Everywhere and Nowhere

Beatrix and Oona rushed down the stairway, clothes hastily pulled back on. Their midnight encounter with the Nightmare Stag, Omen, and the revelation of Abadonna’s fluxing existence stirred panic. How much time remained before the Child of Lightendark fulfilled her end of the Omega Prophecy out of anguish?

The couple burst into the dining room, where their allies gathered for one big breakfast before departing back to the Lost World.

But before either the witch or shaman could call their attention, Midnight loudly boasted, “Checkmate!”

The soldier slid his queen in place to keep his opponent, Mini-Trix, unable to move without putting her king at risk. Upon realizing she had lost, the tulpa childishly declared, “YOU CHEATED!!”

“I would never!” defended Midnight, holding his hand to his chest as if to proclaim his honor. “You just never noticed where I was trying to put my queen by shifting all the other pieces. Better luck next time, Mini! Good game.”

But the stallion’s showcase of sportsmanship was met by the tiny unicorn flipping the chessboard with her magic. Steam visibly fumed out of her ears, stomping the air with the tantrum of a toddler.

“CHESS IS STUPID! AND ANYONE WHO PLAYS IT IS STUPID TOO!” She berated before vanishing in a puff of sparkly smoke.

“Maybe I should have gone easier on her..?”

“Don’t feel bad, lad. Th’ wee filly’s just a sore loser,” snickered Dion, drinking down his palp-filed orange juice while the twins, Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer, collected the empty plates. His brow rose as he spotted Zeloph attempting to drink the same, only to spit out the flaky liquid.

“Luugh! It’s so squishy against my tongue,” he muttered, staring into the drink with disgust. “How do you stand this stuff?!”

“Ye get used tae it after a week,” the burly ram assured, patting the cherub’s shoulder with a smile. “But good on ye tae start drinkin’ O.J like a man!”

“Take your hand off me, or I’m removing your cock and ball privileges…”

“Na that’s summit I would say!” His sister, Moxxi, fluttered by with her own penis-stylized chalice to drink with a bendy straw. “Warms me Horse and Cart, really. Knowin’ me lil’ bro is followin’ in me footsteps~!”

A disgruntled groan left Zeloph’s lips while they continued to tease him. Shadow Scythe and Bellatrix were not too far, who looked to be deep in discussion over something. Cerise was the one to notice Beatrix and Oona skipping over with a welcoming smile.

“Hey! What took you so long? You missed an awesome batch of pancakes and waffles!”

Beatrix shook her head in dismay. “We don’t have time for that! We need to be in Canterlot this very second!”

This got the group’s attention as they slowly gathered. Shadow Scythe said, “I mean, I agree, but what’s your hurry?”

“You both look quite pale,” observed Bellatrix.

“Our encounter wit th’ Nightmare Stag brought a most harrowin’ vision,” Oona started, going into detail about their future offspring losing control of her senses, lashing out at Enoch, and breaking the seal that kept the Burning King and his brand of demons in Pathos.

The cheerful mood was swiftly diminished as the party held a look of horror.

“No…” Zeloph said, shaking his head in disbelief. “S-she couldn’t!”

“Abby would never do that!” Cerise softly dejected, hands covering her snout. “W-would she..?”

I know what it’s like to be a prisoner, Rheneas’ voice spoke within the dancer’s consciousness. I felt alone and forgotten for so long, I’d take my vengeance on the world too if I could…

“Are you sure that’s what you saw?” Midnight asked, surprisingly skeptical to believe the vision. “It could be an illusion the Nightmare Stag wants you to believe?”

“Th’ lad’s right,” grunted Dion. “This… ‘Omen’ fellow sounds madly suspicious. Th’ fact that ye’ve kept him a secret from us is agitatin’, sister!”

“But not without reason,” Shadow Scythe interjected. “We all have our secrets and why we keep them. Lies can drive people apart, but wouldn’t you do the same if it meant sparing a loved one the painful truth?”

“Plus, seems kinda rude of your fiendish paramour ter zig-zag ya bof before trickin’ you,” noted Moxxi, claws holding her wide hips.

“If Ah were not prepared tae face th’ repercussions ov my actions, Ah would not have done what Ah did,” the azure sheep assured her friend. “A’m just thankful Ah won’t have tae dae this alone.” She turned to her lover, who softly smiled and squeezed her hand tightly.

“All of us want to be accepted for who we are,” the witch said. “I think that’s why circumstances brought us together. We were deemed monsters and failures, unwanted by social standards at one point or another. But now? We don’t need anyone’s approval or judgment. We can do what’s right for ourselves! And, whether it’s about saving Abadonna, giving Doppia comeuppance, or preventing the End of Days, deep down, I know we’ll succeed!”

Violet eyes wandered over every person in the dining room. To Beatrix, they weren’t just friends, family, or adversaries. They were heroes and heroines in their own right. And the witch couldn’t be any more thrilled to have them by her side.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Zeloph quipped, a slight curl to his lip. “That was a very compelling speech.”

“You actually sounded mature for once,” agreed Shadow Scythe. “Not bad, Belladonna.”

“Well said, Bea!” Cerise chimed in, taking her husband’s hand in her own. Midnight and Dion shared huge grins, along with Moxxi and the twins. Even Bellatrix wasn’t immune to how touched she was, her own smile forming.

“Alright, enough with the sentiments,” the she-devil said, recomposing herself. “You’ve got a date with the Sovereign Witch.”

The violet unicorn nodded, turning towards a wall, and drew an oval shape to summon a swirling portal, confident this would lead her straight to Canterlot. Looking back to Oona, who wore a determined smile, the couple walked through without hesitation. Midnight and Cerise quickly went after them.

“Don’t come back with too many cuts and bruises, okay, love?” Wet Nurse insisted, clinging onto the alabaster ram’s arm while he prepared to depart.

“As much as we enjoy pampering you and your manly scars, we don’t want you seriously hurt!” Foal-Bearer added her own worries.

Chuckling, Dion wrapped his arms around the maids and pulled them close. “A’ll be careful, don’t ye worry. After all ov this is done, we take a small vacation. If yer mistress will allow that.”

Crimson eyes looked up towards hellish yellow before Bellatrix stated. “I don’t see the harm in letting them have some downtime. You two have done this house wonders.”

“Oooh~! Thank you, mistress Primadonna!!” They both said, bowing their heads before giving their burly lover a peck on both his cheeks, which flourished. Then, with a ruffle of their pink bob-cut manes, Dion leaped into the portal, leaving only the reaper and demi-human to say their farewells.

“You sure you can’t come with us?” Zeloph asked his sister, who gently shook her head.

“’fraid not, Zelly. I’ve got sum investigatin’ ter do regardin’ a rumor I’ eard.”

The cherub tilted his head. “What rumor..?”

“I’ll… tell ya when ya get back. Promise!” Moxxi crossed out her left breast with her finger. “’a long until you’ve returned ter full glory?”

“I think I’ve conserved enough energy, but… mentally, I’m not there yet.” Zeloph looked away, reminded of the humiliation and assault Doppia caused him. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. If I can do anything at all…”

“You’ve come a long way, lov. I ‘ave faif in ya,” Moxxi assured, pulling her brother into a tight embrace, which he eventually returned. It was the first time both demi’s held each other after so much strain in their relationship. And, as vexing as he still found her, Zeloph was deeply, truly happy to have his other half.

“You’re so warm, Zell. Fuck… I don’t wanna let go of ya just yet,” she confessed, her x marked cheeks flourishing. “Would it be wrong of me ter keep ya a little… longer~?”

“A-ah-eh?! Ana!!”

“Whaaat? Don’t I get a kiss goodbye too~?”

“Ahem!” Coughed Shadow Scythe, tapping her foot impatiently while staring daggers at the mischievous imp.

She released her brother with a playfully giggle and fluttered over to the reaper. “As for ya, lil’ miss murder. I expect ya ter take good care of ’im! ’cause if I find even wahn single scratch on ‘is face, I’m whippin’ aahhht the whippin’ post on your sorry arse!”

“I’ve suffered through worse punishments, imp,” the pale unicorn retorted, her glare softening a bit. “But rest assured, as the Goddess of Death, I’ll make sure Zeloph stays out of harm’s way.”

“You know I’m not entirely defenseless, right!?” The cherub declared annoyed, which earned a couple of snickers from the crystal maids.

“Good on ya! ’cause the only injury I’ll alla is the puncture wound ‘e makes ter your cherry pocket~,” Moxxi said with a wink, causing Shadow Scythe to fluster up.

“You cockney lipped–”

“Nevermind her! We’re leaving,” Zeloph cuts in, tugging his partner through the oval-shaped vortex before the shimmering rift enclosed on itself.

The lesser demon turned to the master of the manor, her concerns slipping through her expression. “Ya fin’ they’ll be alwigh’..?”

“Hard to tell,” Bellatrix confessed. “Their teamwork has greatly improved, but it might not be enough. We may have to prepare a backup plan in case things don’t fall into place.” The scarlet Queen turned to her maid garbed servants. “Disrobe and come with me. There’s something I want to do for you before the big fight.”

Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer gazed at each other perplexed but nodded, pulling off their outfits and presenting themselves nude for their mistress, crystalline curves on full display.

“And wot sorta kinky shenanigans ar’ gonna make them more palpable fighters?” Moxxi asked, intrigued.

“You’ll see,” was all Bellatrix offered before leading them towards the basement. No matter the trouble, the she-devil would find a way to aid her sister. Especially if the looming threat of the End of Days got in the way of her own plans!

The swirling rift formed before a large stone wall, layered with floral vines. The travelers stepped out one at a time, surveying the outskirts of the enchanted Everfree Forest. Cerise gulped while viewing into the darkened trees, half expecting Doppia to suddenly rush out, blood splattering from her form like a mangled corpse.

Her husband gently gripped her shoulder, saying with assurance, “At least we didn’t have to journey through there to find Canterlot.”

“But now, we run into a new problem,” Zeloph noted, head tilted up towards the top of the stone structure. “Something tells me this version of Canterlot doesn’t welcome outsiders…”

“Even a secluded kingdom relies on transport fur supplies,” Oona reminded, tracing her fingers over the bricks.

“Yeah! I’m sure the entrance is just around this corner. C’mon!” Beatrix waved her arm, leading her band of misfits along the towering stone exterior.

“We should keep our voices down,” Dion insisted through a harsh whisper. “Don’t want tae attract any unwanted attention.”

The witch nodded. “It’s a good thing Mini-Trix ran out of magic and returned to the Prima Materia to rejuvenate. No doubt she’d alert any guards lurking by, the noisy brat…”

“I’m sure she’ll pop up again when the time is right,” Cerise snickered.

“Maybe I should scout ahead?” Shadow Scythe offered, starting to lift herself with magic, her cloak lightly dragging across the earth.

“We can’t risk you getting caught,” the cherub considered with a frown.

“Aye. An’, not tae sound like a broken record, but Ah still don’t trust th’ two ov ye,” the ram muttered. “A’d rather ye stay where Ah can see ya.”

“Just when I thought we were finally becoming friends,” Zeloph sarcastically quipped.

“No, I understand,” the pale unicorn nodded, trying not to openly sulk. The party crossed a few more miles of stone bulwark, luminous flowers, and the wind whistling through the willows. Then, finally, they eventually found a graveled path that connected the Everfree forest to the mouth of the fortress. A few of Canterlot’s familiar towers peeked over the stone front. Beatrix examined the area, looking past the forestry to find snowcaps covering the hills. This would suggest that the Sovereign Witch expanded Canterlot to be closer to the Crystal Empire, despite the reinforced solitude. Not a bad choice considering what the caribou have brought to an Equestria brutalized into devastation and submission.

“So… Do we just knock?” Midnight suggested, half-jokingly.

“Shhh!” Dion shushed, his ears picking up a suspicious rustle coming from brushes. He took careful steps, unsheathing his greatsword and poised it over his head, crimson eyes glaring hard at the bush.

An eye opened within the leaves before tendrils lashed out to ensnare the burly warrior, dragging him into the ground.

“Dion!!” Beatrix cried out as the brush made a horrible screeching noise. It wasn’t long before the sound of boots drew near, and a unicorn approached the startled group. He was adorned with regal armor, lined by enchanted runes. His snout was visible under a helmet, pale robes weaved with gold accents cloaked over his chest plate and gauntlets.

“Intruders!” He declared and pulled out a horn, its brass sound calling for reinforcements.

Soon, the party was swarmed by a squadron of paladins. Reluctantly, Beatrix and company summoned their magic and weapons while the mage soldiers wielded their own magically infused chains. A skirmish broke out; the travelers were on the defense to avoid harming the unicorn knights. Midnight deflected each strike until the unicorns conjured whips to strike at his joints, forcing the soldier to his knees.

“Hubby!!” Cerise cried before her limbs and neck were shackled. Zeloph ducked behind Shadow Scythe, who used her Onoma to counter the paladin’s attempts with wispy sickles. She, Lady Ewe, and Beatrix were forced into the wall. One paladin seized Dion from the enchanted brush creature, frickles and thorns attaching his daunt muscles. The herald drew a knife from his holster and pressed it against the ram’s neck.

“Continue to resist, and your friends pay the price,” he warned, his fellow guardsmen pulling out daggers aimed at the other’s throats.

Beatrix sneered, ready to launch a wave of spells until Oona pulled her arms down, shaking her head. Then, begrudgingly, the trio stood down, dispelling their magic and placing their weapons on the ground, not wanting to invoke the wrath of the Sovereign Witch or her followers.

With a wave of his hand, the leader motioned his men to confiscate the azure sheep, locking her in ethereal chains as well. Beatrix and Shadow Scythe looked at each other, bewildered as to why they remained unshackled.

“Now then,” the paladin said, putting away his small blade. “State your business here. Who are you, and why have you come to our land?”

Gulping down her anxiousness, the violet unicorn replied, “B-Beatrix Belladonna. My friends and I are on a mission, and we’ve come to meet with the ruler of Canterlot. The… Sovereign Witch?”

“Why on Equestria would unicorns stoop so low as to share companionship with such… lesser creatures?” One mage noted with disgust, causing their captives to grumble in protest.

“Hey! Those are my friends!!” The witch insisted, glaring hard at the racist bastard.

“The only lesser creature here is you,” belittled Shadow Scythe.

The paladin was about to retaliate before his commander held his arm in front. “Forgive him. You are not familiar with our customs. Canterlot only welcomes unicorns and those with high enough magical prowess into its walls.”

The two unicorn mares looked to one another, perplexed by this development. Beatrix stepped forward and asked, “But why?!”

“After the Fall, Canterlot was in shambles,” explained the herald. “Our history was tarnished. Many mares were forced to give birth to unwanted caribou children. With both princesses dead and Twilight Sparkle unable to fulfill royal duties, the kingdom was on the brink of ruination and civil war. It would have been complete chaos had Queen Tatyana not come into power.”

“Tatyana..?”

The paladin nodded. “It is through the Sovereign Witch’s tremendous sorcery that restored our city to its very roots. Magic and life prosper here more than anywhere else!”

“So then why the exclusion of other pony races?” Shadow Scythe questioned.

“Because the Pegasi and Earth ponies held us back,” the young paladin cut in. “We are the ones imbued with natural magic. Yet, we repressed our innate abilities to live among the common folk over the years. Had we not, we could have prevented the caribou’s reign of terror instead of putting our blind faith in Twilight and her’ friends.’”

“What!? N-no, this all wrong!” Beatrix berated. “If the three tribes never formed a union on that Hearth’s Warming eve, we would have surely died out! Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth ponies need each other!”

“It might have been so back then. But that ‘friendship’ nearly cost our freedom. Was it not the unicorn Sombra who freed all ponykind from the caribou regime and their deplorable King Dainn?”

“Ye mean th’ same Sombra Ah helped empower by awakenin’ his archaic signature?” Oona butted in, ignoring the unicorns who threatened to slit her throat. “Ah am Lady Oona Ewe. Ah came tae yer aid durin’ th’ caribou crisis. If not fur me, Sombra would have neve-” Her claims were silenced when the younger paladin struck her across the face.

“Not another word out of you, sheep!”

Beatrix’s horn flared up, her face seething. “You fucking prick! Touch her again, and I’ll-”

“Silence!” The herald demanded, looking down at his soldier. “Act out of line again, and I’ll report you for insubordination!”

“B-but these lowly worms dare speak out against–”

“Speaking against whom, gentlemen?” A baritone voice joined in. The travelers and paladins turned to a stout minotaur strolling towards them with a cane in hand. He was sharply dressed in a white tuxedo with pinstripe green vines, the buttons stretching to contain his broad frame. A second heavy coat rested over his shoulders like a cape. His wardrobe contracted with his denim blue fur and tuscan eye.

The most alluring feature, Beatrix found, was the wooden half mask that was seemingly fused to the right side of his face. It branched out to mimic the shape of his bovine horn, making his pair look mismatched. He paused and stamped his taurus-headed cane in front of him, a polite smile spreading his snout.

Instantly, the paladins dropped to their knees and bowed. “L-Lord Grimmwald! What are you doing outside the walls?”

Beatrix and Shadow Scythe motioned their friends to kneel down as well if only to avoid further complications. The bull-man chuckled as he replied, “Oh, I was just taking my morning stroll. Tend to the gardens, smell the flowers. When all of a sudden, I hear one of my mandrake shrubs making a ruckus.” Reaching into an inner pocket, Grimmwald tossed a few seeds into the rustling plant. His eyes then locked with the violet unicorn before drifting towards the imprisoned pegasus, bat mare, demi, and sheep.

“And who might these fine folk be?”

“T-Trespassers, my liege!” The younger unicorn soldier stated. “We spotted them sneaking around the bulwark. They claim to seek an audience with her majesty, the Queen!”

“And what were you planning to do with them, exactly?” Grimmwald asked, raising a skeptical brow.

“We were just informing them of the law,” the herald began reporting before the young upstart interrupted again.

“No need to waste your time, Lord Grimmwald! We will handle these felons immediately!”

But the minotaur’s expression soured as he calmly approached his men, his size casting a shadow over the squadron and captives. Beatrix and Shadow Scythe gulped while watching a few paladins tremble in their boots.

“That’s funny. Because it sounds like you’re trying to do my job…”

“Wh-w-what?! N-no, of course not!” The rookie protested.

“Really now? Last time I checked, you weren’t given the title and responsibility of ‘Warden of the Front’!”

Grimmwald quickly grabbed him, his hand large enough to fully grasp around his helmet. Then, lifting him by his skull, the minotaur’s horns lit up with pitch-black magic that sparkled purple bolts, an orb swirling into shape, the frightened pony squirming around.

“The next time you forget your place, you won’t have to worry about being on the unemployment line,” the dark bull threatened. “Because there will be nothing left of you once I’m done!”

“Y-yes, sir! I’m sorry, sir! P-please, forgive me!!”

With a grunt, he dropped his subordinate to the ground, turning to the fearful expressions of the party.

“Oh ho ho! How rude of me! Where are my manners?” He laughed, shaking off his anger. “I am Brutus Grimmwald. Warden of the Front and Consort to the Sovereign Witch.”

“Consort..?” Cerise noted the stylized ring around his finger, a red jewel embedded into the eye. It reminded her that Doppia still possessed her ring.

“Beatrix Belladonna,” the witch reintroduced herself, keeping her head low. “A p-pleasure to meet you..?”

“Forgive my soldiers. Work is hard to find these days,” he insisted, glaring down as his soldiers lifted the fallen unicorn. “Not to worry; he’ll be reprimanded. Now, let’s take a look at you!”

Bending slightly, Grimmwald peered over the violet mare, the eye socket of his mask glimmering briefly, his smile broadening.

“Oh my! What a vast well of archaic magic,” he praised. “Like an infinite black space, glittering with starlight! You are one powerful witch, Miss Belladonna!”

“O-oh! Thanks,” she tittered nervously. “Always knew I was something special~!”

Shadow Scythe groaned as the large bull-man scanned her next. “Mmm, misty spirals like a dark squall, ghoulish faces screaming into the nexus.”

“What are you even doing?” The reaper demanded.

“I’m looking into your aura,” Brutus proclaimed. “As the prime capital of all things magical, I have to ensure only the most gifted are allowed to enter Canterlot. You’re both unicorns, though, so, admittedly, this isn’t necessary. But I’ve always been fascinated by what kind of power each mare and stallion conjures.”

Moving on, the minotaur looked over Lady Ewe, who was rubbing at her bruised cheek. Upon inspecting the blemish, Grimmwald snapped his head to the group of Paladins, nostrils flared.

“Who laid a hand on her!?”

The herald outed the younger unicorn guard, shoving him forward. “He did, my liege.”

The stout minotaur shook his head, making a ‘tsking’ sound. “Today is just not your day, huh, boy?”

“M-my lord, please! This heretic was belittling our laws and status, spewing claims of being the famed dream faun that helped the resistance long ago!”

“Because she is the dream faun, you moron!” The violet witch unicorn spat.

Snorting, the dark bull observed Oona, who grew increasingly uncomfortable with how closely he gawked at her.

“Mhmm! That’s dream magic, alright! Cotton candy clouds over a field of imaginary flowers and animals. And… something else.” His brows furrowed in concentration, keeping his stare for a few more seconds before drawing back. “But no question about it. My sincerest apologies, Lady Ewe. Remove her shackles!”

The paladin knights dispelled the ethereal chains binding Oona, who gave a ‘humph’ in response as she patted down her sleeves and joined her beloved’s side. The unicorn gingerly rubbed at her swollen cheek.

“As for you,” Brutus addressed the cowering unicorn guard. “Exactly which hand did you strike her with?”

“His left, sir,” answered the lead paladin.

“Well then. I see no reason why you should keep that hand intact. Take him away!”

“W-what?! No, no, no! Please my liege! You can’t do this!!” The young lad protested as his fellow soldiers pulled him away, shouting in fear.

The warden looked back to the wayward witch, shaman, and reaper with a wry sigh. “Now then, I believe you have yet to state your business with Tatyana. I’ll answer any concerns you have about Canterlot. But for now, I’d like to know why you’re here!”

Squeezing Oona’s hand tightly, Beatrix stood up and cleared her throat. “Well, you see, Lord Grimmwald. We’re on a journey to access the library of Enock through a portal spell. We’ve gathered two key requirements, with the last being the blood of a pure alicorn. And, after visiting the Crystal Empire, we’ve learned that Flurry Heart is currently living here, yes?”

“Correct,” the bull nodded. “His majesty, King Ambros, entrusted us with her safety. The Sovereign Witch has been helping her grow into the rightful ruler of the Crystal Empire one day. But may I ask why you seek the coveted library of the Curator of Time?”

“We fear that th’ Omega Prophecy is close tae fulfillment,” Oona answered, clutching the silver ornament braiding her wooly hair. “We are headin’ there tae restore th’ Child ov Lightendark’s state ov limbo, as it threatens tae unleash th’ Burning King from his prison. Every minute that passes means th’ end ov existence draws near..!”

Murmurs grew among the squad of paladins, Brutus’ expression turning grim. “Mmm. I’ve heard horror stories about the Burning King. That one day, he might return and set the world ablaze. If what you say is true, then her ladyship must be informed! Come, I will take you to see the Queen.”

Beatrix let out a deep breath, relieved to be moving closer to their goal.

“Wait a minute, what about us?!” Dion interjected, noting he, Midnight, and Cerise were still in chains.

Briefly using his magical eye to peer into them, Brutus shook his head. “I’m sorry, but what magic you have does not live up to the potential of your friends. And, unfortunately, we must obey the law. So you’ll have to be escorted to the dungeon.”

Beatrix angrily objected, “But they’ve done nothing wrong!! It was your shrub that attacked us!”

“It’s not a personal bias,” the dark bull assured. “I’m just maintaining authority. But, you have my word; no harm will come to your friends.”

The purple unicorn turned away, aware they didn’t have a choice. Grimmwald motioned for his paladins to push the burly ram, soldier, and dancer forward with a nod of his head.

“Quit shovin’ me!” Dion growled.

“This is so unfair,” huffed Cerise.

“We need to go along just so things aren’t made worse,” Midnight softly reminded. “We’re getting close to rescuing Abby!”

“Hold on!” One paladin unicorn said, pausing the line as he pointed at each party member. “I remember spotting seven of you. What happened to the winged creature?”

“Actually, yeah! Where is Zeloph?” Beatrix whispered to Shadow Scythe, who shrugged as, last she checked, he hid behind her…

Then a surprised gasp escaped the reaper’s mouth; eyes widened as she looked down to find something shuffling inside her robes. She wriggled and squirmed until a pale serpent slithered out, wrapping his lengthy body around her shoulders like a scarf. Tiny wings unfurled from his head, body, and tail, flicking his tongue in the air.

“Oh, there it is!”

“My my!” Brutus laughed, hunching over to observe the snake. “I’ve never seen a feathered serpent before. Quite the familiar you have, my dear!”

“Famili-ooh! Uhh, ye-yeah! Yes, he is!” Shadow Scythe lied with a dry chuckle. “Silly thing must have gotten scared when the guards showed up.” She caressed his scales.

“He’s a charming fellow. There’s a dazzling light of elegance to him,” the minotaur smiled, scratching underneath the feathered serpent’s chin, who let out an appreciative hiss. “Anyway, we’re wasting time. The Queen awaits us!”

With the minotaur’s back turned and the guards once more removing the prisoners along, Shadow Scythe seized Zeloph’s throat and pulled his face to meet her flustered glare.

“What are you doing?!” She whispered.

“My magic isn’t strong enough yet,” the snake answered through a hiss. “At least in this form, I won’t have to be in chains.”

“Okay, but did you really have to crawl up between my legs..?!”

A smirk spread his snout. “I didn’t hear any complaints. In fact, I felt a particularly warm spot on my way up~!”

“Gaaagh!! You’re deplorable! Almost as bad as the imp!” The pale unicorn grumbled, cheeks blushing hotly as her ‘familiar’ nuzzled her cheek. Beatrix and Oona could help but snicker at the affection shared between the other couple before following the warden through the bulwark gates.

Compared to all the other worlds she visited, Canterlot was unlike anything Beatrix had seen before. As Grimmwald and the paladins had said, it was a sanctuary to all things magic. And despite the lack of pegasi and earth ponies, exotic flora and illuminative fungi decorated the houses and establishments.

The witch’s eyes swept all over the sprawling city while marching alongside her allies. Those of whom were still surrounded by paladins, their chains rattling behind them. Many magi, warlocks, wizards, and witches hovered between structures in a permanent state of levitation. Others sat in mid-air and meditated lotus-style, lost in concentration.

Odd statues were carved by spellcraft, in the likenesses of heroic figures and bizarre hybrids, some of which she saw wandering about on leashes. No doubt the work of skilled magicians who had fused the poor creatures together.

There were various academies and libraries they passed. Market stalls sold a variety of ingredients for alchemy potions, spotting a few homunculi and golems aiding their masters with supplies. The violet mare watched them fizzle and spit-up colored tufts of smoke that filled the atmosphere with a variety of rich scents.

“Wow..! The possibilities here are endless~!” She clamored giddily, earning a delighted chuckle from the dark bull.

“Impressive, isn’t it? Never before has the development of spells and alchemy reached such heights. As a result, resources for potions and brews have become nigh-infinite!”

“Yeah… But it’s such a shame so many are banned from this wondrous realm. Is it really too late to reach out to other factions..?”

“I’m afraid so,” Brutus nodded with a twinge of regret. “We’ve made a… contentious reputation, to say the least. Of course, it doesn’t help that some choose to flaunt their talents for self-inflation rather than strengthen our foundations.”

“You mean like your underling?” Shadow Scythe pointed out, her eyes narrowed while she too browsed the fantastical setting.

“Correct, but we do our best to handle the outliers.”

A loud scream could be heard in the distance, making everyone pause. Brutus cleared his throat with a sheepish chuckle before moving on. Beatrix noticed a few mares, stallions, and other species giving glances to her, picking up condescending comments that deepened her frown. It seemed Lord Grimmwald wasn’t fully honest on how many unicorns looked down on anything not horned or magical…

“Sweet lucid dreams!!” Oona exclaimed, pointing ahead. The party followed towards where the castle stood. A massive tree had grown out from the highest tower of the familiar palace once home to the alicorn princesses. Its branches and leaves clung over the structure like veins, light pulsating through runic shapes.

“Ahh, our crowning achievement,” the minotaur boasted with a smile. “That, my friends, is Vitam afferentem! Otherwise known as the life-bearing tree. Queen Tatyana sewed this beautiful specimen years ago to help flourish the old ways of magic gathering.”

“Come again?” Beatrix shook her head in disbelief. “But it’s already bigger than the castle!”

“You mean to say it’s still growing?!” Shadow Scythe exclaimed.

“That’s right,” Brutus confirmed. “I’d reckon by the hundredth year, it’ll reach high enough to touch the very heaven’s themselves!”

“Unlikely…” Zeloph hissed quietly.

“O-oh, wait! Is that her?” Midnight said, pointing towards the central fountain, which depicted a tall statue of a slender unicorn in robes and a large hat. Nodding, the bull-man brought the group closer for a better look. Beatrix examined the stone replica, hands on her hips.

“If you ask me, I’d say someone’s compensating for something~” She commented jokingly.

“Says the mare who altered her boobs just to feel more adequate,” the reaper reminded with a slight smirk. Her serpentine companion snickered.

The violet unicorn held her arms over her breasts protectively, pouting, “Rude~! I’m just saying, most statues depicting their idols are rarely accurate!”

“Do you dare mock the status of our proud and benevolent ruler?” A feminine voice questioned.

From around the other side came three hooded unicorn mares. Their robes were colored royal blue, sea green, and mauve, respectively, with a pattern of stylized eyes woven along the front in golden thread. The wayward witch’s gaze narrowed at the leftmost mare, spotting plantlife encased around her cheeks and jaw. It appeared to be the same botanic matter covering half of Grimmwald’s face.

With a bow of his head, the minotaur said, “Beatrix. Meet the Troika, the strongest witches among the Queen’s coven.”

“A pleasure to meet another prospering enchantress,” the right hooded mare greeted, though frowned when facing the imprisoned Dion, Cerise, and Midnight. “Is there a reason why these three are not locked away, Lord Grimmwald? You know the law…”

“I wrote the law,” he reminded firmly. “They mean no harm, I assure you. But, unfortunately, they will need to be taken in for further questioning.”

With a clipped salute, the Paladins began moving the prisoners away. But not before Beatrix ran over to hold each of their hands. “Hang in there, guys. We’ll get you out of this!”

“We’ll be okay,” Cerise gently insisted, smiling. “Do what you’ve gotta do!”

“We’ll be with ye in spirit,” Dion proclaimed.

“You’ve got this, Beatrix. I believe in you!” Midnight cheered.

“Let’s get a move on,” the herald urged before finally carrying their captives away, only four of their herd remaining.

Beatrix spun around to face the three witches that hovered before her with a snarl. “I swear if I find out you’re responsible for harming them, I’ll-”

“Please! We’re not savages, dear! We’re above such basic tactics like torture.” The mare with the floral jaw decoration spoke, stepping forward to observe the angry mare. The witch shuffled back until her cheeks were held, pulling her face closer. A gasp parted the hooded figure’s lips.

“What is it, sister?” Her coven mate asked.

“This mare, she… she looks almost like… me!”

“What..?” Beatrix pulled away, staring at the robed witch, conflicted. The other mare’s hand lit up to cast back her hood, revealing a coat of light blue and bright white mane that curled over her horn. Dark violet orbs shine brilliantly, matched by her trademark smirk.

The reaper’s eyes widened. “Trixie Lulamoon?!”

“Mom?!” Beatrix exclaimed.

This earned a perplexed reaction from the azure unicorn. “‘Mom?’ I am no one’s mother!”

“I don’t know, Trix,” the second-robed mare stepped in before flipping her hood, revealing the curious visage of Starlight Glimmer. “She does look a lot like you…”

“The resemblance is uncanny,” commented the final mare, who was revealed as Sunset Shimmer once her hood was pulled back. “Almost like she’s your clone!”

Both unicorns were also imbued with enigmatic plant accessories. It coiled around Starlight’s ears, some branches twisted into earrings. And Sunset had a wreath around her face, hiding her eyes.

“Hmm. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil,” Zeloph presumed, pointing to each with his tail.

“But why do all of them have botanical accessories?” Shadow Scythe pondered.

“Perhaps they’re enhancements from their sacred tree?” Oona suggested, gazing up at the colossal plant. A tree that size likely had roots that spread far beyond the kingdom!

Beatrix did not take in a word her friends said, far too fixated on her mother. A mix of pride and disappointment filled her face, both because her mother supported this system the Sovereign Witch ran and that Trixie wasn’t the ruler of Canterlot like she hoped.

“Explain yourself,” Trixie requested. “This is our first time meeting, so I know you couldn’t have copied my aesthetics. So why do you look like me?”

“This is gonna sound strange, but… I-I’m actually your daughter,” she confessed. The azure witch still looked unconvinced, making Beatrix groan, “Ugh! I know it’s crazy, but it’s true! I’m from another dimension! I badly want to explain, but I don’t have time! I need to find Flurry Heart!!”

“For what reasons?” Sunset asked, frowning.

“She seeks the portal to Enock’s Library,” Brutus confirmed. “It involves the Child of Ligthendark and the Omega Prophecy. According to her, the End of Days is almost upon us.”

“What?!” Starlight spoke, alarmed. “A-are you sure?”

“Positive,” Lady Ewe nodded. “A’ll explain everything. But please, we must see th' queen!”

The trio of mages looked at each other, considering the hero’s plight briefly before looking back. “Alright. This way!”

Sunset, Starlight, and Trixie directed the group and Grimmwald towards the main entrance to the castle, climbing the vast staircase. As promised, Oona began explaining their situation to the yellow unicorn while her coven mate observed Shadow Scythe and Zeloph suspiciously, swearing she heard the snake muttering something. Beatrix, however, kept a stern gaze on her mother, who only noticed it once they walked inside.

“What?”

“How could you support any of this?!” The violet unicorn berated, sounding like her old childish self. “I know the caribou were horrible, but dividing ponykind isn’t any better!”

Trixie sighed. “Look, it was a difficult time for everypony. Back then, I was never substantial enough to cast spells on the same level as Starlight. Nor Twilight! But I’ve been blessed with the magic and tricks I’ve always dreamt of performing as a filly!”

To demonstrate, the blue unicorn waved her hand to summon a swirling aura full of shimmering stars. The wayward witch watched in awe while they circled faster and faster as she closed her fist before exploding like fireworks when she released her grasp.

“If the great divide didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have awakened my Onoma, Hecate,” Trixie stated, facing her starry-eyed ‘daughter’ with a smile. “I’m more than just a show mare now.”

“And that’s great! But is such power worth it at the cost of embracing social racism?”

“I’ll admit, I wish more was done to stop outliers from using their talents to put others down. It brings up… A lot of bad memories. Believe me, I’d put an end to it if I could!”

Beatrix pouted hard. “...and do you believe me? About what I’ve said?”

Trixie looked away for a moment to think, their steps echoing through the massive halls. “I mean, I’ve heard some pretty out-there stuff about parallel worlds, but I thought it was mostly hogwash. But now, with you here… Gosh, you act and look how I would during my younger years…maybe you really are my daughter?”

“How curious,” mused Brutus, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. “A dimension traveling unicorn who is as powerful as she is beautiful. Astounding…”

Both unicorns glared at the bull-man, finding his interjection both rude and dubious…

But her suspicions were put on hold as they entered the throne chamber, her eyes widening at the sight. “Whoa..!”

The life-bearing tree’s base pillared from the floor, smaller branches spreading around the higher walls and statues. Miniature waterfalls flowed from the maws of gargoyle statues, creating a moat around a long stairway that led to the throne. Tiny butterfly creatures fluttered around the leaves, outdoor light refracting their translucent wings. Archaic light waved through the bark and trunks in runes.

“Ceann Oga,” Oona whispered in a worried tone. “Listen…”

The violet witch paid attention to the quiet within the room… only to hear what sounded like large, rhythmic breaths. Almost as if they were inside the stomach of an enormous beast. Violet eyes stared cautiously at the giant plant, wondering how truly alive was…

Brutus ascended up the small stairwell before taking a stand beside the throne, which made him look like a dwarf in comparison. Then, with a stamp of his cane, he announced, “Please, bow your heads in the presence of her ladyship!”

Beatrix looked around the enchanted floral chamber and raised a skeptical brow. “What presence?”

Suddenly, the fluttering insects spiraled down towards the throne, swirling into a massive cloud of shimmering butterflies. Swiftly, the coven, Oona, and Shadow Scythe knelt down to a knee, the violet unicorn hesitantly following after them. The sprite-like creatures continued to swarm until they scattered, revealing the Canterlotian ruler in all her glory.

“N-no way..!” Beatrix gasped, shocked to find that the fountain statue from before did not greatly exaggerate Tatyana’s height.

The unicorn mare stood nearly eight feet tall, not counting the horn protruding from her head. A thin elongated tail swished behind her. A bright reddish-pink mane curled around her features, a white wide-brimmed hat depressed into the side with a decorative floral crown around the band. Like her coven, she wore a backless dress that showed off her statuesque figure and side cleavage.

A leaf collared cape adorned her shoulders, stylized to look like monarch wings. Finally, like all her followers, the botanic matter was embedded around her arms and legs, mimicking thigh-high boots and gloves. Turquoise eyes stared down under hooded eyelids. Shifting her gaze toward the minotaur, she smiled before extending her arm.

“My queen,” Grimmwald greeted, lowering his head to her hand before placing a kiss on her knuckle. One of her fingers wore a ring much like his own.

“Sweet lucid dreams, she’s huge!” Oona proclaimed in a whispering tone.

“No way that’s her actual height,” complained Beatrix, refusing to believe a mare taller than an alicorn naturally existed.

“Oh, she definitely dwelled in magical enhancements,” Shadow Scythe muttered under her breath.

“No, that’s not it,” Zeloph hissed in disagreement, his lengthy body shuddering over his partner’s shoulders.

“H-hey, your shaking. What’s wrong..?”

“She’s... unnatural! So much bizarre energy comes off her. Unlike anything in this world! There’s something off about this place…”

“Arise,” Tatyana commanded, having strutted down her throne steps to get a better observation of her guests. The trio rose to their feet, lifting their heads up to meet her curious gaze. She first stopped at Oona, battering her long lashes with a smile. “I’ve always wanted to meet the fabled dream faun who came to our aid during the caribou attack! I must commend you for your bravery, Lady Ewe. Truly, you’ve inspired us all~!”

“Ohh, a-ahh! T-thank you, yer grace,” she bashfully stammered, bowing her head.

The Sovereign Witch turned her attention to Shadow Scythe, who cautiously stepped back. Tittering, the slender unicorn said, “I can tell by your movements that you’re not used to being with such valuable company. Do not worry, though. Through them, your power and love will be restored~.”

“U-uhh... Thanks?” the reaper said, deeply confused.

“And you,” she pointed a finger to Zeloph, who coiled protectively around the pale unicorn. “There’s no need to hide who you are from us! Come on out~!”

With a curl of her finger, the serpent’s disguise was undone, revealing the cherub’s form, much to his panic. “A-ahh!? What the!? How did you..?!”

The Sovereign Witch merely held a finger to her snout, smiling knowingly. “Even the most experienced of magicians never reveal all their secrets,” she winked before finally resting her luminous eyes on Beatrix. The violet unicorn stared up cautiously as Tatyana reached for her hand.

Politely, she asked, “May I?”

With a hesitant nod, she allowed the Queen to open her hand and trace her finger along the palm, a faint glow around the tip. She hummed in thought. “So many adventures. So many wondrous worlds! And… Ooh~! So many people ‘met.’” Their eyes locked once more when she continued. “I’m impressed, Beatrix Belladonna! I’ve never seen such an exceptional witch before. Dare I say, your magic has eclipsed that of your mother’s!”

Trixie’s expression hardened, knowing the Queen likely referred to the mare’s actual mother from her world. Still, she couldn’t help stare at Beatrix with a bit of bitterness.

“R-really..?”

Tatyana nodded her head. “One does not simply defy their destiny that easily, dear. The fact that you’ve come so far for the Child of Lightendark is admirable. You’re a true heroine through and through.”

A smile formed on the witch’s snout as the Queen returned to sit at her throne, long timber-like legs crossing under her dress. “I’m sure you’re curious about all I’ve accomplished with Canterlot. Go on! Ask me anything~.”

Beatrix swallowed hard, looking around the royal chamber and the life blooming through the vines, flora, and runes. “I will say, your majesty, that I’m greatly enchanted by this place! You’ve truly transformed Canterlot into a utopia for all things wizardly and magical.”

The Queen lifted her hand below her chin and let out a noble laugh. “Oh ho ho ho ho~! Are you trying to butter me up with flattery? Because it’s working~!”

“T-that being said,” Beatrix pursed her lips. “I’d like to know your reasoning for why you thought banishing the other pony factions was a good idea! Surely, Equestria would thrive more if everyone else was included?”

Tatyana’s smile lessened, though she calmly replied, “Knowledge is power. It has been an essential resource since the dawn of time. And those who seek it have established great leadership. You might find it questionable to deny other races here, but that’s because they don’t share our ideals. If anything, they would hamper our enlightenment!”

“But that isn’t true,” Oona butted in. “Not e’eryone who seeks knowledge aspires tae become a leader fur people. Instead, most became conquerors or tyrants!”

Shadow Scythe and Zeloph remained quiet, reminded that it was their pursuit of power that trapped them in the Burning King’s clutches.

“You make an excellent point,” Queen Tatyana agreed. “For example, Celestia and Luna allowed their views of friendship and cultural acceptance to blind their better judgment. They welcomed the caribou regime with open arms when they first arrived! And look where that got them…”

“T-That’s not what A’m sayin-”

The Sovereign Witch waved away the sheep in disregard. “It doesn’t change the fact that because of their ideology, unicorns and other spell casters became too weak to stop the oppressers.”

“But it was because of Oona’s efforts and Sombra’s revival that Equestria won the war against the caribou!” Beatrix reminded.

“And we are forever grateful to them,” acknowledged Brutus. “But change was necessary if we wanted our land to prosper after the damages!”

“Which is why I stepped up when Twilight could not,” interjected Tatyana. “I helped return our kind back to their roots! For the key to our future lies in the seeds of the past.” The queen motioned to the botanic monument that towered above. “Through this tree, magic now flows more rampantly than ever! Sacrifices had to be made to ensure our survival. Even if it meant severing our ties with the pegasi and earth ponies...”

“This is getting us nowhere,” Zeloph muttered.

“Yeah, let’s just get what we came for and get out,” grunted Shadow Scythe.

“But my mother! She’s-” Beatrix started before withdrawing her protest. Abadonna’s life was at stake. And if they didn’t persuade the Sovereign Witch soon… Well, she didn’t want to remember that ominous vision.

With a sigh, the violet unicorn lowered to her knees. “Look, Queen Tatyana. I don’t want to argue with you about what’s right for Equestria. All I want is to get to the library and rescue my daughter from her cruel fate. And to do that, I need Flurry Heart. So please, great Sovereign Witch. I beg for your help..!”

Trixie, Starlight, and Sunset turned to one another with mixed expressions. The azure unicorn was the most conflicted, knowing that this unicorn was her daughter in another timeline. If not for her position, she would have done everything in her power to help Beatrix out.

After a long moment of consulting with her consort, Tatyana smiled down at the groveling witch and replied, “How could I say no? Of course, we’ll help you!”

Her response lifted both Beatrix’s head and hopes, a ferocious smile spreading her snout. “O-oh, thank you! You have no idea how much it means to me!”

“Think nothing of it! Just give us the other requirements, and we’ll open the portal together.”

What words of gratitude she was about to give died in her throat. Realization struck her face like water as she stammered, “... w-what?”

Her smile spreads wider. “It’s a rare opportunity to access infinite knowledge, my dear. And, despite my best efforts, our historians can only recover so much of what was lost. Think of the wonders that await us by accessing the library’s oldest books! Or even the stories that haven’t been told yet! That’s why I intend to join you!”

Oona, Zeloph, and Shadow Scythe looked to one another; anxiety increased over the Queen’s intentions. Their expressions were not lost on Grimmwald, who frowned.

“Is there a problem?”

“Y-yes!! I-I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. I swore an oath to the council of spirits not to allow Enock’s collective knowledge fall into the wrong hands!”

Realizing the words that left her mouth, the witch covered her mouth in alarm. The trio of robed mares gasped while the minotaur nervously turned to his wife, whose smile lowered into a frown.

“... what do you mean by ‘the wrong hands?’” Tatyana asked, raising her eyebrow.

“O-oh no no no!! I didn’t mean it like that! Honest!” The violet unicorn stated, attempting to salvage. But her anxiety grew worse when the towering unicorn stood up and approached her.

“You would deny my generous proposal?” The Sovereign Witch pressed on. “My kingdom of a potentially great future? After we offer you our hospitality?!”

“Hospitality?! You have my friends locked away in a dungeon just for being different!” Beatrix snapped back, returning a glare back at Tatyana. “You allow your people to bully and belittle anyone without magic! If this is the kingdom you envision to rule, then I will have no part in helping you acquire it!”

“She’s standing up to the queen!?” Starlight muttered to Sunset.

“No, no, what are you doing!” Trixie whimpered with tightened fists.

“How dare you speak to her that way!” Brutus bellowed, ready to defend his wife’s honor before she held up her hand, keeping him at bay.

Looking up at Tatyana, it was then Beatrix noticed that the sclera of her eyes was blackened, making them illuminate under her gaze.

“Think carefully of what you say next, Beatrix Belladonna,” the magical monarch warned, the friendly tone of her voice absent. “I was just starting to like you…”

“I don’t give a damn what you think about me!” She spat in open defiance. “I didn’t come here to let some upper class, racist cunt get in my way. I’m getting my daughter back, and If I have to fight you, so be it! I’m not scared of you!”

The Queen’s expression blanked, her eyes pinpoint. Her hand trembled with restraint before releasing her grasp. A new smile spread her snout, one that sent a shiver up Beatrix’s spine.

“Ooh~!” She cooed. “Not afraid to fight me, you say?”

“T-That’s right!”

“How bold..! Why don’t we put that to the test then?” Tatyana stepped away, stretching her arm out to let the swarm of butterflies gather around her open hand. The magical insects formed a lengthy shape before dispatching once more, revealing a wooden unicorn-headed scepter that matched the Queen’s height. Stamping, the staff made a loud ‘snap’ sound, causing her followers to kneel once more.

“If you want to save the Child of Lightendark, then beat me in a magic duel!” The Sovereign Witch challenged. “Should you win, I’ll give you what you need to unlock the portal without any intervention of my own. Hell, I’ll even release your friends!”

Beatrix narrowed her glare, nervously asking, “A-and if you win?”

“Then you will abandon your mission and join my coven! Your powers would become a major asset to my reign~!”

“Ceann Oga, No!” Lady Ewe cried out. “Don’t accept this! We’ll find another way!”

Beatrix turned to her lover, shaking her head. “We can’t turn back now! We’re so close!”

“This is insanity!” Zeloph exclaimed. “Don’t you realize millions of lives are at stake?! If we don’t get to the library now, Abadonna will release the Burning King!”

“All the more reason Beatrix should have accepted my offer,” Tatyana dejected. “But in selfishness, she insulted me. The blame will be hers if the world is undone by fire.”

Brutus and the mage trio gazed at her with conflicted emotion. Would she genuinely throw away the lives of many if it meant her legacy would endure?

“You bitch!! If you want a fight, I’ll give you one!” Shadow Scythe snarled, summoning her sickle, preparing to leap into the shadows. The pale unicorn did not care that they were outnumbered, seeing Tatyana’s coven and consort take a defensive stance.

“Don’t do it, Shadow Scythe,” Beatrix insisted, raising her hand to block her friend from recklessly attacking. Then, taking a deep breath, she glared back at Tatyana and asked. “... If I win, will you keep your word?”

“You might not believe it, but I value trust and honesty among my people,” Tatyana said with a nod. “I have no use for lies. Accept my challenge, and on my crown, I will honor the agreement.”

After a brief moment to think over what options she had left, the violet witch came to a decision. “... Then I’ll do the same.”

“Beatrix..!” Oona pleaded, her eyes teary.

The royal monarch smirked. “Excellent~! Brutus, arrange the court and have the entire kingdom gathered by the afternoon.”

“At once,” the minotaur acknowledged, departing from his lover’s side to carry out his task.

“You have until then to prepare, Beatrix Belladonna. I look forward to seeing how strong you are. That will be all!” At the double-stomp of her scepter, the trio of robed witches escorted the travelers away from the throne room as Tatyana took her seat.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” Zeloph berated, fluttering by the witch’s side.

“Yeah, I don’t like this,” whispered Shadow Scythe. “There’s no way we can trust she’ll keep her word. She holds all the cards. And from what we saw, she could be more powerful than all of us combined!”

“There’s too much on th’ line,” Oona wept. “If you lose, all our efforts to avoid this catastrophe will be fur nothing!

“You’re right, Oona,” Beatrix nodded with pursed lips. “We’re in the endgame now. Doppia is still out there. For all we know, she’s already infiltrated the Canterlot, waiting for the moment to strike. So we have to press on, no matter the cost!”

“And if Tatyana doesn’t keep her promise..?”

“Then we know who to thank when the Burning King runs free…”

As the group reached the castle gates, Beatrix turned back to glance at the Sovereign Witch, seated under the mysterious ‘life-bearing’ tree, returning her glare with a condescending smile.