three.

"Huh. Apparently, gluttony is the most dominant vice brewing in your soul, with lust and pride following directly behind, but not as heavy. Interesting."

Celestia blushes and looks down at her seductive, smiley-face pancake. "I...suppose I might be a little edacious at times," she shamefully admits. "I don't normally eat pancakes for lunch, unless something exquisite happens, such as meeting you."

"Completely understandable, Celie. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

“Let’s see. What else did I want to ask...?” The princess places a hoof on her chin as her eyes aimlessly wander around the room. The gears in her brain turn, trying to squeeze out any last questions for the prince. "What were your parents like? I know you're the offspring of an angel and a demon but how did that work?"

Lavey's eyes suddenly become cold and dull. He looks down at his meal while a somber atmosphere floods the room. He takes a deep breath and releases a quivering exhale before addressing the royal's question.

"My father and mother were completely different, yet very much alike. My father was a Crown of Hell and my mother was an angelic warrior, a True Archangel to be exact, mightier and fiercer than all other angels and demons in Creation."

Lavey doesn't look up as he takes a small pause to collect himself before continuing.

“My mother was created separately from her fellow siblings for the sole purpose of being an equal to my father. Where all of the angels were males, my mother was the only female angel in existence. She was trained to not only fight ferociously but also show compassion towards demons, unlike her brothers.

"My parents were some of the most powerful and skilled warriors of their kind. Whenever they met on a battlefield they would fight incessantly and almost without restraint until either of them submitted, but neither of them took the life of the other. My father said they would spare each other for another, more dynamic rematch. It was one of the things that they found enjoyable between them.”

A warm smile spreads across his lips as the joyful memories resurface, brightening up the atmosphere.

"As the years passed by, my parents grew closer the harder they fought. As my father once told me, a new feeling burned within his soul, and it wasn't wrath against my mother or even lust for her. He was gluttonous for battle but not because of the fight. It was something he'd never experienced before as a demon; he wanted to see my mother again, even if she was his rival.

"Then of course, my father and mother wed in secret from the prying eyes of the other angels and demons and had me. I was dubbed the 'miracle child' since I was the offspring that shouldn't have been remotely possible: the child of a demon and angel. After that, both realms signed the Pact of Armageddon, which prevents demons from setting foot on Earth and slaughtering angels, and preventing angels from hunting down demons in other worlds; we have lived in harmony after that."

Lavey's face hardens as the somber atmosphere returns, even heavier this time as darker memories plague his mind.

"Unfortunately, my mother was given a choice: either stay in Heaven and live an immortal life under God's light or stay in Hell with me and my father. She obviously chose the latter and she spent her time in Hell with the rest of our family for five years. In that short span of time, she managed to bring kindness to the many demons who had forgotten what kindness was. She tended to those who were downtrodden and weary, took care of my family, and ultimately turned Hell into a semi-decent utopia.

"She couldn't survive in that dark realm for long, though, as angels can't withstand the energy Hell gives off. The same goes with demons and Heaven. Her health slowly deteriorated but she didn't let anyone worry about her. She lived her life as if nothing were wrong with her but it became harder for her to hide her afflictions as the years ticked down. After five years, she passed."

The room falls dead silent as Lavey brings his tale to an end. With his eyes peering down at his meal, he can feel the ponies staring at him with compassion. However, he takes a a calm breath and releases a shuddering exhale.

"If you're part angel..." Twilight speaks up, breaking the silence, "...how come those two you fought were after you?"

Lavey looks up at the unicorn with a stone-faced expression, causing the pony to wince as if she's said something sensitive. Fortunately, the hell-spawn indulges her.

"The Pact of Armageddon may have been an armistice that prevented future bloodshed between our realms but there are angels and demons alike who want to return to the old ways; that is, righteously slaughtering demons and causing havoc upon mortals, respectively. Since I'm part angel and part demon and the cause of the armistice, it would make sense for rogue entities to come after me, deeming me the cause of their cultural shifts."

Rage bubbles within Lavey as the memory of the two angels he slaughtered resurfaces in his mind. He grinds his teeth and clenches his fists as he rewinds the scene where one of them nearly killed Twilight and Rainbow Dash out of spite.

"I killed those two because it was a matter of life and death, and the fact that they tried to kill you. You were just an innocent bystander and they were about to kill you for nothing. That's one thing I hate most; rogue angels and demons who try to harm innocent civilians just to get to me...is unforgivable."

A loud CRACK brings Lavey back to his senses. He looks down at the dining table and notices a long fissure traveling up the length of the furniture, his claws holding tightly onto the origin point. He releases his grip, letting dust and splintered marble fall to the floor.

"S-sorry," he shamefully mumbles.

Celestia shakes her head in a kind demeanor and levitates the rubble with her horn, expelling them them from the room in a pop of space. "It's quite alright, Lavey. I don't blame you since it was a sensitive subject."

"Not just that," the prince shamefully replies. "My angelic blood keeps my temper in check, so I have more control over my impulses than a normal progeny of Satan. But sometimes, certain situations may cause my demonic blood to take over and cause some...damage."

"As long as you keep that fire in check, I think everything will be alright," Celestia says warmly.

"I have a quick question," Twilight interjects. All eyes turn to her, expectantly waiting for her query. "If you're part angel, how come you don't...you know, take that form?"

Lavey simply shrugs. "Genetics, I assume. Or perhaps it’s the fact that I was born and raised in Hell, so my demonic half has remained dominant. I've always been a little quick to anger so it would actually be difficult to bring out my angelic half. Angels and other heavenly beings have to be pure-hearted, holy, and righteous. So far, I am none of those things.”

Suddenly, the door to the dining room opens, prompting everyone to turn their attention over to another alicorn, who looks like the complete opposite of Celestia. Her mane flows like a gentle stream of darkness with small flecks of stars within it. Her coat is dark blue, unlike Celestia’s shimmering alabaster coat. Her eyes are dull and almost dead as if she’s been toiling in Hell for an eternity.

“Luna!” Celestia chimes. “So glad you could join us!”

Princess Celestia’s sister simply grumbles as she plucks a fluffy pancake from the table and begins to chew on it, not even acknowledging the guests in her midst.

“Luna, Twilight has come to visit and she’s brought a guest,” Celestia sternly says like the elder sister she is.

The exhausted princess freezes in her tracks and looks over at Twilight, who puts on an anxious grin. Luna simply nods at the unicorn then turns her attention to the guest. Her eyes suddenly widen and the pancake in her gob slips, dropping to the ground with a wet plop.

All of a sudden, Luna jumps at Lavey, her face contorted in rage and her horn blazing with magic. She looks ready to kill; her eyes are filled with hatred and malice. Lavey quickly rises from his seat and steps off to the side, allowing Luna to miss him completely. However, she gracefully lands on the marble floor and turns around to face the hybrid once more, her horn almost crackling with power.

“Luna, stop this at once!” Celestia booms. Her voice carries so much authority and power, it causes even Lavey to shiver. “I know what you are thinking, but trust me, it’s not what it looks like!”

Luna huffs with murderous rage as she looks to her sister, Twilight, and Lavey with a mix of confusion and hate. Her horn simmers with wild mana but it slowly dies down, though she doesn’t falter in her stance.

“Sister, you remember what happened when a demon possessed my body,” Luna says. “I won’t let that happen again, to me or to anypony!”

“Your highness, I am not a demon!” Lavey explains as he raises his hands in surrender. “I mean, I am partially. I’m the mix between an angel and a demon.”

This doesn’t seem to make things better for the alicorn, so the hell-spawn tries a different approach.

“Your sister has already told me of what you’ve gone through with a previous demon and I give you my condolences, but trust me, I do not wish to cause you harm. I am simply here by accident but I wish to only help in any way possible.”

Luna lightens up a bit and calms down, taking deep breaths to sooth her racing heart. She looks to everyone’s frightened faces and shatters her stance.

“How do I know I can trust you?” she asks.

“Celie seems to trust me for the time being and you can hear Twilight’s testimony about how I saved her,” Lavey responds.

Luna’s eyes widen in surprise as she looks to her sister, who silently nods.

“My sister only ever allows other to call her by an alias if she really does trust them,” the alicorn states. “However, she has been known to be somewhat too trusting.”

Celestia glances away and a red splotch smears her alabaster cheeks. It would seem that even this princess, who seems like the most amiable creature Lavey has ever met—next to his mother—has committed some rather regrettable blunders due to that fact. But that’s likely all in her past and Lavey has no desire to dig that up.

“I swear to God, I am no threat to your kingdom or this world," Lavey states. "I am simply a benefactor and a protector against those who do wish to bring you harm."

Luna lours at the hybrid and, though he feels as if her gaze alone should shatter the will of even the most obstinate of creatures, it has little to no effect on the hell-spawn.

“I will keep a close eye on you from time to time," Luna finally snarls. "Should you ever consider bringing harm to this world, I will not rest until you are destroyed.”

"I’m fine with that,” Lavey says nonchalantly with a bow. “By the way, I'm afraid I will have to bother you further by asking to reside in this world," he states, piquing the suspicions of all three mares. "With the death of those rogue angels, it would only stand to reason that more defected beings will trying to hunt me down and consider the inhabitants of this world as my allies."

"So, you wish to stay and defend Equestria against the onslaught?" Celestia inquires. "If it is true that demons and angels will shed innocent blood on Equestrian soil, we will need all the help we can get. You have my permission to stay with Twilight for the time being."

Twilight looks between her mentor and the prince with a dumbfounded expression. "W-with me?" the purple unicorn stammers. "Wouldn't he be better off in his own home? Or better yet, in the castle?"

The princess looks at her student with a warm, yet authoritative gaze, causing the unicorn to hold her tongue and wince in fear. "I believe you and your friends will be able to help him with getting assimilated into his new home, Twilight. Just consider him as a very elaborate guest. He is a prince after all."

Twilight glances over at the hybrid anxiously while he looks at her with a kind, begging look. Reluctantly, she gives into her mentor's wishes. “Alright. I’ll take him in.”

“Excellent, Twilight!” the monarch chirps with delight. “Oh, would you like me to provide you with the train fare? Or would you prefer a chariot to take you back to Ponyville? Luna, fetch me a satchel of bits!”

“You don’t have to waste your riches on me, Celie,” Lavey states with modesty. “I can just fly back to town.” He glances over at Twilight and smirks as an idea brews in his mind. “Perhaps Twilight would like to tag along?”

“Wh-what?” the unicorn stammers. “Fly with you? B-but—“

“Oh, that sounds like an exquisite idea!” Celestia exclaims. “Especially for a pony who has never experienced flight before, you simply must try it, Twilight.”

Clearly not wanting to refuse or disappoint the princess any further, Twilight reluctantly accepts the offer. She and the prince rise from their seats and head out the door as they say their farewells to the diarchs and head back to Ponyville.

Author's Note

I said I wanted to upload chapters every other day, but the first chapter doesn't give enough insight into Lavey's backstory or heritage, neither does it help with world-building, so here's this one to fix that! Next chapter will definitely be uploaded in two days and will kick off with Lavey getting to know his new friends.