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...