The Depths of Oblivion

“Fleur,” roared Ember while she and Smolder swooped in to save her. However there was no way to reach her in time, nor could she hope to evade the massive bulk of the Leviathan that crashed towards her, maw widened to devour her. She brandished her blazing white halberd with a snarl, prepared to do what damage she could before it ended her life.

But before she could make such a heroic last stand Twilight blinked in, grabbed her, then ported away moments before the beast slammed into the floor and burst it open. More waters hissed while they flooded in, the creature dying as the Dazzlings were removed from it, and they continued to assault its bulk with everything they had. Blood rushed from its torn scales.

“You have my thanks,” said Fleur who was carried in Twilight's arms.

“No problem. But I'd better take Aria and Sonata back to the pyramid. Maybe we can still save them,” said Twilight.

“Go for it,” called Spike who helped Ember, Smolder, and Autumn Blaze light up the monster in a hiss of steam. They left the grounded soldiers on higher ground to keep them safe. “We won't go too far ahead in the meantime, I promise!”

“Be careful,” whispered Twilight who kept Aria and Sonata restrained within her aura while she vanished.

This section of the ocean base continued its collapse. Chunks rained down, portions collapsed inwards, waters washed away the wreckage in a deluge that violently sucked them down. The entire ceiling started to cave, and Spike took the lead with the dragonesses, flying above and straining to hold it up. “Hurry,” he called. “We'll catch up soon!”

“Let's go,” said Tavi who took Vinyl's hand while they hopped from the wreckage towards a corridor. Fleur and Autumn Blaze followed close behind, the latter still in her Nirik form, ready to set her enemies ablaze if necessary.

“We've done pretty well so far,” said Autumn who stayed near the back to cover their retreat. “Still, better not let down our-”

The mortally wounded Leviathan leaped from the waters in a shower of reddened water. It barreled at the escapees, and Octavia screamed as it swallowed Autumn whole. “No,” cried Vinyl as she, Tavi, and Fleur rushed to try and free her.

The creature hissed between its teeth. It groaned, and its stomach lit up, as an inferno started to build within its stomach. Autumn Blaze poured on the raging inferno, far more than she ever dared before, cooking the abomination from within. It thrashed, and her allies had little choice but to retreat, the firestorm building to a complete meltdown.

Leviathan exploded into a shower of guts under the ensuing explosion. It almost claimed Spike, Ember, and Smolder too, who dived out and raced after their companions as the fires roared and raced after them.

Heat waves licked behind them, so intense even they would be consumed, and the air rippled.

“Autumn Blaze,” he murmured shaking aside tears.

Molten metal hissed behind them, smoke pouring out with a hiss when they reached relative safety. “It's not fair,” lamented Smolder. “She always felt so alone and tried so hard to fit in!” With a growl she punched a hole into a wall, which shook and gushed out a slurry of blood and guts which she shook off her claw with a sneer.

“Worse than that,” noted Ember. “She was pregnant. All we can do is deal with the Eldritch.”

Fleur shook her head when they met back up with the dragons. “Another down...how many more, before this finishes?”

“I certainly don't want to be a tally mark,” murmured Tavi.

Vinyl slapped her on the back. “I won't let that happen! Bad enough we lost Limestone.”

“We'll take a moment to rest,” said Spike who was busy trying to recover his wits. It was hard for him to believe he'd lost a child that hadn't even had a chance to be born; that Autumn Blaze wouldn't be around to cheer them all up with her usual carefree manner. Looking around the dimmed corridors he muttered, “I sure hope Sombra's crew is okay...”

*****

Wading about the spilled innards of the abominations they downed, Sombra and his party attempted to drive back the twisted menagerie. The alien zoo swarmed about, dragging several of the Diamond Dogs into their slavering mass. By this point Shining Armor and the other frontline warriors were soaked in liquids, sliding off armor, fur, claws, and blades.

The reek was overpowering, and they almost slipped on the discolored slurry. The sphinx roared and ripped open armored shells, the insect-like creatures twitching and shrieking when her paws pried them apart. However like her fellow warriors she visibly tired, movements sluggish, panting and huffing while she helped tear through the hordes.

He cast with his fellow mages, who were also soaked in perspiration. “Come on,” he urged more to himself despite how tapped out he felt. More elements were woven between him, Sunset, Beatrix, Bellatrix, and Trixie, who supported the fighters that surrounded them, which included Somnambula; the priestess whirled her cat of nine tails, strikes breaking and shredding her foes. By now he and the casters were pushed into the center, surrounded by potential death on all sides.

Wallflower had felled dozens with well-placed arrows; but now she reached behind her into her quiver and failed to find another shaft. “I'm out.” She reached for her hunting knife, the last ditch weapon she had on hand.

“Stay behind us,” called Sunset. “Draw in close, I'll teleport us out!”

“I'll leave them a little present,” said Beatrix Belladonna with a wink. She reached into the hidden sleeves of her cape and drew out a tube which shimmered violently. Its contents fizzled in the compacted space. “Wait, what in the-”

“Mine too,” observed Trixie who removed one of her own.

“Everyone get away from me,” warned Beatrix who ripped off her mother's cape and her own. With a nod from Somnambula, the sphinx redoubled her efforts to cut a swath through the monsters, which Belladonna used to rush away with the bundles in her arms. “Just one chance,” she mumbled while drawing a circle in the air and opening a rift to another realm.

She made a hole to the first place that came to mind; a world she'd failed to save from the Eldritch. No one would be harmed in that endless sea of sand. “Presto,” she called while their supply was chucked in. But before she could close the sliver a boom sounded and the air flashed; a multi-colored explosion rippled across the air and seared part of the area.

Beatrix attempted to turn and shield herself. She was thrown from her feet, a sharp cry swallowed up, and hurtled across the room only to fall limp on the icky floor, partially blackened and singed under the eruption.

“Not again!” Trixie dashed over with teary eyes, shaking her head in denial. She waved aside colorful smoke which still spilled out of the shiny oval, which started to slowly reseal now that Belladonna was rendered unconscious.

By now the sphinx had helped the survivors drive away the creatures. She winced and ignored her wounds while she padded over. Sombra considered the holy book and started to approach his student when Somnambula raised a hand to halt him. “I know what you have in mind. However, work that spell another time and you shall perish for certain.”

He pursed his snout. “She's my student. What else can I do?”

“You feel responsible for her,” noted Somnambula. “I understand how you feel, albeit-”

Bellatrix stalked forward. “Allow me. I've learned a few tricks from my master...”

Sunset leaned on Shining who supported her while she looked about. “If only I'd been quicker-”

He shook his head and took her hand. “I've been there. I blamed myself for what happened to my men, my family, but sometimes there's nothing we can do. I've learned to accept that. Please, be okay, Beatrix...” He too was moved to tears.

All they could do was watch while Bellatrix Primadonna knelt beside her sister and laid palms on her. With the power of the holy book, which had half transformed her into an angel, she was able to tap into the tome's power to an extent. Her entire form was illuminated when she began to draw upon it; a warmth filled her which she flooded into Beatrix's unconscious form.

It was an act that could potentially destroy the succubus; she burned all over, trapped somewhere between agony and euphoria, as a groan escaped her. Yet she refused to let up, refused to abandon one of those who'd helped save her. Once such a sacrificial act would've been unthinkable to the she-demon, but she couldn't deny the affection and loyalty she now held to a select few.

Gradually the burn marks retreated from Belladonna's flesh which healed over; and at the same time Primadonna's demonic form was altered to match her angelic side. Sombra felt the holy tome resonate, and removed it, as its cover hummed in harmony. When the spell finished Bellatrix had completely settled into an angel, and she immediately collapsed.

“She shall be okay,” assured Somnambula. “Although it was quite a risk.”

Sombra knelt beside Bellatrix and stroked her golden locks. “She's truly become a heroine. Proof that anyone can change, if they have the will and desire.” Pride swelled within his breast, certain that he'd helped her along this journey. He watched Beatrix blink her eyes open and smiled at her too. “It seems I've taught you all well. We were moments from disaster.”

Sleepily Belladonna looked between them. “Everyone...okay...?”

“Yeah,” said Sunset who laughed when Beatrix ran and hugged her daughter. “What happened? An accident?”

Beatrix shook her head. “Flurry Heart wouldn't make such a mistake,” she whispered.

“Sabotage,” said Sombra darkly.

“My sister would never,” began Beatrix despite knowing how unlikely such a screw up was.

“We won't find answers here. Nor do we dare linger,” answered Sombra who like the rest of them tried to ignore the abominable reek of the slain around them. “We're at a crossroads. Do we attempt to meet up with Spike's party, or temporarily return home and collect ourselves? Much as I hate to momentarily withdraw, Bellatrix and Beatrix are in no condition to fight.”

“Wait,” said Somnambula whose eyes darted about the blood-and-grimed slick tunnel. “My companion has gone ahead.” She referred to the sphinx and shook her head, defeated. “Leave me. I can take care of myself. I must seek her out...alone.”

“That's far too risky,” said Sunset but the priestess raised a hand to silence her.

Sombra shared a look with Somnambula. “Do what you must. Sunset, take us home. We'll return soon.”

Sunset sighed. “Guess I don't really have a choice. I've heard the Pillars are supposed to be tough, but remember what we're up against here. The Eldritch are still out there...not to mention Starlight Glimmer and the Demiurge.”

“I know...but I'm the only one who can successfully track her. She won't let anyone else approach her...not in her current state,” finished Somnambula in a whisper when she stared at the droplets of blood which left a trail down the corridors.

Gathered into a circle with hands held, Sunset teleported her companions back to the pyramid...

*****

...where Chrysalis charged at her quarry with a mad scream. Her stinger was raised, her abdomen pumped with venom, ready to be injected. But she told herself they were minor threats to her, that they'd all cower and fall in line once she downed their weakest link. Her wings buzzed and she moved with a speed that belied her appearance, transformed into a nightmare.

With her skills as a dancer Pacific Glow was almost able to twist away despite here panic; but the hateful spear connected with the side of her belly. She winced with a cry as a gush of blood escaped her. But knowing she was doomed as the poison rushed into her bloodstream, Pacific pushed past the tears, the searing agony, and tackled Chrysalis with all her weight.

“Let go damn you,” yelled the mad Queen who flapped her gossamer wings.

Inky Rose shrilly cried out and with both hands rushed and plunged the blade that once belonged to Fleur into Chrysalis' chest. Discolored blood rushed over her, warm and sticky, and Pacific was forced to finally let the creature escape her hold. Chrysalis immediately rushed away, unable to fly in a straight line, and fired clumsy beams from her horn to cover her retreat.

But at the moment Inky held her sister in her arms, barely able to notice the others around her. “No...” She watched her body discolor, veins pop up, and threaten to burst. Tears spattered over her face. “Please, somebody help her...”

Flurry Heart turned between those who surrounded her, uncertain what to do now that her Queen had abandoned her. She was enveloped by Rarity's and Sweetie Belle's combined auras, which locked her down in place. At the same time Fluttershy and Tree Hugger secured her with improvised binds from torn clothes, while Cozy Glow tended to Diamond Tiara.

“I...I'm sorry,” squeaked out Pacific who sobbed. “Wish I was more useful to, to you and Sombra...”

“You're fine as you are,” assured Inky who squeezed her hand. “Don't talk! Just rest, sister. I'll take care of you.”

Pacific shook her head. “Will the baby...?” She choked on the words and closed her eyes.

Inky trembled when her sister went limp. But she pushed aside the pain and hardened her face in determination. Chances were slim, but she'd do her best to fulfill Pacific's last wish. Sterilizing the blade the best she could with what was available, it was wrapped in Diamond Tiara's aura, to help protect it from infection. Carefully she cut into her stomach and ignored the blood which ran over her. It was a delicate operation, one she had no experience in, but she had seen the basics performed before.

A short time later the Kirin was extracted from Pacific's belly. It was premature, but thankfully the venom hadn't quite reached into the womb, and she bundled up the baby in a blanket and watched it sleep. Numbed all over, Inky stared with moistened eyes, almost blinded, uncertain whether the baby would even make it; but she'd try her damnedest to assure it lived!

Nearby Sunset and her allies blinked in. They instantly rushed to render aid, and Inky met Sombra's eyes. Her head fell. “I should have done more. I don't know how, but Chrysalis took over Cadance and Flurry...”

“I warned Twilight to dispose of those eggs,” said Sombra who held Inky and touched the baby. “But now isn't the time for recriminations. Where is Chrysalis?! I'll hunt that monster down, and finally end her, I swear it!”

“No!” Shining Armor gripped his sword's hilt. “If you do, Cadance'll...”

“There's still a chance to save her...I hope,” said Sunset who slumped her shoulders. “There are a lot of places she could hide her, but if she's been badly wounded, I doubt she'll make it far.” She nodded at the slick trail which went around the corner.

“Time for a bug hunt!” Shining clenched his teeth, his armor still soaked in filth. He spared a glance at Beatrix who like Bellatrix was tended to by Trixie. “Take care of them, will you? This is something I have to do!”

Trixie nodded back with a wink. “We'll wait for you, so don't let us down!”

*****

In another part of the pyramid Twilight Sparkle had arrived with Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk in tow; the sirens were weak after their separation from the Leviathan but she was convinced they would be okay in time. She had brought them to the makeshift lab she set up for Flurry Heart, only to see it was a ruined mess. “What happened here? Flurry-?”

She rolled out a couple of gurneys and placed the sisters atop them. They stirred a little but she quietly hushed them. Normally this place should be a sanctuary; but now all her instincts screamed that potential danger lurked nearby. But how? With the enchantments placed around this fortress even the Eldritch shouldn't be able to penetrate its defenses for days...

“H-help,” came a whimper at the entrance.

“Cadance?!” She stared at her wounded sister-in-law who crawled in, naked and bloodied with a knife buried in her chest.

“Please...I won't...make it,” mumbled the alicorn. “Got to...help me, somehow...”

“Hold on,” said Twilight who tried not to panic. Her heart hammered while she rushed to Cadance's side; oblivious at a smile crept onto the side of Chrysalis' mouth. The Queen slumped into Twilight's arms with crocodile tears at the ready, and her lower half started to shift, her venomous stinger pushing out from between her legs ready to be plunged into her latest victim.

“Look out,” called Sonata as she and her sister stirred.

“Cadance?!” Twilight's horn flared with magic, and she wrapped her attacker in her aura, barely able to toss her aside in time. The creature before her hissed with bared fangs, trapped somewhere between the Princess of Love and the Queen of the changelings. “No, Chrysalis! How?!” But somewhere inside she knew; it had something to do with the eggs she'd kept.

“How dare you interfere!” Chrysalis ignored the searing pain, her hateful stare set on Sonata, venom dripping from her stinger.

Aria stumbled onto her feet. “Go to hell, you monster!” She grabbed a tube filled with liquid and chucked it at the creature. Glass shattered and Chrysalis screamed, her skin bubbling and hissing. “We won't take orders from the Eldritch anymore!”

“You'll all pay,” swore Chrysalis who buzzed and retreated from the room, leaving a sticky trail behind her.

Aria rushed to chase her but Twilight blocked her path. “You're in no condition to pursue her, and besides...” She touched the side of the siren's face. “You and Sonata still have Eldritch implants in you, don't you?”

“Oh yeah...” Aria bowed her head. “We'll probably end up like Adagio, now that we've escaped Starlight's control...”

Twilight shook her head. “If there's any chance I won't let that happen. Sit down and trust me.” She tried to compartmentalize her guilt for her role in all this; she could beat herself up later. Lives were at stake!

It would be a delicate operation that could risk lobotomizing the pair. But she needed to act fast; hopefully the others could deal with Chrysalis on their own. Already she could hear the shuffle of feet in pursuit, the pyramid alive with activity...

*****

Following the trail of blood, Somnambula traversed the grimy corridors, her cat of nine tails drawn taut between her hands. The sphinx had senses far beyond those of any mortal and would flee anyone else; but she allowed the priestess to locate her and approach. Within the thickest shadows hunched the sphinx, her eyes heavy, her underside lacerated with a bevy of wounds.

Cautiously she inched over and knelt beside the sphinx. They'd always known such a day would come; that a warrior such as her was destined for a violent death. And with her pride the sphinx had tried to crawl away and die alone to maintain her dignity.

“Please. I am your friend,” said Somnambula who stroked the feline's fuzzy cheek.

“All the more reason you should leave me,” snapped back the sphinx who grit her teeth and huffed, a paw upon the largest blackened wound the Demiurge had left. “I wanted to die like a warrior in the midst of heated battle, sending the Demiurge to Hell where it belonged...but to save the others I had no choice. Dealing with all those monsters has taken its toll...”

Somnambula pressed upon her side, soft on the surface but with taut muscles below. “Let me stay with you, old friend.”

The sphinx flicked an ear. “There's no time. More demons are headed this way.” She struggled to all fours, and spread her wings with a growl. “You know what must be done. You're the only one that can carry on my legacy.”

Reluctantly Somnambula nodded. They closed their eyes, and opened their mouths. Energy flowed from the sphinx's maw into Somnambula's; a whirl of life essence which was akin to an indirect kiss. Warmth filled the priestess' bosom. Her breast rose and fell; it felt like she'd been reborn. Or like she'd never truly lived until now. “I shall always love you, S-”

The sphinx raised a paw. “It's bad fortune to speak my true name. Besides, it's yours now, if you want it. Now go.”

For a moment Somnambula hesitated. Fantasies of a final stand with the sphinx to drive away the beasts danced in her head. But the transference had sealed the deal; their fates would soon come to pass.

She spun and turned, tried to block out the sounds of battle, when the sphinx made her final stand against the horde of monstrosities that headed her way...