Dearly Beloved

Muffled noises emanated below the floor where the former reaper stood. For most of her time here, Shadow Scythe clung to Beatrix Belladonna, in fear she would abandon her and never return. But thanks to the celebration today, she had the opportunity to slip further into the library until entirely losing herself in her studies.

Currently, her research took her to one of the many rarely used bathroom stalls. She glanced at the piles of decrypted and rotten books she gathered, next to a pair of mysterious pristine ones that showed up out of nowhere. Shadow Scythe gazed over the polished tomes quizzically, skeptical of their origins. Sure, the monster that acted as the manor traveled between dimensions to bring in an array of stuff, but the books looked deliberately placed to her. As if someone brought them to her attention.

Lifting one with a fancy cover, the pale blue unicorn’s body shook. Voices whispered into her ear in a language she couldn’t understand. Something was wrong.

Shadow knew she should go to Beatrix about this. But their last encounter made the unicorn even more conflicted.

Just how much was Beatrix keeping from her? All she wanted to do was a help! Sure, she had warned dangers were lurking around, and these enigmatic scriptures felt unnerving to be close to. No doubt there was a threat. But wasn’t that true of everything?

She pulled the cover apart with a deep breath and firm hand, then began reading through the dense contents.

This book depicted a great battle in Equestria that nearly wiped out a multitude of villages and towns. One image caught her eye. Above the land, descending from the skies, were strange winged creatures.

Below were the depths of Tartarus, the underworld of Equestria. And among the demonic-looking animals were ponies in cowls. The next page held an entry about them, showcasing the rare cuties marks adorned to them. A horse skull over crossed bones. She wouldn’t have found this unusual if that wasn’t her own cutie mark!

“A-aagh,” she whimpered, her skull aching—a light ringing in her ears as white flashed before her mind. Shaking it off, she grabbed the next book in her piles and scanned through it. Yet with each book, faint memories stirred within her troubled head. Memories of a life she struggled to recall.

The knowledge to work powerful, forbidden spells came naturally to her, which had allowed her to open the nexuses she discovered inside the interior.

Upon flipping through the pages of another mysterious tome, her icy eyes widened at the eerie grim reaper depiction, garbed in a hooded cloak like her, complete with a scythe clasped in its bony grasp.

“A reaper of souls, tasked to guide the dead to the afterlife? Was that my role...?”

Once more, her head throbbed with familiar yet distant thoughts. Teeth clenched, she clasped her temple, on the verge of a discovery that continued to elude her.

Lightning her horn, she waved her hand and recast an enchantment over the area. She knew better than to block the manor's and Bellatrix's perceptions, which would only arouse suspicion, but instead worked a spell that directed their attention elsewhere.

Routinely, Shadow Scythe repeated the complicated spell, determined to divine all the secrets she could in the hopes she could prepare a suitable surprise for the wedding.

Unfortunately, she was running out of time, and desperately scanned the contents.

“There must be something I can use,” she mumbled. “A suitable gift for Cerise...” She rapidly turned the pages, quickly absorbed what she could, questioned what a princess, who had everything, could possibly want.

“What could I ever hope to give her..?”

“A̴͇͓͕̙͔̼ ̛͚̗͈͎̠s̟͇̗̬̙͍̟w̭i̬̬f̜̰̱ṭ͕̮̪͉̖̻͢ ̸̩̜̲̻̟ḓ̯̼̲̥͍̞ea͖̳̩̪͕̠ͅt̵͇̯̫̙͕̮ḫ̲̘̬̞̞ ̠̦̳̰͕̲w̢̺͈̟͓͚o̸͈̬̠͙͇̖u͈̳̗̕l͙d̲̲̬̤̰̮̝͞ ͢m̫̘̥a̷̱͓̞̹̲̪̥k̺͔͙̗̫̲̞͘ę̜̻̘͈̼̼͚ ̰̟̟͎̰̹̟͜a̧ ̪̣̺̳͉͇͘l̨̜̼̲̙o͠v̺̟̹ͅe̖̣̗̯̺̻̲l̵̦̞̥͚̤͉͚y̡ ͇̳̀ǵ̝̝̜i͙f̳t̳̙̱͚̙.̩̟͕̮̺͢”

She froze at the sound of another voice echoing in the abandoned bathroom. She held her mouth, instinctively keeping her legs high on the toilet seat. Her eyes widened as the filthy tiled floor suddenly glowed from a mysterious light source outside the stall.

“I͇̪̣ ̱̘̭͔̭͔͙k̻̫͟n̟̟̣͈͈̖͞o̙̤̺͖w̮̜̹͎̳̬̼ ͚͚̠͉͈yo͓͇̤̟̠u̷̙’̣r̟̳̙̣e͓̙ ̶i͕͡n̮̠̣̟͙ ̤̪͖t͍͉̳͎͚͎̪he̞r̛̖̱̱̹͉ͅe͇̺̖…̤̣̝͚́ ̫̥̤̳C͔̣͓͇͘o͙̱̺̙͠m̵͎͔e̟̥̝̼̙͍̫͜ ͏͚̗̼o̹̫͍͇̮͕n̝̟̺̖ ͈̮̩͔͈̗͓o͍̗u̲͙͕̪t̶̳̳͓̜ͅ,” the voice called gently, like a knowing parent. Shadow Scythe’s shoulders tensed, gripping onto something she didn’t know she conjured, gasping in alarm.

In both hands was a scythe lined in runes. She gazed at the light before she slowly pushed the door open with her foot and came out. Once more eyes underlined in dark circles went wide in astonishment.

The entire mirror gleamed with brilliant, unnatural light before revealing an entirely different realm behind the cracked glass. A world made of clouds, rays of varying colors shimmering through—a complete contrast to the creepy interior.

And standing in the middle was a looming, tall figure, clad in pale robes adorned with gold accents. Feet length midnight colored mane flowed behind him, his face resembling a pegasus.

But his most striking feature was the plethora of eyes gazing from each of his six wings. One pair on both sides of his head, a second, more extensive plumage stretching from his back, and two narrower wings folding over his waist. The messianic figure greeted the dazed unicorn with a smile.

“T̶̪̩͔̞̮h͉͚͍̥͞er̨̝̠e̡̗̙̭̰̻ͅͅ ̨͙y̙͇̠̱̝̙ͅo̡̟̗̘u̝̰ ̠̠͉͙̙̪a̹͓̖̺̕r͓̗͘e͇̲͓̜~̤̺͓͜.”

“W-who are you?!”

“A friend,” the angelic pegasus assured, placing a hand against the surface. “One who wants to return what was stolen to you. I trust you’ve gathered all the books I’ve given?”

“You…have been giving me books?!”

He nodded. “Hope you like them. They weren’t easy to find.”

“But why? Something was... stolen from me, agh!?” She grabbed at her head, the painful memories flashing through her, scythe dropping onto the ground with a clink.

“Don’t fight it,” the winged immortal insisted. “The pain will not last long. Remember who you are, Shadow Scythe. Remember…who is r̴͟esp̵on̶̛s͟i͢b̀͢le̷ for your torment.”

Shadow Scythe yelled with pulsing agony, gripping at her forehead that threatened to split under the pressure of repressed memories. There was a battle outside the manor, a flash of darkness and steel. Beatrix standing over her, a blade aimed at her. But there was something else. She was kneeling before a child and a tall creature bathed in ethereal light. One that looked like...

“Y-you!” She exclaimed, backing away from the mirror, eyes glaring at the robed creature. She hadn't met him, and Beatrix had conveniently removed all references to him from her adventures. But she vaguely recalled when she was fused into the mansion and made aware of Beatrix's many secrets, one of them going by a name.

“Y-you’re Zeloph…”

Cautiously, he approached. “I am. But am not your enemy, Shadow Scythe. Not your t͜r̸̢͏ư̴e͡ enemy, anyway. I merely wish to help.”

“Help?” She quickly retrieved her rune sickle, ready to shatter the mirror should he try anything. “And why should I accept your help? Beatrix sees you as a monster!”

Zeloph frowned gravely, rubbing at his cheek. Shadow Scythe noticed that tiny prismatic scales had grown from his gray complexion like a rash. His iris was slit, adding to his reptilian disease. Even the underside of his wings was darkened, a few feathers molting off with each movement.

“If I appear monstrous, it’s because of her,” he said bitterly. “You and I are both victims of Beatrix’s dark magic. And if you’ll allow me, I can show you. Don’t you wish to learn the truth about yourself? What your ‘friends’ have kept hidden from you?”

Shadow Scythe gulped nervously. This was definitely something she should alert Beatrix about. Yet.… She couldn’t deny that part of her wasn’t suspicious of what the witch was keeping her from. What exactly she did that kept her from remembering.

“W-what must I do?” she asked with a narrowed gaze. Zeloph’s smile returned before he motioned to the books lying in the stall door. Shadow quickly retrieved one he pointed at, suggesting a page that held a spell. The pale unicorn faltered before performing the spell, a strange symbol glowing before the mirror, opening a small portal that the primordial pushed through.

From her end, Zeloph manifested in a spectral like form, a soft aura around his seethrough robes. In the other end, his actual body stood motionless, eyes missing from their sockets. He looked around his area before turning back to the bewildered unicorn.

“Thank you,” he praised softly, placing a hand onto her shoulder. She shuddered, his touch warm yet phantom-like. His smile spread wide. “Now, t̡̘͉̗o͎̬͇̣̙ ͎̰͘ͅh̯͍͉èaĺ̫̘ ̣̺̝̼̺̞̗͠y̪o̘̪̭͟u͚̰̭̜̰̝̘~̵̙̹̫̥̖.”

Tenderly, he bent slightly, pushing back her hood to reveal her face. Shadow’s cheeks brightened as he planted a chaste kiss on her temple. Instantly, the primordial’s ‘miracle’ started healing the self-inflicted wound on her psyche, an attempt to preserve her true self buried deep in her soul, when Sunny had 'purified' her black heart and soul. Her eyes went white, and her knees wobbled, barely able to stand.

She sunk to her knees and huffed once he withdrew, hyperventilating and shaking under pressure. A smorgasbord of repressed memories resurfaced, struggling to put the pieces of her mind back in place, like a jigsaw carelessly strewn about.

“I...I...no…no, it can't be!! I'm not..!” Shadow crawled over to the toilet, emptied the contents of her last meal into it. The soft trickle of her tears on the water met her ears, unable to deny the vicious force-of-nature she'd once been in pursuit of power.

What hurt just as much was that her 'friends' had betrayed her. That they had warped her into this sad parody of herself, a lie, then treated her like a pariah, a time bomb they needed to walk on eggshells around, in case she ever turned on them.

She clasped the rim for support, determined to be pragmatic like always. She couldn't deny the truth. “I'm...pure evil.”

Her statement made Zeloph laugh. “Death isn’t evil. Death is the natural end to all things. Anyone who perceives things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is merely afraid.… You know this better than anyone.”

Shadow Scythe heaved, using a cloth to rub her muzzle. “It doesn't matter. The results are the same.” Shakily she rose, her delicate features drawn, dark circles under her eyes. “I-I'm so confused. Logic dictates I should hate them! And I do! They’ve lied to me this entire time! But I…I can't deny I still care about them. It makes me feel...ill.” She leaned on her sickle for support, unable to hold back bitter tears that spilled loose.

Zeloph’s features softened as he approached, arms opened to embrace the distraught reaper. But she pulled away, glaring darkly at him.

“Do not touch me! You are especially dangerous, given what I know from Beatrix’s memories. Why should I trust you?!” He kept his distance, a pleasant grin to his snout.

“You shouldn’t,” he agreed. “At least, not yet. Just merely offering you a taste of greatness.”

“‘Greatness’?”

He nodded, turning away while the eyes on his wings kept looking at her. “There lies a potential within you that could bend the cosmos to your knees. One that would rival Beatrix, should you choose to seek it.”

Shadow Scythe scoffed, though thinking more fluidly, she recalled the sudden boost in strength and prowess her would-be nemesis displayed, how she called it ‘arcane magic.’ Her stern expression softened slightly. “And you would help me obtain such power? Why? What’s in it for you?”

Zeloph looked back to her, a sinister gleam to his eyes. “As I’ve said, you and I aren’t that different. Just as she has stolen your identity, Beatrix has taken away my child, left me to shrivel away into this hideous state! All I’m asking is that we join forces. I help you obtain the power you’ve coveted for so long. And in return, you help me find my daughter. And together, we can smite our wicked foe and her friends, once and for all!”

Shadow Scythe paused, the radiant glow shimmering off his form like flames. “She really messed you up badly. Even still, I--”

“S̶̛̞͓͈̣̹̜͎̳̤̰͚͜͡͞h̤͎̹̻̖͈̜͘͟e͏̯̖̞͔̻͈̣̣̞́͜͠ ̸͓̪̙̥̜̬̤̪̲̫̻͕͉̻r̮̠̩̯͕͔̗̩̞̮͙̪̘͇̘͔͞ͅͅù̸̡̨͔͍̰̩̣̯̭̖̰̤̺̥̞̦͖̯̞̼͡ͅi҉̴̧͍̮͓̪̘̻̖̜̻̦̮͝n͖͓̟̼͔̟̙̮̜̠͉͖͇͚͎̟̘̙͟ȩ͇͍͇̯͖͇̬̤͜d͎͍̙̜͇̳̤͟͝ ̶̧͇̘̞̱͓͇̫̠͙̰̩͔̞̟̀̕͘m̧̯̤̱̗̱͕͎̪̳͞é̴̡̖͔͕̣̦͠!҉̶̖͈̲̼̟̫͘͘͞” He suddenly shouted, slamming a fist into a sink to obliterate it.

The pale blue unicorn flinched as Zeloph leaned against the wall, wings, and hands hiding his face. “I was so beautiful once—an avatar of light, a beacon of hope to all trapped in sin. And then she came, turned them away from my purifying light, leaving me to fall into nothingness.”

His plumes unfurled, black tears streaming down his cheek while glaring back at the former reaper. “Abadonna is gone because of her. If I don’t reach her, I will have lost everything…”

Shadow Scythe felt pity for the winged immortal, reminded of her state before her memories returned. She clutched onto her weapon, torn between the ultimatum. Should she accept his offer, becoming greater than before, and resume vengeance against Beatrix and her friends?

Zeloph was clearly someone Beatrix feared, and Shadow Scythe could use that to her advantage. But her newfound empathy conflicted with her desire for revenge. Even after all she did, Beatrix stuck around to make sure she was okay…

“Look,” she sighed. “I will consider your offer. It’s clear there’s much you have to show me, and I am curious about what arcane magic is. And if I could wield it. But, for now…I wish to remain here, and sort out my feelings.”

Rising, Zeloph cleaned his face before regaining his composure. “Understandable,” he nodded, bowing his head. “Another time, perhaps. Though I hope you come to a decision soon. It won’t be long until Beatrix suspects something. Think carefully, my dear.”

His form evaporated from light, taking a new shape that startled the pale unicorn. Coiled over the sink was a long, feathered serpent-like creature. Its wings much smaller than before, eyes now adorning along its back. Slowly, it slithered to the floor.

“A-and where are you going?”

“Exploring,” he hissed, looking back to Shadow Scythe. “It’s been a struggle trying to infiltrate this place. But, thanks to you, I can hide like this for a little while. My fall from grace has given me a few benefits~.” With that, the winged snake found a breached pipe before slipping inside.

“B-but what about your…” She turned to address his form in the mirror, only to discover someone else beside him. Another robed figure stood by his body, cloaked with dark feathers. Only the bottom of her face was visible underneath her hood, thin red lips spread into an unnerving grin. Placing a finger to shush Shadow Scythe, the realm began to fade within the mirror until only her reflection remained.

The pale unicorn felt deceived. Shadow Scythe may not have accepted Zeloph’s proposal, but she ended up helping him in some way. And as she sat back down in the stalls, she realized there was no one she could truly turn to. No one understood her.

The closest was perhaps Bellatrix, a once amoral succubus driven by hunger, but to confide in her she would have to reveal the return of her memories. She was alone, like always...albeit this time, not by choice.

So instead, she turned back to the book. Tasked to direct souls to their proper resting places, she instead had learned a way to absorb them into her own, and multiplied her innate power in an attempt to become death incarnate, the Goddess of Death.

Taking a heavy breath, she was further determined to make this wedding an unforgettable event for everyone involved...

*****

Moxxi shuddered, an unusual wave of dread washing over her. The little imp trembled while sitting on the barstool, taking another sip. The witch noticed this and approached her friend cautiously.

“Everything alright, Mox?” Beatrix asked, tilting her head. “You look spooked.”

“Uhm, yeah.… Maybe I 'ad a wee bit too much ter tiddley wink,” she laughed nervously, putting away her glass.

“You sure? You’re pretty insatiable.”

“I’m sure, lov~” She insisted, adjusting the top of her dress to make her cleavage stand out more before fluttering up. “Maybe a good tug ‘n’ suc will rid me of the willies!” As she levitated away to flirt with more guests, the witch simply shrugged and continued on her way around the manor.

Last-minute arrivals were made, and Beatrix scrambled to collect every guest. Aware she would have to abandon her search for the reaper, for now, she sighed and dipped out, confident Shadow Scythe would turn up once she was ready. She drew a circle in the air, stepped through the void, then returned almost as quickly as she'd disappeared.

“Damn! I've gotten a lot better at this,” she mused in delight, though reminded herself instant karma tended to bite her in the ass whenever she got too cocky.

Yet with how much she continued to refine her skills, she was sure a reunion with her daughter wasn't that far away! Sweet little Abadonna was trapped in a higher plane she currently couldn't reach, but in time she would breach that realm, too!

“Hey, do you hear something?” A voice from the crowd interrupted her thoughts.

“Yeah, it’s coming from outside!”

“Sounds like…bagpipes?!”

Indeed, the loud instrument’s music resonated throughout the manor as Beatrix moved her way to the entrance. And sure enough, there stood the player, a layer of mist evaporating upon his arrival. It only took one look for the unicorn to realize who this was, as the curved, sturdy horns and ram-like muzzle were a dead give away. A black mohawk style mane flowed, red paint across his right eye. He wore a tuxedo top while a kelt clung over his wooly black legs.

Before she could say anything, Lady Ewe pushed past her and the gathering crowd, a look of excitement on her face as she walked towards her sibling. At once, the music ended, the warrior ram opening his crimson eyes met with warm golden orbs, a smile raising his bearded chin.

“Bràthair,” she exclaimed, pulling him into a hug. “Ye came!”

“Mah kin,” he returned, lightly butting his head to hers. “Wooldn’t miss this fur th' warld”

The two goats held each other tenderly as Beatrix cautiously approached. Oona removed herself to beam at the violet unicorn. “Beatrix, I’d like ye tae meet mah brither, Sir Dion.”

“Hello!” Beatrix smiled, offering her hand, to which he shook firmly. “I’ve heard a lot about you!”

“As hae Ah,” he acknowledged. “Sae thes is th' mare who bewitched mah sister. Gotta say, Oona; ye picked one bonnie lil’ lass!”

“Brither!!” Oona playfully nudged, cheeks flourishing. “This isn’t abit us! We’re here tae celebrate Cerise an' Midnight’s unity!” Beatrix couldn’t help but snicker at their banter.

“Ah ken,” Dion chuckled, unstrapping the bagpipe from his arm. “Still, It be a pleasure tae finally meet ye in person. Ah sense a strong spirit within ye, an' Ah hope we can get mair in tooch wi' each other!”

“Hehehe! The feeling’s mutual~” Beatrix winked, escorting both goats back into the manor. Almost immediately, Dion headed towards the drinking bar while greeting each strange along the way.

A far contrast to how shyly his sister was upon getting here, only speaking with more familiar ponies despite her claims.

“I think that’s everyone then!” She said, looking over everyone wandering in to mingle. She wiped her brow, strolled through the rows of tables lined by delicacies, where the crystal pony maid quadruplets also rushed about to serve everyone.

They seemed to sense Beatrix's eyes on them, bent over in their too short frilled skirts that exposed white silk panties that clung to their buttocks, or cleavage that spilled out of their tops to the point where she caught a hint of sparkly nipples.

“Pft, those teases,” she muttered with a titter. She used her aura to flip their skirts and poked one in the rump while she passed by.

“Ohh~! Quite a nice breeze,” admitted one of the Foal-Bearers, most of her pastel pink coral rump bared to the onlookers.

Wet Nurse leaned over the other side of the table, pendulous breasts suspended to the point where all but her nipples were visible, and they almost toppled free. “Sure you don't want to cop another feel, Beatrix...?”

“Well, I...” Beatrix blushed, reached into her offered top, and cupped a soft, warm tit, which she squeezed under her palm.

“Careful,” teased Wet Nurse as milk trickled over her hand. “Or I might ask you to help milk these poor, sensitive udders later!”

“It can be a problem,” noted the first Foal-Bearer, who'd had her body from the neck down switched with her twin and now shared the same affliction. “They're quite...sensitive. But those aches can quickly turn to pleasure, if properly stimulated.”

“Wow~” Beatrix almost forgot where she was for a moment and possessively played with the titties that continued to soak her palms. Sheepishly she withdrew after a moment, reminded that they all still had work to do!

The maids often made passes at her whenever she was around, driven by their own needs they frequently asked her to sate, like they were often in an induced state of estrus by their twin cutie marks. Almost like they were born to be breeders.

Thankfully, she was certain Moon Hammer would be more than enough to handle them once they were free!

“Is 'at aw ye got, laddie? Mah grandmother lifted boolders heavier than ye!”

“Keep talking, goat! You’re only going to embarrass yourself!”

Speaking of the minotaur, he was locked with Dion in an arm-wrestle, a small crowd of spectators cheering for either to win. Both males grunted, muscles strained, drawn taut. They were both bare-chested, soaked in beaded sweat, grunted and strained, trapped in a deadlock that refused to be broken.

Beatrix said, “Wow…only just got here, and he’s already butting heads?”

“That’s mah brither fur ye,” Ewe said while shaking her head, unimpressed. “Can’t ye go one visit withit tryin' tae pick a fight?!”

“Ah caught this thick, chucklefuck midget tryin' tae a cup a feel ay ye, Oona. He’s lucky Ah don’t break his arm in half!”

“Hey, the lady and I were just talking,” Moon Hammer defended.

“I’m nae some delicate flower tae be protected, brither,” the dream faun huffed. “Ah can flirt mah skirt aff wi' whoever Ah feel like!”

“Hence wa Ah’m offered thes challenge to tae bull; tae prove tae me yer man enough tae handle a doe ay our clan!”

“Oh, trust me, sir. I’m more than man enough,” Moon Hammer proclaimed, the two grinning at each other as their contest of strength continued.

The witch sucked in a breath, daring to not speak a word for fear it would decide the match. Oona rolled her eyes and left to go find someone less thick-headed to chat with.

Arcanum Folklore tossed a few more bits into the sizable pile. “Want to make a bet, too? Winner takes all.”

“I'd feel bad if I took sides,” whispered back Beatrix, uncertain who to root for.

Sunny took another drink from a keg she shared with Arcanum and said, “Maybe that's the motivation they need! Or maybe...” She leaned in closer to the contestants, flashed more of her cleavage with a crooked grin. Both males turned redfaced at the offer, but this seemed to help push them further.

“Chill out,” said Seabreeze, refilling the glasses that lined the table. “My money's on Moon Hammer. Got to admit I'm biased, since we all met on that nudist planet. 'Sides, it's all in fun, no matter who pulls ahead.”

“Might not stick that way with money on the line,” noted Arcanum, who watched intently between drinks. “Come on, Dion!”

“Grah! Ah refuse tae lose tae this weapons-grade plum!” Dion grunted, clutching harder.

Moon Hammer clenched his teeth, reminded he was smaller and weaker than a typical minotaur, but his physical prowess was still far beyond even the mightiest stallion. “Almost...there,” he hissed, veins visible on his chiseled flesh, both pushed to the limit.

Suddenly the blue skies above, dotted by the occasional fluffy cloud, violntly rippled. Reality itself appeared to bend, most eyes drawn in that direction. Cracks appeared, the fractures spreading throughout, and portions split away and rained down like shards of glass. Screams sounded, and the crowds broke apart, the vast blackness of space decorated by stars visible in the hole.

From it hopped a hellbound that landed between the arm wrestlers and forced them to disband, glasses knocked over and spilling wine, coins scattered with a clink.

The two released their hold before turning to one-another in understanding. Their contest could wait for now, for the warriors must fight together to defend the guests!

The mages were close behind, horns and hands lit in anticipation, while more monsters arose from the wound. The first beast drooled and growled between yellowed teeth, its fur rust-colored, the hound two-headed and bulky.

“HOLD IT!” A booming voice sounded from the heavens, chirpy and child-like.

“Everyone is ready,” called Beatrix, waving her arm and summoned clothes, armor, and weapons to everyone she could. The objects materialized from seemingly nowhere, a small army ready to face the swarm of creatures that emerged from the fissure.

“THEY WON'T HARM YOU...UNLESS I WISH THEM TO!” From the opening lowered a diminutive figure that hovered in place, garbed in what appeared to be a perfect replica of Beatrix's costume in mid-air above them. Which matched the rest of her, as Beatrix swore she stared into the cocky features of her childhood self, unable to help but inwardly cringe at her childish mirror.

Beatrix motioned everyone to stand down for the moment. “Who the heck are you?” It couldn't be Abadonna! The color scheme was all wrong, not to mention that the few times her daughter manifested, she had always carried a minor, visible deformity as a result!

The tiny witch posed and proudly boasted, “I AM YOUR CLONE-SISTER FROM THE DISTANT FUTURE! CALL ME MINI-TRIX, FOR I HAVE MANY TRICKS!” She cast back her head and burst into maniacal laughter. “I COMMAND ALL THE BEASTS YOU SEE BEFORE YOU!”

“...”

Someone coughed awkwardly amongst the crowd, the monsters frozen in place.

Unable to help but cringe harder, Beatrix wondered how she knew of the stage name and catchphrase she'd almost taken when she trained to be a witch under her mother, Trixie. It had to be horseshit, didn't it? She couldn't possibly be related to her!

Midnight, now in white armor trimmed by gold, beat heavy wings and hovered, hand at the sword sheathed at his hip. “Uhm, hi there! Mind if I ask what you want from us?”

“Yeah,” Cerise said while floating to his side, dressed in a scanty dancer costume, a spear in her hands, the cloth decorating the tip from when they'd first bonded in the manor. “This is our wedding day. And I rather not have to face any more needless drama!”

“I JUST WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN! AND YOU ALL WILL HELP ME WITH THAT!”

A wave of Mini-Trix's tiny hand and the monstrosities sprang into action. Some were animals twisted by the dark arts, others creatures from different realities, but the attendees capable of battle were forced into action at the onslaught she loosed.

The tiny unicorn continued to cackle. Explosions of colorful magic rippled across the sky. Weapons sunk into the beasts. Each time one was felled, they barely made so much as a muted whimper and vanished into puffs of colored smoke that dissipated.

“What the-? They're bloody illusions,” shouted Arcanum, clicking his fingers to banish a floating eyeball nearby.

“So they're harmless, huh?” Sunny pressed her back to his, while the casters helped hold off the twisted invaders.

“In that case, use your magic sparingly,” Sombra urged to all the casters, realizing spells were more of a threat to bystanders.

Despite the legions of twisted abominations that spilled out, they were handily dispatched by those in attendance, many seasoned champions that had been collected across an infinite number of parallel worlds.

Fighting side-by-side, Dion and Moon Hammer unleashed a war cry that made the hounds cower. They swung down a hammer and ax, respectively, cleaved more creatures who puffed out under the brutal impacts.

“Now this is mair like it!” Dion laughed while he decapitated another monster.

“More weddings should be like this,” Moon Hammer agreed, slamming his weapon down onto another beast’s skull.

“Yeah…. This is kind of fun!” admitted Cerise, now that they realized there was little real threat despite their appearance.

“Definitely works me up,” added Midnight as the lovers danced through the air to launch their own assault. In his homeworld, he'd rarely been able to test his skills beyond training, thankful at another opportunity
to show his love what he was capable of.

“NOT FAIR!” Mini-Trix stomped the air itself, her small fists balled up. Every time someone approached her, she pulled a smoke bomb from the folds of her cape, crushed it, and cackled some more, whereupon she vanished amidst the colorful plumes.

A couple tables were knocked over in the bedlam. Dishes clattered and shattered. Thankfully the chaos was now closer to a game for everyone. The illusions were provided a bit of substance since they were melded with ectoplasm, but otherwise were toothless predators with no will or sentience of their own. Beatrix stared at her childish copy, convinced she was a mere ruse, too.

Yet if she was simply a decoy, who could be the mastermind behind all this nonsense...?

Atop the mansion, she spotted her sister, Bellatrix Primadonna, currently in her succubus form, which included crimson skin, silky black hair, leather wings, a spaded tail, and nails that were closer to claws. Garbed in a slim black leather bikini, her golden eyes turned to her. “Whoevers behind this is inside the mansion! Do you think it's...?”

“Yeah, has to be!” Beatrix rushed inside the open doors to support her sister, certain of who the likely candidate was.

Aware it would take forever to search each individual room, Beatrix was thankful that Bellatrix mentally commanded each door to be thrown open simultaneously.

A shimmer resonated from one of the bathrooms, and Beatrix stormed in.

“Shadow Scythe!? So it is you!” She stalked towards the reaper hidden in the back, who spun to face her.

A thin smile was visible under a white hood trimmed in black, shadowing the unicorn's pale blue snout. “What do you think, Beatrix? I wanted to put on the kind of show you would when you were still a foal!” She swept back her hood, unable to suppress a bemused smile. “This time, I didn’t even have to borrow the manor's power! This is all me!”

“No, you shouldn't have done that,” chided Beatrix. “People could have been hurt!”

“Hey, when did you lose your sense of humor, Bea? It's fine,” said Cerise, who trailed behind her.

“Yeah,” Midnight nodded, close at hand. “Everyone was having fun!”

“Well, yeah, maybe, but...” Beatrix quietly fumed, unable to find a proper retort. Why did she suddenly feel like the bad guy?

“C’mon, lov,” Moxxi’s voice sounded before the imp popped in in a puff of neon smoke. “No harm in wanting to show off, right?”

“R-right,” confessed Shadow Scythe, drawing her muzzle into a line. “It seemed a waste to have so many skilled warriors here and not let them have a chance to strut their stuff!”

A portion of the wall peeled away as if on cue at Bellatrix's mental command, and they were able to witness the anarchy outside, 'Mini-Trix' and her minions currently overwhelmed by the champions.

The imp asked, “What do you say, special girl? It's your day! Let them fight it out or have Shadow Scythe break the spell?”

“Nah, let it continue!” The bride beamed with bemusement. “Everyone’s having a blast. How about it, Midnight? Want to help?”

He nodded. “Save some for me!” The two fliers headed back onto the battlefield, the lesser demon close behind.

Beatrix turned back to Shadow Scythe, their eyes locked. She hesitated a moment, struggling to find the right words. “Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you. I’m just…worried about you.” A smile managed to pull through. “Mini-Trix with many tricks, huh? Painful as it is to look on a reminder of one of my more ill-conceived ideas, it's kind of heart-warming, too! But how did you know about...?”

“Just remembered it somehow,” said Shadow Scythe, who bashfully looked away and stroked her pallid mane. The stack of books she received were tucked away from view.

“Huh, I see.” She folded her arms and wondered how much the reaper really recalled? “Just try not to let it get out of hand, okay? Couldn't bear to send anyone home hurt, or worse! Let's try to be responsible, okay?” She winked at her.

“Okay! Sorry, I worried you. But I'm relieved Cerise liked my present!” Her smile widened.

“Teehee! That she did,” said Beatrix, who couldn't deny the results. Nonetheless, the fact that the reaper could pull this off under their noses made her skin crawl. She shared a subtle look with Bellatrix, who mimicked her concerned frown, her arms folded.

She had barely beaten her before, and only thanks to the utilization of 'arcane magic,’ taught to her by Lady Ewe. A hidden power that manifested differently to each person who wielded it. Magic she had yet to master.

“Come back to the party, okay? I'm sure everyone would like to meet you,” offered the witch, who extended a hand.

“I-I'm scared.” She bowed her head, hands hidden in her wide sleeves, and brushed her foot about. “Maybe later, okay?”

“Okay.” With that, Beatrix waved and headed back beside Bellatrix.

Neither of them noticed a wicked smile that danced on Shadow Scythe's snout, satisfied that not only had she fooled them all, but she continued to master and expand powers once lost to her. She was tempted to take her sickle and hack through the illusions herself, aware it would help her let out some pent-up aggression, but instead she immediately turned back to her research.

Outside, the battle raged on, Beatrix, Bellatrix, and Moxxi also lost to the fun of it all. They felt alive at the moment, and a pang of envy stabbed at the reaper's heart, watching them all laugh and smile, united—a reminder of what she could have.

But to do so, she would have to surrender who she was. For a moment, she couldn't help but further ponder who she even was now, burdened by so many contradictory emotions? Where would she stand once she finally made her decision...?

Incoherent whispers pulled her head away, drew her back to the walls where the words sounded, reminded that she wasn’t the only one who observed the party below...

*****

It made her happier than Cerise could have believed. She pirouetted in the air, sailed in formation beside her lover, almost disappointed that their combined efforts had so quickly whittled down what once appeared to be an infinite number of monsters. At least she was able to show off her skills, trained under Bellatrix to incorporate her dance skills into her combat. A talent she proudly displayed before her lover, for she had honed her limber body to contortionist levels over the years.

She was impressed by her stud's own prowess, able to cut loose once his saber was drawn, and he diced apart airborne foes that vanished back to nothingness. Nearby her brother, Penumbra, flew about and displayed his own swordsmanship. Below him, his amazon wife, Lily, quickly broke the monsters that were herded her way below bare fists that she rained down on them.

Moments later Mini-Trix yelled, “OKAY! SHOW'S OVER! BUT WATCH OUT, FOR ONE DAY, I WILL RETURN!” The illusion waved her small hand, melodramatically opened a portal in the air, and slipped into the rift that closed behind her, more smoke and mirrors.

Cheers erupted all over as the invaders popped out of existence. Cerise landed beside Midnight, hugging and kissing him, both soaked in sweat. Armaments were raised, the masses surrounded by the ruins of their party, scattered about the grounds.

“What a mess. I suppose we must clean it up,” said Foal-Bearer, who exhaled.

“Nah,” said Cerise, who shook her head and leaned on her spear. “Let it be! I think it lends the place more character!”

Wet Nurse nodded. “Glad that this didn't ruin your special day! We were all worried!”

“What matters is you're all here!” Cerise beamed at the quadruplets, then scanned the crowds collected around them. “All of you handled yourselves so well! Oh, but it's almost time, isn't it? We're supposed to march down the 'aisle' in a couple minutes!”

“Allow me,” offered Bellatrix, who used the manor's power to bend the area and crafted a trail that led to a massive tree.

“Perfect! Just have to get changed!” Cerise started to run off, only for Beatrix to block her path and waved her arm again. The weapons and armor were banished, and replaced by suitable costumes that materialized over everyone there.

The witch herself dressed up for the occasion, wearing a sparkly blue royal gown over her figure. A frilly mermaid’s tail draped down her hips, a slit providing an eyeful of her leg. The top could barely keep over Beatrix’s ample bust as her platinum mane cascaded down the left of her shoulder.

“Nifty, huh~?” Beatrix blew on her index finger and winked. “Okay, everyone, let's head to our places! Chop-chop!”

People snapped to attention and dashed into position. Beatrix stopped to stare at the hole in the sky, which hadn't vanished. Her eyes widened once something toppled out of the wound. The stallion and mare landed atop her, their fall broken as she whimpered.

“Oh! I-I'm sorry," the pegasus said while they clambered off the witch. “My name's Hanzal.” He offered a hand she took, and he helped her up. Green-coated and blonde-haired, his blue eyes shyly met her bewildered stare. “Nice to make your acquaintance, miss-?”

“Beatrix Belladonna.” She shook his hand. “And who's your cute friend?”

“Candy,” she said and offered her own hand, which she took. Purple-maned with white stripes that matched her brilliant coat, she was exceptionally curvy, and in contrast to his conservative wear, she wore hers like a second skin. She looked around them. “Not sure how we ended up here? Wherever this is? We decided to do a little exploring, and-”

“Ah,” said Arcanum, who strode up, a lit cigarette between his lips. “Must've wandered into a dimensional rift, too.”

Beatrix nodded and said, “I'll take you all home the moment this is over, if you like. But I don't want to ruin the wedding!”

“Wedding? Ooh, that sounds fun.” Candy grinned, a hand on her wide hip. She turned to Cerise. “That must be the bride, huh?”

“She's lovely,” noted Hanzal, who also turned to Cerise. He cradled his wings to him, one smaller than expected, several of its feathers missing. Self-consciously he traced it. “S-sorry. It was crippled when I was born.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” said Arcanum, who studied it. “Are you able to fly?”

“A little. I've practiced a lot.” He rubbed it reflexively. “So, you don't mind if we attend?”

“I'm sure Cerise would like that,” said Beatrix, who winked. “The more, the merrier, as they say! Settle in, we’re about to start!”

Candy turned to watch the maids dash about. “Oh, there are crystal ponies here?” She suddenly withdrew into herself a little. “A-and King Sombra.” She drifted closer to Hanzal, the only person she knew here.

“Yeah,” said Beatrix, who creased her lips. “But don't worry. This one's changed.”

“I-I see. This really is another universe, after all? It's just, well...I used to be a slave,” she whispered almost inaudibly and stared at her feet. “It reminded me of that, that's all. I'm sorry. But I want to believe it's safe here.”

“It is. For the most part,” assured Beatrix who whistled innocently, thankful they'd missed the advent of 'Mini-Trix.’

“I'm sure we'll understand soon,” said Hanzal, whose line of sight rested on the manor. “I'd like to study it a bit if that's okay?”

“Shouldn't be a problem. I'll introduce you to my sister,” replied Beatrix, who winked and then spun on her heel to head on in.

Further on, Cerise watched in fascination as the enchanted clothes her mother had woven morphed into something more suitable. The tailored costumes sparkled during their transformation, as did Midnight's until they settled into place. She traced her white dress and his dark blue suit, felt her heart hammer anew, aware the next step of her life was about to commence.

Within a few minutes, the musicians started to play. Friends and family lined up on the sides. The tree framed the sky beneath the sun, the sky still scarred by its wound. Her ears flicked at the soothing sounds. The orchestra halted once a new sound arose from near the tree that framed the horizon.

Lady Ewe and Sir Dion began to play a hymn from ancient times, the male ram sounding the bagpipes, while the dream faun plucked the strings of a harp. Gently, she started to croon;

“O is beannaichte an latha nuair a thig na spioradan a chluich~♩
O beannaichte le ar caraidean airson a thighinn còmhla rinn airson comharrachadh~♩
De dhithis leannan, gabh a-steach tro ghràs agus buaidh, gus na làithean aca a chaitheamh an seo gu bràth~♩”

Everyone was speechless. While no one could understand the language she spoke, Lady Ewe sang it elegantly, moving Cerise to tears. Beatrix even wiped some tears from her face, smiling lovingly at her mentor.

“O is beannaichte an latha nuair a thig na spioradan a chluich~♩
O beannaichte le ar caraidean airson a thighinn còmhla rinn airson comharrachadh~♩
Mar a bhios dithis leannan, a ’ceangal le neart agus aonachd, an aghaidh nan làithean a tha romhainn còmhla.~♩”

As the tempo picked up and the dream faun looked over to the bride and groom, the two jumped a little before starting their walk down the aisle. It was like Cerise walked through a dream, side-by-side with Midnight, the soldier a comforting presence that made her feel secure. Shadow Scythe was also there to her wide-eyed shock, trying to hide her face behind the trunk, and the reaper openly wept at the proceedings.

It was a surreal sight, like much of what she had encountered in her short life.

At the end awaited another unexpected guest. Somnambula stood in her white priestess garb, a bible written in a dead language that only she understood in hand.

She smiled serenely, wings neatly folded behind the pegasus. At the request of King Sombra, she had agreed to seal their union, partially to atone for her ruthless actions to help with the war that ruined Cerise's world.

The couple paused before her, and Oona and Dion ended their playing; a small applaud from the guests before joining in to take their seats on the summoned chairs.

Vows were exchanged, the rune-lined silver and gold rings then presented, which were slid onto their fingers. “You are pronounced husband and wife,” Somnambula stated. “Now, seal the ceremony with a kiss.”

The lovers nodded, eyes locked, and Cerise melted into his touch, brushing his lips to hers. He crushed her to his warm chest, her wings wrapping around him, and his own expansive feathered plume enshrouded her. Jubilation exploded from the onlookers.

Her mother teared up, and she swore her father's face twitched and strained to withhold his own torrent of emotions.

Corks popped and confetti rained. Guests cheered and partied. He swept her into his arms, and she pressed her head to his chest, her cheeks afire at what was soon to come.

Not that the couple hadn't already been at it like rabbits before this momentous day!

Around them Arcanum and Sunny were back to drinking and had almost downed an entire keg between them. Seabreeze, Candy, and her parents danced. Hanzal spoke with Somnambula, who shared tales of her exploits in her homeworld. The quadruplet maids swarmed around Moon Hammer, who resumed his friendly competition with Dion, Sunny and Arcanum at his corner.

The lovers arrived at the wedding cake. A superb piece stacked so high it towered over them. Gently he set her down, and Beatrix offered her a knife to cut the first piece. “Go ahead,” Beatrix smirked. “Indulge yourself!”

“Aiblins th' bride woods like tae make a wish?” Lady Ewe asked, standing by her side.

“Huh,” said Cerise aloud, the knife held in her grasp while she considered. “Well, I did kind of want a nudist beach party...”

On cue, the cake's top popped open, and the dancer stumbled back onto her butt, the knife seized by Beatrix's aura and set aside while their eyes turned. From the cake arose a nude Moxxi who posed and grinned. “Ta-da~! 'ere’s ter gettin' 'itch, ya jolly wankers~!” She shook her assets, the imp's tiny fangs exposed, and flapped her small bat wings.

“Bah! Why, you little scamp!” Growled Beatrix in a playful manner.

Cerise huffed and burst into cheerful laughter amidst a flap of her own. “I have to admit, you got me! How did you pull it off?”

“Oh, it wasn't 'ard. Bellatrix wanted ter take a short break, so she left me in charge of the bloomin' gaff. And since someone was eager ter 'ave a nudist wedding…”

Beatrix's violet eyes went wide. “W-wait, what!? Oh no, no NO--”

But before the implications could start to settle in, Moxxi worked her new abilities over the area, which instantly transformed into a sandy beach, complete with an ocean. A salty scent was carried on the breeze.

Yet the imp was far from done and couldn't help but snicker as, with several simple finger snaps, she instantly made one of the bride's hushed wishes into a reality.

There were many yelps once clothes vanished in an instant. Stallions, mares, and other creatures in attendance were rendered nude, costumes simultaneously banished to a hidden spot in the mansion.

Pretty soon, everyone in attendance was stripped bare. The one exception Cerise noted was Shadow Scythe, who had somehow made herself scarce in the chaos.

Thankfully a number of them were quick to adjust to their nudity, while others took shelter under what little cover was on offer.

The imp yelped, lifted upside-down by her tail due to Bellatrix. “What did I tell you about the misuse of these powers?!” She sternly cast her a sour look. “I swear, Moxxi, I can't leave you alone for a minute!”

“Oh, c'mon. Just givin' Cerise wot she wanted,” Moxxi pouted at the bride.

Cerise folded her arms. “Well, I do think you should have sought permission first! I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable, even if I admittedly wanted everyone naked!” Her face burned, unable to help but stare at all the fresh eye candy on display. “Mmmn…. Screw it, why is this so hot!?”

Groaning, Bellatrix dropped the imp. “You get a pass...for now. But I'll expect the manor back by the end of the day.”

“Don’t worry, I will!” Moxxi innocently showed her small hands.

“Oh,” added Beatrix, who rested a hand on her hip. “And leave the clothes in a pile so anyone who wants can reclaim them, okay?”

She turned to the cluster of outfits that rained from the hole in the sky and piled up, briefs, boxers, bras, and panties neatly plopped atop the mountain. She nodded in approval, then tested her toes in the sparkly sands, unable to suppress a wry smirk.

“I don't mind,” admitted Midnight who stretched. “After all we've been through, I'm quite comfortable with my body!”

“Same! But I always have been!” Cerise draped her ample nakedness over him. “Ready to, you know...?”

Midnight watched the minotaur, Moon Hammer, playfully scoop up one of the maids and drape her over a broad shoulder. She tittered as he landed a soft swat on her crystalline bottom, rubbed a circle around the fleshy cheek, and carried her off, closely followed by her counterparts who were ready for some fun of their own. “Of course!” He swept her into his own grasp.

“Have fun, you crazy kids!” Beatrix offered a wave and watched the cute couple move on.

Cerise started to leave the party behind them with some reluctance, because she wanted to visit them all some more, mostly since she saw Seabreeze atop a surfboard, in a demonstration of her skills over the subdued waves that lapped on the shore.

The sun had started to dip below the horizon, the day-and-night cycle on this barren planet artificial, and decided by Bellatrix, who watched over it. Shimmer Shade used her brush to capture the scene depicted before them. Candy collected seashells, while Hanzal sat nearby and spoke more with Bellatrix and Moxxi, who shared tales about the places they had visited.

But the conversation drew short as the imp shuddered again. This time, the wave much stronger now that Moxxi and the manor were connected. Her eyes narrowed to the roof, as a familiar presence called to her.

“Hey Moonlight,” called Cerise who spotted the lone mare. “Come over here!”

“Huh? Okay.” The thestral shrugged and wandered over to the couple. “What is it?”

“It's obvious you still have feelings for him. Heck, I don't blame you! What do you two say?” Cerise looked between their faces. “How would you like the three of us to hook up for the night? A hyper-stallion isn't easily satisfied, and I could always use the help!”

“Tempting. But I wouldn't want to butt in on your special night,” she replied, wings pinned at her back and arms crossed.

“You won't be! Come on, you two! We might not have another chance like this for a while!” While Beatrix promised to pop in often, and swore that they could crash at the mansion anytime, like all her friends, she would usually be busy with her adventures.

Midnight grinned. There had been moments the male and female recruits were forced to share showers to conserve water, so they'd already seen each other naked many times, but he'd never looked on her like this. She boldly posed for him, breasts thrust out, let him drink in every inch. “I'm okay with that. I don't want you to feel pushed, of course.”

“You kidding? We'll have to see if you two can keep up with me!” Moonlight smirked back. “Fine, count me in!” She pushed ahead of them, into the manor's threshold, and the lovers couldn't help but stare at the swivel of her ample buttocks.

Gently the double doors creaked shut behind the trio, who maneuvered the halls and retired to a private room.

Inside stood a familiar face, the unicorn hooded and cloaked. “O-oh! Didn't realize this was occupied,” said Cerise who turned.

“Wait,” said Shadow Scythe, her face drawn. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to talk.” They paused, and she closed the door behind them. “It concerns Midnight, actually. Thanks to experimenting with the manor's power, I've uncovered many secrets.”

“About me?” Midnight quirked a brow and set his bride down at his side. “Go on.”

The reaper nodded. “There are weaker portions of the manor which act as pocket dimensions, or in some cases tunnels to parallel worlds. I didn't dare travel into one, but I have seen pieces of other realms, which include where you came from.”

Cerise swallowed hard. Had her memories returned? “W-what did you see...?”

“Shining Armor talking to himself. You knew, didn't you?” Shadow Scythe turned to Moonlight, who shrank before her cool scrutiny. “You've had to keep it in, all this time. When did you plan to finally tell him?”

“D-don't,” muttered Moonlight, who shook her head, and shrank into herself.

“What is it people say? ‘The truth will set you free', or some such rubbish?” Shadow Scythe skulked around the room, burdened by the weight of her own revelations. “Shining Armor claimed your mother and father were killed in a pointless, bloody skirmish, but-”

“Okay! He's your father!” Moonlight balled her fists and teared-up, her sharp teeth bared. “There! Are you happy now?!”

Midnight paled and took a step back. “Wh-what...? My father? But...how...”

Tears poured out from Moonlight, who hung her head and covered her face, shaken. “I-I swore to keep it a secret. He was drunk one day, called me into his office, and confided in me. Shining Armor fathered you on a mare he had a one-night stand with, but he didn't know! She was lost in a skirmish, but by the time he learned about about his son, you were already a few years old!”

“So he took me in? Trained me to be a soldier, too?” His head spun in confusion.

“Y-yeah.... He felt ashamed he wasn't there to raise you, but he couldn't bring himself to tell you the truth either, so he taught you all he could to make up for it.” Moonlight sniffled, relieved to finally release what she'd been forced to keep bottled up for years.

Cerise clung to her husband to support him, caressed his cheek, her neon pink eyes locked on him. “Are you okay? That means-”

“That you and Beatrix are half-brother and sister,” noted Shadow Scythe, who lit her horn. The wall itself opened with a fleshy sound, which twisted and deposited the mare in question, who clumsily toppled out onto her butt. “Welcome back, Belladonna.”

“Oh! H-hi.” She sheepishly rose and strained to meet them. “I didn't mean to spy, but-”

“I know. You were after me,” noted Shadow Scythe, aware that she and Bellatrix continuously tracked her movements whenever possible. “I've learned a lot these last few days.” She skulked about the chambers, face shadowed. “I wanted to help you all, but I never imagined I'd stumble on revelations so monumental. You may think me cruel, but isn't it better to accept reality?”

Beatrix paled at the implications and asked, “H-how much do you know...?”

“Enough.” Shadow Scythe heaved her shoulders and cast back her hood. She coolly studied them, dark circles under her narrowed, icy eyes. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll need to collect my stuff and take my leave.”

“Leave?!” Beatrix reached to stop her, only for the pale unicorn to yank away. Shadow Scythe paused, then briefly looked back to her caretaker before she headed upstairs.

A forlorn Beatrix exhaled before she turned to address Midnight. “S-so, we're kind of distant siblings, huh? Good thing we didn't...”

He nodded. “Do you think Shadow Scythe is right? That universes partially bend themselves to you when you travel there?”

“It would explain a lot,” admitted Beatrix, who reached to clasp her Prima Materia for comfort, only to remember their clothes had all been banished. “I wonder if that would happen to anyone who travels to another world? That maybe it conforms around them? It could mean only this version of you is related to me. That I did this. I'm...sorry.”

“Don't be. I'm happy to finally know the truth.” He smiled at them all.

Did this mean Shadow Scythe was their enemy? Cerise also couldn't help but worry she would return to fulfill a vendetta, if she indeed recalled all that had happened in these haunted walls. But it appeared she nonetheless recalled the kindness they'd shown her, too. She was probably more confused than they were, unable to reconcile the love and hate she felt for them.

“To think I have family left,” said Midnight, who broke his bride's reverie. “I wish Shining Armor had come forward to tell me himself.”

“I'm sure he wanted to,” said Beatrix, who touched his well-toned arm. “Guess my father's not so brave outside of battle!” She couldn't help but scoff in disappointment. “Bellatrix increases her skills with the mansion all the time, so she'll be prepared if Shadow Scythe returns, at least. Hopefully, it won't come to that. You're all welcome to crash here whenever you like, of course!”

Midnight nodded. “We'd like to spend our honeymoon here! It's kinda like home.”

“It's a lot to take in,” admitted Cerise, whose head still spun from what they'd heard.

Moonlight sniffled, wiped her face on a cloth she found nearby, then tossed it into a trash bin. “So, what does this mean?”

“I don't think it changes much,” assured Cerise, whose eyes darted about. “It just means you'll all be even closer now, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Beatrix's smile widened. “Anyhow, I didn't mean to intrude. We'll catch up more later, okay?” Quietly she opened the door, slipped out, and closed it behind her, like them in need of time to process all that they'd learned. Heading back downstairs, she noted Oona and Dion were conversing by the beach, and figured she’d join them.

Cerise turned back to Moonlight and held her to her bosom. “Will you be okay?”

“Yeah. Soldiers like us have to be tough,” answered Moonlight, who inhaled and steeled herself. “Let's not be glum, huh? Especially since we're about to have some fun!” She laughed and pushed the dancer down onto the bed, their limbs intertwined.

The pair bounced atop it amidst titters, watched by Midnight, whose loins burned and stirred at playful lovely sight before him, aware it would be a long, hard night...