The Depths of Oblivion

While there was some audible disappointment, Sombra gently dismissed his lovers for a time, needing solitude to meditate and replenish his reserves. His fellow mages would need to do similar rituals to recuperate; already he could see Beatrix spending her rest period at Flurry's side. To his irritation Sunset barely seemed winded by her contribution, heading off to aid Twilight in making certain their defenses were secured, unlikely as it appeared that the Eldritch would strike again so soon. Lastly Trixie was with Shining Armor, the latter trying to comfort the broken Cadance.

He wasn't alone himself. Somnambula and Tree Hugger were meditating with him; they intuited his wishes and helped amplified his senses. Their warm hands were closed over his, leaving him to find a rare moment of inner peace with himself. He smiled, for despite his intentions, he found it quite replenishing to soak in these positive emotions for once.

With their aid his mind's eye was able to spy upon the others who weren't foo far away. He closed his eyes and watched.

“You'll be okay honey,” assured Shining who spoke comforting words to his slumbering wife.

“Wha...what about us...?” Trixie's eyes watered as her voice cracked. “Are...are we through...?”

“I'm not sure. I don't want us to be,” he admitted, heavy with indecision. “I love you both. But what will Cadance think? We'll she ever even recover from this ordeal?” His hand tightened on his wife's, and Trixie started to try and comfort him with a touch before thinking better of it. Instead he placed a hand on her belly. “Beatrix could be kicking around inside there. That won't change.” He kissed her eyes closed, knowing how understanding his wife had always been.

Trixie managed a smile, squeezing tears from the corners of her eyes. “Trixie'll do what she can to save her.”

“I know. You're wonderful like that.” He chuckled and kissed her, brushing a hand through her mane.

Sombra's attention shifted to his student, who'd been understandably mopey ever since finding her sister in such a state. “I wonder,” began Belladonna. “Are you much like my Flurry? Would you have liked to go on misadventures with me, maybe brew some potions, have some laughs? Did daddy shelter you too much, or did Cadance temper that side of him?”

She sighed and pursed her lips, stroking Flurry's cool cheek and curly mane. “I have this other sister of sorts, Bellatrix Primadonna. The other you didn't like her much, understandably after what she'd done. But we're supposed to be about giving second chances, aren't we? About that...Sombra's with us too, inexplicable as it might seem. I think he's changed, much as he'll never admit to it openly. Heck, I don't really know Cozy Glow, but maybe we can save her too...?”

She wiggled fingers intentionally left bare by her glove design to make it easier for her to channel magic. Little sparks and pixie-like dust rose from their tips, her long nails painted with stars. While she'd hoped to hone what her mentor showed her in her spare time, she'd been busy pretty much ever since, and dared not leave Flurry's side while she might need her.

Satisfied, he withdrew from his spying, petted both of his concubines heads, then sent them off. He rose from his spot before rejoining the group. “Is everyone else ready? We shouldn't linger much longer if we're going to save dear Cadance.” Normally, he would've rubbed the fact that he was her savior in Shining's face, but now was hardly the time as it seemed beneath him. He watched as Sunset and Twilight were the first to rise while approaching him.

“We're ready. And for the record, you better not try anything that'll harm Cadance. I'll be making sure of that,” warned Twilight with a fixed glare to the dark unicorn.

“I think she'd benefit far more from your strength extended towards healing her rather than keeping me at bay,” he answered. "Besides which, I have no interest in such a thing, as she's clearly suffered enough."

“You know what I mean. Delving into the dark arts may have multiplied your strength several times over, but Sunset or I could still take you apart in seconds!” She let the threat hang in the air; clearly still resenting his past actions.

“Such confidence," he mused mirroring a quote from an old source. "You think because you're an alicorn and she's a prodigy, you'd have an easy time dealing with me. My dear Twilight.... If there's once thing you should already know about me, it's that I always come back. Now, if you're done with your empty threats.... Let's begin and form a circle around Cadance.” Everyone nodded as they did as instructed; the usual preparations now complete.

Twilight easily fell into sync with the party, like Sunset forced to slow herself down to his level while Sombra crafted another unity spell. He did his very best to keep his active disgust for both of them secret as he could. Out of all the unicorns and enemies he's made, Twilight remained his biggest concern, as she could easily lead the alliance if wished.

To him, she'd always come across as this smug little teacher's pet; ignorant to the sacrifices of others, with the only thing that troubled her being making friends. At least now with Celestia and Luna no longer present, there were few left to limit him. Suppose they did follow Spike, somehow defeated the Eldritch for good, rebuilt a society of equality and by some miracle killed him off again. It wouldn't be long until some other pompous, self-righteous zealot decided to oppose their ways. And if one rose, others would surely follow. There was no hope for peace like that, not if there isn't a shepard to guide the sheep. Little wonder so many of the other races were against working together in the first place!

Again a mare's brain was tricked into induced labor. Shining hovered nearby, sweating and chewing his lower lip, nervous as the time his wife had strained to bring their daughter into the world. He tried not to pace and kept his snout clamped shut, fearing the disastrous consequences should he break their concentration in the midst of their operation.

“Father,” murmured Belladonna who's eyes were still closed. “You should deliver these.”

His insides turned to ice. “B-but I-”

“Don't worry, I'll guide you.” She opened Cadance's thighs, their unified aura widening her gooey birth canal, and with it her pulsing cervix. Her magic protectively wrapped around his bare hands, juices and urine escaping Cadance's pink passage while she reflexively heaved her bosom and pushed. "Good. Keep at it," she murmured.

The curved side of a massive egg started to emerge, and with a gulp he slid up inside her slippery moistness, carefully tugging while he extracted the first embedded sphere with a messy plop. His face twisted in empathy for his wife's pain, barely able to imagine what she had endured to bring their child into Equestria, let-alone now with these forced on her.

Over the next half hour this process repeated, with the soggy spheres placed on the grass. He paled even more than she and Trixie, color drained from his strained face. “You're doing well,” she assured him.

“Your presence is comforting to Cadance,” whispered Sunset. “I can sense these sorts of things.” It was like a holdover from the empathic powers her geode had given her in the human world; an intuition which made her sensitive to the needs of others. "Just keep at it, and this will be over before either of you know it."

With Twilight's aid they'd cut their time in half. The last orb was removed from Cadance's womb, lulled into a peaceful sleep like she was an impossibly beautiful fairy tale princess. Sombra quietly chuckled at the allusion, knowing that to them he was some stereotypical villain, merely lacking in a mustache to twirl between his latest cliched scheme.

That left only Cozy Glow. Would she resent their help? Probably. But Tirek and Chrysalis were the closest things she had to friends, the former choosing to end it all, the latter having betrayed them to save herself. She'd have to make a choice once they saved her; either play nice and join them, or perhaps be imprisoned or banished if she refused?

*****

Reclining on his skull throne, Spike was reminded this might be the last time he sat here. The air was becoming more stifled in the Badlands; more suitable to dragons, but harder to endure over time for ponies. The latest Eldritch invasion had turned their world upside-down and left a once faintly hopeful future bleaker than ever, their faith in the Dragon Lord undermined.

Certainly there were exceptions. Twilight in particular was almost blindly loyal to him, her faith in all his decisions warming his heart. And then there were Ember and Smolder who met in private with him now. “So...” His claws tightened on the Bloodstone Scepter. “What exactly do I have to do to alter myself? What's this secret ritual your father passed down all about?”

“Well...” Ember foot claws scratched along the floor. “Like I said, you won't like it.”

Smolder put a hand on her hip. “Is it painful or something? Because that's just basic stuff for us!”

“It is painful...but not in the way one would think.” Ember turned her back on them and sighed. “Father shared the truth with me before he went to battle the Eldritch, knowing the knowledge couldn't afford to be lost. Of course he could never admit aloud the possibility he might lose, but that's why he asked me and Smolder to stay out of the war and carry on his legacy.”

Smolder nodded. “Makes sense, we're smarter than the average dragon!”

“Yes, but it's more than that. Pride also meant he couldn't admit this either, but he'd come to realize how interacting with ponies had changed us, made us stronger than a typical dragon in some ways. Now, it made us more vulnerable too, but he figured what we could pass on to the next generation would be more than worth the downsides. Anyhow, he told me the story of what happened to my mother. In order to become so big and strong, he...he'd needed to sacrifice someone he loved.”

Smolder gasped. “What?! Are you saying he-”

“He didn't want to, either. It was her choice. To be more precise, she made it for him. She could see the dragons were dwindling in numbers long before the Eldritch arrived, that they'd need a powerful leader to support and guide them. And when he refused to make such a sacrifice, she ripped her own breast open and offered her still-beating heart to him.” She blinked away tears.

“You're saying I have to ritually sacrifice someone I love and eat their heart?! That's barbaric!”

“In case you haven't noticed, we live in a more barbaric Equestria. Not unlike before the rise of Celestia and Luna, when dragons used to eat ponies!” Ember waved a claw dramatically to emphasize her point. “Look, it's an ugly world out there now, and we've got to adapt! If that means you have to off someone close...so be it. And to put my money where my mouth is...”

She raked a nail over where her heart was stationed, daring him to open her chest cavity. The very idea made his insides twist, and he paced the room, turning and wishing he could hide from the truth. “You know, that's more like something Sombra would do. Slaying a loved one, feasting on them, to grow stronger.... The ends justify the means, huh? Well, it's not ourway.”

“Maybe there's no other options left,” agreed Smolder. “I...I can be the one you take out, if you need. I'm less valuable than-”

“No!” His fist smashed so hard into the skull throne cracks spread throughout it. “We'll find another way!”

Suddenly the Bloodstone Scepter was snatched from his grasp. “If you're too much of a weakling, then I'll take back the role of Dragon Lord!” He spun to face Ember, who snorted and flared her nostrils, blowing grayish-black smoke. He stared her down, both refusing to back off; it was a traditional dragon challenge. The moment one gave in they'd appear weak. These sorts of things often ended in bloodshed. “You want it back, Spike? Well then come take it from me!”

Growls escaped his maw which drew back to bear razor-teeth. His eyes turned to slits, more primitive instincts kicking in, threatening to turn him into nothing more than a rabid animal. Everything about her seemed like a taunt now, down to the sway of her slender tail.

Many a would-be Dragon Lord would simply brutally ravish a disobedient female to put them in their place in this might-makes-right society, but the idea horrified him, as he reminded himself he was nothing like that!

“I won't play that game,” he finally said inhaling to calm himself.

“Guess you'll have to do me in then, huh?” Smolder frowned sympathetically at Ember. “It's been a good run, and I wanna think there's some other way too, but if it means saving Equestria? Well, that's a sacrifice I'm ready to make!”

A blackish inferno roared to life at the entrance. Autumn Blaze stamped in, trapped in her Nirik form, coming between all of them. “I'm with Spike on this one!” She trotted over to his side. “Do this and we'll be one step closer to being like the Eldritch!”

“It's not like that,” assured Smolder who held up her palms.

“Oh? What's it like, then?” Autumn reverted back to her Kirin self and seized the Bloodstone Scepter with a twinkle in her eye. “Can I be Dragon Lord for a while? Only teasing!” She giggled and tossed it back to Spike.

For a moment Spike worried they wouldn't relent, but Ember and Smolder relaxed their postures, despite the doubts still clear on their faces. He was thankful Autumn had eased the tension, but could it last?

He'd seen and heard about the doubts in his followers. Sombra and Beatrix had shown him up, and while he was certain she hadn't meant to, the results still stung.

Worse were all the losses and the fact they'd soon have to move. Twilight and Sunset had been searching out potential new areas, but the possibilities remained scarce.

If he did undergo this transformation, he'd become a living weapon that could easily stomp out most of the Eldritch forces. A veritable behemoth truly worthy to be called the Dragon Lord.

*****

With the extraction of the eggs from Cadance successful, another grace period was required to replenish all their used up resources. And what better way for Sombra to replenish himself than through fornication with his sultry little soothsayer? He made his way to her tucked away private chambers where she'd promised to await him.

“I have waited patiently for this moment to arrive, my dear Sombra,” cooed Somnambula excitedly. She had just finished surrounding her private cove with incense, leaving the air heavy in a thin, wispy mist scented like one of her exotic perfumes. “Of course, I knew this moment would always come the moment I've laid eyes on you. Many potential outcomes await you, but all of them involve my belly heavy and your linage secured.”

She smiled at him, looking over her shoulder with a soldering look as he entered her small room while disgarding his armor to the floor.

Inhaling the intoxicating aroma, he sighed as a smile spread from his muzzle. “Then let's not waste any more time~!" He removed the last of his garb leaving him bared for her. Likewise, she sidled from her scant, transparent silks down her curvy body as the rest of her garments pooled at her feet. She dipped her fingertips in a bottle of oil, rubbing it onto her bare breasts before spreading over the rest of her shoulders, thighs and anything she could reach.

Licking his chops in anticipation, he laid his hands over her shiny skin to feel and rub in the oil while kissing and licking at her neck. The priestess smiled coyly while making pleasant sounds for him; removing her headdress with a shake of her turquoise bobcut. With everything now off, he turned her towards him before lightly pushing her down into the mossy floor as he climbed over top.

She moaned low, his rod pressing and rubbing against her entrance. She could hardly wait before he slowly filled up her warm walls until he'd bottomed out in her sacred cavern. His hands tightened around her wide buttocks as he began to pump in and out of her; her wings fluttering in appreciation when he started to spear her. Her arms and legs wrapped around him, his tongue tracing circles around her nipples while she nibbled at mouth and neck. His muscles strained each time he rammed into her.

With a noble lineage from the former Pillar, he'd no doubt she'd bear him a powerful heir indeed. No other child he had with his harem could compare to the potential with their combined genes. And while he enjoyed the taste of her flesh, he was still suspicious of her possible ulterior motives. It was long decided that Inky Rose would be the better choice to serve as his Queen; as she'd already proven she would gladly lay down her life for him!

He wanted to take his time with her, but both knew he'd be called back soon as the ritual could only be drawn out so long. Her slippery, supple flesh slapped upon him each time he rocked her voluminous frame, the ankh which was all she still wore jangling between her shiny tits. “Agh! P-Please, I am close,” she begged. “Give it to me! Flood my sacred chambers in your seed! Claim my temple~!”

“Then open up...” He grunted as his hips picked up speed; slamming into her each time he fully sheathed himself. “And accept my virile seed!”

She lost herself upon him with a continuous, echoing wail, absolutely drenching his lower half as her marehood desperately milked his dick. Roaring, he buried himself with a particularly savage thrust, so forceful his flare tip pierced her cervix and locked into place. Her quivering womb was defenseless before the onslaught of jizz directly dumped inside its slimy chamber with repeated pumps.

While he continued to spray into her, she passionately locked her snout with his, tongues dancing like a pair of snakes. It was her way of thanking him, not withdrawing until he'd squeezed out the last drops into her, saliva still attaching them while she stared sleepily into his darkly handsome features. “I thank you for securing our future. I am certain our child will accomplish great things~”

“The honor is mine,” he mused with a caress of her hair and cheek. “Sadly, I must cut this short.”

“I understand.” Tenderly she removed him from her, a trail of their mixed releases dripping from her swollen slit and down her thighs. “Now that the ritual is complete, perhaps we may have more casual couplings whenever you prefer?”

“But of course~” He nodded, toweling himself off and redressed. Just as he was exiting, her voice caused him to pause.

"There is one thing I must warn you though. Do not let her get close," she warned with maddening vagueness. "I sense I dark path of further ruin..."

"I'll...keep that in mind." He wondered who she was referring to. Beatrix, perhaps? She was a great source of danger should the Eldritch find a way to invoke her role as their dark messiah. He shook it off. He would ask her to clarify her message later. He had to return to the others if they were going to save Cozy Glow.

With everyone back in the same space again and stationed in a circle around Cozy Glow, Sombra casted his unity spell. By now they were a well-oiled machine, almost completely in sync; even Trixie could almost keep up without him slowing down too much.

Their patient heaved her bosom with subdued whimpers, her naked flesh covered in a sheen of cold perspiration. “A-ah,” whined Cozy Glow who had tears in the corners of her eyes.

“It will be okay,” assured Sunset with a whisper.

Beatrix gulped hard while she readied herself to make the next delivery. She spread Cozy's thighs, her birth canal and cervix opened by an aura like a speculum, vaginal juices and urine loosed from Glow who's orifices clenched in preparation for the induced labor. Again it was a reminder of when she'd been similar infected, her insides twisting with empathy for her. But what wasn't at all similar was the ominous violet glow in her stomach as a dark fluid also began to leak out of her small slit.

“Something's wrong,” murmured Sunset who went wide-eyed as she sensed potential danger. "A-Are these eggs already fertilized?"

“No.... These eggs are different to the others,” hissed Sombra. “Chrysalis must have infused Eldritch power into the eggs when impregnating her. She must have anticipated someone would try to extract them...”

Cozy's stomach churned, the stretched skin crawling, like it was ready to burst from the stirred up eggs which were on the verge of hatching. The unborn parasites were somehow able to soak up traces of their magic due to the enchantment the mad Queen had placed; a complicated spell he doubted she could have conjured alone. The Eldritch had certainly helped prepare this trap.

But why? Perhaps a fail-safe if Cozy Glow escaped and attempted to free Tirek? Or an experiment for darker purposes with Cozy unfortunate enough to the first subject. He supposed it didn't matter now. Chrysalis was dead, but her twisted legacy remained, and the pegasus would be a ruptured shower of blood-and-guts if they couldn't think fast. She shrieked and trashed, her pussy a faucet of sickening fluid, bawling and kicking about.

“Ugh! We don't have much time. We're going to have to open her up...” Sombra furrowed his brow.

Sunset nodded with pursed lips. “That appears to be our best option. I'm sorry, Cozy.”

“We'll form a shield around the eggs once she's opened,” said Twilight who narrowed her eyes in determination.

“Trixie feels sick,” she whined threatening to upchuck her lunch.

“All the more reason why we have to stay strong, mother!” Beatrix patted her shoulder. Granted, she was similarly faint, barely able to look upon the pegasus who writhed in distress. “Can't we just put her to sleep?!”

He nodded. "Considering she won't be much help to us birthing out the eggs naturally. But we're going to need someone whose precision is a s sharp as the blade that'll open her.” He considered his options between all of them, doubtful that Trixie or Beatrix could manage it. “Anyone? I mean, I could probably do it, but-"

“Allow me.” Rarity marched up with her arms crossed under her breasts. “Sorry, I did not intend to listen in, let-alone intrude, yet I am the one with the most delicate touch here.” She raised her index finger, her horn flaring as she crafted a scalpel-like ethereal blade. “Just draw a line where she needs to be opened, so we can begin the extraction.”

“Splendid. In that case, I leave her in your hands.” Taking a berry and mashing it between a finger and thumb, he carefully marked the portion of Cozy's stomach. Laying a palm on Glow's temple, he lulled her into a deep sleep. Her eyes fluttered rapidly until she slackened; breathing calmly while the occasional painful grunt and squelch kicked in due to the unbalanced nature of the eggs. Sunset and Twilight poured a painkiller down her throat, wanting to ease her suffering wherever possible.

Silence dawned while they all set about their tasks. Carefully Rarity made the incision, a rush of blood meeting the cut. Trixie and Beatrix visibly winced when Cozy was skillfully opened, Twilight and Sunset enveloping the nest of quivering eggs in a shared aura which made certain if whatever was inside hatched they wouldn't break free.

Working together, the unicorns drew the batch out and placed them aside in a pile. The moment the last one was cleared, Sombra nodded. After she cleaned it Rarity used a needle and thread to carefully stitch the wound.

“She's stable,” noted Sunset and they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Against the odds they'd saved another life. Like Cadance and Flurry she'd need time to heal in the hopes she could eventually be reintroduced into society. He broke a wry smile at how well his team had performed under pressure.

Despite his doubts they'd all delivered when it mattered most. He felt a strange pang of satisfaction to render aid for once, but quickly brushed it aside.

It wouldn't do to become attached. Allies they might be for the moment, but one day they'd be foes again, once he ascended back into power.

Without a word he rose and took his leave, eager to be reunited with his waiting concubines.

*****

“It feels like we've been traveling forever,” complained Bellatrix Primadonna who still hadn't gotten used to the more lithe form she'd taken. They'd made great strides, despite the occasional sandstorm, determined to reach the Badlands in record time if possible. So far they'd only stopped to rest, hunt, and eat whenever absolutely necessary.

“You sure do bitch and moan a lot,” mumbled Wallflower Blush. “Guess that's why you're named like that...”

“And I'm sure you got that name because you're shy about that beanpole figure,” the succubus teased back poking her side.

“Don't rub it in,” replied Wallflower with a pout while she turned away and pulled her tattered cloak and hood closer.

By now they were close to their destination. Evidence of the Eldritch tearing up the land was visible everywhere, fissures scarring the dry earth. Picking up a sun-bleached horned skull lined in cracks, Bellatrix giggled and tossed it between her hands. While she amused herself Blush studied the faint stars, double-checking to make sure they were on the right track.

With a shiver Wallflower's eyes darted about. She whispered, “Doesn't it feel like we're being watched?”

“I know what you mean,” said Bellatrix who chucked the skull into the sand which kicked up a puff. “Thought it was just nerves, since the Eldritch can track me anywhere, but...” Her yellow, cat-like eyes focused intently into the distance. “There!”

Before the Dazzlings could dart back behind the dunes she hurtled towards them like a lightning bolt. Hissing, with curved teeth bared and nails extended into full claws, they barely scattered amidst a flurry of wild slashes.

Having shed their scales, the sirens had retaken legs, and had shadowed them the entire time; only the fact that the duo were forced to occasionally rest allowed them to keep up.

They attempted to sing their seductive song, Aria's and Sonata's voices blending in an alluring unity, but with the wound Adagio had received in her neck her voice quickly cracked.

“You ruined me,” rasped Adagio bitterly.

“Don't worry,” snapped Aria with a malicious smile now that she was one step closer to leading. “I'll take it from here!”

“Wait for me,” called Sonata who's ponytail whipped as she dived to avoid an arrow loosed her way. They were still naked, save for the chunks of metal and bone woven into parts of their mutilated forms, the modifications made by the Eldritch enhancing their reflexes. Their senses were naturally better than the average pony's, rendering them potent predators.

“Should've sunk back into the ocean depths,” yelled Bellatrix who went for Adagio's throat again.

The sisters opened their mouths impossibly wide, exposing rows-upon-rows of serrated teeth. Even more horrifying were the nests of rubbery, sucker-covered tentacles which emerged from their throats, having lured the she-devil close and now looping their slimy, pulsating tendrils about her. Primadonna yelped, trapped between the trio who dragged her inwards.

“Damn it,” muttered Wallflower under her breath while she trained her bow-and-arrow but failed to get a clear shot as they intentionally used her as a shield. She contemplated taking it anyhow, certain the succubus would with their positions reversed.

The demon shrieked, muscles straining while she was pulled taut between them. To them she was just a fresh meal. Alien voices were echoing in their skulls, but they ignored them, reduced to little more than savage animals in the moment by hunger.

“Fuck it.” Blush steadied herself with a sharp breath, prepared to loose a shaft.

Suddenly the coils withdrew and the Dazzlings crumpled, writhing and screaming. Bellatrix and Wallflower stared in bewilderment. “W-wait,” begged Adagio as a trickle of blood ran from a nostril and she started to sob.

The eldest sister's veins started to pop up all over her supple flesh. She wailed banshee like when they started to pop, one-after-another, noisily in a spray of red mist. Aria turned her head away, chunks of brain matter splattering her cheek, while Sonata wailed when a skull fragment sliced her cheek. The surviving siblings were freaking out while Adagio's corpse slumped over.

“What the...” Wallflower considered shooting one of them through the heart, but pity stayed her hand.

“It's the Eldritch,” said Aria rather flatly. “I wanted to be in charge, but not like this...”

“It's because we tried to eat Bellatrix, isn't it?” Sonata rapidly shook her head, still bawling. “She's important to them!”

“Only as a tool to exploit,” said Primadonna with a sneer as her claw tightened around Sonata's throat. “Tell me...” She reared back a hand, ready to drive her clawtips into her eyes. “Why shouldn't I end you two losers right here?!”

“Hurt her and you're next,” warned Aria with a snarl.

“Let them go. I don't want to kill unnecessarily.” After the succubus dropped the siren, Wallflower nodded to her side. “Go on, get out of here, before we change our minds!” The surviving Dazzlings shot them a look, but then broke into a mad dash away.

“Should've let me finish them. They'll come back to haunt us later.” Bellatrix squatted and flicked one of Dagi's still warm tits.

“I know.” Blush frowned. “Stop that. Let's not desecrate the dead. It's sad, really. The Dazzlings probably didn't have much choice but to join the Eldritch once they crossed paths. It was either that, or become more of their victims.”

“Yeah? Well, I don't feel sorry for them. Especially after they mangled my wings!” Her clawed foot kicked Dagi's ribs, almost sinking into the gills still on her side even after her transformation. As the leader of the trio she'd taken the blame and fall for their poor choice. Now she was nothing more than another testament to the power of their enemy.

With the enhancements made to them the Dazzlings could now never hoped to escape their reach. They were simply doomed to fight on the side of those abominations until their masters no longer needed them.

Nonetheless the demon soon mentally moved on from their latest skirmish, once more focused on their arrival in the Badlands.

Within the next hour the pair finally reached what they hoped would be their new home. She waited behind while Wallflower went ahead, into the ashen lands almost inhabitable to ponies, in the hopes that at least hear her out...

*****

With a weary sigh, Sombra returned to his chambers alone after the mentally draining labor he'e performed. Much as he enjoyed the company of his harem, he was fatigued after all his recent work; muscles sore and mind numbed. He'd taken the brunt by being the lead in their casting, such powerful magic still draining even after a lifetime of hard work and dedication. He'd endured further fatigue by going to breed Somnambula.

He slumped into an out-of-the-way cove on the outskirts of the Pleasure Gardens; guilt slowly creeping into his chest at the reactions from his lovers. Pacific Glow had whined about not getting enough attention after he first laid with her, and Inky Rose was visibly hurt by his unintentionally curt dismissal, but accepted it. Somnambula and Diamond Tiara were the only ones who understood without saying. He wasn't sure about the situation with Tree Hugger, as she'd been sticking around his courters while lazily humming.

He would make time for all of them, he promised himself. Whether by requesting time away or by seeing this through to the end. It's not like he could properly attend to them in his current state, anyhow. Removing his armor while keeping his underwear, Sombra rolled onto his side to curl up in a patch of dew-covered grass. All he could do now was rest and plan his next course of action.

He had requested that the changeling eggs be destroyed, but Sunset and Twilight had denied him; the latter wishing to study them. They radiated with magic completely alien to them, and it would be a good chance to try and understand and maybe even learn how to manipulate such strange magic.

Hypocrites. They were no better than he was at a younger age. And if there's one thing that weighed on him when it came to the consequences of investing oneself in dangerous affairs, it's the regret that'll take its toll once one realized how much was lost. He chuckled dryly at the thought.

Perhaps Beatrix wasn't wrong in some regards about him being a far kinder and considerate stallion than he believed. Ironic, the world was slowly dying and he'd developed a conscience. Much as he liked to lock Shining Armor for such, maybe...part of him wouldn't mind being looked upon as a hero for once...

A gentle rap that sounded at the entrance drew him out of his thoughts. Grumbling, he rolled onto his back to lean himself up on the cavern wall before calling out, “Who's there?! Show yourself!”

“Forgive my intrusion.” The voice was prim-and-proper with a certain sweetness. He blinked at the shapely physique silhouetted ahead, barely able to make out the tall unicorn at first. “I hope you weren't busy. Is it alright if I come in?”

“Fleur de Lis...? What brings you to me at this hour?" His eyes narrowed as she strutted over with a familiar sway of ample hips.

“Indeed, these times are dire. Without my love at my side, options on who to follow are limited. It's either you, Shining Armor, or Spike...” As she spoke, she slowly unzipped the front of her skintight white costume at the front; large white mammaries topped with you on wide pastel nipples bouncing and nearly spilling out when she drew the zipper down just above the slit of her vulva. “And while I'd much prefer them to lead us, I've come to realize you, Sombra, are
indeed the best hope for our continued survival.”

The corner of his mouth curled in suspicion as his brow furrowed. He didn't believe her claims; highly aware of the tempting allure the model held over stallions. He also didn't forgotten this is the same mare he'd shamed and humiliated a month ago. A harsh chuckle left his throat. "You expect me to believe that after all this time, after the protests and death threats to, you're now willing to accept me? What ever happened to your undying devotion to Fancy Pants?" He spat that out in a mocking tone.

“My beloved is no more, Sombra! I have mourned him the best way I know how. But now isn't the time to keep grieving. Now is the time to move forward. And I can only look forward knowing you're at the front. Please, I beg you!" In an act of desperation, she peeled away her attire from her voluptuous form; baring himself fully to him. “Isn't this what you wanted? To have me strip for you, to hold power over me while you take me like a common whore... I...I can't hide it.... I enjoyed...that time you used me..” A solitary tear trailed down her cheek as she held herself while kneeling before his slumped form. "Oh, my love, forgive me, but I can hide it no more! It's been too long since I've had a proper stud ravish me and made me feel whole. Oh, please, I need you!" She cried to him, purposefully squishing bountiful assets into him as she clung to him for support.

He was speechless, eyes wide at this display of depravity and submissiveness. And while his body was sore and tired, the blood in his loins boiled as his cock began to harden. It was true; he'd shown up Spike in the recent war and was convinced more mares would come over to his side. He just never expected her out of all of them would come so soon.

"Fleur, I-I," he began to apologise but was cut off when she suddenly pressed her lips to his. Slowly, he began to warm up and embrace her as he gave into her affection. She tasted sweet with a hint of spice, his nostrils breathing in her potent perfume as his hands wandered over her curves.

Whatever disbelief and suspicious he held slowly began to melt away as he lost himself in the moment; soaking in her body heat. It felt rather surreal. He understood why Fancy had chosen her; she was a prize indeed. He'd once thought her a mere trophy wife, but she'd surprised him.

She pulled away, a finger to his mouth as she smiled sweetly. "Just relax, my lord. And let me show you how badly I want this," she cooed reaching to unfurl his cock as she straddled his hips; her nethers kissing his shaft until the tip was poking its way inside.

All at once she slid down onto him; her folds tightly sucking him in as a shudder and quiet moan left them. She began to roll her hips around in a circular motion as he drove deeper into her velvety walls. He groaned loudly, the feeling of being inside such a beautiful creature clouding his mind in a haze of lust. His hands moved from her waist to grope and massage her jiggling breasts, much to her delight.

"A-Ahh! Oh yes, feel me, love! Take in everything!" She purred, hands raised above her head as she rode him hard. While Sombra was normally known for being in charge, he had to admit; this was a nice change in pace. It had certainly felt wonderful when he and Beatrix lovingly went at it during their time away in exile. He could get used to such treatment.

His eyes gazed up to see her form silhouetted in the moonlight as she gyrated and bounced on top of him; eyes piercing though her shadow as she pulled something out of her hair and held it in both hands. The smouldering look slowly turned into a vicious sneer as she slowed her humping before crying out; "Pour toi mon amour!"

His eyes snapped out as agony coursed through his body. His voice died as his eyes shakingly looked to see a sharp blade now lodged firmly in his abdomen. She yanked it out, causing him to spatter blood from his mouth as more oozed from his wound. His hand retreated to hold in his chest before he looked back up at his attacker, shock plain on his face. She growled before raising her arms; ready to strike anew. "Maintenant meurs, Connard!"

Grunting, his horn lit up and he blasted the unicorn off of him. Her body sailed and hit the other end of the cave before slumping to the floor; unconscious. The bloody blade landed just a few feet away as Sombra wheezed; clutching at his ribs while struggling to remain conscious himself.

He should have known better to expect anything different. They all wanted him dead. And now, one of them had managed to mortally wound him. In a rare moment he let his guard down, suffering followed.

As his eyes rolled into his head and closed, the last thing that came to mind was the laughing faces of his comrades; singing the praises of his demise.

"I...Inky..."