After another massive banquet to celebrate, a few weeks passed before Sunset Shimmer made her announcement. “Must you really go so soon?” Twilight Sparkle stood outside the pyramid, faced by Sunset and Wallflower Blush beneath the baking sun. “You might not ever be able to return! Especially since Beatrix plans to take off, too! What if this is the last time we ever see each other?!”

“Calm down.” Sunset took her hands and smiled. “Between a couple of smart girls like us, plus your counterpart back in the human world? I'm sure we'll think up a solution! Better we tackle it from both sides, so to speak. Plus, everyone must be worried sick about us. They probably think we're dead!”

She shared a pained look with Aria and Sonata who stood further back near Beatrix Belladonna, neither Dazzlings certain where they stood now; but she'd swore to look after them, for the rest of her life if necessary.

“One of us is.” Aria kicked up sand with a boot. “But at least the Eldritch are no more.”

“You sure that's really the last trace of them. Like, for realsies? 'Cause I'd hate to think Adagio died for nothing!” Sonata wound her ponytail around her hand, the sun's glare blistering down on all of them while they waited around in the sea of sand.

“We're sure,” said Beatrix with a wink. “All the casters left searched for any magical traces they left behind and found zilch!”

“Guess this really is goodbye then,” said Wallflower who pursed her lips. “Uh, Bellatrix?” She called to the angel who flitted over. “Thanks for everything. I might not have made it this far without you.” She threw her arms around her.

Bellatrix grimaced. “You, too. Maybe we'll meet again someday?”

"Count on it." She smirked back.

Using her index finger Beatrix drew an oval into the air and sliced a rift between dimensions that swirled white-and-blue.

"Guess this is it," said Sunset.

“Goodbye,” said Twilight who choked back tears and returned Sunset's wave. Shimmer stepped into the nexus, followed one-by-one until they vanished from this dimension. After a moment the circle closed.

“Better get started on that theoretical mirror replacement,” mused a forlorn Twilight who stood alone.

Her diary glowed and she opened it. She read, “We can still communicate through here!” The sentence was written by Sunset. Twilight laughed and wiped her eyes. “We can indeed,” she wrote back thankful they needn't ever really be apart.

Returning to her laboratory, she nodded at Inky Rose and studied the developing fetus. According to her calculations she should turn out perfectly healthy and normal. As would the Kirin recently delivered by Fluttershy, and Tree Hugger after her.

Many more births would soon announce the dawning of a new era; an age of rebirth for the shattered remnants of Equestria.

TWENTY YEARS INTO THE FUTURE

Shortly after that trip to the human world Beatrix Belladonna announced her own departure, and with Bellatrix Primadonna had traveled for quite some time and partaken in a number of adventures.

It felt too painful to ever return, and so she'd avoided it all this time; but with the pronouncement she recalled from Spike, not to mention the hum from her Prima Materia which glowed in her palm, it felt like she was being called back.. After a short internal debate she set foot back in that Equestria.

She and Bellatrix hadn't aged a day since then; at least not physically. The removal of the Demiurge from her had seemingly frozen the witch in time, and she'd also learned that she was indeed sterile as she'd hypothesized.

By contrast the world they arrived in had underwent quite a dramatic change, crude civilizations springing up amidst the endless wastes.

Through hard labor the alliance carved out new domains. The alliance remained united but split into equal territories. The first she encountered belonged to Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart, who attempted to recreate the Crystal Empire. It was little more than a town so far, carved from crystalline, and snow touched down as it drifted in the gales. Her cloak fluttered about her.

She also spotted Trixie's caravan parked on the outskirts, partly buried in ice. Her heels crunched and left imprints in the furry that sluiced the paved roads, and after sucking in a breath she approached then rapped a couple times.

Moments later the door creaked open and Trixie peered out, visibly aged from the lines on her face, yet still quite beautiful. “Daughter, is it really you?!” She swept her into her arms, her mother dressed in nothing but a bathrobe and slippers.

“Hee-hee...it's me,” said Beatrix with a sheepish grin as she returned the hug. “S-sorry I never checked in.”

“Hmm, I see Bellatrix is here, too.” She nodded at the angel. “Why don't you two come in, have some hot cocoa?”

“We'd love to!” Beatrix grabbed Bellatrix's hand and pulled her inside. They settled into the cozy yet spacious abode, complete with a table, a heavy treasure chest, and old props which brought back memories of her childhood. Trixie hummed and prepared a steamy treat, packing the chocolate contents with an excess of marshmallows. “So...how have you been?”

Trixie placed the steamy cups before them and took her own seat. “Good, mostly.” She blew on her drink. “Every member of the alliance is hailed as a member to this day. We honored the dead the best we could. Shining Armor and Cadance have repeatedly offered to let me form a herd with them, and we do still admittedly have some fun on the side, but the wanderlust never leaves. Something you inherited from me, no doubt.” She mussed her daughter's bangs with a mischievous cackle.

However she then turned her head aside to stare out at the snowy landscape, lips pursed. “We've tried repeatedly, but...Shining and I couldn't reproduce you in this world. According to Twilight's, Sombra's, and Somnambula's research, they speculate that you're an anomaly. I suppose the Great and Powerful Trixie is meant to be forever barren...”

“I'm sorry, mom.” She squeezed her hand and brushed a tear from Lulamoon's eye.

She shook her head. “It's okay. I'm free to travel around, visit anyone, and money's no concern. I could retire at any time, but I like to see the sites, and entertain others! Let's drop in on your father, shall we? I'm sure your family misses you!”

“I'd love that. What about you, sister?” She nudged the angel.

Bellatrix heaved her shoulders. “Why not? I've never forgotten what Flurry Heart did for me.” She flexed her seraphic wingspan.

"You're the best mother I could've asked for," said Beatrix. "And the best sister, too."

After they finished their drinks the trio set off into the town. A number of translucent crystal ponies waved at them, and the heroes returned the gesture, taking a stroll down the winding pathways to a palace in the distance carved of shimmery gemstones.

The crystal pony guards saluted them, informed their rulers that they had company, then the armored pair allowed them inside.

Stained glass depicted a number of key events from the Eldritch's arrival. Beatrix paused briefly with wide eyes to take it all in, light shimmering down in a spectrum of bright colors, and their steps echoed while they were escorted down corridors lined with sconces. More guards saluted and butlers and maids in service to their rulers bowed wherever they passed.

Double doors opened and Trixie led the waltz into the throne room, where on a raised portion were seated Shining Armor in ceremonial armor, whereas Cadance and Flurry Heart wore stylized gowns. “Beatrix,” he called. “Is that really you?”

“It's me!” Beatrix attempted a curtsy with her cape and bowed. “Uh, your majesty!”

Cadance raised a hand to her lips with a titter. “No need for formalities.” She barely appeared any older than before, unlike her husband who nonetheless looked quite debonair, while Flurry had matured into quite the lovely mare.

Flurry tapped her horn. “I've improved our implants with help from Aunt Twilight! We'll never be quite the same after, you know, but we've recovered nearly half of our magical potential, and I'm sure we'll double that with enough time!”

“I'm glad to hear that!” Beatrix shared a laugh with her half-sister. “Isn't that wonderful, Bellatrix?”

“It is.” Bellatrix had summoned up a scant white leotard that was closer to lingerie to shroud her figure; she still hated to wear clothes but decided it was best in case it was a law here. “You have my eternal thanks.”

Flurry stood from her silver throne and embraced her. “Solemn, as always! A lot's changed. I'm sure Trixie's told you a little about it. I still haven't married, despite how much my mom likes to push me. Too busy with my work, I suppose!”

“Good to see you're chipper as always!” Beatrix took her hands. “Mind if we stay a while?”

Shining chuckled. “We'd be honored. Come on, tell us what you've been up to.” They settled in, and that night a feast was prepared to welcome the pair of lost heroes home. Beatrix couldn't help but be reminded of her home dimension; her father there had lived a hero with his own army, and sacrificed himself to seal the Necronomicon.

Laughter filled the halls. For the moment any troubles were forgotten. She and Bellatrix would always have a place here, should they choose to return.

*****

Days later Beatrix offered her farewells and set out on the next step of her journey, which took her to an underground civilization. Situated in a series of caves that descended, she and Bellatrix hitched a ride in Trixie's caravan, who dropped them off at the mouth before she parked. “Don't worry,” said Trixie who closed a map. “I'm sure they'll smell us a mile off!”

“Tee-hee,” tittered Beatrix to ease her nerves. A pack of Diamond Dogs trotted up to meet them, took a sniff, and waved them inside. They followed down the inclines into the darkness, pierced by Bellatrix's natural radiance. Earthworms crawled in the clumps of dirt that lined the stones.

Eventually the maze of tunnels opened up into a wide space, where homes were built into the caves, and statues were carved in the likeness of Limestone Pie and her miners who had fallen in the line of duty.

“Hey, is that-” Vinyl Scratch paused between tuning her equipment. “It is!”

Octavia trotted up beside the DJ. “Welcome back. It's been quite a while.” She shook hands with each of them.

“We like to travel around and entertain creatures, too.” Vinyl grinned. “I'm not really the type to settle down in one place, either! Tavi and I argue about that quite a bit, actually, but I know she couldn't stand to be without me!”

“Don't flatter yourself.” Tavi crossed her arms with a huff. “Anyhow, it is nice to see you all well.” She led them further in. “There's someone you should meet. We believed for quite some time the Changelings were all extinct. After all, Prince Thorax was one of the few who allied with the ponies when the Eldritch arrived, and we presumed they all fell in battle.”

Ever deeper they traversed below, until the hollows more resembled a hive. A multitude of colors swathed the sticky walls where a number of Changelings were cocooned, watched over by female workers and male drones. When they arrived before the Queen even Vinyl bowed in respect. The regal stranger was aquamarine, with large dark eyes and a shimmery pink mane.

“Welcome friends,” she said in a soft-spoken voice with a smile. “Make yourselves at home. Thorax made preparations in case he and his army didn't survive the battle with the Eldritch. He asked me to take the clusters of eggs and bury them deep as I could below the earth. I cocooned myself with them and went into stasis to preserve energy, uncertain when we would awaken.”

“As a result they've helped repopulate Equestria,” explained Tavi.

“Yes. We are able to freely mate with various races due to our unique physiology which can shift as needed. And since we may also alter our sex at will the lack of stallions hasn't been a problem,” explained the Queen who wore a multi-colored gown.

“Are you Ocellus?” Beatrix had heard of but never met her.

“Indeed I am. A pleasure to meet you.” She buzzed her spotted, crimson wings, her attire cut to leave her slender back naked. Yet she was as tall and shapely as Chrysalis, to befit her status as the main progenitor of her species. "Make yourselves comfortable."

They were also allowed to remain indefinitely, provided food and shelter, the honey produced by the Changelings the most delicious thing Beatrix had ever tasted. It also invigorated them, and they were offered bottles of the sweet substance which would keep virtually forever.

Reluctantly she said her goodbyes, knowing there were still many more to see.

*****

Her heart raced when the pyramid climbed into view. Alongside it was carved a likeness of the Sphinx that towered amidst the sea of dunes. A sizable city had sprung up around it, the marketplace lively with traders and merchants. Creatures from all over Equestria, driven out of fear of the Eldritch, now collected here.

The sentinels on duty uncrossed their spears to allow them in. “Somnambula knew you would come,” said one of the bare-chested stallions. “She has prayed while in meditation, in hopes it would summon you and your Prima Materia.”

“Well, consider her hopes answered!” Beatrix skipped inside with a whistle.

The trio encountered Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow, who greeted them with a curtsy. “Welcome home,” the pair announced in unison. Following the handmaidens to the throne room, past more servants down the corridors, they arrived to see Sombra seated there, the older stallion's mane bleached white. Next to him sat Inky Rose, who smiled. Both wore shimmery, silver crowns studded with jewels to denote their position.

And to their side, Somnambula sat on her haunches. She's been acting as guardian of the land since the former Sphinx passed. Her slit eyes studied their guests, her wingspan clasped to her feline back, her chin resting atop furred paws.

“Sombra, my old teacher. You look well considering,” noted Beatrix, who took in the sight of him clad in his silver armor, crown, and crimson cape.

“Heh, I've had to go through many spells to regress our aging. You can imagine the toll the war has taken on me. On all of us,” the King chuckled, resting his head into his arm. “Even so, I wouldn't change any of it. I've grown quite fond of this country we've carved out.”

Inky clasped his hand. “You're always welcome to stay here with us. I know he's much older, but if there are any unresolved feelings you'd like to settle-”

“N-No, thank you, I'm fine,” Beatrix insisted as her cheeks burned hotly. “As tempting as that is, I can't stick around for too long. There are still people we haven't seen!”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, you're right...” Inky nodded to the Somnambula, who stepped aside to reveal a fully-grown mare who hid behind her. “Come out and say hello, Cerise Silhouette.” After a moment, she approached and shyly beamed at them.

“She's-” Beatrix took in the pigtailed mare, swathed in bright neon and shadow.

“Pacific Glow's daughter? Hehe, yes!” She beamed wider, taking her offered hand with a playful shake. “How are you?”

“F-Fine.” Beatrix tittered back. It was almost like she stared at a reincarnation of the raver, touched by some of the darkness that once cloaked Cerise's father. “You two must have lots of children by now, huh?”

“Mmm, only a couple,” said Inky with a wink. “I'll introduce them to you some time. Forgive their absence, but they have their duties to attend to.”

“We understand,” Bellatrix smirked at her former master. “I take it the Necronomicon has given you no trouble?”

Somnambula shook her head. “I have it entombed far below and watched over by the spirits. My priestesses and I routinely check in on it.” She nodded at Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow, who strayed close to her.

“No activity so far,” chirped out Cozy Glow, who kept her plume pinned to her back.

“But we're always vigilant,” added Diamond Tiara. “Just in case. After all, the book is always getting stronger...”

“The Demiurge grows like cancer inside it.” Sombra sighed, his age-lined expression etched in wariness. “Where there is darkness in the hearts of many, there is always power to help it evolve. Otherwise, it is merely a detached force-of-nature, compelled to spread and consume everything. Ah, but I'm sure none of you came to hear us speak about such things. Somnambula's informed me you've already been around...”

“Yes,” said Beatrix. “We've been offered all kinds of hospitality wherever we've gone!”

“Parades were thrown in honor of the alliance's victory,” mused Sombra wistfully as he reminisced. “I recall that Miss Lulamoon, in particular, put on quite a spectacular show.” She answered his smirk with an even cockier one. “I do hope you'll stay a little while longer. We have a lot to catch up on. If you'd like, Cerise Silhouette shall provide you with a tour of our lovely city.”

“At your service!” Cerise bowed. “Don't worry; it's plenty safe out there!”

“Good to know,” said Bellatrix. “Most of the dimensions we travel to lead us directly into danger...”

The party followed Cerise out of the pyramid and into the city. The civilians went about their business, purchased wares that included all sorts of urns, carpets, and jewelry, the streets lined with stalls and stone-carved buildings.

The baking sun eventually started to set; from what they heard, it was Twilight Sparkle's duty to do this each day and night.

They paused to watch the nightlife. Female dancers stripped down into the open and put on a show for the crowds, who whistled and tossed coins their way. “Sexy,” said Beatrix. “So, what's your special talent?”

“I'm a dancer too,” replied Cerise, who spun on her heel. “Just like my mom! Or so I've been told.” She wore a scant top that bared her midriff, skirt, and sandals. “Wish I could've met her. Inky told me she always brightened everyone's day.”

“She did,” answered Beatrix, who followed her home. Everywhere she looked, people worked hard to rebuild their world. It made her hope that someday, Equestria might be able to reach its former luster, even if it took them centuries!

Another feast awaited the group, which left them stuffed. Abundance was once again universal, the former dead earth partially restored to vitality due to the tending of those like Tree Hugger and Fluttershy. From what she'd heard, they were still with Spike, alongside the old allies she hadn't yet encountered. The paradise he'd maintained had also blossomed back to life.

The cornucopia rolled out by Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow overflowed with delicacies. Handmaidens assisted them, breasts bared proudly to show off their exotic beauty.

Beatrix's mouth watered, seated around the banquet table, exactly like her days with the alliance. The maidens bowed and left them. "They're all so lovely. Well-mannered, too!"

"Why, thank you. I have a certain taste~," said Inky, who nodded to her husband.

He watched the swivel of their buttocks, barely contained by transparent silks that clung to them like a second skin, and said, "To be a ruler has many perks."

After a short prayer from the hostesses and Somnambula, they beset the fatty foods and wine, Sombra seated with Inky Rose and Cerise Silhouette to his sides. He talked about the different small territories divided between his offspring, who served as rulers under him and ambassadors when necessary to spread his influence further.

“I decided not to claim an area,” explained Cerise between nibbles. “Too much responsibility!”

“Yes, to rule can indeed be a burden.” Sombra paused to share a drink with his Queen; the chalice lifted to Inky's lips. “I do not envy my children. It isn't easy to please the populace, and it's for the best you abstained, sweet Cerise, for I'd rather not risk a chance my heirs come into conflict. I am getting older and do not wish to see any more bloodshed, especially between kin.”

“That will not happen,” assured Somnambula, who observed with slit-like eyes. “Since I shall be around indefinitely.”

*****

Their stay was interrupted when a messenger arrived with a scroll for Sombra. It requested his presence in the Dragon Lands, and similar invitations were sent to the various rulers and anyone else who wished to attend.

Without delay an entourage was prepared and the procession headed out of the desert to meet with their old companion. Trixie's caravan traveled with similar ones, albeit without her flair-for-the-dramatic, the much planer machines ferried across the roads that marked the way.

Somnambula dashed beside the cart. “We all knew this day would come.”

“Yes.” Inky closed her eyes. “I must admit I used to dislike Spike, but now...” She let the words die in her throat.

Beatrix paled. They didn't need to explain for her to understand. “Here I was, taking it easy, while-”

Sombra shook his head seated a short distance from them with his Queen. “It's partially why you chose this time to come back, didn't you?” He nodded at the Prima Materia. “Somnambula tried to contact you, called you back to this dimension.”

“Yes. However, I was not certain it would work.” The Sphinx frowned and kicked up sand when she ran.

Cerise looked between them. “You mean Spike's about to-?”

“Pass on,” finished Bellatrix. “The price he paid to stop Torch and save his friends.”

“Oh no...” Beatrix stared at her shaking hands, kicked her feet which dangled over the cart. Perhaps she'd tried to avoid this moment all the while, ignored it in the vain hope it would go away, that if she delayed the meeting with Spike forever his fate might never come. She'd told herself he'd understand. Now she was desperate to see him one last time.

“I take full responsibility,” said Somnambula with narrowed eyes and her snout drawn.

“No. Spike wouldn't accept any other way,” reminded Sombra with a chuckle. “He's a stubborn one.”

They prayed to make it in time. Days passed before their arrival in the Dragon Lands. Structures were hewed into the mountains, and like before, the portion below was a vast wonderland of colorful flora and fauna. Their procession was met by Ember and Smolder, the dragonesses swathed in full armor save for their heads, and instructed them to wait.

More parties arrived from all over Equestria. Around the area were shrines to fallen heroes, some for those who participated in the initial war with the Eldritch, another portion for those who perished afterward. Fleur de Lis, who remained a soldier in Spike's employ in addition to one of his mates, paid a visit to Fancy Pants' tomb and placed flowers there.

A similar somber mood was felt all over. A few hours later Ember and Smolder blew their horns to summon everyone.

Sombra and Inky Rose, Shining Armor and Cadance, Ocellus, and a few other rulers that Beatrix didn't recognize, alongside dozens who had come from all over attended. Led into the gardens by Rarity and Sweetie Belle, Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were also spotted on the trip into the sea of delicate flowers, where Spike sat in the center, Twilight Sparkle by his side.

Also there were the many spawn he'd sired, most of them Kirin with a few small dragons. “Hey.” He waved with a toothy smile.

Once a physical powerhouse, his sacrifice had caught up with him almost all at once. Muscles had withered and left him scrawny. His eyes struggled to focus, half-blinded. His wingspan had shrunken, and while at first his followers had tried to present him in his usual armor it had proven too painful, until he stripped to a simple loin cloth.

No one dared say it but they all thought about how terrible he looked. Ember, Smolder, and Fleur de Lis made certain the mob didn't move in too close at once, some of them already openly sobbing, others bearing numerous gifts for the former Dragon Lord. He chuckled and forced his snout into a smile, puffs of discolored smoke spilling from his flared nostrils.

*****

Spike always knew this day would come. Most dragons would have preferred to fall in glorious battle; like most of his race had when Torch led them to annihilate the Eldritch. His eyes swam into focus, hovering over all the numerous friends still with him he'd made in his relatively short lifespan. “Huh.” His voice was scratchy, barely audible. “All this for me?”

“Of course,” said Twilight with misty eyes as she gripped his hand. “We all love you!”

He gazed to Fluttershy and Tree Hugger, who also couldn't hide their tears, the pair always tending to the gardens here. There was Rarity, his first love, and her little sister Sweetie Belle, his loyal entourage which included Ember, Smolder, and Fleur, a number of his children; and beyond them creatures who'd come from all over to see him off at Twilight's request.

“Didn't expect to see you,” he said with a chuckle.

Sombra returned a pained grin and stood beside his own crew. “You know I respect you as a fellow ruler.”

“Ha...and I see Beatrix and Bellatrix came back, too.” He beckoned them closer.

“I-I-” With a choking sob, Beatrix drew a hasty circle in the air, and stepped through the portal alone which closed behind her. The air crackle where she'd passed and a scent of electricity lingered from the magic used.

Bellatrix offered a weak shrug. “Sorry about that. She doesn't handle these kinds of situations well. Seen too much already.”

Spike laughed. “I understand the feeling.” His head rotated to Somnambula. “You still blame yourself, don't you? It was my choice. Not sure anyone else could do it, and even if they could, you know I wouldn't let them. How much time?”

“Mere hours at best,” confessed the Sphinx. “If only I could trade some of my life force to you.” Like the dragons and alicorns she was now virtually immortal; it had been his and Twilight's hope to spend their entire lives together.

“You offered me a second chance,” noted Fleur. “So I am forever in your debt.”

Spike trembled when he caressed her silky mane. “And you've been an incredible soldier. I'm lucky.” He coughed. “Sorry. Under any other circumstance I'd be happy to be surrounded by so many beautiful women.”

“Save your breath and rest, my Spikey-Wikey.” Rarity strained to swallow down her theatrics, but Sweetie Belle burst into wails, and she soon followed. “N-now dear, he's still with us. Is there anything we may do to make it better?”

“Don't leave my side,” he requested between ragged breaths.

“Wouldn't dream of it man,” said Tree Hugger who held hands with Fluttershy, their hair decorated in flower wreaths.

Fluttershy pressed her cheek to his chest, listened to his heart beat, soaked in his warmth. “Oh dear...your body temperature is far too low for a dragon!” She pressed herself to him in attempt to share hers, only to be brushed aside.

“Leave it to us,” said Smolder as she and Ember breathed a soft fiery plume on his scales.

He gasped and felt momentarily invigorated throughout his wiry limbs. “Much better,” he admitted stretching. He rose to a seated position, flicked his tail. So far as last days went he couldn't ask for more. Equestria was in capable hands. He didn't know what awaited them beyond in the afterlife, but he hoped to see all the loved ones he'd lost there, ready for him.

Slowly the dragonesses allowed others to approach the former Dragon Lord. A vast collection of exotic flowers collected from all over different parts of Equestria were placed around his bed. His claws shook when he took each hand, traced it, felt the warmth and vitality in them that was gradually sapped from him; the price to have unlocked his full potential.

Yet without that Torch's undead form would have no doubt crushed the pyramid and culled everyone inside. He'd made many sacrifices as leader and received their adoration in return. Why should he regret his choice, despite the heavy price?

Hours passed while the visitors made the rounds. He spared all the time he could for each of them.

The air crackled once more. Another whirling oval split dimensions, and from it returned Beatrix, followed closely by Sunset Shimmer, Wallflower Blush, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk. “Hey,” said Belladonna with a nervous smile, hiding under her wide-brimmed hat. “Uh, sorry about that, but I figured they'd want to...see you off, too.” Her words trailed, almost inaudible.

While the traveler closed the portal, the newcomers gathered around Spike. “We've been living together,” explained Sunset who knelt beside Twilight and took his claws. “I promised to look after them, helped them settle into a normal life.”

“We haven't aged a day either,” said Aria with a shrug. “Side-effect of what we are, I guess.”

“You look terrible!” Sonata covered her mouth. “Oops, I didn't mean it like that!”

“No, you're right.” He chuckled, blurred vision straining to keep them in focus. “I don't have much left in me.”

Wallflower pursed her lips. “You have a lot of nice children.”

He nodded with glazed over eyes, light fading to darkness before him. “I'm proud of them all. Wish that Autumn Blaze's could've been here, too.” He wheezed a discolored puff of smoke. “We sure had some good times, didn't we?”

Twilight winced. “Lots, Spike. But still, not enough.”

His limbs grew too heavy for him to move. His claw went limp in Twilight's hand. His ears tensed, hearing her choke on sobs, and his vision dulled by the moment until it was consumed entirely in gloom.

Within minutes his heart slowed to a stop, and the former Dragon Lord went still, surrounded by loved ones. Yet his legacy would no doubt carry on through the ages.

*****

Later on Twilight Sparkle, Ember, and Smolder carried Spike's shroud-wrapped body to the peak of an active volcano. It hissed and spat dark smoke, the air turning with heat waves, far too intense for even an alicorn were it not for the protective spell she'd prepared that layered her in scales.

Beneath the ashen sky the trio recited a prayer to Celestia and Luna at Twilight's request; a reminder of the old world.

“There's a legend among our kind,” said Ember who held the corpse in her arms. “That a Dragon Lord cast into this sacred volcano might one day be reborn. I would have tried it on my father, Torch, if his remains were intact.”

Smolder nodded. “Could take hundreds or thousands of years, but if there's even the smallest chance...”

Twilight brushed away a tear. “Do it.” She watched Ember drop the shroud into the opening. Spike's corpse sand like a stone into the molten lava below. “Goodbye...Spike.” She stared at the blood-red skies, feeling more alone than ever.

Ember placed a claw on her shoulder. “We should go.”

“Yes. I've lost so many. I thought it would be to time, rather than like this.” She sniffled. “I suppose Starlight Glimmer was already lost, the moment the Eldritch captured her. But I've known Spike since I was a filly.”

Smolder clasped her other shoulder. “Hey, you still have us! Let's take a break, okay?”

“Okay. It's a shame he couldn't fit his armor anymore,” said Twilight who wiped her face. “He looked so regal in it.”

A short time later, after they observed a last moment of silence, the trio left the bleakest portion of the Dragon Lands. They would now look after it in the absence of a Dragon Lord, a council of three that would maintain balance and fairness to the best of their ability over the creatures there.

A funeral was still underway, the land united in mourning with another hero lost.

Under an ocean of magma, Spike's wizened corpse, which sank to the bottom denuded of its shrouds, started to glow...

*****

Sombra studied the Necronomicon, which rested on a column entombed within a vault below the pyramid, where it would be watched over by the pharaohs and holy spirits. Something had changed while they were away. One page, previously blank before, had something different written in it. Pictures and text in a language most couldn't possibly understand. But he could. And what he read sent a cold chill down his spine.

His attention turned back to his entourage, alongside Beatrix and Bellatrix, who had returned Sunset and her friends to their home after Spike's funeral. “You're leaving now, so soon? Sure we can't tempt you?”

Inky batted her lashes. "The offer stands."

“You know me,” replied Beatrix with a small laugh. “Too much wanderlust.”

Bellatrix studied the treasury around it, which cast a golden shimmer over them. “There's always more to see and learn. Plus, my sister likes to help out on occasion. Must admit I do too, now.” She shrugged it off.

“You're always welcome here,” noted Inky Rose, who held onto her King.

“Thanks. I'm sincerely grateful to you all.” Beatrix took a humble bow; her farewells made to everyone.

“As am I. You helped me find purpose,” admitted Bellatrix, who brushed his lined cheek with a beatific smile.

Sombra walked towards the young mage, wrapping an arm around to pull her close in a tight embrace. As she returned it, he whispered into her ear, "Be careful where your travels take you, Beatrix. The sins of the past tend to follow close behind you wherever you go..."

"I...I will," Beatrix said, unsure of what to make of it before pulling away from him.

“Take care, my apprentice. And you, dear Bellatrix.” He beamed with pride at the pair of them. He could sense the power that radiated from them; no doubt collected amidst the countless adventures they had been on in their long absence.

Part of him almost wished they could join them, but his place was here, his responsibility to his ever-expanding nation.

Cerise Silhouette waved, her wide eyes moist. “We'll miss you! Don't be a stranger!”

“We'll be back sometime! I promise!” Beatrix copied the wave with another laugh. She returned a bow to Diamond Tiara and Cozy Glow, and shared a nod with Somnambula, who crouched within the treasure trove; the Sphinx now the servant of Sombra and his Empire, who would carry out her sacred duties so long as he respected the will of his people. “Love you all! Oh, and-”

Galloping up to her teacher with a whirl of her shimmering Ursa Minor-styled cloak, she planted a bashful peck on his cheek, wearing a goofy smile with a flutter of her lashes. “One for the road, to remember you by.”

With a shake of his head and a wry smile, he noted, “Childish as ever. It's a relief to see some things never change.”

“Hopefully, I never will!” Winking, she blew a kiss, split the air with a casual gesture to open up a rift, and amidst a theatrical bow tripped on the heel of a boot, tumbling backward into the portal with a yelp, uncertain what adventure awaited her next.

“Farewell,” said Bellatrix, who folded her feathered plumage about her radiant skin and followed her companion into the nexus.

Within seconds it closed over, and peace settled over Sombra and his companions, the tomb silent save for a crackle of torches.

He recalled other lifetimes. Versions of him that dabbled in the dark arts, in pursuit of the Necronomicon, to better the Crystal Empire. So far had he once fallen.

Yet he'd earned a second chance. He stared at the grotesque faces woven onto the surface of the dark tome, and could almost thank the Eldritch, unable to suppress a dark chuckle filled with irony.

Somnambula settled down to rest. Bowing, Diamond Tiara, and Cozy Glow made their exit, followed by Cerise, who smiled at the King and Queen before she exited, no doubt to spend more time in the marketplace.

Certain the grimoire was secured, Sombra returned to his chambers and made love to his Queen. She cooed before settling into his strong arms; her warmth pressed to him. Her plumage enshrouded him like her limbs, Inky older like him but no less lovely in his eyes. With his magic, he retarded their aging but could not halt it.

However, with his skill, he wagered they would last another century, at least. More than time enough to see his life's work blossom to fruition. Idly his fingertips danced upon Inky's gray feathers, his mind wandering with possibilities.

No doubt, with the secrets Beatrix Belladonna shared with Sunset Shimmer and the Twilight Sparkle of the human world, who through the magic diaries worked in tandem with the Twilight of Equestria, they would be able to reconstruct a device similar to the magic mirror in time.

Perhaps some humans would even wish to come here, and help repopulate the land?

Whatever may come, he would welcome it as their world was now secure for a better life.

His frown returned before looking when he considered where the Necronomicon laid dormant, remembering the cryptic depictions of beasts with skulls for faces on the pages. For his student's fate moving onward, everything was still uncertain.

He wished she had accepted Inky's invitation into their bed, at least, but perhaps it would have pained her too much. Nonetheless he believed that she and Bellatrix would someday return, wiser for the experience.

Until that moment came, he was content to spend these lazy days with loved ones in constant pursuit of a world that once was.

Author's Note

Sincere thanks to everyone that read this far. This is a very important story to me, as the longest one I've written and a chance to really explore a lot of ideas I've had in mind. Couldn't have done it without NotaPonyPerson, who gave the initial pitch and helped out tons!

Originally it had no Spike, but since he's popular with my fans and made a good contrast to Sombra I decided to add him, otherwise the early portion might have been overly bleak. Spike was used to show the old Equestria as he attempted to hold onto it despite circumstances.

Characters who didn't make it in include Thorax (Almost had him and a changeling hive join up with Spike, but threw a bone in with Ocellus at the end!), Lyra and BonBon (Decided they would be redundant with Octavia/Vinyl involved), and an OC of my collab partner whose role mainly went to Somnambula. (With some of Sommy's actions they might have been too out of character for his OC?)

Also planned to off my characters but didn't want to kill gratuitously. Fleur for instance came close to death several times throughout, and Vinyl/Octavia/Inky barely escaped too, although I felt killing the latter would be needlessly angsty and risk resetting Sombra back to zero.

I may revisit this continuity one day with a sequel, albeit much shorter I'm sure as I want the heroes to mostly rest! Beatrix will of course continue in her own adventures, sometimes with Bellatrix in tow.

Also considering a bonus chapter; nothing substantial, just a "What if Beatrix accepted Inky's offer for a night of fun?" Decided to forgo any real clop at the end as it didn't seem appropriate to the mood, which was mainly focused on farewells.

Any questions, critiques, overall thoughts, etc.? Please leave them here! Be seeing you!