Everywhere and Nowhere

Ten minutes remained until it was time for the magical duel. And during that time, Beatrix had spent it practicing and perfecting her most potent spells. Graciously, Lord Grimmwald allowed her allies on the courtyard to support her, albeit kept in enchanted chains that numbed their strength and magic.

They watched while she maneuvered out of Shadow Scythe’s swift swings, then retaliated with thunderbolts, spheres, and anything she could to push the reaper back. Sweat was already pouring down her form, Beatrix panting lightly.

“You can’t afford to pull any punches, Belladonna!” She said, using her weapon to deflect her former enemy’s blows before ducking into her shadow, reappearing right behind her. “If Tatyana wins, we’re finished!”

“I know!” The violet mare grunted, blocking the shadowy sickles with an invisible barrier. “I just wished I knew what else she’s capable of. If we weren’t on borrowed time, I’d have a better strategy to ensure I could win!”

“Well, she certainly seems strong,” said Zeloph, hovering on his foot wings. “She was able to unravel my shapeshifting with just a gesture!”

“Ahh. That explains why ye’re out in th’ open,” Dion commented from the sidelines. “But hey, that means ye can go all out, lassie!”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Beatrix said, snarling at the idea with far more motivation. “I’m going to hit that bitch with everything I’ve got!”

“Just be careful not tae let yer anger blind ye,” Oona gently warned, stroking her lover’s mane. “Tatyana is wicked, yes, but she is not our true enemy. This battle very well might decide if we stop th’ Burning King’s resurrection.”

“Let’s not forget Doppia’s probably lurking around,” Cerise reminded, shuffling around in her bonds. “Rheneas has been dreadfully silent. I think she can sense her presence...”

“You’ll have to keep your guard up at all times,” agreed Midnight, who nodded. “She could strike the moment you slip up!”

“Right…” Beatrix let out a wry sigh, rubbing her temple. “This is intense,” she admitted. “There’s so much to worry about, and I can hardly keep track! I don’t know if I can handle all this pressure!”

“You will,” assured the cherub, placing his hand to massage her shoulders lightly. Rejuvenation and light flowed through her back through his touch, her mind unwinding and body loosening up. “You’ve overcome worse odds than this!”

“You’ve defeated both Zeloph and me,” Shadow Scythe calmly chided, her weapon disappearing and her arms crossed over her chest. “It would be an insult to us if you lost to this overgrown harlot!”

“Ye’re not just fightin’ fur yer child an’ th’ multiverse, Beatrix,” added Dion with a broad smile. “Yer pride is on th’ line!”

Cerise chimed in, “Yeah! If you lose here, there’s no home to return to. Bellatrix, the twins, us… We’ll all be gone! And I’ll be stuck like this forever! I doubt we can beat the Vice Lords without you!”

“You’ve got this, sis!” Midnight cheered.

“An’ we’ll be right behind ye,” Oona said, cupping her student’s cheeks before placing a soft ‘good luck’ kiss right on her lips.

With teary eyes, Beatrix smiled at them. “Thank you, everyone! I won’t let you down!”

“Miss Belladonna,” a paladin herald called as he approached. “It’s almost time.”

She sucked in a deep breath before nodding, following the soldier towards the center of the courtyard. She looked around to find an audience had gathered, muttering about her chances of defeating their fabled queen. Of course, most would feel discouraged partaking in a duel within enemy territory. But this only filled Beatrix with more determination than ever to fight against the odds.

The dark bull-man was waiting there, the trio of robed unicorn mares behind him. Trixie cautiously avoided making direct eye contact with her supposed daughter.

“I hope you spent your time wisely,” Brutus said with a frown. “Our great sovereign will be unlike any foe you’ve faced before.”

“Oh, trust me. I’ve prepared,” assured Beatrix, who planted her hands on her shapely hips. “I’m well adverse in popping the inflated egos of spellcasters much more powerful than me~.”

The minotaur chuckled at her boast. “Cocky even in the face of uncertainty. I like that! I do hope there are no hard feelings between us. You insulted the queen, and we can’t take that lightly.”

The violet witch nodded with pursed lips. “I wish we didn’t have to do this. But I took an oath to protect the library’s secrets from anyone interested. No matter what intentions Tatyana may have, I can’t go back on my word!”

“If I can speak honestly,” Sunset said, stepping forward. “We should be helping you prevent the Burning King's resurgence.”

Starlight nodded. “The queen has done wonders for the unicorns of Canterlot. But this feels like a bad call of judgment. Our kingdom's livelihood should always be a top priority! I made that mistake when I governed over a small village…”

Trixie cast her magenta eyes towards Grimmwald and asked, “Is there no way for you to make her ladyship reconsider? You are her consort, after all!”

The bull-man sighed. “Believe me; I’ve tried. But the queen is very keen on making an example out of Beatrix.”

The castle doors opened as the familiar swarm of enchanted butterflies fluttered towards the courtyard. “It’s time,” Brutus noted before turning to Beatrix and offered, “Good luck.”

With that said, he and the coven moved towards where the prisoners were kept. But not before Beatrix and Trixie shared one more long glance. Her mother had been in two magical duels before, and she did not come out victorious the second bout. And while only knowing this mare as her child for less than a few hours, she prayed she would not lose her.

The wayward witch refocused her attention on her opponent, who arrived in a spectacular fashion. The magical incests spiraled away to reveal Queen Tatyana in all her glory, the crowd cheering loudly. She steadily floated to the ground until her heels clicked.

“Kick her ass, Bea!” Cerise heartened.

“Yeah, show her what you’re made of!!” Added Midnight, who pumped his fist.

With a wave of her hand, the audience drew silent as the Sovereign Witch addressed her followers. “My good people,” she began. “I have gathered you here today to show you what happens when fools dare to cross me. This young upstart thinks herself worthy of accessing the library of the Curator of Time! Infinite knowledge, histories, and events that have yet to happen. But, instead of aiding to our just cause, she would-”

“Blah, blah, blah! Can we get on with this already?” Beatrix cheekily interrupted, earning a cacophony of boos from the audience who demanded her head.

Tatyana sneered at the witch, keeping her snout upward. “Gauche little thing, aren’t you? Didn’t your mother teach you any manners?”

“Oh, she taught me plenty! Like how I should never hold back any details without a good reason. When were you going to tell your ‘adoring public’ that their lives are at stake because of your stubbornness?”

All the unicorns and magic users then began muttering with confusion. Beatrix continued, “I came to Canterlot with the sole purpose of rescuing my daughter from setting off the End of Days. And this oversized blowhard has the audacity to exploit my mission for her own interest! How can any of you idolize such a selfish cunt!?”

“Oh, I’m selfish? When was the last time you governed an entire kingdom?” The queen questioned, pointing at Beatrix with accusation.

“W-well, never, I-I-”

“Right. You haven’t. Because all you care about is traveling across dimensions for thrills and kicks. Never mind the negative side effects you enforce on the ‘friends’ you claim to care about.”

“H-hey! I-I’d never! That’s not true!!”

“Oh, isn’t it~?”

Tatyana turned her attention towards the prisoners, a cunning smirk against their glares. Then, pointing her finger at Midnight, the Sovereign Witch continued. “You made this young soldier abandon his post so that he could live out your fantasy of having a brother. But in doing so, you also turned him into a hulking brute who can’t live without a hole to fuck~.”

“Hey, back off! That’s none of your-” Cerise began to protest but was cut off when the towering unicorn shifted to her.

“And what about you? Who’s to say your ‘best friend’ didn’t manipulate the odds of your parents giving birth to you?”

“A-ah! W-what, I-I… no, that’s…” Yet the dark dancer fell silent, much to Beatrix’s growing dismay.

“Cerise, that’s nonsense! I-I wouldn’t–”

“And you, oh dear sweet Lady Ewe…” The sheep in question glared defiantly at the Sovereign Witch’s cruel smile. “... Are you even sure the love you two share is genuine~?”

This got her wool riled up, her honey-brown eyes fiery as she yelled, “How dare ye make such an accusation!”

“Then why has she avoided performing your sacred ritual?” Tatyana asked. “Why is she not your Matanam?”

“I-it isn’t necessary! W-we don’t have to–”

“I’ll tell you why Oona. It’s because Beatrix is an anomaly, reshaping everyone she meets just to validate herself. Surely, you knew how lonely Beatrix felt. Why else would she wander the cosmos and lay with so many strangers if not to fill that emptiness in her heart?”

“Shut up!!” Beatrix demanded. “Just stop talking and fight me!”

But the Sovereign Witch ignored her opponent. “So what would happen when such a person finds someone who has shown unconditional kindness and guidance without seeing her as a sex object? Someone who could give her the love she desperately craves? And had the power to bestow those feelings upon you~?”

“It’s not true! What we share is beyond yer twisted words, witch! Our love is real!! ... Ah know it is!”

Yet that brief hesitation was all Tatyana needed to hear as the dream shaman’s expression showed confliction. “Let us hope that is the case, my dear,” the unicorn mare mused. “Because if you ask me? Anyone who has to force people to love her is not only pathetic but insidiously cruel…”

The courtyard was once more filled with boo’s, the audience vocalizing how badly they wanted the violet mare’s defeat. Beatrix clutched her fist tightly, tears of fury streaming down her cheeks. Whatever confidence she built up was shaken. Not only did the queen sway the crowd in her favor, but Tatyana also managed to plant enough seeds of doubt to bewilder her friends and lover.

Despite her best efforts to keep her feelings in check, the Sovereign Witch had successfully gotten under Beatrix’s skin. And the violet mare was beyond livid.

“You’re in my garden, Beatrix Belladonna,” Queen Tatyana declared. “And I will not allow weeds to flourish among my flowers!”

“I’ve had enough of your GARBAGE!!”

The duel started when Beatrix threw the first spell, unleashing lightning, fire, and ice blasts infused with Erebus’s energy. The Sovereign Witch, however, did nothing to avoid the attack. Instead, an invisible barrier flashed around her figure to deflect the bolts that hissed about her. Tatyana’s mocking smile spread when she retorted, “If that’s the best you can do, then I don’t have to waste a single step from where I am.”

“Grrrrr!!”

“Here. Let me show you what real elemental magic looks like~!”

Her scepter began to emit a vibrant aura before she launched a pillaring beam into the skies, which quickly became shrouded by dark clouds. Sensing what was coming, Brutus stamped his cane twice as his guardsmen conjured a protective shield of magic around everything outside the courtyard, keeping the prisoners and audience safe from the incoming storm.

Beatrix gazed up before a flash of magenta lightning bolted towards her. Yelping, she spun away to dodge the surging energy. Burning hail began to rain down alongside the bolts, forcing the violet mare to erect her own safeguard. The moment the storm went away and her barrier came down, Tatyana blasted Beatrix with a projectile, sending her crashing into the paladin’s magical shield.

Undeterred, Beatrix shook off the pain and focused on her opponent, her hands and horn shimmering with archaic energy. “I’ll make you move..!” She muttered under her breath before launching a new wave of advanced spells, attacking from different angles.

But the queen remained untouched, her shield glowing brighter as her spells fizzled and sizzled into a mist. Giving a haughty laugh, she continued to taunt, “A small filly offers more of a challenge than you! How could you ever hope to save your daughter with such a mediocre repertoire of spells~?”

“Shut up!!” Snarled Beatrix, doing everything in her power to knock this bitch off her high horse.

“This is a joke!” Shadow Scythe called out from her stand, her slender arms folded. “You call this a duel? You’ve done nothing but stall! Throw some actual spells, you coward!”

“Don’t let her antics get to you,” Zeloph reminded, resting his hand over hers. “If Beatrix doesn’t get a grip, she’ll be drained of all her resources. As infuriating as it is, stalling your opponent until exhaustion is an effective strategy…”

Oona clasped her hands tightly, chewing on her lip while she watched her student struggle. “C’mon, Beatrix. Ye’re smarter than this! Think outside th’ box!”

“Eeaaugh!” The violet mare grunted as she stumbled back from another launched wave. Not even the spells Sombra taught her could penetrate through the sovereign witch’s defense. “Shit, this isn’t good! If I don’t find a way to breach that barrier, I’m dead!”

“Giving up so soon?” Tatyana asked with a sigh. “Surely, by now, you realize how out of depth you are! Before you stands the most powerful witch in all of Equestria! Oh ho ho ho~!”

“Out of my… wait a minute!”

A theory popped into her head once she got up on shaky legs. And if she could prove it true, then the violet unicorn might be able to damage Tatyana properly. Calming her shallow breaths, Beatrix concentrated on conjuring a particular aspect of herself, a hand on her Prima Materia.

‘ C’mon, you always show up when I least expect it. Please, I need you now!’

“What are you doing?” The regal unicorn asked, her brow arched. “Are you perhaps praying for some miracle to happen? Haha! You’re losing it, Belladonna! There isn’t anything that can save you~!”

“That’s where you’re wrong, tall lady!” A childish squishy voice proclaimed behind her.

“Wha– baah!!”

A sudden display of fireworks exploded right in her face. And while the fanfare did no actual damage, it caused the Canterlonian Queen to stumble back a bit. Then, shaking off her daze, she was shocked to find a miniature version of her opponent hovering there, striking a dramatic pose.

“Mini-Trix!!” The imprisoned party exclaimed.

“That’s right~! And I’ll always be there to save the daaayaaaah!!”

Mini-Trix quickly ducked out of the magical spell blasted at her while Tatyana waved her scepter to swat at the tulpa like a pestering fly.

“Hold still, you little,” the queen sneered, her expression contorted with annoyance. Each blast of magic missed while the cartoonish unicorn made provocative gestures and faces.

While Tatyana was distracted, Beatrix loosened her own arcane magic. Her costume vanished for a moment, left naked as the cosmic darkness flowed off her curves hardened into place, its cool caress on her tender skin. The violet witch lunged at the vain sorceress with her rapier in hand. But, as she expected, the impenetrable barrier was still active, the steel of her enchanted blade straining to pierce through it.

“Did you think your little friend would help?” Tatyana mused, leering over her shoulder. “As long as I have this shield, no magic you perform will ever touch me!”

Beatrix, however, smirked in response. “You sure about that?”

From the tip of her sword, the Demiurge wrapped its essence around the magical bubble concealing Tatyana, who tried to enlarge her sphere.

“Mini-Trix! Now!”

“What!?” The regal unicorn glared back at the tulpa, who cheekily pointed to the ground. It was looking down that she realized too late that Mini-Trix had tethered rockets to her feet, sparkles eating away at the rope. “NoooooOOOO-!!”

As the fireworks went off to lift the Sovereign Witch off the ground, Beatrix used the momentum and her Onoma to throw her foe into the fountain with her statue. Broken stone, water, and magic dispersed around the area in a crash, the regal unicorn lying in the rubble.

“Well, would you look at that,” Beatrix huffed, a cocky smile spreading her snout. “Got her to move~!” She turned to her tulpa, who giggled by her side. “Way to go, mini-me!”

“Told you you’d need my assistance one of these days~!” Mini-Trix beamed while the two high-fived. Their friends and allies cheered against the crowd’s uproaring boos.

“Yes,” Midnight called out. “Way to go, Bea!”

“Well done, lass!” Dion crowed.

“Knocked her down real good!” Cerise praised.

“Well... that’s one way to get past that insufferable shield,” admitted Zeloph, who clapped his hands. “Good show!”

“Hmm,” nodded Shadow Scythe, a satisfied smile born from watching Tatyana gets tossed around.

Lady Ewe sighed with relief that her lover managed to figure out an admittingly unorthodox way through her opponent’s defenses. Trixie also sported a relaxed expression.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” reminded Grimmwald, his brows furrowing. “It’s not over yet…”

With heavy groans, Tatyana pulled herself up from the shattered remains of her fountain, her dress drenched and torn in places. She glared down at Beatrix, who returned the heated look.

“Clever, Beatrix,” she admitted begrudgingly, brushing off the rubble with her magic. “Very clever.”

“Next time, don’t underestimate me!” The violet witch stated, taking a battle stance while her cartoonishly small partner raised her fisticuffs.

“Yes, I suppose that is my fault. A mistake I shall not make again!” Then, with a clean yank, she ripped away from her floral-decorative cape and hat, her scarlet pink hair waving in the wind. “Front this point on; I will use everything in my power to exterminate you! And since you summoned a familiar to aid you…”

“Hey! I am not a-”

“...allow me to show you mine! Through the power of Goetia!”

Tatyana spun her scepter in her hands, chanting incantations in an ancient language. Beatrix toughened her stance in anticipation, noting that the tree growing out the palace began to glow vibrantly, alongside the runes etched in the Sovereign Witch’s botanic horns, gloves, and legs. Then, she finished her spell with a cry and slammed her staff into the earth, a ghost circle tracing before her. Light flared out from within the center when a large shape crawled out.

Beatrix and Mini-Trix gasped at the sight of the creature. A mane of several bright red leaves shook against its dark, muscular body. Bat shaped timber wings with an autumn membrane between the branching joints spread from its back. Its long tail swayed behind its hind legs, barbed at the end. A horned lion skull covered its face, will o wisp-like eyes glowing through the sockets. And when it released a mighty roar, the unicorns could see its impressive canine teeth.

The crowd applauded the arrival of this beast while Beatrix’s party stared at it in horror.

“Whoa! What is that thing?!” Midnight demanded.

“A junction between life and magic in its most primitive form,” the minotaur said with a broad smile. “I call it a Grimm. Named after yours truly, of course.”

Shadow Scythe snarled at him with disgust. “You created that abomination?!”

“It is not in any pain, I assure you. Grimm’s are much like golems or anything made from alchemy. Reanimated to serve a higher purpose. A primal specimen loyal only to one who wields Goetia.”

But Oona refused to believe that statement. She narrowed her honey-brown eyes at the leonine monster, noting that it and Omen shared a similar composition, animalistic beings with floral features. The dream faun suspected there was more to these so-called ‘Grimms’ than Brutus let on. And the implications made her stomach turn.

“Be careful, Ceann Oga..!”

“N-nice kitty…” Beatrix said cautiously, backing as the animal moved closer with rumbling growls.

“Grimm’kahn! Bring me the small one’s head!” Tatyana ordered, to which the Grimm roared in response and pounced at the tulpa.

“AAAAAAAAH!!” Mini-Trix screamed before poofing out of the battle just as the creature snapped its jaws around the sparkly smoke. She reappeared a few feet away before breaking into a sprint once the botanic lion chased after her. “GET THIS HOUSE CAT OFF ME!!”

“H-Hang on!” Beatrix called after, only for her limbs to be trapped in magical vines sprouting from the ground.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” The regal unicorn said, waving her hand to hoist her captive up and slam her into the ground. The vines began to pull Beatrix towards Tatyana, but she swiftly severed their coils with a swing of her sword. Launching back up, the two witches resumed their bout, firing spells and tendrils to counteract one another’s offenses. The sovereign’s scepter blocked every swipe and thrust.

Meanwhile, Mini-Trix was doing her best to avoid becoming the Grimm’s next meal. She tried throwing cat toys, fireworks and spraying sparkly water to distract it. But nothing could stop the beast until it caught her by the cape with its teeth. Then, shrieking, the miniature unicorn unfastened the cloth to drop free suitable before the monstrous lion could take her down with its paws.

“Sorry, Bea! But I’m taking an early stage right! Good luck!” Mini-Trix quickly apologized, disappearing entirely in colorful smoke.

Knowing that she was now outnumbered, Beatrix slashed through Tatyana’s force blasts while aiming her arcane magic to push the regal unicorn back, binding her limbs in study black bonds. With her opponent struggling to break free, the violet witch could focus on the botanic animal hybrid that charged at her. Infusing more energy into her needle-thin blade, she parried each swipe swung at her, minding the Grimm’s claws, fangs, and scorpion-like tail.

‘Eegh! This cat is relentless! I might have to use that spell! I sure hope this works..!’

As she managed to back away, Beatrix layered the floor around the Grimm with Erebus, the creature’s limbs stuck in a tar-like substance. Then, with the leonine monster stuck, snarling as it tried to pull out, the space-cloaked witch drew a circle, forming the shape around the beast.

A purple bubble captured the creature, filling inside with a dark cosmos and glittering stars. And when the bubble burst, the Grimm began to rock and sway on its legs. Trying as it might fight off the growing drowsiness, the botanic lion eventually fell asleep, rolling onto its side.

Underneath the audience’s vexation, Oona was astonished by the spell cast, her heart fluttering upon recognizing her signature hypnosis bubble. Somehow, her student had copied it flawlessly! The two locked eyes momentarily as Beatrix sent a cheeky wink the sheep’s way, making her blush and smile.

A frustrated scream pulled the witch’s focus back to Tatyana, who finally broke free from her binds. Her luminous turquoise shined scornfully, her cheeks bulging with dark veins. “This is insulting! How am I struggling so much to take down this… lowly cow?!”

“Because, unlike you, I’m not fighting for my reputation, Tatyana,” answered Beatrix, who retook a stance. “No one stands between my daughter and me! And I won’t lose to someone pitiful like you!”

The canterlonian queen snarled. “Pitiful!?”

Beatrix looked back at the stands, where her allies stood behind Grimmwald and the trio of robed unicorn mares. “I accept that I’ve affected and ruined a lot of lives on a cosmic scale. But I’ve done nothing but try to remedy the damage I’ve caused. And unlike you, I cherish the love and respect I’ve earned from my friends. And the love I have for them is genuine!”

Each of her allies gave touched smiles and gestures. Dion, Midnight and Cerise continued to show support despite their chains. Shadow Scythe and Zeloph nodded, indicating they were thankful for this new chance to start over.

And no one had to speak for how proud and encouraging Lady Ewe had been throughout their entire relationship.

Beaming, Beatrix shifted back to her opponent, strengthening her resolve as the archaic magic of the dark cosmic flowered off her shapely body and thin blade. “I didn’t want to fight you. But the fact that you refused to help me for selfish endeavors, on top of endangering my friends… You’ve made this personal! And I will use everything in my power to cut you down!”

Her statement earned a mocking cackle from the towering unicorn. “Let me guess... Do you mean to tell me that you’ll best me with the power of ‘friendship?’ The same power that nearly doomed Equestria into slavery? Oh, I think not, Belladonna!”

Stamping her staff into the ground, she reached her hand out, beckoning her Grimm towards her. A vibrant aura surrounded the slumbering lion when its body levitated towards her. This action got an audible gasp from the minotaur, his eyes widening. “No… Don’t do it, you fool!”

“Do what?” Oona spoke up, noting his worrisome expression. “What is she plannin’!?”

“Impudent whelp!” Continued Tatyana, who glared down at her determined foe. “I am the Sovereign Witch! I am the ruler of Canterlot!” With her pet now facing her, the regal unicorn’s chest began to illuminate with her Onoma’s aura. “...and I will show you true power!”

“My lady, no!!” Grimmwald called out. “Do not perform that spell; it has not been safely tested. The side effects could be dangerous!”

But Tatyana ignored her consort. And even if she wanted to, it was too late. Her eyes lit up as her spell took hold. Magical tendrils whipped out to snare the beast and pull it closer until their bodies were tethered. Then, a bright flash caused Beatrix and everyone else to shield their eyes.

And when the light faded, the wayward witch gasped at the horrific sight.

The dress that adorned Tatyana’s slender figure became embedded with vines and tendrils that wriggled around. Her entire upper body was infused with the Grimm, large branch-like claws covering her arms like gauntlets. Its leaf-like mane concealed her own, its bat-shaped wings stretching out of her shoulders. She wore its skulled face over her forehead, her narrow horn protruding out. Looking over her new form, the queen let out another wicked laugh as magic flared off her body.

“Eeuugh! W-what did you do!?” Demanded Beatrix.

“She assimilated it,” Grimmwald explained. “It’s a junction spell, allowing her to fuse with the Grimm through her Onoma. I forbade her from casting it outside experimentation, but she never did heed my advice.”

“How did you allow such a lunatic the privilege of queenship?!” Shadow Scythe berated.

“We didn’t,” Starlight confessed, her snout down. “She took the throne for herself. And none of us were strong enough to refuse her.”

“Oh great,” grumbled Zeloph. “Another tyrant to deal with…”

“Right on th’ edge ov armageddon, too,” Oona nodded before turning to the bull-man. “Brutus! Ye have tae call this off! Look! Even yer subjects are distressed!”

Brutus scanned over the stands, noting that the audience was indeed frightened by what their queen had become. Sighing heavily, he responded. “While I agree that this has gone too far, Tatyana’s magical prowess has skyrocketed! The longer she’s merged with the Grimm, the stronger she’ll become. But the risk of losing her mind grows stronger as well…”

He turned back to the battlefield, his queen already on the attack. Tatyana launched a barrage of spells and incantations to batter away at Belladonna’s defenses. “If anyone can stop her now, it’s your lover…”

All eyes fell back to Beatrix, who pivoted and tried desperately to avoid the heavy blasts and massive branches swiping at her. Any attempt of offense was rendered moot as the mad monarch brushed it off with a temporary barrier. Angered growls layered her joyful laughter, lashing out with throned vines to ensnare Beatrix’s limbs. She yelled in pain; her struggling only dug the barbs deeper into her flesh, drawing blood.

“Oh ho ho ho~! When I’ve finished flaying you around, you will learn only servitude,” declared the botanic abomination. “But first, let’s strip away all that ‘power’ you possess~!”

Tatyana’s lush mane began rustling before enchanted butterflies flew out to swarm around the wriggling unicorn mare. Her anguished cries grew louder as she felt needle-like proboscis stab into her skin, siphoning what remained of her magic and energy little by little.

And when the insects despatched, the queen dropped the mare’s limp, nude body onto the ground. Crimson and inky black bled off Beatrix, a dense pool of obsidian spiraling underneath.

“BEATRIX!!” Her allies cried out, the dream faun falling to her knees, holding back her pained sobs.

Tatyana hovered over the violet unicorn’s feeble form, pointing at her while addressing her audience of frightened magic casters. “Let this be a warning to anyone who dares question my authority!”

Shadow Scythe seethed, conjuring her scythe. “Drop this barrier, and I’ll teach this tree-sized twat authority!”

“No, Shadow Scythe!” Advised Zeloph, who gingerly pushed her weapon down. “Our battle is not with her!”

“She just took down Beatrix like she was nothing,” Midnight yelled, fluffed up. “Priorities or not, I won’t allow that foul witch to get away with this!”

“Blast these chains,” Dion snarled. “If Ah weren’t restrained, A’d tear that bitch a new cunt!”

“Please, lord Grimmwald,” begged Cerise, whose fists were balled. “Let us out! She’ll die if we don’t stop the queen!”

‘ I’m afraid that’s not all, friend’ Rheneas’ voice spoke up within the dancer’s mind. ‘Doppia is near. She’s around here somewhere. Watching…’

Cerise’s eyes went wide like saucers, muttering, “O-oh no..!”

“So what will it be, Grimmwald dear?” Growled Tatyana, pulling the bull’s attention towards her towering physique, her eyes blazing under the lion’s skull. “Are you going to drop this barrier and be labeled a traitor to the crown? I’m almost tempted to allow it! So that Beatrix can watch as I tear all her friends asunder~!”

“You’re not thinking clearly, Tatyana!” The minotaur insisted. “You’ve been fused to the Grimm for too long! And even then, you were never this malevolent! I think we both made a horrible mistake…”

His tunson gaze shifted from his queen to the large tree in the background, its leaves and runic branches shimmering ominously.

A vicious sneer spread the queen’s snout as she retorted, “Oh, I’ve made a mistake, alright. I was mistaken to trust you would offer me meaningful advice! But I see that the only thing you’re good for is fucking an heir into me, assuming the little princess can’t prove her worth. Now be a good soldier and keep those pitiful dogs under-aaaagh!”

A sudden blast of magic stuck Tatyana behind, snapping her attention to the caster. Trixie was hunched over her daughter’, tears streaming down her cheeks while her horn and hands glowed. Her coven sisters and the bullman hadn’t noticed when she teleported outside the magical barrier.

“You treacherous tramp..!”

“Stop! That’s enough!!” The azure witch cried, lifting Beatrix’s limp body, holding her protectively. Her eyes struggled to open, the violet witch muttering weakly.

“..mm-moth..er..?”

“Oh, come now,” the mad monarch scowled in disgust. “Don’t tell me you’ve grown sentimental for her, Lulamoon. She’s not even your actual daughter! Just an anomaly from a failed dimension!”

“I beg you, your majesty! I don’t want her to end up like me! Let her go! Please!”

“SILENCE!!” Barked Tatyana, her horn flaring up with unstable magic. The plant-like accessories shimmered like the tree, causing Trixie, Sunset, Starlight, and Grimmwald to suffer from telekinetic migraines. All of them fell to their knees, clutching at their heads, screaming.

And it wasn’t just them. The party noted the crowd of wizards and witches collapsed, wriggling in pain as their botanic headwear glowed violently.

“You all serve under my reign!” She shouted, foam dripping the corners of her mouth. “Even if I have to eviscerate every single one of you-uh?!”

Light glowed beneath her feet, realizing someone drew another ghost circle. Her heated glare fixated on Oona, whose eyes were hooded under a dark veil while her hands glowed with her wispy blue aura.

A mocking smile spread Tatyana’s snout as she said, “You think that old trick will work again? My Onoma far surpasses your own! Oona, you-”

“You look tired, my queen,” the sleep sage muttered softly, an ominous voice overlaying her own. When she lifted her head, Tatyana stared aghast by the inky substance oozing out her mouth, her eyes without pupils. “I think it’s past your bedtime…”

The bright blue magic suddenly shifted into a darker spell, unfamiliar runic symbols lighting up as a pitch-black bubble, highlighted in a maroon aura, began to form around the queen. Before Tatyana could react, the world around her was swallowed by darkness. Forestry surrounded her; falling red leaves the only vibrant color.

“H-ha ha… w-what is this silly illusion?” The regal unicorn attempted to laugh off, though her body trembled. “Think you can scare me?! I-I am not to be trifled! I am–”

“ꌦꄲ꒤…” A voice murmured as if speaking right into her ear.

Tatyana jumped, turning around in every direction to locate the speaker. But when she tried to conjure her magic, nothing happened.

“꒯ꄲ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꋪꏂꂵꏂꂵꃳꏂꋪ ꂵꏂ..?”

Her panting accelerated, sweat pouring profusely from her skin. Frightened turquoise eyes look all over the place, only finding hidden shapes. “Enough hiding, coward! Show yourself!!” Demanded Tatyana, quivering at every creak of the trees. The sound of something rattling against the long branches sent further shivers down her spine.

“꒐ ꋪꏂꂵꏂꂵꃳꏂꋪ ꌦꄲ꒤…”

The trees parted to reveal the giant figure, his silhouette highlighted under the rays of a blood-red moon. Tatyana fell backward, scurrying away from the enormous shadow, only to realize she was no longer fused with her Grimm. Her eyes went pinpoint at the massive antlers adorning the fiend’s head, recognizing him instantly.

“Grimm’noir!?”

“꒐ ꋪꏂꂵꏂꂵꃳꏂꋪ ꅐꁝꋬ꓄ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯꒐꒯ ꓄ꄲ ꂵꏂ…” He continued, his hand reaching down to fully grasp the frightened mare. And as he brought her closer, his skull-like head became more visible. Tatyana couldn’t help but let out a scream, flailing uselessly in his grip.

“ꇙꁝꁝꁝꁝꁝꁝ…” The Nightmare Stag shushed, combing through her scarlet pink mane, enjoying the sensation of her violent shivering. The sound of her weeping was music to his ears. “꒯ꄲꋊ’꓄ ꅐꄲꋪꋪꌦ. ꒐꓄ ꒐ꇙ ꋊꄲ꓄ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꊰ꒒ꏂꇙꁝ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꒐ ꉔꋪꋬ꒦ꏂ…”

“P-please! I beg of you, forgive me... I’m sorry!!”

“... ꒐꓄’ꇙ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꊰꏂꋬꋪ!”

Omen adjusted his grip to hold Tatyana between his thumb and index finger, raising her above his head as his maw split open.

“No... N-NO! PLEASE, DON’T!!”

But the wicked monarch’s pleas fell on deft ears as the Nightmare Stag released her. Tatyana screamed, falling into the void of his mouth, reaching out once the pitch-black darkness closed around her once more.

In actuality, Tatyana had collapsed out of the dark bubble once it popped, yelling in her sleep while tossing around. Her words slurred, screaming through whispers. Resting beside her was the unconscious Grimm, their fusion undone. But all eyes were on Lady Ewe, who knelt down, breathing heavily while coughing up more inky bile.

“That wasn’t a dream spell, was it?” Shadow Scythe speculated, helping her up. “You placed her in a…”

“Nightmare,” Oona confirmed, her honey-brown eyes gazing in a worrisome manner at the collapsed queen. “A-Ah didn’t think Ah was capable! Ah don’t know where that came from, A-Ah…”

“So that’s where that small patch of darkness came from,” Brutus proclaimed, gingerly placing a hand over the sheep’s stomach. “I figured the child inside you was the likely source!”

“Child?!” Dion, Midnight, Cerise, and Zeloph exclaimed, the burly ram the most shocked. “Y-You mean she’s-”

“Pregnant,” nodded the bullman. “No real development yet, but there is a magical signature. It seems the prophecy for the Child of Lightendark will come to fruition!”

Zeloph stared over the sheep sage’s belly, his face pale. “But then, doesn’t that mean the father is..?”

“We’ll worry about that later,” insisted Oona, who turned to the denim blue bull. “Now… lower the barrier. The battle’s over! Please… let us help Beatrix!”

“Say no more,” Grimmwald assured, stamping his cane to instruct his unicorn soldiers to deactivate their magic. “Everyone return home. The coven and I will seek proper reprisal for the queen’s actions this day!”

Holding their aching heads, the unicorns and magic wielders did not hesitate to leave, thankful no one was seriously hurt. “Guards!” Brutus called, his men saluting in response. “Release them!”

With a firm nod, the paladins unshackled the runic chains binding Dion, Cerise, and Midnight. “About time,” grumbled the warrior ram, who rubbed at his wrists before following his allies to aid Beatrix. Trixie continued to cradle the withered mare in her arms.

Cerise’s ear flicked at the sound of Tatyana’s slumbering groans, shivering at her dismay. “Gosh, Oona, you did a number on her!”

“Pft! If you ask me, she deserves far worse than an overlong nap,” Shadow Scythe sneered, shedding no sympathy for the mad monarch.

“C’mon guys, now’s not the time,” insisted Midnight, his lips pursed. “Beatrix is severely wounded!”

“Allow me,” Zeloph offered, hovering close to his former flame before tracing over her stomach and shoulder, rubbing tenderly. His claws glowed with shimmering chromatic lines, the aura flowing over her shapeliness, mending punctures wounds and revitalizing her energy.

After the light dimmed and the cherub removed his hand, Beatrix released a light sigh and blinked open her eyes. The searing pain felt like a memory now, replaced by a gentle warmth she forgot her ex was bestowed with giving. Then, with a slight curl of her lip, she cheekily whispered, “You know, I wouldn’t be opposed if you massaged some other parts of me~!”

He returned the smile and retorted, “Heh! You’d like that, wouldn’t you~?”

They shared a small chuckle as Oona and Trixie helped the mare on her feet. The azure sheep hugged her tightly while addressing her angelic ally. “Thank ye, Zeloph.”

“Think nothing of it,” he insisted, pocketing his hands. “Just know that none of you would have likely made it this far withou-ooowowow!”

His boast was interrupted when Shadow Scythe tugged at his feathery ear. “ You’re the reason I’m even in this mess!” She reminded, her cheeks flushed. Then, she added quietly, “... though I suppose that’s not all a bad thing, given you helped me realize the value of having friends.”

“A’ll admit! Ah was ready tae just clobber th’ two ov you th’ moment anythin’ shady happened,” Dion confessed, fists on his muscled hips. “But ye’re really provin’ yerselves here!”

“Yeah,” agreed Midnight, smiling widely. “Maybe when this is done, and you’ve returned to your full power, you could spar with me? I’d like to learn more about winged combat!”

“You… you would?” Zeloph stammered, taken aback as the pegasus nodded.

“That can wait until after we’ve secured Abby,” noted Cerise, a confident smile present when she raised her hands. “And once we reclaim my body from Doppia! I’m going to need your help for that since you’ve traveled with her.”

Both the reaper and demi nodded. “We’ll do whatever we can to help,” assured Shadow Scythe, who bowed.

But before the group could make their next course of action, the rumbling sound thundered above them, making the earth shake. The parties stumbled to remain standing. “W-what’s happening?!” Trixie exclaimed.

The answer would come to them as the skies began to distort, a tear opening like breaking glass, light and quantum energy seeping through the hairline cracks that widened by the moment.

“A sky rift..?” Beatrix pondered until a sharp yowl caught her attention. Lady Ewe clutched at her tummy, feeling as if a blade had pierced through her midsection. “Oona!!”

“A-Ah thinks it’s Abadonna,” she managed to say through a pained cry. “She’s still tryin’ tae prevent this timeline’s correction. A-An’ with her now developin’ inside my body….”

“You’re effectively linked..!” Beatrix realized, holding her beloved tightly. “If this goes on, reality itself will collapse!”

“And the Burning King will get what he wants,” Brutus noted, offering his hand to help the panting shaman back up. “Come with me. I’ll take you to Flurry Heart.”

But before the group could head inside the castle, they found themselves surrounded by the paladin knights, who poised their magic-made weapons to box them in. A group of soldiers circled around Tatyana’s slumbering form as well. Behind them were the citizens, an eerie green glowing from their eyes.

“What is the meaning of this!?” The minotaur bellowed with rage. “Stand down!!”

“So sorry, but I’m afraid they’re under new management now~” An all too familiar voice cackled as dark foreboding clouds spiralled above the shattering sky, shrouding the entire capital. Cerise shuddered uncontrollably, hatred and fear burning in her soulful amber eyes.

“It’s her...”

One of the lead paladins stepped forward, wearing an unsettling smile. Little by little, fragments began to crack around him before the illusion shattered, revealing the Vice Lord in her stolen glory. Her grey metallic dress with the frilly skirt sparkled dimly while she stretched her bat-shaped wings; her neon pink eyes gleamed with malice.

"Doppia!!"