The Depths of Oblivion

A gelatinous black ooze continued to slither over the pyramid; it seeped through the cracks, contaminated it like toxic waste, corrupted and weakened the enchantments which threatened to collapse completely.

With the dark magic placed upon Chrysalis by the Eldritch, she would serve as a tool which could enable them to penetrate the last sanctuary left to the survivors. The wretched mass bubbled and dripped from above, slowly moving as if alive, which made those present shrink back.

Beatrix Belladonna struggled to rise from her cot. “Got to do something...” She looked over at Bellatrix Primadonna, who was still unconscious, and lit her horn and palms to ready a spell; only for it to immediately fizzle out. “Damn it....!”

Inky Rose shook her head. “You're still too weak, and need to rest. Sombra's seeking the source. We're on our own.”

“We'd better collect it, but don't touch it.” Fluttershy and Tree Hugger handed out bottles.

“Gotcha babe.” Hugs winked and set to work with her in the hospital wing.

Cozy Glow took flight with Inky Rose, and attempted to patch the holes in the ceiling with what was on hand. Diamond Tiara helped out with a little telekinesis, also still confined to her bed after the mad Queen's recent attack and the smoke she'd inhaled when Somnambula's shrine burned. Working in tandem, the group was quickly able to contain the contamination.

“This is only one area though,” reminded Inky who watched the goo wiggle under the glass.

Beatrix shook her head. “So negative!”

“Just practical. And it's not like our situation is any less bleak...” She gripped her ankh for support and turned aside.

“I-I'm sorry. It's terrible what happened to Pacific Glow,” whispered Beatrix whose eyes also watered. “I didn't know her that well, but she always seemed nice and so lively. We could use some more of that cheeriness in times like these.”

Inky kept her back to her and didn't speak for several moments. “Do you truly love Sombra?”

Beatrix flattened her ears. “W-well...I don't know. I don't understand my own feelings. I thought maybe I've just been lonely, or that only someone messed up as I am could ever return my feelings and understand me...” She rambled rapidly and started to babble incoherently as her bottled up feelings poured out. Her face reddened when she slowed down. “Uh, didn't mean to-”

“It's fine. I prefer honesty.” Inky managed a clipped smile. “I know he has many needs. You could help me with that.”

Beatrix shook her head. “I don't know. If we make it through this, I'm not sure I'll stick around here. I'm a traveler. My nomadic side probably comes from my mother. Plus, going from one dimension to the next has helped me learn so much about myself. Not all of it stuff I've liked, I'll admit, but I'd liked to think I've grown, especially now that I don't have the Demiurge to weigh me down! Oh, but that's also the same reason I can't leave yet, either; I still feel terribly responsible for all that's happened.”

“There's certainly a place for you to fill,” cut in Diamond Tiara. “He's probably pretty sore still about that jar I smashed on him...” She reclined on her stack of pillows. “Still, I couldn't let him hurt Somnambula, no matter what mistakes she's made!”

Cozy fluttered up next to her. “Hey, we're her acolytes! I think he understands where our loyalties lie!”

“Yes. He's matured too,” noted Inky who closed her eyes and widened her smile, inwardly assured she'd helped him on his journey to become all he could be. And once the Eldritch were dealt with his rise to greatness could finally be completed.

“We all have.” Belladonna giggled and brushed the locks from Bellatrix's angelic face. They were all a little shaken after recent events, their home invaded, but thankfully were also able to draw comfort from each other. But would it be enough?

Her eyes turned to Flurry Heart who was currently sedated; another victim of circumstance.

She struggled to sit up and dangled her legs over the bedside. It was so frustrating being sidelined, but she understood; she was lucky to even be alive after that explosion, and in one piece at that! Her palm traced the side of her face where she'd been burnt the worst, healed thanks to her sister's efforts, and she prayed that whatever happened to Flurry she'd somehow be okay...

*****

Inside the dimly-lit laboratory of Twilight Sparkle a similar scenario played out. She kept Aria and Sonata behind her, encased the malevolent toxins in her aura, and tucked them away for further study. “This is all my fault,” she muttered to herself. “I never should have kept those eggs, but I convinced myself if I learned more about them it would help us beat the Eldritch...”

With her magical prowess it wasn't difficult to contain her area, but she figured similar incidents were breaking out all over, and would continue until Chrysalis was dealt with. She hoped that Spike and his crew could hold out until they returned.

“We've all make mistakes,” said Aria who added, “Our eldest sister paid the ultimate price for ours!”

“We thought unless we joined the Eldritch they would've killed us,” explained Sonata who hung her head.

“They would have. You would probably be fuel by now,” said Twilight who didn't even look back while her eyes focused on how the blackness writhed under its container. She also checked on Pacific Glow's child, buried in a vat of nutrients; a feat of magic and science rolled into one to make certain it turned out healthy. “Whatever you've done, it's true we could use your help.”

“So load us down with some weapons,” said Aria who balled up her fists.

Twilight shook her head. “Not until I'm sure we can trust you. We'll wait for Sunset's return. Understand?”

“Uh-huh.” Sonata rapidly nodded her head. “I know Sunset'll offer us another chance!”

“Probably. Though we did burn Wallflower pretty badly,” muttered Aria who sneered to one side. “Guess all we can do is say we're sorry and hope she accepts it. Adagio's dead, so we're pretty much even if you ask me.”

Sonata slumped into a chair, like her sister wrapped up in a blanket their hostess provided. Not that the sirens particularly cared whether they were clothed, but there was a slight chill in the room which made her shiver. “Dagi would've known what to do! You think we'll ever be able to return home, sis? Sunset destroyed the mirror, so-”

“Hopefully Beatrix can transport you all back.” Twilight brushed the case and again considered what she could do with the black arts. It was madness, but considering the alternative if Starlight Glimmer emerged victorious...?

*****

A war cry erupted from Shining Armor who charged onward, glowing rune-covered white saber whirling above his head. He was a light in the darkness down to his pristine armor, teeth grit when he rushed to confront the mad Queen. She was still ensnared in the ebony ooze, holding onto Cadance, who helplessly strained against her growing strength.

After cackling, Chrysalis began to sing. “This day is going to be perfect~”

“She's lost it,” screamed Cadance. “Watch out!”

Chrysalis hissed each time she was forced to raise her mass and block the arrows Wallflower hurtled towards her; each time they struck the ooze she used to shield herself steam and a hiss arose.

Instead, she drew up Cadance to block her path; causing Wallflower to hesitate. Shining Armor, however, was blinded by rage and cut a swath through the gunk in an attempt to reach the host.

Sombra, Sunset Shimmer, and Trixie worked their spells in tandem to support the Paladin. Horns and hands flashed, the air sizzled, and they called upon the most destructive powers they could safely deploy. Rather than target Chrysalis herself, they deployed a combination of the elements, which chipped at her defenses. She shrieked and tightened her hold on Cadance.

With their support, Shining closed in. “Damn you,” he cried forced to halt his sword which he kept leveled at the mad Queen who hid behind his love. “Release my wife and face me one-on-one, you treacherous coward!”

“And throw away my one advantage?! You're the ones who've backed me into a corner!” Tears streamed down her face, reminded that she was alone, and her psyche continued to crumble under the strain. “Tirek and Cozy Glow would've turned on me eventually! I had no choice!” Her hands tightened on Cadance. “It's not like I'm not doomed to die anyhow...”

With another hiss, she bared her extensive fangs and prepared to sink them into Cadance's throat. Venom dripped from their tips. But before she could strike home, a white shaft sped out and tore through Chrysalis' throat in a gush.

She hacked and coughed up discolored blood, arms weakening as her hostage slipped from her grasp, the mages still working to drive apart her unholy mass. She collapsed with a thud onto her back, and stared helplessly at the tombs; finally aware of her inevitable defeat.

“Alone... all alone...” Chrysalis murmured the words in a constant repeat.

Despite all, she'd done Cadance studied her with a pained expression. “Please, Shiny, release her.”

He nodded when she held onto him and hefted his blade with both hands. With finality, he brought it down and removed Chrysalis' head from its neck. It rolled aside in a puddle of her juices and the air reeked. Their noses crinkled under the stench, but that didn't stop Sunset who placed a shroud over the body in an attempt to provide their enemy with some dignity.

“Well done...everyone,” said Sombra who stared at the mass which they had encased in ice chunks. “But we've been gone for far too long. I suspect Spike will be needing our aid. With the defenses of the Eldritch crippled under our efforts, there's no need to divide our forces anymore.” His eyes glowed with wisps of energy, the feelings of avenging Pacific fresh. "...this ends today!"

“Better make certain all traces are dealt with,” said Sunset who surveyed the aftermath which stained the chamber.

Trixie smirked and tossed back her mane. “Leave it to me! Another chance for the Great and Powerful Trixie to strut her stuff!”

At the same time Wallflower pressed to Sunset and Shining held Cadance to support her. Again they had saved the day, but it felt like another hollow victory, despite how much worse it could have turned out.

Nonetheless they were united once more, and after they rallied with Spike could take their combined forces into the final confrontation with Starlight and the Demiurge...

*****

Starlight Glimmer and the Eldritch that remained had holed up in the most protected portion of their underwater base. Yet she knew even the steel walls between her and their enemies would only delay their inevitable intrusion.

Fortunately all she needed was time; she watched the Demiurge pulse in one bleak corridor, while the Eldritch lined up and fed themselves to the abomination. It slurped its worshipers down, sustenance for their dark messiah to heal it and enable further growth.

This was the moment they've waited an eternity for locked within the Necronomicon; a chance to spread their dark deity's influence across all realms. What Equestria and the innumerable creatures that once populated it were sacrificed for.

Their hopes rested on her to protect and nurture the Demiurge; to make certain it achieved its destiny. She massaged her scalp and felt compelled to obey even now. “Trixie...” She repeated her closest friend's name in a hushed murmur and let the tears silently slide down her cheeks.

Somehow, she had to convince as many of them as she could it was better they surrendered to her. Yet when she caressed her heart which beaten under her black leathers, she further doubted that was still possible. This world was ultimately doomed.

She stood under an eerie crimson haze, otherwise suffused in darkness that cloaked the dull gunmetal walls. The Eldritch promised unity and conformity as her cult had; a promise to end all suffering and better the masses after they won. And like always whenever she tried to pick holes in that logic, the brainwashing that they'd put her through looped back on her.

Behind her the Demiurge expanded like a cancerous tumor; a bloated mass that writhed in constant wait...