Beatrix Belladonna Versus the Vampiric Planet

Chapters

II. A Black Celebration
III. Destination Eschaton
IV. Prima Materia
V. Shadow Games
VI. Revelations
VII. Fallout
VIII. Last Rites
IX. Squaring the Circle
X. Planet X
XI. Eden
XII. Epilogue
I. Birth of a New World

II. A Black Celebration

Flurry Heart stood on the balcony of her palace, overlooking the Crystal Empire. Stray snowflakes pirouetted in the air, falling upon her peaceful country. Her flank was emblazoned by the cutie marks of Celestia's, Luna's, and Cadance's all circling one-another; with their losses their duties had to fall to somepony and she'd inherited that burden. Not that she was the type to complain, almost saccharine in her chirpy, young-at-heart demeanor when she smiled upon her work.

She'd risen the sun which was emblazoned with a symbol that resembled the likeness of Celestia who'd been entombed inside it by the cult of the nemesis, in the same manner Luna's silhouette was burned into the pale moon. Even the most powerful mages in Equestria had never discovered a spell to free them. As for her mother, she'd been reduced to so much ash when her nation fell, one which Flurry had worked many years later to painstakingly rebuild with help from the other surviving major races.

Hoofsteps echoed behind her and the silk curtains parted to allow her advisors to enter. Diamond Tiara, garbed in a regal silver gown that matched her jewelry, was the first to speak. “Should I have breakfast delivered here? It's started to get cold.”

“Yes, that's fine! Sorry, you know how I lose track of time!” She fluttered her full wingspan.

“Indeed,” said Princess Blueblood with a swish of a silky blonde mane; she'd been converted by the cult into a female when he'd refused to participate in the forced breeding of mares, like all males captured by the cultists who disobeyed were. And while there were likely spells that could permanently return her to a masculine shape, over time she'd come to accept and even like this lovely new guise. “A Queen should be punctual!” She snorted haughtily.

“You both worry too much! Look!” She pointed at the concert taking place within the capital, headed by Vinyl Scratch, Octavia, and Lyra, with their latest band members Lavender Lace and Fuschia Blush. Their stage was set up and ponies crowded from all over, including refugees and tourist which now packed the area. She'd actually encouraged newcomers, needing to build up their relatively small populace. Thanks to the magic infused in the land, all who entered temporarily became a crystal pony.

“Well,” said Diamond whose coat sparkled like her namesake, a polygonal shape vaguely visible in her iris. “We'll leave you to it, if that's okay. We have our own work to do!” She smirked with naked pride.

Flurry beamed and dismissed them with a wave of her forehoof. They bowed and retreated with a clop of hooves. Sitting on her haunches, her horn lit up to manipulate a fork and knife she seized with her aura, cutting into a buttery pancake and shoving it into her mouth. “Yummy! Honestly, I know they mean well, but it's like having two fretful mothers sometimes!”

Despite that she couldn't help but feel rather lonely. She didn't really have any peers. “I wish Beatrix were here...”

On cue a familiar anthro mare slipped from atop the palace and touched down before her. “You called?” Belllatrix Primadonna rose with the biggest smirk she could muster, the imposter looking upon Beatrix's half-sister with barely contained bemusement.

“Beatrix?!” Flurry cantered to her and practically bowled her over with a flying hug. “Sister, it is you!”

“Of course!” She snickered as if laughing at some private joke. “Taking a short break from my little adventures into the Necronomicon and decided it was time to catch up.” She fluffled her mane, leaning in and meeting her lips.

Blinking several times Flurry drew back and turned aside. “Sister, that's inappropriate! I love you dearly, but not like that!”

“Ahem. Sorry. Just too excited, I suppose!” Bellatrix licked her chops in a slow, sensuous manner. As she was actually a succubus her libido was at a constant, insane high, and the modifications Sombra forced on her made it even worse. Her loins were burning, the crotch of her leotard soaked, which fortunately was rather difficult to see. Her nipples poked into her top.

(Control yourself,) reminded Sombra in her head. (You mustn't make them suspicious.)

Flurry shrugged it off. “It's okay. Want some pancake? Or maybe a glass of orange juice?”

“Nah, I'm good. Hey, mind if we go for a ride? I'd love to have a looksie around the city, maybe see my mom!” She was eager to meet up with Trixie, the first and only human in Equestria, who'd been transmuted into that shape by the Necronomicon.

“Of course! Hop on!” Flurry lowered herself, and Bellatrix swung a leg over her back, thighs wrapped around her. In order to help her hold on, she grabbed her mane much harder than necessary and pulled, making her yelp a little. But rather than complain she kicked off the balcony and took flight, sailing with a gleeful cheer over her beloved homeland.

Bellatrix slapped her on the flank, leaving a red palm print over a cutie mark. “Faster, faster! Giddy up!” She giggled, unable to hide a psychotic glimmer in her wide eyes, her hair and cape trailing behind her. She shivered with delight, goosebumps prickling her supple flesh, as her ride made loops hive above the ongoing concert. The attendees below cheered and waved.

“They love me,” said Flurry who was misty-eyed. “That makes it all worthwhile.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes. “Don't get all sappy, now. I mean...” She quickly tried to correct herself. “Sure, they're still celebrating what Shining's force managed, but what about after the honeymoon wears off?”

“You're so cynical, sister. Ponies are good at heart. So are all the other races, once you get to know them!”

Unfortunately the succubus had never known that kind of guileless optimism. Where she came from monsters would do things like eat, torture, or rape you on a whim; sometimes all three in whatever order they felt like. Not that she blamed them. Morals obviously made creatures weak and so they desperately clung to their herds in order to protect themselves.

“You don't seem entirely like yourself today, sister!” Flurry's words snapped Bellatrix back to attention. “You under the weather? We could always head back home, have the maids whip up some hot cocoa-”

“I'm fine,” she snapped with more acid in her voice than intended. They rode in silence, Flurry's eyes watering as she quietly wept. “Damn, you're sensitive. How do you expect to rule anything if you can't deal with the small shit?”

Primadonna strained to hide a disgusted curl of her lip, seeing the revelers drink, eat, sing, dance, and hold one-another as neon lights flashed and music boomed. Well, it didn't matter. They'd all suffer and die horribly when Sombra finishing fusing with his vampiric planet. And then he'd claim her as his Queen, giving her the love and purpose she so desperately craved.

Ponies were idiots, she decided. They all deserved to die. Better that they kept these vermin from breeding further.

Why not take her now, she wondered? Surely it wouldn't be difficult to lure Flurry somewhere private, open a portal, and abduct her? (Because,) he cast. (She will immediately be missed and will throw our enemies into a panic far too soon. No, we must start a little lower on the food chain, and work our way up. Trixie must be somewhere in the Crystal Empire. Track her down.)

“Let's visit mom, shall we sis? That'll put me in a better mood!”

Flurry nodded. She flew up higher, overlooking her homeland, until she spotted the familiar wagon parked near the outskirts. “There! I'm sorry sister,” she said convinced their argument was somehow her fault. “I'll make it up to you when I've got the chance! Trixie and I don't get to chat too often, but she's like an aunt to me, so I can't wait to see her either!”

*****

Warmth surrounded Beatrix Belladonna, who'd been swallowed up when a portion of the fleshy earth yawned open and swallowed her. Fully emerged in a sea of semen, it filled her mouth and nostrils, drowning her repeatedly. But before the sweet release of death could fully claim her she'd somehow regain consciousness and her torments would repeat.

Maybe it was hopeless, but she refused to give up, her limbs tiring as she struggled to swim. On occasion she'd break the surface, emerging in the dark filled pit, coughing up cum which oozed from her nostrils and matted her mane. What hurt most was knowing she was responsible for this, that her ventures into the Necronomicon had made the fissure even bigger. Perhaps she really didn't belong anywhere and would be better off dead. But that could wait. Somehow she had to set this right!

Somehow after what seemed like hours of struggle, she saw a stray vein, seized it, and climbed the slippery appendage, breaking the boil-like film of flesh and clambering back to the surface. Had her enemy made a mistake? Overlooked something? Or was offering her a sliver of hope simply a way to draw out her torture and humiliation even further?

She laughed despite herself, huffing on all fours, completely drenched in foalbatter which drizzled from her. But where was the Smooze? She studied her surroundings, not daring to call out to him. This mysterious 'master' could be watching even now!

She shook herself off the best she could. Her horn materialized as she wished, but sparked and sputtered uselessly, likewise the spells she attempted to work by hand. “Damn.” She picked a direction at random and set off.

After a short trip her ears perked. A slosh sounded and she spotted the Smooze, now back in a gelatinous yellow-green form, slithering her way and leaving a slimy trail behind him. Cautiously she approached. “Smoozy?”

He managed to form a melted mouth. “St-stay away,” he warbled. “Can't control-” His shape suddenly twisted, a mass of tentacles springing from his depths, which shot out and immediately seized her by the wrists and ankles. “Beatrix,” he cried writhing as his shape betrayed him. “It's...just like...” Sombra's dark magic, both of them realized.

“It's okay,” she called as he lifted her up. “I know you'd never intentionally hurt me.” She mentally prepared herself for the worst, used to fairly rough treatment, which she sometimes encouraged when she was in the mood when they made love.

He dragged her closer, lifted her above his congealed stickiness, and thus his tentacles into her three sex orifices at once with such violent force her frame shuddered. Plunging into her with perverse-sounding squishes, casting about bits of saliva and vaginal fluids, her eyes rolled into her head as he packed himself into her. She could feel her insides twisting and distending, like they were still symbiotically bound, allowing her interior to contort in ways that should have been fatal.

When the one in her mouth withdrew she managed to cry, “You're going to break me!” The tip widened, opened, and spurted, further spattering her face and tongue in foalbatter. She failed to close one of her eyes in time, which stung as spunk settled into it. Yet despite the horror of her situation, the idea of being his sexual plaything forever was the most erotic thing she could imagine. The appendage drove back into her maw, probing her gullet while the others fished in her bowels and womb.

Again she lost count of how many times he was forced to violate her, spraying torrents of semen into her, his composition changing as needed to produce the sperm. Her eyes dulled alternating between a pleasure which burned her to the core and numbness, realizing he was desperately trying to hold back fearing he'd shatter her psyche from a sheer overload of pleasure.

More coils wrapped around her, pulling her tail and mane so taut a few stray strands were ripped out. One coiled around her swollen bud-like clit, tugging and tweaking it, while more encircled her tits, smooshing them so hard she feared they'd pop like wet balloons. These extensions turned into needle-like tips, stabbing the thin slivers into the slits that tipped her erect nipples.

With repeated pumps they injected some chemical into her, her physique blazing even hotter with need. She'd lost track of how often she'd come, still splashing as her nethers convulsed around their intruders. The pricks withdrew, her nipples spurting small sprays of lactation,, and the needles now formed into transparent suckers, the mouth-like cups attaching to her udders and sucking out the sweet milk which squirted with each powerful suction. Her eyes rolled fully into her skull, overwhelmed.

(No,) rasped a voice in her head. (You cannot be allowed to break yet.) The penetrating tentacles withdrew with loud pops, leaving her fuckholes gaping and oozing, but they continued to molest her in a teasing manner, hefting her up with legs wide open while they continued to milk her like she was a mere cow. Her snatch dripped over a coil that teased at her sex and anus.

“Y-you.... I feared as much.” She winced as a coil wrapped around her throat and squeezed.

The planet's surface opened and from the flesh-like film arose the sorcerer-king Sombra, the stallion attached by pulsing veins to his vampiric planet, partially composed from a composite of eldritch abominations he'd managed to take control of in the Necronomicon. (You've caused me no end of pain. But you're merely the prelude to my true prize.)

“Flurry Heart,” she realized. “Why are you so obsessed with Shining Armor and his family? Because they foiled you once?”

(The untimely death of Shining Armor and Cadance denied me the vengeance that is so rightfully mine. Celestia and Luna are beyond my reach, trapped in purgatory as they're forever entombed in the sun and moon. But I hope Flurry's parents are watching from Heaven even now as I enact my vendetta upon their loved ones. To see their daughter broken...) He shook his head, almost overwhelmed by bitter hatred and snapping back to awareness. (But your mother was Trixie, wasn't she?)

Beatrix said nothing and tried to maintain a neutral expression. Truth be told she'd never been more terrified in her life. Whatever happened to her, she could deal with it...maybe. But to see her friends and family punished for her mistakes...

He chuckled. (Your stilled tongue says it all. Trixie is nothing to me, just some amateurish piece of trash, but to hurt you...)

“Magic is for more than manipulating and destroying. It can inspire,” she wheezed as the coils continue to grope her like she was a piece of meat. “Not that I'd expect you to ever understand that!” Maybe it was delirium or hysteria, but she cackled, wondering if her half-sister's corny but endearing sense of wonder had finally rubbed off on her too late.

(Cute. I hate cute.) He decided to attempt one of the many forbidden spells he'd unlocked while trapped in the Necronomicon. He'd tapped into a number of its secrets and decided she would make a suitable test subject. (Your twin, Bellatrix Primadonna, is busy undoing your life as we speak. But that's the least of your concerns at the moment.)

The Smooze dropped her. (B-Beatrix...) Her closest companion wiggled, reduced to little more than helpless sludge.

“I love you Smoozy,” she whispered with watery eyes while ignoring Sombra.

Sombra's demonic, curved horn flared with a dark pulse. Smoke pooled and poured from his snake-like eyes. He chanted alien words, licking his chops, and a banshee-like wail escaped Belladonna as once again it felt like she was being torn in different directions. Cracks sounded like her bones were breaking, rips sounding like her flesh was being shredded apart.

Somehow she was split in two, the unicorn part emerging intact on one side, toppling with a crash. While on the other side she emerged as a humanized version of herself, both portions sharing her usual color scheme. Stranger still they seemed to share the same consciousness. Both stared at their reflection in a pool of cum and sputtered in unison, “What in Tartarus?!”

(Ha! It seems to have worked. What did Luna used to say? The fun has been doubled?) With a mental command he directed one of the Smooze's tentacles, which slammed into the humanized Beatrix's midsection, passing out the other side in a shower of blood. Both halves shared a scream and sobbed, feeling the same searing agony which almost made her go into shock.

(Bastard,) cast the Smooze.

“Hold on,” wheezed the unicorn Beatrix who woozily blinked.

“Sure...why not?” Her human personification giggled in delirium, clutching the still bleeding wound. A portion of the Smooze broke off, and closed over the gash, hardening to seal it. "Tee-hee..."

"Don't close your eyes," cried unicorn Beatrix in fear she'd never be able to open them again.

(Interesting. Both halves of her are starting to develop independent personalities,) observed Sombra. (I've heard some ponies indulge in tantric sex rituals to empower themselves. But I've learned to take a different path. The pain and death of others will further strengthen me. The Necronomicon hungers, and must be fed. Your torture will help me tap into it.)

The Smooze bellowed in an otherworldly manner, forced anew to beset both Belladonnas. Blood leaked from the corner of the human Beatrix's mouth but despite how sleepy she felt death refused to come. The extensions wrapped around them both, exploring their fissures, turning the pair's uteri into a nest of writhing tentacles that suckled at their womb walls with suckers.

Confusion threatened to overwhelm a barely conscious unicorn Beatrix. She and her duplicate shared a similar mindset, but were coming to slightly different conclusions, perhaps due to the difference in their physiology. Of course right now it was hard to focus on anything but the pain, fear, and humiliation, mixed with unwanted lust and pleasure which was their current state.

Gassed repeatedly by pink clouds emitted by the Smooze, spores trailing around them, Sombra's playthings were overwhelmed by aphrodisiacs and pheromones, logic surrendering to submissive instincts. Their bodies were soon moving on their own, like they were fleshy dolls, bobbing their heads to suckle their violators, stroking them with hands, hooves, and feet.

Pleasantly sore, their glassy eyes dulled further, currently reduced to nothing more than playthings their new master used in his dark rituals...

*****

A shiny pink cunt was spread by delicate fingers, housed between a shapely pair of light blue human thighs. Starlight Glimmer took a moment admire its finer details, the swelled clit, the urethra, soft gooey walls between parted velvet folds. Her nostrils twitched as she breathed in the sweet musk of her occasional lover's pussy which leaked over its owner's pastel rectum.

“Much as Trixie loves to be admired, she'd like to be eaten sometime tonight!” She patted her friend's head. She'd stripped off everything but her starry cone hat, her fingerless gloves, and heeled boots, her soft plush ass spread upon their shared bed.

Starlight licked around her lover's mound, careful not to actually touch it, deliberately teasing her. She squirmed in retaliation, growing even wetter, Lulamoon playing with her large tits in order to seek further stimulation. The horntip penetrated Trixie's tiny peehole, and she squeaked, overcome by a stinging pain mixed with a burning pleasure.

“Careful,” warned Trixie who wrapped her thighs around the sides of Glimmer's head. “Or that skull will be popped like a grape!” It was a mere jest of course, despite her well-known reputation as a sadomasochist.

“Kinky.” She buried her tongue into Trixie's sex, making her squeal. By this point she'd been so worked up she came almost instantly, spewing her love fluids all over Star's snout. She continued licking out her clamping walls, digging all the way to her cervix entrance, savoring the goo which coated her tongue and made her taste buds dance in delight.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. “Who in Tartarus?!” Trixie hopped up and bowled her friend over. With a click she summoned up her usual costume, gritting her teeth as an orgasm that should have been drawn out was cut short. “This better be important...” Her heels clicked as she stomped towards the entryway, her short cape billowing from her star-dotted leotard.

“Could be a salespony,” mused Starlight whose nethers ached for her own denied release. “Or somepony who wants to convert us?” A number of small religions had popped up ever since Celestia, Luna, Discord, and all other entities that might be taken as deities by some were no more. The alicorn shook her head, thankful at least the cult of the nemesis was eradicated.

“Oh!” Trixie immediately brightened when she saw Flurry and who she believed was her daughter Beatrix. “Come in!” She wrapped an arm around Bellatrix's waist, pulling her close and showing her off, the resemblance uncanny since Trixie had subconsciously shaped her daughter in the womb with aid from the Necronomicon to resemble her, only with elements of her crush Twilight Sparkle's color scheme mixed in. “Oh, Trixie's missed you so! Isn't she wonderful?!”

“She's certainly something!” Starlight chuckled. In truth she'd become rather fond of her, too.

(This isn't good,) cast Sombra into Bellatrix's head. (Starlight's one of the few that surpasses me in power and experience. And unlike Flurry Heart she wouldn't hesitate to pry into your soul if she suspects you. She's always had a loose grasp of morality.) He could almost admire the self-made mare. Which would make claiming her entirely even more delicious.

(Just be cautious. I can raise shields to block her if necessary, but that will certainly arouse her suspicions, and in my current state she could likely brute force them without too much trouble.)

Bellatrix Primadonna sucked on her lower lip. “Nice to see you, Starry!” She waved. “We were in the area and decided to pay my mom a visit!” She crossed her arms and took in the knick-knacks scattered about, along with a treasure chest she assumed was filled with props. Trixie was known not only to waltz around nude since there were no laws against it and stallions would stare at the exotic creature, but she would also invite the most handsome ones backstage to rut her senseless. “Classy.”

Flurry flicked an ear. “What is it, sister?”

“Oh, nothing.” Bellatrix knew she had to stop speaking aloud and acting so impulsively. But the succubus was so unused to society and all its petty rules. Not to mention having a permanent physical form. It sure sucked being horny all the time!

Of course she couldn't judge Trixie too much. So what if she was a super slut? Why shouldn't a woman simply take what she wanted just like a man would? Damnation, she'd actually make a great succubus...but she didn't need the competition!

Flurry sat on her haunches and clopped her forehooves together in a chipper manner. “It's nice to meet up without the Necronomicon involved! Or any business, for that matter! I sure miss our younger days, having misadventures and brewing potions...” She wistfully recalled their campaigns in Shining's force, her eyes starry.

Bellatrix raised a hand to her mouth and laughed. “Were we ever that innocent, really? We were at war, remember?”

“True. Count on you to see the downsides,” mumbled Flurry who lowered her head.

Trixie rapidlly looked between them. “Come on, this a time of celebration!” She flicked Bellatrix's nose, and took her hand, twirling her to show her off. “The Great and Powerful Trixie trained her herself!”

“I can tell,” noted Starlight with a grin as the mother-and-daughter team mimicked one-another's flamboyant flourishes. They pirouetted and posed, capes whipping about, taking a dramatic stance and pointing out in front of them. “Corny as ever!”

“Oh, hush.” Trixie mock pouted with hands on her hips and Bellatrix followed suit.

“So...” Bellatrix studied them. “You plan to reopen the Crystal Fair, right? Or something similar to raise funds?” The Queen nodded enthusiastically. “Maybe we should participate in the games, mom. We'll put on a magic show they'll never forget!”

Trixie threw her arms wide open. “That sounds wonderful! They'll fall over themselves in adoration when we grace them with our presence!” She hummed, already imagining it. “Starlight, would you like to join our little tour?”

“No way. I can't. Not after what I've done.” No matter how many times she was told the Necronomicon could've possessed anypony, she knew the world at large would always resent her. She had little choice but to remain in hiding.

“It wouldn't have to be directly. Perhaps behind the scenes?” Trixie winked.

“I'll think about it.” Starlight smiled at Flurry who was preening her wings. She stretched her own, both proud and ashamed of them, a reminder that she'd been the final head of the cult of the nemesis, her body altered to alicorn-status by the cauldron's unholy perversion. “Huh. That's odd.” She picked up a pear from a bowl on a table, noticing it was gray-scale.

Despite her reservations he took an experimental nibble, and spit the chunks of pear out, realizing it not only lacked scent but taste as well. While she couldn't put her hoof on why, it somehow reminded her of the Necronomicon?

Bellatrix snapped and she broke from her reverie. “Mind if my mom and I take a stroll, maybe catch up?”

“Sure. I'd like to spend some time with Flurry anyhow,” admitted Glimmer. Wasn't she partially responsible for Shining Armor's death? She'd never properly confronted Flurry. Never apologized directly for that, just generally for all the horrors she'd caused while linked to the grimoire.

No matter how many abominations she helped round up and exterminate, it wouldn't undo her past.

III. Destination Eschaton

Fireworks erupted over the city, breaking the darkness in a storm of neon colors. Bellatrix Primadonna and Trixie Lulamoon strolled out of the caravan, and wandered about, taking a moment to admire the display, which helped expose the twinkling stars above and the pale moon scarred with Luna's silhouette. “Beautiful,” the imposter mused.

“It is, isn't it?” Trixie didn't pick up on her alternate meaning, the succubus posing as her daughter taking sadistic delight from what had happened to the Princesses. “It's not like me to be so sappy, but...we fought hard to make this a reality. Especially Trixie and her lovely equal Beatrix!” She scrunched her mane playfully. “No, you might've surpassed me!

Bellatrix forced a smile. Even that admission was simply another form of boundless narcissism, Trixie convinced she was most responsible for her daughter's success. Of course, she could sense that affection was real, regardless.

They walked past crowds milling about, some stopping to stare at the unusual pair, and they paused to pose seductively for them. Eventually they made their way close enough to spot the raised stage where the band was performing, strobe lights reflecting off Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra in the front while Fuschia and Lavender backed them up.

With a heeled boot Bellatrix kicked an empty bottle, scattered among the thrash littered about. The pounding music shook the sweaty, gyrating and cheering audience, some covered in beads and raising glowsticks. “Boring. Let's make this more exciting, shall we?” Grabbing a smoke bomb from her mother's cape, she tossed it down, vanishing in a puff of colored smoke.

“Wait!” Trixie tossed her own down and the pair materialized at the front of the stage. Vinyl and Tavi barely missed a beat, and Lyra looked bewildered before she returned to playing her harp in an odd fusion of classical and electronica.

With an evil snicker Bellatrix clicked her fingers and her leotard and cape disappeared, leaving her naked before the wildly howling onlookers. Trixie did the same, helping upstage the musicians, who rolled with their performance as they danced.

Mother-and-daughter thrashed about with wiggles of their hips, buns, and breasts, the stallions and mares entranced by these odd, exotic creatures. Brightness swathed their supple skin, as they further worked themselves into a frenzy as if possessed. After all wasn't that what witches were supposed to do? Dance naked under the moonlight, celebrating life with inhibitions?

But it was a bitter reminder Bellatrix had never lived in the traditional sense. Maybe Sombra would allow her to steal Beatrix's life forever? No, he wanted them all slain or enslaved. She felt a twinge of regret knowing this fun couldn't last.

As the current song wound down, she and Trixie celebrated by doing the splits in unison, the uproar thunderous as hooves stomped in celebration and made the area shake. They raised their arms with smug smiles in that pose and threw up their arms, their hair now a wild mess, curves dripping with perspiration. She had to admit, they made quite a team!

(You've wasted enough time,) cast Sombra. (It wouldn't do for you to grow too attached.)

“Of...of course not,” whispered Bellatrix. “Just getting in character.” Thankfully nopony could hear her with all the noise around them. She touched her chest, feeling a hole in her heart, and reminding herself that Sombra would fill it.

Deciding there was no sense in summoning back costumes that would only cling to their sweaty forms, they stood, linked hands, and took a bow before they hopped off the stage. “Whew! Trixie is pooped.” She fanned herself with her hat.

“Let's go somewhere private, get away from all this noise.” Bellatrix took her hand and led her along. They passed ponies who were lounging about on the streets, some drunk and passed out. Occasionally couples were making out and in one case shamelessly fucking like animals in an alley. She stopped to watch the crystal stallion lifting and railing his drooling mare against the bricks. “Damn, I'm horny. Hey, mom? Could you do me a teensy-weensy little favor?”

Trixie cocked an eyebrow. “Really?” It's not like they'd never fucked before, but that was first because the Smooze had taken control of them, and later to entertain an audience or distract the enemy. This somehow seemed more...intimate to her. “Sure, why not?” She'd already crossed the incest barrier a long time ago. “What, you want to do it right in the open?”

“Nah. Much as I'd appreciate an audience, I want you to be the first to witness my latest trick!” Glancing around until they found a deserted alleyway, Bellatrix sat and open her legs. “Hungry?” She used a couple digits to part her tight slit.

Trixie answered with a slow, sensuous lick of her lips. She rested her palms on what she believed were her daughter's violet thighs, swirling her tongue around the slimy cunt expanding and contracting with each heavy breath. “Mmm,” she moaned with her as goo leaked from her core. She lapped it up with greedy smacks, seeking the full release denied her earlier. Heck, Beatrix owed her! She took her pussy lips between her teeth, pulling and sucking on them with gleeful abandon.

Casting back her head, Bellatrix planted her hands atop her scalp, digging into it and pushing her deeper inside. Wet squelches sounded as spatters of sweetness erupted straight from her honeypot. It was time for another of Sombra's experiments. Beatrix was an embodiment of the Necronomicon; a portion of the book given flesh. And when she'd raped her Bellatrix had bound herself to her in an unholy ritual. Now she'd used the forbidden powers Beatrix never even realized she had!

Her horn emerged from her temple as she came, splashing all over Trixie's face and hair, thoroughly soaking her as she weaved the spell Sombra relaid into her mind. She chanted the alien words, her cunt gaping unbelievably wide, and she started to force her inside in a mock reverse birth process. “Mmmph?!” Trixie's words were lost as she wiggled her hips, her birth canal like a black hole that was sucking her in. A messy flood pooled around her, Lulamoon squirming the entire time as she was gradually sucked into her foalfactory. In turn Primadonna writhed in ecstasy, feeling her be devoured into her womb.

A pop sounded when she was completely sucked into her uterus. Trixie was wriggling in her now bloated up belly, compressed into a fetal position. But she didn't intend to kill her. She activated the second part of her spell, her core temporarily woven into a dimensional nexus. “Bon appetit, Beatrix Belladonna!” She cackled, the first of her would-be victims claimed!

Better still, she felt more 'Great and Powerful' than ever. Standing and rubbing her belly, she set off to seek out new prey.

*****

A gurgle sounded in the human Beatrix Belladonna's stomach which started to expand further, already bloated from all the cum which had been relentlessly pumped into it and oozed out when the tentacles ravishing her withdrew. She landed on the planet's surface, laying on her back and reflexively parting her gams, her foalhole widening on its own in a slimy mess.

She grit her teeth and closed her eyes as she strained. “Aaahhh,” she cried as something started to worm its way out of her stretchy vagina. Clumsily the body twisted out head first, and she watched in a mixture of wonder and horror, birthing the same woman who'd brought her into Equestria. A whine escaped Trixie, slathered in sticky snatch slime as she rolled loose.

“F-fuck,” she intoned staring at her mother lying in a ball, lying in a puddle of her feminine excretions and splooge.

Sombra's laughter boomed. (Another success. Trixie isn't very valuable, but she'll do. Now bear witness.) He looked between the human and unicorn Belladonnas, before the earth yawned open again, and tendrils dragged Trixie down into the depths. She was deposited into a chasm that it up, revealing a mass of all kinds of twisted eldritch horrors, masses of tentacles, pincers, antenna all melded into a fleshy and shelled mess. Trixie screamed, the monstrosity seeming to melt over her.

Pretty soon they were groping her from every direction, licking and pulling on her, violating her with all kinds of twisted penises, some covered in hairs, spines, barbs, others knotting her and stirring up all her sore and stretched sexholes.

She was constantly passed between the monsters, practically tearing at one-another to violate the piece of meat which had been tossed to the ravenous, almost mindless beasts. She sobbed and screamed and twisted as they violently took her.

“St-stop,” cried unicorn Beatrix who wailed. She'd beg and throw herself on his mercy if she thought it would do any good. Despair threatened to overwhelm her, knowing her imposter was out there continuing to ruin her life even now.

(Trixie is now akin to a living battery. Her continual violation will help strengthen my black magic. But she is simply the first.) All her friends would fall. But he prized the capture of Flurry Heart above all. (This entire planet is now an extension of me. After the Smooze devoured it, and escaped through portals it punctured back to Equestria, masses of its protoplasm were abandoned. Left floating in space when the planet crumbled, I've embedded the realms I control into the leftovers. At first myself and the monsters were little more than astral forms, but sucking the essence from Equestria gives them substance.)

After a time unicorn Beatrix's eyes dulled as she tuned out his villainous monologue. She'd certainly heard a few in her time, facing off with the cult of the nemesis. Were the realms still malleable by anypony's will? However, she doubted hers alone would prove anywhere sufficient, especially since he was well-versed in the Necronomicon's secrets by now, not to mention well-practiced. She looked to her human counterpart, hoping she'd be able to help, only to realize she was practically broken now.

The Smooze had been reduced to a puddle that bubbled, hardly aware at the moment. She told herself he could rebuild his form easily, given the right circumstances, but presently he appeared to be even more helpless than her.

*****

Sorting through the fruit bowl, Starlight offered an apple to her guest. She munched on one herself, seated next to the Princess on a rug decorated to resemble the cosmos on the floor. In the cozy little caravan most of the revelry outside was blocked out, but they could hear the faint sound of music, fireworks, and occasional deafening cheers from the mobs. “Hey, Flurry?”

Swallowing a mouthful of gnashed fruit, Flurry Heart smiled at her. “What's up?”

“It's about your father. Sunset Shimmer too, I suppose. Not to mention everypony in his army that sacrificed themselves to stop me.” She stared at her half-eaten meal which no longer seemed to delicious. “It's my fault for falling prey to my weakness.”

“I don't think so. It's all the Necronomicon's fault. Father never would've stopped fighting until Equestria was safe. Sunset was the closest thing I had to a mother, since I never really got to know Cadance.” She stared ahead, forlorn. “I know they'd be proud of me!” She placed a forehoof over her bosom, feeling and hearing the thump of the Crystal Heart, now embedded inside her. Sunset Shimmer had carried it for a time, a champion who'd saved Starlight before she'd been fully possessed by the tome.

“They should be proud of you. You're wonderful.” She drew her close with her forehooves and wings, hugging her. An eye trained on the gray-scale fruit. “Something weird is going on, though. And I've got to get to the bottom of it!”

“Count me in! This is my home, after all!” She wrapped the dead pear in her aura and floated it over. “Yuck!”

Starlight chuckled as her guest scrunched her nose. She was still so innocent, as her father had tried to protect her from the uglier sides of the world, and accidentally stifled her growth in the process. But in another sense she'd been forced to grow up too soon, surrounded by death and war almost from the moment she'd been thrust into this world.

By contrast Trixie had proven a good-bad mother to Beatrix, teaching her secrets of the trade, street smarts, and giving her a healthy dose of cynicism; but she'd also inherited some of her arrogance, selfishness, and thoughtlessness, albeit thankfully toned down. Not to mention her perverted side. Even so the half-sisters had instantly become close friends.

There would be time to reminisce more later. They decided to study the fruit, passing it between them, and subjecting it to a variety of simple spells that wouldn't damage it. All her instincts screamed it was like the Necronomicon, like it had come from the labyrinth of realms trapped within its infinite pages, an object that shouldn't be able to exist in Equestria.

“It's been drained of magic. Seems obvious,” noted Starlight.

“I think so, too! I've seen something similar when Beatrix and I were first mixing up potions. Like the chemicals we'd mixed up had somehow been drained of their nutrients or something! Sister dismissed it as unimportant, but-”

“Hopefully they'll be back soon. I'd like some more opinions, and there aren't too many great mages left in Equestria.” She sighed. “If only Sunset were still with us. Or Twilight. Beatrix and Trixie are probably the best we've got, aside from us.”

Flurry listened to the Crystal Heart's steady thump. “It feels like Sunset's always with me, watching over me.”

“Maybe she is. Maybe she's watching over all of us!” Starlight certainly wished to believe that. With the climax of Shining force's last campaign, they'd seen undeniable evidence of the afterlife, the ghosts of their comrades who'd been summoned down by Sunset to aid them in their hour of need. But she doubted she'd see such a miracle again, and hoped it wouldn't be necessary.

*****

There were so many potential targets. However Bellatrix wouldn't settle on any random pony. She needed to seek out and neutralize their enemies. But who to start with? She stroked her chin, considering the band. Or the advisors in the Crystal Palace. But her thoughts drifted to Canterlot Gardens, where some old 'friends' were likely still lazing about, isolated. Perfect!

Drawing a circle which cut into reality, she walked through the shimmery nexus, and reappeared in the overgrown ruins of Canterlot Gardens. The black-and-white portion of the sky lied still, and it had slowly spread, the owls about avoiding it. Crickets chirped as she approached the fountain, where Tree Hugger sat on the edge smoking a hookah. “Hey, what's up?”

“Just in the area,” said Bellatrix who grinned at the hippie who's eyes were bloodshot. “I like to go where I please.”

“That's cool. It's a nice night, you know? Like, I could be celebrating at the Crystal Empire...” She waved a forehoof lazily up at the stars and the moon. “But I'd rather chill here with a few close friends. Rarity and Pinkie are still helping Suri settle in.”

“That's understandable.” She studied a few stray animals collected around Hugs. She'd deciding to target this bunch partially because they were isolated, not to mention they'd helped foil her master, but all these critters this mare had inherited from Fluttershy could be a problem. Would they alert somepony? They made her skin crawl, watching her as if the creatures sensed she was somehow off from the Beatrix they knew. “Want to take a stroll with me, maybe smoke a blunt?”

“Groovy. You stay here, okay?” She patted a wolf near her. It padded over to Bellatrix, sniffing the air, and suddenly bared its fangs, snapping and drooling as its fur stood on end, preparing to lunge at her throat. “Hey, what's gotten into you? Cool it!”

Reflexively taking a step back, Bellatrix had a mere moment to debate whether to weave a simple spell to stun it, before Tree Hugger suddenly pounced between them. She gazed at the beast with her face twisted in a rare stern expression, doing her best to apply the Stare as Flutters had taught her. “Heel!” Despite not being nearly as skilled after years of practice, he settled onto his haunches, his growls fading. After an extensive staredown he turned and strutted away, still watching the imposter.

Dreadlocks were tossed about as Hugs shook her head. “I swear, I'm not sure what's gotten into him? Don't be jealous, little guy. Momma'll be back soon.” She picked up a heavy satchel and strolled alongside Bellatrix onto a path which led into the wilderness. “I have to admit, though, maybe it's just because I'm baked, but your vibes seem a little off tonight?” She sniffed the air. “Uh, not to get too personal, but are you on your period? Maybe that's what's got him riled up.”

“Yeah, that's it.” Bellatrix giggled, thickets rustling as they wandered deeper into the untamed wilds. “It's weird, being trapped somewhere between a woman and a mare. Sometimes, I don't even know who I am!”

“Sounds totally bogus. I could help, if you like?” She reached a hoof to take her hand but Primadonna snatched it away. “Oh, sorry. Didn't mean to pry, you know? It's just in my nature to help out a friend whenever I can. Good for one's karma, too.”

“Mm-hm.” Bellatrix found her more tedious by the moment. Next she'd probably start casually preaching about health benefits, protecting the environment, and other pointless nonsense. She made certain they walked some distance, luring her far from any outside interference, but unfortunately there were still random animals scattered about everywhere.

Reaching a clearing, she summoned a spark on her fingertip, lighting up a blunt and taking a drag. Her lungs burned a little and she breathed out smoke. “Not bad,” admitted Bellatrix. The pair sat in the lotus position across from each other, smoking. “Want to share?” The hippie nodded slowly, spacing out and humming as she gently rocked on her plush bottom.

Wiggling her fingers when Hugs was distracted, Bellatrix worked a subtle spell, making the drugs more potent. It was innocent enough on the surface, even if she were caught. “Righteous,” mumbled an already sleepy Hugs who took another drag. She woozily toppled onto her back, straining to keep her half-lidded eyes open, staring above. “I can, like, see the universe.”

With a click Bellatrix made her leotard disappear. She crawled atop her high 'friend' and grinned. “You, like, gonna seduce me?” She squirmed below her in anticipation, so fried at the moment she'd be up for almost anything.

“Something like that.” Primadonna turned and lowered her plump rump down onto Tree's face. Hugs stared up at her wet slit and puckered asshole, the soft buttcheeks spreading over her snout when she sat down, enveloping her.

“Mmph,” moaned Tree who tasted droplets of her sweetness drip into her mouth and stain her fur. “Umph?!” Her vaginal canal was suddenly spreading around her head, swallowing it and sucking her in. Shew wiggled and tried to slip free, smacked the side of Bellatrix's hip, who simply laughed and gradually dragged her contorting body into her bloating womb as she worked her spell. Within moments she was rolled up into a ball, slathered in cunt juice while trapped in her uterus.

Transporting her latest acquisition to the vampire planet, the witch set off back to Canterlot Gardens...

*****

Rarity cooed, laying flat on her barrel across a spread blanket out in the open. The oil rubbed into her pristine coat glistened under the faint glow of moonlight, a series of hooves patting her curves down and massaging them. She was reminded of when Coco and Sassy had done the same for her, and that blissful smile curled into a frown. She drew out a sigh.

Something wrong?” Pinkie Pie paused and tilted her head to one side.

“No darling, simply reminiscing.” Thanks to Sombra's machinations she'd been able to see Coco Pommel, Sassy Saddles, and Spike one last time; or at least a form of them, constructs he'd created in the Necronomicon to manipulate the adventurers. But they and the false Shining Armor had achieved awareness thanks to their interference, and sacrificed themselves to save them.

At least they'd been able to save Suri Polomare from her imprisonment inside the book and been able to offer her a second chance. “Don't fret now, m'kay?” Suri continued to playfully roll Rarity's shapely buttocks in circles.

Rarity arced her back in appreciation, swishing her tail and twitching her ear. “A little lower.”

“You naughty minx!” Pinkie giggled and snorted. She slid a forehoof over her friend-turned-lover's pastel pink slit.

“How do you like it here, Suri?” Rarity looked sideways at her.

“It's nice. I mean, it's not like I could go anywhere else, not after what I did.” A faraway look was in Suri's eyes while she kneaded her buttocks. She was shaking a little, remembering the breeding camp she'd run, the screams of her fellow mares. Out of sheer terror she'd sold out to protect herself, then deluded herself with justifications once she ended up stuck in her position.

Pinkie felt a similar sense of shame. When she'd lost her mind and been dubbed 'Pinkamena', she'd been a crazy force to be reckoned with, torturing and slaughtering the cult and its allies with hysterical glee. She'd impaled Suri with a blade shoved from cunt-to-throat, ending her to save Rarity. She'd never expected that Suri, like so many other lost souls including monsters, would have her soul swallowed up by the Necronomicon in attempt to further empower itself through the malevolence within.

We've all messed up. But so long as we're still alive, we can fix it!” Bouncing on her bottom, she beamed wide, always trying to see the bright side of everything even after all she'd lost. “Say, think we should meet back up with Tree Hugger?”

“No need.” A crunch sounded when Bellatrix approached, twigs snapping under a heel. “She decided to turn in early. Well, to be more accurate I think she smoked a bit too much!” She raised a hand to her mouth and laughed rather boisterously.

“Typical.” Rarity made a small smile. “So nice of you to join us, dear. Is Trixie here, too?”

“Afraid not. Mom's spending some time with Glim-Glam.” She winked. “Speaking of which, would any of you like to take a stroll with me? Pinkie?” She singled the party pony out, convinced she was by far the most dangerous. Rarity wasn't too much of a fighter, Suri even less so, and with each mare claimed by her womb she felt stronger than ever.

“Sure!” Pinkie hopped up. “Why don't we all go? It'll be so much fun!”

That would certainly put her plans at risk. “Actually, I was thinking-” She yelped and jumped when something suddenly bit her on the butt. Yanking away from the growling wolf which snapped at her, she was suddenly beset by a swarm of birds which sprang from the treetops, crying out while they dove at her, pecking, clawing, and angrily dropping white dung all over her.

“Help,” she screamed trying to stay in-character as she flailed her arms, tossing down a smoke bomb from her cape and teleporting a short distance away. Covered in scratches and teary-eyed, she stumbled into a tree, knocking so hard into the trunk she jostled a beehive. The swarm angrily buzzed to life, forming a cloud as they started to sting her all over.

“Stop this at once,” called Rarity who gently enveloped the insects in her aura and pulled them away in small clumps.

Suri's eyes went wide. “What the-” She saw flashes of something else in Bellatrix's place, a nude humanoid figure, with crimson naked curves, small horns, and a spaded tail, leather wings clinging to her slender back. “A succubus?!”

“Damn!” Bellatrix's glamour fell away as she was forced to take her original shape as they saw through her guise. Silken ebony hair trailed behind her, eyes slit-like and golden, her fangs bared when she curled her pouty lips and extended claw-like nails.

The time for subterfuge was over, at least for now. (Capture them,) commanded Sombra. (Slay them if you must.) With a demonic grin the abomination attached to her uterus stirred, and she posed with thighs parted, writhing tentacles exploding forth from her gaped lady swamp. Pinkie weaved away from the coil, and Rarity barely raised an invisible barrier in time which deflected the rubbery appendage, but the unfortunate Suri was snapped up with ease.

A curved white sword etched in runes was suddenly in Pinkie's forehooves, an enchanted weapon crafted by Rarity, and she spun about, flying through the air like a whirling dervish as she chopped up the limbs. Bellatrix shrieked as they were cut, the stumps thrashing and squirting clear fluids which reeked. The severed pieces likewise thrashed about in the grass.

With a trembling hoof Suri grabbed the sheathed knife the fashionista had given her, which she kept hidden in her mane at all times, still paranoid when it came to this deadly new world. When she neared the succubus she stabbed the alabaster knife into her midsection. Primadonna bellowed and gushed blood mixed with amniotic fluids all over her captive, the blade white-hot as the runes etched into its surface radiated with the holy power Rarity had enchanted into it. “Damned cunt!”

Her blood boiled to the point where Bellatrix almost slaughtered her outright. But no, she needed to suffer horribly! She triple-penetrated the bitch, violently spreading her orifices. “Suri,” cried Rarity who was sweating and straining, her horn aglow as she pulled up a small dome-shaped barrier around her to fend off more would-be invaders.

“I'm coming!” Continuing to swirl about, Pinkie's shining saber chopped up more tendrils, yet like a hydra more erupted from the devil's folds. They leaked obscenely down Bellatrix's thighs, as she drew in Suri, swallowing her up with a lewd squelch.

“I'm...weakening,” admitted Rarity who'd never developed her offensive or defensive magic much, instead concentrating on spells that would support her loved ones. She hated fighting almost as much as Tree Hugger, wishing to put it all behind her.

Pinkie snarled and redoubled her efforts, almost grabbed by a stray appendage. No!” She watched the shield burst like glass.

“R-run. Warn...others...” Rarity's forehooves dug into the dirt, pulling up clumps as she was dragged back.

For a moment Pinkie was indecisive, brimming with tears. “I'll get help!” She reluctantly turned and fled.

(Kill her by any means,) demanded Sombra as Rarity was eaten by the vagina dentata. Bellatrix had already transported Suri away, and a fist flared with crackling black energy as she called upon the dark arts, hurling a smoking, screaming sphere twisted with grotesque faces at the fleeing mare. A deafening boom sounded, leaving a burning, ashen crater.

She cursed seeing the pink blip vanish into the night. Quickly working the mojo to banish Rarity as well back to the vampiric planet, she unfurled her wings and rose skywards, taking rapid flight and scanning the thick forests below for her prey.

She desperately searched for well over an hour. She considered teleporting ahead to cut her off, thinking she could murder her on the path, but she could be anywhere by now. No, better to simply head back to the Crystal Empire, finish what business she could while there was still time. Her master didn't take failure well, but if she succeeded maybe she'd win back his favor...

*****

A whimper escaped human Beatrix when she deposited the latest acquisitions. Her insides churned, fluids pooling from her canal, as she first birthed out Suri who was quickly swallowed up like so much garbage and left to be violated alongside Trixie and the also buried Tree Hugger. The process repeated with Rarity, Sombra watching with smoky eyes as his latest revenge scheme played out. Already, he'd captured nearly half of Shining Armor's surviving companions.

It hardly satisfied. With his servant's efforts he'd become far more potent, and he decided to test the most extreme spell he'd uncovered inside the Necronomicon so far, convinced with time and effort he'd master its secrets where even Starlight failed.

The jagged vermillion horn on his dome flared. He constructed a claw-like hand, so titanic it was like a sizable hill, obsidian with gnarled crimson claws. It raised skyward before the awed human and unicorn forms of Beatrix, ripping open a hole in reality above, where a stream of pure white light spewed forth. It reached into Heaven itself and plucked out its prizes.

The twin maids struggled between its digits, the entryway closing behind them. Their shapely physiques were a myriad of shifting hues, gemstone-like, their manes in bobcuts. Dressed in their prim uniforms complete with head dresses, their cutie marks were visible whenever their skirts swished about, a pair of female symbols linked together in opposite places upon each sister. The crystal ponies had polygonal eyes, earth mares differentiated by the plumper hips and rump of one, the larger breasts of the other. A curse escaped Sombra as his creation fizzled out as he weakened, dropping the duo on the surface.

(Damnation.) He cursed, the spell robbing much of the vigor he'd newly acquired, mostly due to slicing a hole between realities into the afterlife. (I hoped to obtain Shining Armor and Cadance directly, or at least somepony closer to them, but all I managed was this trash. Mere servants in the employ of the Princess of Love.) He snorted and exposed his razor-like teeth.

“Foal-Bearer?” Belladonna recognized the second leader of the nemesis cult, alias Mother, who'd lost her grip on sanity after her twin's loss and her own death, only to return as a revenant and scheme her way to the top. She'd released the Smooze from the ocean, finally dying at Fleur de Lis' spear, yet had found redemption upon death as she accepted the weight of her sins.

“And you must be Wet Nurse.” They'd never met, but the prismatic maid had befriended Starlight Glimmer after breaking free of the first cult leader's conditioning, and had died aiding Shining's force, remembered by a few as a heroine.

“What happened?” Wet Nurse's eyes darted about. “We were at peace, then-”

“It's him.” Foal-Bearer reflexively stepped back, a primal fear instilled in the crystal ponies who'd endured his reign. And while they were little more than foals at the time, having been taken from an orphanage when the Crystal Empire was reclaimed, that existential sense of dread impacted them while they were in his presence even now. “King Sombra.”

“I-impossible! He's dead! Many times over!” Wet Nurse hugged her sister for support.

Foal-Bearer shook her head and returned her embrace, sharing her warmth. “Death is hardly an obstacle for the profane.”

“Wha-what should we do?” Wet Nurse struggled not to loose her bladder, the siblings marked by their unique talent, able to share one-another's pleasure and pain. A talent they'd discovered as foals, making their parents condemn them as profane, and abandoning them. It was simply the kindness of Cadance which rescued them from a no doubt harsh life.

Foal-Bearer stared into the pit where those captured were entombed. “I'm not sure we can do anything.”

A menagerie of monstrosities were fused below, wrapping around the trapped Trixie, Tree Hugger, Suri, and Rarity, ravaging them with their alien physiology. Pincers tugged upon nipples and clits, antennas brushed over mounds and buttocks, suckers pumped around them. Not to mention a variety of penises infiltrating them, some knotted, spiny, bloated, fuzzy, or worm-like. Exploited by the abominations in Sombra's latest dark ritual, they further invigorated him.

“It's all my fault,” whispered human Beatrix who stared at her reflection in a semen puddle and sobbed into it. “If only I hadn't ventured into the Necronomicon, none of this would've happened. I just wanted to be special...”

“Get a hold of yourself,” called unicorn Beatrix. “We can't give up, not now! This realm is still malleable!” She shouted loud as she could, the words echoing down the hole. “Right now Sombra's will is stronger, but maybe if we all-” But his eyes flared across her face, hypnotic in nature, twisting her heart and making it churn with doubts and guilt and shame.

Maybe I was just born bad. Maybe I shouldn't exist. I'm a shame to my parents. I should end it all.

Such dark thoughts looped in both Beatrix's minds, self-perpetuating, no matter how valiantly she struggled to resist them. She looked upon the steaming, bubbling puddle of the Smooze, who could no longer respond to her. Right now her own safety seemed unimportant. She needed to find some way to annihilate the Necronomicon, even if it meant terminating herself too.

IV. Prima Materia

A dizziness threatened to overwhelm Flurry Heart, who was sailing high above the Crystal Empire alongside Starlight Glimmer, fireworks screaming in colorful explosions below them. She beat her wings as needed, dipping several times, her head feeling like it was about to split. It was like somepony was trying to telepathically communicate with her.

“You okay?” Glimmer looked upon her with concern, ready to catch her should she fall.

“Think so, but I'll need to land.” They touched down on the highest building they could find close by. Her maw fell open and her eyes suddenly went completely white. A series of images rapidly flashed through her mind. Fragments that were hard to parse, no matter how hard she concentrated. She couldn't see or hear her pal shaking and calling to her.

She saw the Horses of the Apocalypse; Death, War, Pestilence, Famine, and the final addition Conquest. But they were all dead! However their hosts had taken new forms, ones she couldn't quite make out, as they rained destruction across Equestria.

It was like the fall of the Crystal Empire all over again, when Spike had been captured by the nemesis cult and converted into a three-headed monstrosity, heading a group of treacherous dragons as he nuked her mother and their citizens...

Another flash and she the chamber beneath the Crystal Palace where the Necronomicon was housed. Somepony was headed towards it. Her half-sister Beatrix Belladonna? But there was a malevolent smirk on her face, a dark glint in her eyes.

The witch started to undo the magical barriers that entombed the tome. Had she somehow been enchanted by the Necronomicon's seductive pull, despite the Smooze's ability to neutralize its pull? “Sister, don't do it!”

Suddenly Flurry was in a study, where candle wax melted under a small flame. A much younger Sombra was turning the pages of a book he'd pulled from a large stack. He was seated at a desk, hunched over in his chair, shadows cast over his strained face. “No. It's not enough.” He glanced at his notes, written in ink from a quill he'd dipped into a small bottle. His scarlet cape trimmed in white was tossed over the back of his seat, his crown laid upon the tabletop.

Flurry sucked in a breath, but he didn't seem to notice her. He was youthful as her, perhaps even more-so. For a moment she debated between fleeing out the door, but curiosity made her pause, the burning candle reflecting light off her.

“These spells take too much time. To support my Empire I'll need something better. Celestia and Luna are mistaken. There's no such thing as 'evil' magic. It simply depends on how one chooses to use it.” He dusted off a forbidden tome written in foreign runes. “I doubt the Necronomicon is even real, so I suppose these will have to do. In some places a pony would be imprisoned or even executed simply for reading, let-alone owning them. But I suppose we still live in barbaric times.”

He fitted his crown, and tossed on his cape, which swished behind him when he turned and headed out with his head held high. While he might have looked arrogant, she knew a ruler needed to look dignified at all times. Diamond Tiara and Blueblood were always reminding her that she needed to act more like a Queen, rather than so carefree all the time!

She joined him when he made his way out, smiling at the butlers, maids, and guards he passed, the Crystal Ponies bowing and waving at their beloved leader. She walked alongside him unnoticed by anypony, hooves clopping on the reflective crystalline surfaces that made up the gleaming corridors where torches were set upon sconces.

Eventually the pair arrived upon a balcony where her parents would later stand. Or once stood. Time-travel was so confusing! Well, she reminded herself this was more of a bizarre dream, shaking her head. They looked upon a more primitive Crystal Empire, her awe matching his pride, snowflakes drifting while he overlooked his hard-working citizens.

“I will make the Crystal Empire greater than any country in Equestria. No matter what it takes. No pony will go hungry. None without shelter or health. And the dark arts will make it all possible...” He smiled at the tome tucked under one foreleg.

“Don't do it,” she whispered with a cold tear running down her cheek. But he couldn't hear her. And even if she could somehow change the past, would it be for the best? Would those she loved like Beatrix be born then? Would she herself...?

It was a reminder he'd once been young and innocent, too. Would she someday become a tyrant due to some misguided...? No! She'd make Shining Armor and Cadance proud, she knew she would!

When Flurry snapped back to reality she was sobbing and screaming. “Whoa,” called Glimmer who held her in her forehooves and wings. “It's okay!” She stroked her mane, slowly claiming her. “What happened?”

“Just all these strange visions! What could it all mean? A warning?” She relayed what she'd seen the best she could, and Starlight nodded attentively, taking it all in. “Do you think Sombra's behind all this?”

“That seems reasonable, given what you saw. Not sure where those visions came from, but we'll worry about that later. We'd better hurry to your home, make certain the Necronomicon's safe. You able to fly?” Flurry nodded, and they kicked off the roof, hurrying back to the Crystal Palace. If Beatrix had gone rogue for whatever reason, they needed to stop her!

*****

Bellatrix Primadonna landed on the balcony. Her glamour would still be effective on those who didn't know the truth, and so she used a simple spell to disable the enchantment that locked the doors at night, letting herself into the Queen's room. She walked on air, fearing her heels would echo in the quiet palace, most of the staff dismissed to enjoy the celebrations.

However a skeleton crew had no doubt volunteered to look after things. Removing a diary hidden under the bed, and easily cracking the seal with a crude spell, she rifled through it. “Tsk, tsk. She's practically still a foal!” There were poorly drawn pictures of Flurry's parents in the margins, along with all kinds of sappy memories of her days. Tossing the book over her shoulder into a waste basket with a thunk, she unlocked the door and headed out into the gloomy halls.

But the succubus easily adjusted her eyes to the darkness, feeling at home within it. She had to admit hanging around Equestria, indulging in its idle pleasures was pretty fun, almost soothing. Nonetheless, she'd never achieve fulfillment until she was one with her master, and she placed a hand over her heart, scheming up all the ways she could win his favor.

Slinking through a maze of corridors, she came upon a lit room, and peered inside. Diamond Tiara and Princess Blueblood were seated across from each other, drinking bubbling wines from fancy cups. “Don't overdo it now,” teased Tiara.

Blueblood hiccuped, her snout masked in pink and her eyes heavy. “J-just leave me be!”

“Don't worry!” Diamond winked. “I'll make the next sweep of the place! Not that anypony would be stupid enough to attack the Crystal Empire now...right?” Her face fell a bit, staring into her drink. “A shame Silver Spoon and Babs Seed can't celebrate with us...” She looked back at her Cutie Mark Crusaders cape tossed over her chair, a reminder she was the last standing.

“Tut, tut.” Blueblood raised her nose. “It's thanks to sacrifices of ponies like them that...that...” She swayed dizzily, trying to focus while she swayed in her seat. “Eh?” She spotted a shadow and Bellatrix stepped back.

Diamond patted her forehoof. “Stay here, I'll check it out!” She swept her cape into place, her head framed by a silver tiara which glittered under the candlelight. She lit her horn and ignited a lamp, carrying it by her maw while she headed out.

Retreating to the shadows, Bellatrix was little more than a crawling silhouette while she shadowed her. Soft clops sounded while Tiara surveyed the uppermost levels. Wherever the light pierced the bleakness, she saw her visage reflected in the crystalline columns, and took a moment to fluff her mane as she admired herself. She hummed, bouncing a lock in a forehoof.

“Look out!” Pinkie sprang from seemingly nowhere, brandishing a saber that flashed white.

Before the strike connected Diamond Tiara was swept up, the lantern rolling from her grasp. Gasping as the bladetip stopped short of her heart, a clawed hand tightened around her throat, lifting her up. “Naughty, naughty!”

“Beatrix?! What in Tartarus is-” But when she looked back at the anthro unicorn she was all wrong. Primadonna's glamour started to wear off in Pie's presence, somewhere between her disguise and her true demonic self, shifting and blending together.

“It's an imposter!” Pinkie readied herself for another strike, stopping when clawtips sliced into Tiara's throat, drawing red.

“Nuh-uh-uh! You don't want her to end up like dear Silver Spoon did, do you?” She cackled, drawing a mock line across Tiara's neck. “Take me to the Necronomicon. Unless you want this little rich bitch to see if she can buy her way into Heaven!”

“Tch!” Pinkie snarled, circling near the succubus while she backed up, hostage in tow. At moments like these she almost wished she was still Pinkamena, who'd no doubt rip this demon a new asshole and save Diamond Tiara in the process.

Silent tears dribbled down Diamond's cheeks. “D-do what you have to! We can't let anypony have that book, no matter what!”

Bellatrix laughed heartily. “How noble! But it doesn't become a selfish brat like you! Now...” With her free hand, she traced between her captive's inner thighs, running over her vulva and pinching her clit. “Oh my, what's this?” Slickness started to lubricate Tiara's legs when she wormed a few digits into her sex. “Don't tell me you're enjoying this?”

“Just a physical reaction,” blanched Diamond who tensed while her canal was explored. “Haven't gotten laid in sometime, I'll admit! Hey,” she cried as the moist tentacles that slithered out of Bellatrix's twat started to encircle her.

Hooves sounded when Blueblood dashed their way, drunkenly stumbling about. “I came as soon as...oh my!” She almost skidded out when she slid to a stop, screeches sounding as her slide scuffed up the crystal floors. The imposter had taken a demonic aspect to her that belied the witch, horns, claws, and fangs visible, her eyes a deep crimson.

Schlicks sounded as fingers worked over a wiggling Tiara, her limbs splayed open as tendrils drew them apart. She panted with open shame that burned her face, forming a puddle beneath her as a spaded tail suddenly poked at her anus. “Eek,” she cried once it spread her bowls, fishing inside her. Pinkie continued to seek an opening, twirling the sword in her forehoof.

“What about you?” Bellatrix studied the newcomer. “Will you lead me to the Necronomicon, or let her perish?”

“Don't do it,” warned Tiara who glared with all the fury she could muster in her hapless state.

Primadonna twisted her clit so hard she shrieked. “Better hurry, or I'll rip this off and feed it to her!”

Overwhelmed by indecision, Blueblood hesitated still, trying to block out Tiara's cries while her captor continued to violate her. “F-fine! It's buried in the secret chambers Sombra used to keep under the Crystal Palace! It's not like you can just waltz through all those barriers anyhow, right?!” She breathed a sigh of relief, hoping the monster would simply head on.

Instead Bellatrix laughed, and dragged Tiara into her spread thighs, the tentacles helping suck her in. Coiled into a ball, the unicorn vanished into her warm uterus, where the second half of her spell was activated, sending her acquisition away. Pinkie was already busy slashing apart a sea of coils, splashing the air with liquids, while the succubus hovered backwards in retreat.

“Blast it,” yelled Pinkie when the freshly invigorated devil used a newfound spell to slip through the floor with ease. “We'll never beat her there now! And if she does manage to get a hold of the Necronomicon, Equestria's pretty much doomed!”

“I-I'm sorry, but I couldn't-”

Pinkie wiped her tears. “Aw, it's okay! We'll think of something.” She sheathed the sword in her curls, and the blade vanished to seemingly nowhere until needed again. “Let's find the others, and get Shining's force back together!”

“Wait for me!” Blueblood whined while she strained to keep pace with the bouncy mare.

In the meantime Bellatrix continued her descent through the floors. Would she be strong enough to undo the complicated barriers set up around the tome? Could she find a way to bypass it like the mare she impersonated did? It seemed so obvious. Why hadn't her master told her before? Surely he must have considered the possibility?

(What are you doing?) His voice rang in her head. (I haven't authorized this.)

“Taking initiative!” She sailed down into the pit, where a spiral staircase hewn from cool stone awaited, the hidden torture chambers he'd once constructed now converted into a treasury. “No worries, I'll bring it right to you!”

(Don't be a fool. You don't have the Smooze to protect you from the grimoire, unlike Beatrix!)

“You worry too much, master! I'd never betray you!” She impulsively continued her quest to seek out the tome, convinced it was all of her own free will, already seduced by the faint pull of the book when she neared the chambers it was imprisoned in.

She'd enjoyed most of her time in Equestria. It offered her a sense of independence she shouldn't crave, one which he'd tried to completely crush in the once aimless demon, and some part of her almost thought it would be fun to befriend her enemies for a while. To toy with them some more even while she relished their company. But she reminded herself she had a mission to complete! She landed at the bottom, touching down with a soft patter which echoed around her.

“Now,” yelled a mare. A horn's light pierced the darkness, casting Starlight Glimmer in shadows. The succubus attempted a hasty retreat, only to realize Flurry Heart had teleported behind her, helping work a combined spell. She tried to slip into an astral state with her newfound ability, only to crash into an invisible barrier the pair were weaving.

Growling in frustration, she beat her fists upon the surface which momentarily appeared with each strike, a magic dome which shimmered with their colors. “Damn you!” By now her disguise had fallen away almost completely, and her hands flared with pools of blackness, resembling the same dark arts Sombra called upon. She projected screeching beams of energy, which struck the bubble, bounced off it, and careened back at such rapid speeds she barely evaded the deflection in time.

Again-and-again the laser-like spell pinged about, growing smaller each time as she continued to desperately dance about. She screamed when it finally struck home, lacerating her breast which cooked and sizzled. She collapsed to her knees, huffing and snarling and crying, yellow eyes venomously darting about at those who surrounded her.

“Not used to pain, huh?” Starlight stared her down. “Or being helpless, either!”

Their horns resonated with a mild buzz in unison while Flurry edged closer. “What did you do with Beatrix?!”

“I imagine she's being raped to death by Sombra about now!” She laughed, and the Queen's eyes watered, her snout twisting with a rage unlike any Starlight could ever recall her displaying. “Probably a bunch of your other friends, too! Trixie, Tree-”

Flurry slammed down a hoof. “They'd all better still be alive!”

A snicker escaped her at the Queen's impotent rage. “Or what, little one?”

“Or I'll...I'll...” A surge of magic flooded through Flurry, taking control of Starlight's contribution, as she started to compress the transparent sphere. Within moments the succubus was being compressed into a shrinking space, eyes widening when she was driven into a fetal position. She started wailing like a banshee, the crack of a few bones sounding as she was crushed.

“Flurry, stop!” But if Starlight's words penetrated she chose to ignore them. She tried to take control of the spell, but the alicorn surpassed even her in raw power, lacking in only her skill from experience. “Your parents wouldn't want this!”

Flurry paused. The bubble started to expand outward again, the prisoner lying in a crumpled heap, while the Queen bawled. Covering her face with both forehooves, she nonetheless continued to enact the spell so their quarry couldn't escape.

“It's okay.” Starlight wanted to fly over and hug the Queen, but instead kept a careful eye on the demon, all too aware what could happen were the Necronomicon loosed on Equestria. “You're going to take us to Sombra, whoever you are!”

“Bellatrix Primadonna,” she announced with a mock bow.

Starlight quirked her brow. “What kind of name is that? Some sort of mockery of Beatrix Belladonna's name?” She shook her head. “Never mind that. Where exactly are our friends?”

“Mmm, you know that parallel world with humans? The one devoured by the Smooze? A leak in the Necronomicon has allowed my master to take the congealed remains of the Smooze he left behind and give the lairs contained within the Necronomicon he controls substance. But in order to do so, the planet has become like a vampire, sucking the essence from Equestria!”

“So it feeds on magic.” Starlight stroked her chin, intrigued. “Can you take us there?”

“Not while I'm trapped in this field,” admitted Bellatrix who found that her magic was unable to leave the enclosed area. “And besides, why should I? I'd never betray my master. Without him, I'd just be another wandering, almost mindless beast!” Once it would have been enough to invade dreams and feed on the sexual energies of the ignorant. But now she hungered for more!

“And that's what you'll be again once he's done with you. If you're lucky.” Starlight pursed her lips.

“My master would never do that!” Yet doubts swelled in her heart. She'd disobeyed him, and worse, failed him in the process. What if he was so powerful now she was no longer necessary? She called to him in her head, but if he was listening he refused to answer. Defeated, she rested on her hands and knees, barely listening while Glimmer interrogated her further.

*****

For what felt like hours the unicorn Beatrix Belladonna had watched the bubbling remnants of the Smooze melt away into the fleshy earth itself. He can't die...can he? She tried not to concentrate on the worst possible scenario. He'd find a way to constitute himself and get them out of this mess...somehow. And it was when she felt a familiar warmth slide into her marehood.

It was merely a tiny portion that filled her womb. (I am...still quite weak. Especially since I divided myself many times over.)

She worried that Sombra would listen in, but he was busy being tended to by the crystal pony twins, his mass fused with that throne of skin and bone, while the sisters kissed, licked, and suckled upon his dripping stallionhood. They had removed their panties like he'd ordered, docks raising their tails and hiking up skirts which left their hindquarters exposed like they were presenting themselves, bent low before the sorcerer-king who roughly squeezed their manes and guided their bobbing heads.

Sometimes he'd choke them upon his cock until their ceramic-like coats discolored. Able to share one-another's pleasures and pains, they'd both pass out at the same time, only for him to repeatedly dickslap them back awake. His seed smeared across their faces and between their sleepy eyes, the brutal recipients of a denied vengeance. He'd desperately wanted to pull Shining Armor and Cadance themselves down from Heaven, and had to settle for what could have been any random citizens in his old Empire.

(You have the right idea. Our combined will may be able to overwhelm Sombra's, at least temporarily. But in order to do so I must be rather invasive and fill them. I cannot risk going into their stomachs; I may take on the composition of their stomach acid and burn a hole right through them. I only hope they can forgive me, given the circumstances.)

Do it. If they're mad at you after we're out of here, well...I'll tell them it was my idea!

Small slivers of the blob slipped between cracks in the surface, careful not to alert Sombra, slinking towards those entombed in the bleak pit below. Another pair wormed towards Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse, while a chunk had already wormed into Beatrix's human counterpart. Soon he filled all their uteri, allowing them to telepathically commune.

But would they still be lucid enough to understand? She prayed their psyches hadn't been shattered by what they'd endured.

A warmth filled the cores of Trixie, Tree Hugger, Rarity, Suri, and the twins, their minds temporarily united with both Belladonnas by the Smooze. (Focus! Resist Sombra's will! Show him that together no individual may stand for long!)

For a moment doubt crept into unicorn Beatrix's thoughts. But one-after-another, she felt the pull of once disparate wills flowing into a soon harmonious whole. The twins worked Sombra faster, distracting him while they sucked and pulled on his veiny meat, and he unloaded onto their faces and into their mouths, for a split-second losing almost all control.

Knowing a better opportunity would never arise, the crystal ponies acted as one, sinking cum-stained teeth into his cockflesh. He screamed when they ripped apart skin, spattering their faces in flecks of blood. The eldritch abominations imprisoning those below squirmed, and both versions of Beatrix leapt into action, horns flaring as they worked an array of magical beams that fried the monstrosities and forced them apart. Flesh charred and smoked, the witchcraft in their current state more painful than actually deadly, but it had the intended effect of forcing the creatures apart and allowing them to free the captives.

Sombra writhed and roared. Overcome with fury, he failed to notice Beatrix drawing a circle in the air which allowed her to create a bridge back to Equestria, his smoldering eyes locked upon the crystal ponies who once again stood defiant before him. They trembled but held forehooves and refused to back down, despite knowing they were helpless before his onslaught.

“I-I love you, sister.” Wet Nurse sniffled and shook.

Foal-Bearer stroked her mane with a sad smile. “Me, too.” After all, they were practically psychically linked since they'd discovered their cutie marks. Maybe she deserved this, after all her sins. But why did her sibling have to suffer too?

He summoned another clawed fist like the one that had pierced the heavens, this one smaller but no less deadly, as it bared down on them. They embraced one-another closer, seeing the human Beatrix from the corner of their eyes, the witch struck by indecision about whether to stage an attempted rescued. But they mouthed no as one, willing her to ferry her friends away, to not let their sacrifice be in vain. They'd done everything together; it was fitting they died together.

Gnarled claws stabbed up into the twins from their canals, impaling them as the nails exited their maws. Blood leaked from their lips, their eyes turning glassy as the life dulled from them, and he siphoned out the essence of their souls to sate himself. Their bodies went slack. Too late he realized his error.

(No!) Seeing that nearly all of them had slipped through the slice between worlds, he launched the fist at them. Trixie and both Belladonnas were the last ones there, herding the others out while maintaining the nexus. A giant finger stabbed forward. Human Beatrix pushed her comrades in, twisting as a nail skewered her old wound and punctured out the other side in a fresh spray of blood. She pirouetted almost gracefully, tumbling after them, the portal closing behind her once she fell in.

*****

Fireworks erupted mixed with the sounds of cheers. But when unicorn Beatrix emerged her heart ached, sitting next to her crying mother as the pair caught her fallen humanized half. Gathered around them were those they'd managed to save; Tree Hugger, who removed her bandana and squeezed it in her forehooves with her snout bowed. Similarly, Diamond Tiara held her crown, her scarlet cape tattered, while Rarity tightened her grip on the Fire Ruby hung upon her necklace.

Suri Polomare sucked on her lower lip. “Anything we can do?”

“Don't think so,” admitted unicorn Beatrix whose warm tears continued to splatter her double's face while she and her mother held her. The Smooze had slithered over her wounds to stop the bleeding, but could do little for her internal injuries.

(If only I could alter my composition to replicate Sunburst's healing elixir.) Yet the formula made from rare and almost extinct ingredients proved too complicated for him to duplicate despite numerous tries. He tried fusing back with her, hoping to speed her body's natural healing processes to overdrive, but discovered he remained far too weak to enact his gamble.

“It's okay,” murmured unicorn Beatrix. “I know you tried your best.”

Silence descended over the group for a moment, broken by occasional jeers and more colored explosions.

Human Beatrix strained to keep her half-lidded eyes open. “The twins...?” Her double shook her head. “Damn. Guess their souls were probably destroyed...” She tried to imagine what oblivion was like, wondered if she'd soon join them. She was a product of the Necronomicon after all, wasn't she? Would she end up in Tartarus? Or simply cease to exist? “Tee-hee...”

Trixie shook her delirious daughter a couple of times. “Hang on! Trixie'll make it all better!” But even as she spoke the body slackened in her arms, a soft sigh escaping this half of Belladonna while she breathed her last. She bawled her eyes out, soon finding her arms holding air, as the corpse was enveloped by a flash of light and transformed into a small piece of jewelry.

It landed with a clink on the streets. “What's this?” Beatrix scooped up the eye-like gemstone set in metal. It resonated with her, and she seemed to understand it on some primal level, a part of her now missing. “It's a key to the Necronomicon.”

“What good'll that do?!” Trixie sniffled and wiped her snout. “It won't bring her back!”

“Maybe it can help us set this right, at least.” Beatrix pressed the stone to her breast. She summoned up her hat and cape, replacing the jewel which locked the cloak with her newfound treasure. Immediately it resonated with its holder, and her attire warped, shifting haphazard eyes and mouths with razor teeth appearing on the cone of her hat, likewise on her cloak.

For a moment she pondered if this were an aspect of her true form, if her journeys into the Necronomicon had been ones of self-discovery, a subconscious desire to know her true nature? So what if she was really an eldritch abomination who'd been lucky enough to be 'blessed' with an attractive form? She could still do good, couldn't she?

“My baby,” continuously wailed Trixie, who felt like a part of her died with her daughter's loss.

Wiping her eyes, Beatrix rose and stared ahead at the snow-dotted Crystal Empire, cast in bright colors with each new eruption. It had been surreal watching herself die. Had she lost half of her soul in the process? No, that was ridiculous. It did feel like she'd lost a sister, at least. But she'd have to mourn later. “Time to reunite Shining's force!”

*****

Sombra stewed over his latest setback. True, he'd taken quite a bit of energy from the defilement of his captives, but they'd escaped him, and Bellatrix had foolishly allowed herself to be apprehended. He'd need more powerful servants to do his bidding. It would weaken him terribly to imbue them with his dark power, but they would be his swords loosed upon Equestria.

Using the freakish beings that made up his world, he sacrificed a few of them to their component parts, repairing his ruined crotch. It still throbbed and stung, and he left the maids impaled like grotesque decorations, a reminder of all who defied him. Once the Crystal Empire was his again all crystal ponies that resisted would suffer a similar fate.

In time he'd break into Heaven itself, to corrupt and devour its contents at his leisure. He dubbed his vampiric planet Megiddo.

He called upon a number of beings he'd seen trapped within the Necronomicon, some condemned by their evil nature, others simply unfortunate enough to have their souls swallowed up by the book upon death. They arose to the surface like the dead crawling out from their graves and came before him. (You must fight for your survival. The winners will be well-rewarded. As for the losers, their souls will be consigned to oblivion, left to feed the planet with their essence.)

The horde studied one-another for a moment. Teeth and claws were bared when they beset each other. Some raced into the air, breathed fire, burrowed underground and launched sneak attacks. A foolish few attempted to flee, or even assaulted him, but his monstrous throne sprang to life at his mental command, a series of tentacles he lined with scythes slicing apart his foes who were reduced to gooey messes that splattered him. He slurped up their remains with a long, slow lick, entertained by his little drama.

He lounged on his seat, now an extension of him, still not satisfied. His curved horn radiated, and he filled the crystal twins with a sliver of his black magic, just enough to reanimate their colds corpses. They slid themselves off the stake-like fixtures that impaled them after some effort, their colors dulled and their eyes now milky and empty, stumbling to prostrate themselves.

Normally he'd have Bellatrix sate his needs, but these zombie cumdumpsters would have to do. He shifted his mass made from the fused together parts of abominations, until he found a pair of penises to replace his wounded member, picking the nastiest ones he could locate; one a fat knot that looked like it could rip a mare in half from the inside, which he shoved without ceremony into Foal-Bearer when his forehooves lifted her up and lowered her down onto his groin with a wet squelch.

The second was spear-like and covered in barbs, which he stabbed into Wet Nurse. Even without their souls they were still capable of feeling unbelievable agony, still shared in such, and despite knowing they were now beyond his continued vengeance he did everything he could to humiliate, defile, and debase the former concubines of his most hated foes.

Their maid attire was reduced to tatters, their forms translucent, allowing him to see his weaponized cocks buried in them. Gurgles escaped their slack-jawed maws, which leaked drool, irises so pale they were almost invisible turned upwards, making them look like they'd been fucked stupid. He mashed and spanked their udders and buttocks so hard they were bruised.

He lost track of how many times he fucked and cummed inside their every hole. They were his stress balls while he watched his would-be warriors whittle their numbers down. Severed limbs, wings, mandibles, and the like were strewn across a blood-soaked battlefield. (Stop,) he commanded when a small number remained. He prepared more black magic to imbue them with.

His champions shuddered when the darkness filled them. Bellatrix had failed him, made his presence and intentions clear. The time for subtlety was past. After his unholy boon settled into them, he would strike. They would be his Horses of the Apocalypse, culling the herd. And he would be Death as he led them across Equestria and brought about Armageddon...

V. Shadow Games

Beatrix Belladonna knew she wasn't the type to inspire the public at large. She was a nobody in the grand scheme of things so far as they were concerned, at best a minor heroine in her father's campaigns. In order to revive Shining's force she would need a potent symbol; her half-sister Flurry Heart. Her cone-shaped hat bounced atop her head, tilted to one side, the eyes that adorned it and her cloak searching about, the jagged mouths chittering, making the unicorn's ears flick in response.

“Cut it out,” she snapped worried they'd someday bite her head off. A forehoof coiled about the gemstone that held her cloak together, the last remainder of her human side. “Not even a body left to bury.” She sighed and watched the fireworks go off in the distance while she headed towards the Crystal Palace. Her small group of friends trailed close by.

Heck, she'd led a team into the Necronomicon. She could do this. What worried her more was her mom; Trixie seemed inconsolable. Not that she blamed her poor mother. “Mom?” She swept her cloak aside to reveal her back. “Why don't you hitch a ride?” With a sniffle and a nod, Trixie climbed aboard, and she set off again. They passed more crystal ponies chatting, drinking, and flirting, a constant reminder of what they had struggled so hard to protect.

Eventually the party arrived at the Crystal Palace, and the few Guardsmen on duty saluted Diamond Tiara, lowering their spears and snapping to attention. “Thanks, you're doing wonderful.” The gates creaked open and she led the way inside. Clops sounded with an echo across dim hallways where only the occasional enchanted torch burned on the sconces.

Blueblood rushed to meet her halfway. “Ah, you're back?! Good news! We've captured the invader! Come, follow me!”

With a chuckle Tiara set out after her fellow advisor who'd sobered up. “Better stick close together, just in case there's any more weirdness. For all we know, Sombra could have more minions all over the capital!”

“I don't think so,” said Beatrix. “Even so, no harm in being cautious, I suppose!” They followed Blueblood through a maze of corridors, into a series of walls that slid away, where Sombra had once kept a secret prison that served as both an elaborate torture chamber and a laboratory. The first nemesis cult leader had uncovered it upon her infiltration, this section at the time unknown even to Shining Armor and Cadance, and it had been reconstructed by the architects with the new Crystal Empire.

Thankfully now it was simply a secret study known only to Flurry Heart and her closest companions. But they'd turned it into a temporary jail, Flurry and Starlight drawing complex runes across the floors of the library and binding the succubus who hunched helpless at the center. Bellatrix stared at Beatrix. “Come to mock me? To gloat in your usual smug fashion?”

“Not at all.” Gently she set her mother down and drew her maw into a line as she took a cautious step forward.

“Careful,” warned Starlight. “Don't step into or disturb the circle we drew around her!”

“Of course.” She came close as safely possible, somehow feeling responsible for her. What was she to her? A sister? Daughter? Just another monster? Definitely not that. They were linked now. “Tell me about yourself.”

“I'm Bellatrix Primadonna,” she announced with obvious pride. “Beloved servant of King Sombra, true heir to the Crystal Empire!” Her naked scarlet flesh shimmered under the lamplight, her face framed by silken black locks.

“I'd like to talk with her more later, if that's okay?” Starlight, Blueblood, and Diamond Tiara all made dubious faces, but Flurry nodded. “Good. And, um, I need all the parts of the Smooze back. We'll both die if we're not fully reunited, and the longer he sits in you all, the more likely he'll make you sick. Downside of our symbiotic bond, I'm afraid. It's only thanks to a very specific formula that enabled me to combine with him to begin with! Follow me, will you?”

They headed to a connected room which was mostly empty. She felt incomplete without the Smooze and sensed he felt the same. Of course the revelations about her true nature made her wonder if her link to the Necronomicon was what made them compatible to begin with? Were they both just eldritch horrors cursed with self-awareness, despite her cutesy appearance?

“I do feel, like, a little bogus.” Tree Hugger plopped onto her haunches, her insides churning. Diamond Tiara, Rarity, Suri Polomare, and Trixie felt a similar discomfort as the Smooze sloshed within their wombs as his component parts were summoned back by the original. Instinctively they laid themselves out in a birthing position, spreading their hindlegs.

“Sorry about this. But it was the one way I could think up to escape Sombra.” They started to moan in unison, pushing and squeezing the slimy essence out, which slithered from their snatches and crawled back into the host. Their eyes rolled into their heads from orgasmic bliss, as he pumped chemicals into them to make certain they experienced as little pain as possible, their lubrication leaking across the floor in sticky puddles. The heady scent of their musk perfumed the atmosphere.

Belladonna fluttered her own lashes and practically drooled when the warm gelatin flowed back into her. A soothing warmth filled her insides, like they filled a part of each other that would forever be incomplete. “You're my soulmate, you know that?”

(Of course. We share an intimacy the others will never know. Sometimes, our minds are practically one.)

“I hope not!” She tittered. “Anyhow, her sister.” She waved at Flurry. “There's something we need to discuss.”

Flurry Heart nodded. “Diamond Tiara, call some more guards up here to watch over Bellatrix. Preferably ones with lots of magical knowledge, just in case!” She still looked a bit shaken, but tried to hop back to her usual cheery demeanor. “Everypony else, why don't you come along? You're my guests, and I could use the company!” She cantered ahead.

“About that,” said Blueblood who strained to keep up beside her. “Remember, the Crystal Fair opens tomorrow. I know you don't need much sleep, but I'd like us all to be fresh as possible! Oh, what a potential disaster!”

With gentle laughter Flurry led them down the hallways and up the stairs. “I know. That's why you'll host the Fair!”

“M-me?!” Blueblood nearly flipped out. “Now hold on, I-”

“You'll do fine. Ack, this is taking too long! Everypony, hold hooves!” Flurry wrapped her wingspan around the group and blinked them away to the balcony. It was almost time to perform her duties of lowering the moon and raising the sun. She peered over the edge at her beloved citizens while stray snowflakes drifted around them and curtains billowed.

Beatrix strolled up beside her. “We need to reinstate Shining's force. It's a potent symbol across Equestria and we'll need that sort of power to back us when Sombra launches his next attack. But I can't do it alone. I'm not really the type to inspire the average would-be soldier. But you? Ponies and other creatures will likely be lining up to fight alongside a war heroine!”

“But I don't want them to die for me!” She scraped a forehoof over the rail.

“You may not have a choice.” She sat and laid her mother's head in her lap, cradling Trixie and stroking her mane while she quietly wept. “Imagine how many more might die if you don't! It could mean Equestria collapses all over again!”

“We're with you,” said Rarity who looked between Pinkie, Suri, and Hugs, greeted by their nods.

“Excellent.” Beatrix sucked on her lower lip. “Now, who else? Cherry Jubilee?”

“I'd rather not bother her,” said Flurry. “She's retired. She still feels responsible for what happened...”

Suri visibly shuddered, like she was about to run and hide, memories of running a breeding camp to save her own skin resurfacing. While trapped in the Necronomicon she'd punished herself in that paper dollhouse created from her own subconscious, convinced that her sins and cowardice were beyond forgiveness. Her eyes watered.

A forehoof closed with her own. “It's okay,” murmured Rarity. “I have an idea. I've lost pretty much all my closest assistants. But I think you could easily reach the same levels as Sassy and Coco, given time.” She cupped her cheeks tenderly in her hooves. “I want to create more enchanted armaments for our army. Would you aid me? Please?”

“Mmm...m'kay,” said Suri who met her eyes and blushed. “I'll see what I can do!”

“Good! I know you'll make us all proud, darling! Come on, let's get to work!” She led her off.

“Don't travel alone. I'll send an escort,” said Blueblood who swished her blonde mane.

“Wish I could be more help, but I'm with you.” Tree Hugger leaned on the chilly rails too and shivered. “Hopefully the animals will be okay on their own for a while. It isn't cool to always use them in our war. But they are insisted when it was me and Fluttershy, you know? Like Equestria is their home too, and they wanted to do what they could to help save it!”

Staying with her half-sister while she lowered the pale moon, Beatrix watched in wonder as the sun arose. She shivered as the sunlight crept in, continuing to cradle Trixie who'd drifted into a peaceful slumber and gently snored. She wiped tears still clinging to her cheeks and kissed her temple, hopeful that she'd be fit to fight alongside her. Their magic was far more powerful worked in tandem, after all! She blew a few stray snowflakes sticking to her locks, watching them melt away.

*****

Cherry Jubilee had set up a facility for mares that had been exploited and abused on the outskirts of the Crystal Empire. It was a sizable but private compound, one she hoped wouldn't look to intimidating, fearing it would trigger bad memories in her patients. They were funded by the Queen and donations, plus what bits came out of her own saddlebags.

She'd styled it to resemble an old saloon, a reminder of home. It didn't exactly fit in with the Crystal Empire's architecture, but had a certain quaintness many found comforting. Garbed in a fancy barmaid-style dress, purple and trimmed in black, the shapely mare smiled sadly upon her patients from the second floor while they chatted, ate, and lounged. Many who'd survived the breeding camps were so shattered they'd never be able to return to a normal life. Her heart ached to see them.

She mixed some non-alcoholic drinks at the bar with a clink. One of the mares played a quiet tune at the piano. It was a place of sanctuary, an attempt to relieve her own guilt and shame, as an eldritch abomination that had escaped the Necronomicon had infected her with a parasite and controlled her. At first it had forced her to lure in lost mares and push them into a life of prostitution, but it had escalated to the point where she ran the most notorious breeding camp of all time.

Her hoof trembled around a glass. Her ears twitched when the double-doors swung open. “Ah, hello there!” She waved. “Rarity, Tree Hugger, and...Suri Polomare?” She balked, having heard she'd aided the cult and ended up dead.

Suri paused in the doorway. “I...I'll wait outside, 'k?” She turned and headed out.

“It's a long story,” said Rarity when she approached. “But she's changed. We all have.”

“I believe you. I reckon we all deserve a second chance.” Jubilee used to be embarrassed about her accent, trying to tone it down to appear more 'proper', but these days it felt more comfortable to simply be herself. The patients under her care didn't need pretensions. “So, what may I do for you? Would you like to partake of my services, Hugs?”

“Nah, I'm cool.” She felt a similar shame when she recalled all the years she'd suffered at another breeding camp. Some of the mental scars would never go away. “It's about Shining's force. We're looking to reunite it. Like, we wouldn't want you to fight. I hate all the violence, too. But maybe you can help us craft some more enchanted armaments, you know?”

“I...don't know. I want to put all these conflicts behind me. But...” She considered the possibilities. “Maybe Equestria needs me. I could put them to work.” She looked over the mares who went about their daily business. “It could lend them a much-needed sense of purpose. However, I'd only take volunteers. I reckon that's worth coming out of retirement for.”

“Thank you.” Rarity returned a small smile. “Do you have somewhere we can set up a workshop?”

“Certainly. Shucks, I'll reserve a special one for you two and Suri.” Dimples framed her maw when she smiled, a beauty mark on one cheek. She kept her auburn mane up in a beehive she decorated with a few jewels.

“Righteous!” Hugs landed a playful smack on Jubilee's ample rump which jiggled. “Can't work any mojo, but I can totally do some grunt work! Let's mosey, Sombra won't wait around and we'll need everypony to stop whatever he has planned.”

Hastily the small team set up their latest project. For all they knew Sombra had an entire army ready to invade. It was a race to prepare, as the Crystal Fair was supposed to help launch and celebrate a new era of peace, but they feared it would be the onset of another tragedy. All because of an old vendetta and an alien book that could corrupt any creature.

*****

The Crystal Fair also served another purpose. It was hoped that these events would help strengthen the Crystal Empire's alliances with a number of other races, particularly the dragons who'd helped them rebuild their country. Blueblood stood in the stadium overlooking the arena, wiping sweat from her brow as the sunshine crept in and made dew glitter in the tufts of greenery that crept into the crystalline city. She tested her microphone, surrounded by a number of Crystal Guards.

She was joined by Diamond Tiara who smirked. “Don't worry, you'll do fine! I even wrote a speech!”

“Celestia preserve us...” She settled her rump into a cool seat and adjusted her shapely buttocks. Tiara took her place beside her. They overlooked the open coliseum where a number of crystal ponies were busy practicing and warming up. Further in the capital stands were set up where merchandise was sold and shows would be put on to help raise funds.

Over the next few hours the first attendees started to trickle in. Flurry Heart had debated canceling the festivities, but the truth was if Sombra invaded nowhere would be safe. She gambled at least here they'd had lots of protection. While they had their doubts, her advisors agreed to the plan, knowing an evacuation would likely induce panic. Besides, would it possibly be any safer outside? At least on their homeground they'd have numbers on their side and plenty of places to hide.

Pegasi glittered in the sunshine with their ceramic-like coats while they kicked away clouds into dense puffs that dissipated. Many of the athletes were garbed in traditional armor which was more ceremonial in nature. Some carried javelins across the tracks, and play-jousted, in preparation for the shows they would put on later that day.

Despite how little sleep they had Beatrix and Trixie rode on Flurry's back when she touched downed near Lulamoon's decorated caravan. “We'll put on a show together,” explained Belladonna. “And once we've won over the crowds, we'll announce the reformation of Shining's force! I already called on another popular set of performers to help us out...”

Trixie's ears perked up, her eyes still swollen and pink, her hair tussled. “Lavender and Fuschia?”

“Yep, they'll be there. Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra's band will support us all the way!” She wrapped a foreleg around her mother and drew her close. “Better refresh ourselves a little!” She hoped the performance would cheer her up.

Trixie smoothed her locks. “Okay. The citizens demand a show and the Great and Powerful Trixie swears not to disappoint!”

“Good! Hmm, I wonder what they're up to now...” She stroked her chin.

The stage was loaded down with heavy equipment. Vinyl Scratch had spent a sizable fortune on her set up. She could easily strike it rich and retire, but creating her music was far more important to her, and she knew Octavia felt the same. Lyra was content to take it easy at their side, but had upped her game when she saw how happy their songs made the populace.

They were backed by Lavender Lace and Fuschia Blush, the multi-talented unicorns able to sing, dance, play instruments, and work some basic but flashy witchcraft which added flavor to their shows. Not to mention what wonderful lovers they made...

The musicians were in the dressing rooms which were littered with props. Coos sound from Lyra, who slumped back in a messy bed, sandwiched between Fuschia who took her from behind and Lavender who penetrated her marehood. They'd been taught a spell by Trixie which allowed them to temporarily develop stallionhoods, adding a smidge of spice to their sexy times.

From the mirror Octavia watched them from the corner of her eye, applying a touch of makeup. “Careful not to wear her out.”

“Yeah, I still want a turn with her!” Vinyl chuckled. She slid down her shades and stared at Tavi's plush buttcheeks smooshed over the chair's sides. “Man, wish I could try a dick for a day. I mean, don't misunderstand, I love my cute little pussy, but I'm still kinda curious, you hear me? I want to try everything once! Well, almost everything!” She smacked Tavi's rump.

“Ouch.” Octavia rubbed her poor sore bottom, now marked by a red, raw hoofprint. She'd learned to adjust to her marefriend's more vulgar side over the years, had secretly come to relish it, but her refined nature kept her from admitting that aloud. “Personally, I'm quite content with my equipment. If we were meant to have a penis, nature would have provided it.”

“Of course that's what the boring earth pony would say!” The DJ smirked, certain she was riling her up.

“Hmph.” Tavi casually dismissed the bait and turned to her double-bass which she tuned. The lacquered finish on the wood made it shine with a subtle brilliance that she hoped matched her own. She had to admit it did look like fun, but she was perfectly content with a strap-on or a double-dildo. Somehow it seemed perverse to alter her flesh.

Glassy eyes and flushed cheeks matched Lyra's dopey smile. She wrapped her limbs shamelessly around the mare on top of her, their cocks pistoning in rhythm in-and-out of her stretched lower holes, her lazily open maw dripping with slobber. With a final hard thrust and a shared moan the witches unloaded into her, warm bursts repeatedly fired into her warm, wet orifices.

“Oh yeah...” She swished her tail about and let another climax overtake her. She squirted over them and herself, her coat now matted with stickiness, down to her heavy teats which smacked about. “I'm good.” She basked in her afterglow while they withdrew horsecocks that started to limp, sticking to her oozing holes by strings of her marecum and globs of spunk.

“Allow me!” The rather hedonistic and adventurous DJ shamelessly cleaned the trio, licking and sucking on the half-erect stallionhoods, and also digging and slurping the mixed feminine and masculine secretions from Lyra's gaped entrances.

“You're such a tart.” Nonetheless Octavia felt her pussy vulva moisten even more. She closed her thighs, hopeful that it wouldn't be obvious how much her nethers winked and how her asshole clenched with the same desire to be filled.

“You know you want it,” teased Vinyl who sniffed the smell of fresh pussy in the air. Forcing Tavi's legs open, she slid down and started to mercilessly muzzlefuck her, snout buried deep as flecks of cunt juice spattered her. Tavi cast back her head and moaned in a rather whorish manner which made her face burn. Subtlety certainly wasn't one of her marefriend's strong suits, but she couldn't deny the results. She placed a forehoof atop her head in a rare expression of dominance, guiding her about.

Her tongue rolled about Tavi's pink slippery cavern, exploring it, tracing her g-spot and slurping the cream which leaked from her cervix entrance. It contracted upon the tip of her tongue. She'd draw back temporarily, pulling on the dark gray lips of Tavi's vulva, nibbling and suckling on them and making her lover squirm. She also stopped to plant kisses on her heart-shaped clitoris and the ring of her rectum, now drenched in her leaking lubrication. Feeling her love's vagina convulse, she quickly buried herself once more. An extensive shriek escaped Octavia who repeatedly squirted directly down Octavia's throat.

What could have worn them out was more like a warm up before the show. The five of them made love often between sessions, in all matters of pairings and positions, sometimes breaking out into a small orgy. They all worried it would be the last tiny slice of tranquility before shit hit the fan. And if Equestria might end again, why not celebrate its legacy however they could?

*****

Stewing in her tiny prison, Bellatrix Primadonna called for her master, who still refused to answer. Had he truly abandoned her? Or was he simply unable to communicate with her? She turned the possibilities over in her addled mind, hunched naked in a circle of elaborate runes, surrounded by elite troops who doubled as mages. They carried enchanted weapons and armor left over from the war, stoic as ever while they watched the exotic succubus claw at the invisible barrier around her.

She'd broken a few claw-like nails and streaked layers of blood on the air. She sobbed, screamed, threw tantrums, begged, whatever it took to move them in hopes they'd be foolish enough to free her. And when that proved insufficient she lewdly prostrated herself before them, exposing herself in the most intimate of ways, smearing her love juices on the air which trickled down, spreading her ass and pussy while she kneaded her swinging titties. “Want to make me your personal whore?”

One of the stallions swallowed hard and averted his eyes. She flicked her spaded tail about, flexed her leather wings, and stuck out her impossibly elongated tongue which she coiled around a tit and encircled an erect nipple. The guardsmen were surrounding her from all sides, able to drink her in from every angle. She smooshed her wide buttocks upon the barrier, parted so wide her anus and vagina gaped open, and she rubbed her buttocks in circles, spreading cunt nectar which wet her backside.

“You know, you could rape me senseless and get away with it. Who's going to believe me over you all, anyhow?” She winked at them over her shoulder. “I'm completely at your mercy. All my holes open to you. Just come closer...”

One of them took a step forward only for his fellow guard to block him with a spear. “Don't let this harlot seduce you!”

“Aww, are you big, strong stallions scared? I'm not even a denizen of Equestria. Do I even legally have rights? You could probably keep me as a pet without any legal repercussions...” She licked her pouty lips, half-lidded eyes studying the precum-tipped erections her watchers were sporting. Some of them shifted uncomfortably, desperate to fill this bizarre monster.

“Or maybe you'd prefer somepony different?” She wiggled her fingers, working her glamour, their eyes hazed from the hypnotic effect she was having on them helped along with the stench of pheromones from her dripping snatch which smothered the atmosphere. Subtlety she shifted to suit their subconscious desires, taking on the shape of an anthropomorphic Cadance.

She giggled when one of them came on the spot, his spurts spattering the thin barrier that separated him from her sweet ass and puss, the semen dripping down. “Mmm, quick-shot, are we? Well, that's okay, I'm sure you have reserves!” She continued to rub her down plush pink posterior about, her multi-colored tail raised, then she spun and mashed her swollen udders on her vaginal nectar slathered in mid-air, running her tits in circles which started to squeeze milk from her pepperoni-like areola.

“You could chain sweet Princess Cadenza up in your basement, fuck her as hard and often as you want, and she'll never say no unless you wish her to...” She rubbed her cheek on her honeypot secretions, slurping them and her lactation up, rolling the mixture about her mouth and gargling on it. “Come on, you hard-working studs, you do such thankless jobs...”

By this point a couple of them were openly jacking off, and their inhibitions started to crumble, peer pressure rippling out like a set of dominoes. She stifled a laugh at how easy males were, fingering her slit, her now feathered wings spread. She made this stolen image of Cadance behave as whorishly as possible, determined to spoil their perception of the long lost Princess of Love.

More of them came. The semen that puddled down smeared the circle of runes and let down the dome-shaped barrier. “That's right, boys. Cum all over your Princess!” She rested on her knees with thighs parted wide, wings in full plume and arms spread eagle, casting back a mane that coiled at the ends while she opened her maw wide to receive their masculine punk.

Rope-after-rope was unleashed, spraying her from every direction, their grunts and groans mixed with her lusty moans. One grabbed her roughly by the locks, reduced to a savage beast as he coated a tongue she stuck out and fired more down into her gullet. More slathered her now incredibly sticky udders and buttocks. A guard lost control completely, pushing her back and driving his horsecock so brutally into her he jabbed right past her cervix and emptied his swollen balls into her slippery womb.

She full-face flushed and squirted all over his barrel, wrapping her limbs and wings around him, while his companions continued to paint her. Soon they were pushing and kicking at one-another, desperate for their own turn. Within moments they were lowered to their basest states while she worked her charm, rough-housing turning bloody when one of them speared a brother-in-hooves. He gasped and choked on his bloody, falling limp as the tip pierced him under his ribcage.

She cackled as an orgy of violence ensued. They all wanted her for their own. A stud slipped away from the melee, bending her over and taking her up the ass, whinnying when he buried himself balls deep in seconds. The moment he came with a dazed expression, another drove a spear-tip so hard against his neck he practically sawed his head off, the partially severed skull hanging limp as his still bucking corpse was locked inside her now cum-oozing asshole. She laughed even harder.

Eventually a lone soldier remained. His armor was completely stained crimson like the rest of him, his muscles heavily heaving. With a fierce expression he tossed his weapon aside with a clink, seized her mane which he used to wrench her back to her knees, and forced her mouth down directly onto his throbbing meat. He'd often had fantasies about taking Cadance forcefully, ones which deeply shamed the elite guardsmen, but now he could fulfill that repressed desire without reprisal.

He slammed her down repeatedly, grinding her face into his crotch, forcing her to breath in his musk. Her neck bulged from his flared and veiny dick. His hooves tightened around the back of her head when he came, the overflow so great it swelled her cheeks and burned her nostrils as it spurted out, the white bubbles popping. She gulped it down greedily, virile semen like sweet mana to a mage who new how to use it, especially a succubus who thrived on sexual energies and secretions.

The moment she licked his cock clean, she hefted a spear and impaled his heart. He landed with a thud at her feet. She stretched lazily and wiped more splooge and twat lubrication from her matted fur which she licked off her digits. Around her were the dismembered troops, some split wide open or crushed, innards spilled messily over the bloodied floor.

She crouched and rubbed her palms in the blood-pools, lathering her curves in them with a low coo. Casually stalking from her prison, she left bloody footprints on the ground, unconcerned with whether she was discovered at this juncture.

Her disguise fell when somepony approached her from behind, hooves echoing in the crystalline hallway. “Going somewhere so soon?” She turned to see Beatrix Belladonna, clad in a cone-shaped hat and tattered cape covered in almond-shaped eyes and thin lips with sharp teeth. “I had a feeling no cell could hold you! We have some unfinished business.”

Bellatrix snickered. “Fool. Do you really think you can stop me by your lonesome?”

With a shrug she answered, “I have a few tricks up my proverbial sleeve!” Concentrating on the eye-shaped amulet that held together her cape, a reminder that her other half she considered a sister would always be with her, she drew upon the power stored within. The unicorn's shape transmuted while she stood on her back hooves, limbs expanding and breasts shifting from her lower half to her chest, her leotard which now resembled her eye-and-tooth covered hat and cape. “Ta-da!”

She was back to her anthropomorphic self, wagging a finger at her opponent while her fingerless gloves and heeled boots materialized into place. The pair stared the other down. Both started to weave a spell as their duel began.

*****

With a shake of her head, Princess Blueblood stifled the urge to chuck the pages from the speech her co-advisor had written, saccharine tripe which she was swift to stick a knife in. “...so thank you all for joining us today, as the Crystal Empire officially reopens the Crystal Fair!” She raised a hoof skyward, as did Diamond Tiara, the crystal guards around them atop the arena, and the thousands of attendees seated in the stadium who roared and stomped their hooves in jubilation.

Diamond Tiara wiped her misty eyes with a fancy napkin. “Aw, how sweet! But why did you shorten my speech? I worked hard on that! All my old pals in the Cutie Mark Crusaders would've been so proud!”

“Yes, well, we can always work in parts of it to fill in time later if necessary.” The unicorn stuck her nose in the air. “It is wonderful to see everypony so enthralled, however.” She softened with a twinkle in her bright blue eyes.

The first contestants were lining up for the show, javelins raised while they took their places on the tracks. Just outside the coliseum Vinyl Scratch had moved her stage to link up with Trixie's caravan as they'd be the half-time entertainment. More fireworks were set off in another dazzling display, the last proverbial calm-before-the-storm.

And then the sky suddenly froze. The bursts of colors turned ashen and locked in place. Awe turned to hushed murmurs, some convinced it was technical difficulties, others pondering if this was some strange new form of magic that was part of the show. From this void no sounds or smells escaped. Guards readied their armaments, all staring above expectant. The grayed-out area above shattered like glass and rained down in fragments that made the mobs scream and disperse.

From the vast darkness of the planet Megiddo arrived the Horses of the Apocalypse; Iron Will who'd been christened War, Garble who was Pestilence, an Ursa Minor as Famine, and finally the Sphinx who stood in as the now lost to myth member, Conquest. At the head of them was a black shadow named Death, the sorcerer-king turned tyrant Sombra, who'd collected this rabble that had ended up trapped in the Necronomicon and infused them with the dark arts in order to craft an invincible army.

Some of the crystal ponies cowered or even fainted dead-away at the sight of their ancient nemesis. He flitted about like a cloud of smoke, opening his maw and siphoning the essence from the mouths and nostrils of those unfortunate enough to be near him, dozens losing all color and dropping lifeless before the twisted abomination. He licked his lips with a low chuckle.

Nor did his minions waste any time as they beset the masses who scattered and trampled all over one-another in attempt to escape. Garble had grown to a towering dragon that crouched on all fours, breathing clouds of noxious smoke which caused those it touched to wither and die. Gnarled, sickly leather skin expanded with each harsh breath he took.

A tow-handed axe was hefted above Iron Will, dressed in no more than a loin cloth, when he brought it down with a ripple of his musculature and cleaved the soldiers that intercepted him in two. He snorted when the blood washed over him, stomping with each step he took, his one disappointment he lacked the wild beasts he usually used to track and hunt his prey.

All he could remember was his treachery when Shining Armor and Sunset Shimmer had come to the Badlands to seek assistance from the current Dragon Lord, Ember; that bitch had stifled his schemes and slain him before succumbing to her own wounds and falling into the ocean. Unable to properly avenge himself, he'd have to settle for their surviving allies.

While the scarred over one-eye Ursa Minor and the Sphinx partook in their own bloody feast, the former little more than a savage monster driven to madness when it had ended up separated from it s mother and trapped for untold years in the depths of the Necronomicon, the latter more cunning as she dwarfed the stands and toyed with her scattered food like they were vermin. While he was content to rip them apart with teeth and claws, she batted them about, skin raked and peeled away while she smirked and watched with slit-like eyes. She cared little about her master's ambitions, but relished the freedom afforded her.

Beams of colored light lanced out. The invaders screamed and sizzled when struck, forced to scatter, as the sky filled with so many numbers it blotted the sun and cast thick shadows below. At the head of the reborn Shining's force sailed Flurry Heart, and Smoulder who'd risen to Dragon Lord status, leading an army of drakes and pegasi into battle. Having survived the fall of Las Pegasus when the Smooze flooded it, she'd went into hiding for some time to recover, the Princess now svelte while she carried the Bloodstone Scepter. Within moments the two armies collided in order to decide Equestria's fate.

VI. Revelations

Author's Note

Warning: This chapter contains some spoiler info from season 9, episode 9. (Sweet and Smoky.) Not my original intention, but some info allowed me to callback characters who briefly appeared in earlier stories!

VI. Revelations

“You're a fool to challenge me alone!” Having dropped her disguise, not that her glamour would have held on her opponent anyhow, Bellatrix Belladonna cackled like a madwoman when she hovered above the pristine floors of the Crystal Palace. Bleakness lit by an occasional torch on a sconce was pierced by the dazzling array of laser beam-like cones of magic cast between the duelists. The succubus furiously beat leather wings, appearing to wildly dance on the air itself.

Barely dodging an array of colorful magic explosions, Beatrix Belladonna strained to match her imposter, drawing upon the power of her deceased half. “I've been practicing hard in my free time! And I can tap into the Necronomicon's power, too!” The eye-like gem that now clasped her cape was half of the Prima Materia, a key to unlock the Necronomicon. It's true she could tap into its forbidden power and not have her soul corrupted; but would she further empower the tome by doing so?

However there was no time to focus on possible repercussions. Her cape whirled each time she dodged, pointing a finger and her horn radiating as she weaved counter-spells, figuring that her anthropomorphic form would best suit combat. The eyes and mouths that lined her attire moved about while she worked, a constant reminder of what she truly was deep down.

Bellatrix sneered. “You're a monster! Like me! All you've ever done is make things worse!” Her breasts smacked together and her buttocks jiggled each time the nude demon moved about with predatory grace.

“Maybe.” She shrugged the words off, her features lit up with each spell they worked. Beams collided and deflected, leaving ashen scorch marks all over the hallways. She ducked behind a column which exploded into chunks of crystal.

(Careful,) came the voice of the Smooze from inside her. (I am still diminished.)

“I know,” she whispered. “I rely too much on you anyhow.”

(Sombra crippled me. I will not be able to heal you should things spiral out of control.)

“Yeah, yeah. No worries, Smoozy, I've got this!” She forced a cocky grin.

Glittery dust clouded the air. She continued to run, barely able to dive before more pillars in time, while Bellatrix laughed and refused to let up her assault. “Is that all? Your witchcraft really is no match for mine!”

It was true. Despite her hard work Beatrix knew she couldn't match her sheer power. She slipped around a corner, taking a moment to breathe, holding the gemstone to her racing heart. Gambling on an all-or-nothing surprise attack, she leapt back out and unlocked a spell from the tome's pages, the alien words chanted like a mantra from her lips.

“What the-” Bellatrix barely had time to register the small portals that materialized all-around her. A series of squishy tentacles shot out at rapid speeds, seized her by the wrists and ankles, and held her aloft while they pulled her into a spread eagle position. She hissed and shook and thrashed like a trapped animal, trying to summon another spell.

Beatrix never gave her the chance. She'd pilfered a few forbidden items from the treasury, able to bypass the security thanks to the warps she could create, and hoped her half-sister would understand her reasons. Normally a nullifier ring was placed upon a unicorn's horn, but this one once owned by the cult of the nemesis was a little different, more like an erotic torture device.

She placed it upon Primadonna's swollen clit. The band of metal lined with runes tightened around the moist lovebud. “W-what did you do to me?!” She whimpered, and her drippy cunt started to convulse, as did her asshole which flexed to be filled. She whined and heaved her bulbous breasts, fluttered her wings and tossed about her spaded tail, her eyes hazed over.

“Just a little something to make you behave. Sorry about this. Really.” Despite all this creature had done she didn't want to kill her. She wanted to believe that, however slim, there was a chance she could be rehabilitated. After all, wasn't she a victim of Sombra? He'd certainly meddled with her psyche. “Struggling will only make it worse.”

“Please. Make it stop!” She wiggled helplessly with need, her face burning even redder than normal.

“I could,” admitted Beatrix. “However, you'd have to promise to be good from now on!”

“Yes! Anything!” She nodded rapidly, tears in the corners of her eyes, on the edge of an orgasm that refused to come as the ring's innate magic tickled her pleasure centers, drawing back just enough each time it sensed she was on the verge of release.

Of course Belladonna knew a promise meant little to such a creature unless it was somehow bound to it. “You'll have to make a pact with me, then. Sealed in blood.” She used a fingernail to slice open her palm with a subdued wince. “You game?”

Primadonna hesitated for merely a couple moments. To disobey such a pact could mean many things, from eternal enslavement to the one she'd made it with, to the annihilation of her soul. “Yes! I don't care! Just let me be sated!” To a sex-demon like her lust was everything; even the loyalty ingrained to her by Sombra withered under denial of her function.

She sliced open Bellatrix's hand and rubbed their palms together. “Through this ritual I bind us. Woe betide the one who dares break this vow.” By making such a pact she had to obey the rules too, or risk the same consequences. And unlike her this devil would show no mercy. At best she'd be her sex slave forever and that was the preferable outcome to a myriad of tortures she might inflict upon her. “Now...” She banished her costume save for the hat, gloves, and boots. “Ready for your reward?”

“Yes! Please~!” She bucked her hips uselessly.

Beatrix couldn't help but pity the she-devil despite all she'd done. She twinkled her fingers and lit her horn to activate the spell her mother had taught her; from her groin arose a pair of twin stallion cocks which hung loose. She rubbed them upon the folds and anal ring of her captive, slathering them with her precum and in femme juices as they swelled fully erect.

“Don't tease me,” demanded Bellatrix in a suddenly husky voice. “Fuck me, you filthy whore!”

“Since you asked so nicely...'” With a mischievous titter Belladonna pressed the twin cocks to her orifices. They spread wide to accept her and a slutty moan escaped Primadonna's throat as she cast back her head. A small cry escaped her too when she sheathed herself entirely in the demon, the tight wet tunnels conforming to her as she started to buck her hips.

“Aahhh,” whined Bellatrix as drool slid from a lip corner. Palms cupped over her fatty tits, roughly kneading them, the sadomasochistic she-demon squirming and moaning with shameless delight. Her asscheeks smacked each time she was speared, taken with such forcefulness that it almost rivaled her master's, but this witch lacked the hate that directed Sombra.

No, the passion which drove Beatrix was one born of love, however twisted its application. In order to redeem the succubus she decided it best to simply fuck her into submission. She'd prove to Primadonna she could sate her needs, not to mention offer her the purpose she lacked. “I...I want you to be my sister,” huffed Beatrix whose face twisted as she ravished her.

Tiring of this position, Belladonna manipulated the portals again, keeping her cocks locked inside her prey when she was flipped over and still suspended. Taking a moment to admire the devil's ample rump, she landed harsh smacks upon it, watching the flesh jut about and ripple back into place. Her teeth seized Bellatrix's tail, biting it as she pistoned into her.

“Oh...ah...” Primadonna openly wept with joy, her udders swinging and smacking. “Deeper! Claim me!” The horsecocks plunged further, her cervix ripped open, her womb plundered by its savage invader. “Beatrix Belladonna...I love you,” she screamed when the witch started to unload inside her, an insanity born of lust making her surrender entirely as she was finally allowed her own series of built up climaxes that had been withheld from her until now.

She squirted wildly upon Beatrix, drenching her crotch and torso, perky tits shining under the wetness that now leaked down them and dripped from erect pink nipples. Her wingspan unfurled all the way, biting so hard into her lower lip it bled.

Pants slipped from Beatrix who squeezed out the last drops of cum into the demon's core. The now neutralized ring fell below with a clink. But she'd tamed her would-be sister. Of course, she knew many wouldn't approve of her choice, even though friendship and forgiveness were what Equestria once stood before. She withdrew from the gaping fissures, slobbering with her seed, and the tentacles withdrew as the portals closed, the succubus landing in a heap defeated before her.

The Smooze cast, (Are you certain about this?)

“Positive. I'd like to think she deserves a chance, just like you. I'll take responsibility!”

She rolled Bellatrix onto her back and parted her thighs. “Now, for the finishing touch!” Her hands reached into her velvet folds. She dug in, all the way to her uterus, gripping the abomination embedded into the slippery walls. Primadonna cried from the birth-like pangs, the entity forcibly detached from its warm nest, squirming like a mass of gelatin as it was yanked from its slimy pink cave. The beast lashed at Belladonna with its coils, only for her to ignite it in a ball of mystic fire.

It squealed and crackled until it was reduced to a pile of ashes. A part of her hated to neuter her sister like this, but knew it was for the best. She stroked Primadonna's face who was drifting into a fitful sleep. “Don't worry, it was all a horrible nightmare.” She kissed her forehead and lifted her into her arms. “Your life begins from this moment onward.”

*****

The form-fitted white armor had been meant for Ember. A design Rarity had planned but never been able to utilize. The fashionista had whipped it up quickly with aid from her new allies, layered it in enchantments, and altered it to fit Smolder, who served on the frontlines to announce an alliance between the dragons and the reborn Shining's force. Tall and well-shaped, she carried the Bloodstone Scepter in her claws, and sailed into the massacre that unfolded in the coliseum.

“Brother,” she called to the sickly drake that was nevertheless a sturdy mass of muscle who skulked on all fours. “First you betray our kind to side with a cult, and now you've sold your soul to Sombra?! Where's your pride?!”

Garble snarled at her. “I never betrayed our kind! Ember was weak! That's why she sided with these ponies!” Noxious clouds puffed from his flared nostrils. Strings of bloodied meat hung loose from his nails, the smashed in stands doused in crimson that pooled down from broken bodies. “It's in our nature to obey the strongest! And that's what Sombra's made us as his heralds!”

She scoffed and hovered before him, signaling her allies to keep out of a matter between kin. “But isn't he a pony?”

Doubt crept into Garble's addled mind. He rubbed his aching skull. “Not anymore! I don't know what he is, but I'd say he's the closest thing Equestria has to a God now! There's no use fighting him! Just surrender, or else...” He hesitated to attack his sister even now. If so many eyes weren't upon them, he'd simply ask her to leave, and hope they'd never meet again.

But neither of them could stand down now. They'd chosen their sides. “Let's settle this! You and me, one-on-one!”

“Fine! Remember, you brought this on yourself! I'll rip out your skull and use it like a chalice as I drink your blood from it!” Barely aware of the screams and death throes of those around them anymore, he charged and she swooped, his jaw opening to emit discolored gas clouds. She swept aside, and sucked in her own breath which expanded her belly under the malleable enchanted armor, before she released a ball of flame. The blaze ignited the toxins even better than she'd anticipated, a deafening boom sounding from an explosion which sent her hurtling as she wildly beat her wings to correct herself.

He howled and thrashed, still immune to extreme temperatures, but the sheer force had blown off part of his face. Bone and muscle tissue lied exposed. “What did you do to me?!” He leapt into the air, his much bulkier frame attempting to chase her down. Like many a dragoness she was much smaller, more nimble and agile, and blessed with the wits he lacked.

“You have to be stopped! And who more fitting than to do so, brother?!”

“You're no sister of mine anymore! And the name is Pestilence!” Realizing he'd never be able to catch her, with his one good eye he shifted towards the stands, where Blueblood and Diamond Tiara huddled as guards stood positioned around them to defend the pair. “Heh, let's see how long it takes before they drop like flies!” Gases churned in his stomach, ready for release.

Blueblood frantically ran in place. “There's nowhere to go!”

“It's okay,” assured Tiara who took one of her forehooves and squeezed. She closed her eyes, awaiting the end.

A beam lanced from the skies into Garble's side, sheared through the armor-like scales, and a cloud of toxins escaped him like a ripped balloon. He choked on blood that pooled in his snout and tried to realign himself, when Smolder dashed in at full speed and rammed the Bloodstone Scepter into his wound, his sight hazing over as he went into a free-fall.

“Clear the area,” warned Smolder as more putrid vapors escaped from his wounds without him to contain them.

“I-I'm sorry,” said Flurry Heart who landed next to her advisors. “But I couldn't let him kill you!” Using a wing she wiped her eyes and wondered if her parents would approve. Lighting up her horn, she formed a protective dome around Garble's corpse to contain the poisonous miasma, the morbid results of those who'd breathed it in during the initial attack scattered about.

“You were wonderful!” Tiara smacked her forehooves together with a twinkle in her eyes. “But we need to restore order!”

“Leave it to us,” said Blueblood. “We're not warriors, but we all have our roles to play!” She nodded to the soldiers who escorted them down the steps, then aided in a mass exodus of civilians away from the battlefield.

“Take care!” Flurry desperately wished to help however she could, aware she was potentially the most powerful of them all despite her lack of discipline. However, nopony else could contain the potential epidemic that Garble's carcass had become, and so she was forced to withhold his now bloated remains and hope that the vapors would dissipate over time.

However, Iron Will, the Ursa Minor, and the Sphinx had apparently taken their violence further into the capital, embroiled in a battle with Shining's force, while Sombra appeared to have vanished. Another vision overwhelmed Flurry who's eyes went completely white. For a moment she sensed something so familiar. “Mom?! Dad?!” It was like they tried to communicate from her, their words unable to reach directly, but the hole Sombra had torn in Heaven had allowed them to briefly touch her mind.

She saw the bottom most level of the Crystal Palace. A black shroud swept towards the chambers where the Necronomicon was entombed. Beatrix and Bellatrix were headed towards the tyrant, and he turned on them, ready to destroy them...

“No!” She snapped from her reverie. “Starlight Glimmer, I need you!”

“What's the matter?” She touched down beside her, having broken away from her pursuit, and helped her maintain the dome around Garble. “Look, if you need me to take care of this, I've got it covered! We're the two strongest mages left in Equestria, so they need at least one of us to help stop this nonsense! You've got to choose fast! You or me?”

“You handle this! I can't let Sombra reach the Necronomicon no matter what!” She had a certain innocence that almost made her immune to its seductive charms. Other than possibly Cadance and the late Derpy nopony else could claim that.

“Okay.” She smiled wryly. “Look, I can't ever replace Sunset Shimmer, nor would I want to, but I'll always be here for you, understand?” Flurry beamed back at her. “Good! Now do what you have to!”

With a final look at Smolder, who'd taken the reigns of Shining's force for the time being, she blinked away from the war zone. She hated to abandon them for any reason. But without her intervention her half-sister would die for certain. And Equestria would soon fall if Sombra captured the tome. She was certain the void he'd created in the sky would bloom ever outward.

His supposed Heralds of the Apocalypse were little more than distractions, there to spread terror and chaos, while he sought the real prize beneath the city. Through his actions when bridging the nexus between realities, Megiddo had materialized next to Equestria on the other side of the mirror universe, and continued to siphon the essence from the planet and its inhabitants.

*****

Trixie had tried to pull herself back together for the coming attractions. And now she was forced to do so again now that bedlam had beset the Crystal Empire. Her caravan was linked with the DJ's stage, which she noted was more like a flashy fortress. Like her she did nothing with half-measures. They'd wanted to make this a day nopony would ever forget! “Not like this, though.”

She sighed and watched ponies scurry across the streets in the distance. “Much as Trixie hates to spoil this reunion, we really should do something.” She looked between Fuschia and Lavender who were cowering nearby. Hiding behind the heavy sets of musical equipment Her expression softened. “It's okay. Trixie wouldn't wish to put you needlessly at risk!”

“We...I'll help,” corrected Lavender who peeked out from behind a speaker, blonde locks trailing over her face.

With a grunt Fuschia said, “Count me in too. Can't let my partner do it alone!” They lined up beside their former teacher, wearing pointy hats like her. “Besides, we survived the Necronomicon a few times, we can do this, right?”

“Let's not push our luck,” reminded Lavender. “Here, Beatrix left these with us. She said Flurry would understand.” She pushed out a small treasure chest with her snout, threw it open, and revealed weapons confiscated from the cult.

“Neato!” Vinyl Scratch trotted over. “Even an earth pony won't completely suck with one of those!”

“Charmed,” said Octavia sourly as she hefted up a severed unicorn horn which had been fashioned into a wand. “I hate to use one of these, but under the circumstances, I see little choice.” The cult had crafted them from a number of mass-murdered unicorns. The banned tools carried a certain number of charges dependent on how powerful the pony they were taken from was, could only work basic spells, and would eventually burn out. “Let's save Equestria once more, shall we?”

Lyra hopped over and swished her tail. “Hooray! You love the rush of adrenaline, don't you Vinyl?”

“You bet your sweet ass!” She smacked her on the backside so hard she yelped. “Hey Tavi, remember that portable machine I built and you ruined?” Octavia scrunched up her snout to correct her, but before she could remind her she'd used it to save them from the Smooze she continued. “Well, I decided why not make it bigger and better than ever?”

Tavi pursed her lips. “You can't mean-? Vinyl...” She bristled. “You said you needed those bits to help fund our show!”

“And you believed me?” She chuckled. “Besides, I didn't exactly lie! It'll be the coolest thing ever, trust me!” She fished out a remote control from a sack, clicked a few buttons, and a whir sounded as the stage started to transform. Parts shifted from below, her sound system weaponized and linked with some leftover computers that would have made Time Turner proud, as her musical fortress came to life. “Behold! The new-and-improved, um, well I'll think up a name later!”

“Whoa.” Lyra's eyes darted around while she took it all in. “This is awesome!”

“You haven't seen nothin' yet, babes!” With another press of some buttons the contraption started to roll down the roads and carried Trixie's caravan behind it. “Got a few ideas when I saw Derpy's old schematics.” Before the last incarnation of Time Turner had passed on, she'd transferred her knowledge to poor innocent Derpy, who'd carried on her teacher's legacy until she too had been slain by the cult. “Don't expect it to fly anytime soon, let-alone teleport, but aren't I a genius?”

Lyra beamed and wagged her tail about. “Is there anything you can't do?!”

“Don't encourage her.” Octavia huffed. Usually the pair kept each other balanced, but Scratch loved to show off in front of the always enthusiastic Lyra, and would rile Tavi up for a cheap reaction constantly. Grabbing a microphone she ordered, “Everypony clear the way! Leave it to the professionals!” She adjusted her bow tie and hoped her voice carried authority.

Treads rolled below. The engine hummed and the contraption vibrated. Lyra shuddered pleasantly, closing her eyes and humming, while Fuschia and Lavender almost lost their balance. “Incoming,” warned Trixie who stalked forward.

Bloodied claws swiped through the guards that tried to bar the Ursa Minor, the air filled with a red mist. It was lacerated with multiple stab wounds that leaked but the demon bear didn't slow its stampede. Its face was scarred, jaws awash in yellowish slobber. “No...any creature but that!” Trixie's knees knocked at the sight of the beast. It seemed to hone in on her, like it could smell her fear, and she wet her leotard, momentarily reduced to a scared child at the sight of this monstrosity.

Fuschia and Lavender ran to both sides of her. “Snap out of it, mistress!”

“Of-of course! Trixie won't simply mewl like a foal when lives are at stake!” Blushing at the warm wet spot in the crotch of her costume, she banished and replaced it with an identical fresh number. “And now! Let us put this savage to rest!”

“To your stations, babes!” Vinyl waved towards the turret-like set ups where speakers were strategically placed. “Let's give this ugly nightmare the show of its life!” The machinery pulsed, ready to release sound waves which could demolish buildings. Her butt settled into a chair at the front, Octavia and Lyra stationed to both sides of her and ready to help launch a concentrated blast. “Just come a little closer,” she muttered as the Ursa trundled towards them, shaking the area with each movement.

“Wait!” Tree Hugger rushed before the stage which hissed as it skidded to a stop. “Let me try!”

“Careful now,” said Tavi who's forehoof hovered over the trigger button on her speaker. By now the Ursa Minor was almost atop them, the hippie standing between the demon bear and the mobile sound-stage. “No offense, but what can you do?”

Staring down the starry beast which reared up on its hindlegs, teeth bared and claws spread, Tree Hugger swallowed hard and met its crazed stare. “You're not evil,” she whispered sensing the vibes radiating from the monster. “You're lost and scared. I get that. But you don't have to be alone, you know?” Maybe she'd never be able to master the Stare, but when her eyes locked with the Ursa Minor it felt like Fluttershy was back beside her, its muscles slackening as she soothed the savage beast.

Tavi murmured, “Can she actually do it?”

“Maybe.” Vinyl Scratch slumped into her chair. “Almost a shame, I wanted to try this baby out!”

“Time for that later. No reason we should kill needlessly,” said Tavi who prayed she would succeed.

“I have an idea!” Lyra retrieved her harp, tuned the equipment to amplify the sound, and started to strum a soothing tune, aiding the hippie. With a bemused nod Octavia fetched her double-bass, and set her bow to it, adding to the music. Vinyl set her shades aside, considered for a moment, then added a subtle beat, tapping a hoof while they worked in harmony.

The Ursa Minor pinned down its ears and settled onto its haunches. Cautiously the hippie approached him, and stroked his fur, the madness that had twisted it from what felt like an eternity in the Necronomicon momentarily suppressed.

“Guess we're not needed,” said Trixie who lowered her hands, the spell she'd readied snuffed out. “Oh well.” By this point even Lavender and Fuschia had joined in, playing a pair of keyboards, and she wished she had some musical talent of her own, feeling rather left out. At least this had all helped snap her out of her funk. “Can you two look after yourselves?” They nodded. “Good. I need to find Beatrix.” It felt like she'd lost her daughter, and yet she was still there, a reminder of why she endured.

*****

A black cloud whirled through the Crystal Palace. It slipped through the floors, down the winding stone staircase, snuffing out the torches it passed over. The Necronomicon was calling to Sombra, not its ideal host since it lacked the raw power of Starlight Glimmer or Flurry Heart, but unlike them he would be easier to corrupt and ultimately control. With the darkness he'd infused into his Heralds he could sense their current whereabouts; Pestilence had fallen, Famine had been subdued, while War and Conquest battled with Shining's force as they tore across the Crystal Empire. But they were nothing to him.

The double-doors to the chambers that sealed the tome stood before him. He could sense a complex web of mystic barriers layered to keep intruders out. While he might be able to unlock the spells, it would take months at least to unravel them, and so he attempted to find a way around the network, simply to realize that it had formed a bubble around the area.

Deciding that sheer brute force would have to suffice, he slammed into the doors, howling as he slowly forced his way through the shields which sparked a myriad of colors as he dispelled the locks. Black globs fell away from his shadowy form, his forced intrusion threatening to rip her apart, but he grit his teeth and continued to push onward towards his goal.

“Hey you!” He spun and turned to face Beatrix. “Can't you see the Necronomicon is using you?”

His shape was partially visible amidst the flowing shroud. “Go away, little nuisance. I'll deal with you later.”

“Master,” whispered Bellatrix who froze when she looked upon him.

“You betrayed me.” He swept closer.

“N-no! I...” The succubus stepped backwards, slipped, and landed on her bare rump on the cold stone. Belladonna tried to come between them to defend her would-be sister, but a chill washed over her when Sombra passed through her like a phantom, unleashing a storm of tentacles which plucked the demon up. “I...I only ever wanted to make you happy!”

“And you will.” She screamed banshee-like when he forced her into the barriers. Her skin smoked and bubbled and the air filled with the stench of cooked meat, sacrificing her in order to weaken the interconnected spells placed on the chambers.

“Stop!” The most powerful spells Beatrix could work flared around her fists and horn, and she unleashed a storm of magic upon the sorcerer-king. He winced under the onslaught, forced to drop the whimpering, charred form of Primadonna, and Belladonna swallowed hard when he turned his attentions on her. “Maybe I can't win...but someone has to try and stop you!”

(Careful,) reminded the Smooze. (You know I'll die for you if necessary, but the truth is, we're no match for him.)

“I know,” she whispered and looked at the still smoking, huddled up form of Bellatrix with tears in her eyes. “But if he obtains the Necronomicon, we're all screwed anyhow!” She scrunched up her snout and strained her face, sweating as she redoubled her efforts, ready to burn herself out as she called upon the Necronomicon's power. “Sister?!”

Flurry Heart had blinked beside her and added her own prismatic beam to the assault. “Let's finish this!”

Sombra attempted to layer himself in the eldritch abominations tethered to his form, using them as a shield, the mass writhing as he continually howled under their combined spellwork. “Pitiful vermin!” He grabbed the half-conscious Bellatrix with his tendrils, and raised her before him, forcing the duo to pause their attack. He chuckled. “Fools.”

Sliding backwards, he pushed faster through the myriad of barriers, unconcerned with whether he annihilated himself anymore. From his shadowy self emerged a menagerie of monsters which detached themselves from him, alien insectoids that came from beyond the stars. Dozens spilled out, and Flurry Heart debated warping past them to reach Sombra, but knew that would entail abandoning her half-sister who she doubted could fight off all these creatures alone. “Don't worry about me,” called Beatrix.

“I can't leave you! I won't!” She fought back-to-back with the witch.

“Sometimes you have to make hard calls! That's part of being a ruler!” She dodged mandibles that snapped at her, blasting them off from the shelled monster, and it shrieked and oozed a clear fluid. “We have to stop him no matter what!”

“You couldn't either, could you?!” More of Flurry's beams lanced a carapace in two. The scattered portions of the dead beasts laid in stinking pools of their innards around the magicians. “You couldn't execute Bellatrix, even after all she's done!”

She smiled. “Touche.”

(She has you there,) quipped the Smooze.

“Don't rub it in, Smoozy!” Something slithered towards her, which she stamped with her heel, grinding it into the stone.

By the time Sombra finally penetrated the innermost sanctum most of him had been diminished. The obsidian cloud around him dissipated into vapors, and he landed with a thunk, his legs replaced by a serpent-like lower half which allowed him to slip down the wide corridor. Resting ahead on a stand was his prize; a closed black tome, stretched skin woven together.

Twisted faces with empty hollows where eyes once rested seemed to stare back into him. Alien voices were whispering to him, worming into his heart and psyche, promising him the power to fulfill his dreams. “Shining Armor and Cadance fought and sacrificed to save Equestria. And now, I will damn it forever.” He dropped Bellatrix and headed onward.

With the last monstrosity slain Flurry Heart seized Beatrix and the pair teleported into the now defenseless prison. “We're too late,” cried the alicorn when he pressed the book to his chest. It slid under the flesh, embedded itself in Sombra, who laughed as he absorbed the Necronomicon into him, becoming one with it. She threw herself in front of her half-sister, steeling herself.

His jagged crimson horn flared. But before he launched his spell, the Crystal Heart shimmered in Flurry's breast, a low hum sounding as it resonated. The souls of Shining Armor and Cadance tapped into its power, appearing before their daughter in spectral forms, protecting them from the black wave that washed towards them. “Daddy?” Beatrix blinked.

Sombra snarled, still unable to touch his hated enemies. He vanished with a blink. “Mother? Father?” Her parents smiled upon Flurry Heart. “What should I do?!” They tried to respond but she couldn't hear their words as they faded away. Her heart ached, the emotional pain matched by the physical, their stunt to save them having severely weakened the Crystal Heart. She couldn't hope for such a miracle again, not unless she was prepared to destroy herself and the priceless relic.

“Bellatrix?” Belladonna knelt and cradled her badly-burnt, would-be sister. “She's still alive...barely.”

(The trouble is, what should we do now? Sombra has all but won.)

“You're right as always, Smoozy. He's probably returned to that twisted planet. Guess we'll have to settle things here, gather up Shining's force, and attempt to hunt him down.” Belladonna carried the devil in her slender arms. “No use hanging around here!” She returned to her half-sister, who lowered herself, and she mounted her back, keeping Primadonna with her.

Pretty soon they reappeared back on the surface where the war continued. She smiled as Trixie ran to her, her mother having searched frantically for her while she headed towards the Crystal Palace. But her attention was locked on the Sphinx, who battled with Smolder and a number of drakes and pegasi in the skies, the air lit with plumes of fire.

“Hop on!” Trixie did as Flurry instructed, and she hurtled skywards, sailing towards the melee.

Trixie furrowed her brow. “What is that freak doing here?”

“I'll explain later,” said Beatrix. “I can still save her!”

“Be ready,” warned Flurry Heart as they climbed ever closer to the Sphinx.

However she dipped a bit when another vision blinded her. Beatrix continued to steer her while she saw Sombra, once more entrapped in the core of Megiddo, he and the Necronomicon fusing with the vampiric planet, multiplying its power many times over. Once their bond was finalized, he'd be able to sap the essence from Equestria within mere days, and would leave the land an empty, colorless husk that crumbled.

Worst still, soon he would have the power needed to further pierce the Heavens, and corrupt the afterlife itself, the souls of their loved ones so much fodder before his malice. Luckily, the void he'd made in the sky would also allow them to cross over...

VII. Fallout

Within a short time Cherry Jubilee had organized the mares who volunteered into a well-oiled machine, her team working to produce the designs Rarity and Suri Polomare dreamed up. They tirelessly worked in the spacious back rooms of the saloon-styled building, then enchanted with refined magics that strengthened them yet made them impossibly pliable. The garments were usually white in the style of the Shining's force banners, lined with blessed runes that were meticulously applied.

A private workshop outside had its interior lined with schematics. “They're right to hate and fear me.” Suri sighed.

Rarity paused, needle and thread wrapped within her pale aura. “No, no, no! I mean, it is understandable, however...this is your chance to start anew. Imagine how many lives might be saved through our work, darling. I once threw myself into this, dealing with Spike's loss...” She let the words hang, hopeful this mission might provide Suri with the purpose and closure she needed.

An uncomfortable silence settled between them. They were seated at a table, surrounded by mannequins where costumes and accessories were draped. They didn't have the necessary tools to forge weapons here, not to mention making such things from scratch were beyond their skill-set, but they were able to empower the armaments that the occasional pony brought to them.

Suri flicked an ear. “You hear something?”

Rarity started to turn from the subtle crunch of snowflakes that had pooled by the outskirts, when the door suddenly caved in with a crash, kicked in by dark hooves. The grizzled minotaur covered only in a loin cloth stomped inside, a bloodied and dripping axe hefted over a bare muscular shoulder, his other fist curled around a pair of chains. Collared to the rattling steel were a pair of crystal mares, the twin maids reduced to almost colorless slaves, Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse hollow-eyed.

“Well, what do we have here?” His bellows echoed through the room. “A couple of mares to add to my collection? Iron Will can only use these thrown away cocksleeves so many times!” He dragged one of the twins near him with a yank, and smacked her wide rump, leaving a red mark on the pale, wobbly flesh. “Maybe you can sate the God of War?”

Suri whimpered and trembled, faced with the same terrible fate she'd desperately tried to escape. “D-don't-”

Summoning a telekinetic storm, Rarity lifted up all the deadly improvised weapons she could from around the room, her face twisted as she hurtled needles and scissors amongst other junk at the intruder. He dropped the chain and hefted his axe, attempting to stop the objects hurtled at rapid speeds. He knocked a few from the air with a swipe, but far more sliced into his skin, embedded there. He snorted as trickles of red dribbled down his naked chest. “Feisty, huh? Iron Will can respect that!”

He yelled when she used her magic to jam the blades in further. “Okay, just for that I'll introduce you two to my Mare-Breakers!” He ripped off his loin cloth, exposing a pair of well-hung penises, one an alteration he'd gotten in his mercenary days in return for her services to the nemesis cult. Before he'd arrived in Equestria today, he'd tested them on Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse at the same time, ramming the cocks through their cunts until they exited their mouths. They were toys offered to him by Sombra, who promised him all the sport he could ever want in return for his servitude. He was a simply minotaur, after all!

There was nowhere for them to run, as he wavered at the sole exit. “Run for it! Move!” Rarity tried to snap her friend out of here frozen state, desperately lifted up the table with her lit horn and hurling it at him. His axe smashed the wood into splinters, and his fist seized around the fashionista's neck, while Suri cried and tried to slink past the sturdy warrior.

“Damned whorses!” He launched a kick, and the sound of ribs snapping was audible, Suri's body going limp as she was launched and slammed into a wall so hard it shook. “Shame, wanted to break her another way...”

“Suri!” Tears filled Rarity eyes as she writhed in his grasp, and he chuckled, shaking her about and wringing her neck. He squeezed until her face started to turn a shade of purple that almost matched her mane, mascara leaking down her bloated cheeks. She kicked at him as he lowered her down to his erections, prepared to split her open from the inside.

A red mist splattered over her. His fist slackened as he stared down at the blade which had ripped through his ballsack. Forced to drop his would-be prize, he started to spin towards his assailant, when the blade twisted and continued to hack upwards. His free fist threw a wild punch, connecting with Pinkie's snout, which crunched and bloodied under the impact.

Barely conscious, Pinkie Pie's gaze was hazed over when the axe started to crash down on her. He nearly tripped, thrown off-balance, as the zombies suddenly seized his legs with what little strength they had, like some glimmer of who they once were still remained ingrained in their instincts. Pinkie barely rolled out of the way of the axe which embedded itself with a thunk.

“No one defies Iron Will! You try to block, you taste my cock!” But it was obvious his bravado was forced as his guts started to fall from his torn abdomen, and Pinkie kicked up the saber further, helped by Rarity who's aura encircled the sword and drove it up into his chest. His bellows shook the area around him. “Damn you all! You...” The metal continued to twist inside him.

He sputtered and choked on his own blood, until he finally landed headfirst on his axe's blade, skull split open and brain matter falling in chunks as he finally went still. His intestines rolled out. For a moment, none of the survivors dared move.

Pinkie's mane and parts of her fur were stained red. “I'm okay,” she called. “Just a broken snout!” She winced and tried to play it off with a laugh, but she was shaken too, almost wishing she were Pinkamena again as she was better equipped to handle this.

“Suri...please be okay.” Rarity knelt beside the mare and checked her pulse. “I think she'll live, if she receives swift medical attention. I'm sorry.” Gently she brushed Suri's mane and cheek. “I've never been much of a fighter...”

“You handled yourself well!” Pinkie swiped up a silk cloth and pressed it to her bloodied nose. Every movement made her ache, but she shook flecks of red off her, hopped over to Suri, and carefully scooped her up. “Allow me, I'm faster!”

“Wait, it's not safe to travel alone!” Rarity strained to hobbled next to her. She looked upon the twins with a frown, knowing there was nothing she could do for them. Even if there were some way to revive them they were practically brain dead. Little more than tragic parodies of their past selves. She could hardly bear to look upon them. “Forgive me.” She hurried out.

“Wait!” Cherry Jubilee ran out from her retreat to meet them. She'd heard the commotion and readied her pistol, prepared to defend her patients and likewise thankful she hadn't had to. “I have a hospital set up inside! Follow me!”

*****

Surrounded on all sides, the Sphinx snarled and swiped, lashing out with paws that could rip a building apart with their claws. Her wings beat with such force it knocked the pegasi that attempted to near her about, while the dragons faired better, scorching her with pillars of fire she struggled to evade with her monstrous size. “You dare strike royalty?!”

“Hey, I'm a Queen!” Smolder planted a hand on a hip when she hovered nearby, pointing the Bloodstone Scepter at her. “Come to think of it, so is she!” She nodded over her shoulder at Flurry Heart who sailed with companions on her back in the distance. “Face it, there's no way you'll ever win this one! We've taken care of your buddies! You ready to be a martyr?”

“They're no friends of mine, little one.” The Sphinx sighed as the dragoness waved her scepter to halt the army. “Indeed, it is a battle I cannot win. But I still have my pride. Surely a dragon can understand that? It is not in my nature to submit.”

Flurry blinked up close to her. “A truce, then! Why not join Shining's force?”

For a moment the Sphinx stared bewildered, almost as flabbergasted as the onlookers, and then the creature broke into powerful laughter. “You are bold and have spirit! Mmm, the truth is I care naught for Sombra. I endure solely for the pleasures this existence can afford me. I am a huntress by trade. In truth, I may not be able to die by natural causes?”

But in truth she couldn't help but be bemused and a little inspired by the alicorn's naked innocence. There was no deceit in those bright eyes. Simply a desire to lend a hoof wherever she could to an almost sickeningly sweet degree.

With a chuckle she closed her eyes. “Very well, I shall lend you my aid. I'm no team player, but it may make for an...intriguing change of pace?” She moved rather lazily now, as her muscles relaxed, and her leonine-like tail swished about.

“Whew!” Flurry wiped her brow. “Welcome to the team!”

“Is there anything these ponies can't solve with friendship?” Smolder laughed with several of her companions.

Trixie quirked an eyebrow. “You certain about this? She did kill quite a number of soldiers, not to mention civilians...”

“Second chances are what we're supposed to be about, aren't we?” Beatrix continued to stroke Bellatrix's silky black hair. “At least that's one crisis over! Now, to pick up the pieces before we deal with the real problem...”

A concert broke out below to celebrate their hard-won victory. Flurry landed on the stage, where Trixie and Beatrix hopped off, the witch starting to put on a magic show filled with pyrotechnics like she'd planned while the band played in harmony. Belladonna wanted to join in, but carried the succubus to a dressing room, hopeful she could still save her.

“I know...a succubus feeds on sexual energies, doesn't she?” She placed the she-devil in a bed and the cheers and music and fireworks outside were dulled by the walls. “Then maybe...” She banished her clothes, and traced a palm over Primadonna's brunt flesh, which made the demon shudder. “This will probably hurt terribly, at first. But if it works...?”

She crawled into the bed with her. Spreading Bellatrix's thighs, she pressed their sexes together, lower lips now wetted with desire. A low moan trapped somewhere between agony and ecstasy escaped Primadonna, when their crotches ground together, folds inflamed as trickles of love juices stuck between them. Her eyes slowly blinked open. “Beatrix...?”

“Call me sister. A sister with benefits!” She winked. “You need to feed in order to survive.” She continued to press their slimy flowers in a slow, steady rhythm. “It's okay. Take from me.” She sat the succubus up, mashed their breasts, and met her lips. Primadonna reacted instinctively, and with a passionate kiss she started to siphon the life force from within her.

Gradually her wounds started to heal as they made love. Belladonna felt her muscles slacken, struggling to keep pace, as the succubus dug her claw-like nails into her lover's back and seized control. Not that she minded. Such a monster could easily sap all the life from their prey, but now that she was bound to her such a thing wasn't possible, was it? She thrilled at the sense of danger, reduced to a plaything in the she-demon's hands, who groped her while she rubbed their clams with increased fierceness. The spaded tail wrapped around the witch, pressed against the entrance to her ass, and spread the hole wide.

Now almost fully recovered, Bellatrix withdrew her mouth and pressed her claws into the witch's cupped cheeks. “I could easily kill you,” she reminded in a husky whisper, her wings wrapped around her as she fucked her.

“But I know you won't,” replied Beatrix with half-lidded eyes and a cocky smirk. “Because I can fuck you better than Sombra.”

Bellatrix tittered. “I'll hold you to that...sister.” Unable to deny her curiosity, the succubus kissed her again, returning some of the essence she'd taken so her partner wouldn't be so tired out. Pretty soon the sisters were engaged in a wrestling match, rolling and molesting one-another in a playful fight for dominance. They would take turns topping, slamming the other into the blankets, which were now soaked with their mixed lubrication. “Ooh, you are good!” She forced a few fingers into her mouth.

She sucked on Primadonna's digits, then removed her snout from them with a pop, stuck to her by strings of saliva. “Use your glamour, will you? I'd kind of like to make love to myself...” With a giggle Bellatrix twinkled her fingers and shifted herself, becoming a perfect duplicate of her. “Nice!” She always wondered if this streak of narcissism came from her mother?

Almost like she'd summoned her with a thought, Trixie made her way back there between music sessions, bemused while she watched the witches rustle about. “Is this a private party?” With a click Trixie removed her entire costume. She strutted over with hands upon her hips, letting her ample breasts and buttocks sway with each exaggerated movement.

Sidling in between them, she stared into Bellatrix's eyes and cupped her chin. “You're her, aren't you? Trixie isn't certain how much she should hold you responsible for what happened to the other Beatrix...”

“I miss her too,” admitted Beatrix. “But in a sense she's always with me.” She summoned the Prima Materia into her palm then dismissed it. “Besides, it was Sombra that killed her. If I know myself, which I should, she'd want her to have a second chance!”

“Very well. Trixie shall accept you into the clan.” She softened and caressed the demon's arm. “However, she will not forget what you've done. Forgiveness must be earned. Now, more importantly...how will you make it up to Trixie?”

“I have a few ideas...” It was practically a purr when Bellatrix crawled on all fours to her, breasts suspended.

“What about you, Smoozy? You still hibernating? Wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun!”

The Smooze stirred in her core, warm and making her shudder pleasantly. (Yes. I do what I can to preserve my strength. Fortunately, I seem to have partially recovered, although I hesitate to strain myself more than necessary yet. However, I am admittedly curious.) She opened her thighs reflexively and let the goop slithered out from her entrance with a soft coo.

Beatrix petted the blob. “And how you do intend to entertain us today?”

(I could always fulfill an unspoken fantasy. Such as yours.) He focused on Trixie, and reshaped himself into a female humanoid form, until its features molded and filled out to perfectly resemble her. (How is this? More to your liking?)

A smile split Trixie's face. She'd become a little more self-aware of her narcissism over the years, having subconsciously helped shaped her daughter's appearance with the Necronomicon's power while she carried the child, wanting her offspring to be almost exactly like her. She was her pride and joy, after all. “Yes, this will more than do. Trixie is quite pleased!”

The Smooze laughed in her voice. “And I haven't even performed yet!”

“Hey mom, he's practically got you down to a science!” Beatrix chuckled at her mother's glare. “But seriously, what about you, Smoozy? Are you really okay with this? I feel bad, making you work so hard to sate my needs if yours aren't met!”

“You needn't worry about that,” said the Smooze in her mother's exaggerated voice, a hand pressed to a shapely bosom. “You've always pleased me!” The creature grinned and winked. In truth he didn't have a real identity, nor a gender, he'd simply taken on what others had projected on him from the beginning. Even his old friend Discord had never truly understood him.

“You certain? Well, if there's always been something you've wanted to try, I'll be down.” Beatrix squeezed the offered hand.

Trixie looked between the three of them, and crept next to her daughter. She leaned in and nibbled on her ear as an excuse to whisper, “You really sure about Bellatrix? What if she flips out and betrays us to Sombra?”

“Don't worry,” answered Belladonna below her breath. “I've tamed her. I think. We made a pact. She can't screw me over without serious consequences. And deep down, her needs are simple. She wants to have fun, feel important, and needs companionship. Basic stuff, really. I can relate.” Mother-and-daughter wrapped their arms about the other, and their lips met.

After all this time Beatrix still felt most comfortable in her anthro shape. With the Prima Materia she could shift between human and unicorn forms, almost like her dead 'sister' was always with her. Was she taking pity on Bellatrix because she saw herself as a monster, too? She was merely a key to the Necronomicon who happened to have a lovely form. Maybe it was also what had drawn her to the Smooze, convinced that a number of creatures were simply misunderstood. She'd tried to only focus on exterminating the seemingly mindless ones on her ventures into the Necronomicon, forces of nature that reeked of malevolence.

She almost lost track of herself as the foursome become a sea of bodies. Hands groped over supple flesh, lips met, and soft moans sounded. She abandoned rational thought in a haze of shared lust, the bed drenched with their excretions. She chewed on a lock of her hair, curves now soaked in perspiration. What better way to celebrate the fact that they were alive?

*****

“Guess the Crystal Fair is canceled after all,” lamented Diamond Tiara who kicked a chunk of crystal with a hoof. “Oh well, at least some ponies are still able to celebrate!” While some of the citizens had returned to their revelries, welcoming the rebirth of Shining's force, others were devastated by the recent losses, as the return of a standing army meant that they still lived in a world that needed such. Worse still the mere sight of Sombra had never reduced some crystal ponies to a catatonic state.

“It doesn't have to be,” said Blueblood who trotted alongside her through the ruins while pops sounded with colorful flashes overhead and music blared. “Perhaps we can reconfigure it to better suit our purposes? Say, the winners of the games can become champions in our army? We'll need all the help we can get to stop Sombra, after all.”

“Oh, you are devious!” She raised a forehoof to her mouth with a titter. “Trouble is, we don't have much time. A few days at most, if what Starlight said is true. Hope she found somewhere safe to dispose of Garble's remains!”

“She's a resourceful one. I'm sure she'll simply teleport the corpse somewhere barren after the poisons contained within are rendered inactive.” They made the rounds, waving to those they passed, aware that any attempts to placate the masses would be insufficient. Such an attack was a reminder even the Crystal Empire wasn't a sanctuary these days.

Starlight blinked into existence before the pair. “Whoops, sorry!” She laughed at Blueblood's squeak when she reared up. “More importantly, I disposed of Garble. Smolder suggested the Badlands, so I dumped him in a volcano there. It's where he'd probably want to be buried, anyhow!” She followed alongside them as they continued their tour.

By now Flurry had started to lower the sun. The evening set in, a mess of blurred, beautiful colors. Passing the mobile sound stage linked with the caravan, they paused to watch the band play, Fuschia and Lavender performing a number of magic tricks when they weren't needed as they put on a variety show. Mobs were piled up to watch, singing and swaying to the beat.

Positioned behind the wagon was the Ursa Minor, who lazed happily out of sight, head rested atop his paws while Tree Hugger straddled his furry back and patted him down. She seemed to have a knack of reading one's mood and soothing their pains.

“Too bad we can't, like, shrink you. I mean, I'm all about everypony being themselves, unless they're a butthole, but you're pretty intimidating, you know? Don't worry, I'll take you to Canterlot Gardens sometime. You'll totally love it there!”

“Hmm, maybe I can shrink him?” Starlight wandered up. “It's not a difficult spell. Well, not for me.”

Hugs shot her a crooked smile. “That's be radical! You okay with that, boy?” He nodded. “Cool! Go for it!”

Glimmer's horn sparked as she channeled her magic, wrapping the azure bear in it, the constellations seeming to swirl through his bulk. She took it slow as not to hurt him, his form gradually shrinking, until he was reduced to Mr. Bear's size, Tree still riding atop him. She patted his side affectionately as Starlight's horn stopped glowing. “There. Should last until I undo it.”

“Thanks, I owe you.” Hugs hopped down and nuzzled with the Ursa Minor.

“Don't worry about it. If anything, after all I've done I owe all of you...” Starlight watched the sun slowly dip down the horizon.

Further the trio traveled to check on Cherry Jubilee's retreat. Within the saloon-like interior mares were hard at work to craft costume-like armor which would later be enchanted. “Howdy.” Cherry curtsied with her dress. “Would you like some refreshments? I don't keep any alcohol around here, but I can still mix up somethin' tasty, if you like.”

“Sure, mix me up something sweet as you!” Diamond Tiara batted her lashes flirtatiously.

“The closest mix to something strong you can manage,” said Blueblood.

“I'm good,” said Starlight. “How are Rarity, Suri, and Pinkie doing?”

“They're in the medical wing.” Jubilee's skirts swept as she led them down a hallway. “We would've been slaughtered by Iron Will without their intervention. I can take care of myself...” She hiked her dress slightly, exposing a garter around a hindleg, plucked a small pistol from a holster, and somehow spun it on a forehoof. “But I doubt a few bullets would put him down!”

They arrived in a spacious room lined with beds. Pinkie had a cast around her snout, she and Rarity seated on stools next to a cot where Suri dozed. She was battered and bruised, wrapped up in bandages and looking like she was on the verge of death. There were a number of other patients here, including a pair of twin crystal ponies who idled in a corner.

“Oh Suri,” whispered Rarity who would routinely dab her eyes with a silk napkin.

Pinkie tried to smile at them, winced, and waved a forehoof instead.

“As ya'll can see we're in a bad state,” admitted Cherry in a hushed whisper. “We're not sure Suri will make it. Pinkie should be okay, but it'll take time. Rarity sustained some bad bruises, mostly around her neck, but nothing that should be permanent.” With a sigh she tilted her head at Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse. “As for them, they were brought here by Iron Will. They're practically brain dead, but are still suffering in this state. I don't believe in suicide, no matter how many times I've been tempted, but this isn't really a life, is it? Would it be wrong for me to...to mercy kill them? A bullet and hopefully it would be over...”

“We'll support whatever choice you make,” said Tiara. “I wouldn't want to go on like that!”

“Me either.” Blueblood shuddered. “Sorry, I don't mean to be insensitive, but it is...unnatural.”

“I'll handled it if you can't.” Starlight knew she'd already stained her soul with thousands of sins. What was one more?

Jubilee chewed her lower lip. “Give me time. They've just arrived. I need to let my feelings settle in.” The pair looked so defeated, not unlike a number of mares she'd taken in and tried to heal. “If only Nurse Redheart were still around...” But like so many she'd been lost during one of their missions, and they feared many more would follow in the days to come.

VIII. Last Rites

Having taken the flesh-woven Necronomicon into himself, Sombra was infused with its forbidden power, which now pumped through the veins which tethered him to Megiddo's hollowed-out core. The vampiric planet pulsed, flooded with the essence it continually siphoned from Equestria. It was now a race to see whether Shining's force could unite and prepare themselves in time, or if he'd master this newfound power and prove insurmountable before his hated adversaries.

Unfortunately he was still drained and shattered from bypassing the complex web of magical barriers that had housed the tome; he'd nearly destroyed himself in the process of brute-forcing his way through. If not for using Bellatrix Primadonna to take the brunt of one section, he likely would have been ripped apart entirely. But the sacrifice of her and his Heralds had been worth the prize. When he was reborn Equestria would collapse, followed by Heaven itself when he invaded and corrupted it.

He couldn't wait to face Shining Armor and Cadance again. He'd break their daughter right in front of them, introduce them to tortures they couldn't even dream up, keep them forever as his personal slaves.... His eyes glazed over with contentment.

*****

The Crystal Fair spilled across the capital. Despite the tragedy that had befallen it on the day of the massacre, the festivities continued unabated, with the dragons who'd helped rebuild the Crystal Empire and now openly allied with Shining's force were positioned at key vantage points to oversee the celebration and act as sentinels. The sound stage and connected caravan swept from area-to-area, music booming and a display of pyrotechnics from the witches flashing wherever the performers went.

A prompt meeting was called within the ruins of the arena by Flurry Heart and Smolder. “I say we attack now,” the Dragon Lord called with a sweep of the Bloodstone Scepter. “Hit Sombra where he lives before he has time to master that spell book!”

“I'm not sure we're ready, either!” Flurry perched on a pile of stones with her wings spread to their full span, hoping it made her look more majestic like she imagined her mother had. “What if he has a trap ready? We can't go in half-cocked!”

“Either way, the odds may not be in our favor.” Blueblood snorted haughtily with her snout raised.

“It's a gamble all right.” Diamond Tiara's crown-like decoration glinted in the sunlight. “But we may not have a choice!”

Blueblood pursed her lips. “Perhaps we should put it to a vote?”

“That's hardly fair,” noted Smolder who restlessly hovered about. “You're all old friends! I mean, we'll support you whatever you do, but my kin need to know they're respected! You know we dragons have our pride!”

Starlight Glimmer had mostly listened in, feeling it wasn't her place to speak, not after the mistakes she'd made. But she finally cleared her throat and they turned to her. “I...actually agree with Smolder. Given time, the Necronomicon will completely assimilate Sombra, and it will be the cult of the nemesis all over again. Who knows how many spells he's mastered already?”

Silent fell between them while they ruminated on the possibilities within the gutted coliseum. A plume of colored smoke suddenly wafted from the entrance. “Is this a private affair, or is anypony free to pitch in?” Beatrix Belladonna strutted up in her anthro guise, side-by-side with Trixie. “Sorry, didn't mean to butt in, but I'd like to think we have a say in this, too?”

“Of course sister!” Flurry beamed. “We couldn't have won the war without you two! Um, three!”

“Don't worry, Smoozy's not the type to get offended when he's left out. He does way too much thankless work,” admitted Beatrix. “Anyhow, I also think it would be riskier to wait too long. Unfortunately Rarity and her crew haven't had time to complete as many enchanted items as they'd like, what with Iron Will's attack. They're lucky to be alive!”

“Suri Polomare might not make it,” reminded Trixie darkly. “She's stable, but has yet to wake up.”

“Pinkie's beat up pretty bad, too.” Belladonna paced in circles, cape sweeping behind her, the eyes on it and her hat darting about as if they too were lost in thought. “Probably won't be fit for battle anytime soon. Rarity's physically okay, just mostly superficial wounds, but I'm not sure about her mental state. Best not put them at risk unless absolutely necessary.”

“And Tree Hugger never was much of a fighter,” said Diamond Tiara. “Wouldn't ask Cherry Jubilee to help us directly, either. I'm sure Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra would, if we asked. What about those other two witches, um-”

“Fuschia and Lavender retired from the business,” reminded Trixie sharply. “Trixie could convince them to aid us, but that hardly seems fair, after all the sacrifices they've made! No, she will leave that decision entirely up to her former apprentices.” She stood firm with finality, as if she expected somepony to challenge her decision, then blushed when none did so.

“We have a sizable army,” assured Flurry. “Granted, I have to leave some of them here to defend the Crystal Empire, but we should have more than enough to storm this nasty Megiddo! Especially with all the new allies we've gained!”

Smolder grinned and nodded. “I could lend at least a hundred of my own. I'd like to submit more, but well, after all the infighting when Garble betrayed Ember, we were almost driven to extinction. We have so few eggs left. If things end up going badly, this could mean the extinction of our race!” Her face twisted up, uncertain whether she'd made the right decision.

“We'll only take the absolute minimum we need,” assured Tiara. “Speaking of our new allies...can we trust them all?”

“You mean the Ursa Minor and the Sphinx?” Blueblood scoffed. “The former's a wild animal. And the latter? If you ask me, she should be executed for all her crimes! Why, I've no doubt she'll abandon our turn on us at the first opportunity!”

“I think she's sincere!” Flurry met her gaze. “We have to give her at least one chance!”

“She's like a force of nature,” said Beatrix. “She operates on a different sense of morality than we do.” She'd kept the fate of Bellatrix Primadonna a secret to most. Could she ever be openly accepted into their ranks? She'd tried to help assimilate the Smooze into society, and now hoped to save her would-be sister too, because was she really so different from that monster?

(You believe that if they can be redeemed so can you,) the Smooze cast. (But it's not like you asked to be what you are. Neither did I. Or any creature, for that matter. We simply play the hand that's dealt us, so to speak.)

“I suppose so,” she murmured to herself. Removing her cone-shaped hat, she stared at it, the eyes which gazed back and the roving mouths with their jagged teeth a constant reminder of what she probably really looked like under her cute, Trixie-inspired appearance. Her mother had subconsciously shaped her into a practical clone of herself, but she hardly minded, honored to be the daughter of such a wonderful performer. “Anyhow, I think the Sphinx has no choice but to honor her agreement.”

Trixie nodded. “Certain monsters are bound by rules. But does that apply now that she's escaped her territory?”

“We'll have to chance it,” said Starlight. “She could prove a great help.”

“Or hindrance.” Blueblood shook her head. “Oh, very well, I'll place my faith in...that.”

“Lighten up, Princess!” Tiara put a foreleg around her shoulders. “We'll take care of all this crap here, the rest of you, do what you've got to do!” She laughed, knowing this would be another opportunity to prove their worth.

“We do have a problem, though.” Starlight picked a rock from a saddlebag which was colorless. “Found this on my trip to the Badlands. It looked like this phenomenon stretched a mile wide. Thankfully, not where any creature lived from what I could tell, but it won't take long before it becomes more common and sends everypony into a panic.”

“All the reason to move out soon as possible,” reminded Smolder.

“Give us until the end of the day?” Flurry couldn't hide her strained face. “I'll gather up what resources I can, invite the champions of the initial games into Shining's force, see if we can't drum up more numbers for our army?” She hated to sacrifice anypony, but knew her Empire was depending on her, and that maybe her sister was right. She'd have to stand firm and make a difficult choice. She looked to the stilled hole in the sky, knowing she could transport their forces inside when they were ready.

*****

“Of course we're with you,” said Vinyl Scratch as her band relaxed between its latest session. “Heck, maybe we can transport this whole contraption to Megiddo, too? I'd love to test this baby out!” She patted the stage affectionately. It and the caravan had paused where Tree Hugger and the Ursa Minor were situated, picking the pair up on their trip around the capital.

“We have been fighting-the-good-fight, so to speak, since the beginning.” Octavia sighed as she recalled old times. “Dear departed Fancy Pants put our little team together. Derpy, Time Turner, Bon Bon...all lost to us.”

“Bon Bon...” Lyra held a harp to her bosom. “Not to mention all the rest we lost.”

Trixie turned to her former understudies. “And what about you two? No pressure, mind you. This is your life, after all.”

Fuschia and Lavender exchanged glances. “Uh...um...”

Beatrix shook her head. “You don't have to. There's no shame in it. You've already done a ton for us!”

“We really would like to help,” admitted Lavender who stared at her forehooves.

“But I don't think we'd be that much use anyhow,” said Fuschia.

Tree Hugger rode up to meet them on the back of the Ursa Minor. “Hey, maybe it's not your karma, you know? Don't know how much help I'll be, but we'll be there, isn't that so boy?” He whined happily when she nuzzled her cheek with his.

“Fine. We'll do it.” Fuschia curled her lip. “We-”

“No.” Trixie knelt and pulled the duo close. “You stay on watch over the Crystal Empire in my place, will you? Trixie wants somepony to carry on her legacy if...if we don't make it back.” She tightened her hold around the witches.

“Are you crying?” Lavender sniffled. “You know we'd follow you anywhere!”

“Trixie knows. That's why she can't ask you to do that.” She had this terrible feeling a lot of them might not make it back.

Wiping a tear from her cheek, Beatrix slipped away, into the caravan where her half-sister waited like she'd requested. She took a deep breath. This was the moment of truth. “Follow me.” She led her into the room where Bellatrix Primadonna obediently waited. The succubus smiled and swished her tail about. “I know it might sound crazy, but...I've taken her under my wing.”

“You're kinder than you pretend, sister.” Flurry placed a forehoof on her shoulder.

“Nah.” Beatrix chuckled and patted her hoof. “I've always been self-serving. Even this is an attempt to convince myself I'm worthy of continuing to live...” She chuckled. “But hey, it's rude to talk about Bellatrix Primadonna like she's not here!”

“Uh...sorry about what I did?” Bellatrix fluttered her lashes at her. “I'll behave from now on, I promise! Sister's been real good to me...” The succubus writhed naked atop the sheets, rolling up in them. She was still more monster than persona, amoral and almost child-like in her pursuit of hedonistic pleasure, like an obedient dog who'd switched loyalties to a new master.

It certainly hadn't hurt that Sombra had betrayed and tried to sacrifice her. That act had shattered his last hold on her, the spell broken while she'd laid there near death, but it had taken her sometime to process her newfound state. Unlike her former keeper Beatrix didn't keep a tight leash on her, the sole commands she'd placed on her an inability to harm or betray their allies.

Flurry chewed on her lower lip. “It's okay. But you trashed my diary...” She removed the book from her saddlebags.

“Yeah, I know. Wish I could take that back. You're lucky, really. Don't think I ever had parents,” mused Bellatrix.

“Well, hopefully we'll all be able to get along! You're both my sisters so far as I'm concerned,” said Beatrix who hugged them both tight as she could. “Ah well, I won't take up any more of your time sis, I know you're real busy. Last night before the big battle, huh? Better take care of all unfinished business before we head out tomorrow!”

*****

Flurry Heart returned to the Crystal Palace once it was time to set the sun, She landed on the balcony, studied the silhouette of Celestia burned into the solar surface, and concentrated as she started to lower it. It was a long and arduous process, and she strained a tad to accomplish it, but the beautiful colors which stained the skies made it all worthwhile.

She looked upon her Empire and the crystal ponies she could see below. At her request a city-wide funeral would be held for all those lost in the massacre. The winners from the games were chosen, many of whom would become new additions to Shining's force, champions who would fight in the name of her dead father. She looked pensive as the yellow orb dipped below.

Next she rose the moon, similarly marked by Luna's shadow, who liked her sister was never trapped within these spheres. Stars twinkled when the sky turned black. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief once she'd completed her task.

“This a private party?” Smolder touched down when she turned, still wearing her rune-decorated white armor which adhered to her slender curves. “You know, usually we dragons would have some sort of ritual to seal our alliance!”

“Huh, we could do that.” Flurry rubbed her chin. “What did you have in mind?”

“Oh, I can think up a few things.” Smolder swaggered over with a sway of her hips. “You have any experience?”

“What sort of experience? Uh...oh.” She blushed when the dragoness caressed her cheek and bashfully turned her head aside. “N-not much, I'll admit. Especially with another female. Um, w-would it really be okay?”

“Sure, why not?” With a shrug Smolder flew up to where she'd left the Bloodstone Scepter atop the palace, including a stand she'd crafted for it, which resembled a dragon's claw. She set it down between them. “How about a little show?”

Flurry clopped her forehooves and beamed, seated on her haunches. “I'd love that,” she cried not knowing what she had in mind. With a smirk Smolder started to spin around the scepter like it was a pole, a claw and both legs wrapped around its thin length. Delicately she started to unpeel her costume, starting from the neck, exposing the breast-like shape of her bosom.

Gradually she slinked down the attire, stuck to her hide, her armor-like scales retracted to bring out the lusciousness of her curves. She wiggled the attire down her chest, over her midsection, and pried them from her hips, the suit specially cut so that her wings and tail would not impede it. She continued to twist around the pole, flipping upside-down, her thighs holding her in place while she pulled the suit from her ankles and left herself completely naked, her thin sex already wet with anticipation.

“Hey, you and Beatrix are whizzes when it comes to alchemy, right?”

“We've mixed up some potions in our time,” admitted Flurry who tried to sound humble despite the pride she took in their work.

“Could you make me look like Trixie for a while? Not literally. I mean, like a human woman, or whatever?”

“Maybe~” Flurry practically sung the words, swishing her tail curiously. “You look cute this way, though!”

“Oh, I know!” Unlike her dragons saw no reason not to flaunt their pride. “How about this? Can you give me some more human-like characteristics? How about some hair, breasts, and nipples? Can you do that?”

“I could probably do that! Shouldn't need Beatrix to help with that since it's a partial transformation!” Lighting her horn, Flurry threw open the doors to the balcony, and plucked out some flasks and raw materials she kept hidden in her closet. Usually she'd keep them in her laboratory, Blueblood and Diamond Tiara warning her the components were rather volatile, but she kept a stash hidden away anyhow. “Stand back! Let's see what I can cook up!” She immediately set to work.

Using some vials she poured the chemicals which hissed and bubbled as they mixed. Colorful smoke arose as she lit her horn and added her own magic to them. A couple minutes passed while she let it settle and it fizzed over a little. “Done!”

Smolder scooped the concoction up and her nostrils flared as she sniffed it. “Bottoms up!” She gulped it down. A warmth filled her already hot insides. “I feel kind of weird?” Suddenly the spines atop her head started to grow out, turning into a mane of silky hair, which framed her face and fell down her back. Her chest reconfigured itself into a pair of modest breasts, nipples poking out, and she greedily ran her palms over them. “Wow, these are amazing! Can I keep them?”

“Well, I don't know whether I can make them permanent, but I'll whip you up more potions whenever you like! Now, ready to seal the deal?” Flurry swallowed hard and reddened. “L-let's take this to the bedroom!” She shyly led her inside. Curtains billowed in the wind as she approached a wide bed covered in fluffy pillows and velvet sheets. She climbed atop it.

Following behind her, Smolder crawled on all fours in a playfully predatory manner, her perky, cone-like breasts hanging from her. She flexed her wings and tail, rocking her backside with graceful sways, and tackled her lover with a cackle, knocking her to her back and pinning her with a cackle as she straddled her barrel. She bent forward and pressed their snouts together.

Sliding herself lower, Smolder spread the alicorn's thighs, and mashed their moist sexes together. Gobs of stickiness connected their swollen lips, tethered by slimy strings, their heart-shaped lovebuds kissing. A shared moan escaped the duo, the dragoness pancaking her tits upon her partner, who's own lower but larger teats caressed her soft belly. Hooves and claws started to wander, kneading into backs and buttocks, yanking on tails that soon started to coil around each other as they made love.

Mouths mischievously battled for dominance, Smolder's tongue almost impossibly long, until it coiled around her lover's several times and licked about its walls and teeth. She slid a digit up Flurry's asshole, which reflexively clenched around the knuckle-deep intruder. In turn Flurry lowered her mouth, closing around a tit as she sucked and pulled upon it.

“Mmm...you're not bad,” admitted Smolder. “Sure you're an amateur?”

Flurry's face burned but she continued to happily suckle, switching between both breasts, which distended when she tugged on them, letting go with a loud pop and slapping back into place when she turned her attention to the other. A devious expression crossed her when her horn sparkled, and she encircled Smolder's butthole with her aura, tracing the pink warm ring.

“Wh-why you-” Smolder puffed up her cheeks and blushed. “N-no way I'm gonna-” But she howled and tensed as she lost their little competition, spraying the Queen and her bed in the process, her repeated squirts showering all the way to the wall.

A series of titters escaped Flurry, but such a lewd display soon made her lose it too, and her body started to quiver. Her lower orifices clenched when she showered her back, squealing while she spread her wings to their full plume. Smolder continued to shake with her, riding out multiple climaxes while Flurry molested her all over with her aura.

They twisted so hard the bed shook and ultimately collapsed with a heavy thud below them. Flurry was thankful most of the staff were away, including the ones who'd usually be on this level, so it was doubtful anypony heard them. She huffed as the pair basked in their afterglow. “H-how am I going to explain this to Blueblood and Diamond Tiara?!”

IX. Squaring the Circle

Dawn arrived in the capital with some help from Flurry Heart, tiny snowflakes swirling outside her room. The Queen knew she couldn't put it off anymore. She'd awkwardly admitted her tryst with Smolder to seal their alliance to Blueblood, who'd scoffed in disapproval, and Diamond Tiara who'd chuckled mischievously. “Awww, did you wet the bed?”

“No,” answered Flurry rather defensively with a scrunch of her snout.

“Diamond Tiara used to wet the bed from what her parents once told me,” mused Blueblood.

“Hey! Just for that I'm not sharing my collection of wines with you anymore!” She pouted.

They had sent a team of maids to clean the room and replace the bed while the alicorn coyly stared at the floor and rubbed it with a forehoof. She felt like a foal again, being scolded by her parents because she'd done something rather naughty.

“It was my idea,” admitted Smolder who was still somewhere between a human woman and dragoness. She followed her out to the balcony where Flurry had recently risen the sun, the morning dawning upon the Crystal Empire.

Beatrix Belladonna and Bellatrix Primadonna were already seated upon the rail. “Got laid, huh?” She winked at her sister and kicked her booted feet. “Seriously, I'm happy for you, sister. Best to let it all loose in case we don't make it.”

“Don't say that! We'll be fine!” Nevertheless Flurry swallowed hard.

“We do have quite a few new allies.” Beatrix looked skyward and the eyes on her hat and cape stared above too. “The dragons, all those new champions, an Ursa Minor and the Sphinx, not to mention our new sister!” She wrapped an arm around her.

Bellatrix smirked, still completely naked, as a succubus was hardly concerned with modesty. The only reason she'd ever bother with clothing was if it served as armor or made her even more alluring. “You can count on me, sister!”

The final members of their inner circle closed in, Trixie riding atop Starlight Glimmer who hovered over to them. “Well now, the gang's all here!” She playfully swatted Glim-Glam's rump. “Between all of us, Sombra won't stand a chance!”

“I certainly hope so. He's neutralized the Smooze twice before,” recalled Beatrix.

(Indeed. I am still far from where I used to be. Even so I shall aid your quest however I can, like always.)

“You're too kind, Smoozy. More than I deserve.” Belladonna rubbed her belly which felt warm from where he nestled in her core. She'd taught him about Equestria and now tried to do the same with Primadonna.

(Humble-bragging does not become you,) he teased back.

“Was that a joke? You are learning!” She tittered.

(Careful, or I'll give you a stomach ache.) He rolled in her womb, just enough to make her a little nauseous.

“Point taken! And I thought I was the cruel one...” He filled her with a warm tingle once more. She shivered and her cheeks colored, trying to subtlety rub her thighs together as blood rushed to her inflamed, moist sexhole. She writhed about, and barely suppressed a low moan as her lips puckered, her eyelashes fluttering while he massaged her g-spot in soft circles.

“Oh, don't leave me out. Didn't think you could hide it, could you sister?” Bellatrix wrapped her spaded tail with the anthro mare's. “Why not give me some lovin', Smooze? I promise I'll be just as enjoyable!” Bits of the slime slithered from Belladonna's snatch, some tendrils reaching out to rub her clit and plug her rectum below the leotard.

Another portion sidled onto Primadonna's tail and slowly worked their way into her twat and backdoor. “Oh yes,” she cried with shameless delight, clawed hands rubbing over her heavy udders. “Mmm, but I think maybe you're rather attached to a certain form, huh?” While the ooze slithered up her uterus and flooded it, her shape shifted at her mental command.

She also took on a form that recalled her sister's, born in the likeness of Trixie, but her skin was a pinkish-red, matched by brighter eyes. But she maintained her leather wings while her mane and tail had more of a curl. “I think the Smooze is now addicted to you, sister! Although I'm certain it works both ways!” She snickered and stroked her stomach.

“Like we need yet another Trixie,” teased Starlight who let her rider down.

“Oh, Trixie is one-of-a-kind! Her wonderful daughter is close, though.” She patted her child's shoulder with a smile. Shrugging with the realization modesty was pointless, she banished her own clothes, the human woman trembling with subdued pleasure from a chill which left her nipples rock hard. “Ah, nothing like a nude stroll to wake one up in the morning!” Her wide hips and buttocks swayed when she walked over to the rail and bent over when she leaned on it. “Lovely, isn't it?”

Starlight stared at her ass. “It sure is...” She turned her attention to overlooking the crystalline streets below, stealing the occasional glance at her exotic lover's delicious curves. “Better relish it while we can, we'll have to move out soon.”

“No time for a quickie?” Trixie hot her a sly look over one shoulder. “Between this new body and my daughter, I could almost thank the Necronomicon, if it hadn't cost Equestria so much.” She sighed. “But even if we put down Sombra, what then? We simply lock up the book and hope nopony else is ever able to lay claim to it? We need a better solution.”

“I agree. The temptation is too great. I hoped our trips inside would severely weaken it, but-”

“I made it even worse,” admitted Beatrix. “This is partially my fault. Before I would've taken on all the blame because I was too busy feeling sorry for myself, but I've had some time to self-reflect, with a little help from Smoozy. I'm a living key to the Necronomicon.” She clasped a fist around the Prima Materia which locked her cape at the neck. “But it works both ways.”

Starlight quirked an eyebrow. “Meaning?”

“I may have a way to stop Sombra, at least. But I'll have to get in close. Not sure about getting rid of the Necronomicon forever.” Was it possible to somehow seal it from inside? Maybe she could do like Sombra and take control of the realms from within? Of course, there was the risk such an act would simply corrupt her, too. She stroked her chin, considering options.

*****

By afternoon the entirety of Shining's force gathered in the coliseum. The cracked and grayed-out hole in the sky loomed ominously overhead. Most of their armies would proceed into the unknown to confront Sombra on Megiddo, despite the extreme likelihood of a trap, while a smaller number would remain behind to defend the Crystal Empire.

“You should stay and look after the city,” said Starlight who rested atop a fallen column.

“Come on, we'll miss all the action!” Vinyl stomped a hoof. “You sure we can't transport this stage? I'm sure a few dragons-”

“Maybe some other time,” said Smolder. “We'll need strong fighters here too, just in case.” She nodded at drakes perched around the area. “Besides, I'm pretty sure your music is great for morale! You can do more good here!”

“Fine.” Grumbles escaped the DJ but she decided not to press it further.

“You're such a foal sometimes,” said Octavia. “It's true. It may not be glamorous, but it's an important role.” Her marefriend whapped her hard on the buttocks, and she spun and glared, her buttocks wobbly and marked red with hoofprints.

Lyra swished her tail. “We won't let you down! We'll look after Fuschia and Lavender!” The pair of witches blushed.

Trixie smiled at her former apprentices. “Yes, Trixie is certain they'll be fine. They trained under me, after all!”

“Tree Hugger and the Ursa Minor are watching over Cherry Jubilee and her patients,” said Starlight as Trixie swung her leg over her and climbed aboard. “I'm sure Rarity, Pinkie, and Suri will recover. They have to be okay.”

“Well, no time like the present as they say...” Beatrix and Trixie rode atop Flurry Heart, while Bellatrix hovered beside them. The warriors started to move out in droves, dragons and pegasi serving as escorts who carried those who couldn't reach the void above. Most of them would be crossing into the unknown with the knowledge they might never return to Equestria.

One-after-another the mass of soldiers were ferried in. The sounds of celebration could still be heard in the distance, the Crystal Fair continuing under the guidance of Princess Blueblood and Diamond Tiara. As they neared the nexus between Equestria and Megiddo, the pop of fireworks, cheers, and the music dulled as an empty silence and a lack of smell settled over the travelers.

The Prima Materia buzzed within Belladonna's fist when she clasped around it. Almost like it was resonating with the Necronomicon upon their approach. The Smooze altered his composition, pumping chemicals into the witch in order to soothe her nerves. She smiled and touched her midsection in appreciation. Whatever happened, at least her loved ones were with her.

*****

The moment Shining's force crossed over, all over Megiddo's fleshy surface seemingly sprung to life, pulsing and writhing. The vampiric planet shook. Veiny tendrils arose and plucked a few pegasi out of the air, drawing the screaming soldiers down into the depths of opening fissures. Far more barely managed to evade them, hurling back javelins, while drakes unleashed thick cones of flame which made the air twist. The hellish blaze licked about, leaving black marks that bubbled and smoked.

From the abyss spilled a number of lesser eldritch abominations. Some the sort of twisted nightmares which would have made most ponies cower. But they all knew to fail here would mean the inevitable doom of Equestria, and so they battled onward, facing down a menagerie of monstrosities which were like a composite of so many different twisted creatures.

However Beatrix and her inner circle knew that these were mere distractions; their nemesis lurked in his lair at the core. “We have to let them clear a path.” She continued to ride atop Flurry with Trixie, the alicorn whipping about and unleashing colorful beams which seared apart beasts. “They'll serve as distractions, while we rush in and-”

“I'm not sending them on a suicide mission,” called Flurry who's face hardened.

“We don't have a choice. We can do more good at the source.”

“I won't throw their lives away, and that's final!” She continued to dart about, adding cover fire to aid her followers.

“Fine. I'm sorry, sister, but I'll go alone if I have to.” She hopped off, and was caught by Bellatrix, who swooped in.

“You reckless, selfish...jerk!” Flurry's eyes watered. She spun and turned back to the mission at hoof.

“Hey, wait for me!” Trixie leapt off too when the alicorn flew close enough to the ground. A horn manifested on her temple as she started to weave a spell, lips and fingers moving with practiced deftness as she fired off a few colorful explosions to keep the freaks-of-nature around her at bay. A bulbous creature swelled up under the blasts, popping into a colorless, viscous sludge.

Starlight broke away from helping Smolder deal with the chaos around them. “Should I come, too?”

“No, they need you here. Thanks anyway, Starlight.” Beatrix smiled tenderly at her.

“I understand. You're worried I'll fall prey to the Necronomicon again. But none of you can teleport, right?”

Beatrix stared at her heeled boot which she kicked about. “Well, yeah, but...”

“Trixie can short-range hop,” she reminded toying with a smoke bomb hidden in her cape.

“Not good enough. You need to close in on the core fast.” Starlight continued to fire off more beams, the foursome battling back-to-back, keeping the monsters who neared them at bay. “We slip in, stop Sombra, take back the book. Simple.”

“He does control this realm though,” reminded Bellatrix. “May not be that simple!”

“One way to find out...” Starlight attempted to visualize the planet's core, and transport them inside, only for them to vanish momentarily before they all landed back in place with a thud. “Damn! Looks like he's set up some sort of barrier!”

“Ouch...” Beatrix, her mother, and her sister rubbed their bottoms. “Guess we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way after all!” She hopped to her feet. She picked a hole in Megiddo, and headed towards it. “Okay, Glimmy, you can come. It'll be like old times! Just hope we don't end up captured by Sombra like last time...” She shuddered at the memory.

“Don't tempt fate sister,” teased Bellatrix with a titter.

“But do we have the resources necessary? Trixie has an ill-omen,” she admitted as her latest spells formed a glow around her fists and reflected off her physique. “Of course, she will follow you anywhere, but-”

“What you need is a way in.” A shadow crossed them when the Sphinx lazily wandered over. “I can provide that. Few creatures are a match for me.” She slammed down a paw, crushed a carapace-laden entity into mush, and more scattered before her when she bared her razor teeth and roared. In an instant she went from a beautiful creature to something rather monstrous.

“Sure.” Starlight pursed her lips. “But why?”

The Sphinx's features settled down and her posture relaxed. “Why not?” She heaved her shoulders and swished her leonine tail. “Perhaps I wish to hunt the no doubt superior prey below, not this...fodder.” She stared with contempt at the mashed up abominations. “Or perhaps I wish vengeance upon Sombra, who tried to use me as a tool and then abandoned me.”

“Good enough for me,” said Beatrix with a nervous smile. “Welcome to the team!”

“Those of you can't fly, feel free to ride upon my back. I don't bite...usually.” She flashed her teeth with an evil chuckle. With some hesitation Beatrix and Trixie clambered aboard. She took the lead, sailing into the depths, with Bellatrix and Starlight struggling to keep up. The hollowed-out center oscillated around them, the air itself heavy and oppressive.

While they descended ever deeper into the abyss, even stranger entities began to make their appearance, some so bizarre it was difficult for most ot perceive them. But Beatrix and Bellatrix were able to fully perceive them, a reminder that whatever their appearance, neither of them truly belonged to Equestria. Claws swiped through the air, tearing through the flesh some had taken and reducing them back to their astral forms. A light-show barrage erupted from the magicians which lit the area.

Using the resonance of the eye-like Prima Materia, Belladonna pointed the way to the Necronomicon. The air became thicker and heavier. By this point it seemed like they'd evaded or exterminated well over a hundred eldritch horrors.

Within the gloom rested a throne of bone and flesh molded together. Pony skulls adorned the amalgamation made from the fused forms of freaks which he'd woven together. The sorcerer-king himself, Sombra, sat upon it in his newly-restored stallion shape. His head was adorned with a silver crown, a scarlet cape trailing behind him, and the Necronomicon rested in his forehooves. He paused between reading its dried pages and grinned at them. “I knew you'd come.”

Starlight immediately fired off a beam which he casually reflected with an invisible barrier that surrounded his island which hovered in the bleakness. He laughed. “No Flurry Heart? Well, no matter. I'll hunt her down later.” He pressed the tome to his chest, and the flesh parted to allow it inside, he and the Necronomicon now so in sync they were practically one.

“We're too late,” cried Glimmer. “He's united with it!”

“I'm not giving up!” Beatrix concentrated on the Prima Materia which resonated with the Necronomicon. “I'll need time!”

The Sphinx dove and pounded on the barrier which could momentarily be seen each time she struck. Tentacles arose from the gloom, ascending and descending from every direction, shooting out to try and claim hold of the invaders. They fired back, weaving and dodging, a teeming mass like them writhing below in wait for the flesh they so desired.

Bellatrix hissed, zipping about, still in her anthro guise. “There's too many of them! Damn it!”

“Sister,” cried Beatrix as the succubus was snatched away. She was dragged screaming past the barrier, thrashing as the tendrils delivered her to their master. He wasted no time, slipping his jagged crimson horn under the leotard she'd worn to match her sister, splitting it open at the crotch upwards. He licked his chops as her udders spilled free with a bounce.

“M-master,” she murmured when his tongue snaked out and traced one of her incredibly wide areolae. She shuddered pleasantly, her snatch already moist, unable to deny she was still quite attracted to him. Hooking his forehooves around her waist, he lifted her up, leaning back on his throne when he impaled her fuckholes upon his twin flared shafts.

She moaned whorishly when he split her open. Her cunt dripped down his veiny shaft and testicles. He sucked and pulled upon her breasts, distending them and her perky nipples, enjoying her just as he relished the show outside his barrier. Her body shuddered each time he slammed into her, tits and buttocks wobbling about, her belly bulging into his cock's shape when he battered into her cervix barrier and plundered her slippery womb, which washed his meat with her sliminess.

He came with such force she squealed and climaxed with him, showering his crotch with her feminine fluids. He filled up her insides with his jizz, bloating her stomach up, as his blasts spurted and flooded her warm orifices. He twisted her around and bent her over, pulling on her mane and tail while he continued to mercilessly rail her with the most savage thrusts he could.

“You're nothing but a joke to me, slut. Even your name was something I came up with on a whim.” Her titties slapped and knocked about with each piston, her asscheeks rippling each time he violated her sexholes. “You were made to be my plaything,” he breathed hotly into her ear. “My own personal whore, to use and abuse at my whim.”

It was a race to see whether Beatrix Belladonna could take control of the Necronomicon in way with aid from the Prima Materia. Yet even more tentacles arose to impede them, and more than once she and Trixie were almost plucked from the Sphinx's back, her mother and Starlight working with the ancient beast to protect her while she tried to uncover its secrets.

A cry of triumph from the witch turned to horror. While the Prima Materia and the Necronomicon started to synchronize, she felt her own body begin to shift, the cute form that masked her true nature breaking down. The eyes and mouths upon her hat, cape, and leotard went crazy, writhing and bleeding. Her flesh turned to a shifting cosmos before her bewildered eyes.

Her insides twisted and even the Smooze rolled and sloshed in her uterus with such violence she feared her frame would be torn apart from within. Tears streaked down her cheeks, but she refused to pause, determined to end this no matter the price...

X. Planet X

For the moment the Crystal Empire remained relatively peaceful, aside from the ongoing festivities. Once in a while there would be a drunken brawl or arguments, but the moment a crystal guard stepped in, let-alone a dragon, the situation was usually quickly diffused. A dazzling array of sound and music continued wherever the band toured with their mobile stage. Market stalls now swamped nearly every street as the Crystal Fair was overseen by Princess Blueblood and Diamond Tiara.

Banners that represented Shining's force fluttered about. The heralds that emblazoned them were placed as runes upon armaments woven under Cherry Jubilee's team, but with Rarity and Suri out of commission they were slow to produce more, and what they could craft lacked the same fine quality. They'd barely managed a few dozen before the army had moved out.

Tree Hugger would routinely check on the hospital, then on Jubilee who was still tirelessly at work, before she return to the main room where the most broken mares often lounged. She'd shared some of her artwork with them, mostly abstract pieces she displayed in hopes it would soothe them. She also started to teach them yoga. “Just follow me.” She stood on her forelegs, forehooves raised while she posed. “That's ti. Just chill and take it easy. Slowly breath in and out, feel the vibes.”

These exercises when on for some time. She tried to clear their chakras, taking it slow, fearing that if they poured out all those toxins at once, she'd ultimately do more harm than good. Afterwards, she headed out back of the retreat.

“Don't worry boy, I wouldn't forget about you!” She trotted out to meet the shrunken Ursa Minor, who still towered over her, shuffling out from the makeshift burrow she'd made for him out of blankets. “Sorry I have to hide you, but like, you want to hibernate anyhow, don't you?” He nuzzled with her, his powerful bulk shimmering.

She was about to feed and water him when his tongue traced her barrel. “H-hey.” He poked his snout around her hind end, sniffing her nethers. Her cheeks heated. “I mean, I do kind of miss old times with Mr. Bear, but...”

He nibbled on the nape of her neck. She tensed up, warmth rushing through her entirety, her flower swelling as blood filled it until it was inflamed. He continued to nip and nibble on her, and her marehood started to wink, dripping with need that slid down her inner thighs. Her dock raised her tail reflexively, her puckered asshole gripping at the air.

“Uh...o-okay. You convinced me,” she admitted lowering her chin to the ground and raising her posterior. “You can understand me, right? Rut me, you big stud. And you don't have to, like, worry about being too careful. I can take it, you know?”

Settling his weight atop the mare, he positioned himself to mount her, claws digging into her shoulders. His hot breath fell on the back of her neck as his penis poked between her shapely buttocks. She pushed her rump back into him, until it was glazed in his precum, impatiently huffing. “It's not cool to tease too much, man. Just choose a hole already, I don't care which!”

It didn't surprise her when he plugged her ass with a savage thrust and a grunt. Isn't that what most guys did when they were offered a chance to penetrate that most taboo part of the anatomy? While it wasn't usually her first choice, a crooked smile crossed her snout while she sighed in contentment, her eyes almost closed and her hanging breasts knocking as she moaned.

He licked and nipped at her ears, her face coloring further. “You're a...a surprisingly attentive lover,” she admitted while the plunge of his dick reshaped her bowels. By now her lower lips were contracting like mad, the force of his humps nearly sending her skidding face-first across the cold ground. “Don't...hold back,” she urged sensing he still feared hurting her.

Resting a claw atop her skull, she laid her cheek to the dirt while he claimed her. Her frame shuddered under the intensity of his pounding. “P-put it in my pussy,” she begged not worried about infections. Sure, it would hurt like a bitch, but there were potions to deal with that later, right? Her mind was practically numbed with pleasure, or tongue lolling from her snout.

He withdrew and slammed into her glistening twat. She howled in appreciation, her insides stretching to accept him, as he battered against her cervix entryway. It flexed and oozed feminine goo around his tip. “A-all the way in,” she demanded, remembering how Sombra and Bellatrix had invaded her innermost part, and wanting to reclaim it for her own.

Breaking the last barrier, he bottomed out in her womb, his shape distending out her stomach, hammering into her so brutally the area shook. He growled and grunted, her lashes fluttering rapidly as her eyes rolled into her head, She milked his cock for all she was worth, opening her maw and yowling as she squirted upon his crotch, splash-after-splash matting his fur.

“Good boy,” she whined while he continued to fuck her stupid. He released himself inside her core, packing in his spunk which spattered into her slimy walls, which contracted as multiple climaxes dulled all rational thought from her.

After he'd finished he rested atop her, still locked in her innermost portion. She heaved with him and basked in her tingly afterglow, thankful she'd finally taken a little time for herself. After all, she'd drive herself crazy if she didn't do something for herself once in a while. Was Fluttershy watching over her, even now? She liked to think so, settling into a dreamy slumber.

*****

Despite the best efforts of Smolder and her army, they proved unable to halt all the tendrils which lashed out from Megiddo, the coils hurtled beyond the pegasi in their white armor and the fire-breathing drakes, crossing the void between dimensions as they wormed their way back to the Crystal Empire. “Damn it, there's too many! All of you, form a vanguard with me!”

She raised the Bloodstone Scepter, clad in her rune-covered ensemble, and they closed ranks around her. The skies twisted overhead while they unleashed a concentrated barrage of flames, torching a number of the invaders, which writhed and cooked as they nuked them. The ponies focused on the threats below, pegasi scooping up the grounded soldiers whenever holes threatened to open below them. But by this point they'd lost a number of them, and many who survived had begun to tire.

Determined to somehow save everypony by her lonesome if necessary, Flurry Heart teleported from one place to the next, unleashing a storm of spells which lit her surroundings. While she was potentially the most powerful creature in Equestria, she still lacked the discipline and practice needed to have mastered any magic, her shots a wild mish-mash of unfocused energy.

Nevertheless they proved effective as even Megiddo itself seemed to shudder under the onslaught. “If Sombra's become linked to the planet it makes sense!” She shook away her tears, doubling-down with reinvigorated determination.

However despite her efforts it was impossible to be everywhere at once. For every creature she saved another one was lost. A grim reminder that like her father, no matter how noble one tried to be it didn't always produce the best results. Worse still the Crystal Heart barely resonated in her bosom anymore. While her parents had saved her and Beatrix, it had weakened the ancient relic, and she feared that unless there was some way to renew its power the Crystal Empire would soon dwindle too.

*****

And in the Crystal Empire those that managed to slip free shot outward. The coils attached themselves to stragglers in the scattered mobs and siphoned the essence from them. They pulsed and drained out the color, bodies collapsing and falling still, like they'd been frozen in time. “That's our cue,” called Vinyl Scratch as their stage rolled up, clanking as it rapidly transformed into a mobile fortress. “At your stations, everypony! If we have to go out I'd rather do it in style!”

Fuschia whipped out her synthesizer which was strapped around her. “Ready, Lavender?”

“Hope this works!” Her partner leveled a similar instrument, both of which they infused with their special magic.

“Wild,” called Lyra while she watched in wonder as the witches unleashed a weaponized form of music. “I want one!”

“It's still in the beta stage,” admitted Fuschia as the music screamed out, nearly rocking them off their hooves.

“We'll try it on your harp sometime!” Lavender jumped as her synthesizer crackled and exploded. “Crap!”

“Needs a lot of work,” lamented Fuschia as her own tool melted and stank. “What a waste of bits!”

“Maybe I can make it functional!” Vinyl settled into her chair and fired the turret-like speakers. “Fuck yeah!” She punched the air with a forehoof as the shrill sound waves rippled out and reduced the nearest tentacles into sludge.

With a shake of her head Octavia primly worked her controls and helped the DJ and Lyra lay down cover fire. She tuned her sound to something less discordant than her partner's but no less potent. “Such a lovely melody,” she mused as the air rippled under the twisting cone of harmonized sound which Lyra helped her work, their styles well-suited to each other.

While they were hardly known for offensive spells, Fuschia and Lavender lit their horns, and fired small beams at the protrusions. They took up the unicorn horn crafted wands from the treasure chests, using them to enhance their natural magic.

*****

From the hospital wing Pinkie peeked out a window and pointed. Muffled cries escaped the bandages wrapped around her snout. At her insistence Rarity reluctantly abandoned Suri's bedside and wandered over. Her eyes widened to see the Crystal Empire once more at war, this time with a sea of tentacles that were crashing down like a tsunami to siphon the magic from any creature it could grasp. Ponies were fighting back with aid from the dragons, struggling to keep the mass at bay.

It reminded her of when Lord Tirek first attacked. Or that strange town they'd visited once which had lost its color. But the fallen were still like they were frozen in time, and she wondered if this could be reversed. “Here we are, trapped while the capital falls. Is this how Equestria ends?” Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she slumped over.

Pinkie shook her head. She nearly stumbled when she wandered over to reclaim her sheathed sword which glinted.

“No, Pinkie. You're still hurt, darling.” She stroked her curls. “If only I'd been born a warrior, rather than an artist. Applejack or Rainbow Dash are far more suited to this new Equestria...so of course they were two of the first to fall.”

Laying her head on the fashionista's shoulder, a solitary tear rolled down Pinkie's face. She patted her back with a sad smile. Would Suri ever wake up again? Maybe it would be better if she didn't? She looked over at the twins who skulked in the corner, aimless and despondent, so still it barely seemed like they had any 'life' left in them. Cherry Jubilee simply couldn't bring herself to euthanize them despite how many times she'd withdrawn her six-shooter, checked the bullets, and cocked it.

The door flew open. “I've barred the place down the best I could on short notice,” called Jubilee. “But I reckon it won't keep those critters out for too long. We're pretty much helpless here. Tree Hugger and the Ursa Minor are watching over the place, but all it'll take is a stray tentacle and they'll be put out of commission. After all the work we've done...” She slumped down and cried, forehooves raised to cover her face. Normally she kept it all in for the sake of her patients, but her last hopes were dying.

“Perhaps...perhaps Shining's force can stop Megiddo in time.” Rarity practically prayed they somehow could. She could see the hippie outside, riding atop the bear who's coat swirled like the cosmos, its claws rending the extensions which split and thrashed while they dripped clear fluids which ran across the shiny streets. It roared, one of its eyes sealed and scarred.

Hugs had taken up an old rifle she kept in storage, a bandolier strung over her. It would have been a comical sight if not for the reminder even a pacifist was driven to take up combat. But hadn't they all had to make similar sacrifices?

*****

At this point Beatrix Belladonna's body shimmered black and flickered, the cosmos swirling inside her, the entities trapped within her attire thrashing. She struggled to maintain herself, fearing her psyche would be shattered, gazing into the depths of the Necronomicon as she sought to seize control of it from Sombra. “It's...it's too much!” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Growls escaped Sombra who felt the dark tome pulse within his chest. “I won't be denied!” He dropped Bellatrix Primadonna who slid off his stallionhood and landed in a puddle of his foalbatter. “Look!” He waved a forehoof and a window into Equestria materialized in the void. “Bear witness as the Crystal Empire falls once more!”

Starlight continued to zap tendrils with lasers and blinked about when needed to evade them. “But weren't you trying to save it? What's the point of ruling over a ruined world? What are you really after?! Just revenge?!”

“I'll build a better Empire on the ashes! You've shown me the truth, Beatrix!” He stomped a hoof on Bellatrix's midsection knocking the wind form her. “Why bother to rule over a single country when I can have the world? But no, my ambitions were still too petty! I'll not only dominate this universe, but the heavens themselves, and even every other plane of existence!”

From their vantage point it was obvious their forces were losing. With each creature he drained the sorcerer-king became even stronger, and further synced with the forbidden book. In turn it was even easier for him to summon and manipulate more abominations. The Sphinx continued to batter the barrier with her paws, actually starting to crack the magical shield.

“Damn! There's no way we can keep them at bay forever!” Trixie snarled and continued to fire a light show from her palms. “All that practice, and this is still the best Trixie can manage! If only she'd taken up offensive magic much earlier!”

“You're doing well,” assured Glimmer. “Just keep the pressure off Beatrix!”

However no matter how much Belladonna strained she couldn't quite tap into the Necronomicon fast enough to overwhelm his hold over it. It felt like her mind and body were splitting in an infinite number of directions, and a bleak truth dawned on her; if she failed to overcome his will she'd be reduced to Prima Materia like her other half, completing the key to the Necronomicon, and with it he'd be able to easily unlock the rest of its potential. With that his will would be the sole one left in the universe.

Below him Bellatrix weakly struggled to rise. Messy curls fell around her shoulders and she blinked several times. “You're not...alone...sister,” she cried raising a palm towards her former master. She added her will to Beatrix's.

“Traitors. You shall be the first to fall.” With a roar of triumph the Sphinx slammed down with both paws and the barrier shattered like glass with a deafening crackle. She dove towards the dark stallion, plucking him up his a claw. Flesh ripped as he was torn from his throne. Staring at her prey like a cat with a mouse, her slit eyes studying him with a lick of her chops.

“Mmm, now what to do with you? Simply bite your head off? Or...” She licked his face, toying with him, not satisfied with delivering a quick death, especially after he'd tried to control and sacrifice her. With a devilish smile she snapped away his horn. He screamed, and she kept his hooves pinned, shoving his head in-and-out of her large cunt as she used him like a living dildo. She writhed happily with wet schlicks, her nectar soaking him, dripping down the tyrant. “We've won!”

“Not until the Necronomicon is contained!” Beatrix continued to flicker.

“I'm with you!” Bellatrix had risen to her feet.

“Ah...yes...” The Sphinx lolled her tongue and rolled her eyes into her head, creaming all over Sombra as her pussy constricted around him. Her clit throbbed and she toyed with one of her breasts, slathering the teat in her feminine honey. “What...?!”

Somehow he'd slipped from her claw. He crawled up her, forced open her gooey cervix, and wiggled into her slimy womb. Her belly distended and she writhed with nausea. Hisses escaped her, then a long scream, her stomach exploding out in a shower of guts as Sombra ripped himself free. She snapped her jaws, and he hurtled away, trying in vain to hold in her guts.

He cackled while she collapsed with a thud. “Did you think it would be so easy? I played possum!” A fresh horn jutted out from his skull. “Now, for you!” Wisps rolled from his hateful eyes which turned on Primadonna.

Stampeding towards the succubus with his head bowed, he aimed at her crotch, ramming his curved horn right up her twat. She screamed and was lifted off her feet, lifted up, blood and juices dripping down his face. He licked them off with a slurp, holding her in the air, the tip exiting between her breasts. “S-sister,” she whined choking on a mouthful of crimson.

“No!” Beatrix screamed in frustration, doubling-down on her efforts, no longer concerned with whether she tore herself to shreds. He stared down at his torso, which quivered as the Necronomicon was torn between them.

His chest burned as the tome started to tear free. In a last desperate ditch effort, he fired up his horn, Primadonna's body reduced to giblets that showered around him as he took aim and fired a wave of darkness at Belladonna. Starlight tried to deflect the laser with one of her own, but it easily swallowed hers up, empowered by the black grimoire.

She teleported away with her riders, but the zap diverted paths, homing on Belladonna. No matter how many times she blinked away it followed, edging ever closer, and Starlight discovered that she was unable to transport from Megiddo's core. “It won't stop until its struck its target! Damn it!” She tried to increase her speed, the black waves closing over them.

“Trixie refuses to lose you again!” She threw herself over her daughter as the laser closed in. She cried out as it ripped into her back, skin smoking and sizzling as it melted. Beatrix mouthed her mother's name but she couldn't hear it, smiling with teary eyes. “You...okay, baby? Mommy'll take care of everything...” She closed her eyes and slumped over her lap.

The Necronomicon was ripped from Sombra. With that act it was a simple matter for Starlight to contain the weakened Sombra in a pillar of crystal, but Belladonna barely paid attention, slowly returned to her normal self as she summoned the book to her. They were teleported onto the floating island in the midst of the void, the tentacles paused as if they accepted Beatrix as their new master. She sniffled as her tears fell on her mother, wrapping her bloodied and limp form up in her cape. “C-can you-”

(Save her? I do not know.) The Smooze slithered from between her thighs. He bonded to the terrible wound, attempted to seal it. (She appears to be stable, for the moment. But I cannot promise she'll survive.)

“You'll answer for all your crimes,” swore Starlight who narrowed her eyes at the encased stallion.

(We have another problem. Without Sombra to hold Megiddo together it may soon collapse.)

Beatrix pressed the Necronomicon to her bosom. “Maybe I can...? No, I don't think I can control it that well.” Her shoulders slumped. Maybe if she had more time to practice? With a pained look she stared at the messy remains of the Sphinx and Bellatrix. “Starlight, can you take us out of here now?” She tucked the book under an arm and carefully lifted Trixie up.

They were transported back to the surface of the fleshy planet. Their allies were busy with clean up duty, quite of number of them fallen, but without Sombra and the Necronomicon most of the abominations now easily fell before Flurry's and Smolder's combined armies. The two leaders raced to meet up with them, hovering in mid-air. “Oh no,” cried Flurry.

“Everypony, we have to leave! This place could collapse at any time!” Glimmer pointed at the nexus.

“We'll do whatever we can,” promised Flurry who was shaking as she stared at Trixie's limp form. “Everypony, move out!” She lowered herself to let her half-sister mount her. They rode back in silence, and Beatrix stroked her back in appreciation, any spats between them all but forgotten. No, that was all put behind them, their sole concern for Trixie's safety now.

*****

The massed numbers of Shining's force reappeared in the capital. Under the direction of Blueblood and Diamond Tiara, the last of the coils were neutralized, easily finished off when more dragons came to their rescued. Fires burned across the Crystal Empire and clouded the sky in gray smoke. The sound stage was reduced to a ruined mess that stank of well-fried circuitry, but fortunately the musicians had survived, lying atop the ruins and breathing heavily as they slumped about covered in sweat.

“What a show,” said Vinyl who tossed aside her cracked shades.

“I'm simply thankful it's over.” Octavia squeezed the DJ's and Lyra's hooves.

“You said it! I'm pooped! Plus, I'd rather not think of how many died...” Lyra chewed on her lower lip.

“Could've been worse.” Fuschia assessed the damage and deemed the charred machine a total loss.

“Looks like our luck held out. Hurray!” Lavender squeezed her. They tossed aside the spent wands, reduced to blackened husks after having fired off so many offensive spells aided by their magic. “I wonder how Trixie's doing?”

“She'll be okay. She has to be.” Fuschia pulled her friend tighter.

Further in Tree Hugger stroked the cheek of the Ursa Minor who was slumped on his side. Unable to siphon all the magic from the best, a tendril had pierced his midsection instead, and he slowly bled out in her forehooves. “Thanks, boy.” She nuzzled her cheek with his and let the tears come naturally. “We couldn't have done it without you.” Gradually he went still.

“I have to check on my citizens! I'll come back soon,” swore Flurry who set her passengers down.

Beatrix knelt and placed her mother before her, wrapped up in a bloodied cape. “Is there any hope to save her?”

(I have an idea. Admittedly it is far-fetched, but...)

“Whatever it takes, I'll do it. I already lost Bellatrix. Not sure I can stand to lose another, especially mom...” She rubbed her snout on the back of her glove. “Thank you, Smoozy.” She realized he'd placed Trixie in stasis. He was pumping her with chemicals to dull the pain and provide her with a restful sleep, almost in a catatonic state.

(I devoured an entire planet. That is something I can never take back. But I have been trying-and-trying to duplicate the elixirs that Sunburst created ever since your other self expired. Yet no matter how many I save, it won't balance the scales. There's no way I could return those lost to life. At best I could try and amend my mistakes at your side, Beatrix Belladonna.)

She scrunched her snout. “That's nonsense. You told me not to feel sorry for yourself! Well, it works both ways!”

(It's not meant to be self-loathing. Merely logic. I can save Megiddo. But in order to do so, I shall need your help. Collect Trixie, the twins, and every other fallen ally on the verge of death who is unlikely to make it here. Ask Flurry, Starlight, and Smolder for aid.) She nodded, so desperate she'd do almost anything at this point. But she kept the Necronomicon close and stared at Sombra. His eyes darted about, enshrouded in a chunk of crystalline, seeming to stew in his own bitterness.

Maybe she should've hated him. Instead she simply felt empty. She tried to take solace in the hope Trixie could still be saved...

XI. Eden

Gathering all who might be able to aid her, Beatrix Belladonna carried her mother, prepared to enact the Smooze's plan. However unlike usual, when their thoughts were often practically one, he'd shut her out. It wasn't like him. Did he no longer trust her? She tried to take his behavior on faith, her eyes watering. She'd never felt so alone in her life.

At least she'd mended things with her sister. “I don't understand,” said Flurry Heart who allowed her to climb aboard her back. “Are we planning to leave the wounded on Megiddo? How will this save them and the planet?”

“I don't know. You'd have to ask Smoozy,” she said flatly. Despite what little assurance she'd been able to offer Flurry, Starlight, and Smolder had all agreed to the plan, despite their obvious misgivings. Perhaps they were desperate, too.

“They'll die anyway if we don't try something,” reasoned Smolder. “At least this way some of 'em might make it!”

A mass of dragons and pegasi carried the fallen through the void. Most were carefully wrapped up to ease their transport, but even so it was obvious some were unlikely to survive the trip. Flurry winced to see them struggling and whimpering. Over the next couple of hours they traveled back-and-forth, ferrying in as many on the verge of death as they could.

“Looks like it's about our turn.” Beatrix brushed her sleeping mother's loose hairs from her face. “Please, let this work.”

The pillar of crystal which sealed Sombra started to shake. A crack rippled through it, and it exploded into innumerable fragments that were hurled about, the stallion wasting no time once freed as he charged. He bowled into Belladonna, rolling with her and Trixie's unconscious form, the pair wrestling for the Necronomicon. “Give it to me,” he demanded.

“No! You'll have to kill me!” She tried to dig into its mummified cover, nails snapping and bleeding as she dug in.

“Don't tempt me,” he snarled as smoke spilled from his eyes.

“There's nowhere to run!” Flurry Heart grabbed him and pulled. “You're surrounded, there's-” The tome shimmered as somepony called upon its power. Suddenly it, Sombra, and Flurry had blinked away, to who-knows-where.

“No...” Beatrix shook her head and cradled her mother close to her bosom. Was the nightmare destined to start all over? “Starlight, take us to Megiddo. If there's even the tiniest chance, I can't give up.”

Starlight nodded with pursed lips. “We'll track them down...somehow.”

*****

A calm settled over the Crystal Empire. From the balcony Flurry Heart and Sombra watched over it, side-by-side, the crystal ponies going about their business. It was an ancient, borderline primative time, rife with prejudice and superstition. But the sorcerer-king had delved into the dark arts in hopes he could secure a utopian future for all his followers.

“How is this possible?” Flurry blinked. “We're in the past?!”

“Indeed. Or an approximation,” mused Sombra. “The Necronomicon is trying to take hold of me once more.”

She studied him. Bleak skies rolled over the capital. “I think I understand. We're inside the book again, aren't we?” He nodded patiently. “Hmm, but didn't you want to save this country? Maybe...maybe there's still time to-”

Gently he brushed aside the forehoof she placed on his. “No, it's too late for me to change, even if I wanted to. Like the Sphinx my pride wouldn't allow it.” A low chuckle escaped him. “Much as I'm loathe to admit it, Celestia and Luna were right. Black magic ultimately corrupts. They were prudent to forbid its use. A degree of lucidity has returned to me, but I doubt it will last.”

Flurry tilted her head and watched him with doe-like eyes. “So, what will you do?”

“The one thing I still can. I can still hear the alien voices throbbing in my skull, the Necronomicon desperate to make me reclaim its power. And I will.” He laughed as the Crystal Empire started to crumble around them. Screams sounded below from the cataclysm that spiraled up from above, a lightning storm tearing the land apart in its fury.

Suddenly Flurry found herself and Sombra upon an asteroid. He held the Necronomicon close. She searched around the small cratered surface, stars visible in the distance. “How did we get here?! And how are we breathing?!”

“Both thanks to me. I teleported us here and raised a bubble that allows us to breathe,” he explained. “You see, thanks to the Necronomicon attempting to bond with me, I can always call upon its power. Beatrix and the Smooze may have been able to stop me for a time...but they would surely lose in the end as I continue to master it.” He couldn't stymie his arrogance even now.

Flurry gulped. “So now what? You plan to kill or enslave me?” She took up a cautious combative stance.

“Take it easy. I've no wish to battle you. No, the Necronomicon traveled through space, until it somehow ended up in that parallel world of humans, where the Twilight Sparkle there was unfortunate enough to stumble upon it. Of course, she couldn't resist any book, even one this grotesque, and with her knowledge it wasn't difficult to bring its horrors to Equestria once it corrupted her soul and establish what you call the cult of the nemesis. I'll simply return the tome to the cosmos, where it belongs. Who knows? Perhaps it will end up in the sun, a black hole, or another world. Either way, it won't be your problem.”

“You plan to die with it?” She relaxed her taut muscles.

“Supposedly, it cannot be destroyed. I simply chose an asteroid far away from Equestria as I could transport us, one I sensed was on a doomed collision course. I've restrained the tome's power for now, but who knows how long before it twists my will?”

She beamed. “So you want to be remembered as a hero!”

He tossed back his head and boomed with laughter. “Hardly! Perhaps in my youth I would have wished for such a fate, but I'm no martyr. No, this is how I'll reclaim my will! I'll resist its power unto the end, surpass what even Starlight Glimmer was capable of!” He calmed himself and turned to study her. It was odd. Maybe it was due to her naivety, but he felt like he could confess almost anything to her. Perhaps if he'd met her sooner... “But there's no need for you to die with me.”

“Wait, Sombra-” But he drew upon the Necronomicon's power to boost his own and sent her back home. He settled upon his haunches amidst the cold void. A part of him wished to simply await the end. But there was always the risk in a fit of madness the eldritch whispers would convince him to alter his course of action. No, there was only one option left.

He ripped off his horn with a cry. The crimson edge snapped and blood oozed between his eyes. “Shining Armor, are you still out there?! I saved Equestria where even you couldn't!” He yelled into the emptiness of space and plunged the ragged blade into his chest. It ripped into his skin, past his ribs, and pierced his heart. He slumped onto his side with another chuckle.

His dulled eyes studied the discarded Necronomicon. The asteroid drifted ever closer to its impact with a planetoid in the far reaches of the universe. But there was nopony to claim it now. Inevitably, the darkness claimed him.

*****

A greenish-yellow blob slithered across Megiddo and left a slimy trail. Beatrix watched her companion devour the dead here, enemies and allies alike, and its mass increased with each one it swallowed. “But that shouldn't be possible anymore ever since we bonded! Unless...” She realized that somehow he'd broken their symbiotic link, and more than that, neither were harmed by the process. “You've altered your composition again, haven't you?” She wanted to be happy for him despite her tears.

(Yes. Forgive me. I wanted to stya with you forever, learn more about Equestria with you, but I may have finally found a way to repent for my errors. I was a simple tool of the cult, but you helped make me something more. Thank you, Beatrix Belladonna.)

“What are you saying...?” It was barely a whisper as she touched her chest. “You don't plan to-”

“I may have discovered a way to mimic Sunburst's elixir. Unfortunately, it shall require a permanent alteration.)

“That's why you haven't been communicating with me! You knew I wouldn't approve!” She sunk to her knees beside the blob, tried to hold him, but he slipped from her arms and continued his spread outwards. “Is there any other way?!”

(I fear not. Do not worry. Trixie will be saved. As will the others who still survive.)

“It's not fair. After all you've done to make amends!” She knew it was the voice of a whiny, petulant child, but she didn't care.

(We both know all too well life isn't fair, Beatrix. We've been afforded opportunities most can only dream of.)

It felt so empty inside her now that they were separated. Was he feeling the same, too? A certain hollowness that could never quite be filled by anyone else? “Please don't do this. You're my soul-mate. I need you. Please...”

(It is not healthy to be so co-dependent. That applies to me, too. But I adored our all-too short time together. Megiddo will be reborn into a similar world as the one it was built atop of.) Portions of him were sinking into the earth, consuming and rebuilding it, creating land masses from himself and what would become oceans. He was becoming the healing elixir, restoring the wounded, soft breaths escaping the slumbering Trixie when he rejuvenated her. (Not much longer, now.)

“Can't you simply leave a small portion of yourself? No?” Of course he'd already considered the idea and realized it wouldn't work. In order to undergo such a massive metamorphosis he'd have to sacrifice his entire being. And once it started there was no way to stop. “Smoozy thinks of everything. Goodbye...” Watery eyes almost blinded her as he sunk into the land.

(Farewell...Beatrix Belladonna...) Sloshes sounded when he seeped into the earth.

Ever so slowly she, Starlight, and Smolder watched the birth of a brand new world. Eventually Flurry Heart arrived from seemingly nowhere, and sat with them to bear witness on her haunches, the vampiric planet revitalized by the Smooze's remains. Properties that mimicked the elixir suffused the air and wounds closed as a result. Trixie was one of the first to stir.

“B-baby?” Her voice was a hoarse whisper when she reached towards Beatrix who took her hand and nodded.

“It's wonderful,” said Flurry who openly wept while the skies started to turn a soft blue.

“It is, isn't it?” Starlight chuckled. “I'm sure your parents would be so proud. Sunset Shimmer, too.”

Scooping up the last puddle of the Smooze she saw, Beatrix watched it alter to a sparkly, many-hued elixir in her cupped palms which twinkled under the sunshine. Somehow, he'd done the impossible. Ambivalent tears cascaded from her.

“Baby? It will be okay,” assured Trixie who knelt by her. “We saved Equestria, didn't we?”

“Yes...but at a high cost.” She'd lost Bellatrix and the Smooze. Not to mention part of herself. Her hand clasped around the Prima Materia which sealed the neck of her cape. “What happened to Sombra?”

“Tough to explain. Uh, he teleported us with the Necronomicon to this asteroid which was hurtling to its doom-”

“Whoa, slow down!” Smolder raised her palms. “This mean we don't have to worry about it anymore?”

“Maybe. Can't say for certain,” admitted Flurry who stared at a hoof she dragged over the dirt.

“We'll deal with it when, and if, it comes.” Starlight smiled. “Hey, chin up! We all did well, didn't we?”

“Trixie certainly thinks so!” She wrapped her arms around Glimmer and her daughter.

“Uh-oh. We can't stay much longer.” Beatrix pointed at the void which was slowly starting to seal, shrinking with every second that passed. “Stick around, and we may end up trapped in this dimension forever!”

“Together, sweetheart! Let's put on a show!” Trixie took the lead and Beatrix fell into step. It was just like old times, back when she'd been so little, her mother the world to her as she followed in her footsteps. They pirouetted with a flourish, capes and manes trailing behind them, pointing an index finger in unison. By now they'd perfected their routine.

Drawing a circle, they opened a portal in the sky. It was a spell Trixie couldn't manage on her own, but she could aid her daughter's craft, who likewise was surprised she could work the spell without the Smooze's assistance. “It won't hold long,” warned Beatrix. “Everyone, let's move out!” The dragons and pegasi started to carry those who wished to come out.

However there were some who chose to stay behind in this peaceful natural paradise. Color returned to Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse, their coats again a myriad of shimmery hues. “Hey,” she called as life returned to their eyes. “You coming?”

The twins looked at each other and shook their heads. “No,” said Foal-Bearer. “After my crimes, I have no place in Equestria.”

“I can't believe we have another chance,” admitted Wet Nurse.

“Thanks to the Smooze. I released him from his prison and used him as a weapon...” Foal-Bearer bowed her head.

“That's behind us,” said Wet Nurse who stroked her shoulder. “Thanks. All of you.”

“No, thank you.” Starlight smiled sadly at her. “You helped save me too, way back then!”

“It's the least we could do to repay Cadance after she took us in. Thank you for believing in me when nopony would.” She daintily took Glimmer's forehoof and kissed it. “Well, you'd better hurry. Time's almost up.”

Foal-Bearer nodded. “We may not meet again. But know all of you will forever be in our hearts.”

With a final look back and a somber nod, Starlight plucked up the mother-and-daughter duo, and ferried them across the vortex which once closed would permanently separate the parallel dimensions. Perhaps it would be a life of hard work on this newly established Eden. But she somehow had a feeling those who chose to stay behind would be all right.

XII. Epilogue

Upon her return home Beatrix Belladonna decided to pay one final visit to all her friends. First, she made her way to Cherry Jubilee's hospital wing, the southern pony welcoming her in with a melancholy smile. Her eyes were heavy with bags, her cheeks lined. A lifetime of stress had aged her prematurely, but the middle-aged mare was still quite a knockout.

“Sorry to drop in unannounced, but I wanted to see some old pals one last time before I moved on!”

Jubilee waved her in with a foldout fan. “Think nothing of it, you're always welcome. But why the sudden impulse to leave?”

With a shrug Beatrix said, “Just feels like it's time for a change. I've more than done my duty here, I think.”

“Maybe we all have. But I reckon old habits die hard and all that.” She opened a bottle she'd kept reserved for special occasions and took a swig, the spicy contents practically burning in her belly. “Suri's...not getting better.”

Beatrix approached the sterile white room. She returned a wave to Pinkie, who sat around Suri's bedside with Rarity and Tree Hugger. “Hey, everypony. I don't plan to stick around here much longer, but it didn't feel right leaving without saying goodbye.” She studied the comatose mare, her skin almost ashen, like she too had the magic drained from her.

Rarity quietly wept and held her hoof. “There seems to be nothing we can do. Perhaps I should have taken her to Megiddo...”

“Not certain she would've survived the trip,” noted Hugs. “Even so, this is hardly a life for her, either.”

“Megiddo.” Beatrix dug through her inner cape almost on instinct, looked through the variety of potions she'd prepared for her trip, in the hopes something would be able to help. That's when she spotted one of the empty tubes filled with a sparkly, multi-hued liquid. “It couldn't be...?!” She uncorked it. “Pinkie, are you willing to test something for me? It could be dangerous!”

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, and at Belladonna's instructions, the bandages around her snout were carefully unraveled. The mysterious potion was partially poured onto her maw, and she winced, a creak sounding as bones set themselves. “Ouch! It's a miracle!” She rubbed her cheek. “This is totally Sunburst's super-duper elixir, isn't it?!”

“Something close! Smoozy must have sneaked part of himself into an empty vial. One last gift for me...” She wiped away a single teardrop and grinned. “Please, let this work.” She opened Suri's jaws and slowly emptied the contents into her.

For a moment nothing seemed to happen. But ever so slowly her coat started to regain its former shade of purple. They watched in awe, and it took pretty much the entire vial, but pretty soon the mare weakly stirred and whispered, “R-Rarity...?”

“I'm here, darling. We all are.” She blinked watery eyes and beamed wide.

With one last look back, Beatrix slipped away to her next destination, Vinyl Scratch's band which played around the ruins of their stage. “You know, we still don't have an official name. Back when we worked under Fancy Pants we used to be called Fancy's Angels. Well, aside from the one token stallion in our posse, Time Turner!” She guffawed.

“Quite. And even Time Turner became a mare eventually due to his...her...strange abilities,” noted Octavia.

“Hey look,” called Lyra who slouched by them stuffing down popcorn. “Come to see us play, Beatrix?”

“Sure, why not. This could be my last time in the Crystal Empire for quite a while.” Beatrix smirked at them, alongside Lavender Lace and Fuschia Blush, who were hanging in the background as usual.

“So, we need a name.” The DJ smacked her lips. “How's about Vinyl and her Four Whorses?”

“Ugh. That's not amusing, even as a jest. Besides, that sounds more like a Punk or Metal band name to me. Not to mention you may technically be the leader, but I consider us equals.” Octavia tuned her double bass while she considered.

“Don't ask me,” said Lyra between munches. “I suck with names!”

Lavender piped up. “How about Trixie and the Illusions?!”

“Uh, doesn't quite work if Trixie's not in the band,” reminded Fuschia.

“Oh yeah.” A deflated Lavender lowered her head. “Not sure how the name came to me. Just seemed right somehow?”

“Maybe in some other dimension,” murmured Belladonna with a chuckle. She watched them argue and listened to them play a few songs. The celebrations were still well underway and a small crowd came to watch around her. Pretty soon she was swallowed up by their numbers, drawn like they were under a spell by the fusion of Classical, Rock, and Trace they played.

With a skip in her step she wandered to the Crystal Palace. Clipped salutes from the guards answered her more playful one, and clops sounded across the shiny floor when Diamond Tiara and Blueblood arrived to meet her. “Sorry,” said Tiara who looked her over. “Just had to make certain it was really you. What with the imposter, and all!”

“It's understandable.” She walked down the hall alongside them. “Is my sister about?”

“In her room with Smolder,” noted Blueblood. “Hopefully there won't be another...incident.”

“I mean, she hasn't had much experience in that department, so I can't blame her!” It was difficult to think of Flurry as a sexual being even now. She was still so innocent and naïve. Like all that wholesomeness from her parents had funneled into her.

“Look,” said Tiara. “We'll probably never be friends, but we know you're important to the Queen, so thanks for looking after her, okay? Still, probably best you keep your distance. Trouble seems to have this habit of following you around!”

“I know. That's why I've come to say farewell.” They climbed the stairs and arrived at Flurry's room.

“We will look after her in your absence,” assured Blueblood with her nose in the air. “For my part, I'm thankful, too.”

“You're welcome. Well, take care.” With a bow to them, Beatrix attempted to knock, only for the door to creak open. She let herself in, discovered the interior was empty, and pushed aside silk curtains fluttering in the wind. Flurry and Smolder were poised on the balcony, the former working to gradually lower the sun over the Crystal Empire.

She paused a moment to watch. It seemed no less amazing each time she saw it. To think such a kind-hearted pony could wield all that power. Whatever challenges faced Equestria from now on, she was certain her sister could handle it. “Ahem.” She cleared her throat and the dragoness turned. “Hey there, Smolder. Hope I'm not butting in?”

“No worries, she's just concentrating.” Smolder shot her a toothy grin. “So what brings you around?”

“Just came to say farewell.”

“What?!” Flurry almost lost control and barely stopped herself from dropping the sun instantly. “Sister, you're not still mad at me, are you? All I wanted was to make certain we saved all the lives we could!”

“No, of course not! I was never upset, not really. Just a different point of view is all. Mom taught me to be street-smart, and that means sometimes I have to play dirty. But I've always been on your side. No, with the cult of the nemesis completely finished and the Necronomicon banished, my work here is done. Hopefully there won't be a need for Shining's force ever again.”

“Hey, if there is, I'll be there to help!” Smolder flexed an arm muscle. “Gotta return home soon myself!”

Beatrix nodded. “I plan to undertake a sort of spiritual journey of discovery. I was supposed to be the key to the Necronomicon. But now? Feels like it's hold over me is no more, but not really, in a sense.” She bent over the rail and leaned on it. “What I mean is, ever since then it feels like I can unlock spells faster than before, like it awakened some dormant part of me. What if the book is still out there, in another dimension? Absurd as it may be, I feel a little responsible for it.”

“Sombra seemed pretty certain he could deal with it,” reminded Flurry.

“And maybe he's right. I certainly don't feel its presence anymore. But what if it did simply slide into a parallel world?” In truth it was partially an excuse and she knew it. She needed a change, never really fit in here, and without the Smooze she had less attachment to Equestria than ever. “No worries, I'm sure I'll come back here...sometime. But I need to do this.”

Flurry sniffled and nodded. She unfurled her wingspan and pulled her in close, nuzzling her. “Don't be a stranger, okay?”

“You'll be fine, sis.” She kissed her temple. Staying to watch her lower the sun, and raise the moon, she then parted company, and headed out to seek the last individual on her list. Somepony who'd always be near-and-dear to her heart.

*****

Trixie settled into her caravan, stepping from the basin she bathed in. Water dripped down her curves and from her breasts and nipples. She toweled herself off, then shrouded herself in a bathrobe and slippers. Slurping at her steaming tea, seated across from Starlight Glimmer, who drank from her own cup. “Come in,” called the witch when a knock came knowing who it was. “Baby, must you leave? It feels like we've spent so much time apart already. Surely there are more adventures for us here?”

“I've made up my mind. Sorry,” said Beatrix with a sad smile.

“Surely the Great and Powerful Trixie can come with you, then?” She twinkled her fingers at her.

“Not sure that's safe. I've learned to slice between dimensions, but what if nopony else can survive the trip? Plus, if something happened to me, you'd be stranded! Not to worry,” she added seeing her mom's eyes widen. “I need to do this.”

“Time to leave the nest,” said Starlight with a smirk. “Just don't end up like I did, okay?”

“Not a chance. No, I've come a long ways fast thanks to your lessons.” In a short time she'd taught her a number of advanced spells. “Sister'll need your help, I'm sure. I can take it from here. Until then, take care, won't you?”

Trixie bawled and hugged her daughter tight, making her heart ache with guilt. But if she stuck around here forever she'd never be able to grow much. “Trix...I love you baby,” she said dropping the act.

“Me too, mom. Me too.” She beamed. They finished one last meal together, a collection of fruits and vegetables, washed down by cider. At least it seemed likely all the magic siphoned from Equestria would return in time.

She waved, opened up a portal with a slice of her index finger, then walked into the oval to seek her destiny elsewhere.

*****

A new dawn fell upon Eden. Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse stood hand-in-hand to watch the sun rise, the atmosphere having transformed them into human women, the Smooze having reconstructed that parallel world of humans to the best of his ability. A breeze kissed their naked flesh while they bore witness upon a hill, their faces drawn into tender smiles.

“I wish Shining Armor and Cadance could see this,” said Foal-Bearer.

“It's what they would've wanted,” replied Wet Nurse.

Blue skies with a few scattered white clouds settled in. Verdant greenery, fields and forests, a lake; wherever they looked it was unspoiled perfection. Like them the survivors who chose to stay were transformed into the mankind. Eldritch abominations had been transmuted into animals and insects, the land now teeming with life. Perhaps the twins were cut off from Equestria forever.

But they were perfectly content. And perhaps one day Beatrix Belladonna would return to visit them?

Author's Note

Thank you to everyone who read this story! Probably the last one I'll ever set directly in this continuity, though Beatrix may pop up in other stories since she can travel between dimensions. (And thus continuities.) Daddy's Little Darling is a sort-of sequel to this, showing a random adventure she gets up to afterwards.

I. Birth of a New World

Greenery covered in dew whistled under the morning zephyr. Vines wrapped around marble columns decorated in drooping moss. Somewhere in the distance Tree Hugger was bathing in a fountain, joined by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and their latest acquisition, Suri Polomare, who'd been liberated from her imprisonment in the Necronomicon and now adjusted to her second chance at life. They lazed their days away, thankful they'd survived their last trip into the black book.

After the last debacle, Beatrix Belladonna hesitated to take anypony else with her into the Necronomicon. There were times when she was tempted to go it alone. But she knew even with the Smooze, her symbiotically-bonded partner, that would be suicide. She relied on her team, much as she sometimes hated to admit it. Her mother Trixie, Starlight Glimmer who'd become even more powerful since ascending to an alicorn.... They could certainly take care of themselves, most of the time!

But who else could match them on their adventures? Flurry Heart had the Crystal Empire to run, so she was out. And even if Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Tree Hugger were willing to join them another time, she refused to place them at risk anymore.

Everypony else she could think of was either too busy or would similar be unsuited to such a dangerous mission. Since when had she become such a philanthropist? She shook her head with a grin that flashed her chompers.

The anthropomorphic mare sat on her ample bottom atop a tree stump, garbed in her usual high-cut leotard decorated in a sea of stars. It matched her wide-brimmed witch hat, fingerless gloves which came to her upper shoulders, and heeled boots which rose to her shapely thighs. She kicked a foot, her mane trailing over the short cape that obscured her bare back, her posterior bared save for the thong cut of her costume. “Hey Smoozy,” she began with a sigh and a pout.

(You can tell me anything,) the Smooze telepathically reminded her. (There is no need for hesitation.)

“I know. You're the only one who understands me, really. I mean, mother does, a little, and Flurry sees another part of me, but that's pretty much it.” The brim shaded her eyes from the morning sun. She adjusted on her seat, picking the thin line of fabric out of her smooshed lavender buttcheeks. “I'm part Trixie, part Shining Armor, with a little Twilight Sparkle tossed in.”

(A composite creature. Much like I am. Perhaps it was always fated we would bond.)

“Literally!” She laughed. If not for the experimental alchemical potions she and Flurry had concocted which she'd consumed, his essence would've swallowed her up that day she dove into him, just another bunch of nutrients he'd have broken down and absorbed to feed him. Their symbiotic relationship extended to their love for one-another. It transcended the familial or romantic. No, they considered the other their soul mate. “We could potentially explore the Necronomicon forever...”

(I hope it has not begun to bore you so soon. I know youth is often restless, but in a sense I am little more than a child myself.)

“Nah. Just a little pensive, I suppose. Maybe I should further perfect my craft? I'm still only a mid-tier mage, after all.” She flexed her fingers which crackled with electricity, a unicorn horn manifesting on her temple and glowing.

Did she have the potential of the three ponies she was based on? She knew her mother could be far more powerful, at least, if she simply developed her offensive spells more. It was doubtful she could reach Twilight's level no matter how hard she tried.

(You're perfectly fine as you are,) he cast sensing her insecurities.

“Yeah, I know.” The corner of her lip twisted into a tiny smirk. “Thanks for the confidence boost, I needed that! Hmm?”

The skies started to gray before her eyes, almost like the color was being drained from them, pitter-patters sounding from a cool drizzle which splashed over her thin-furred skin. Droplets beaded and rolled down her curves, making her shiver. Canterlot Gardens was known for odd weather occurrences, but she sensed something unnatural about it. “You feel the same too, huh?”

(Indeed. What it means, I do not know. There's been no trace of the cult of the nemesis since their last defeat.)

“Yep, didn't think it was them either. Hopefully we wiped out the last of those cockroaches! Sombra's dead, isn't he? I mean, there's no way he could reach outside the Necronomicon and influence Equestria...”

(Doubtful, but as we have seen, nothing is impossible.)

“I was afraid you'd say that...” She stood and stretched with a wide yawn. Casting a simple spell, she banished her costume, letting the raindrops batter her bared flesh. It was one of the most wonderful feelings in the world; a reminder that she was alive and healthy. “Hey Smoozy, why don't you come on out? Join me for a little while, take the weather in!”

(As you wish.) He slipped from between her thighs like she was giving birth, an odd sensation which made her shiver with delight, cheeks rosy as the greenish-yellow slime leaked from her slit and formed into an anthropomorphic shape. She spread her supple legs and helped push him out with a low moan, a wet squelch sounding from her gaping hot pink snatch.

Taking the shape she desired, he resembled Shining Armor if he stood on two feet like she did, enshrouded in gleaming white armor which matched his namesake. (You need not be ashamed of your feelings,) he reminded her. (You did not choose to be conceived as the perfect mate to your father. It was simply the side-effect of Trixie's subconscious desires.)

“I'm not a very good person though,” she admitted.

(You are still learning. As am I. No one reasonable expects you to be perfect.)

“I mean, I know Trixie and Flurry Heart love me dearly, but I'm not too close with the rest of them. Heck, Diamond Tiara and Blueblood outright dislike me!” She planted hands on her hips with wet smacks and huffed in indignation.

(To be fair, they are pretty irritating themselves. As for the others? Well, most of them fail to understand you, but can you blame them? We are unlike any other creature in Equestria. Nor do they share your skewed sense of morality.)

“Indeed. I know my mother was often misunderstood.” She traced his shiny breastplate, and started to unbuckle it, until the hunk of metal fell between their feet, exposing his chiseled musculature beneath. “Mmm.” She traced his pecs.

(Sombra's dark magic still lingers. It almost corrupted me.)

“You need this too,” she reminded him. “Otherwise, you'll lose control!”

(Yes.) Not that he was reluctant to regularly breed her. He enjoyed it almost as much as she did.

Sinking to her knees, she dragged his pants down with her, exposing the dark meat and swelled testicles which hung low. She licked her lips in anticipation, breathing in his musk. She traced the veins which lined his girth, and he swelled under the tender touch of her fingernail, his flared tip beading with salty precum. Gently she kissed the head with a smack, making him shudder.

Planting her palms on his thighs, she took in his stallionhood, which fully swelled and filled her gullet. Noisily she started to suck him off, bobbing her head up-and-down, his hands planted on her skull and digging into her hair which resembled Trixie's, save for it had a violet sheen that offset the platinum. Diving down balls deep, she stared up at him with half-lidded eyes lined with mascara and eyeliner, rolling her tongue around his cock each time she slid from top-to-base and back.

He leaked into her mouth, and she drank down his pre with throaty gulps, spreading her thighs wider and sticking her ass out further. Her tail raised with need, her anus puckered, and her pussy winked, dripping a thin layer of lubrication as her heart-shaped clitoris glistened and throbbed. He sensed how desperately she wanted his dick buried womb-deep inside her.

Pulling her snout from him, strings of saliva mixed with pre still connecting them, he grabbed her by the midsection with both hands and lifted her up. She cooed when he sank his penis into her, embedded cervix-deep as she wrapped her limbs around him, his palms kneading into her buttocks and spreading them wide while he started to fuck her.

His fingers tweaked her clit, drenching the digits in her pussy juice. Glazing her pouty lips by smearing the lubrication over them, she savored her own sweet taste with loud, messy smacks. His snout met hers, tongues playfully wrestling for dominance.

Realizing she still wasn't quite satisfied, he transformed this shape further so that another stallionhood materialized, and he angled her back, inserting it into her asshole which easily parted to accommodate him. “Deeper,” she cried and he drove in roughly with his next buck, bursting the barrier of her cervix and locking himself directly into her uterus. She moaned aloud without shame, small squirts spattering his crotch, his wide tip tracing the slippery walls of her hot fertile core.

She stared hazily into his eyes, face warped in guileless satisfaction. “Breed me,” she whined constricting her limbs and sexholes around him. “Fill me up with your cum, daddy!” She whinnied, clawing so hard into his back she left red marks.

Her titties bounced, topped with wide areola tipped in erect, soft pink nipples beaded in droplets. Her orbs rolled about and slapped together, her buttocks similarly jiggling, the contours of her asscheeks topped with dimples.

His member repeatedly hit her spongy g-spot, her lashes fluttering. Teeth caressed the slit tips of her engorged nipples, tugging them far as he possibly could, until the fatty tissue of her udders smacked back into place with lewd slaps.

He grunted and groaned, roughly humping into her faster, wet slaps sounding each time he speared her. She shook under each brutal thrust, surrendering to his ministrations, whinnying each time he completely impaled her. Her wet pink canals massaged his cocks, smeared with his precum. Knowing she was close, he started to shoot inside her, erupting in violent torrents.

She ballooned under what felt like gallons he unloaded into her, as she still retained portions of him, allowing her body to contort in ways that might have been fatal to a normal mare. Pushed over the edge as her stomach expanded like she'd been knocked up with a dozen foals, her eyes rolled into her head as she shrieked, gushing all over his chest and crotch. He continued cumming into her, his splooge erupting around his dicks from her worn holes, udders rising-and-falling with each huff.

“F-fuck,” she cried as her tongue lolled out and her maw fell slack in a stupefied expression. Glazed eyes stared into his, her voluptuous form wrapped tight as possible around his own. “Oh, daddy...” She laid her head to one side, basking in her afterglow. Thanks to him she could finally fulfill her biological purpose without much in the way of guilt or shame.

Of course she knew most ponies would still consider her fantasies rather perverse. Not to mention she could never be knocked up by her actual father like her womb desired. She pressed a hand on her stomach, feeling the virile cum sloshing and churning inside, her eggs swimming happily in his salty soup. Of course, he couldn't actually impregnate her unless he wished it. He could control his composition, and had carefully made certain he was shooting blanks, knowing she wasn't ready to be a mom.

(Are you satisfied?) She nodded enthusiastically. (Excellent.) Gently he withdrew from her, spunk pooling from her cunt as he set her down in the grass. The rain continued to wash over them. (What should we do now?)

Rubbing circles around her bloated belly, her tits still heaving, she stroked her chin and considered all the possibilities. The color was still bleeding, almost like the horizon was a painting that had been smeared, not unlike something she'd expect to see within the depths of the Necronomicon. “What the...?” The atmosphere around them seemed to shift and blur.

(Be on guard,) he warned taking up a battle stance. An alabaster broadsword etched in runes appeared in his forehooves.

A swirling portal manifested before them. Before she could so much as voice another warning, it sucked them in, their bodies feeling like they were breaking apart. Folding over like two-dimensional beings, they were rapidly dragged inside.

It radiated an otherworldly essence. Just as quickly the circle closed, leaving no trace of the pair.

*****

A thump resounded when the pair were deposited upon a squishy, sticky surface which seemed to stretch for miles in all directions. Groggily a battered Beatrix attempted to rise on shaky feet, emptying the contents of her still full stomach, which upchucked thick globs of viscous spunk. “Wish it tasted as good coming back up,” she mused as an acid taste filled her sore throat. “What in Tartarus is this place?” Veins thick as tree trunks lined a moist, discolored surface which seemed to breathe.

(It's alive,) he observed standing a few feet away. (It appears to be studying us. Like we are mere specimens.)

She trembled. “Well, it stops here!” Her horn emerged as she started to draw a circle in the air, intending to open a nexus back to anywhere safe in Equestria, but the aura around her horn sparked and fizzled out, nullified by an anti-magic field.

(It's far more powerful than either of us. Almost like it's encountered us before and knew how to counteract us?)

“A scary thought,” she whispered wondering if it was listening in even now. But who could be behind it? If they understood how to stymie them it had to be an old adversary, didn't it? She looked skyward, seeing a swirling void of colors akin to an oil slick.

“Well, well, what have we here?” A familiar voice echoed from seemingly everywhere. Beatrix spun and balked, seeing a perfect doppleganger of herself, hips swaying as she strutted nude her way. “If it isn't my original!”

(She appears to somehow be exactly like you down to her composition.)

Beatrix shook her head. “What are you, some kind of alchemy-concocted clone?!”

The double tittered with a hand planted on her hip. “Not quite! No, this planet birthed me.” She tapped the ground with her foot. “But this astral form won't last forever. I need more...permanent flesh.” She leered up-and-down her physique.

The Smooze stepped between them, sword at the ready. (Not so long as I stand.)

The imposter's smirk widened, and she clicked her fingers, the veins around him shooting upwards. His blade bit into those nearest to him, spattering his naked flesh in crimson flecks, but with each he cut down more were swift to replace them. (Beatrix Belladonna,) he cast as her wrist was grabbed by her copycat, who struggled to drag her away. (Stop! If we're-)

“Separated you'll die?” She tittered. “Worry not. An enchantment has been prepared which should keep you two alive...for now. Think of this whole ecosystem as a grimoire. It's filled with delicious magic the likes of which you've never seen...”

Beatrix kicked and clawed at her assailant, who appeared to be far stronger than she looked, easily overpowering her. “How-”

She was shoved backwards and landed on her bottom, staring up at her twin who towered over her. A foot pressed between her breasts, pushing her onto her back, and the double stood triumphant with legs spread over her, hands planted on her wide hips. She stared at a worm's eye view between her shapely mounds at her upturned face. “You know those little trips you took into the Necronomicon? My master's been studying you this whole time. He slowly learned to take control, puncturing a dimensional hole in the forbidden tome. Gradually he constructed this environment in place of that parallel world the Smooze devoured...”

Realization dawned on the Smooze who continued to chop apart a sea of endless veins, now soaked in sweat and blood. Reduced to a mindless abomination by the cult of the nemesis, he'd ingested that strange world of humans, until that world's Spike was the sole survivor. Beatrix and Flurry Heart had escaped a doomed land where he swathed the earth and overran the oceans.

“Now, for my first trick!” A horn sprung from her temple, and she twinkled her fingers, her snatch twisting as a thick stallionhood and testicles suddenly toppled from her crotch. “Mmm, I can't wait to fuck myself into you...”

Beatrix barely had time to cock an eyebrow in confusion before her ankles were seized, and her legs lifted so far back her feet surrounded the sides of her head. Her clone pressed the flared, erect cock to her slit, rubbing between her lips which immediately started to swell and moisten anew. Precum smeared along the partially parted folds.

“But from what I saw of your little session one won't be enough to satisfy you anymore.” A second horsecock drooped out below the first, and this one she started tracing around the soft pink ring of Belladonna's anus. “Imagine all the fun I can have with you!” She suddenly slammed full-force into both of Beatrix's lower orifices, a grunt escaping them both.

Gleefully she stabbed as hard and deep into her hot canals as she could, almost immediately breaking the barrier of her cervix, and slamming into the back of her uterus. “Not such a smug cunt now, are you, bitch?” Her body jittered each time her rival hatefucked her silly, determined to prove she was superior to her original. “Time to knock you up for real!”

The Smooze cursed as the saber was yanked from him, held in place by the veins which constricted around his wrists and ankles. (This planet leaked out from the Necronomicon. It's one of the realms trapped inside. Somehow its turned vampiric, draining the life force from Equestria to permanently take on physical substance. But who could wield such fine control over the tome?)

Sheer malevolence emitted from the surface. Beatrix squirmed, the horsecock in her cunt forming a knot to lock itself within her, soft barbs growing from the shafts which tickled her squishy interior. An aura seized her arms when she tried to move them, holding them down and rendering her completely helpless before the brutal fucking her copycat dished out with relish.

“You'll finally fulfill your biological for real,” she taunted. “A little black magic and I'll unload some sperm into you that your womb will believe is Shining Armor's. You'll produce the perfect little spawn, one I'll be fit to inhabit!”

With a final thrust she was skewered balls deep in both her fuckholes. A deluge of foalbatter flooded her chambers. She squealed and clenched as she started to spray all over her twin who was quickly drenched. Curves shined and nipples dripped with the marecum which soaked them. Cum was packed into her, a howl escaping her maw as she rode out multiple orgasms.

“It's done.” Her assailant pulled out of her gaping fissures with a loud plop. “Ready to welcome new life to the world?”

Hazed over eyes stared deliriously around her. Beatrix struggled to think. “What...am I...?”

“Think of yourself like a living cauldron. You know, like the one created by the cult?” The alchemical device had been used in a number of rituals, most notably to turn the leaders into alicorns by those sacrificed to its foul soup. “All that magical potential is wasted on you. But you'll serve well as a vessel! Already, your womb is working its magic to form new life...”

She patted Belladonna's midsection which was so distended her bellybutton had swelled up like a small button. “You see, you've been linked to the Necronomicon from birth! You're like a fragment of it, given sentience, making it stronger all the time just by living! Oh yes, my master and I have been studying the tome intently! How does it feel to know your very existence is going to help damn the world?” She laughed in her face. “No wonder your father abandoned you, you little hellspawn!”

“Shining Armor was busy...saving the world,” she managed weakly.

“Keep telling yourself that.” She patted her cheek a couple of times. “Uh-oh, here it comes!”

A moan somewhere between pain and pleasure escaped Belladonna's lips. Her thighs reflexively spread wide, and her slimy, dripping cunt gaped wide open, revealing a sticky pink tunnel connected by slimy strings of cunt juice. Her walls convulsed, and her cervix throbbed, opening wide as something that had swiftly grown inside started to claw its way out.

Well-manicured, delicate hands slowly pulled open the uterus-entrance, and a head with a platinum mane laced in a violet tinge started to slowly press outwards, swathed in a thick layer of lubrication. She shrieked in bliss while the Smooze watched helpless, her twin smirking over her, more messy squirts erupting from her urethra as she was locked in an orgasmic birth.

Agonizingly slothful, another perfect duplicate of Beatrix wormed its way free, spreading her vagina unbelievably wide in the process. She twisted and slithered free, inch-by-inch, her denuded and supple shape swallowed in a sexual sheen.

When she finally emerged, she met the lips of the one who'd fucked her into Belladonna's body. Breasts smooshed together between the identical lovers, and fingers linked with both hands, their flesh seeming to melt together.

Pretty soon the two had become one. “Wonderful, isn't it? Maintaining that temporary form took a lot out of me. But now I can easily traverse from here to Equestria unmolested! And the best part? None of your friends will know the difference!”

She cackled, ready to infiltrate the peaceful land as her master decreed. With a twinkle in her eye she summoned up Beatrix's usual ensemble, drew a circle which cut into the air, and stepped into the shimmery blue portal she'd formed with ease.

Tears silently dripped down Beatrix's cheeks. But there was no way to warn them. No way to save the Smooze who'd been rendered as helpless as she was. Whoever this mysterious mastermind was, they'd spent quite a lot of magical energy to enact this plan, but as the vampiric planet continued to suck its life force from Equestria no doubt that essence would soon be replenished.

She surmised that the leaking Necronomicon was connected by a nexus probably at the core of this planet. She wondered if it was haunted by the billions who'd been slain by the Smooze when it had fallen? She was one of the few who could ever truly accept him, knew they were both freaks of nature, but that didn't mean they didn't deserve a chance at a real life!

Yet what could she do now but lament their fate? Would her world face yet another Apocalyptic crisis...?

*****

The portal took her to the planet's core. It was hollow inside, like a nervous system, veins pulsating and connected to her master who hovered at the center. “Bellatrix Primadonna,” he rasped in a strained voice. “Come closer.” The dark stallion's eyes burned, positioned atop a mound of twisted flesh and bone he'd shaped into a throne. “My finest creation.”

Closing the warp behind her, Bellatrix touched down with a theatrical bow. Before his intervention she'd been simply another dream demon wandering the Necronomicon, a succubus to be exact, without physical form and only able to feed on other spirits; being trapped in the tome meant she'd been unable to invade dreams and feed on life essence.

He'd taken her in, named her, and bonded her with another eldritch abomination. The monster stirred within her womb, which it treated like a warm and wet nest, a mass of tentacles stirring within the slimy chamber. “Sombra, are you-”

“There's no need to be concerned. I'm losing almost as much energy maintaining this planet as I'm siphoning from Equestria. You must serve as my cat's paw.” He'd done more than alter her form; he'd manipulated her mind as well. Made her completely submissive to his will. She even adored the abuses he doled out on her at his leisure. Even the name he'd dubbed her with was little more than a joke to him. Yet she was pathetically eager to serve his every whim, making his maw twist in a wry smile.

She banished her attire. Crawled on all fours to him. Her hanging breasts swung about and knocked together, her rump swaying as she came to rest before him. Sensing his unspoken displeasure, she altered her shape, morphing into an anthropomorphic likeness of Cadance. “Better? I know you despise her almost as much as that clod Shining Armor...”

He nodded once when she leaned forward, and she brushed her cheek against his erection, the precum spilling down and coating her. ”Oh yes.” The curled tips of her mane bounced, and with a sultry stare she swallowed his horsecock, making him shudder. His powerful hooves settled atop her scalp, forcing her down until he swabbed her gullet.

Gleefully she ministered him, guided by his firm forehooves. He jerked her down, thrusting his hips into her maw, skullfucking her. She gagged around his member, letting tears fill Cadance's doe-like saucer eyes, until her makeup and hair were a ragged mess. Her thighs were soaked, wishing her master would give her the rare pleasure of finishing inside of her needy pussy.

Instead her jerked her back by the mane. “Stick out your tongue.” She did as commanded, and his shaft throbbed, spurts unloading all over her locks, painting her already sloppy face, and coating her tongue. She gargled his foal batter with a smile, swishing the sticky seed about which clung to her gums and embedded between her teeth, slurping the precious mana down.

He wiped his dick on her face, used it to pat her a couple of times. “You've done well. But now for the real test. Turn around.” She did so, and he produced a small insect-like parasite summoned from a realm he controlled in the Necronomicon, the skittering creature easy to manipulate with his dark magic. With his free foreleg he spread her pink, glistening wide open, while the other forced the tiny monstrosity into her canal. She arced her back, moaning, as it connected to the beast in her belly.

“You'll be my eyes and ears in Equestria. Serve me well, Bellatrix Primadonna, and you'll ascend to serve as my Queen. Fail me, and you will share Belladonna's fate. Now, go!” He smacked her asscheek which wobbled and reddened with a hoofprint.

“Yes, master!” She stood, reverted back to Beatrix's form complete with costume, and bowed theatrically. Then she opened another portal, this one to Equestria, which she stepped into while whistling a jaunty tune.

Without him she'd still be nothing. Just another mindless creature endlessly roaming the Necronomicon. But now she had a purpose. Somepony to love her. So what if he was selfish and cruel? Wasn't that her nature, too?

And in the meant time he would continue to master the realms inside the Necronomicon, becoming one with the forbidden grimoire. All who'd attempted in the past had been defeated, possessed, or destroyed; Starlight Glimmer had come the closest, only to be stopped due to the intervention and sacrifice of Sunset Shimmer. But most of Shining's force were dead or scattered.

Surrounded by an amalgamation of eldritch abominations, he continually fused with them, bending them to his will. At the moment he could manipulate Equestria in subtle ways thanks to a leak in the Necronomicon. But soon his grasp would extend to the afterlife. He'd puncture a hole into the heavens, pluck out the souls of Shining Armor and everyone he loved to devour...