The Depths of Oblivion

Beatrix Belladonna wheezed, mane matted in sweat as it wildly tossed about. Her wide-brimmed hat bounced atop her head, her cape whipping about, the eyes and mouths all over her costume stirring like crazy as they were riled up like their keeper. She dodged a black-and-purple fireball tossed her way, the booming explosion kicking up dust which she choked on.

Her teacher, however, was refusing to let up as Sombra hurled more destructive spheres at her vicinity. He was holding back, though not too much as she had requested. After all, she'd need to be in top form if they were to overcome the Eldritch. Her heart was racing, whirling around with the grace and precision of a ballerina; ending with a pirouette on her heel and letting out a hardy laugh. This of course lead to the unamused unicorn to fire at her feet and cause her to fall forward and face plant into the dune of sand below.

"Blugh! Owww..." She pouted while getting up to spit out and dust off the sand. “Damn it! That's what I get for showing off..." She blushed sheepishly.

“Theatrics like that will get you killed. It's why your mother was best suited for distractions rather than combat," he corrected while approaching her; inspecting to make sure she didn't sustain damage. “You need to work with barriers if you want to improve your defences. Other than that.... You're doing fairly well."

“Really!? You mean it?” Her eyes twinkled a little before she coughed and changed her composer. “Ah-- er... I mean, naturally I would be! I am the daughter of Trixie and Shining Armor after all~!” She boasted while brushing the last of the sand off her body while Sombra rolled his eyes.

As he expected, it wasn't long until Beatrix was back to her old self. But he really did mean it when telling her she was doing well. They'd only been training for a few hours and already, she had mastered the basics and nearly a quarter of some advanced spells surprisingly fast! Perhaps it helped being the key to the Necronomicon, he pondered while continuing with his inspection of her.

Thinking he was checking her out, Beatrix couldn't help but tease. "Enjoying the view, Sombra? Hehe! If you wanted to get a closer look, all you had to do was ask~" She spoke in a sultry tone while stretching the top of her leotard to better empathize her ample breasts; the snap back causing them to jiggle in place. And while his eyes were to her chest, they were actually on the eye-shaped jewelry that rested above her cleavage; glittering in the rays of the moonlight above.

"This...Prima Materia," he stated, reaching to lift it as he tried to recall the memories of its creation. "It was...born form you, yes?"

“Y-Yeah.... You split me in two and created perfect copies of myself back in my dimension; only to murdered my other self who became this. No hard feelings!” She insisted, pressing herself closer to him while taking her jewelry to look at it herself. “But after some time, I came to realize that it's incomplete; therefore making it pretty much useless. It only serves as half of the key. So unless the Eldritch fully corrupt me, I can't produce another half that's suitable to completing it and unlocking the full powers of the Necronomicon. It's why the they haven't murdered me by now."

Sombra considered the implications while stroking his chin in thought. “Hmm.... Then it's best that I avoid teaching you anything from the dark arts. Any spell from it has a high chance of further corrupting you...as it did me...” He added soberly; acknowledging how hard he'd fallen into them during his youth. If only to better serve the usurper of the Crystal Empire against the warnings of Celestia and Luna, cementing in his change into a monster. And in vain arrogance, he still hesitated to turn from that path.

He was never one to admit weakness, even if he could see his as clearly as night and day...

Sitting down cross-legged before him, Beatrix wiped her brow and heaved. “Holy hell, I am pooped! I really should have thought ahead. I forgot to mention it, but this place is void of any food or water. Nothing for miles. It really is the perfect place to come and just... die,” she said, trying to hide that last statement with a whisper.

Sombra was still remembering his previous lives. In another world, he'd ended his own life by impaling his chest with his severed horn; preventing the Necronomicon from claiming his mind and soul again. Beside him had rested the bloodied time, and both hurled through the endless vacuums of space on an asteroid; waiting for the inevitable impact of certain doom.

Blackness overtook him before impact, perhaps with a planetoid, the sun, or a black hole. He'd succeeded in destroying the grimoire, but the Eldritch have proven to be just as bad; if not worse.

“If you insist on dying, make sure it's for a good cause, and that your sacrifice won't be in vain. We are at war and there is so much left undone...” He commented while sitting across from her.

She nodded solemnly; knowing that without any supplies, she'd have no choice but to return to them soon. Whatever potions she carried would be too toxic to hydrate them much. “I just...wanna make my parents proud, that's all..." She perked up. "Though you know, I could just ditch you once you've given me what I wanted. I am the only one who can cross through dimensions~”

“Don't even try to threaten me with that," he responded flatly. "I know you. You wouldn't abandon a powerful ally."

“You sure about that~?” She continued to tease, shimmying her shoulders. “My mother would. And I take far more after her than my father!”

"And because you do, it had lead you to many ill-fated attempts at my head. I seem to recall your last ploy in your dimension. And that didn't fair well for you, did it?"

“I... I guess not. But you're not that Sombra; at least not just him. All the different counterparts that tapped into the black arts died before being compressed into one! So that would mean some of them must have had noble ambitions like you trapped in them!” She grinned; playfully tugging at his own cheek. “Perhaps you and my father are more alike than you care to admit, hmm?"

He groaned, brushing her hand away from his snout before rising up. “If only you'd abandon your childish antics and horrible habits. Maybe then your defenses would be better. Keep that in mind, we're resuming after a short break.”

“Hmph. Spoilsport..." She muttered at him as he turned to collect himself. With a sigh, her fingers would trace around in the cool sand below. Since the sun no longer rose during this timeline, there was little heat left. Lighting up her horn, she ignited a flame to turn the grains of sand into glass that sparkled. Magic had so many utilities. And yet, it was still a sense of wonder to her; almost like a reminder of what her parents were fighting to save.

Perhaps all of Flurry Heart's sentimentality had rubbed off on her more than she cared to admit? Dismissing her sappier thoughts for the moment, she rose and prepared herself for the next round of practice with a stretch and a wide yawn.

He'd work her soft butt into shape, probably in more ways than one. And much as she hated to admit it, she was starting to warm up to him a lot. No, it was far more than that. Not that she'd ever dare admit that to her father who surely wouldn't approve!

“Tee-hee! Alright then, what's my next lesson?”

*****

Within a day Spike's new arrivals settled into the Pleasure Gardens. Submerged in the cool waters and the tranquil atmosphere brought on by the gentle breeze, alongside the scents and sights around them, it helped speed the healing of those who'd been captured and weakened by the Eldritch. An abundance of fresh food was brought to them in baskets by Fluttershy and Tree Hugger, an overflowing cornucopia of ripe fruits, vegetables, and even some breads slathered in honey.

While Fancy Pants and his crew had managed to scrounge out a living underground, he, Fleur, Octavia, and Diamond Tiara in particular were used to living the high life. What Limestone and the Diamond Dogs found growing in the dark proved plenty safe and nutritious, but had proven an acquired taste at best. However the Pie sister seemed quite happy munching on it.

“Quite a place,” observed Fancy who liked his companions had stripped completely, save for his trademark monocle.

“A true slice of paradise,” said Fleur who draped her perfected body on him in an exaggerated manner with a playful leer and a similar flirty growl. “Of course, any place where you're with me is heaven. But what will be our place here, my love?”

“You can be my lieutenants,” called Spike who wrapped his claws about the waists of Ember and Smolder.

“It's not so bad,” assured Shining Armor who sat by Trixie. “I got a nice sword and armor out of it, for one!” He nodded at the shiny white armaments scattered about on the dewy grass nearby, the atmosphere moist from the waterfall nearby.

“We're workin' on lots more,” said Smolder. “We'll forge 'em up-”

“And then Sweetie and I will apply the finishing touches,” said Rarity who brushed hands through her wet mane while she and her sister waded in the pond, the water droplets glistening and sliding down the clefts of their anatomy.

“We've already forged a ton,” said Ember who planted a hand on her scaly hip. “Lucky we have all the materials we need in the Badlands, huh? Lots of raw ore just buried in the earth, waiting for us to carve it out! Soon, we'll be able to arm an army!”

“But for now let's all relax,” said Spike. “I'd like to give you a hero's welcome! Granted most of the time we just celebrate with lots of grub and sex,” he admittedly cheekily with a scratch of his neck. “But I'm sure you'll soon make yourselves at home!”

“Most gracious,” stated Somnambula who sat with the other drained mares who'd been captured, like them still woozy. “However, don't expect all of us to become part of your harem. I am certain Sombra will return for us.”

Ember and Smolder were about to say something, but Spike shrugged it off. “Sure. You can stay here, for now.” It was breaking with Dragon Lord tradition, but he'd deal with any consequences later. He certainly didn't want to force his guests into an unwanted position, and as for Sombra, perhaps there would be a reckoning when they met...if he was still alive.

“He'll come back for us,” Inky Rose repeatedly assured herself, almost sedated from the blood loss. She'd let her hair down and held onto Pacific Glow for support, the waters steaming around them as Spike's breath carefully warmed their pool.

“There, there!” Pacific dabbed at her friend's teary eyes. “He'd never abandon you in particular! You're his favorite!”

“I-I know.” Inky squeezed her friend's hand under the waters, who giggled. “Diamond Tiara, are you okay?” She looked to the mare who rested her bottom on the bank, staring at her own reflection; she'd barely spoken since being liberated.

“Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired of feeling so useless,” she confessed. “If only I wasn't a dumb earth pony...”

“Hey,” snapped Limestone who was washing her chiseled muscles under the cascade from the rock. “Earth ponies might not be flashy compared to pegasi or unicorns, but we can more than get the job done! We're stronger and sturdier than average, for one!” She flexed a bicep. “Plus, we have our own innate magic to help stuff grow faster! Check out what Tree Hugger's done!”

“So we're workhorses fit for labor. That makes me feel a whole lot better,” answered Tiara with an eyeroll.

“You could always be like my dear departed sister Pinkie,” said Limestone. “Get creative. You're brainy, aren't you?”

“That's right! Like, no one dances quite like me, for instance!” Pacific bent herself at an awkward angle, tilting herself upside-down while she swished her hands and wiggled her hips and rump. “Just use whatever you were born with!”

“Tch. Playing the hand I was dealt...I'd rather make my own!” Tiara fell onto her back with a long sigh.

While most of them took to the Pleasure Gardens rather quickly, the onslaught of light and noise proved too much for most of the Diamond Dogs, who preferred the rougher landscapes of the Badlands. Of course they kept to the caves, both because it was still too bright in some places out there, and because they didn't want to risk being spotted if the Eldritch happened this way.

Perching above the heavenly paradise with the dragonesses, Spike found Twilight and Sunset were already waiting for him, and beamed at the duo. He drew them close with his arms and wings, overlooking his subjects while they cheerily lounged and lazed.

He decided it was probably best to let the fresh arrivals adjust for a while, uncertain whether there would take to participating in the ritual orgies. Settling on a new idea, he decided to make his announcement when he felt the time was right.

For now he'd simply retire to his quarters where he'd continue to plan and prepare for the inevitable confrontation he'd once tried to avoid.

*****

A thunk sounded when a shaft was loosed. The arrow-tip pierced a bloated scorpion who shrieked, gushing and twitching while it went still. “Nice shot!” Bellatrix Primadonna patted the archer's butt. She flapped her wings, hovering over and tilting her head to curiously study the creature pinned in the earth. “Looks delicious!” She sensuously licked her lips.

“I've made do,” admitted Wallflower Blush who's tattered hood and cloak were drawn about her. Paranoia crept over her while her eyes darted about the endless stretch of desert, heading over to dinner. “There should be just enough to share.”

“About that...succubi don't really require much in the way of food or water even when taking flesh. We're very efficient organic machines in that way,” she replied crouching down and poking the dying creature with a grin. “We do, however, have certain...other needs to survive.” She maneuvered her spade-tipped tail under the cloak, coiling about Blush's ankle.

The pegasus lived up to her name, shying away a tad with pink staining her freckles. “I...I barely know you.”

“So? Keeping it casual should make it even easier! Or is my form not appealing to you?”

“It's...not unattractive,” admitted Wallflower who tried not to stare, finding it rather difficult when the she-devil walked around fully naked and her ample breasts and buttocks seemed to jiggle in an almost cartoonish, distracting manner.

“I could always change it if you're not pleased?” Bellatrix altered her skin color from a searing crimson to a pale white. “Perhaps this is less abrasive? Or...” She massaged her already considerable bosom, until the size more than doubled, massive milky udders swinging and swaying while they sloshed with milk. “Better?” She pinched both her wide pink nipples.

“Ah,” cried Blush who closed an eye when a stream of lactate sprayed her freckled face. “You asshole,” she snarled while the succubus crazily laughed. Wiping the lactation away, some of it ran into her mouth, tasting unbelievably sweet to her chagrin. She chuckled too, despite herself. “Um, wh-what exactly are the limitations of your shape-shifting abilities?”

“Ooh,” she teased. “You are curious! Well, I can't change my size too much, so turning into a bug or some huge animal is out of the question. But if you wanted to experiment some...” She guided Blush's delicate hand to her crotch, placing it upon her vulva, when suddenly a stallionhood filled her palm. She snickered again when the huntress reflexively drew back.

“No, I...don't want that. Could you...um...” She stared at the ground. “Sunset Shimmer,” she mumbled.

“Oh my, so that's what gets your joybuzzer working? Well, I'm not one to judge! All sex is good to me...” Shifting her shape again, Bellatrix took on a perfect likeness of Sunset, expect with the demon's swagger and cockiness. “This better?” She slowly ran her hands down her nude form; the swell of her tits, her smooth stomach, her bald pussy, her foal-bearing thighs.

“Y-yes.” Wallflower was practically drooling, hesitating to so much as blink in case she missed something.

Primadonna tackled her to the dirt, tearing away the hooded cloak. She straddled the nubile pegasus, studying the turtleneck sweater and striped pants below. Sneering a tad at the woman's lack of style, she forcefully removed those too, leaving her in a polka-dot bra and panties. She snapped the top away, bearing small but perky tits, and then drew down her undergarments.

“I...I know I'm not much,” said Blush who turned her head away, breathing rapidly.

“You're fine. A tasty little morsel, even if you don't have much meat on you. Freckled in all the right places, too...” Wallflower blushed harder at her words, the succubus poking and prodding at her spotted little titties, topped by erect nipples.

She took one of the buds in her mouth, suckling on it. By now dinner was almost completely forgotten, but Blush hoped it would keep in the dry environment for a while. “From overhearing Chrysalis confer with the Eldritch, th-there's-” She bit her lower lip, Bellatrix's fingers tracing the thin moistening cleft of her pussy. “There's still an ocean somewhere~!

Primadonna laughed in a predatory manner when she practically screamed out the sentence, feeling her lover's nethers quiver under her touch. “That easy?” She felt juices splash her digits. “You don't have much experience, huh?”

“...no.” She squirmed and squeaked and whimpered under Bellatrix's advances, a pair of fingers slipped right into her wet tunnel, toying with her spongy g-spot. She continued to kiss, nibble, and suck on her tits, her free hand tracing circles around her swollen wet lovebud. Her spaded tail scooped up her cunt nectar, licking it clean, like the sweetest wine to a succubus.

The devil danced her digits upon Blush's chest. “Are you sure you don't want a cock in you?”

“Too weird for now,” said Wallflower. “I'm still not totally used to this new pegasus form after all this time.” She cautiously spread her legs open. “D-drink from me,” she offered recognized the demon was feeding on her sexual juices. She whined and bucked her crotch into Primadonna's face, who dove in, probing her muff with laps of her tongue and slurping down lubricant.

They'd need all their strength to find this supposed surviving ocean. Bellatrix cleaned her out, wondering why the Eldritch would leave a body of water untouched? Was it simply not worth the bother? No, she sensed it had to be something more ominous. Whatever secrets they were keeping their, they'd suss them out, figuring she had nothing better to do.

Even now she wanted to help her 'sister' Beatrix, and maybe Sombra, too. They were the only people who really cared about her, after all, and while her former master might have been cruel, he'd also uplifted her from just another random monster mindlessly wandering the Necronomicon to feed and offered her a purpose. For that she'd always appreciate him!

*****

“Alright, score!” Beatrix exclaimed. With the help of her mentor, they were able to overturn the wrecked wagon and raid the treasure chest inside, managing to find a few rations in them. She tore the preserved nutrition open to start consuming it. It was designed and enchanted to last decades if necessary and even though the taste of it was utter crap, her stomach was complaining too much for her to care.

Sombra brushed aside sand and sat across from her while he absentmindedly munched on his own while sighing. ”It's something. At the very least, it'll replenish our energy to tap into more spells and magic. Though this doesn't solve the water situation. We won't make the next few nights at this rate..."

“Yeah, I really don't wanna resort to drinking my own piss...” Muttered Beatrix between messy bites. “Though knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised if you drank blood and were inches away from feasting on me~” She winked at him with a wry smile.

“Making me out as some generic novelized vampire? I'm hurt...” Sombra scoffed while baring his canines with a large grin. He decided to tease her back. "And knowing you, you'd probably get off on it."

“Perhaps I do. You'll never know,” she replied coyly with a wink. Unfortunately she didn't take into account the messy chunks of mushed up food around her mouth; earning more of a subdued chuckle from him than anything. She blushed, crestfallen at her failed attempt to flirt when he reached over with a napkin and dabbed at her face. “Thanks...”

“Its nothing really,” he replied; not really expecting to enjoy tutoring her like this. She was very persistent in refusing to even tap into the black arts; which he agreed was probably for the best as it would likely push her even closer to being this dark messiah the Eldritch wished to convert her to. “While we haven't had much time, maybe it's best we return soon.”

“You'll still continue to teach me though, right?” She all practically bounced in her seat with glee before he nodded. Finishing her meal with a lick of her lips, her eyes fell back to the dark unicorn before she twinkled her fingers to spark some magic through her gloves. “Y'know...for being such a...commanding instructor and a good teacher...maybe I should give you a reward,” she said huskily while placing her hat aside and theatrically waving her cape and leotard away before she slowly crawled to him.

His eyes blinded as he watched her body sway; tits jiggling into each other while they hung low, her heart-shaped ass bouncing slightly before she gradually maneuvered towards him; having her face a few inches away from his crotch. "Oh my.... Are you certain you're not just rewarding yourself?" He asked in a lowered tone that was both growling and sexy.

"Hehe.... Either way, we're both winning here aren't we?" With that said, she vanished his armour and clothes; leaving his erecting cock out to nearly bop her in the face. Her nostrils flared when she breathed in his masculine musk; her brain addled with momentarily brain-destroying lust. He watched with his eyes glowing heavily; reaching down to rub the side of his cock against her cheek before rubbing it slowly against her lips. She blushed and cooed in appreciation with a hazy expression; feeling his precum smear against her lips as they kissed his shaft. Soon, she opened her mouth wide with her tongue slightly hanging out.

“There's a good girl~” He whispered, resting a hand on the back of her head while he drove her open maw to swallow his cock. “You've been a very good student. Perhaps I should reward your efforts in becoming a more powerful mage~” He praised her; digging through her mane while he helped her bob her head up-and-down. “What really surprises me is how skilled you are at this. I rarely have to use force to get you to take all of me in~”

After a moment, she pulled off her cock with a wet pop; panting slowly as she stroked in the saliva one this coated treat. “I mean, It's not like I'm against you being forceful...” She whispered to him. “That's what makes you feel powerful, right? Shoving me hard against the wall, bending me over, just to stuff my pussy or ass over and over til their both overflowing with your cum~?” Each breath got heavier as her marehood winked considerably at her own dirty talk. She could feel herself leak more and more nectar down her thighs.

“Now there's an Idea~” He grinned, bringing himself up before pulling her with him. Quickly, he shoved her up into a wall of the wagon; the force causing bits of debris to scatter down. She yelped before let out a giggle of anticipation; rubbing her pussy against his dick to entice him into carrying out his animalistic urges. It didn't take long before he slide himself into her slit; filling her foal canal to better fit the shape of his penis before he began to ram her hard into the wagon with swift thrusts.

Surprisingly, she was still quite tight despite having forced out all those eggs not so long ago. Not that he would complain, as her body was still his to play with and ruin as he saw fit. Beatrix mewled and groaned, her leg sliding up his side to help him get a better angle to best screw her cooch. With a leg hooked in one arm and her body pressed closer to the other, Sombra found this pose to be quite thrilling; especially as he got a great view of her udders bouncing about with each thrust. Licking his chops, he leaned in to claim one tit in his mouth; sucking and nibbling at it hard, which sent sharp sparks of pleasure through her back.

“G-Gaah, oh fuuck! Ohhh, what is daddy gonna think if he finds out i've been letting his arch enemy screw me? I-I can only imagine the look on his face; watching his little girl taking this big dick~! Mmm, oh! What if you get me pregnant~? You'd like that, wouldn't you. Seeing daddy squirm while you pump me full of your babies,” she muttered to him sweetly. Of course, this over-the-top dirty talk was just her feeding his ego into fucking her harder; which was working given how roughly he was now smacking into her. She felt his cock batter at her womb; making her scream out while her nails scratched into his flesh. "Y-Yes! That's it, stud. M-mess me up! Ruin me!” She chanted; losing herself to her passions as her pains slowly became forgotten to her.

Letting go of her chest, he pulled up to roughly yank her mane and flipped her over; pressing her face into the wagon while her ass stuck out to him. He withdrew from her abused pussy and began tracing her anal ring with his moist flare; lubing it with a mix of their excretions. With a sly shake of her hips, he drove his cock hard into into her ass, causing her to squeal as she got battered like she wanted.

Her buttcheeks clapped each time he impaled her; groaning as she felt his balls swing into her wet marehood over and over. While the gentle love making they did was a very nice moment, there was no time or room for tenderness. No, right now, she wanted it rough. She needed his raw passion to overpower her.

As depraved as it was, it felt simply wonderful to lose control. To have someone else take command and relieve her pent up stress. Wracked all over each time he claimed her body, she cried out in rapture; sounds crashing when the entire caravan collapsed around them. He grunted with a particularly hard thrust; partially emptied himself inside her, before pulling out and painting her back and buttocks in runny splooge that trailed down her rump and cunt. She took a moment to breath before she span around and got back on her knees to she playfully lick up the cum on his drenched shaft and balls.

“Mmm. Should I take this as an extracurricular activity? Or just extra credit?” She winked, licking more cum from her fingers.

“Whichever makes the most sense to you, pet.” He sighed in relief, stroking her mussed up hair and cheek.

Once the two finished up, Belladonna stretched with a yawn, sleepily blinking as she lounged in her afterglow. With his aid she'd went from a mid-tier mage to at least a level above in almost no time flat. Of course, she knew he was still far beyond her in raw power and experience. Certainly the dark arts would boost her significantly, but the possible prices were far too high.

However the thought of returning and facing everyone else, especially her parents, made her heart sink. Maybe that's why she'd drawn close to him in her hour of need. It's the same reason she'd spared Bellatrix when some wanted her jailed or executed in her dimension; she was a monster and thus could only judge Beatrix so much.

She'd clung to anyone who would accept her, knowing that no matter how Shining, Trixie, and Flurry all loved her, none of them could ever possibly understand someone innately tied to the shadows.

*****

The horns sounded to summon everyone. Spike stood before his gathered herd and the new arrivals, thinking maybe he should've written a speech, but such things weren't really his style. No, he preferred to speak directly from the heart. “I want to try something a little different today. Instead of choosing a partner for the ritual, how about a free-for-all?”

There were looks and chatter among the crowd. Smolder asked, “You sure that's a good idea?”

“Why not? I mean, no one has to participate if they don't want to. Maybe a signal to decide if you want to link up with someone?” He looked around him, plucking a flower. “How about this? Everyone take one, present it to somebody, and if they accept it well, you know the rest! Feel free to swap and pass them around! Sunset, make certain they're all willing, okay?”

Sunset nodded. She and Twilight had tried to figure out where Sombra and Beatrix were currently located with no luck. Unable to make any real headway against the Eldritch at the moment, the Dragon Lord instead focused on preparations, which included making his new allies feel welcome and having more weapons forged which would be enchanted by Rarity and Sweetie.

Finding the terms agreeable, nearly everybody chose to participate. The pink haze emitted by the flowers blossomed over the Pleasure Gardens. Flowers were offered and they settled into small groups to amuse themselves. Fancy snuggled with Fleur, Octavia, Vinyl, and Limestone joining him, choosing to remain attached to him for now until they figured stuff out.

Somnambula was one of the few who chose not to participate, excusing herself and watching from afar, seated in a lotus position while she meditated. She opened and eye, hearing a rustle as someone approached. “Inky and Pacific?”

“That's us,” chirped Pacific Glow. “Why aren't you down there?”

“For similar reasons as you two, I imagine. We are bound to Sombra. But I also believe my body is a holy vessel. I dare not desecrate it with any commoner. And while Sombra may be malevolent, his seed is powerful indeed. He'll bear strong fruit that will survive the cataclysm to come, given the opportunity. My karma will balance eventually.” She rubbed her belly.

“You see lovemaking as something sacred, ceremonial.” Inky managed a small smile. “I can understand that.”

Somnambula nodded, plume wrapped about her. “If the seed takes root under an improper context, such as being forced on a mare, the child could live a cursed life. Fortunately, he's willing to observe my wishes, for the sake of Equestria's future.”

Inky observed from their hilltop. “I'm surprised Diamond Tiara's down there. Guess curiosity got the better of her, huh?”

At the moment Tiara accepted flowers from a few Diamond Dogs who'd also been driven by their curious nature to brave this place despite how harsh it was too their senses. Weaving the flowers into her mane to help decorate her silver crown, she took one into her maw, and stroked another pair with her hands, while the final two knotted her lower holes, battering her between them. She moaned and moved with them, so overwhelmed with desire she hardly cared who took her at the moment.

“I...I'm feeling a little worked up just watching,” said Pacific who squeezed her burning thighs together.

“We could always join in,” said Inky who clasped her from behind. “Or I could take care of you?” She nipped her ear.

“I'd like that,” she replied with a titter. “I don't think master would mind, if it's with other women?”

“Sombra...” Inky would have prayed for her lover if she believed in such things. Instead she placed her faith in him, knowing he was cunning, powerful, and above all determined. She'd wait for him until the day she died, if need be.

While further in Shining Armor sat with Sunset and Trixie. “Whatever mistakes our daughter's made, I know her heart's in the right place. She'll come back when she's ready,” he assured himself more than Lulamoon.

“Trixie's little hellspawn is tough. Naturally, as she came from me! Oh, and you too, I suppose.” She tickled his six-pack with a smirk. “If not our universe it would have been another. No, it's the Eldritch we should blame for all this!”

“I agree, but it's quite a mess however one looks at it.” Sunset cuddled up to his other side and leaned her head on his broad shoulder. “It's time's like these I'm the most anxious. That's because I know this can't last.”

Around them many made love, but with Spike's proclamation today was far more casual than usual, many content to simply ride out the euphoria washing over them. Some mares simply masturbated until they were satisfied, passing out peacefully. The Dragon Lord tended to a number of takers at the moment, including Twilight who longed for his company.

However he was interrupted by Somnambula, who's eyes had snapped open when an ominous vision filled her. She'd spread her wings and sailed down to meet him. “I've had a terrible premonition. You must prepare to buffer our defenses!”

*****

With their ability to fly, and their stomachs full as they could be in the scant deserts, Bellatrix and Wallflower were able to make good time while they raced across the endless dunes. For days the duo traveled, stopping to rest when necessary, and to make love; although Blush still hesitated to experiment much more. They'd also filled their sacks with lots of the larger bugs they'd hunted and Blush's canteen with water from the occasional cactus that managed to thrive in the wastes.

Eventually they crossed from the sands to cracked earth. The succubus shrugged and followed the huntress, who looked to the stars to guide her, having charted them in her spare time since coming here and using them to navigate. They were following a map in her head laid out by what she'd overheard Chrysalis talk to herself about while conferring with the Eldritch.

The ground shook and they took shelter behind a boulder. In the distance more undead dragon-machine hybrids were on a tear, digging up the earth wherever they passed, no doubt trying to ferret out those who'd smashed one of their labs.

“We'd better keep moving,” warned Primadonna. “Hate to share this, but the Eldritch can track me anywhere!”

“What?!” Wallflower kept low while they dashed from cover-to-cover. “Can you throw them off somehow?!”

“Don't know. Sorry I dragged you into this, but hey, at least you're not bored, right? Besides, you're obviously much lonelier than I am, and spending all the time alone will drive you a little batty!” Once they made some distance, they took flight anew.

The she-devil noticed some of them were headed in the direction of the Badlands and wondered if Spike's hidden paradise was about to come crashing down around him? However, even if she could reach there would they even believe her? Or would they kill her on sight, thinking her a traitor? Better to avoid them, she decided, as her presence would simply draw more Eldritch.

After a number of hours no evidence of the wandering Eldritch remained, no doubt occupied elsewhere with their search. Bellatrix hoped they considered her beneath their notice for the moment. They rested shortly, then resumed their trip.

It was a few more days before the ocean finally loomed into view. “So it's not just a rumor,” whispered Wallflower who breathed in the sea breeze. Tentatively she removed her boots, touching her feet on the wet sands, a wave lapping at them.

“Water seems safe enough,” said Bellatrix who took a taste of its saltiness. “But why didn't the Eldritch contaminate it or something? Maybe they have bases underwater, you think? Wouldn't surprise-”

“Wait.” Wallflower's eyes narrowed when she stared at the horizon. “On the rocks, out there...”

“I see them,” noted Bellatrix who's yellow cat-like eyes could peer even further. “Some sort of...mermaids? Let's check 'em out!” She unfurled her leather wings and cackled while she took flight over the dark seas churning below.

“Hold on,” called Blush to no avail. With a groan, she followed her reckless companion. And when they finally neared the moss-covered rocks miles in her worst fears were confirmed. She beat her tired wingspan, hesitant to approach further.

“My, aren't you three a sight for sore eyes?” Bellatrix studied the troika whose backs were too her, their upper halves beautiful women save for fin-like ears, their shapely buttocks meshing into shiny scales of their fishy tails. “Uh?!”

Much like Chrysalis their luscious forms were inflicted with self-mutilation, metal and bone woven into them. Despite this they were still exotically beautiful, almost beyond compare, especially when they started to sing in unison.

But it was different from the lovely song the Dazzlings once sang; it was the madness of the Eldritch, who in desperation had recruited more who'd escaped through the portal between worlds to their cause, leaving the sisters to protect this region.

Bellatrix and Wallflower tried to flee, but it was too late. Their hands went to their aching heads, alien whispers infiltrating them while the Dazzlings telepathically communed with the Eldritch, shattering their equilibrium. They hurtled about, drawn by the siren call, compelled to obey despite knowing it would mean their doom. The pair crashed upon the mossy stones.

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata bared razor-teeth, shadows looming while they descended on their writhing prey...