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

The Crystal Empire's borders loomed in the distance. Despite the snowstorm, White Shadow Penumbra anticipated their guards would see his army's approach. Of course, he had no intention of hiding, his caravan proudly holding their fluttering banners aloft to announce their arrival.

Trudging down the icy roads, they slowed their trek, aware that they had now crossed into strictly forbidden territory, an implicit declaration of their intentions. His eyes spotted Crystal Pony guardsmen handling the iced-over stone walls.

'Halt,” he ordered. His wagon pulled a stop, and the rest of the formation followed. Frost and ice layered the crystalline borders that surrounded the capital, snowflakes drifting in the wind around the archers poised in wait.

Lily, who stood at his side in a heavy cloak that fluttered, asked, “What now, sir?”

“We wait. I'm sure they'll send a messenger soon.” They waited with bated breath, exhaling thick plumes in the frigid air. Archers on the iced-over wall kept bows and arrows readied, glaring at them but making no move.

Finally, the heavy double gates creaked open, chains pulling up, and a small army arrived to greet them. The procession led by none other than Shining Armor and Cadance themselves, adorn in battle regalia.

Flanked by a squadron of guards, the Paladin's face was drawn, currently in conversation with his wife, impossible to hear over the howling gales.

A shared look of understanding passed between the two warriors. Both stallions started to march towards the middle. “Take me with you, sir,” begged Lily, but he almost imperceptibly shook his head and trudged through the dense snow.

“Be careful,” Cadance urged over her husband's shoulder, garbed in stylized armor that glittered in the subdued sunlight that peeked in between the clouds. “He is one of Sombra's offspring. Who knows what treacherous plot is in mind."

“I don't think so,” called Shining over his shoulder. “You see that look in his eyes? That's a fellow soldier in front of me. Pride's not gonna allow him to think about betrayal."

They met in the middle despite the warnings of their advisers and stood in silence for a moment. Shining was the first to move their conversation. "White Shadow Penumbra, right? Mind explaining to me why you're trespassing our lands? And why your father decided to sever ties with the alliance?"

“Betrayal at the claws of Spike, or so I've been told," confirmed the pale commander. "Sombra demands you hand over the Crystal Empire. Surrender, and I promise your country and subjects will be treated well. I'd rather avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

Shining chuckled, shaking his head. "Look, kid. It must have been hell getting to over here, and it pains me to have to send ya back. But you can tell that old tyrant he's an idiot if he thinks we'll just roll over and submit to his madness."

Penumbra sighed. “I see.... About as much as I expected," Penumbra sighed. "You're right. We lost a lot of good stallions and mares getting here. And many more will be lost on both sides. So here's what I propose, Sir Shining Armor. We settle things like in the olden days, when champions decided the fates of whole territories in martial combat."

“Ohohhh, an old-fashion duel, huh?” He crowed. “Alright! Name your terms.”

"What?! Shining, wait just a moment,” called Cadance behind him, seeing the way her husband shifted, hand near the hilt of a sword sheathed at his hip. But if he heard, the Paladin stubbornly ignored her, overcome by an eagerness to cross swords with the young prince, who shared the sentiment.

“Winner takes all,” Penumbra declared as he drew his steel saber. “If I win, you surrender the Crystal Empire to my father. Do you swear it?"

“Oh, I swear! But don't get too upset when I send you back to daddy empty-handed,” Shining Armor taunted, cracking the kinks out of his neck while wielding his blade.

Gradually, the warriors circled each other, testing their purchase on the icy road between their two armies. Both studied their opponent's movements, hesitant to make the first move.

Cadance's and Lily's hearts raced, helpless to do more than watching their stubborn lovers from the sidelines. Likewise, much as many on both sides wanted to rush in, they knew better than to interfere and bring dishonor to their leaders.

Penumbra had heard the tales of the Paladin's exploits. He was legendary in battle, having helped defeat his father on a couple of occasions. Yet he bore him no grudge, his muscles drawn taut, boots shifted on the ice, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

“Come on,” murmured Lily, clutching her fists tightly.

“Afraid to approach? Fine by me,” cried Shining, lashing out in swiftness. Broadswords met in a shower of sparks, clanging upon impact under such force both stallions shook in their armor, pressed face-to-face, blade-to-blade. Threatening to slip, both withdrew, more swipes and stabs zipping out in a blur, their sabers glowing white by the runes that adorned them.

An unspoken rule was that they relied on skills any typical troop could call upon, Penumbra barred from the use of his wings. Likewise, Shining withheld his magic. Talent and pure will would determine the outcome.

In their dance, thrusts were met by parries, blows deflected and turned, neither able to land a decisive blow while they repeatedly nicked their enemy's armor.

“You're a skilled lad,” admitted the Paladin between heavy breaths. “With a couple more years of experience, you'll be a lot stronger than your old man!"

“Maybe,” answered Penumbra, evading another series of precise jabs with teeth clenched. “But I wonder how much softer peace has made you."

“Well, as you can see," Shining grunted, hammering the invader with a barrage of blows, keeping pressure over his opponent. "Not by much!"

Cadance beamed furiously as the fight continued. Lily swallowed a sharp cry, clutching so hard onto the war horn she carried, it started cracking.

Their armies rattled their sabers, smashed the butts of their spears and axes, thumped armor and shields. Deafening war cries arose from both sides over howling winds. Clangs sounded. Sparks danced between strokes.

Somewhere in the distance beyond the Crystal Empire, an eerie howl sounded. A blizzard picked up, headed in their direction.

One of the combatants faltered and slipped on the snow. A scream resounded as a blade finally struck home...

*****

"PREGNANT!?"

As the sun had finally set over the Badlands, an emergency meeting was called by Lady Ewe, looming before the table of the alliance. Not too far beside her was Beatrix, who sat with her head hung low and eyes closed. She could feel the shocked and concerned expressions of her friends and family.

"But that doesn't make sense!" Trixie stammered with the most confound. "I thought my little hellspawn was incapable of conceiving! How did she...are you sure?!"

"I'm afraid so," Lady Ewe confirmed, once more casting her staff over Beatrix's abdomen, her magic pulsating to indicate a heartbeat, the witch shuddering before the dream faun placed it away. "An influx in her magic arose while training her in the ways of the arcane. I sense another life has joined in sharing her energy. There is no mistaking it; she is with child."

The alliance leaders and advisers stared between one another, facial features ranging from sympathy to bewilderment. "Forgive me, as I know we're on the verge of an invasion, and this is all so sudden and-"

"Relax, Oona," Spike assured, placing a claw onto her shoulder. "You couldn't have predicted this. None of us could! But.... This changes how we need to approach the impending battle ahead." He cast a remorseful gaze to the crestfallen witch. "You'd have to stay behind to avoid risking the baby."

Beatrix said nothing but nodded her head bitterly.

"YOU LECHEROUS OAF!" Trixie bellowed before smacking Spike hard across the face, causing the dragon to yelp in alarm. Smolder was about to intervene before Ember stopped her. "YOU did this! YOU KNOCKED UP MY DAUGHTER!!"

"H-hey! Lay off," Spike insisted with a snarl. "We don't know that yet!"

“Sombra has a higher chance of being the father," Twilight suggested, well aware of how close the relationship was between apprentice and teacher.

The hovering mask remained silent, though internally, he berated himself for not seeing it the moment he possessed her body. His gaze fell onto her, wanting so badly to console her but chose to respect her silent wish for personal space.

"I don't care which one of you is responsible. ONE of you is owning up to becoming a father to MY granddaughter!" Trixie huffed, fists to her hips.

"It's NOT Spike," Oona's voice echoed, her fist fighting over the table. "Nor is it Sombra. I fear the worse outcome has come to pass..."

The implications caused the whole table to tense up, Trixie gazing at her daughter in horror, holding her hands over her mouth.

"Y-you mean it's-"

"Zeloph..." Bellatrix's voice answered, arms clutched over her chest. "It only adds up. The bastard sleeps with her one time and causes the impossible to happen. We're in the worst timeline yet."

"Well then," Smolder rose, sporting a rugged look. "We have to get rid of it!"

"Smolder!" Ember gasped, elbowing the dragoness in the rib, making her yelp.

"What do you mean 'get rid of it?!'" Spike bellowed. "It's a baby! A baby not even born yet!!"

"Yeah, a monster's baby!" Twilight agreed, though uneasily given the topic at hand. "Who knows what will happen if we allow it to exist!"

"Twilight!?" The Dragon Lord spoke with disbelief.

"So you're suggesting we kill it?!" Trixie snapped. "And cause my daughter even more grief and pain?! What is wrong with you?!"

An uproar broke out between the alliance faces, squabbling at each other over what was to become the unborn child's fate. What was right and wrong to do in the circumstances.

But Beatrix barely listened to them, softly weeping and digging her nails into her thighs, the warm, wooly palm of the goat woman on her shoulder. Sombra's mask drifted close to catch her attention.

"Look.... No matter happens, we'll both be here for you," he swore.

"If there's anything we can do, Ceann Oga..."

Tears dripped onto Beatrix's hands, her stricken face turning to them, eyes puffy and pink. “It's my own stupid fault! W-what if they're right and I'm carrying a monster to term?! What'll happen! I-I'm not ready for this!” She shook her head, feeling like her life was already over.

The weeping caught the other's attention, causing the fighting to cease. Everypony looked ashamed of themselves. Their dear ally was suffering, and all they did was make matters worse. How could they prepare for the Pony of Shadows now?

"Hey, I'm...sorry for what I said," Smolder apologized. "It's was in the heat of the moment."

"We're not certain it won't be a normal stallion or mare," Stygian assured. "Don't lose hope."

"What matters now is what you want to do, Beatrix," Twilight nodded with pursed lips.

“Of course,” urged Trixie with a stamp of her heel. “This is her decision!”

All eyes fell on Beatrix, wiping the tears off her cheeks as she shook her head.

“I-I don't know yet. I'll need time to think this over,” she answered wearily, unable to blot out all the horrific possibilities.

Would it even be an average pony? Would it be deformed? Another eldritch abomination for her to one day fight? Would carrying it to term literally destroy her?

Before she could consider it further, a flash of light flared at the table. Everyone turned to Somnambula, retaking her Sphinx form.

"Uhh, Somnambula? W-what are you-" Stygian began before a large paw brushed him aside, the mythical beast bowling aside those closest to her.

She smashed through the table, scattering the attendants, and pounced on Beatrix. Sombra tried to summon a spell before his mask was swatted away.

"What's gotten into you! Cease this!" Oona called out before she felt the wind get knocked out of her as the Sphinx slammed the dream faun into a cave wall.

Seizing the wide-eyed witch in her jaws, she fled the scene, ignoring the demands for answers that arose from all over.

“After her,” ordered Spike, unfurling his wings. “But don't harm either of them!”

Twilight and Sunset had already blinked ahead, but the Sphinx moved with such rapidity they strained to catch up and quickly real brushed off attempts by their aura to slow her. Spike pushed himself to the limits, uncertain what the Sphinx would do to Beatrix once they were alone.

*****

Trembling and huddled in the corner of a cave tucked somewhere outside the Badlands, the mighty Sphinx finally released the frightened witch from her jaws.

"Nnugh! What the hell, Sommy!" Beatrix berated, clutching over her stomach while inching herself away from the prowling beast. "Whatever you plan to do, forget it. I'm...I'm going to keep the child, no matter what!" She declared, reaching into a hidden sleeve of her cape to pull out a potion in case the ancient predator tried to lunge at her.

“No," the priestess warned, eyes slit and head looming over the violet unicorn. "None of you understand the consequences of allowing such birth to happen. I do not wish to harm you, Beatrix. But the child must be removed immediately, lest more disaster visits what little remains of Equestria!"

"But you don't know that!" Protested Beatrix, removing the tube. "You make it sound like it'll be worse than the Demiurge! But for all we know, it could be just a normal child! My child! Don't you represent hope?"

“I am deeply sorry, but I cannot risk the possibility of another Demiurge. Now please, hold still. And do not resist!" Batting the mare onto her buttocks, she carefully raked a nail down to open her leotard, a sharp gasp and yell as she tried to cling onto the remains of her clothes to shield herself.

A blink sounded, and the heads of the alliance arrived en masse. “Somnambula,” cried Twilight, who glared at her. The Sphinx ignored their protests, tearing away the last of the witch's leotard before using magic to pin her arms down into the sand.

But before she could work a spell, bright unyielding light flashed before the Sphinx, blinding the beast as a force pushed her back.

The light dimmed down before her eyes could adjust, widened upon the sight as the others peered. "I-it cannot be...!"

Around Beatrix were topaz rings, rotating around her in a slow clockwork fashion. Aligned on the outer rims were the eyes of Zeloph, gleaming brightly as the warm aura wrapped around the witch. Small wings guided the rings along their trajectory.

A comforting humming sound emanated as the astonished Witch stood up, marveling over the design as a hand reached to try and touch it. But the wheels phased out of form and shrunk away within the exposed belly of the unicorn. A marking shimmered over her abdomen before dimming down completely.

"What was that?!" Spike demanded, unsure of what he saw.

"I-it looked like a bunch of freaky wheels mended together!" Trixie nodded.

"No..." Somnambula shook her head, tail flickering as she gently traced her claw over the etched marking to read the depiction better. "T-that was an Ophanim!“

"A what?" Beatrix asked.

"The heavenly throne, sent by a greater power to house and guard spirits. They are a divine sign of protection and safety! But how could Zeloph, of all beings, bestow you such a...unless!” A short gasp of realization caused the Sphinx to stare back towards Ewe, who caught on with a similar gasp.

"... Unless Zeloph is of angelic origins!"

"Angelic? Zeloph?!" Beatrix exclaimed in disbelief.

"But I saw him!" Sombra refuted, his mask floating by his student. "That thing was no angel or heavenly being! Nothing but tendrils and eyes! Surely, you are being deceived! I mean, this doesn't make any sense!"

"Since when has anything about Zeloph made sense?" Smolder added with a raised brow.

"Wait a minute." Stygian pulled out his notes over the Necronomicon before turning to the dream faun. "Lady Ewe, you said you were the one to put Zeloph in the Necronomicon. What did he look like before?"

"O-ohh stars, it was a long time ago.... I remember the entire area being devoid of life and color. He rose above us, wings outstretched and welcoming despite the many eyes. His face remained hidden in the intense rays of the sun. As we completed the seance to seal him away, a bright light burst out before diminishing into the pages. I-I thought that was just the spell activating to imprison Zeloph.... But maybe..."

"It's only a theory," the grey unicorn continued. "But it's possible Zeloph only looks something like the Demiurge because of how much darkness he's absorbed being trapped inside the labyrinth for so long. Maybe that's why he needed Fleur to summon him into a mortal vessel; to cleanse himself."

Ewe crotched her chin in thought, pondering over the possibility. "All this time.... I thought of him as the most insidious of the Vice Lords, rendering souls and mortals catatonic for the sake of madness... But if what you propose is true, then-"

"He is insane," Stygian insisted. "But for an entirely different reason."

While the others clamored over the lingering questions over who Zeloph is, Bellatrix hung by the mouth of the cave, unable to comprehend this revelation. “Zeloph,” she muttered to herself with a clasped fist, recalling their conversation about her becoming an actual being. And now, with the idea that the primordial was, in fact, celestial, she couldn't figure out where to stand.

“Look! It doesn't matter what Zeloph is," Sombra sneered. "Angel, demon, abomination, he could be a God for all I care. He is still our enemy!"

“Exactly,” Trixie agreed with a huff, marching over to get between Beatrix and the priestess. Understanding, Somnambula stepped away to return to her pegasus shape, face ridden with shame over her actions. She almost ended a child's life out of fear. Beatrix tapped at her Prime Materia to fashion another leotard to cover up while hugging her mother tightly.

"Well, I mean, having an angel baby is better than a monster baby," Smolder said, trying to lighten the mood, though another steely glare from Ember told the dragoness to shut her snout.

"It's too early to assume." Oona shook her head, peering over Beatrix's stomach. "One thing is for certain. Zeloph wants the child to be born, given he gifted you divine protection."

Beatrix nodded, holding her tummy while deep in thought. The 'Vice Lord' continued to prove harder to figure out, even with the knowledge he might be an angel like her sister. But why her? What role did she serve in his grand scheme?

They were interrupted by the scruff of boots at the cave's mouth. A scout arrived and offered a clipped salute. “Forgive the intrusion, my lord,” he said. “But I and some others have much to report. Namely, an unknown nation has sprung up in the desert, seemingly overnight.”

"An unknown nation?" Spike questioned.

“Connection with my lands?” Sombra followed up.

"No, this is certainly Zeloph's doing," Oona nodded. "The more souls he can gather, the more power he can sway to his corner. If he has an entire city already set up, he's well ahead with his plan."

"Right. Where did you find it?" The Dragon Lord asked. The messenger unfurled a map and showed where it was marked, in a piece of land neither side had fully claimed, the storms so constant and harsh in that section of the desert it was almost impossible for even a dragon to thrive there. Many had tried, and hundreds had been lost, so it had been deemed neutral territory for now.

"Well, now we know where he is. I say we get him!" Trixie insisted, beyond furious some holier-than-thou sleazeball managed to knock up her daughter.

"It's too risky to go now!" Ember countered. "The Pony of Shadows will be arriving within hours!"

Twilight said, "But it won’t be long until Zeloph’s nation expands, surely!"

The council resumed the debate and argued which plan of action to take.

Bellatrix quietly slipped away once she got a good eyeful of the coordinates. She needed answers, and she would get them one way or another, even if it meant going to the source...

*****

Bellatrix anticipated at least a day of searching, but it was a lot closer than she thought. The once warm looking sand slowly devolved into a pale dust-like hue.

And upon soaring further, she found the city devoid of color. The entire landscape altered around it, elements that battered this region faded away in its serene presence. Even the moon looked oddly more bright, shining its light over the small houses and walls.

Yet standing above everything was a large spire, housing a set of bells. The false angelic demon landed over the wall near the gates, scanning the streets.

Only a few citizens roamed around, clad in white robes with their faces hidden. “So this is paradise?” She murmured.

“It’s not much,” a familiar voice answered, her head snapping back to see Zeloph and Fleur de Lis stand behind her. “But you’ll find these gilded walls comforting after spending a couple days here.” Bellatrix looked down to notice his hand was dripping a black substance, causing the primordial to tuck it further away in his sleeve.

“Pay no mind to that,” Zeloph insisted. “I was not anticipating your arrival so suddenly. I was…b̷ú͠s̛͟y͢ with something.”

“But you were expecting me,” Bellatrix stated flatly, to which the Vice Lord nodded with a smile.

“But what you’ve come here for remains to be seen,” Fleur said suspiciously, a hand stroking Fancy Pants’ face on her neck. “Have you realized the error of your ways? Or do you intend to assail us by your lonesome?” Bellatrix did her best to steady her breathing, between the stylized halberd clasped in the unicorn’s hand and the curious eyes of the winged immortal.

“I...I’ve come to consider your offer,” admitted the angel-guised succubus. “I don’t want to be a mere piece of someone else’s fiction. Especially if the depictions were not accurate.” She gazed up to the tall stallion. “Is it true? Are you an ang-”

A finger held her lips closed as Zeloph shook his head. “I don’t feel comfortable being addressed as such. But, indeed, some scriptures of old testaments weren’t always f̩̤͉̫͚a̵i̢̘͕̳̼ț̸̼̪̪h͓͙͝f̭̠̹̟̯̞u̺͎̪l̨ in their depictions. The form you have assimilated is a perversion of what an actual soldier of heaven is. If you want, I͠ ça͟n ͢shơw y̨ou w͏hat̶ ̷w̛e a̕c̕͝tu͘̕͟a̸ļ̢ļ͝y͏̷́ lo̡o͢k ̡l̕i͠k̕e̛~.̸”

“No, thank you.” Bellatrix politely declined, recalling how bizarre and horrific the Orphanim was.

“Heh, very well,” Zeloph chuckled as his magenta gaze sharped. “Though I have to ask; what changed your mind? Why the sudden change of heart?”

“To ensure my sister’s safety,” she explained, pressure swelling in her chest under the gaze of the primordial. “As well as the safety of your child. I can no longer trust the alliance, given how violently they reacted. Somnambula especially sought to destroy it. I’ll do whatever it takes to save Beatrix. I’ll…” Her cheeks flourished as she bowed her head. “I-I’ll offer up my body to you if it proves my loyalty. I’ll play whatever role you want me, be it, angel or devil. If this is who I’m meant to be, so be it!”

The pale emperor considered her proposal, looking to the lovers, who remained unconvinced. After a moment, Zeloph softly chuckled.

“That won’t be necessary,” he declined. “I have no desire for such...ea̴͜r̴͞t̨̀h̷ļ̢̡y͘ pleasures now. Your devotion is proof enough.” His fingers held her cheek to turn her head up to him as he leaned close to plant a chaste kiss on her temple, murmuring unintelligible words.

A warmth poured out from her forehead, flooding the rest of her body. At first, she opened her eyes and wondered if anything had happened. Experimentally, she instead did what came naturally by instinct, growling as radiant skin bled into crimson, golden curls straightened back into silky black locks, claws rose from her hands and feet. Feathers shed, turned back to leathery wings. A spaded tail rose from atop her buttocks.

Her skull threatened to split, the horns that emerged twisting, much thicker than before. A rush of vigor in her extremities made it clear she had evolved beyond a mere succubus, but had become something akin to an archdemon.

“There you go,” Zeloph smiled, pulling away. “You’re free to take on any guise you wish.” To prove this, the bewildered she-devil thought back to her previous form before, and in a brief flash of light, she returned to her angelic visage. And in another thought, shifting back to her demonic shape.

“Come,” he offered his hand to her. “Let me show you around our sanctuary.” Bellatrix accepted his hand as, in a flash, they were within the main hall.

Some of the ponies and robed figures bowed their head to them, while others didn’t seem to notice. As they walked down, Bellatrix looked over the various buildings, all similarly monochrome and clean.

At the summit of the towering pillar was a cathedral, stained glass alight by lanterns as they made their way inside. More ponies were inside, looking towards their savior before letting out startled gasps over the sight of a red she-devil. Even the church organ music stopped playing.

“Be not afraid,” assured the pale emperor. “This lost soul has joined us in our quest to purge out all taint and corruption. Please, bid her welcome.” The choir gazed over Bellatrix before greeting her from their seats. The demoness awkwardly smiled, unsure of how she felt. Everyone return to their seats as Zeloph took to the podium, directing Bellatrix and Fleur to the sides behind him.

“Welcome, my new arrivals,” Zeloph greeted with a friendly smile. “Today, we are gathered under this sacred house to shelter us from the wicked and protect us from unjust deeds of the outside world. How many of you have suffered the cruel ship of the tyrant, Sombra? Once thought to have changed into a benevolent ruler, only to slip back into his brutal ways?”

A majority of the audience raised their hand, much to Bellatrix’s dismay. The poor fools did not know the truth over who resided in her former master’s body.

“That’s quite a lot of you,” he chuckled. “And those who did not feel similarly safe in the Badlands with the ravenous Spike?”

Again, a lot of people raised their hands.

“It is unfortunate that these leaders, who claim to look after the prosperity of Equestria, have failed you, my good people. They are consumed by war and conquest, unaware that death and destruction follow in their wake. But in their failure, we shall rise and purge this land of the decay that rots it. Look to my hand.”

Zeloph rolled up his sleeve to show off the grueling cuts all over it, eyes emerging from the slits as black goo oozed from the slits. Bellatrix and the audience reeled back in disgust.

“See how I bleed in sin? Dripping out of my wounds like poison? It runs rampantly through their veins. Your veins! But fear not, my disciples. I cleanse my holy form each day to be free of these evil temptations. And you can do the same! All I ask is that you allow me into your hearts so that I may share my light with you. Will you let me in?”

The entire building unanimously cried out, “Yes!”

“Than stand up, my friends. Stand with me and open your mind. L͔̹͓e̹͍̘̹͙t̰̥̤̰ ̪̱͈̮̳u̺ṣ͔̤̰̻͞ ̡a̦̟̕ͅl̬̗̺̠͉̺l̲ ̝͚b͘e ͈̟͉̹̼͍p͖͕̪u̱̜̞͝r̹̜͔̺͈̥̣͢i̡̹̺̥͚f̨i̳̖ed̬̬͕̗~͇̘͙͕̳̖͡ͅ!̴̣̯͈͈͉͙͓” Zeloph exclaimed, his arms outstretched as a strange, ancient symbol illuminated around his head, bright aura blazing around his robes like fire.

Bellatrix gazed in alarm as everyone stood up from the benches, arms holding hand in hand while staring hopefully at the illuminating pegasus. “What’s going on?”

“Don’t look!”

A low whisper caught her attention, drawing her face towards Fancy Pants. While Fleur’s eyes were fixated on Zeloph, Fancy’s were wide with terror.

“Don’t look at the light!”

Before she could ask him further, the entire room irradiated with immense heat and brightness, a gust of power blew around the shining ball of pale light, the room darkening.

A soft ringing touched her ears as Bellatrix rose her arm to shield her eyes from the intensity; her screams distorted over the overwhelming energy. Everyone else who didn’t look away stared petrified, captured in the holiness of Zeloph’s archaic presence, unable to comprehend the truth of his power and what it did to their minds...

*****

“Finally. Some quiet…” The disheartened witch sighed.

Beatrix asked to be left alone, the alliance having honored her wishes. She confined herself to her cove while preparations for war rang outside the underground paradise. Though given her current predicament, the impending battle ahead was the least of her worries.

“I’m…I’m going to be a mom,” she whispered, still struggling to get a grip over the fact. She placed a hand over her belly. She'd set her cape and hat aside to help free her mind over the endless possibilities.

She would have to wear something less tight once the bump became apparent. She frowned, not looking forward to that.

Beatrix wondered what her mother and father would have thought were the latter of her world still alive. While her Trixie wasn’t the type to admit it, like her, she too had her reservations about motherhood.

But that soon went away after she’d been born. And though the experience forced maturity onto her, Trixie’s life was dedicated to raising her daughter in her image.

“Mom would have wanted this,” she concluded with a sad smile, sniffling. “To carry out our legacy of traveling and magic shows. She would have been the best damn grandma there ever was!” She chuckled while cleaning her eyes of tears. “The best mother I could have asked for.”

Her frown returned, pondering over whether she’d approve of her sleeping with Zeloph. Or whether she would want the uncovered angel anywhere near her or her baby. If she recalled, he seemed genuinely infatuated with her, even looked upset when she called him out on his deception.

Besides that, she knew nothing about the primordial, outside of what Lady Ewe and others described of him. And even then, there wasn’t much given her teacher couldn’t recognize she bound an angel to the Necronomicon instead of a demon. Beatrix considered sneaking away to find this newly formed city and confront Zeloph herself.

But her thoughts were interrupted at a rumbling sound, her head turning towards her heavy treasure chest. Narrowing her gaze, she rose to approach the shaking chest cautiously, her horn lighting up faintly. Beatrix opened the contents with a deep breath, all her props stored and shoved away inside. Then suddenly…

“Boo!”

“Bwaaah!” The witch jumped back upon something small and dark popping out from the trove. A familiar little mare stood up, monochrome hair draping around her figure while staring up at Beatrix with milky-white eyes and a cheeky smile.

“O-oh, it’s you!” She exclaimed, clutching her chest. “Don’t you know it’s not nice to scare ponies like that?!”

“Heheh! But I scared you good, didn’t I?” The filly giggled, proud of herself before stepping out from Beatrix’s treasure chest.

“Uugh.… How did you even get here? Last I saw you; you were in the labyrinth!”

“It wasn’t hard to find you, especially now that we’re closer together than before!”

“Closer together? What do you mean...?”

The filly smiled up brightly before she walked over to wrap her arms around the stunned unicorn, a sudden jolt shooting up through Beatrix’s spine. She gazed down in alarm while the young filly face looked up longingly at her.

“We’re finally together, mama!”

“Mama?! Wha…” Beatrix sucked in deeply before her hands held over the filly’s shoulders, realizing that she was real. “Y-you mean, you’re my daughter? The child I’m supposed to have?”

She nodded her head while her smile beamed through. Beatrix took a knee, tracing her fingers through her pale skin, the scaly growths under her eye. Once she looked the kid up and down, she could see a few resemblances between the child and herself.

“I-I don’t understand! How are you…are you a time-traveler?” She asked, her mind going wild with speculation. There were just so many possible reasons given the infinite number of worlds that existed.

“Not exactly; it’s a little hard to explain.... G-gnaahg!” She jolted back, her ghostly shape phasing out of reality momentarily, glitching a bit.

“Are you alright?” Beatrix asked in concern.

“Y-yeah! It’s just hard to maintain my presence here for too long. I can’t fully manifest all the way,” the child groaned, taking a deep breath before her form stabilized. “Daddy says that it’s because I exist on a higher plane, despite not being born yet.”

“Daddy…” Beatrix pursed her lips. “And what does ‘daddy’ call you?”

“Abadonna,” she introduced herself, smiling widely. “Or ‘Abby’ for short, if you’d like.”

“Abadonna…” She let the name roll off her tongue. Despite whatever conflict she had against Zeloph, he appeared to be good with names. Something she was sure she’d struggle with.

A tug of her arm drew her attention back to her daughter, pulling her towards the chest; behind it were her notepad and crayons. She lifted it to her, showing off a sketch of Beatrix, scribbled stars and effects.

“D-do you like it, mommy?” She asked, her ears flopped down.

Beatrix couldn’t help the proud smile forming on her lips as she nodded. “It’s excellent! I wouldn’t have guessed my kid would be quite a talented artist.”

The joyful child bounced happily before ushering her mother to sit down, which she obliged. Abadonna took a seat in her lap to show off all the colorful sketches of Beatrix, depictions of a few of her adventures across space and time.

The older unicorn’s snout broke into a broader smile, recalling each moment as etched into the paper. All this time, she’d traveled between dimensions to learn more about herself, chasing thrills, slaking the call for adventure.

But perhaps this was what she needed her entire life. To settle down with someone to care for. Someone to love, beyond those familiar with her.

Was Abadonna the answer she sought?

Her smile faltered upon the next picture depicting Zeloph, surrounded by eyes and the golden wheels of the Orphanim, another strange beast with wings beside him.

“I can tell you’re not happy with daddy,” Abby proclaimed. “He can be scary at times, but he means well, I promise!”

“What do you mean by scary?” Beatrix asked with furrowed brows.

“He’s spent a long time trapped in that black book. So long that he was exposed to some nasty stuff that made him all dark and creepy. Since breaking free, he’s been trying to clean himself up!”

‘The Demiurge,’ Beatrix considered. That would confirm Stygian’s theory, at least. Still, there was likely more to Zeloph than her daughter knew. “I’m...not sure what to make of your father,” she admitted truthfully. “I’m mad at him for… erm, how we meet, but I don’t really know him outside of what my friends tell me. Have you appeared to him before coming to me?”

Abadonna nodded, flipping through the pages. “He was as shocked as you were in discovering I would be his daughter. He probably didn’t think it was possible given his nature. But, after some time, he accepted me and promised to make a better world for you and me to live in.”

“Is that what he’s doing now?”

The little unicorn nodded enthusiastically before stopping on a larger sketch—bright colors used to contrast the darker hues, shaping both herself and Zeloph together.

“According to him, I’m an amalgamation of all the potential daughters you and he could have across dimensions! Two immortals, immune to time’s progress and space’s expansion. One born from darkness, the other of light. A union prophesied to happen, whether the other intended or not! Isn’t that great?!” Abby exclaimed, panting between her spiel while determined to let it all out.

“It’s…certainly a lot to take in,” Beatrix stammered, overwhelmed with every revelation unveiled thus far. Not only was her enemy not as he appeared to be, but he was a destined soulmate?

All her life, she fought to sever her ties with the Necronomicon, and now, another appeared in the form of Zeloph. But through their tangled fates, a child she thought was beyond possibility would be born.

She gazed longingly into the milky eyes of Abby, who put the notebook away and cuddled her mother, rubbing her face into her squishy bosom.

“Mom…I’m glad you’re with me now,” she murmured happily. “Even if you dislike dad, can you promise to be with me?”

New emotions surged forth as Beatrix felt tears swell up in her eyes again. Tears of joy as she drew the child closer into her arms, almost unable to hold her. “Of course! No matter what, you are my daughter. My sweet little Abadonna!”

With a heartwarming smile, she hugged the little unicorn tightly, her daughter’s coolness contrasting her natural warmth.

At that moment, the brewing fight outside no longer existed to Beatrix. Abadonna suddenly became the most crucial thing in the world.

And despite the little time she’d known about her or her father, deep down, she knew she would do whatever it took for her sake, even if it meant going against the whole universe just to protect her. Trembling, she clasped her close, fearing that if she let go, her daughter would vanish from her.

*****

An army headed to the Badlands, lead by the Pony of Shadows. But the tyrant still needed to rest on occasion, confined to a fleshly prison to interact with the world, and so he eventually retired to bed.

Making certain her father was asleep, tucked in his bedroll at the back of the caravan, Cerise Silhouette's hands trembled while she rifled through his belongings.

Every sound she made caused her ears to flick. She exaggerated them in her head; sure, he'd raise eyes blazing in fury at any moment and choke her out like he had her mother. Inky Rose. She was doing this for her, too. That realization steeled her heart; her eyes narrowed with resolve.

Their nation depended on her to guide them away from this mad path!

Digging into the book stack, she eventually came upon the prize she sought; his authored tome. Almost like it wanted to be discovered. After all, it was connected to the Necronomicon now, and didn't that grimoire supernaturally compel people to corrupt them? She shook such thoughts aside. Her fingers shook as she opened the cover and pages rustled.

Sifting about the contents over the hour, she eventually came upon something that almost made her heart stop. She swallowed down a gasp, unable to deny the evidence before her eyes. Among the creatures and monstrous fiends depicted, a section was dedicated to winged figures of different forms. The one that stood out had eight wings, hundreds of eyes, and a face entirely engulfed in white fire. Quietly, she read the section out loud;

“𝔖𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔭𝔥𝔦𝔪, 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔅𝔲𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔒𝔫𝔢𝔰;

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔥𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔬𝔯𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔴𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔡 𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔡𝔦𝔞𝔩𝔰, 𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔥𝔬𝔩𝔶 𝔭𝔯𝔞𝔦𝔰𝔢𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔦𝔳𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔣𝔞𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯.
ℑ𝔣 𝔠𝔞𝔰𝔱 𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔞𝔩 𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱𝔥, 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶 𝔟𝔢𝔤𝔦𝔫 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔭𝔲𝔯𝔦𝔣𝔦𝔠𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔭𝔯𝔬𝔠𝔢𝔰𝔰. 𝔄𝔩𝔩 𝔴𝔥𝔬 𝔤𝔞𝔷𝔢 𝔲𝔭𝔬𝔫 𝔦𝔱𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔥𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔦𝔯 𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔰𝔩𝔬𝔴𝔩𝔶 𝔟𝔲𝔯𝔫 𝔲𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔩 𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔯𝔢𝔠𝔬𝔤𝔫𝔦𝔷𝔞𝔟𝔩𝔢 𝔦𝔰 𝔩𝔢𝔣𝔱. 𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔞𝔣𝔣𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔖𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔭𝔥𝔦𝔪 𝔦𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔠𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔬 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔩𝔬𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔶 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔶 𝔥𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔩𝔢𝔣𝔱; 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔦𝔯 𝔣𝔞𝔳𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔱𝔢 𝔰𝔬𝔫𝔤.”

She nearly dropped the book in shock. The weird distorted music she heard earlier! No wonder her father had reverted to his old ways. He must have encountered one while lost in the Necronomicon.

But what did it all mean? Was a ‘burning one’ active in her father’s declining sanity?

“Cozy Glow,” she whispered. “Are you still in there? Please, stay alive...” Closing the book, she rushed back to bed, determined to get to the bottom of this.

Outside, a caravan unconnected to either side headed closer, its driver masked.

*****

Simultaneously, another group made their own move in the dead of night. A tear-stricken Inky Rose had staggered about and collapsed, thoroughly sloshed to dull the bitter reality she'd found herself in. The loss of her husband, her daughter, and one of her sons possibly to follow, not to mention the abuses and loss of her wing had finally taken its toll.

“Come my Queen,” murmured Radiant Hope, who offered a shoulder in support. “Your people need you.”

“Uh-huh,” slurred Inky, unable to maintain her footing. Her vision blurred, and Radiant shot a look at the twins and Diamond Tiara, uncertain if they should withdraw from her plan. No, time was of the essence, and another chance might not come.

Diamond Tiara winked at her before she turned to the stoic guards on duty. “Hey there,” she called in her sultriest voice, swaying her ample hips that were contained by sheer, transparent silk, her breasts like the rest of the consorts on permanent display. “You must be lonely, huh? I know you all still have needs.” She traced her fingers down the bare chest of one.

It didn't matter what their response was, so long as she could distract them for a moment. Nor did she care what happened to her as a result anymore. If there were even a slim chance it meant Cozy Glow would be saved, she'd sacrifice herself.

With a heavy heart, Radiant silently thanked her for the sacrifice. They slipped out of the chambers, into a secret passage Diamond Tiara told them of, one Somnambula had shared only with her in case Sombra ever betrayed their trust.

The stone slid away under Radiant's touch, and she quickly pulled in Inky, followed by the twins as the slab closed behind them.

The dark and cool path connected to the tombs of the pharaohs. They traversed the maze, confident they would soon be missed and determined to slip out of the pyramid and away from the capital before the guards were aware of their absence.

Another hour passed without incident, and Inky started to sober up, reminded of what was at stake. They followed the corridor and emerged in the open air; Radiant's mind already racing about how they could steal a wagon and carry themselves far away.

The slab sealed behind them. A light breeze rippled over the group, the sands between the pyramid and capital cast in a shade of blue. Radiant undid a map and pointed at possible escape routes and areas where they might pick up supplies.

“Wait,” said Inky. “Allow me.” She knew most citizens wouldn't be aware their Queen was basically under house arrest and could easily procure transport. Her only concerns were what might happen to whoever helped them and that guards might be sent to escort them. However, under the circumstances, it was a risk she would simply have to take.

They started to head towards a building between the pyramid and capital, where travelers could rent transport. Her mind raced with possible cover stories, not that someone in her position needed to answer such questions, even if pressed.

The moonlight fell on a stranger in white robes and a mask. His sandals scraped on the sand, and the twins stepped forward, ready to hold him off if necessary.

“You must be the Queen, Inky Rose.” He offered a slight bow but kept his distance. “We’ve come to aid your cause.”

“We?” Inky asked, snout drawn. “Do I know you?”

He shook his head. “No, but you may consider me an ally. I've already secured a ride for you.” He raised a hand to quiet them. “Your husband, King Sombra, may have taken Cerise Silhouette with him as he intends to assail the alliance, but we can rescue her. Please, come with me. We are like you, tired of the constant war. Come with us, and we can guide you to a sanctuary.”

“I don't trust this one bit,” said Radiant, who kept a hand near her knife.

“We don't have many options,” reminded Foal-Bearer, who shared a glance with Wet Nurse.

Inky considered for a moment. “Very well. We’ll come with you.” To save Cerise, she would risk it all. United by their blood pact, the sisterhood were just as willing to lay down their lives to end the tyrant's reign.

The caravan was led their way, the masked stranger took the reigns, and they piled in. Taking off, the pyramid and the capital grew smaller by the moment as they crossed the roads that carved their way into the desert.

Inky rubbed her false wing, Radiant caressed her bosom where the Crystal Heart remained hidden, and the twins stared at the moon that shone down on them.

Within a few hours, the monochrome city started to appear on the horizon, past the sea of dunes where the moon highlighted its secure structures.

What would await them in this self-proclaimed ‘sanctuary’?