Author's Note

Episodes that are normally split into two parts will have chapters released on consecutive days. This chapter today, next chapter tomorrow, etc.

Sibling Situation

The day passes by rather quickly as Twilight and Lavey work on tidying up the unicorn’s home. And by tidying up, that means reorganizing every book in the library to accommodate a newly bought set, courtesy of Twilight Sparkle.

Though the task is arduous and mentally taxing—especially when Twilight has no clue as to how she wants her shelves organized, considering the numerous methods of organization running through her mind—a little energizing music always helps speed things along. And that's just what Lavey had managed to bring in.

As a jovial song plays on a small device Lavey calls a “smartphone”—a complex device he claims functions due to its “sorcerous” connection to Hell’s energy—the hybrid and Twilight manage to make the excruciating task of cleaning a little more bearable. The duo levitate books in and out of shelves to the tune of the song while having fun shaking their hips to the beat.

“What’s the name of this song again?” Twilight asks as she fills an entire shelf with a plethora of multicolored books.

“‘Sh-Boom’ by The Chords,” Lavey responds. “It was a pretty famous pop song from Earth back in the mid twentieth century. I usually listen to music like this whenever I’m busy with chores. But I prefer something a little hardcore. Something like this...”

Lavey levitates his phone over to him and taps the screen to switch the song. This one sounds violent and malevolent. The first thing Twilight hears are drums being played at an unnaturally rapid speed. The crashing cymbals and beating of the base drums ring through her ears and scrambles her brain. The guitar comes in, tearing through with a harmonious screech. Soon, the vocals arrive but Twilight can’t tell what is being said as it sounds like a mix of garbles and bestial growling.

She can feel her body vibrate as the violent music surges through the rest of the library. Her ears feel like they’re about to bleed from the overwhelming screaming and clashing of cymbals.

“What is this!?” Twilight yells, hoping Lavey can hear her through the abominable noise.

“‘Andromeda’ by Dethklok!” the hybrid responds. “Really awesome death metal band from Earth during the early twenty-first century. I know metal's not everyone’s favorite, but how is this...?”

He switches the song again but this time, this one is calmer. It has the calm but rapid playing of a keyboard and the harmonious beating of drums. As the vocals come up, Twilight realizes it’s a song of romance and adoration—definitely not something she would have expected from Lavey.

All work is postponed as the two enjoy the song together, swaying and bobbing to the beat. It’s almost enough to get Twilight to burst into a full out dance but Lavey beats her to it. He choreographs his own moves for each and every lyric of the song, all while lip-synching to it and not caring who watches. Even as Spike enters the room with a plate stacked with a pyramid of sandwiches and stares awkwardly at him, he doesn’t dare stop.

Surprisingly, Lavey grabs Twilight by the hoof and drags her into the dance, but she doesn’t fight it. She willingly lands into his arms as he drags her along for a graceful duet. His moves are filled with twists and turns and moves Twilight isn’t sure how to describe. Despite the oddity of the situation, she’s enjoying this moment with him.

Finally, the song ends and the room is drowned in silence once again, except for Spike’s clapping and Twilight’s heavy panting for air. She’s never been one to work out or do anything arduously physical but this feels different somehow; it feels like she could enjoy doing this all day with the hybrid.

“Sorry,” Lavey says as he gently sets the unicorn down. “My mother absolutely adored this song and the angel side of me is a sucker for lovey-dovey songs like these.”

“It’s okay,” Twilight chuckles. “I guess it’s interesting to see that you’re a pretty good dancer.”

“Bet all that made you two hungry?” Spike asks, gesturing over to the massive plate of sandwiches sitting on the table. “Please do something with them because it took me a while to make all of these.”

Twilight and Lavey help themselves to their reward, after all, they need it. As much as Twilight enjoys organizing and reorganizing her books, it can be a little frustrating when she can’t find one way to set them. She has no idea how she's managed to live such a complicated, yet organized life.

“Twilight, if I may ask, how does it feel to have a demon for a roommate?” Lavey asks as he devours a sandwich whole. “Or, at least, a roommate who looks like a demon. I just hope it’s not burdensome, what with my size and all.”

Twilight swallows her morsel and glances over at the prince with a warm smile. “It’s not something anypony would expect to have in their life but it’s been an interesting few days,” she admits. “To be honest, one of my favorite parts of having you here is that you’re a great teacher and storyteller.”

She watches as Lavey smiles with pride at her compliment. Of course, being an obnoxiously studious mare, Twilight would always ask the hybrid certain questions about his kingdom, his family, Hell's history, any deities, prophesies, and the like, whenever she can. Everything she learns, she jots down and keeps a copy for herself and one for Princess Celestia.

“If only you weren’t so incessant with your questions,” the hybrid gripes. “I’d probably enjoy living here.”

Twilight’s mouth hangs open as she stares aghast at her guest, but it suddenly turns back into a smile as the hybrid glances back to snicker at her.

“Ha, ha, very funny,” she mumbles. “Speaking of which, how have you been liking Ponyville so far?”

“It’s been a quaint week,” he replies as he places the remaining books into a shelf. “I could never thank you enough for letting everyone get accustomed to me. I’m used to prejudice and scorn from other mortals, but...all I’ve ever yearned for is a friend in the mortal realm.”

“I understand, Lavey,” Twilight says as she approaches the hybrid. “But hey, now everypony is your friend. I’m just surprised that the town hadn’t driven you out with pitchforks and torches at the beginning.”

Lavey chuckles as he rests a hand on the mare’s head and ruffles her mane a bit, which she graciously allows. It’s been a habit of the hybrid’s to tease her with little acts like these. Though it may seem uncomfortable and odd to observers, it feels pleasant to the unicorn. The few itchy spots she has on her head, which her hooves have never managed to appease, are taken care of easily thanks to Lavey's claws.

"Instead, I'd probably be driven out by everyone's love and affection," he quips.

Ever since Lavey had his 'Welcome to Ponyville' party, a lot of the town's mares have stopped by to flirt with him. With the town's female-to-male ratio—a massive gap of five to one—it would make a little sense for most of the local mares to hit up on the new guy, no matter what he may be. Unfortunately for the seductive mares, Lavey sees them as friends—though he may tease them with a bit of his "demonic charm".

For some odd reason, though, Twilight finds the whole 'date the demon' thing a little irksome.

“Hey, Twilight, I've got a quick question.” Spike pipes up. “How come you let him sleep in your bed but not me?”

The unicorn freezes just as she’s about to take another ample bite out of a sandwich. She glances up at Lavey, who casually eats his third morsel, seemingly unaware of Spike's question.

“Uh, well, because he doesn’t have anywhere else to sleep, Spike,” she explains. “You have your bed and he has mine. But don’t worry, Princess Celestia said she’ll send over a new bed for him soon.”

Although giving her guest a bed all to himself is good and all, Twilight can’t help but feel pained by the idea of no longer having him in her bed. Sure he may take up most of the sheets and space, but his hugs are quite enjoyable. He does them every night, unconsciously, but they are never too tight and it feels pleasant to be held against his thick, warm hide. She could never say any of that aloud and thank Celestia Lavey can’t read minds.

"I will enjoy having a bed all to myself," Lavey says, dragging Twilight out of her thoughts. “Then I won’t have to worry about bothering you anymore, Twilight.”

“Y-yeah...” the unicorn mumbles as she glances away in melancholy.

“Twilight, you okay?” Spike asks. “Your face is all red.”

The unicorn questions the drake’s statement until she notices her cheeks burning. She immediately bats away his worry and chuckles anxiously.

“It’s fine. It was a little comfortable, considering how warm Lavey is.” She clasps her hooves over her muzzle as the words slip from her lips, but it’s too late. She looks around at everyone’s faces and notices Lavey is startled by the abrupt confession. “Crap.”

“W-well, that’s...kind of you to say. You’re welcome, I guess?” the hybrid stammers.

Twilight feels nothing but embarrassment and shame eating away at her. All she wants to do—and most likely Lavey too—is to just crawl under the floorboards and hide for a while.

Fortunately, Spike belches a green flame from his maw, putting the awkward conversation on hold. The flame suddenly solidifies to reveal a rolled up parchment with a royal golden seal.

“A message from Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaims with joy as she plucks the scroll from the air in her magic.

“You send messages through your assistant?” Lavey asks, looking down at the queasy reptile. “Doesn’t that hurt in the slightest?”

“I’ve gotten used to it,” the dragon coughs. “It’s the most confidential and fastest way the princess assures her messages reach Twilight without having anypony else read them.”

Lavey just shrugs and gathers with Spike around the unicorn, awaiting to hear the message from the graceful monarch.

“Dear Twilight,” the unicorn begins, “I am sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming wedding in Canterlot.” Twilight pauses as she registers that final line in the paragraph. “Wedding?” Hoping to find out more about the event, Twilight continues with the letter. “I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would very much like you and your friends to help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion.

“Fluttershy will be in charge of the music; I would like her and her songbird choir to provide the elegant tunes for when the bride and groom trot down the isle.

“I can think of no one more qualified than Pinkie Pie to host the reception. Tell her she can have fun but not too much fun. No promises, your highness,” Twilight chortles.

“Applejack will be in charge of the catering for the reception. She can make whatever she likes to fit the occasion.

“Rainbow Dash... Oh geez. This had better be good if she wants Rainbow Dash of all ponies to participate in a wedding. I would very much appreciate it if she could perform a Sonic Rainboom as the bride and groom complete their ‘I do’'s.”

“A Sonic Rainboom?” Lavey questions. “I’ve never heard of such a phenomenon. What exactly is that?”

“Something too awesome to explain in words, bud,” Spike states with a smirk.

Disregarding the boys’ conversation, Twilight continues on with the letter.

“Rarity will be responsible for designing the dresses for the bride and her bridesmaids. Make it fantastic; not too flashy, but more of a ‘rarity’.”

“And as for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all: making sure that everything goes as planned.

“Lavey may come along too, of course. He may choose whatever form suits him best, but he should at least wear something formal for the occasion.”

“But of course,” he replies. “We still have such customs back in Hell. Who would imagine coming to a formal event in the buff?” He looks between Twilight and Spike, remembering how everyone is basically walking around in the nude. “Never mind.”

“See you all very soon. Yours, Princess Celestia.” Twilight scrunches her muzzle and squints as she looks around the parchment for a last bit of information but can’t quite seem to find it. “But... I don't understand. Who's getting married?”

“Oh, wait!” Spike exclaims. He pulls out another parchment from out of nowhere and sheepishly hands it over to the unicorn. “Uh, I was probably supposed to give you this one first.”

Twilight rolls her eyes at her assistance’s neglectfulness and levitates the letter as she reads the invitation aloud.

“Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and...” Twilight gasps in shock as she exclaims the groom’s name. “My brother, Shining Armor?!”

The room sits in silence as Twilight silently reads the letter over and over, making sure she read the last bit right. Her brother, of all ponies, is actually tying the knot, and with a princess no less!

“Uh, congratulations?” Lavey mumbles, further ruining the already tense atmosphere.

The Friendship Express chugs through the mountainside on the way to the royal city of Canterlot. Twilight’s friends chat cheerily about the royal wedding, wondering what’s to unfold—everyone but Twilight, that is, who sits in solitude and watches the faces of the blank mountains passing by.

“So you all get to help with the big fancy wedding,” Spike says, “but I'm the one who gets to host the bachelor party!” He puffs his chest out in pride but it deflates as he thinks about it for a second. “I have just one question: what’s a bachelor party?”

Everyone laughs aloud at the young dragon’s confusion, causing him to look at everyone with even more bewilderment. Luckily, Lavey—who keeps his demonic appearance—hops over and reassures the innocent reptile.

“You see, Spike,” the prince says, placing an arm around the little dragon’s shoulder, “a bachelor party is a party for the groom before the actual wedding that celebrates their last night of being a single guy. Now, I don’t know how you all do it in Equestria, but in Hell, we...” The hybrid leans in, whispering the events of the fiendish festivities to the dragon. A devilish smirk spreads across Lavey’s lips as the young dragon’s scales burn red. “Again, that’s what it is in my home.”

“Y-yeah, okay,” the dragon stutters, his face turning a sickly shade of green. “Hopefully, we don’t need any of those.”

While everyone chuckles at the dragon’s disturbed expression, Lavey takes notice of Twilight’s loneliness. Feeling sympathetic and confused, the prince walks over to his friend and takes a seat next to her.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” he asks. "You seem rather downtrodden despite the event about to take place. I mean, it’s a wedding for your brother!”

"I'm just thinking about him," Twilight says somberly. Her eyes remain glued on the window and the passing scenery as she confides in the hell-spawn. "Ever since I moved to Ponyville, we've been seeing each other less and less. And now that he's starting a new family with somepony I don't even know, we'll probably never see each other."

Lavey looks away, unsure of how to deal with the situation at hand, but tries his best to soothe his friend’s worries.

“I'm not the best at comforting others, Twilight," he says. "Just a fair warning before I share my 'words of wisdom'."

Twilight sighs and finally glances over at Lavey, waiting for what's to come. "What do you want to tell me?" she asks with contempt.

"I too have siblings back in Hell," the hybrid begins, “well, half-siblings, but more than I can count. We talk and see each other on separate occasions but that happens every few decades." He pauses to judge Twilight's expression, which doesn't look too satisfied. "But that doesn't mean we're split up and lose connection over time. Tell me, your brother has always looked out for you, right?"

"More times than I can remember," Twilight responds. "He's always put my protection and happiness as his top priority. He and Spike were the only ones I considered friends before I moved to Ponyville."

"Your brother would do anything to make sure you’re his number one priority, right? You may think he isn't making time for you or may have grown apart from you after all this time, but just because you are separated doesn't mean you are necessarily split."

"He could have at least told me personally about the wedding through letter or face-to-face," Twilight grumbles.

"He is the Captain of the Royal Guard, correct?" Lavey asks. "It would stand to reason that he would definitely be busy with his duties. He may not have time to focus on you at the moment..." Twilight's scowl hardens as Lavey utters those dreaded words, "...but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He's your brother or, what you call, your B.B...F..."

"B.B.B.F.F.," Twilight corrects. She takes a deep breath and sighs to relax her nerves. "I guess you're right, Lavey. But I'm still gonna ask him personally why he decided to do this."

The hybrid rolls his eyes at the unicorn's three-sixty turn in her emotions, yet puts on a warm smile. He places a gentle hand on her head, which seems to calm her down a bit somehow. In addition, she leans into his side and rests her head under his arm. It feels strange, having her cuddle up to him like this since they’re just friends, but something in his soul tells him to allow it.

"We're here, we're here!" Pinkie announces as she bounces around the cart with glee.

Everyone looks out the window to view the majestic city of Canterlot, home to Equestria's high-class citizens and royalty. However, something is off about the city that Twilight and Lavey hadn’t seen before when they were here just a few days ago. For starters, they never saw a giant, magenta sphere surrounding the entirety of the city.

A duo of guards stand on either side of the tracks with their spears intersecting, only parting them once the train comes dangerously close to hitting them. Once past the guards, the vessel phases through the forcefield, causing strange ripples to run through the passengers’ bodies.

“Are royal weddings always so heavily protected?” Lavey asks as he looks around at the numerous guards posted at every corner of the station.

“I’ve never been to one personally but I heard they’re a lot more elegant than this,” Rarity says. “Though, I'm sure they're just taking the necessary precautions. Such an event would bring about the strangest of creatures.” She freezes as she looks up at Lavey, who, isn’t too phased by the statement.

“No offense taken,” the demon says calmly before the unicorn could apologize. Looking down at Twilight, he notices that a look of shame spreads across her face. “Twilight, what’s wrong?” he inquires.

“This magic...is my brother’s,” she responds. “He usually puts up a spell like this whenever he tries to protect me from a fall or if something were to attack me or something of the sort. This could explain why he hasn’t attempted to contact me in some time.”

“At least you understand why he couldn’t contact you,” Lavey says, patting the unicorn on the head. “But come on. We’ve got a lot of preparations to take care of. Or rather, you and everyone else.”

Twilight cordially smiles at the hybrid but it soon wipes away as the doors to the train car open. As the esteemed guests exit the train car, a group of guards suddenly surround Lavey, spears at the ready. Though the hybrid doesn’t flinch or look the slightest bit worried, he respectfully lifts his hands in surrender.

“It’s okay everypony!” Twilight says, grabbing the guards’ attentions. “He’s with me. I’m keeping him under my watch.”

The guards reluctantly pull their weapons back to their sides and glare at the creature with suspicion as he passes through. Contrarily, Lavey flashes them the most compassionate grin he can muster as he follows the rest of his friends.

“Did you really have to say it like that?” Lavey asks with a bit of discomfort. “Why not just say I’m an upstanding citizen or that the princess allowed me to come?”

“Remember, nobles and especially the guards aren't very trusting,” Twilight responds. “They are a lot more skeptical and wary than those in small towns like Ponyville.”

"I never expected a pleasant world like this to be so...xenophobic," the hell-spawn mutters with repugnance. "But, again, it's nothing I haven't been through."

Everyone remains silent as they continue onward towards the castle. However, through the peaceful silence, a booming, male voice catches everyone off guard.

"Twily! Is that you!?"

Everyone looks up at a wall walk to see a unicorn stallion guard peering down at the guests, but this one is wearing a different uniform. Instead of the common gold armor and helmets, his attire is lavender purple with gold edges. His galea's plume is much longer and more elegant than most other soldier's helmets. His coat is snow white and his mane is comprised of complimenting icy and electrifying blues.

The stallion runs down the steps leading from the wall walk and trots up to Twilight. Lavey looks between the two ponies and notices a pink starburst on the stallion's chest piece, similar to the one on Twilight's flank. He puts two and two together and makes the connection between them.

"Ah, I've missed, you, kid," the captain says cheerfully. He extends a hoof to bring his sister in for a loving embrace, which Twilight reluctantly accepts. "How was the train ride?"

"It was alright," Twilight replies. "I'm just glad I got to see you again, B.B.B.F.F." However, as she pulls away, her face is filled with a bit of pain. "I'm confused, though. Why didn't you tell me about your wedding? And what's with all the extra security?"

"Sorry, Twily, but a..." Although his emotions and mind are mainly focused on his sister, Shining Armor glances up at the otherworldly creature just standing nonchalantly next to the mare. "A threat was...made against Canterlot and we...we don't know...who... I'm sorry, what in the living heck is that thing?"

Twilight looks up the hybrid, who gently waves his claws at the Captain while maintaining a kind, toothy grin.

“Sorry. Introductions first. Shining Armor, meet Lavey, a demon/angel-hybrid I befriended,” the young unicorn introduces with a nervous grin. “Don’t worry, he won’t bite unless he’s got a reason to.”

Shining struggles to swallow a nervous lump in his throat. Finally dislodging it, he coughs a bit before addresses the creature.

“That’s cool. Uh, did Princess Celestia have any specific tasks for you to do?”

“No, though I wish I could help around,” Lavey replies. “Celie has just given me permission to enjoy the festivities. Which I shall proceed to—“

Lavey holds his tongue as something smoky enters his nostrils, but it’s not like burning timber. It’s similar to the tantalizing aroma of grilled, charred barbecue, which he finds strange in a world like this. Both unicorns look at each other and at the hybrid with confusion as he sniffs the air. To their worry, he furrows his brows and looks around with a stern glare.

“I smell malice in the atmosphere,” he snarls as he continues to sniff the invisible scent.

“Smell malice?” Twilight asks as she tilts her head. “How does that even work?”

The hybrid looks down at the tiny unicorn, his stern gaze unwavering. “It’s similar to how a dog can sniff out cancer or diseases. Progeny of Satan can easily sniff out malice and wrath. Right now—sniff—it is strong.”

Twilight turns back to her brother who peers at the hybrid with piqued interest. “So, you’re pretty good at sniffing things out, huh?" he asks. "You might just be smelling the fighting spirits of the soldiers, considering there's a large concentration of them in so many areas. Look, why not just go ahead and have some fun for a bit. Join Spike in planning the bachelor party or maybe grab a few drinks?"

Lavey’s ponders Shining’s explanation and shrugs off his own worries. "Alright then," he sighs. He turns back to the rest of the ponies and raises a hand. "Anyone who wouldn't mind my company, raise a hoof." Obviously, everyone raises a hoof. Lavey scrunches his face and decides to narrow everyone down a bit with another question. "Anyone willing to get drinks until you're toppling over, your vision blurs, and you're puking breakfast in the restroom?"

Everyone slowly lower their hooves but Rainbow Dash's remains high and proud and trembling. The prince shrugs and walks off with the wild pegasus, leaving everyone else to commit to their tasks and for Twilight to reconnect with her brother.