Everywhere and Nowhere

A rocky planetoid devoid of life drifted through space. The only exception was the worn-looking manor on its surface, disguising an eldritch lifeform. Inside, the mansion wouldn’t look too far from a ‘haunted’ attraction, cobwebs draped all over the place. The foyer’s gothic interior was lin with stationary suits of armor, broken busts of nude ponies, and a chandelier swaying slowly overhead. The house’s floorboards creaked with each breath the abomination drew. A draft brushed over them with a low wail throughout the spacious area.

Just then, a rift opened within the main entrance, Beatrix and Dion popping out from the shimmering oval portal.

“Phew! Made it,” Beatrix sighed, sealing the flat tear in reality. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the murals and paintings on display, depicting her various adventures, consumed by a poignant bout of nostalgia. The witch smiled, recollecting the emotions fondly. “It’s good to be home...”

“Quite th’ convenient disguise fur th' beast,” Dion commented, tracing his fingers over the wooden railing. “Reminds me ov th’ abandoned castles back in our homelain.”

“Did you and Oona grow up in one?”

“Only fur a wee bit. Father was ne’er settled with one place, an’, tae be frank, neither was Ah. Only Oona would have preferred one home.”

“I never really had a home until now. My mother and I were always on the road. I wonder where she is now…” Her smile faltered, a part of her missing Trixie.

“Daen’t worry aboot th’ past, lass,” Dion insisted. “Ah suggest gettin’ someone tae give this place a sweep if we’re tae bring Abadonna here.”

“Oh, don’t you worry.”

“We can take care of that!”

Both turn their threads towards the pair of matching voices coming from above the winding stairway. Walking down were the crystal pony twins, Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse, caretakers to the manor. Each was adorned in fetishized maid outfits, complete with a garter belt, stockings, and high-heels tied by ribbons. Their coats glittered a coral pastel pink, their manes styled in bob cuts of a brighter shade.

The only way to tell the two apart was through their eyes and assets. One having slightly wider hips and ruby eyes, while the other boasts bigger breasts and amethyst eyes.

“Welcome home, Ms. Belladonna!” The pair greeted in unison, curtsying to purposefully show off their ample cleavages to the witch.

“I-it’s good to see you too,” Beatrix laughed sheepishly, doing her best to not get distracted by the attractive display. “Ahem! Where is Lady Ewe..?”

“The dream faun is waiting in the dining room, Ms-” The moment those words left Foal-Bearer’s lips, Beatrix had already zipped past them, too concerned over her mentor and the news about her daughter. Enough speed that lifted their skirts to give Dion a peek at their scantily clad crotches. Noticing, each twin gave the warrior sheep a smile before taking to his side.

“We are pleased to welcome you back as well, Sir Dion,” Foal-Bearer purred, tantalizing fingers tracing over his bare chest.

“Is there anything we can do to help settle you in? We live to serve~” Wet Nurse added with a giggle.

“Now is…really naet th’ time,” Dion asserted, gently removing the beautiful crystal maids from his arms to follow Beatrix, leaving the pair to groan in dissatisfaction. “Shite, is e’eryone hornier than a herd ov rabbits, or whit?”

Beatrix rushed through the double doors into a chamber where a long table awaited, lined in candelabra. And at the head of the table was her mentor and lover, Oona Ewe. The sheep shepherd jumped at the noise, nearly spilling her cup of tea. But the moment those honey eyes locked onto the familiar violets of the unicorn, her expression lifted with happiness.

“Oh! Ye’re here!” She laughed gleefully, setting her cup aside to welcome her friend with a warm hug. Beatrix sighed, smiling ear to ear as she returned the embrace, head nuzzled into the faun’s bosom. Her hand slid up Oona’s back, tracing the soft fabric of her blue robe, before brushing over the delicate texture of her woolly mane. “Ah’m so glad tae see ye again, Mo Ghaol. It’s bin too long!”

“I know,” Beatrix agreed, pulling back to gaze warmly into her teacher’s eyes. “I’ve missed you…”

“As have Ah,” she reciprocated, giving her a gentle kiss before pulling her back into another hug, as if afraid she’d leave again. And if not for the matter at hand, the wandering witch would have gladly spent her day just tucked into her mentor’s arms. The double doors opened as Dion and the twins entered, a light chuckle leaving his lips as they all admired their affection.

“It’s funay,” he told them. “Mah sister’s been so cautious about gettin’ close tae people, ever since she was a lamb. Now, she can hardly stand tae be apart from Beatrix! Th' fortune an’ magic ov findin’ a life partner.”

Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse nodded, clinging to his wide while they watch the witch pull away with reluctance. Clearing her throat, Beatrix rolled on her heels back and forth before asking the big question.

“Well, don’t leave me in suspense, teach,” the witch insisted urgently. “What did you find about Abadonna? Do you know where she is?”

Before Lady Ewe could even start, a disembodied voice spoke up through telepathy, echoing through their minds. (Don’t say anything just yet.)

“Sister?” The witch asked. “What’s the meaning of this?”

(Apologies, Beatrix. But it is unsafe for anyone to speak openly here. I have reason to suspect Zeloph infiltrated the manor with the purpose of spying on us.)

“What!?” Beatrix yelped in alarm.

(I’ll explain later,) Bellatrix’s voice promised. (But for now, keep details to yourselves. I’m waiting for you in the basement.)

The witch felt every nerve stand on end, breathing hysterically. The idea that her former lover still possessed the power to keep surveillance on her made Beatrix paranoid. “I-I don’t understand, I-I thought he would be weaker when I severed his Onoma! How could he still be…”

Oona soothed her friend by firmly holding her shoulders, shaking her head. “Ye mustn’t let him get tae ye like this, Ceann Oga. Zeloph has ne’er bin easy tae predict. But he’s naet infallible. We bested him before; we’ll dae it again! Ye’re stronger than before.”

But Beatrix shook her head. “No, I…I haven't wielded my Onoma properly once! I’ve been gone for six months, and it feels like I haven’t learned anything to improve myself!”

“That’s what we’re here fur,” Dion interjected, placing his own hand on her shoulder. “This isn’t a battle ye need tae face alone, lass.”

“He’s right. It is mah duty tae you as yer teacher tae help ye stay in tune wit yer spirit. As long as we’re together, we can confront any challenge ahead ov us.”

“B-but I…wow…I’ve been gone for so long, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to depend on people…thanks, guys,” Beatrix sniffled, pulling both sheep into a tight squeeze before turning to the twins, who each gave a reassuring grin.

“We'll take care of matters here,” said Foal-Bearer, hands grasping her apron. “We’ve been hunting for anything suspicious looking within the corridors.”

“There’s plenty of house cleaning left to do,” added Wet Nurse. “But we’ll let you know once the manor is Zeloph-proof!”

“Thank you…for all your hard work.”

“We live to please and serve happily!” They giggled in unison. With that said, the crystal maids left through the double doors to resume their duties.

Beatrix and company would make their way towards the basement, as Bellatrix requested. Still, the wandering witch couldn't shake off the dread settling in her stomach that her former lover was watching over her.

Bellatrix waited for her sister’s arrival beneath the manor’s floorboards, arms crossed and snout tilted upwards. It was here that she was once confined to the alien lifeform that swallowed her up. But now, they co-existed with each other to ensure a beneficial relationship, the beast feeding off her essence occasionally to survive.

The shapeshifter had silky straight black hair, bangs cut in a straight line, and golden eyes that complimented her scarlet skin. Her lips were pursed, her demonic appearance completed by leathery wings, claws for her toes and nails, and a spaded tail that swished about. Her voluptuous frame was black in a black bondage-style leather bikini that left little to the imagination.

To her right sat a similar creature, though much smaller and stacked, swaying her foot over one leg while tapping her claws into the box she sat on. The imp only wore an electric blue jacket, her short-stack body nude, save for the tap crossing out her nipples. Her spade tail had a functioning mouth, x marks acting as eyes in a cartoony fashion.

Moxxi was known for her mischievousness and provocative behavior, but the imp was unusually sour in expression, though for a good reason. Because of her, the Fallen One was able to sneak around and tune in to their discussions.

Bellatrix shook her head with shame. If she didn’t entrust Moxxi with her task, she could have prevented this disturbance. Yet, she couldn’t entirely blame Moxxi, given she and Zeloph shared a connection. Plus, the she-devil couldn’t ignore how valuable the imp’s knowledge would be. In a way, she could relate to her plight. She, too, wanted to help out her ‘sibling’ in any way she could.

Both demonesses perked their heads up at the sound of footsteps echoing down the stairwell until the violet unicorn, and sheep siblings appeared. Beatrix walked up to her sister, who offered a rare smile.

“Happy to see you home, sister,” the shapeshifter greeted.

“Happy to be home,” the witch laughed. “Though I doubt I’ll be staying here for long, given the circumstances.”

“Even with your own place, you hardly stay around for more than a day,” Bellatrix sighed, shaking her head. “Anyway, you should be safe here. I need to go help Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse secure the place. I’ll leave her to explain what happened.” She directed her gaze towards the imp, who awkwardly waved at the unicorn, now sporting a frown.

“‘Eheh.… H-hey, lov~.”

“Moxxi,” Beatrix groaned, approaching the imp while her sister walked past Oona and Dion to make her exit. “Please tell me you didn’t let your brother invade my home!”

“O-of course not, 'onest!” She insisted hands held up as she fluttered off the box. “I’m not wahn to pick sides, and I’d never 'elp Zeloph if it meant riskin' your daughter’s safety.”

“Then how did he get intae th' mansion?” Oona asked, puzzled.

“I ‘aven’t a clue!” Moxxi shrugged. “All I knew was that 'e was lurkin' 'round, and I went ter confront 'im while everyone was busy celebratin' the weddin'.”

“Was thair anyone else that might have let him in?” Dion questioned.

“'eaven and 'ell, the only other heap of coke I can fin' of wanderin' 'round the mansion is Shado--” A gasp of realization, looking to the witch. “Oohhh...”

“Shadow Scythe! Of course...” It made too much sense, given how the pale unicorn behaved before her departure, memories somehow returning. The lingering fear grew tenfold, the implications unsettling. “So they might be working together..?”

“It’s possible but unlikely,” Moxxi added, folding her arms. “Shadow Scythe’s never been a team player from me experience. I doubt she and Zeloph would get along.”

“We can’t ignore that possibility,” Lady Ewe insisted. “If Zeloph is lookin' fur help, surely that means he’s still in a weakened state.”

“Oh yeah, didn’t look well when I spoke wif 'im. Moltin' feathers, scales growin' in places. 'e was a total wreck!”

“For a total wreck, he certainly got around quietly,” Beatrix frowned, frustrated. “He was still able to infiltrate my home with little detection! I don’t get it! I thought I crippled him by cutting through his halo!”

“Ya did wat?!” Moxxi shouted, eyes wide with astonishment. “Oh… ooooh no!”

“Moxxi..?”

“Oh, lov. It’s a miracle ya got outta the chicken pen ya did,” the imp stated, dread dripping off her tongue. “That 'alo wasn’t the source of Zeloph’s magic. It was more a seal ter keep it in goose's Gregory Peck!”

“A-a what?”

“Fin' of it as a condom.” To demonstrate, Moxxi materialized one in one hand before summoning a dragon-shaped dildo in the other, much to everyone else’s bewilderment. “A lil' 'istory abaht us Demis, lovs. 'cause we’re born 'alf-mortal and spirit, the bloody amount of power we possess doesn’t 'ave a threshold. As long as we 'ave our energy source, we buckshee ter use as much magic as we want! That’s why the Divine Father ‘blessed’ Zelly and me wif limitations. Obviously, I was cursed wif this cute but puny body where the bloody most I can do is disable stuff and Iron Hoof from Drum ter Drum. As for me brother, they tricked 'im into 'avin' 'is magically inhibited by the 'alos. All those angelic abominations 'e commanded were ter confiscate.” She slipped the latex over the sex toy as it throbbed and pulsated like an actual penis. Moxxi squeezed a handle that would shoot fluid inside, the condom inflating a bit.

“So by destroying his halo, he actually became stronger?!” Beatrix exclaimed.

“In a way, yeah,” Moxxi nodded, the condom splitting apart as fluid erupted to spray onto the cardboard box. “But it also did a number on 'im. I bet bein' trapped in the bloody Necronomicon weakened the chuffin' seal in the buff for ya ter break. So, in a matter of speakin', ya successfully wiped aahhht an entire ensemble of angels! Not bad~!”

“I…I did, huh..?”

“Sae e'en if he’s gotten stronger, he’s yit tae recowre frum yer last bit wit each other,” Dion proclaimed. “'at means we shoods have time tae prepaur!”

“Moxxi,” Oona addressed. “Ye’re th' only one who knows Zeloph personally. Anythin' ye know about him an' yer species is vital! Please…shair wit us what ye know.”

The spunky demoness looked over from the dream faun to the distraught unicorn, a wry sigh passing her painted lips.

“...I’m only garn ter say this once, so listen up,” Moxxi insisted, taking her seat with folded legs. “Na, I’ve already told ya quite a bit, Beatrix, but there’s sumthin’ I need ya ter take away from this before ya head out ter find Abby. Okay?”

Th witch nodded in silent agreement.

“Good,” she closed her eyes to collect her thoughts before they became words. “He and I were born separately. The Divine Father disguised themself ter preach of their greatness and whatnot. Naturally, Bo-le Of Glue mortals fell for them and gave birf ter Zeloph and me, though we didn’t come aahhht as… babies.”

The sheep siblings looked to each other then back with puzzled expressions.

“Fin' of it as a metamorphosis. We came aahhht loike larvae, me fuzzy and spiky, Zelly shimmerin' wif a topaz carapace and feathers. We didn’t need food ter feed ourselves, just the positive or negative energy comin' from people. And eventually, we became cocoons for a Robin Hood while before poppin' aahhht fully grahn, wings and all.”

“So…kinda like the lifecycle of a butterfly or moth?”

“Yeah, except less buggy and more sexy~” Moxxi corrected, a sad smile on her lips as she remembered the memories. “After we learned of the other's existence, we joined up ter put an end ter our dear old dad. after that, we were buckshee ter explore the world, made many friends and lovers, though Zelly always remained celibate, the prude thing~. Life was much simpler and fan durin' those days.” Her frown returned. “Though as much as I despise the bloody bastard, 'e wasn't wrong abaht 'umanity eventually turnin' on us. And none took it 'arder than me brother.”

“Yeah, I’m well aware of that part,” Beatrix grumbled, tapping her boot.

“Ya don’t understand. Zeloph was 'eartbroken by how fowl mortals can be! 'e couldn’t bear ter clock a single mortal die 'cause of our father’s spitefulness. It was our refusal ter take part in a genocide that leads ter our punishment. We took that price, and despite the odds, we came aahhht swingin'. For a moment, things were fine…until me brother couldn't stand the bloody rise of violence and depravity. That’s where 'is quest for ‘purification’ began…and I 'ad nah choice but ter imprison 'im before 'e brought more 'arm ter 'imself.”

Moxxi softly glared at Oona, who lowered her head knowingly. “Ah hope ye can forgive me, Moxxi. Ah fear 'at in our efforts, yer brither came out worse than before.”

“I’m not wahn ter 'old a grudge. It was a difficult time for us all,” Moxxi stated, once more taking off her seat to flutter up to Beatrix, placing her hand into her claws with an almost pleading look in her magenta eyes.

“I kna I 'ave nah wite ter ask aahhht of you; I’ve caused a hoppin' pot of 'avoc just bein' 'ere. but.… The next time ya encounter Zeloph.… Please spare 'im.”

Beatrix furrowed her eyebrows, pursing her lips further. “Moxxi, I-”

“I don’t want 'im ter take Abadonna away from ya. I truly don’t. But I don’t wanna lose 'im. We’re the bloody last of our kind, and I wanna 'elp 'im, remind 'im of the love 'e felt for people. The love… 'e felt for me.”

The witch understood where the imp was coming from. It had been a rough battle between her and Bellatrix to swing the she-devil to a better life. And the effort showed in how much she’d done for both herself and others. And while experience and trauma convinced her Zeloph was too far gone to the path of destruction, part of her still wished to believe the Fallen One could be redeemed…

“...I’ll do my best. But I won’t stand idle if he attacks more people. If it comes to it, I’ll put him down,” Beatrix declared.

“That’s all I ask. Thanks, lov,” Moxxi nodded, pecking the unicorn on the cheek, who blushed. “Na, I fin' I’ve overstayed me welcome. Tell Bellatrix I’m sorry for lettin' 'er daahhhn. I promise I'll make it up ter 'er in the bloomin' future. She’s been a great teacher…and an irreplaceable china plate.”

Without another word, Beatrix drew a circle to open another rift for the imp. Looking back, Moxxi waved goodbye to her, Oona and Dion before disappearing into the rippling oval. As it closed, Beatrix let out a long sigh, overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings towards Moxxi.

Ultimately, deep down, she would miss that mischievous little creature despite how things ended up. She hoped circumstances wouldn’t lead them to become adversaries.

“Ye look tired, Mo Ghaol,” Lady Ewe spoke softly, wrapping her arms once more to secure the unicorn. “Ye shoold rest.”

But Beatrix shook her head, pulling away to gaze at the dream faun. “I can’t. Not knowing Abby’s out there waiting for me. Zeloph’s looking for her too. We have to get going, now!”

“Easy thair, lass,” Dion interjected. “Ne'er go intae a fight without a plan.”

“Pft! That’s rich comin' from ye, brither,” Oona snickered. “Most ov yer plans consist ov ‘if Ah can stick th' heid oan th' dobber, Ah can win!”

“Aye, half th' time, it works! Tell 'er, Beatrix! We kicked 'at titan’s blubberin’ shitepipe wi' pure aggression an' wit, we did!”

Beatrix couldn’t help but giggle at the sheeps’ bickering. Gosh, how she missed being with her friends and loved ones.

(Not to spoil the mood, but need I remind you that Zeloph still eludes us?) Bellatrix’s voice resounded once more. (It would be wise to take this discussion elsewhere.)

“Aye, ye’re right,” Oona agreed. “Ah raither we discuss this someplace safe, away from pryin' eyes...”

“Would also be smart tae brin' puckle allies,” the warrior sheep added. “Zeloph won’t be an easy threat tae tak' down.”

A thought crossed through Beatrix’s mind as the witch weighed their options.

Somewhere Zeloph wouldn’t track them and had friends willing to help? Her eyes lit up, and an excited grin spread her snout.

“I think I know just where to go~!”