Everywhere and Nowhere

The sun began to drift over the horizon, the shimmering landscape starting to take an orange hue. Around this time, citizens of the Crystal Empire would start closing up shops and set up dinner for their families. Yet only a few were privileged to attend the banquet happening in the palace.

Fortunately for the weary travelers, such invitations were unnecessary. Instead, the men and women were separated into their own rooms to change into the offered formal wear. For Beatrix and Cerise, in particular, they shared a room to admire each other. Adorning the witch’s fair skin was a dress woven in golden fabrics and silk. Beatrix spun around to watch the skirt briefly coil around her legs before looking over her mane through the whole body mirror.

“Mmm, very nice~!” The unicorn noted, adjusting the neckline to show off more of her jiggling breasts. The gown exposed so much cleavage, her girls threatened to spill out. Mother always taught her to ‘flaunt what she had' since it drew in an audience, and Beatrix was no stranger to having eyes on her. “I wonder if I could steal this from them.”

“It’s almost like having a second skin!” Cerise chirped, twirling around to admire her rosy pink dress. The witch was happy to see her friend regain some of her cheer; the two continued to fix up their gowns to expose just the right amount of leg. They even pressed against each other to see how their skirts shaped their ample posteriors.

“These remind me of the dresses Inky would make! Every time, she’d show up at an event and strut down like a model on a catwalk. Daddy couldn’t keep his paws off her,” Cerise added with a giggle.

“Yeah, she always had that effect,” Beatrix snickered as the maid maneuvered around the room to help touch up their garments and hairstyles. The two stared at each other in silence before the charcoal mare sighed.

“Look, Bea. I’m still upset,” she admitted, keeping her head still as a maid pinned a star-shaped ornament into her neon pink mane. “You couldn’t have known what would happen, but I just…can’t help how I feel.”

“No, I agree. You have all the right to be mad at me,” the witch acknowledged, looking away as a servant ran a brush through her platinum locks. “I don’t agree with a lot of what Shadow Scythe says, but she did have a point. I’ve been too careless and irresponsible of the people around me. I’ve potentially toyed with their lives as if I were playing god.”

Brushing one maid aside, Cerise secured Beatrix’s glove-wearing hands. “Don’t let her or Zeloph get into your head, Bea. You’ve still helped plenty of people, too! If not for you, Midnight and I wouldn’t have met or gotten married.” Because her dress was backless, Cerise’s wings were free to unfurl from her back. Her injured wing had healed up nicely, although she still felt weak to use appropriately.

Cerise smiled sadly at the busty unicorn and reminded, “We’ve overcome worse. This is just an extra big hurdle. But we’ll get over it.”

“Yeah…thanks,” Beatrix nodded, bowing her head before wrapping her arms around Cerise, hugging her tightly. Cerise slowly returned it, unable to hold back the tears in her eyes. Distraught by her nightmares and this Equestria’s past, she was unable to shake off her melancholy, tracing over her ringed finger for comfort.

As if sensing her friend’s sorrow, Beatrix pulled away and offered a kind smile, lifting her face up. “Chin up, Cerise! We don’t wanna make the others worry. Tonight’s going to be fun, and we’re gonna relax for a change.”

“Are you sure? I know how adamant you are about getting Abby back.”

“I’m sure. I’m only stressing myself out by trying to race the clock. Besides, we haven’t had a good time to ourselves since arriving in Equestria. So don’t worry about me, okay? I’ll be fine.”

While doubting everything was fine, Cerise didn’t press further on the issue and nodded. With things mostly patched up and their touch-up finished, the pair of beautiful mares followed the servants and made their way towards the vast ballroom where the banquet was taking place. Many guests that did attend sparkled under the illuminating lights above, a crystalline chandelier shimmering in splendor. An orchestra playing sophisticated music filled the well-lit area decorated with sculptures.

Beatrix and Cerise were in awe of the atmosphere that they almost didn’t see Dion and Midnight near the fountain. As they approached their male companions, they noticed the ram grapple the pegasus in a headlock.

“DION, STOP! HELP! GET HIM OFF ME!!” The blue stallion cried, flailing about.

“Ohh, no. Ye ain’t gittin’ out that easy, knucklehead!” The warrior chuckled, turned around while continuing to noogie Midnight’s spiky mane.

“And he says I’m childish,” Cerise giggled while shaking her head at the boyish antics. Beatrix cleared her throat loudly to call their attention, causing Dion and Midnight to straighten up and approach the ladies.

“W-whoa, babe. You look incredible!” Midnight clamored, twirling his wife around before they locked in a tight embrace.

The charcoal mare beamed up, taking a couple of kisses from his snout. “Gotta look my best for my hubby to flaunt around~!”

The burly ram smiled before taking the witch’s gloved hand and placing a small kiss on her knuckle. “Gotta say, lass. Ye should wear dresses mair often. It fits ye like a glove~!”

“Pft! You lecher,” she flirted back, fluttering her lashes at him. “I think you’re only saying that because you really want me out of this dress~.”

“Perhaps,” Dion admitted with zero shame, his eyes feasting on the vast amount of tit-flesh displayed from her cleavage. “Hard ae remain civil when Ah just wanna rip it off ye an' take ye over th' table~.”

“Behave!” Beatrix insisted with a wink, playfully smacking him away. “Unfortunately for you, I’m seeing someone tonight.”

A few delighted gasps resounded from the crowd as Oona slowly walked towards her friends, who were stunned by her appearance. The normal docile and well-dressed sheep was adorning a green ballroom gown with dark patterns highlighting the top, corset, and sleeves. Thin transparent silk sparkled around the dress, the fabrics clinging over her pudgy figure. She even styled her wooly hair and wore emerald eyeshadow. Around her neck was a golden necklace with a jewel embedded that rested above her motherly mounds.

Beatrix went up to meet her lover, mouth slightly agape over how beautiful her lover looked. “I-I…. Oona, you’re gorgeous! I don’t think I've ever seen you in makeup.”

Lady Ewe’s cheek flourished at her compliment, her shoulders hunched. “Normally, Ah wouldn’t. A’m mair fond ov natural beauty. Bit Ah figured, just fur tonight, A’d try somethin' special~.”

“You spoil me,” the violet unicorn blushed, pulling the sheep sage closer as their painted lips touched. “Seriously! I’m so lucky to have you in my life, Oona.”

“Aye. Ah couldn’t dare think ov a world whair Ah daen’t have Beatrix Belladonna by me side,” Oona agreed, hugging the unicorn close to her chest.

The musicians played their horns loudly, announcing the arrival of King Ambros and Queen Radiant Hope, causing all in attendance to bow their heads. Flanked by Tirek and Cozy Glow, the royal party took their place at the head of the table.

Beatrix and her friends sat close by before everyone was seated. Servants and waiters arrived, laying out various trays of succulent cuisine, delicious aroma filling the atmosphere. Everything down to the plates, silverware, and the food’s arrangement was a work of art.

Cerise couldn't help but wrinkle her nose and lick her chops in anticipation. This made the crystal ruler chuckle. “No need to hold yourself to a high standard. You are free to eat as much as you like.”

“O-oh! Thank you,” Cerise sheepishly replied before she dug her fork into the flavorful meat and vegetables, though her large eyes were still fixated with the desserts.

Ambos, likewise, took his knife to saw off a load of buttered bread. “So you wish to take a piece of the Crystal Heart. What for?”

“To find my daughter, your majesty,” Beatrix replied once her mouth was empty. “There is a ritual we need to perform that'll take us to a library within the realm of time itself. My daughter, Abadonna, was brought into existence by accident, so her form lies there to remain stable.”

“Th' portal requires a piece of th' heart along with alicorn blood,” Dion added in. “Hence why we’re also lookin' fur Flurry Heart. Dae ye know whair she is?”

“We do,” Radiant Hope confirmed with pursed lips. “But before we tell you, you must understand something.”

All eyes were on the crystal queen as she began to tug down the front of her gown. At first, the group thought she was about to flash them before gasping upon seeing the heart-shaped hollowed hole in her chest.

“In childish defiance, Shining Armor destroyed the Crystal Heart after his defeat,” Ambros exclaimed, frowning. “Without its power, our kingdom would have fallen if not for Radiant’s sacrifice. Using her Onoma, Persephone, she was able to restore the heart using portions of her body and spirit.”

“So if someone were to damage the Crystal Heart...?”

The crystal unicorn nodded. “I would suffer an immeasurable amount of pain. So please, be careful when you harvest a piece.”

Beatrix furrowed her brows as she asked, “Are you sure? I mean, we could try to find another method if-”

“We are,” Ambros assured. “You’ve come a long way to get here. And if in your place, I would have done everything to rescue my child, despite the risks. It’ll take time, but we'll recover from parting with a fragment.”

“Understood. We appreciate th' generosity,” Lady Ewe said, bowing her head in respect.

“Anything to help an old friend,” the king nodded with a smile. “Now, as for the matter of Flurry Heart, she is not here.”

“She’s not!?” Beatrix spoke up in alarm.

“Try not to have an outburst,” the crystal queen recommended. “It was a tough decision. We wanted to raise her as our own, but we wanted to prevent more trauma due to…you-know-who still occupying our dungeon. So we sent her to Canterlot, hoping her aunt could look after her.”

“So she’s with Twilight!” Midnight said with a muffled mouth, quickly swallowing his chewed contents. “I mean, that’s a good thing, right??”

“Not necessarily,” the unicorn king sighed. “Ms. Sparkle was among the unfortunate to have her horn severed. Thus, she could not teach Flurry about magic. A tragedy to have lost such a gifted and extraordinary caster.”

“Fortunately though, someone did end up mentoring Flurry Heart,” Radiant added, frowning.

Beatrix leaned in, anxious to learn what had become of her half-sister.

“The current ruler of Canterlot,” King Ambros answered. “The Sovereign Witch.”

“The what!?” The party exclaimed simultaneously.

“You don’t know?” The violet unicorn whispered to Oona, who shook her head with an equally perplexed expression. “A’ve ne'er heard ov such a figure.”

“No one has,” Ambros continued. “When it became apparent Twilight was unfit to rule, chaos arose from the ponies living in Canterlot. Then one day, a strange mare appeared, boasting magic and powers beyond anything conjured before. And when she proved unmatched, she secured the throne and reestablished order.”

“Keep in mind, this was from a report Rainbow Dash sent a year ago, so things may have changed since then,” the crystal queen added. “But I’m positive Flurry Heart still lives with Twilight in Canterlot.”

“Under the Sovereign Witch…”

Beatrix was profoundly intrigued. Anyone who boasts a magnificent title of that caliber must be powerful. She could only hope the Canterlonian ruler would be friendly. And if Flurry Heart and Twilight were in Canterlot, perhaps her mother was there, too?

Once the serious talk was over, everyone settled down to finish their meals. Cerise found her husband looking around with shifty eyes with an unfitting scowl.

“Honey, are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I-I mean.… I’m just on high alert, knowing changelings are all over the place is all,” Midnight admitted, scratching his spiky mane, long-buried memories threatening to stir.

From the little he’d been told, his world had fallen to Queen Chrysalis, as many of his allies were hunted to extermination. By the time he and Moonlight were born, the war was over. Yet, they were still trained for a conflict that never happened. His parents and twin were lost during the invasion, with only sheer luck guaranteeing his survival.

“Do not fret,” Queen Radiant assured after a sip of her wine. “It took us a while to fully trust Chrysalis. But she has proven herself a loyal follower. And a good friend.”

“I…guess I’ll take your word on it,” the soldier said begrudgingly.

As everyone finished the dining experience, the orchestra picked up the tempo and began to play classical ballroom music. Excited, Cerise rose up with a quiver of her breasts and tapped on Midnight’s shoulder.

“C’mon! Dance with me!” The charcoal mare encouraged, trying to pull him from his seat.

“B-but I can’t dance…”

“I’ll show you~!”

That got him to smile as the two took to the reflective floor and slowly waltz alongside the other couples. Oona and Beatrix soon joined in, the sheep shaman taking the witch’s hand as they secured each other’s wrists and hips, swaying to the melodies of the violins.

Dion was content to watch from his table until Cozy Glow tapped his shoulder, smiling impishly while offering her hand. With a snort, he took the pegasus’ offer and swung her around. She’d have to keep fluttering to remain head level with the big-horned ram.

Even Ambros and Radiant Hope waltzed in to celebrate the evening, the royal couple laughing to themselves.

“How are ye feelin', ceann oga?” Oona asked as her lover spun within their linked hands until twirling back into her embrace.

“I’m good,” Beatrix confirmed with a smile. “I’m thrilled everyone else is happy.”

“Aye, that is good.”

As if sensing that her spirits had returned, Beatrix spotted Mini-Trix sneak about the hall, no doubt up to more mischief.

“Cerise, at least, appears tae be in a better mood,” the dream faun noted, casting a glance towards the couple, who clung tightly to Midnight. Lost in the moment, Beatrix and Lady Ewe merged with the other dancers, focusing only on each other.

As the song finished and musicians took pause to change sheets, Cerise and Midnight decided to pull the king and queen aside to discuss more the history of the Lost World’s Equestria.

“Gosh! What a horrible story,” Cerise gasped after Ambros finished retelling her of the war with the caribou and how close the equestrians were to the brink of collapse. Settled on her husband’s lap, she felt him stiffen underneath, her thin gown barely a layer between her plush posterior and his groin. She squeaked, blushing at the push she felt from below, which Cerise answered with a wiggle to give him a subdued lap dance as she nipped his ear. “S-sorry! He can be relentless at times~!”

A titter escaped Radiant. “Oh, don't mind us. Enjoy yourselves!”

“Just…not too much,” Ambros stated, slightly uncomfortable by Midnight’s ravenous display of affection. “So tell me, Cerise. Who was your mother, if I may ask?”

“Pacific Glow. I'm actually a partial reincarnation of her! It's hard to explain. But I was raised by Inky Rose, one of my father’s…many lovers,” she admitted with a brighter flush. “Our world was nearly wiped out, and some survivors were desperate to repopulate.”

“Hmm…. I see,” King Ambros noted with a pursed snout.

“Our problem is a little different,” explained Radiant. “The caribou fathered many unwanted foals on our females, determined to wipe out all our males and spread their genetic makeup to every female.”

“Yikes,” Midnight shuddered. “But surely, some caribou could be reformed, right?”

“Some were good, yes. But all caribou were conditioned to behave like savages by their ancestors. And like Shining Armor and Cadance, they refused to accept any other way of life.”

“Reminds me of the changelings back in my world,” muttered Midnight, one hand resting on his wife's waist and another slid to her warm rump to give him comfort. He trembled a little, thankful for the presence of his lover to coddle him when he was down.

Cerise sighed with heavy breath, “I’m glad this Equestria was able to bounce back. But, who knows how many terrible worlds are out there...”

Ambros raised a brow as her bat-shaped wings unfurled due to Midnight’s groping. “That’s curious. Were you…always a thestral?”

“W-well, no, I’m an earth pony. But my father subconsciously imbued me with his…erm, 'dark essence' while I was being conceived.” She blushed as faint memories of Pacific Glow's surfaced in her, a threesome between Pacific, her father, and Inky Rose as the seed he loosed was filled with the taint of the dark arts. “I was the first child he fathered, and since he worried I'd be lost during the Eldritch invasion, he altered me so I could eventually protect myself.”

“Intriguing,” Radiant Hope pondered, holding her chin in thought.

Cerise continued, “It’s more of a mutation than anything. I can switch between forms at will, although I've gotten more used to this one! And I’ve got other powers, too! If Inky Rose's speculation is right, I can potentially mutate further.”

“Fascinating,” Ambros nodded, a smile on his lips as he took another sip. “Well, either way, we’re both happy to have met you.”

“Yeah, me too!” She beamed, tilting her head to let Midnight kiss her cheek softly.

“You know, you’re welcome to live here if you want,” the crystal queen offered. “You could think of this as a second home. We would be proud to have you as our daughter and son-in-law!”

“That’s a generous offer, thank you,” Midnight said, mustering a smile despite how forlorn he appeared. “I…never really had a family before any of this. Only the friends I made on the way.”

“We'll have Beatrix track down Shining Armor and get an explanation,” promised Cerise, who bristled with anger at the idea of any parent abandoning their child!?

“It’s…more complicated than that,” Midnight admitted, bowing his head. Would he ever know the truth? Did he even want to know? Sensing his unease, Cerise wrapped her legs around him and kissed him. Gently he kneaded the supple slopes of her flanks while looking from over her shoulder.

Dion and Tirek were engaged in an arm-wrestling match, both warriors struggling to push their opponent’s hand down. Cozy Glow was chasing after Mini-Trix, who had stolen her tiara, rambling at the tulpa to give it back. And Oona and Beatrix continued to slow dance in each other’s arms.

“Want to excuse ourselves and blow off some steam?” Cerise suggested, whispering hotly into his ear.

“I-I don't want to be rude,” he murmured back despite the twitch in his pants as he felt her warm mound rub against his shaft, separated by a sheer pair of silky frilly panties, already moist at the crotch.

“Oh, c’mon! I doubt they'll really mind. Pretty sure they want to do the same.” She looked over her shoulder, the rulers starting to get a little frisky as Ambros held his queen almost possessively. “And hey! Maybe I can convince some of these cute maids to join us, hmm~? Pretty sure one eyed me up!”

“Gosh, Cerise.… You're the best, you know that? I'm lucky to have you.” His palms traced under her dress and fondled her mostly bare charcoal ass. Her slim panties had ridden up her cheeks, and she nipped at his neck with her tiny fangs, hungry as he was.

But before they could announce their departure to elope, an explosion rocked the palace, causing dishes to spill and attendees to topple to the floor upon impact. Many servants and guests screamed when another loud blast was heard in the distance.

“What’s going on?” Beatrix exclaimed, clinging onto Oona to remain balanced as the interior trembled.

“Are we under attack?!” Dion shouted.

“Tirek! Cozy Glow! Get these people to safety!” Ambros commanded, his generals rushing to secure the guests and usher them towards safety.

Another violent tremor caused Cerise and Midnight to lose their balance and lean against the window. It was then that they noticed a strange creature outside.

“Hey, guys!” The youthful soldier called for his comrades. “Over here! Look!!”

The party looked through the glass. At first glance, it looked like a giant arachnid was attacking with its thin limbs. But looking closely revealed a familiar robed figure, launching shadowy tendrils with sickle ends to demolish the crystalline buildings.

“Shadow Scythe!” Beatrix exclaimed with clenched teeth.

“She was bound to show up again,” Cerise sneered, horny and frustrated.

Midnight said, “Yeah.… We can’t leave this to the Empire! Come on, we better-”

A harrowing scream pulled their attention towards the royal couple as Ambros caught Radiant, who tumbled towards the floor.

“Radiant?! My love, no...!” The dark unicorn pleaded, holding her hand tightly.

“T-the…crystal…h-heart,” Radiant weakly proclaimed as she clutched her hollow chest, struggling to keep awake. “S-someone is…b-breaking it...!”

Ambros stared helplessly as his queen fainted, lying limply in his arms. The crystal king laid his head against her chest, able to hear her fading heartbeat. He turned his worried gaze towards the party, rare tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

“Tell us where the Crystal Heart is,” Cerise insisted, crouching down by her father’s side. “I promise you, the queen is going to be okay. We’ll find and protect it!”

Nodding solemnly, Ambros leaned close to whisper the coordinates into his daughter’s ear, who nodded back.

Beatrix gazed over the chaos happening before her. Cozy Glow helped guide attendees towards the nearest corridor out of the capital. Tirek sent his guards to apprehend Shadow Scythe. Distraught cries echoed around her as boiling frustration started to bubble within her chest.

“This was supposed to be fun,” She muttered bitterly. “Why... Why does this always happen?! Am I that undeserving of peace? All I wanted was one day…one day without anything going wrong!”

A harsh glare caught the corner of her eyes, causing her to winch before looking back out the window. One of the spires was shining brilliantly, the witch instantly recognizing the source of its light.

“Zeloph...!” She seethed, her balled fist swirling with the dark energy of her Onoma.

It took Lady Ewe a few seconds to notice her lover wasn’t by her side until the sound of glass shattering caught her ear. Gasping, she rushed over to the freshly broken window to watch her lover ascend towards the shimmering tower.

“Oh no…. Beatrix! Wait!!”

But before she could follow, her brother secured her wrists and pulled her back, shaking his head. “We have tae stop Shadow Scythe from harmin' any more people! Leave Beatrix tae face th' Fallen One,” the white ram insisted. “Have faith in her, Oona. She won’t lose.”

The shaken sheep wanted to wrestle out of her brother's grasp and protect her lover. But she knew it was best Beatrix settled the score with her former flame. Sighing reluctantly, she nodded and followed Dion as they regrouped near the crystal rulers.

“We’re going to find the Crystal Heart and stop whoever took it!” Cerise declared, removing her jewelry save for her wedding ring.

“I really wish Beatrix didn’t rush off like that,” Midnight grumbled. “I fight better with my lance and armor.”

“Ye’ll have tae make dae with pure strength alone, lad,” Dion encouraged, patting his friend on the shoulder. “Just try not tae go berserk!”

“Aye,” Oona nodded. “Ah suspect Madame Doppia is behind this assault. She’s a master illusionist, sae be cautious! Not everythin' will appear as it seems...”

Midnight saluted. “Right!!”

With little time to further explain or prepare, the group split apart to help the Crystal Empire push back against the unexpected attack. With nothing but their magic, skills, and finery, everyone prayed they would all make it back in one piece.

Dozens of guards were scattered about, bloodied and unconscious. Tirek was the only one standing, nostrils flared while gazing up at his opponent. The self-proclaimed death goddess kept the high ground using her Onoma, her pale robes blending with the cascading snow. Her hood was drawn, yet her icy eyes peered through.

“You’ll pay for this!” The centaur snarled, firing a blast from his bovine horns that were easily deflected by her sickle. With a scoff, Shadow Scythe whirled her shadowy appendages to strike down the grand general. Though just as Tirek braced himself, Dion lept in front to block the attack with his own Onoma, manifesting Ares’ shield.

“Heh! Looks like A’m th' one savin’ yer ass this time 'round!” The ram boasted, flashing a smug grin to his friend.

“We’re about even then,” Tirek chuckled, picking himself up and dusting off the dirt. The pair of brawlers took a stance, ready to take down the reaper once and for all.

“Don’t force my hand, you dogs,” Shadow Scythe warned her adversaries. “Stay out of this, and no one has to die.”

“An' let ye freely roam the empire, harvestin’ all our souls? Ah think not, ya naffty twat!”

Oona arrived shortly to the battlefield, overlooking the damage as the snowflakes flurried. To her complete bewilderment, none of the wounded soldiers or citizens were mutilated. Completely uncharacteristic, given this was the murderous Shadow Scythe, who didn’t hesitate to slaughter thousands for their power.

“Sao why would ye go out ov yer way tao avoid any casualties?” She murmured to herself, ears picking up faint crying from a nearby building. “Dion! A’ll look after th' crystal ponies an' try tae get as many out ov hair!”

“Got it! We’ll handle th' wretch!” The white ram nodded, his muscles drawn taut as he and his battle buddy advanced on the enemy. Due to her aerial leverage, the reaper swiftly dodged every swing and magical blast thrown at her. In retaliation, she sent her scythed arms to clash with the warrior’s sword.

The sound of chains swinging caught the pale unicorn’s attention as she ducked in time before Cozy Glow could clock her with a miniature mace. The tiny pegasus heaved, using all her might to buzz around the reaper and attempt to land a hit.

“Go away!” Shadow Scythe growled, swinging her sickle to launch an arced wave of deathly energy, knocking Cozy out of the air. She screamed in panic before Dion jumped to catch her, hugging her safely in his big arms.

“Got ya!”

“Mmm, my hero~!”

“Now’s not the time, Cozy!” Tirek berated, activating Atlas to draw in what little energy remained from his troops without killing them. Once absorbed, he shared his power with both his allies, rejuvenating their strength and speed.

“Ooooh, now we’re talkin'!” Dion exclaimed with giddiness, eager to get his hands on the reaper, make another great bond, and swing his claymore down. Startled, Shadow Scythe sunk into a nearby pillar, disappearing into the shadows. Dion’s blade only sliced through cold winds, searching his proximity, looking for where the unicorn would strike.

“Dion! Look out below!” Cozy tried to warn.

Realizing too late, Shadow Scythe lashed out from underneath the ram’s hooves. A whirlwind of sickles slashed through Dion’s chest and arms before sending the mighty warrior hurling back into Tirek, the juggernaut tumbling to his knees on impact.

The three fighters stood back up, backs pinned against each other as more of Shadow Scythe’s Onoma slithered from every corner of the city block. With the evening creeping closer, there was plenty of darkness for the reaper to hide in. She had her foes exactly where she wanted them, keeping them paranoid and in a disarray of where and when she would strike.

Yet despite the overwhelming advantage, the reaper continued to hold back. Dion’s fresh cuts weren’t deeply inflicted, despite being capable of severing limbs.

So why couldn’t she do it? Didn’t she want to liberate their souls from the confinement of flesh? Raise them to a higher plane of existence, not ruled by their baser nature?

“Are Beatrix and her friends really rubbing off on me?” She mumbled to herself. Shaking her head, she refocused and swam through the shade to reappear from above.

No matter the reason, Shadow Scythe had a mission to complete. More importantly, she would not prove that demented whore Madame Doppia correct.

Yet she seemed to have taken too much time, as when she swung overhead, Dion intercepted her strike with his shield before battering his head into her chest. The blunt force caused her ribs to fracture, the reaper yelling in shock as her body landed into the ground amidst a blanket of mist, her Onoma dissolving from the structures.

“A direct hit!” Tirek cheered, pumping his fist.

“How’d ye know she'd attempt aerial assault?” Dion questioned the pegasus, who childishly beamed.

“All in calculations, really,” Cozy explained. “She already hit us from underground, so there was only a 38% chance she’d try that again. And we’d likely react fast enough to retaliate if she approached from in front or on either. So that only left her to strike from behind or, with a 4.5% higher possibility, above us.”

“... so, in other words, it was a lucky guess.” The centaur stated, deflating his comrade’s ego as she scrunched her snout at him.

“Hey! It paid off, didnit?” The ram laughed as they all turned towards the staggered reaper.

“Ggnngh! D-damn you!” Shadow Scythe spat, hot blood leaking from her mouth, clutching her sides. She barely had time to slip into the shadows to avoid the centaur’s stampede. Once more, Thanatos’ power wriggled out from every shadow and shade she could find.

Even though the pale unicorn was forced to play this game, it at least gave her time to regenerate her broken ribs.

“She’s gotten mair sluggish,” she heard Dion comment.

“What do you mean?” The pink pegasus asked, tilting her head.

“Ah saw her instantly kidnap Beatrix back at the mountain. Didn’t e'en have a chance tae react! But here, her movement is much more predictable. Somethin's off…”

“Still, we can’t drop our guard,” Tirek grunted, horns alit with his fiery aura. “Because of her, the Crystal Heart was fractured. If we don’t end this soon, the queen and our people will perish!”

“They’ve made me soft…” Shadow Scythe murmured to herself, a wave of empathy washing over her. She endangered many lives by carrying out this ugly task.

Still, she would continue to fight, even if she held off from using fatal blows. Deep within her heart, she knew she had wronged Beatrix and her friends. And nothing would fill the emptiness until she repaid her debt.

Cerise and Midnight descended down the many stairwells, making their way towards the catacombs. According to Ambros, the Crystal Heart was housed in a chamber hidden by diamond pillars, where he and Radiant Hope would play during their youth.

Unfortunately, the pair would have to cross by the dungeon to find one of the secret tunnels.

“N-noo stop! Please!! AHHHHHHHHH!!” A pained cry echoed from the dark corridor, halting Midnight in his tracks.

“Oh no! Someone’s in trouble!” The pegasus presumed, about to run down the hallway before his wife caught his hand.

“Middy, wait! We have to get the Crystal Heart! We can’t just drop everything to answer a cry for help.”

“Then you go after the culprit. I won’t just abandon someone in need!” The pegasus foolhardily insisted, yanking his arm from her grasp. With his plumage unfurled, he sailed away into the dark corridor.

“Midnight!!” Cerise yelled for him in frustration, only to see him fade away completely. Clutching her spear close, the dancer had no choice but to press onward with dismay evident on her pursed snout.

Surely, she wasn’t smothering him, was she? Cerise knew she could be needy, but she'd always wanted something she won by her own hands rather than handed it due to her royal lineage. She just hoped her husband came back to her side sooner than later.

Midnight was already destined to be at death’s door early. And all the charcoal mare could hope was that today won’t be that day.

Back with the soldier, he glided towards the source of the crying, finding all the prison gates open. A feeling of dread crept up Midnight's spine, looking down to see the bloodied remains of all the inmates.

“W-what the…. What happened here!?”

Whatever answer was interrupted by the sound of struggling, two voices groaning and grunting. His green eyes spotted two silhouettes thrashing about, cast by a torchlight. He cautiously approached before his eyes widened in horror.

Out of his cell was Shining Armor, on top of an unlucky maid, her uniform torn to shreds. She pleaded for him to stop, only earning another punch in her bruised face as he pumped his hips into her bare thighs. “Shut your whore mouth!” He ordered and spat saliva, panting heavily. “Now be quiet, and take this fucking dick like a good slu-”

“GET OFF OF HER!!” Midnight yelled, flying at the unicorn to knock him off the helpless servant. The two wrestled on the stone floor before the pegasus pinned Shining Armor, staring down at him with drawn snout and moist eyes.

At that moment, he didn’t see the stallion he called ‘father.’ Only the person who’d abandoned him. He might not have actually been his true father, but he wore his face—the face of an apathetic, bitter old stallion who only looked at the world with disgust.

The maid’s whimpers barely registered as he rained down a series of blows. Hot blood splashed over his muscles, his eyes burned with rage as his pupils highlighted in yellow. However, the prisoner caught one of his angry fists, able to withstand Midnight’s building strength before punching him off.

The maid rose to her feet shakily, clutching at her exposed body as the hulking stallion got back up, looking back at her with a pained huff. “Go, get out of here! I’ve got this.”

Sniffling, she nodded, mouthing a thank you before collecting what remained of her uniform and sprinting out of the dungeon. Midnight turned to his father, who cleaned the blood from his muzzle while spitting out a couple of teeth. The alabaster unicorn smiled, despite his rearranged face.

“Heh. You think that dumb bitch is impressed by you, coming to her side like some pathetic simp of a white knight?”

“What happened here?” Midnight questioned, ignoring the unicorn’s taunts. “Did you kill all these prisoners? Why?!”

“Because fuck you,” Shining Armor scoffed through bloodied teeth. “Mares are only good for popping out children and taking care of our needs. The moment you realize that, the world becomes less of a shithole. But you’re not able to because you’re too much of a pussy-lipped shitstain to put your dumb bimbo of a wife on a leash!”

“You have no right to talk to my wife or anyone like that!!” Midnight growled, his blood boiling hotly as his mass expanded, ripping at the expensive tuxedo jacket.

“Oh yeah? Then why don’t you do something about it?” The rugged stallion challenged, raising his fists up. And Midnight answered by spreading his wings and soaring right at his father, unbridled wrath fueling his mind.

With panting breath, Cerise descended down the mining tunnels. Just a couple more turns, and she should be across from the secret entrance King Ambros told her.

But as the dancer took a left, she gasped in alarm to find incapacitated bodies of many changeling soldiers scattered about.

“This isn’t good! Not even Chrysalis’ forces were able to stop the intruder?” Cerise presumed, carefully stepping around or over the unconscious creatures, their limbs twitching occasionally.

Finally, she found the wall of diamonds that obscured the chamber, slipping behind and passing through the cave’s mouth. And, with only a few more steps, Cerise reached the massive pellucid room, where the sacred jewel hovered over a stylized podium. However, it did not sparkle as brightly, given the large fissure carved through the center.

Cerise began to breathe heavily, her own hands enclosed over her own heart. She couldn’t begin to imagine how much agonizing pain Radiant Hope must be in.

How was she supposed to restore cracked crystal? The assailant was likely already gone!

Or so Cerise thought until a tittering voice spoke from right behind her.

“Looking for something~?”

Swiftly, Cerise turned around to find herself nose-to-nose with the hooded mare, frightened pink eyes meeting harsh embers that were accompanied by the most unsettling smile. As she immediately jumped away, the mare pulled out the stolen shard from her cloak sleeve. She tauntingly waved it between her thumb and index finger as if threatening to drop it.

“You must be Madame Doppia,” Cerise declared, sneering at the raven robbed demoness. “I’ve heard of you!”

“As I’ve heard about you, Principessa,” she retorted, tucking the severed piece away before bowing her upper body in a mocking gesture. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to finally meet you in person~!”

“Oh yeah? And why’s that?”

“Well, for starters,” Doppia began sauntering around her foe, much like a predator stalking its prey. “It makes my task all the easier, seeing as they sent the weak link to stop me.”

“I am not a weak link!!” Cerise yelled, unfolding her spear and charging at the hooded mare, who wasn’t deterred as she moved around a pillar. When she thrust forward, the dancer found no target behind the structure.

“Pretend all you like,” Doppia’s voice echoed around the room, keeping the charcoal mare on edge before reappearing from another pillar. “We both know the truth~.”

“You know nothing about me!!”

“I know enough,” the crystal mage coolly rebuffed. “You’re a spoiled little brat who was fed everything on a silver platter and throws a tantrum when faced with the harshness of life. Especially when it comes to people you care for.”

The daughter of darkness did her best to stand firm, yet her emotions continued to bubble within. And it didn’t help that her enemy could stir her up so quickly.

Shaking it off, she tried again to attack Doppia, who vanished to avoid Cerise’s spear. Distant laughter perked at her ears. “Grragh! Quit hiding and fight me, coward!”

“Awww, what’s wrong, signora? Struggling to grasp how powerless you are~?”

“SHUT UP!!”

“You’re out of your depth, Cerise. You couldn’t even save your own life if you wanted. Let alone, your husband’s~.”

A pair of hands slipped under the charcoal mare’s arms to grope at her breasts, squeezing in tenderness. A gasp escaped Cerise’s lips as Doppia pressed her lithe form against her back, the wicked mare using one hand to stroke and massage her navel while stripping magic slowly undid her ballroom dress thread-by-thread to expose dark fur.

Doppia hotly whispered, “See? You won’t even fight back when I touch you like this~!”

“G-get your hands off... M-me! I-I feel no pleasure from this--ahah!”

Another moan squeezed out as Doppia touched her aching neithers, her body still worked up from grinding against her husband during the banquet. The Vice Lord made a ‘tsking’ sound right by her ear.

Her hands wandered over her. “Che peccato, really. You should be stronger than this. Such a beautiful body deserves to dance freely, without any restraints!”

“W-what do you mean?” Cerise whimpered as the hot pink of her perky right nipple was tugged, body squirming to resist unwanted shocks of pleasure her foe delivered.

“Mio caro amica! You’ve only tapped into a fraction of the power your father blessed you with. With proper guidance, you could bend any man you want to your will, like a proper queen! Yet you waste your delicate flesh in servicing your lover like a lowly sow…” She twisted the nipple harshly.

“W-what?! No, that can’t be true! I love my husband! I-I would do anything to-”

And then it hit her. All Cerise ever did was tap off her husband throughout their journey when his need to copulate arose. And even then, she needed to share him with other mares. Whenever a fight broke out, she either was in the way or unconscious.

This entire time, Cerise had been nothing but a liability to her friends. As melancholy settled within Cerise, Doppia continued to play with the dancer’s dwindling mentality and flesh.

“That’s right! You would do anything to make him happy~. It’s why you let him fuck other women. Not because of his needs, but because you know deep down you don’t deserve him~! That you can't satisfy him~!”

Tears once more streamed down her face, trembling from the physical pleasure that made her face heat up and the emotional pain. “N-no, stop! I-I am worthy! I’m his-”

“Whore. Nothing, but his miserable little whore! You think that ring around your finger means anything?!” She snarked, twisting Cerise’s tits, digging her fingers into her drenched snatch. The dancer cried, body shuddering. “If Beatrix hadn’t forced him to become her half-brother, she would be his wife. Not you! Because no matter how hard you try, you will never be anything but a worthless cagna!”

“NOOOOOOOOO!!!” Cerise screamed, a surge of shadowy energy flowing around her body like smoke. Both her wings unfurled to bat Doppia off of her. Spinning around to gain some distance away, the thestral glared at her opponent with renewed vigor, wispy darkness flowing from her eyes much like her father’s.

“I don’t care if Midnight and I weren’t meant to be! I love him, and he loves me!” She declared, holding up her ringed hand. “This ring is a symbol of our love and passion. And I won’t let the likes of you tell me otherwise!”

“Denial will get you nowhere, my friend,” Doppia scoffed, narrowing her hellish gaze over the charcoal mare. “But since you’re so determined, then why don’t you prove it? You might have faced a death harbinger and aided in the defeat of a false messiah. But now, you’re up against a herald of the End of Days. Rest assured, amica. Defeating me will be no small feat~.”

“You want to test me, huh? You’re on!!” Cerise growled, twirling her weapon while taking a graceful stance. Rage and confidence fueled her motions as an opportunity was presented.

If she could bring down the Vice Lord on her own, Cerise would finally feel like she earned her friends' and family’s respect.

Licking her lips, Doppia grasped the collar of her hood and tossed her robes away. Cerise’s eyes widened at the ballerina garb adorning the demon’s glimmering body. Dark feathers asymmetrically collared her shoulders, her tattered black tutu barely covering over her supple thighs. Dark plumage unfurled from Doppia’s back, balancing her controlled movements as she pirouetted in place before striking a pose with her crossed arms held out.

“It’s been a while since I had a worthy dance partner,” the crystal pegasus cooed, curling her fingers in a motion to beckon Cerise to come at her. “Let’s hope you can keep up~!”

The bat-winged earth mare steeled her nerves and huffed her bare bosom, refusing to let the Vice Lord get under her skin. Because if there was one thing Cerise prided herself in, it was her ability to dance.

From the moment she could walk, she spent her childhood mastering her art until she reached the contortionist's level of limberness. There was no way she would be tripped up by this demented ballerina!

“Alright, Doppia. Let’s dance!”

Within the realm of flowing time, Abadonna approached the globe that displayed her timeline. Her shape remained consistent, despite how transparent and fizzled out she looked. Last she saw Enock, they were busy recording history into more tomes to decorate the vast amount of shelves. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be for a while until they noticed the child of Lightendark was awake.

She had been warned not to meddle in her parent’s affairs, lest she risk altering their reality. But Abby couldn’t stand idly by, knowing her birth mother and pretend father would cross blades. So, taking one last look to make sure the celestial wasn’t around, she tapped into the coordinates that brought up the image of Beatrix, using her power to levitate towards her shining spire, where Zeloph was likely waiting.

“Please.… Don’t let hatred rule you too,” Abadonna prayed, unable to do much but watch the scene play out.

Once Beatrix landed at the opening, the click of her heels echoed within the balcony. Her Onoma flowed wildly off her dress, starry darkness waving over her curvature. Her eyes scanned every inch of the tower, recognizing this as the place where King Sombra initially hid the Crystal Heart during his tyranny.

But it had been decorated in angelic statues, molded from marble stone that reflected the light emanating from above. They each draped their figures along the pillars, all wearing sorrowful expressions—no doubt the work of her ex-lover.

And cradled in the arms of one statue was the fallen one himself. His head slowly turned before he stood up and dropped onto the floor. And as their eyes meet once more, Beatrix felt her heart skip a beat and her anger nearly diminish.

Despite her better judgment, the violet unicorn couldn’t help but fluster over how stunning Zeloph appeared. The way his burgundy jacket revealed his chest and abs as if tempting her to touch him. It seemed the nephilim was also flourished, admiring the witch’s beauty in her gown.

But they both knew that these dwindling romantic feelings were only embers of a burnt bridge. Had circumstances not been cruel to the false idol, and had he not deceived Beatrix with fake promises and sanctimonious lies, they wouldn’t be standing across each other as enemies.

Still, the winged immortal attempted to be chivalrous towards the witch, a kind smile crossing his lips.

“You look lovely,” complimented Zeloph. “That dress fits you well.”

“Thank you,” Beatrix accepted with a polite smile. “You look outstanding yourself! I just wish that gorgeous face and body wasn’t attached to such a cruel soul.”

His smile faltered as he sighed, “Why are you doing this, Beatrix?”

“You know why. I have to stop you, Zeloph. I won’t let you senselessly kill anyone else, no matter your justifications.”

“I never intended for things to end up like that-”

“No!” She interrupted, her archaic magic flaring up in anger. “You don’t get to say that after nearly wiping out a planet. Not when you’ve become the lackey of an omnicidal monster that’s after my daughter!!”

Zeloph looked away with clenched fists, taking a deep breath. “Please.… Can’t you see how deeply I regret causing this calamity? I’ve already paid for my sins by associating with the Burning King.”

Pulling up his sleeve, he showed her a burnt mark on his forearm, forever branded to be a pawn. And while the sight of his singed flesh unnerved Beatrix, she refused to give any more sympathy to the fallen angel.

“Shadow Scythe and I threw our lives away over selfish impulse. As long as this mark remains, we’re doomed to suffer unending agony to Pathos.”

“A fitting punishment if you ask me,” Beatrix scoffed. "You deserve each other!"

“You don’t understand,” Zeloph continued. “We didn’t ask to be his pawns. We don’t want to bring the End of Days! All we care for is Abadonna’s safety and our freedom. If we could call a truce and work together-”

“And why would I ever do that?!” She questioned, tucking her arms underneath her bust. “The last thing I want is for Abby to be in the same proximity of you two!”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Beatrix! Will you just listen!?” Zeloph yelled in frustration. “This is more than just custody over our child. I’m trying to be reasonable here. I don’t want to fight you!”

A bitter laugh rose from her. “Yeah? Well, it’s too late to make amends with me, Zeloph. I’m not that lovesick, naive little girl you manipulated into following your insidious scheme! I’ve grown a lot since the last time we crossed!”

Before he could even muster a retort, Beatrix launched a powerful spell that blasted him into one of his stone angels, the sculpture crumbling over top of him in a dust cloud.

“Consider that a warning shot,” Beatrix sneered, her rapier materializing in her grasp, Erebus empowering its steel. “Now summon your Onoma and fight me!”

Rubble scattered as two swan-shaped plumage emerged from the pile, eyes studded along the wingspan as Zeloph rose up to meet her glare. The witch noticed a different aura glowed from irises, emanating an almost fiery orange color. Needless to say, the false idol was beyond livid.

“Is obstinate violence truly the only language you understand!?” Zeloph exclaimed, his signature zweihänder forming from his palm in shimmering light, though it took a different shape.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this!”

Realizing that there was no point in talking Beatrix out, Zeloph reluctantly took a battle stance; the aura of Apollo glimmered around his long blade. “Fine! You want a fight? I’ll give you a fight! But when your life passes, I hope the angels mourn for you. Because I certainly won’t!”

Darkness and light clashed once more as the two former lovers engaged in combat. Each blow and strike was driven by the emotions of love, hatred, resentment, and sadness.

It was clear to Abadonna that this bout between her parents would be a duel to the death. And unless the little unicorn somehow changed fate, the outcome was inevitable.

One of them was going to die.