Fire and Shadow: The Rebirth of Spike and the Descent of Sombra

Doubt and dismay hung in the air over the alliance. It had been half an hour since Lady Ewe and Bellatrix left to find Beatrix, impatient over Twilight and Sunset's inability to trace her magical signature. Somnambula was perhaps the most worried, tapping her fingers against her side of the table at her side of the table. "Lady Ewe rarely acts this rashly," Somnambula stated. "I suspect her experience in the Necronomicon has weighed on her mind more than she cares to admit. Same with Bellatrix..." She checked the bandages wrapped over her side, her wound having reopened upon retaking her pegasus shape. “Her ability to heal has also weakened considerably."

"What do you mean by weakened?" Sunset asked with a quirked brow and folded arms.

The priestess met her reflection in the glass. "I am not sure exactly, but it felt like her demonic nature had returned to take back control.”

“That's a bit of a leap, don't you think?” A confined voice spoke up. Sunset turned to the others gathered around the table. On one side of the table were Spike, Ember, and Smolder. The other side hosted Somnabula, Trixie, Stygian, and the hovering mask that contained Sombra's soul.

Not long after they left, Sombra's spirit awakened, the sockets glowing his signature green eyes and purple wisps while dark shadowy energy burned around the wooden frame. Needless to say, he was not happy being restricted to such a feeble form nor what had happened during his transfer.

"Surely, you were sensing things. A lot can happen when stuck in that infernal place for so long," the mask growled.

“It was more than that,” insisted Somnambula. “I saw her eyes light up like ambers the moment she realized her sister was in trouble. It was only brief, but I know what I felt. I nearly lost myself in my Sphinx form a while ago.” She shivered, lips etched in a frown.

"If it is true, then we'll need a spell to better stabilize her holy magic," Stygian added in. "Who knows what'll happen to her if she reverts to her original state."

“That's debatable," Ember responded with crossed arms. "We don't know anything about these outsiders or where they came from! How can we trust them?"

“We can,” Sunset reassured. “Beatrix and Bellatrix were key figures in helping us beat the Eldritch. And Lady Ewe is certainly benevolent. If not for her, we wouldn't have been aware of Zeloph.”

Smolder leaned into her claws, scratching at her chin in thought. “But that's the thing. What if it's because of her that this villain became free? If she hadn't come along, what if this Zeloph never manifested? I'm not saying Oona's bad, but she should be responsible since he came from her side of the universe.”

“I agree,” decided Twilight with a firm nod. "But from what I've seen, she means well. As long as she not causing harm to us, she's welcome here."

Spike added his voice to the conversation. "A friend of Beatrix is a friend of mine. And hey, at least we got to keep some souvenirs from our trip!” He proclaimed, smacking the chest plate of his armor proudly.

“It suits you,” said Ember, who grinned and admired the way it accentuated his physique. “I remember the legends about that armor. It's said to have come from the first Dragon Lord, whose ancient bones were forged into the plates after his death.”

Smolder scoffed. “Sounds a little far-fetched, but it's true lots of secrets about our race have been lost! I hate to say it, but dragons usually didn't bother with keeping records. They liked to constantly fight, mate, and eat.” She shrugged.

“A simple yet rewarding existence. Oh, how I envy it,” said Somnambula, who appeared forlorn.

“Hmm. Does anyone find it strange Fleur de Lis hasn't joined us?” Stygian asked, looking around the cave. “No one's seen her since she went on patrol.”

"That is a little worrisome, but we can try tracing her magical signature if needed,” Sunset acknowledged, placing her hand over his. “Of course, that might be difficult if she hasn't cast a spell recently. But she should be at Fancy Pant's grave; she goes there nearly every day.”

“The poor mare. I know that level of obsession well,” admitted Stygian with a sigh.

"It's my fault," confessed Sombra. "I forced her into committing horrible actions, simply to sate my ego. I don't blame her pinning responsibility on me for her husband's death. When I retrieve my body, that will be the first mistake I seek to remedy."

Stygian said, “Speaking of which, we should focus our attention to the most pressing matter at the moment; the Pony of Shadows. As we speak, he's assembling his armies to begin a full-scale invasion to alliance lands.”

In preparation, Ember and Smolder had rounded up and prepared their soldiers, armed with the leftover weapons and armor that Rarity and Sweetie Belle had enchanted during their war with the Eldritch.

Unfortunately, the dragonesses feared that peacetime had made a number of them soft, and with quite a few retired, their current standing army was not much to speak of.

Spike's first instinct was to call on Ocellus for aid but reminded himself the changeling hive was still low in numbers, as despite constant breeding since they were uncovered after the Eldritch war, they had started so small in numbers they verged on extinction. To drag them into another conflict could mean their doom.

Nor was the Crystal Empire a much better option since the Crystal Ponies were similarly few in number and struggled to maintain their region without the Crystal Heart's aid.

Distasteful as he found mercenaries, he realized they might be the best option to bolster their forces. He stood tall, his chest puffed out. "Our numbers are low, yes. But we must remain diligent. We've always found ourselves in sticky situations like this. And each time, we come out victorious! As long as I draw breath, I won't allow more destruction to our home. Not from the Pony of Shadows, the Eldritch, Zeloph, whoever! As long as we fight this together, we-"

His speech was interrupted by the flurry of wingbeats. Everyone turned to see Bellatrix swoop in from outside the mouth of the cave, with Lady Ewe marching her way inside.

"Oh good, you're back! Did you find-" Spike greeted, but the goat woman just pushed her way past the Dragon Lord, much to his confusion. Her eyes leered at the floating mask.

"Good, you are awake. We have much to talk about. Now." She snorted, stomping her staff into the ground as a brief glow terminated from the sapphire jewel. Before Sombra could respond, his spiritual aura was sucked right back into the mask as it fell onto the table. Oona took it and headed to the darker parts of the cave, leaving everyone bewildered.

"What's gotten into her?" Sunset asked the angelic Bellatrix, who kept her gaze averted while rubbing feverishly at her forearm.

"Did you find her? Where is she?! Where is my daughter?" Trixie demanded, rising from her seat.

"She's safe now," confirmed Bellatrix bitterly. "She's in the garden, wanting to be alone. I suggest not visiting her right now."

"Why, what happened?" Spike asked, desperate for answers.

Her grip tightened as she looked up at the audience of alliance members. "W-we.... We were too late. By the time we had gotten there...Zeloph had taken a physical form."

"What!?"

"Oh, no! Was that the reason the sky lit up in flames earlier?" Stygian asked, to which she nodded.

"Oh, if that slithery bastard tried to harm my little hellspawn, I will find a way to inherit Beatrix's powers just so I can murder him over and over again!" Trixie seethed.

"He... did worse. So much worse," the angel wept, recalling the expression and actions just as they got over the dune. How closely entangled the pair were while melding their hips into one another. "H-he... He was on top of her, kissing her....taking her..."

"No... No, no, no, NO! NOT WITH MY DAUGHTER!" Trixie bellowed in rage, slamming her fist into the table with enough force to form a crack into it. The rest of the room was deathly silent, unable to comprehend what they just heard.

"Let's not get overworked by this," Spike said through heated breaths. "There have been many times each of us was manipulated into using our bodies for lustful needs."

"You don't understand, Spike!" Bellatrix snapped. "You weren't there. You didn't see the way that...thingwas using to her! He didn't force himself onto her like an eldritch beast or other foes! He was...different. Soft and gentle, holding her in a tight embrace. Kissing her like they were in love..."

"No, that is still rape!" Trixie insisted, wiping the tears off her puffed cheeks. "He can call it however he wants, but that son of bitch is dying for tricking my daughter into fucking him."

"You said that Zeloph assumed a mortal form, right?" Twilight added in to try and defuse the tension. "Shouldn't that mean he's more vulnerable now? You'd think an entity with the ability to mess with minds would remain intangible."

"Oona has stated many times Zeloph is a force we cannot hope to comprehend or reason with. Surely, his newfound mortality has a purpose. And whatever it is, it cannot be good," Sonmabula suggested. "We should check up on her when she is not...troubled."

"There's something else," Bellatrix continued after taking a moment to calm her breathing. "Fleur de Lis has betrayed us. She was responsible for Zeloph's physical appearance."

"No, you're kidding me!" Spike growled, slamming his fist into the table. "Ugh, he must have been brainwashing her while we were in the Necronomicon! FUCK!"

"She was very vulnerable," Stigyan noted begrudgingly. "This Zeloph.... This creature of pure madness. He is undoubtedly powerful and persuasive. If only there was a way to better understand how his tactics work." Bellatrix tensed up for a bit, remembering her own encounter with the primordial being.

"So how do we approach this now?!" Smolder came in with a snarl. "If we're not busy with one bad guy, we have to worry about another! And what's stopping Zeloph from teaming up with the Pony of Shadows! Ugh, we're at a major disadvantage here, and not one of us has come up with any good ideas!"

"Calm yourself, Smolder," Ember said in a stoic tone. "It is as Lord Spike said, we have always found a way to overcome the odds. Right now, we need to worry about the invading forces. We don't have enough information about Zeloph, his whereabouts, or what he's planning. We'll have to worry about him later."

That much was agreed upon. The news regarding Beatrix, Zeloph, and Fleur was disheartening. But to give up on hope now would ensure the end of Equestria as they know it. For now, the best course of action was to consider every strategy they had.

And hope their allies would take their time to properly regroup for the battle ahead.

*****

Sombra rose up with a startled breath. He looked down to see that his body was intact. Or at least, his spiritual body. Looking around, the realm before him was cloudy with harsh winds whirling around. The once flourishing fields of grass and flora had mellowed down. And as he stood up from his spot, he was greeted with the seething glare of the Dream Shepard. The painted symbols on her cheeks glowed harshly.

"Could you perhaps warn me the next time you plan on taking me back to the Dreamscape?" He requested, unamused. "It's bad enough I have limited access to my magic while embedded to the mask, but having what's left of my spirit being pulled around is ju-"

"This is all your fault," she spat at him. "Why did I allow myself to believe that you could change for the better? Because of you, so many lives are in danger!"

"That is hardly fair!" Sombra said defensively. "I understand myself better than anyone. I know where I've failed and where I've struggled. But to use me as a scapegoat for your own weakness will not solve anything, Oona Ewe."

"SILENCE!" The goat woman bellowed, lightning splitting the sky as the strong winds blew faster around them. "Beatrix is bewitched by you, and you tossed her aside like rubbish! How much more will you take until that poor girl is a hollow shell!?"

"You think I don't know that!? I'm constantly reminded of how many atrocities I've caused. I am overwhelmed with guilt that I let a monster steal my body and ruin the lives of my wife and daughter! I am constantly berating myself for leading Beatrix into danger! She is not just your student. I am just as responsible for her as you are!"

"Do not talk to me about responsibility! Do you not know how exhausting it is to sit idly by helping lost souls find new hope?! To watch my friend get hurt and scarred by the people she trusts!? I can't...take it." Her anger finally manifested into tears as she sunk against her staff, clutching it for dear life while trying desperately to fight off the sobs in her throat.

Whatever witty response Sombra was thinking died upon seeing the once gentle and wise Shepard fling herself into a downward spiral. He approached her but kept his distance. "What happened, Oona? What happened to our student?"

Struggling to find breaths, she sputtered her words before clearing her throat. "Zeloph has tainted her, Sombra. He made her believe he felt for her and tricked her into copulating. If I had acted sooner, maybe I would have...augh!" She bawled, her shoulders jerking with every crying pant. "What has happened to me? Why do I feel so violent and angry!? Why have I allowed these emotions to rule me?"

"Jealousy and hatred," Sombra nodded, knowing those emotions too well. "You love her so much, don't you? I can tell by the way you've glared at me whenever she clings to me or asks for my approval. And because you tried to hide it, Zeloph exploited it in the worst way."

"I shouldn't have gotten so close to her," she said harshly. "For so long, I have remained in control, to not let myself grow attached to each person I meet. But she...she understood me. She saw me as someone inspiring. She looked up to me, trusted me to guide her! A-and I failed her.... As a teacher.... As a friend. How can I call myself a Shepard if I cannot protect even one soul?"

The wind had finally died down, just a light breeze flowing past them. Sombra was about to reach out and reassure the poor goat but stopped as something manifested from the fog. The grass rustled behind Oona as a new voice spoke, "There is such anger in your heart, old friend."

Her form snapped up, her eyes widening at the familiar tone before turning around. There stood the ethereal shape of a large wolf, light purple fur dancing in the wind. Silvery markings similar to her own were painted over its arms, back, and muzzle. Icy blue eyes shimmered like a pool, nearly showing the goat woman's reflection.

"Lyka..." She exclaimed with shallow breath. "It's you! H-how did you get here?"

"Your scent was not that hard to follow, Oona," the spirit answered in a low husky voice. "But I sensed a disturbance while wandering near the dream realm. At first, I thought a daemon was preying upon a lost soul. But to my surprise, the turmoil came from you, Sean Chara. What has caused you such distress?"

"I.... It's a long story, but," the Shepard cleared her throat once more. Sombra remained silent, not wanting to get between this spiritual reunion of sorts. Whoever this Lyka was, it was clear they meant a lot to Lady Ewe. "Zeloph has emerged in the world of Equestria. I do not know yet what he plans, but for him to make a physical appearance means a great calamity!"

The wolf nodded. "So the Pale Emperor has his sights on Equestria, aye? Very scary. And is this how you plan to overcome him?"

"N-no, I'm just...I'm scared and hurt and alone, and I don't know what to do!" She confessed, her grip tightening again. "Please, I'm pleading with you, Sean Chara. I need help..."

"I understand your state of mind, Oona. But you know better than anyone else that you cannot hope to save another soul if you cannot save your own. You must allow yourself to heal. To forgive." Lyka gestured his head towards Sombra, who backed up slightly. Oona followed the gaze before looking down, ashamed of herself. "You do not wear anger well. Not with a face so kind and tender."

"Of course.... Zeloph is the bigger threat, but I've let my anger and jealousy for Sombra blind me. I feel so...silly," she chuckled sadly. "I've been a Dream Shepard for how long, and I've forgotten the most basic of solutions. Athair would be scolding me..."

"Heh. To rely on the basics means there is still room for growth," Lyka reassured, gently resting his snout into her face, making the teary-eyed goat hug his face tightly to hers. "If your father was here, he'd be proud of you for what you've done. For how far you've come in helping Beatrix Belladonna. Go to her, Sean Chara. She needs you. Both of you."

Sombra looked uncertain over these spiritual presences but couldn't agree more with the sentiment. His pupil was suffering at the hands of these monsters. Limited as he was, he would do everything he could to make sure Beatrix, his family, and everyone would come out of this impending doom alive.

"I will.... Thank you so much, Lyka," Ewe said graciously as the large lupine spirit pulled away, the wind howling around his form as it began to evaporate. "W-wait! You are leaving? Can you not stay and help us?"

"I am sorry, Oona. As much as I want to, this isn't my fight. I am needed elsewhere. But there is still hope for you. Winter is harsh, but spring will eventually come after. Anyone can be redeemed," the wolf said, his piercing gaze briefly falling on Sombra, who tilted his head puzzled at what he could mean. "And remember; we are never apart. We will always be with you." With a long howl, Lyka's spirit ascended back into the starry sky. The clouds had cleared up, showing beautiful constellations of different stars of colors.

Lady Ewe gazed up for a while before turning back to Sombra, a serene smile returning to her features. With a deep breath and her spirits renewed, she bowed her head to the dark stallion. "I hope you can forgive my animosity towards you, Sombra. You are not as dark as it seems; I see it now. You and I only wish the best for our student and...I would be happy to guide her alongside you."

"No...the honor is mine," the former tyrant smiled, offering his hand to her. "I've forgotten what it's like to have people in your life, to look up and depend on you. I let my selfishness and desires get the better of me, and it cost me my body. I will not let it cost me the people I want to protect. And if benevolent spirits like you and that wolf exist, then our victory can be guaranteed."

Ewe felt her cheek rise in color before accepting the handshake. With her conscience now clear and her previous feelings cast aside, she could finally understand why so many were easily smitten by Sombra. His rugged face and lean frame were very appealing. But now wasn't the time to get distracted.

"Come, Sombra. Beatrix is at the garden."

*****

Making camp in the wastelands near the desert's edge, White Shadow Penumbra retired to his tent. Some of his troops played cards, forbidden to drink or whore on duty, as he knew without proper discipline they would be no match for Shining Armor's numbers. He reminded himself that the Paladin was a hero of the alliance who took down the malicious Queen Chrysalis.

Seated atop his bedroll, he studied a map by the lamplight. His eyes rose to meet a feminine silhouette that hovered outside. “Come in, lieutenant,” he stated if a soft but firm voice, and after a moment, the flap opened, and Lily Longsocks slipped inside.

“Uh, H-hey! I mean, General, sir!” She snapped to attention and saluted.

“At ease, Lieutenant. Please, have a seat.” He nodded to an empty space on the bedroll.

With a blush, she settled down across from him. “White Shadow Penumbra-”

“Ugh, please! My full name isn't necessary. Just Penumbra will do. My parents always had a flair for the dramatic.” His expression was neutral, and he noted the way she studied him, barely able to hold his gaze, the way her lips twitched to hold her coy smile. It was obvious from her posture she adored him. Yet he hesitated to reciprocate, certain that would be unprofessional.

Had his father similarly courted his mother? Inky had been a scout for the alliance, from what he understood. His half-sister, Cerise Silhouette, a product of a union with a dancer named Pacific Glow, who he'd unfortunately never be able to meet. History claimed his father had once simply taken what he'd wanted, that knowledge mostly lost after the Eldritch invasion.

He kept his insistence until Inky finally gave in and told him the truth. That his father was once a brutal tyrant, who'd executed and tortured many, taken what mares he wanted from their husbands, and meddled in the most forbidden dark arts to become a devil.

She'd softly wept as she told her tale, and he'd held her, ashamed he'd forced that out of her. Guilt gnawed at him even now. But he decided it was better to know the truth and swore whatever happened, he would never end up like him.

“Penumbra. Er, I thought m-maybe you'd like some company?” She twirled the tip of a short pigtail.

“That I would. I take it you can't sleep, either.” She shook her head and, after a drink from his canteen, he offered it to her. Her flush deepened, and she drank after him. “I hope I haven't set a poor example.”

“Not at all!” She drained the drink and wiped her lips on the back of her hand. Burping, she burned brighter and covered her mouth. “S-so...what do you plan to do after this war ends? Do you plan to settle down with a mare?” She swallowed hard.

“I haven't decided yet. I don't have anyone back home,” he admitted and her smile reflexively widened.

He started to take the canteen from her, and she placed her hand atop his, unable to keep herself from trembling. “I...I don't have someone either,” she whispered and subtly batted her lashes. “Would you, you know-”

“I'm your commander,” he reminded her with a stern expression. “It would be wrong to-”

“Perhaps, but maybe I want to make my own decision! Maybe Iwant this.” She gripped his hand. “I've had plenty of relationships, but most stallions become too insecure with a mare my size and strength! Not my fault I was born a brick house!”

Uncertain whether he should encourage her, he nonetheless said, “That's why I admire you, Lily. I don't think you're weird at all. You beautiful in your own way.”

Afraid she would lose her nerve, Lily pressed herself to him and met his snout. She was warm and velvet soft, their garments so thin he could feel her smoothness pressed on his muscles, her fingers digging into his upper back. He gulped, breathed in her subdued spiced perfume, felt his loins heat.

He'd denied himself female company for too long, married to his duty. It didn't help that most women sought him for his position. But he sensed she was different.

Gently he pushed her back. “No, not now. It's too soon for this. We're on the brink of war, we haven't even gone on a date, and-”

“We might not make it back from this campaign!” She pleaded desperately. “I don't want to have any regrets!” She grabbed his hand, placed it on her thigh, which was silky and warm despite how thick with muscles they were. "Please, make love to me!"

It took him a moment to pull away. “No. We can't rush this.” Seeing she was on the verge of tears, he cupped her cheek and drew him to her, felt the tremor of her heart. “I want to know a mare before I'm with them. Stay with me tonight. Tell me about yourself. I can start if that's easier for you." He took a breath. "I've been trying to live up to my father's legacy ever since I came of age.”

She met his eyes and nodded, listened intently to his life story. How some accused his family of nepotism, despite how hard he'd worked. That his hobbies mostly focused on learning Equestria's history, like he wanted a return to a bygone age.

Although he couldn't bring himself to share his doubts about this campaign. A loss of morale could prove fatal to his forces.

*****

On their return to the Badlands, Lady Ewe reemerged from the darkness of the cave, Sombra's mask floating by her side. Spike was the first to raise up and try to greet her again. "Lady Ewe, I hope everything is well!"

"Yes, I am much better, thank you." She nodded. "I apologize for my brashness. I let Zeloph's wickedness get the better of me. I will join you in discussing the best way to approach this, but I must tend to Beatrix for right now." The Dragon Lord nodded, stepping aside to let the Dream Shepard pass. But not before she paused, taking a breath before looking back to Spike. "A-and, let me know the next time you feel the need to rut," she responded, blushing hotly before picking up her pace and leaving for the gardens. Spike looked back to the table, some mares looking a bit envious while others were glad that he could potentially increase his longevity. All the big dragon could do in response was grin sheepishly.

Racing around the gardens, past areas where mares mostly swam or sunbathed in the nude, she asked around and finally tracked Beatrix to a cove. Cautiously she entered and heard the faint echo of choked sobs. Sombra felt a wave of regret, wishing he could have done something to prevent this sadness.

Their shadows lined the moss-covered rocks, dim light spilling in. “Ceann Oga-”

“Go away.” It was a flat statement without resentment. “I...I don't want you to see me like this...”

“Please, don't turn me away.” She waited a moment, then moved closer. Beatrix sat huddled up with her back to her, head bowed forward under her hat, hands around her knees drawn to her chest.

“I messed up again,” whimpered Beatrix. “I allowed myself to fall for Zeloph's deception. It felt...good. Like I finally belonged somewhere. And then he tore it away the moment the illusion faded! I'm so stupid, I should just leave here. I've done enough damage to everyone.”

“That's why I'm here, Beatrix. To help prevent further devastation.” She edged closer, placed a hand on Belladonna's shoulder, who trembled. “Say you went through with your feelings and ran away. What good would that do? Would you forsake this world to the Pony of Shadows to conquer? Or allow Zeloph to carry out his fiendish designs?”

“I can't go anywhere without Bellatrix. And I doubt she wants to stay here either.” She lifted her face with a long sigh, her eyes pink through tears. “I already doomed this land once, when the Eldritch followed me here-”

“No. If not this Equestria, it would have been another. The Eldritch never would have stopped chasing you. But had you not shown up, Sombra would still be a tyrant. It was because of you that you changed him to a better stallion. Isn't that right?"

Beatrix's eyes widened, turning to see the floating mask as Sombra's voice echoed. "Indeed. I may not be in a good spot right now, but I've held onto the kindness and love you've shown me. I fear I would have been lost to darkness had you not come into my life."

Beatrix was speechless, trying harder to not cry in front of her two teachers before hugging the mask to her chest.

"You see, Ceann Oga? Your friends and family are certainly thankful to see you. As am I.”

Beatrix licked her dry lips and whispered, “How...can I set this right?”

“We'll do it together.” She drew the witch into her embrace, allowed her to sob her eyes out on her bosom until she couldn't cry anymore, stroked her mane, and patted her back.

The mask of Sombra flew up from their reach. "I'll leave you to it. I'm sure the rest of the alliance will need me." The two nodded as the mask levitated away.

“Now then, there are things we must go over and take care of.”

Sniffling, Beatrix stared up at her and nodded. “We have to save Fleur. She might not have much time with Fancy's decomposing body fused inside her!”

“We will. I promise.” Clutching her dreamcatcher staff, Oona helped the witch back to her feet, determination clear on her face. "Right now, It's time I teach you how to use arcane magic."

*****

Cerise Silhouette dutifully tended to her father, who confined himself to his bed in an attempt to recover. His blurred vision struggled to focus on her as she refilled his goblet with wine. Near a pitcher on the dresser sat his tome, which she would read to him at his instructions.

He clasped her wrist and reminded her, “There must be no mistakes.”

“There won't be, daddy. I promise.” She gulped and managed to say, “W...what about Cozy Glow?”

“She will be executed publicly by the end of the week to further bolster morale,” he said without looking at her.

“No! I-I mean, is that really necessary?” She took his palm and placed it over her heart. “Please. She's important to me.”

He turned to her. “How so? You hardly know her, really. Sure, she's always been a part of our court, but how often have you interacted with her? More importantly, to turn back on my word now will make me appear weak before people.”

“You're the greatest wielder of the dark arts ever, aren't you? You could easily fake it! Please.” Her eyes watered, and she trembled under his touch. “Simply banish her. Do it, for me, because I love you, daddy.”

He pursed his snout. “Cozy Glow knows too many of our secrets. And she's too well known. What if someone happens upon her and makes this ruse obvious? I will spare her...if you do something for me. She'll be used to help open a connection to the Necronomicon.” Lifting up his book, he opened it, the seal broken through their combined efforts when they'd made love.

“You...you want to banish her into it?! But it's almost certain she'll die on her own!”

Drawing her to him, his murky stare met hers. “I'm not known for mercy,” reminded the Pony of Shadows. “This is the best I can offer. Take it or leave it.” After a moment, she reluctantly nodded, and he smiled with a stroke of her mane. “Good.”

After she was dismissed, Cerise joined back up with her allies in the hallway, who, like her, were pardoned for the moment and allowed a certain amount of freedom to roam about under the watch of his elite guards. Once she shared her plan, Diamond Tiara said, “Ask him to send me with her! I-I can't bear to think Cozy Glow will be lost there on her own...”

“I'll try,” replied Cerise, who chewed her lower lip.

Through her efforts, she'd partially reached the Pony of Shadows, aided by the Crystal Heart, who'd forced the creature to focus on the memories of the flesh it inhabited. He could no longer deny his feelings towards them, particularly his wife and daughter.

In turn, Cerise's own powers continued to evolve. She, too, was able to tap into a small part of the Necronomicon, usually whenever she danced. She was now tied to the grimoire like Sombra, Beatrix, and Bellatrix, which made her wonder, what would happen to them after they died?

Would they all be denied a peaceful afterlife, their souls condemned to a cursed book...?

*****

The sun began to rise from the west. Fleur de Lis stood outside the entrance to a cave, one that tunneled below the sand. By now, her flesh had become paler, with Fancy's skin growing more grey. His head had fully formed out from her neck, resting comfortably on her shoulder. One hand was petting and caressing his cheek while he nuzzled against her own.

"Are you almost finished down there?" She asked, turning her had into the cave's mouth.

"Just a moment, lovers. I'm almost done," his voice echoed. And after a few more minutes, the tall, slender shape of Zeloph emerged from the cave. His form had recovered from Ewe's attack, his stallion visage restored. New pale robes adorned his figure, draping down and dragging behind lightly in the sand. A long woven scarf with almond-eye-like patterns hung around the back of his neck, the lining stitched in golden wool. In one hand was a scepter, forked parts holding a dark sphere, static glowing inside. Stepping into the light, he cast a glance over himself, smiling in satisfaction.

"Ahh~! Tha̵̶͞t͞'͏s͡ ̕͟bé̴ţ͘t̷͢e̛̕ŗ."

Fleur remained standing, arms crossed under her chest. "All this time to weave some new clothes?"

"Oh no, I was doing something else. It's just been a long time since I've worn anything fashionable. I feel so giddy in this regal wear~!" He said ecstatically, admiring his robes with a small twirl.

"And you're not going to tell us what you were doing done there for so long?" Fancy asked.

The pale emperor's grin spread before placing a finger to his muzzle. "Not yet. But soon, you'll s͢è̡͘̕e͜͢͞~! Just know that I'll rearrange existence into something far more sublime. A place where all things great and small can prosper without fear of war, death, or calamity to happen."

"So then, what's the plan?" Fleur asked once more. "Are we to take on the alliance AND Sombra's forces?"

"Such primitive thinking," Zeloph retorted with a chuckle. "Their fight isn't with us, my dear lovers. It's with e̶̕͜a̸c̷̢͝h̢͞ óţ̶͟h͞͏er̷̨̨. I've setup Sombra to carry out his obsession with conquest and power, making him believe it could obtain a level of godhood." Of course, the true tyrant was only posing as Sombra, but Fleur did not need to know that yet.

The unicorn mare looked at him, puzzled. "So then what are suppose to do?"

"Now we wait for the battle to end. I've set things in motion. And it won't be long until Beatrix and the others figure out what I've b͠ès̸̛͢t̛͘͟ow̕é̢͝d̵̕ upon her~. I've seen many souls yearning escaping to escape from the Crystal Empire, searching for the alliance for safety. Yet in the Badlands, some people are starting to doubt Spike's ability to protect them and might flee. And t̸͏ha̵̧͠t̴'͞s̡̕͝ where we come in~."

The primordial pegasus stepped out and slid down the long slope of sand, Fleur de Lis tailing behind him. Once he found steady ground, Zeloph held his arms open, his staff floating before his body as his aura ignited around him. His many eyes opened from his pours and limbs, his energy waving behind him like tendrils.

Suddenly, the earth began to shake where they stood, pure white pillars growing out from the sand. Like before, the swirling particles of sand began to merge and create glass, refracting colors from the sunlight. Slowly and surely, the strange structures began to form from the ground around them, much to Fleur's and Fancy's amazement.

"I shall give them sanctuary then," Zeloph explained, watching his power grow and flourish. Just as he envisioned. "If I am to become their savor, I will need a fortress to protect the lost souls and spare them from the rising conflict. Perhaps then, Beatrix will understand my goodwill..."

"Beatrix?! Why her?"

"I don't understand it myself. Since our encounter, I have felt...ćơm͞p͠e̷ll͘ed to seek her out. I'm unfamiliar with this emotion, and it isn't clear if I want to cherish it or destroy it," the Vice Lord commented, pinching his chin in consideration before shaking his head. "I'll look into it later. Right now, I must complete the construction of my empire. And through my wisdom and growing power..."

A twisted grin returned to his face.

"...Thè̸̕ ͞e͏nt́i̧r̸e͟ ̧̀͡ų̧n̨̡iv̶̕͜e̴͘͡r͝ś͟e̶̢ ͘͟w͠͞i̷͞͠l̸l̷͞͏ b̨è ̴p̶͟u̡ŕ̛͢i̶͢f͝ied̵~!̶̴"