Everywhere and Nowhere

Bellatrix Primadonna took a deep breath and exhaled before making her statements.

“Sister. I’m sure you’ve prepared a reasonable explanation as to why you’ve allowed these two fiends into our home?”

Her burning glare focused on the reaper and demi-human, who cautiously distanced themselves from Beatrix and her friends. The maids, Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer, also hid behind Dion, quivering at the sight of their old foe, Shadow Scythe. Despite all their vigorous training, both crystal mares couldn’t hide how cowardly they felt before the pale unicorn, who had abused them, turned them into zombie slaves by necromancy, and carelessly swapped their heads, stitch scars still on their necks.

“Okay, I know this looks suspicious as fuck,” began Beatrix, who was still unsure about this whole ordeal. “But, long story short, our journey hit a major roadblock in the form of the Vice Lord, Doppia. We all got duped. So to better our chances of getting to Enock before her, we’re teaming up with Zeloph and Shadow Scythe. We’re pretty low on options...”

The witch gestured towards the emerald crystalline mare in their fold. Cerise, trapped in Doppia’s vessel, did her best to hide from Bellatrix’s gaze.

“Oh dear,” the she-devil lamented, looking over the distraught mare. “Soul exchange?”

“Aye,” Lady Ewe answered. “Among Doppia’s many tricks, stealin’ bodies ov th’ people she covets is her signature ploy. Such a horrible spell.”

“But a spell, nonetheless. So surely, we can find a way to reverse it?”

“Of course we can!” Midnight interjected. “We have to! I-I mean, i-it’s not like the spell is permanent…is it?”

Cerise tensed up with a tinge of dread. The thought of potentially spending the rest of her life as someone else only now crossed her mind.

What would mom and dad say? Would they still love her? Would they even recognize her?

“Ah don’t know, Midnight,” Oona confessed, snout scrunched up in frustration. “Th’ only way we’d know fur certain is when we’ll eventually confront Doppia again.”

“I’d say it’s possible to undo the spell,” Shadow Scythe weighed in, though sporting a nervous expression when all eyes fell on her. She pointed towards the twins. “It should be as simple as swapping their heads back in place, w-which I’m willing to do if you’d allow me...”

But Wet Nurse and Foal Bearer shook their heads in protest. “As if we’d let you anywhere near us,” one twin spat.

The other nodded in agreement. “Besides, I’ve grown used to the weight of my sister’s tits~!” Foal Bearer smiled, feeling up her ample bust. “Truth is, we’ve never felt more connected!”

“O-oh… I see. Understandable,” Shadow Scythe muttered.

“Good on ye, girls,” Dion snorted. “A’d stay wary ov that one. Whatever assistance she’d provided would likely involve a knife tae th’ back!”

“Hey, back off!” Said a defensive Zeloph, hands in his jacket pockets while the tiny wings on his ankles kept him afloat. “She was only offering to help. Is that not what allies do?”

“Pha! Ya think just because we share a common enemy that we’ll look past all th’ atrocities ye an’ her have committed?”

“Never asked you to. But I would expect a bit of chivalry considering the End of Days will be a thousand times worse than anything we pulled!”

“Ah only show chivalry tae mah friends,” the warrior ram proclaimed, looming over the cherub with piercing red eyes. “An’ ye’re not my friend. Sae why don’t you back off, ye overzealous midget!”

“Oh, ever the unwise brute, thinking he is stronger just because I'm outsized,” Zeloph snarked, his own glare highlighted with a vermillion glow. “But I wouldn’t underestimate me yet. I still have the power to send you soaring into the surface of the sun!”

“A’d like tae see ye try, wee man!” Dion growled, pressing his head into the snarky angel, ready to give him a walloping.

“Boys!” Moxxi called, getting between the two and shoving them apart. “We’re never garn ter get ter Enock's wif ya Bo-le Of Glue 'avin' a pissin' contest! Spoiler alert; I’d win by growin' the bigger penis! Na be-ave! We’re aw in this together, loike it or not!”

The two continued to glare daggers before turning their backs and folding their arms, offering a begrudging ‘hmph!’.

“Oh, brother,” both Lady Ewe and Moxxi grumbled together, which caused the two to giggle in realization.

“The imp is right,” sighed Bellatrix. “As much as I hate the thought of sharing a house with you two, it’s better than letting the Burning King roam free. Which is why we’re all going to work on our ‘teamwork’ skills tomorrow.”

The entire group collectively groaned and muttered a few objections but were hesitant to act on them. Ultimately, there was no better alternative than to learn to cooperate and respect one another. Less they let Doppia succeed in her nefarious plot and unleash the forces of Pathos using Abadonna’s potential.

“It’s settled then,” reaffirmed Bellatrix. “I’ll have the twins prepare the extra rooms for our new ‘guests.’”

Wet Nurse and Foal Bearer reluctantly nodded and bowed their heads, knowing they couldn’t refuse their nature as servants just yet. Then, with a sway of their hips, they walked up the stairs to search out bedrooms for Shadow Scythe and Zeloph, who began to follow them until Bellatrix yanked the demi by the tail.

“Ah! H-hey!! What are you-”

“I’d like to have a word with you, actually.” The shapeshifter marched off with the demi-human in tow before calling to the others, “I suggest you all rest up. We have a long day ahead of us.”

Shadow Scythe was about to protest but decided against it with pursed lips and continued tailing the twins from behind.

“I… I need some air,” Midnight said, spreading his massive plumage and flapping off towards the manor’s entrance.

“Ugh! This whole situation blows more chunks than a hippo’s arse...” Dion mumbled before making his way into the kitchen, knowing he’d need a strong drink before he could settle down.

“Oh, this situation is totally donalded! Imagine me! Playin' peacekeeper! Pha~!” Moxxi laughed as she vanished in a puff of smoke.

“I know tensions are high right now. But, Honestly? I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” Cerise admitted, rubbing her sleeve. “It’ll be a chance to get better acquainted with this body… as well as our former adversaries, I suppose.”

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” Beatrix asked with concern, but the crystal mare managed to muster a smile.

“Probably not. But I’m clinging to hope this will all work out in the end! It’s all I have now, really, so I might as well try...”

“That’s a wonderful way ov lookin’ at it,” Oona encouraged before wrapping her arms around the dancer, who returned her warm hug. “Have faith, Cerise. We’ll get through this!”

“Thank you, Lady Ewe,” Cerise sniffled as she pulled away. “Well… see you tomorrow!”

“Goodnight, Cerise.” Beatrix waved, watching her friend depart towards her sleeping quarters.

“Will ye be joinin’ me, Ceann Oga?”

The witch turned to her wooly lover before lightly objecting. “I-In a bit. I better check up on Midnight. Poor guy’s not been taking this so well...”

The sheep sage nodded with an assured smile. “Okay. Take yer time.”

With all said and done, Beatrix took to the stairs to look for the blue pegasus while her mentor went to their room, hopeful that by tomorrow, their shaky alliance would become more stable before they head back to Canterlot.

“Y’know. When you said you wanted to talk, I thought it would involve a little less… rope.”

Once again, Zeloph found himself tied up at the foot of a bed, a very unamused look on his face. Bellatrix stood before him, leering down.

“Think of this more as ‘safety precautions,’” proclaimed the she-devil. “I need to be certain you won’t try anything while under my roof!”

“If that’s the case, then how come Shadow Scythe isn’t here with us?”

Bellatrix shrugged. “I sensed a drastic change in the reaper. She’s a lot more docile and willing to repent. But, honestly, I always knew she’d come around eventually.”

“Really now? How... observant.”

“You, on the other hand…” She lifted one of her supple legs to press her heeled feet against the cherub’s chest, making Zeloph yelp as the sharp stub threatened to penetrate his abdomen. “... Are still an egotistical monster that I refuse to tolerate. I don’t care what form you take or where your allegiance is, Zeloph. What you’ve done to both Beatrix and Cerise is unforgivable!”

“Oh, don’t act like you’re so high and mighty,” the demi scoffed with a strained breath, staring up defiantly. “There was a time you loathed your sister and the princess as well. Hell, there isn’t a single person in this manor who wasn’t ego-driven… save for the twins, maybe. But, for the record? While I’ve indulged in many heinous acts, rape and body theft are not among them…”

“Nonetheless, I will be the one to judge whether you are worthy of our cause.”

“Then let’s be honest here, shall we?” Zeloph suggested, his magenta gaze narrowed. “What is this really about, Bellatrix? You don’t expect me to believe you’re interrogating me just because of a mere vendetta, do you?”

Hellish gold orbs studied the angel’s cooly. A sadistic smirk spreads her plump lips. “No, you’re right,” Bellatrix admitted, relieving some pressure off the cherub’s body. “My purpose for this is a lot more selfish. As much as I want to eviscerate you right now, that would be far too easy. So you deserve a more ‘fitting’ punishment~.”

Zeloph’s brow furrowed as the shapely demoness pulled off her lacy black bra, her tits bouncing slightly before she bent down to tug away at her panties. Heat rose in his cheeks as he said, “... y-you’re joking, right?”

“Do I look like I'm joking?” Bellatrix countered, her nails extended out to cup the demi-human’s chin. “Tell me, Zeloph. Have you ever had a dream about us? Because I had one. We went at it like predatory animals, fighting for dominance until I rose as the victor.”

“What?! N-no! I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” He insisted, though his tone and refusal to properly look at her told another story, much to Bellatrix’s fiendish delight as she cut at his cheek. “Y-yaagh!”

“I thought we were being honest with each other~!” the shapeshifter purred. “Very telling that you would blatantly lie to avoid someone else’s control.”

“Neegh! O-okay, fine! S-so, what if we shared a wet dream together? You’re not actually going to follow through with it… a-are you?”

“My body has needs. And despite my loathing, you’re too much of a catch to pass up. So I plan to use your body until I'm fully satisfied, be it by blood or cum~.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint. You’ll find it very difficult to state your urges with someone of my current stature,” Zeloph scoffs. Though he found his circumstances utterly demeaning, he took gratitude knowing that in his cherub form, sex was unlikely to happen with him.

Bellatrix hummed thoughtfully while licking his blood off her nail. “That is true. It won’t be as fun to ravage you while you’re so small...”

The false idol almost sighed in relief until a crimson flash triggered around Bellatrix before she altered her form. Zeloph yelped as she straddled on top of him, now bearing an imp’s figure, not unlike his half-sister. Bellatrix cupped her still sizable chest and wiggled her hips against his groin.

“There we go! Now we’re of equal size~” Bellatrix mused, her voice slightly more high-pitched. Then, lapping her lips, she dug tiny claws into his torso.

“A-aaahhh! N-No please! Stop! D-don’t do this!” The cherub begged, wriggling like a worm to free his tied hands.

“Aww, getting uncomfortable? Well, that’s too bad! Your discomfort doesn’t compare to the heartache you caused my sister,” she reminded through her hiss.

“I-it wasn’t like that! I didn’t mean to... Aagh! I-I wish I could take everything back!”

This caused the red-skinned beauty to pause her actions, her brow raising. “Ohh? How so?”

Zeloph stopped squirming, sniffling as he turned his head away in embarrassment. “I was… desperate,” he admitted. “I wanted so badly to be a part of Abadonna’s life, after all the kindness and company she gave me. So the moment I learned Beatrix was her potential mother, I didn’t hesitate to seduce her. That being said… It was a terrible thing to do, and I never felt good doing it.”

She slowly pulled off the bond cherub, noting that Zeloph had no erection between his legs despite being naked and aggressively forward. Bellatrix asked, “Morally?”

“And sexually,” the demi added. “I never understood what was so special about sex. Ana always made playful passes. I met plenty of men and women interested in me, but… nothing really clicked. When Beatrix and I had our romp, I was only hard just for the sake of our… well, her child. The only time I enjoyed another’s touch was with--”

“Shadow Scythe,” Bellatrix presumed, to which Zeloph nodded with flustered cheeks. “I saw how quickly you stood up for her. Do you share a deeper connection?”

“Maybe. Had her mind not been unstable during this squall of emotions… I-I would have loved to explore these feelings. Even if she doesn’t return them...”

“And what do you feel now? Towards the very people you once sought to protect?”

Zeloph turned his gaze downward, recalling all the lives and people he ‘purified.’ “I once thought the world was plagued in shadow. That it should have been filled with eternal light. But I was wrong to conflate darkness with evil. For through my creator’s cruelty, my views were blinded by righteous hate. In truth? I would rather put my trust in mortals than any divine force…”

“Hmm.” The she-devil hummed, assuming her angelic shape and full size before her hand glowed softly. Bellatrix gently poured her magic over Zeloph’s face to heal the cut she made. “Very well, Zeloph. I’ll give you a shot to make amends.”

“What?!” The smaller angel gazed up at her, confused. “Why? I didn’t apologize or say anything abou-”

“Not necessarily,” She shook her head with a cunning smile. “But you have shown remorse for your actions. And judging from how you've recoiled from my advances, you’re very earnest about maintaining your relationship with Shadow Scythe. So consider this my personal welcome to our home… provided you’re willing to cooperate with the others.”

Zeloph gave a disgruntled look before sighing. “I can’t promise there won’t be any more difficulties between me, Beatrix, and her friends. But I’ll try to stay on their good side.”

“Excellent!” Bellatrix lifted the tiny angel and untied his hands, letting Zeloph rub at his wrists.

“I have to say. Your methods of interrogation, while uncouth, revealed some surprising results,” admitted the demi-human, adjusting his jacket.

“I suppose your sister has rubbed off on me,” the angelic shapeshifter said with pursed lips. “And, in a way, you have as well.”

“Ooh?”

“I must confess; I’m rather disappointed that, sexually, we aren’t compatible like I dreamt. For all your sanctimonious crap, I don’t fully hate you. You’d make an engaging partner, and I imagined a BDSM-style relationship would benefit both of our needs. But it wouldn’t be fair to get between you and Shadow Scythe.”

Zeloph’s cheeks flourished again. “I-I’m flattered you’d consider me like that. Truth be told, I bear no ill will towards you either. But I’d prefer we remain acquaintances. Perhaps even…friends..?”

Bellatrix let out a rare giggle. “You still have to earn that. But so far, you’re not off to a bad start,” she encouraged.

In return, the demi-human offered a genuine smile before he fluttered towards the door. But opening it revealed Moxxi had been peeping in, a cheeky grin on her face.

“...why am I not surprised?” Zeloph deadpanned. “The moment you respect someone’s privacy is the moment pigs sprout wings and learn to fly.”

“Awwww~! So me stoic lil’ brovwer 'as a crush on the death goddess? 'a cute~!!”

“Don’t want to talk about it.”

“Don’t worry, lov! Wif me 'elp, you’ll get through that White Mice Nellie Dean exterior in nah nickle and dime. Then maybe we’ll get through 'er interior as well!”

“Fuck you!”

“Ooh~! When and where~?” Moxxi purred, causing her brother to grumble with irritation as the pair hovered off down the corridor.

Bellatrix shook her head in amusement before preparing to merge with the manor and provide its sustenance for the night. It might have seemed impossible, but harmony between the former messiah proved likely. The devil queen just hoped her sister and friends could see it too.

The artificial moon graced Midnight’s form while he broods on top of the roof. He stood poised at the edge to overlook the scenery, aware that beyond it was the rocky planetoid where the mansion rooted itself. His emerald gaze drifted to the rune-inscribed wedding ring held in his palm, contemplating throwing the jewelry away.

And the pegasus almost went through with it had a voice not called, “...how are you holding up?”

Beatrix carefully trended on the tattered tiles, approaching her half-brother poised by the gargoyles. “I mean, after all, that's happened-”

“I feel terrible,” admitted Midnight, his head hung. “What I did to Cerise is unforgivable. If I had figured out the Vice Lord made the switch, I could have prevented this! But now she won’t even touch me, let alone let me hold her!” He sighed with dismay. “Not that I blame her…”

“We all know it wasn't your fault,” the violet witch reassured, patting his shoulder. “She just needs time. But the last thing she needs is you to do anything reckless, okay? Once you do or say something, you can’t ever take it back...”

She worried he'd jump off. And that despite his massive wings besting any gale, he wouldn’t use them and just plummet towards the ground.

“I know.” He forced a tired smile while she rubbed his fluffy feathers. “I also know you’re not to blame for my hyper condition. But, I mean, how could you have predicted this would happen when visiting my world? Damn… I can’t wait to leave that horrible place behind, honestly. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed life and my friends there, but…the changelings...”

Repressed memories were resurfacing. His kind trapped in cocoons, ponies driven to the brink of extinction. His mother and twin sister were lost in the confusion, his father nowhere to be seen.

Yet, were it not for Moonlight River's friendship, he might not have made it this far!

She patted his plume. “I understand that. I can relate to not wanting to stick to your homeworld. Most of mine was wiped out by the Cult of the Nemesis. I mostly return to see my family.”

“Do you think you’d ever settle down somewhere? I know you love traveling and all, but…”

Beatrix nibbled on her lip before answering. “I mean…eventually, I’ll have to, won’t I? As much as I cherish the thought of Abby joining me on my travels, I’d be putting her in more danger. I know Oona wants to partake in the Matanam ritual with me. And while that seems scary, I’m more than happy to spend my life with her. Plus, we have a permanent home now with the mansion! Technically it belongs to Bellatrix, but she considers it mine anyhow. But, either way, you'll always have a place here! As will all my friends, and…apparently, enemies too.” She snickered. “So please, try and cheer up for me, okay?”

“Yeah… I’ll try,” he nodded and embraced her in his massive wingspan. She returned his hug as they gazed at the stars.

Despite time being of the essence, there was little choice but to rest and recuperate since they needed all their strength to face the Vice Lords.

Not to mention the Burning King, who, from the sound of it, put all her past opponents to shame…

Alone in their shared room, Lady Oona Ewe was preparing for rest. She sat by the mirror cabinet, a silky nightgown clad over her round body. The azure sheep hummed a soothing melody while brushing her velvet wool.

Thoughts and uncertainties swirled around her mind. Just how strong of an alliance could they have against their foes? Could they genuinely put their differences and past actions aside for the greater good? Shadow Scythe, after enduring so much solitude and self-loathing, finally wanted to change. And Zeloph could reclaim his grace if he cast aside his inner turmoil.

But even with them in their fold. Even with the help of Bellatrix and the twins. Could they succeed against the overwhelming odds?

Cerise would walk away with mental scars and paranoia about herself. Midnight blamed himself for violating his wife. Her brother was becoming more foolhardy and brash.

And then there was Beatrix, who at times became reckless with seeking her daughter at any cost. Oona loved her dearly, but the violet unicorn couldn’t possibly understand how much of an impact she made on everything around her.

It was in loneliness that she made Midnight her half-brother and a hyper-stallion. It was in desperation she became a part of Abadonna’s prophecy with Zeloph.

How much more did Beatrix need until she was finally satisfied with her life? And even then, would she still want to share it with her?

Lady Ewe looked over the nubs sprouting from her wooly head. The second pair of horns was regenerating at a faster rate. It wouldn’t be long until her innate fae magic couldn’t be concealed. And her heart sank at the thought of Beatrix forsaking her mentor, should she discover all the secrets she'd been hiding, despite her promise.

Oona’s breathing grew ragged, trying to hold back her woes while rubbing her temples. “What must Ah do?” She asked herself. “What else can be done tae ensure Abadonna’s safety… an’ Beatrix’s happiness?”

Her warm honey-brown eyes drew towards the lone artifact present at the cabinet’s desk. The worn music box she received during a trip. And with it, the presence of an ominous creature she dreaded to think about. The slightest thought or passing memory would catch his attention.

But what other choice was left if not to call upon the dark force of the unknown?

The azure sheep cautiously glanced at the door, knowing her beloved could come in at any moment. But for her sake and the sake of her child, it was a risk Oona had to take.

With a gentle sigh, she opened the box as its haunting melody began playing. A torn piece of paper attached to the lid, lyrics to an old lullaby written, faded with time. Mustering her voice, Lady Ewe sang along with the music as quietly as she could.

The only candle in the room flickered as the light slowly drained and the shadows grew. Familiar chills ran up the dream faun’s back, ears perked at the sound of lost whispers. Her heartbeat rose, yet her song was unwavering.

That was until his voice joined hers, and her eyes widened at the reflection in the mirror.

Looming just a few feet from her was the Nightmare Stag, his great antlers nearly scratching the ceiling. Through the sockets of his gaunt face were pale eyes glowing brightly in the dark veil that almost swallowed the room. Twigs, leaves, and bonelike branches reached out from his shoulders and torso. His height was crippled, having to hunch down just to fit in the room.

Oona turned to face her twisted counterpart, cautiously crossing her arms over her breasts knowing the material was see-through. Yet, nonetheless, the dream shaman approached the lurking monster. “Ye’re here!”

“ꌦꄲ꒤ ꉔꋬ꒒꒒ꏂ꒯ ꊰꄲꋪ ꂵꏂ,” he said, politely bowing his head down. “ꄲꊰ ꉔꄲ꒤ꋪꇙꏂ ꒐ ꋬꂵ.”

“But it was so sudden! Have ye been stalkin’ us this entire time?”

“꒐ ꂵꋬꌦ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꉣꋪ꒐ꏂ꒯ ꒐ꋊ꓄ꄲ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꒒ꄲ꒦ꏂꋪ’ꇙ ꂵ꒐ꋊ꒯ ꄲꋊꉔꏂ ꄲꋪ ꓄ꅐ꒐ꉔꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag admitted. “ꃳ꒤꓄ ꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪꅐ꒐ꇙꏂ, ꒐’꒦ꏂ ꀘꏂꉣ꓄ ꂵꌦ ꒯꒐ꇙ꓄ꋬꋊꉔꏂ.”

“But ye have been followin’ us! Why?”

“꓄ꁝꏂ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ ꊰꄲꋪ ꋬ ꍌꋪꏂꋬ꓄ ꒯ꏂꉔ꒐ꇙ꒐ꄲꋊ ꋬꉣꉣꋪꄲꋬꉔꁝꏂꇙ, ꄲꄲꋊꋬ. ꄲꋊꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꂵꋬꌦ ꋬ꒒꓄ꏂꋪ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲ꒤꓄ꉔꄲꂵꏂ ꄲꊰ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲꂵꏂꍌꋬ ꉣꋪꄲꉣꁝꏂꉔꌦ.”

Lady Ewe walked over to sit down, never breaking eye contact with the Nightmare Stag. “Okay… an’ this ‘decision’ is solely mine tae make?”

“ꄲꋊ꒒ꌦ ꒐ꊰ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂ ꒐꓄ ꒐ꇙ,” riddled the fiend, his size shrinking to accommodate the room’s shape. “ꊰꄲꋪ ꒐꓄ ꅐꋬꇙ ꃳꏂꋬ꓄ꋪ꒐ꉧ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꃳꋪꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ꓄ ꋬꃳꋬ꒯ꄲꋊꋊꋬ ꓄ꄲ ꊰꋪ꒤꒐꓄꒐ꄲꋊ ꂵ꒤ꉔꁝ ꏂꋬꋪ꒒꒐ꏂꋪ ꓄ꁝꋬꋊ ꉣꋪꏂ꒯꒐ꉔ꓄ꏂ꒯.”

“How do ye know all this?” The dream faun asked.

“꒐’꒦ꏂ ꃳꏂꏂꋊ ꍌ꒤꒐꒯꒐ꋊꍌ ꒒ꄲꇙ꓄ ꇙꄲ꒤꒒ꇙ ꊰꄲꋪ ꌦꏂꋬꋪꇙ. ꋬ ꒒ꄲ꓄ ꒒ꄲꋊꍌꏂꋪ ꓄ꁝꋬꋊ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꄲꋪ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꒯ꋪꏂꋬꂵꅐꏂꋬ꒦ꏂꋪ. ꓄ꁝꄲꇙꏂ ꅐꁝꄲ ꇙ꒤ꃳꂵ꒐꓄ ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂ꒐ꋪ ꊰꏂꋬꋪꇙ ꃳꏂꉔꄲꂵꏂ ꋬ ꉣꋬꋪ꓄ ꄲꊰ ꂵꌦ ꊰꄲꋪꏂꇙ꓄. ꋬ ꍌꋪ꒐ꂵ ꊰꋬ꓄ꏂ, ꃳ꒤꓄ ꄲꋊꏂ ꓄ꁝꏂꌦ ꉔꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꏂꋬꇙ꒐꒒ꌦ ꋬ꒦ꄲ꒐꒯ꏂ꒯.”

“Maybe in the dark ages,” Oona said with pursed lips. “But times have changed!”

The Nightmare Stag chuckled. “ꋬꁝꁝ, ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂꌦ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ, ꂵꌦ ꊰꋪ꒐ꏂꋊ꒯. ꂵꋬꋊꌦ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꊰꄲꋪꍌꄲ꓄꓄ꏂꋊ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲ꒒꒯ ꅐꋬꌦꇙ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꅐꏂ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꋊꄲ꓄ ꊰꄲꋪꍌꄲ꓄꓄ꏂꋊ ꓄ꁝꏂꂵ…”

“W-we?”

“꓄ꁝꋬꋊꀘꇙ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꏂꋬ꓄ꋪ꒐ꉧ, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꒒ꄲꇙ꓄ ꅐꄲꋪ꒒꒯ ꒐ꇙ ꇙ꒒ꄲꅐ꒒ꌦ ꃳꏂꉔꄲꂵ꒐ꋊꍌ ꅐꁝꄲ꒒ꏂ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꇙꄲꄲꋊ, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪꇙ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꋬꅐꋬꀘꏂꋊ.”

“What ‘others!?’” Oona demanded. “Y-ye mean... mair like you?”

“꒐ꋊ ꋬ ꇙꏂꋊꇙꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag confirmed. “ꃳ꒤꓄ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꒯ꏂꉣꏂꋊ꒯ꇙ ꄲꋊ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉔꁝ꒐꒒꒯ ꄲꊰ ꒒꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋊ꒯ꋬꋪꀘ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐꁝꏂ꓄ꁝꏂꋪ ꇙꁝꏂ ꁝꄲ꒒꒯ꇙ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉣꄲ꓄ꏂꋊ꓄꒐ꋬ꒒ ꓄ꄲ ꊰꋪꏂꏂ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꃳ꒤ꋪꋊ꒐ꋊꍌ ꀘ꒐ꋊꍌ.”

“What do ye mean?”

“ꉔ꒤ꋪꋪꏂꋊ꓄꒒ꌦ, ꇙꁝꏂ ꋪꏂꇙ꒐꒯ꏂꇙ ꒐ꋊ ꒒꒐ꂵꃳꄲ, ꇙ꓄ꋪ꒤ꍌꍌ꒒꒐ꋊꍌ ꓄ꄲ ꂵꋬ꒐ꋊ꓄ꋬ꒐ꋊ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꂵꏂꂵꄲꋪ꒐ꏂꇙ ꄲꊰ ꁝꏂꋪ ꂵꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪ. ꃳ꒤꓄, ꄲꋊꉔꏂ ꓄ꁝꄲꇙꏂ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꃳꏂꏂꋊ ꏂꋪꋬꇙꏂ꒯, ꇙꄲ ꓄ꄲꄲ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꇙꁝꏂ. ꒒꒐ꀘꏂꅐ꒐ꇙꏂ, ꃳꏂꋬ꓄ꋪ꒐ꉧ’ꇙ ꒯ꏂꇙ꒐ꋪꏂ ꓄ꄲ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꁝꏂꋪ ꒯ꋬ꒤ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋪ ꒐ꇙ ꅐꁝꋬ꓄ ꀘꏂꏂꉣꇙ ꁝꏂꋪ ꇙꉣ꒐ꋪ꒐꓄ ꋬ꒒꒐꒦ꏂ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꒯꒤ꏂ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꏂ꒐ꋊꍌ ꋬꋊ ꋬꋊꄲꂵꋬ꒒ꌦ, ꒐꓄ ꒐ꇙ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂꊰ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꍌ꒐꒦ꏂꇙ ꋬꃳꋬ꒯ꄲꋊꋊꋬ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉣꄲꅐꏂꋪ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꋪꏂꋬꀘ ꋊꋬ꓄꒤ꋪꋬ꒒ ꒒ꋬꅐ.”

“Sae it's a case ov ‘Ah think… therefore, Ah am?’”

“ꌦꏂꇙ! ꏂꉧꋬꉔ꓄꒒ꌦ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄,” the Nightmare Stag mused. “꒯ꋪꏂꋬꂵꇙ. ꋊ꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꂵꋬꋪꏂꇙ. ꁝꄲꉣꏂ. ꒯ꏂꇙꉣꋬ꒐ꋪ. ꋬꅐꋬꀘꏂ. ꋬꇙ꒒ꏂꏂꉣ. ꋬ꒒꒒ ꊰ꒤ꏂ꒒ꏂ꒯ ꃳꌦ ꁝꄲꅐ ꇙ꓄ꋪꄲꋊꍌ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂꊰ ꒐ꇙ. ꇙꄲ ꒐ꊰ ꄲꋊꏂ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂꇙ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉔꁝ꒐꒒꒯ ꄲꊰ ꒒꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋊ꒯ꋬꋪꀘ ꒐ꇙ ꄲꂵꋊ꒐ꉣꄲ꓄ꏂꋊ꓄, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲꉣꉣꄲꇙ꒐꓄ꏂ ꉔꋬꋊ ꋬ꒒ꇙꄲ ꃳꏂ ꓄ꋪ꒤ꏂ.”

A gasp left Oona’s throat as realization rooted her mind. “Sae if we were tae take away Abby’s potential fur world-breakin’ magic…”

“ꇙꁝꏂ ꅐꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꃳꏂ ꃳꄲꋪꋊ ꋬꇙ ꋬ ꇙ꒐ꂵꉣ꒒ꏂ ꒒꒐꓄꓄꒒ꏂ ꂵꋬꋪꏂ. ꓄ꁝ꒤ꇙ ꀘꏂꏂꉣ꒐ꋊꍌ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꃳ꒤ꋪꋊ꒐ꋊꍌ ꀘ꒐ꋊꍌ ꊰꄲꋪꏂ꒦ꏂꋪ ꃳꄲ꒤ꋊ꒯ ꓄ꄲ ꉣꋬ꓄ꁝꄲꇙ.”

“Sweet Lucid Dreams!!” Lady Ewe clapped her hands over her snout, shoulders shaking as emotion began to flood out of her through tears. It was a flimsy solution, but a solution nonetheless. Hope was sparkling in her eyes.

The Nightmare Stag laid a hand over Oona’s shoulder, pulling her attention back to his skull-like visage. “꓄ꁝꏂꋪꏂ ꒐ꇙ ꋬ ꉣꋪꄲꃳ꒒ꏂꂵ, ꓄ꁝꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ. ꋬꃳꋬ꒯ꄲꋊꋊꋬ ꇙ꓄꒐꒒꒒ ꋊꏂꏂ꒯ꇙ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꏂ ꃳꄲꋪꋊ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐ꒐꓄ꁝꄲ꒤꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꋬ꒐꒯ ꄲꊰ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꊰꋬ꒒꒒ꏂꋊ ꄲꋊꏂ, ꃳꏂꋬ꓄ꋪ꒐ꉧ ꒐ꇙ ꒐ꋊꉔꋬꉣꋬꃳ꒒ꏂ ꄲꊰ ꋬꋊꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪ ꉣꋪꏂꍌꋊꋬꋊꉔꌦ…”

“O-oh, ye’re right! Even if we rescued her, she’d be stillborn!” Horrified, she rose up to her counterpart, desperation written well on her face as the azure sheep held his hand. “Please… Ye’ve been sae generous wit knowledge. There must be some way tae aid in Abadonna’s rebirth!”

“꓄ꁝꏂꋪꏂ ꒐ꇙ,” the Nightmare Stag nodded. “ꃳ꒤꓄ ꃳꏂ ꅐꋬꋪꋊꏂ꒯; ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꒒ꄲ꒦ꏂꋪ ꂵꋬꌦ ꋪꏂꇙꏂꋊ꓄ ꌦꄲ꒤.”

“H-huh? But why..?”

“꓄ꁝꏂ ꉣꋪꄲꉣꁝꏂꉔꌦ ꒐ꇙ ꋬꋊ ꄲ꒒꒯ ꄲꋊꏂ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꏂ꓄ꁝ꒐ꉔꋬ꒒ ꋪꏂꆰ꒤꒐ꋪꏂꂵꏂꋊ꓄ꇙ ꃳꏂꉔꋬꂵꏂ ꒒ꄲꇙ꓄ ꒐ꋊ ꂵꋬꋊꌦ ꓄ꋪꋬꋊꇙ꒒ꋬ꓄꒐ꄲꋊꇙ ꒯꒤ꏂ ꓄ꄲ ꋬ ꁝꋬꋊ꒯ꊰ꒤꒒ ꄲꊰ ꇙꉔꁝꄲ꒒ꋬꋪꇙ ꇙꏂꏂꀘ꒐ꋊꍌ ꊰꋬꂵꏂ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉔꋪ꒐꓄꒐ꉔꋬ꒒ ꉔꄲꋊ꒯꒐꓄꒐ꄲꋊ ꋪꏂꂵꋬ꒐ꋊꇙ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꇙꋬꂵꏂ…”

The deer-faced creature brought the sleep shaman closer in his arms, his eyes almost twinkling. And when he next spoke, it was as if many voices empowered the bass of his own.

“ꅐꁝ꒐꓄ꏂ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꃳ꒒ꋬꉔꀘ ꂵ꒤ꇙ꓄ ꃳꏂꉔꄲꂵꏂ ꄲꋊꏂ ꊰꄲꋪ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉔꁝ꒐꒒꒯ ꓄ꄲ ꃳꏂ ꃳꄲꋪꋊ ꒐ꋊ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꅐꄲꋪ꒒꒯.”

Color blushed all over Oona’s cheeks, her chest heaving. She understood the implications of the Nightmare Stag’s proposal.

This was the decision she had to make. One that would negatively impact her relationship with Beatrix if she didn’t tell her...

“But if Ah do, Abadonna’s memories will be--”

“ꇙꁝꁝꁝꁝ...” the fiendish deer hushed in a soothing tone, brushing his crooked fingers through her wool. “꒐꓄'ꇙ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꉔꁝꄲ꒐ꉔꏂ. ꃳ꒤꓄꒐ꊰ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯ꄲꋊ’꓄ ꒯ꏂꉔ꒐꒯ꏂ, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꉔꁝ꒐꒒꒯ ꄲꊰ ꒒꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋊ꒯ꋬꋪꀘ’ꇙ ꊰꋬ꓄ꏂ ꋪꏂꂵꋬ꒐ꋊꇙ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꇙꋬꂵꏂ. ꄲꋊꉔꏂ ꇙꁝꏂ ꄲꉣꏂꋊꇙ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꍌꋬ꓄ꏂ, ꋬ꒒꒒ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꃳꏂ ꒒ꄲꇙ꓄.”

A wave of emotions overwhelmed the azure sheep. Ultimately, this was the same choice Beatrix made when confronting Zeloph. And, like the demi-human, unseen motives were undoubtedly at play. But if this was the price Oona had to pay to ensure Beatrix and Abadonna were reunited, could the dream faun make such a sacrifice..?

“Oona?” Beatrix's voice called out.

Lady Ewe’s eyes snapped open, her body arching up in alarm as she spotted the witch through the cabinet mirror. And in her reflection, the azure sheep’s gazelle-shaped horns had sprouted entirely from her head, glowing alongside her curved ones. Her honey eyes shifted down at the music box, which had stopped playing. Sweat glistened her skin and wool, a telling sign she had drifted deeply asleep.

The Nightmare Stag was nowhere in sight.

“W-whoa! Are you alright?!” Beatrix rushed over, hands rubbing her teacher’s shoulders, her face drawn in concern. “A-and what are these horns?”

Oona rubbed her head in an attempt to heal the ache. “A-A’m okay, Ceann Oga,” the sheep sage assured. “Ah must have fallen asleep while waitin’ fur ye.”

“You sure? It looked like you were having a nightmare...” Her expression darkened. “Were you visited by the stag?”

The azure sheep turned to her lover, her lips quivering. In her heart, Oona knew she could no longer hide the truths she needed to tell. Not when her fae magic ran rampant in front of her beloved. With wet eyes and a deep exhale, she rose from the chair to take Beatrix’s hands into her own.

Gently smiling, she said, “Aye… Ah was. An’ he brought an omen.”

“I knew it!” The violet witch exclaimed. “Should have known he was one of your many secrets.”

Her statement made the dream faun tilt her head. “A-are ye not angry?”

Beatrix answered with pursed lips. “Yeah, more like a little annoyed, but it was clearly something you weren’t comfortable talking about. And I’ve been rather impatient lately, so it was wrong of me to force it out of you back with Iclyn.”

“Still, a relationship is only as strong as its trust an’ honesty. An’ Ah haven’t been fully honest wit ye like Ah should. A’ve been a terrible marefriend...”

“No! Lady Ewe, that’s nonsense!” She rejected the idea, wrapping her arms around the trembling sheep, their warm bountiful breasts plush against each other. “You’re a wonderful lover and teacher! You’ve been more supportive and meaningful than any fling I’ll have! So if anything, I should apologize if I’ve made you jealous!”

Oona’s only response was to hold Beatrix tighter, utterly grateful she still loved and forgave her after all that was said and done. Pulling away, the sleep shaman said, “Come, lay down wit me. There is much that Ah need tae share.”

Nodding, the violet unicorn allowed her wooly lover to guide them onto the bed, resting her head comfortably against Oona’s pillow mounds, listening to her steady heartbeat.

Sighing in contentment, Beatrix gazed up to her mentor and asked, “So, what did the Nightmare Stag do? What’s this supposed ‘omen’ about?”

“Well,” Oona began. “He may have given us a way that’ll spare Abadonna from th’ End ov Days.”

“What?! Really?”

She nodded, her cheeks flourishing while she bit on her bottom lip.

“...how would ye feel about sharin’ yer role as Abadonna’s mother?”

How long had Doppia been walking through these labyrinthine woods?

Days? Maybe weeks even?

All around her were nothing but twisted trees, some of which the Vice Lord was certain she passed by over a dozen times! And with the lack of mirrors or reflections, she couldn't easily travel into Canterlot. So Doppia was stuck trying to find a way out. And the more time she spent wandering aimlessly through the dense woods, the more unhinged the demented ballerina became.

Her neon locks looked unkept, strains twirling out the ends. Her once-glamorous dress had become filthy with dirt and leaves, a few tears in the faded fabric. Her expression was a livid one, teeth permanently clenched while breaking off twigs that blocked her path in audible snaps.

But the most infuriating thing about this whole ordeal was the blasted ring around her finger. No matter how hard she struggled, Doppia couldn't get it off. She paused for another attempt, this time biting the infernal jewelry.

"Come on! Come ooooon!!" She growled, gnawing irritant. "Get off, you piece of junk! GET! OFF!!"

But all the dark dancer was doing was causing more pain to her finger, bite marks indented around the wedding ring. Letting out hummed groans, Doppia gave up once more, glaring at the ring as if it mocked her with its presence.

It was a reminder that this body belonged to someone else, who was loved and cherished by her friends and peers. Unlike Doppia, who spent her entire existence being ridiculed by the other Vice Lords. And she despised herself for how badly she wanted to be like her peers.

The plans she could make if she had Varys' gift with technology. The raids she'd carry out if she were like Douglas and the kelpies. And she'd never body snatch again if she had Alma's beauty. But above all, Doppia craved the fear and power the Burning King commanded.

Yet here she was, frolicking in the woods like a mad mare, unable to remove a simple trinket. With angry tears streaming down her face, Doppia let out more shrieks while blasting all the trees and rocks out of her way in dark waves.

Her only solace was that once in Canterlot, the ponies there, as well as their enigmatic queen, would be the first to be subjugated. And after she laid waste to her foes and opened the portal to the temporal library, unlimited knowledge and the Child of Lightendark would be hers alone.

All the torment. All the suffering. All the humiliation Doppia endured would be their undoing once she vanquished the Vice Lords.