Two ethereal portals—one amethyst purple and one copper orange—appear near the shattered hole in the back of the room. Most of the ponies move back from the otherworldly gateways, but some edge closer out of curiosity. From them, two demonic figures enter the castle, both just as tall and as imposing as Lavey, but slightly different in their own ways.

A giant insect with yellow and green armor-like chitin emerges from the orange gateway. Grey antennae protrude from his temple and his compound eyes are gleaming rubies. Strong insect mandibles make up his jaw, ready to crush and tear apart his victims. His torso reveals a muscular build—strange for an insect exoskeleton—and a symbol representing a splayed tsetse fly is branded onto his thorax. Four insectoid arms each protrude from his thorax and abdomen while another set of bug legs hold up his figure. Two sets of cuticle wings emerge from his scapulae, completing his form.

He wears a royal mantle upon his body and a gleaming diadem rests on his temple. His insectoid appendages are ornamented with gold and various jewelry.

The demon exiting the violet portal is a female with smooth, vibrant amethyst skin and the body of a fashion model or a porn star. White horns with charred black tips protrude from her forehead and point up. Her hair is a literal, flowing inferno of pink, white, and red flames that drapes over her shoulders. A winding black tail with a heart on the end protrudes from her rear and winds around her ankles. The image of a shattered heart is branded on her exposed midriff.

The only things covering her iniquitous body are a set of white lingerie, a pale-gray fur coat, and a black corset. A pair of black thigh-high boots cover her slender legs and gelatinous thighs, which are compressed by the erotic footwear.

"Oh, Lavey, sweetheart!" the violet demoness woos as she approaches the prince with open arms. "It has been far to long! How have things been?"

Before he can answer the seductive succubus's question, the temptress pulls Lavey in for a hug, smothering his face into her voluptuous breasts. It's warm within her bosom and their pillow-like texture makes it almost too tantalizing to leave. Although the hybrid could revel in the succulent, tempting environment, letting squishy globes smother his face, his objective resurfaces in his mind, allowing him to pull free from her grasp. He gasps for air and collects his senses as he looks back at the succubus with annoyance.

"Aw, I thought you'd enjoy that, hun," the demoness quips. She walks behind the prince and places her hands on his shoulders, giving them a firm squeeze and causing him to stand at attention. "Perhaps I could give you a more...doting greeting?"

Lavey clenches his fists as he grits his jaw, recollecting himself from the seductive demon's grasp. "Asmodeus, I would really appreciate it if you didn't try to screw me in front of my friends. Plus, you know I'm not interested in you."

Asmodeus releases her hold on her victim and chuckles at his annoyance "Oh, come now," she taunts, "you know almost nothing can deter me from having a good time. Besides, I'll get you some day, little boy."

Lavey shivers in disgust as the demoness’s obsession over his youthful body still remains strong. He can feel the contents of his gut writhing, wanting to be expelled all over the floor.

"Asmodeus, have some self-control," the insectoid demon gurgles. "You're almost as bad as Lavey when he loses his temper."

Unlike with the Crown of Lust, Lavey smiles and extends a hand to the other demon. "It's good to see you, Beelzebub."

The Lord of the Flies extends a foreleg and takes the prince's hand in his claws. "Likewise, young Satan-spawn. What is the reason for you summoning us to this...colorful world?" The Crown looks around at the ponies and the room, seeming somewhat queasy at the bright, pastel colors.

Feeling his friends' questioning gazes, Lavey turns back to see the ponies’ shocked and astounded faces. Of course, having a single demon in one's midst is astonishing enough; having two—and a half—demons in a room is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any mortal to witness.

"Allow me to introduce you to my friends," he says to the ponies. "Everyone, two of the Seven Crowns of Hell: Beelzebub III, the Crown of Gluttony; and Asmodeus II, the Crown of Lust."

The ponies remain frozen in awe, mouths agape, and eyes shimmering with either fear or astonishment. Without wasting too much time, however, Lavey turns back to his guests and gets straight to the point.

"I've brought you two here to help me deal with her," he states, gesturing to the changeling, who has fallen unconscious to save her strength. "I'm sure you can see her soul and see what she needs taken care of."

The Crowns squint at the monarch as she remains still, observing her incorporeal form and the masses of vices swirling around. With these two demons around, Lavey’s certain they can help bring about a more compassionate fate for the queen.

"Oh my," Beelzebub murmurs with surprise. "That is quite the gluttonous creature. And that lust is almost off the carts. So what do you want us to do about it?"

"Simply put," the hybrid responds, "we need your judgement and expertise on the situation. Although she deserves execution for what she's done so far..." Lavey looks back to Twilight to see her glancing away with discontent, "...I believe we can come to a more civil reconciliation."

Lavey proceeds to explain to the Crowns the acts of violence, kidnapping, the attempt of enslavement, and the attempt of murder the bug-horse queen had performed. However, he also informs them of the reason she did such atrocities. The two monarchs look at each other and back at the changeling queen with pitiful glances.

"She's really blessed that Lavey didn't rip her head from her body," Asmodeus says with a hint of sympathy. "But I believe we can deter from executing her, despite her sins."

"Lavey, are you sure this is the right course of action?" Twilight asks as they wait in the main foyer of the castle. "I get you want to deal with this graciously, but...is this wise?"

"Trust me, Twilight," the hybrid responds, setting a gentle hand on her head. "She needs to feed and the only way Chrysalis can do that is by feasting off of love. She doesn't necessarily want to kill because she needs an ample food source. We can just invite them to the wedding, let them get their fill on some tasty love, and all will be well."

"And what about after the wedding when everypony leaves? What's to stop her from feasting on more love regardless of what happens here?"

Lavey looks to the door leading to the meeting area between the Royal Sisters, the Crowns, and the Changeling Queen. "That's what they are discussing right now."

A door to the side of the main foyer opens to reveal a refreshed and well-nourished genuine Princess Cadence, along with Shining Armor. The two walk over to Lavey and Twilight with compassionate and grateful grins.

"Hey, Twily," the stallion says with a tinge of guilt. "I knew you had your suspicions and I'm sorry for not seeing it earlier. I was a terrible big brother for not listening to you in the beginning. If it weren't for you and Lavey, I don't think I'd ever see Cadence again."

The true Princess of Love walks up to Twilight and embraces her in a passionate embrace. Hot tears of joy roll down both mare's cheeks as they revel in the heartfelt moment. Lavey can't help but smile warmly as the two mares do a small, childish dance to commemorate their reunion.

"It's so good to see you again, Twilight," Cadence chokes. "I thought for sure that I’d never make it to see how much you’ve grown."

"Me too," Twilight responds with more waterworks. "I'm glad you're safe. If there is anypony I'd want to marry my brother, it would be you."

The two embrace each other for a bit longer until the doors to the meeting room open, abruptly putting them on hold. The Crowns, Princess Celestia and Luna, and Queen Chrysalis pour out in single file, spreading out before the awaiting individuals to share the conclusion they have agreed upon. The tension thickens as everyone waits earnestly for the final judgement.

"It is undeniable that Queen Chrysalis has committed quite a number of unforgivable sins," Celestia states somberly. "Kidnapping a princess, instigating an invasion upon pony-kind, nearly killing my beloved student." The monarch's face scrunches up in anger as she recollects the dark moment but pulls herself together with a few simple breaths to cool her bubbling emotions. "But, after communicating with the demon leaders, we have come to an agreement that does not require anymore bloodshed."

Asmodeus—dressed in a less revealing and more formal outfit—steps forward, taking the lead in presenting her resolution. "Since the changeling species relies on love or even something that may remotely relate to love, such as lust and lovemaking, I will gladly send a horde of succubi and incubi to appease their desires. Knowing fully well of the changeling's ability to not only drain love but also strength from creatures, some of my spawn may have to return to Hell to regain their energy."

With the Crown of Lust's solution presented, the Lord of the Flies takes the stage. "Noticing how these creatures drain their prey of energy over time, I will send some of my delegates to teach them conservation and fasting. Surely, they will be able to learn to sustain off of each other's love and not drain other creatures for sustenance."

Concluding the Crowns' messages and resolutions, Chrysalis steps forth. Her head hangs low and only briefly looks up to see Twilight's, Cadence's, Lavey's, and Shining Armor's stonewalled faces. Her harlequin eyes are dull with grief and guilt that Lavey feels sorry to see. Twilight, on the other hand, doesn’t feel the same.

"I know what I've done is unforgivable," the matriarch somberly begins as she avoids eye contact. "To Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor, I want to deeply apologize for kidnapping the princess and leaving her to rot in the caves. I found out about you being the Princess of Love and...assumed that if I were able to take on your form, I’d be able to feed myself and my children for ages. I am deeply sorry for my transgressions.”

The couple nod quietly at the matriarch’s apology, causing a bit of a grateful smile to crack in the queen’s lips. She turns to Twilight, who glares unforgiving blades at the matriarch, causing her hope to fade.

“Twilight Sparkle, I understand you must despise me the most. Having replaced your beloved foal-sitter, tarnishing her image, and causing you such great strife and nearly splitting you from your friends and loved ones, I truly apologize for my actions, though, I am certain you won’t forgive me in return.”

The room remains silent as the queen ends her apology speech. Twilight slowly approaches the changeling with no one attempting to impede her. Reaching the matriarch, the unicorn stands before her, brows furrowed and eyes blazing with unfettered malice. Without warning, she strikes the queen in the cheek with a strong right-hook, sending her flying a few feet across the room.

No one is shocked or attempts to help the changeling. They only watch blankly as Chrysalis rubs her sore cheek and turns to look at Twilight with an understanding expression. The unicorn scowls at the changeling’s mug and proceeds to walk out of the castle, leaving everyone else behind.

“I just want my brother and Cadence to get married,” Twilight says without looking back. “You can stay for the wedding and that’s it. Take your fill and leave us alone from now on.”

Though she can’t see it, she’s sure the changeling nodded behind her. With rage still bubbling in her heart, Twilight opens the doors to the castle and slams them shut behind her.

The wedding went off without any further delays or invasions. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor finally managed to tie the knot and the changelings were able to intermingle with the ponies without sapping too much energy and love. Of course, some ponies stayed away from the parasitic species out of fear and loathing.

Surprisingly, the two demon Crowns wished to stay to witness the harmonious event unfold as well, seeing as they’re practically Lavey’s guests. Though, the prince has had to profusely apologize for their riotous behavior every few seconds; Asmodeus keeps flirting with a few mares and stallions, and Beelzebub, being the glutton he is, voraciously devours the snacks and drinks that are meant for everyone.

However, despite the wonderous matrimony, Twilight remains trapped in a cocoon of rage and unforgivable malice. As she takes a swig of red wine from her glass, she watches Chrysalis and the changelings from a distance as they take part in the refreshments and mingle with the very few guests who have the guts to communicate with them. Twilight glares at the scene with disgust, wanting to give the wretched matriarch another lash across the face.

"Don't even consider it, Twilight," Lavey says sternly. The unicorn looks back to see the prince approaching her—wearing the clothes Rarity had made for him on his first day. His face is filled with sympathy and understanding. "I know you want to assault the queen, but you have to put your anger aside and enjoy the festivities for now."

He rests a gentle hand on her head for reassurance but the unicorn swats it away as she whips around and scowls at the hybrid. He doesn’t seem phased but keeps a blank face as he looks down at her.

"Don't tell me how to act when you nearly bashed her brains out," Twilight fires off. She’s only taken a shot of red wine but it’s not enough to get her drunk. "I would have been happy to see her mangled and lifeless but..." She looks down, grimacing at her seat, "...but I just stopped you from finishing her because I didn't want to lose the caring creature I know you as."

"Oh, dear Twilight,” the hybrid sighs. “You’re a bright, compassionate, and wonderful pony, Twilight Sparkle. I know I seemed like a monster to everyone who witnessed what I did; you would be no different if you went over there and assaulted the queen in front of all these guests.”

Twilight opens her lips to retort but quickly shuts her quivering maw as she retracts her thought. She keeps her rump glued to the seat and bows her head in sorrow and stressful turmoil. Lavey joins her by taking a seat next to her and raising her chin up to his eyes. His blazing red pupils are calm and warm like small suns resting in a cloudless night sky.

"Twilight, I'm trying my level best to control my hate and anger. With my satanic and angelic blood always fighting over my emotions, I’m always on one end of the spectrum, not anywhere in between.

“However, that is not the case with you. You're a mortal, and you have more control over your emotions than I normally do. You must think about what you're doing and try your best to act things out in a more honorable fashion."

Twilight's eyes begin to water as the weight of anger and rage for Chrysalis melt into shame and sadness for herself. She throws herself upon Lavey, who immediately embraces her within a soothing hug.

Just like always, his embraces are unrivaled—warm and compassionate. Not too tight and just soft enough within the grasp of those stoic muscles to give Twilight enough comfort to enjoy his texture. His core, especially, is like a warm oven that soothes the distressed unicorn and washes away her pains.

She doesn’t know why, but something seems to bloom inside her heart as she enjoys Lavey’s hold. It’s not just his embrace that brings her comfort, but also his words, his actions, his very presence. Even when stress eats away at her mind, with Lavey in the same room as her, that same stress seems nonexistent. She enjoys that part of him... She loves him for that.

"I'm glad you two are enjoying yourselves," Shining Armor calls out, causing Twilight to tense up with fear. Looking back, she sees the smiling face of her big brother and sister-in-law. "If you two need a moment, we can just—"

"No, no!" Twilight blurts, pushing herself off of the hybrid and brushing herself of his scent. "We were just enjoying the reception!"

"And your own little thing as well," Cadence taunts. Twilight's cheeks burn as she shies away from the princess. "It's alright, Twilight. It doesn't really matter to me or your brother as long as he's a good, reliable partner, just like Shining. But..." Cadance leans in to share a confidential secret with her new sister-in-law, "...his reason for me to marry him was that I would be getting the best sister in the world."

Twilight's face lights up as she embraces her brother and brand new sister in a loving hug. The family savor this moment of passion, not even wanting to release their hold for a second. Eventually, they break the hug, allowing the newlyweds to enter a carriage to be whisked away from the castle grounds and off to their new home, wherever that may be.

"Shall we find everyone else and take our leave?" Lavey suggests.

Twilight only nods in affirmation with a renewed, warm smile as she follows the prince through the quickly dispersing crowd. They manage to find their friends still enjoying their own exuberant events. Seeing how they’re still in the thralls of their activities, they can give them a little more time to enjoy the festivities until things die down a bit more.

The duo continue to scan the area until finding Queen Chrysalis, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna having a conversation off to the side, away from the rest of the guests.

"Once again, I thank you, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna for giving me pardon for me and my children," the matriarch says, bowing before the diarchs. "Although my sins may never be forgiven, I do hope to be of service to you and your kingdom someday."

"Shall you reside in your old nest for the time being?" Princess Luna asks, looking upon the shapeshifter as if she were a friend. "Or shall you be residing somewhere amongst ponykind to keep your hunger satiated?"

Chrysalis holds her tongue for the moment as she looks over to the hell-spawn and unicorn standing off to the side with antipathic expressions. Her verdant eyes remain glued on Lavey, though, as she slowly makes her way towards him.

"I am certain you wouldn't want to have me in your quaint town," the matriarch says, trying her best not to feel uneasy by Twilight's wrathful gaze. "However, according to Changeling Law, if an opponent were to dominate the current leader of the changelings, they will have full rule over the current ruler and the entire swarm."

Lavey's eyes widen as he takes in this statement. He looks between the bug-horse to Twilight and to the diarchs for some sort of confirmation on this; only the princesses give affirming nods—Celestia's being a bit more forced.

Twilight finds the whole "Changeling Law" bit to be rather questionable, but she has no idea if such a thing is true or not. She'll just have to go with it for the time being.

"So, that would basically make me king of the changelings?" the hybrid asks with a piqued brow. The queen nods silently and holds her breath for the prince’s answer. "I...suppose you can stay, though my current roommate may make your life hell, and not in a good way." He looks down at Twilight, who looks away as she curses under her breath. "But I'm afraid your children can not come."

"What!?" Chrysalis exclaims in terror. Twilight also looks up at the hybrid with bafflement. That seems a little too cruel, no matter how much the unicorn may hate the queen.

Lavey holds up an authoritative hand before the queen can argue with him and revert his decision. "I do not think it wise to incorporate so many changelings into Ponyville," he explains. "I do not know how starved you all are exactly, but having an entire swarm populating the small town, the citizens would possibly pass out in a number of hours or days. That is why Asmodeus and Beelzebub shall be assisting your colony for the time being."

Chrysalis looks down at her hooves with depression but also understanding. "I believe I can place a regent in my stead," she says. "I could choose the most hardheaded soldier to take my place but...that doesn't make them a good leader...speaking from personal experience." She ponders the question for a while before one of her spawn comes flying over.

"My queen, is everything going to be alright for us?" the grub asks.

Mama bug rests a porous hoof on the grub's head in reassurance. "Things will be alright, Thorax. Go ahead and keep mingling with..." Her harlequin eyes suddenly shimmer with eureka as she gazes upon the creature. "Thorax, how would you like to lead the changelings in my absence?"

The little grub's azure, compound eyes glow with confusion at his mother's sudden proposal. "M-me?" he stammers. "But I don't know the first thing about leading the colony, let alone being a leader!"

The matriarch kneels down and wraps the anxious bug in her hooves, soothing his stress and worries like a true mother. "My precious Thorax, you are much more unique than the others, that much I know. You are much kinder and simpler than my other children or any other brood I've lain. I am certain you have the heart and confidence to be my regent while I am away for the time being."

The drone looks back to his siblings as they intermingle with the ponies, each one laughing, being merry, and being filled for the first time in forever. If kindness could do this for the hive today, Thorax would gladly take the throne for the time being to make sure they feast forever.

"I'll do it, my queen!" he says with a salute.

"Thank you, my child. By the way, just call me mother or mom. Whichever one you’d prefer is fine."

As Lavey and Twilight watch the exchange of power and love between mother and son take place, Twilight looks up at the hybrid as a thought runs through her mind. She taps Lavey on the thigh, compelling him to kneel down to hear what she has to say.

"Lavey, do you..." The unicorn hesitates, unsure whether to speak her mind. But with love in the air—even after the wedding had officially ended—her heart is being compelled to spill forth the words lodged in her throat. "D-do you see me as more than a friend?"

Obviously, he’s a little startled by what just spouted out of the unicorn’s lips, and who wouldn’t?

"W-where did this come from, all of a sudden?" the hybrid inquires.

"What Cadance said about you probably being a good, reliable partner... It's only been a week but I feel like you fit that category, Lavey. I mean, you're not just that but you're also kind, you're fun to be around, and even when things turn dark you seem to know how to brighten things up—just like now."

Lavey smiles warmly at the pony and rests a hand on her head, ruffling her mane. Twilight manages to look him in the eye as he slides his hand down and cups her face in his claws.

"My mother always told me, even when I was just a child who knew nothing about marital love, that I should find a partner who's compassionate and wise. Know anyone with those characteristics?"

“Not to make you think otherwise or anything, but after what I did to Chrysalis, you—“

“That doesn’t matter to me right now,” the hybrid says, embracing the unicorn. “I’d do the exact same thing were I in your shoes. I’m thinking back to the time you brought me in despite my appearance and heritage and how you managed to get everyone in town to be my friend. For that, I don’t see why you wouldn’t fit those categories.

“Plus, I felt a certain connection to you in my soul. It felt like the divine part of me made the decision that you were the one for me. I know it’s jumping the gun, but you’re the one I’d want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Twilight's eyes begin to water as she register's the hybrid's words. The emotions running rampant within her heart soar to knew heights. Before she knew it, she's locking lips with him.

It's unexpected, she knows, but Lavey doesn't seem to want to move back or try to push her away, allowing Twilight to enjoy this exchange. The unicorn doesn't know why she is latching onto him like this, considering they've been living together for a week so far. However, this is what her heart wants and she just basks in the unfamiliar feeling. It's the first time she's ever experienced something so intimate and she enjoys it to her heart’s content. Lavey adds more force onto his end, passionately making out with the pony.

Pulling apart, leaving only a strand of saliva to bridge the gap between their lips, the two lock eyes. However, Twilight's face burns bright red and she pulls away from the hybrid's embrace.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to kiss you like that! I didn't mean to drive things so quickly, I swear! I just... I mean..."

Twilight doesn't get to complete her explanation before Lavey grabs her under the arms and pulls her off the ground. She doesn't get to react or question his motives before the hybrid drowns her in another kiss, this time with more vigor. Realizing the hybrid's intentions to be in alignment with her own, she embraces the passionate exchange of love. They release only to take a brief inhalation of air before returning for another exchange of passion.

"Goddamnit, Lavey !" Beelzebub's voice booms, startling the two lovers from their intimate moment. They look over at a scowling Beelzebub and a grinning Asmodeus. "You made me lose a thousand draconi!"

The hybrid furrows his brow as he gently drops the pony. "Were you two betting on me or something?" he growls.

"You're damn right, hun," Asmodeus says as she slaps Beelzebub on the back. "We were just wondering whether you two would make out or not, and I won!"

"Get the fuck out of here you damn succu-bitch!" Lavey booms.

Asmodeus and Beelzebub open their own portals and step through, but the Crown of Lust lingers for a bit. She turns back and sends the prince her farewells.

"See you later, honey. Call me for something that actually has something to deal with sex next time. I'll be waiting."

Lavey simply flips the Crown the bird as she chortles and disappears through the spatial gateway.

"I'd like to meet more of the Crowns," Twilight says as she leans against the hell-spawn’s leg. "They seem rather interesting despite their...personalities."

"The only ones you should probably be aware of are Lucifer and Asmodeus," Lavey says. "Sometimes Leviathan isn't a very compassionate Crown if you have something she wants, so I recommend staying away from her for the time being."

As the night ages and the festivities die down, everyone says their farewells. Chrysalis says her final valedictions to her young and follow Twilight and the rest of her friends back to Ponyville. The diarchs bid farewell and safe travels to the guests as everyone finally turns in for the night.

Author's Note

Chrysalis has joined the team! We will return to our usual publishing times of every other day for the next chapter. FYI, since Chrysalis is now present, the next chapter will include NSFW material.