The Bewitching Hour

Chapters

Chapter 1 : Aftermath of the Great Changeling War (Moonlight River, Midnight Blitzer, Shining Armor)
Chapter 2 : The War Chief (Dion, Oona Ewe, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)
Chapter 3 : Desert of Death Act I (Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, White Shadow Penumbra, Sombra, Inky Rose, Lily Longsocks)
Chapter 4 : Desert of Death Act II (White Shadow Penumbra, Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Lily Longsocks)
An Interlude (Bellatrix Primadonna, Dion, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse, Beatrix Belladonna, Oona Ewe)
Chapter 6 : Requiem (Shadow Scythe, Quicksilver Bullet)
Chapter 7 : Culture Shock (Ebony Ivory, Ashen Dunes, Beatrix Belladonna, Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River)
An Interlude II (Ebony Ivory, Dion, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse, Bellatrix Primadonna, Moxxi, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Cerise Silhouette)
Chapter 8 : Heart of the Wild (Quicksilver Bullet, Quiver Bolt, Shadow Scythe)
Chapter 9 : Changeling Chess (Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Shining Armor)
Chapter 10 : The Neon Demon (Moxxi, Beatrix Belladonna)
Chapter 11 : The Fallen Sun (Zeloph, Moxxi)
Chapter 12 : Serpent in Eden (Bellatrix, Zeloph, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)
Chapter 14 : Weapon XXX (Wispy Willow, Kitsune, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)
Chapter 15 : Dreams and Nightmares (Beatrix, Oona Ewe, Ebony Ivory)
Chapter 16 : Days of Future Passed (Kitsune, Wispy Willow)
An Interlude III (Bellatrix, Moxxi)
Chapter 17 : The Domestic Life (Quiver Bolt, Shadow Scythe, Quicksilver Bullet)
Chapter 18 : Tribe Relations (Noble Savage, Ebony Ivory, Zuri, Kali, Tisha)
Chapter 19 : Beyond The Grave (Natural Selection, Mortis, Quicksilver Bullet, Triad, Penny Dreadful)
An Interlude IV (Nearly everyone?)
Epilogue
Chapter 5 : Desert of Death Act III (Ashen Dunes, Cerise Silhouette, White Shadow Penumbra, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Somnambula, Stygian, Lily Longsocks)
Chapter 13 : The Dream Walker (Oona Ewe, Minerva, Beatrix Belladonna, Ebony Ivory, Noble Savage)

Chapter 1 : Aftermath of the Great Changeling War (Moonlight River, Midnight Blitzer, Shining Armor)

Drifting through the vastness of space was a rocky planetoid, with what appeared to be a creaky old mansion resting on the surface. This was no ordinary manor, as it housed a massive creature of abominable strength. It was the residence of the infamous wandering witch, Beatrix Belladonna, who had just woken up from a long sleep.

Stretching and yawning, the violet mare made her way through the halls of the second floor, brushing through her platinum blonde locks tipped in a violet tinge which cascaded scraggly around her shoulders. Candlelight flickered over her shapely form, more teased than concealed by the thin silk nightgown that fluttered under a draft.

Her bare feet padded on floorboards that creaked, her sleepy eyes half-lidded when she disappeared into the bathroom. After doing her business and washing her face, Beatrix quietly wandered back to her room, where another woman slept undisturbed on the opposite side of her spacious bed.

Lady Oona Ewe, the azure sheep shaman from a Lost World, was Beatrix’s mentor and lover, supporting the witch through her most prominent adventures. Soft in both heart and flesh, the kindly dream faun showed only compassion and wisdom to those in need. Currently, she snored lightly as she turned over, her pleasantly plump breasts peeking from under the covers. Her luxurious white wool was illuminated under moonlit rays pouring through the window.

Smiling, Beatrix crept over to her love, stroked the light blue of her cheek, her own supple form's silhouette brought out by the gentle caress of the moon's tender rays.

The witch departed after giving Oona a small kiss to her snout, letting her snooze while finding herself growing restless. So instead, Beatrix made her way towards her sister’s room across the hall, knowing the shapeshifting succubus rarely slumbered.

Standing in front of the door, she gave a couple of soft knocks until Bellatrix’s prim voice answered, “You’re free to come right in, you know.”

“O-oh! Sorry,” Beatrix sheepishly apologized before entering the room, spotting the succubus in question reclining in a wide bathtub. Silky black hair draped over the waters, her tall and voluptuous form crimson, adorned by leather bat wings, horns, and a spaded tail that swished as it slapped water onto her supple skin.

“What seems to trouble you, sister?” Bellatrix asked with lazily half-opened golden eyes, her lips drawn.

“Hope I'm not imposing! It’s just...I can't sleep,” admitted Beatrix, who edged closer to the tub.

“Not at all. The maids drew me a bath in preparation for my nightly massage,” explained Bellatrix, who shrugged dismissively as she lounged in the steamy waters, the air filled with faint vapors and the scent of sensuous perfume. “Speaking of which...”

The crystal pony earth mares wandered from the bathroom, supplies in tow. Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse were twins, their manes in bob cuts, a shade of pastel coral pink, a slightly different shade from their bright eyes and coats of thin fur over shapely forms. The former was the elder of the two, scars left on their necks where their heads had been removed and traded, hidden below chokers.

They wore dainty stylized uniforms complete with pleated skirts, stockings, heels, and headdresses. Their cleavage glittered in the moonlight, their shapeliness akin to a prism that made them resemble living jewels.

“Please enjoy! We live to serve,” they said in unison with a curtsy. Immediately the sisters lathered up their palms in soap and started to wash the she-devil, who sighed in delight.

Giggles escaped the duo as they worked their mistress over. Bellatrix was connected to the mansion's nervous system, as her home was an eldritch abomination in disguise, which shifted its interior at the whims of its symbiotic keeper.

“If you want, you're free to sleep here,” offered Bellatrix. “But I don’t think it be wise to let Oona rest alone.”

“No, of course not! I'd just rather not wake her up while she dreams. She makes the cutest sounds~!” Giggled Beatrix, plopping onto the massive, heart-shaped bed with a playful bounce. She leaned her chin on her palms and kicked her feet. “You know me, sis. I can never stay in one place for so long! So much to do, things to see...”

“People to fuck...?” Bellatrix added slyly.

“W-well, if things should come naturally~” She admitted with a blush as her eyelids began to grow heavy. In contrast to her quiet room, the stimulation made her much more tired.

Her sister rolled her eyes. “Always such a child,” she sighed, rising with a splash and swishing her mane back. Droplets rolled down her denuded curves, and the maids toweled her off on both sides. She stepped onto a mat then strolled over to a carpet where she reclined on her belly. Tender hands were oiled up as the twins began to work over every inch of her flesh until she quietly mewled and squirmed.

“Can’t help it! Every day is a new… oooaaah... adventure,” murmured Beatrix, starting to drift off once more.

Bellatrix kept her mewling to a minimum as not to disturb her sister’s slumber. But what none of them realized was that the mansion had been compromised. Zeloph the Fallen One, Beatrix’s old lover turned enemy, had recently infiltrated the manor. Through his interaction with the reaper who had beheaded the twins, Shadow Scythe, she had left here to piece together her missing memories, having carved a hole through the creature to acquire dimensional travel.

As a result, the abomination could link up with alternate worlds and unexplored regions of the galaxy. And from this gashly wound, extraterrestrial energy poured out from other universes, and began to affect the dreams of all who slept inside...

*****

Moonlight River, a thestral mare who trained for the fabled Lunar Guard, had always thought of herself as 'one of the boys' when she trained hard to keep up with her peers. They had run the obstacle course to exhaustion, sweaty and sticky in their military uniforms. Grayish-purple skin stuck to a mane that curled over one half of her face as she huffed.

“What's the matter, boys? Can't keep up?” She placed a fist on her hip, heart ready to explode after she hit the finish line first.

“Made it,” called Midnight Blitzer, who sailed next to her. Usually, the fluffy blue-furred pegasus could beat her, his enlarged wingspan better built for speed despite its clumsy appearance. His emerald eyes sparkled with innocence. “Woo! Good job, Moony! Always knew you could do it!” He congratulated her between pants, beads of sweat stuck to his spiky, wild mane, a darker shade of blue. “Phew.... Man, I’m sore!”

“Think I beat my record that time?” She asked, swishing her drenched mane.

“I’d say that’s a guarantee! We’ve both been working hard, though I can’t say the same for the other guys,” Midnight chuckled, his ears perked at the sound of groaning behind them. He obliviously stretched his expansive plumage to the fullest, Moonlight's narrowed eyes drawn to them. “Can’t complain, though. We're top of the class!”

“That's because we have a real reason to fight,” Moonlight reminded. “I’m sure everyone here has lost family and loved ones, but things are more…personal with us.” Her mood turned somber for a moment. While it wasn’t right to compare suffering, she knew poor young Midnight had witnessed some of his family's senseless slaughter by the changelings firsthand.

Behind that cheery smile and childish demeanor was a repressed truth.

How could she possibly comfort him after a trauma that ran so deep...?

The flutter of wings and stomp of hooves sounded behind them. More stallions and mares crossed over, each trainee a potential who different units might scout if they showed enough promise. While the war with the changelings had supposedly reached its end, there were still small nests hidden across the Everfree Forest, which had grown out of control since civilization's fall and now blanketed the entire continent. Thus, peacekeepers were still in high demand.

A whistle sounded as the last cadet cleared the course. The pair turned back to look at the walls, pits, and other blockades that made it difficult to fly, as, despite their advantage, the Captain stressed they wouldn't be able to rely on flight in every situation. The stallion in question, Shining Armor, watched over his troopers who snapped to attention before him.

“You all did well,” he complimented as he hobbled up, one of the war hero's legs crippled in the war that had wiped out most of the pony population. A creak sounded from the metal around it. “Though it won’t be enough, should a surprise raid ever hit us.”

“Shining Armor, sir,” boldly cried Moonlight, who stared ahead. “Don’t you think most of the changelings were dealt with?”

“That could be true,” he contemplated, knowing rumors spread like wildfire among the military academy. “But do not forget; it takes one to form a new hive and spread their numbers. Especially if it's a female with the potential to become a queen if she eats royal honey! I needn't remind you what we sacrificed just to take Chrysalis out…”

A grim silence hung over the trainees. Had it not been for their rulers, most who sacrificed themselves, many more towns and capitals would have fallen to changeling hierarchy.

One by one, the wizened alabaster unicorn passed the lineup. Moonlight swallowed hard and shifted on her clawed feet while Midnight tried to keep a stoic expression. Last time he failed to conceal a smile, the captain came down particularly hard on him. Nonetheless, he couldn’t hide the sweat as Shining Armor observed the blue pegasus.

“You were slower than last time, Midnight,” he grimaced, shifting onto his bad leg.

“I’m trying my best, sir,” replied Midnight honestly.

“That’s also what you said last time. If that’s your best, I’m afraid to think of all the lives you’ll let down, should another outbreak happen.” Shining Armor turned to address the rest of their squadron. “The princesses believed more changelings could invade at any moment. That's why we continue to do this! Earn your uniforms, and who knows? You might be more than just peacekeepers someday.”

“Sir!” The cadets cried in unison when they shot him a perfectly timed salute.

“Now go clean yourselves up. Report back at 1400 hours. Dismissed!” Shining Armor turned his back on the cadets who split up, his uniform in pristine condition over his bulky muscles and adorned in several medals since he was a renowned war hero.

Midnight remained motionless until Moonlight elbowed him in the ribs. “Let's not wait up. The sooner we're clean, the sooner we can relax, yeah?” She smirked.

“Yeah…. Sounds good to me,” answered Midnight as he followed alongside her into the unisex shower rooms, his chipper personality coming through. They had been drilled not to cut loose too much in here, aware that the captain or someone else in charge could drop in unannounced at any time. But that didn’t top the cadets from blowing off steam in the stalls, so long as no one went too far. Hot water sprayed from the nozzles and vapors partially obscured the tiles as the trainees stripped.

“Race you,” she teased and started to chuck off her clingy uniform.

“Hey! No fair, that’s cheating!” Midnight scrambled to keep up while she burst into laughter. He almost caught up as she unhooked her bra and slid off her panties, the offensive garments tossed aside as her shapely breasts bounced free.

He studied her more with curiosity than lust, her ample curves somewhat slimmed by the muscle she'd built up. Midnight failed to notice how the batmare subtly posed for him to accentuate her lithe but ample assets.

In secret, Moonlight dreamed for the day he wouldn't see her like a sister...but as a mare. To look at her with desire and possessiveness, to take her as his bride. Maybe one day, they could settle down and start a family, away from all the warfare.

“You've built up some nice abs,” he observed and innocently prodded them.

“Erm, thanks…though I’m not sure most mares would take that as a compliment,” she chuckled awkwardly. At least Midnight found her aesthetically pleasing, despite his lack of innate desire. Sometimes, Moonlight didn't understand why she wanted him so badly.

Was it because they had so much in common? Both of their immediate families were ravaged by the invaders. She had been shipped to relatives, who were kind enough to take Midnight in and raise him as their own. Not long after, they enlisted despite their youth, trained for years to become peacekeepers. But now, they were approaching their late teen years and not a single step closer towards their goal.

Midnight, in particular, was antsy at times. While she was content to try and help keep the changeling population down, the mere mention of them made his feathers and fur stand on end. The pegasus quietly smoldered, almost in a trance at times, and her snout would purse in concern whenever she did her best to comfort him.

Moonlight shook away such dreadful thoughts and dashed ahead, her childhood friend close behind. Her hips swayed, and her plush buttocks quivered, soon awash in steamy water that poured down her curves as she seized his hand and yanked him to her. After a workout session, she always felt particularly frisky, but unfortunately, knew he would never take that final step.

“Careful,” she teased and grabbed his biceps to steady him. Her sizable breasts squashed into his muscular chest, and her cheeks colored, reminded of how skinny he'd once been and how hard he'd worked to change that, still boyish as he matured.

“Thanks!” He smiled back as her bosom heaved and his chiseled musculature similarly shuddered. Then, like usual, she started to preen his expansive wingspan, an intimate act that made him quietly whimper as he closed his emerald eyes.

But despite her sensuous touch, his shaft didn't so much as mildly stir, even when it casually slipped and rubbed against her tight slit, which made her mewl low.

“F-fuck, man. Just put it in already...” She mumbled to herself without thinking.

Midnight quirked an eyebrow. “Put what in?” His voice carried through the chambers, muffled only slightly by the hiss of showers and the slap of bare flesh as cadets washed. Raunchy laughter burst out around them.

“Put i-in…uh, another obstacle course!” She blurted out as her face burned brighter. Moonlight attempted to spin on her heel and retreat out of shame, only to slip on a bar of soap and yelp as she tumbled. Her ample bottom smacked on the tiles as she slid, desperately clawed for support, and seized Midnight by the wrist, where he was pulled down with the thestral and landed atop her.

There were cheers and whistles around them once they found themselves in a compromising position, limbs tangled up as they awkwardly stumbled back to their feet. Midnight shook his head and chuckled too, unsure why everyone found it so funny.

Fury threatened to overwhelm Moonlight, but instead, she seized a towel off a rack, rolled it up, and started to land wet smacks on bare asses of stallions and mares like to send them off. “Yeah, yeah, yuck it up! Don’t forget I still kick your asses half the time!”

Of course, with what those two had lost, it was no surprise they worked themselves senseless to win. Many of the cadets obviously didn't take this too seriously, convinced the war was over. But she worried their enemy was just hiding, the queen biding her time until she could rise anew.

“Still haven’t found Chrysalis’ body,” noted Midnight like he could read her mind.

“True. But it's the same for the princesses, so there’s hope,” Moonlight proposed. The thestral’s arms were sore after smacking so many flanks. Though most prayed that none of the alicorns survived. For if they did, it meant the were held captive by the remaining changelings, minds likely broken beyond repair, made into into living wombs to incubate countless eggs until expiration.

Regardless, the Solar Guards and Lunar Guards were still active, the latter of which offered Moonlight honorary membership.

She helped Midnight dry off his enormous wingspans, after which the pair redressed. The rest of their day was routine, worked to exhaustion, to the point where Midnight complained, “Why is Shining Armor so hard on me? He’s always singling me out!”

“Yeah, but he's pretty slack compared to most instructors, from what I've heard,” she panted, staring at her clawed feet.

Moonlight couldn't tell him the truth, her memory heavy with a fateful day when the captain had called her into his office.

She had swallowed hard, and her heart almost skipped a beat, prepared to be punished for insubordination since she had a tendency to run her mouth. But instead, he'd simply stood there in silence at his desk, his weathered features dark and heavy.

“At ease, soldier,” said Shining Armor. Around the war hero were shelves lined in trophies that marked past exploits, reminders of the world before it had fallen. “You're not in trouble. I called you here because I acquire your assistance.”

“Me? What can I do, sir?” She tried to relax her posture, despite her reservations.

“It's...a personal matter. About Midnight Blitzer. I know this isn't fair, but...can you keep a secret?” Moonlight nodded her head before he continued. “Good. You've always taken care of him. He's a brave kid, strong and sharp for his age. But he’s also too naïve for his own good. Takes after his father, I suppose...” He exhaled heavily.

“Sir? I don't follow.” She nibbled on her lower lip with a fang, leather wings drawn close.

“After I lost my wife in the invasion, I was a mess. Couldn’t return home after my sister and parents disappeared. At that point, I didn't see any reason to live on. I mean, what's the point if it can all be wiped away so easily? That’s when I met this mare; Blizzard was her name. Neither of us intended it, but we were lost and alone, so...stuff just kind of spiraled out from there.”

“Blizzard? Blizzard…” Realization dawned over Moonlight after muttering that name a couple more times. “W-wait! isn't that-”

“Midnight's mother, yes,” Shining confirmed. “Grief led us into bed, and I fathered a pair of twins. I didn't know that at the time, and Blizzard kept it a secret once her son and daughter were born. She was determined to make sure Lightning and Midnight didn’t follow in their father's footsteps, should they ever know. But in hiding the truth, it cost Midnight a mother and a sibling...”

He choked on the words and turned his back on her, struggling to say more. She waited patiently and tried to digest the implications of all this, wondering why he couldn't tell Midnight himself. Was he too ashamed too? Did he feel like he'd abandoned him all this time? Maybe the captain believed ignorance would somehow protect the poor pegasus?

“Swear to me,” Shining Armor requested in an almost desperate tone, unable to help but shake. “Swear to me you won’t tell him.”

“I-I swear, sir,” she nodded and closed her eyes, unable to keep a single tear from escaping as she clawed her sides. “I promise I won’t say a word about this to him.”

“Thank you,” he answered stiffly. “Sorry to burden you like this, but since you're the closest to him, I figured I’d let you know.”

“Is that why you're so hard on him? Because you’re worried? I think he'd rather feel loved.” She knew they couldn't afford to coddle soldiers, but maybe he would be inspired to try even harder, should the captain took him under his shield?

Shining Armor chuckled wearily. “I can’t show favoritism. I’m already unprofessional in telling you all this. Nonetheless, you'd better head back to your friends and family.”

Moonlight nodded, offering a salute before quietly leaving the office. She briefly paused upon hearing quiet sobs from outside.

With a shake of her head, the batmare pushed herself onward, lest she allowed herself to break down as well.

A short time later, she returned home. Moonlight retreated to her room, her home shared with extended family and Midnight. But tonight, she headed straight to her room, unable to face her friend right now. Her work desk was covered in various weapons and tools she constructed by hand, like Midnight determined and prepared should another war truly prove to be on the horizon.

Tiny darts that could be hidden in her wingtips were filled with sedatives. Bracers with extended claws could be fastened onto her arms, each ready to be coated by toxins designed to assault the unique physiology of the insectoid changelings. Yet, a certain paranoia still beset ponies, aware the shifters could permanently hide in the crowds as they infiltrated, ready to strike.

Her fingertips traced a portrait of Midnight on her desk, next to a picture of her deceased parents. An ache swelled in her heavy heart, because no matter how much she wanted to share the truth with him, she had sworn before Shining Armor not to.

Quiet sobs were audible through the thin walls. Her heart ached, no doubt that Midnight was having another nightmare, as he whimpered and called for his parents and twin sister, Lightning Spark. Most of her family kept their distance from him, told her it was better to give him space, but she couldn't simply leave him alone. Not when she knew how much he needlessly suffered.

It was the invaders! They did this to them! Their numbers continued to swell out in the wilderness! Maybe in a hive under the earth!

“We'll be ready too,” she swore, the bracer fastened into place as she studied the shiny claws that shimmered under soft lamplight that made her shadows danced over the dim interior. “I won't hesitate to end you!”

A short time later, Midnight would disappear. The rest of her family assumed he had run away. Shining Armor speculated he'd went off on his own to hunt the enemy. Some feared he'd perished. It wasn't until much later when Moonlight would learn the truth.

By no choice of his own, Midnight had been whisked away to a paradise world, where he would have his fateful encounter with Beatrix. One that would forever bind the two, because an innocent wish of Beatrix's had altered his past, to make them half-siblings.

*****

Beatrix awoke with a cry, hand clutching her torso. Somehow, the witch was back in her own bed, uncertain if her sister had carried her there or if she had sleepwalked back.

“Bad dream?” A voice stirred beside her as Oona rose with a yawn. Despite the shaggy hair that framed her, the plump sheep sage appeared graceful and cute, rubbing the sleep out of her honey-brown eyes.

“No, it wasn’t,” Beatrix assured, scratching her head. “I…I can’t remember, actually.”

Her lover dreamily smiled before pulling the witch into her motherly bosom to stroke her mane. “Sounds like whatever ye wair dreamin’ aboot was quite eventful. No worries, mah love. Ye’re always safe with me,” Lady Ewe whispered silkily into her ear, placing a kiss on her temple.

“M-maybe it wasn’t important?”

“Mmm, dreams can often be random an’ make little sense. Other times, they provide precious insight, visions ov tings yet tae come. But whit matters is that ye’re okay. So Ah ask Ceann Oga, are ye okay?”

Beatrix looked up with starry eyes at her lover, smiling as she replied, “Of course I’m okay. I’m with you~!”

Blushing, the sheep shaman allowed her student to snuggle into her wool. Dawn had yet to break, but it was clear neither of them would be able to sleep once more after that outburst.

Together, they slid from the bed as Beatrix cast off her sweaty gown while adorning Oona’s housecoat. The lovers walked hand-in-hand to the balcony that overlooked the greenery outside. Stars twinkled in the darkness, a reminder of her own cutie mark, shaped like a swirling cosmos. A gentle breeze washed over the couple who linked fingers. Whenever she was troubled, she could always seek solace here with her love.

After a moment, Beatrix found her voice. “I've helped the multiverse more than I've hurt it...haven't I...?”

Lady Ewe's grip tightened. “Ah believe it’s a matter ov perspective. None ov us are truly aware ov whit consequences our actions may bring. Ye’ve made plenty ov enemies, yes. But ye’ve also saved an’ touched many lives. Mine included, of course."

“You’ll always be here to teach me, right?”

“Ah think we’re past th’ point where Ah can teach ye anythin’ new. But A’ll always offer ye encouragement an’ advice.”

“And cuddles~?”

The sheep woman snickered. “And cuddles~.”

There was a chirp of birds to welcome in the dawn. The planet, once barren, had started to team with life brought in from other dimensions by Bellatrix, who sought to build a proper ecosystem here. Butterflies danced below and dew speckled on the flowers. The dim light of an artificial, magically created sun peeked through the fluffed-up clouds.

For some reason, the lovers thought back to the utopian paradise world, an Eden where clothes were forbidden. They had first encountered Midnight there, Beatrix unaware she had stumbled on his home planet before and altered his life course.

Many creatures had slipped through the cracks while they dreamed and ended up in that Eden. Lady Ewe had speculated that the planet was somehow drawing several distraught people there in an attempt to repopulate it. Though she doubted anyone would ever know for sure. Beatrix had helped return those there to their rightful universes, with a few choosing to stay.

Surely, that was an example of how her interference in different planes ultimately made a positive difference, wasn't it...?

She could indeed be careless and a tad thoughtless at times, but her lovely teacher would help keep her on the right track!

In contrast to the peace above, in the depths of the mansion, a wall pulsed in sync with the abomination's uneven heartbeat.

The wound in the manor continued to bleed and leak out in the darkness, so subtle the creature nor its mistress could detect it...

Chapter 2 : The War Chief (Dion, Oona Ewe, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)

Within the other rooms of the manor laid a few of Beatrix’s close companions and newly formed friendships. Dion, a sturdy warrior ram and brother to Oona Ewe, was among the few soundly asleep. His brows furrowed, a string of soft murmurs leaving his mouth as his dream took the burly ram back to his distant homeland within the Lost World.

The Isle of Pàrras. A peaceful, beautiful landscape of stone, meadows, and luscious woods, home to the mysterious fae. After years of migration and through the great union of the clan chieftain and faerie queen, the fauns and satyrs finally found a place they could call their own. Eventually, a few minotaurs and centaurs were welcomed, helping the community grow and develop without disrupting the harmony established by the ancient faes.

Some fae creatures began to live among the new residence not long after, helping the clan clean and farm with food and gold as payment. The only place they actively avoided was the forge, as steel was poisonous to all faekind. And it was within this smithy that Dion recalled the majority of his youth.

Metal clanged, steel hissed. The young ram felt his muscles strain as he tried to hammer his weapon into shape. Sparks of ambers flew with every bash until he put away the tool, wiping the sweat off his forehead. His once clean alabaster fur was covered in soot, as were his apron and gloves.

With a frustrated sigh, Dion dipped the searing steel into the cooling bucket. The blade was much too big for him to properly hold, his arms shaking. Yet Dion was confident he would grow into it eventually.

Not too far, another hammer was pounding away as he turned towards his father, busy building his own weapon. While his rule was dubious at times, no one could deny the impressive work Lord Haden had accomplished during his legendary reign. Holding the mantle of chieftain the longest, the four-horned mountain of a ram had earned a respected reputation.

Yet, even when approaching his later years, as evident by his steely grey wool, Lord Haden could throw down with those far younger and quicker.

Until a worthy successor proved themself worthy, the Jakobson sheep was adamant on holding onto his title, despite his waning strength. Dion equally admired and craved his father’s position, pouring blood and sweat into bulking up and competing for the mantle one day. This proved a more daunting task, since part of Dion’s training involved forging a perfect blade.

The young ram pulled out his latest attempt, the cooled metal wisping with steam. Hefted by both hands on the hilt, Dion approached the older ram and knelt on a knee, presenting the freshly forged blade. Putting his own tools down, Haden took his son’s creation and gave it a look over, checking every inch of its shiny edge.

Narrowing his cherry-red eyes, he dropped the sword carelessly onto the ground with a clatter. “No good,” he said with a grunt of dissatisfaction. “Start again.”

“Whit!?” Dion exclaimed in disbelief, picking the tossed blade back up. “Are ye bustin’ mah baws, dad!? This is th’ biggest blade A’ve built yet!”

“Aye, with laymen eyes, it’s quite th’ attractive blade. But any good blacksmith can see th’ carelessness of its maker.” The stout ram pointed towards the edge’s center, where a tiny crack was forming upon close examination. “One good swing, an’ this will break under pressure. Start again.”

“Oh, furfuxake! It’s just a wee flaw!”

“Any flaw is bad enough.”

“A’m not a perfectionist like ye, Dad. Ah don’t have time fur this! Th’ hiehlain games are a week away. Ah need a blade if A’m goin’ tae compete, dad! This sword will be more than enough!”

Haden sighed heavily, facing his son as his Onoma, his arcane magic flashed around his hand, summoning his own bulky sword. “Very well…show me then.”

With a battle cry, Dion charged and took a wild swing. Without missing a beat, the elderly ram released his weapon and caught the blade by its point and, with enough pressure between his finger and thumb, shattered Dion’s hard work into pieces before his eyes.

One broken shard flies past the young ram’s cheek, crying out as it sliced into his flesh, bright blood gushing from a wound that would surely scar. Dion seethed with pain, clutching his injured face while looking over the remnants of his sword, the floor littered with other blades that were deemed failures.

“Ah warned ye,” Haden reminded grimly, towering over his son. “One flaw is all it takes. Now, let me see yer eye-”

“Get off me!!” Dion brayed, pushing his father away, tears streaming down his face. “Ye said ye would help me, but all ye’ve done is reject all my efforts! Yer a stubborn old man!”

“Ah can’t help someone who ain’t willin’ tae learn from their mistakes.”

“Baagh!!!” Dion brayed, slamming his fist into the anvil, ignoring searing he was causing himself. The pain he had gotten used to. It was the humiliation he could not handle…

“A’ve spent sae long forgin’ these dingy blades, an’ not one ov them was good enough. Am Ah just…destined tae be a weaklin’?”

Another deep exhale left his father’s torso-length beard as he gripped Dion’s shoulders and pulled the young ram around, wet crimson eyes meeting soften cherry orbs. “A weapon does not make th’ man,” Haden answered. “It's th’ man an’ what he does that make th’ weapon. Ye’re too focused on th’ result an’ praise, instead ov makin’ sure there aren’t any cracks. If ye can not give me a proper sword, how can Ah trust that our people will be safe in yer hands?”

Meekly, Dion nodded and wrenched as Haden ran a thumb under the freshly made cut, wiping away some blood. “Mmm. Ye're lucky ye didn’t lose an eye. Any weapon can be rebuilt, but not at th’ cost ov yer sight or senses. Now go see Fidelma an’ take a break. Then, when ye're ready, come back an’ try again.”

“Y-yes, father...” The young ram sniffled, leaving the forge with bitterness and contempt. No one else could make him feel so small. Not even the bullies he bashed skulls with whenever they picked on him or Oona. But deep down, he understood that his father’s bluntness was necessary if the young ram ever hoped to prove his worth.

So, after Fidelma, the masked soothsayer and advisor to the chief, patched up his wound and prepared lunch for him, young Dion returned to the forge and started anew. Again, he would forge another blade, only for him to cast his work aside upon spotting the cracks and crooked shapes. Groaning, he threw away his shortcomings and tried again.

This process repeated long into the day’s end, where the chief returned to check up on his son. Haden noted the pile of discarded swords, spotting Dion delivering one final hammer to his weapon before dipping it into the cooling bucket.

The young ram was soaked in perspiration, panting hotly while leaning against the stone pillar for support. His hands felt numb, shaking from all the hours he spent building. Grunting, he was about to reach for the hilt until Lord Haden stepped in, pulling out his son’s latest creation.

He studied the pristine steel, humming thoughtfully while stroking his long braided beard. Then, casting a glance towards the large boulder in the room, the elderly ram walked over and, using both hands, took a mighty swing.

Dion tore his gaze away and closed his eyes, awaiting the inevitable sound of steel breaking onto the floor. Yet, the only thing he heard was a hard clang. Opening one eye, Dion saw that not only did the saber survive the impact, but it also managed to leave a scarred crack over the rock’s surface.

Haden turned back to his son, his mustache covering a proud smile. “This is what good looks like,” he told Dion before handing him back the sword. “It may not last long in a real battle, but it’ll hold up nicely fur th’ hiehlain games. Well done, son.”

The young ram did say a word. Just stared in astonishment over his creation, surprised to find it in one piece. “I… I-I did it!”

The chief ram nodded before warning, “Don’t let that go to yer head. Rulers do not earn respect through shoutin’ demands or throwin’ tantrums. They gain it through dedication and hard work. Remember that, Dion.”

“I-I will, father,” the young ram smiled, placing his sword back onto the anvil.

“Now come along, son. Ye’ve at least earned yerself a beer,” the older ram chuckled, patting his boy on the back as the two left the smithy to have a drink over Dion’s small achievement.

*****

Thunder cracked across the sky as rain poured heavily over the Isle of Pàrras. Mud splashed and filled Dion's mouth as he was flung into the mushy ground. Over him stood a victorious minotaur, who soaked in the crowd's mixed reactions of cheers and boos. The battered young ram gazed over his discarded sword, nearly half-buried in the muck. Raising to a knee, he clung to his injured ribs, casting a frustrated glare to his opponent, who cockily snorted,

“Better luck next time, runt!”

Before Dion could retort an insult, a pair of referees urged him to rest on the sidelines, pulling him aside as the final stage of the tournament went underway. While walking, he looked towards the royal seat, Oona cupping her hand to boo along with the onlookers. But the one Dion couldn’t face properly was Lord Haden, who rose from his throne and prepared to face the champion.

One steely look was all the sorely bruised ram needed to understand how disappointed his father was. No matter how stoic the quad-horned chief appeared, it was evident to all who knew him how badly he wanted his son to win.

Dion hung his head in shame, ignoring the medical team, and made a quiet exit from the arena. He didn’t need to watch to know his father would once again successfully defend his title. The poor faun sat by a pound, staring in turmoil at his reflection, rubbing a chipped tooth with his tongue.

Whatever confidence he built up was instantly deflated. Internally, Dion loathed himself for letting his family down. His father wouldn’t be chieftain forever, and if he didn’t step up, someone else would claim the chief’s mantle. But it became clear to the young ram he wasn’t learning anything by staying on this island.

So, with a heavy heart and determination, Dion decided his best option was to leave home and acquire the strength, skill, and mentality needed to fight and protect.

When night fell, Dion slipped through the village to gather his belongings, leaving a written letter in the forge for his father to read. Thankfully, his sword remained intact, retrieving it from the muddied fields. Accompanied by a shield, a sack heaved over his shoulder, and adorning a green cape, Dion walked towards the docks, where a lone boat floated along the wavy banks.

What he didn’t expect to find was his sister, waiting there with a pensive expression. For a moment, silence hung among their locked gaze before Dion began to speak.

“Oona, listen. Ah-”

“Ah know Ah can’t convince ye tae stay,” she cut off, sporting a sad smile. “Just…tell me ye’re not leavin’ because ov the games. Don’t beat yerself over it. Ye got so far!!”

“Aye, Ah did,” he admitted. “But in defeat, Ah learned a harsh lesson. My best doesn’t cut it if a stronger opponent steps over me. Sae as much as it pains me tae leave, Ah feel like it’s th’ only way A’m going to grow. Dad will understand.”

Giving a slight nod, Oona locked her arms around Dion and brought their heads together. They held each other tenderly, both reluctant to let the other go.

“Promise me ye’ll come back,” she insisted. “That ye won’t get yerself killed!”

“Ah promise,” he nodded, pulling back with a smile. “A’ll come home once Ah know A’m worthy. Farewell, sister.”

With nothing more to regret, Dion left the mystic Isles of Parras to pursue the warrior’s path. The alabaster ram partook in many wars, often changing the tides of battle in his favor. And after vigorous training, fighting, and wandering, he discovered his archaic signature, his Onoma, in Ares.

Like his father before him, Dion earned a reputation as a bullheaded, brash, yet poetic hero who fought for the weak and opposed those who abused strength. It wouldn’t be until many years until he reached contact with his sister again, where she invited him to the manor in celebration of Midnight and Cerise’s wedding. He also indulged with the promiscuous witch who captivated her heart.

*****

The dreams of Dion’s youth were slowly interrupted as the ram stirred awake. A spike of pleasure surged from his loins, feeling something small and wet stroke along either side. Casting a groggy glance down his bare, chiseled chest, he spotted the twin pair of crystal ponies prostrated before him, lapping away at his red member like ice cream. Save for the stockings and heels, their sparkling coral pink bodies were entirely on display, which served to make the warrior harder once he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

“Gosh, sister! Look at how big his balls are,” Foal-Bearer murmured, burying her snout into his massive wooly sack, inhaling his masculine aroma.

“Mmm,” her sister moaned, dragging her tongue from base to tip, which she kissed and suckled. “I heard rams possess high sperm volumes. I can hardly wait to milk out every last drop~!”

“Naughty lil’ minxes, aren’t ye?” Dion wheezed between his teeth as their half-lidded eyes coyly met him.

“Are you opposed?” Wet Nurse asked slyly before taking his tip back into her mouth.

“O-oh, not at all!” The Alabaster ram managed to say with a cocked smile. “If Ah knew such lovely ladies would be joinin’ me in bed, Ah would have been better prepa-aaaahh!”

Foal-Bearer tugged at one of his balls with her mouth, smooching his fuzzy orb before tending to its twin. Wet Nurse bobbed her head over his veiny shaft, saliva dripping down her lips. Eventually, she popped off to continue their conversation while rubbing the thick slab of meat against her cheek.

“Forgive our sudden intrusion. It’s just… we’ve been a little needier ever since Moon Hammer made off with our counterparts.” The crystal maid cooed, recalling how possibly the minotaur rutted them before eloping with a new pair from another world.

“Aye, Ah get that. So why did ye go after me?” The burly ram asked.

“You looked equally as impressive,” Foal-Bearer answered, prying off his wet breeding bag to scoot closer towards his spit-covered cock. “We wanted to see if we could win you over~!”

“Heh! Well,” Dion groaned, shifting his position to sit up without pulling away from the twin’s grasp. “A’d say ye’re a step in the right direction~!”

Both mares beamed at him with lascivious eyes while nuzzling his beating breeder, their bare heart-shaped posteriors prostrated into the air. “We live to serve~.”

And service, they did. Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer took slow, sensuous strips off his dick until every inch of reddish male meat was coated in their saliva. Dion moaned with gratitude, hands brushing over their heads while eyeing their wiggling their peach-shaped asses. The crystal twins took turns seeing who could shove the most of his cock down their throat. Wet Nurse managed to fit a good amount as she noisily gagged and choked around Dion. Foal-Bearer, however, engulfed every inch of his phallus in one go, slurping on it like a straw while massaging those large swollen testicles, earning a much louder response from the ram.

“Pft! You were always the biggest cocksucker,” Wet Nurse playfully teased her twin. “You’ve practically turned it into an artform~!”

“Gmmh!! Mwah~! What can I say,” she gasped upon popping it out, a thread of drool mixed with precum connecting her glazed lips to her treat. “I like putting things in my mouth. Helps me concentrate~!”

The two giggled and began sloppily kissing each other around the tip, moaning and twirling their tongue to scoop up the salty pre oozing out and beaded on his tip.

“A-Aaauuh, fuck!! Ye’re both terrific,” Dion murmured, his eyes closed while he eased into their skilled oral work. Not that it surprised him much, since he'd heard when they worked for Cadance both routinely serviced Shining Armor at her behest. The two managed to squeeze out a lot of precum to suckle off, making the burly warrior squirm and grumble in anticipation.

“Hehe~! It pleases us to hear you make such sounds, sir,” Foal-Bearer cooed, planting soft, wet kisses along the veiny edge.

Wet Nurse licked her lips clean of his pre before adding, “You humble us, yet this is merely what we were born to do.”

Dion was catching his breath before his brows furrowed. “W-wait, that can’t be true,” he murmured, pulling away slightly to see his swollen testicles soaked in mixed spit and discharge. “Ah mean, ye’re obviously talented at this, but…don’t ye ever consider life outside ov being servants?”

His question made the pair pause in their ministrations, turning to each other in surprise before returning their gaze to Dion. “A-ah.... Of course, we do,” Foal-Bearer confirmed. “We actually often fantasize about life outside the manor…”

“But it can only be a fantasy.” Wet Nurse frowned. “Our souls and bodies are forever bound to this place. If we tried to leave… poof!” She brandished her free hand in the air. “Mistress Bellatrix was kind enough to increase the mansion’s radius of influence outside, but that’s as far as we dare go.”

“But who knows! Maybe one day, we'll have this whole asteroid to explore, once it’s terraformed,” Foal-Bearer said wistfully.

“That still hardly seems fair,” Dion said with a pursed snout. “Kind ov reminds me ov silkies back at home.”

“Silkies?” They both perked up with curiosity.

“Aye. Hearthbound ghosts,” the ram explained. “When a female fae dies within a house or castle, their soul tethers tae th’ establishment until it can no longer stand. Adorned in a silky dress or robe, they take care ov chores an’ provide for each family that comes an’ goes. If there's any treasure or valuables, they’ll ward off any intruders with malevolent force.”

The crystal maids huddled closer to the ram, intrigued by these spirits and their similarities.

“A silkie could be released if the master ov th’ house grants her permission when asked. So, maybe yer situation isn’t that far off? Maybe Ah could help find a way tae unbind ye if it's possible.”

Their eyes widened and moistened a tad at his bold proclamation.

“You would…do that?”

“For us?!”

Dion gave a smile and backed himself into the pillow, arms spread open. “Come up. Let’s get to know each other a little. A’m sure ye don’t often get the chance tae talk about yerselves.”

The twins looked at each other and shared a nod. Then, slowly, they crawled over the muscular ram before huddling him as his arms wrapped around each mare. While comfortable in their cuddling, the twins gingerly stroked his shaft, thumbs rubbing over his tip, causing him to lightly groan. Dion could feel their soft breasts squish into his sides, which helped in keeping him erect.

“Well, for starters,” Foal-Bearer began, resting her head closer to the ram’s heart. “We were born with a special cutie mark that connected us on an almost psychic level.”

Dion’s crimson eyes followed the crystal maid’s hand to highlight her flank, the interlocking symbols of venus almost shimmering.

“Anything happens to one; the other feels as well,” Wet Nurse cooed, a hand sliding down her stomach to tend her dripping wet snatch. And as her fingers stroked inside her velvety lips, both she and her sister shuddered and mewled. “We share everything together. Joy, pain…mmm, and pleasure~!”

Foal-Bearer explained, “Our parents labeled us perverse before abandoning us to the streets. We were taken to an orphanage, as the authorities weren't able to track them down. We're not sure what happened to them. We were worried we would be separated...until one day Princess Cadance heard about our unusual nature, and took us into her service where she trained us.”

Wet Nurse continued after her twin, “We learned about court etiquette. How to sing, dance, and when we came of age…how to ‘serve' them.” Her smile widened over the nostalgia. “The couple invited us into their bedroom, you see. Princess Cadance had to travel a lot, and needed someone to tend to her husband while she was away.” Titters rose from the pair, coiling their grip around his thick cock while their marehoods gushed with feminine lubricant at lurid memories.

“We were okay becoming their personal breeders,” Foal-Bearer insisted through slight gasps. “We threw away our old names and, with them, our old lives. We became completely subservient to the family and embraced our role. To us, it was the highest honor to serve the royal bloodline.”

“Mmm,” Dion grumbled as more pre-cum was milked, dripping down to coat their fingers. “But surely, times have changed. Ye could be free mares, make a new life fur yerselves. Maybe one...with me?”

The twins were once more stunned by his bold proclamation, cheeks heated at the thought. “That’s…mighty generous of you, considering you’ve only known us a day,” Foal-Bearer reminded with a skeptical look as she pumped her sticky fist.

“And just what kind of life would you provide us?” Wet Nurse asked.

Dion gave a bashful smile. “Ah plan tae be chieftain one day. Unlike most monarchies, A’ll always be fightin’ tae keep my title. A’ll need tae take a Matanam or ‘mate’ tae ensure our bloodline persists long after A’ve been overthrown. And, while Ah haven’t been home for some time, Ah don’t recall there bein’ a rule sayin’ Ah can’t take more than one~.”

The crystal mares let out an elated gasp, their hearts fluttering over the idea of leaving the manor and starting a family for themselves. “Would we be your only wives?”

“Mmm, well, maybe one more if she’s interested, an’ if ye’re alright with it,” the white ram admitted with a sheepish chuckle. “But Ah promise, after Ah claim th’ mantle an’ free you from your spectral bounds, A’ll give ye all th’ kids ye desire. Though Ah would like tae know yer true names first.”

The twins stared at each other, considering his proposal before sporting wolfish smiles of their own. “That does sound wonderful and all, but I don’t know…” Wet nurse purred. “I think we need proof of how serious you are about us~.”

“Maybe if you satisfy us,” Foal-Bearer added in, making sure her bountiful bosom pressed furthered into Dion’s chest. “...then we might give you our names, hmm~?”

Smirking at the challenge, he rose up to secure Foal-Bearer by her shoulders, his head against hers while she fluttered her ruby-like eyes at him. “A’d be happy tae give ye a demonstration ov what life with me will be like~,” he said huskily before pressing his lips to hers. The crystal maid mewled excitedly, wrapping her arms and legs around Dion as the two heavily kissed, his pulsating member grounded against her needy slit while their hips mashed.

Not wanting to be left out, Wet Nurse clung to the ram’s side, kissing at his neck before he shifted focus and locked lips with hers. One of Dion’s hands groped Foal-Bearer’s supple rump while the other stroked and rubbed against the mound of her twin. Both mares mewled as shared pleasured synced up and stacked, their cuties marks glowing and humming in complete resonance.

“Nnaah! N-no more teasing,” Wet Nurse whined. “Give us your cock! Fuck my sister~!”

Not needing to be told twice, Dion guided the tip of his hardened cock into the crystal mare’s slippery slit, making her back arch as ecstasy spiked upon penetration.

Both hands secured Foal-bearer’s hips to bounce her on his lap, driving his cock deeper into her gushing hot honey pot. In return, she curled her legs around the warrior ram to draw him closer as he dominated her ass and pussy, which clapped below under his forceful slams.

“Aaa-ugh~! Yes! Ooh fuck, that’s it! Harder!” She chanted as her tits bounced and leaked. The slits in the tips of her pink, erect nubs dotted in droplets of milk. Licking his lips, Dion pushed his head down into her pillowy chest, popping one sucker into his maw to suckle her milk, feeling his lover squirt extra mare cum all over his groan as he nursed her bouncy tit.

“A-aagh! So ravenous,” Wet Nurse moaned, feeling her own sensitive buds be stimulated while fingering herself like a crazed mare in heat to the scene. “Yet so passionate~!”

“A-aaaaaye~! Oh, it’s been so long since we were last milked!” Her twin exclaimed, feeling Dion drain one breast before tugging on the other. “I-I haven’t gotten used to this, e-even after Shadow Scythe beheaded us and switched our a-ahh~! Bodies!”

“We could almost thank her,” Wet Nurse laughed between pants and schlicks. “We...we feel more connected than ever!”

“Well, don’t ya worry,” Dion said after sating his fill from his lover's milky, pendulous tits. “A’ll put yer names tae good use!”

Foal-Bearer squeaked in alarm when the ram rose up to his feet and started to hammer at her jiggling plot with abandon. The crystal maid started screaming to the heavens, her limbs climbing onto his broad physique for dear life while feeling that cock punch its way past her cervix into her slippery womb.

Her sister, likewise, was moaning just as loudly, feeling every inch of Dion’s massive dick surge into Foal-Bearer through their psychic link. And through it, they knew that they would never be apart, accepting the fact they would always share a lover.

Both crystal maids were brought to an orgasmic high as Dion, after all their pampering and teasing, slammed Foal-Bearer down to take his thick torrents of cum directly into her uterus. Again and again, the ram hosed down her slippery walls, flooding her core until her eggs were soaked in his virile seed. Mixing fluids leaked out of her slit, dribbling over his balls before the contents leaked all over the floor.

“A-aaaauch! F-fuck sister~! He feels amazing,” Foal-Bearer praised, hugging Dion tightly, tits mashed to his chest. “I can still feel him pumping me full of baby batter~!”

“A-as do I…. S-shit!” Wet Nurse heaved, face burning up as she drenched the bedsheets completely in her mare cum.

As Dion gave one more kiss before putting Foal-Bearer down, her tummy swelled up like a balloon, his red eyes found Wet Nurse’s violet shades. Instinctively, the crystal mare spread her legs wide for her stud, puffy lips winking with anticipation of that red hot dick stained in her sister’s pussy juice.

“R-ruin me~!” She arily begged, kneading her breasts until her burly warrior was upon her, hooking her legs over his shoulders and rolling her up into a coveted mating press. Their muzzles mashed as he slid into Wet Nurse’s marehood, and began pummeling her love tunnel to better fit only his size.

Foal-Bearer managed to recover enough to watch her sister’s wide pink ass getting tapped by the ram’s oversized balls repeatedly. The twins cried out as he absolutely pounded Wet Nurse into submission, making the bed creak noisily below them each time he sunk balls deep.

“That’s right, stud! Breed her! Claim my sister's pussy, make it yours~!” Foal-Bearer encouraged through heated gasps, whispering carelessly into his ear while her sister cried in elation. “Cum inside her. She was made to take dick and give babies~!”

Her dirty talk triggered the ram’s more aggressive side as he started to relentlessly fuck the crystal mare with short, rugged pumps. Dion groaned harshly while Wet Nurse wailed underneath, milking him more violently, as they rode out their climax until both twins cried out. “F-fuck!” The sturdy ram groaned before he followed shortly, then he sank balls deep and unloaded another fresh batch of foal batter into Wet Nurse's womb.

The pair wailed as another wave of bliss washed over them, so raw and doubled between them it almost knocked them out. Wet Nurse squeezed Dion to the last drop, trembling as he held her in place.

After catching his breath, he rolled off of the crystal maid, her gaping twat oozing out his seed as it settled onto her puckered asshole.

Both the ram and the twins laid in the bed, soaked in sweat and cum, the sheets utterly swamped with genital fluid. Dion panted hot puffs of air, his ears ringing from how hard he went on both twins. Both crystal mares managed to drag their bodies up against the ram's with a series of lusty whimpers, curling up in his arms once more and planting sweet pecks on both sides of his sweaty face.

“Fuck…what a wild ride!” Wet Nurse exclaimed, moving her kisses down to Dion’s neck while her hand rubbed his fuzzy chest.

“Invigorating,” Foal-Bearer agreed, lazily tracing over his scar. “It’s been a while since we were satisfied in such a thrilling way.”

“Aye,” Dion chuckled, his hands trending through their locks of pastel pink hair as their tits rested on him. “Ye two definitely put me through th’ wringer. Ah don’t often get to tussle two bonnie lassies at once~!”

“Mmm, Well.… We’ll have to change that once you set us free~.” They swayed their rumps.

Dion cast both mares an exhilarated look before they leaned in to whisper their names.

“Amaranth Carnation…” He looked to Foal-Bearer before turning towards Wet-Nurse. “...an’ Amethyst Butterfly Coral. Wow...such beautiful names.” He smoothed their rumps.

Both mares beamed, one twin licking the shell of his ears while the other nibbled at it, each draping a leg over his body. “Please keep it between us, okay? It’s our secret.”

The warrior ram nodded as his hands wandered south to smooth down their velvet, crystalline curves. He tenderly fondled their expansive assets, memorized their every perfect contour, as the sisters sighed and nuzzled into his barrel chest.

Soon, both maids fell asleep, leaving Dion to his thoughts, which drifted back to their predicament. No one could ever be satisfied in their position, no matter how proudly they claimed otherwise. There was more to life than living it inside as a servant or out on the battlefield. He knew this all too well, having embraced his mortality during many wars, losing plenty of good folks in the process.

One day, Dion would come back home to win the hiehlain games and settle into the life of chieftain. And he vowed to share that life with the crystal twins as his wives, once their shackles to the manor were finally broken.

Chapter 3 : Desert of Death Act I (Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, White Shadow Penumbra, Sombra, Inky Rose, Lily Longsocks)

Returning to her homeworld always filled Cerise Silhouette with ambivalence. The princess missed the time spent with her people and, more importantly, her family. But it was also a reminder of how much she needed to learn.

The bluish-white portal hummed and flickered behind her as Cerise and her companions stepped into the dusty streets. The charcoal mare's neon pink eyes lit up, matching a mane done up in twin tails. Leathery bat wings hung at her back, and a fang peeked from her maw.

Immediately hit by jaunty music from the marketplace, the thestral mare raised her slender arms, closed her eyes, and began to sway along to the beat. Shapely curves were barely contained by her scanty top and booty shorts, her girly contours playfully jiggling to the rattle of tambourines. Tiny bells on her costume jingled.

“Ahh! Glad to see things are still lively!” Cerise giggled, casting her gaze towards Beatrix while rolling her womanly hips. “You sure you don’t wanna stick around, Bea?”

“Love to, but can’t,” the witch answered with a shy grin. “Got my own cute lover to get back to~.”

“Awww, what a shame!” The sun bore down on the sandy capital, framed by a pyramid that loomed over it. Her lips curled over the thought of how close the Fallen One, Zeloph, had come to destroying this region, with innumerable lives lost. If Cerise ever saw that overzealous asshole again, she’d make him suffer for his atrocities!

The disturbed look on the charcoal dancer’s face caught Beatrix off guard. “Whoa there! Quite the scary face you're making. Maybe I should stick around a little longer, after all...?”

“O-oh no! It's nothing to do with you,” assured Cerise, shaking her ill expression away and continued to swivel her wide hips and shake what her momma blessed her with. “Just a little troubled by stuff that's happened. That’s all!”

“We’ve got her covered,” Moonlight insisted, her clawed hand tightly clasping the blue pegasus soldier’s. “Isn’t that right, Middy?”

Midnight shot them all a boyish smirk. “Sure will!” He saluted, the pair of soldiers dressed in more casual attire. Trying to blend in, they momentarily adopted the more skimpy clothing most here wore, his barrel chest and most of his legs bared.

“Damn…. Still can’t believe I’m part of your herd now,” Moonlight muttered to herself, eying her childhood friend’s abdominals while brushing through her crescent-shaped hair. She wore a tied top and skirt-like bottom, one leg bared, like him a pair of sandals tied around her ankles.

The married couple had invited the batmare into their marriage since Midnight Blitzer was a hyper-stallion, a rare stud who required constant sexual gratification to survive, one mare unusually unable to sate him. Thankfully, the arrangement satisfied all parties in happy polyamory.

“Good! I suspect there will be plenty of things uncovered,” Beatrix mused, winking at the trio. “Welp, I’m off! I'll come back to pick you up once you're ready! Don't worry, Bellatrix can keep in contact with the manor if you need us!” She cast them a playful wave then stepped back into the oval that closed behind her with a crackle. Their return waves slowed as the traveler vanished back to her home in the mansion.

“Alright! Let’s mingle,” said Midnight, who took his wife's hand while she continued to shimmy at his side. Then, hand-in-hand, the three ventured further, through the crowded market and past stalls that hawked various wares and foods.

Cerise smiled and waved back at her citizens. She was the princess, after all, even though she'd surrendered all rights to any lands to maintain her freedom as a dancer. Instead, her two younger brothers had accepted those duties. So she decided to visit them, along with her parents. Plus, it was a chance to let her husband and herdmate become more familiar with her world.

Her thoughts were interrupted by sudden shouts in the distance. A mob had gathered, and she spotted two merchants who were practically at their rival's throat, flanked by their personal guards. The local soldiers struggled to restrain them, air suddenly thick with a threat of violence.

A bare-chested soldier protectively stepped into Cerise's path when she approached, his face drawn. “Please stay back, princess.”

“It’s fine! I can take care of myself,” she insisted with more confidence than she felt, determined to show them she was more than a pretty face! Sure, she had been pampered and protected her entire life, especially by her mother, but she was determined to prove her lineage worthy!

Taking flight, she beat her leather wingspan and landed in the center of the chaos, pressing her palms out to push apart the merchants who spat as they shouted. “That’s enough!” She ordered, causing the angry sellers to pause and bow their heads, recognizing King Sombra’s daughter.

“Look, if there’s a problem here, we can settle this dispute without causing a commotion in public. Now come with me to the pyramid, and we’ll handle this peacefully, I promise!”

Despite the aggressive gestures they continued to give each other, no one wanted to oppose the daughter of darkness. Her father had inadvertently blessed her with a portion of his dark power the moment her conception arrived, a mutation that caused her to awaken into a thestral. As a result her earth pony strengths had been enhanced. Yet even she strained under the surge of the rowdy, sweaty crowds around her.

“This is the fault of our incompetent rulers,” cried an unseen bystander from the mass of bodies.

“That's not-” Began Cerise, who yelped once a stone bounced off her skull and shook her, but she managed to keep her footing. Blood oozed from the cut, and her vision reddened.

She winced and squeezed out a couple of small tears, wiped her face on the back of her hand, and snarled with a hiss, her wingspan unfurled.

An all-out brawl broke out between the masses. Despite the heat that built within Cerise's breast, she called, “Wait! Don't kill anyone! Just knock them out! Listen to your princess!” She screamed her commands, supported by the cluster of soldiers who formed a circle to protect her.

“Yikes! This is bad,” yelled Moonlight, thankful she and Midnight came armed as her spear butt slammed into a foe and knocked him to the dirt.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone harm you!” assured Midnight, who shot into the sky beside Moonlight to support her better. Swiftly the lovers dive-bombed the masses, broke them apart in beats of wings, and swooped past rocks and all sorts of objects hurled in their direction.

Another cry escaped Cerise once a wild blow that probably wasn't even aimed at her collided with her face. She nearly lost her balance, hooked the arm, and used her grace to toss the stallion over with a thud, where he landed winded in a cloud of dust. “Alright, that's it! You wanna act like wild animals? Fine, let’s get wild then!!” She flew back up to meet her partners in the sky.

Quickly she whispered her plan, and the pair nodded. The three landed in a clearing, protecting both sides of her flank, positioned in combative stances with spears held at the ready and snouts drawn in case someone dared attack her. Their bodies shielded her from anything tossed their way, whereupon the princess blushed, then raised her slender arms skyward.

Cerise had her costume made easily removable, a simple tug at the strings that comfortably clung around her figure. Her top was first to fall loose once she started to shimmy, and her modest tits were freed with a robust series of bounces, their circumference lined in wide neon pink areolas.

Next came the bottom portion, her wide bottom bared, alongside her tight snatch. While the first ability she had acquired didn't require her to be naked, she had discovered it boosted its potency many times over. Her bat ears twitched as she closed her eyes and danced to an unheard song. Her ample ass and breasts bounced and shook uninhibited to a silent beat as she beamed.

Usually, she preferred to use this power in the comfort of shadows. As if in answer, a miracle answered her prayers, cries of shock heard all over when an eclipse started to settle over the sun, the entire capital blanketed in darkness.

A series of neon lights appeared over her sloped contours, rolled over them, accentuated the bat mare, who resembled a nude silhouette who teased the onlookers when her curves bounced and wobbled. Gradually those who turned her way glazed over, dropped their weapons and lowered their fists, drawn into a trance as they admired the perfection of their lovely princess.

Midnight and Moonlight closed their eyes, but their ears also flicked as they listened to Cerise's pleasant singing. They badly wanted to watch, but reminded themselves the three of them could always make up for that later in the bedroom!

Thankfully reinforcements marched in their direction. General White Shadow Penumbra, and his wife, Lieutenant Lily Longsocks, headed into the capital with a small army. Her brother was resplendent in his white turban and tunic, the pegasus ready with a hand rested over the hilt of his sheathed rune-lined saber. His Amazon-like wife had already drawn her heavy blade.

“Wait,” he stated and placed a hand over hers. “We should try and minimize violence.”

“Of course,” replied Lily despite how hotly her blood burned once she frowned at the crushed stalls and scattered debris. Goods were tossed everywhere and ruined, blood lined the dusty roads, but thankfully there were no casualties.

“Brother! Sister-in-law!” Cerise halted her dance and ran up stark naked to meet them. She practically tackled the pair, hugged them tightly, and nuzzled them, then blushed even brighter as she pulled back slightly, her arms still wrapped around them. "Oh, uh, I've missed you so bad!"

“Good to see you too,” he said with a small smile. “Not bad at all, sister! A little more initiative, and you may be able to maintain order on your own.”

“Sorry about this,” said Moonlight, baring her own fangs when she grinned and arrived with Cerise's costume. The dancer hastily slipped back into it while the General and Lieutenant hurried to help restore order. Despite what had happened, few arrests were made, reserved for only the most violent rioters and looters, who were chained up and taken away by carts they were piled into.

“This won't bode well for father's reputation,” murmured Penumbra, aware of his Sombra's history as a tyrant. After the world had fallen to invaders called the Eldritch, many of the survivors were unaware King Sombra had once been one of the most terrible villains the planet had ever faced. But there were still rumors about his horrid past that had started to spread recently.

“You'll restore honor to your family's name,” Lily insisted with a pat on his shoulder.

"Thank you." He held her hand.

Within the hour, the marketplace was cleared and shut down until it could be repaired. Penumbra promised the merchants they would be compensated, that he would listen to their pleas, and take them straight to his father if necessary.

Cerise pouted. Her brother was busy with his duties like usual, and she couldn't afford to monopolize his attention when there was so much at stake. So instead, she allowed the guards to offer her a ride in a cart back to the pyramid.

As quickly as the eclipse had arrived, it also receded, the dancer uncertain if she was somehow responsible for the phenomena.

There was still so much Cerise didn't know about her powers, and her father couldn't provide any clear answers, either. That darkness was part of her soul, fused to it, a taint that would have corrupted most creatures, appparently balanced out entirely due to the mare's innate innocence.

She rested her head in her husband's lap while he and their partner tended to her wounds in the back of the cabin, troubled by her thoughts.

*****

Later on they arrived, headed inside down corridors lined in hieroglyphics, and Cerise directed them back to the private baths, which were closer to an expansive pool. Guards were bare-chested and stoic, perfect specimens of masculinity handpicked by her father.

Likewise, the maids were epitomes of feminine beauty, dressed in transparent wisps of silk that left their breasts bared, chosen by her mother.

Torchlight split the shadows of the interior, flickered over chiseled muscles and plush curves, nipples erect in the cool air. Midnight couldn't help but admire the stallions and mares alike, however any lust was reserved for his partners.

“And here I thought you were asexual,” teased Moonlight, nudging his ribs with a snicker.

“Cerise helped me have a little awakening.” He watched his lovers strip by the steamy bath, and tossed his own clothes aside in a pile too. He pulled them to his broad chest by the waist, rested a palm on each of their sloped bottoms, and kissed both to remind them how important they were to him. “Ready to take a little swim?”

“Race you,” teased Moonlight, who broke away in a wobble of breasts and buns, then dove into the pool with a splash quicker than they could follow.

Midnight frowned once he met his wife's face in the dimmed light, which brought out the nasty cut on her scalp that might scar, not to mention a bruise over one eye. “You okay? You took quite a blow out there! We're both worried about you.”

“I'm fine. Just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I have to be soft all the time,” she assured him with a toothy smirk. "At least not all over!" Giggles escaped when she grabbed him by the arm, dragged him into the water with her, where they burst into laughter while she nuzzled him.

She released his hand, broke away, and swam off with a cheeky smile, his emerald eyes pinned on her heart-shaped ass. He kicked off the side and spread his massive wings to keep up, overcompensated his shot forward, and his muzzle buried itself against her crotch, pitched until they crashed into Moonlight. More laughter burst from the three lovers who untangled their limbs and pressed close, thoroughly soaked.

Noticing the heat on Cerise's face and unwilling to leave her hanging, he lifted up his wife by the waist, set her on edge, and buried his snout back between her thighs. She cast back her head and arched her back with a moan as he licked her slit.

“Oh~” She rested a hand on his skull, felt his tongue press into her snatch, spread it wide open when it penetrated her. Her heart-shaped, hot pink clitoris peeked from its hood, as his muscle started to swish about and clean her warm, moist interior. “D-don't neglect Moonlight,” she murmured while her thick eyelashes fluttered and her pink eyes rolled into her head, in heaven.

He placed his wife's lower legs to rest on his shoulders once he climbed out and continued to devour her tight pussy. Water dripped from their bodies, and before he could try and tend to Moonlight, she knelt before him and took the stallion's massive dark blue shaft into her maw. She spat on his vein-lined cock, slathered it and his heavy balls in saliva as she sucked him off.

Instinct threatened to overwhelm the hyper-stud. His eyes turned stark white when his muscular hips bucked into her hot mouth. Their cunts milked in response and drooled, eyes hazed over, a desire to be bred appropriately threatened to overwhelm them as they breathed in his musk.

Cerise squealed and curled her toes. Messy squirts filled his mouth, dribbled down his chin, splashed onto Moonlight's face and tits below, while the female soldier bobbed her head faster and faster whe she felt his shaft start to pulse.

The hyper-stallion came with such force and volume Moonlight's cheeks immediately ballooned up. She desperately tried to swallow down the first surge of his load, felt hot seed fill her belly, more explode out her burning nostrils.

She coughed and popped free of his drenched cock, closed her eyes when more stray blasts slapped over her entire face. Then she stuck out her tongue to catch more of his excessive semen, which smacked over her features and glazed her titties. She stroked him off with both hands, determined to make sure she squeezed out the last droplets from his swelled-up nuts.

Cerise slipped from her husband's hold and hurried to support their shared lover. She dropped behind Moonlight, pressed her breasts into her back when she started to toy with one of River's luscious tits, and drove her fingers up into her wet, winking twat. Immediately she was rewarded with a gush that washed over her hand as she buried herself wrist deep to fist her cunt.

“Oh shit,” shrilly cried Moonlight who gulped down more of his seed after his dense emissions slowed. Then finally, her lower holes clenched, her pussy closed around the fist that invaded it, filled her almost to the fullness the hyper-stud could, and she dripped down Cerise's slick arm.

Cerise rolled her fist, pumped it in and out, and was rewarded by moist squelches and spatters of pussy honey. She leaned into a passionate threeway kiss with their herd partner, shared her husband's tasty seed with her, where they chewed on and savored it. She bent down and cleaned Moonlight's stained breasts, too, the ample flesh and its purplish-gray fur coat matted.

“Ah. You too are wonderful,” said Midnight between pants once the whiteness of his eyes receded. “I wasn't too frisky, was I Moonie?”

Moonlight licked her lips. “I like it a bit rough. At least when it's from the stallion I love~.” She grinned up at him, while Cerise squashed up by her side and helped clean his crotch with labored, playful licks that smoothed down his wetted fur.

“Glad to hear it!” He pulled them close to cuddle him in his arms and fluffy plume, until the three of them submerged themselves back in the steamy pool. “Your home world's a wonderful place, for the most part, despite what happened to it! Reminds me a little of our world.”

Moonlight nodded. “It's weird. Our world, Cerise's, Beatrix's...all survived the brink of disaster! I mean, how likely is that?”

Cerise snuggled up to them and couldn't help but worry that maybe Shadow Scythe's claims had a hint of truth. Despite what Beatrix believed, she was somehow indirectly responsible for all this, due to her connection to the Necronomicon.

Perhaps several worlds needed to be doomed to maintain some cosmic balance...and those which Beatrix traveled to were often picked from an almost infinite number of possibilities.

Was it too selfish of her to sometimes wish this terrible fate on some other universe...?

Her ruminations were interrupted when someone cleared his throat. She spotted her parents who entered, King Sombra resplendent in his silver armor and crown. Queen Inky Rose likewise in her own tiara and sheer black silks.

“Mind if we join you?” His daughter nodded, and he smiled back when the mature but still handsome couple disrobed.

“You all look so cute together,” said Inky, who tittered once they slid into the waters.

“Thank you,” answered Moonlight, who shyly stared at her reflection in the shimmery pool.

“No need to be reserved,” mused the dark stallion who rested an arm around his wife's midsection. “We maintain a very open society here. But unfortunately, it sometimes leads to...complications, as you saw upon your arrival.”

“There, there. Our eldest and his wife handled themselves well, I'm told,” assured Inky, who brushed his cheek.

“About that,” cut in Cerise who frowned. “Has my other brother been around lately?”

The ruler shook his head. “Ashen Dune's away, like always. Determined to further expand our territories, making deals with other races, and smaller settlements. He's also made us proud.”

Cerise shot up tall with a splash and blurted out, “I wanna head out and meet up with him!”

The older couple exchanged a troubled look. “You know how dangerous it is out in the desert,” answered Inky, who exhaled sharply while she washed her womanly form, still trim but shapelier after she bore her husband's children. “But I suppose I can trust these two to look after you. We did promise you could help Beatrix on her travels, and this honestly may be less risky...”

Sombra nodded then added, “But we insist you let White Shadow Penumbra and his squadron guide you to the borders, at the least.”

“Deal,” replied Cerise, who beamed wider at her parents. She waded over, embraced them, and waved her lovers over to huddle with them, too.

Arms and unfurled plumes encircled the family, who savored the moment when they drew in, reminded of what they had, and what was lost.

The Eldritch invaders had taken so much from them. Cerise's birth mother, Pacific Glow, slain in the conflict, Inky Rose forced to cut the baby from her dearest friend's womb to save her. She had raised the foal like her own, only to learn later Cerise was a partial reincarnation of Pacific.

The souls of mother and child were tethered into one by the the former tyrant, who passed part of his darkness onto her when he fathered Cerise, conceived with Pacific Glow in a fit of passion.

With aid from the Dragon Lord Spike, his apprentice Beatrix, Somnambula, and so many other heroes, a broken world had been saved.

Although doubts still ate at Cerise's heavy heart, the budding young ruler would find a way to finally prove herself a force to be taken seriously!

Chapter 4 : Desert of Death Act II (White Shadow Penumbra, Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Lily Longsocks)

An entourage prepared itself to guide the princess into the arid desert. The mission would be spearheaded by White Shadow Penumbra, supported by his wife and fellow commander, Lily Longsocks. A small army waited under their command. The couple in question returned to the marketplace, where a few stalls could reopen while citizens made repairs and replaced their damaged goods. Sweat dripped from his turban when he opened up his coin pouch with a clink to purchase supplies for an arduous journey ahead.

Penumbra’s face twitched, lost in thought and worry over his siblings. Especially his sister, who, despite being the eldest, was still treated as the baby of the bunch. Inky Rose had overly pampered Cerise in worry she would be lost, like so many had been to the Eldritch invaders. While the last of them were extinct, their legacy had scarred the world, still rivaling the devastation caused at the hands of Zeloph the Fallen One.

The pegasus bristled his feathers when a hand touched his plumage. “Whoa, take it easy, sweetheart! It's just me,” said Lily who frowned.

“Ahh.… Forgive me, my love,” he apologized with a small bow, smiling thinly at her.

She moved closer. “You doing okay, hun?”

“Just an ill premonition of what lies ahead.”

She pressed close to him, her muscles felt below those soft curves. “You’re overworking yourself, like usual. The Pony of Shadows couldn’t do in our nation, nor could that arrogant messiah. You need to lighten up more!” She teased and smacked his ass, gripping a meaty buttock.

He tensed up further and blushed, the more conservative of the pair still unused to such blatant displays of public affection. He kissed her temple, gently cleared his throat, and withdrew from her warm embrace. “You’re right, Lily. Still, we should make our final preparations.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Lily sighed in disappointment and released her hold on his butt. “Always business with you first. You’re lucky I married you because of how noble you are.”

Penumbra chuckled, brushing her witty compliment off by responding, “I simply do what I think is right.” The pale pegasus helped his lovely wife load more goods into a wagon, not that she needed the support, since the Amazonian earth mare could easily lift the entire vehicle and its contents on her own! "My sister will arrive soon."

“Oh! There they are now! Hey~!!” Lily beamed and waved once Cerise, Midnight, and Moonlight flew down to meet them. They landed and kicked up dust in the streets amidst a flutter of wings that flapped hard, a few loose blue feathers left to drift from the hyper-stallion's mass span.

Midnight boyishly smiled at the couple with a clipped salute. “Everything in order?”

“Pretty much,” replied Lily, who tossed a heavy bag into the wagon, which shook under the impact. “Usually, we'd only take the absolute necessities, but Ashen Dunes sent a message asking us to load up a few extra goods, so...”

Cerise laughed warmly, stars in her pink eyes. “Sounds like him! No doubt another opportunity to make a deal with someone!”

“He sounds like an unusual fellow. I can't wait to meet him,” admitted Midnight, holding his lovers close to his fluffiness, his chest puffed up.

Moonlight surveyed the wrecked stalls ahead with a frown. “Hard to believe a riot broke out here! I still don't understand what that was all about. But, at least your little striptease put an end to it,” she teased and brushed Cerise's rump.

Cerise's cheeks flushed, and she sheepishly beamed. “I-it was necessary! I don't think anyone complained! Heck, they probably wanted more!”

“Course not! Anyone would kill to have a piece of this~” Moonlight squeezed the dancer's thighs, feeling the taut muscle below. “You know, before Midnight and I came here, I was a member of the Lunar Guard. Thestrals were pretty rare in our world. It's nice to have another one to chat with!”

“I mean, I was born an earth pony,” reminded Cerise, who traced her own slender arm, her head lowered. “Still haven’t gotten a good understanding of these new powers. My parents couldn't tell me much. Doubt Ashen can, either…”

“Hmm,” Penumbra pondered before an idea popped over his head. “Perhaps we should locate Somnambula and Stygian? I’m sure they’re out there somewhere,” he suggested to his sibling. “They've crossed the wastelands with the Necronomicon in tow, determined to find a suitable resting place for the accursed grimoire. Surely, they’ll have some form of insight.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” chirped Midnight, who smiled like a boy scout. “Let's-”

The smash of wood and a shrill, alien cry drew their attention. One of the standing stalls was reduced to wooden planks instantly, its wares tossed everywhere, a thick shadow from the creature cast over the onlookers. It appeared to be an amber scorpion the size of a small house, its exoskeleton covered in numerous eyes, down to the stinger that dripped curled from its tail.

Midnight narrowed his eyes and immediately readied his lance. “What the heck is that!?”

“It looks like a leftover experiment of the Eldritch,” Penumbra answered, taking wing and unsheathing his saber. “They bred them specifically to claim control over the dunes. But they've never dared wander this close before!”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s not going anywhere,” Lily spat, cracking her knuckles. “Everyone ready?”

“Let's do this!” Called Moonlight, strapping on her claws when the monster skittered closer, snapped its pincers, and drooled from its wide maw. Its saliva steamed on the street. “Any chance another striptease will stop it, Cerise?”

“I’m not sure this thing comprehends beauty,” Cerise shuddered. “Even then, I won’t feel comfortable entrancing it!” She zipped out of the way when the scorpion leaped at her, the earth shaken as dust clouds blossomed below them.

They assaulted it from all sides, but attempted to keep their distance. A series of darts flew from Moonlight's leather wings, which harmlessly bounced off a carapace hard as steel closed to protect its many eyes, its pincer raised to protect its main eyes when missiles zipped at them.

“Darn it!” Cried Moonlight. “The thing has good instincts!” She dived in, slashed with a claw, and left scratches over its surface. Its tail darted out, only to be seized from behind by Lily, who grunted and strained to hold the beast in place.

“Grrgn..! Damn monster,” wheezed Lily, whose muscles rippled to try and hold the creature in place. "This is your chance, everyone!"

“There are small rents between its carapace!” Penumbra shouted. To demonstrate, he swooped in, twisted to evade the clamp of a pincer that could easily cut him in half, and struck true with his blade. There was a brilliant flash of white, and the scorpion shrieked once its pincer fell loose.

A spray of a discolored fluid shot from the wound. Penumbra cried out as a small splash struck his chest and sizzled, its discharge eating through his tunic to sear skin and fur. He sailed unsteadily but didn't crumple under his wound.

“Bastard!!” Cried Lily, who twisted the scorpion's tail so hard she snapped it off. She leaped backward to avoid the splash, a venomous ooze pooling before her, while the crazed monster thrashed and wildly snapped at her assailants.

“I got it!” Midnight grabbed the disembodied tail, hurled in the sky towards the scorpion, and drove the stinger through its skull, aided by his hyper-strength. The life faded from the scorpion's eyes, sunken into a pile that continued to twitch.

Lily ran up to her husband. “You okay, honey?”

“I’m fine. This is.... Hggn! M-merely a flesh wound.” Penumbra insisted and leaned on a building to support him. His wife fetched supplies from the wagon and immediately tended to his burns with a balm she spread. “There are lots of hybrid specimens like that in the dunes.”

Midnight checked on his mates once they landed wiith him. “Are you two okay?”

“Eh, it could have been worse!” Moonlight shrugged, her snout pursed. “It’s a shame my weapons aren’t much use on these things!”

“Yeah, I’m not much help either,” admitted Cerise, who pouted and kicked the severed pincer. “Really don’t wanna just hide behind you guys...”

“You won't have to,” assured Penumbra, who wheezed, his face lined in sweat. “In the Eldritch War, the Dragon Lord had numerous weapons and armor prepared to deal with such threats; my sword being one of them.” He brandished the white blade, which shimmered, lined in runes that hummed in resonance. “Rarity and Sweetie Belle wove these enchantments for us.”

Midnight peeked into the wagon and opened up a footlocker. “Oh, I see! Take a look!” Around him crowded his lovers, their faces glowing under the runes that had yet to be attached. “I recognize these symbols! Shining Armor wore them!”

“They enhance the attributes of what they're attached to,” explained Penumbra. “Thickens armor and sharpens the edge of blades.”

Moonlight nibbled on her lower lip with a fang. “Can we...?” He nodded, and she eagerly took one of the runes, touched it to her bracer, where it immediately attached. “Sweet~!” Her eyes lit up when the steel claws turned a pale white.

Cerise and Midnight placed some of their own weapons and his armor in the stud's case. “Wish we could take this with us the next time we helped out Beatrix,” the dancer said.

“I’m afraid these will only be useful in our timeline,” mused Penumbra. “But perhaps a Rarity in other worlds, or someone who mastered similar techniques, could replicate the effect?”

“Pft! Like I’ll ever choose armor over my own clothes,” scoffed Cerise, who pulled on her booty shots then let them snap back onto her plush posterior with a loud clap. “I'd prefer to stay nimble, especially when I have to strip down~!”

“I never said the runes could only be applied to weaponry,” Penumbra stated with a cocked grin.

Her bat ears twitched in curiosity. Another protective rune was taken by Cerise, one attached to her top and another to her bottom piece, which momentarily shined. Gasps rose, and her soulful eyes shot wide open as she tugged on the fabric, which proved almost indestructible under her pulls, yet it also felt lighter and more malleable, almost like she was nude! She stared back at her rump and shook it.

“O-oh wow! This feels amazing!” She danced a little, the air filled with the tinkle of tiny bells.

Penumbra chuckled with a shake of his head. The pale prince stopped to make sure the merchants were okay and paid out of pocket for the damages. He needed to keep in the people’s good graces, to assure them their rulers could protect them from such savage beasts that roamed the wastelands. However, his army had another agenda on this trip; attacking the scorpion’s nest which rested by the border.

Each year his army helped whittle down their numbers this season, but had never wiped them out. Perhaps these travelers from another world could help with that? He hobbled into his wagon, then slumped his head to rest on his wife's lap.

*****

The procession moved out. A small army crossed the roads used by merchants for trade that cut towards the border. While the actions of Zeloph the Fallen One had claimed many lives, a byproduct was that a once uninhabitable area, known for its constant sandstorms, had calmed down to the point where they had been able to build a new civilization from the devastation.

Guards in thick armor and cloaks lined the walls that overlooked the deserts. They helped to keep the scorpion populace down, and welcomed in the prince and princess who crossed in. The wagons rattled when they rolled by, Cerise at the forefront, who cheerily waved at the patrol.

Penumbra hadn't woken up since he slipped off in his wife's lap. Concerned, she had later carried him to their private cabin and placed him atop a bed of blankets. Her palm smoothed over his sweaty, oily face while he uneasily tossed about.

She stripped him down completely, placed a cool, wet cloth on his forehead. Perspiration rolled down his wiry muscles, fur matted and sticky. His wings and face twitched, constant low, distressed moans arising out of his drawn snout.

Lily could only guess he was delirious, but the medics assured her any poisons hadn't invaded his bloodstream. Her fists balled up, helpless in the knowledge that whatever troubled him, she couldn't simply punch it back into submission!

His skin was cold and clammy to her touch when she smoothed a palm over his lithe muscles. Then, wanting to ease his burdens and comfort him, Lily tossed off her clothes and underwear, pressing her toned but shapely denuded physique against her lover's. She nuzzled him, shared her body heat which radiated off her contours, and caressed his cheek. “C’mon, Penny. You'll make it through this! You always do!”

Her supple breasts crushed against his chest. Her fingertips danced over his feathers, carefully preened them, something that he always appreciated after a long, tiresome day.

Hushed murmurs uneasily rose from Penumbra's dry mouth. “Father...no...”

*****

The Crystal Empire had been rebuilt, more incredible than ever. Yet rather than a return to its former glory, its ruler retook the throne, the stallion encased in armor, a crown on his head.

“I am the God-Emperor of this world,” his baritone voice boomed throughout the chamber when he stood and waved a gauntlet-covered fist at his followers. “Who dares to oppose me?”

Any resistance had been beaten into submission through a combination of swordplay, the dark arts, and brute strength. The crystalline streets were filled with crystal pony slaves, chained together and nuzzled, their heads bowed low. He drew strength from their submission; the Crystal Heart tainted and blackened while it pulsated and filled him with its now obscene power.

Few in his court dared speak. His guards wore masks and black suits of armor, ready to die for him at his command. Cadance and Shining Armor had been banished to the dungeons below. He'd taken their favored maids, Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse, for his own, the pair on their knees beside the throne, naked, collared, and chained until he wished to make use of the broken breeders.

Boots echoed down the steps when he approached his latest captures. “How disappointing,” he mused with hands cupped behind him on his approach, crimson cape trimmed in white swept after him. “As if I hadn’t suspected my own blood would betray me-”

“You're the traitor,” shouted Inky Rose, trembling with her hands cuffed behind her. The masked guards restrained the prisoners, Cerise Silhouette at her mother's side, her head lowered in defeat and her face stained in choked out tears.

“It hardly matters. My word is absolute!” He nodded to his followers, who, to complete the humiliation of his conquered foes, demanded they face a similar punishment to the twins.

Rough hands seized their clothes from all sides, easily ripped apart their garments, and left them fully naked. Mother and daughter shivered in the cool interior, bodies illuminated by torchlight while he leered at them and licked his chops.

“Don't do this,” begged Cerise, whose large eyes met his own. “If there's any mercy left in you-”

“Mercy died long ago,” he assured and approached them. His cold gauntlet reached out, took a moment to grope the bared breasts before him, and the pair shuddered. “I’ll put these bodies to fine use once I’m bored with the twins.”

Rather than explain himself, he simply raised his palm, which glowed bright. His followers backed away, a scream frozen on the faces of his latest slaves once a black crystal expanded around the pair and encased their entirety within seconds.

Their last cries echoed through the chamber. He stared into the reflective surface of crystalline.

The twisted face of Penumbra stared back.

*****

“Nooooo!!”

Penumbra's cry made his wife jump when he shot up, and unfurled his wingspan like he was ready for battle. It was a similar nightmare that had haunted him for years, only more vivid than ever, a subconscious dread that he was destined to end up like his father. That the darkness had touched them all and, unlike innocent Cerise, he would one day surrender to baser temptations.

“H-hey hey! Easy, penny, easy!” Lily soothed him, hugging her husband tightly to her plush nudity. “You’re okay. It was just a bad dream!”

“Yes…y-yes, of course.” He'd seen some of his men experience similar hallucinations after they had been stung. Most had died before the poison could be sweated out, another sober reminder of those who had given their lives to aid him.

“You shouldn't beat yourself up. We all know the risks.” She rubbed his cheek and smiled. “C’mon, let me help you feel better.” She slid her hand down his abdomen, teased at his sheathe, and felt him swell into her palm with a murmur.

“I-I…a-alright,” he nodded with a slight smile, subsiding to his wife’s charms. Compared to him, she was far more open and honest.

Sure, his troops needed him, but he knew deep down he’d feel more like a burden until the pressure passed. So he returned her kiss, breathed in her sweet scent, savored the pliable tit which his warm palm closed around. Gently she pushed him back and straddled him.

She took his member and guided it to her entrance. Slid down and moaned when he filled her. Powerful hips rocked atop him, one hand still on her breast and another rested over her wide rump. She started to bounce, and the cart rocked.

“L-Lily, careful,” he hissed through his teeth and paled despite a deep flush. “They'll hear us!”

“Oh, let them hear! We're a married couple expressing our love! I'm sure Midnight's getting it on with Cerise and Moonlight as we speak~” She laughed and slammed him into her harder until the cabin started to creak, and her titties bounced wildly each time he skewered her.

“I’d prefer not think about my sister's sex habits,” he answered with a heavier blush. His plume wrapped around her once he sat up to meet her, their maws locked in a hungry kiss, positioned so that he could hit her most sensitive spots. Often told by his wife he should let himself loose more, he sheepishly smirked and landed a hard swat on her ass, which made the plush flesh wobble.

“Ooh, look who's getting bolder? Me likey~!” She winked and grinned back at him, only for him to spank her some more. His fingers teased around her puckered asshole, rubbed the heated ring of raw flesh while she nibbled at his lower lip.

“I-I'm close,” she wheezed. “Together?”

He nodded, face drawn, when he started to pound back harder up into her. Her pussy drooled down his cock and balls, soaked his crotch while he sucked on one of her perky nipples, spread her ass cheeks wide, and fingered her pucker, whatever he could think up to get them both off. Then, finally, she clawed into his chiseled back and ass when her sopping cunt started to squeeze around his darkened shaft.

Their climaxes arrived one-after-another, hers first once her squirts washed down him. Her twat gripped its invader and milked it hungrily until he howled with her. Then, finally, his tip battered past her cervix, where it flared inside her womb and once locked in fired directly into her core.

Cum painted the slippery chamber. Were it not for the potions he took, she would have been knocked up for sure. Inky was apparently hoping they would give her a grandchild, but the married couple resisted, their duties to protect the land far more critical until true peace arrived. They shuddered and held each other, rode out a climax that dulled minds, focused on each other.

The couple panted, and she laid exhausted atop him, his erect member still trapped in her. “I love you,” he whispered and played with her mane.

“I love you too,” she answered and cuddled him back. “Take all the time you need, hubby.”

He reached back, slid open a curtain slightly, and peeked out. “It looks like we're well on our way.”

The nearer they came to the border, the riskier it became. The scorpion nests ran rampant out in the wastelands, some buried deep below the earth, ready to swallow up hapless travelers.

Yet this was the season to strike a decisive blow. To drive the monsters back into their lairs, and cull their out-of-control numbers!

An Interlude (Bellatrix Primadonna, Dion, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse, Beatrix Belladonna, Oona Ewe)

Bellatrix Primadonna awoke to the sound of grumbling in her belly. The succubus rubbed the crimson skin with a groan, a tall and statuesque figure clad in a bondage-style, black leather bikini. She usually preferred to wear little as possible, but reminded herself guests were still in the manor, and wasn't sure if all of them were comfortable with her in the buff. Symbiotically bound to the eldritch abomination disguised as the mansion she presided over, an unfortunate side-effect was that she shared its appetite.

Crowned by curled horns, silken black hair trailed after her when she marched from her room, with a heavy bounce of her breasts that punctuated each stride she took. Leathery wings wrapped about her back, her golden eyes roaming through the dimly lit hallways. “Perhaps a change of scenery is in order,” she mused and focused, the empty rooms shifted on her command.

Her ample hips and buttocks swayed with each exaggerated movement. A spaded tail flicked lazily about. Her lip curled further when her stomach growled some more.

Then, rolling her eyes, she pressed against a wall that opened up into a mass of meaty flesh, swallowed her, and a squelch sounded as she was funneled through the creature's nervous system, to be deposited far below.

A hole opened up like a mouth and spat her out. A thin layer of translucent substance soaked her and dripped from the wound that closed over, and she shook herself off, her slimy mane smoothed back under both clawed hands.

The basement was precisely as she remembered it. The creature's core had once imprisoned the she-devil, sapping her strength to survive.

Yet further into the darkened chamber, she spotted a pulsating wound that throbbed and leaked threads of cosmic energies.

“Ahh, I see,” Bellatrix pondered aloud. “You must be expanding a vast amount of reserves to try and replenish yourself.” She shook her head and stroked a palm down the slippery wall to pet the injured beast. “Don’t worry, we’ll both be well fed. I know just the tasty morsels to turn to~.”

She knew certain current visitors had no problem with a drop-dead sexy succubus wandering off nude, so she cast off her costume entirely, which the floor gobbled up. It was little more than a light snack, but she telepathically reminded the beast that it would have to hold it over for now.

Again she stepped into a rift that appeared on a surface and mentally directed it to her chosen destination. Rapidly traveling through its 'intestines', she finally arrived at the room she sought. Gradually she peeked from the surface that opened up like a birth canal, her pendulous breasts glazed once she half-emerged.

“Ooh~! A new decoration? I approve,” teased Foal-Bearer when the heavy tit that surfaced swelled into her open palm. The maid playfully squeezed the naked breast and felt the broad, erect nipple tickle her skin, the older twin nude save for stockings and heels. She smacked her lips.

Bellatrix smiled thinly at her. “Feel me up all you like,” she offered, enjoying the breeder's practiced skill, her melons rolled and massaged in her tender hands. Then, letting out pleasant sighs, the demoness turned her attention to the other twin, who was bent over the bed, getting her ass pounded by the warrior ram.

Wet Nurse’s rump wobbled each time Dion delivered a hefty smack that made the sisters yelp from shared pain and bliss. Crimson eyes found hellish yellows without missing a beat.

“Oh, hello there!” Dion greeted cheekily, rubbing circles around Wet Nurse’s well-spanked bottom. “Tae wit dae we owe th’ honor ov yer presence?”

Pants hissed from Wet Nurse, her face burning bright while she nibbled on the sheets. Her crotch dripped like a faucet all over his swollen balls. “D-Dion offered to...mmhg~! Train us!” She managed. “A little discipline should make us more effective warriors, don't you think so too?”

“It looks more like a simple recreation to me. Not that I'm opposed,” observed Bellatrix, cooing as the first twin continued to rub, tweak, and bounce her supple bust. The shapeshifter’s rack easily dwarfed even the busty crystal mare’s. “As for why I’m here, I require your assistance.”

“Oh?” Foal-Bearer looked up, idly stroking the demon’s tender tits. “How can we be of service?”

“Well, this would make a fine start,” Bellatrix murmured, placing a hand atop the maid's scalp, directing her downwards. Foal-Bearer sank to her knees and proceeded to lick and slurp at the dripping hot cunt, making the she-devil sigh with ease. “A-ahhh, that’s it…you know I need the occasional bit of release to sustain myself.”

“Good thing your-ah~! N-not as insatiable as that hyper-stallion!” Wet Nurse moaned, happily kicked her legs as another swat landed on her bare ass and made the soft pink flesh ripple. “H-how about it, Sir Dion? Want to help out?”

“H-heh! A’m game if she is!”

Bellatrix studied the ram while the older twin continued to lick out her slimy snatch. “Mmm, normally, I wouldn't bother with bulky, testosterone-ridden types,” she murmured, her eyes dancing over the ram’s physique. “But I must admit, I’m rather curious about my sister’s curious recent fascination with sheep. And while I have no preference between males or females, my female biology prefers to have a cock buried womb deep inside it to sate my needs.”

A sly grin parted her lips. “Of course, I could always borrow one of Beatrix's potions to provide the twins with temporary extra bits…~.”

“O, That won't be necessary,” answered Dion, whose grin broadened as he gazed over the devil’s curves and supple flesh. Wet Nurse slid from his lap and immediately squatted down and serviced his erect dick, wanting her lover polished with saliva, readied to freely take the succubus.

The twins openly expressed their statement that they lived to serve, the breeders determined to please their master and mistress. He stroked Wet Nurse's bobcut mane, met her half-lidded eyes that stared back up his musculature while she worked him over with sensual laps at his knob.

“I'm not some dainty little flower who’ll submissively open up to you,” warned the she-devil coyly. “I require a thorough thrashing~.”

“Haha! A submissive mare can be nice, bit like ye, Ah prefer a challenge,” boasted Dion, who felt himself twitch, buried balls deep in Wet Nurse's throat. The twins removed themselves, moist mouths still connected by trails mixed with saliva and discharge to their lovers’ respective cock and cunt. He patted his slicked-up cock, which bounced and throbbed in anticipation.

With both their genitals wet from the twins' tongues, Dion and Bellatrix stared down each other, anticipation built until the she-devil threw open her wings and sailed at the scarred sheep.

Bellatrix bowled him into the bed, wrestling the warrior for complete dominance, determination burning in her hellish pupils. Dion, in turn, was laughing when he struggled against her, neither quite able to decisively push the other around. Still, despite how soft and voluptuous her body felt, Bellatrix’s supernatural strength proved far beyond even her bold, imperious appearance.

“Nn Aaagh~! C’mon, Dion,” she hissed tauntingly through her fangs. “Stop treating me like my sweet sister and fuck me!!”

His muscles bulged, veins threatening to pop when Dion rolled her over and pushed himself atop the succubus. He kneed her thighs apart, her legs forced back when his massive member pressed against her opening and teased the pink, puffy lips open. A moist squelch met his ears when his cock punctured its way into her moist pussy, driven balls deep into a mating press.

“Urrrrgh!! Ahh, fucking shit~! Yeeeees~!!” Bellatrix closed her eyes and lewdly moaned, nearly split in half by the massive invader. Then, in one go, he punched past her cervix and claimed her womb. Her clawed toes curled when she scratched his muscular back and bit into his shoulder. “G-gods, you’re so damn deep~!”

He gasped and mercilessly hammered her into submission, it made clear she could take a raw pounding, as her twat spattered its sweet nectar over his furry crotch. Heavy balls slapped against her puckered asshole, the twins entranced while they openly, wetly masturbated each other.

Schlicks sounded as fingers rapidly thrust in-and-out of slick twats, cutie marks aglow when the sisters pleasure each other, and in turn themselves. “F-fuck, he's such a vile brute,” moaned Foal-Bearer. “Poor Beatrix couldn’t walk out of the room without wobbling funny!”

“Nnnah! I-I can see why she spends so much time with you and Oona~,” Bellatrix snickered, eying the sturdy warrior coolly before groping her heavy tits and lifting her nipples to suck on, much to Dion’s viewing delight. Her buttocks clapped under his savage slams, the bed creaked and threatened to break, even after the twins had reinforced it since he routinely impaled them.

With one deep thrust, Bellatrix felt his cock finally hit the back of her well-stretched womb, causing her to scream out in ecstasy, claws digging into her tender tit-flesh. “Fuuuck!! Ugh, how are you still hard after fucking them so much?!”

“Ah, we took a wee break befur gettin’ intae round three,” Dion admitted, pausing to catch his breath, sweat dripping from his daunt arms. “Still, Ah thought ye’d be harder tae conquer~.”

As if on cue, the she-devil bent her legs to push the ram off her, tossing him onto his back where she straddled him. Her claws raked down his pectorals, left red marks over the surface of his skin, rocked powerful hips atop her pinned prey. “A-aah~! D-don't get too cocky! You’re lucky I enjoy having this fat, ram dick inside me~!”

“Heh! Wouldn’t dream ov it,” he chuckled, eying those bouncing titties that clapped together with each bounce, his wrists firmly held down by her hands. She relished the way he stretched her out, few able to truly satisfy the lusty succubus when she was stirred up. Bellatrix would make a note to try and attend with Beatrix when she visited the sheep’s world to sample more specimens.

Her spaded tail snaked behind her, slipped up into Wet Nurse's tight, warm birth canal with a loud squash. She mewled in answer.

Intent to help out, Foal-Bearer settled her rump down onto the ram's face. Her soft, warm crystal ass cheeks spread across his snout when she leaned in, arced her tits towards Bellatrix, who suckled at milky orbs that leaked over her lips.

Wet Nurse rolled her ample hips and gripped the tail as the spade explored her snatch in slow, sensuous churns. “Sir D-Dion likes mares who can fight for themselves,” she explained between huffs. “S-so Bellatrix, the next time we're not busy, think you can train us some more...?”

Bellatrix wetly popped off a wide, perky nipple smeared in milk, her own pouting lips stained white. She smirked and slowly licked up the sweet treat before answering, “Yes, I would be happy to whip these cute asses into shape!” She landed hard smacks alongside Dion on the maid's spanked bright red tush to punctuate her words, which made Foal-Bearer squirm on his face.

Dion chuckled against pussy smashed around his maw. His matted snout was currently halfway buried inside, so most of his responses were muffled under Foal-Bearer’s plush backside.

“I-I think I’ve come up with a new arrangement,” Bellatrix groaned, whose fingers continued to milk the maid’s teats while her cunt milked the ram’s vein-lined breeding stick. “Normally, when the mansion travels temporarily to other dimensions, I simply allow it to gobble up the remains of graveyards. A grisly, blasphemous activity, but better than letting the abomination feed off the living. But since the creature has synced up with me, we've practically become one. So if I'm able to sate my own basest needs...”

“Ye state th’ needs ov th’ beast,” Dion managed to say against the crystal mare’s supple flank, hands groping the devil’s shapely ass. “So wit A’m hearin’ is by layin’ with ye, we help it heal~?”

“Better,” slyly purred Bellatrix, wiggling her rump to grind more cock into her greedy hole. “Any sexual release will replenish the torn tissue. Admittedly, not as effective as the corpses it would normally consume, but perhaps if I were to host an orgy composed of dozens collected across different dimensions…~.”

“I think a certain imp has rubbed off on you,” Foal-Bearer teased playfully, thankful for the breast massage to ease their ache. Since Shadow Scythe had switched her and her sister's heads, she had inherited those plush melons, which painfully swelled on occasion and needed to be milked. Yet to have them toyed with until they were drained dry proved positively orgasmic!

The maid moaned shamelessly; her milky mammaries rolled in circles, distended, nipped, nibbled, and sucked on. At the same time, Wet Nurse pressed against the she-devil's back, bucked back on the tail that impaled her, while she molested Bellatrix's jiggly jugs.

“U-umph~! So much stamina!” moaned Bellatrix, clearly impressed. “But I feel the way your cock throbs inside me, warrior. You must be close~!”

“A-aye!” Confessed Dion, teeth clenched as he felt the she-devil milk his shaft tightly. She was more pliable than anyone he’d slept with, the shapeshifter able to manipulate her entire body at will. Her pussy perfectly conformed to the shape of his dick, wetly sucking its entirety off.

He grunted and bucked his muscular hips back against her, felt her slit drool down his heated loins. Then, hungrily he ate out Foal-Bearer as the warrior realized he had reached the point of no return, felt his swelled up balls ache for release, and his inflamed shaft angrily throbbed.

The succubus widened a vicious grin, wanting to try a new trick she had learned during her time melded with the abomination. Lusty energies that had once consumed her made her their slave; now she radiated them off her at her will. That energy swarmed from her, a pink illumination that suffused the entire room, her desires and sexual release shared with everyone present.

Howls rose from the foursome who thrashed and came at the same time. The multiplied bliss between the maids made them messily squirt and burn red, so overwhelmed while they shook that the pair of them slumped unconscious, stupefied smiles on their sleeping faces. Bellatrix arced her breast and cast back her head with a violent scream when she soaked him, too.

At the same time, Dion pulsed inside her womb, blasting baby batter all over her slick core. Grunts thundered out each time he filled her up.

After a measure of sanity returned, Bellatrix carefully removed the maids and placed them prone on the bed. “Haaaaah.… Thank you, a-all of you,” she whispered and patted their plush posteriors in appreciation. She purred as she pulled off of Dion’s shaft, their combined cream drooling out her lips, pooling over his wooly legs. “Mmm, I can hardly wait to do more of this~.”

She sensed the wound in the basement had partially healed, and not just by their efforts. She detected light moaning through the hollow walls, suspecting her sister and Oona were having their own private session. Yet it would need far more to finally be sated, the few who still lingered here after the wedding ceremony unable to quench it.

She didn't like to pull people in at random. But surely some of Beatrix's old friends would like to repay her, after she had aided them...?

“Aww…. Looks like they're all tuckered out,” said Dion, who stroked the cheeks of the twins as they soundly rested, cuddled close to each other. “Wonder what they're dreaming about?”

“Probably you,” replied Bellatrix, who in a flash shifted into her angelic form, far from satisfied. Her skin turned pale and radiant with a soft glow, golden eyes a soft blue, silky black mane to golden curls, leather wings to a feathered white plume, tail, claws, and horns banished once a halo hovered above her scalp. “Surely the big, bad warrior hasn't been spent so quickly?”

“Nah, Ah just need some water, an’ A’m good tae go! Hehe, though Ah don’t think we’re th’ only ones not yet satisfied,” said Dion, who watched the pussies of the sisters continue to milk the air.

Bellatrix snickered, offering him a water bottle, which he took large gulps from. “Well, the twins always tell me to continue until I'm satisfied, even if they're unconscious...” It wasn't unusual for the siblings to pass out from the shared, doubled ecstasy wrought between them amidst a climax. “A contest to see who can make them come first?”

“Wouldn’t they climax at th’ same time?” He shrugged. “Ah mean, why not? If they’re alright with it, Ah can’t complain.” He pulled Wet Nurse to him, spread one of her ass cheeks, and prodded his tip at her puckered pink asshole, the warm ring teased by his slicked up shaft.

“A handicap? You are bold,” said Bellatrix, who shifted her abdomen to form twin pairs of massive, black horsecocks.

“Got tae learn tae please my mates, whate’er th’ situation.” He swatted the maid's ass, pressed into its hot confines. Meanwhile, Bellatrix did the same, one horse shaft buried in Foal-Bearer's ass and the other in her pussy, a layer of warm flesh between them so thin her tools practically rubbed. Buttocks clapped once the contestants drove deep into their chosen breeder bitch.

He couldn’t understand why anyone would choose a life of servitude over freedom. But Bellatrix realized how it could paradoxically set one free, to embrace a role that filled the twins with purpose, dedicated to the pleasures of others in order to also fulfill themselves.

They leaned in to cup and grope breasts, planted kisses and nibbles on their necks and ears. Squelches sputtered from well-stretched, well-used fuckholes, low moans into the sheets coming out the drooling maws of the twin maids.

The pair pounded faster and harder into the sisters, fucked them raw, grunts and groans rising to match the mewls of the bitch breeders below them. Bellatrix's thoughts were distracted by an awareness she needed to share this knowledge of the manor's wound with Beatrix and Lady Ewe, who thanks to her connection to the creature, was able to watch the whole interior at once.

She usually hated to invade their privacy, but a smidge of worry struck her, and she had to make certain they were okay. The couple was currently engaged in their own amorous activities to her relief, blissfully unaware that Shadow Scythe had deeply wounded the manor on her escape.

The pleasantly plump sheep was busy mewling, rolling her mountainous bust while Beatrix drank from her dripping well below. The unicorn’s rear was high in the air, wiggling around while her fingers stroked along her own wet marehood. A rare warm smile crossed the angel's face to witness her sister so contented, thankful she had discovered such an excellent partner.

(Forgive the interruption,) telapathically cast Bellatrix into their minds, which made Oona yelp in alarm. (But this is an emergency.)

“Mmmgh!? O-oh! Hello sister!” Cheekily replied Beatrix, who blushed while her snout was covered with shiny fem cum.

(Don't stop on my account. I dropped in to warn you that when Shadow Scythe escaped, she left a nasty wound in the manor's basement. I'm trying to heal it, but I can't do it alone. Beatrix, could you gather some old friends of yours?)

Beatrix pulled herself up to rock her ample hips against her partner, their lower lips sticky when they loudly kissed. “S-sure, but why?”

(Rather than feed the mansion more corpses, I found an...alternative. Sexual recreation.”

A soft giggle came from Lady Ewe. “You mean poor Beatrix has tae lay around th’ manor? O, However will she cope~?” She teased her lover with a roll of her eyes, biting her lip as she pushed her moist muff back into Beatrix's own. “Yes, Ah would be happy tae help out.”

“Sure, I'll gather up every one I can...after we're finished,” promised Beatrix, winking before resuming to cuddle and hump her sheep lover. The couple groaned once the first of many orgasms to come that night crashed over them. “It's about...humph...time I picked Cerise and her buddies back up anyhow~!” She squealed, she and her partner soaking the sheets below them.

Bellatrix mentally returned to her own session, as she and Dion roughly slammed into slumbering maids. They dominated the flesh that rippled underneath them, felt it give and quiver under their firm fondling, nipples pinched and twisted.

More grumbles came from the competitive pair who rocked the maids, their cutie marks glowing, pleasure shared and doubled between them. Then, like Dion predicted, the siblings went at the same time, drenched and violently milked them.

The twins shot awake, held hands while they wiggled and mewled. Then, hot semen pumped into their love holes, the pair of them turned to make out and moaned, while blast-after-blast pleasantly seared their well-worn orifices.

By the time their mouths separated, connected by trails of saliva, both proclaimed in unison, “Looks like you took our advice!”

“Aye,” grinned Dion, who patted their coral bottoms. “Hope ye wouldn't mind, after how ye woke me up last time!”

“Are you kidding? We loved it!” Assured Wet Nurse, licking the drool off her sister's chin.

“We wouldn't mind if you woke us up this way every morning,” sultrily teased Foal-Bearer. “Perhaps next time, we could be stirred to awareness with your snout and tongue buried in one of our hot, tight, wet cunts~?” She lewdly purred out the words, fingers spread in a v-shape while she darted her tongue in-and-out the 'twat'.

“Fuck, I'm wet again just thinking about it,” said her sister as they leered at each other. Wet Nurse's hips wiggled and she cooed.

“That's no problem for me,” replied Bellatrix, still buried balls deep in her chosen partner. “We'll have to do lots more of this, in order to make up for what Shadow Scythe's done.” Her brow furrowed, momentarily lost in contemplation.

The devil-turned-angel couldn't help but wonder, what was Shadow Scythe up to now...?

Chapter 6 : Requiem (Shadow Scythe, Quicksilver Bullet)

It was the moment she most dreaded. The hardest thing she had ever done.

Shadow Scythe had earned a reputation of treachery, faced unimaginable odds, endured imprisonment and torture...and yet, she could confidently state it all paled in comparison to this.

She had used her sickle to slice a hole in the manor's wall, unaware she had helped open up a dimensional bleed while leaving, taking a portion of the abomination's power with her to travel through dimensions. Not as potent as Beatrix's, but enough to make a short hop once a month.

The downside was it would burn out and leave her stranded in whatever dimension she traveled to. Nonetheless, the pale unicorn needed to do this and so returned to her homeworld, adjusting back to hooves, as ponies stalked the land in this world. A hooded robe hemmed in black at the lining, once white but now tattered and gray, fluttered around the unicorn who floated across the vast grassy hills like a lost phantom.

A fracture ran through the unicorn's horn, a reminder of her failure. Icy blue eyes were contrasted by dark circles below them, her fur a pale blue, her cutie mark a stylized horse skull and scythe from which she had taken her name.

There it was. A simple hut on a hill where her parents lived. The sunlight bore down on it under a blue sky. Her heart hammered as she crept closer, hovering above the earth. It had been years since she abandoned them, vanishing from their lives without so much as saying goodbye.

“I shouldn't be here,” she told herself as she approached the door. “I'm a wanted criminal here.” Approached by Grogar, who had become her mentor, she had betrayed her calling and slaughtered her fellow reapers, who, like her, were tasked to ferry the souls of the dead to their resting places. Eventually, he, too, had died at her hooves, until Beatrix stepped in to defeat her.

As if in answer to her dark thoughts, clouds began to fill the skies. She shivered and clutched her cloak close to her. In truth, Shadow Scythe would sooner face the wrath of the entire world than what she was about to do. But it had to be done.

The rap of her hoof sounded on wood. Her heart quickened. A moment later, the door creaked open, her chest swelling with pain when she gazed towards the stallion answering her call.

The older unicorn wore a stone face before his daughter, his features lined with more age than she remembered. Quicksilver Bullet was a seasoned, retired crypto-zoologist who had researched creatures that society doubted even existed. He still wore his battered duster and beaten fedora around the house, since he often went out to explore the local area.

His dull coat matched his namesake, his mottled hair white, and his sharp eyes azure. She could vaguely make out a number of his trophies and awards that alined the dusty interior behind him.

Silence hung the chilling air before the older stallion let out a waned breath. “So…you're back, huh?”

“Y-yes.” She drew back her hood and stared down at the ground. “Father, can I...can I come in?” He offered no answer, simply staring her down without so much as blinking. With a shudder, she nodded and swallowed hard. “Y-yeah I…I wouldn’t harbor a criminal in my house, too, if I were...” She gulped hard while the tension between them sharpened. “H-how has mother been?”

“Dead,” he said bluntly, the scowl under his bushy mustache deepening.

“...what?” Her heart sank, and her ears pulled back, unsure if she heard him correctly. “T-that can’t be true! Last I saw her, she was-”

“Murdered. By her own child!” He bellowed, pointing his hoof at his daughter, and she shrunk back. “Oh, you might not have done it directly, but after you turned your back on us, butchered so many creatures, then ran away with your tail between your legs? What do you think would happen? Our family's reputation was ruined, and we had to move out into the middle of nowhere to escape all the scrutiny you caused!”

The revelations strained to sink in. “But how did mother...” Her eyes watered when Quicksilver hung his head low.

“Quiver Bolt couldn't handle the loss. Blamed herself for how you turned out.” He turned his back on her and shook with barely contained anger, his voice low. “Guilt ate away at her over the months. Finally, she asked, ‘Where did we go wrong?’ You always were a quiet filly, so we assumed you were just lonely. But once your rare cutie mark showed up, we wanted to believe you were destined for great things.”

He bitterly sighed at the memory. “We were so proud. How you excelled in all your studies and helped lost souls find their place. Then, when you disappeared near Tartarus, your fellow reapers set up a search party, unaware you had met up with Grogar. Your mother cried her eyes out, started to lose her grip on reality, couldn't believe it when she heard you became a monster.”

Perhaps it was denial, but she refused to put the truth together. “That still doesn't explain-”

“Do I have to spell it out for you!?” He snarled, slamming a hoof into the wall so hard, it made her jump. “She took her own life! Used one of my hunting tools while I wasn’t looking. All because you'd forsaken us, Shadow Scythe! And now, you think you can come back, expecting forgiveness!?”

“N-no, of course not...” She answered meekly and avoided his hard stare.

“Then you have no business on my property. Unless you can bring your mother back from the grave, I don’t ever want to see you here again! Now get out!! Go before I contact the authorities to take you in and execute you. Maybe then I’ll finally find closure!” He spat at her before slamming the door in the unicorn’s face.

Not a moment later, she could hear things being thrown around, glass shattering until the inevitable whimpering settled in.

Hastily, she ran away, unable to restrain the tears anymore when she all but broke down. Even if she tried to cross over and seek her mother, the damage she’d done was irreparable.

And after the stunt she'd pulled, no doubt the magical barriers were infinitely more robust than before! The afterlife was barred to her!

She paused to cast one last glance at her broken home. Without her mother to look after him, Quicksilver Bullet allowed the foundations to crumble into disrepair, a once cozy hovel filled with strings of curses and wild shouts.

Overwhelmed, she fled the hilltop, filled with memories of her mother, Quiver Bolt. She rarely cried and certainly not in the presence of anyone else, such a blatant display of weakness unbearable to her. But Shadow Scythe shook uncontrollably and wept, tears free to spill out. The dark circles under her eyes were soon heavy with bags, her sobs reduced to choked cries.

Her horn flared when she blinked away in a flash, with no particular destination in mind. Then, honed in on her subconscious, her deathly magic warped her to a massive graveyard, trapped behind a creaky fence of spires amid a gloomy forest. Gnarled trees overlooked the soggy earth, the tombstones weathered and lined in moss. She shuddered and wiped her soaked face.

Gray skies swathed in blackened clouds spat out a heavy downpour to match her mood. Her robes grew heavier when she floated in the rainfall, mane sticking to her face. Left hollow, she stared down at the decrepit tomb displayed before her.

One of the fellow grim reapers she betrayed, all buried side-by-side. Their corpses were empty after she stole their souls and embedded them into her own to further enhance her already formidable abilities. The poor spirits were doomed to never pass on. Another bitter reminder of the vile fiend she had been. It was as if a karmic universe spat right in her face.

Some of them had been freed when Beatrix vanquished Shadow Scythe. Perhaps her well-deserved death would set the rest loose.

“I can't ask for your forgiveness. I'm not worthy of it, anyhow.” She summoned her scythe into her hands, took a deep breath, and trembled when she turned the curve blade towards her neck, a small bit of pressure applied to the skin.

A trickle of red dripped from the small wound. Would her flesh regenerate if her head was separated from her body? She doubted it.

Was it cowardly to go through with this? Or would it be righteous punishment for all her unforgivable sins?

More quiet tears dribbled down the cold steel, trailed over the runes that lined it. Still, she hesitated, her grip trembling. Whatever chance she could cross over and find Quiver Bolt was slim to none. But it would be worth it, right?

To risk damnation or oblivion for the opportunity to apologize and reassure her mother’s spirit that the reaper’s undoing wasn’t her fault?

Yet, she couldn’t. With a frustrated sob, she tossed her weapon aside and bashed her fists into the ground, cursing her fragility. “Aaaaaaagh, stupid! Weak! What am I supposed to do now!?”

It would have been better had Belladonna simply executed her on the spot. After she had threatened the witch's daughter, she had certainly earned it. Not to mention how many of her friends she hurt in another bid for power.

The only person to offer her any real kind gesture was the Fallen One, Zeloph. He had saved her, helped recover her memories in the mansion, no doubt for his own nefarious purpose.

“Pft.… Just another glory hound who sought power before Belladonna interfered. She might mean well, but I've seen what happens whenever that witch gets involved! It’s obvious her carelessness threatens the multiverse!” Her face twisted at the thought in sheer determination, with a new reason to continue her mission!

She maintained energy taken from the mansion! So, she could hop dimensions and track her down eventually! But, would it be enough to catch up with Belladonna before the energies she 'borrowed' were spent? No, it would have to be!

“Sorry,” she told the faded gravestone at her hooves. “But I won’t allow myself to die yet!”

As if in answer, the sky flashed bright and thunder cracked. A bolt of lightning sizzled and struck the grave, which exploded into chunks of shattered marble as she protectively raised an invisible barrier more on instinct with a strangled shout.

Momentarily in the illumination, she spotted a lone figure who floated like her, its hood and cloak completely tattered and black. The pony's skull stared back, hollow sockets glowing, a rust-colored scythe carried on the specter's bony back.

Shadow Scythe hovered over to meet it. The interloper was gone. Was it Death itself come to pay her a visit, or had she finally lost her mind?

It didn't matter. Until she put an end to Beatrix's heedless travels, nothing would stop her!

Smoke rose from the gravestone, which sizzled, flames quickly snuffed out by the drizzle and the torn-up soil filled with the wiggle of bloated earthworms. The rotten stench of the grave filled Shadow Scythe's nostrils, who plucked a rose bouquet from her robes she had intended for her mother and left it there, unaware that 'Death' continued to watch her when she blinked away...

*****

The interior was thoroughly trashed once Quicksilver Bullet finished. Bookshelves were turned over, trophies scattered, keepsakes smashed and tossed about. Finally, he pressed against a cracked wall and slid down to his haunches, smashed a hoof into the floorboards with such force he punched a hole into them. Muted sobs shook his entire ragged body.

His watery eyes swam into focus when he stared at a portrait of his beloved Quiver Bolt. She smiled back at him, frozen in time. Their beautiful daughter had gotten her mother's looks, a reminder of how happy the couple had been when she was born.

“That's all in the past. Just like my triumphs,” he bitterly reminded himself.

Perhaps he would pay his wife's grave another visit. Quiver Bolt was buried at the back of the house, near a cliff that overlooked the sea. The couple had met at a similar, romantic spot, taken their baby girl there many times on a picnic.

Haunted by bittersweet memories, he cried his eyes dry. He remembered the first time he took his daughter into his hooves from Quiver's bosom. The foal was unusually quiet, her icy blue eyes alight with an intelligence beyond her years.

When she discovered her cutie mark, Shadow Scythe had abandoned her birth name and taken her current title. Like she had been ready to throw away all traces of a mundane life that bored her senseless, even back then.

He understood all too well. He'd become an adventurer for similar reasons, until love and marriage made him settle down.

Nearly an hour passed before he shakily rose. The area had darkened, and rain started to patter on the rooftop. Part of him wanted to run out and apologize to Shadow Scythe, even though he didn't feel she deserved it. Yet another aspect of him felt his heart harden further, the mare he had loved and sacrificed so much for forever taken from him due to her selfish actions.

His eyes slowly trailed to a collection of weapons that lined a wall. Fantasies of ending his life and being reunited with his wife consumed him. Yet he shook them away, certain that wouldn't be what Quiver Bolt wanted, despite it all.

“Why did you have to leave me alone...? I thought you were stronger than me,” he muttered into the darkness, his voice hoarse.

A rattle sounded. He shot up and seized a machete from the wall. “Who's there?”

Perhaps it was merely a wild animal. Shadows crawled throughout the interior when he peeked around, heard the staccato beat of his heart race, reminded of trips into the wild to research cryptids, and captured a few of them for study.

He explored the entire floor and discovered nothing. So instead, he climbed into the attic. Wate drip-dropped in from a hole. A cool splash hit his fur coat. He shivered. His machete cast an inky splotch across the dim, confined space.

“Just a mouse,” he observed with a shake of his head and a sigh, his weapon lowered while he turned from the rodent.

Quicksilver Bullet froze. Death itself stared back at the poor hunter with a rictus grin. The horse skull was visible from the ragged black hood, covered in fat worms that crawled through the sockets and in its jaw. Grime swathed fractures visible across the reaper's calcified bones.

Lightning crackled in a flash. A swarm of rodents broke apart and scurried away. Quicksilver Bullet instinctively slashed to defend himself. The tattered cloak opened and closed around the hunter mid-scream, until only darkness remained.

Just as with Beatrix Belladonna, death followed in Shadow Scythe's wake, wherever she traveled...

Chapter 7 : Culture Shock (Ebony Ivory, Ashen Dunes, Beatrix Belladonna, Cerise Silhouette, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River)

The moment a friend asked for support, Ebony Ivory didn’t hesitate to agree. The tall, well-built zebra huntress followed Beatrix through the shimmery oval portal, dressed in nothing but a small loincloth and top tied over her large breasts. Gold jewelry dangled from the warrior, a dense mane with curls trailing after her, half of it cropped to her skull on one side of her head.

Her eyes drank in the new land they arrived in. She had never traveled to another universe, after all. “Never would I consider this a possibility! Perhaps, next time, I’ll keep an open mind,” Ebony marveled. Sandals tentatively tapped the dusty streets. She surveyed the shantytown and asked, “Tell me, is this whole world so…barren?”

“Only the smaller settlements inhabited by the poor,” replied Beatrix who vented the sunlight with a hand over her eyes.

Ebony shook her head. “Surely there is more than enough for everyone? Didn’t you say your friends are royalty?”

“It’s…complicated. But trust me, where they come from, it’s a much nicer place. Follow me!” She put on a cheery face and took her hand.

Decrepit buildings lined the area, some ready to collapse at any moment and filled with squatters. A variety of creatures from different races watched them from the shadows, and Ebony clutched her spear when she stared back.

Soon the pair arrived at the marketplace where Bellatrix had sensed their magic signature. Ahead were Cerise, Midnight, Moonlight, and a stallion Beatrix didn't recognize. They tried to push past the mobs, through the stalls that lined the way.

“Welcome, my friends,” waved the stallion in colorful silks and scarves. “You must be the famed Beatrix Belladonna! I've heard so much about you! And who is this exotic flower? Oh, forgive my rudeness!” He pressed a palm to his partially bared chest. “I haven't introduced myself! I'm-”

“Ashen Dunes,” finished Beatrix for him and laughed when he tenderly kissed her hand. “I've heard a lot about you, too!”

“And I am Ebony Ivory. I owe Beatrix much after she helped me deal with an...old flame,” the zebra said.

“Nah! It’s Ebony here that saved my cute butt!” Beatrix snickered, thrusting her plush posterior out for emphasis, hand on a wide hip. “Nice to see you all again.” She took a moment to hug them all. “Actually, Bellatrix and I had a favor to ask of you. I'll explain while we walk.”

“Sure! I’ve still got business to attend here,” replied Ashen while they wandered further in.

Cerise did her best to summarize their recent adventures with the scorpion nest. Ebony and Beatrix listened in fascination while Midnight, Moonlight, and Ashen would cut in on occasion.

“A shame I was not present,” said Ebony who nodded. “I have dealt with all sorts of wild beasts on the plains. I might have been able to save a few lives. Perhaps next season?”

“I'm sure Penumbra would welcome the help,” said Moonlight, unable to draw her eyes away from the zebra's toned physique.

“I'd love to do that again,” admitted Midnight who grinned. “Honestly, I worried it would be boring around here, but it looks like we can finally put all those skills we learned to real use. Right, Moonie?” His fellow cadet nodded back.

Ebony studied the youthful pair. “Yes, Beatrix has told me you two were soldiers. That your world survived a terrible invasion, too.”

“Uh-huh.” Moonlight frowned at the memories. “We were peacekeepers there.”

“Maybe you can show us a few moves? You look like quite the formidable warrior,” said Midnight, offering a smile that showed his teeth.

“Hehe. So some have said,” Ebony bashfully stated while bowing her head. “I rescued mares captured by a former lover, Natural Selection. He-” She paused when they reached the outskirts of the dusty black market, where the seedier elements hatched out into the open.

Crowds gathered around a large stage where creatures of different races assembled. Some were male, but most of them were female, chained and collared. Each stood fully naked, brazenly on display and slathered in oil, where they were auctioned off by the richly dressed merchants who owned them. Their physiques glistened under the harsh sunlight, each one forced to keep themselves in perfect shape.

Whips cracked to keep the unruly in order. Coins clinked from passed pouches, slaves bartered for and traded or bought outright, bids made by the richer attendees who swarmed the section, each protected by personal guards and mercenaries.

“Such scum! I can't believe something like this has been happening under my nose,” murmured Cerise with open disdain.

Ashen whispered back, “This is an independent territory, where the rules are far laxer. I've tried to bring parts of these lands into our fold, but those who preside over it are resistant, since they prefer this disorderly lifestyle. Anything can be sold and bought here, people included. It’s why most avoid wandering to this place, lest they end up as fresh meat on the market...”

“Deplorable,” Ebony scowled, clutching her spear. “There must be a way to free them!”

But Ashen shook his head and laid a hand on her spear. “As do I, but it’s too risky. Anything we do might spark an international rebellion. No matter how many I try to set free, more are kidnapped and trafficked. We can't save everyone. In places like these, it's best to pick your battles.”

Ebony's muscles remained tense, her fists balled up so hard the spear threatened to snap, but she curtly nodded. It wasn't like her to walk away from injustice. But it was true she couldn't hope to fight the whole world, either. She noted Midnight and Moonlight, in particular, bristled at this reality, perhaps reminded of how the changelings had captured and abused their kind.

Rough hands explored the bodies of the slaves, potential buyers allowed to molest the products to test the wares. Slippery muscles and curves gave way. Ebony turned her back, uncertain if she would hate herself more for her inaction.

“We better get a move on,” said Cerise sympathetically and took the zebra's arm.

“Yes,” Ebony replied reluctantly before asking, “If this is the best course of action, why come here?”

“There are some things that can only be purchased here,” explained Ashen. “That includes the miracle balm we needed to save Lily's life. An arms dealer here also sold me the grenades we used to dwindle the scorpion infestation.”

“I see. All part of a food chain to maintain balance in these regions. Disgusting, but understandable,” Ebony muttered. "My lands also have warlords."

“I’m afraid every world we travel to has its downs,” noted Beatrix. “Where are we headed?”

“I've prepared a hotel for you all,” explained Ashen, who handed Cerise the documents in a scroll. “I ask that you wait there until my business is complete. And don’t worry, I have my own crew to shadow me if any scoundrels are looking to attack. I’ll be fine! I've survived so far!”

“Okay,” said Cerise, who gripped the rolled-up parchment. “Just be careful, brother!”

“I always am,” he assured her with a wink.

Pretty soon, they broke from him entirely and followed a crude map to the marked hotel. Compared to most of the dreary scenery, it appeared splendid, replete with pillars and architecture that reminded one of the Crystal Empire, albeit on a much smaller scale. Sparkling water flowed and pooled in a fountain around a nude statue of a voluptuous plumed mare.

Guards were stationed around it to make certain no one vandalized the property. Carefully the party approached. Cerise unfurled the documents, which the stallions read and then nodded, parted to allow the travelers inside.

They headed to their rooms, Cerise and her herd mates in one, Beatrix and Ebony in another. They settled in for the day; Beatrix seated on the wide bed, while the huntress lingered near an open window and stared down at the streets below.

“There isn't much we can do, Ebony,” reminded Beatrix, who waved a hand to magically strip down for her shower. “It’s best we let it go.”

“I know,” the zebra sighed. “But it still troubles me.” Unable to relax, Ebony polished her spear tip while a shower started to run in the background. Beatrix left the door open while she lathered herself up, both to talk with the zebra and in an attempt to get her to join in. And, with a knowing sigh, Ebony took the invitation, smiling slightly once she stripped her scant clothes.

As was often custom in her tribe, Ebony had pierced herself, studs in her nipples and a ring through her clitoris to emphasize her femininity.

Steam rose around their naked, sud-soaked bodies, happy squeals from Beatrix when she bathed her. In contrast to her own athletic figure, Beatrix proved soft all over, thighs, breasts, and buttocks smoothed over by Ebony's touch.

Giggles came from the witch who pressed against her, Ebony finally able to let loose a little, despite her reservations. Her posture relaxed.

“Mmm, your lover is a lucky woman. I can’t wait for the day we meet! She sounds wonderful,” said Ebony, while their slippery breasts mashed together in the steamy shower stall.

“Mmnh~! Please, I’m the lucky one here,” Beatrix' moaned, her own soapy palms left to trail over the zebra’s stripey curvature. “I probably wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without Oona to guide me. And I think you’d enjoy her brother’s company as well. Dion’s a fine hunk of meat~.”

“Intriguing. I would like a man who won’t easily break~,” Ebony giggled, cupping the unicorn’s violet tits and squeezing them between her fingers, making Beatrix whimper needily. “In my tribe, no doubt she would be revered as a witch doctor, a wise woman to heal the sick. But, I must admit some...culture shock here.”

“Can't blame you there,” replied Beatrix, who slid a hand down to trace the zebra's slick slit. “Felt the same way when Oona and I explored that strange world full of technology and cybernetics! I was a total fish-out-of-water!” She snickered.

“Maybe you just need to swim a little further downstream,” teased Ebony, who returned the gesture to Beatrix's tight entrance with a finger. She leaned back her head on the wall when the witch suddenly sank to her knees, opened the zebra's pink flower, and ate her out.

She rested her hands on Beatrix's scalp, shuddered, and bit her lower lip while her clitoris was teased from its hood and swelled, her inner walls pried apart and explored by the slick, warm muscle pushed into her puffy folds. For a moment, she almost forget the injustices outside, raised one hand, and started to fondle one of her heavy, slicked-up breasts under the drizzle.

From where Ebony came from, 'free love' was commonplace unless one chose a mate. Her would-be betrothed, Natural Selection, had betrayed the tribe, and she had been forced to forsake it and become a pariah to stop him. With help from Beatrix, she had been welcomed back in, and while she had saved Beatrix from enslavement, she felt a debt of honor to her.

But aside from that, she was her friend. Not to mention a surprisingly adept, attentive lover.

Her fingers ran through Belladonna's drenched platinum mane tinged in violet. A warm tongue traced her inner walls, licked out her feminine excretions, rapidly darted in-and-out while the invaded twat closed around it. “A-ahhh! Yes, right there~!” She murmured in a low wheeze.

Beatrix used one hand to rub the zebra's heart-shaped clitoris while her other hand reached around, clutched a striped buttock, and sunk a finger into her puckered pink asshole, which clenched and made Ebony's throaty moan louder.

Faster, the witch licked and fingered her, her aura wrapped around the zebra's nipples, pinched, and pulled on them. Finally, Ebony hissed between her gritted teeth and filled Belladonna's mouth in her messy, runny cunt discharge.

“Delicious,” mewled Beatrix through the mouthful of squirts she slurped up and washed over her bare tits, the spurts drank down.

Shuddering, Ebony's striped breasts heaved, the studded nipples dotted in water that oozed down the slopes of her striped bosom. Beatrix carefully took the clitoris ring between her teeth, gave it a few tugs, and small squirts washed over her face. The witch rubbed her thighs together and snaked a hand between them, fingering herself with a small moan in order to reach her own release.

“You're insatiable,” said Ebony, who chuckled softly.

“Tee-hee.” Beatrix grinned coyly and licked her slathered lips and clenched her lower holes. “Anytime you need a pick-me-up, just ask~!”

After they finished, Beatrix turned off the shower, lifted over a pair of towels with her aura, and wiped them both down. Then the witch plopped down nude on the bed with a bounce. Ebony sat next to her, attention turned back to her spear.

Various herbs and potions were placed on a shelf, some of her creations unknown to this world. Perhaps not precisely what Ashen would need, but the less time they spent in this hellhole, the better, so far as she was concerned.

When darkness started to fall, the pair of them drifted off into an uneasy sleep...

*****

Well-trained instincts caused Ebony Ivory to shoot wide awake, the nude zebra immediately on her feet. She dove, tumbled past the rows of ropes thrown her way, and seized the spear until she landed in a squat, weapon leveled toward the intruders. Shadows rushed across the interior, Beatrix's scream muffled when the ropes that shot around her naked body covered her mouth.

Yanked out the window, Beatrix wiggled and tried to flare her horn, only for her eyes to widen as small darts shot into her. Pulled out the open window, curtains fluttered in the night breeze, the walls scaled by masked and cloaked invaders.

Her first instinct was that Natural Selection had somehow tracked them here, but the chances of that were slim. She evaded or knocked aside darts fired in her direction, stabbed a kidnapper, who went slack with a muted cry and fell.

“Gaaagh! Slay her,” demanded one of them, curved knives drawn from their belts. He swiped with deadly precision, only for her to twist, seize his arm, and break it. He winced as bone snapped, kicked off the side to wrench himself free while Ebony evaded another hateful swipe.

“Leave her be,” reminded another of the attackers. “We’ve got what we came for.”

A third assailant asked while they made their retreat, “And if she follows?”

“Then we send her back to King Sombra in pieces,” noted the former with a malicious chuckle behind his mask.

“Cowards,” spat Ebony, who leaped out the window, seized the rope from the kidnapper she'd slain, and scaled up after them. One paused and started to saw at the rope until she leaped up, took his ankle, and hurled him to the ground with a strangled yell. The moonlight framed the shadowy figures who clambered towards the roof, Ebony moments behind.

“Fuck! Can't shake this bitch,” shouted the attacker near the top, Beatrix's limp body tossed over his shoulder, a hand groping her bare ass.

“Damn it,” cried the one with a broken arm which struggled to keep up, also seized by the zebra and tossed by the ankle to his doom.

They finally climbed onto the roof, and Ebony hopped up behind them in a crouch. Down to three, one of them rushed at her with his curved knife raised while the others broke into a mad dash, Beatrix left to bounce on one's shoulder.

She dodged his wild strike, ran him through. He gurgled and crumpled, splashed her in hot blood, her foot planted on his belly to kick him off.

Unfortunately, his two shrouded companions used the distraction to leap across the moonlit rooftops. She ran and jumped after them, but realized they had too much of a lead. In desperation, she took aim, hurled her spear like a javelin at the one with Beatrix on his shoulder.

Her aim proved true; the kidnapped impaled through the midsection in a red splash. He stumbled forward, his unconscious prey seized up by his partner mid-run, and he quickly leaped from a lower slanted roof into a dark alley below.

By the time she caught up, there was no sight of him. Ebony silently touched down. She had captured his distinctive scent and sniffed the air, only to be frustrated by the stench of putrid filth left in the alley, surrounded by the buzz of flies.

“Curse it all.” Naked and soaked in sweat, she carefully made her way back home amidst the darkness, noting the corpses of the assailants she'd slain had mysteriously vanished.

She climbed back into her window, headed next door, only to discover Cerise and her herd mates were missing, too. Had Ashen set them up? No, she decided it too soon to jump to conclusions.

Gathering her meager possessions, she redressed and set out to track down her friends.

*****

By the time dawn broke, Ebony had scoured a sizable portion of the settlement with barely a wink of sleep. But she was used to such long hunts, aware that every second wasted lessened the chance her allies were still alive.

Moreover, one of them had mentioned a ransom. That meant that whatever else they did, Cerise at least would be spared a fatal end if they realized who the poor princess was, but the rest...?

She watched from the corner of her eye, wandered from one place to the next, and flared her nostrils when she sniffed the air, determined to find some trace of their trail.

Finally, she caught the faded scent, following it back to the loathsome black market.

“Of course,” she murmured, appalled by how arrogant the kidnappers were.

The crowd that surged into the morning dwarfed the last one several times over. Somehow word of the fresh slaves had rapidly spread, displayed on the stage and oiled up, fresh meat ready to be sold to the highest bidder who clambered about.

Rings used to neutralize magic were banned in all civilized nations, yet one adorned Beatrix's horn. She, Cerise, Midnight, and Moonlight was collared and chained, hands cuffed behind them and chests thrust out on display at the barked command of a paunchy slaver. “You'll never get away with this,” warned Cerise with a snarl. “Once my mother and father learn about this-”

A sharp backhand made her whimper. “Shut it, whore! You might be a princess, but in these parts you’re little more than an expensive piece of ass!” To demonstrate, he landed a hard smack on her bare charcoal rump that made her yelp, causing her herd mates to growl in response.

“You lay another hand on her; I’ll kill you!” Midnight threatened, chains straining as his muscles swelled and veins popped up all over.

“This one's a hyper-stallion,” the chunky merchant shouted. “Sure to please any mare, or stallion, if you prefer!” The crowd laughed and hooted when a potential buyer stepped forward, removing her dress as the debonair mare thoroughly fondled Midnight’s exposed cock.

“Want to try him out? A hundred bits,” the stallion merchant said, and with a sly smile the masked mare passed a coin pouch to his open palm.

Within moments the masked mare sank to her knees on stage, seized the hyper-stud's partially erect shaft, and took it into her posh lips. Her head bobbed along his shaft while the onlookers cheered, his precum mixing with her saliva, dripping down her chin to splash on her bared, sizable cleavage. Cerise and Moonlight positively fumed while Beatrix tried to slip from her cuffs.

“S-sorry,” wheezed Midnight, his muscles slackening under the surge of raw pleasure. She worked him over, made him throb in her mouth, and his chained-up plume twitched. “I-I can't-!” The mare yanked off his spit-soaked cock when the first hotshot filled her mouth, more left to splash her face and tits while the masses roared with laughter and jubilation. She wiped her painted lips and smiled, her masked face on fire.

“Fucking skank! I'll rip your heart out and feed it to you,” cried Moonlight, who bared her fangs.

“Wait your turn,” the mare answered with a subdued giggle when she rose and slapped the bat mare across her shiny breasts.

“Now, now.” The merchant guffawed. “I paid a small fortune to obtain these three, so let’s start the bidding, shall we?” He allowed a few more buyers to proceed forward, muscles traced and breasts and buttocks roughly squeezed, while more coins clinked into his soon overfilled pot.

Beatrix meekly pretended to accept the treatment while she sneakily slipped from her cuffs, trained by her mother to make impossible escapes on stage. It was a skill that, until recently, she had never taken very seriously to try and master. Now, their future depended on it!

Ebony hovered from the back of the mass, aware that Beatrix couldn't hope to escape alone without her magic. Likewise, if Midnight were adequately riled up, he might be able to break his chains, but would be quickly overwhelmed by sheer numbers that filled the dust-ridden area.

She kept to the corners, crept closer, aware that the moment she struck all hell would break loose.

“W-wait,” called Cerise, who blushed and bowed her head. “W-would you like to see me dance?”

The merchant leered back and raised a hand to still the crowd, the weapons of guards trained on her at his command. “No tricks.”

“Of course not! Like you said, I'm just a spoiled, pampered princess worth nothing more than my looks!” Cerise giggled nervously as one of the stallions undid her cuffs. Carefully, she stretched. “Just give me some space, and maybe some music?” She shook a nubile body in preparation.

A variety of instruments were played by entertainers in attendance. A slew of slave dancers were pushed onto the stage. Those who weren't already naked started to strip under the blazing sun; Beatrix and Moonlight prodded in the butt by spear tips to join them. Thankfully no one noticed Beatrix had already undone her cuffs as the mares jiggled their naked, oiled-up flesh.

“Oh, hell yeah,” someone shouted. A number of the mob drank or tossed more coins at them.

"Princess ass is best ass," another yelled. "Check out those sweet tits, too!" He wolf-whistled.

Cerise closed her eyes, posed framed by the sun, her arms raised. She moved with the practiced precision of a lifetime, made them drool and howl while she showed off her contortionist levels of nubile flexibility. The shapely nymph beamed back at the baying crowd, spreading her legs while she slowly lowered her mound to the stage, while she did the side splits to lusty roars.

“Very nice,” observed the paunchy merchant who circled behind the princess to admire the hot pink asshole on display. He bent down and spat on the puckered ring, watched drool settle in the cleft to drip between her spread open ass cheeks.

Repeatedly Cerise tried to call on her powers, yet found that somehow her innate magic was muted too, uncertain if it was because they had been drugged before, or whether it was a property of the oils smeared all over them. She stood back up, lifted a leg up high, and held it in place, met with leers and cheers as the pretty pink of her pussy was displayed to the onlookers.

Midnight growled louder and strained against his bonds, while a stone-faced Moonlight clumsily danced alongside the other slaves; as did an awkward Beatrix, who waited for a chance to enact some sort of half-baked plan, aware that once they were sold, they would be separated.

By this point, Ebony hovered just outside the mob closest to the stage, spear in hand. Could she take all the guards here by her lonesome? She hoped so, given her considerable skills. But someone had to try. So she steadied her breaths, paused with muscles drawn and tensed to strike.

Her hand closed around a guard's mouth, the spear slid through his bowels until his eyes lost their light. He sunk ar her bare feet.

She managed to slay a few more before someone finally noticed her, pointed, and shouted. Quickly she raised her blowgun and fired a dart into a guard who rushed her way. He toppled, but plenty more kicked up dust behind him.

“Don’t just stand there! Kill her!!” Demanded the merchant. He yelped as Cerise snarled and landed a brutal roundhouse to his fat belly.

Moonlight slammed her hip into a guard and bowled him over. Beatrix swiped a keyring off a distracted guard, ran to Midnight, and speedily unlatched him. “Thanks,” he said, threw the rattling chains off his wings, and punched one of the guards in a crunch of bone and rush of red.

Mass panic beset the attendees. Some were trampled in the bedlam, while more guards rushed onto the scene, since this section of the city was bought out by slavers who banded together to support their illicit interests.

Ebony tossed a curved knife she'd collected to Moonlight, while the small party struggled to defend themselves against impossible odds from all sides, swarmed over and battered.

“Ugh! Of all the times to have my magic nullified,” lamented Beatrix, who scooped up stray stones and tossed them.

“Don’t worry! We'll protect you, sister,” Midnight swore, another blow shattering the jaw of an attacker, who yelped and fell in a heap.

“Take that, you filthy creep!” Yelped Moonlight, whose knife sunk into the breastbone of a would-be rapist who tackled her. Hot blood gushed over her denuded form, but she tossed the dying stallion off, some of the crowd also trying to claim a piece of them. She spotted the masked mare who had taken advantage of her childhood friend, chased her down in a beat of wings, and stabbed her heart. The masked mare sputtered.

Midnight was similarly blinded by rage that made his eyes turn white, struck down guards and bystanders alike in a whirlwind of violence, the hyper-stallion reduced to a bulk of raw muscle, fluffy fur splattered in the blood that ran down his knuckles each time he rained down blows.

Gunshots made the crowd scatter. A new squad of soldiers arrived, armed with rifles, a weapon unknown to most parts in this world.

“Stand down, or I'll shoot you where you stand,” warned one of them, an instrument trained on Ebony's chest. She clutched her weapon and considered the odds, uncertain if they wouldn't unload on her anyway if she dropped her spear.

Again the huntress tensed, hopeful she could strike down a few before she was downed and allow her friends to make their escape.

Blood and bodies lined the black market. For a tense, brief moment that drew out, no one acted.

Suddenly a shadow started to cross over the black market. Dust storms were kicked up under the whir of thrusters and the roar of engines. A familiar painted airship lowered into view, its cannons trained on the riflemen and crowds.

“How about you stand down,” shouted Ashen Dunes by megaphone, situated at the wheel. Rope ladders were tossed aside. “Hurry aboard, friends! And no sudden movements,” he warned. “I won't hesitate to level this whole town!”

“This is an act of war!” Declared one of the slave handlers.

“Hey, you kidnapped the princess! Count yourself lucky if our father doesn't send in an army to raze this entire place and salts the earth! Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he led it himself! Have you heard the rumors about what a tyrant he used to be?” Ashen stated without humor.

Once everyone climbed aboard, the airship instantly shot heavenwards. The settlement grew smaller below by the second, until the craft climbed towards the clouds. The captain took a moment to make certain all of them were okay.

“And where were you during all this?” Ebony questioned when she marched towards Ashen, her expression and voice cold.

“Admittedly, I am to blame for this,” Ashen said while avoiding her eyes. “Believe me, I didn't intend for any of this to happen! I wouldn't betray my family, I swear!” He crossed his heart.

Cerise frowned and quietly asked, “So then what happened, brother?”

“I bit off more than I could chew. Made some bad deals that almost got you all killed.” He slammed a fist on the wheel. “No way we can return here, not with all the people who are after my blood! But at least I didn't leave here empty-handed.”

“There better be some supplies,” scoffed Moonlight, who sat with a towel wrapped around her, and accepted the offered cup of tea.

“Yes, things that will surely save many lives.” Ashen blinked watery eyes, shaken as sweaty hands clung to the steering wheel. “I'm sorry, everyone, I truly am. Assassins almost commandeered my airship. I barely escaped without the loss of all my crew members.”

“Well, at least we all dodged a bullet,” Midnight sighed, bundled up in a cloak.

Ebony studied the prince but sensed he spoke true. “Well, hopefully, you’ve learned a valuable lesson about dalliances with criminals.”

“Pretty sure he has,” noted Beatrix, who frowned in sympathy. The crew repeatedly cleansed the oils with a particular solution. A pair of heavy pliers were used to snap the ring that nullified Beatrix's magic, and she waved her costume back in place. “Not the adventure I intended for our 'first date', Ebony, but crazy stuff like this somehow always seems to follow me around!”

“It’s fine, Beatrix. I’m simply relieved to see you all safe,” said Ebony, who cleaned the blood from her spear before it rusted.

Moonlight bundled up and stared down at her trembling hands, spotted some dried blood matted in her grayish-purple fur. Clarity from the chaos of recent events dawned as she settled in. “I...I'd never killed a person before! Sure, there were a few animals on the hunt, but all I could see was red hot anger when I stabbed that masked mare! S-she was helpless, couldn’t fight back at all, and I murdered her in cold blood...”

“She was also a slaver,” reminded Ebony, who gripped her shoulder and held it. “What's done is done. So don’t beat yourself up.”

“Yeah,” said Midnight when he, Cerise, and Beatrix came to support her. His expansive plumage closed around them. His feather tips brushed the tears from her eyes, the young soldier hugged tight between them all when fresh sobs spilled out and wracked her entirety.

“First blood is always hard,” said Ebony. “Unfortunately, some acquire a taste for it.”

“We won't let that happen,” assured Beatrix, who crinkled up her snout. isn't that right, brother?” She conspiratorially winked at him.

“Right!” Midnight smiled and patted their backs. “I don't know about your guys, but I feel kind of filthy, between all that sweat and blood.”

Ashen broke in. “Already taken care of.” A portion of the deck shifted in a turn of gears that loudly churned, and a hot tub surfaced. Fresh waters started to fill it, bubbled and steamed, the aroma of oils and shampoos in the air. “Head on in!”

Cerise grinned and walked around the tub. “This ship has everything!” She shucked her towel and slid naked into the waters. Pretty soon, her friends joined in, scrubbed their bodies, and soaked muscles that stung. “Roomy, too!” She mewled under the firm hands of her husband, who brushed her fur, massaged her tender skin, her eyes closed when she relaxed into his touch.

“Allow me,” said Ebony, who undid the knots in Moonlight's toned form. She worked her over with expert hands, made the bat mare happily squirm under her touch, well-versed in the art. “Know that these troubles will fade, in time.”

“Sure,” whispered Moonlight, who started to drift off under the zebra's tender massage.

“Take the wheel,” said Ashen to a crewmate. He also disrobed and slipped in. More drinks were brought at his command, something a little stronger this time. “It's the little indulgences in life, don't you agree my friends? Stay here as long as you like. Think I'll head back home for now, visit mother and father. Oh, and sister...I'll find you land to call your own. That, I promise.”

“Thanks! Just don't land yourself in any more trouble,” requested Cerise, who continued to moan low under her sensual rubdown .

“And if he does, I'll come to bail him out,” assured Beatrix, who rubbed her wrists, still sore after she slipped out of those handcuffs. “You should visit the mansion sometime too, Ashen! You'll totally love it! I can't wait to show Ebony around!”

“Another adventure to display on the paintings,” chuckled Midnight, the manor adorned by depictions of worlds Beatrix visited. Quite a few included this scarred planet, one of the favorite places she'd visited, despite her troubles here.

They relaxed over the hours, headed to the capital. Ebony offered the princess a massage too, traced over her glistening flanks, and observed her cutie mark; a broken in half heart, one half bright pink, the other black with a pink outline, like it had been eclipsed. She'd been told of the dancer's unusual conception, and speculated it had altered Cerise's cutie mark.

“That tickles,” murmured Cerise, who giggled as her buttocks were kneaded. Pliable flesh turned in circles, putty in the zebra's gentle yet firm grip, and the princess cheerily fluttered her leather wings, wiggling her plush butt into warm palms.

Ebony smiled and exhaled sharply, thankful she could do a little to help ease their burdens.

Despite their lineage, none of King Sombra's offspring had fallen into darkness. Likewise, even after how little time she'd had with Beatrix's ragtag collection of friends, Ebony had a sense they were trustworthy and dependable.

Indebted to Beatrix after the Natural Selection incident, she silently swore a blood oath to them, to protect and support them, whatever lied ahead. She too would soon have recurrent troubled dreams when she arrived at the mansion, portents of an imminent disaster...

An Interlude II (Ebony Ivory, Dion, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse, Bellatrix Primadonna, Moxxi, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Cerise Silhouette)

Left to wander around the manor freely, Ebony Ivory took in the unfamiliar surroundings, her eyes alight at the sights before her. Suits of shining armor were on display, alongside nude statues and busts of both sexes. Everything was kept in pristine condition. A chandelier that illuminated the interior, a fireplace crackled, and a pair of staircases wound to the second floor.

Like the huntress had been told, the shadowy interiors were decorated by murals and paintings that depicted Beatrix's various adventures. She stopped to study each one; Ebony left to integrate herself in her temporary new home while Beatrix headed out to hunt down more of her old friends. She chose to stay behind, certain Beatrix wished to spend more time with the mystical Lady Ewe. Sandals softly padded on the floor while she explored further into the foyer.

Rarely did she discover a speck of dust. No doubt the work of the crystal maids she heard attended the place. Even the hearth proved spotless.

She ascended the stairs, headed towards the vast library she had heard about. Her ear flicked at the sound of a giggle down one of the corridors. She turned the corner, quietly moved towards the source, overcome by her curiosity.

“Alright, ye vixens,” a scarred ram instructed, arms folded over his bold chest. Ebony felt heat flush her face upon spotting the low-hanging member and hefty sack between his wool-covered thighs. “Show me what ya got!”

Ahead of him stood the twins, Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer, who smiled and tittered. Only this time, the pair abandoned their usual uniforms for fetish-style costumes. One sister dressed as a white-attired nurse, shapeliness and coral pink cleavage on display. The other wore a scanty black school uniform, completed by pleated skirt.

“We love to play dress-up,” both said. “Are we to your liking, Sir Dion?”

“Aye! Not bad at all,” Dion's grin bared his teeth. “Time fur yer mornin’ inspection, lasses.”

The zebra watched in fascination when he approached the twins, brow furrowed in concentration while his eyes panned up and down their physiques in appreciation. He rested his palms on their warm, bare thighs as if in the middle of an important decision. “Hmm,” he mused. “Somethin’ tells me one of ye saucy minxes have been very naughty~!”

“Well, don't keep us on edge,” the school mare cooed with a bat of her lashes. “Choose and find out~!”

“Either way, you're guaranteed to get a nice reward,” teased the nurse, coyly smirking as she waved her wide hips.

Dion hissed through his teeth and asked, “Perhaps...you?” His hand lifted the schoolgirl's pleated skirt. “Aha!” He crowed when the mare's bare muff was exposed to the cool air, the cleft of her tight slit and her crystalline ass revealed.

“Oh no,” playfully cried the schoolgirl who pouted. “Guess I'll have to be punished!”

“Ye say that like it’s a good thing,” he huffed with a shake of his head, plopped himself on a stool in the hall, and yanked her to him by the waist, the twin's bare rump prostrated over his lap. A sharp crack sounded when he landed the first swat, met by a lewd yelp when her bare butt wobbled.

“Ooh?” The nurse cooed, catching the zebra from the corner of her eye. “No need to be shy; come on out~!”

Ebony licked her lips and stepped from her hiding spot in the shadows. “I didn’t mean to spy on you. I was...too curious not to watch. Please, continue.” The ram offered a smile before he laid more spanks on Foal-Bearer's blushing ass, causing the mare to squeak and kick her feet.

“It’s a little game we like to play in the morning. My name is Wet Nurse! A pleasure to meet you, Miss Ebony.” She offered her hand and shook it. “If Sir Dion finds out which one of us went commando, he gets to tan our sexy little hides!”

“That is…one way to keep a relationship novel,” Ebony admitted, unable to tear her gaze from Foal-Bearer’s jiggling, hand print marked flanks.

Wet Nurse playfully leered. “You’re free to join us if you’d like~” She took the zebra's hands and placed them between her thighs. She slowly guided them up, the skirt of her nurse lifting to reveal a frilly park of black panties with a scarlet bow on them. A moist spot lined the crotch.

“Had Dion chosen me instead, he would have added this cute little garment to his growing collection! See for yourself~.” When she tugged off her scanty underwear, a thin trail of her love nectar connected her bare twat to the silk piece.

Ebony accepted the piece and her nostrils reflexively flared to inhale the sweet feminine pheromones. Sudden inspiration struck her. She sultrily teased, “Unfortunately, it appears I've also caught you without any underwear.” She, too, settled onto a stool across from the ram, draped Wet Nurse over her lap, and landed her own staccato spanks on her bare bum.

Their cutie marks glowed in resonance, echoes of clapped asses left to echo down the hall. “Usually...oomph~! No one heads down this hall!” Foal-Bearer shouted the words, she and her twin's faces bright red, barely able to contain themselves while pussies leaked down the laps of those who disciplined them. Their reddened buttocks were spread, kneaded, and pinched.

“A welcome surprise,” purred Ebony, tenderly squeezing the sweet cheeks in her palms. She lifted the maid's rump momentarily, planted a series of kisses all over the tenderized flesh, and Wet Nurse thrust up her appreciative ass.

“Ahh. A fellow warrior, Ah see,” noted Dion, checking out the zebra’s muscular yet supple striped physique.

“A huntress, yes. Ebony Ivory, foremost hunter of my tribe...after my love betrayed it.” Her face momentarily darkened at the memories. “Beatrix has told me much about you, Sir Dion. I understand you're helping to train Midnight?”

“Aye, th’ lad shows promise, but what he’ll accomplish remains tae be seen. Maybe ye can help him after we've finished up?” He paused to blow on a palm, raw after he landed a particularly fierce smack smack that left an angry red handprint on the maid's wobbly ass cheek.

“Oh, I'd be happy to help~!” She sensually massaged Wet Nurse's well-beaten posterior. “So, I assume you don't work these poor sisters up then leave them hanging, do you?” She rubbed the mare's slit as honey decorated her fingers.

“Of course not!” Wet Nurse exclaimed, who drew the zebra's digits to her and sucked on them to the knuckle, tasted her own sweet cunt nectar.

“Usually, he'd have to take turns with us,” said Foal-Bearer, looking towards her wooly warrior. “But if you’d like to help out….”

The warrior chuckled. “Ah wouldn’t complain. How ‘bout we take this tae th’ bedroom?” The pair rolled over the siblings with a nod, lifting them into their arms and carried them bridal-style into the guest room. The twins practically had their clothes torn from them, succulent bodies exposed to the drafty air, and both laughed giddily once they were tossed onto the bed.

“We weren’t born to be fighters,” admitted Foal-Bearer, their breasts bouncy when they bumped atop the bed. “But Sir Dion was gracious enough to show us a few moves!” She licked her lips as her hand traveled to grope and pump his erecting red shaft.

Dion groaned softly as her twin pressed her cheek to his taut posterior, kissing it lovingly.

“I assume Beatrix told you the score?” Wet Nurse asked, eying the zebra huntress. “We need to heal the manor's wound in the basement. Bellatrix requires a surplus of sexual energies. So you can help with that, since everyone under this roof needs to be utterly fucked senseless~.”

“Ah was worried A’d be worn out befur th’ big event,” Dion laughed. “These two are quite th’ insatiable pair. But they help me keep in shape~.”

“Time for our daily exercise,” quipped Wet Nurse, bringing her heavy tits up to envelope his throbbing dick. “And our protein shake~” She squeezed her bust comfortably around Dion's shaft, using her chest to stroke him off while Foal-Bearer pressed her own generous assets against her sister's to sandwich his masculinity.

“Ye better not be implyin’ A’m a quick shot!” Dion growled playfully, easing into the twin’s bountiful breasts while his cock poked out between their melons. Both crystal mares licked, suckled, and kissed the tip, eager to sample his man milk.

While they were busy servicing the ram, Ebony sidled up behind the sisters and snaked her digits up their inner thighs, sinking them into the moist canals with a wet squelch. Their pussies closed around the intruders, milked at them while she curled up her fingers. Their hips swayed when she toyed with their g-spots, urging both to titty fuck him faster as their perky nipples kissed.

“A-ahh shite!” Muttered Dion, petting both their heads before finding Ebony cramming her lips against his, making him shudder. His cock throbbed close against their hearts, a sign he was close to cumming. And with a muffled moan barked out from Dion, each sister drew back, tongues stuck out to accept his payload. They moaned as their lover blasted them in thick ropes, layered faces and breasts in syrupy seed.

The thickness and volume of his discharge increased due to the steady supply of potions Beatrix supplied them to spice up their sex lives. Glaze dribbled down his marked lovers.

Dion released heated pants while the maids made out and licked each other clean. Ebony grinned before lowering herself down to press her snout into his enlarged orbs, inhaling his musky scent. “Mmmm, yes~! That raunchy smell. It has been a while since I slept with a worthy stallion,” she admitted and teased, licking a strip off the under his hot rod to get it back to full mass. Finding the taste all the more appetizing, Ebony took a fair amount into her mouth as she slowly bobbed and slurped along his shaft.

“This is just the lead-up,” said Foal-Bearer between playful licks. “I hear that our favorite imp will be planning the orgy!”

“Hard to imagine anyone else, honestly,” Wet Nurse murred between lewd smacks, runny cum swished in her mouth. “I take it Beatrix told you?”

Ebony popped Dion’s cock out of her mouth, spit webbing from her lips while it pulsated against her face. “Yes, Beatrix has told me a bit about this… ‘Moxxi,’” Ebony confirmed, cupping her partner’s heated testicles in a palm, earning another bestial moan from Dion.

“But no, what I meant is we have a ritual in our tribe when it comes to celebrating life. For a night, males and females freely indulge out in the open. Our concept of shame differs from most of the 'civilized' world. We attempt to reject the idea of jealousy and bring the whole tribe closer.”

“Aye, we share a similar custom,” Dion agreed, trending his fingers through the zebra mare’s mohawk. “While most prefer findin’ th’ one their soul belongs tae, most folks from mah clan enjoy nights ov partyin’, booze, an’ rollin’ around in th’ hay.”

“Mmm,” Ebony hummed thoughtfully as she pulled away from his genitals to crawl on top, her palm pressing the sturdy ram onto his back. “I believe there is much we could share with each other’s culture…if you’ll indulge me~?”

“Ov course! Ah love me a mare unafraid tae stake her claims,” Dion muttered, hands feeling up her waist and abs while Ebony straddled his lap.

“Kind of like Bellatrix,” said Wet Nurse, who patted the zebra's striped ass.

“Yes, I have heard the succubus can be quite fierce. But I’ve learned to temper my fury. Still…” Ebony paused to push his cock into her warm, wet confines. A ragged moan escaped her. “...there are times I allow myself to let the beast out, so to speak.” A low, bestial growl came from the huntress who started to buck atop him.

“A-aaagh! Mmmn f-fuck! Now we’re talkin’,” Dion grunted, his hands seizing Ebony’s bouncing breasts before he latched on, tugging on her gold nipple rings. This earned another heightened moan from the zebra, slamming her flank down, feeling those oversized balls tapping her ass.

While the warriors went at it like hungry animals, the twins dug around a drawer, finding various sex toys stored all over the house in case of emergencies. They selected the largest double-headed dildo they could find, black and shaped into a pair of massive horsecocks on each end. They noted it felt too real, no doubt a magical construct constructed by the imp.

“So warm,” said Wet Nurse, who felt the flare squish in her hand. She pressed her face to the tip, squeezed the flared head a few times until precum beaded on it, and oozed onto her fingers. “So life-like...ah~!” She cried out as a small blast shot her eye. She squeezed it shut and tittered, wiped it and a tear from her face. “Oh my goodness, I'm pretty sure it can cum, too!”

Foal-Bearer helped lick the spunk off her sister's eyelid. “Get it inside us already,” urged the mare who grabbed her sister's wrist and dragged her to the bed. They spread their thighs wide apart, took the ends of the construct into their pussies in a messy, loud squish, filled incredibly deep. Their cutie marks shimmered and hummed, their bliss shared. “Wow,” she murmured sleepily with hazy eyes as their openings drooled down their assholes. “This will take a moment to adjust to.”

Gradually the twins started to move, took the tool almost painfully deep, felt it pierce past their cervices when they drove themselves forward, and shifted their wet asses to finally meet cunt-to-cunt. Their fingers interlinked, and their inflamed, slick lower lips kissed, slathered in a thick trail of girl slime. Their buttocks clapped each time their hips shifted amidst needy coos.

Ebony squealed when she found herself bent over the bed, her juicy flank raised high as her fellow warrior pummeled her puss like a man possessed. While he wasn’t as big as the usual stallions she’d been with, Dion held great sexual prowess when it came to bedding mares.

“Mnaagh, oh fuck~! I-Is this truly the best you can do?” She taunted out loud with an airy laugh, clearly trying to goad him on. “My former mate railed me far better after a successful hunt. C’mon, fuck me like you mean it~!”

The zebra got both her wobbling ass cheeks slapped in retaliation, crying out when she felt Dion shove his way into her slippery womb.

“Heh! Hard tae talk shite when ye’re mewlin’ like a bitch in heat! But don’t worry, lassie. When A’m through with ye, ye’ll won’t be recallin’ yer ex’s name~!”

“O-ooooohh! You are a bold one~!” Ebony giggled, loving Dion’s enthusiasm…as well as that thick cock battering her love tunnel. The two continued to chant and challenge each other, until the big horned sheep slammed their hips together and poured another bucket’s worth of cum into the horny huntress.

Ebony mewled loudly, feeling his fat breeding sack swelling against her mound as splooge leaked out of her overstuffed honey pot. Then, wrapping his big arms around the zebra mare, Dion pulled them onto their sides, tenderly kissing her neck while stroking her full belly.

“Ooohhm~!” Ebony sighed in sensuous pleasure. “Such a strong, caring lover you are! Those twins are lucky to have you, Sir Dion~.”

“Ahhh, Ah try,” he snickered, his pale cheeks flustered while his crimson gaze fell towards Wet Nurse and Foal-Bearer. “Still.... It's a sad life tae know they're both stuck here.”

“Agreed,” Ebony whispered, petting his face. “But I’m confident you’ll find a way to set them free.” The burly ram found reassurance before the two locked lips one more, sharing a tender kiss.

“Y-you needn't pity us,” Foal-Bearer said as she and her twin pressed ass-to-ass and whined lewdly as they drooled. “Oh yes, right there!”

“But we'd welcome any help,” noted Wet Nurse, loud claps answered each time their sweaty, sticky asses met by pounding the double-dildo against their slippery wombs. They mewled and clawed at the sheets, riddled with a fresh orgasm.

Dion and Ebony pulled away with a nod to help the twins; a pop sounded when his cock slipped free of her spunky twat. Both headed to the sisters, who were butt-to-butt, and they spread Foal-Bearer's and Wet Nurse’s ass cheeks open.

Their tongues sank into the warm, pink rings, kissed and pulled on them, licked them out, anything that would help get them off. The maids whined in appreciation at the ravenous rimjob, unable to restrain another deluge of an orgasm that pooled below them to ruin the bedsheets.

As if on cue, the magic dildo vibrated, trapped in the snatches that milked around it. The horsecocks flared wider into their wombs, lodged in place to simulate a proper stud that rutted its submissive breeders, and marked their feminine cores with thick blast-after-blast. An impossible volume filled their uteri until their bellies ballooned up, and they howled in elation.

Their hanging titties swayed and knocked, Foal-Bearer's perky nipples dotted in milk that Dion squeezed out, his firm palms wrapped around them. He nursed out the warm liquids, watched them shoot out each time he applied pressure.

“I miss having milky tits,” whined Wet Nurse, thankful she could at least share her sister's sensations.

“Well, maybe we could track down Shadow Scythe an’ force her tae switch yer heads back,” joked Dion, continuing to crush the melons under his firm hold. “Gods, Ah could fondle these babies fur hours…”

“Nah,” both said as they started to come down from their high. “We're closer than ever now!”

The spent dildo eventually dislodged itself from their wombs and shrank back down. The foursome collapsed onto the soaked sheets, huddled close and satisfied for the moment. Finally, all three of them cuddled around the warrior ram, scarred muscles sweat beaded.

The twins cooed and traced his scars, asking him to recount where each had come from. Ebony also listened intently with her ears perked, her curiosity piqued. Then, with a broad grin, his thoughts returned to days of old...

*****

Gathered in the basement were several friends who Beatrix left behind, while she and Lady Ewe went to seek out more companions scattered throughout parallel universes. In the meantime, Bellatrix Primadonna studied the pulsating wound in the wall, which continued to leak tendrils of energy. “As you can see, the damage left by Shadow Scythe struggles to regenerate. I presume that's because she stole a portion of the mansion's power when she escaped, giving her limited access to dimensional travel as well.”

Cerise, Midnight and Moonlight were around her in the darkened den, all eying the wound with curiosity. Hovering just a few feet from them was the last friend Beatrix dropped off.

The spunky short-stacked creature known as Moxxi, vibrantly colored in wardrobe while monotone in body, save for the hot pink highlighting the imp's breasts and tummy.

“Can't you just use your healing touch on the wound?” Midnight asked, to which Bellatrix shook her head before swapping out her devilish form for an angelic one. Radiant curves were now swathed in a white lingerie piece, transparent save for rose designs that shrouded her naughty bits. Her palm glowed when she touched the wall, filling it with white energy that made her groan, feeling her own life force sapped to mend it.

“The wound's too deep,” she lamented as her skin started to lose its luster, sweat beaded on her skin. “I would need much greater reserves.”

“And by reserves,” Moxxi added in, sporting an eager grin mirrored by her own tail with a face on the spade as it waved about happily. “Ya mean we aw throw our legs over each ovver and party loike we’re sev'nteen~!”

“Yes. Those crashing here have already started. But unfortunately, the wound is deteriorating much faster than it is healing. Of course, you don't have to help, but since I'm sure Cerise, Midnight, and their herd mate would surely like to celebrate their marriage anyhow...” Bellatrix turned and smiled slyly at them. “The manor can shift to whatever setting is preferred. Furthermore, I can supply all the sex toys, aphrodisiacs, or whatever else you like to get you in the mood. Simply ask and I'll provide.”

“Whoa! Sounds awesome,” Moonlight said with a grin that showed off her fangs and fist-pumped. “Like our own private love hotel!”

“Precisely. I'm glad you approve.” Bellatrix nodded, pale arms crossed.

“So,” asked Midnight. “When do we start?”

“Whenever you're ready. Take this at your own pace. Do as much as you please. There’s no need to treat this like a chore. And if you need any help...” Bellatrix caressed each of their cheeks with the downy tips of her feathery wings.

“Ooh~! We might just take you up on that,” cheerily answered Cerise, eyes lighting up when she tentatively reached a palm forward, let it rest on one of the angel's heavy breasts, caressed the pale flesh, and felt a nipple stiffen under her touch. She shifted the lingerie so a vibrant pastel pink nub poked out, pinched and tweaked it.

“Ah. That feels pleasant,” confessed Bellatrix, who licked her chops in anticipation.

Cerise smirked and withdrew her touch with a wink. “Just a taste of what's to come, I promise! Let's head upstairs, you two!” She wrapped an arm around the waists of her husband and their shared lover, traced palms over their bottoms.

“Look at ‘em,” Moxxi mused, clasping her hands close to her face. “'aven’t been cash and carried long and can 'ardly keep off the pull. Brings a tear ter me eye,” she sniffled playfully, wiping away said imaginary teardrop.

“Given the nature of Midnight’s condition, I can’t imagine it's easy living life without sexual contact,” Bellatrix chuckled.

“'oo wouldn’t wanna go trouser divin' for that girthy stallion cock~?” The little devil teased. “Speakin' of, there’s been a lot of dick on yer brain, huh? First the ram, na Middy? You're normally quite reserved!”

“Well, perhaps a certain crazed sex fiend has rubbed off on me,” Bellatrix quipped back with a knowing smile.

“Oh, trust me, doll. I do a hoppin' pot more than just rub people off~!”

“You'll have your moment,” the shapeshifter assured, resuming her succubus guise in a flash and interlocked her tail with the imp's to form a heart shape. Then, bending over, she scratched Moxxi under her chin. “And, maybe if I’m nice, I'll let you have the reins to the manor again...”

Moxxi's little wings flapped. “Ooh, pretty please? Ya kna I’m a sucker for mischief!” She rubbed her tiny claws together, well aware that the mansion preferred demonic hosts. Only one individual could unite with the abomination at a time, which would die without someone to support it.

And while Shadow Scythe had momentarily synchronized with the creature, close enough to a devil since she had consumed the souls of many powerful demons, so far, no one else they knew appeared suitable to link with the manor.

Perhaps due to her link with darkness, Cerise potentially could, but Bellatrix dared not put her at risk. The poor girl had suffered enough, so far as she was concerned. Once she had thought her weak and pathetic...now she called her a friend.

“Not the silly wench I believed you were princess,” admitted Bellatrix to herself, watching Cerise and her companions ascend the stairs, treated to the sight of their well-sculpted butts swaying while the threesome took their playful steps upwards.

Much as she wanted to follow them to their room and join them, she refused to invade anyone's privacy unless it was necessary. And so, she returned to the matter at hand. Dion and Ebony were already hard at work with the twins, who rarely seemed to sleep. Energies released from their sated lusts bombarded the mansion.

Her attention drew back to the imp, who was giddily swaying back and forth.

“Easy, little one,” Bellatrix insisted. “It won’t be long until my sister returns.”

“I know. Just bored is aw,” Moxxi yawned, stretching her arms. “'ow’s abaht a lil' more trainin' that’ll 'elp me become a true demon? I mean, ya taught us ways to deal wif that edgy reaper, but why not go aw aahhht?!”

Bellatrix crossed her arms, pondering the imp’s request. “That is true. Your brother was ‘nice’ enough to bless me with a gift.” She caressed her horns, which curled when she let more of her subdued demonic power free, a black mane starting to whiten as a result. “Problem is, if I ever truly let myself loose, there's a risk I won't ever come back. I'd be reduced to a wild animal driven by pure instinct, no better than I was before Sombra discovered me in the Necronomicon ”

The tyrannical stallion had liberated her for his own use. Her 'sister' Beatrix had rescued her from him and shown her another way.

Despite what Zeloph claimed, she did not see herself as a some tamed beast or piece of fiction. No, she had chosen this path for herself!

“Think fast,” Bellatrix hissed, suddenly lunging at Moxxi, nails extended to claws swiped at the air.

“Whoa!” Squeaked Moxxi, hovering backward. The nails missed her skin, but the gust of wind the she-devil released vacuumed the black tape crossing out her nipples, leaving her breasts bare. “Ooh, kinky~! Na, this is me kind of trainin'!”

“Good, because we've merely begun!” The she-devil chased and slashed at the imp, unable to properly hit her while she danced around precise strikes. Likewise, Moxxi goaded her friend to stop holding back, taunting her with smacks and spanks to her abused rear by way of her tail.

“Gonna need ter be more slick if ya want these pussy lips,” Moxxi giggled, swiftly dodging each attack while landing a couple of jabs onto Bellatrix. The demoness felt her body become heavy with lust, her red skin blushing brightly, the urge to grope and finger herself becoming almost unbearable. As each attempt to land a hit grew more sluggish, Moxxi used her own talons to slice through Bellatrix’s sexy garments.

Finally, the shapeshifter fell to her knees, one hand kneading her bare tit while the other dug into her gushing womanhood.

“A-Aaauugh~! I-I thought I was the one teaching you,” Bellatrix groaned, eying the imp suspiciously.

Moxxi gave a shrug, flashing a cocky grin before replying, “Maybe the student 'as surpassed the master~?”

The little devil let out a yelp once her mentor seized her by the tail, hanging her upside down with a hand to her hip.

“I think not. You got a few hits in, but it’ll take more than your ‘lewd’ touch to sublimate me,” Bellatrix reminded. “Still, not bad!”

Moxxi grinned, suspended face-to-face with her teacher. “Do I get a reward for aw me 'ard work?”

“Depends on your definition,” mused Bellatrix, landing a hard smack on the imp's rump. Then she flicked her nose and released her grip, leaving Moxxi to rub at her sore bum.

“Yeoch! Anyone ever tell ya that you’re quite the Rodney teacher?” She hissed.

“I have to be,” Bellatrix concluded, her claws extending from her fingertips. “I’m a true demon. And you would be too if you took this seriously...” Again, she relaunched her vicious attack, forcing Moxxi to pirouette to evade her blows while the pair worked themselves up into a frenzy.

Despite being a major nuisance half the time, Bellatrix had developed a fondness for the mischievous imp. Still, she couldn’t help but sense there was more to Moxxi than playful innuendos and lewd jokes. She often wondered what made her friend so devil-may-care.

Chapter 8 : Heart of the Wild (Quicksilver Bullet, Quiver Bolt, Shadow Scythe)

“Journal entry: Day five,” narrated Quicksilver Bullet outloud, quill set to the scroll on his lap. The stallion was seated on a moss-covered log in the middle of a swamp, the dense jungle partially obscuring the blazing sun. He nibbled on the feather which tickled his bushy mustache and chin hairs, a reminder that he needed to shave. His sweat-soaked dusted coat was placed underneath his backside, a fedora propped on his scalp. “Trail’s starting to get cold, and there’s still no sign of the fabled Jabberwocky.”

The hunt had taken him into barely explored regions where only Daring Doo would typically venture. But the hunter had faith in his skills and weaponry; the instruments on hand enchanted to deal with whatever beasts befell them.

“I can't help but feel a little irresponsible sometimes,” confessed his wife, who sat on a bed of blankets across from him. Quiver Bolt's coat was pale gold, a scarlet mane trailed down her back.

“I’ll say,” Quicksilver dryly chuckled. “Not to offend you, dear, but you coming along was a mighty big risk.”

Her aquamarine eyes sparkled with life as she smiled, “You know I couldn't bear to be apart from you for so long…. Nor her, for that matter~.”

In her arms, swaddled in another blanket, rested the fruit of their union. A baby unicorn with a white mane, pale blue coat, and icy blue eyes appeared to stare directly into one's heart and soul. She rarely slept, nor did she whine or cry.

“Heh! Quite the stubborn little tyke. Just like her mother,” he complimented, his chest swelling with pride. “Beautiful too.”

“Yet her silence is getting worrisome,” admitted Quiver while rocking their foal in her arms. The baby simply stared back, tapped with her little hoof when she needed to fill her diaper. “You don't think something's wrong with her, do you?”

Quicksilver shrugged, sporting a cheeky grin. “I don't pretend to understand kids. This is all new to us. But I'm sure with such a wonderful mother around, she'll turn out alright.” Then, inspired by the sight of his wife and child, the cryptozoologist started to furiously scribble out the rest of his entry, quill repeatedly dipped into an ink blotter.

The sounds of animals and insects around them oddly calmed him. He felt at home in the wild. So much to see and learn.

The light started to dim, and the mysterious sounds grew louder. The couple had set up camp but weren't quite ready to settle in. Quiver started a campfire while Quicksilver rolled up the dried scroll. They skewered bugs on sticks and cooked them over the blaze, the scent of dinner able to smother the forestation aroma all around them. Their mouths watered in anticipation.

Their eyes shot wide open from shock when an aura wrapped around the scroll, directed to the foal's face, who unfurled and attempted to read it. Her tiny snout crinkled in annoyance, unable to make out the words as her horn flared.

“Well, would you look at that,” said Quicksilver in a hushed whisper. “We’ve got ourselves a genius in the making!”

Quiver Bolt smiled and choked back sobs. “My sweet little darling,” she cried and snuggled her to her bosom. She started to read the scroll aloud while their baby perked her little ears and soaked in the world around her.

She nursed the foal while they ate their own meal. After a while, the little one settled down into a comfortable sleep. Quiver tucked her in atop the blankets and kissed her temple. A lullaby put her to bed. The moon and stars had started to peek out, the air-filled by cricket chirps.

Finally, the couple had a rare moment of alone time. Gazes met over the crackle of a fire that cast the lovers in a romantic glow.

She made the first move, rested a hoof on his broad shoulder, leaned in to meet his snout. Their nuzzles locked into a series of kisses that started slow, then became heavier, more insistent, both spurred on by the races of their hearts and warmth from their bodies.

He carefully pushed her into a bed of leaves, pressed his weight atop her while she parted her legs to admit him. His shaft escaped its sheathed, pressed against her entrance, and they moaned when he slid into her heated depths.

She wrapped her limbs around him and rocked underneath his movements. Their maws continued to mash with each thrust. On a similar adventure, in the heat of raw passion, they had conceived their little bundle of pride and joy.

Groans rose from Quicksilver, who flared into her womb. She soaked him in preparation to receive his seed. His muscles tightened and they gasped when he pumped his payload into her core. She trembled beneath him, chewed on his lower lip.

“I love you, Silver,” she murmured when they started to come down from their high.

He smiled and stroked her tangled scarlet mane. “I love you, too, Goldie. You are my whole world.” He returned her playful nuzzles.

After he withdrew from her, she licked his equipment and cleaned herself. Then the couple readied themselves for sleep. He took the first watch, aware his wife needed her rest badly.

Plus, it was the hunter's sacred duty to defend his family, with his life if necessary.

He checked his rifle and sidearm, took flint to his machete, which caught the glint of the moonlight. The darts in his rifle were filled with enough sedatives to stop a miniature dragon.

A few traps were also placed around the area in case some predator dared cross in close. He couldn't wash away the concern he held for his family, almost to an obsessive degree.

By the time his lover took his place, he was finally able to drift off into a fitful sleep.

*****

Similar days passed on the hunt. They picked up the faint trail of the Jabberwocky and pursued it. There were many theories about such unknown, 'fictional' creatures. An escapee from a magical book or comic, fiction come to life? An experiment by a mad wizard that went out of control? Ancient primordial being who survived extinction? He tried to keep an open mind.

The vegetation thickened further deeper in. Gasses rose from the discolored sludge that made up the vast swamps. Moss hung like tendrils from gnarled branches, the atmosphere thick with swarms of bloated mosquitoes, blocked by a repellant around the travelers.

“You okay, sweetheart?” Quiver Bolt kept their quiet filly swaddled to her chest by a strap attached to the bundle. Their baby didn't make so much as a coo. Instead, her icy gaze studied their surroundings, almost analytically.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s fine,” assured Quicksilver, whose machete slashed through dense vines that fell away. “Wouldn’t be our daughter if she wasn’t brave.” He shot the tyke a warm smile.

Muck squished under thick boots over their hooves. At times there was no choice but to wade through the slurry. Tiny rays of sunlight reflected off the surface, alongside twigs, plants, and chunks of debris that skimmed over dirty soup.

The stench filled their nostrils, so overpowering that Quiver swayed. Quicksilver instantly stopped to aid his partner, leaning her frame into his.

“I-I’m fine,” she assured him. “Just a bit dizzy.”

“Nah, love. You haven’t recovered after the pregnancy,” he noted and shook his head. “Maybe we should turn back...”

“No! Not when you're so close. I don't want to hold you back from your dreams.” She shook away any discomfort, pressed on ahead. “There!” She spotted large claw prints left in the mud. “I'm pretty sure these are fresh tracks!”

“Good eye, darling. It must be real close.” He checked the rifle situated on his back. “Get behind me.” He took the lead, followed the claw prints to the muddy shore, into a sea of thick trees ahead that barred the path.

Pretty soon, they were almost entirely shrouded in darkness due to the labyrinthine scenery. Some trunks had been ripped apart or upended completely, scrapes left all over the ancient wood, bark peeled away like skin by claw marks.

Their hearts skipped at sight. Anything that could do this was likely beyond even their skills.

“Don't worry,” assured Quiver despite her shivers. “I've kept my magic in reserve, just in case.” She lit her horn with her aura to reassure him, ready to help him bring in this beast, and prove to the public his research wasn't 'nonsense.’

The couple jumped when a thud sounded and quaked the area. Trees were felled under a one-beast stampede, the pair and their foal eclipsed by a monster that supposedly didn’t exist, if academics were to be believed. It shrilly roared and drooled, a mixture of contrasted colors.

The Jabberwocky was the stuff of nightmares, a chimera of various creatures. Scales and fur mixed across its bulk, winged and with a twisted humanoid face. Its thin tail snaked behind it, front claws raised and maw wide open. Gooey eyes trained on their baby like it was a prized snack, and its bloated musculature moved with a swiftness that belied its wretched appearance.

“Oh no,” cried Quiver, whose horn flared and fired off a beam. The ray seared its chest, which smoked and bubbled. But its roar increased, its rush was unbroken, the drugged dart that sunk into its breastbone ignored when it closed in.

Its claw swiped up the bundle, mouth opened impossibly wide and tilted back, the foal tossed towards its throat. Quiver's aura barely seized their baby before jaws snapped down, filled by discolored, serrated teeth. The beast howled in frustration, turned back to the hunters.

Another dart struck home. The monster pounced. The impact shook the area and tossed them aside, another tree ripped apart in its wake.

“A-ahhh!” Cried Quiver as a leg snapped at an awkward angle. Yet her sole concern was their baby, as the bundle landed on a bed of leaves almost a muted thump. She limped towards her child, fell with a thud, and crawled. Her horn flared once more to raise a barrier around them.

“Damn it,” cried Quicksilver, whose rifle was broken, his satchel's contents scattered. Various weapons were scattered across torn-up earth. He tried to dive for his machete, just to be lashed at by a spine-tipped tail that almost skewered him.

Among his collection was a sword he had discovered on one of his trips. What he assumed was merely a decorative ceremonial piece, its blade made from crystal. From what limited documentation he'd been able to recover from the site, it was dubbed a 'Vorpal Blade.’

His hoof desperately reached for any weapon. Once more, the Jabberwocky struck with a hiss.

His obsession had taken him into the heart of the wild. And now it was about to claim his family.

The monster snapped forward in a blur of motion. Unseen by either parent, the foal's tiny horn shimmered and wrapped about the Vorpal Blade. As the creature pitched downwards to swallow them up, the weapon turned upwards.

Groans came from the beast when the crystal tip found its heart. Gushers of blood erupted from the wound, its heart pierced under the aura-directed blade, and Quicksilver barely managed to roll out of the way when the Jabberwocky fell.

Quiver sniffled and called, “What happened? Is A-”

“Yeah! She's okay,” he assured his shaken wife and scooped up their baby, held them close while the couple trembled, completely oblivious to the fact that their little one had woven her first simple spell and saved their lives. The whelp's icy blue eyes lit up at the taste of her first blood.

First, he checked his wife and mended her broken leg with bandages. Then he studied the monster to make sure it was dead. The couple assumed it had fallen on the Vorpal Blade and impaled itself, a complete stroke of luck that spared them.

He took care of their foal while Quiver used her camera to snap a series of photos of the beast from every angle. They also took back all the physical evidence they could carry, uncertain if the Jabberwocky was one-of-a-kind, or if more of the beasts lurked deeper in the wilderness.

At least now, the academics would be forced to take his work seriously. But more than ever, he realized his family was more important.

So he kissed both of them on the forehead, packed up their belongings, and set out on the arduous journey home to perhaps retire.

Days later, after leaving the jungle, the ship he'd had prepared returned ahead of time. The captain and crew welcomed them aboard, astonished by the preserved parts of Quicksilver’s new trophy. It was a cruise to be celebrated, where everyone drank then settled down to sleep, headed downriver back toward civilization. The beast's attack soon faded to a bad dream.

The little foal would take her own lesson from the trip. A fascination with death, which would one day lead to her cutie mark. And a realization that the strong preyed on the weak. Without vast power and knowledge, she too would be a victim.

*****

“Bah,” mumbled Shadow Scythe to herself, head tilted forward when her awareness swam her back to the present. “Stupid sentimentality.”

A sniffle escaped when she wiped a tear on her a faded sleeve, trying to track the magical signature of Beatrix Belladonna to her most recently visited dimension. Unfortunately, each hop the reaper made increased the risk of the energy she 'borrowed' finally burnt out and stranded her.

Thankfully, the infernal witch was close. Almost like there was an invisible hand that directed her towards where she needed to be.

Divine intervention? Were they all pawns enslaved by fate? And if so, how much could she be blamed for her unspeakable crimes...?

Shaking her head, she doubled down on her ambitions to one day end Belladonna's travels.

Yet after her defeat at the witch's hands, her powers were not what they once were. She was still formidable, but unlikely to match what she would require if the witch's companions came to her aid. So she decided to explore a library forbidden to the public in this latest world she stumbled upon, hopeful she could learn and master spells that were unique to this dimension.

At least here, she didn't have to deal with hooves, a small mercy. Hands made life simpler.

What else could give her an edge? Perhaps a fabled weapon like the Vorpal Blade? But even were the reaper to assume her father still owned it, she would have to return home to steal the item, and dared not trespass further. She had already hurt her poor parents enough.

She was unaware the energy taken from the manor affected her dreams; even her daydreams forced her to confront what she wished to bury. Like everyone else at the mansion, each time she closed her eyes, memories would haunt her until the hole she left on her exit was finally closed.

For a moment, she studied her reflection in her sickle's shiny blade, a tired mare with dark circles under her icy blue eyes glaring back. Anyone she could have depended on, she had betrayed.

Condemned to a hell of her own making, the weary reaper stood alone, like she always had.

Chapter 9 : Changeling Chess (Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Shining Armor)

A staff whooshed in Midnight Blitzer's direction. He ducked, thrust back his stick, met his opponent blow-for-blow. Sweat slicked his bare chest, the wiry muscles decorated in fluffy fur. He kept his massive wingspan pinned behind him, fought back the instinct to use them to his advantage, aware that the whole point of this test was how he performed when disadvantaged.

It was the same for his partner Moonlight River, dressed in a sports bra and compression shorts. Usually, the pair of them would make a game out of this, a chance for him to laugh and her to flirt with her childhood friend, but under Shining Armor's watchful eye, both of them had no choice but to take this duel deadly seriously. She hissed, deflected his wild attacks.

Shining Armor stood at the side in the barracks, arms crossed and face stoic. He settled on his bad leg and twitched, unblinking eyes focused on the cadets. "Faster," he barked. "Hesitation could mean your lives in a real fight!"

"We're trying," cried Moonlight, who had started to lose patience.

"You might as well admit you plan to fail with that attitude," answered Shining Armor.

"Hey," said Midnight between the strikes that rattled in their ears. "Maybe what we need is a field test! But, unfortunately, we haven't seen any real action since we were recruited! The closest we've had is a few training exercises out in the Everfree Forest!"

"We might do better in a fresh setting," admitted Moonlight, who panted alongside Midnight. They had been at this for hours, short breaks taken between sessions, offered a private session by their commander to take them to the next level.

Shining Armor stroked his chin for a moment. "Granted. Hit the showers, then meet me back here at 1500 hours. Dismissed." He turned and hobbled out. The moment he vanished, the troops-in-training relaxed their posture.

"Man, he was hard on us today!" Midnight wiped his sweaty brow with a towel.

"Tough love," noted Moonlight, who stretched wide and yawned. She took his arm, and they walked hand-in-hand to the showers, left all to their lonesome. The moment they reached the stalls, both of them started to strip down.

The soldiers chucked sweat-soaked clothes into a washing bin, showers hissed to life, and steam filled the interior. Bare feet padded on the tiles, and water washed over their naked bodies.

They lathered up sore muscles, Moonlight pressing close to his back and rubbing down his muscles. He beamed, closed his bright emerald eyes, and fluffed his blue feathers.

He relaxed into her touch, oblivious like always at her attempts to woo him. No, his thoughts like always drifted to the changelings...and all they had taken from this world. A nightmare that usually haunted him when he drifted off to sleep.

Turning to face her once she finished his back and plume, Midnight rubbed the suds off her coat and skin. She quietly moaned at his innocent touch, wishing that he would surrender to lust for once. Instead, he admired her physique and tended to the toned muscles that lined her feminine physique. His package didn't so much as stir, despite her playful touch and body heat.

Her cheeks coloured under his tender strokes. She directed his palms over her slippery breasts, which squashed and bounced under his caresses, down her midsection, over her hips and buttocks, which he kneaded.

Finally, she dared further than usual, guided his hand over her mound to trace over its feminine cleft. "You're warm," he simply stated with that boyish smile.

"It could get warmer," she hesitantly teased and started to reach for his junk.

Midnight turned his back like he hadn't heard, missed how her face fell. "Oh, it will. Once we find the changeling nest, we'll hit it with everything we have!" He swung at the air. "And if we run into Queen Chrysalis...boom!" He chortled to himself.

"If she's still alive," mumbled Moonlight, whose leathery wings drooped. She turned off the faucets, followed him dripping wet across the slick tiles, where she helped him towel off.

She pressed her athletic form to his within a shared towel, rested her head on his shoulder, her wings linked with his. He hugged her back, felt her breasts heave against his pectorals.

"She has to be. Chrysalis is responsible for all this mess." His snout curled into a snarl. He needed to punish her himself, to pay that monster back for the death of his parents and twin sister.

Until then, he could never truly rest.

The cadets dressed in fresh clothes, caught a quick snack, then headed to the Everfree Forest. Shining Armor was already there, garbed in a full suit of white armor, minus the helmet. The metal shined under the sunlight, a rune-lined sword sheathed at his hip, a shield situated on his muscular back. His expression momentarily softened at the sight of their approach.

Dressed in their plain uniforms, Midnight and Moonlight landed then marched to meet their commander. Both fell into step when he strode ahead, each armed with their chosen weapons. Grass and leaves crunched under their boots while they followed a trail cut into the wilds.

None of them spoke as they hiked out much farther than usual. Evening started to creep in over time, cast the travelers in its shade.

Finally, their commander came to a stop in the middle of a clearing. Dense greenery enshrouded the area and blocked out the sky. Leaves rustled. Gnarled branches hung suspended. Shining Armor unsheathed his white broadsword, waited.

Midnight quirked an eyebrow, spear in hand. "So, what are we supposed to do?"

"Wait. You'll see," simply stated Shining, whose eyes scanned the air and his ears perked.

His rune-lined white blade shimmered to life, hummed and illuminated the perimeter like a beacon, almost blinded the cadets in its radiance.

Moonlight shivered and strapped on bracers lined in claws, thankful for the darts hidden in her bat wings. She shuffled close to Midnight, who tensed up on high alert, wingspan extended and muscles drawn taut, ready to spring into action.

Moments later, they heard a faint rustle. "I knew they'd come," muttered Shining.

"Who's-" Began Moonlight, but a harsh look from the commander silenced her.

Midnight's snout curled, the rage clear on his face, not something that Moonlight had seen since they were young. His wings beat, he shot into the air, and both arms thrust a spear towards something that studied them.

A strangled cry came from the changeling, who crumbled, gushed discolored blood, and toppled from its hiding spot. The androgynous creature twitched and curled up, garbed in nothing more than skins and furs made from wild beasts.

A swarm of changelings that also stalked them exploded from the treetops. "You wanted some hands-on training," barked Shining, who cut down the one closest to him in a white arc. "Well, here's your chance! It's do-or-die!"

"This is crazy," cried Moonlight, who paled, lifted herself skyward, and launched dozens of tiny darts. A few of them struck home, and the changelings fell, sedated by the drugs. She hissed, "Midnight, be careful!"

But to her shock, he had already stabbed another through the heart. She had never slain another 'person,' tried to tell herself that these creatures were just monsters, that they couldn't be reasoned with, like their commander claimed.

She had seen what they could do. The hives where mares were reduced to living wombs and stallions turned to disposable feed.

"Die, all of you!" Midnight shrieked, flew at the next changeling, barely felt the knife that grazed his chest when he twisted. The blade cut the skin and deflected off his ribcage, his spear impaling the monster who fell slack on him. "Who's next?"

Sticky discharge splattered all over Shining Armor's shield and Armor, another head lopped from the body of his assailant. Upon realizing they were losing, the swarm panicked and attempted to free itself, just to be cut down by his brilliant blade, which whistled under each stroke.

"We're winning! They're scattering! But we can't let any escape," yelled Midnight, who gave chase.

"Wait," called Moonlight, who huffed and swiped at the closest one. "Don't-" Her warning was lost in a shrill cry when a stinger punctured her side. She wavered in the air clumsily, bloodstream flooded by a toxin while a few swarmed her.

"What? No!" Midnight snapped his attention back to her, only to watch his fellow cadet be captured in a quickly spun cocoon. The changelings flew away with their latest prize in tow. Shining slashed his nearest opponent and tried to rush in. Midnight cursed as more changelings barred his way, dodged and stabbed at them, determined to save her no matter what it cost.

He knew the unthinkable fate that awaited a mare taken to a hive. The faces of his mother and twin sister flashed in his mind. A future was stolen from him when he was still a youth.

Desperately he tried to breach the mass that closed in around him amidst a buzz...

*****

Moonlight's consciousness came and went. The Threstal curled up in a fetal position inside the cocoon, swayed when carried by a small cluster of changelings, buzzing sounding in her pinned ears. She had always known it could come to this. That death would be preferable to the horrific tortures that awaited a tortured mare who would help birth the spawn of their enemies.

It was why most females were discouraged from military service. A successfully captured one could replenish the changeling numbers many times over until the mind broken mare expired. She recalled what her commander told her...that she should bite off her tongue to end it.

There was still time. Yet, Moonlight hesitated. Perhaps the rumors about their commander were true? That he was a mad stallion, obsessed with revenge on the monsters that had claimed his wife? Were cadets mere pawns in his scheme?

Her addled mind wearily drifted to games of chess Midnight sometimes played with her. At first, she had no interest. "I'm bad at this sort of stuff," she had told the pegasus. Yet at his insistence, she sighed and agreed to his offer.

"It's easy," he'd told her in his chipper tone. He'd placed the board and pieces, told her the rules, and they would play between workouts sometimes. At first, she had sucked, like expected, but he soon brought her up to speed. "It's like an abstract depiction of war," he explained excitedly. "Except imagine that Chrysalis is the king piece!" He lifted the carved, painted wood, almost crushed it in his hold.

What she realized now was that even then, Midnight had been thinking up more ways to deal with the changelings. That he probably hoped to rise and become a commander himself so he could storm the hidden hives were still out there.

She had never beaten him once. And unlike her, he had slain his foes without hesitation in the heat of battle. While at best, she had wounded a couple and knocked out the rest. Maybe she had never been cut out for this, to begin with...?

Glazed eyes turned to the pale moon. Dreams of her joining the Lunar Guard to protect the people died a painful, teary death.

She had always intended to become a covert operative, not someone who took directly to the battlefield unless necessary. Nausea crept into her belly, anxious that her womb would soon be pumped full of countless changeling eggs.

She sniffled and started to thrash in panic. No! She refused to become another brain-dead breeder to these irredeemable monsters!

Despite her struggling, her muscles were still slack, too enclosed in the sticky prison to effectively use her claws or teeth, let alone her wings. So naturally, the changelings had taken her weapons. Chattering bouts of laughter came from her captors who poked at their prey.

Moonlight sleepily muttered, "Think this is funny, you twisted drones? Can't wait to rape me?"

One of their chortles was cut off when a dart shot into it. The changeling toppled from the sky, and its allies struggled to carry the sudden imbalance of weight. "Midnight," she cried when the fluffy stallion hurled at the kidnappers, plume spread.

Clear that they couldn't shake their pursuer, the changelings dropped the cocoon-like a sack of old potatoes. She landed with a thud onto the earth, grateful the prison had somewhat padded her fall and only knocked the wind from her. The swarm drew their weapons, and angry buzzes resounded when they zipped to meet her fellow cadet, who heedlessly rushed in with a war cry.

A blitz attack, he had once told her over a game of chess. A risky move that hoped to throw off the enemy made them panic, caught unaware. It looked more like he had a death wish to her. Yet one by one, his enemies fell to his swift stabs.

Despite his reckless behaviour, it was clear to her Midnight calculated his moves. That he swooped about to confuse them, blindsided a small swarm thrown into disarray by his erratic movements, their formation broken since the drones tried and failed to match his speediness which blurred.

Soon the last one expired on his spear. He kicked the corpse off, landed by the cocoon.

"I'll have you out in a moment," he promised and used a knife to separate the sticky strands.

Moonlight sniffled when the threads were cut and threw herself onto him, hugged him close and openly sobbed. "I knew you wouldn't abandon me! You're hurt, Middy." She rubbed the hastily bandaged wound on his chest, his stained uniform torn and bloodied in places.

"Just surface wounds," he assured her and brushed her short mane. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah." She wiped her eyes. "Sorry, I must look so pathetic! What about the commander...?"

"Don't know. I left Shining Armor behind to find you. If they took you to the nest, it might have been too late! Say..." He clasped onto her; his mind also filled with thoughts of their chess games with a frown. "You don't think Shining Armor used us to try and locate their nest...?"

"H-he wouldn't...would he...?" Moonlight shook her head, unable to imagine he would go that far for revenge. But if this was indeed another war with the changelings, sacrifices would have to be made, and they were mere expendable pawns on the board. "Guess we'll worry about that later. We survived. I think that means we pass, don't we?"

"Yep! I'm sure we'll be full-time peacekeepers soon," assured Midnight, who beamed. He appeared unphased by the lives he'd taken. To him, the changelings were mere monsters, easily dispatched without so much as a second thought.

Again she swallowed hard, his handsome features framed by the moon. She decided the time for subtlety had passed.

"M-Midnight..." She took one of his palms, placed it over her heart. "I-I love you. I want to-"

The heavy stomp of a boot sounded. They turned to Shining Armor, whose awkward gait on his lousy leg practically caused him to drag it behind him. He stumbled to catch up, soaked in the gore of slain changelings that ran down his armor.

"Thank goodness you two are still alive," he called and sighed. "Moonlight, I'm sorry to pry, but you're certain none of the changelings...?"

"Nope. Not a single egg implanted in me, sir," she answered with a dark blush.

"Good." He shook his blade, wiped it on the grass, then sheathed it. "There have been reports about changeling attacks on that trail. I figured if we made ourselves a target, some of them would show themselves. You both pass, by the way."

"Yes," cried Midnight, who rose and swept Moonlight into his arms. He planted an innocent kiss on her snout, and her blush deepened. "I knew our hard work would pay off eventually! I can't wait to head home and tell the cadets!"

"Yeah," said Moonlight, troubled and ambivalent at their victory. Again, a chance to cement their relationship in a romantic way slipped by.

"Let's head back," said Shining Armor, who patted the pair of them on the shoulder.

After a long march home, thankfully without another changeling in sight, they arrived back at the barracks. Shining Armor retired for the night, the cadets took another quick shower, then had dinner while playing another round of chess.

Despite her sincerest efforts, Midnight won like always. And like before, Moonlight still couldn't tell him the truth behind his parentage...

*****

Midnight stirred awake back in the manor. He rested naked in bed surrounded by Cerise and Moonlight, who cuddled up to his fluffiness. His wife was still fast asleep and murmured happily, but his childhood friend met his gaze. "You felt it too," she whispered into a drawn ear. "Didn't you? Bellatrix said the mansion would affect our dreams, but I didn't think they could be-"

"Shared," he finished for her and nodded once. "Wild, isn't it? To think about what almost happened to you." He poked her belly.

"But it didn't." She rubbed circles around his chest. "You were kind of scrawny back then, at least compared to now. But, of course, we didn't know you were a hyper-stallion back then, since you hadn't awakened. I so wanted you to make love to me back then. Guess we'll have to make up for the lost time." She pushed sweaty sheets off them, straddled him with a creak of the bed.

"We'll have to be quiet," he said when she sank him into her. "Don't want to wake our sweetheart. Wonder what a princess dreams about?" Low murmurs came from the pair when he fell to the hilt inside her warm, wet confines.

"We'll ask her later," assured the bat mare who touched his lips. Gradually she started to move atop him, the squelch her slit made muted.

She mewled when he landed an audible slap on her ass that split the silence. In answer, Cerise stirred some more, murmured and squirmed, cuddled closer to his side. Moonlight's hips rolled and leaned forward, tits suspended over his face.

He relaxed and played with one of her breasts. He mashed his snout to hers. Rested a palm on Cerise's plush ass when she snuggled against him. They both worried so much about him, but the stud considered himself a lucky stallion.

"I should teach Cerise how to play chess too," he said. "I think Beatrix already knows?"

"Mmm," replied Moonlight, whose cheeks burned. "Glad she let us crash here." She tried to pick up her pace without making more noise, frustrated they were forced to hold back.

Their shared lover had given them the okay for her to sate his needs whenever they liked. But they knew the princess had been through a lot in her short life and didn't want to disturb her.

He sensed her troubles and rubbed the heart-shaped clitoris that peeked out of her hood. She pressed into his touch, the air-filled by the muted slap of raw flesh and the squelches of his cock, which punched into her pretty pink pussy.

"I-I'm close," she whispered in evident frustration. "But I can't-" A finger playfully slipped up her asshole and finally sent her over the edge.

Cerise giggled and blinked her neon pink eyes awake, played with her fellow bat mare's ass while she pushed another digit up her puckered exit hole. Moonlight whined and soaked Midnight's groin when the princess initiated a three-way kiss, breasts mashed to her love.

Midnight groaned as the cunt milked him and started to blow his load. In the middle of it, Moonlight popped free of him, and Cerise leaned in to take some of his viscous spurts all over her face. Grunts came when he marked his beloved.

The princess closed her eyes and opened her mouth, felt the warm, thick splashes soak her skin and fur. Moonlight crawled into position beside her, took a few blasts of her own, the hyper-stallion's release far more voluminous than a typical stud's who served as breeders.

More of his bursts soaked their tits which they squashed together. Both pressed their titties around his shaft, rubbed it between them to nurse out the last smaller spurts until they squeezed out the last runny drops.

"It's tasty," said Cerise, who smacked her lips. She and Moonlight rubbed his slimy seed between their melons, licked it off each other, and after a few swishes shared it in a messy cum-kiss.

"You're both wonderful," he told them and rested his palms on their soft, bare butts. "Were you awake the whole time, honeybuns?"

"Nah," said Cerise between licks, spunk teased off her fellow bat mare's perky nipple. "Woke up in the middle and realized you two needed some help! Remember what Beatrix and Bellatrix said? We need to help them out however we can!"

"I'm okay with that," assured Moonlight, who audibly gulped down a mouthful's worth of his baby batter. Cerise also took a moment to savour his potent hyper-stallion seed, swished the virile semen in her mouth, his herd addicted to its taste, smell, and arousal it stirred in them.

The mares shared another passionate kiss, locked lips, and playfully wrestled tongues that helped puss his slimy seed down their throats, where it warmly settled into their bellies. Then, finally, he affectionately wrapped his wings around them with a pat on their lovely butts.

It was still hard for Midnight to believe two mares loved him. Or that Beatrix had turned out to be his half-sister. He and his lovers had promised to help Beatrix whenever she needed them, a relief to the young soldier who grew restless when things were too peaceful. But no, he felt most alive when he was in the thick of a struggle, pushed to the limit by a rush of adrenaline.

Bright green eyes watched his mates clean each other off, matted fur licked and supple flesh kneaded. Already he felt another stir in his loins, and from the heat that radiated from their leaky pussies it was clear they were ready for another round. Both bent over the bed and presented to him with sways of their round, heart-shaped asses, blatantly thrust up on full display.

He took a moment to smack his cock between their buttocks and groped the fleshy ass cheeks with a wide grin. They cooed and spread their wings, lost themselves in mind-numbing bliss, while he took them over and over again...

Chapter 10 : The Neon Demon (Moxxi, Beatrix Belladonna)

With permission from the mansion's keeper, the impish creature named Moxxi decided to test out an experiment. Since the entity disguised as a manor could travel between dimensions, she had Bellatrix take it to one she suggested. A modernized world where she and her chosen partner for the night, Beatrix, could freely explore to their heart's content!

Both of them were linked by invisible threads to the abode, able to transfer a portion of the libidinal energies they were soon to stir up between them in their wake.

Rainfall washed over neon-lit streets under the cover of darkness. Puddles reflected the pair who crossed the roads towards a nightclub, which thumped and vibrated under the pulse of fast-paced music. The imp skipped and twirled as they passed buildings and crime-ridden alleys swathed in faded graffiti. Then, with a deep inhale, Moxxi exhaled, “Ahhhh~! I miss the smell of pleasure and pain in the city! Ever been ter a world loike this before, Beatrix?”

“Mmm, sorta,” Beatrix confirmed, looking around all the skyscrapers that vanished into the cloudy weather. “It was a futuristic planet with a club run by Vinyl Scratch. That was a good time, at least until it was hit by this crazed group of hippies led by Tree Hugger! And that’s not even going into the stuff involving that creepy cyborg plague doctor!” The unicorn mare couldn’t help but shudder, recalling the cyberdemon Vice Lord who nearly infected the entire population. “Thankfully, I was able to make friends with her later on!”

“Wite, wite. The 'cyberpunk adventure,' as ya called it,” Moxxi snickered, only half paying attention.

“Still, this place is so vivid and colorful! How’d you find it?” Beatrix asked.

“It’s me home,” the short-stacked demoness confessed. “Zeloph and I settled 'ere after dealin' wif our ‘holier than thou’ creator. Never could settle in one spot for long, but…I always find myself comin' back 'ere. Made plenty of memories, though not aw of them were sugar and spice...”

Her face fell momentarily, one particular recollection passing through as she sported a distant church down the block.

Sensing her friend might be troubled, Beatrix reassuringly patted her head with a cocky smile. “I understand what that’s like. But let’s not reminisce about the past when we could be making new memories to look back on~!”

The imp returned the curled lip, eying the witch’s costume as she hovered into the air. “Hmm.… If we’re gonna strut 'round the town, we should go in style~! As flashy as your ‘magician’s assistant’ outfit is, I fin' we can do better ter sha off these magical curves.” For emphasis, she landed a hard smack on Beatrix's thong-clad ass, jiggling upon impact and making her yelp, left to rub her buns.

“B-but I like my clothes,” pouted Beatrix.

“Ah-ah! Unless your suckin’ dick, I daan't wanna 'ear any lip~!” Moxxi insisted with a wink.

Grumbling, the witch begrudgingly waved her hand to change her attire. Her hat, leotard, and cape ensemble were traded for a more gothic aesthetic. A modified jumpsuit now highlighted her ample figure, cutting off just above her nipples with a stylish belt wrapped around her curvy waist. A deep purple mini jacket was worn over, alongside knee-high boots. She even fixed her mane to have it fall behind her shoulders.

Beatrix finished by striking a few poses to show off her outfit, much to Moxxi’s delight.

“Now you're looking' loike a bad bitch!” She whistled, drinking in the unicorn’s body. “Fuck, China Plate. You’re garn ter 'ave so many hands pawin' at you~!”

“Not my most original of outfits, but it has its charms,” Beatrix giggled, eying her reflection in a nearby store window as she shook her tits.

“Very nice,” the imp nodded. “Alwigh', ya sexy slut. Let’s get our freak on~!”

The two approached the bouncer with swaggering hips. Because Moxxi was a recurring patron, she could get them inside free of charge… at least in terms of money. A flustered Beatrix agreed to give the guard a ‘good show’ after they were done. Upon entering, the pair were assaulted by flashing lights and explicit music. Like promised, the club was similar to some underground digs Beatrix had visited. Almost anything, and anyone, was on display.

Women danced in various stages of undress, some partially dressed in kinky costumes, while others were full-on naked in cages suspended high above. A fetish-themed band played on stage. The crowds weaved and mingled on the dance floor while further inwards the DJ worked from her booth, the speakers blasting addicting synth and bass music. Farther in, there was a bar packed full of patrons who sat at the stools.

“Hot damn!” Beatrix marvelled, her body grooving along to the beat.

“Pft! This is just the tip of the iceberg,” the little demon waved off. “The fan stuff is daahhhn below~.”

A mixture of sweat, perfumes, and colognes lingered in the atmosphere, many of the dancers tattooed and pierced. A pair of denuded women wandered through the crowds and allowed those they passed to freely grope and spank them. Moxxi and Beatrix also took a moment to fondle the bared beauties, pliable flesh kneaded and playfully slapped between their fingers.

“I like this place already,” shouted Beatrix over the thump of music ehile she watched the plush, spanked round asses of the women sashay away.

“Stick wif me, and I’ll make sure ya love it by the end~!” Her tiny claw took Beatrix's hand and led her over to the bar. She plopped her own wide hips and butt down, ordered the stiffest drink on the menu while the witch selected a relatively mild concoction.

The duo drank their fill in preparation for the real show ahead, the alcohol slowly buzzing. When the music slowed down for a bit, the demon quivered and asked, “'a is that cocktail?”

“Mmm, scrumptious,” Beatrix moaned after her sip, arching an eyebrow when one male dancer approached with a pursed lip. Offering a cunning smirk, the witch arched her back on her stool to push out her tits before letting a bit of her drink pool into her cleavage.

Almost instantly, the stallion pressed his face into her marshmallowy breasts, suckling out the alcohol while groping Beatrix’s bosom, much to the unicorn's pleasure. Moxxi licked her lips, squishing her tights as a familiar tingle started to tickle her loins.

Getting his fill, the colt parted with a liquor-laced kiss, leaving Beatrix panting hotly while adjusting her boobs within her jumpsuit. “F-fuck~! Next time, I should bring Cerise! She’d totally kill to dance in this place.”

“I dunna, love. A lot of Jons and Jennies would eat the poor princess alive~!” Moxxi playfully giggled, downing another cup of booze. “'a 're ya 'oldin' up, though? Not too nervous, I 'ope. Ya could always back aahhht. Wouldn't want ya ter do anything you’re uncomfortable wif.”

“Pft! I’m fine,” Beatrix insisted with a hiccup. “If anything, I'm more excited!”

Moxxi noted how the unicorn rubbed her inner thighs together as sweat rolled down her face and tits. The erotic atmosphere was already making Beatrix heated and moist. Any more time spent, and she’d be clawing to get her attire off.

“Alwigh', Bea. Just say when,” the little devil nodded, slamming her drink down and exhaling. Her spaded tail flicked happily before she guided Beatrix away from the crowd of debauchery and into the lower levels.

Within the depths, Beatrix walked along a fenced-off arena. Inside, the crowd cheering and making bets, the pit at the center filled with the white, sticky pool of virile spunk taken from a dragon. Amidst the slimy substance wrestled a bunch of women, glistening bodies clad solely in the runny substance that sloped down their sticky curvature while they struggled for dominance.

“Cum wrestling?! Kinky~!” Beatrix observed as a fountain of semen exploded in a loud splash when one wrestler tossed another about. “Well, you certainly promised me a novel experience, and so far, you've more than delivered!”

Leather, lace, and latex adorned much of the crowds. A number of them looked the fresh meat over. While the owners made sure all encounters here were consensual, some harder drugs were no doubt sold and passed between the clubbers. Prostitutes under the club's supervision were also allowed to freely sell themselves to the patrons.

Beatrix's smirk widened at the sights and sounds of whorish delight that battered them. “Are you sure this place isn’t heaven?”

“Oh, trust me, love. 'eaven ain’t aw it's cracked up ter be,” the imp scoffed at the gesture.

She shrugged. “Well, maybe one can have too much of a good thing!”

“Daan't tap aahhht yet. We 'aven’t gotten ter the bleedin' main event~” Moxxi giggled, poking one of the violet unicorn’s bouncy boobs.

“Wouldn't dream of it, short stuff!” Beatrix retorted, flicking the demon's nose. “Now quit stalling! Show me this ‘cumtastic’ spot already!” The two laughed as she followed her devilish guide to more unthinkable sights. All the way down, a full-on orgy was underway in the open.

The pair shimmied through as a few hands groped and spanked their asses on the way through a corridor. There were a series of rooms, each a different color, that catered to various kinks. Male and female models stood around, bathed in a golden and silver sheen. In another room, unclad people were used as furniture, disciplined so that the men and women rarely so much as blinked, let-alone twitched a muscle.

“Reminds me a little of the twins,” noted Beatrix, who practically salivated over the display.

“I'm sure they'd be cute in a blindfold,” replied Moxxi, studying some bondage-clad submissives on display. “Almost there!” Next, they passed a room where projectors played various pornography for the viewers, who openly masturbated or fucked to the salacious sights.

Finally, the pair arrived at a room with multiple tiled shower stalls. The imp settled on her knees and motioned for Beatrix to do the same. The walls between them were transparent, and within moments the interiors closed around them, the pair trapped inside a confined but roomy space.

“Ahhh~! Na, this place takes me back,” Moxxi sighed, tapping her knuckle against a wall. “'ope that phat arse of yours is ready for sum action~!”

Before she could question what the imp met, Beatrix squeaked in surprise as something flopped onto her snout with a loud smack. A massive stallion's cock popped out from a swirling orifice beside her; its length expanded upon feeling her breathe in the masculine musk, precum drizzling down her maw and lips.

“W-whoa! H-holy…shit! This guy is huge~!”

“Drippin’ loike a fountain, I see,” Moxxi chimed in cheekily. “Not that I blame ya. Me fuckbox is gushin' loike niagra~!!” More ovals opened up, and a variety of shafts made their appearance, already half-erect. It seemed almost any creature one could think up brazenly displayed their pillars of masculinity, partially erect as they throbbed.

“'eaven and 'ell, daan't just stare at 'em, girly. Suck those naughty knobbers~!” She encouraged, wrapping her claws around a barbed penis, pushing her wide ass against a wall as another emerged to slide in between her plump cheeks.

Beatrix murmured and blushed, nuzzled the flared shaft that smeared its discharge across her cheek's fur before firmly grasping two other cocks that had knots swelling around the base.

“S-so much dick!” She exclaimed, lips sucking the one closest to her face. “What is this place?!”

“Welcome ter Moxxi’s Playhouse,” she answered with a playful snort. “Fin' of it as a nexus that connects this Rub-A-Dub ter ovver dimensions, sorta loike the mansion or your portal 'oppin' abili-y. Aw kinds of creatures come ter sate themselves in this interdimensional Gloryhole! Many males, sum females wif extra bits! In the end, everyone gets ter bla Frank Bough sum steam~.”

A soft coo escaped the imp as the massive schlong started thrusting between her thighs, glands rubbing against her inflamed pussy while her juices lubed him up. “Alright, you nosy bugger! Get in there~!” Moxxi laughed, repositioning it to slide inside as it wildly pushed around her tight pussy. Moans filled the room, heightening as another cock slid into her asshole.

Beatrix proved a little more tentative but stroked the shafts at her sides. She kissed the wide tip before her, tasted it with a smack. Her horn lit up to magic away from her outfit, letting tits jiggle free. “Come here, baby~!” She whispered, one arm wrapping a sturdy cock between her pillowy cleavage while the other stroked one canine shaft. Her mouth was busy slurping on the other.

“That’s it, love. Embrace your inner whore~!” Moxxi moaned, gyrating her rump into the invisible wall to slam both dicks inside her holes. “Don’t suppose you fancy a lil’ wager~?”

“Mwah! Mmm, I’m listening~.”

“First skank ter make the bloody most dick cream wins. Loser 'as ter clean up the mess wif just their tongue~.”

“Ohoho~! You're on, bitch!” Beatrix crowed with glee.

The contest was on, both sex-driven ladies determined to outdo the other. Moxxi practically fucked herself using the dicks filling her holes until she felt both splooge inside, shuddering as warm cum dripped out her bottom. Beatrix managed to secure at least five separate cocks, two using her ass and pussy, one pummeling her throat, and another pair stroked in each hand. The unicorn let out a muffled cry as semen-stained her body and overflooded her insides.

Time didn’t matter to them as euphoria overtook Moxxi and Beatrix’s senses, both becoming slaves to the neverending pillars of male genitalia. Each time one cock finished unloading, another immediately took its place. They shook under the pounding taken, hammered in all directions. Moans vibrated around the equipment that filled their mouths, overfilled with cum that sloshed down their lips and chins. The force of each thrust made their breasts bounce and slap about.

Their well-stretched holes were thoroughly painted white. Cum glazing their glistening bodies or staining their overstuffed wombs dripped out.

After what felt like hours, all portals closed off, leaving both the unicorn and imp laying in a tiny pool of spunk. Beatrix could feel little more than soreness throb in her pussy, body twitching numb from overwhelming bliss. Her tired eyes fell onto Moxxi, equally bloated like a water balloon. All they could do was lay there and catch their breath, too exhausted to decide who won.

“F-fuck…” Beatrix mumbled and licked stained lips. “Of all the amorous adventures I took, this one’s going high up my list of favorites! Thanks for inviting me, Mox. I can’t wait to do this again!”

“Hehe! Glad ter 'ear it, Bea,” the little devil sighed, stretching sore limbs as she began to backstroke around in the white slosh. The unicorn leaned her frame against a wall, patting her stuffed full belly.

“I feel so full. Any other mare would be popping out all kinds of babies after an experience like this. It’s a good thing I can’t get pregnant! Well, except for that little dalliance with…you know.”

“O-oh…yeah, me brother,” Moxxi replied softly, unable to hide the bitterness in her voice as her thoughts returned to Zeloph. Outside of their one encounter during the wedding, she was unable to find or speak with him. He didn’t look well, almost unrecognizable from his time spent trapped in the Necronomicon. A fate she preordained to cease his misguided destruction of humanity.

And ever since, Moxxi couldn’t shake off the guilt and frustration that pulled at her heart during her time alone, overwhelmed by her reverie.

*****

Times had changed since her brother’s imprisonment. Down a few blocks from the neon nightclub was an even more luminous strip club, one the imp had once worked in. Moxxi had a few names well associated with her act, the Neon Demon and Shadow Lady being the most popular back then. But only a few who were acquainted knew her actual name. Anarchia, though she much preferred the shortened form ‘Ana.’

In truth, she was not entirely human, equine, nor devil. Instead, like Zeloph, she was a creature known as a demihuman, born from a mortal parent and immortal deity. And after the two siblings vanquished their over-controlling ‘father,’ Ana was free to indulge in all the vices and pleasures this city had to offer.

Her more prominent time was working as a dancer, letting the patrons watch her twirl around and grind her puffy privates against a slick pole. All while suggesting the lewdest remarks and flaunting the natural assets bestowed upon her. And, for a reasonable price, many were free to touch and caress the curvaceous creature. It was the one place no one seemed to mind that Ana wasn’t normal. A place she could blend in with society’s 'ill fortunate' and 'rejected'.

Simply swaying to the music onstage, Ana lost herself to the sounds. The lights. The scents. The euphoria. All of it fueled Ana like the lingering buzz of alcohol. She pursued pleasure, be it men or women. Ana sought to live life to its fullest.

And yet, when the neon lights faded and the dirty deeds were done, all that remained was emptiness.

The neon demon could never shake off that hollow feeling within her chest. Had she finally grown numb from all drinking and substance abuse? Were all the lovers she made just not good enough anymore? What else was the demihuman missing?

This series of questions led to Ana accepting a patron’s request for a ‘private’ dance. Typically, the club policy strongly frowned upon fully prostituting yourself for side cash.

But when you're a succubus-like being who could make all quiver with the slightest touch, who was going to stop you?

Clad in a dusty suit, the man led Ana into his motel room, away from the colorful lights and thumping music. Once they were inside, it didn’t take him long to spring himself onto Ana, hands seizing her generous bosom and curvy hips.

A stiff moan escaped the demon’s lips. She could feel the bulge tenting his pants while he ground into her massive ass.

Her client inhaled the fragrance of her hair while murmuring into her pointy ears how badly he wanted to fuck her. Not unlike the other lecherous people who wanted a taste of Ana’s divinity. But she much preferred it that way.

No attachment or baggage. Just two people wanting a night of raw passion. He paid to use Ana, so she was free to use him back.

“Let’s skip the foreplay, shall we~?” The demoness encouraged with a giggle, pulling out of his grip to remove the scant garments concealing her bountifulness. Ana was never a fan of bras, so she merely had tap cover up her nips. While removing them, Ana purposefully kept her back facing the man, ensuring he couldn’t see the goods just yet. Then, laying her back on the bed, the demon raised her legs up while her tail sluggishly pulled off her panties. Once the underwear left her toes, she flung them at the customer. Upon catching her underwear, he paused to take a whiff of her drenched scent at the crotch before leering at the saucy demon.

The only light that filled the room came from the motel sign outside the window. A bright red hue showed off Ana’s breasts and stomach while her face was obscured in shadow, save for her glowing magenta eyes that lit the darkness.

Eager to sate his claim, the male patron hastily removed his suit and trousers while Ana shuffled onto her knees at the bed’s edge. Ana lapped at her own lips once his johnson was fished out, pulled her face closer to take in a raunchy musk.

The best way to get a man worked up was to deny him what he craved. To tease and tease until he took matters into his own hands, literally. He grabbed Ana’s head of spunky hair to shove the rest of him down her gullet. Still, the demi kept her alluring gaze up at him, knowing he relished her sultry expression while his member disappeared past those plump-painted lips.

Ana’s seduction, along with her infamous love taps, brought out a depraved animal trapped inside a once civilized man. Eventually, the lust proved too much to handle before Ana found herself on her back, thick thighs spread apart and her client spearing himself entirely inside her warm, tight slit. Whatever lewd moans she faked were drowned out by his own. The patron was far too engulfed in the fantasy of bagging a hot demon to notice nor care that his partner’s attention had already wandered elsewhere.

No, Ana’s eyes were drawn to the lone diamond-studded ring abandoned on the bed rest.

Her chest swelled with pain, unrelated to how he firmly pulled at her tits. Her head returned to an all too familiar question. What reason did he have to forsake a loved one in pursuit of carnal desire?

But Ana had always known the answer.

Because it was easier to chase after worthless distractions than confront your own guilt.

Finally, Ana’s magenta-colored eyes returned to the man, a satisfied grin on his face as he hammered at her honeypot with short thrusts. The demoness’ own expression gave away disgust, both with the man and herself.

But a warm smile slowly masked this as Ana wrapped her legs around his hips tightly, pushing him closer into her sex. Improvised sighs and coos joined the chorus, urging her client to finish as their bodies rocked the bed against the wall.

The hue of red now highlighted Ana’s glowing pupils, her claws slightly extending into the man’s back. Her tail slithered further up, its silhouette cast over a wall. But, unlike the cartoony face that generally occupied the spaded tip, a venus flytrap-shaped maw posed above his head.

His moans became louder, blissfully unaware of the salivation dripping down his face. And when the man reached his climax, his eyes opened to find his world suddenly consumed in black.

*****

Police sirens wailed down the streets, flashing red and blue highlighting the naked demi’s curvature. A downpour slapped the neon-lit city and sluiced into the gutters. Not a single glimpse of the moon shimmered through the clouded skies. The neon demon lapped the crimson liquid off her fingers, tail swaying low to the ground. Her once magenta eyes were overtaken by a scarlet glare, her expression uncharacteristically grim.

Her victim wasn’t the first to be slaughtered like the filthy pig he was. And, unfortunately, he wouldn’t be the last. Human flesh was too addicting to Anarchia, having discovered the craving when she bit her mother in defiance.

And much like a vampire, the thirst was eternal. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t go more than a week before succumbing to her suppressed demonic impulses.

At least…not without her brother.

Ana’s teeth clenched tightly, pain aching in both her head and chest. The devoured man’s face looked exactly like Zeloph’s when she sealed him away. The utter horrified and appalled visage haunted her memories. Ana thought that by defying their otherworldly origins, she could escape into a world of base pleasure.

But instead, she was trying to escape her culpability. Not even fulfilling her basic desires could ease the demoness’ troubled mind.

Despite another unsuccessful night, Ana could find solace that the streets she aimlessly wandered were empty too. At least…until her pointy ears perked up at a muffled sound.

Ana arrived in a dark alleyway following the source, where a light swung and flickered out on occasion. A woman tried to cry out, a cloth stuffed over her mouth, her sweater ripped clean to expose her white bra and petite chest. A gang of men seized her from all sides and dragged her away. She kicked and squirmed as their hands tried to remove more of her clothes.

“Bloody pigs,” the demihuman hissed. She was already in a foul mood, but this threatened to boil her blood over. A flash of steel caught her attention, the leader warning her to stop resisting if she wanted to keep her fingers.

And like that, all resolve vanished as her pupils faded into hot glowing red.

A harrowing shriek caught the men’s attention, covering their ears and dropping their prey. Disoriented, they failed to realize the danger strutting her way until the lead was held up by his throat in neon pink claws. He struggled to break free, choking as talons dug into his neck, eyes widened in fear, left to kick and squirm.

“Aww, what’s the matter, love?” The demoness cruelly asked, sporting a twisted smile. “I thought ya were aw into the whole rope n’ bondage routine~!” He trashed like live bait on a hook.

“A-aggh! L-let me go! Stupid bitch!!” He croaked.

“Oh, I’ll show ya a bitch, alwigh',” Ana snarled, tossing him into the brick wall. His gang of thugs circled around her, some armed with knives and pipes. But when one of them tried attacking from behind, they received a swift roundhouse kick that sent him flying. Another was dragged by his feet by her tail, being flung around like a rag doll. When two attempted to attack at each side, Ana unfurled her bat-shaped wings to slap them away. And the demihuman was only limbering up on the hell she was about to unleash.

The victim managed to remove the gag from her mouth before cowering in the corner, watching with dread as her ‘savior’ tear away at her assailants. Despite covering her eyes, she couldn’t escape the sounds of broken bones, mutilated screams and splatters hitting the walls around her. By the time the one-sided scuffle ended, the poor woman couldn’t see any bodies.

Only the shadowy figure with scarlet eyes leering down at her, panting like a hungry beast.

When Ana approached the woman, she let out a strangled scream, collecting what remained of her tattered clothes and scrambling to run.

“H-hey! Relax, doll. I’m not gonna-”

“HELP! M-MONSTER!!” Her shouts echoed through the alleyway, disappearing into the streets.
Ana stood still, letting the word sink in as her scarlet gazed faded away, revealing confused magenta eyes. She looked down to her dripping claws, the urge to vomit building in the pit of her stomach. Then, spreading her membrane wings, she fled into the stormy night, leaving another bloody crime scene for the police to ponder over.

The rain began to die down as if some phenomenal force prevented Ana from washing away the sins staining her hands. Eventually, she found the only other shelter she could think of. The chapel her brother once resided within.

Inside the large doors, the interior was adorned with cobwebs, leaves, and cracked statues, a sign of how long it had been since the sanctuary was last cleaned. The lone demihuman draped her exhausted body over the altar, limbs folded into her chest. Silence settled over the dim interior.

It was the first time in months she retreated to this chapel. And each time, Zeloph would comfort his sister when she succumbed to feral instincts. Ironically, the Fallen One taught her that there was more to humans than just sex and carnage.

‘Humans have done...many questionable things. But, are we not the same?’ he would ask, accompanied by a gentle smile. ‘I think we should take it upon ourselves to provide humanity with a greater example of how to live. Life should be cherished and celebrated, not wasted away chasing dragons. I know you’re still struggling with this, Ana. But no matter what happens, I’ll always be there if you need me. I trust you’d do the same, if I were ever in your shoes.’

Tears stained the stone platform as Ana recalled her brother’s brilliant deception. How could she have suspected Zeloph would follow in their father’s footsteps and try to enact mass-wide extinction? Surely, there was another way Ana could have prevented his descent into madness.

No…. In the end, it didn’t matter. They had both done evil. And now, would suffer in solitude.

As the moonlight poured through the stained glass, its rays highlighted a lone picture frame, causing the sulking demoness to lean up and pull it towards her. It was the only picture she and Zeloph ever took together, the former posing cheekily while the latter did his best to keep a straight face. They looked…so happy here.

It was enough to make Ana break down into broken sobs, clinging the last good moments of her extensive life against her broken heart.

Chapter 11 : The Fallen Sun (Zeloph, Moxxi)

Within a vacant void, Zeloph used his dwindling power to reshape the world to his liking. Once a desolate space, it was now full of heavenly clouds, chromatic hues and artistic monoliths. If nothing else, this restored a measure of harmony to his otherwise unstable condition.

The Demiurge’s effects still corroded his mind and body. Feathers continued to molt from his darkened wings, scales itched at his face. No matter how he tried, Zeloph couldn’t scrub off the darkness that stained his very soul. The only method that was effective in slowing down his infection was sleep.

Unfortunately, the Fallen One only found true slumber submerged in sacred water, currently filling up a wide hole he depressed. Zeloph manifested a church bell near the bank, where his assistant would ring it once it was time to enact vengeance against the mare who wronged him.

Sighing, the angel disrobed and unfurled each of his long, beautiful wings. Hovering above the pristine pool, they soon wrapped around Zeloph, forming a protective ball of plumage before he steadily sank towards the bottom. The manifold eyes decorating his plume all closed, the nephilim relaxing his wiry muscles and disturbed thoughts.

Zeloph had recently finished his infiltration of the manor, learning all he needed about Beatrix’s plans. However, he wasn’t aware that he too absorbed some of the cosmic energy leaking through the dimensional tear left by Shadow Scythe. And when the angelic creature drifted off to sleep, memories began to resurface.

Memories of the time shared with the humans he once sought to protect.

*****

Guitar music softly played over a vast field of sunflowers. High on a cliff, two musicians were having a jam session. One, a human male, auburn hair pulled into a messy bun, glasses over his nose and the sweetest smile on his face. His eyes were close, enraptured by the melodies he plucked with each string. Beside him was a younger Zeloph, his complexion a complete contrast to the guitarist’s warmth.

Unlike the more expertized finger playing, the demi-human was having trouble keeping up, notes sound sour or off key in places. When their song ended, Zeloph hissed with frustration.

“How can you play this...bulky thing?” He complained, his fingers denting from how hard he’d been pressing the frets. “I’ve lost feeling in my fingers!”

“Haha! It takes time and practice, kiddo,” the man laughed sheepishly. “Sure, your hand hurts now. But trust me. The music you’ll be able to produce will be well worth it!”

“Hmph!” Was Zeloph’s only response as he placed the instrument down into the grass, tucking his knees to his chest while looking off towards the small valley of sunflowers. A woman clad in a sundress and a wide-brimmed hat was busy watering them. Cherry hair with yellow fades rested past her shoulders. Zeloph didn’t need to see her face to know she was smiling.

The musician began to strum again, his own gaze fixated with the woman, much to Zeloph’s dismay. The man was known as Jonn Brudster. Or, as many people liked to call him, ‘The Man Who Loved the Sun.’ He was a wandering guitarist whose sole joy was sharing his music with all who’d listen. But his days as a vagabond ended the moment he laid eyes on Zeloph’s mother, Celeste.

It was...awkward, to say the least. Especially when one’s child was with an extraterrestrial deity beyond comprehension. But that didn’t seem to frighten Jonn. If anything, it drew him closer to Zeloph, pestering the young lad with questions about his holier heritage.

“Y’know, how come you never show me your wings, Zell?” Jon often asked him, now turning his attention back to the estranged child.

“Why would I?” Zeloph retorted. “You're just a weird man trying to get with my mother. You and I are nothing more than strangers.”

“I suppose,” the guitarist admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But…you must at least like me to some extent, right? You wouldn’t be playing with me if you didn't.”

Zeloph made a face before looking away, cheeks showing color. “You make…lovely music.”

No, that was only half the truth. Jon was by far the kindest human Zeloph had met, next to his mother. Many people who knew what he was tended to avoid him, either out of caution or respect. But not Jonn. Jonn looked like he enjoyed spending time with him, even if Zeloph didn’t say a single word. Granted, he suspected part of this was to charm his mother, but Celeste greatly valued his company.

And, in truth, Zeloph did too. If they were to get together, he wouldn’t be opposed. In fact, he secretly wanted Jon to be his stepparent. It was the reason why the young demi refused to share anything related to his actual father.

Zeloph’s feathery ears picked up more laughter as Jon finally relinquished his worn guitar, a serene smile crossing his face.

“Well, regardless of whether you like me or not, I hope the music helps you connect with more people,” the guitarist said, resting a hand on Zeloph’s shoulder and affectionately patting him.

The young angel tensed, uncertain how to respond or react. “A-and why’s that?”

“Even though you can fly, heal through touch and other amazing things, you should still try to remain grounded.”

“But what are wings for if I never use them to fly?” Zeloph asked, baffled.

“What are feet for if you never use them to walk?” Jonn retorted.

For once, the young demi-human could not argue against his statement.

“Big, small, weak, strong? None of that should define who we are. Just because I can play or you can fly doesn’t mean we’re any less human. I don’t use my talents to stroke my own ego, kiddo. Instead, I play to forge bonds with as many people as possible, even if it’s for a moment. And you should too.”

Whatever aloofness Zeloph showed, Jonn melted by his words of wisdom. The way the sun’s light highlighted his features only amplified how majestic this man appeared to the young angel. A smile graced his features as both looked back down towards Celeste, who waved up at them.

“Do you know that sunflowers always face where the sun is?” Jonn suggested.

Zeloph snorted. “That’s a myth.”

“Maybe. But I think it's poetic. Now, c’mon. Let’s go help your mother make dinner.”

As they rose up, carrying their instruments on their backs, Zeloph paused to look over the sea of sunflowers that stretched across the horizon.

And from the angle, it certainly looked as if they followed the setting sun.

*****

But such happiness was never meant to last.

The memories shuffled from warm and sunny to cold and cloudy. Instead of Jonn’s smiling face, Zeloph now loomed over the soil that housed his body, a makeshift cross planted into the ground. And right next to it was a similar grave shared with his mother.

Sadness leaked down Zeloph’s face, unable to stand on anything more than his knees. He had failed to protect them from his callous creator, Jonn foolishly thinking he could sway the entity’s heart like he had his. And the young demi-human was forced to watch as his Divine Father reduced both lovers into atoms.

“I caused this,” Zeloph wept, his tears staining the soil. “If I were stronger, I could have stopped him! I should have protected you! And now, you’re dead because of me… I-I... I wish I--”

“STOP!”

The sound of his sister’s voice pulled the nephilim away from that dreadful recollection into a more harrowing event. One that would forever stain his pure-hearted nature.

Darkened clouds blocked out the sun, a melancholy hue highlighting a nearby city. Bits of light shimmered through, where dozens of angelic abominations descended to circle around from the topaz wheels of the Ophanim, to the burning faces of the Seraphim. The entire urban landscape was swarmed by winged creatures not a single being on earth could see.

Zeloph was once again standing near a cliffside, a golden sun-shaped halo crowning his head. Only a pale robe wrapped around his waist kept him from being fully bare. All of his luminous wings were unfurled.

“Ya can’t do this, Zeloph!” Ana cried out desperately, her skin covered in hissing wounds and bruises, bits of her clothing burnt off. Teary magenta eyes locked with his own as she pleaded, “Remember wot your mother wanted! Wot Jonn wanted! Please, ya 'ave ter stop!”

“See how she rightfully grovels?” An all too familiar voice uttered behind him. Dread quickly froze the angel where he stood, eyes dilating as a shadow towered over both Ana and himself.

Behind Zeloph stood the being responsible for this calamity. Pristine white cloth with topaz accents clad his otherworldly body. Extending from his back were two pairs of mechanical wings, the upper pair resembling bat wings, the lower pair resembling birds. Two pairs of arms joined by the elbow, hands folded neatly together. And like Zeloph, eyes decorated his shoulders, torso and each palm of his hand.

But the most alien feature was by far the Divine Father’s face. That is to say, his lack of one. Instead of a mere visage, clouds of cosmic energy flowed out from his neck, with small black patches swirling in the nexus like a Rorschach test. Those who were graced by his presence only knew him by the title. But both demi-humans referred to him by the old Terran term, Deus.

The godly primordial pointed one hand towards Ana when he continued. “That is the true nature of humanity. To tremble in fear when faced with their superiors. But fear is not what you owe me, girl. You…owe me awe!”

“I don’t owe ya shit!” The female demi spat, whatever terror she showed masked by her fury. “I don’t give a rat’s ass if you're the bleedin' deadbeat blook 'oo made him or me. Ya don’t define us!”

Deus chuckled. “And Terrans do? You may share their genetics, but to deny your extraordinary features and gifts would be ignorant. Mortals often fear what they can’t understand. So indulge in their sins all you want, Ana. It’s only a matter of time until they turn on you.”

He paused to direct his attention to Zeloph, who remained frozen with inner conflict. “The same goes for you too, Zeloph. Had I not stepped in, your mother and paramour would eventually cast you out, as well. You should be thankful.”

“Don’t listen ter 'im!” Ana yelled defiantly, struggling to pull herself up. “‘e’s just pissed that 'e can’t control wot 'e didn’t create. We're blessed wif 'uman spirit, Zel! We can make a choice and rebel, stop our father from destroyin' this--”

“That’s enough from you!” Deus seethed, blasting his daughter with a pale light that nearly vaporized her, had she not shielded herself with shadowy wings. Ana wailed in agony, her cries shaking Zeloph as he rushed to her side, hands glowing with rejuvenating light.

“Leave her, Zeloph,” the Divine Father ordered. “This is punishment for refusing my kindness. I have tolerated this planet and its inhabitants for too long.”

“Y-you’re not planning to...”

“I am,” Deus confirmed. “Look what attachment has done to her. What it's doing to you! Any more time spent here and those putrid animals will soil your heavenly glow. Mortals are beneath you, Zeloph. The only mercy they deserve from us is swift annihilation.”

Zeloph could feel his body quiver with panic, unsure what action to take. His relationship with Deus was more master and dog, rather than father and son. If he continued to obey, he would remain safe in the Divine Father’s fold. But by sacrificing both his half-sister and the innocent mortals, the demi-human would be solely responsible for the fall of humanity.

Much like he held himself responsible for Jonn and his mother’s deaths.

Through ragged breaths, he helped his sister back to her feet before taking a stance in front of Ana. The demi summoned his light-forged blade, the Morning Star. He glared at Deus, whose ‘head’ tilted to the side.

“What do you think you’re doing, boy?”

“I…I won’t take part in wiping out mankind!” Zeloph declared, his voice mustering whatever courage he had. “What have humans done to offend you, outside existing?! Can’t you understand how amazing it is that one lone planet managed to conjure life under the right circumstances? We should be guiding them towards a safe-haven! Let them join us an-!”

His statement was cut short as Deus altered gravitation to pull Zeloph into his grasp, the demi-human gasping for air.

“What preposterous beliefs!” The Divine Father scowled in disgust. “You are a mere abomination! Your sole purpose is to carry out your creator’s will! The only reason I allow your existence is because of the potential power you possess. Do not throw that away over the lives of pathetic, inconsequential ants! You dare compare their relevance to that of a god!?”

“And what is a god…without those who believe him?” Zeloph managed to choke out before Deus lifted his child high and slammed him into the cliffside, the ground collapsing from underneath. The demi-human fell with pieces of rock pinning his wings and limbs down. Zeloph groaned in pain as Deus levitated before him.

“I don’t need their beliefs!” The deity boasted. “I am all-powerful! All mighty! And in case you have forgotten that, let this be a firm reminder!”

The Divine Father focused on the city far ahead, his legion of angels quickly returning into the clouds at his silent command. Then, holding his palms out, a brief flash of cosmic light engulfed the entire landscape. Zeloph didn’t understand what he did until he pulled himself from the rubble.

That’s when he heard it. It was faint at first, but it steadily grew louder. The cacophony of screams as citizens began to slowly vector towards the skies, vanishing beyond the clouds.

Zeloph fell to his knees, eyes widened as he helplessly watched every human, animal, and building ascend towards the atmosphere, a terrifying death inevitable.

“No..!!” Ana whimpered, unable to believe the sight happening before her. The earth rumbled, fissures splitting more pieces of the ground to gently float. Strong winds picked up, threatening to form hurricanes as thunder cracked across the clouds.

But the disastrous weather change paled in comparison to the outcry of horrified people involuntarily flying towards their deaths.

And all Zeloph could do was sob loudly, clutching his head in pain.

“Why do you scream, Zeloph?” Deus cruelly asked. “Your precious humans are drifting off towards Heaven! This was what you wanted, after all.”

“N-no! I didn’t want this! Make it stop!” He pleaded, shutting his eyes.

“Impudent Zeloph,” the Divine Father scornfully scolded. “Any being with free will repulses me. If it cannot be controlled, it must be destroyed. Let this be a lesson for defying your lord and master.”

Anger spiked within Zeloph’s soul. He was doing it again. Letting his father get away with murdering those precious to him. The nephilim was aware humans could be vile and cruel, almost to a ludicrous degree.

But he had been around those who offered compassion and understanding to him and his sister, who grew up with morally strong mortal parents. No matter how corrupt humanity might become, there were still those who redeemed it, who deserved to be protected and saved.

And none deserved the merciless fate Deus inflicted out of cold egotism. Then, with a loud cry, light burst from Zeloph when he charged at the Divine Father, who caught his sword between his fingers.

“You…are NO master!!” Zeloph seethed, ushering all his strength to cut through Deus’ arm, causing the deity to emit an inhuman screech. The air pulsed, pushing the demi away, where Zeloph’s wing unfurled to catch himself. The Divine Father's black essence flowed out of his wound.

“I see I’ve made a mistake,” Deus admitted. “I should have killed you two when I had the chance!” Flaring his own metallic plumage and membrane, the godly entity opened the skies as angelic beasts flooded in at his beckoning call.

Zeloph looked around the many-eyed entities he once considered brethren. But in truth, they were nothing more than mindless drones, mere subjects only made to follow the Divine Father’s orders.

Swooping to his side, Anarchia took a battle stand of her own, tail bearing its thin teeth. The demi siblings looked to each other, only knowing of the other’s existence for a few months.

But at that moment, they never felt more united through their desire to defend humanity, and their mutual hatred of Deus.

With a nod, both charged at the swarming legion of angels, fighting with claws, swords, spells and everything they had in their combined arsenal. Feathers fell, celestial blood spilled. Inhuman cries of agony sounded as every last winged amalgamation toppled by Zeloph and Ana. Time seemed to stretch out during this crusade against the Divine Father, who motionlessly watched his children tear all he created apart.

They both possessed strength that far exceeded his expectations. The inherited human spirit, combined with their godly heritage, allowed them to surpass the limits Deus implanted on his divine forces. And when the last Seraphim was cut down, both Ana and Zeloph didn’t hesitate to strike their father, who retaliated in a fury.

Their battle took to the skies, Deus using his primordial powers to launch collapsed buildings at his children. When the demi siblings got in range, he clashed with Zeloph’s sword and deflected Ana’s claws, creating alien-like weapons out of nothing to combat his children. But both proved resilient, breaking through every sword, lance, shield, and instrument Deus conjured.

When all else failed, Deus unleashed his wrath in a wave of pure energy. Zeloph and Ana fused their archaic signatures to slice through the beam, stabbing their Divine Father through the chest and crashing him into the ground.

Against the odds of fighting a limitless being, Zeloph and Ana stood victorious over Deus. More cosmic ooze seeped out his wounds, his clothes tattered, and golden armor cracked. His eyes all blinked rapidly; his ‘face’ was swirling more frantically, unable to keep a constant shape.

“I-Impossible...!” His voice said stubbornly, refusing to admit defeat. “Who do you think you are defying me like this!? I am your creator! I…am your father!”

“No!” Zeloph whispered bitterly, driving his blade further through Deus’ chest as tears flowed down his cheeks. “I had a father…his name was Jonn Brudster.”

“You truly have fallen for mankind. How disgusting,” the Divine Father scoffed, groaning when his daughter used her talons to help her brother split their father apart, light and dark energy flowing out.

“Were done wif ya, feather plucker!” Ana spat. “When we absorb the rest of your energy, you’ll cease ter exist. You’ll be nuffin' but a painful memory!”

“I beg to differ, daughter. Through you, I will always exist! Heed my words, you ingrates. The humans will never accept you as anything but abominations! You will regret this!”

Those were the last words spoken by the Divine Father as his form disintegrated and what remained of his power surged into Zeloph and Ana. Exhausted, both demi-humans held each other, relieved to have survived as the world’s disruption ceased. Yet, though the catastrophe had ended, many lives were lost.

Through their newly achieved Onoma’s, Zeloph light and healing magic increased. Ana’s seduction and disruptive abilities were also enhanced. Free of their Divine Father’s shackles, the two demi-humans could embrace life among mortals, helping those who sought out Zeloph’s alleviation or Ana’s pleasure. Yet, the former couldn’t help but feel distressed about his father’s final message. And if they were true.

*****

As history has shown, they were. Watching the humans Zeloph so valiantly protected succumb to war, corruption, and greed took a toll on the demi-humans psyche. Any who came to his small chapel often told him how deeply they indulged in vicious murders, theft and depravity.

And how much they relished it.

This, alongside the abuse he suffered from Deus, caused the power Zeloph had taken to ultimately work against him, developing a mentality that all of humanity was tainted. And that it was up to him to ‘redeem’ them.

Tragically, Zeloph became the very thing he once opposed, using his Onoma to purge cities of their sinners, twisting any followers into loyal angelic soldiers. It was through this betrayal that earned Zeloph his moniker, The Fallen One.

Whatever goodwill Jonn had instilled within Zeloph was utterly gone. Through his acts of ‘justice,’ entire nations fell before him, basking in their worship and praise. The scattered humans were blinded by the brilliance of his imperial light.

But before Zeloph’s turn to righteous evil could be completed, Ana abandoned her more robust demon form to become the imp known as Moxxi in a desperate plea to end her brother’s madness. Yet, despite the enmity between them, he couldn't conjure the will to slay his half-sister.

That moment proved to be his undoing. Hidden behind the imp's back in her tiny little claws was a book whose cover had been woven from stretched, dried, and scarred flesh, swathed in many faces frozen into terrified screams forever.

She opened the Necronomicon, chanted the forbidden language of old, and assimilated Zeloph into the pages. This betrayal would leave a massive stain on the pair's relationship.

The Fallen One became another entry in the forbidden tome, complete with a stylized depiction and warning of his nature. Just another damned creature trapped inside the abyssal world within, an infinite number of pages enclosed into a tiny space by dark magic.

Years passed, and all had forgotten about the Fallen One, whose fractured mind slowly crumbled further within the Necronomicon. All poor Zeloph could do was watch the world around him pass by, heartbroken and alone.

That was...until the Child of Lightendark appeared by some unexplainable force. At first, Zeloph assumed he had finally snapped, starting to hallucinate after spending years in desolation. But the monochrome mare proved real, or at least real enough to keep him company.

Zeloph and the child, known as Abadonna, began a pseudo father/daughter relationship. They would tell each other stories, rest near one another. So moved was he by Abby’s kindness and innocence, the Fallen One vowed to one day free them of their imprisonment and make her a physical entity, whatever that would entail.

And that goal still rang true as the demi-human slept, his memories fueling his determination to locate and bring home his beloved daughter.

No matter the cost.

Chapter 12 : Serpent in Eden (Bellatrix, Zeloph, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)

Somehow, Bellatrix found herself back on the paradise planet, the realm now dubbed Eden. Greenery surrounded the succubus from all directions when she strolled naked through the dew-speckled grass. The flora and fauna she could see contained a multitude of brilliant pastel colors. Fluffy clouds lined an azure sky and swathed the sun as its rays kissed her bare skin.

“This has to be a dream,” she said aloud and crossed her arms with an antsy flick of her spaded tail. A water droplet fell off a branch overhead, splashed on one of her heavy tits and rolled down the slope of her expansive cleavage, beaded on an erect nipple before falling.

A soft moan escaped lips drawn into a pout when more drops splashed on her breasts. She wove through beds of vast flowers, padded alongside a ravine that wound throughout a dense forest. Flared nostrils inhaled fresh, natural scents.

Even the air smelled impossibly pure. The cynical side of her almost couldn't believe it.

She waded into a stream that came a couple inches past the knee, scooped crystal clear water with up her tail spade, and splashed the coolness over well-rounded bare buttocks. “A shame the imp isn't here. I could use the company.”

The demon's clawed hands picked up more water and splashed it over her shapeliness. She slicked down her silky raven locks, rubbed the moisture into her tender flesh, which shimmered under the sun. Warmth radiated from her loins when she washed her womanly cleft. Ambivalence filled her with a need for release, annoyed such baser conditions demanded that she scratch the itch.

“It's not like I chose to be a sex demon,” she muttered with a drawn-out sigh. “At least It’s better than being a mindless slave...”

After her bath, the succubus waded onto the shore and let herself start to drip dry while she wandered further into the greenery. Her breasts bounced, hips swayed, and buttocks rolled under her bold long-legged strides, her chin held high as she carried herself with divine grace.

Soon, in the distance, she spotted many familiar faces, mixed in with plenty of unknown ones. Some whom she had encountered on her visit to Eden. They, too, were all naked, save for wreaths made from flowers some wore like crowns, a mixture of males and females of various species.

The crystal pony twins arrived to meet her and bowed, their bare, buxom pastel pink busts left to sway as a result. “Welcome home, mistress.”

Bellatrix pursed her lips and studied the coral pink nude sisters. “Forgive me, but which pair are you two? Are you not the ones who went off with that minotaur? I honestly can't recall,” she confessed and ran her spade-up thighs marked by intertwined female symbols, a cutie mark that denoted their connection. A soft moan emerged from the pair at her tail's playful caresses.

Their hands reached out to take her own, guided her palms to settle over a plush tit of each. She closed around the supple, presented flesh, felt stiffened darker pink nipples poke into her skin while she fondled them. She noted neither of their necks were scarred and reminded herself this was a dream, that it didn't have to make sense. They were likely an amalgamation of how she perceived Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse. The latter's nipple leaked warm milk that splashed when she applied pressure under her squeezes.

Both asked in unison, “Does it matter? You've returned to us, Goddess~!”

Bellatrix narrowed her golden eyes mid-squeeze. “‘Goddess?’ That’s a new one. Mistress was already more than sufficient, thank you.”

“But that's what you are! Lilith, the primordial Goddess! Mother to all demons!” They mewled louder, leaned into her gropes while onlookers gathered closer and prostrated themselves in worship, ready to obey her commands.

“Lilith? No, she’s a myth, isn’t she? My name is-” But her protests were drowned out by cheers, her clawed feet kissed as the widespread cult that formed around what they called the 'Demon Queen' wept. They offered themselves entirely to her, body and soul. “T-this is merely a dream!”

The twins giggled. “Perhaps. But it was you who subconsciously pulled us into your dream, Goddess! Now please, let us help worship you!”

The sisters sandwiched her front and back, sunk to their knees, one snout buried into her parted slit, and another spread her ass cheeks. Before she could further protest how unnecessary this was, the succubus cast back her head and moaned, hands resting atop the crystal mare's scalp in front of her while the sisters hungrily devoured her heated holes. Tongues shot into her warm canals, swished and swirled to trace her tight walls, and she dripped into the maw of her worshiper, pressed into the lusty mares.

Both twins gazed upon their 'Goddess', who stared back down over her bare tits that heaved. A slight smirk appeared when she stroked each mare's mane that savored a sweet, runny cunny.

“You two always remain skilled and diligent,” she murmured and fluttered her lashes. Her tail snaked behind the twin at her back, slipped between their spread thighs to stroke their soppy slits, and the twin sisters whimpered in appreciation at the sex demon's tender touch.

Would this help heal the manor should she climax in her sleep? She certainly hoped so!

Inspired by the worship of 'Lilith’ around her, the followers of the Goddess started to make love, too. A sea of naked flesh filled her Eden. Mares, stallions, and other creatures of both sexes coupled in pretty much any manner she could think up, surrendered to hedonistic worship.

So lost was she in a haze of lust when she squirted into the mouth of a lover, she almost missed the lone intruder into paradise.

A pale feathered serpent slithered its way through the mass of nude bodies. Bellatrix would have dismissed it as part of her fantasy, if not for the magenta eye patterns along its back. And when it rose its head to look at her, the demoness recognized the sly glare it gave her.

“Z-Zeloph!?” She hissed between her teeth, to which the snake nodded his head while dragging his body closer.

“Good to see you, my old friend~!” He greeted politely.

She bared her fangs. “What are you doing here?! You are not welcome!”

“Well, clearly I am, or you wouldn’t have invited me here,” the Fallen One rebuffed, flicking out his tongue. “Though I must say, I find your choice in roleplay very…questionable.”

As the serpent crawled across the earth, the paradise around them started to warp. Flora and fauna transformed into demonic perversions of themselves that howled and hissed. Likewise, her unwanted cult twisted into a variety of sexual demons, air filled by the audible shift of flesh and cracked bone while they settled into new forms.

“As if I would ever invite you to live in my dream!” Bellatrix snarled, refusing to believe her such a preposterous claim with a sneer.

Zeloph shook his head before continuing. “Oh, please. I’m hardly the worst liar among Beatrix’s merry band of misfits. Don’t think I forgot about your sacred desire, Bellatrix. You would love to have a world prostrate themselves before you, 'Queen of the Demons.’ Perhaps you’re an avatar of Lilith who refuses to embrace her role...?”

As much as Bellatrix wanted to deny him, she felt her suppressed demonic power resurface. A raven mane started to whiten, her horns thickened and curled, her leathery wingspan expanded onwards when it unfurled. Another white hot orgasm ripped throughout her entirety.

“Ahah, see?” The winged serpent snickered, coiling at her clawed feet. “Feels good to be honest with yourself, doesn’t it? I mean, who knows! Perhaps you are an avatar of Lilith, who just refuses to embrace her destiny~!”

The twins withdrew from her orifices and writhed, shaken by their own shared climaxes while they too were transmuted. Horns, claws, tails, and tiny wings arose from the crystal mares, mutated into her own personal, lusty succubi.

They lowered themselves to all fours, crawled and cooed, somehow more horny and submissive than ever. Their faces fully blushed bright, their suspended pendulous breasts visibly developed further and swayed while they heaved and panted, snatches drippy and desperate to be bred. Each time they tried to speak, a moan escaped as climaxes ripped throughout them.

“Oh my. As if they weren’t lascivious enough,” Zeloph quivered, sensing the overwhelming amount of lust and depraived energy emulating off the twins while they wiggled their assets.

Bellatrix rode out multiple releases while she took in the monsters around her, realizing they were entries taken from the Necronomicon. A menagerie of monsters that tempted and consumed mortals. She knew that Shadow Scythe once led a similar army under Grogar, the so-called 'Father of Monsters,’ a being so ancient most knowledge of him remained forever lost.

Her eyes caught harpies, lamia, naga, arachne, sphinxes, sirens, nymphs, dryads... “So many anthropomorphic, feminine monsters. Men are equally terrified and allured by us. A witch like my dear sister is equally mistrusted by mankind.”

In contrast, the male demons were often closer to brutal savages, far more monstrous than attractive, but no less driven by base desires.

Yet out of all the monstrous-looking creatures, she considered the false messiah the most wicked of all. Like her, Zeloph hid his insidious nature, trapped under his seraphic visage.

Bellatrix shuddered when the snake in question began wrapping up her ankles. He intertwined around her thighs, intertwined about her,
and compressed her with his serpentine body.

“Hmm. Normally I would be repulsed for considering the thought of indulging your sinful flesh. Yet, I can’t help but feel compelled to have you for myself. So why don’t we accept our feelings, ‘Lilith?’” The Fallen One hissed, and nuzzled his snout into her pillow-like breasts.

“T-the only thing I feel for you is contempt, you bastard!” Bellatrix cursed, before a moan escaped her once Zeloph began lapping over her erected nipples repeatedly with a forked tongue.

“And yet, you allow me to do as I wish. Deny all you want, your body shows me the truth~” Zeloph chuckled, sliding his tail to rub her moist cunt with the tip. She visibly, audibly shuddered. “We cast kindred shadows, after all. It only makes sense we would find each other attractive~!”

Bellatrix let out a sharp gasp, feeling his lengthy tail slid in and out of her love canal. Her entire body quaked under his relentless assault, the line between pleasure and pain vanishing with each possessive thrust. Finally, she felt him sharply penetrate past her final barrier, pierced her cervix to infiltrate her womb, where his tail swished and traced slippery, slimy womb walls.

She shrieked and squeezed her pussy around him, squirted over her invader. But as his head inched closer to her, Bellatrix seized him by the neck in a clawed hand. He shrieked, "Aaagh!?”

“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” She murmured between huffs. “I won’t lie, that felt divine. And I really want to fuck the shit out of you~! But only because I want to see you suffer for all you’ve done. Because no matter how kind you pretend to be, you’ll always be evil in my eyes.” Her iron hold increased around him.

The snake squirmed in her grasp, flapping his scaly plumage uselessly, while the she-devil traced a claw over his head. “Speaking of eyes…how about I pluck yours out and feed them to you~?” She snickered and applied more pressure to his tiny neck, which threatened to snap.

He sputtered, managing to worm his way out her warm, wet confines, and slipped away. Through wheezes he coughed, “You certainly like doing things the hard way. Don’t you, Devil Queen?”

“Only when I've found a worthy partner who can keep up,” she challenged, a hand on her wide hip.

Laughing, the serpent morphed into his more humanoid shape, a plethora of fluffy wings unfurling, each with a series of eyes fixated on Bellatrix. He, too, stood utterly nude, his cock lengthening between his muscular legs, much the succubus’ secret delight when she eyed its size.

“Okay, Bellatrix,” Zeloph huskily said, seduction in his lit up eyes. “I’ll play~!”

Boldly, the fallen angel strode towards Bellatrix, his tail waving behind his plume, a golden halo shimmering around the tip. The demon queen swayed towards him, her own tail quivering with anticipation. If Bellatrix looked the part of Lilith, then Zeloph fit the role of Lucifer perfectly.

In their encounter he had promised to make her a Demon Lord in return for her allegiance, a lie she played along with, just so she could stab him in the back. Attraction and resentment burned equally between them, like it did between him and Beatrix, who smoldered in ambivalence.

But for now, this moment belonged solely to them. And within seconds, they were upon each other in a frenzy of grabs and kisses. They toppled to now scorched earth, the atmosphere filled by the stench of brimstone, rivers turned to beds of lava that bubbled under a blood-red sky.

Smoke rose while an orgy of demons mindlessly fucked to sate themselves. But shapeshifter and demi-human only concentrated on each other, driven by mixed sensations that soon drove the couple into a passionate, hateful copulation.

“It’s not too late to join me,” he whispered harshly, his touch sending waves of warmth and pleasure through her spine, causing her to coo uncontrollably. “Abandon your sister’s plight, and I’ll forgive you for betraying me~!”

“I will never be on your side,” she hissed, shutting him up with a hot kiss, digging her teeth into his bottom lip. One hand reached to pull his member with tight strokes, her pussy lips quivering upon feeling the tip press just above her stomach.

“Fuck…. You’ll be so deep in me! Surely, you modified this to compensate for your fragile ego,” she teased through ragged pants, gasping once he roughly gripped her ample scarlet buttocks.

“Unable to accept that every part of me is genuine? Don’t worry. I will make you belie-- gah!”

His boast cut short once Bellatrix managed to pin him to the ground, straddling him. “Just shut up and lay there like a good dog~!” She snarled, stroking her moist cunt with the tip of his spear before slamming it all down in one go. Both groaned in ecstasy, her belly bulging slightly once Zeloph’s thick cock easily impaled her womb.

But not a second was wasted as the two struggled over dominance. And unlike with the ram, the couple fucked like they were trying to destroy the other. Bellatrix hollered each time Zeloph thrust up as if to rearrange her love tunnel to accommodate his shape. Likewise, the Fallen One shuddered with how hot and vice-like her love tunnel clenched around his shaft.

They bit, clawed, slapped, spit, spanked, and did everything they could think up to demean each other, determined to break their rival as they fucked until exhaustion ended their contest.

Over and over, they swapped positions to better fuck their partner into submission. Zeloph managed to slam Bellatrix into a tree, pumping into her pussy with ruthless aggression. The she-devil rode him reverse cowgirl style, just so her tail could choke him out. Yet he found the strength to shove her forward, taking swipes at her rump while he plowed her like a bitch in heat.

It wasn't uncommon for some female demons to destroy their mates while they copulated. Nor were most encounters with such monsters wholly consensual...yet a mutual hatred made them drawn to each other, despite unspoken denial.

Finally, the two were on their sides, Zeloph’s hand finding Bellatrix’s throat while he took more kisses from her. It was in this position that the devil queen finally understood her hapless sister’s attraction to this fiend. His charming words, his stunning looks, the long beautiful cock hitting every pleasure point within her pussy.... Zeloph truly had a lot to offer in terms of love.

But those same factors made her despise him even more, using those gifts to deceive and manipulate Beatrix into his unholy agenda. It was why Bellatrix was determined to break him through these raw carnal desires, and finally make him pay for all his terrible grievances.

Whether this was all part of her dream, or she somehow actually managed to pull the Fallen One in to her consciousness, it hardly mattered. Bellatrix was content to at least punish him, and let out all her resentments and frustrations.

Breaking from Zeloph’s hold, Bellatrix tackled him to his back once more, violently bouncing atop his lap while her nails raked over his wiry muscles. Her yellow eyes found his magenta orbs, delighting in his fatigued expression.

“Awww, what’s wrong, bitch? Are you getting tired already? I thought you wanted to play rough~!” She taunted, letting more of her demonic side loose while the angel struggled to maintain pace.

“Aaaugh, everything hurts! W-Why does it...feel so good, naagh~!?” Zeloph moaned in bewilderment, hands clutching her womanly hips for dear life as an orgasm grew closer. This made the demon cackle louder when he cried to the heavens, filling her up to the brim in his seed.

“Yeeeeeeees!! That’s it, asshole! Give in to me~!” She screamed in triumph, her fem juices drenching his groin as she bound his wrists above his head before leaning in to kiss him. Her spaded tail coiled about Zeloph’s own, squeezing down when she rode out more multiple climaxes.

More of her suppressed demonic energy surfaced when she popped free of Zeloph, his gooey cum dripping out her snatch as she stretched out her limbs. A rugged, raspy moan arose from the 'Demon Queen,’ ears filled by the sounds of stretched flesh. Two more arms shot out from each side of her, until she had six in total, golden eyes staring in a mixture of triumph, wonder, and horror at what she had become.

“Lilith~! Lilith~! Lilith~!” Chanted her cult, having paused to watch her conquer the Fallen One.

“For the last time! I'm not Lilith!” She shouted back, yet her voice was drowned out by the chorus of blind fanatics. The newly succubi twins rubbed their naked flesh all over her, while the the vanquished simply stared up in dread, realizing that his other limbs were shackled.

“You cheated!” He lamented, unable to do more than struggle and strain at his bonds.

“My dream. My rules,” Bellatrix huffed, rubbing the bottom of a foot over his face with a cruel snicker. Her smile widened at the twins. “You two have been so loyal. I think you deserve a reward!” She walked around to leave the defenceless demi-human to her horny transformed followers, dismissively waving at him. “Have fun, girls~!”

“Oh no...” Groaned Zeloph as the crystalline succubi raced to tend to him, giggling ghoulishly. One settled her plush ass onto his face while the other sunk his shiny cock into her.

“Sister,” said Wet Nurse who nibbled her lower lip. “I always wanted to try something!”

“I know exactly what you have in mind,” replied Foal-Bearer as their crystal bodies suddenly became transparent. Their uteri were visible as a result, his tongue forced into one's cunt, his dick visible in the other as it skewered her slimy snatch each time she bounced above him.

Bellatrix's multiple arms felt herself up all over and openly masturbated while she watched the sisters fuck the poor angel to their heart’s content. And as he let out muffled howls, she was able to observe firsthand alonce his excessive cum impacted the mare's womb, stuffed her belly too full while it blossomed out, and her deluge washed over him. The moment he came down, one twin licked the other clean before they traded places, until the helpless Fallen One was taken for another ride, since the twin breeders planned to drain him down to the last drop.

Perhaps she and the false messiah had more in common than she cared to admit. Bellatrix relished the worship and still desired to have a world brought under her heel. But she reminded herself she already had that with the mansion and the planet that surrounded her home. It would be terraformed by the manor's power, and more importantly, provide her several loved ones a place for the 'Devil Queen' to watch over.

“At least I won’t turn out like you and Shadow Scythe,” she sighed while she worked more juices out of her gushing hole, momentarily contented.

*****

And with that, Bellatrix tore herself out of the dream. She had fallen asleep in the bathtub, felt the orgasm she was in the middle of continue to ripple through her, arms and legs suspended over the sides of the wide tub. Water sloshed onto the floor, the twins nude on each side of her, where they too rested their heads on the sides and murmured as they had also drifted off.

Another influence of the manor's deep wound? Had the abomination fallen asleep and knocked them all out with it...?

“Strange indeed,” she mused and lathered her tits up with soap, watched the suds roll down the shiny skin. Quickly she decided to peer across the manor's interior, then breathed a sigh of relief to see everyone here was okay, albeit lost in their own wet dreams. But, curious though she was to what they all secretly fantasized about, she refused to needlessly intrude on their privacy.

Still, she wondered about the likelihood of how connected Shadow Scythe and Zeloph were to the manor. If she really had pulled the Fallen One into her fantasy, did that mean he wasn’t far?

“Mmm. I wonder what it would be like to bag Zeloph for real,” she admitted, the vivid feeling of his pulsating length still fresh on her mind. “Perhaps I could convince Beatrix to jail him here so I can torture that treacherous scum. Make him beg for me until I’ve worked every last drop out of his coooo-ohh fuck! I’m getting worked up again.”

Pushing her sadistic pleasure aside, Bellatrix patted the twin sisters on their asses until they stirred awake. “Oh! Forgive us, mistress,” said Wet Nurse, who blushed and swayed her tits, startled.

“Never mind that,” purred Bellatrix, brushing over their soft buttocks. “I'm certain Dion misses you.”

“Ebony's taken care of him while we're predisposed,” assured Foal-Bearer, who nevertheless rose with her twin as the she-devil continued to casually fondle their supple butts. “Still, if the mistress wishes we take our leave...?”

“Go on,” said Bellatrix with a small smile and wink. She landed a playful slap on their crystalline rumps to send them off. With a titter, they bowed then turned, the demon's eyes pinned on their hips and asses, which swayed as they slowly and exaggeratedly made their exit on purpose to provide their mistress a lovely show. She burned the image into her mind while her tail spade tended to her inflamed twat with a lewd squish.

Rising and dripping, a splash sounded once she exited the tub and took a moment to admire her nude reflection in the waters as they settled. Then, she transformed into her angelic self, ran both hands through her golden curls and blinked her blue eyes, her feathered plume shaken dry.

Her snout scrunched up at the spaded tail that swept between her buttocks, a reminder of her lusty dream. “It seems I can't fully escape my succubus nature. But I don't want to overindulge, like my sister. Even if it's for a good cause.”

At least her sister and the imp's latest dalliance assured a steady supply of libidinal energies to soak up. Unfortunately, since they weren't on the manor's grounds and instead bridged a realm, what the creature could take from them would be suppressed, albeit still quite rich in its rawness.

Still, Bellatrix was positive her own spicy encounter with the Fallen One would supplant the manor. And besides, Beatrix had promised to deliver more allies she'd met on her travels.

The she-devil could hardly wait to meet them.

Chapter 14 : Weapon XXX (Wispy Willow, Kitsune, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse)

Groans hissed out of the cat-like humanoid as she struggled to stand up, her awareness shoddy. Her slit pupils adjusted in the darkness, taking in the room to find herself naked, save for a deactivated choker that doubled as an explosive, her form rested atop a cold metal slab.

When she tried recalling her name, all she did was make her headache worse. As with all the test subjects, scientists had stolen her memories, with nothing left to anchor her to the world.

The only thing she could identify with was her given code name, ‘Wispy Willow.’ She, alongside other similar Animorphs, would be used as scouts for special covert missions.

The tigress managed to stumbled on clawed feet in the laboratory, then flicked her pointed ears at the subdued hum of machinery around her. Turning back to the cool slab, Wispy gazed at her reflection. She could tell she was human once, so many features that remained unaltered by scientific engineering. A black fringe of hair hung around her face, her eyes a violent shade of crimson. Yet, despite her worn down condition, she was beautiful, evidenced by tiger stripes that decorated exposed flesh. Yellow fur gave way to white on her ample breasts, down her belly, and over her crotch, emphasizing her figure further.

"Course they’d keep my sweet looks intact. Perverts," she quipped to herself with a tail flick.

Wispy doubted she was supposed to be awake. Or maybe this was part of an experiment, and she was observed by hidden cameras. Perhaps a one-way mirror somewhere? Either way, it didn’t help her figure out what organization was behind this nefarious endeavor. It was likely in pursuit of power and money, the often nightmarish world she found herself in dedicated to its worship.

"Damn bastards," she mumbled aloud and stroked the choker. “Turning us into freaks. Weapons…wait! Sister… I-I have a sister!”

The feline hurried over to her fellow prisoner, also similarly placed on a slab and nude. Like Wispy, this woman had been changed, with everything about her previous life erased. 'Kitsune’ was her codename, given her shape was that of a nine-tailed fox. A rusty red-colored mane framed golden fur draped around her. Her toned, feminine arms were crossed over her breast.

"H-hey! Wake up, sleepyhead," Wispy teased, nudging her sibling awake.

Bright blue eyes shot wide open, and her hand seized Wispy by the wrist. "Imoto?" She murmured warily before loosening her hold.

"Ouch! Easy on the squeezing," the feline whined, rubbing her sore skin. "That’s on me, though! I forgot how sensitive you are."

"Sorry," whispered the fox woman in a shy manner as she looked away. Kitsune shot to her feet and immediately started to take in her surroundings amidst a wave of her nine bushy tails. Unlike her sister, she took the moniker of a 'living weapon' to heart, designed to seek out and execute at the behest of whoever was responsible for this organization. And after the deed was done, the pair were returned to 'storage,' their memories routinely wiped clean for what was essential to their purpose.

Yet despite that, the two sisters forged a bond that couldn't be broken. Even if they weren’t related by blood, they’d still called themselves sisters, partially due to their genetic makeup.

"Ugh. Fuck, remembering shit’s a pain,” Wispy groaned. “Hate how these creeps keep us on ice until it's time for the next mission."

From what she could tell, they weren't drugged like usual. The bomb chokers were kaput. So did she dare test if her powers could be called on...?

"Something is wrong," stated Kitsune, whose eyes narrowed as she drew her lips into a line, visibly on edge as she tapped her neutralized choker.

"Well, duh~! Like I said-"

"No, Imoto. This is different."

The kunoichi's muscles tensed when she stalked ahead toward the sliding doors that sealed them in the enclosure. The complex was some military base from what they could tell, secreted away from civilization, where their owners could work on the pair and others like them in secret.

At Kitsune's will, her hand visibly melted to liquid silver. Reshaped into a blade, she stabbed into the door and sheared into it. Metal creaked and sparked while it was cut away. Alarms immediately hit their ears once the sisters realized the room was sound-proofed, and a battle had ensued in the cramped corridors.

The blare of noise was surrounded by scarlet flashes when she hacked her way out. "Stay close," she insisted. "I'll protect you." The fox women exited into the hallway, spotted masked and armor-clad bodies that filled the tunnel.

"Nu-uh! Like hell I’m staying behind while you take all the glory," Wispy purred, summoning orbs of plasma from her palms. Its shimmer cast its shadows over the walls, drenched in the splash of the dead's innards after they had been swiftly cut down. "Eegh! Must have sucked to be these guys, whoever they were! I wonder what fucked up specimen did this..." She shuddered while following at her sister's side.

"It matters not," answered Kitsune, who pushed ahead. "I'm the designated warrior. Therefore, it is my target to execute."

"I know, I know," Wispy groaned, rolling her eyes. Somehow, her sister always recalled that, and would frequently remind the cat woman of her place. But it was fine, as she loved her. And she knew Kitsune only wanted to defend the only person she loved. As long as they had each other, the siblings didn’t need to trust anyone else.

This was their chance to finally escape this synthetic nightmare. But where would they head once they succeeded...?

Wispy would worry about that later, since they needed to be on their toes in hostile territory. Gunfire in staccato bursts and the hiss of lasers sounded ahead, with the occasional explosion rocking the compound. An acrid stench and dark smoke in inky clouds filled the atmosphere.

The sisters weren't aware of this at the time, but the lab had been hit by B.A.B.S., a notorious mercenary squad that would undertake any mission its leader believed in, no matter how suicidal. Thanks to the fox woman's enhanced senses, they were able to evade most of the complex as they made their escape, most of the security already engaged or slain by intruders.

"Take this!" Cried Wispy, whose summoned sphere burst and blinded the scientists they encountered.

Screams came from the lab-coated men who stumbled about and covered their faces. Wispy popped her claws, ready to slash them apart with a sneer when her sister blocked her path.

"Stand down, Imoto,” Kitsune demanded. “No need to shed more blood here. Even if they deserve to die."

"They didn’t just hurt us, Kitsune!” Wispy snarled and hissed, ready to pay them back one-thousand fold for what they had endured. “They fucked us up, physically and mentally! What about all the other failed specimens they disposed of? If we let them live, they’ll just kidnap more innocent people!"

"I know, but please! For me," asked Kitsune, who touched her shoulder, the fox woman's eyes moist. "Don’t let them take your humanity too..."

"... eergh! Fine. But only for your sake," Wispy held her hand, reminded that despite her often stoic and cold appearance, her sister was a sensitive, emotional soul at heart. This place had hurt her more than anyone, yet had failed to crush her spirit.

They resumed their navigation of the labyrinthine compound, and on the rare occasions they were forced to confront soldiers, they were swift to neutralize them non-lethally.

Finally, after an hour of exploration, the pair of sisters made their way out into the open.

Both escaped into the wilderness and paused to look back. They slipped into clothes taken from the dead, form-fitted black attire far more durable and malleable than it appeared, and the sisters held hands while they watched the building smoke, burn, and crumble in a violent pyre that lit the night. The smoldering ruin was lost, and with it, the faint hope of more answers.

"We're alive. That's what matters," assured Wispy with a firm grasp.

"Yes," whispered back Kitsune, unable to hold back her silent tears. A breeze swept over them and rustled the surrounding forest when she said, "Let's leave this place and start anew."

At her mental command, the kunoichi transformed her entirety, as the fox woman shifted like mercury and, once her mass settled and congealed, reformed herself into a motorcycle built for speed and precision.

"Ooh! Nice ride," teased Wispy, patting the bike’s seat before she swung her leg and mounted the machine. It rattled below her and set off into the dark, towards the neon-lit city of skyscrapers that loomed far in the distance, as if to welcome the lost strangers...

*****

"...and that's our story! Well, at least the fun bits~."

Wispy slunk down onto a couch in the foyer, dressed in a red leather catsuit covered in studs. A fire crackled in the hearth, and a chandelier overhead lit the group who settled into the mansion. "Ah, thank you!" She accepted a drink and snack foods from a tray that the twins offered as they made their way around the room.

"You're welcome," Wet Nurse said, lifting her skirt with one hand to curtsy. The twins wore their usual maid attire. A glow illuminated the chamber and enveloped them, their crystalline curves left to shimmer in the dimness as a crackle sounded.

"No, thank you," politely declined Kitsune, who sat by her sister, dressed in black with her hood drawn back, and her blue eyes stared ahead without a blink when she explained, "I do not require sustenance. I’ve become more of a machine than a woman..."

"That's a shame," frowned Foal-Bearer and placed her tray on the table, the hostess determined to serve and make everyone who entered their home feel welcome. "I can't imagine what it's like to lose a part of one's nature..."

"You sisters aren't so different," the fox woman noted, observing the twins with sympathetic eyes. "Are you not confined to this manor? Unable to leave the radius it emits, or else you'll cease to exist?"

"Yeah, I suppose that's true. But it feels different," admitted Wet Nurse, who passed around more snacks.

Wispy twitched an ear and asked, "Why not settle in? You don't have to be dutiful all the time! It must be tiresome serving so many people!" She patted a space next to them. "I'm sure you two could squeeze in easily! C’mon, lay off a little until Beatrix comes back!"

"A-as you wish," said Foal-Bearer when she and Wet Nurse took their places on the couch.

"Figured we get to know each other better as soon as we can," said Wispy, who playfully placed a hand on the elder sister's coral pink thigh and traced the soft, supple flesh. "I mean, we’re all gonna have one hell of an orgy later, right~?"

"So long as it helps the creature that houses us," nodded Kitsune. "Unfortunately, this new body has little interest in sexual recreation. I may have most of the biological organs necessary for the act, but I doubt I’m capable of pregnancy."

"Oh, that's terrible!" said Wet Nurse. "Can you at least feel pleasure, or...?”

"Last time I had any sexual contact, I found it somewhat appealing." Like her feline sister, the fox woman had been momentarily removed from their futuristic dimension by Beatrix. The latter was on the hunt to collect several allies she had encountered on her travels.

They had quickly been welcomed in and left to explore at their leisure while Beatrix was away. Wispy had taken a moment to study paintings and murals that depicted Beatrix's adventures that adorned the walls, alongside the nude statues and busts, and the suits of armor that shined in the thin light, all of which added to the gothic mansion's spooky, classic ambiance.

One painting that caught the cat’s interest was the one that depicted Beatrix and her mentor, Lady Oona Ewe, defending their world from the Vice Lord, Varys. The cybernetic figure adorned in plague doctor’s garb made Wispy shudder in disgust. A low growl escaped her throat, her irises needle-thin. “This guy… I think he knew something about the facility that caged us!”

“From what we were told, he was a dangerous adversary,” Wet Nurse offered. “Able to manipulate people through a mechanized disease to further his goals. Beatrix and Lady Ewe may have banished him, but the Vice Lord remains at large. Who knows when he’ll show up again…”

“Well, the next time he does, give my sister and I a call,” Kitsune offered, glaring at the steel visage of the cyber demon. “Perhaps this ‘Varys’ is responsible for more than just that bionicle plague.”

“Oh, I’m betting he is,” Wispy said, retracting her sharp claws and shaking off her anger. "Say, how about a swim? You have a pool here, don't you?"

"That we do," Foal-Bearer confirmed, who stood and smoothed down her skirt. "This way." She and her twin led them further in.

Shortly the foursome arrived at the pool, which could easily support over a hundred people as its pristine waters sparkled under faint luminescence. The twins casually removed their costumes, followed by their underwear, their shapely bodies bared before they stepped in.

"Join us," called Wet Nurse with a coy wink. The twins slunk down, heart-shaped bottoms raised to the surface and shook before they dove below.

"You don't have to ask me twice~!" Said Wispy, pulling down her zipper to shed her costume.

"I thought cats hated water," deadpanned Kitsune while also slipping out of her attire, carefully setting it aside, and slipped in beside her with a muted splash. "A shame that Eclipsed Heart could not come. I want her to see this."

"One day..." Assured Wispy, aware that the pop star and leader of their band, B.A.B.E., continued to solo tour to support their fans, the Heartbreakers...and also because she wanted to spend more time with that cute boy band, Sixth Measure. When the twins resurfaced, she asked, "How about a little game? Ever tried volleyball?"

"Not in ages!" Admitted Foal-Bearer as the twins recalled their time in the Crystal Empire.

"Here! I'll supply the ball!" Wispy summoned an orb and bounced it on her palm as the yellow light solidified. "Don't worry. It's perfectly safe! Though it would be a lot better if we had more than four players! I know we can scrounge up more playmates if we take a look around!"

"Give us a moment," said Foal-Bearer, who closed her eyes when she and Wet Nurse focused on their home. After a moment, Bellatrix sensed their attempt to reach her, and a silent communication passed between the threesome. "Yes," she said once they came out of their reverie. "Bellatrix will shortly be with us, alongside others who are staying here."

"Ooh! I can’t wait," Wet Nurse beamed as she drifted on the water's surface in a lazy backstroke, her nipples perky in the cool air.

"I heard Sir Dion waking up as well," dreamily mused Foal-Bearer, who settled belly-first on a float left in the pool. She dipped an arm into the water, splashed a handful onto her back and plush pink posterior, which made her assets further sparkle in the dim illumination. “Must have enjoyed his short nap~.”

Wispy leaned over the pool's side and felt her breasts sway and land with a bounce on the wet surface. "Haha! 'Sir Dion,' huh? Sis and I heard a bit about him from Bea and that sheep shaman.”

“Did they tell you that he’s a beast in the sack~?” Wet Nurse purred, already feeling herself moisten up with anticipation. “Despite his roughness and brash mannerisms, he’s a tender lover. Really knows how to make a woman feel wanted and appreciated~!”

“Pft! Sounds like any other typical red-blooded male! He'll have to earn the chance to spend some private time with me!" Wispy stated, swirling the waters with her tail, lost in thought.

In truth, she couldn't wait to meet the warrior ram and see whether he lived up to his reputation. Alongside the counterpart of her close friend Eclipsed Heart, known as Cerise Silhouette here, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Moxxi, and whoever else might make a surprise appearance. Strange as she and Kitsune were to these strangers, she too felt out of place here.

At least they had warmly welcomed them here.

A reminder that, whatever horrific experiments she and her sister had endured, there were still kind people in the world. Ones like Eclipsed Heart, who had taken them in to form B.A.B.E., and shown them love and kindness.

Plus, it was a chance to make some new memories, and hopefully help her poor sister open up some more...

Chapter 15 : Dreams and Nightmares (Beatrix, Oona Ewe, Ebony Ivory)

Time always moved differently in each dimension Beatrix visited. The violet unicorn knew she could return to the mansion at any given notice. Thus she was free to indulge herself in festivities of Ebony Ivory’s culture. She and her teacher-turned lover, Lady Ewe, had followed the huntress back to her homeland, where a ritual of life was commencing. It had carried on into the next day, where the tribe of zebras, once refreshed, were eager to resume after they had slept through part of the night.

Stallions and mares rose under the touch of sunlight. Many of them stretched under the gentle breeze. Among them was their chief, Noble Savage, who lifted his head high, his striped muscled bulk settled on a massive throne.

“Time to wake up,” his voice boomed when he split the air with a heavy clap.

A yawn emerged from Beatrix, stretching her limbs wide once she sat up, completely naked as the rest of them. She hadn’t had a chance to fool around with anyone yet, far more interested in Oona’s tales from her past. A rarity since the azure sheep proved quite selective about any details referring to her youth.

“Guess I should share a few secrets of my own, huh?” Suggested Beatrix, once she and her friends gathered outside their huts. “I mean, you probably know most of my past. I traveled on the road with my mother for most of my foalhood. Entertained ponies as we drifted from one settlement to another. And once we finally met up with my father, I fought in Shining’s Force.”

The witch struggled to make her story sound interesting, on a level to match her beloved’s story of kindly driders and mysterious stags.

“If you want, I could go first,” Ebony offered, patting the witch’s head. “I don’t mind.”

“Nah. Just give me a moment.” Beatrix rolled her eyes to one side, lost in thought. The truth was, most of her more exciting adventures already adorned the paintings and murals around the manor. Not to mention she had shared some of them firsthand with Lady Ewe. So instead, her mind turned to the Necronomicon, which she had explored in her home dimension.

Within its endless pages were housed an infinite number of labyrinthine worlds...and terrible monsters, either drawn into the dark tome, or cursed to end up trapped there upon their death. It was where her beloved sister, Bellatrix Primadonna, had come from. She usually had entered its bizarre domain with her half-sister, Flurry Heart, and a small team in tow.

Yet there was one time she did the unthinkable. Where she had dared herself to breach the book by her lonesome. Her face twitched.

“Ye appear distressed,” Oona noticed, stroking her lover’s mane and cheek. “If it’s a painful memory, ye don’t have tae share-”

“No, I want to tell you! I-I know we shouldn’t keep secrets. It’s just…” Beatrix sighed with heavy shoulders. “...I was so used to being a loner. Not antisocial like Shadow Scythe, but since I was the first ‘anthropomorphic’ pony in my world, well, ponies looked at me like I was a bit odd. Can’t really blame them.”

“Ohh,” Oona nodded before clasping her hand sympathetically. “Yes, prejudice is an unfortunate common vice. It must have been hard fur people tae judge ye based on yer looks... the same for you too, A’m guessing?” The dream faun motioned towards Ebony, who only offered a nod.

“Well, not to that extent, but yeah. A lot of staring from strangers. I mean, my mom, Trixie Lulamoon, was the first ‘human’ in Equestria, and most ponies saw her as exotic. Think I was pretty much seen the same way? I dunno... Contact with the Necronomicon altered my mom, transformed her, and since I was already carried in her womb, well, what you see is the result.”

Beatrix waved her hand over her voluptuous form, her breasts almost as mountainous as Oona’s, if not for the help of some altering magic. Equally as supple was her rump, her cutie mark of a swirling galaxy imprinting her round flanks. There was no doubt her attractiveness was passed down from her mother.

“Not only that, but since she had the hots for Twilight Sparkle during her transformation, so I have a few of her traits as well!”

“Ahh! That explains the skin color,” noted Ebony, who nodded at her violet coat. “And why I sensed powerful magic in you when we first met. I believe you inherited a small fraction of Twilight’s natural talents, as well.”

“Would make sense,” Beatrix nodded, having surmised the same herself. “When I started my travels to other realms, it was an attempt to understand myself. So why did I have the ability to punch holes in reality?” She took Ewe’s hand, rested her palm on a shapely thigh, guided her to caress the supple skin.

“It was yer encounter with th’ Eldritch where ye figured out yer 'purpose,’” noted Oona, her touch soaking in the radiant warmth from her love. “But you also learned that simply because ye’re meant tae harbor th’ Demiurge an’ become th’ ‘dark messiah’ doesn’t mean ye have tae let yer destiny define you, Ceann Oga. My brother Dion an’ Ah endured similar trials in our past. As did Zeloph, even though he took it tae extreme lengths...”

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” Beatrix shuddered but nonetheless smiled. “Thanks. I’ve always wanted to be around people who accept me.”

Both Oona and Ebony nodded with their own matching grins. Suddenly, a group of eager zebra’s surrounded the trio, breasts and cocks of various sizes proudly on display. Oona felt feverish and instinctively held her arms over her chest. “O-oh! H-Hello..!” She greets with a bashful grin. “I-Is there something you need?”

“We were wondering if you lovely ladies would like to participate in the ritual of life with us,” one stud proposed with a confident smile. He pointed out the other tribesmen and women who were already dipping their genitals into each other, moaning loudly for all to hear while onlookers either joined in or cheered.

“O-ooh, sweet lucid dreams, there’s so many of ye..!” The sheep stammered, making her lover giggle mischievously.

“Nothing we can’t handle~” Ebony assured, nudging her with a wink.

“Mmm… Tell you what,” Beatrix said after a moment to consider. “I’ve got a story I haven’t shared with anyone before. Care to listen? Because I wanna get this out before my mouth gets full~.”

“Of course!” One mare of the group nodded, a naughty grin on her snout. “We don’t mind withholding our appetites for a moment.”

Everyone gathered inside a larger hut. Beatrix, Oona, and Ebony sat down while their new male entourage were seated close behind, a few of them sensually rubbing their shoulders and arms. The witch felt her face burn scarlet, admittedly being a tad distracted by all the gorgeous, erect studs in the room and their musk. But with a deep sigh, she found her words and began spinning a story she had previously left untold.

*****

Curiosity often overcame reason when Beatrix was involved. As an adventurer, she always sought out novel experiences. Yet despite her lack of wisdom at the time, the witch still had the sense to know that were she to travel into the Necronomicon alone, there was a likely chance she would never return. Still, she wanted to face her fears, to prove she could match her parents!

In those days, she was also symbiotically connected to the Smooze, an entity like her that people tended to avoid. One she had distilled with her own values once she befriended him. She felt the creature stir inside her, bathing her with its warmth across her stomach.

“Technically, I’m not alone,” she mumbled to herself, a hand resting on her belly.

(You can still turn back,) the Smooze reminded in her head. (I am sure Flurry Heart would be happy to attend us.)

“Nope! I promised myself I’d do this without help, and that’s what I intend to do!” She firmly planted hands on her hips. They arrived from a portal, into the dark tome’s many-layered interior, and found themselves in an empty white void.

Each time she ventured in, she found herself in another layer. But on her lonesome, she dared not explore too deep.

Closing the portal behind her with a trace of her index finger, Beatrix inhaled deeply and steeled herself to face whatever lay ahead. Her heeled boots clicked on what appeared to be air, the wild pulse of her heart palpable in her bosom.

Eventually, after several minutes of aimless travel ahead, the skies started to darken. Grayish-black clouds crawled into view. The color drained from the white void until she, too, was cast in monochrome. Her ears flattened in anticipation for the inevitable monsters, demons, or whatever else that lurked here headed her way, second-guessing whether she could handle them.

“You got this, Bea!” She exclaimed theatricality like her famous mother, attempting to hype herself and thus steady her nerves. “You helped take down the Cult of the Nemesis!”

A spiked black fence swam into view and creaked in the distance, under a low wind that continually howled. The barrier enclosed a massive graveyard, the weathered tombstones shifted to one side in the moist earth, or in some cases, had fallen over entirely. Tentatively she approached the gate, winced when she pushed it open, and made her way across the soggy grass.

She shuddered once bloated, clammy earthworms crawled over her boots. Thunder cracked amidst a flash of lightning that made her jump and squeak. “Spooky,” she muttered and shook her head, determined not to let anything psych her out. “Hello~? Anyone there? Kinda rude to be robbing other people’s graves!” She approached an open grave. The ground was torn up to reveal an open, empty coffin.

Spitefully she gritted her teeth and kicked some dirt back into the hole. Then, as if to punish her, a cloud broke overhead and a drizzle slapped over her, the witch left to shiver under its cold touch while she drew her starry cape around her and breathed in the wormy stench of the grave.

She told herself she wasn’t a foal anymore. That she couldn’t let boogeyman and shadows rule her heart and mind.

Her eyes trailed over moss-ridden slabs, where a cockroach skittered across the cracked stone. A reminder of all those she lost in the war against the Cult of the Nemesis, her father Shining Armor included, when he made his final stand.

“You shouldn’t be here,” a voice whispered behind her. She spun to face them in alarm, nearly tripping. What the witch saw appeared to be death itself...the skeleton of what she presumed was once a stallion, its sockets filled by an eerie glow, its black hood and cloak in tatters that swirled around the creature who hovered, a rust-colored scythe clasped in its bony hand.

Beatrix took a step backward, slipped in a mud puddle that sloshed, and fell onto her backside with an “Oof! Who...who are you...?”

(And why was I unable to sense you,) pondered the Smooze, aware that whoever this creature was, they wielded formidable power.

“I was alive once,” the stranger answered. “Part of a guild of travelers, much like yourself. But we trend through the valley of death, collecting and guiding souls to their final destination…until our sister slaughtered and betrayed us.”

“S-sister?”

“You’ll understand, in time. Upon my demise, I was reborn here, in the Necronomicon. I have become a revenant, tethered to this plan to seek out the one whole stole our life… and take our revenge.” A skeletal hand pointed at headstones.

He floated closer, reached out his bony fingers, and touched her cheek. “Y-you’re so cold...” Turning her head aside, she read the cracked headstone aloud. “Mortis Saltare...? As in the Danse Macabre?” She couldn’t help but squirm.

“Possible names, perhaps? Hmm… it doesn’t matter. I will have your soul as well...” His digits traced down to rest over her heart before he withdrew his cold touch. “... but not yet. It could cause a paradox that might undo our fates. So instead, I entrust you to deal with the traitor.”

“I-I don’t understand,” she muttered, thankful that at least this deathly figure had withdrawn. He likely wanted to claim her soul in hopes of obtaining her ability to breach realms, rather than any personal enmity toward the witch. Yet quickly as he came, this ‘Mortis Saltare’ as she dubbed him vanished, and she assumed this void had reshaped itself to match his will.

She huffed and tried to collect her thoughts, a chill in her bones, like she had faced death itself.

(That was a close call,) noted the Smooze. (Had he wanted to, he could have efficiently executed us!)

“Yeah,” Beatrix agreed, sighing with relief, thankful to be alive. Raindrops patted her hat's wide brim. “We should consider ourselves lucky that he didn’t have a personal vendetta against us. That’s a nice change for once!”

It wasn’t until many years later when she could make sense of what Mortis spoke about. The ‘traitor’ he referred to turned out to be Shadow Scythe, who she would help defeat when she arrived in the reaper’s world, besieged by Grogar and his army of Elemental Titans. Shadow Scythe, the goat's apparent, had also unleashed the demon legions of Tartarus in a bid to conquer it.

Whatever conscience the revenant carried had been taken upon his death at Shadow Scythe’s hands. He was now reduced to little more than a force of nature, determined to take revenge no matter how many were annihilated on the way.

(We should get out of here before any more supernatural forces awaken,) the Smooze suggested inside her head.

“Y-yeah...” Beatrix sniffled and wobbled to her feet. The pitter-patter of rain rolled off her. After she regained her faculties, the witch headed back home and put this adventure behind her, one she had never shared with anyone until the present.

That night she would run to her mother’s caravan and cry in Trixie's warm, motherly embrace. Rarely had she ever felt so helpless. To cheer herself up, she would later invite Flurry Heart over, where they would do some experiments in alchemy to help her escape what she had seen.

Yet every time she closed her eyes, she feared that Mortis would be there, scythe in hand, ready to stake his claim on her immortal soul.

*****

“... that’s all I know. Dunno what happened to Danse Macabre. O-or Mortis. Whatever his name is...” Confessed Beatrix, who shivered.

“Hmm… it may be possible he still hunts Shadow Scythe to this day,” reasoned Ebony, fingers and thumb stroking her chin in contemplation.

"He could be a lich,” Lady Ewe theorized. “He doesn’t sound ancient enough tae be one, but if we presume he has been trapped in th’ Necronomicon fur centuries…

“Time does move differently there,” considered Beatrix. She thought back to her ‘sister’ Bellatrix Primadonna, once a piece of lurid fiction written into the cursed tome by its author, who after a chance encounter with Sombra had ‘life’ breathed into her. Had she never experienced him or Beatrix, she would have remained another generic succubus, left to mindlessly feed on the other monsters trapped within its tattered pages.

The book’s potential was endless. No doubt the Necronomicon could have warped Danse Macabre into a formidable foe.

“In any case, we’ll keep an eye out for him,” agreed Ebony, reaching over to pet the unicorn’s hand. “I’m thankful you told us about this.”

Beatrix smiled, about to make a witty reply before gasping aloud when a pair of large hands scooped under her arms to seize her heavy breasts. One of the younger zebras, who had been listening, decided to get bold and fondle the unicorn's plump tits, making her quiver and coo in excitement as they were rolled in circles.

“My goodness,” he whispered hotly into her twitchy ear. “You poor girls sure do attract a lot of dark fellows with skeletal faces!”

“T-that is true… mmmn~! Now that you mention it,” moaned the witch, recalling how her lover was haunted by a similar creature of enmity. Was it possible they were related in some way?

“There’s no need to worry about that now. This is a time of jubilation and connection!”

“Yes, join us as we drift into nirvana~” Another zebra stud groaned when he and his sister got grabby with Ebony, who let out an elated giggle and leaned into her sensuous touch.

“Mmmhm~! So young and virile! I can tell you’ll bring much good things to our tribe,” moaned the huntress, taking turns to kiss between them while they groped and massaged her heavy breasts.

A trio of zebra stallions towered over Beatrix, who sunk to her knees and began servicing their dark spears with her mouth and hands. “A-aahhh~! Yes, suck it deep,” one encouraged, firmly gripping her head to help her bob along his rigid shaft, the sloppy sounds she emanated around his cock music to the stud and his friends. She batted her eyes up at him while stroking black dicks aimed at her face, her marehood winking and leaking lubricant at the thought of having all these throbbing rods skewer her.

Oona was in a daze, watching her friends get molested before she felt another pair of hands grope at her bust, causing the shaman to ‘eep!’ in surprise. She shuddered and mewled.

“Miss Ewe, you have such wonderful tits!” The youthful stallion murmured, encircling her heavy mounds, barely able to fully grasp them. The azure sheep grew feverish, her inverted nipples poking out, much to the fascination of these bold suitors who teased the wooly shaman.

Another mare zebra knelt before her to take one nipple into her mouth, swirling her tongue to erect the nub further out while Lady Ewe shuddered and whined. “Mmmm, what I wouldn’t give to have warm breasts like these,” she admitted, rubbing her thumb into the pink nub. “Imagine all the yummy milk you’d produce~!”

“H-Hoooh~! Y-ye don’t really mean that. This is just th’ euphoria talkin’,” Lady Ewe tried to protest, yet she couldn’t help but wriggle about, feeling the zebra stud behind her pressing his hardened genitals into her doughy backside.

“Nonsense! Any mare or stallion would be honored to have you as a mate,” the stud insisted, pushing some of her wool away to kiss down her neck, earning more delighted sounds out of Oona who surrendered to their touch.

“I-I concur,” Beatrix called out, her tits wrapped around a black shaft, which oozed pre all over her cleavage as it pushed in and out, nearly batting her chin. “I’m glad you’re my partner, Oona. I wouldn’t want it any other w-waaaaahh~!”

The group of stallions lifted the quivering witch and laid her along a table. Beatrix hung her head off the edge before her vision was obscured by the obsidian orbs of one of her zebra studs. Opening her mouth wide as possible, he slowly fed every inch of fat dick down her throat as his friends mounted over her stomach and resumed using her lush tits as his personal cock sleeve.

The third zebra slapped his pulsating meat against Beatrix’s drenched pussy, lubing himself up before pushing his flares glands into her velvety folds and slamming himself deeply. All the witchy mare could do was release muffled noises of ecstasy when the trio hammered her hard.

Ebony found herself against a wall, one arm supporting her weight while the young stallion held her leg over his shoulder to drive his cock in and out of her clenching asshole. Meanwhile, his sister was slurping at the hunter’s aching cunt, reaching many spots with her dexterous tongue while Ebony praised both of them.

And Oona was the main attraction among the tribe. Zebra mares and stallions circled around the exotic azure sheep, stroking themselves while watching her take two girthy studs in both her tight holes. The dream faun bellowed with joy as her body bounced on top of one zebra, his mouth attached to her tit like a hungry foal. Behind her, another warrior clapped her jiggling rump while pumping his cock into her ass, his other hand using one of her curled horns like a handlebar.

“A-aaaaah~! Yer both sae big! I-it’s too much~! A-Ah think A’m gonna faint~!!”

But instead of passing out, she hit an early climax, her pussy creaming the dick inside her with femcum, making it slide deeper and reshape her love tunnel which spread wide to conform.

Wet slaps and squelches filled the air as the orgy proceeded throughout the day. Noble Savage himself participated in a few rounds with surrounding mares, who were eager to take an opportunity to potentially bear his spawn.

Partners switched, and fluids were released to drench the participants, the tribe united like one family. Everyone would be rutted over the hours until they were pleasantly sore, then left to collapse in exhaustion, usually in a puddle of mixed secretions from the multitudes.

The females were stretched and hammered, spanked and fondled, freely passed between the sweaty, muscular studs who awaited their turn, Beatrix aware they could walk away at any time, should they wish. She made love with her share of zebra mares, unable to sate her baser appetites no matter how often she relished her hedonistic side. Moans rose from her belly.

Sweat filled the air. The sun started to dip on the sleepy villa. Soon, a number of them drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Beatrix rested between the comforting arms of Lady Ewe and Ebony, their bodies layered in sweat and leftover cum from their many romps throughout that day.

Her troubles forgotten, ahappy smile graced Beatrix's snout when her pleasant dreams drifted towards what new possibilities awaited her.

Chapter 16 : Days of Future Passed (Kitsune, Wispy Willow)

It would be another routine mission. At least, that's what Kitsune believed. Outside of her codename, which referred to the mythical ‘Nine-Tailed Fox,’ she didn't know anything related to her true identity. Sometimes reality seemed like a surreal blur, conscious only for brief moments in her downtime, before she was summoned back into action by her mysterious masters. Find the target. Hunt them down. Execute. Return to base. Have memories wiped. Rest and Repeat.

The sole person who kept her grounded was Wispy Willow, a fellow test subject experimented on. The tigress was designed as a scout and escort, distracting her opponents while Kitsune finished her grisly work. Despite her reserved expression, her heart ached when she looked upon her sister Wispy, determined to protect and one day liberate her from the compound that imprisoned them. Hopefully...

After she and Wispy left the showers in the locker rooms, she performed routine maintenance on her body. Having become more machine than woman, Kitsune no longer required organic sustenance or bothered with any mundane bodily functions.

A rattle sounded when Wispy, who hadn't dressed yet after she toweled off, rifled through the military-grade arsenal in the lockers. They hesitated to slip into their combat gear as if they could put this mission off, even though their handlers watched them from cameras placed around the room. “So,” began Wispy, bent over. “Who are we supposed to eighty-six tonight?”

“A politician,” answered the kunoichi who kept her lips pursed.

“Oh, great! More of them need to die,” Wispy told herself to justify what they were forced to do, her striped tail and plush butt shaking as she yanked out a pulse rifle. “Oh, hell yeah~!” She kissed the weapon, which shimmered under dim lighting.

Kitsune shook her head. “This is a stealth mission, remember. We won’t resort to that.”

“Eeh! Better safe than sorry.” After checking it, Wispy placed the rifle aside. She and her sister slipped into their infiltration attire, form-fitted black stealth suits that doubled as armor. She loaded hers down with a small arsenal.

Kitsune finished dressing and arming herself a moment later, aware that she would have to take a more direct approach if they ran into complications. She prayed it would not come to that. For in truth, she loathed the violence they were forced to enact. But were she to refuse, there was no doubt their owners would take their wrath out on her dear sister to motivate her.

The doors slid open with a whoosh. A reminder there was no time left to waste. Masked soldiers with rifles in hand marched up to meet them and directed them down a corridor, all the way to a hangar on the other side of the compound.

There, a helicopter awaited. While she could alter her shape to transport her sister, she knew their masters wanted to be on standby to watch.

“Fail, and you'll be terminated,” reminded the commander who prodded them in the back with a rifle. He nodded at the chokers that adorned their necks, ready to blow their heads off were orders not obeyed to the letter. "Understand?”

“Ryōkai shita,” Kitsune answered, bowing her head. Wispy shot them a glare but had learned to hold her sharp tongue. They boarded the unmarked black chopper, which started to whir once the roof overhead unfolded and lights on the runway flashed around them.

Many a time, the copper red-maned vixen had fantasized about neutralizing the commandos and fleeing the city with her sister. Yet, she dared not execute that idea without a solid plan. No, they needed to keep biding their time without resorting to senseless bloodshed.

They zipped off into the vast darkness, towards the target designated for assassination.

*****

Until she was ready for action, Kitsune entered stasis to conserve her energy. But when her target approached, her eyes snapped open, and she sprang to her feet. The chopper whirred closer, and out the open door she saw a river below, reflecting the moonlight and neon colors cast by the distant cityscape. Her eyes narrowed, and her hand rested over a sheathe.

In the middle of the waters rested a massive raft situated in a restaurant that floated outside the city limits. No doubt where 'important people' indulged their hedonism and made illicit deals and alliances in secret. Her pulse started to quicken in anticipation, informed that she would infiltrate the building and dispatch a man she didn't know. But of course, she couldn't exactly say no, not with the collars around her and Wispy, ready to detonate at the press of a button.

“I could distract them,” offered Wispy, who started to form an orb atop her palm.

“No, Imoto.” She clasped a hand over hers to snuff out the sphere. “We can’t afford to draw unnecessary attention.” Kitsune would slip in, take the politician out, then slip away into the darkness. Nothing flashy nor thrilling, like how Wispy usually went about her business. It saddened her that the abyssinian cat craved such violence to make herself feel alive.

Unable to take them too close or else they would give away their position, the helicopter lowered to the river, and the kunoichi hopped down. She touched down silently on the water's surface without a splash, burst into a dash while she skimmed the unbroken ocean, shrouded in black attire complete with a hood and oni mask that hid her dour expression.

Wispy softly whistled at the sight. “Still don't know how she does that,” she whispered. A rifle butt poked her in the back, and she shut her mouth, reminded of the commandos around them who were meant to keep the specimens in line.

Small lit lanterns that were left to float atop the surface skimmed, barely disturbed by the assassin's unbroken run.

With a hop, the fox woman sailed through the air and landed on the raft, which rocked slightly, thankfully unnoticed by the revelers who went about their business as she kept to the shadows. A pair of serpentine dragon statues loomed over the entrance, but she dared not take the front door, doubtful that an exotic creature like her could pass as simply another attendee.

Guards in shades and business suits stood in silent vigil, pulse rifles in hand. She scanned the area with the mask's built-in scanner and noted that the men were highly enhanced by cybernetics like she expected. She scaled a wall, as, unfortunately, her ability to shift herself had its limits, and she couldn't maintain a more malleable form for longer than a few moments.

Faint music sounded from the party below. Then, removing tools from her belt, she disarmed the alarms around the skylight, which took several painstaking minutes, since she both needed to make sure not to alert the system and set up a dummy signal in its place to mask it.

Kitsune listened to the thump of her heart, and wiped her sweaty brow. Over an hour had passed since she arrived.

Finally, the abyssinian fox opened the barrier and spotted the restaurant below. Well-dressed men and women ate, danced, and chatted down, swathed in bright lights. Some wore fancy masks. Curiously, they were served by painted white women in silk kimonos. Geisha, she presumed.

Unfortunately, she couldn't see her target offhand, told that while he was behind this meeting, he was notoriously reclusive.

Perhaps he was away from the action to attend some 'private business'? If so, it would be difficult to reach him in secret.

Kitsune considered her options. How to draw the recluse out into the open...?

The decision was made for her when she spotted a familiar tigress down below. So many eyes were drawn to the exotic Wispy Willow, who sauntered her way inside with a cheeky smile, dressed in a slinky scarlet dress that bared her legs and plunged its neckline to barely cover her breasts, as they bounced with every purposeful stride she took forward in her heels.

Her eyes narrowed when she watched her sister chat up with potential suitors, flirting back and forth. It was just like her. Didn't she trust her older sister to handle this on her own? But, of course, Wispy wasn't the type to sit on the sidelines. She ended up bored too easily!

Taking advantage of the distraction, Kitsune slipped in and clung to the ceiling with her claws when she crawled closer to the action. She needed to move fast, because all it would take was someone to look up to catch her.

She scrambled into position, a place where she could catch some privacy spotted. A floral-print fold-out screen, currently occupied, where she could see a few nude female silhouettes behind it while they slipped into costume.

She scampered over and saw painted women with their hair tied up. Each of them was sculpted to perfection. Finally, they slipped into their kimonos and waddled out onto the floor.

After she was alone, she dropped down behind the screen. Her ear perked at the sound of Wispy, who fake gasped with a hand to her lips and said, “He's here...? Ooh, I can't wait to see him!”

The man in question made his entrance, surrounded by more geisha on all sides. Dressed in a black pin-striped suit, a curtain of silky, dark hair trailed behind him when he walked. “Let me first welcome you all to my home! I trust you're all enjoying yourselves?” There were nods and claps. Then, his almond brown eyes settled on the party-crasher. “And who might you be...?”

“Take me somewhere private, and maybe I'll tell you~” Wispy coyly tittered once he took her hand and kissed it. She tried to press closer to him, but he drew away, and his closest geisha rushed in to impede her. She faked a pout.

“Very well. Follow me.” He turned, and she followed alongside his companions. Kitsune, worried she would lose them, quickly kicked off her clothes and mask, slipped into a kimono, and raced to trail behind them, thankful her curtain of rust-colored hair would hide her face from behind. She secreted what tools she could onto her person in preparation for the deed.

With her head bowed, she blended back and wandered after him down a corridor lit by lamps, past the patrols who nodded at them, up the stairs which creaked and directed them to his private chambers. It appeared to be a dojo with a mat in the middle, lined in inky kanji.

He unsheathed a katana on display. “You weren't on the guest list. So let’s skip the theatrics, shall we? Tell me, who sent you?!”

“No one! I’m just a curious floozy,” Wispy lied, laughing nervously. She sucked in a breath when the flat of his blade touched her cleavage, the sword used to push aside her dress as he exposed her breasts, one at a time. She heaved them as her perky, erect nipples were exposed to the breeze. He continued to push down her garments, until she stood completely naked.

“Hmph. Curiosity killed the cat, you know,” he teased and brushed the flat of his weapon over her supple tits. “But perhaps one of your nine lives can be spared if you properly entertain me~” Then, on cue, his geisha undid their robes in unison, and let them drop to bare their extraordinary physiques.

Kitsune, caught unprepared, froze as several eyes fell on her as she hadn't undressed. “Ahh! What do we have here?” Crowed the host. “A second intruder? How amusing…and equally exotic.”

The kunoichi snarled when his brown eyes lustfully drank in her concealed form, and unsheathed her blade with a subdued scrape of finely-honed metal. “Shi no junbi!”

“Heh! Many have tried.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “This fortress is my prison. I was raised here from childhood and have never set foot in the city.” His eyes opened to study them. “You two are like me, aren't you? Fellow test subjects ready to be discarded once they've outlived their usefulness. I embarrassed my handlers, refused an honorable suicide, and now they send you...”

“Maybe that's true,” scoffed Wispy. “I’m guessing you won't make this easy for us?”

“Unlike you two, I’m not collared. I've helped them reach the top and spread their influence in secret. But I’ve allowed too much to slip. And they fear I'll blow their secrets wide open. I assume they wish to test you too? Your loyalty, competence, and ruthlessness.” He shook his head, his hand shaking and sweaty when it curled around the hilt in preparation.

“We bear you no ill-will,” said the fox woman.

“Nevertheless, the results are the same. If I must go out… I refuse to do so quietly!” He took a combative stance, sword pointed towards Wispy, who summoned a few colorful spheres. His geisha took up defensive postures, conditioned to protect and obey their master above all. Even if it now conflicted with the interests of their watchers, who likely studied them even now.

“Gaagh! This is nuts! Just let it happen,” cried Wispy, who knew her sister didn't want to shed more blood than necessary.

"No dice," came his answer with a slash.

Everyone broke into action at once. The host swiped at Wispy, who barely ducked in time and lost control of an orb she summoned. The ball of plasma bounced on the floor and prematurely exploded in a brilliant burst. Liquid flames spat out in pops, hit the area, and set it alight with a hiss. She desperately tried to banish the fire, which refused to respond to her will.

The fox woman batted away the servants who assaulted her, careful not to harm them more than necessary. Her strikes knocked a couple of them out with a thump, the group surrounded by the famished blaze that continued its rapid spread around them in blossoms of dark smoke.

She leaped into the air and hopped off a woman's head towards the host with her shiny blade raised. Failure would mean the deaths of her and her sister. She couldn't allow that. She reminded herself their memories of this event would be stripped away, were they to succeed.

He blocked her attack in a shower of sparks, his footing almost lost when she landed. He'd trained his entire life for such an event, knew that it would always come to something like this. Trapped like a rat and driven into a corner.

Their swords repeatedly clashed in desperation, his in a faint hope to survive, hers because she knew there was no time to waste.

A kick into a midsection from Wispy launched one of her assailants through the door with a crash. The action spilled out into the open, down the stairs where the woman rolled, where the men on duty rushed up to protect the party's host.

“Damn,” cried Wispy, hissing in pain. “We've lost control of the situation!” She summoned up more spheres, willed them to burst, and the brilliance that exploded like sunbursts blinded the new arrivals, who screamed and fired wildly.

Yet the older sister could only focus on her target while their blades continued to rattle, driven out of the chambers as they danced in more sparks.

Finally, a fiery wall blackened and collapsed with a thud. The host was forced backward under her attacks, out onto the second floor in the open. His eyes widened, immediately hit by the cool open-air and the neon city on the horizon.

“N-no,” he whimpered and almost froze up, his senses overwhelmed as he shook. He was assailed by the world around him since he rarely came out into the open, and when he did, it was with at least half a dozen geisha to support him.

For a moment, Kitsune saw herself and Wispy in the eyes of this politician. Another victim of the system. And she, too, paused.

That's when the choice was taken from her. Emergency protocols were activated by her masters. Her eyes turned pure white once the machine part of her seized complete control, and with a swift, decisive strike, she liberated his head from its body in a spray of hot crimson.

Nor were his geisha spared when she turned. Her sword made quick work of them in a whirlwind of death. Heads and limbs rolled in a splash of red once she carved a path to the other specimen, Wispy. A bare, severed tit slapped disembodied into a wall and left a scarlet trail once it slid down.

She didn't hear the screams, scooped up her shaken sister, and dashed back across the sea.

She leaped to catch a rope ladder and climbed into the chopper, which retreated. Wispy sobbed and whined, “It's all my fault!” But at the time, her little sister's words didn't penetrate.

As Kitsune started to slip into stasis, the restaurant blazed in an apocalyptic pyre.

The sisters would see a similar sight when they escaped the compound much later. As usual, their memories were stripped after this mission. But they slowly started to resurface once they escaped their life of subjugation.

From the reports they studied, nearly everyone at the party had perished. Anywho escaped were likely dealt with by other weapons like them.

Yet they couldn't help but feel responsible, aware that due to their actions they had indirectly murdered over a hundred 'innocents' that day.

*****

“...that's one I remember particularly well,” confessed Kitsune, sitting nude on the pool's edge, unable to hold back quiet tears that streaked along her downcast face. She felt her sister's hand tighten around her own. “I believe it's only fair you all know who we are ahead of time, before we become friends. I understand if this makes us monsters in your eyes.”

She rarely talked or opened up this much. Now, it seemed to spill out all at once, like she was in a confessional. Her sins would always come back to haunt her. She hoped with B.A.B.E. and Eclipsed Heart, they could somehow make amends.

“I'm responsible,” said Wispy, who frowned while wiping away her own tears. “I wanted to prove I could be useful, that I didn't need to hide behind you. But all I did was mess up! Who knows how much blood's on my claws?” She trembled by her.

“Far less than I,” came her murmured reply. She had done most of the bloodiest work, partly to spare her little sister.

“We've all done bad stuff,” assured Foal-Bearer, who swam with Wet Nurse when they listened closely. They paddled in the pristine waters, all of their wet bodies illuminated by the thin light that reflected around the chamber and emphasized their crystalline curves. “Think of this place as a chance to start fresh. We, too, were forced to execute several innocents...”

“But we didn't have to stay monsters!” Wet Nurse sympathetically smiled at them. “Neither do you, for that matter.”

“I…hope that you’re right,” answered the fox woman, lost in contemplation. Her heart ached at how easily they were accepted here. She couldn't bear to tell Eclipsed Heart the truth, afraid that the kind and innocent princess of pop would be devastated and thus abandon them.

Unlike her, Wispy had tried to kill the past. To pretend what they'd done didn't matter anymore.

She wanted to believe that was true, if only to spare those she loved further pain. Wispy was the world to her. An anchor that kept her from submission to despair. With Eclipsed and the band B.A.B.E., she found another outlet.

A yelp escaped her when Wispy shoved her into the pool. “C’mon, enough with the sob stories! We’re here to take it easy, remember?” She cackled and watched Kitsune resurface.

“I think that would be best for everyone,” nodded Foal-Bearer. “Ahh! And speaking of everyone~!” She turned at the footsteps that padded from the entrance once Midnight, Moonlight, and Cerise wandered in. The threesome immediately started to strip their scanty clothes for a swim.

“Wow,” Wispy gasped in astonishment, her eyes fixated with the charcoal dancer. “You look just like her! Well, maybe a tad less busty, but still!”

“O-ohh, really? It’s nice to meet you,” beamed Cerise when the pair scooted closer. “This is my husband, Midnight Blitzer, and our herd mate, Moonlight River.” She blushed deep and pressed closer to them. “And I'm Cerise Silhouette! I think Bellatrix and Moxxi are on their way as well!”

The twins surveyed around the pool, pouting. “But where is Sir Dion..?”

“BANZAI!!!”

A loud voice boomed as something crashed down into the water, causing a wave to splash everyone within close proximity. Wispy ducked for cover, fur sticking up in fear of getting wet. The alabaster ram reemerged right between the crystal mares, scooping them into his muscular arms while they cooed and giggled joyously.

“Woo! Way to make an entrance~!” Cerise laughed, droplets raining down her slim figure.

“No better way tae wake up after a long nap than a good cannonball,” Dion chuckled, his hands immediately handling the maids' pert pink posteriors under the water. “Hope ye’ve been keepin’ these sparkly rumps in shape!”

“Of course, master~” They tittered, pressing their coral pink nakedness to his chiseled musculature as close as they could.

“H-hey, easy wit th’ ‘master’ talk,” the warrior insisted, cheeks flourishing.

Midnight snickered and asked, “So are we supposed to play shirts and skins? Because so far, I only see skin!” His emerald eyes couldn't help but admire the new beauties around him. He did his best not to leer, even as his fluffy plume stiffened out to betray his appreciation.

“Don’t worry. The ladies can play in swimsuits,” suggested Moonlight, whose cheeks colored. “Less because we’re shy, and more because it can hurt to have our tits flop all over the place. But the commander did say pain builds character!”

“Is that why you're such a masochist?" He punctuated the playful taunt with a hard smack on the bat mare's taut gray ass.

“Naughty boy, we have company~!” Nonetheless, shw crushed soft, ample breasts into his muscular chest. Cerise pressed up to her husband from behind and wrapped around his midsection, aware his needs were insatiable.

“Damn! So that’s a ‘hyper-stallion’, huh? They really do pack a third leg,” quipped Wispy, checking out the pegasus with a sultry look, purring excitedly. Her attention drew to the sturdy ram as swam with the maids, wearing nothing but the black wool over his hips. “And you! You’re built like a heavy-duty pickup truck!”

Dion laughed at the compliment, his maroon eyes wandering over the feline’s striped body, drinking in her curves. “An’ it seems like they built ye wit a ferrari engine. Care tae have a race~?”

Wispy snickered as she summoned a plasma orb above her palm. “Easy, hot rod! It’ll take more than smooth talk for you to pet this pussy cat! First, beat the pants off my striped ass, and then I’ll think about taking you for a ride~!”

“Ooho, trust me! Ah plan tae do a lot mair than just beat it~,” the ram promised before he playfully picked up both twins in his arms and jumped back into the pool, the trio tittering.

Wispy licked her lips before wiggling naked lower half under the waters while her cat ears flicked in lustful anticipation. “Damn it, Beatrix! You and your pals better hurry up and come back already!” Her tail slapped about impatiently.

“I think Bellatrix is contacting her,” Cerise offered, who rubbed her husband’s torso as they walked into the shallow end. “Give her an hour or so!”

“Until then, let's swim~!” Cheered Moonlight, who took to the diving board and somersaulted into the pool. Upon surfacing, she splashed her friends and herd mates with her leather wings until an all-out water battle commenced.

Fortunately at this point, Kitsune had dried her last tears and relaxed her posture. She managed a slight smile to see her little sister's sassy, mischievous cheer, a reminder of who they might have been...before experiments perverted them.

Yet, she was almost thankful at times for the power it afforded, an assurance she could protect those close to her. The abyssinian fox felt the calm waters wrap around her when she slipped in deeper, murmuring at the faint sensations that had been suppressed to make her a weapon. She closed her eyes and slowly traced curves that wrapped over taut, lithe muscle lined by thin fur.

She and Wispy were curious about Cerise, who was equal parts similar but also different from Eclipsed Heart. Another reminder of what kept the fox woman attached to the world. She swam as the group relaxed and idly passed the time, preparing for the saucy volleyball game ahead.

An Interlude III (Bellatrix, Moxxi)

Before heading downstairs into the manor’s underbelly, Bellatrix Primadonna took the time to bask in the artificial moon’s glow, her supine figure caressed by its gentle rays. She stood naked on the rooftop with arms crossed under her heavy breasts to support them, enjoying the cool breeze that rushed over her bare crimson skin, her silky black mane cast about.

Not too far from her legs was Moxxi, the little imp she had been training in hopes to help her achieve the ranks of a true demoness. Though how genuine that desire was undetermined, the succubus suspected a different reason as to why her companion sought the path of hellionhood.

Her pale yellow eyes looked over the more minor demon, Moxxi's arms resting behind her head, her ample tits pushed out. The only clothes that barely covered her were an electric blue jacket and the black tap crossing out her areolas. As Moxxi, the mischievous scamper boasted mild annoyance and provocative magic, her ‘lewd touching’ being a major hindrance to anyone unlucky to face her. But Bellatrix was aware she had another form in Anarchia, who she saw twice come out to save her sister and friends against the reaper, Shadow Scythe.

Perhaps it was time the she-devil learned why her little protege was holding back.

“Come along,” ordered Bellatrix, who, without a glance back, wrapped her spaded tail around the imp's waist and pulled her after her. “There's something I wish to show you.”

“Ooh~! 're ya takin' me ter a secret sex dungeon?” Moxxi asked playfully, wiggling about in her coils. “Or perhaps a treasure trove full of aw the lewdest toys ever devised by the perverse masses! C’mon, tell me~!!!”

Bellatrix gave the imp a light smile as they approached the roof’s edge, answering, “It’s not anything like that, but I think you’ll enjoy it nonetheless.” Her tail released Moxxi, swaying behind her strut as the succubus slid up to one of many crouched gargoyles on display, guarding over the mansion. They were unclad, masculine figures with wiry muscles, handsome save for grotesque faces frozen in snarls, tongues lolling out their maws.

Hooking one arm and one leg around the stone creature’s back, Bellatrix sank into one of its extended limbs, moaned low when she began to rub her supple flesh over the horned, winged, and clawed creature. Her imp apprentice watched with intrigue, clawed hand already sliding down between her meaty thighs.

“I’m sure you already know this, but I want to become a Devil Queen,” Bellatrix announced, dragging her long nails up to caress the gargoyle’s perpetual expression. “To do so, I’ve decided to turn this entire mansion into my queendom. But what is a ruler without servants? Certainly, I have the twins, but I could make do with a lot more~.”

To demonstrate her total control over the manor she was fused to, her clawed hands started to glow with black magic, which she breathed into the statue she dragged her mashed breasts over.

The stone rumbled and gradually creaked to life, making Moxxi jump a bit back. Drool leaked from its sharp-toothed mouth, as it lashed an elongated tongue over a pendulous tit and her neck. Bellatrix cast her head back with a throaty moan when its firm, sculpted hands started to molest her thick thighs and plush ass.

“Worship your queen,” she ordered with a hiss, a hand on the monster's head when she pushed it to its knees and forced its face into her cunt. She bit her lower lip, half-lidded her eyes, and murmured, while its tongue sunk into her twat and pushed it wide open, dragging across her spongy g-spot, past her cervix, which it wrenched apart, able to lash at her slimy, slippery womb walls with ease. “A-ahhh~! Oh, yes...”

“Damn,” Moxxi huffed, flustered by the alluring scene, her fingers digging around to milk her wet flower of its nectar. “Always knew ya 'ad a filthy mind lurkin' behind that stoic face, but blimey! Ya kna ’ow ter 'ave a shaggity ol’ time~!”

“Heh! Who needs an Onoma when the forces of hell are… mmmhm~! M-my power~!” Bellatrix groaned once more stoned sentinels awakened to circle around them. The she-devil gasped when another twisted beast shoved its tongue down her throat. A preview of what she one day hoped to be capable of. She withdrew her lips from it momentarily with heavy pants; spittle ran down her when she huffed, “Good thing I made them anatomically correct...” Her hand traced down to its pair of thick cocks.

Their equipment came in varied shapes and sizes to match her whims at the time, bestial in nature, some with knots, ridges, mouths, or even tentacles. Their thickness was throbbing and ready to explore their moist, warm insides fully.

She seized up with a blissful howl when one behind her shoved its wet cock up her asshole. Spurred on, the one in front of her withdrew its mouth from her cunt, pressed its lips to hers instead, still slicked with her sweet pussy nectar she tasted while they kissed. Twin animal dicks were shoved up her slit, splitting womb-deep as they drove her open with hammering thrusts.

They felt her up all over with rough, possessive hands and tails, the gargoyles growling, snarling, biting, and spitting while they violently slammed her quivering, crimson flesh between them. She mewled in appreciation, soaking their shafts and balls in her drippy secretions. Her tail intertwined with one of their own, her bat wings left to flutter when she clenched down on vein-lined shafts.

And just when the imp was about to protest how she wasn’t getting any attention, a gargoyle seized her and pressed its pair of pillaring phallus against her ass and mound. This, of course, made her wiggle and moan excitedly right before burying its cock in her tiny slit and asshole. The imp mewled whorishly until another shaft was shoved down her throat. Moxxi was seesawed between boulder-sized brutes, bouncing back and forth, driving spears deeper into her holes.

“About time we shut that filthy mouth of yours,” managed Bellatrix, who briefly popped off a cock, still attached by a mixture of saliva and cum that drooled down her chin. More was left to unload all over her burning face from the twin tools before her. She savored the thick spunk, sloshed on and chewed the load, as more continually fired on her features and over her tongue.

The beast rubbed his tools on her cheek afterward to clean itself, and another forced its double dicks down her throat. Bellatrix choked and gagged on the massive animal dicks, bobbed her head when she sucked and blew them to the hilt. Claws slapped and spanked her pendulous tits and asscheeks, then pinned her hands behind her while they made the succubus their bitch.

“F-fuckin’ tits, lov~!” Moxxi mewled, her belly swollen with the freshly dumped load as she popped off the gargoyle’s schlong, its seed running down her legs with every step she took towards her friend. “Ya really went aw aahhht on me. It’s only fair I sha the same courtesy~.”

Bellatrix watched with hooded eyes and a smile once neon sparkly smoke cloaked the imp, until her shape became taller and more robust. Then, the neon demon emerged, her hips wide and her breasts only slightly smaller than the she-devil's. And just the mere sight of her got the stone sentinels rock hard, eager to breed this voluptuous creature called Anarchia.

“H-haah… So you’ve finally stopped pretending, huh?” The red-skinned demoness groaned, pushing off her gang of gargoyles to properly face Anarchia, cum gushing out both their slits.

“Ya should feel 'onored! I don’t just let anyone zig and zag me loike this~” The demi-human purred, her tail opening its venus-flytrap mouth to lap at the cream oozing from Bellatrix’s snatch, making her moan in response.

“Mm-mhmm! Enough lies, Moxxi! Why are you hiding like this? Surely, you know better than to keep secrets from us.”

“It’s… not so much a secret than it is a choice,” Ana confessed, tenderly stroking her mentor’s supple frame. The she-devil instantly gasped in alarm, her senses overwhelmed by euphoria as the skies began to warp and distort in color. She backed away, nearly stumbling to her knees as her body burned with lust, her nipples poking out further and her womanhood leaking and winking.

“H-aaahh... h-hooooh~! I-I see,” panted Bellatrix huskily, barely able to see Ana or the gargoyles straight, their shapes wavering. “Your aphrodisiac-like touch is far more potent!”

The neon demoness nodded before continuing. “Rarely do I 'ave a partner that can withstand me Onoma on full blast. An’ that’s wif the bleedin' people I loike! Sex tends ter be messy when I get pissed or 'ungry. Nonetheless, this is why I inhibit myself as an imp. But since you’re gearin' up ter become the bloomin' queen of Gypsy Nell, I figured I’d return the favor~!”

“S-so, were all these lessons just fun and games to you?” The she-devil asked with a frown.

“Nah! Of course not,” insisted Ana, helping Bellatrix to her feet while pressing their sizable chests together. “'ad ya not been a wonderful teacher, you’d be trippin’ the donald duck aahhht wite na! That light buzz you’re feelin' is me withholdin' a hoppin' pot of energy. Ya 'ave nah idea 'ow much I’m grateful ter be able ter touch someone loike this.”

Astonished, Bellatrix gingerly glided her hands down to cup Ana’s dump truck of an ass before pulling the demi into a fiery kiss. It was likely the hallucinative magic pushing her towards a more intimate approach, but the she-devil was delighted she managed to help out her friend.

The two devils ferociously made out, dragging sharp claws over curvaceous flesh, rubbing heated mounds and legs into each other. All while putting on a show to rile up the stone sentinels, who circled in with pulsating cocks and swollen balls, eager to join in.

Pulling away with a bit of saliva webbing off their lips, Ana proposed, “I can’t imagine a Devil Queen freely allowin' 'erself ter get porked loike a dick 'ungry sow by a bunch of mooks. An’ she surely wouldn’t want anovver demon superin' 'er throne~.”

“Mmm, you would be right,” growled Bellatrix teasingly, a sultry smile spreading her lips. “Alright, Ana. Let’s see who is top bitch on this roof~.”

“Ya ‘eard ‘er, boys!” The demi-human addressed the crowd of stone monsters, shaking her hips provocatively. “Keep pummelin' our cunts loike it’s the last pussy you’ll get~!”

At once, the female demons were attacked by the gargoyles, skewering them deeply with ruthless aggression. Rock-hard cocks stuffed their pussies and assholes, separated only by a thin layer of their flesh as they were savagely spiked. Both were passed between the brutes, dozens of the gargoyles lining the rooftop, the would-be Demon Queen's army turned horny harem, able to be banished at any time upon her whim.

And thanks to their stony exterior, Ana’s lewd touching wouldn’t disorient them lethally, leaving Ana free to dig her sharp talons into their granite skin as they wailed on her holes and mouth, muffling heightened moans of ecstasy.

By the time they finished with them, all their holes had been repeatedly creamed, and they were dropped onto the roof with a thud, slathered in runny splooge while the gargoyles circled them and grunted as they jerked off and came some more all over their glistening, sticky bodies. Bellatrix and Ana reclined side-by-side, breasts rising and falling with their panting.

“Phew! Gotta say, Lov. It’s been too long since I got--ggumph~!?” The demoness started before being interrupted by a cum-filled kiss from Bellatrix. They turned to face each other, tails hooked when they swapped spunk and made out while both of them felt their partner up.

“When I am queen, I’ll have you as my right-hand woman,” the she-devil swore with an intense snarl, kneading the demi's wide, cum-soaked ass. Her tail curled up between Ana's thick thighs possessively and rubbed her spade across her slimy snatch, mimicking what the neon demon had done earlier.

Anarchia cooed, realizing the she-devil's feral instincts threatened to take over, and whispered, “As long as that wite hand is knuckles deep in your cooch, I’m game~!”

“Oh, trust me. I’ll be needing that hand for lots of things,” assured Bellatrix before once again tonguing the spunky succubus. They kissed and rubbed themselves in a pool of shared releases, as once the last gargoyles were spent, they skulked away and returned to their places.

The succubus knew this was merely a taste compared to what the imp had in mind for the planned orgy. If she handed over temporary control of the mansion to Moxxi, she could use its powers to satisfy all sorts of sordid scenarios.

With a dismissive wave, she cleaned the pair of them and rose. “I suppose it's time we rejoined the party.”

“I 'eard they 'ave a volleyball game garn on,” Moxxi mentioned as she assumed her short cartoony stature. “Wonder ‘ow long that’ll last~.”

“Given how promiscuous all of our friends are? I give it six minutes,” chuckled the shapeshifter as a portion of the rooftop opened up like a fleshy maw to transport them once they stepped inside.

She had managed to contact Beatrix, and was told not only would she return soon with Oona and Ebony in tow, but she would bring a few surprise guests with her.

More fresh faces? Her imagination wandered at the possibilities...

Chapter 17 : The Domestic Life (Quiver Bolt, Shadow Scythe, Quicksilver Bullet)

“Like this,” instructed Quiver Bolt, standing on her hind legs. With a slow breath, she drew back the bow's string, narrowed one eye, then let the arrow fly. The shaft whizzed through the forest and struck a bullseye she had painted on a tree trunk with a thud. The missile quivered, her aim true. She smiled and swept back her scarlet mane. “C’mon, sweetie. Won’t you give it a try?”

“...hmph,” came the neutral grunt of the unicorn who would later in life be called Shadow Scythe. She accepted the weapon, fished a fresh arrow from a quiver, and concentrated while the forest rustled around them under a breeze. The sun peeked in through the leaves, shadows cast over mother-and-daughter, and she used her hoof to draw back her knocked arrow.

The shot was let loose. It struck an inch away from her mother's shot. “Hey,” chirped Quiver who whistled. “That was a great shot!”

“Thank you,” answered the young unicorn, her snout drawn in a line.

Quiver frowned and placed a hoof on her daughter's pale shoulder. “Is something wrong? If there's anything I can do-”

Her daughter shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong, mother. I just don't want to be an archer. Nor a hunter like father. Surely, there has to be more to the world than... this!” Her snout momentarily curled, her icy blue eyes narrowed. “I suppose that's why father does his research...”

“Y-yes. Your father's a stallion of high ideals. Always believing something wondrous and new awaits us! But there are miracles all around us,” Quiver assured before giving the filly a hug. Yet her daughter remained limp and unreceptive in her maternal grasp. Her expression soured, wondering if she was clinically depressed.

Quiver Bolt planned this trip in an attempt to bond with her daughter. But like usual, she continued to shut her out, seemingly disinterested in life. The only time she appeared lively was when she lost herself in solitary research. She had even caught her child studying her husband Quicksilver Bullet's notes in secret, like she was hungry to devour every ounce of knowledge she could get ahold of.

Then came a faint rattle, and her daughter swiftly knocked another arrow, the bow trained on a barely perceptible snake that slithered through the dense grass. Her eyes narrowed in concentration, her lips curling into what could only be described as a malicious smile.

“Honey, don't!” Quiver warned, pushing down her daughter’s lithe forelegs.

“Why? It could attack us,” she retorted with a sneer, drawing her weapon back, still trained on the limbless reptile.

“It's harmless,” the veteran archer insisted, once more lowering the unicorn’s aim. She exhaled when the animal vanished back into the wild. Quiver tried to shake off this disturbing feeling. She didn’t dare to imagine her own child taking pleasure in another living being’s suffering!

“Pft! How disappointing,” the young unicorn scoffed, almost inaudibly. For a moment, mother and daughter stood in awkward silence, only broken by the low howl of wind rustling through the tree limbs and leaves.

Quiver justified this behavior as her child transitioning into that awkward phase in life called puberty. She recalled her own teenage years filled with angst and a lack of direction. Surely, she would grow out of this over time! She and Quicksilver simply needed to support her.

“Mother...don't you ever want more from life?”

Quiver Bolt shook her head. “Not at all! What more could I want outside of your father you? I’m happy with the life we’ve established for ourselves. And you will be too, one day!”

“...I see,” she replied in an almost wistful tone. “If you ask me, life is pointless without ambition. Only those with stronger wills can truly thrive.”

The older mare released her hold and sighed. “I need to hide your father’s studies better. Come, let's pack up!” She forced a wide smile.

The picnic before their practice had been equally cumbersome. They loaded up what they had taken for the trip in silence and placed them back in the saddlebags. No doubt Quicksilver Bullet was still away on his own adventure, trying to some rare, exotic creatures and document them. But like any devoted wife, she would have dinner ready by the time he came home.

At least their child was dutiful, helping her mother prepare the food and clean the dishes without complaint. Quiver hummed while she set the table, whereas her daughter worked in meticulous, eerie silence. They lived in a large hut out in the middle of nowhere. The walls were lined with weapons and trophies that marked Quicksilver Bullet's many triumphs.

Among the arsenal was the Vorpal Blade, the legendary weapon that had felled the Jabberwocky. Their daughter's first kill, albeit her parents were still ignorant she had a hoof in that, convinced the beast had fallen on the ornamental blade and expired when it breached the heart.

The doorknob rattled, frame creaking open. “I'm home!” Announced Quicksilver.

“Welcome, honey,” beamed Quiver Bolt, trotting over to nuzzle her lover. After their short embrace, the hunter placed his coat and hat on a rack. “You should have seen our child today! She almost managed a bullseye on her first shot!”

“Haha! Wouldn’t expect anything less,” he replied with a grin and stroked his wife's mane. “She takes a lot after you, I'm sure!”

“Oh, please! You're quite a skilled shot too,” she reminded, gesturing to the blunderbuss on display. Then, planting a kiss to his scruffy cheek, Quiver led him into the kitchen, where their daughter had already seated herself. They too settled in, the room filled with succulent scents of buttered slices of bread, salads, and the aroma of tea and spiced wines to make a small feast.

“So, how was your trip, father?” The pale unicorn asked after finishing her mouthful.

“Sadly, I didn't make much progress today,” he admitted. “I have to step it up if I don't want to be seen as a joke.”

“You're not a joke, honey,” reassured Quiver, planting another kiss on his fuzzy cheek. She enjoyed the feel of his bristled beard on her face, and the faint taste of alcohol on his lips, since he would often indulge in some light drinking during his research into the borders of the world.

The couple sat side-by-side and nuzzled. She had risked and sacrificed much for the sake of her beloved, aware that her reputation had taken a dive once she started to date the 'crazy' cryptozoologist. But she didn't care. Let the rest of the world think whatever they wished to. Looking at their beautiful daughter further convinced her she made the right choice.

The family closed their eyes, and the parents said a short prayer before they dug in. Unlike her parents, the younger unicorn only nibbled at her meal, most of her attention instead focused on her father's discarded newspaper.

While she read, her mom and dad thanked whatever false god they believed in for their cozy, domestic atmosphere. To the one who would be Shadow Scythe, it was a reminder that they lived outside civilization, a fact she wasn’t happy with.

“You two graduated from a prestigious academy,” the young unicorn spoke up suddenly.

Both of them nodded. “It's how we met,” reminded Quiver, who glowed and leaned her head on her husband's shoulder.

“I want to study somewhere like that too. If I work hard enough...”

Quiver Bolt frowned. “Dear, don't be in such a rush to grow up! There will be plenty of time for that later. But whatever you decide, we'll support you.” Her husband also nodded, both of them aware of what a prodigy their daughter had proven to be already. Their hearts swelled with pride at the sight of her, confident that one day she would surpass all their expectations.

*****

Groans rose from Shadow Scythe, waking up with drool running down her lip when she lifted her head. Her black-trimmed white hood had been cast back, her pale mane a mess, the dark circles under her eyes thicker than before. She was in a private section of another library, having drifted off after hours of research that had started from the moment the doors were opened.

“Just what I need. More stupid dreams,” she grumbled, failing to swallow down a sniffle as tears splattered on the open book. The reaper slammed the cover and stood up, disappointed that she still found nothing new to learn after all her hard work. Another wasted day.

The reaper headed upstairs and rose to the rooftop. Night had fallen over the city, quiet save for the insects in the distance. She tried not to think about her parents, yet the knowledge she had ultimately disappointed them haunted her.

Shadow Scythe surveyed the buildings that stretched out under a starry sky, lost in wistful contemplation while she scanned the area. Once again, she found solitude as she wiped her face on a sleeve hemmed in black. The air was cold enough to make her shiver, despite the layers of bandages protecting her under pallid robes. She stroked her fractured horn, a reminder of failure.

Her reverie was broken when she spotted a silhouette atop another roof. “What the-” She could have been looking on a likeness similar to her own, only this hooded figure's cloak was tattered inky blackness, and its crescent moon rust-colored scythe was thicker than hers.

Who was this? And how long had they been spying on her..?

She curled her lip and teleported over, desperate to catch the stranger unaware before they escaped. Her scythe manifested in her thin hands and gleamed under the moonlight that caught its surface. But while her arrival was almost instantaneous, when she materialized no one was there. Only a faint magical signature that somehow felt familiar.

It couldn’t have been Belladonna or one of her insufferable friends. And she doubted that self-righteous hypocrite, Zeloph, would stoop to stalking her. So who could it possibly be...?

“Gahh! I’m starting to get paranoid. Whoever you are, I'll deal with you later,” she swore aloud and lowered her weapon.

Returning to the library before it closed, Shadow Scythe was unaware her deathly assailant continued to watch her every move, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity...

Chapter 18 : Tribe Relations (Noble Savage, Ebony Ivory, Zuri, Kali, Tisha)

In a history that stretched back to ancient times, the Mashariki tribe of zebras had always been reclusive. Insular, fearful that the ‘civilized’ world would make them soft. Yet, some disagreed with their choice and split off to become what evolved into the Pundamilia Empire. They would be encountered once more in modern times, as the Emperor wished to meet and trade with them.

Mshenzi Mtukufu, otherwise known as Noble Savage, sat on his throne in the middle of his rustic villa, the sun setting over the savannah. The tinkle of wind chimes added to his tranquility. “Such a shame Beatrix Belladonna and Lady Oona Ewe left us so soon,” he thought aloud in a deep baritone, stroking his chin. “I would have loved to listen to more of their tales. Maybe share a few of our own! But, alas, I can’t keep even you here, my dear Nyeusi.”

“It will only be for a little while,” the zebra mare Ebony Ivory assured, stroking his arm while standing by his side. “If I left with them now, I would be forsaking my duties to ensure our people are safe and secure. Yet, part of me still dreads that Natural Selection will return somehow…”

“Heh. If that bastard Asili dares come back from the dead, you’ll just have to put him deeper underground,” he chuckled with certainty, impressed by how she had handled her ex-lover. With him out of the picture, she was now the foremost huntress of their clan. Everyone awaited the day she would take her place as tribal chief, once Noble fully retired.

“I hope you are right,” Ebony sighed, watching the villagers go about their business, the area dotted in huts.

“Hmm,” he mused, standing up to get a better view of the shadowy shapes approaching their land. “I believe the envoy has arrived.”

A mechanized caravan steadily trended through the savannah. Their zebra warriors, adorned in light armor, surrendered weapons that included firearms to the village guards. But Noble waved the idea away. “Let them keep their arms as a symbol of trust between us.”

His men nodded, most armed with spears, knives, and shields. In contrast to their modern brethren, they dressed only in simply loincloths that bared their finely honed physiques. They parted to allow the guests in, who stepped out the caravans and strode to meet him.

The Pundamilian Emperor could not come in person, but his three daughters were sent to act as mediators in a compromise. Not only that, but they were dressed in the tribe’s traditional garbs. Loincloths and bead woven tops barely covered their immaculately sculpted bodies. He couldn’t help but smile warmly at the three beauties, who upon their arrival knelt before him.

“Rise,” he commanded gently.

The sisters did so, meeting his eyes. “I am Zuri, eldest daughter of Kifalme Moja. My sisters are Kali and Tisha. We bring boons on behalf of the Pundamilia Empire.” At those words, their soldiers started to unload the caravans filled with spices, wines, and oddities that machines could only produce. She smoothed through her mohawk. “I hope they are to your liking, great sir.”

“Quite curious,” he admitted with a nod. He accepted a scroll from Tisha, unfurled it, and read. And once he reached further down, his brows lowered into an unsettled gaze.

“I hope these terms are acceptable,” Tisha said with a smile. “There is so much we can offer each other~!”

“What you offer is not pure or natural,” Ebony stated with a slight glare, unable to hide her suspicion of the modern tribe’s ‘civilized lands.’ Especially after the trip to Cerise Silhouette’s world, where she, the princess, and her friends almost ended up-sold into slavery.

Noble Savage was equally suspicious, though more subtle, his brow barely knotted. While he doubted they would make the long trip and risk the lives of three zebra princesses for treacherous reasons, what the contract offered was perplexing, were they to accept.

No doubt the Pundamilia Empire desperately wanted their secrets. So they safeguarded their connections to the spirits and all that entailed well. And in return, not only did they offer their own secrets, advanced technology unknown to his clan, but the three princesses to the tribe. If they were mated to the clan, the deal would be sealed. “A generous offer. But...”

Tisha’s eyes lit up before she cut in, “A-ah! I believe this to be more than just generous! Perhaps you require a ‘proper’ proposal~?”

The sisters noted nudity was no taboo here, as some villagers went ungarbed. And, with a shared nod, the princesses started to slowly disrobe for the tribe chief. While her breasts weren’t quite the size of Zuri’s, Tisha's mountainous mammaries tumbled out with a heavy bounce.

By contrast, the middle sister Kali was the most petite. Perky tits small but still quite a handful, and as the foremost warrior of the three, her nipples were pierced with golden hoop rings. With them, she shimmied off her loincloth and asked, “Pleased by what you see?”

Noble nodded, his loins stirring at the sight of the beckoning naked zebra beauties. “Quite. Although I much prefer a different test.”

"I can surely best your huntress," assured Kali.

Ebony tossed the other zebra mare a spear. “I would take that challenge. But first, we must meet on even grounds.” She shed her own scant clothes, fit body bared before she claimed her own hand-crafted spear. “Prepare the pit for battle. Let us make this a friendly contest.”

“Already making new friends I see,” sighed Zuri with a shake of her head, used to their middle sister’s antics.

Yet the chief watched with interest while the hunters uncovered the pit near the villa’s center, an abyss filled by warm mud, where warriors would often duel and wrestle to prove themselves. An old ritual that turned boys into men. Today, there was an added layer of excitement to see a pair of beautiful females ready to show their prowess for his favor.

Noble was reminded of his youth, a path not taken, where he might have succumbed to pride and hedonism like his former predecessor, Natural Selection. The sun gleamed down on striped bodies, Zuri and Tisha at the pit’s sides to watch, while Kali and Ebony started to wade into the mud, which sucked and popped under their slowed movements. Ebony bowed, and after a moment Kali did too, their eyes locked.

“This is a clean fight,” declared the chief. “I want no form of trickery. No below-the-belt blows or tactics. No biting. The trial ends at first blood.” It was evident that Ebony also wanted to show up this upstart, judging by how her muscles tensed, offended by the naked pride on Kali’s features.

Perhaps she was a painful reminder of who Ebony had been in her more youthful years?

Hunters, soldiers, and villagers gathered around the pit from all sides, since their children had long been sent to sleep. They waited with bated breath in silence. Amidst a chop of Noble’s muscular arm, he bellowed, “Anza!”

The two huntresses rushed to meet each other. Spears thrust. Blows were deflected. Bare breasts jiggled, bounced, and swayed, splashed by thick cascades of sticky mud that were kicked up under slick feet that struggled to keep their footing.

“Get her, sister,” cried Tisha, who pumped an arm into the air, tits swinging under the impact of her movements. “Show them our country isn’t soft!”

“Do not shame us,” demanded Zuri, who peeled her eyes and pursed her snout, a hand on her wide hip.

“I won’t,” swore Kali, whose buttocks wobbled under her movements and were drawn taut while she clenched them and her teeth. Her fierce stabs almost struck home, but in turn, she was nearly grazed by Ebony’s precise counters. She snorted and heaved her breast when the huntresses started to circle and silently dared one of them to make the next move.

“Not a bad display of skill,” confessed Ebony, whose own bared chest rose and fell, like her lined in a sheen of perspiration. “Albeit still quite sloppy for someone of royal blood.”

“Don’t insult me!” Kali raised her head high. “I can tell you’re still holding back! If that’s how you want to play, then fine!” She tossed her spear onto the bank. “I’ll beat you with my bare hands!” She growled and tackled Ebony into the gunk with a meaty splash that kicked up mud.

Gurgles escaped Ebony, who dropped her weapon as she momentarily sunk below the muck. She barely closed her eyes in time as they started to wrestle to cheers, the mess left to slide down and ooze off their nude, striped curves, honed to perfection under training. Repeatedly the contestants rolled atop each other, in an attempt to pin their opponent in place.

Tisha slid over to the chief and stroked his toned thigh. “Enjoying the show? I can make it better~”

Feeling the heat radiate from the youngest princess, Noble answered, “Do as you wish. We have an open society here.” With a giggle, she slid into his lap, straddled his assertive bulk, and without ceremony wiggled her hips to ease his half-erect cock into her. She moaned and half-lidded her eyes when his tool swelled up and split her deep, her arms wrapped around his neck when she started to bounce atop him.

He palmed one of her buttocks, spread it, and left her puckered pink asshole exposed. His maw wrapped around one of her tits, sucked on it when he pulled and distended it to fullness, met by her lusty mewls after she bobbed atop his masculine pillar. Wet flesh slapped and quivered.

“Heh. If this is part of your plan to butter me up, It’s working,” he praised before dragging Tisha’s other tit under his tongue. Licking it, he watched her spit-slicked breast bounce back into place, met by her soft cries once he pounded back.

By the time he started to empty his seed into her with a groan, his groin washed by her messy squirts when he sheathed himself to the hilt in her, Zuri had wandered over with a sway of her hips, buttocks, and breasts, her tight slit already wet. “You will find me much more palpable than my little sister,” purred the eldest princess, who bent over and rested her hanging, pendulous titties on his broad, muscular shoulders.

“N-nyaah~! O-okay, I’m done,” moaned Tisha with sleepy eyes, rising off him amidst a pop, her gaping snatch left to drool a mixture of her lubrication and his cum over his still slick, black mammoth of a breeder tool. He landed a playful swat on her wobbly ass to send her away.

Immediately, Zuri swung her leg over his waist and took her younger sister’s place. His hands gripped her waist and lowered her onto his cock, which drove her depths open, a muted moan left to wheeze from her snout. She was much tighter, obviously less experienced in such matters, her fingers tracing his musculature when she started to ride the mountain of a zebra to please him.

Once he seeded her uterus, the deal would be all but sealed. To claim all three of the princesses would be the finishing touch of the union.

Her wet twat squished and wrapped around him, drooled over his dark, swollen testicles while he traced her entirety. Supple flesh gave way under his firm grasp. She clawed his back and kissed him, less lewd but far more sensual than Tisha.

“Relax,” he whispered back and stroked her mane. “Put your thoughts of duty aside and enjoy yourself. You surely deserve it.”

“Y-yes,” she murmured back. “My sisters always tell me I take myself too seriously. Perhaps they are right.” She relaxed, rolled her hips and buttocks, rubbed her mashed breast on his pectorals while they ground into each other.

So far, Noble Savage liked her most of all, confident that he would have gladly taken her as his mate in his younger years. She reminded him much of Ebony, who from his side-eye, he watched wrestle with Kali in the thick mud pool.

Kali grinned wide in triumph when she straddled her foe’s belly to keep her pinned. She traced her nipples. “How about we offer them a show?”

“What do you-” Ebony was cut off when their maws met, her tongue dominated by the other huntress. After a moment she closed her eyes and reciprocated to the sound of cheers, the onlookers already worked up until they radiated body heat by the nude contest.

Drums started to pound. The sky became a canvas of darkening colors that let the first stars peek out and the sun completely sunk.

An emerald miasma started to rise from the earth, the spirits summoned by the tribe shamans. A menagerie of creatures loomed in the wispy mists and began to emerge; the guardians swore to protect the tribe, which in turn helped keep them alive by their belief in them. The villagers started to disrobe.

“Join us,” offered Ebony, who undressed one of the soldiers who stood near the pit.

Unwilling to make a poor impression, not to mention many of the zebra troops were already painfully stiff in their pants below their armor, their numbers shirked their clothes and joined in on the wild orgy that started to break out.

Males and females copulated in various pairings, some taking several partners at a time, which included the beast-like spirits who mounted them. Spurred on, Kali and Ebony started to ground their messy cunts together in the pit.

Noble Savage skewered Zuri balls deep and unloaded into her womb with a grunt. She squealed and washed his crotch in her nectar. She shook and squeezed him tighter, wrapped around him while they kissed some more.

“Two down,” murmured a hazy-eyed Zuri who nodded at Kali. “But will you complete the set?”

“Just...a moment,” hissed Kali, whose nostrils flared once she and Ebony howled out their own climax, their squishy, soaked pussies mashed one last time when they came hard. Kali’s sweaty tits heaved when she finally rose. “A draw?”

“A draw,” repeated Ebony, accepting her hand to rise. “Go to him.” She punctuated that with a hard slap on Kali’s wide ass, which shook in response.

Zuri withdrew amidst another pop where her stretched snatch oozed out her honey and his thick spunk. “Make us proud, sister.”

“I will,” assured Kali, who proudly kept her chin raised on her approach. She yelped in surprise when the still erect Noble seized her to him, spun her around, and bent her over, worked up after he had emptied himself into her sisters.

“I hope you don’t mind a bit of roughness,” he whispered hotly in her twitched ear.

“I encourage it, actually,” whispered Kali as he seized her by the wrists and pulled her arms behind her. She whined when he skewered her balls deep in one thrust, her muscular buttocks left to slap, as did her tits which hung suspended when he pounded into her. Obviously the most prideful of the three, she would be disappointed were he not to fuck her into total submission.

“Ah...yes~,” she wheezed, helpless to do more than repeatedly take his thick cock each time he spread her. “Take me, my chief! Beat my womb into submission! Make me your woman~!”

Through wisdom, courage, strength, and virility, Noble Savage had risen to this coveted rank. Some mares needed to be romanced and seduced, but he sensed this one simply wanted to be well-bred by a dominant, virile male.

He would show her his inner conqueror. Her ass and tits clapped each time he fully pierced her moist, vise-like cunt. Juices spattered his muscular legs and groin, his thrusts swift and savage, his own muscled buttocks drawn taut when he fiercely fucked her without mercy.

Aware the chief would no doubt have many more rounds in him, Zuri and Tisha, in the meantime, helped Ebony tend to the villagers and soldiers. All of them free to indulge themselves without judgment or any such complications under the clan’s rules, which allowed them to drop their inhibitions, thankful for this opportunity.

“We’re all like one family here,” explained Ebony, who knelt when she stroked and lapped at several flared black cocks presented to her. “No jealousy, no shame. Simply shared pleasure and intimacy.” She swallowed a hard, heated cock which flopped down onto her presented snout.

“I like this place,” confessed Tisha while she was taken from behind, her mane pulled and ass slapped. “I’m not sure I want to return home!”

“We’ll have to eventually,” reminded Zuri who, after a moment’s hesitation, presented herself to one of the bestial spirits who mounted her. Its twin tools widened her lower holes, filled her impossibly deep and wide as she moaned below.

By the time the phantasmal moon swam into view, Noble Savage had howled and unloaded into Kali, who in turn panted when her twat churned and washed over him. His semen repeatedly fired into her slippery womb, splashed and sloshed while the satisfied lovers shook.

It was done. A union with the Pundamilia Empire which would help both sides thrive.

“Haah… hell yes,” muttered Kali, arms still locked behind her while her sweaty titties heaved and swayed. Obvious that she wanted more, disappointment momentarily fell on her face when he withdrew himself, only for her eyes to widen and another cry of ecstasy to escape when he plunged into her puckered pink asshole. His wet dick mercilessly hammered back into her.

Noble Savage smirked, pleased by the lusty princesses. They would keep him company while Ebony Ivory was away, aware the huntress wanted to explore outside these lands, not to mention the other worlds Beatrix could show her.

The hours passed while he claimed each of the sisters repeatedly. He fucked them into exhaustion, the three left to heave on the cool earth, slathered in their own lubrication, sweat, and his cum which soaked their supple curvature.

Dawn broke by the time he settled back onto his throne and watched the sunrise once more, assured of his tribe’s prosperous future.

But an unseen threat remained undetected. Roosting in the trees was a condor disguised animatronic, analyzing each villager and zebra with enhanced visors from afar. Waiting for its master to send new orders.

Author's Note

Thanks to Shadic Midnight Blitzer for use of his zebra princess OCs!

Chapter 19 : Beyond The Grave (Natural Selection, Mortis, Quicksilver Bullet, Triad, Penny Dreadful)

The enigmatic figure of ‘Death’ had tracked the movements of Beatrix Belladonna and Shadow Scythe for a while now. What better place to be, with all the senseless losses the pair of them left in their wake? Yet, the moment to strike was not right. This, the creature knew well. So instead, he sought to conjure his own band of allies, seeing as the wayward witch’s manor became hospice with all sorts of warriors, spellcasters, assassins, and more collected from across the multiverse.

The skeletal equine in tattered robes materialized in the middle of a lust savannah, where a naked zebra’s body slumped. Swirling over the carcass was a wake of vultures, ready to take apart the muscles clean from the bone. Yet the scavengers dared not to land near the hooded figure below.

Any other stalking animal bristled in his presence, sensing him to be a more significant threat and that the corpse wasn’t worth the risk. A glow escaped the sockets in his skull, a rust-colored scythe clasped in his bony grip. The deepening shadows stretched around him.

“Yes… You will do just fine,” he whispered and knelt next to the fallen hunter. Skeletal fingers touched his striped skin. “Arise, hunter! Your time in this world isn’t over yet.”

Wispy darkness flowed from him like smog, seeping into the zebra. Black clouds banished the sunlight, filling an ashen sky. Coughs sounded from the warrior, whose form shook when he thrust up into a seated position. The whiteness of his eyes had vanished, leaving only glowing pupils. “H-Huh!? What...happened...? The last thing I recall was…” His eyes wandered to a dried trail of blood in the distance leading to him. He clutched at wounds on his body, finding no heartbeat beneath his chiseled chest.

“You are dead,” the deathly revenant answered simply. “And would remain so had I not breathed new life into you.”

Natural Selection glare at the skeletal figure, rising onto his feet with shakiness. “You think I should be grateful?!”

The voice was like a whisper. “I think you should be considerate of the position I’m offering.”

Muscles tensed up. “And just why did you go through the trouble of resurrecting me?”

“Because I require your skills,” the robed skeleton gestured. “I have great use for you, Asili.”

The rogue hunter recoiled at the mention of his name, memories flooding back into his head. His banishment from the tribe. The hunt of beautiful mares who he made his trophies. Through the aid of Beatrix Belladonna and Fleur de Lis, his former mate, Ebony Ivory, had brought him to justice before Noble Savage. Yet, before he could face execution, like his cult of loyal followers, the witch banished him through a portal to here.

Left to die, he had lived off the land for some time in search of civilization...until a herd of lions, who sensed his weakness after he was dehydrated, beset him. He’d slain over a dozen with his bare hands, soaked in blood before they overwhelmed and mortally wounded him.

He’d escaped far away in a sprint, only to collapse and bitterly curse his fate before he expired.

Shaking his head, the zebra warrior defiantly stated, “I serve no one.”

Reaching under his frayed mantle, the skeletal stallion traced the stitched and dried cover of the Necronomicon, lined in the horrified frozen faces of the Eldritch race. A prize he had taken from Cerise’s homeworld, Stygian and Somnambula unable to stop him, despite the latter’s ability to become the guardian Sphinx. “You speak as if you have a choice. What I give, I can also take.”

“Spare me the spiritual bullsh-” Before Natural Selection could spite the ghoul it further, his wounds reopened and leaked black blood. A similar taint leaked from the side of his snout. And along came an immeasurable amount of pain, forced to his knees while he bellowed.

“Aagh! GRAAAAAAAAGH! S-Stop! What is it you even want with me?! W-who are you..?!”

With a cruel chuckle, the revenant released his spiteful grasp on Natural’s body, his wounds sealing up. “You may call me Mortis. And, believe it or not, we share a common desire.”

Uneasily, the hunter wheezed, “A-and that would be..?”

“Revenge.”

“Revenge… Hehe, yeah, figures. And let me take a guess! You wish to settle the score with that devious witch, Beatrix Belladonna?”

Mortis shook his head. “I bear her no personal enmity. Yet she has ties to an old enemy of mine. Through her, I may strike at the one who reduced me to...this. I’ve learned many secrets in my old prison. About the Cult of the Nemesis that ravaged her world...and how I might revive it.”

The specters of the Eldritch, also trapped in the Necronomicon’s pages, had haunted the lich. Their hive mind had been broken, the alien creatures almost unintelligible...but he had an eternity to try and communicate with them.

And finally, after what seemed like forever, success. A few Eldritch achieved individuality through communication with him and shared their forbidden knowledge. They wished to claim the Demiurge, their dark messiah, back from Beatrix. And he swore to aid them if it meant he could punish Shadow Scythe for her treachery.

Smoldering while he considered the offer, Natural Selection met his stare, a curl to his snout. “I suppose there is no choice. If I am to be your puppet, at least give me the pleasure of staking my claim on Ebony’s soul!”

“Of course,” assured Mortis, who widened his cloak, his ribcage visible before he wrapped the shroud around the hunter. Swallowed up in the abyss of darkness, they were transported elsewhere, where he was finally released.

Swept away from the familiar surroundings, Natural’s eyes narrowed when they adjusted to where he found himself. A mass graveyard stretched around him, perpetually dank and dim to match its overseer. Enclosed in a black fence topped in spikes, moss-lined headstones protruded from the mushy worm-ridden earth, some of which had fallen over or cracked.

A drizzle bled from the black clouds that matted his fur and the thick mane that trailed down his muscular back. He noted a name on a headstone. “Danse Macabre,” he murmured when he crouched and traced the faded etchings.

“The stallion I once was,” he stated. “It is nothing more than a reminder of how feeble I was alive.” Most of the other names were illegible. The hunter suspected they were fellow grim reapers, tasked to cycle souls to their destinations and preserve the world’s fragile order in secret.

For a moment, the warrior stood still and took in his surroundings. He touched his flesh, finding it cold and clammy. While his consciousness remained, was he merely a zombie? He remembered tales from the tribe of a forbidden ritual, where witch doctors turned the dead into their tortured slaves. Was that all he was now? A damned tool to carry out the will of another?

He scanned a particular coffin, noting it appeared much different than the rest. Instead of wood and nails, steel and otherworldly mechanization composed its sleek shape. Tron lines highlighted the rims before vanishing once the coffin shook. Its lid slid open, steam hissing in phantasmal vapors while someone rose from its confines.

This stallion was older, grizzled and bearded, adorned in a hat and heavy coat. His boots were caked in mud. He gazed at the zombified zebra while stretching out his limbs, making a sickening cracking sound. “So you must be the fresh blood,” he huffed, unholstering his pistol from his belt, spinning it around his index finger. “Well, let me be the first to welcome you to our little corpse party. Name’s Quicksilver Bullet,” he proclaimed, offering a hand. “I take it you’re Natural Selection. I didn’t think Mortis would be able to find you.”

Natural’s snout scrunched when he batted away his spotted hand and noted, “You are not my equal, old man. Do not think we are such just because we’re both undead abominations!”

“He also said you’d be quite stubborn,” Quicksilver noted with a stiff chuckle.

“Weren't we all at one point?” Came another voice behind them. The two turned to see another stallion in a black pin-striped suit. His mane was dark and silky, scars around his neck. “If not for my own brand of arrogance, perhaps I would have kept my head during that sword duel…”

Natural asked, “And you are...?”

“A former politician, from a world so advanced, you wouldn’t possibly understand.”

“Is that where you got these here coffins from?” The gunslinger asked, pointing to the other metallic casket.

The stallion shrugged. “Not a clue. They seem vaguely familiar to me, but I can’t pinpoint where I’ve seen this technology. My memory hasn’t fully come back yet. Not that it matters who I was anymore. For now, call me Triad.”

“Perfect. Another failure,” the zebra scoffed.

This made the pin-striped stallion smirk. “Unlike you, I am grateful for this second chance.”

Natural Selection shook his head. While he despised this whole undead ordeal, he had to admit; he wasn’t out of place amongst this band of ponies. He, too, had failed in life. A mistake he would not repeat. He would learn the purpose of this mysterious patron and why they collected these fallen souls from their rightful dimensions. His musculature tensed up. “So, when do we start? I have a bone to pick with Beatrix and can’t wait to take my pound of that bitch’s flesh.”

“It’s too early to strike now,” Mortis insisted from behind them. “You’re still too weak. Assail her now, and your bodies will merely crumble.”

“So for now, we remain here and train? I can deal with that,” said Quicksilver, who twirled his pistol some more. His expression soured, at memories of his own life robbed by the one he called daughter. No doubt Shadow Scythe was responsible for his current predicament.

“Good,” the skeletal equine nodded. “I must leave momentarily. Use this time wisely.” With that said, he vanished into the blackness. Silence fell amongst the trio of zombies; the rainstorm started to die own. Each stallion sized the other up, primarily focused on the newcomer.

The zebra cracked the joints from his neck. It wasn’t unlike the way his tribe had looked down on him. But, like always, he had to prove himself worthy. He was one of the few who had ever been able to match Noble Savage, the tribe’s chief, in hand-to-hand combat. A feat that had won his respect and Ebony’s heart during their youth. Out of all of the enemies he made, she would suffer his unbridled wrath for her betrayal.

He studied the sheathed sword in Triad’s hand and scoffed, “Don’t tell me that’s all you can do.”

Triad's chin lifted. “Ha! Not so simple. As I’ve said, I come from a world thriving with technological advancements. More sublime than the… primitive one you hail from.”

To demonstrate, he undid his pin-striped suit and cast off the top, lithe muscles below exposed. A series of tattoos of a serpentine dragon and tiger locked in battle adorned his back, evenly matched. Then, the tattoo began to shimmer, and a pair of perfect copies materialized at his sides.

“I see why you took the name ‘Triad.’ But your ‘advanced’ technology still won’t do you good against me!” The warrior curled his snout.

“Let us test that claim then,” replied Triad, who unsheathed his finely-honed katana. “Though I would much prefer if you were also armed…”

“Here.” Quicksilver reached into another bionic coffin prepared for him and fished out a lance, alongside a suitable costume for the zebra. “It seems whoever manufactured these coffins expect us to use them to sustain ourselves.”

“Treating us like we’re damned vampires. Pha!” Natural Selection spat before claiming the lance and putting on the loincloth. Myths of such creatures were universal, often as a warning to those who sought immortality. Yet he felt new power stir inside him, too. He closed his eyes and felt the cold darkness their benefactor infused into their tainted souls flow out at his will.

Inky tendrils swirled around the zebra. A rattle sounded below the earth. The ground trembled until it slipped open, and from the earthen abyss crawled out the skeletal remains of beasts who clambered their way to the surface in a death rattle, the animal skeletons under his control.

His eyes snapped open. A roar escaped from his belly that could freeze blood. The undead beasts charged, and the land beneath them trembled.

“Finally,” breathed Triad, a sheathe in one hand and his katana in the other. “A worthy challenge!”

The swordsman and his duplicates dashed to meet them, a blur carried by his subtle, cybernetic enhancements. His swipes left arcs each time the trio struck down the creatures, which exploded into scattered bones left to rattle whenever they fell under precise strokes.

No matter how many were summoned, the hunter found himself unable to keep up with the swordsman and growled in frustration.

Quicksilver clapped. “Heh. Good show, boys. Don’t feel too bad about the loss, friend. Rebirth tends to make you weak.”

“I am never weak,” growled Natural Selection, poising his spear’s tip threateningly at the older stallion’s throat. He would have to start from the bottom, but he had no doubt he would surpass them, considering how diligently he spent his life training to be his tribe’s mightiest warrior. He’d successfully hunted and slain fabled creatures Quicksilver had only researched, let alone some prissy politician who came from a comfy, tamed world dependent on machines!

Triad sheathed his sword, his muscles lined in a thin sheen of perspiration. “We’ve all had to make adjustments. When I first awoke, I was terrified due to this state of undeath. More afraid than of leaving the home my handlers had designed for me.” He closed his eyes and wistfully recalled a life of imprisonment, before a run-in with Wispy Willow and Kitsune had finally ended him.

By contrast, Quicksilver struggled to recall his life. He remembered he had a wife, Quiver Bolt. That he had researched legendary monsters and hunted them in the wild, but all that seemed to matter now to the gunslinger was the master’s whims and the demise of his traitorous daughter.

Speaking of, their deathly benefactor returned from darkened shrouds. Mortis hovered before the trio, opened his cloak wide, and from it tumbled an unfamiliar, nude female griffin. She opened her sleepy eyes, blinked, and stretched her thin arms wide with a yawn. “Oh? Here already? And I’d thought I’d get a few more minutes of rest,” she murmured sleepily.

“A female,” observed Natural Selection, sporting a lecherous grin while he watched her plume unfurl to fullness amidst dainty little flaps, the shiny dark green feathers preened to perfection. “Have you brought the wench here to service us~?”

“You really outta lay off the misogyny, partner,” grunted Quicksilver, his gaze narrowing. “There’s something off about this one. I can feel it…”

The avian swiveled to her talons and fluttered her lashes. “Right you are, old man.” She used a claw to slit her breast open, which drooled bright blue blood. The griffoness peeled flesh aside to expose clockwork mechanisms that whirred within. “I doubt any of you lot have seen science like this? I’ve been told my world is most unusual. You may call me Penny Dreadful, by-the-by.”

Triad stared at the open wound. “Most unusual indeed! A blend of old and new craftsmanship. What a paradoxical creature you are!”

She bent before her casket and withdrew a parasol. Gingerly she stroked its length, and a swish sounded when a hidden blade sprung out, which glimmered in the faint moonlight. “Ahh~! I can’t wait to test this,” she murmured giddily, stroking the flat side with a dainty flutter.

“For a wind-up doll, she’s quite psychotic,” whispered Quicksilver, who noticedshe sat with a crazed gleam in her eyes and a wicked smile.

“Lunacy can be a sign of insight,” muttered Natural, whose harsh features softened a tad. In his tribe, the insane communed with the spirits, able to pierce the veil between life and death. So he had no choice but to afford her some respect.

“Don’t take it easy on me,” said Penny, who slipped into a small top hat and old-fashioned dress with a wiggle. “I, too, am a hunter! Or huntress, to be exact.” She winked and twirled her umbrella, like him determined to prove she was worthy of their master’s boon. “Let’s dance~!” She cackled and took a wild swipe at him, which he barely evaded, his spear raised with a grin.

“How childish,” tutted Quicksilver, shaking his head. From what the master told him, his life wasn’t the only life his daughter ruined. And if he were to obey, the once-proud cryptozoologist would be reunited with the love of his life. The lovely Quiver Bolt; her soul lost somewhere in the ether after her suicide. Sometimes, he dreamt of her and felt alive all too briefly. To have her back, he endured. His snout pursed in a line before turning to the high-tech assassin. “Shall we?”

“Let’s. These bodies won’t break easily. You can’t kill what’s already dead,” mused Triad, his mny-folded blade raised to meet him.

A duel broke out between the four hunters, who would soon learn whatever wounds they inflicted were quickly mended, the blackness that filled them congealing over the holes. And anything worse could be slept off in the coffins, which at their mental command served more cold, inky blackness that entombed them when they slept.

Would their benefactor return with more allies? Until Mortis returned, all they could do was train. Surrounded by the comfort of the dead in the middle of nowhere, people who never would have met under normal circumstances were now left uncertain as to what their future held...

An Interlude IV (Nearly everyone?)

After what felt like days, Beatrix Belladonna finally returned to the manor with her latest recruits in tow. The clockwork world she encountered had been one of the more unique visits. Likewise, the couple she befriended there proved equally eccentric. “Welcome to my humble abode! Well, technically, it's Bellatrix's. But still! Feel free to make yourselves at home!”

“Hmm. Not at all what I imagined,” observed the first of the pair. A woman named Esmerelda, who from the moment she stepped into this dimension had become a white-furred thestral. Garbed in a silky white dress, a pair of braided pink twin tails swept behind her lithe form. “But it’s quite lovely nonetheless!”

Her equally posh lover stood tall and voluptuous. Camellia was shrouded in a black transparent gown, becoming a deathly pale thestral on arrival here. A cascade of silky black hair trailed behind her. Pallid features were adorned by crimson eyes, most of her face hidden behind a porcelain mask with scarlet teardrops that ran down her cheeks. She drew her lips into a line. “Reminds me of one of our previous mansions. We called it the 'Womb of Conception' of our time.”

Beatrix shrugged. “Ehh! We never bothered with a name. Although we've redecorated it plenty of times!” She brandished an arm towards the murals on display that offered fleeting looks into her various adventures.

The couple wandered about the foyer, where Ebony Ivory had taken a seat near the hearth that lit her striped skin. Across from her, Lady Ewe warmed her hands at the stoked fire, thankful to be back somewhere familiar.

“It's quite unusual tae not have th’ twins greet us immediately,” noted Oona, her palms raised by the fire. A warm glow enveloped her while it crackled. “Ah take it they must be swamped.”

“We can head in further once everyone's ready,” said Ebony, who smiled at her.

There was a click of heels when two crystal maids made their appearance, their uniforms hastily stuffed back on. The pair bowed in unison, greeting with, “Welcome! Forgive our tardiness! Our names are-”

“Foal-Bearer and Wet Nurse,” replied Camellia, who studied them. “Beatrix Belladonna has told us much about you.”

“You’re even more appetizing than described! Quite the delectable pair of treats~!” Esmerelda licked her lips in open approval.

“I’m sure there'll be plenty of room for ‘dessert’ after we see what Moxxi’s got planned,” said Beatrix, who practically skipped about, not wanting to keep everyone waiting a moment longer. She took her lover's hand and headed towards the back since she noted the twins left the pool room, their manes and fur mildly wet.

Pretty soon, everybody settled into the spacious chamber, where the translucent waters cast a tender, almost eerie luminescence across the walls. The soft glow was cast across their bodies, most of those present already in various swimsuits, trunks, and bikinis, a volleyball net spread across the center of the pool.

Beatrix transmuted her costume into a sling piece with a hand wave, her heels, gloves, and hat banished. She slid into the waters with a coo while the twins offered a wide selection of swimwear to their guests, who ranged from conservative to scandalous. The new arrivals picked out their pieces.

“Alright, people!” Wispy Willow yelled. “Time to choose sides! We need to form a couple of teams!” Kitsune naturally chose to stay by her sister, while everyone took a moment to make their selection.

“Dae bear in mind that this is a friendly contest,” Oona reminded, knowing her brother could get competitive.

“Oh, relax!” Bellowed Dion, his scarred chest proudly on display. “Nothin’ wrong wit some lighthearted banter tae rile up each other!”

“We'll need team leaders, won't we?” Midnight beamed wide. This took him back to some of the military games the cadets partook in!

There was a moment taken to confer, whereupon Beatrix studied the potential players. She relaxed in the waters and did a headcount; Oona, Dion, Midnight, Moonlight, Cerise, Wispy, Kitsune, Foal-Bearer, Wet Nurse, Esmerelda, Camellia, Moxxi, Ebony Ivory, Bellatrix, and of course, herself.

“Oh, I won’t be participating,” announced Bellatrix, who sat on the pool's side, fully naked when she dipped her clawed feet into the waters and swished. “I’ll act as referee. That should help even things out.”

“Pft! Sounds more loike an excuse, ya lazy bum,” taunted Moxxi, who smirked at her. “Afraid I’ll wipe the Rory wif ya in volleyball~?”

“Call it what you like. I see no reason for me to play,” the succubus answered with a dismissive wave aside. “Sister, you should lead your team. You'll need the experience on further adventures, I'm sure.” The witch offered a reluctant nod; Oona, Dion, Midnight, Moonlight, and Cerise quickly sided with her in the game to come.

“Then I will lead the other team,” decided Ebony Ivory, who was used to her own hunts in the wilds, and had trained many warriors.

“Hmmm. Still a bit uneven,” noted Moxxi before popping over onto Beatrix's side. “There we go~!”

“No funny business, Imp,” warned Wispy, who formed a harmless plasma ball atop her palm. “Mind if I go first? I’ve got a wicked serve that’ll knock the bikini right off of your sweet asses~!” The tigress teased with a toothy grin.

“Just don’t be surprised when Ah send it back tae ye, pussy cat,” laughed Dion, who pounded his barrel chest with his fist.

Everyone took their positions. Bellatrix sounded a whistle, and Wispy spiked the orangey ball. Dion intercepted and returned the attack, while Bellatrix reminded them that magic or flight was forbidden; everyone would have to rely on their natural abilities to succeed. The aglow sphere sailed back and forth, batted between them.

Dion realized his side was clumsier in comparison to many of the veterans that opposed them. His sister and Beatrix were usually reliant on their spells, while the rest of them were talented amateurs, at best. Midnight and Moonlight were mostly used to airborne skirmishes, while Cerise could hardly pass as a natural fighter.

By contrast, Kitsune held back, aware she had a significant advantage due to her alterations. On the other hand, her sister went all-out, as did most of her team, with the twins clearly the least skilled of them, more primed for domestic duties.
The burly ram would have to whip his beautiful lovers into better shape sometime later!

“Point,” stated Bellatrix when Ebony Ivory scored first. The sphere fizzled out with a splash.

“Agh, dammit!” Cried Moxxi. “I’m too short for this. Maybe I outta Scapa Fla aw out-”

“Ah-ah! No abilities,” the she-devil insisted firmly. “That includes transformations of any sort.”

The imp responded by sticking her tongue out at Bellatrix before forming a huddle to confer with her teammates.

“They're unbelievably fast,” admitted Cerise, who, despite her nimbleness, struggled to keep pace with their enhanced opponents. “I hate to say it, but we're extremely outclassed here! We need a sound strategy if we wanna win!”

“Maybe we should treat this as a chess game,” offered Midnight, who cocked an eyebrow when he embraced his wife into his fluffy plume.

“Or you could hit them with a blitz attack,” added Moonlight as she squeezed her herd mates close.

“I'm sorry, but wot does chess 'ave ter do wif 'ittin’ a bloody ball?” Berated Moxxi, a hand on her hip.

“We need tae take this more seriously, laddies and lasses,” said Dion, who met Wispy's teasing stare with his own.

“I am serious,” assured Moonlight.

“Don’t get yerself worked up, brother,” Oona snipped. “It’s only th' first match!”

“A match Ah don’t intend tae lose!”

Moonlight groaned. “Ugh! If only we could use our wings! They're natural parts of us-!”

"Some of us," noted Cerise who had maintained her thestral form to the point where it felt natural. To think she was once an earth mare!

A light bulb lit up inside the blue pegasus's head. “Ooh! Let me serve. I’ve got an idea!”

Wispy tossed the ball over to Midnight, who flexed his expansive wingspan, ready to bat back whatever sailed their way. When their turn came, he used his expansive plume to serve and spike the ethereal ball which sailed and left a shiny trail across the air; whereupon Kitsune leaped to intercept it, much to his sheepish chagrin.

“Fuckin' ninja,” the imp growled as the sphere raced between both sides back-and-forth. Each time a team scored, Bellatrix scorched the air with another fiery pillar on each side, until she finally decided to call the match. Cheers erupted from Ebony's team, while the losing side did as promised and removed their swimsuits, letting the victors eye their immaculate nude bodies.

“Awfurfuxakes…” Grumbled Dion, who slapped the pool water.

“Told you I had a killer curveball,” Wispy said with a sultry swerve of her hips. She licked her chops as she took a moment to admire the scars on his chiseled musculature; cat eyes lit up in satisfaction. “Better luck next time, big guy~!”

“It’s only a game,” reminded Ebony, who approached and offered her hand. “Good match!”

With a low sigh, Dion managed a smile and firmly shook. “Aye. Looks like Ah need to whip mah team intae shape.” He turned to study them, determined to draw out their hidden potential.

By this point, Bellatrix had banished the flames until the next match. She lazed from her vantage over the pool, where the imp appeared in a poof by her side, still wearing her one suit. “C’mon, Bella! Lighten up on the restrictions. Let me cut loose wif me full form! Ya kna you’re dyin' ter see me stretch this tiny bikini~” She tugged at her top until it snapped back into place, providing an eyeful jiggle of her breasts.

This earned a giggle from the red-skinned demoness. “If I did, no one would want to play the game. And we're treating this more as an exercise of leadership.” Bellatrix glanced over to Beatrix’s team, who were conversing about a better strategy. “Your team is made up of skilled yet clumsy players,” she noted. “Of course, most of them aren't natural warriors, whereas Midnight and Moonlight are still young and lack much in the way of real field experience.” Her attention turned to Ebony's far more disciplined team, many of whom reveled in their victory. “Still, I wouldn't bet all my horses on Ebony’s team yet. Pride could easily undo them.”

“Oh, ya can count on that! I’ve got a few tricks up me sleeve,” replied Moxxi before snapping her fingers to remove her swimsuit.

“No cheating,” chided Bellatrix before patting the imp's head. “For the moment, Dion has been the one carrying the team. Midnight and Moonlight may be talented, but their skills are nonetheless untempered. Besides, after these bouts are over, we still need to heal the manor's wounds...”

“Not a problem.” Moxxi snickered, well aware that to replenish the eldritch beast, they would have to draw on the sexual releases of everyone present. Her eyes traced over all the beautiful people here, many of whom were pent up.

A short rest later and the next match was called. Esmerelda and Camellia, who had been watching from their table, rose to take a stroll around the translucent pool. The twins, who had served them tea, bowed and followed close behind. Cerise, Midnight, and Moonlight stretched, determined to limber up and prove to Dion they weren’t liabilities. Both teams retook their places.

“I'll take the next shot,” proclaimed Moxxi, who accepted a newly built ball of raw plasma. Water splashed when she shot up and spiked the ball with a hard thwack of her tail.

“Whoa,” cried Wispy when her side failed to intercept it. “Damn it!”

“Nice serve,” observed Esmerelda in her posh voice. “But can you keep that momentum?”

“Oh, I highly doubt that,” answered Camellia in a clipped manner, her lips drawn in a thin line.

“That’s the attitude that befell most of my enemies,” Beatrix shot back with a cocky grin.

It wouldn’t be the first time she had to disprove her doubters!

Guided by Dion's instructions, Beatrix's team strove to catch up over the hour. Points were scored by each side, announced by another fiery plume Bellatrix summoned to mark the occasion. Pretty soon, Beatrix's team panted, pushed to the brink while the score ended up neck-in-neck.

“A tie,” observed Kitsune, thoughtfully studying the fires. “The next point decides it.”

“So luck swayed over to their corner,” said Wispy, who crossed her arms and pouted. “Big deal!”

Ebony shook her head. “No, we were complacent. It’s because of that they've closed the gap in such a short time.” She smiled warmly at their opponents, unable to deny the pride that lit her features. “In my tribe, competition is a healthy part of our sports. It's how we warriors help push each other past our limits to empower the tribe.”

“Doesn’t mean they’re not amateurs,” scoffed Camellia, who dismissively shook her head.

“Let's not let them embarrass us any further!” Said Esmerelda, who curled the corner of her lip.

“Allow me,” said Kitsune, who took the orb. She narrowed her eyes in focus, sailed up, and spiked the ball, which left her nine tails to flutter behind her. The plasma resembled a shooting star which left a fiery but thankfully harmless trail behind it, batted back by the muscled chest of Dion, who thrust back. Back-and-forth the ball sailed, roundhouse kicked by Cerise with elated cheer.

“Now that’s a pass,” Dion whistled. “Good stuff, lassie!”

“Thanks,” Cerise beamed and huffed. “Win or lose, I'm having a blast!”

“Same here,” said her husband when he and their herd mate stayed close to the princess. When Midnight and Moonlight trained under commander Shining Armor, they often weren't allowed to fly and, in some cases, were forced to maneuver under a labyrinthine maze of tunnels that resembled the hive of their enemies.

“Man, this sucks!” Whined Beatrix, who pushed down all her instincts to use her spells, lest she missed the point of this. Lady Ewe similarly huffed at her side as they strained to keep pace.

“At least under the manor's influence, we were forced to work out,” said Wet Nurse between breaths. “Otherwise, there's no way we'd be able to keep up! It doesn't help that our boobs keep getting in the way…” She tugged on her top.

“I'm sure Sir Dion is, at least, enjoying the show~,” tittered Foal-Bearer, thankful they were allowed to finally relax. Glistening tits and buttocks bounced and wobbled under their movements, droplets of water left to drip down the supple curves of the women and the chiseled musculature of the men who strained to keep up.

Finally, the imp threw her entire body into a rebound, and their ball struck home. “Ye've done it!” Exclaimed Oona when their team erupted into a cheer, and Bellatrix called the match. Moxxi blew a kiss and winked at her opponents.

“Gagh! Looks like we really did get carried away,” admitted Wispy, who grumbled while peeling off her swimwear. The rest of her team reluctantly followed until they stripped down completely.

“It was a close game! Could have gone either way, honestly,” said Beatrix, who exhaled her relief.

“All that matters is the result,” observed Camellia, who dismissed her with a hand wave.

Cerise looked between both teams. “How about a tie-breaker? Just for fun?” After a moment, both sides nodded, a brief moment taken to recover as Beatrix's side basked in their short-lived victory.

While they readied themselves for the next round, Beatrix was reminded this was more than a mere game. No, this too was a training session, an exercise to help strengthen their teamwork and leadership skills, which she seriously lacked.

Yet she might need all of them on her adventures someday. And so, like Oona and Dion often told her, she couldn't afford to simply laze about.

She turned up to Bellatrix, who cast back a mild smile and short nod. A reminder that she could always return home, and that the she-devil would dutifully take care of matters in her absence.

As a bonus, their opponents were nice eye candy, especially with their swimwear now cast aside!

An audible crack on her backside made her hop up, where she met Dion's cheeky smirk. Another reminder that she couldn't afford to let her guard down, either! Especially since she knew old adversaries like Zeloph, Varys, and Shadow Scythe were still out there, somewhere!

The mansion's wound remained a constant reminder of what the reaper had done, and that a clash between them seemed inevitable...

Epilogue

Moxxi was practically bouncing off the walls with how excitement. The time had finally arrived to start the party to end all parties! Or at least the best she could manage, with the mansion's limited inhabitants. As such, she directed everyone below to the wound in the wall, which had been festering long since Shadow Scythe made her escape.

"Gotta be close in proximity for wot I 'ave in Chinese Blind," she explained with a coy wink.

The imp's magenta eyes trailed over everyone present. There was still a bit of hesitation in some of their eyes. Nothing a few love taps and some aphrodisiac smoke couldn't fix by stirring up their libidos. Everyone started to pair up within moments, with Midnight, Cerise, and Moonlight huddled close together. Likewise, the twins draped on Dion while Oona took Beatrix's hand.

Lastly came Esmeralda and Camellia, the elusive lesbian couple adorned by luxurious dresses that would soon be discarded. "Sex lacks a certain touch with a bit of blood," said Esmeralda in her posh voice between titters. "But since I doubt anyone here has a hymen to break-"

The porcelain-masked Camellia at her side answered, "You are mine, love," her pallid hand fiercely cupped around her lover's chin as she pressed her fellow thestral into a kiss. She surrendered to the taller woman's mouth, their tongues intertwined within their snouts.

"I'm...not sure I've ever done this before," reminded Kitsune. She and her sister's pasts were a blur, their memories before their indoctrination wiped by their syndicate controllers.

Wispy Willow wrapped her twin nekomata tails around Moxxi's venus flytrap and said, "You won't know until you try, sis! Maybe you'll love it! I know I sure as hell will~!"

The vixen shook her head. "I barely feel any...physical pleasure, so I doubt I'll be of much use here. However, I want to help heal the manor's rift, if I may. To that end, make use of me." She undid her clothes and let them pool at her clawed feet, then undid her bra and stepped out of her panties. She carried herself with a certain elegance that had a subtle sensuality.

"What you need is a partner," suggested the nekomata. "Has to be someone who wants a turn..."

"Allow me," said Ebony Ivory as the zebra huntress discarded her own clothes on her approach.

"Aww," pouted Wispy. "That doesn't mean I want to be left out!"

"C'mere, pussywillows~!" Moxxi chimed in as she pounced on the tigress with a laugh. Around them, the wounded wall throbbed and shimmered while it started to draw in more of the lustful releases. Gradually, it resealed itself thanks to the lusty demon's help while Bellatrix observed the scenario. "Never took ya for a cuckquean," teased the imp to the denuded succubus. "Ya gonna keep spectatin' loike a layman, or ya gonna be part of the sha, lov?"

"Pft! Hardly," replied Bellatrix. "I simply want to be certain this doesn't spiral out of control." She'd seen the imp's work firsthand and worried they could tear the manor apart.

"L take," the imp chirped. "Posh n Becks feels better when everythin' goes topsy turvy~!"

Yet more clothes were removed and tossed aside into piles. A glow from the wall hole brightened, skin aglow as holes were filled, and the slap of flesh-on-flesh echoed throughout. The pink miasma suffused the atmosphere, their eyes hazy when they breathed it in.

Soon, moans filled the air, the lovers in a trance-like state. They swam through an erotic dream induced by the imp's smoke, lost in the pleasures of the flesh. Unable to sate herself directly, lest she lose sublimation, Bellatrix instead explored herself with the spade of her tail. She dragged it across her inflamed pussy lips, which left a slick trail that dripped from her needy slit.

Her memories returned to a dream where she mated with the Fallen One, Zeloph, and she ran her palms across her heavy breasts. She tweaked her perky nipples with a subdued shudder.

She took them all in. Dion was sandwiched between the twins, where Foal-Bearer straddled his face and Wet Nurse his hips. A similar scenario played out with Midnight, as Moonlight sat on his snout, eaten out while Cerise cheerily rode the insatiable hyper-stallion. A soft coo arose from Kitsune whenever Ebony felt her up, kissed her, and tenderly masturbated her. This contrasted Moxxi and Wispy, who wildly went all-out as the pair scissored their partner.

Oona pressed Beatrix to a wall as their snouts met in a wet pop. Their breasts mashed, hands left to wander carelessly, where time ceased to carry meaning. All they had was the moment, which stretched out for carefree hours as the released energies healed the wound, the interior an endless chorus of moans and wet slaps.

Gradually, the fissure started to close over, like a scab that hardened. Groans escaped the manor walls, thankful for the relief from pain, which Bellatrix felt when her clawed hand stroked over her heart. "It's working," mused Esmeralda as she devoured her partner's bulbous, pale breasts, the veins visible beneath the masked vampire's milky tits, topped by wide, soft pink areola.

"Indeed," crooned Camellia, like her lover nude, save for her teardrop-marked mask. "Our lovely old home. The Womb of Conception, where our sire Dhullex Faustus was once housed, and we battled villains like Penny Dreadful and Professor Kilroy." She ran her smooth palms over her petite lover's supine body while they ruminated.

"Almost...there," hissed Bellatrix between clenched teeth as she stroked herself faster. Wet squelches filled the air. Her tail perked, her clawed toes curled as she moaned and hissed.

Moxxi took this moment to snap with her claws. Everyone climaxed at once.

Cum exploded across well-bred mares, which squirted over their lovers, slapped by rope after rope of thick, viscous seed that painted them from head to toe. Shrieks of ecstasy echoed about, bodies shaken while everybody was forced to ride out their releases to exhaustion.

Beatrix strained to catch her breath and huffed, "What a wild ride! Thanks, Moxxi!"

Oona's ear twitched at the suctioning sound as the manor's wound had wholly scabbed over. "Ahh, good. Not a single tear is visible. What a relief!"

Kitsune panted and whispered, "I came a little. It's probably the best I can hope for."

"Told you," said Wispy with a smirk, her striped fur matted as she heaved. "So, what now?"

"Guess this means we can all return home," surmised Ebony as everyone collected themselves. "My tribe must miss me."

"I'm not sure we're ready," confessed Kitsune between heated breaths, her nine fox tails fluffed up. "I need time to think. And recover."

"You're all free to stay," assured Bellatrix. "Think of this as your home away from home." As much as she preferred solitude, the succubus felt comforted to know people were nearby.

There were scabs over the wound Shadow Scythe once made, proof it would fully recover in time, albeit with a scar left behind. Groans of appreciation rose from the beast's belly.

Eventually, everyone bathed and started to return to their rooms. Bellatrix rubbed her heart and felt a certain wholeness, a reminder that she and the mansion were practically one entity while fused.

The eldritch abomination was her home, and she was sworn to help feed and protect it. With a bemused smile, she vanished into the darkness.

Author's Note

I'm sorry this short epilogue took forever, my collab partner and I have been busy with various Lightendark projects like these! Thank you to everyone that read this!

Chapter 5 : Desert of Death Act III (Ashen Dunes, Cerise Silhouette, White Shadow Penumbra, Midnight Blitzer, Moonlight River, Somnambula, Stygian, Lily Longsocks)

The procession closed on the border. Night had fallen, and with it came the moon and stars. In contrast to the scorching day, cool settled over the land with the darkness. General White Shadow Penumbra and Lieutenant Lily Longsocks stepped out along the road, climbed the stairs, and overlooked the vast deserts that stretched below, flanked by guards who patrolled the walls.

As expected, the giant scorpions made themselves visible in the dark. Dozens of them climbed the dunes, kicked up sand in their search for prey—empty shells of their cannibalized own left half-buried in the sandy sea.

“Scary,” said Moonlight, who squatted down and perched like a gargoyle at the side.

Midnight gulped, his brow furrowed. “We've really got to fight all those...?”

“Just the stragglers,” explained Penumbra, who surveyed the monsters that attempted to climb the walls, unable to reach their height no matter how many times they leaped. “Though this would be a lot easier if we had some spell casters.”

Ballistas that decorated the barricades were trained below. The patrol made confident they were in working order, loaded up with ammo, with plenty left in reserve. Lily waved and shouted, “Everyone, in position! Wait for a signal!”

Cerise swallowed hard and traced the machine. “I-I've never fired one of these...”

“Here, let me help,” offered Midnight, who clasped her from behind to help direct her. “Reminds me of how we dealt with the changeling using fireworks! One clear shot and… Boom!” Cerise giggled at the thought, playfully wiggling her ample rump against his groin.

“Hey, lovebirds,” called Moonlight who whistled, her own ballista armed to launch its massive arrows. “We can’t have any distractions!”

Penumbra swiped his white saber; an arc momentarily left that split the darkness. Everyone fired at once. A hail of arrows rained down on the creatures, who squealed when the missiles punched through carapaces and exoskeletons in gushers of discolored blood and toxins.

Again and again, they fired; many beasts fell, replaced by more who surfaced in clouds of sand.

“Hey, this is kinda fun!” Cerise exclaimed as more of her bolts struck true. Her mane whipped behind her; her sensual figure pressed back into Midnight, whose hands rested atop her own each time the trigger was pulled. Fresh ammo was loaded into the mechanisms as the troops who didn't man one rushed atop the wall. A couple of hours passed before the last projectile was spent.

Corpses lined the sand ocean below, some stacked upon each other, many impaled by countless skewers. Yet despite the risks, their work wasn't done. Penumbra knew if they stopped now, the abominations would wildly breed out of control, and more would surely make their way into the capital!

Gears rotated and creaked once a portion of the wall started to lower. Everyone waited, tense.

“This is the most dangerous part,” Penumbra warned his sister. “Remember, stay in reserve.”

“Of course,” pouted Cerise whose shoulders slumped. She mumbled her hopes about proving her worth that made his heart ache.

Penumbra and Lily led their own factions into the devil's den to further thin the herd. Again, they were backed by what few casters were on hand. Still, unfortunately, most unicorns like pegasi were almost wiped out by the Eldritch, and they struggled to replenish their numbers, even after over a couple of decades had passed. Thus their magic punch proved lackluster.

The one upside was that more people had learned to weave spells without the aid of a horn. While their talent was often lacking in comparison, together, the amateur magicians were able to wield a variety of basic magic to protect their allies and harm their enemies.

“Maybe I should learn magic,” considered Midnight who kicked off skyward alongside the fliers. "Could be fun, not to mention useful!"

“That could take years of study,” reminded Moonlight, who shook her head while they scoured the battlefield. Cerise flew information with them behind Penumbra, and a number of his soldiers headed towards a mouth-like cavern, where some of the armored scorpions had emerged. Each of them was loaded down with grenades that could be tossed into the pits.

“Go boom!” Called Midnight who tossed an explosive into the hole. He and his lovers covered their ears, met by a fiery explosion that sent shock waves through the air, smoke rising in pillars from fires that licked the night sky.

Moonlight laughed and did a little twirl while she tossed her own at another fissure. “Whee~!”

Laughing with them, Cerise dove and hurled her own. Another boom struck. Driven from their homes, scorpions started to scamper to the surface in droves. Penumbra's white blade seared the head off one that closed in, zipped back from the splash, and waved for his followers to keep their distance. He spotted his wife in the distance, who assailed a crater more arose from.

Moonlight cupped a grenade and asked, “Has anyone ever ventured into their nests before?”

“A few have,” answered Penumbra grimly. “None have ever returned. I doubt the Dragon Lord himself could survive it.”

The earth started to quake. Sand began to fall in, like the mouth of some behemoth had opened, and whipped up a dusty storm. The land below threatened to collapse entirely on itself. Part of the wall crumbled into slabs of stone.

Within seconds the wasteland roared open like the mouth of hell. Swarms of scorpions that numbered in the hundreds started to pour out into the open. The commanders ordered a desperate retreat, more explosives tossed down, which blew up several and stirred up the rest.

Penumbra had never seen anything like this. The monsters started to swarm the barricade and scampered down the roads. “We have to stop them here! We can't let them anywhere near the capital!” He swooped in, rune blade at the ready.

However, it was clear that their army would be overwhelmed. The snap of pincers filled his ears. The foul stink of venomous clouds filled the atmosphere, heavy with discolored blotches that trailed along and threatened to consume his allies. Screams and shouts broke out everywhere.

Penumbra closed his eyes, wondering if he had finally led the ones he loved to their doom.

*****

A unicorn approached the cataclysm, standing at the forefront of a zeppelin. Its shadow started to cross over the perimeter, its bulk lined in sleek armor and painted in various wild colors.

“Bombs away,” he ordered over a communicator, and its payload was dumped on the hordes of scorpions, aim carefully taken to make sure no bystanders would be hit in the assault.

A barrage of hellish explosions rippled throughout repeatedly and lit the darkness. Gray smoke rose, and an inferno raged. The scorpions thrashed and hissed when they cooked within their shells, scorched black while they bubbled and melted, thrashed and blackened.

Cerise flew up, followed by her lovers, and touched down on the deck. “Brother, is that you?”

“Ahah, Sister! Long time no see!” Called back the wiry unicorn who dashed in her direction, dressed in a rainbow of colored silks and scarves. Golden curls trailed after him, contrasting a gray coat that matched his namesake.

Ashen Dunes threw his arms around the charcoal mare, scooped her up, and swung her around as he laughed. “It’s been too long since I've been able to hold my dear, baby sister.”

“H-hey! I’m older than you!” Cerise recalled playfully with a giggle and hugged him back.

“Ah! And this must be your husband. I’ve been eager to meet him,” Ashen said, offering his hand to the blue pegasus after putting her down.

Midnight smiled when he shook it. “Nice to meet you! You're so different from your siblings!”

“I don't know,” said Moonlight, who broadly grinned when Ashen kissed her hand. “He's pretty cheerful, just like Cerise!”

“Wish we could catch up more,” said Ashen, who turned serious. “But first, we must deal with the situation at hand.” He returned to the wheel, steered the ship, and commanded more bombs to be dropped onto the wastelands.

Cannons fired from the sides, manned by his crew. A gasp of surprise came from Cerise, who spotted another pair of familiar faces near the back, ready to rush into battle. “Somnambula! Stygian!? How did you end up here?”

“We were picked up on the way,” explained the priestess who curtsied respectfully to the princess. Somnambula was dressed in a wrapped top, a wrap that left one leg bare, sandals, and gold bands wrapped around her arms and ankles. A turquoise mane was visible beneath her headdress, an ankh on her breast. “It is an honor to serve your family once more, princess.”

Stygian bowed his head; a heavy tome tucked protectively under one of his arms.

Midnight blinked a few times. “Say, isn't that...?”

“The Necronomicon, yes.” The soft-spoken scholar presented the grimoire, its cover lined in dried flesh and the twisted faces of the Eldritch, their souls forever trapped inside its damned pages. Unlike his companion, he wore simple, drab robes, his hood drawn back. “We dare not call on its dark powers, but I do study it, on occasion. We have been seeking a place to-”

“We must save it,” said Somnambula, who touched his arm. He nodded back, their faces drawn in determination. She scooped up more explosives of her own, these enchanted by her partner to multiply their explosive potential many times over, and placed them in a satchel.

“I'm not a warrior like her,” confessed Stygian, who watched in wonder when she sailed into battle. “But I do what I can to aid her!” His horn flared up; bombs wrapped up in his aura, which he tossed into the burning war zone below.

“I'll steer us closer,” said Ashen, who turned the wheel. “Worry not; I'll be careful!” He chuckled, and the airship closed the distance. “Now go get them, you crazy kids!” He winked and smiled back at the fliers, who shot off in tandem.

Supported from the air, more scorpions were either slain or driven back underground over the next couple of hours. The wounded were taken aboard, and his medics immediately tended to them. By the time it was over, there were nearly a hundred casualties on their side...yet Ashen knew that had he not hurried to aid them, his siblings would have been lost to him, too.

This time Penumbra carried Lily's limp body in his arms when he landed. “Please, tell me you'll be okay. I...I can't live without you.” He trembled and held her unconscious body to him, his wife caught in the thick of it to protect her troops.

“Oof! That's quite the nasty wound,” noted Ashen, spotting the sting mark that swelled up on her breast. “You’ll need to suck out the poison!”

“Right,” he replied and trembled when he reached for his curved knife. “Forgive me, my love.” Carefully he cut open the tumor-like mass of swelled up flesh, watched her wince and moan, the rent oozing out the toxins. Unlike him, she had been hit directly, and he pressed his nuzzle to the wound, sucked up, and spat out the bitter venom, aware her chances were slim.

Was this what it was like when Inky Rose had to slice poor, premature Cerise from Pacific Glow's uterus in order to save her...?

Ashen handed the wheel to Stygian and wandered over. “Brother, my ship is well-stocked with the most advanced medicines in the world. But, if necessary, I will work a miracle!” He patted his shoulder and ordered his men by the communicator to fetch more supplies. The deck was a flurry of activity, moans heard from the wounded who were placed upon blankets.

Cerise frowned and clutched her upper arms. “Poor Lily! Thanks for your help! But since when did you have an airship?”

“A while back.” Ashen batted his lashes with a sly grin. “Believe it or not, I won it in a bet! Well, that and a favor. I'll have to look up at the stallion sometime...” He wistfully lost himself in thought, then clapped his hands. “Ah, here they are!”

“A miracle balm,” said Somnambula. “If this cannot save her, nothing in this world will.”

Penumbra applied the balm on his fingers and carefully applied it to Lily's bosom. She whined, pallid skin and fur dotted in perspiration, no doubt haunted by nightmares of her own. At the moment, he assumed her chances were fifty-fifty.

“I will stay in the area, for now, to make certain the scorpions can't invade,” offered Ashen, who raised a hand to his chest, his nails decorated and his fingers lined in different rings. “I, too, am royalty, after all. We are duty-bound!”

“Please do,” pleaded Penumbra, who watched over his wife, his shoulders and plume limp.

Ashen nodded. “In the meantime, make yourselves at home! I will send refreshments.”

An uneasy peace slowly settled over the ship. Despite the losses, they had escaped from the brink of disaster. Delicacies and fine wine were served to everyone present; Ashen determined to make sure everyone was comfortable.

He also offered them the guest cabins below, confident that everyone could use the rest and recreation after a hard-won battle...

*****

Returning to their cabin, Somnambula watched her traveling companion place the black tome on a desk. They had scoured deeper into the world, determined to find a safe spot to bury the accursed Necronomicon once-and-for-all.

But their time shared between old friends had slowly transitioned into something neither could have expected, despite their loneliness.

She caressed his cheek. “You seem troubled.”

“Perhaps a little. That recent eclipse? It's like someone tapped into the book's power remotely,” sighed Stygian who tapped the cover.

“You think the princess is responsible? I thought the same. The darkness that taints her soul has likely mutated. Who knows how much further she shall develop?” The couple considered it while she casually removed her clothes.

He blushed and politely looked away, despite how many times both had seen each other naked by now. Not to mention how much further they'd taken their relationship. Then, finally, she strolled fully nude to meet him with a playful swish of her wide hips. Gently she cupped his chin and lifted it, directed him so that his eyes slowly panned up to her entire body, and cast him a soft smile.

“I-I'm not worthy of you,” he mumbled when she dragged his robes over his head.

“Nonsense!” She pressed an index finger over his lips. “You are kind, loyal, and most importantly, highly intelligent. So what if others cannot see your true beauty? You are handsome to me~!” She kissed her lover, also stripped to show his lean body, a warm, supple body mashed to him.

Like usual, she took the lead. Her wings blossomed out, and she settled down onto him, moaning loudly when she impaled herself on him. She believed the spirits had blessed them with flesh to enjoy themselves, to celebrate life. Her heavy breasts swayed, his palms lifted to rest upon them. Gradually her hips shifted, her plumage fluttering as she worked his shaft over.

Already wet with anticipation, she took it slow for her inexperienced lover, who awkwardly fumbled when he tried to please her. Fortunately, she was content to be intimate with someone she cared about. A stallion entirely focused on her, with whom she could share tales of old with.

They were ponies out of time, neither able to quite adjust to a world that continued to change around them. Each anchored the other.

“I want to do better for you,” he admitted. Then, rising, he decided to try and take control for once, since she usually did most of the work, the priestess placed on her side, and one of her legs lifted once he started to skewer her sideways.

“Ooh~! Yes, Stygian! Right there,” she murmured as his flare scraped against her spongy g-spot from this angle. Her plume fluttered more; her palm rested on his lithe chest, while he cupped her ample bottom and one of her breasts each time he hammered into her.

For the first time, she came before him, usually forced to finish when he went down on her, or by an intense masturbatory session. She cried out and came all over his loins, milked the cock buried in her pussy, until he gasped and emptied himself into her, their cries of ecstasy shared.

“I love you,” he yelled and trembled, ropes of his seed splashed into her womb. She twisted back to kiss him, wrapped her wings around him, while they started to come down from their climax. Yet no sooner did they finish when a knock sounded.

“Just a moment,” she called and popped him free of her. A hand wave worked a simple spell that removed any evidence of their union, not that it bothered her. She opened the door a crack and peeked out. “Princess? We have expected you.”

Cerise was pulled inside by the priestess and blushed when she stumbled in, the door closed behind her. “Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all,” she answered as the scholar sheepishly clutched his robes. “We have seen each other naked many times, after all. I remember the days when I served your father and would routinely bathe alongside you. I often miss those times. But I know the reason you came.” Her plush posterior swayed when she walked away and bent over to collect the tome.

“Yeah. I hoped you two could tell me more about my powers,” said Cerise, who politely looked away while Stygian dressed.

“Unfortunately, we cannot tell you much. We have researched the phenomenon quite a bit.” She opened the ghastly cover and turned the tattered, infinite pages, supernaturally collapsed into a small space. “Princess, your dark power may have infinite potential to mutate.”

“Infinite...?” Her eyes widened.

“I know not for certain. But your father is the foremost expert on the dark arts, and his potential only multiplied once he and the Pony of Shadows became one entity. Princess, I know it is much to ask, but will you demonstrate your power for us? I wish to study it.”

She shivered. “I could try, but...it will put you in a trance. Maybe if I keep my costume on-”

“No. I want to see the full extent of your powers,” replied the priestess who took her slender hands. “We can take a precaution that may be able to nullify the trance's effects. Stygian, whenever you are ready to perform the ritual we discussed?”

“Y-yes, ma’am!” The scholar fetched the potions his lover had prepared, shook them, and opened the tops. A misty perfume filled the interior. Given a moment to settle, he explained, “This should keep us lucid as you…ahem! ‘Work’.”

Cerise nodded happily and took a step back. The lamp was snuffed out to dim the room. Gradually she began the sensuous dance, lost in her own world once her eyes closed, and a playful smile spread across her attractive, innocent features.

First, Cerise discarded her top, followed by the bottoms, her physique fully bared to the couple who studied her intently. Then, the inky darkness submerged the charcoal mare, the black tome resonating in her presence with a hum, until it started to shake and radiate a harsh scarlet.

“Is...is this safe?” Cerise asked with a pursed snout, her concentration momentarily broken.

“We have taken every precaution,” assured the priestess. They watched the dancer resume her movements, until the familiar colorful neon spots appeared on her charcoal fur and flesh, rolled over her contours to enchant her viewers.

While it was all but impossible for the couple to tear their eyes away, nonetheless the ritual protected them from its most potent effects, and they studied the bizarre phenomenon. Finally, Somnambula asked, “May I touch, princess?”

Cerise nodded, and the priestess placed her palms on her contours, rolled them over her supple form. The colors resembled spotlights, warm and radiant. She shimmied like a snake, all but purred when the priestess sensually smoothed over her entire supple physique.

“Fascinating,” whispered Stygian, who moved closer and swallowed hard. “These colors…are they perhaps from your cutie mark?”

“I thought as much,” replied Cerise who had intuited such. “Probably something I inherited from Pacific Glow!” Despite never having met her, she could feel the sweetness of the mare whose soul had become embedded with her own when she was conceived, due to her father.

“That seems sensible. Only an innocent soul could handle the dark arts without the
constant threat of corruption,” he said.

“Yet there are still risks if you push the power too far,” warned Somnambula, who looked at the black tome over her shoulder, swathed in crimson tendrils. “The Necronomicon is much weaker than it once was, but It likely sees you as its ideal host, due to said infinite potential.”

“Guess I'll do, huh? Beatrix used to explore inside it. Wish I could have,” admitted Cerise.

She smiled and set herself free, danced herself almost to exhaustion over the next couple hours, soaked in sweat by the time she finished.

Somnambula lit the lantern. The grimoire laid still. “Thank you, princess. I regret we cannot do more in return.” She warmly embraced her.

Cerise toyed with her mane and thought it over. “Well, there is one thing I always wanted to try...”

*****

Joyous cries rose from Cerise and Ashen, seated atop the back of the priestess-turned-Sphinx. While the airship was grounded for the moment, they were able to race across the morning skies, over the scorched and scarred wastelands below. Stygian rode behind them on the massive, ancient creature while Midnight, Moonlight, and Penumbra sailed alongside them.

The former Sphinx had sacrificed herself to help stop the Eldritch, passed her abilities and knowledge onto Somnambula, the person she loved and trusted above all. Now the priestess made certain the sacred lands were protected.

“A fine gift indeed,” yelled Ashen over the wind, his mane and scarves left to toss in the gale. “It was fortunate I ran into Somnambula and Stygian on my travels!” He kept one hand around his sister's waist while he petted the fur below him.

Slit eyes stared ahead when the Sphinx responded, “The honor is mine. I can take you all home when you are ready. First, however, I would like to see the capital again. And I am sure it would be nice to visit Sombra and Inky Rose.”

“I should be at Lily's side,” said Penumbra to himself. “But the moment she woke up, she insisted I clear my head with my kin.”

Cerise noticed his troubles and called, “How often do all of us get to spend time together?”

“That is true,” said Ashen, who used a telescope to study the areas ahead. Any activity from the scorpions had apparently died out, but his airship would watch over the area until it could be properly rebuilt. In the meantime, he could catch up with a family and country he had neglected, despite his continual efforts to provide them all with a better future through his hard work.

The sun burned over the horizon. A constant reminder that despite the efforts of the invaders, the natives survived and flourished.

Cerise's mouth fell wide open with her eyes when she exhaled and took it all in. “It's beautiful! I've spent too much of my life cooped up. Sure, mommy and daddy let me explore the capital, but guards have always shadowed me.” She sighed. “I know I've given up my rights to any lands, but now I sometimes think, maybe I'd like to have a region to call my own someday...?”

“Are you serious? Because I can help with that,” assured Ashen, who winked.

“Really? That would be wonderful! You hear that, Middy and Moony?” She giggled and pictured it.

“Sounds good to me,” answered Moonlight, who held hands with Midnight at her side.

“You'll make a great queen someday,” Midnight assured, grinning at them both. With his expansive wingspan, he could almost keep up with the Sphinx, who deliberately slowed her travel speed so that the fliers could keep pace.

“I'll support you in whatever you do,” promised Penumbra who nodded. “I'm sure mother and father will be pleased, too.”

Cerise rolled her eyes while she thought it over. “Well, mommy will be worried like always, but I'm sure daddy will be happy to see me take on some more responsibility, at least! I'm pretty sure ambition runs in our blood!” She beamed.

“I'm sure that runs on both sides,” mused Ashen. “Father married our mother because she was crafty and resourceful. Not to mention beautiful! She designed my outfits to my exact specifications!” He toyed with multicolored silks.

“Mine too,” said Penumbra, his own attire more straightforward, but able to bring out his nobility.

Cerise smiled when she recalled asking Inky to make her own costume. A flashy but scant piece crafted to be easily removed. Of course, their mother was delighted at any chance to use her skills! “Maybe I'll have her make me a tiara?”

Ashen added, “How about an entire jewel-studded gown to go with it? You'll look like a
proper princess! Then, the world can be yours!”

“That sounds wonderful! But I'd better not get ahead of myself,” the princess replied, reminded she needed to mature and catch up with them.

The group flew information for the better part of the day without a care in the world. Whatever happened, each one had loved ones who would be there to help them through it. By the time they returned to the ship, the sun started to set.

That evening, King Sombra and Queen Inky Rose threw a feast in celebration, and everyone was invited to attend, the war heroes at the center.

Ashen spared no expense to make sure everybody was content. Lily reunited with her husband, the crisis passed. She hand-fed Penumbra grapes at his side. Cerise drank until she was tipsy. Midnight and Moonlight shared stories about their own world, and its similarities.

Somnambula and Stygian shared their own tales, as did Ashen, who like them, had traveled to exotic lands far across the battered planet.

The attendees lived in the moment, aware that soon enough the time to move on would come.

Chapter 13 : The Dream Walker (Oona Ewe, Minerva, Beatrix Belladonna, Ebony Ivory, Noble Savage)

A shimmering oval portal split through the savannah before Beatrix, Oona Ewe, and Ebony Ivory made their entrance. Another trip had been made to gather more allies who would aid in repairing the mansion, with the latter wishing to make a shortstop in her mysterious homeland.

“Not tae be rude, but are th’ jungles always this hot?” The sheep sage asked, wiping beads of sweat from her brow. She might have to shed a few layers.

“Ha! If you think it's searing now, you should be here during the dry season,” the zebra huntress chuckled before taking the lead to direct her friends towards the villa, where her tribe resides.

Huts dotted the area, the inhabitants doing their best to live along with nature in harmony, rather than harvest it for nefarious purposes. Some warriors were adorned by painted masks, and the air tinkled with chimes under the breeze, the sun ablaze in a cloudless azure sky.

“Ooooh~!” Oona clamored, looking over the artifacts, tools, and totems displayed in a few shops. “Such craftsmanship! Ah might have tae swindle a few souvenirs.”

“Oh yeah! Ebony’s people have plenty of neat stuff,” Beatrix said with a smile, happy to see her lover and mentor marveling over tribal culture. “Managed to snag a few goodies for my room!”

“You can browse more during the festival. The chief approaches,” Ebony ushered them on as a towering hulk of mass walked towards the group. The huntress bowed to one knee.

“You may rise, Ebony,” he said in a low baritone, which the zebra mare acknowledged and stood back up.

“Noble Savage. I’ve brought along friends who wish to take part in our traditional celebration. You remember Beatrix Belladonna from our last visit.” She pointed out the witch, who waved cheerily. “But with us is her wise and loving teacher, Lady Oona Ewe.”

“A pleasure tae meet ye,” the azure sheep greeted, bowing her head.

The zebra chief's weathered face looked her over before nodding in approval. “Ahh! So you are the wooly woman of medicine and dreams,” he commented, observing her runic clothes and dreamcatcher staff. His lips curled slightly, noting Oona’s curvature and round hips. “Yes, I certainly understand why Beatrix is taken to you.”

A mild blush colored her cheeks as she insisted, “O-oh, please. Ye honor me!”

Noble gave a soft chuckle before taking a stand next to a thick tree in the middle of civilization, addressing the crowd gathered close by to greet them. “Friends of Ebony are welcomed here. It was your student who aided in the downfall of Natural Selection and the other traitors.”

“Aye, she’s told me plenty ov what’s happened,” Oona nodded.

“A shame, really. He was our finest hunter and my possible successor...” He sighed heavily in reminiscence. “But perhaps things were not meant to be. I’m proud to bestow that honor to you, Ebony Ivory. I know you won't let us down.”

“I swear not to,” Ebony promised, placing her fist to her chest.

A sudden excited sound drew their attention towards the other zebras, one mare groped and caressed by her lover who pressed against her.

“A-ah! I wasn't aware it was time for our annual ‘life celebration,’” the huntress commented, her cheeks flourishing.

“It isn’t,” Noble corrected with a mild smirk. “But some of our youngest warriors tend to grow impatient. Not that the mares seem to mind.”

Beatrix smiled at memories of her last trip here, recalling how the barely clad zebra stallions and mares discarded their clothes, until their striped muscles and curves were bare under the scorching sun.

“A-ah… o-oh my…~” The sheep's flush deepened when the zebra pair openly fondled each other, a few other couples joining in. Young stallions showed off their hardened bulk to impress the many mares, who happily showed off their bodies in return.

“Mmm… My brother would have loved comin’ here,” Oona admitted while chewing her lip. “Sae many strong warriors tae tussle wit… An’ plenty ov women who’d certainly catch his eye.”

“I did try to ‘persuade’ him into coming with us,” Ebony admitted, a sly grin on her muzzle. “But Sir Dion insisted he stay to train those maids some more.”

“Oh, sure,” Beatrix snickered. “Those three have been ‘training’ for almost three nights now!”

The witch squeaked as Oona’s staff gently nudged her ribs. “It’s more than that, Ah assure ye. Dion wishes tae free them one day an’ start a new life back home. But tae live amongst our people, ye need tae be ready fur battle, should th’ need arise. The twins aren't natural warriors, after all...”

“Intriguing,” Ebony purred, shuffling closer to the dream shaman. “I would like to visit your homeland someday. You faun folk are quite the rowdy bunch!”

“We’ll make arrangements, Ah promise,” Oona assured, smiling kindly before asking, “If it’s alright wit ye, A’d like tae know mair about this place an’ its history. It might be advantageous if our people joined forces, should th’ time arise.”

“I believe you’re right,” Ebony nodded, offering a warm smile to her chief. “Shall we share our secrets, Noble?”

The large zebra cupped his chin in thought, considering the proposal. “Hmmm. I think we can place our trust in this one. In return, I'm certain whatever Lady Ewe has to trade with us will be of equal value?”

“A trade? O-oh, Ah don’t know if what Ah have tae offer would be-”

“Are you kidding me!?” Beatrix cuts in, hugging her bashful lover from behind. “Oona, you’re the most judicious mage I know! I’ve been dying to hear more about your stories!”

“I concur,” Ebony vouched. “How does one become sufficient in dream magic? That alone hints at invaluable knowledge.”

“W-well… Ah suppose Ah should share a little about mah beginnings.”

“Marvelous,” Noble Savage smiled, pulling up a chair to get comfortable. “Oh, and you girls are free to participate in our life celebration. I’m sure there are plenty of partners who’d be interested in you.”

“P-p-p participate!? O-oooh mah gosh. A-A’d have tae really consider an--”

Oona’s reply became muffled when Beatrix covered her mouth and insisted, “We’d love to!” She flashed a cunning grin to her flustered lover, whispering, “Trust me! It’ll be fun~!”

The sheep sage couldn’t comment further, as the violet unicorn waved a hand to banish her costume, then settled her bare bottom on a rock. Ebony did the same next to her chief, stroking his arm. And even with some shade, the heat was getting to Oona. So she decided to remove her outer robes and lay her staff along the trunk.

To her surprise, a few of the other zebras gathered closer, interested to hear and see what the sheep sage had to offer. Lady Ewe momentarily collected herself with an audience now assembled before sitting down beside Beatrix, who took her hand and drew her close.

“Believe it or not, Ah never considered th’ path ov dream walkin’,” she began, looking down to the silver pendant that held her wooly white hair together over her bust. “At one point, Ah was thought tae be somethin’ much more…”

*****

Even as a maturing lamb, Oona sought knowledge and wisdom, whether through exhausting every book available, or through her hearing about her ancestor’s history. Being a child of both faun and fae brought extra whimsy in her life…but also hardship.

She was often picked on by the other children, despite being the daughter of the chieftain. Some days they’d make fun of her weight, others, her unnatural azure color. Her brother, Dion, would often butt heads just to get them to back off. But the bullying wasn’t the sole reason Oona wandered alone in the untamed woods.

One night, she overheard her father, Lord Haden, discuss limiting the young lamb’s access to fae magic with his advisor. It hurt Oona to know he wanted to conceal her innate connection to her mother, despite knowing it was for a good reason. Her curiosity about her innate arcane abilities led her into the vile clutches of her great-granduncle, who took her under his wing.

But one lesson under Grogar unveiled his dark purpose, which thankfully led to Haden discovering the lessons, and locking the cruel ram away into the mountainside.

Sniffles escaped her snout, arms clinging together. Ever since then, the four-horned chief had remained cautious of his daughter’s fae nature, causing Oona to shave off her second set of horns. Haden would reassure his daughter he loved her and wouldn’t ask her to hide herself from anyone… if her untapped prowess didn’t pose a threat. Haden wouldn’t say it outright, but he was afraid of what Oona could become, had she chosen to continue under her uncle and become a fae sorceress.

“It’s not fair!” She childishly declared, kicking away some leaves in frustration. Oona used her wooly sleeves to wipe away her tears and cast her watery eyes towards the rustling trees. “You wouldn’t have allowed this…would ye, mommy?”

Oona only knew her mother through pictures and stories. Horns and antlers decorated in flora. Wool and moss covered her profound nude shape. Eyes that sparkled like sapphires.

She was beloved by all, yet none so by her father, who, to this day, couldn’t recover from her untimely departure.

It was terrible to live without both parents, leaving poor Oona without closure of what life would be like if her mother had not become one with the forest.

A rustling sound caused her ears to flick up slightly. The azure lamb turned towards the bushes that shook violently. She trembled and lifted up a wooden stick, arming herself as she backed away. Oona’s wooly curls flitted about in the breeze before stood on end as a series of snarls filled her flattened ears.

“Oh no,” she squeaked as a pack of timberwolves slowly emerged from the brushes, prowling closer towards Oona until she felt her back press into a tree. Growls came from the tree-like beasts, sticky sap drooling from their maws.

“S-stay back! Leave me alone!” Oona cried out, swinging her stick to bat the timberwolves away. But one caught and tugged it out of her grip, effortlessly snapping it with one bite. Her heart raced as honey eyes darted around for an escape, yet the trails had been cut off. The frightened lamb curled up and braced herself.

Suddenly, a new sound greeted her ears. Beyond the snarls and groans from the hungry wolves, a sweet melody of a harp filled the trees. So soothing was the music, Oona swayed on her feet, a sense of drowsiness slowly overtaking her. The azure lamb struggled to keep her eyes open.

And, fortunately, so did the timberwolves. Each one whined and yawned before dropping one by one with a thud. Though one beast, likely the alpha, shook itself awake and prepared to lunge, until tiny threads shot from the canopy to entangle the snarling hound.

The harp came to an abrupt stop, the young sheep coming out of her sleepy daze. Oona’s eyes went wide as something began pulling the wriggling timberwolf towards the branch. And with a sharp yelp, the creature ceased moving altogether, save for its limbs twitching.

Panic rose in Oona’s chest as the harp player slowly walked down the trunk as a thin leg cast a shadow. And another leg. Then another… until all eight were visible.

The frightened lamb was paralyzed upon recognizing this creature as a drider. Her upper body looked human, silky white hair braided over her light grey skin. Blue cloth accented with gold wrapped around her torso and waist.

But her entire lower body was that of a spider, each of her spindly legs barbed with curled hairs. Completing the arachnid look were large pupil-less eyes, six smaller ones embedded beneath.

“P-please, d-don’t hurt me!!” Oona managed to squeak out before shutting her eyes.

A soft giggle sounded from the drider before lowering her large abdomen down to ‘sit.’ “Relax, child. A’m not goin’ tae eat you. Too much wool fur my taste~.”

Gently, the drider stroked through Oona’s head and hummed the melody from her instrument to help calm the trembling lamb. And when she was soothed, Oona gazed up at the many eyes of her savor, who smiled in a motherly manner.

“W-wait! What happened tae th’ wolves? Are they..?”

“Oh, good heavens, no! Ah merely knocked them out with a lullaby. Although one did prove tae be a little resistant,” she motioned to the alpha, who snored loudly, hanging in a silky net.

“Knocked out? How?! W-who are you?” Oona asked.

“Mah name is Minerva,” the spider woman said with a bow of her head. “An’ A’m what some have called a ‘Dream Weaver.’”

“Dream weaver?” The small sheep tilted her head, perplexed.

Minerva nodded before elaborating. “One who dwells in th’ realm ov sleep an’ conjures its mystical power tae defend wayward travelers an’ subdue hungry predators like these timberwolves.”

“A-Ah wasn’t aware magic existed in sleep!”

“But ov course,” she chittered. “Dreams have long existed since th’ dawn ov time; many have forgotten it is a place where th’ arcane runs rampant. Such is th’ way mortals think nowadays, Ceann Oga.”

“Ceann what?!” Oona glared and placed hands on her hips. “A’ll have ye know that Ah am a lamb! Not a ‘Ceann Oga!’”

This made the spider lady giggle. “It’s an old saying. It means ‘young friend.’”

“... O-oh.” The embarrassed sheep turned away. Having been picked on by the other kids so long, she had gotten used to being insulted. Minerva made a note of this reaction, her expression softening.

“W-well, mah name’s Oona,” she introduced herself with a curtsy. “Thank ye fur rescuin’ me.”

“Oh, think nothing ov it, Oona,” the drider waved off politely before lifting herself up on all legs. “But ye better run along. It’ll be dark soon, an’ ye don’t want tae face any more frightenin’ encounters!”

“O-oh! Right, home. Uhm…” After such a terrifying event, who wouldn’t just want to run off home? But the little lamb couldn’t shake off her curiosity of the enigmatic drider and her talk of dreams. “A-actually... A’d like tae know mair about ‘dream magic.’”

“Ooh?” Minerva folded her arms, head to the side. “Whatever fur?”

Blushing brightly, Oona pushed away her wooly hair to show her recently trimmed horns, swirled runes still etched in the hardened nubs. “A-A’m partially fae from my mother's side, though my father insists Ah hide it. Ah came here because Ah wanted tae know more, and… maybe ye’d be willin’ tae teach me?”

The spider shaman hummed thoroughly, leaning over to better examine the young sheep. Minerva pursed her lips. “Hmmm… Ah don’t know. Dream magic can be perilous,” she warned. “It’s a very delicate practice an’ isn't something tae be undertaken so lightly…”

“Oh, won’t ye please?” Oona pleaded, crestfallen. “A-A’ll work very hard, Ah promise! I-it’s th’ least Ah can do after ye saved me.”

The drider was about to refuse once more before studying Oona further. Invisible to anyone else, a shimmering bright aura flared up around the lamb, who gave her best puppy dog eyes. The spider lady wore a thin smile, knowing it would be cruel to reject the already lonely youth.

“How can Ah say no tae such a kind face?” Minerva sighed, shaking her head.

“YES! Oh, thank ye! Ye won’t regret this!” She swore, twirling in her step and laughing victoriously. “When do we start?!”

“Come tae this exact spot in th’ early afternoon tomorrow,” the drider instructed before spinning her spinnerets to shoot a line of silky web, her hind legs pulling her arachnid shape into the air. “We’ll start with th’ basics an’ work from there.”

“Right! A’ll see ye tomorrow!” Oona nodded, giving a wave and about to run back home before pausing briefly. She turned back towards the spider shaman before practically pounding her. Minerva froze, feeling the soft embrace of her pupil before ultimately returning it, chuckling lightly.

Oona giggled childishly, a big smile on her face as she happily skipped along the path leading to the forest’s mouth. Minerva held her chin in the thought of the potential Oona truly held. “Quite th’ old soul harborin’ that youth,” she murmured to herself, still in awe of that powerful aura the young lamb boasted. “Yes… if given th’ right guidance, she will become wise beyond her years. It has been a while since Ah had any company. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all..”

A spark of excitement resonated within the drider as she carried her instrument on her back, skittering through the trees towards her home. While still holding some doubts, Minerva looked forward to what young Oona would become as a potential dream shaman.

*****

What started out as a few days of lessons soon turned into long wonderful years of studying under the dream weaver. Confident her father would disapprove and try to cut off her source of enlightenment, Oona practiced when everyone was asleep, the perfect time to aid Minerva through the various dreams of many of the island's inhabitants.

Oona learned to develop her prowess and view dreams as small orbs that shimmered above people’s heads. The spider lady’s teachings taught Oona how common dreams were colored blue and that rare dreams glowed a golden hue.

And as the two developed their friendship, Oona picked up on her teacher’s hobby of playing the harp, learned hypnosis and lullabies. Until finally discovering her Onoma, Morpheus, which allowed her to dream walk and interact with people during their slumber; something Minvera was incapable of!

Oona had grown into a fine woman during the years, as many of the satyrs, fauns, and minotaurs noticed. The bullies that once ridiculed her now coveted her attention, something Oona wasn’t sure she was exactly comfortable with. Nonetheless, she maintained a pleasant, friendly attitude while lending a hand to those in need.

The azure sheep walked into her mentor’s cottage for their scheduled lesson, letting herself in. Her ears were blessed by the sound of Minerva’s humming, the drider sowing her silky web into something on the table.

“Good evening, Tidsear,” Oona greeted, closing the door behind her, tilting her head to the side to get a better look at what the spider lady was doing. “Weavin’ some new threads fur th’ cold season?”

“Oh no, Ceann Oga. A’m makin’ somethin’ far mair special~,” tittered the kindly arachnid before tightening one last tread in place. Then, with the final touches complete, Minerva turned around to show off a wooden staff she had weaved together, beads embedded in the silk that spiraled to connect to a sapphire gemstone.

Realization hits her face as Oona covers her gasping mouth. “N-no! Minerva, Ah can’t accept this! A-a--”

“Ha! Nonsense!” The spider shaman insisted. “Ye've earned it. Consider it a landmark ov how far ye’ve come. If yer mother was here, she’d be as proud ov ye as Ah am~.”

Hesitant to take the offering, Oona slowly held the staff and hugged it into her bosom, tears flowing down her cheeks. "A-Ah… A’ll treasure it! Thank ye, Tidsear!! Fur everything~!!!”

Minerva smiled widely before pulling her student into another hug. “Unfortunately, A’ve got nothin’ left tae teach you. Th’ discovery ov yer Onoma has led ye tae surpass me in both sorcery an’ experience.”

“So tonight, we’re just celebrating?” Oona asked.

The drider’s smile turned downward as she shook her head. “As much as A’d love to, there is one final thing ye should know about. Come wit me.”

Confused, Oona followed her mentor up the spiraling steps towards Minerva’s bedroom. Her concern deepened upon hearing a disturbing muttering behind the door. And upon entering the room, her heart sank at what she saw.

Laying in the large bed was a filly, tossing under the covers, crying for her mother while clutching her eyes shut. The orb that represented her dream was not the bright blue or gold color Oona usually saw. Instead, it was a sphere of black, inky substance that dripped over the pillows, staining the frightened foal and sheets.

“A nightmare,” the azure sheep spoke aloud, which Minerva acknowledged.

“This is th’ reason dream magic can be dangerous. If one’s soul becomes clouded by negative emotions, th’ hope that dreams normally prosper will instead bring despair. Not all nightmares are bad, mind ye. Most are just dark premonitions that warn people ov things tae come. But this poor foal has been sufferin’ a reoccurrin’ dream, makin’ her wakin’ life miserable.”

“O-oh no…” Oona placed a hand over her troubled fillies head, who instead jerked it away. “A-A’m not sure if Ah can ease her burdens, Minerva…”

“Ye’ll have too,” assured the dream drider. “Ye’re th’ only one who can walk freely through dreams. Have faith in yerself, Oona. Just as Ah do.”

Oona pursed her lips tightly, gazing into the haunting orb of darkness. “Will Ah be alone..?”

“Ov course not.” Minerva spun a small bit of web around the sheep’s finger. “Just tug on th’ string, an’ A’ll pull ye out. But one day, ye will have tae do this on yer own…”

Oona inhaled deeply before giving a subdued nod. Then, placing her palm over the child’s forehead, she conjured her Onoma and peered into the vast darkness that shrouded her dream.

Most dreams showed familiar settings associated with their person, be it beaches, childhood rivers, or favorite urban areas. This landscape was anything but familiar or welcoming.

Dark forestry surrounded the plane, where little light was visible to make out anything outside a few hollowed trees and branches. And upon looking over herself, no color existed as well. Just a dreadful black and white melancholy.

But upon hearing the child’s whimpers echo from a distance, Oona steeled her nerves and summoned a small orb of light, somewhat illuminating the woods. The sheep sage broke haste, calling out for the filly, doing her best to ignore the creeping feeling of dread growing in the pit of her stomach.

The wind blew through the branches, making an eerie moaning sound. Wooden crackles also helped put Oona on edge until she finally spotted the foal up near the base of one large tree.

“H-hang on!” She called out, pushing through a few twigs that seemed to reach out at her. So determined to reach the quivering child, she didn’t notice her horns growing out from her luscious white wool. Oona fell to her knees and pulled the foal into her chest.

“Shhhh! Shh! It’s okay! Don’t be afraid…” The azure sheep encouraged through heavy breaths. “A’m here. A’ll help ye home.”

“Mommy… she left in the woods…. she forgot about me,” the filly sobbed, and Oona noticed sticks and leaves sprouting from her limbs and mane.

“N-no! Don’t say such a silly thing. Yer mother’s probably lookin’ fur ye as we speak. Come up, let’s go find her!”

The sound of wood snapping caught her attention, her head turning around. The trees seemed to have grown taller from her position, almost looming over them. Incoherent whispers spoke in her ears, causing Oona to shudder.

‘It’s only a dream,’ she reminded herself. ‘No matter how real it seems, it’s just a dream!’

That’s when she heard it. A familiar sound that caused every hair on her body to stand up in alarm. The sound of heavy breathing. And it was coming from behind her.

Clutching the whimpering filly closer, Oona dared to turn her head. Yet nothing was behind her save for the tree they hid under… until she looked down. Her eyes widened upon seeing that there were no roots to this tree.

Because the thing standing behind her wasn’t a tree.

Slowly, her frightened gaze trailed up the slender legs before they vanished under a cloak of shadowy vines and vegetation. Oona’s body acted as an autopilot, jumping away and scurrying against the ground. Yet her eyes couldn’t tear away at the towering figure, whose wooden arms stretched past his waist. Fur and leaves covered the monster’s shoulders, with bone-like branches clutching around its ribs.

Its face remained hidden in the dark veil, with only two unblinking glowing eyes gazing back at her.

“M-Minerva? Minerva!!” Oona cried out, frantically panting as paranoia overwhelmed her sense of reality. How long had it been standing there, watching her?!

But looking around, the azure sheep spotted more pairs of eyes and moving shapes hiding in the woods. The disembodied voices grew louder, harsher. But the azure sheep resisted. She needed to be strong for…

Oona’s complexion paled upon noticing there wasn’t a child sniveling into her robes. She was utterly alone.

Another gasp escaped her as the fiend took a step forward before slowly approaching her with lanky movement.

“N-no! Stay back!! GETAWAY!!” She shouted, firing a blast of magic that dissolved into nothing as the tree-size monster crept closer. Oona could feel her heart drumming loudly, beating faster as it bent over to examine her fearful expression.

Her aura shimmered bright enough to reveal the creature’s face, much to her horror. Its ghostly eyes pierced through the sockets of a stag skull, ancient runes carved into the bony structure. Its antlers were composed of the same floral/skeletal material that made up its arms and torso. There was no lower jaw, and yet it uttered a single word. One that finally made the azure sheep scream.

“ꄲꄲꋊꋬ.”

“ꄲꄲꋊꋬ”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUGH!!”

“Oona! Wake up! Oona!!”

The sheep shaman snapped awake, back in Minerva’s room, where she laid in her mentor’s arms. Oona’s breathing leveled out, sweat pouring down her face, which the drider wiped away.

“Are ye alright?!” Minerva asked, checking her over.

“Yeah, A-A’m fine,” insisted Oona, who pulled away to look over the slumbering child. She laid still under the covers, chest rising and falling steadily. But the dream faun’s face turned grim upon seeing the black sphere still hovering around.

“It was sae dark,” the dream faun said with a shudder. “Ah couldn’t see anythin’! An’ when Ah could… somethin’ was there!”

“Somethin’..?”

A-Ah don’t know how tae describe it! I-It was tall. So tall, Ah mistook it fur a tree! It wore a deer skull fur a mask and looked like some unholy fusion ov an animal, plant, an’ cadaver!”

It was Minerva’s turn to look aghast with saucer-sized eyes. “No…” She skittered back down the stairs, leaving Oona to catch up with her.

“Tidsear?”

The dream drider ignored, frantically looking through her shelf of books before pulling out one with a torn cover and moldy locks. Blowing the dust off the pages, Minerva flipped through the worn text before finding an entry that depicted a creature just as Oona had described. A drawing of the stag-headed figure towering over children made the young sheep quiver.

“W-what is it?”

“A creature tae be avoided at all costs,” Minerva answered. “It’s been given many names, but no one knows its true origin. Given its choice ov face an’ nature, Ah call it the Nightmare Stag.”

“Nightmare Stag?!”

“A’m afraid that child may be lost,” the spider lady said with a defeated tone. “Accordin’ to this, It plays on yer worst fears tae feed off yer depression an’ sufferin’. An’ once ye fully submitted to its dark will… Ye may never wake again.”

“No… N-no no, there has tae be a way tae stop it!” Oona rebutted. “Ah can’t let it terrorize these innocent children. What if it decided to stalk my people?!”

“Oona…” Minerva gently placed her hand on her shoulder. “We know nothin’ about what the Nightmare Stag is nor where it came from. It could be far older than time itself!”

“But Tidsear! It spoke my name… It knows who Ah am!”

“All th’ more reason not tae confront it! Ah know this sounds bleak, an’ Ah admire yer tenacity, Oona. But Ah beg ov ye; be cautious ov th’ nightmares ye’ll come across. An’ should ye see th’ stag… turn away!”

The dream shaman wanted so badly to object to her teacher’s wishes. To allow such a monstrosity to stalk the dreams of many was a harrowing thought. But Oona could see how greatly afraid Minerva was. So instead, she clutched her dream catcher staff and nodded, aware that she was no longer a mere student.

With her newfound powers came further responsibilities, ones she swore to be worthy of, while treading carefully through the dangerous dreams known as nightmares.

*****

“...but yeah, that’s th’ gist ov it,” concluded Lady Ewe, taking a deep breath and sip of water to end her tale. Everyone who listened continued to stare widely at the dream faun, her lover shaking her head in disbelief.

“WHAT!?” Beatrix exclaimed. “No way that’s the end! You mean to tell me there’s been a Nightmare Stag for years, and you never reencountered it?!”

“Understand that, at the time, Ah was already goin’ against mah father’s wishes ov learnin’ more about th’ fae side ov things. Tae do th’ same tae Minerva would have landed me intae deeper trouble.”

“But you did tell Lord Haden eventually, yes?” asked Ebony, to which Oona nodded.

“Ah told mah brother an’ lover at th’ time first. But they helped me show him th’ good ov mah abilities. He was understandably upset that Ah never told him, but stood proud that Ah dwelled in magic that was beneficial tae th’ clan. Ah even got him an’ Minerva tae properly meet!”

“Whoa whoa whoa!! You were with someone else?! Who was he? Or she? They?!” The witch cuts in, both curious and a little jealous of her mentor’s love life. Maybe Oona and Minerva had something similar to what she and Beatrix had now..?

“That’s a more ‘private’ discussion we can have at a better time,” promised Lady Ewe, cheeks flustered.

“No worries,” the zebra huntress assured, petting the sheep’s hand. “If you don't wish to tell us, I understand. We all have our secrets. I, too, was once ashamed of my past...” Her mind wandered back to her former love, Natural Selection.

“That's all there is to it,” insisted the shaman, stretching out his arms and yawning. “Alright, everyone. Let’s resume with the celebration!”

The other zebras nodded, thanking Oona for telling her tale, and resumed their activities amongst each other. Ebony stood up to stretch as well before pulling her chief up from his seat. “We’ll have to look through our library and compile our most sacred history to give in return!”

“Agreed,” Noble Savage nodded, bowing his head to Beatrix and Lady Ewe. “I look forward to seeing you at the festival tomorrow.”

“You can count on it, chief~!” Beatrix said with a wink while Oona gave a slight nod, still a little flustered over participating with the natives.

“I, too, wish to play my part in the festivities,” proclaimed Ebony before she walked away, striped, toned buttocks rolled under her fleet-footed movements. The couple turned to each other and smiled, following their friend hand in hand.

“You would tell me if you ever do meet the Nightmare Stag, right?” Asked Beatrix. “You wouldn’t have to face it alone! I could help you.”

“Ah… would appreciate it very much, Ceann Oga,” answered Lady Ewe. “But like A’ve said. Ah haven’t seen any trace ov it since that time. But ye’ll be th’ first tae know should Ah spot it.”

Flashing a big grin, Beatrix pulled her partner into a brisk walk, wanting to see everything the zebra tribe had to offer.

And Oona, with a shake of her head, allowed her lover to guide her to the various fun and lewd activities Ebony’s people partake in, knowing tomorrow they would likely do the same.

*****

Night claimed the savannah skies as everyone returned to their huts to sleep. The chief had been kind enough to lend Beatrix and Oona some space to rest. Yet it was the witch who was sound asleep. Oona’s ears flickered at the sound of the unicorn’s soft snoring before rolling over to look over her.

Beatrix drooled a bit from her mouth, her body covered only in her cape, which she used as a blanket. The azure sheep tittered softly before wiping the saliva away and placing a kiss over her head.

The sound of footsteps pulled her attention away, spotting a lone zebra stallion slowly walk towards the outskirts of the village. A familiar sense of dread crept up her spine, causing Oona to slide on her nightgown and track behind him.

As they moved deeper into the forestry, the dream shaman noted the tropical trees became much more numerous and hollow looking. Pitch black seemed to swallow the skies entirely. And an all too familiar monochrome landscape came into view.

The ominous whispers in the wind greeted her ears. Oona swallowed the lump in her throat as she grew closer to the wandering stallion. He muttered nonsense, sobs escaping his voice.

Lady Ewe lightly touched his shoulder, pulling his head towards her. His eyes had no pupils as black tears leaked down his muzzle.

“ꌦꏂꇙ, ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄’ꇙ ꒐꓄… ꒒ꏂ꓄ ꍌꄲ... ꋬꋊ꒯ ꍌ꒐꒦ꏂ ꒐ꋊ ꓄ꄲ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꅐꄲꏂꇙ,” A baritone voice encouraged.

The zebra male collapsed to his knees, trembling with clenched fists as more blackness oozed from his orifices. No matter how many times Oona bore witness to this act, it never failed to make her stomach turn. Nonetheless, she gazed into the darkened trees, knowing who was there.

“Ah should have known ye’d come…” The dream faun lamented.

At her voice, the Nightmare Stag manifested, looking just as grim and sinister as he’d always had. Then, with a curl of his crooked finger, the black essence swirled into a sphere before the lanky creature shoved it close to its face and noisily ate the zebra’s fears.

Lady Ewe couldn’t help but look away, one eye falling to the unconscious stallion.

“ꌦꄲ꒤ ꉔꋬ꒒꒒ꏂ꒯ ꊰꄲꋪ ꂵꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag responded after finishing his meal, eyes focused on the lovely sheep.

“Ah only briefly mentioned you,” rebutted Oona. “Ah had no intention ov summonin’ ye here.”

“ꂵꋬꌦꃳꏂ ꋊꄲ꓄,” the fiend shook his head, towering over the dream shaman. “ꃳ꒤꓄ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꇙ꓄ꄲꋪꌦ ꅐꋬꇙ ꏂꋊꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ ꓄ꄲ ꂵꋬꀘꏂ ꓄ꁝꏂꂵ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂ ꒐ꋊ ꂵꏂ. ꋬꋊ꒯ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꄲꋊꏂ ꃳꏂ꒒꒐ꏂ꒦ꏂꇙ ꒐ꋊ ꇙꄲꂵꏂ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌ, ꓄ꁝꏂ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꉣꄲꅐꏂꋪꊰ꒤꒒ ꒐꓄ꇙ ꋪꏂꋬ꒒꒐꓄ꌦ ꃳꏂꉔꄲꂵꏂꇙ…”

“A-Ah see…” Lady Ewe pursed her snout, a tinge of guilt smearing her soul. “So Ah unknowingly called fur ye.”

The Nightmare Stag nodded, his form shortening from its tree-like structure to assume a more appropriate height. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯ꄲ ꒤ꋊ꒯ꏂꋪꇙ꓄ꋬꋊ꒯! ꓄ꁝꏂꋪꏂ ꒐ꇙ ꋬ ꃳꋬ꒒ꋬꋊꉔꏂ ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂꇙꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌꇙ. ꄲꋊꏂ ꍌꋪꏂꋬ꓄ ꊰꄲꋪꉔꏂ ꉔꋬꋊꋊꄲ꓄ ꓄ꁝꋪ꒐꒦ꏂ ꅐ꒐꓄ꁝꄲ꒤꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꄲ꓄ꁝꏂꋪ. ꅐꁝ꒐꓄ꏂ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꃳ꒒ꋬꉔꀘ. ꒒꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꒯ꋬꋪꀘ. ꁝꄲꉣꏂ…”

“... an’ despair.” The azure sheep finished, narrowing her gaze at the ancient creature. “So why tell me this? Ah could encourage people tae forget about ye. Ensure ye never haunt the memories ov thousands again!”

But her bold statement only made the Nightmare Stag laugh. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꅐꄲꋊ’꓄. ꌦꄲ꒤’ꋪꏂ ꊰꋬꋪ ꓄ꄲꄲ ꉔ꒤ꋪ꒐ꄲ꒤ꇙ ꋬꃳꄲ꒤꓄ ꅐꁝꋬ꓄ ꒐ ꉔꋬꋊ ꄲꊰꊰꏂꋪ ꌦꄲ꒤.”

“Then tell me why!!” Oona pleaded, taking his hand into her own, squeezing gently. “Ye’ve broken th’ minds ov countless people. Yet ye’ll listen tae me like an old friend? Why would ye heed my call?! Why… why me?”

The Nightmare Stag froze as if astonished by her string of questions. His other hand came to Lady Ewe’s cheek, stroking it tenderly, making her quiver.

He answered. “ꂵꋬꋊꌦ ꁝꋬ꒦ꏂ ꍌꋬꁴꏂ꒯ ꒤ꉣꄲꋊ ꂵꌦ ꊰꋬꉔꏂ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꋪꏂꉔꄲ꒐꒒ꏂ꒯ ꅐ꒐꓄ꁝ ꊰꏂꋬꋪ. ꓄ꄲ ꓄ꁝꏂꂵ, ꒐’ꂵ ꋊꄲ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌ ꂵꄲꋪꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬꋊ ꋬ ꃳꋬ꒯ ꒯ꋪꏂꋬꂵ… ꋬ ꃳꄲꄲꍌ꒐ꏂꂵꋬꋊ… ꋬ ꂵꄲꋊꇙ꓄ꏂꋪ..! ꌦꄲ꒤ ꊰꏂ꒒꓄ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꇙꋬꂵꏂ ꅐꁝꏂꋊ ꅐꏂ ꊰ꒐ꋪꇙ꓄ ꂵꏂ꓄.”

“Ah was,” she admitted, warm honey brown eyes locked in the pale glowing orbs.

“꓄ꁝꏂ ꋊꏂꉧ꓄ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ, ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꄲ꒤ꍌꁝ꓄ ꂵꏂ ꄲ꒤꓄, ꉣꋪꄲꉔ꒒ꋬ꒐ꂵꏂ꒯ ꒐ ꅐꋬꇙ ꋬ ꂵꋬ꒒ꏂ꒦ꄲ꒒ꏂꋊ꓄ ꊰꄲꋪꉔꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꂵ꒤ꇙ꓄ ꃳꏂ ꒦ꋬꋊꆰ꒤꒐ꇙꁝꏂ꒯, ꒒꒐ꀘꏂ ꇙꄲꂵꏂ ꊰꋬ꒐ꋪꌦ ꓄ꋬ꒒ꏂ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꒐꓄ ꅐꋬꇙ ꃳꌦ ꓄ꁝꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋪ꒯ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ ꓄ꁝꋬ꓄ ꅐꏂ ꃳꄲ꓄ꁝ ꋪꏂꋬ꒒꒐ꁴꏂ꒯…”

“Ye were as lonesome as Ah was.”

Oona recalled how astonished the Nightmare Stag was when she treated him more with gentle compassion, something the entity hadn’t received in quite some time. But, of course, she should know better, given she spent most of her childhood being forsaken by both friends and family.

““ꋊꄲꅐ, ꅐꁝꏂꋊ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒒ꄲꄲꀘ ꋬ꓄ ꂵꏂ,” he continued. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꏂꏂ ꉣꋬꇙ꓄ ꂵꌦ ꊰꋪ꒐ꍌꁝ꓄ꏂꋊ꒐ꋊꍌ ꒦꒐ꇙꋬꍌꏂ… ꋬꋊ꒯ ꊰꄲ꒤ꋊ꒯ ꇙꄲꂵꏂꄲꋊꏂ ꅐꁝꄲ ꇙꁝꋬꋪꏂꇙ ꌦꄲ꒤ꋪ ꇙꏂꋊ꓄꒐ꂵꏂꋊ꓄ꇙ. ꒐ ꒤ꋊ꒯ꏂꋪꇙ꓄ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐꁝꌦ ꂵꌦ ꏂꋬ꓄꒐ꋊꍌ ꁝꋬꃳ꒐꓄ꇙ ꋬꋊ꒯ ꅐ꒐ꉔꀘꏂ꒯ ꒯ꏂꏂ꒯ꇙ ꋪꏂꉣ꒤꒒ꇙꏂ ꌦꄲ꒤.”

“But it is necessary.” She smiled timidly. “Fur if no one knew sorrow, how would they know happiness?”

“ꌦꏂꇙ.” He sighed, pulling away from her ginger touch. “ꌦꄲ꒤ ꇙꁝꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꋪꏂꇙ꓄, ꄲꄲꋊꋬ. ꓄ꁝꏂ ꒻ꄲ꒤ꋪꋊꏂꌦ ꋬꁝꏂꋬ꒯ ꄲꊰ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꒯ꋪꋬꅐꇙ ꉔ꒒ꄲꇙꏂꋪ ꏂ꒦ꏂꋪꌦ ꋊ꒐ꍌꁝ꓄.”

“More ov yer dark premonitions? Pft. Ah hate how ye never give a straight answer,” the sheep sage pouted despite knowing the reason. “Ye know mah name, but Ah still don’t know yers...”

“ꌦꄲ꒤ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꀘꋊꄲꅐ ꒐꓄ ꒐ꋊ ꓄꒐ꂵꏂ,” the Nightmare Stag promised. “꒒꒐ꀘꏂꅐ꒐ꇙꏂ, ꇙꁝꏂ ꅐ꒐꒒꒒ ꀘꋊꄲꅐ ꂵꏂ ꋬꇙ ꅐꏂ꒒꒒. ꌦꄲ꒤ ꉔꋬꋊ’꓄ ꁝ꒐꒯ꏂ ꂵꏂ ꊰꋪꄲꂵ ꁝꏂꋪ ꊰꄲꋪꏂ꒦ꏂꋪ, ꄲꄲꋊꋬ…”

“Aye, Ah know. Beatrix shares my boundless curiosity fur th’ unknown. It’s why Ah fell for her,” Oona admitted with a bashful grin.

“ꌦꏂꇙ, ꅐꏂ꒒꒒, ꇙꄲꂵꏂ ꓄ꁝ꒐ꋊꍌꇙ ꋬꋪꏂ ꃳꏂ꓄꓄ꏂꋪ ꒒ꏂꊰ꓄ ꒤ꋊꀘꋊꄲꅐꋊ. ꃳ꒤꓄ ꇙꁝꄲ꒤꒒꒯ ꌦꄲ꒤ ꏂ꒦ꏂꋪ ꋊꏂꏂ꒯ ꂵꏂ…” He pulled something out of his chest before placing it in the azure sheep’s hands. A worn music box that played an off-key melody, containing torn paper with lyrics.

“... Ah know how tae call ye.” Oona nodded, looking up only to see that night sky. A quick turn around revealed she was back in the jungle. By her feet, the zebra colt she had followed was asleep, snoring loudly.

Lady Ewe closed the music box with a weary sigh, tucking it away into her sleeve before making her way back into her shared hut. The dream faun never liked keeping secrets, especially to those she loved.

But for occasions like this, perhaps some things were better left unsaid.