Everywhere and Nowhere

For a moment, Shadow Scythe could not tear her gaze away from her former mentor, processing the fact that Grogar was still alive. No, she reminded herself. This wasn’t the same bastard she'd worked under.

Yet the memories of what she’d done and an irrational threat of reprisal threatened to overwhelm her. Her small breast heaved, her hands reaching to clutch her fallen weapon, trembling within her tightened grip.

Zeloph was equally unnerved, having never seen his partner in such a constant state of fear, not even with the Burning King!

Just how atrocious was this ancient ram?

Grogar remained fixated between the two, his weary face drawn, brows furrowed. “How curious,” he finally stated, settling on glaring at Shadow Scythe. “You look at me as if you know me, yet this is our first meeting. Judging by your weapon and ghastly complexion, you must be a soul reaper, correct?”

She flinched, backing further away from the monstrous sheep, teeth clenched tightly. Pleased with her reaction, Grogar swayed his head back to Zeloph. “You, however, don’t look like any creature I created. Your wings are magnificent! Are you, perhaps, from an angelic order beyond this realm?”

“You are…very well informed,” Zeloph confirmed, stroking his avian appendages. The azure ram chuckled.

“I’m impressed that anyone could scale this mountain with Gusty’s eternal blizzard spell rampant. It must have been a hassle to come see me. Which brings me to my next question; why are you here? Come to finish me off?”

“If only,” Shadow Scythe muttered darkly.

“No…you were sent here. And not by those mystical idiots! You both reek of ominous arcane magic, as if it singes your very souls.”

“Wait, you can see our archaic signatures?” The demi exclaimed in alarm.

“Of course I can,” Grogar scoffed. “It was I who first tapped into arcane magic!”

“What!?” The pale unicorn sneered, ready to butcher the bastard where he stood. Yet before she could strike, the ancient ram glared her down, paralyzing her with dread. A smirk stretched his mouth.

“What’s wrong? Afraid you’ll miss? It’s not like I can move, you know,” he taunted, earning a sharp glare from the reaper as she relaxed her combative stance. “Heh…you are wise to remain fearful of me. There’s plenty about me you don’t know, and to slay me now would be a grievous mistake.”

“Is that so?” Zeloph huffed, unswayed by the ram’s arrogance, arms folded into his chest. “Well, let's hear it then. How were you the first to discover arcane magic?”

Snorting, the ram briefly closed his eyes, recalling the events. “It was during my initial reign as First Emperor of Equestria. Gusty the Great led a revolution against me, and my armies could not maintain the riots. I refused to forfeit control! I had to snuff out their rebellion. To do so, I returned to my homeland of Tambelon, where I made contact with the ancient ones.”

Both Shadow Scythe and Zeloph listened intently, uncertain whether to believe his claims.

The azure ram continued, “They taught me the ways of arcana, how to wield it, unlock my Onoma and use it in battle. And through it, I was able to create an abundance of monsters and secure my crown. A story so old, only a handful of scholars live to know its existence! It was how I earned my moniker as the Father of all Monsters!” He paused, a moment of triumphant pride swelling within his breast, smiling boldly.

“But you clearly lost that power. Otherwise, why would you be a prisoner here?” Shadow Scythe stated, getting a seething look from the ram, who sighed.

“In my hubris, I failed to notice my great-nephew had learned arcane magic from a mere fae and joined Gusty in an alliance. Together, they overthrew me, forging weapons to slay the beasts I commanded. I was defeated, locked away to rot in this mountain. To think my own blood would betray me after all the prosperity I provided our clan.”

“Prosperity?” Zeloph scoffed. “I find it hard to believe a land full of monsters and demons would benefit Equestria.”

“Says the one who nearly erased the minds of many for the sake of ‘purity,’” Shadow Scythe grunted, earning a soft glare before gazing back when Grogar chuckled.

“Oh, I provided much more than that. Ever since my imprisonment, I’ve stored up on magic, as you can sense. Grown a greater understanding of the arcane. And fortunately for me, someone else wanted a taste of that knowledge.”

“You took an apprentice?” Shadow Scythe asked as the azure ram nodded.

“Someone who could continue my work in exchange for lessons. One who happened to be another blood relative! Tell me…. Does the name Oona Ewe ring any bells?”

Both of them took a step back, astonished by this information. To think such a kind, compassionate lady was related to such a horrible sorcerer. Grogar’s grin deepened.

“Heh, thought so! I only ask because I sense faint traces of her magical signature on you, angel. But everything she knows now, she learned from me. Though It wouldn’t be long until her father learned of our arrangement and ceased all contact. Just as she was beginning to show real promise as an arcane sorceress! Haven’t seen anyone since…until now.” He sighed wearily, wrinkled face studying the prison’s shadowy interior, where only the faint glow of runic boulders holding him captive highlighted the room.

“It appears we share a dilemma,” Grogar said thoughtfully, swinging his head to gaze at Shadow Scythe and Zeloph. “You too are also forced here against your will.”

“W-what, preposterous!” The pale unicorn proclaimed, gripping her arms tightly. “I am no one’s slave!”

“Pah! Please, I can smell the sulphur off your cloak. You’re no less a prisoner than I am! Now show me your forearms. Both of you!”

Begrudgingly, both pulled up their sleeves to reveal the mark of burnt flesh scarring their limbs, much to the amusement of the Father of Monsters, who let out a hardy laugh.

“So the Burning King has sent you, has he? I figured as much. You’ve come here hoping for a way to escape the apocalypse.”

“Partially,” Zeloph uttered.

“How do you know the Burning King?!” Shadow Scythe questioned.

“I was the one who supplied him with the body of a nuckelavee,” Grogar admitted. “Of all the demons I spawn, that one is an old favorite. The primordial manifestation of carnage, born to slaughter everything in its path.”

Zeloph said, “But... that would make you responsible for the End of Days!!”

“Yes, precisely,” the old ram smiled sinisterly. “You must think me mad for giving life to pure destruction. But when you’ve gotten to my age, you’ll have seen it all. So why not burn down every foundation to start anew?”

“Grrgn! This was a waste of time! Doppia, that bitch.… She led us astray! Let’s go, Zeloph,” Shadow Scythe growled, ready to depart from this insanity.

Grogar called, “Leaving so soon?”

“I see nothing left for us here, except a deranged goat,” the demi bitterly spat.

“I beg to differ. It is my magic that you seek to activate the portal to Enock’s library, yes?”

The fallen one paused, tearing his gaze away from the knowing ram. “How did you know we were-”

“I propose a trade,” Grogar interrupted. “Get me out of these chains, and I’ll supplant you with my dark essence. You want to escape your fates, and I want a better view of the Lost World’s destruction. No strings attached. We simply get what we want and never see each other again. What do you say?”

Zeloph knew this was a shady deal. For as much insight he claimed to have, there was no way Grogar could know they were after the library. Did this also mean he was aware of Abadonna’s existence?

Still, for all their effort getting up here, it would be a waste to leave with nothing…

The winged immortal gasped as he was slammed up into the wall, his companion staring deathly into his magenta eyes. “Listen to me, Zeloph,” Shadow Scythe hissed. “Grogar is not to be trifled with. We are not aiding in his release!”

“Let go of me!” Zeloph demanded. “My word! I’ve never seen you so frightened! Are you really that afraid of this old geezer?”

“Yes! As should you be! I know what he’s capable of!”

“But you killed him once, didn’t you? Surely, with our combined magic, we coul--”

“Were you not listening?! Grogar’s been holding back enough magic to fill up this entire mountain!”

“I was! I just...find it cute that you suddenly value my safety all of a sudden~.”

The unicorn’s face flourished hotly with anger, her grip around his collar tightening. “You insufferable, pompous, sanctimonious--”

“Erm, you do realize I’m still here, right?” Grogar injected with a raised brow. “I can hear every word that your--”

“QUIET!!” They both yelled in unison, shutting the bewildered ram up.

“Well, what other choice do we have?” Zeloph argued. “It’s either die by Grogar’s hand or perish before the Burning King! I highly doubt Beatrix would ever be willing to give us her power!”

“You’re a smooth talker, aren’t you? Surely, you can seduce her again! It’s all you’re really good for!”

“Oh, don’t be naive! As if I’d ever lower myself to sleeping with that--”

“There they are!!” A voice echoed from above.

Shadow Scythe and Zeloph paused their banter to look towards the room’s entrance, where Beatrix Belladonna stood there in disbelief.

“Speak of the devil…” Zeloph murmured, freeing himself from the unicorn’s hold, dusting off his burgundy jacket.

“Finally,” hissed Shadow Scythe under her breath, glaring up at her target in a staredown. Swiftly, Dion and Midnight flanked one side while Lady Ewe and Cerise took the other, heavily armed and taking in the sight of their two enemies.

“Zeloph!” Cerise sneered.

“A-and Shadow Scythe!” Exclaimed Midnight, aiming his spear towards the reaper. “So they are working together!”

“Evil always attracts mair evil,” Dion huffed, though his eyes remained on the ancient ram behind him, who greeted the new intruders with a smile.

“Well, if it isn’t my great-grandniece and nephew,” Grogar mockingly stated. “It’s about time you paid your old uncle a visit, don’t you think?”

“Don’t speak tae us, heathen!” Oona seethed, holding her dreamcatcher staff protectively. “Yer no famley ov ours!”

“Oh, Oona,” the azure ram snickered, shaking his head. “My blood flows through your veins whether you like it or not! I’ll never forget the young lamb who came to me, wondering about her connection with the fae spirits. Seeking what her father failed to hide.”

“A-Ah was foolish! He only wanted tae protect me from ye!”

“He was foolish to keep you from your heritage! And where is he now? Hiding on a little island, desperate to keep whatever remains of our once glorious empire! Had you remained by my side, I would have made your gifts flourish!”

While the dream faun kept a brave face, Shadow Scythe noticed she trembled, fighting back the tears. A flash of sympathy flushed over the reaper, unable to imagine sharing a family with this monster.

“You could have been so much more, Oona,” Grogar continued. “But your potential is wasted on being a simple shepherd, frolicking in the dreams of people too weak to aspire themselves!”

“Leave her alone!” Beatrix bellowed, stepping in front of her lover with a heated glare. “She has done more for her family and friends than you’d ever accomplished!”

“Typical Beatrix,” Zeloph sighed, rolling his eyes. “Sticking her nose into affairs that do not concern her. Then again, you always were one to get between families…”

“Don’t you dare talk about family to me, you..! Y-you...” Before she continued her threat, she did a double-take, leering over her former lover as her cheeks brightened a bit. “W-wait, when did you get so hot?!”

“Beatrix!!” Oona and Cerise exclaimed, unamused.

“Whaaaat?! How am I supposed to ignore the whole ‘bad boy’ look he’s rocking? I-I mean…. Damn you, Zeloph!!”

The Fallen One chuckled, brushing his midnight locks from his pale face. “Like what you see? Personally, I’ve never felt more alive~!”

“Oh, go fuck yourself,” Shadow Scythe groaned, irritatingly rubbing her temple.

“And you!” Beatrix addressed the reaper. “I should have guessed you’d go back to your wicked ways, but I’d never suspect you’d align yourself with him! What are you doing, Shadow Scythe?”

“What am I doing?” Shadow Scythe chuckled coldly. “I’m at least content with being a complete monster. But you continue to thoughtlessly interfere in multiple universes and twist them to your will! Not to mention all the collateral damage that you’ve caused!”

Her icy eyes fell towards Midnight before pointing at the soldier. “Just take this idiot, for example!”

“Hey!” The pegasus barked back.

“You subconsciously altered him and Shining Armor in his homeworld, causing him to become your half-brother! His fate is on your hands, and you didn’t even bother to tell them, did you?”

Everyone in the room sported a puzzled look, mainly the stallion in question. “W-wait, what is she saying?”

“Lassie?” Dion voiced his concern, the witch falling silent.

“Ha! Figures,” the reaper crowed. “So what’s it going to be, Belladonna? Want to come clean to them, or should I tell the happy couple~?”

“N-no! Shut up!!” Cerise yelled. “You’re lying! There’s nothing wrong with Midnight! Right, Beatrix?”

The pale unicorn shook her head as the charcoal mare stared pleadingly towards her friend.

“Beatrix..?”

“It's...about hyper-stallions,” she sighed, barely audible and holding her upper arms, unable to meet their eyes. “If I hadn't met Midnight, he never would've been one.”

“O-okay, so what? That doesn’t...”

Her voice was cut off when the witch turned to face her, a look of regret clearly reflected from her violet pupils. “I told you that they’re protoforms, right? But there's a downside. Since they had shorter lifespans, they were driven to spread their seed faster.”

It took a moment for the implications to sink in for Cerise, eyes widened and mouth agape. “Shorter lifespan...? B-by how much?”

Beatrix sniffled, looking back down, and confessed, “He probably won't live to see his middle-age. I'm sorry, Midnight. I know it doesn't really help, but I never meant for this to happen! I just stumbled on your world and wished I had a brother...”

She hadn't known the extent of the Prima Materia's power at the time, that it subconsciously shaped each world in flux she travelled to in often subtle ways to suit her will. A careless wish had altered his entire life the moment she had arrived.

“Well, well,” Zeloph spoke, arms folded while staring at his former lover in astonishment. “So not only have you doomed our child to non-existence, but you’ve taken away their future as well! It never ceases to amaze me how selfish and irresponsible you are.”

“Shut yer gobber, ye multi-eyed shitweasel!” Dion cursed, aiming his claymore towards the snarky demihuman.

“N-no! It’s not true! Tell me it isn't true!” Cried Cerise, whose pink eyes watered as she clung to her lover.

“It’s true,” Shadow Scythe stated, looking over the princess and her knight with softened eyes. “You should have never come here, Cerise. At least, back in your world, you could have lived a happy life together, blissfully unaware of how limited your time would be.” Her eyes hardened on Beatrix, who returned the seething gaze. “How many more lives must you ruin until you’re satisfied, witch?”

“Butt out,” Midnight stated, spear tip poised for the unicorn’s throat. He clutched his weapon with wavering hands, trying hard to swallow down the anger roaring inside him. “So what if I don’t have much time? I’ll still be young, and I can still fight!” He clasped his beloved’s hands, emerald eyes falling over the gold and silver rings, respectively linking their fingers. “It’s not about how much there is to live, but how to live. And I choose to live just like this; kicking your sorry asses and protecting the mare I love!” He chuckled weakly, trying to not show fear in front of his snivelling wife. “I’m a happy stallion!”

“Spoken lik' a true warrior, laddie!” Dion nodded, bashing the butt of his sword against his shield, snorting with impatience.

“Hmph! Disgusting,” Grogar commented, watching as both Shadow Scythe and Zeloph took their stances, holding their weapons, ready for the impending brawl. Beatrix’s horn flared, Oona clutching her side while archaic magic flowed over her hands.

“M-Midnight,” Cerise whimpered.

“Don’t worry, babe!” The blue pegasus insisted, a wing wrapped around her. “I won’t get reckless. I shouldn’t need my hyper-strength to deal with these two!”

“Bold words coming from a dead man walking,” Zeloph taunted, his magnificent wings unfurled from his back, all eyes fixed on the party.

“Not as dead as you’ll be when I’m through with you!” Beatrix declared, glaring spitefully at her old flame.

But Cerise refused to accept the situation, rapidly shaking her head. “No! No, no, NO! He's supposed to return home a hero! To give me a child or two! This was not supposed to happen!” She choked back sobs, overwhelmed by a storm of ambivalent emotions and confusion.

“C-Cerise, please! I-I’m sorry!” The witch insisted.

But the moment her foe was distracted, Shadow Scythe seized the opportunity to sink into her own shadow, crawling through the dimly lit room.

“H-huh? Where did she go?!” Midnight yelped on guard.

“Oh no! This must be her archaic ability!” Oona realized, quickly conjuring a protective barrier. But the sheep sage was too late as the reaper emerged from the witch’s shades, coiling tendrils around Beatrix while cackling.

“Hey! L-let me go!” The violet unicorn demanded, thrashing to break free or wave a spell, sinking into her own shadow.

“Beatrix!” Cerise yelped, attempting to stop her, only for Shadow Scythe to flick her sickle at the dancer, lopping off one of her curled pigtails. Flinching back, she held her cheek, hissing as a thin line of red cut her dark fur.

“NO!!” Midnight yelled, thrusting his spear at the reaper, only to meet the stone floor as they both disappeared. Oona quickly rushed to Cerise’s aid, checking over her wound with saddened eyes. “Cerise! Are you alright?”

“I-I’m okay... Just a scratch,” she whimpered, starting over where her friend once stood in guilt. Had she not caused a scene, Beatrix wouldn’t have given Shadow Scythe an opening to attack.

“Goddamnit,” Zeloph cursed, unable to predict that his partner would abandon him to Beatrix’s entourage. He gasped as a giant sword nearly sliced through his head, his longer zweihänder sword clashing against the bulky blade. Dion struggled to press his bulk into the fallen angel, nostrils flared.

“Bastard! Whair did she take her?!”

“Hopefully, to oblivion!” Zeloph taunted, bashing the ram over the head with one wing before kicking him off. The warrior ram shrugged off the blow, swiping at the demi-human as their swords clanged, sparks flying off their steel.

Grogar winched, ducking his head to avoid the dancing blades. But soon, Dion was slowly backed into his defences, as Zeloph was much faster with his strikes, each blow battering the shield around his arm.

The angelic creature basked off to hover, aiming a finger towards the burly brawler as light emulated off his tip.

“Dion! Watch out!!” Lady Ewe cried before Zeloph fired his projectile. But to his surprise, the ram’s shield absorbed the harsh heat, struggling to push against the beam. Eventually, Dion got close enough to throw off the trajectory and slam his shield over Zeloph’s head, the Fallen One stumbling close by the evil ram’s chains.

“Gaaaggh!”

“Got ye now!” The ram snarled, raising his sword high above his head, ready to decapitate his enemy.

“W-wait! Dion, stop!! You’re too close tae th'--” Oona tried warning, but the ram swung down just as Zeloph rolled out of the way. Metal bashed into the rugged chain, shattering it into pieces. It took the pale ram a few seconds to realize what he had done, crimson eyes widening.

“Oh no..!”

Grogar gazed over the severed chain before breaking the binding around his left arm with concealed strength. Astonishment slowly turned to glee as he clutched his fist, his dark and yellow aura shimmering freely.

“At last!” The ancient ram exclaimed, cackling with elation as all the magic he spent years harboring began to unleash, breaking out his other limb from its binding. “FREE AT LAST!!”

“EVERYONE, GIT BACK!!” Dion shouted, leaping in front and conjuring his onoma to shield his allies. Zeloph called his ophanim shield to brace for impact as the entire mountain top erupted with dark energy. Stone and debris flew everywhere as the cold air flurried around the party.

If not for Dion’s glowing red shield, they might have been crushed!

Midnight held onto Cerise protectively while Oona pressed against her brother’s back, all eyes staring in horror as Grogar emerged from the rabble, sporting a delighted grin.

“No! W-what have Ah done?!” Dion yelled, grasping at his head in frustration.

“Indeed,” Zeloph quipped, hovering above the heroes while collecting Grogar’s darkening magic into a thin veil. “Quite the messy family reunion! Love to stay and chat, but I have more pressing matters to tend to~.”

“Get back here, you coward!!” Midnight bellowed, soaring up to strike the nephilim down.

“Sit down, dog,” Zeloph commanded, prismatic light flaring from his multi-eyed plumage, stunning the pegasus. Dazed, Midnight was unable to withstand the swift axe kick delivered from the demi, plummeting down to the ground amidst feathers.

“MIDNIGHT!” Cerise yelled, rushing to her husband, his eyes unblinking as pale light glimmered from his pupil. The dancer glared up at the winged immortal, who ascended into stormy skies until vanishing completely.

“Horn’s first, lassie!” Dion called them. “We’ve got bigger problems ahead!”

“Nearly an eternity of rotting in that cell, and all it took was blind arrogance,” Grogar stated, relishing in the distraught faces of his niece and nephew. “What delicious irony! If only Haden were here to see his own children die by my hand!”

“We will not die today,” Dion boasted, battle stance ready. “We’re takin’ ye down, Grogar. Permanently!”

Grogar snorted as he channelled his magic into spheres, growing in size, emanating horrible cries and screams. Midnight rose up, shaking off the dizziness, rubbing at his eyes. “Honey, talk to me!!” Cerise begged.

“Dammit! I almost had him,” the pegasus groaned, his eyes focusing on his wife’s wet face before spotting the azure ram powering up. “Oh…uhm, dare I ask?”

“Grogar processes a powerful Onoma called Typhon,” Oona answered, her staff glowing with her own archaic energy, honey eyes fixed into a focused glare at her uncle. “We’re about tae be outnumbered...”

Releasing a mighty cry, Grogar summoned fiendish monsters from the glowing orbs. Many were mythical creatures, though some looked forcefully fused by alchemy. Pointing towards the four allies, the ancient ram uttered one command,

“Get them!”

Instantly, the army of creatures rushed towards the sheep siblings. Midnight pushed his wife behind him and readied his spear as he flew up to aid the ram warrior.

Aware that they were down a member, plus Cerise wasn't in much of a condition to handle herself, they were forced to battle on their own.

Cleaving through a lamia that blocked his way, the bare-chested creature screamed and split into two halves that fell apart, awash in a splash of hot crimson that splattered over Dion as his muscles rippled under the impact. He spun to block the rattle of a tail from one of its companions with his shield, drops of venom splatting the surface, acidic steam hissing.

At his side, Oona summoned up bubbles that collapsed around orcs and goblins, knocking them unconscious. Her wool and robes rustled around her each time she weaved another spell, surrounded by a shimmering aura.

Above Midnight swooped and struck with his spear. From the paintings in the manor, he'd seen little glimpses of Beatrix's adventures with Sunny in another Equestria, where Grogar and Shadow Scythe had commanded similar monsters. He noted the gargoyles, harpies, and other lesser demons, but thankfully, the old ram didn’t conjure any elemental titans yet.

“Cerise, you alright?” He called to his wife, piercing through a winged wretch, screeching with agony.

“Y-yeah! I'll be fine,” she assured, reminded that she had to pull her weight. She called on the darkness in her, shifted from her earth mare form into a thestral, as leather wings sprouted from her back and fangs arose in her mouth. She carried the spear Midnight had given her during the adventure in the manor, still tied with a cloth from his tunic that had sealed their whirlwind romance.

Training under Bellatrix, Cerise had incorporated her dancing into her martial arts, driven to keep up with them, to prove she was more than some spoiled princess. She had sworn never to hold them back, to not be taken hostage by villains like Shadow Scythe again! She hurtled skyward beside her husband, twirled her spear while they battled insane odds side-by-side.

“There’s too many ov them,” Lady Ewe panted, sweat dripping down her face as her magic began to falter, more monsters swarming from where Grogar stood. “We have tae tak' oot th' source!”

“Get out ov mah way!” barked Dion, bashing an orc’s skull and cutting down those that dared bar his path. His crimson eyes met his grand uncle's as he raced to take on Grogar, spatters of red hitting his face with every ghoul he lopped off. Ares began to manifest its enchanted armor, brilliant red aura flowing off his claymore.

With a haughty snort, Grogar answered the white ram’s challenge with waves of black magic, each blast halting Dion’s march towards him, wearing his nephew down. “You want to be our clan’s successor?! Ha! What a joke!!” The azure ram boasted, launching a powerful beam of dark energy at his nephew. “You're even more foolhardy than your father! He must feel great disappointment knowing he sired such a worthless offspring!!”

“Amurnay his failure!!” Dion roared, his own Onoma withstanding the pressure, pushing forward steadily. “Mah faither would be proud, knowin’ A’d die reprimandin’ mah mistake. But it doesn’t matter how much stronger ye are. Sae long as Ah draw breath, ye will ne'er reach mah friends an’ famley. Sae long as A’m a warrior, Ah will stand back up an' ne'er be defeated!”

Shoving his shield into the ground, Dion launched himself at the elder ram, causing Grogar to abandon his attack. The two let out a war cry as they bashed skulls, a thunderous clap echoing across the mountain. Both rams locked by their horns, refusing to relent under the other’s force.

“Ah!” Cerise whimpered, holding off against a gargoyle before impaling it through the chest. But as it crumbled into stone, it took her spear with it, leaving her helpless as another rushed at her. She tried to dive away, but it had the momentum she lacked, and its powerful claw slammed into her wing amidst a crunch of bone.

She yelped and toppled towards the earth, where more monsters awaited to tear her apart and eat her, ready to pile on her.

“Cerise!!” Shrieked Midnight, diving after her. He hissed between his teeth, seized her limp form before she hit the dirt, and his muscles appeared to expand, yellow veins bulging out his arms and chest. His eyes turned a hellish shade of vermillion between snarls. “You BASTARDS! I'LL KILL YOU!!”

“N-no, please! Midnight, I-I'll be fine,” mumbled a half-conscious Cerise, yet her words never reached his ears. Carefully he placed her aside and appeared to bulk up further, veins visible across his taut, sweaty musculature. A hellhound's skull shattered into bloodied fragments under his punch. Her lip trembled while she watched, reminded that each time he pushed himself, more of his lifespan dwindled away.

Oona collapsed to her knees, coughing in exhaustion as the last of her Onoma faded from her robes and wool. “Brother… we have tae retreat! We need... Beatrix...!” She wheezed, trying to muster more magic before passing out, orcs and gargoyles circling around her.

“OONA!!” He yelled, his arcane magic flaring as he slammed his head against Grogar, knocking the older ram aside, launching his fists to knock out his teeth.

The azure ram staggered, giving Dion enough time to bull rush into the orc, shattering its spine before flinging it into its brethren. He held his sister close, baring his teeth and bloody sword.

Grogar wiped the blood oozing down his jaw, glaring down at his kin. “Ungrateful! Finish them off!!” He ordered his monsters, swarming around the heroes.

Dion looked around with pained breath, unable to find a solid solution. Even if he broke through, Midnight would burn out, then he and Cerise would surely die! And with Oona nearly passed out in his arm and Beatrix missing in action, the chances of survival grew smaller with each passing second.

“Goddamn it all,” he wept. “Can we even really retreat?!”

Suddenly, a loud, thunderous roar caused the very earth to shake, monsters halting their actions in alarm. The sound was enough to bring awareness back to Midnight, who noticed the ground around him had darkened considerably, looking behind him. “H-huh? What’s goin-HOLY!!”

There stood Storbjorn, standing much taller than he did before, a kinetic yellow aura flowing off his purple fur. In his hands was a massive war hammer, which could easily be mistaken as a piece of rock attached to a stick! The orcs and gargoyles growled, unafraid, charging towards the mystic newcomer.

“Stand aside, small ane!” The ursine spirit sneered, giving Midnight enough time to roll out of the way as Storbjorn swung his hammer to obliterate the gargoyle into fragments. The orc snarled as it grabbed onto the handle, only to realize its mistake as it was effortlessly lifted off the ground. The earth mystic flung the monster off the mountainside, the orc squealing as it fell to its death. Storbjorn turned to the other monsters, pounding his chest like a war drum.

“Komokr fit mik!” The bear bellowed, charging at the monsters with violent swings.

Lamia slithered closer to the sheep siblings until a haunting howl caught their attention. The gale picked up as Gaoth emerged, his clothes and silver mane whipping around. In his paw was a wooden shillelagh, rings whistling the curved top end as green aerial magic gathered around him. The wolf spirit snarled before twirling his weapon to whip wind across the scaly monsters, hissing in alarm.

“Begone!” Gaoth huffed, blasting the lamia away with a whirlwind. Looking back to make sure Dion and Oona were safe, the silver hunter ran towards Grogar with blinding speed, knocking the old ram back down.

Hellhounds prowled around Midnight and Cerise, the former swinging his spear to back them away. The snarling creatures leered at them until a sudden wave of water crashed over them, whining as they all washed away down the mountain. The last of the mystic trio rolled in, balanced on an aquatic bubble.

“Suela!” Cerise cried happily.

“Don’t worry, friends! A’ll heal ye up,” the selkie said, calming her breath before singing a healing hymn with a beautiful voice that rivalled Lady Ewe’s. The song’s soothing melody rejuvenated the couple, sparkly pink magic healing the cut on the dancer’s cheek.

“What a pretty sound!” Midnight complimented, his own bruises healing up as the singing seal finished with a wink.

Grogar strained to summon up more reserves, lifting his battered body over severed stones while glaring as the Viking bear and wolf made quickwork of his minions. He exhaled heavily, well aware he had summoned his last creation to fight, his defeat now inevitable. He did not resist when Storbjorn shoved him onto his front, Gaoth pinning the ram’s arms to his shoulders. He managed to give a weak chuckle. “I don’t suppose you intend to kill me, do you?”

“An' let yer malevolent spirit manifest as another Vice Lord? Oi tink not,” the silver wolf growled. “Ye will be sealed away wha naw wan can fend yer!”

“Pha! It matters not. The end will come for us all soon enough,” Grogar declared, smiling triumphantly towards the sheep siblings, Oona having slowly recovered. “The Burning King will return! And with him, the end of all creation! Bahahaha!”

“That's enough out ov ye!” Suela snapped, slapping Grogar hard with her flipper with enough force to render the old ram unconscious. Storbjorn flung the azure ram over his sword, ready to transport him to a more secure prison. Gaoth and Suela both turned concerningly to Dion, who rubbed the back of his head.

“Ah hope ye can forgive me. 'twas mah fault that th' bastard got free,” he admitted shamefully. “Had Ah bin wiser, mair careful, we wouldn’t hav--”

“Don’t be vexed, Dion. Yer stood yer groun' an' fought valiantly,” the silver hunter reassured.

“We all make mistakes. A’m sure Haden would understand,” the selkie nodded, stroking his arm comfortingly. “What matters now is that ye an' yer friends are safe!”

“N-no, we aren’t!” Lady Ewe murmured, leaning on her brother to support herself, having trouble standing on her own. “We have tae find Beatrix before it's tae late!”

“Yeah,” Cerise winched, cradling her mended wing, wrapping a bandage around it. “We've seen what that psycho reaper can do!”

“Aye! We must depart,” Dion nodded, turning back to thank the guardians once more as they carried Grogar away.

Once everyone was well enough to begin moving, the party rushed down the mountain, praying they could locate the witch in time!

White flakes gently fell into the ocean of snow covering the ground. Compared to the mountain, the landscape was almost serene. That is until Beatrix emerged from the darkness of one tree, panting hastily. Tendrils bound her limbs, trying to pull her back. With a dramatic flourish of power, Beatrix unleashed Erebus, the Demiurge detaching the shady threads of Thanatos, just as a sickle swung for her throat.

Cosmic energy whirled around her form as the witch adorned her eldritch garb, face drawn in determination as her captor surfaced from the shadows. The reaper’s perpetual snarl deepened, icy eyes fixing a glare on her hated enemy before she launched into the air. Swift to brandish her rapier, Beatrix counter-struck the cold steel of Shadow Scythe, cool darkness overflowing from the elegant, needle-like blade.

There was no time to worry about where they were. Only survival mattered.

Her eyes fell to their shadows, quick to leap away as more tendrils with sickle ends tried slashing at her. But the minute Beatrix landed, Shadow Scythe had repositioned to the witch’s shade, clipping at her heel.

“Gragh!” She hissed, thrusting her rapier in retaliation, stabbing Shadow Scythe’s shoulder and forcing the two to disengage. Beatrix hovered over the snowy ground, significantly reducing her shadow so her foe couldn’t reappear through it. Her one consolation was the lack of trees nearby to cast more shadows around the area.

Plus, it seemed her Onoma could only slip through natural shades, so Shadow Scythe couldn’t launch a direct assault through Erebus. Still, despite the limitation, the pale unicorn proved extremely crafty, the wriggling sickle appendages wisping from her robes.

Shadow Scythe clung to her puncture wound, red oozing to stain her tattered robes. Likewise, Beatrix felt pain overtake her right leg, fresh blood dripping off her foot. Wincing, she gazed down at her opponent. “So…what? Are you and Zeloph fuckbuddies now? Is that how you obtained arcane magic?!”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Shadow Scythe bellowed over freezing winds. “He and I share mutual aims. That’s all! And the moment that feather-brained prick ceases to be useful, I’ll drop him faster than flies!”

“Pft. That’s so like you,” the witch berated. “When did you become so pathetic? You were given a second chance, and this is how you choose to spend it!? You really are hopeless!”

“You tainted me! Stole my memories and altered my true nature with that damned Sunny,” Shadow Scythe reminded bitterly, her horn glowing to summon more sickles. “Why must I be punished, yet you get to wander freely wherever you like? Carefree of other people’s suffering?!”

“It’s not like that, I swear!”

“Oh, I’m sure the good folks of Manehattan would understand why you allowed a fifty-foot monster to lay waste to their city. I’m sure Cerise will understand why you altered her husband’s fate. How long until your precious Lady Ewe gets hurt along the way? Or your daughter, should you find her?”

“I will find her! I’m a good parent, I wouldn’t…. I-I…” She couldn’t ignore the heartbreak in her friend’s face upon realizing the truth, nor the cries of the innocent that were trampled back then. Doubt crept up on her, seizing her thoughts as her Onoma wavered. Tears began to float from her eyes, her fist tightening. “I’m not evil! Yes, I’ve made lots of dumb mistakes, and I feel guilty for causing anyone harm! But-”

“Open your eyes, Belladonna,” Shadow Scythe stated grimly, each scythe poised to strike her target in quick succession. “You’re a cruel, selfish bitch who cares only for what’s suitable to her own needs. More importantly, you’re a threat to every universe you encounter. And if anyone’s going to stop you, It might as well be me!”

The pale unicorn rushed towards her, a flurry of shadow-laced sickles cutting through the cold air. Beatrix opened her cosmic cloak, attempting to withdraw a potion hidden within, but as she tried to reach in…

“TADA~!”

Fireworks exploded in front of Shadow Scythe, causing her to lose momentum and roll into the snow. “Graagh! My eyes!!” She yelled, rubbing at her sockets.

Beatrix looked down at the source, dismay on her face. “...You’ve gotta be kidding me!”

Hovering before her was Mini-Trix, sporting her own watered-down costume of Erebus, arms folded, cape waving behind dramatically, grinning smugly. “Never fret, Beatrix. I am here to save the day~!” The tulpa beamed back with a wink.

“Mini-Trix! Now is really not the time for your shenanigans!”

“Oh, please! You would have been cut into ribbons had I not stepped in to save your sorry butt!” The miniature witch insisted, sticking her tongue out.

Recovering from her daze, Shadow Scythe took one look at the cartoon version of her enemy and instantly cringed. “What…is that?!”

Mini-Trix turned to address the reaper, hand on her wide hip while holding out a peace sign. “I come in the name of justice and peace! I don’t want to see my two creators fight, after all~.”

“Your what?!” The two unicorns exclaimed.

“That’s right~! If it weren’t for your help, Shady, I wouldn’t exist!”

“Oooooh, no! No nonononono!” Shadow Scythe rejected, shaking her head frantically. “I refuse to believe that I’m responsible for this…thing!”

“Nuh-uh! You two are my mommies~! So you better deal with it and stop fighting this instant! You don’t wanna set bad examples for me, do you?” The little magician taunted, causing both mares to flush over the implications.

“Grrrr, enough of this!” Screamed Shadow Scythe, slashing through the air to fire crescents of deathly magic at the tulpa. She yelped, stylishly dodging each attack in puffs of colored smoke before firing rockets from her inner cape. Bright explosions rocketed around the reaper, distracting her long enough for Beatrix to launch a cosmic storm of dark magic, blasting Shadow Scythe.

“Hurray! Good work, partner,” the cartoon mare cheered.

Shadow Scythe shook off the dizziness, staring deathly at the annoying twerp, extremely pissed off. “Stupid illusion! When I get my hands around you, I’ll make you disappear!” She declared, shadowy bladed tendrils lashing out to slay Mini-Trix.

Childish laughter erupted from the tiny magician each time she dodged and let loose another hail of rockets that popped like firecrackers, the air filled with the stink of smoke and star-shaped pops. She even blew a raspberry while wiggling her fingers beside her head. "Mini-Trix has many tricks!"

“Be careful,” warned Beatrix, knocking aside stray sickles with her rapier, clinking as they were deflected. “This isn't a game! You could get seriously hurt or-”

“Die!” Shadow Scythe yelled, having popped through the tulpa’s own silhouette to cut the cartoon mare in half. So quick, it appeared to be a crescent moon in its arc. Mini-Trix's eyes dilated and her maw fell slack, the sound of a deflating balloon resounding as she twisted into herself.

“Mini-Trix!!”Beatrix shouted, mouth agape, gazing at what remained of her tulpa. “Y-you bitch! You killed her!”

“Tsk! She wasn’t even alive,” Shadow Scythe snarled, noting the lack of blood on her cold steel. Her icy-blue eyes gazed back into the witch’s violet pupils, a vicious smile to her snout. “But if you really miss her that badly, then why don’t you join her!?”

The reaper vanished into her shadow, surfacing from one cast by a stray rocket that continued to whirl about, the witch unable to restrain a shocked cry.

Shadow Scythe slammed the butt of her weapon into Beatrix’s stomach, causing her to hurtle downwards in a spiral. She flew after her, a muffled thump sounding as the witch crashed into the snow and tossed up a white cloud on impact.

Immediately, the pale unicorn landed and pressed her sandal to Beatrix's neck, scythe raised in preparation to behead her as the sun glinted behind her off the curved metal.

Shadow Scythe grinned triumphantly. “Don’t worry, Beatrix. When you die, your soul and the Demiurge will live on inside me. Who better to wield such unimaginable power than the cunning Goddess of Death? I’ll be far more responsible.”

The violet mare struggled to remove her aggressor’s foot, her windpipe at risk to be crushed under the pressure.

“Oh, and don’t worry about your daughter. I plan to take good care of her when you're gone~!”

Beatrix's eyes widened with tears, the implications resonating with her protective maternal instincts as her aura flared up. “You keep your filthy hands off my Abadonna!!” She cried, firing her most potent spell from her horn right into the reaper’s chest, sending her flying as the witch rose up to intercept.

Shadow’s lithe body slid over a nearby frozen lake, and without missing a beat, she leaped back to clash with Beatrix. Dozens of tentacles slashing against the witch’s cosmic blade, which met with thrusts and jabs.

Both were desperate to land a decisive blow, yet proved evenly matched.

Snow began to fall heavily as a blizzard flurried around them. They were momentarily blinded, the winds harshly forcing both to back away. But when Beatrix tried to rise to the air, she slipped on a heeled boot and toppled onto her rump. She winced and yelped as the cold bit into her posterior, slid over the ice with a blush; her hands and horns lit up to conjure another spell before a foot stomped her chest.

“Nowhere to hide now, you buffoon,” Shadow Scythe puffed, her breath visible in the freezing air. She held her weapon over her head, glaring at her struggling adversary.

This was it. She had Beatrix right where she wanted. One final strike, and it would all be over. Shadow Scythe had finally won!

So then why was she hesitating?

Beatrix noticed the reaper’s limbs trembling, taking in deep breaths of air. Either she was severely cold, or her foe was having inner turmoil about dispatching the witch for good.

‘Come on…do it already!’ the pale unicorn told herself. ‘Kill her! She’s defenceless! Now is your chance!’

Neither of them could abandon their paths. If the reaper didn’t kill Beatrix now, who knows how many universes she would ruin. One life for countless in return. It was all numbers to her, not unlike the souls she had reaped and directed to their rightful places.

But then, didn’t that mean they were the same? As much as she despised the notion, they were both responsible for ending countless lives. And despite the animosity she showed her, the witch had tried to help her back in the manor. She could have easily ended their feud right then and there, but resorted to healing and looking after her.

And despite the manipulative method, Shadow Scythe couldn’t deny, no matter how hard she tried, that she deeply cared for Beatrix. And by slaying her now, she’d lose one of the few people in her immortal life who understood her. She curled her snout.

“Hngh!?”

She found herself unable to move. Her arms remained in place as bits of frost slowly formed over her elbows and hands.

Then to her shock, Shadow Scythe found chunks of ice starting to form over her ankles, attaching her to the frozen surface they stood. “W-what the!?”

Beatrix used the opportunity to roll out from under Shadow Scythe’s heel, standing up to resume her combative pose amidst choked coughs. But to her surprise, the reaper remained immobilized, frozen blocks binding her to the icy lake. The reaper yelled in a fury, unable to break free. Not even her Onoma could chip away the creeping ice.

“What’s going on?” Beatrix wondered, chills crawling up her spine as she instantly rubbed her arms for warmth.

“Yeesh! When did it get so cold?” A familiar high-pitched, shrill chirp sounded. The witch turned to gasp, finding her tulpa shivering beside her, all in one piece.

“Mini-Trix! Y-you’re…. But how-?”

“C-can’t kill a concept, silly!” She boasted through chattering teeth. “A-at least, not p-permanently! S-S-Shady should know better.”

“B-but if you’re not causing this, then who..?”

Their ears perked as the clopping of hooves caught their attention, growing louder and closer. A figure emerged from the blinding blizzard, auroral light glowing around her silhouette. It looked to be a cold blue deer creature, a furry winter coat adorning her figure. Snowy white hair whipped atop her head, a large bang hooding her glowing green eyes with diamond-shaped pupils. Crowning her head were icicle-shaped antlers.

She wore no expression, only cooly eying the pair of witches before strutting past them, the reaper fixating her glare on the wintery cervid. “You c-c-c-come any c-closer, and I’ll-!” Shadow Scythe threatened but gasped sharply as her entire lower body was completely encased in ice.

The blue deer placed her hand over her mouth before blowing a gentle breeze from her lips. Icy breath washed over Shadow Scythe, causing her to writhe and freeze faster, unable to slip into any shadows.

She screamed at her interloper, thrashing about until her entire form was entombed within her icy cocoon.

Beatrix slowly approached as the deer stepped aside, gazing over her frozen adversary in astonishment. “She’s not…dead, is she?” She asked, looking towards the cryomancer, who remained silent. “No, I doubt this would do it. She’s regenerated from far worse.… Still, I have to finish this.”

With one arm, the witch held her cosmic blade, fighting off the bitter cold that nipped at her. It drained her to keep herself enclosed in Erebus, but she hesitated to withdraw it, fearing what this stranger would do.

Before she could contemplate the reaper’s fate, the ice darkened as a figure suddenly appeared through the ice’s reflective surface. “Gaagh!” Mini-Trix shrieked as the hooded crystal mare strolled out from the ice. Even the cyan-coated deer looked unnerved, taking a defensive stance. Beatrix shivered, steadily backing away with her sword raised as the robed figure approached her. All that was visible was a twisted smile and a pair of amber eyes piercing right through her.

“S-stay back!” The witch declared, though barely having the strength to fight as the hooded mare reached forward to place a single finger on Beatrix’s snout.

“Boop~!”

Instantly, a dark haze clouded around the violet unicorn, who let out a panicked scream. But the more she fought, the more fatigue she became before falling onto her knees. The mist dissolved around Beatrix, her eyes half-lidded, lashes lined in frost. Her Onoma disappeared, leaving her in her usual garb before she tumbled to her side.

“S-so cold…so sleepy…” She muttered before blacking out.

“Beatrix! Beatrix, get up!!” Mini-Trix urged, pushing the mare’s unconscious form in a futile attempt to wake her. The tulpa's attention returned to the mysterious robed mare, growling, “What did you do to her?!” She was about to fly at her until the deer held her arm out to stop her. She shook her head at Mini-Trix, glaring at the intruder.

The raven-cloaked mare responded with a slight chuckle as she phased through the ice, disappearing as the substance became entirely dark before shattering. Not a trace of her nor Shadow Scythe was present.

With a huff, the cyan deer looked to the witch before the aurora shimmering around her vanished. The blizzard died down as well while she helped Beatrix wrap a limb around her shoulder and proceeded to carry her through the blanketing snow, Mini-Trix trailing behind with a look of dread.

“Whoever that was,” she shuddered. “They can’t be good…”

Shadow Scythe snapped awake, panting heavily as she whipped her head around. She was back in the mirror dimension, and more importantly, no longer trapped in ice. Her teeth chattered as she brushed snow off tattered robes, thankful for the bandages wrapped around a slender form underneath.

“Damnit..! DAMNIT IT ALL!!” She screamed, slamming her wrapped fist into a nearby mirror, unconcerned with the bloodied shards now embedded in her balled-up hand. “I almost had Belladonna!”

“Sure, you did,” Doppia snarked, arms folded as she appeared from behind the shattered glass. “But it seemed that at the critical moment, you…froze up~!”

“Shut your whore mouth!!”

The crystal mage pouted. “Così rozzo! Is that any way to thank me?”

“Oh, get bent, you bitch! You didn’t save me out of kindness. You would have left me to freeze to death if it suited you.”

“You mean like how you plan to kill me once the moment suits you?” A familiar voice chimed in. Shadow Scythe felt a lump in her throat upon seeing Zeloph leaning against another mirror, a look of disappointment clear on his face. "Honestly, it's one step forward, three steps back with you, Shadow Scythe."

“Zeloph! You...heard all that?”

“Loud and clear,” he scoffed, bumping off to walk towards her. “Oh, and thanks for the heads up about abandoning me to Beatrix’s allies! Really appreciated that.”

“I saw an opportunity and took it,” Shadow Scythe huffed, pain settling into her damaged hand as she winched. “I won't feel guilty over that. Besides, I figured you could handle the small fry…” Shadow Scythe looked from her hand to the demihuman before she turned away with embarrassment.

Getting the subtle hint, Zeloph rolled his eyes and stepped up to mend her fractured hand, his fingers shimmering with light as he restored the reaper. “Well, we’re lucky one of them accidentally let Grogar loose! Otherwise, escape would have proven to be a more daunting task...”

Shadow Scythe gasped, quivering from the warmth flowing over her hand as each shard fell to the floor once her cuts sealed up. “Grogar’s free!?”

“He was,” Madame Doppia answered, one mirror pulling up to show the reaper the battle that happened on the mountain, ending with the ram’s defeat by the mystic guardians. “But the spirits stepped in to reseal him. Did you manage to extract some of his essence, Zeloph?”

The winged immortal nodded, pulling out the veil of black magic before tossing it to Doppia, who caught it and hid it away under her robes. She smiled, eying her comrade as she approached him with swaying hips. “Eccellente~! And might I say, Zeloph. Your new style is most magnifico~!”

She shoved Shadow Scythe away to fawn over Zeloph, much to the disgruntlement of the reaper. “Hey!”

The fallen angel tensed as the Vice Lord traced her fingers over his bare chest, his wings and feathered ears ruffling as a slight sigh escaped his lips. “So bello e forte! Why don’t we leave the wretch behind and properly reward you, hmm~?”

“A-as flattered as I am, I must decline,” he insisted, politely pulling her hands off him. “We can’t afford to waste any more time with-aagh?!”

But the crystal mare pressed herself forward, her petite figure rubbing into his muscles as she pulled their faces closer, a lascivious glint in her orange eyes. “Relax! We have plenty of time, amante. I can feel your body begging to be touched an-”

“Get off of him!” Shadow Scythe growled, pushing the dark-cloaked mare away, standing in front of her comrade protectively. “He said no!”

The Vice Lord returned the sneer. “Mind your own business, cagna! Or are you planning to claim him for yourself, hmm? Finally pop that cherry, ice queen~?”

“Of course not!” She assured with heated cheeks. “I don’t give a damn who he sleeps with! But clearly, he isn’t interested in you.”

Ignoring Shadow Scythe, Doppia addressed Zeloph. “How do you stand by and allow this? Moments ago, she admitted she would betray you the second she could! Why do you remain by her side!?"

“Well, It's not like she hasn’t already tried,” the demi-human shrugged. “If anything, I’d probably do the same if I were in her position. I'm used to treachery at this point, but at least Shadow Scythe's honest about it.”

His statement caused the pale unicorn to glance away if only to hide the guilt written on her face. She wouldn’t admit it, but her ‘claim’ was a spur of the moment. She harbored no ill intention towards Zeloph, given he was trying to amend for his mistakes with the reaper. If anything, she was scared to admit the opposite might be true...

“You're too careless!” Doppia continued to argue, hand on her shapely hip. “Did you not see the way she hesitated when she had Beatrix by her throat? That wasn’t the weather, Zeloph. She clearly couldn’t do it! Shadow Scythe has come to care too much about her.” Those piercing amber eyes found icy blues. “I’ve heard you momentarily imprinted on her after you lost your memory. If so, then I think that proves you’re a liability to our mission.”

Shadow Scythe clenched her teeth together as she marched up to the hooded mare. “Let’s get one thing straight, cagna. I’m far more useful than some emo-garbed slut, whose only use outside of sucking the Burning King’s dick is smoke and mirrors! The only reason Belladonna’s head isn’t mounted on my wall is because of that doe! So I suggest you shut your filthy whore mouth before I shut it for you, figa!”

Doppia’s magic manifested from her hands, looking absolutely livid. “How dare you insult me in my tongue, you-!”

“That’s quite enough!” Zeloph interrupted, spreading his swan-like plumage between the pair to stop the brewing catfight. “We’re never going to get to the library with you bickering like children! I’m not asking you to like each other, but for heaven's sake, could you try being civil?”

Neither mare said a word outside of ‘hmph!’ before relaxing their postures. The Fallen One groaned. “As much as I’d prefer Beatrix was no longer breathing, it’s probably best she remains alive. Killing her could cause Abby to no longer exist, and I will not risk my daughter’s safety!”

Shadow’s eyes widened upon realization. She didn’t consider the possibility that by enacting her vengeance on Beatrix, Abadonna would be snuffed out as well. She held her arms closer into her chest, hiding her shame under her pale hood. She could have been responsible for keeping Zeloph from his daughter forever...

“Pft. Whatever,” Doppia scoffed with a half-hearted shrug. “So long as we fulfill the Omega Prophecy and liberate the Burning King, I don’t care what happens. Let us make haste for the Crystal Empire then!”

“Wait...” Shadow Scythe halted, pulling the crystal mare’s attention back to her. The reaper pulled out a small bag that contained bright neon pink strains of hair, tossing it for Doppia to catch. “You asked for hair, right? Managed to snag a few off of the princess…”

Her eyes widened with glee, her grin splitting her snout from ear to ear. “Grazie, Amica! Looks like you are useful for something~.” She bowed her head, tucking her prize away before directing a path towards their next destination.

Shadow Scythe snorted at the backhanded comment, sticking close to Zeloph as the trio walked further into the mirror realm.

The reaper thought back to her latest struggle with Beatrix. No matter how close she came to killing that witch, she always brought in some new ally to back her up. Somehow, she had even conjured an illusionary mockery of herself to aid her!

And where her adversary found friendship and even love, Shadow Scythe stuck to her intuition and self-importance, accepting the label of a villain by her peers and enemies.

And thus far, all her vainglorious pride had really brought her was loneliness and misery, if she were brutally honest with herself.

“Thank you.”

Shadow Scythe broke her reverie. “Huh?”

The pale unicorn raised her head to Zeloph, giving her a gentle smile. “For standing by me earlier. That was…really uncomfortable.”

“Oh…. It was nothing,” She huffed, unable to look directly at the angelic being. “You healed my hand, so I...owed you.”

Zeloph chuckled. “Well, next time, try to control your anger instead of taking it out on your poor hands. It’s becoming a terrible habit.”

Once more, Shadow Scythe’s flushed, saying nothing. But in her restless mind, his suggestion became more perverse, thinking of a ‘certain’ way Zeloph could help take away her frustrations, stirred by her estrus. Doppia’s taunting didn’t help her either, as her body remained starved of the baser pleasures she constantly denied it.

Still, she’d continued to resist these disgusting needs, no matter how badly she coveted the Fallen One’s tender caress. She was content with Zeloph’s companionship, maybe even his friendship. For once, her immortal life felt less lonely. And thinking back to her mortal enemy, Beatrix’s words continued to claw at her emotions.

Shadow Scythe did have a chance to change. And she foolishly threw that away in pursuit of more power, like before. Now, she was trapped to aid in the destruction of all life.

Was it truly too late for the reaper to turn back now? Could she somehow pull herself free from the hole she threw herself in?