The Depths of Oblivion

Most of the survivors assembled in the banquet hall. “There's no time,” urged Twilight Sparkle, who poured over the faces around her. “Spike and his crew won't last long in the heart of the Eldritch base; not while Starlight Glimmer is still out there. I'll take a group of warriors to support him. Sunset, you stay behind in case we need to call in the reserves.”

Sombra, however, took a step forward, disapproval clear on his face. “And you expect us to follow your orders? You who continued to blunder about with those eggs..?"

Fluttershy blinked several times, seated at the table. “What is he talking about?”

He spun and surveyed the onlookers, snorting in disgust. “Of course she wouldn't tell you.... It was I who warned her those eggs we were dangerous, that they should have been disabled. But she insisted on studying them. And look at what happened. Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart both critically injured, and Pacific Glow dead.” That last sentence he spat with all the venom he could muster.

“She couldn't have known,” interjected Sunset. “It's as much my fault. I also believed we could learn the Eldritch secrets...”

Inky Rose balled up her fists and whispered, “So that means we're supposed to overlook it? As if the result holds no effect?!”

“No, of course not! It was my mistake,” admitted Twilight. “But there's no time for this. I'll accept whatever punishment everyone feels I deserve after this is all over. All I care about right now is saving Spike and putting an end to all this.”

Sombra started to move once more, only for Inky to intercept him with a solemn shake of her head. He relaxed his posture below the battered silver armor, but his snout still curled. He pressed his lover to him, and they took comfort in a shared warmth. “So be it, Sparkle. Let us be back swiftly and safely then. I must go, my Queen," he said, cupping Inky's cheek before leaving a kiss to bid her farewell.

Silent tears streaked Inky's face. “I had a nightmare about what happened to Pacific Glow, and how I defiled her in order to save the child." She shuddered in recollection. "Twilight did her best to preserve the baby, but she's still not sure she'll make it.”

“She has to,” he assured her and hugged her closer. “Pacific's daughter will serve as a constant reminder of her.”

“I can't help but feel partially responsible. Like I should have done more-”

He shook his head. “You did what you could. Like you've always done.”

“I feel responsible for her. I took her in, called her my sister, swore to always watch over her, and I failed.” She met his eyes with intensity. “No, we must learn to look after ourselves. I won't allow this tragedy to repeat itself.” She further stiffened to her plume.

“And I know my Queen is more than capable. You've helped carry me this far.” He planted a peck on her temple, and she mustered a small smile. However, he felt the eyes upon them and knew Twilight was eager to rejoin the mission, as much as he was. Fantasies of painting the walls with the innards of the Eldritch bolstered him when he stalked to meet with the team.

Sunset said, “I'll look after them. Now with Chrysalis dealt with, no place should be safer. Wallflower, will you go with them?”

“But I want to stay with you,” said Wallflower in more of a whine than intended.

“I know. But this is important.” She gripped Blush's arms. “We can't ask the Diamond Dogs anymore to sacrifice themselves for our cause. They've lost far too many already. But we also need every non-disabled soldier we can call on.”

Wallflower turned her head aside with a pout. “...alright. For you.”

“Thanks, and I'm sorry to ask this of you. Maybe Beatrix can return us home when this is all over.” They embraced, and Wallflower drew her plumage about them before they separated. “Better go check on Flurry, extract the egg left in her. Don't worry; I can do it on my own after what Sombra's shown us. Luckily, Chrysalis' little 'gift' seems docile now, but-”

“But nothing!" Sombra cut in with a heavy glare. "You will destroy it."

“Of course. We won't take any more chances,” swore Sunset with a hand over her heart. And with that Shimmer and the other survivors present watched the war party leave, blinked back into the bowels of the enemy's lair to face their destiny.

*****

“It's gotten quiet,” said Spike who stood within the dim corridors that hummed around them. “Kind of eerie. At least with the action I always knew where we stood. But now it's like we constantly need to be alert for another surprise attack.” He fluttered his fin ears for any sounds but heard nothing. They hadn't traveled far before they arrived at a solid wall of steel.

“I could tear it asunder,” offered Somnambula who raked her nails down its surface; a shrill noise answered her and she left trails of indentations as sparks flew around her. She had taken to her new shape as the Sphinx quickly, stretched her muscles and wings with a flick of her tail, her blood hot like never before with a need to hunt down their quarry.

“You're call, Spike.” Ember crossed her arms. “Continue to hang back or move in?”

“I say we bash some skulls,” said Smolder who punched into her palm.

Octavia shook her head. “Rush in and we could be overwhelmed. Better to wait for reinforcements.”

“I hate to say it,” added Fleur who leaned on her halberd. “But I agree. We already lost Autumn Blaze...”

“And the Sphinx.” Vinyl shook her head with a sigh. “Damn, it really sucks we have to hang back!”

Spike scratched his scaly chin. “We'll give them another hour. I know Twilight will come back soon as she's able.” His faith in her was absolute, honed after a lifetime spent together. There wasn't anyone he trusted more. And below his battered armor he too was invigorated like Somnambula after the pair had made love. He felt strangely calm, surrounded by friends.

His nostrils flared at the indescribable scent of magic; one he was used too after so many years spent with Twilight. Likewise he heard the soft whoosh, and they took up battle stances with weapons leveled for whatever might lay in wait.

“Relax,” called a voice from the darkness. “Reinforcements are here!”

“Twilight!” He beamed wide and relaxed his posture. “I knew you wouldn't leave us hanging!” She arrived with most of their warriors in tow, ready to help batter down the last defenses that holed up their nemesis. “Let's finish this, okay?”

“Yes...” Twilight momentarily bowed her head, crestfallen despite their reunion. “Pacific Glow didn't make it. Several others were hurt, too. It was Chrysalis. She infiltrated the pyramid while we were away. I'll explain more later.”

“I'm sorry. We've lost Autumn Blaze and the Sphinx.” He tilted his head at Somnambula. "Is Sunset-?”

“No worries, she's back at the pyramid. She can transport in reserves should we need them.” They marched up behind Somnambula, who sunk her claws into steel and pried it open with a creak that echoed about them. Another similar barricade impeded them, and fell as easily; within short order she had felled dozens that barred the way.

“I am certain Twilight and Sombra sense it,” said the priestess. “The innermost area is enchanted to keep us out.”

Twilight nodded. “Starlight Glimmer's worked a layer of spells, so it's impossible to teleport in-”

“-or else we will be bounced away and likely end up deep below the ocean where the pressure would instantly crush us,” finished Sombra with a scowl. “The Eldritch are no longer taking any more chances. Even so, I refuse to be denied.”

Another wall fell away. Only this time, what greeted them was another zoo of grotesques; this one headed by the decomposed remnants of Tirek's wizened corpse. Color had drained from leathery flesh, his eyes were sunken hollows, and any trace of the will that once animated the centaur had fled. He stalked to meet the intruders, flanked by a small army of nightmares.

“I'll offer you the peace of the grave again,” said Sombra, whose fists glowed with a fresh spell.

“I hate to see anyone like this,” admitted Spike with grim determination. “Even an old enemy like Tirek!”

The former Dragon Lord led the charge, his belly volcanic when he spewed ablaze with a crane of his head, which consumed several monstrosities. They smoked and blackened and cooked down to ash within moments.

True to his word, Sombra consumed Tirek's carcass in a storm of ethereal elements he called upon; the centaur was little threat in this revived state, more an attempt to rend another psychological blow on the survivors. To show not even their old foes were a match for the Eldritch.

Monsters were hurtled with a splat under Somnambula's claws, carcasses sliding down in streaks of discolored blood. Ember and Smolder added their flames to Spike's inferno, Twilight weaved spells with Sombra, and the soldiers rushed to meet the creatures with weapons bathed in white, supported by a suppressive fire while Wallflower loosed shaft-after-shaft.

Within mere minutes the last of these hellish monsters fell before the onslaught. None proved anywhere near a match for the combined might of the alliance.

Yet they had ultimately served their purpose; to buy Starlight Glimmer precious time.

*****

Within the pyramid's hospital wing Beatrix Belladonna experimentally twitched her fingers. They fizzled with small sparks as magic, as did her horn. “I've done it!” She turned to Bellatrix Primadonna who stirred. “I knew we wouldn't have to sit this last battle out, sister! Come on.” She helped the angel sit up. “I'm sure there's still time to catch up and help against the Eldritch!”

“We're still...weak,” admitted Bellatrix with a sigh. “Are you sure we won't just be a burden?”

Sunset didn't look their way when she called, “I have to finish this first.” Her attentions were entirely focused on Flurry Heart, who was still sedated while she used her aura in attempt to extract the egg still lodged but dormant within her uterus.

She was soon supported by Beatrix and Bellatrix, who added their still weak auras to the effort. Diamond Tiara and Cadance, who were confined to hospital beds, also joined the effort to ease Sunset's burden. “Thank you,” said Shimmer with a small smile. She furrowed her brow, sweaty, and with a low grunt withdrew the polished egg which popped free in a runny mess.

“Groovy. She'll be okay,” noted Tree Hugger who breathed a sigh of relief. “Don't you think, babe-?”

Fluttershy leaned on her for support. “I feel kind of...dizzy. I think it's time.” She laid a hand on her belly.

“No way. Like, for real?” Hugs helped her to a free bed. “Cozy Glow, fetch the stuff we need, pretty please?”

“On it!” With a flutter Cozy zipped away. Thankfully, everything necessary was close by. Since Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were the first Spike had knocked up they knew one of them would bring the first of his offspring into Equestria.

There was a flurry of activity when Rarity and Sweetie Belle arrived. “Is this a bad time, dears?” They strolled over to the area where Aria and Sonata were seated. “Forgive our absence, but we retooled some armaments for your use.”

Sweetie helped unwrap a blanket and unveiled a small collection of arms that blared with soft illumination from the runes embedded into them. “Take your pick! We didn't want them to be wasted, and besides, we could use your help!”

“Some here understandably don't trust you,” said Sunset who set the removed egg upon a fresh blanket and removed her wet gloves before she walked over and touched the sisters. “But I do. I don't sense any ill-intent in you two. I'm sorry about what happened to Adagio. Meeting her was like a reminder of how I might have continued, if my life hadn't taken a turn.”

“All I want is to hurt the Eldritch any way we can.” Aria curled her lip.

“And I want our big sis back.” Sonata pouted. “Ooh, this is totes my style!” She toyed with a flail.

“Careful,” snapped Aria who added more gently, “You'll hurt yourself with that.” She selected a pair of sai for herself. “Heh, these look pretty exotic. I like a weapon that makes me get close-and-personal; more intimate.”

“You know those aren't sharp-” But they barely heard Sunset who chuckled and moved on.

There was no doubt Fluttershy would be in labor for some time. However there were more than enough people here to look after her and the wounded, even if they were to head off and directly aid in the war effort. Cadance helped look after Flurry, and Beatrix psyched herself up, while she and Bellatrix practiced simple spells to try and recover their magic.

At the same time moaned and squeezed Tree Hugger's hand. Surrounded by friends, she felt the earliest contractions, her belly swelled with the first Kirin which would be born into this new world. A reminder of life and hope in what appeared a doomed world.

Yet all of them kept faith that under Spike's direction the alliance would render the Eldritch no more than a dim memory.

*****

The undeveloped fetus sat under the glass within a nutrient bath that bubbled around it. Inky Rose pressed a palm to the surface. Apparently it was female and it appeared to be an earth pony. A miracle of science and magic kept her stable, and she prayed to no one in particular it would turn out strong and healthy, able to live a relatively normal life despite her tragic birth.

She paced the lab with a click of her heels, studied the pacifier that belonged to Pacific Glow, which she clasped to her bosom. It was the comfort object of her sister and closest friend; now a reminder of a terrible failure which haunted her.

“We're about to head out again,” called Beatrix who marched in with a click of her heeled boots. “Will you really be okay?”

“Yes. And thank you. I cannot support Sombra on the battlefield like you,” she lamented with a wistful sigh.

“Not sure how much help we'll be there either.” Beatrix summoned electrical crackles that danced over her palm. “But if there's any hope we can make a difference we want to try.” She nodded back at Bellatrix who wandered in behind her.

Bellatrix pursed her lips, her angelic form an almost complete contrast to the she-demon she once was, yet with the same build and features as before. She wound her now golden locks. “Don't worry, we'll look after him.”

For a moment none of them said anything. The moment was broken when Belladonna pulled them into a hug. The other two stiffened, hesitant, then relaxed into her warm embrace and shared it. Inky was reminded her King trusted these two, had come to depend on them like her; and while she wasn't entirely certain how she felt about them, she hoped they would survive.

She had lost far too much already. And more lovers would help temper Sombra's darker urges. While he had underwent quite a metamorphosis with their help she still sensed the darkness within him, and wanted to be sure he remained on the right path.

*****

The last barricade crumbled. Spike took the lead, only to bounce off an invisible barrier a way's in. Unable to pass, he stepped aside to let Twilight and Sombra work to undo the complicated mystical defenses. They turned visible, like a series of colorful spiderweb threads that fell away.

“Stay behind me,” warned the former Dragon Lord who smirked in reassurance and thumped his breastplate. “Just in case.”

Somnambula padded beside him. “Need I remind you that I am the most powerful among us, after the Sphinx blessed me?”

“Debatable.” Sombra's eyes glowed with the dark arts. “But, I take your point, priestess.”

Bleakness enveloped the chamber ahead. The brightness of rune-enchanted weapons and armor illuminated the way, especially Shining Armor's broadsword, which he kept brandished in preparation.

The hum that reverberated throughout the ocean base grew louder, sent vibrations that juddered through them. Likewise, the reek of rot nearly became unbearable.

Grates rattled below and the suck of something slimy sounded below their steps.

“I sense Starlight Glimmer's magic signature,” whispered Twilight with a shiver.

“Enough hiding!” Sombra snarled with a furrow his snout. “We know you're here! Show yourself, Starlight Glimmer!”

Moments passed before her voice answered, “I do not hide. I am all around you.”

Shining's blade further illuminated the area, and several of them gasped; Starlight Glimmer had infused herself to the Demiurge, her naked form embedded within the black globule mass, which tethered itself to the corridors of the ocean base.

The unicorn descended onto the floor before them, a series of tubes connected to her back. Her flesh had fused to the machinery to multiple her already astounding power.

Twilight swallowed, drained of color. “What... what have you done...?”

“Achieved perfection. As will all of you once we become one.” Her voice echoed around them, reverberated in their skulls.

“And the Eldritch...?” Twilight looked around but saw no sight of any.

“No more. They sacrificed themselves to me, having placed their hopes in me. Like the creatures of Equestria, they've been on the verge of extinction ever since the great war.” She studied them with cool detachment. “I can hear your thoughts. You may think I have become like Chrysalis, but where she failed to overcome her selfish whims, I will save the worthy and make them better than ever.”

“I won't let you!” Twilight took a step forward and invoked a form of sorcery she'd never dared. Her eyes glowed with ethereal wisps similar to Sombra's, and she similarly felt her innate abilities expanded many times over.

“The dark arts? You fool!” Sombra curled his lip. “You're not used to handling that sort of power! Cease, before it corrupts you!”

Yet she paid him no heed and spread her plumage until she hovered and faced down their last adversary. Everyone took up a battle stance, ready to be attacked from any side since the entire base was now at Starlight's command. Somnambula and Sombra turned to the holy book, which started to shimmer. He raised an eyebrow and studied it. “Curious indeed...”

A blast of lasers erupted from Starlight's horn, so powerful and numerous, they would have no doubt pierced even the skilled barriers Twilight and Sombra could usually raise even in tandem. Still, with the aid of the dark arts, she managed to match their raw power. Undeterred, Glimmer remained locked in a beam struggle with Sparkle while she struck back with the Demiurge.

Steel coils lined in wires and slathered in ebony slime shout out from all over. The warriors were forced to dodge or attempted to cut their infinite numbers down, only to realize the exit had sealed behind the group and trapped them in a confined space.

The very walls seemed to contract and expand in a fleshy manner, determined to consume and unite them into the Demiurge.